retroblog.net

Looking at the list of new releases this summer, one might think it’s still the summer of ’85. Bands like Journey, Night Ranger, Yes and The Cars all have new albums out. Hell, even Weird Al Yankovic is still going strong in 2011 with a new album titled “Alpocalypse”. So, I guess it’s fitting that one of my favorites from the mid-80′s are back with a brand new album as well. The album is titled “RePlay” and it’s by none other than The Outfield.

The new album is chock full of memorable hooks, sunny harmonies and multi-layered guitars, just like how the band sounded back in their heyday. It’s almost uncanny how lead singer Tony Lewis can hit those high notes as he did way back when. It’s also great to see drummer Alan Jackman back in the fold. Jackman has been sorely missed over the years and so his presence and his style of playing has obviously re-energized the band. As a matter of fact, the new material has a focus and drive that hasn’t been heard from the band since 1987′s “Bangin’” album. This might also be related to the fact that main songwriter/guitarist John Spinks has been battling some health issues these last few years which may have given him all the more reason to put together some “A game” material this time out.

highlights include:
“A Long, Long Time Ago” – a rockin’ track that sounds like something straight off the ’87 “Bangin’” album. Probably my favorite song on the album.

“New York City” – the song features a nice loop-like groove and a neat repetitive drum fill that may seem out of place at first but becomes one of the hooks in the song after a few listens. the lyrics in the chorus are a bit weak but I’ll let it slide since the band was never known for clever or deep lyrics.

“Disraeli Years” – is a big nod to ’60′s blues/rock trio Cream. the songs features fun lil’ lyrical references to the iconic band as well as a tasty guitar solo “a la Clapton”. And just in case you miss any of those references, Jackman adds the unmistakable drum fill from “White Room” at the end of the song. fun stuff.

“Shake Your Thing” – Lewis’ vocals are an integral part of the Outfield sound. In the past his high tenor overshadowed his bass playing. But with the new album and on tracks like “Shake Your Thing”, Lewis has come a long way in terms of memorable bass lines.

With all three original members in place, the band seems revitalized. And RePlay, with its upbeat and oh-so melodic tunes, is a perfect addition to this summer’s soundtrack. It’s too bad the band won’t be out on tour this summer to support the new release. Spinks is still dealing with health issues so live gigs are unfortunately out of the question.

Anyway, purchase the album, turn up the volume and have a rockin’ retro summer!

retroGrade: A
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After his successful 5-year stint working with Queen, Paul Rodgers delighted his long-time fans by reuniting with the surviving members of Bad Company for a UK tour in 2010. Eagle Rock will be releasing the Wembley Arena show from that tour on DVD, blu-ray and on CD, simply titled Band Company Live at Wembley.

Here are the details for the new release:
BAD COMPANY LIVE AT WEMBLEY DUE JUNE 28 IN THREE FORMATS
When legendary classic rockers Bad Company performed at the historic British venue Wembley Arena in London on a beautiful April 2010 spring night, high-definition cameras captured the whole evening in all its glory. On June 28, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Live At Wembley simultaneously on DVD, Blu-Ray & CD, through its Eagle Vision & Eagle Records imprints.
There was magic in the air as all three original Bad Company members—vocalist extraordinaire Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke—are augmented by bassist Lynn Sorensen and guitarist Howard Leese. (Original bassist Boz Burrell died in 2006.)
The set list is packed with every major hit, fan favorites and seldom-heard deep album cuts. The DVD and Blu-Ray includes a band interview.
Bad Company burst upon the rock’n'roll scene in 1973, and was immediately dubbed a super-group by fans and press alike, as its members all came from very successful popular bands: Free (Rodgers and Kirke), Mott The Hoople (Ralphs) and King Crimson (Burrell). They lived up to the hype for nine straight years with a string of six soulful hard-rocking albums. After a four-year break, they got back together minus Rodgers (who had formed The Firm with Jimmy Page). Rodgers returned in 1999.
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Lindsey Buckingham just announced tour dates in support of his upcoming album Seeds We Sow. The new release is definitely a pleasant surprise since his usual modus operandi is to labor over the recording process for years and years.. and then a couple more years on top of that.

And a big THANK YOU to those responsible for booking him in my neck of the woods. Didn’t expect our area to be included in such a short tour. I’ve already grabbed my tickets so I’ll be at the Carolina Theatre show in October! See you there!

Here’s the official press release:
ICONIC FLEETWOOD MAC GUITARIST AND MALE VOCALIST LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM ANNOUNCES 6th SOLO ALBUM “SEEDS WE SOW” AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 6th
BUCKINGHAM PREPS FOR 31-CITY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Los Angeles, CA – Legendary guitarist, singer/songwriter, Grammy winner, producer and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame member Lindsey Buckingham will release his 6th solo album, Seeds We Sow, on September 6th 2011. This album is Buckingham’s first self-release, in which he took a true DIY approach, not only writing and performing every song on the record but producing and mixing them as well. Buckingham also announced a 31-city North American tour in support of the album which kicks off on September 9th in Nevada and continues through October 25th in Napa, CA (full routing below). Tickets go on sale in select cities beginning June 16, check your local venue for ticket purchase and on-sale info.

From the album’s first single “In Our Own Time,” to the soft melodic pop/rock tinge of “End Of Time” and the album’s most rocking track, “One Take,” to the touching “When She Comes Down” and the almost lullaby-esque hushed tones of the gorgeous closing number, “She Smiles Sweetly,” the album showcases Buckingham’s full arsenal of skills. Just as his guitar style on Seeds We Sow is more mature and refined, so too are his lyrics, with one of the standout tracks being the hook-laden “Illumination.” “I think the lyrics over the years have actually gotten better because they’ve gotten a little, I don’t want to say obscure, but more poetic in the way they’re created,” he says, adding, “It’s a mysterious process even to me.”

Fri 09/09/11 Sparks, NV John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel/Casino
Sat 09/10/11 Sparks, NV John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel/Casino
Mon 09/12/11 Boise, ID Egyptian Theatre
Tue 09/13/11 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
Wed 09/14/11 Denver, CO University Of Denver
Fri 09/16/11 Minneapolis, MN Pantages Theatre
Sat 09/17/11 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater
Sun 09/18/11 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
Tue 09/20/11 Pittsburgh, PA Carnegie Music Hall
Thu 09/22/11 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
Fri 09/23/11 Westhampton Beach, NY Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
Sat 09/24/11 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
Sun 09/25/11 Boston, MA Wilbur Theatre
Tue 09/27/11 New York, NY Town Hall
Thu 09/29/11 Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center
Fri 09/30/11 Baltimore, MD Goucher College
Sat 10/01/11 Durham, NC Carolina Theatre
Mon 10/03/11 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
Tue 10/04/11 Fort Pierce, FL Sunrise Theatre
Wed 10/05/11 Clearwater, FL Capitol Theatre
Fri 10/07/11 Atlanta, GA Symphony Hall – Woodruff Arts Ctr.
Sun 10/09/11 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
Wed 10/12/11 Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
Thu 10/13/11 Los Angeles, CA Royce Hall Auditorium
Fri 10/14/11 Las Vegas, NV Aliante Casino
Sat 10/15/11 Palm Desert, CA McCallum Theatre
Mon 10/17/11 Anaheim, CA City National Grove Of Anaheim
Tue 10/18/11 Turlock, CA Turlock Community Theatre
Wed 10/19/11 San Francisco, CA Regency Center
Sat 10/22/11 Vancouver, BC Centre In Vancouver For Perf. Arts
Sun 10/23/11 Shelton, WA Little Creek Casino
Tue 10/25/11 Napa, CA Uptown Theatre Napa
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Christopher Cross will be out on tour this year to support his latest album, Doctor Faith. It’s Cross’ first studio album in 12 years and I’m sure he’s pleased to see all the positive reviews. Check out what Chris Epting of Pop Culture Road Trip had to say about the new album:
“Doctor Faith shimmers with the same rich melodic atmosphere that was the essence of his first, self-titled LP. Reflective, personal and sometimes introspective, Cross (who co-wrote the album with Rob Meurer) is in fine form throughout the 13 tracks.”

To commemorate the new release and tour, I’ll be giving away a Doctor Faith CD signed by none other than Christopher Cross himself!! That’s right, an autographed copy of Doctor Faith. Interested? Here’s what you need to do to enter in the drawing.

Simply post a comment here with a little tidbit or factoid relating to Christopher Cross. For instance, you can post your favorite song of his or maybe if you’ve seen him live, how about posting a neat moment from his concert. anything goes. just keep it clean, people.

bonus points for those participating in this drawing that also follow me on twitter and/or LIKE me on facebook. (just be sure to let me know by posting an additional comment here in order to earn your bonus entries!!!)

And that’s NOT ALL! I have two extra regular CDs (unsigned) that I’ll be giving to two runners up.

Winners (the grand prize winner will receive the autographed CD of Doctor Faith, two runners up will receive the unsigned CDs) will be chosen at random (using the random number generator random.org) from all the entries received. The winners will be notified via email and will have to respond within 48 hours. Mailing addresses will be forwarded to a representative at Universal Music who will be sending out the prizes directly to the winners.

I’ll be taking entries until 11:59pm July 5th, 2011.

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