12/04/2019

Eric Burdon & The Animals "When I Was Young – The MGM Recordings 1967-1968" Deluxe 5CD Boxed Set Released February 21, 2020


• A DELUXE BOXED SET FEATURING ALL OF THE CLASSIC ALBUMS BY ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS
• FEATURING THE ALBUMS “WINDS OF CHANGE”, “THE TWAIN SHALL MEET”, “EVERY ONE OF US”, “LOVE IS” & THE RARE MONO VERSION OF “WINDS OF CHANGE”
• ALL NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES
• WITH TEN BONUS TRACKS TAKEN FROM SINGLES, ALL RE-MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES FOR THE FIRST TIME
• INCLUDES AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH NEW ESSAY AND A POSTER

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a new boxed set featuring all of the albums recorded by ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS for the MGM Records label issued between October 1967 and December 1968. ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS came together in December 1966 when the original Animals had ground to a halt. Vocalist Eric Burdon recruited Vic Briggs (guitar, piano), John Weider (guitar, violin, bass), Danny McCulloch (bass) and Barry Jenkins (drums) to form a new group which changed direction away from raucous Rhythm and Blues and embraced Psychedelic rock and the influences of the emerging counter-culture. Signing to MGM Records in the USA (where he became based) and teaming up with producer TOM WILSON (also famed for his work with BOB DYLAN, THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION & THE VELVET UNDERGROUND), the band’s debut single “WHEN I WAS YOUNG” was released in April 1967 and was a powerful statement, featuring Weider’s violin and Briggs’ fuzzed guitar, becoming a hit in Europe, Australia and the USA. The B-side of the single A GIRL NAMED SANDOZ was a psychedelic ode to the Swiss pharmaceutical company which developed LSD. The follow-up single, SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS, issued in August 1967, came on the heels of the band’s famed appearance at the MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL in June 1967 and would be the band’s biggest hit, breaking the top twenty in the UK, Europe and the USA. The band’s debut album, WINDS OF CHANGE was issued in October 1967 and featured the singles SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS and GOOD TIMES, along with an inventive cover version of PAINT IT BLACK and the psychedelic rockers YES, I AM EXPERIENCED (a tribute to Burdon’s friend Jimi Hendrix) and IT’S ALL MEAT.

The album “THE TWAIN SHALL MEET” was recorded in December 1967 but not issued until May 1968 and featured two further singles, MONTEREY and SKY PILOT (Parts One & Two). Incredibly 1968 would see a further two album releases by the group in the USA and Europe; “EVERY ONE OF US”, recorded in June and issued in August of that year, was a fine album which saw ZOOT MONEY join the band on organ and piano, but inexplicably the album failed to gain a release in the UK. By the time of its release, Vic Briggs had departed to be replaced by ANDY SUMMERS (formerly with Zoot Money in the band DANTALIAN’s CHARIOT) on guitar. This line-up recorded the double album “LOVE IS” in Los Angeles in October 1968, issued only as a single LP in the UK, which featured imaginative cover versions of RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH, RING OF FIRE (also a hit single in many countries) and Traffic’s COLOURED RAIN. The album also featured the song GEMINI which segued in to a fine re-make of the DANTALIAN’s CHARIOT classic THE MADMAN (RUNNING THROUGH THE FIELDS). Released in December 1968, it was to be the final album by the group. Burdon remained in the United States and joined forces with the group WAR in 1969.

The set features the albums “WINDS OF CHANGE” (both stereo and mono versions), “THE TWAIN SHALL MEET”, “EVERY ONE OF US” and “LOVE IS”, all newly re-mastered from the original master tapes, along with ten bonus tracks drawn from the band’s single releases, including the classic B-sides A GIRL NAMED SANDOZ, AIN’T THAT SO and GRATEFULLY DEAD, all remastered from recently located original master tapes. Also included is an illustrated booklet with new essay and a replica poster. “WHEN I WAS YOUNG – The MGM Recordings” is a fine tribute to the music of Eric Burdon & the Animals.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE

WINDS OF CHANGE
(RE-MASTERED STEREO MIX)
RELEASED IN OCTOBER 1967

1. WINDS OF CHANGE
2. POEM BY THE SEA
3. PAINT IT BLACK
4. THE BLACK PLAGUE
5. YES, I AM EXPERIENCED
6. SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS
7. MAN – WOMAN
8. HOTEL HELL
9. GOOD TIMES
10. ANYTHING
11. IT’S ALL MEAT
BONUS TRACKS
12. WHEN I WAS YOUNG
13. A GIRL NAMED SANDOZ

A & B-SIDES OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN MAY 1967

14. AIN’T THAT SO

B-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN AUGUST 1967

15. GRATEFULLY DEAD

B-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN OCTOBER 1967

16. ANYTHING (SINGLE VERSION)

B-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN MAY 1968

DISC TWO

THE TWAIN SHALL MEET
(RE-MASTERED EDITION)
RELEASED IN MAY 1968

1. MONTEREY
2. JUST THE THOUGHT
3. CLOSER TO THE TRUTH
4. NO SELF PITY
5. ORANGE AND RED BEAMS
6. SKY PILOT
7. WE LOVE YOU LIL
8. ALL IS ONE
BONUS TRACKS
9. SKY PILOT (PART ONE) (MONO SINGLE)
10. SKY PILOT (PART TWO) (MONO SINGLE)

A & B-SIDES OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN JANUARY 1968

11. MONTEREY (MONO SINGLE VERSION)

A-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN MAY 1968

DISC THREE

EVERYONE OF US
(RE-MASTERED EDITION)
RELEASED IN AUGUST 1968

1. WHITE HOUSES
2. UPPERS AND DOWNERS
3. SERENADE TO A SWEET LADY
4. THE IMMIGRANT LAD
5. YEAR OF THE GURU
6. ST. JAMES INFIRMARY
7. NEW YORK 1963 –
AMERICA 1968
BONUS TRACK
8. WHITE HOUSES (SINGLE VERSION)

A-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN NOVEMBER 1968

DISC FOUR

LOVE IS
(RE-MASTERED EDITION)
RELEASED IN DECEMBER 1968

1. RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH
2. I’M AN ANIMAL
3. I’M DYING, OR AM I?
4. RING OF FIRE
5. COLOURED RAIN
6. TO LOVE SOMEBODY
7. AS THE YEARS GO PASSING BY
8. GEMINI
9. THE MADMAN (RUNNING THROUGH THE FIELDS)
BONUS TRACK
10. RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH (SINGLE VERSION)

B-SIDE OF SINGLE – RELEASED IN NOVEMBER 1968

DISC FIVE

WINDS OF CHANGE
(RE-MASTERED MONO MIX)
RELEASED IN OCTOBER 1967

1. WINDS OF CHANGE
2. POEM BY THE SEA
3. PAINT IT BLACK
4. THE BLACK PLAGUE
5. YES, I AM EXPERIENCED
6. SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS
7. MAN – WOMAN
8. HOTEL HELL
9. GOOD TIMES
10. ANYTHING
11. IT’S ALL MEAT

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/eric-burdon-the-animals-when-i-was-young-the-mgm-recordings-1967-1968-5cd/



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

12/03/2019

Crossover Prog Review: Be-Bop Deluxe-Modern Music Reissue (4 CD/1 DVD)

Release Date:  December 6, 2019
Label:  Esoteric Recordings


Born out of the blues-based British rock scene of the late 1960s, Be-Bop Deluxe are part glam, part pop, part punk, and part prog. This limited five disk (4 CD/1 DVD) reissue of their 1976 classic Modern Music is a complete remaster from the original tapes. The box set contains unreleased out-takes, a BBC Radio concert performance, A TV session from BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test, and a previously unreleased bootleg of a performance at the Riviera Theater in Chicago. These recordings were all captured during the height of the band’s creativity in 1976.

Founder Bill Nelson’s vocals conjure the earthiness of Billy Joel mixed with the gravitas of David Bowie. Lyrically, the album was inspired by the disillusionment Nelson felt toward the music business after touring the U.S. and a longing for home. Far ahead of their time, one doesn’t have to listen too carefully to hear the influence they had on post-punk English bands such as The Jam, XTC & Joy Division.

Disc 1 contains the remastered album in its entirety. “Kiss of Light” is chockfull of catchy hooks amplified by screaming guitar. It is but one side of the band as they switch gears with a softer, multi-textured beauty in “The Gold at the End of My Rainbow.” “Shine” is an extended seven-minute rock and funk jam initially released as the B side to “Kiss of Light” and this reviewer’s personal favorite.

Disc 2 is the real gem of the collection with “First Versions” and “New Stereo Mixes” of the entire album.  Those that stand out are: “The Bird Charmer’s Destiny” and “Forbidden Lovers.” Free from the sanitization of heavy production, these tracks are sharp, organic renditions, and the heart and soul of the collection. The “New Stereo Mixes” give the listener a feel for how alternative arrangements may have affected the final song.

Disc 3 gives the listener a taste of Modern Music live, with select tracks from a live show at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. “Blazing Apostles” is an extended twelve-minute sojourn where the progressive runs of Nelson’s concise guitar work are met with Simon Fox’s deep rhythms and Andrew Clark’s dancing piano riffs. This respite rings a bell in the harbor of your mind, clearing the fog and guiding you safely to shore.

While Disc 3 constrains itself to Modern Music, Disc 4 reaches back with music from the band’s first three albums, Axe Victim (1974), Futurama (1975), and Sunburst (1976) live from Riviera Theater in Chicago. Previously unreleased, the live guitar work of Bill Nelson on this disk is exceptional and will leave you wondering how he flew under the radar for so long and never reached the commercial success he so deserves. On this disc, you’ll hear the unrestrained sounds of the band breathing new life into their most popular hits at the time.

Be-Bop Deluxe is a sound you’ll feel you’ve heard before, yet it is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Textures, even within the same songs, are interspersed to produce a profound effect. You’ll hear T-Rex-like rock riffs followed by Genesis-like playful explorations followed by Jeff Buckley-like resonant vocals. If you’re discovering Be-Bop Deluxe for the first time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and feel as if you’ve unearthed a real gem.  If you’ve known them all along, this reissue, especially Disc 2 and 4, will take your appreciation to new heights.
 
Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff
November 22, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:


TRACKS:
Disc 1: CD
Modern Music
The Original Stereo Mix:

01. Orphans of Babylon
02. Twilight Capers
03. Kiss of Light
04. The Bird Charmers Destiny
05. The Gold at the End of My Rainbow
06. Bring Back the Spark
07. Modern Music
08. Dancing in the Moonlight (All Alone)
09. Honeymoon on Mars
10. Lost in the Neon World
11. Dance of the Uncle Sam Humanoids
12. Modern Music (Reprise)
13. Forbidden Lovers
14. Down on Terminal Street
15. Make the Music Magic
16. Shine (B-Side of Single)

Disc 2: CD
Modern Music
The New Stereo Mix:

01. Orphans of Babylon (New Stereo Mix)
02. Twilight Capers (New Stereo Mix)
03. Kiss of Light (New Stereo Mix)
04. The Bird Charmers Destiny (New Stereo Mix)
05. The Gold at the End of My Rainbow (New Stereo Mix)
06. Bring Back the Spark (New Stereo Mix)
07. Modern Music (New Stereo Mix)
08. Dancing in the Moonlight (New Stereo Mix)
09. Honeymoon on Mars (New Stereo Mix)
10. Lost in the Neon World (New Stereo Mix)
11. Dance of the Uncle Sam Humanoids (New Stereo Mix)
12. Modern Music (Reprise) (New Stereo Mix)
13. Forbidden Lovers (New Stereo Mix)
14. Down on Terminal Street (New Stereo Mix)
15. Make the Music Magic (New Stereo Mix)
16. Shining (New Stereo Mix)
17. Forbidden Lovers (First Version)
18. The Bird Charmer’s Destiny (First Version)

Disk 3: CD
BBC Radio One “In Concert” October 2, 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon London

01. Made in Heaven
02. Bring Back the Spark
03. Kiss of Light
04. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape
05. Fair Exchange
06. Ships in the Night
07. Twilight Capers
08. Modern Music
09. Blazing Apostles

Disk 4: CD
Live at the Riviera Theatre, Chicago, March 1976.

01. Fair Exchange
02. Stage Whispers
03. Life in the Air Age
04. Sister Seagull
05. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape
06. Maid in Heaven
07. Ships in the Night
08. Bill’s Blues
09. Blazing Apostles

Disk 4: DVD

Crossover Prog Review: Be-Bop Deluxe-Modern Music Reissue (4 CD/1 DVD)

Release Date:  December 6, 2019
Label:  Esoteric Recordings


Born out of the blues-based British rock scene of the late 1960s, Be-Bop Deluxe are part glam, part pop, part punk, and part prog. This limited five disk (4 CD/1 DVD) reissue of their 1976 classic Modern Music is a complete remaster from the original tapes. The box set contains unreleased out-takes, a BBC Radio concert performance, A TV session from BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test, and a previously unreleased bootleg of a performance at the Riviera Theater in Chicago. These recordings were all captured during the height of the band’s creativity in 1976.

Founder Bill Nelson’s vocals conjure the earthiness of Billy Joel mixed with the gravitas of David Bowie. Lyrically, the album was inspired by the disillusionment Nelson felt toward the music business after touring the U.S. and a longing for home. Far ahead of their time, one doesn’t have to listen too carefully to hear the influence they had on post-punk English bands such as The Jam, XTC & Joy Division.

Disc 1 contains the remastered album in its entirety. “Kiss of Light” is chockfull of catchy hooks amplified by screaming guitar. It is but one side of the band as they switch gears with a softer, multi-textured beauty in “The Gold at the End of My Rainbow.” “Shine” is an extended seven-minute rock and funk jam initially released as the B side to “Kiss of Light” and this reviewer’s personal favorite.

Disc 2 is the real gem of the collection with “First Versions” and “New Stereo Mixes” of the entire album.  Those that stand out are: “The Bird Charmer’s Destiny” and “Forbidden Lovers.” Free from the sanitization of heavy production, these tracks are sharp, organic renditions, and the heart and soul of the collection. The “New Stereo Mixes” give the listener a feel for how alternative arrangements may have affected the final song.

Disc 3 gives the listener a taste of Modern Music live, with select tracks from a live show at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. “Blazing Apostles” is an extended twelve-minute sojourn where the progressive runs of Nelson’s concise guitar work are met with Simon Fox’s deep rhythms and Andrew Clark’s dancing piano riffs. This respite rings a bell in the harbor of your mind, clearing the fog and guiding you safely to shore.

While Disc 3 constrains itself to Modern Music, Disc 4 reaches back with music from the band’s first three albums, Axe Victim (1974), Futurama (1975), and Sunburst (1976) live from Riviera Theater in Chicago. Previously unreleased, the live guitar work of Bill Nelson on this disk is exceptional and will leave you wondering how he flew under the radar for so long and never reached the commercial success he so deserves. On this disc, you’ll hear the unrestrained sounds of the band breathing new life into their most popular hits at the time.

Be-Bop Deluxe is a sound you’ll feel you’ve heard before, yet it is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Textures, even within the same songs, are interspersed to produce a profound effect. You’ll hear T-Rex-like rock riffs followed by Genesis-like playful explorations followed by Jeff Buckley-like resonant vocals. If you’re discovering Be-Bop Deluxe for the first time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and feel as if you’ve unearthed a real gem.  If you’ve known them all along, this reissue, especially Disc 2 and 4, will take your appreciation to new heights.
 
Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff
November 22, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:


TRACKS:
Disc 1: CD
Modern Music
The Original Stereo Mix:

01. Orphans of Babylon
02. Twilight Capers
03. Kiss of Light
04. The Bird Charmers Destiny
05. The Gold at the End of My Rainbow
06. Bring Back the Spark
07. Modern Music
08. Dancing in the Moonlight (All Alone)
09. Honeymoon on Mars
10. Lost in the Neon World
11. Dance of the Uncle Sam Humanoids
12. Modern Music (Reprise)
13. Forbidden Lovers
14. Down on Terminal Street
15. Make the Music Magic
16. Shine (B-Side of Single)

Disc 2: CD
Modern Music
The New Stereo Mix:

01. Orphans of Babylon (New Stereo Mix)
02. Twilight Capers (New Stereo Mix)
03. Kiss of Light (New Stereo Mix)
04. The Bird Charmers Destiny (New Stereo Mix)
05. The Gold at the End of My Rainbow (New Stereo Mix)
06. Bring Back the Spark (New Stereo Mix)
07. Modern Music (New Stereo Mix)
08. Dancing in the Moonlight (New Stereo Mix)
09. Honeymoon on Mars (New Stereo Mix)
10. Lost in the Neon World (New Stereo Mix)
11. Dance of the Uncle Sam Humanoids (New Stereo Mix)
12. Modern Music (Reprise) (New Stereo Mix)
13. Forbidden Lovers (New Stereo Mix)
14. Down on Terminal Street (New Stereo Mix)
15. Make the Music Magic (New Stereo Mix)
16. Shining (New Stereo Mix)
17. Forbidden Lovers (First Version)
18. The Bird Charmer’s Destiny (First Version)

Disk 3: CD
BBC Radio One “In Concert” October 2, 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon London

01. Made in Heaven
02. Bring Back the Spark
03. Kiss of Light
04. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape
05. Fair Exchange
06. Ships in the Night
07. Twilight Capers
08. Modern Music
09. Blazing Apostles

Disk 4: CD
Live at the Riviera Theatre, Chicago, March 1976.

01. Fair Exchange
02. Stage Whispers
03. Life in the Air Age
04. Sister Seagull
05. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape
06. Maid in Heaven
07. Ships in the Night
08. Bill’s Blues
09. Blazing Apostles

Disk 4: DVD

12/02/2019

Modern Prog Artist Dave Kerzner Releases "Breakdown A Compilation 1995-2019" - OUT NOW!


Dave Kerzner is a progressive rock artist and producer who has been making music since the mid-90s with artists such as Kevin Gilbert of Toy Matinee and others. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning band Sound of Contact with Simon Collins and co-wrote/produced their debut album “Dimensionaut.”

Since then, Kerzner has released two highly acclaimed studio solo albums “New World” and “Static” as well as several live albums and a lot of music made with an array of collaborative projects such as his band In Continuum featuring special guests Steve Hackett of Genesis and more, Mantra Vega, a transatlantic project with former Mostly Autumn singer Heather Findlay, Lo-Fi Resistance with Randy McStine and star-studded tribute albums with his side project Sonic Elements.

“Because a lot of my songs have ended up on albums from different bands and projects, as opposed to being easily found on my solo albums, I thought it would be nice to bring a taste of each together in one double CD package at an attractive price to introduce a body of my work to new listeners,” says Kerzner. “While doing this compilation, I also wanted to include previously unreleased outtakes, alternate studio tracks and live versions of songs from these albums so this collection would appeal to those who already have my albums and want more.”

Kerzner's new album “Breakdown” coming out on Cherry Red Records is a collection of 21 songs on 2 CDs with over 2 hours of music produced by Kerzner including brand new versions of songs like “Only Breathing Out” which he originally wrote and recorded with Sound of Contact, as well as the song “All That Is” from the soon to be released sophomore “In Continuum” album. “Acceleration Theory Part 2: Annihilation,” a song that features guest vocalist Jon Davison of Yes and was co-written between Kerzner and Yes co-founder Jon Anderson. The title track of the album,”Breakdown,” is an outtake from Kerzner's solo album “Static.”

In addition to this, the collection offers alternate versions of songs from LoFi Reistance's “Chalk Lines” and Mantra Vega's “The Illusion's Reckoning” with a special trip back to 1995 when he played with Kevin Gilbert's band Thud in the form of a new live tribute performing Kevin's song “Joytown.”

To purchase Dave Kerzner's “Breakdown A Compilation 1995-2019”: https://geni.us/Breakdown

For more information: https://davekerzner.com/

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

Modern Prog Artist Dave Kerzner Releases "Breakdown A Compilation 1995-2019" - OUT NOW!


Dave Kerzner is a progressive rock artist and producer who has been making music since the mid-90s with artists such as Kevin Gilbert of Toy Matinee and others. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning band Sound of Contact with Simon Collins and co-wrote/produced their debut album “Dimensionaut.”

Since then, Kerzner has released two highly acclaimed studio solo albums “New World” and “Static” as well as several live albums and a lot of music made with an array of collaborative projects such as his band In Continuum featuring special guests Steve Hackett of Genesis and more, Mantra Vega, a transatlantic project with former Mostly Autumn singer Heather Findlay, Lo-Fi Resistance with Randy McStine and star-studded tribute albums with his side project Sonic Elements.

“Because a lot of my songs have ended up on albums from different bands and projects, as opposed to being easily found on my solo albums, I thought it would be nice to bring a taste of each together in one double CD package at an attractive price to introduce a body of my work to new listeners,” says Kerzner. “While doing this compilation, I also wanted to include previously unreleased outtakes, alternate studio tracks and live versions of songs from these albums so this collection would appeal to those who already have my albums and want more.”

Kerzner's new album “Breakdown” coming out on Cherry Red Records is a collection of 21 songs on 2 CDs with over 2 hours of music produced by Kerzner including brand new versions of songs like “Only Breathing Out” which he originally wrote and recorded with Sound of Contact, as well as the song “All That Is” from the soon to be released sophomore “In Continuum” album. “Acceleration Theory Part 2: Annihilation,” a song that features guest vocalist Jon Davison of Yes and was co-written between Kerzner and Yes co-founder Jon Anderson. The title track of the album,”Breakdown,” is an outtake from Kerzner's solo album “Static.”

In addition to this, the collection offers alternate versions of songs from LoFi Reistance's “Chalk Lines” and Mantra Vega's “The Illusion's Reckoning” with a special trip back to 1995 when he played with Kevin Gilbert's band Thud in the form of a new live tribute performing Kevin's song “Joytown.”

To purchase Dave Kerzner's “Breakdown A Compilation 1995-2019”: https://geni.us/Breakdown

For more information: https://davekerzner.com/

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