Beautiful Art Print Celebrates 200 Artists of Electronic Music

Nov 1, 2015

The UK-based Dorothy Collective‘s Electric Love Blueprint celebrates over 200 inventors, innovators, artists, composers and musicians who (in our opinion) have been pivotal to the evolution of electronic music from the invention of the earliest known sound recording device in 1857 to the present day. Key pioneers featured include Léon Theremin, Bob Moog, Karlheinz Stockhausen, John Cage, Brian Eno, Kraftwerk and Aphex Twin.

The print loosely groups genres, from the obscure Musique Concrète (Pierre Schaeffer) to the better known Krautrock (Kraftwerk, Can, Tangerine Dream, Neu!, Faust, Cluster, Harmonia and Amon Düül II) Synthpop (Gary Numan, Human League, Depeche Mode, Yazoo and Pet Shop Boys) and Electronica (New Order, The Prodigy, Massive Attack, LCD Sound System and Daft Punk). There are also references to the experimental BBC Radiophonic Workshop and our favourite innovating record labels Mute and Warp.

MuchMusic Compilation ‘Big Shiny Tunes’ Is Getting A Book

Nov 1, 2015

Eternal Cavalier Press is proud to announce our fifth title: A Big Shiny Legacy by celebrated Toronto-based writer Mark Teo, due Spring 2016.

A Big Shiny Legacy is a celebration of Big Shiny Tunes 1, MuchMusic’s iconic 1996 compilation. And while the album is firmly rooted in the ‘90s the book isn’t entirely about nostalgic revelry. Instead, it’s an exploration of how Big Shiny Tunes became one of Canada’s unlikeliest success stories: It launched the nation’s best-selling album series, moving a mind-busting 5 million copies. It placed our alt-rock heroes—Sloan, Limblifter, Pluto—alongside renowned household names like Bush, Beck, and Foo Fighters, canonizing “The Good in Everyone,” “Tinfoil,” and“Paste” in the process.

And true to the book’s title, Big Shiny Tunes left a massive cultural imprint, one that can be found in cover bands, tribute nights, YouTube playlists and used record bins from coast to coast, too.

Through interviews and criticism, A Big Shiny Legacy dives into the album’s origins, its status as the ultimate gateway record, the era of the compilation, and its still-unfolding influence on Canadian music—one track at a time.

Mark Teo is an arts and culture writer. He is currently a content editor for Star Touch, the Toronto Star‘s forthcoming tablet publication. He’s been the associate editor of AUX.TV and AUX magazine and the music and film editor of Fast Forward, Calgary’s now-defunct alt-weekly. His music writing has appeared in publications and websites such as Toronto Life, Broken Pencil, This, Weird Canada, the Coast, Exclaim!, Sharp, and many more. A Big Shiny Legacy is his first book.

“We’ve always admired and enjoyed Mark’s writing,” says ECP Creative Director Joshua Kloke. “As soon as we met with him we knew this would be an excellent fit. And we’ve been spinning Big Shiny Tunes a lot more since then, so we should probably be thanking Mark first and foremost.”

James On How They Write Songs

Nov 1, 2015

How does the writing process manifest itself?

Jim Glennie: There’s five of us that write, so we just get in a room and improvise. We set up the studio to record, and we also tend to get a drum machine going. Then the process starts. Everybody joins in and there’s a lot of shifts and changes. Tim usually sings phonetics. Most of the time we think he’s singing words but they’re not. They’re just a range of sound levels. Occasionally he’ll fire a phrase or a line out. Sometimes it can be nonsense, other times it could be the beginning of the lyric. More often than not though it tends to be phonetics where he’s using his voice as an instrument. He’s looking for melodies. We’re all very supportive so we all tend to listen to one another. Then we try to pick out the main bits we want to mould together into a song. So instead of being free flowing there’s a lot more of a process involved. Which means more work so everyone starts arguing about it, yet once we start playing everything is fine. It’s probably very unconventional but that’s how we’ve always worked. It’s worked for fourteen albums so why change now? And it is amazing fun to go in with nothing and then something emerges over time. Songs lift off in front of you. It’s not something we take for granted and same as Saul said earlier, there’s always nerves and an element of fear because technically there is no thought process. It’s always at the back of our minds that one day we’ll go in and nothing will appear. It’s odd because I don’t think we’ve ever bumped into anyone else who writes like this.
Saul Davies: I’m surprised more people don’t to be honest. I might be wrong but I suspect a band like Sigur Ros might take a similar approach? I would imagine they record everything then mix and remix it really well before deciding on whether it’s right or not.
Jim Glennie: I sometimes wish we could do things as straightforward as that. There’s something to be said for being able to lock yourselves into your own little world and not really reference anybody. You end up being your own little unit. There must be some influences in there from somewhere, but at the same time making a conscious effort not to get too embroiled what’s currently knocking around. It’s difficult to get your head around, but then also probably explains why a band like Sigur Ros has existed on their own terms for so long.

Via Drowned In Sound

The Music Industry’s Most-Loved Albums Of All Time, Part 37

Oct 31, 2015

This is part 37 of an ongoing series where the kind folk of the music business reveal their favourite album of all time.

Ask people in the music industry the seemingly simple and straightforward question, “What is your favourite album of all time?” and you’ll find that it’s not always easy. After all, my industry peers listen to hundreds of albums a month – thousands of songs during that time. Because the question isn’t the best album of all time or the one that’s made them the most money in sales, or the most clicked-on review, but the one release they personally can’t live without, that one title they have two copies of in several formats, in case one breaks. It’s also about that album that for them has the best back stories and the one that has the most meaning in their lives.

Paul Abella, Music Director, Host, Notes from the Jazz Underground and ‘DCB Jazz WDCB Public Radio
The Grateful Dead, Wake of the Flood
There are probably 25 other albums that I could put in this slot with little hesitation, but none of those records have the 1-2-3 punch of Here Comes Sunshine, Eyes of the World and Weather Report Suite (especially for the pt. II section, Let it Grow) as one side of their album. The first side is pure bliss, too – Mississippi Half Step, Let Me Sing Your Blues Away, Row Jimmy and Stella Blue…any band in the world would be lucky to have written ONE song of that caliber, much less a whole album’s worth. As a musician, it’s an inspiration, as a listener, it’s a joy, and it’s just pure nostalgia for me, too. They’re down to one drummer on Wake of the Flood, making their sound lean and swingy. Donna’s in great voice, Keith is contributing gorgeously, Garcia and Lesh play brilliantly and Weir contributes one of his masterpieces. I’m getting all gooey just thinking about it.

Agnes Gould AKA AggieBaby, Host of “Membertou Morning” Monday, CJIJ 99.9FM
Robbie Robertson and the Red Road Ensemble, Music For The Native Americans
The song, Golden Feather, strikes my heart every time because I think of my little sister (Virginia Sue Pictou) who has been missing since April 1993. My favorite song goes out to all MMIWG (Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls) and their loved ones.

Alan Petrucelli, Author
Any Dame Shirley Bassey recording. Why? She is the greatest singer in the world. Period. End of story.

Tricia Jones, Journalist/ Photographer, Examiner.com/AXS.com
Fuel, Natural Selection
I have a vivid memory for practically every song on the album and I can go back there any time I listen to it. The songs and meanings never change for me.

Andre Gardner, Afternoons on 102.9 WMGK/Philadelphia, Host of Breakfast With The Beatles Sunday on WMGK/Philadelphia and KSLX/Phoenix.
The Beatles, The White Album
I’ve been a Beatles maniac since 1964 when I was 3 and, since then, their music was instantly beloved to me. With each successive album, we heard monumental jumps in creativity, songwriting and use of the studio, and it all came together for me with The White Album. Yes, it’s probably the least ‘group’ album, since they were going off in so many different directions, but that’s part of the charm of that magnificent work. The variety of musical styles is staggering. I mean, Helter Skelter and Goodnight on the same album??? Simply amazing.

Want. Check Out This Portable Record Player

Oct 31, 2015

Rocket & Wink has long been famous for maximize size and increasing performance. This time they have outdone ourselves with the Rawman 3000. The first portable vinyl player from the 80s. The Rawman 3000 produces such a big, rich sound, that it only can be compared to a very elaborate and expensive component stereo record player system. Yet, it´s so small that you can take it anywhere you go . There is really no way to convey the remarkable sound quality of this little machine. You´ve got to hear it.

The Rawman comes with featherweight (1.4. oz.), stereo headphones, USB Port, Smartcard, antenna for Bluetooth connection and practical carrying strap. Furthermore an exclusive Hot-Line button which lets you carry-on a conversation or sing along over the music.

The Rawman 3000 is available in 7“,10“ and 12“ from june 1983 (in an other dimension).

rawman 3000. portable vinyl players. first, portable, vinyl, player, record, 80s, 80er, walkman, hipster, bmx, musthave, rocket + wink, portable vinyl player, new

Infographic: How to Make Money in Music Using Lyrical Placement

Oct 31, 2015

In 2003, There were 82 different brands mentioned in the Billboard Top 20 and Mercedes mentions won by a massive margin, with more than twice its nearest competitor. Lil’ Kim, Eminem, 50 Cent, Jay-Z all got in the act. Things haven’t really changed that much, except now all genres are getting into the action.

Via The Atlantic

Women Texts Her Ex Using Nothing But Adele’s “Hello” Lyrics

Oct 31, 2015

Last week, PR student Mary Caldarella, texted her ex Matt only using lyrics from Adele’s new single, “Hello”. She put them up on Twitter, and had over 10,000 RTs.

65 Years Of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and The Peanuts Gang. Features Music From The Who.

Oct 30, 2015

An incredible look at how 65 years of how Charles Schultz’s creation of the Peanuts gang inspired dreamers and underdogs. Features music from The Who. Of course.

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace – embarks upon his greatest mission as he takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis The Red Baron, while his best pal, Charlie Brown, begins his own epic quest. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.

Fleetwood Mac Release Expanded Edition Of “Tusk”

Oct 30, 2015

Fleetwood Mac builds on its formidable legacy as one of rock’s most legendary acts as they re-visit their most ambitious album with deluxe and expanded editions of TUSK. Originally released in 1979, the Grammy Award-nominated, double-album sold more than four million copies worldwide, climbed to #4 on the US album charts, and introduced fans to hits like “Sara,” “Think About Me,” and the title track. Hear the previously unreleased live version of “Sara” (Tuscon, 08/28/80) below.

The announcement comes as the band – Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks – continues it’s acclaimed, sold out “On With The Show” world tour. Concerts are scheduled this month in Australia and New Zealand with tickets on sale now.

To follow the historic, global success of 1977’s Grammy-Award winning Rumours, Fleetwood Mac chose to take a more experimental approach on Tusk. The most famous example has to be the unexpected and beloved inclusion of the University of Southern California’s marching band on the title track.

TUSK will be available December 4 from Warner Bros. Records as a Deluxe Edition (5-CD/2-LP/1-DVD), an Expanded Edition (3-CD), and a single disc of the newly remastered original album. Digital versions will also be available.

TUSK (DELUXE EDITION) delves deep into the vaults with five CDs including the remastered original album, an alternate version of the complete album made up of session outtakes, most of which have never been released, as well as an additional selection of singles, demos and remixes, including an outtake of “Think About Me,” an early version of “That’s Enough For Me” called “Out On The Road,” plus several incarnations of “I Know I’m Not Wrong.”

Also included are two discs loaded with 22 unreleased performances from the band’s 1979 Tusk tour with selections from concerts in London, Tucson, and St. Louis. It includes live versions of album tracks like “Sara, “Over And Over” and “Save Me A Place,” as well as favorites like “Landslide,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Rhiannon,” “Don’t Stop” and “Go Your Own Way.”

Rounding out the Deluxe Edition is a 5.1 surround mix of Tusk on DVD-Audio and vinyl of the original album on 2-LPs. The collection comes housed in an elegant box reminiscent of the acclaimed Rumours Deluxe Edition with a booklet that has extended liner notes that feature new interviews with all the band members.

TUSK: DELUXE EDITION (5-CD/2-LP/1-DVD)

Disc One: Original Album Remastered

“Over & Over”
“The Ledge”
“Think About Me”
“Save Me A Place”
“Sara”
“What Makes You Think You’re The One”
“Storms”
“That’s All For Everyone”
“Not That Funny”
“Sisters Of The Moon”
“Angel”
“That’s Enough For Me”
“Brown Eyes”
“Never Make Me Cry”
“I Know I’m Not Wrong”
“Honey Hi”
“Beautiful Child”
“Walk A Thin Line”
“Tusk”
“Never Forget”

Disc Two: Singles, Outtakes, Sessions

“Think About Me” (Single Remix)
“That’s All For Everyone” (Remix)
“Sisters Of The Moon” (Remix)
“Not That Funny” (Single Remix)
“Sara” (Single Edit)
“Walk A Thin Line” (Song #3 – 03/13/79)
“Honey Hi” (Alternate Version – 10/18/78)
“Storms” (Alternate Version – 11/30/78)
“Save Me A Place” * (2^nd Version – 10/10/78)
“Never Make Me Cry” (Version – 04/17/79)
“Out On The Road” (aka “That’s Enough For Me” – Demo – 12/19/78) *
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” – Lindsey’s Song #1 (Demo)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (10/10/78 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (11/3/78 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (4/25/79 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (8/13/79 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (1/23/79 Version)
“Tusk” (Demo – 01/15/79) *
“Tusk” “Stage Riff” (Demo – 01/30/79)*
“Tusk” (Outtake Track – 02/01/79)*
“Tusk” (Outtake Mix – 01/23/79) *
“Tusk” (USC Version – 06/04/79) *

Disc Three: The Alternate Tusk

“Over & Over” (04/02/79) *
“The Ledge” (03/13/79)
“Think About Me” (02/18/79) *
“Save Me A Place” (10/18/78) *
“Sara” (03/10/79)
“What Makes You Think You’re The One” (02/24/79) *
“Storms” (06/02/79) *
“That’s All For Everyone” (10/20/78) *
“Not That Funny” (05/19/79) *
“Sisters Of The Moon” (11/12/78)
“Angel” (04/02/79) *
“That’s Enough For Me” (09/29/78) *
“Brown Eyes” (with Lindsey & Peter Green, 09/20/78) *
“Never Make Me Cry” (02/08/79) *
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” (11/02/78) *
“Honey Hi” (10/11/78) *
“Beautiful Child” (10/09/78) *
“Walk A Thin Line” (04/06/79) *
“Tusk” (07/19/79) *
“Never Forget” (06/29/78) *

Disc Four: Tusk Tour Live I

Intro (Wembley, 06/26/80)
“Say You Love Me”(Wembley, 06/26/80)
“The Chain” (Wembley, 06/20/80)
“Don’t Stop” (Wembley, 06/27/80)
“Dreams” (Wembley, 06/20/80)
“Oh Well” (Wembley, 06/20/80)
“Rhiannon” (Tuscon, 08/28/80)
“Over And Over” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)
“That’s Enough For Me” (Wembley, 06/21/80)
“Sara” (Tuscon, 08/28/80)
“Not That Funny” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)
“Tusk” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)

Disc Five: Tusk Tour Live II

“Save Me A Place” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)
“Landslide” (Omaha, 08/21/80)
“What Makes You Think You’re The One” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)
“Angel” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)
“You Make Loving Fun” (Wembley, 06/20/80)
“I’m So Afraid” (St. Louis, 11/05/79)
“World Turning” (Wembley, 06/22/80)
“Go Your Own Way” (Wembley, 06/22/80)
“Sisters Of The Moon” (Wembley, 06/22/80)
“Songbird” (Wembley, 06/27/80)

All live tracks previously unreleased

TUSK: EXPANDED EDITION (3CD)

Disc One: Original Album Remastered

“Over & Over”
“The Ledge”
“Think About Me”
“Save Me A Place”
“Sara”
“What Makes You Think You’re The One”
“Storms”
“That’s All For Everyone”
“Not That Funny”
“Sisters Of The Moon”
“Angel”
“That’s Enough For Me”
“Brown Eyes”
“Never Make Me Cry”
“I Know I’m Not Wrong”
“Honey Hi”
“Beautiful Child”
“Walk A Thin Line”
“Tusk”
“Never Forget”

Disc Two: Singles, Outtakes, Sessions

“Think About Me” (Single Remix)
“That’s All For Everyone” (Remix)
“Sisters Of The Moon” (Remix)
“Not That Funny” (Single Remix)
“Sara” (Single Edit)
“Walk A Thin Line” (Song #3 – 03/13/79)
“Honey Hi” (Alternate Version – 10/18/78)
“Storms” (Alternate Version – 11/30/78)
“Save Me A Place” * (Version – 10/10/78)
“Never Make Me Cry” (Version – 04/17/79)
“Out On The Road” (aka “That’s Enough For Me” – Demo – 12/19/78) *
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” – Lindsey’s Song #1 (Demo)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (10/10/78 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (11/3/78 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (4/25/79 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (8/13/79 Version)
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” * (1/23/79 Version)
“Tusk” (Demo – 01/15/79) *
“Tusk” “Stage Riff” (Demo – 01/30/79) *
“Tusk” (Outtake Track – 02/01/79)*
“Tusk” (Outtake Mix – 01/23/79) *
“Tusk” (USC Version – 06/04/79) *

Disc Three: The Alternate Tusk

“Over & Over” (04/02/79) *
“The Ledge” (03/13/79)
“Think About Me” (02/18/79) *
“Save Me A Place” (10/18/78) *
“Sara” (03/10/79)
“What Makes You Think You’re The One” (02/24/79) *
“Storms” (06/02/79) *
“That’s All For Everyone” (10/20/78) *
“Not That Funny” (05/19/79) *
“Sisters Of The Moon” (11/12/78)
“Angel” (04/02/79) *
“That’s Enough For Me” (09/29/78) *
“Brown Eyes” (with Lindsey & Peter Green, 09/20/78) *
“Never Make Me Cry” (02/08/79) *
“I Know I’m Not Wrong” (11/02/78) *
“Honey Hi” (10/11/78) *
“Beautiful Child” (10/09/78) *
“Walk A Thin Line” (04/06/79) *
“Tusk” (07/19/79) *
“Never Forget” (06/29/78) *

* Denotes previously unreleased

Ralph Steadman’s 21 Best Designed Album Covers

Oct 30, 2015

Few designers in history are as popular in the last 40 years as Ralph Steadman. You can’t even think of the gonzo journalism of Hunter S. Thompson without Steadman’s dark and often surreal illustrations helping Thompson’s stories come to life. Not eager to settle into the book industry, he designed many album covers, too. Here’s a look at 21 of his best.