Showing posts with label Vinyl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vinyl. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

KING CRIMSON “Red 50th Anniversary Edition” 2CD / 2Blu-ray & 2LP 200-gram Audiophile Vinyl Available October 25, 2024

50th Anniversary editions of King Crimson’s classic 1974 album
4 disc boxed set with 2 x Blu-ray & 2CDs
2 x Blu-rays featuring completely new mixes of the album in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD MA Surround & Hi-Res Stereo by Steven Wilson, New Elemental Mixes in Hi-Res Stereo by David Singleton, a number of extra tracks drawn from the existing sessions reels mixed by David Singleton, all three mixes of the live album USA in Hi-Res Stereo, 5 audio restored bootleg concert recordings from the 1974 US tour making their debut on disc & the audio restored bootleg of the band’s final US show in Central Park NYC on July 1st, 1974
2 x CDs feature new Stereo + instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson & new Elemental Mixes & a sequence of studio recordings detailing the making of ‘Starless’ mixed by David Singleton
Presented as two vinyl replica sleeves in a rigid slipcase with booklet including photos & new sleeve-notes by King Crimson Biographer Sid Smith

King Crimson:
Robert Fripp: Guitar and Mellotron
John Wetton: Bass and Voice
William Bruford: Percussives
With: David Cross, Mel Collins, Ian McDonald, Robin Miller, Mark Charig

DGM & Panegyric proudly present the 50th anniversary edition of the King Crimson classic album “Red”. A 2 Blu-ray + 2 CD edition features completely new Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround & Stereo mixes by Steven Wilson taking the music to new levels of clarity & power. “Red” was one of the earliest mixes undertaken by Steven Wilson in 2009 & King Crimson was the first of a number of classic bands & artists to be mixed by Steven so it’s entirely appropriate that he return, some 15 years later, to take the album into the Dolby Atmos era.

What I hear on ‘Red’ is the best representation of 72-74 era line-up in the studio. In effect this is a power trio record and their sound is just huge.” – Steven Wilson

Also featured are a complete album’s worth of Elemental Mixes by long-time King Crimson producer (& band manager) David Singleton – using the original multi-track recordings to present a very different audio picture of the album, with greater separation of instruments & utilizing many recorded elements recorded for, but not included in, the original mixes.

As King Crimson biographer Sid Smith puts it in his new notes for the album: “David Singleton’s elemental mixes pull the veil aside on the original sessions and act as a kind of alternative account, a ‘Red’ that could have been, revealing the different passes and takes that the band undertook as well as those Collins, Charig and McDonald as they engaged with the material”.

Multiple new to disc tracks & studio takes – representing all material to survive from the recording sessions have also been mixed &/or mastered for inclusion, making this the most comprehensive overview of the album to be released.

“Red” was recorded immediately after King Crimson’s final US tour of 1974 & the anniversary edition reflects that by including all three Hi-Res Stereo mixes of the live album “USA” in its full concert versions. Also included are a quintet of audio restored bootlegs being issued on disc for the first time, alongside a bootleg of the band’s final US concert in New York in 1974 which Robert Fripp claimed was: “the first gig since the 1969 Crimson where the bottom of my spine registered ‘out of this world’ to the same degree.”

In the decades since its release, “Red” has gone from being an album that was, upon release, under-promoted – as the band had already split up, to being one of the most lauded albums of its era & (after “In The Court of the Crimson King”), King Crimson’s biggest selling album. Writing in The Mojo Collection in 2000, John Bungey assessed “Red” as, “That rarest of records, the sound of a line-up quitting while ahead”.

By the time King Crimson entered the studio in July 74, the band had spent the best part of two years on the road, recorded two albums along the way (“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic” & “Starless & Bible Black”) & shed two band members en route; percussionist Jamie Muir having quit early 1973, and violin/mellotron player David Cross at the end of the US tour just a week prior to the recording of “Red”.

Crimson had built a reputation as one of the tightest, most powerful bands on the rock circuit. Recording as a trio in Olympic studios in London, with one improv piece (Providence) drawn from that final US tour & with contributions from former members & friends on saxophones, violin, and oboe, the group produced the last Crimson studio album of the 70s & one of the decade’s masterpieces – “Red”.

“Red” emerged as a distillation of everything Crimson had been working towards live & in the studio between 72 and 74. In the half century since its release it has built an enviable, enduring reputation among fans & professional musicians alike – with bands from each succeeding decade citing it as an important influence.

Red - The 50th Anniversary Edition”

Disc 1 CD 2024 mixes and Additional Material
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Providence
5 Starless
Additional Material
2024 Instrumental Mixes
6 Fallen Angel
7 One More Red Nightmare
8 Starless - Edit
Produced and Mixed by Steven Wilson
* 9 Providence - Complete Track
Produced and Mixed by Robert Fripp and David Singleton

Disc 2 CD Elemental Mixes and Session Material
Elemental Mixes
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Starless - Percussion
5 Starless
The Making of Starless
6 Starless - Mellotron
7 Starless - Three Saxophones
8 Starless - Basic Take
9 Starless - Sax Solos
10 Starless - Cornet and Guitar Solos
11 Starless - Cornet takes
Produced and Mixed by David Singleton

Disc 3 Blu-Ray
USA
I * 1 June 28th, 1974, Casino Arena, NJ
DTS-HD MA 24/192 Stereo, 2013 Mix
Mixed by Robert Fripp, David Singleton and Tony Arnold
* 2 June 28th, 1974, Casino Arena, NJ
24/48 Stereo, 2005 Mix
Mixed by Ronan Chris Murphy
24/96 Stereo, 30th Anniversary Mix
* 3 June 28th, 1974, Casino Arena, NJ
24/48 Stereo, Original album mix
A Crimson Production, Remastered by Simon Heyworth and Robert Fripp, 2001
II USA Tour Concerts
24/48 Stereo
1 April 17th, 1974, Muthers, Nashville, TN
2 April 20th, 1974, Hollywood Sportatorium, Miami, FL
3 May 1st, 1974, Felt Forum, New York, NY
4 June 4th, 1974, Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, TX
5 June 19th, 1974, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, CA
The Final US Concert
24/48 Stereo
* 6 July 1st, 1974, Central Park, New York, NY

Disc 4 Blu-Ray
I Red
2024 mixes and Additional Material

Dolby Atmos/DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround/24/96 Stereo
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Providence
5 Starless
Produced and Mixed by Steven Wilson
II Elemental Mixes and Session Recordings, 24/192 DTS-HD MA Stereo
Elemental Mixes
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Starless - Percussion
5 Starless
Three More Red Nightmares
1 One More Red Nightmare - Early Guide Vox Section
2 One More Red Nightmare - Saxophone Overdub Section
3 One More Red Nightmare - Bass and Drums
The Making of Starless
1 Starless - Mellotron
2 Starless - Three Saxophones
3 Starless - Basic Take
4 Starless - Sax Solos
5 Starless - Percussion
6 Starless - Cornet and Guitar Solos
* 7 Starless - Cornet takes ~
Produced and Mixed by David Singleton except 7 ~ Produced and Mixed by Alex R Mundy sourced
at 24/48
* 1 Providence - Complete Track
Produced and Mixed by Robert Fripp and David Singleton
2 Think Again - Fragment
Mastered by Alex R Mundy from a John Wetton 1/4" file tape
III 2024 Instrumental Mixes, 24/96 Stereo
1 Fallen Angel
2 One More Red Nightmare
3 Starless (edit)
Produced and Mixed by Steven Wilson
IV * Original Masters, 24/96 Stereo
30th Anniversary Master
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Providence
5 Starless
* Indicates material previously available on disc
All other material newly mixed/new to disc

Red” 2024 Steven Wilson Mixes & 2024 David Singleton Elemental Mixes
2 x 200gm vinyl
50th Anniversary editions of King Crimson’s classic 1974 album
2LP set pressed on 200-gram audiophile vinyl
LP1 features all new 2024 stereo mixes by Steven Wilson
LP2 features all new 2024 elemental mixes by David Singleton
Cut by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering

Whilst mixing the album for Dolby Atmos, Steven Wilson also prepared new stereo & 5.1 mixes. Those new stereo mixes are what appears as LP1 of this 2LP set. LP2 consists of a complete album’s worth of Elemental Mixes by long-time King Crimson producer (& band manager) David Singleton – using the original multi-track recordings to present a very different audio picture of the album, with greater separation of instruments & utilizing many recorded elements recorded for, but not included in, the original mixes.

To pre-order:
2CD/2Blu-ray - https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_red_2cd_2blu-ray
2LP - https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_red_double-vinyl

For more information:
http://www.dgmlive.com

For further information, please contact: info@panegyric.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, September 9, 2024

Rick Wakeman & Gordon Giltrap “From Brush & Stone” Limited Edition 180GM Clear Vinyl Available For Pre-order

CLEAR VINYL Signed by both Rick Wakeman and Gordon Giltrap - Limited to 250 Copies

“From Brush & Stone” is a studio album by guitarist Gordon Giltrap and keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The album is the first opportunity to record together for Gordon Giltrap and Rick Wakeman. Both are longtime friends who have been on separate musical paths for forty years.

“Having known Gordon for more years than we both care to remember and having great admiration for both his musical and technical ability plus his unique style of composing, it was a no-brainer for us to produce this album together. Logically, I played exactly what I felt was needed on Gordon’s compositions and he played exactly what he felt was needed on mine - another no-brainer. It’s one of those albums where every time you listen to it you discover something new in the music. Each track evokes a different emotion for the listener which indeed it did for Gordon and myself when we recorded the tracks. An album I think we can be rightly proud of.” – Rick Wakeman

“In 1963 at age 15 I was forced to leave school by my well-meaning father, suggesting that I learn a trade thus abandoning any hope I had of going to art college. Since becoming a writer of tunes I think subconsciously I have been using music as my creative canvas. I have always found that paintings have been a great source of inspiration culminating in 1976 with the William Blake inspired Visionary album and then in 1981 with Peacock Party followed by the Pre-Raphaelite inspired Brotherhood Suite. When the opportunity came along to make an album with my old friend and towering keyboard genius Rick Wakeman I put forward my Brotherhood Suite as a concept and starting point. Rick responded very positively and came back with his idea of classical sculpture as an inspiration. This he did superbly. I was given the luxury of time to work on his compositions, about 6 months in fact, and I hope I did justice to his creations. It was and continues to be an honour to have worked with one of the great Godfathers of progressive rock.” - Gordon Giltrap

Tracklist:
Side One 1. The Savannah Bird 2. Caesar Augustus 3. The Kiss 4. Hermes
Side Two 1. The Thinker 2. David 3. The Discus Thrower 4. The Last of England Spring
Side Three 1. The Death of Chatterton 2. The Light of the World 3. World 4. By Angle Tarn 5. Maddie Goes West
Side Four (Previously Unreleased) 1. A Dublin Day 2. Down The River 3. Isabella's Wedding

Personnel:
Gordon Giltrap - guitars
Rick Wakeman - keyboards
Production
Produced by Erik Jordan, Gordon Giltrap and Rick Wakeman.
Guitar recording sessions engineered by Paul White at Malvern Studios.
Keyboard recording sessions engineered by Erik Jordan at Pavilion Studios.
Mixed by Erik Jordan at Jordan Audio Studios.
Artwork by Jan Leytham-Gain.
Additional photography by Lee Wilkinson.
Special thanks to Malcolm 'Mad Malc' Welch.

To pre-order:
https://www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com/products/rick-wakeman-and-gordon-giltrap-from-brush-and-stone-vinyl

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, September 2, 2024

King Crimson “Sheltering Skies (Live in Fréjus, August 27th 1982)” First Release on Vinyl & Standalone CD of the Complete Concert Available September 6, 2024

First release on vinyl of a 1980s King Crimson concert
First standalone CD release of the complete concert
The complete concert from Fréjus, France taken from the original multi-track tapes by Robert Fripp & Brad Davis.
Additional performance of ‘The Sheltering Sky’ at Cap d’Agde also included
Vinyl cut by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering
Pressed on 200-gram vinyl & presented in a gatefold sleeve.
CD mastered by Alex R. Mundy at DGM

Featuring:
Robert Fripp: Guitar
Adrian Belew: Guitar, Lead Vocal
Tony Levin: Stick, Bass Guitar and Support Vocal
Bill Bruford: Drums and Percussion

There’s a palpable sense of energy and enthusiasm from the audience captured on the tapes at this concert as King Crimson (sharing a European tour with then label band mates Roxy Music) take to the stage in Fréjus, France, in late Summer, 1982. With two albums’ worth of material to draw upon (Discipline, Oct 1981 & Beat, June 1982) & extensive touring that had already seen the band play concerts in the UK, Europe, USA & Japan, the live shows - as often with King Crimson – had a dynamism & punch that simply couldn’t be replicated in a recording studio. Add a pair of classic KC instrumentals, (Red & Larks’ Tongues in Aspic Part Two), to that mix & all the ingredients were there for a very special performance.

Recorded initially for a video release, the audio from the concert has, inexplicably, never been issued as a standalone release. Nor has a live album from the 1980s line-up previously appeared on vinyl. “Sheltering Skies” presents the complete King Crimson performance across 2LPs pressed on 200-gram vinyl or a single CD, both completed with the addition of the recording of ‘The Sheltering Sky’ from the previous night’s concert at Cap d’Agde. The 1980s King Crimson was, in terms of concert performances/album releases, still less than a year old when this album was recorded. The collective decades of experience of the individual musicians is funneled through the enthusiasm & freshness of the line-up & the newness of the material to produce a special concert recording.

While King Crimson material from this period is always in demand, with the forthcoming US tour by Beat (King Crimson’s Adrian Belew & Tony Levin, joined by guitarist Steve Vai & Tool drummer Danny Carey), performing the material from that period, there is increased interest in hearing this material as it was originally performed.

For more information: www.dgmlive.com

TRACKLISTING:

Sheltering Skies (Live in Fréjus, August 27th, 1982)

Side A:
1 Thela Hun Ginjeet
2 Matte Kudasai
3 Indiscipline

Side B:
1 Red
2 Heartbeat
3 The Sheltering Sky

Side C:
1 Elephant Talk
2 Neal and Jack and Me
3 Waiting Man

Side D:
1 Larks’ Tongues In Aspic: Part II
2 The Sheltering Sky (Cap d’Agde)

1CD - Running order as above

To pre-order:
2LP: https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_sheltering-skies_double-vinyl

CD: https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_sheltering-skies_cd

2LP & CD Bundle" https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_sheltering-skies_cd-vinyl-bundle

For further information, please contact: info@panegyric.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Friday, August 9, 2024

Prog Artist Leon Alvarado’s Acclaimed Album "The Changing Tide" Set for Vinyl Release on August 12th

Houston, TX – Leon Alvarado’s critically acclaimed album, The Changing Tide, will receive a highly anticipated vinyl release on August 12th. This celebrated album, inspired by the legendary sounds of Pink Floyd, features collaborations with notable artists including John Helliwell (Supertramp), Tony Franklin (The Firm), Edoardo Scordo, and Damian Darlington (both of Brit Floyd fame).

Originally released on CD and digital platforms, the vinyl edition of The Changing Tide introduces a new dimension to the album, offering fans a unique listening experience. The vinyl can be purchased individually or as part of an exclusive “Immersion Set.” The set includes the album on CD, the Brain Damage/Dance Of The Pink Elephants CD single, unlimited streaming through Bandcamp, and a high-quality digital download in mp3 or FLAC formats.

Fans can purchase the vinyl and the Immersion set at: https://leonalvarado.bandcamp.com/album/the-changing-tide

Critical acclaim for The Changing Tide has been widespread:

Dmitry Epstein of Let It Rock describes it as “a fantastic opus in all aspects.”

Prog Critique praises the album for its “familiar and well-marked universe with compositions that are worth the detour.”

Tszirmay of Prog Archives highlights Alvarado’s successful blend of deep-rooted musical influences and personal originality, making it a “most worthy acquisition.”

Martin Burns of DPRP.net commends the album’s “superb production,” noting that the opening and title tracks are exceptional with meticulous arrangement and attention to detail.

Horst Straske of Babyblaue-Seiten admires the album’s cinematic and ambient sound, particularly appreciating how "Alvarado enriches his soundscapes with progressive rock elements like the ten-minute opener, The Equilibrium of Time."

Antonie Deelen of iO Pages magazine specifically praises the “particularly good” guitar work in A View From A Different Room and the “beautiful saxophone playing” by John Helliwell.

For further information and to secure your copy of The Changing Tide on vinyl, please visit: https://leonalvarado.bandcamp.com/album/the-changing-tide

Album details:

SIDE A:

1. THE EQUILIBRIUM OF TIME
2. BRAIN DAMAGE
3. THE CHANGING TIDE

SIDE B:

4. A DAY OF A DIFFERENT SORT
5. A VIEW FROM A DIFFERENT ROOM
6. DANCE OF THE PINK ELEPHANT

Credits:

Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards & Effects on all, Bass on 5, Vocals on 6
Edoardo Scordo: Guitars on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tony Franklin: Bass on 1, 2, 3, 4
John Helliwell: Saxophone on 3
Pablo Hopenhayn: Violin, Viola and Cello on 1
Gary Gnaedinger: Bass, Guitar & Keyboards on 6
James Griggers: Guitar & Slide Guitar on 6
Jeff Sanson: Backing Vocals on 6
Linda Alvarado: Backing Vocals on 6
Liz Hall: Backing Vocals on 6

Brain Damage lyrics by Roger Waters
Produced and Mixed by: Leon Alvarado
Mastered by: Maor Appelbaum
Cover art by: Synergy Design

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, July 1, 2024

Jethro Tull Frontman Ian Anderson Limited Edition 10LP Limited Box Set “8314 Boxed” Available August 23rd on Madfish Label

Included first time vinyl releases of “Divinities: Twelve Dances With God”, “The Secret Language of Birds” and “Rupi’s Dance”

Reissue specialist label Madfish have shared details of “8314 Boxed”, a limited-edition deluxe box set tribute to Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson’s treasured solo works. The package, set for release on 23rd August, will include:

Includes exclusive first-time vinyl releases of “Divinities: Twelve Dances with God”, “The Secret Language of Birds” (2LP), and “Rupi’s Dance” (2LP)

“Walk Into Light”, “Divinities: Twelve Dances with God” and “Homo Erraticus” remastered at half speed by Air Studio
“Roaming in the Gloaming” LP offers previously unreleased live recordings from 1995-2007

Beautiful side D etchings on 3 of the 10 records

96-page book with foreword by Ian Anderson, extensive liner notes by Paul Sexton and exclusive pictures

Watch the “8314 Boxed” trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPmRe9dJbO4


photo by Carl Glover

Ian Anderson’s solo albums explore different sonic landscapes and instrumental line-ups, each record in this box set standing as a testament to his versatility. From the electronic experimentation in “Walk Into Light” and the profound narratives of “Homo Erraticus”, to the acoustic serenity of “The Secret Language of Birds”, these albums are a reflection of Anderson's unending creativity and his ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles into cohesive, captivating works.

Pre-order  “8314 Boxed”, Released August 23, 2024: https://iananderson.lnk.to/8314

8314 Boxed” 10LP breakdown:
“Walk Into Light” (1983) – half-speed remaster
“Divinities: Twelve Dances with God” (1995) – first time on vinyl, half-speed remaster
“The Secret Language of Birds” (2LP) (2000), etching on side D – first time on vinyl
“Rupi’s Dance” (2LP) (2003), etching on side D – first time on vinyl
“Thick as a Brick 2” (2LP) (2012), etching on side D
“Homo Erraticus” (2014) – half-speed remaster
“Roaming in the Gloaming” (previously unreleased live shows from 1995-2007)

Hey, but someone has to try oddball things, don’t they? Might as well be me...” - Ian Anderson


Ian Anderson performing in Brighton in 2014, photo by Martin Webb

Ian Anderson’s mind as a listener, which would mature into a lifetime of format-blurring creative ingenuity, was opened when he was a mere six-year-old. By then, already relocated with his family from his birthplace in Dunfermline to Edinburgh, he heard an old family 78 rpm disc of Glenn Miller and his Orchestra's irresistible gem of 1939, “In The Mood”.

My father had a few treasured wartime records, mostly big-band stuff,” he told Prog magazine. “I remember having an epiphany, because ‘In The Mood’ introduces you to the elements of blues, effectively. That was my first moment of thinking: ‘Hmm, this music is something special.’”

A word from Ian Anderson on “8314 Boxed”:
Since 1983, I have made a few solo albums, not as dissatisfaction with fellow musicians or the group identity but usually just to try something a bit different, whether sonically, stylistically or in terms of instrumental line-up. These records all stand out for me as being quite different from each other and in some ways demonstrate a broader depth of my songwriting. The flute instrumental Divinities record is one of my favourites to this day”.

8314 Boxed” will be released on Madfish on 23rd August. Pre-order: https://iananderson.lnk.to/8314

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, March 25, 2024

YES “TALK” 30th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set Edition Featuring 8 Bonus Studio Tracks & Previously Unreleased Live Concert

The Great ‘Lost’ YES Album Available As 2-LP Limited Edition White Vinyl/4-CD/1-CD Released May 24, 2024 on Spirit Of Unicorn Music

“GLORIOUS! IT WAS LIKE A RENAISSANCE OF YES TO ME” - Jon Anderson

“IT WAS MAYBE THE BEST I EVER PLAYED WITH YES’ - Trevor Rabin

“TALK”, the 14th studio album by Progressive Legends YES, was initially released on 21st March 1994 and is often referred to as the great ‘lost’ YES album. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Spirit of Unicorn Music will reissue the album as a 4CD Deluxe Edition featuring bonus studio material and a previously unreleased live show from New York, new interview with the principal players by renowned writer Jerry Ewing, a 2-LP limited edition white vinyl set and a single CD. YES fans will welcome the album’s vinyl version as mint copies of the original, and even the reissue, change hands for hundreds of pounds.

After the stellar success of their album “90125” and the slightly troubled birth of its follow-up “Big Generator” in 1987, which reached the top 20 on both sides of the Atlantic, YES splintered once more. There was talk of getting a new singer, Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson was one name bandied around, as were Kansas singer Steve Walsh, Billy Sherwood of World Trade and even “C’est La Vie” singer Robbie Nevil.

YES eventually ‘reformed’ for 1991’s “Union” album and tour, which saw eight members reunite. From those eight, a new YES emerged: Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Alan White & Rick Wakeman. Due to managerial reasons, Wakeman could not participate, so enter Tony Kaye on keyboards once more and the “90125” line up was back together. YES also had a new label, Victory Records, headed up by the former Atlantic Records executive Phil Carson, who had personally bankrolled the “Cinema/90125” sessions.

The music and lyrics for “Talk” were written mainly by Rabin and Jon Anderson, and Anderson is adamant that it is his favorite album from the Rabin era of YES, “It was just a beautiful time for me and Trev… it was a very harmonious experience for me.”

“Talk” was also one of the first albums to be recorded and edited entirely digitally, without using traditional audio tape. It was a groundbreaking move at the time, but the technology, as advanced as it was, was not without its problems. In January 1994, Northridge in the San Fernando Valley in California was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale, and production had to be halted as the early Apple Mac computers they were working on were being affected by the tremors. To put the technology into context now, in its unedited form, “Talk” took up 34GB of memory, which today could be transferred via a flash drive in seconds.

“Talk” was preceded by the release of the opening track, the uplifting “The Calling”, which started to make inroads on US Radio and was followed by “Walls”, which was co-written by Roger Hodgson, from his time working with Rabin in 1990. However, disaster loomed as Victory Music, the original label, went bankrupt shortly after the album’s release, and the album was left to wither and die.

Nevertheless, YES kicked off their US tour for “Talk” that June and played 77 shows in the US, Canada, South America and Japan. Sadly, the tour never got to Europe or the band’s homeland, which is a source of regret to both Rabin and Anderson. Footage of the show in Santiago, Chile, is available online and shows a band playing at their peak. “My regret is I wish there was a live album,” says Rabin. “I wish we recorded some shows properly, it’s just a board mix….but you can feel the energy from it.”

YES finished the “Talk” tour at Hiroshima’s Kousei Nenkin Kaikan on 11th October, 1994. It would be the last time Trevor Rabin would play with YES as a full-time member.

“Talk” could be described as the great ‘lost’ YES album and is probably the most cohesive of the Rabin-era YES albums in sound, and the one closest to the classic YES sound of the 70s, exemplified by the stunning fifteen-minute album closer “Endless Dream”. “When I listen to ‘Endless Dream’ it’s such a great piece of music,” Anderson enthuses today. “It’s one of the great YES pieces of music that not many people know. It’s beautiful. And ‘The Calling’. I love it.”

YES “TALK” 30th Anniversary Edition:

2-LP LIMITED EDITION WHITE VINYL
A1 The Calling
A2 I Am Waiting
B1 Real Love
B2 State Of Play
B3 Walls
C1 Where Will You Be
C2 Endless Dream
a) Silent Spring (Instrumental)
b) Talk
c) Endless Dream
Bonus Track
D1 The Calling (Special Version)

4CD DELUXE BOX SET EDITION
CD1
ORIGINAL ALBUM
The Calling
I Am Waiting
Real Love
State Of Play
Walls
Where Will You Be
Endless Dream
a) Silent Spring (Instrumental)
b) Talk
c) Endless Dream

CD2
TALK VERSIONS
The Calling (Special Version)
The Calling (Single Edit)
The Calling (Radio Edit)
Untitled – Trevor Rabin Instrumental
Endless Dream (Demo)
Where Will You Be (Instrumental)
Walls (Instrumental)
Endless Dream (Excerpt) (Instrumental)

CD3
LIVE CANANDAIGUA, NEW YORK 19/06/94
I Am Waiting*
The Calling*
Rhythm Of Love*
Hearts*
Real Love*
Changes*
Heart Of The Sunrise
Roundabout

CD4
LIVE CANANDAIGUA, NEW YORK 19/06/94
Cinema*
City Of Love*
Make It Easy*
Owner Of A Lonely Heart*
Trevor Rabin Piano Solo/And You And I*
I’ve Seen All Good People*
Walls*
Endless Dream*
*Previously unreleased

CD
ORIGINAL ALBUM
The Calling
I Am Waiting
Real Love
State Of Play
Walls
Where Will You Be
Endless Dream
a) Silent Spring (Instrumental)
b) Talk
c) Endless Dream

Pre-order:
Cherry Red:
4 CD: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/yes-talk-30th-anniversary-4cd-expanded-edition
CD: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/yes-talk-30th-anniversary-cd
Limited Edition White Vinyl: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/yes-talk-30th-anniversary-2lp-gatefold-white-vinyl-limited-edition

Burning Shed:
All SKUs: https://burningshed.com/store/yes

For more information:
https://www.yesworld.com
http://facebook.com/yestheband
http://instagram.com/yesofficial
http://twitter.com/yesofficial
https://spiritofunicorn.co.uk

Jon Anderson official website: www.jonanderson.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Friday, March 15, 2024

Former HAWKWIND Members ROBERT CALVERT & ALAN DAVEY Join THE ROLLING STONES’ MICK TAYLOR For A Transdimensional Rock Anthem From Upcoming Album CHAOS ROCKS By Supergroup HAWKESTREL!

Album features Hawkwind Alumni Alan Davey, Nik Turner, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Simon House & Mick Slattery PLUS Chrome's Helios Creed, space captain William Shatner, Cactus drummer Carmine Appice and more!

Los Angeles, CA - When former Hawkwind bass player Alan Davey first launched his Hawkestrel project, an intrepid, free-wheeling collaborative space rock supergroup, the world was on the verge of being plunged into the COVID pandemic. Like a starship bound for better worlds, the band, which counted Hawkwind co-founder Nik Turner along with several other Hawkwind alumni among its crew, ventured beyond the darkness that engulfed the planet and reached meteoric heights, being embraced by both longtime Hawkwind fans and newcomers alike.

Now the mighty Hawkestrel is ready to soar once again with a new album coming April 12. Hosting another collection of stellar musicians and heroic “musicnauts,” including one actual space traveler, William Shatner, alongside Simon House, Mick Slattery, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Helios Creed, and lots more, Chaos Rocks seeks to pay tribute to the past, revamping classic songs like “Silver Machine” as well as honoring those who now live among the stars. Just check out the album’s first single, a transformation of Robert Calvert’s “Evil Rock” from his 1981 album with the brilliant Mick Taylor lending his prodigious six-string talents. The results are simply out of this world!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/hawkestrel_evilrock2023ad

And check out the engrossing, hypnotic lyric video that brings the song to life: https://youtu.be/1IB8Lxjvnhc

Chaos Rocks will be available on all formats including CD, vinyl and digital beginning on April 12. The CD version even features bonus tracks of songs that have never before appeared on physical format and include special guests Ginger Baker, Geoff Downes, Adam Hamilton and more!

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=hawkestrel+chaos+rocks&post_type=product
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/hawkestrel_chaosrocks

Track List:
1. Near Earth Asteroid with Alan Davey
2. Evil Rock (2023 AD) with Bob Calvert & Mick Taylor
3. Kinnikinnick Special with Helios Creed
4. Silver Machine with William Shatner & Carmine Appice
5. Chaos Rocks with Nik Turner, Simon House, Mick Slattery & Nico Leophonte
6. Walking The Wheel with Huw Lloyd-Langton & Simon House
7. 2019 OK with Nik Turner & Mick Slattery
8. Class One Kid with Mick Taylor, Nik Turner & Simon House
BONUS TRACKS [CD ONLY]
9. Opa Loka with Nik Turner
10. Now I'm Feeling Zombified with Nik Turner, Geoff Downes & Adam Hamilton
11. Dangerous Visions with Ginger Baker & Danny Faulkner

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, INC.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Cleopatra Records Store
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Thursday, March 14, 2024

TODD RUNDGREN’s Explosive Take On KING CRIMSON’s “21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN” Previews The Forthcoming Star-Studded KING CRIMSON Tribute Album!

Album features performances by King Crimson alumni Mel Collins and Jakko M. Jakszyk as well as thrash guitar god Chris Poland, Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Rainbow's Joe Lynn Turner, Dream Theater's James LaBrie, Cactus's Carmine Appice and more!

Los Angeles, CA – It’s one of the most groundbreaking debut albums of all-time, a monster of innovative musical composition and thought-provoking lyrics whose appeal and creative influence has not only endured though generations but has expanded since its initial release in 1969. In The Court Of The Crimson King is a magnum opus like no other in rock history and now an all-star gathering of rock music royalty have come together to recreate the masterpiece in its entirety!

It begins with a spectacular version of the lead off track, a mind-blowing, sonic soul-crushing blast called “21st Century Schizoid Man,” which features vocals by Rock Hall Of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren as well as theatrical legend Arthur “God Of Hellfire” Brown alongside former King Crimson saxophonist Mel Collins, guitarist Chris Poland and drummer Ian Paice. Together this extraordinarily talented quartet breathe vicious new life into the song. Rundgren’s vocal performance is nothing short of deliriously demented as he takes on the twisted psyche of King Crimson’s shattered mirror image of modern man. The single is released today on all music platforms to herald the imminent arrival of the full tribute album.

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/21stcenturyschizoidman

Drummer Paice recalls “I had the great privilege of seeing Crimson live in London just after the first album was released, a really inventive, wonderful band. We in Deep Purple thought they were really great!”

Set for release on April 19, Reimagining The Court Of The Crimson King unites an astounding mix of musical virtuosos and creative collaborators that’s as eclectic and far-reaching as King Crimson’s own noble cortege. Guests include all of those mentioned above plus current King Crimson vocalist/guitarist Jakko Jakszyk, Joe Lynn Turner, James LaBrie, Marty Friedman, and Carmine Appice. Adding to this stellar lineup are rock and prog giants such as Steve Hillage, known for his work with Gong, and Jah Wobble, the post-punk bass maestro and PIL & Eno collaborator; and the Hawkwind alumni trifecta of Alan Davey, Paul Rudolph, and Nik Turner, infusing the project with a cosmic touch!

This album is not just a tribute; it's a celebration and reinvention of a musical masterpiece, bringing together the past, present, and future of rock music. Don't miss this unparalleled musical journey.

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=reimagining+the+court&post_type=product
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/reimaginingthecourtofthecrimsonking

Track List:
1. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Todd Rundgren, Arthur Brown, Mel Collins, Chris Poland & Ian Paice
2. I Talk To The Wind feat. Mel Collins, Django Jakszyk & Jakko M Jakszyk
3. Epitaph feat. Alan Davey, Paul Rudolph, Nik Turner, Adam Hamilton & Danny Faulkner
4. Moonchild feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Marty Friedman, Jah Wobble & Chester Thompson
5. The Court Of The Crimson King feat. James LaBrie, Carmine Appice & Steve Hillage
BONUS TRACKS [CD ONLY]
6. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Arthur Brown, Brian Auger, Chris Poland & Ian Paice
7. 21st Century Schizoid Man (Instrumental Version)

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, INC.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Cleopatra Records Store
1831 Pontius Ave
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Prog Legends Gentle Giant’s “The Missing Piece” Steven Wilson Remix To Be Released on CD, 5.1 Blu-Ray, 180g Vinyl & Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl on February 16, 2024

Previously unreleased bonus track “Winning (outtake)”

In 1977 Gentle Giant recorded their ninth studio album “The Missing Piece.” It was a time of change. Punk, disco and rap were altering the musical landscape and even this well-established progressive rock band were willing to explore new directions. Side one saw them experimenting with quirky pop (“Two weeks in Spain”), a grandiose power ballad (“I’m turning around’), syncopated funk (“Who do you think you are?”) and even the punky aggression of “Betcha thought we couldn’t do it.” Meanwhile the call and response soul shouting of “Mountain Time” hearkened back to the “big sound” of their Simon Dupree R & B revue days.

Normal service was resumed on side two with some of their most sublime and intricate progressive stylings to date. The breezily baroque “As old as you’re young” led into the yearningly elegiac “Memories of Old Days” with a particularly heartfelt vocal from Derek Shulman. The percussive tour de force of “Winning” then set up the blazing finale of “For Nobody,” another mind blowing complex collection of driving intertwining riffs that the band would nonchalantly thunder through with apparent ease.

It remains a polarizing effort amongst fans to this day, some bemused by its diversity, others enchanted by its versatility and sense of humor. “The Missing Piece” certainly proves that Gentle Giant could play anything they set their minds to. It was the last Gentle Giant album to chart in the USA.

Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson continues his association with the band, remixing the album in Dolby Atmos, Stereo and 5.1 surround sound. In addition, the digipak CD/Blu-ray version also contains an instrumental mix, the original 1977 stereo mix and videos for each track. All remixes except the Atmos contain a bonus track, a previously unreleased outtake of “Winning.”

Gentle Giant's “The Missing Piece” Steven Wilson remix will be released on CD, 5.1 Blu-Ray, 180g vinyl and Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl variant on February 16, 2024.

Personnel:
Derek Shulman – Lead Vocals
Kerry Minnear – Keyboards, Vocals
Ray Shulman – Bass Guitar, 12 string Guitar
Gary Green – Electric and Acoustic Guitars
John “Pugwash” Weathers – Drums and Percussion

Track Listing:
SIDE A
1. Two Weeks in Spain 3:04
2. I’m Turning Around 3:58
3. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It 2:16
4. Who Do You Think You Are? 3:37
5. Mountain Time 3:21
SIDE B
1. As Old As You’re Young 4:21
2. Memories Of Old Days 7:22
3. Winning 4:15
4. For Nobody 4:09
5. Winning (Outtake) 3:31 (Bonus Track)

To pre-order: https://linktree.com/gentlegiantband

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Mandalaband Debut and “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” Featuring Justin Hayward & 10cc Members Remastered Vinyl and CD Box Set Available November 30, 2023

The Mandalaband’s debut album and second release “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” will be released on remastered vinyl and CD box set on November 30, 2023!

Mandalaband (Expanded Edition)

Mandalaband began life in the early 1970’s, gaining cult status as one of the most forward-thinking prog outfits of the time. The brainchild of David Rohl, who formed a lineup featuring future Sad Café members Vic Emerson (keyboards), Ashley Mulford (guitars), John Stimpson (bass guitar and backing vocals), Tony Cresswell (drums) and vocalist Dave Durant.

Mandalaband received critical acclaim with legendary BBC radio presenter John Peel playing the entire album on his show before promptly re-broadcasting the whole thing immediately after. Unfortunately, at the time, this didn’t translate to sales and Mandalaband fell into obscurity. However, with the advent of the internet, their legend grew, exciting a new generation of prog fans.

We are now pleased to make these recordings available again and offer a chance to dig into some of the most interesting progressive music of the ‘70s. As well as presenting the original album remastered, David gained access to the original 24-track analogue master tapes, having them restored and digitized at Abbey Road Studios before reinforcing the sound and instrumentation before remixing the entire album. Nearly fifty years on, a veil of sonic mist has been lifted from these unique recordings.

Format: 2LP 180g gatefold edition featuring the original album and David Rohl. 2024 remix of entire album, both remastered at AIR Mastering, with rare bonus track. Includes newly written liner notes.

The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies (Expanded Edition)

The second Mandalaband album – “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” – took two full years to create. Recorded at Strawberry Studios with the help of Barclay James Harvest plus a plethora of musician friends and colleagues with whom David had worked with over the years including Eric Stewart (10cc), Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), Justin Hayward (Moody Blues), Graham Gouldman, Lol Creme & Kevin Godley (10cc) and Paul Young (Sad Café / Mike and the Mechanics).

The narrative is based on a Tolkienesque fantasy of a magical gemstone, set in prehistory, the music and lyrics tell the tale through different vocalists playing the roles of the leading characters in the story. The Mandalaband founder carefully created this classic symphonic rock album on a budget of just £8,000.

As well as presenting the original album remastered, David gained access to the original 24-track analogue master tapes, having them restored and digitized at Abbey Road Studios before reinforcing the sound and instrumentation before remixing the entire album.

Listening to David’s newly remixed version is a stunning sonic journey, with elements of prog, electronica, soft rock and instrumental soundscapes, the influence of these recordings on prog-music that followed is clear.

Format: 2LP 180g gatefold edition featuring the original album and David Rohl 2024 remix of the entire album, newly remastered at AIR Mastering. Comes with the original 6-panel booklet telling the full “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” story with beautiful illustration and newly written liner notes.

4CD Edition:
Both albums will be released as a 4CD edition housed in a clamshell box, featuring 2024 David Rohl remixes of the band’s first two albums, along with the original versions, with rarities from the archives, all newly remastered at AIR Mastering. Comes with a 24-page booklet with liner notes previously unseen photographs.

TRACKLISTING:
Disc 1: Mandalaband – 2024 Remaster
1. Om Mani Padme Hum (In four movements) 2. Determination 3. Song For a King 4. Roof of the World 5. Looking In
Disc 2: The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies – 2024 Remaster
1. The Eye Of Wendor 2a. Florian's Song 2b. Ride To The City
3. Almar's Tower 4. Like The Wind 5a. The Tempest 5b. Dawn Of A New Day 6. Departure from Carthilias 7. Elsethea 8. Witch of Waldow Wood 9. Siledandre 10. Aenord’s Lament 10a. Funeral of the King 10b. Coronation of Damien
Disc 3: Mandalaband – 2024 David Rohl Version
1. Om Mani Padme Hum (In four movements) 2. Determination 3. Song For a King 4. Roof of the World 5. Looking In 6. Om Mani Padme Hum (Camel Studios Demo) 7. Looking In (CBS Studios Chrysalis Live Audition) 8. Roof of the World (Indigo Sound Demo)
Disc 4: The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies – 2024 David Rohl Version
1. The Eye Of Wendor 2a. Florian's Song 2b. Ride To The City
3. Almar's Tower 4. Like The Wind 5a. The Tempest 5b. Dawn Of A New Day 6. Departure from Carthilias 7. Elsethea 8. Witch of Waldow Wood 9. Siledandre 10. Aenord’s Lament 10a. Funeral of the King 10b. Coronation of Damien 11. Dawn Of A New Day (Single Mix) 12. The Eye Of Wendor (Indigo Sound Demo) 13. Witch Of Waldow Wood (Indigo Sound Demo) 14. Silesandre (Indigo Sound Demo) 15. The Tempest / Dawn Of A New Day (Australian Single Version) 16. Florian's Song / Ride To The City (Australian Single Version)

To purchase: https://burningshed.com/store/mandalaband

Images available on request

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Bruford “One Of A Kind” 12” Vinyl Edition Available November 24, 2023

Definitive vinyl re-release re-issued on Bruford’s own Winterfold Records and overseen personally by drum legend Bill Bruford

• Bill Bruford is the original drummer in YES and was a long-term member of King Crimson.

• The band Bruford recorded this album in 1979 and it went on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success.

Bruford “One Of A Kind” 12” vinyl reissue will be available November 24, 2023!

The line-up on this album is: Bill Bruford – drums, percussion, Allan Holdsworth – electric guitar, Dave Stewart – keyboards, Jeff Berlin – bass

This 12” vinyl re-issue has been mastered from the original 1979 mix, taken from the original 1979 analogue tapes, and comes housed in a replica sleeve.

Mastered from the original tapes recorded and mixed by Stephen W Tayler in 1979

This definitive vinyl re-release is re-issued on Bruford’s own Winterfold Records and was overseen personally by Bill Bruford.

It's music that breathes... played by empathetic, truly virtuosic musicians. But is it rock, jazz, prog or fusion? Who knows, but it's some of the greatest British instrumental music of all time”. Sounds of Surprise

“… despite a landscape of constantly-shifting meters and tempi, the magic of One of a Kind is that it remains compelling and accessible”. All about Jazz

“This collection of ten tracks stands as a maelstrom of chops, arranging skills and inspired ensemble playing... the dynamics between drums, keys and fretless bass provide a high profile, capable structure for Holdsworth's top-flight soloing ability”. Exposé Online

Photo by Pascal Devillers

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1 Hell’s Bells
2 One Of A Kind – Part One
3 One Of A Kind – Part Two
4 Travels With Myself – And Someone Else
5 Fainting In Coils
Side 2
1 Five G
2 The Abingdon Chasp
3 Forever Until Sunday
4 The Sahara Of Snow – Part One
5 The Sahara Of Snow – Part Two

To pre-order: https://burningshed.com/store/billbruford/bruford_one-of-a-kind_vinyl

Bill Bruford official website: https://billbruford.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Be-Bop Deluxe “Hot Valves” Remastered 10-inch Vinyl of Classic EP From 1976 Released November 24, 2023

• NEW REMASTERED 10-INCH VINYL RE-ISSUE OF THIS CLASSIC EP FROM 1976.

• FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK.

Originally issued in November 1976, the “Hot Valves” EP version featured four classic Be-Bop Deluxe songs, “Maid in Heaven”, “Bring Back the Spark”, “Blazing Apostles” and “Jet Silver and the Dolls of Venus” and was a UK Top 40 hit upon its release.

This new 10-inch EP edition has been cut from the original master tapes and is issued as part of Cherry Red Records’ 45s at 45 series.

TRACK LISTING

Side One
1 Maid in Heaven
2 Bring Back the Spark

Side Two
1 Blazing Apostles
2 Jet Silver and the Dolls of Venus

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/be-bop-deluxe-hot-valves-10-vinyl-ep/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, September 21, 2023

MAGMA 50th Anniversary Vinyl Box Set of “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” Release Delayed Until October 27

The release of MAGMA's birthday present in celebration of their iconic third album, which arrives as a lavish box set limited to 2,000 copies, is being delayed due to a manufacturing issue. This has been solved by upgrading the paper quality of the included artbook to an even higher standard. "Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh" will hit stores three weeks later than originally announced on October 27, 2023.

Those customers, who ordered a box set directly from MAGMA's shop or the SPKR and Prophecy label shops can currently expect their copy close to the original release date around October 6, 2023. In case there are no further unexpected delays, MAGMA will also be able to offer boxes at their next live events. Please see below for all currently confirmed dates.

On "Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh", the French avant-garde pioneers and inventors of zeuhl follow the trail of their classic third full-length from the remastered original recording through decades of various incarnations on 7 vinyl LPs!

Please see below for cover art, tracklist, and full details of "Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh".

Please note that due to the singular nature of this release neither promotional copies nor sound will be provided by the label.

Release date: October 27, 2023
Style: Avant-garde rock
Label: Prophecy Productions

MAGMA comment: “With this box set, we want to take you all right into the heart of the composition of our most emblematic work, which allows you to follow its evolution throughout the 50 years of its existence”, mastermind Christan Vander explains. “When we performed ‘Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh’ for the first time, we did not imagine even in our wildest dreams that people would still want us to play this album more than 50 years later. This anniversary deserves to be celebrated, and this edition is a gift for us as well!”

Iconic French avant-garde rockers MAGMA have joined forces with Prophecy Productions to create a lavish boxed set under exclusive license from Seventh Records to celebrate the 50th anniversary entitled “Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” of their legendary milestone release and third studio album “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” (1973).

Apart from a number of special collectors’ items, this box set limited to 2,000 copies contains seven vinyl LPs ranging from the original album to live recordings and other rare materials related to “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” (henceforth abbreviated as “MDK” in this text), of which several were previously unreleased and/or appear on vinyl for the first time.

The albums are numbered in chronological order:

LP 1 “1972 – Paris ORTF”
This is definitely one of the first recorded live versions of “MDK”; and it might even be the first – if anybody could exactly remember this after 50 years. At that time, the masterpiece was still a work in progress.

LP 2 “1973 – Choeurs de la Storchhaus”
This studio recording can be regarded as a demo and it features the choir that played “MDK” live at the SIGMA festival in November 1972. It was first released on CD in 1989 and now appears for the first time on vinyl.

LP 3 “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” (original version)
Despite more than 30 published studio and live recordings, many consider this album to represent MAGMA’s ultimate masterpiece. At the time, Christian Vander had taken the artistic destiny of the French band fully into his hands. The most striking development was the massive impact of the vocalists and choir. This classic was carefully remastered for this edition.

LP 4 (Side 1) “1994 – Les voix de Magma”
This previously unreleased track was recorded live with the addition of a 60-piece choir.

LP 4 (Side 2) “1995 – Babyaga la sorcière”
This surprising adaptation of “MDK” was recorded at the Espace Lumière in Epinay-sur-Seine, France on October 15, 1995 during the second concert celebrating MAGMA’s 25th birthday. It features an impressive choir of children and an instrumental ensemble of teenagers. It was released on CD in 1996, but never before on vinyl.

LP 5 “2000 – Paris Trianon Theater”
This version was recorded in Paris at the Theatre du Trianon during MAGMA’s 30th anniversary celebration and was previously only released on CD as part of a box set in 2001.

LP 6 “2005 – Paris Le Triton”
During May 2005, MAGMA booked the club Le Triton in Paris, changed their programme each week, and brought illustrious past members back to the stage to perform with them. On this recording from May 21, Christian Vander was reunited with legendary bass player Jannick Top. Previously only appearing on DVD, this is the first audio only release of this remarkable event.

LP 7 “2021 – Opéra de Rennes”
This previously unreleased version captures the new MAGMA line-up, which is more vibrant than ever!

For connoisseurs of avant-garde rock, MAGMA needs no introduction. The visionary French band that was founded in Paris by self-educated drummer and percussionist Christian Vander are towering giants within and beyond their genre.

Although MAGMA have been variously filed under avant-garde rock, progressive rock, jazz rock, and other equally fitting terms, the band has also created a sub-genre of their own, which is dubbed zeuhl or zeuhl rock. This term has also been adapted by other bands inspired by the style particularly in France and Japan but also elsewhere.

Christian Vander has created his own lyrical cosmos for MAGMA, in which humanity has destroyed earth and fled to a planet called Kobaïa that has remained at the center of his musical works. With his disturbing vision of humanity’s ecological and spiritual development, Vander was far ahead of his times and quite prophetic.

Most MAGMA lyrics are sung in the fictional language Kobaïan, which was invented by Vander and mainly uses phonetic traits of Germanic and Slavonic languages to enhance the musical expression of the band.

With “Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh”, MAGMA celebrate their classic album's 50th anniversary by giving themselves and their dedicated following a beautiful present in the shape of a lavish limited box set that follows the massive trail of their iconic third full-length from the original through decades of various incarnations. Zeuhl forever!

Remastering for this edition: Marcus Linon at Greasy Records Studio, Paris, France
Layouts Gerald Nimal at UZ Grafik

For more information:
magmamusic.org
www.facebook.com/zeuhlwortzmekanik
www.instagram.com/magma.officiel

To pre-order:
http://lnk.spkr.media/magma-50

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, August 17, 2023

MAGMA Announce Lavish 50th Anniversary Vinyl Box Set of “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh”

MAGMA is making the world of progressive music a massive birthday present in celebration of their iconic third album in the shape of a lavish box set, which is limited to 2,000 copies. Entitled “Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh”, the French avant-garde pioneers and inventors of zeuhl follow the trail of their classic full-length from the remastered original recording through decades of various incarnations on 7 vinyl LPs!

MAGMA comment: “With this box set, we want to take you all right into the heart of the composition of our most emblematic work, which allows you to follow its evolution throughout the 50 years of its existence”, mastermind Christan Vander explains. “When we performed ‘Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh’ for the first time, we did not imagine even in our wildest dreams that people would still want us to play this album more than 50 years later. This anniversary deserves to be celebrated, and this edition is a gift for us as well!”

Iconic French avant-garde rockers MAGMA have joined forces with Prophecy Productions to create a lavish boxed set under exclusive license from Seventh Records to celebrate the 50th anniversary entitled “Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” of their legendary milestone release and third studio album “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” (1973).

Apart from a number of special collectors’ items, this box set limited to 2,000 copies contains seven vinyl LPs ranging from the original album to live recordings and other rare materials related to “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” (henceforth abbreviated as “MDK” in this text), of which several were previously unreleased and/or appear on vinyl for the first time.

The albums are numbered in chronological order:

LP 1 “1972 – Paris ORTF”
This is definitely one of the first recorded live versions of “MDK”; and it might even be the first – if anybody could exactly remember this after 50 years. At that time, the masterpiece was still a work in progress.

LP 2 “1973 – Choeurs de la Storchhaus”
This studio recording can be regarded as a demo and it features the choir that played “MDK” live at the SIGMA festival in November 1972. It was first released on CD in 1989 and now appears for the first time on vinyl.

LP 3 “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh” (original version)
Despite more than 30 published studio and live recordings, many consider this album to represent MAGMA’s ultimate masterpiece. At the time, Christian Vander had taken the artistic destiny of the French band fully into his hands. The most striking development was the massive impact of the vocalists and choir. This classic was carefully remastered for this edition.

LP 4 (Side 1) “1994 – Les voix de Magma”
This previously unreleased track was recorded live with the addition of a 60-piece choir.

LP 4 (Side 2) “1995 – Babyaga la sorcière”
This surprising adaptation of “MDK” was recorded at the Espace Lumière in Epinay-sur-Seine, France on October 15, 1995 during the second concert celebrating MAGMA’s 25th birthday. It features an impressive choir of children and an instrumental ensemble of teenagers. It was released on CD in 1996, but never before on vinyl.

LP 5 “2000 – Paris Trianon Theater”
This version was recorded in Paris at the Theatre du Trianon during MAGMA’s 30th anniversary celebration and was previously only released on CD as part of a box set in 2001.

LP 6 “2005 – Paris Le Triton”
During May 2005, MAGMA booked the club Le Triton in Paris, changed their programme each week, and brought illustrious past members back to the stage to perform with them. On this recording from May 21, Christian Vander was reunited with legendary bass player Jannick Top. Previously only appearing on DVD, this is the first audio only release of this remarkable event.

LP 7 “2021 – Opéra de Rennes”
This previously unreleased version captures the new MAGMA line-up, which is more vibrant than ever!

For connoisseurs of avant-garde rock, MAGMA needs no introduction. The visionary French band that was founded in Paris by self-educated drummer and percussionist Christian Vander are towering giants within and beyond their genre.

Although MAGMA have been variously filed under avant-garde rock, progressive rock, jazz rock, and other equally fitting terms, the band has also created a sub-genre of their own, which is dubbed zeuhl or zeuhl rock. This term has also been adapted by other bands inspired by the style particularly in France and Japan but also elsewhere.

Christian Vander has created his own lyrical cosmos for MAGMA, in which humanity has destroyed earth and fled to a planet called Kobaïa that has remained at the center of his musical works. With his disturbing vision of humanity’s ecological and spiritual development, Vander was far ahead of his times and quite prophetic.

Most MAGMA lyrics are sung in the fictional language Kobaïan, which was invented by Vander and mainly uses phonetic traits of Germanic and Slavonic languages to enhance the musical expression of the band.

With “Une histoire de Mekanïk – 50 Years of Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh”, MAGMA celebrate their classic album's 50th anniversary by giving themselves and their dedicated following a beautiful present in the shape of a lavish limited box set that follows the massive trail of their iconic third full-length from the original through decades of various incarnations. Zeuhl forever!

Release date: October 6, 2023
Label: Prophecy Productions

Remastering for this edition: Marcus Linon at Greasy Records Studio, Paris, France
Layouts Gerald Nimal at UZ Grafik

For more information:
magmamusic.org
www.facebook.com/zeuhlwortzmekanik
www.instagram.com/magma.officiel

To pre-order:
http://lnk.spkr.media/magma-50

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Prog Legends Gentle Giant’s “Interview” Steven Wilson Remix To Be Released on CD, 5.1 Blu-ray and 180g Vinyl June 16, 2023

“Interview” was the eighth studio recorded album of Gentle Giant and was released April 23rd 1976. The line up on the album is Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Gary Green, Kerry Minnear and John Weathers. The album also has the participation of ‘Sounds’ writer Phil Sutcliffe as the ‘interviewer’.

The band had completed a year of non stop touring throughout Europe and North America promoting the highly successful “Free Hand” album. Despite having no real down time the band felt inclined to write and record the follow up to “Free Hand” without having any time to reflect on its success. This may have influenced both the direction and attitude of the album, hence its somewhat cynical concept.

The band recorded the album in its favored Advision Studios where in addition to the usual stereo version the album was also mixed in 4-channel quadraphonic sound. It poked a little satirical fun at the state of the music industry and dissected the way a group’s relationship with the rock press could either help or hinder their career. Stylistically it continued in the vein of their preceding seventh studio album, “Free Hand” released in the year before, in 1975.

Featuring a spoken cameo from Sounds writer Phil Sutcliffe, the shape-shifting funk-rock of the title track “Interview” lampooned clichéd rock ‘n’ roll journalism, while the snappy “Another Show” painted a vivid portrait of life on the road, redolent of The Kinks’ “Here Comes Yet Another Day.”

Elsewhere, “Interview” further displayed the eclectic and versatile nature of the band, from the 5/4 reggae influenced groove of “Give It Back” to the ethereal “Design” which featured a cappella vocal passages combined with a furious percussion section. “Timing” lived up to its name, a complex rocker with stop start dynamics driven by Ray Shulman’s biting electric violin. The album closed breathlessly with the epic seven-minute suite “I Lost My Head”, its deceptively delicate opening majestically transforming into one of Giant’s most unstoppable and relentless riffs. All in all an “Interview” well worth attending.

Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson has remixed “Interview” in Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound. The Porcupine Tree guitarist has long been a fan of the band, noting them as a primary influence on his own work. Wilson’s painstaking attention to detail, deep respect for the source material and keen tonal range make the album sound as fresh today as it did on first release. In addition to the 2023 remixes, the original 1976 stereo mix, original 1976 quad mix, instrumental mixes, and custom visuals for each track are all included in the CD/Blu-ray version.

A limited blue colored vinyl album of the Steven Wilson remix version of “Interview” will also be available.

The worldwide release date for this classic Gentle Giant release is June 16th 2023.

“Interview” will be available to pre-order on CD, CD and 5.1 Blu-ray Digipak as well as a limited edition 180g sky blue variant LP. Also available on 180g regular black vinyl (not limited).

To pre-order: https://linktr.ee/gentlegiantband

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com