R.I.P. John 'Brad' Bradbury of The Specials

John 'Brad' Bradbury, drummer of the Specials has died at the age of 62. Bradbury joined the Specials in 1979 and had been a member of the band throughout their various incarnations (including Special AKA and Special Beat) and Specials' reunion in 2008. The news of his death was announced via the band's official website:

"It is with deepest regret that we have to announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John "Brad" Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28th of December. Brad's drumming was the powerhouse behind the Specials & it was seen as a key part to the Two Tone sound.

He was much respected in the world of drumming and his style of reggae and ska was seen as genuinely ground breaking when The Specials first hit the charts in 1979. He was an integral part of The Specials reforming in 2008 and toured with them extensively up to the present day.

His contribution to the world of music can not be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike. It is the families sincerest wish that they are allowed the time to remember him privately."

This is the second member of the Specials that died in 2015 -- longtime trombone player Rico Rodriguez died in September at the age of 80.

Published December 29th, 2015 @ 8:35 PM

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Lemmy, legendary Rock God has died

Rock legend Lemmy (Ian Lemmy Kilmister) died yesterday at the age of 70. According to Motorhead's official site, Kilmister died after a short battle with an extremely aggressive form of cancer. He had just turned 70 years old on December 24th.

R.I.P. Lemmy, rock & roll will never be the same!

In 1991 Lemmy recorded a brilliant tribute to the Ramones -- the Ramones loved it so much, they in turn covered Lemmy's tribute.





Published December 29th, 2015 @ 5:39 AM

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Free download: Radiohead shares "Spectre"

Radiohead revealed today that they were asked to compose a theme for Spectre. Though the Bond producers rejected the lush and haunting track, opting instead for the more commercial and cheesy Sam Smith theme,  Radiohead decided to share the track with fans worldwide. If "Spectre" is any indication as to where Radiohead is at musically these days, fans are sure to be in for quite a treat when the band's new album finally gets released (rumored in 2016). Stream "Spectre" in all its elegance and beauty below and grab a free download here.

"Last year we were asked to write a theme tune for the Bond movie Spectre.
Yes we were. It didn’t work out, but became something of our own, which we love very much.
As the year closes we thought you might like to hear it.
Merry Christmas. May the force be with you."



Published December 25th, 2015 @ 7:44 PM

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Robert Smith records new version of Cure rarity

Robert Smith re-recorded the Cure's 1985 track "A Few Hours After This" for the UK crime drama series Luther. Turns out the show's creator/screenwriter Neil Cross is a huge Cure fan and thought the obscure b-side would work as the perfect backdrop for an episode. When contacted by the show's producers, Smith agreed to record a new version, which was featured in an episode airing on the BBC this week. The re-recorded version will eventually be released on the Luther Season 4 soundtrack.

The original version "A Few Hours After This" was released as the b-side to "In Between Days" and was included on the Cure rarities compilation Join The Dots.

Stream both versions below:



ORIGINAL VERSION



Published December 23rd, 2015 @ 5:33 PM

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Kevin Shields of MBV performs with Dinosaur Jr!

Dinosaur Jr have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut, Dinosaur, with a series of shows in New York. The band promised they'd perform Dinosaur in full along and invite some "special guests" to join them.  Indeed they have delivered and then some -- over the past few shows Bob Mould, Kim Gordon, Frank Black, Don Fleming, Lee Ranaldo, Jeff Tweedy, and Kurt Vile have all showed up to perform.  Last night the elusive and brilliant Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, Mike Watt, and Sharon Van Etten were all in the house!

Tonight is the final show at the Bowery...should be interesting to see who shows up tonight!

Video of Shields performing "Thorn" with Dinosaur Jr is posted below, courtesy Brooklyn Vegan.

Dinosaur Jr covered My Bloody Valentine's "Thorn" w/ Kevin Shields at Bowery Ballroom (video, setlist) ++ Sharon Va… pic.twitter.com/FijUQ1gKNZ

— Matt Skelton (@mattskelton) December 9, 2015

"IT'S MIKE WATT IT'S MIKE WATT IT'S MIKE WATT!!!!!!" by realjasonjohnson pic.twitter.com/EqMZnB0Ql5

— Freak Scene (@FreakSceneNet) December 9, 2015

#DinosaurJr with J on drums joined by #BobMould for a #HuskerDu cover!

A photo posted by wiezorek (@wiezorek) on Dec 6, 2015 at 8:52pm PST

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Suede premieres new single/video from 'Night Thoughts'

Suede return with the follow up to 2013's Bloodsports on January 22nd.  Night Thoughts is the band's seventh studio album and includes 12 tracks and a full string section.  Earlier this year Suede premiered the live version of "What I'm Trying To Tell You" at the NME awards, followed by the release of the single "Outsiders" in September.  Suede have now issued another new song and video for the track "Like Kids":



Night Thoughts is available to pre-order on standard CD, double heavyweight vinyl, and deluxe CD/DVD through the official Suede store. The DVD is a feature length film directed by Roger Sargent, who shared the following comments about the project:

"I was asked to pitch an idea for this film project… I really had no idea what they were wanting or expecting so I tried
 to write in the least self-conscious way possible. The record deals with a lot of familial themes — life, death, love, anguish and despair; themes that are expanded upon in its visual companion, providing a study of how those elements affect
the human psyche. It resonated with me for many reasons, not least because my mother passed away a few days after I started writing a story for the film. The film starts with a man drowning in the waters of a deserted beach at night, as he fights for life, his mind plays out the events that lead him to be there."

For more on Suede, visit the official site here. 

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Ring in December with Teenage Fanclub

It's the first of December. Good time to rock out this timeless classic from Teenage Fanclub:



While you're at it, enjoy some footage of the Fannies performing at Reading 1992

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James premiere new track "To My Surprise"

As reported last week, James is set to return with a new studio record, Girl At The End Of The World, on March 18th. Today the band debuted a song titled "To My Surprise," which should make fans even more eager to hear the full album -- the single is beautiful and enchanting.  Delve into "To My Surprise" from James below:



Girl At The End Of The World, the band's 14th studio album, was recorded and written in Scotland, and musically picks up where Le Petite Mort (2014 LP) left off. James revealed in the album's official press release:

"The songs are big but personal, abrasive but warming and after taking you on a journey and throwing you a few curve balls, ultimately uplifting"

Girl At The End Of The World is available to pre-order now on CD, LP, limited edition cassette, and as a digital download. Several bundles are also available, so take a look at all the options here.

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James announce new LP 'Girl At The End Of The World'

James announced details for a new studio record titled Girl At The End Of The World. The band revealed that its 14th studio album was recorded and written in Scotland, and musically picks up where the last album (Le Petite Mort) left off. According to the official press release:

"The songs are big but personal, abrasive but warming and after taking you on a journey and throwing you a few curve balls, ultimately uplifting"

Girl At The End Of The World will be released on March 18th, with the record's first single set to premiere November 24th. Fans can pre-order the record now on CD, LP, limited edition cassette, and as a digital download. Several bundles are also available, so take a look at all the options here.

James also announced details for a tour, however so far only a UK leg has been booked. Dates are posted below live footage of James performing "Moving On" from Le Petite Mort.



James -- 2016 UK tour

5/02 -- Bristol @ Colston Hall
5/03 -- Southend-on-Sea @ Cliffs Pavilion
5/04 -- London @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
5/06 -- London @ The O2 Forum, Kentish Town
5/07 -- London @ Brixton Academy
5/09 -- Norwich @ The UEA
5/10 -- Bournemouth O2 Academy
5/12 -- Llandudno @ Venue Cymru
5/13 -- Manchester @ Manchester Arena
5/14 -- Leeds @ Leeds First Direct Arena
5/16 -- Hull @ Hull City Hall
5/17 -- Newcastle City Hall
5/19 -- Glasgow @ The Hydro,
5/20 -- Birmingham @ Barclaycard Arena
5/21 -- Nottingham @ Royal Concert Hall

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Shoegaze boxset bliss: 'Still In A Dream' coming in January

Cherry Red is releasing an immense five disc shoegaze boxset, Still In A Dream: A Story Of Shoegaze 1988 - 1995. All the legendary and notable bands are featured on the compilation -- Ride, Lush, Jesus & Mary Chain, Slowdive, Swervedriver, Catherine Wheel, Chapterhouse, Boo Radleys, Loop, Pale Saints, Cocteau Twins, Kitchens Of Distinction, Galaxie 500, House Of Love, Curve, Ultravivid Scene, Revolver, Majesty Crush...the list goes on and on! The set comes out January 29th and is the perfect gift for a shoegaze fan or for someone just getting into the genre. So far there isn't a pre-order option for those in North America, but one should be available on Amazon shortly. For now, take a look at the tracklisting below and view the listing on Amazon UK via Creation Records.

Disc 1

01. The Jesus & Mary Chain – Rollercoaster
02. The Cocteau Twins – Cherry-Coloured Funk
03. The House Of Love – Christine
04. A.R. Kane – Baby Milk Snatcher (12” Version)
05. Ultra Vivid Scene – Mercy Seat (12” Version)
06. Spacemen 3 – Hypnotized
07. Loop – Arc-lite (sonar)
08. 14 Iced Bears – Surfacer
09. Galaxie 500 – Tugboat
10. The Prayers – Puppet Clouds
11. Kitchens Of Distinction – The 3rd Time We Opened The Capsule
12. A.C. Marias – One Of Our Girls Has Gone Missing
13. The Telescopes – Precious Little
14. Pale Saints – Sight Of You
15. Jane From Occupied Europe – Ocean Run Dry
16. Sonic Boom – Angel

Disc 2

01. Ride – Drive Blind
02. Lush – De-luxe
03. See See Rider – Slip So Slow
04. Nightblooms – Crystal Eyes
05. The Darkside – Waiting For The Angels
06. Velocity Girl – I Don’t Care If You Go
07. Cranes – Inescapable
08. Chapterhouse – Falling Down
09. Whipping Boy – Switchblade Smile
10. The Boo Radleys – Kaleidoscope
11. Swervedriver – Rave Down
12. Slowdive – Slowdive
13. The Charlottes – Liar
14. Dr. Phibes & The House Of Wax Equations – Sugarblast
15. Bleach – Decadence
16. Catherine Wheel – She’s My Friend (wilde Club Version)
17. Blow-up – Somersault Sunrise
18. Bark Psychosis – All Different Things

Disc 3

01. Curve – Ten Little Girls
02. The Dylans – Godlike
03. Th’ Faith Healers – Gorgeous Blue Flower In My Garden
04. The Lilys – February Fourteenth
05. The Honey Smugglers – Good Afternoon
06. Spirea X – Chlorine Dream
07. Moonshake – Gravity
08. Spitfire – Translucent
09. Moose – Suzanne
10. Spiritualized – Run
11. Revolver – Heaven Sent An Angel
12. Lowlife – June Wilson
13. The Ecstasy Of Saint Theresa – Square Wave
14. Black Tambourine – By Tomorrow
15. Whipped Cream – Explosion
16. Smashing Orange – My Deranged Heart
17. The Hinnies – Gong
18. Bang Bang Machine – Geek Love (original 12” Version)

Disc 4

01. The Sunflowers – Closer
02. Drop – Mirrored
03. The Belltower – In Hollow
04. Sweet Jesus – Phonefreak Honey
05. Adorable – Sunshine Smile
06. Sun Dial – I Don’t Mind
07. Swallow – Sugar Your Mind
08. Drop Nineteens – Winona
09. Flaming Lips – Talkin’ ’bout The Smiling Deathporn Immortality Blues
10. Medicine – Aruca
11. Coaltar Of The Deepers – Charming Sister Kiss Me Dead!!
12. The Honey Buzzards – Starhappy
13. Loveliescrushing – Babysbreath
14. Majesty Crush – No. 1 Fan
15. The Swirlies – Park The Car By The Side Of The Road
16. Submarine – Chemical Tester
17. Bailter – Space Shine
18. Spectrum – True Love Will Find You In The End
19. Blind Mr. Jones – Spooky Vibes

Disc 5

01. An April March – Memory
02. Flying Saucer Attack – Soaring High
03. Drugstore – Alive
04. Secret Shine – Loveblind
05. Mercury Rev – Bronx Cheer
06. The Curtain Society – Chelsea
07. Seefeel – Plainsong
08. Spindrift – Surround Sound
09. Rollerskate Skinny – Miss Leader
10. Bardo Pond – Die Easy
11. Alison’s Halo – Dozen
12. Swirl – The Last Unicorn
13. Bowery Electric – Next To Nothing
14. Bethany Curve – Me Voy
15. Astrobrite – Orange Creamsickle
16. Luna – 23 Minutes In Brussels

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David Bowie premieres "Blackstar" single & video

David Bowie premiered the title track from his forthcoming album Blackstar earlier this week. The album, which is Bowie's 28th (!) arrives on January 8th, which just so happens to be his birthday. View the trippy and fantastic video for "Blackstar" below and pre-order the full album through Bowie's webstore -- there are several deluxe, limited edition versions, and bundles (some of which include limited edition lithographs). Blackstar is also available to pre-order through iTunes and Amazon.

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Michael Stipe plays surprise covers set at Patti Smith show 11/10

Michael Stipe was the unannounced special guest opener for Patti Smith at her show in New York City last night. He performed a set of covers -- originals from David Bowie, John Lennon, Neil Young, the Doors, Boy George & more. Smith also invited Stipe on stage to perform a few songs together during her set.  Indeed what a treat for fans attending the show -- it's rare for Stipe to perform live these days -- Stipe's last performance was December 2014 when he opened for Patti Smith for her birthday shows in New York City.

Watch some fan filmed video snippets of his set below.

UPDATE: More video is available to view below, thanks to You Tube uploaders!

Michael Stipe covering "All the Young Dudes" before Patti Smith. Not bad ;) #michaelstipe #REM #horses #nyc

A video posted by Liz Raftery (@lizzo1) on Nov 10, 2015 at 5:45pm PST

Michael Stipe! #whenyourestrange

A video posted by Laura Kaye (@laurakayemusic) on Nov 10, 2015 at 5:15pm PST

Michael Stipe OF REM opens for Patti smith !!! pic.twitter.com/H9Bq8u1wj2

— ronozer (@ronozer) November 11, 2015

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The Cure officially announce dates for 2016 North American tour

The Cure announced details for their 2016 North American tour today. According to the band's press release, the Cure will perform songs from their entire catalog -- hits, rarities, fan favorites, and some "as of yet previously unreleased material" (aka new songs).  The Cure's touring band will be: Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Jason Cooper, Roger O'Donnell, and Reeves Gabrels.

Sadly, there is no Detroit date, so take a look at the tour itinerary below and start mapping out your road trip. Note: the Toronto & Seattle dates are TBA, and some of the venues are also TBA. For more on the tour, visit the Cure's official site.



2016 North American tour

5/11 -- New Orleans, LA @ TBA
5/13 -- Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
5/14 -- Houston, TX @ TBA
5/15 -- Dallas, TX @ TBA
5/17 -- El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center
5/19 -- Las Vegas, NV @ The Chelsea Theater/The Cosmopolitan
5/20 -- Chula Vista, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater
5/22 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl (SOLD OUT)
5/23 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl (SOLD OUT)
5/24 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl (SOLD OUT)
5/26 -- Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater
5/31 -- Vancouver, BC @ Festival Lawn/Deer Lake Park
6/03 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Maverik Center
6/05 -- Denver, CO @ Fiddler's Green Amphitheater
6/08 -- Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theater
6/10 -- Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavillion (SOLD OUT)
6/11 -- Chicago, IL @ UIC Pavillion (SOLD OUT)
6/14 -- Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
6/15 -- Boston, MA @ TBA
6/18 -- New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden (SOLD OUT)
6/19 -- New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden (SOLD OUT)
6/20 -- New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
6/22 -- Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavillion
6/24 -- Atlanta, GA @ Aarons Amphitheater Lakewook
6/26 -- Miami, FL @ Bayfront Park Amphitheater

*Toronto date TBA (will be 6/12 or 6/13)
*Seattle date TBA

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Stone Roses announce live shows

This morning Stone Roses fans in Manchester woke up to find the band's trademark lemon posters were plastered everywhere around the city.

Lemon posters popping up around Manchester today. Announcement rumours. The Third Coming #stoneroses pic.twitter.com/THzVvSzb6U

— Matt Roche (@mattleroche) November 2, 2015

As it turns out, the posters were placed to generate excitement for the band's eventual tour announcement. The Stone Roses will perform two shows in Manchester in June, and they'll play the T in the Park festival in Scotland in July. All of this is certainly exciting news for fans in those areas, and it certainly opens the door to the possibility of other festival dates in 2016. The announcement was a bit of a letdown for those hoping for news about an album (or even a song!), but considering the band has allegedly been in the studio working, it's highly possible they'll release something prior to the live dates. On the other hand, this IS the Stone Roses we're talking about, so new music could truly be years away!

For more on the Stone Roses and their live shows, visit the official site here.

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Peter Hook announces 'Substance: Joy Division & New Order' tour

Over the last few years Peter Hook has been performing Joy Division and New Order albums in full on tour -- to date he's played Closer, Unknown Pleasures, Movement, Power, Corruption & Lies, Low-Life, and Brotherhood. Today he announced plans for his newest tour, Substance: Joy Division & New Order, which will see him perform the Joy Division and New Order compilations Substance on tour in 2016. Both of these Factory classics will be performed live, sequentially, and in full, so expect a lengthy and intense concert experience! Hooky is a legend and BRINGS it at his live shows -- Joy Division and New Order fans will NOT leave disappointed.

The Substance: Joy Division & New Order tour debuts in September 2016. So far only three UK dates have been announced, but more dates will be revealed soon as Hook intends to bring this tour to North America in 2016.

@nirvana454 Next year

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) October 25, 2015

For more on Peter Hook's Substance tour, visit his official site.

Peter Hook -- Substance tour

9/15 -- Glasgow @ Barrowlands
9/16 -- Manchester @ 02 Apollo
9/17 -- London @ Kentish Town Forum

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NIN releases limited edition 'Halo I-IV' boxset for Black Friday Record Store Day

Nine Inch Nails will release a limited edition Halo I-IV vinyl box set for this year's Black Friday Record Store Day, which takes place November 27th. The set contains the original 12” singles for “Down In It” (originally released 9/15/89), “Head Like A Hole” (originally released 3/22/90), and “Sin” (originally released 10/10/90) all pressed on 120 gram black vinyl.  Additionally the set includes Pretty Hate Machine (originally released 10/20/89) pressed on 180-gram black vinyl. The tracklisting for the set is posted below. Keep in mind this is a limited edition release and will only be available at participating record stores -- it's best to contact your favorite store ahead of time to see if they'll be stocking the release.  For more on Record Store Day, visit the official site here.



halo one - Down In It

A1. Down In It (Skin)
A2. Down In It (Shred)

B1. Down In It (Singe)

halo two - Pretty Hate Machine

A1. Head Like A Hole
A2. Terrible Lie
A3. Down In It
A4. Sanctified
A5. Something I Can Never Have

B1. Kinda I Want To
B2. Sin
B3. That's What I Get
B4. The Only Time
B5. Ringfinger

halo three - Head Like A Hole

A1. Head Like A Hole (Slate)
A2. Terrible Lie (Sympathetic Mix)
A3. Head Like A Hole (Clay)

B1. Head Like A Hole (Copper)
B2. You Know Who You Are
B3. Head Like A Hole (Soil)
B4. Terrible Lie (Empathetic Mix)

halo four - Sin

A1. Sin
A2. Sin

B1. Get
B2. Sin

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Stream: Peter Murphy shares live "Ziggy Stardust" recording

This Friday Peter Murphy releases the digital album download edition of his live album Mr. Moonlight Tour: 35 Years Of Bauhaus. The download edition features 19 songs -- 9 of the songs were NOT included on the CD edition of the live album. Stream one of the previously unreleased tracks -- Murphy's cover of "Ziggy Stardust" -- and view the complete tracklisting for the digital release below.



01. King Volcano (Live)*
02. Kingdom’s Coming (Live)*
03. Double Dare (Live)
04. In the Flat Field (Live)
05. A God in an Alcove (Live)
06. Boys (Live)*
07. Silent Hedges (Live)
08. Endless Summer of the Damned (Live)*
09. The Spy in the Cab (Live)
10. A Strange Kind of Love (Live)*
11. Bela Lugosi’s Dead (Live)
12. The Passion of Lovers (Live)
13. Stigmata Martyr (Live)
14. Dark Entries (Live)*
15. Severance (Live)*
16. Hollow Hills (Live)
17. Spirit (Live)
18. Telegram Sam (Live)*
19. Ziggy Stardust (Live)*

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Winter return with blissful "All The Things You Do" single & play Detroit

Los Angeles band Winter released its glorious debut album Supreme Blue Dream just a few months ago and this week the dreampop four piece has returned with an equally brilliant new single. Enjoy the video for the shimmery "All The Things You Do" below and grab it now through Burger Records, iTunes, and Amazon (also available to stream on Spotify).



Be sure to catch Winter on the road in support of the new single and album -- the tour includes a stop at the Pike Room in Pontiac on Friday, October 30th. Dates for the full itinerary are posted below.



For more on Winter visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

10/27 -- Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
10/28 -- Minneapolis, MN @ The Nether Bar
10/29 -- Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
10/30 -- Pontiac, MI @ Pike Room
10/31 -- Columbus, OH @ Double Happiness
11/02 -- Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel
11/03 -- Montreal, QC @ Bar La Ritz PDB
11/04 -- Somerville, MA @ Cuisine en Locale
11/05 -- Hamden, CT @ The Space
11/06 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge
11/07 -- Harrisburg, PA @ Milworks
11/08 -- New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
11/09 -- Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage
11/10 -- Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/12 -- Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Purgatory
11/13 -- Jacksonville, FL @ Burro Bar
11/14 -- Tampa, FL @ Epic Problem
11/16 -- Houston, TX @ The Studio at Warehouse Live
11/17 -- San Antonio, TX @ Korova Basement
11/18 -- Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
11/19 -- Lubbock, TX @ Jake's Backroom
11/20 -- Albequerque, NM @ Launchpad
11/21 -- Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
11/22 -- San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
11/24 -- Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo

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David Bowie confirms (and clarifies) new LP 'Blackstar'

This weekend the Times of London reported a new David Bowie album, Blackstar, would be released on January 8th. The paper also described the album as possibly Bowie's "oddest" work to date and claimed the record was influenced by Kraftwerk and jazz elements. Today Bowie posted a short statement confirming the record's title and January 8th release, but revealed that reports regarding the sound and content of the album are "inaccurate." In any case, the album's first single will be issued on November 20th.

Read Bowie's statement about Blackstar below:

"It can now be confirmed that ‘Blackstar’ is the forthcoming single and album from David Bowie. Contrary to inaccurate reporting on the sound and content of the album, only the following can be confirmed:

The single will be released on November 20th and is not part of David’s theatre piece ‘Lazarus’.

The album will be released on David’s birthday, January 8th 2016."

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Report: New David Bowie LP due in January

David Bowie will reportedly release a new album on his birthday, January 8th. According to the Times, Bowie's new album Blackstar was heavily influenced by Kraftwerk and jazz. The paper went on to describe Blackstar as Bowie's "oddest" and most experimental work to date revealing the album's title track includes "Gregorian chants, a soul section, various electronic beats and bleeps, and Bowie's distinctive vocal." So far Bowie himself hasn't confirmed the album on social media. Read the full piece in the Times here.

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