Hola Minions! I hope this message finds you well. Here's tip to put a little pep in your mood. The artist known as Vassy has come up for Oxygen, her latest single, sent to you with love. Here's a statement from her to us, enjoy!
"Hi Guys, It has been a difficult year for all of us with this pandemic, I was stuck at home with a nasty foot injury unable to walk for 6 months. It was miserable and I fell into a funk for a while, As a result I created ÖXYGĖN an uplifting collaboration with Outgang (Showtek) & TwoWorldsApart.....I felt like I was drowning and needed to come up for air... I hope you guys enjoy ÖXYGĖN because it saved me!!" Big Hugs
"AMERICAN PIE" MADONNA STYLE CELEBRATES 20th ANNIVERSARY
Madonna's Version Topped Billboard's Dance Club Songs Chart in 2000
Don McLean's Original Recording To Celebrate 50th Anniversary In 2021
Original "American Pie" crooner and songwriter Don McLean celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Madonna's version!
As many people know, there are some songs that are considered classics. So when another artist covers a classic song, it can either turn out to be a hit (Whitney Houston covers Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’) or it could be a dud (Jessica Simpson covering Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Are Made For Walkin’’).
One song that would be considered both, depending on who you talk to, is Madonna’s take on "American Pie" by Don McLean.
At the behest of her co-star Rupert Everett, Madonna recorded her version for the soundtrack to their film The Next Best Thing, a romantic dramedy from Midnight Cowboy director John Schlesinger, which starred Madonna, Rupert Everett, Benjamin Bratt, and Neil Patrick Harris.The film was critically panned and soon faded from memory, but “American Pie” -- released as a single the same day on March 3, 2000 -- became a polarizing global hit.
While the movie did not do well, the song hit its peak at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs.
Produced by William Orbit, her lead collaborator on Ray of Light and “Beautiful Stranger” (her psychedelic 1999 single from the second Austin Powers soundtrack), the “American Pie” track is colorful, almost gaudy -- the theremin-like synths and marching snares threaten to tip over into kitsch.
Don McLean, when interviewed in 2015, said this about Madonna covering his song: “I loved it. I thought it was outstanding. I thought Madonna did a great job with it. To me, she’s an artist for the 20th and the 21st century. She’s magnificent."
"It is a gift for her to have recorded 'American Pie,'" McLean continued. "I think it is sensual and mystical. I also feel that she's chosen autobiographical verses that reflect her career and personal history. I have received many gifts from God but this is the first time I have ever received a gift from a goddess."
In the music video, Madonna seemingly becomes an avatar for America itself. Between shots of her dancing in front of the flag, she showcases a diverse cast of working-class, queer, ordinary Americans. “American Pie” was unusually patriotic and nostalgic, two words rarely associated with Madonna.
Country Music Stand-out Vonn Kiss Releases Latest Single "Whiskey, Woman & Me"
Country music singer/songwriter Vonn Kiss keeps the fire lit with a new heartwarming, traditional country tune. “Whiskey, Woman & Me” premiered by Country Sway, resonates with those who may be experiencing hardship and pain, providing a lyrical shelter for the brokenhearted in search of comfort. Vonn writes through personal experience in hopes to illustrate the idea that suffering can sneak up on you and shoot when least expected but songs like “Whiskey, Woman & Me” help heal the wound. The new single is available now on all streaming platforms.
“Life can be a broken body, a broken soul, and sometimes both. You search for the answers as to why and it often takes the deeper realization of someone else's pain to give you strength and know that you are not alone; though different, it is pain nonetheless,” shares Vonn.
This American country staple artist relentlessly continues to craft country classics that resonate with those who hold their hearts on their sleeve. Vonn’s genuine grit, determination and passion reflect a strong desire to deliver songs that leave a lasting impact. “Whiskey, Woman & Me” provides the listener with lyrics that parallel a pill that; though hard to swallow, is just what the doctor ordered. As Vonn Kiss releases one stellar single after another, fans will not want to miss what this rising star has in store for the coming months.
You can stream Vonn Kiss’s new single “Whiskey, Woman & Me” directly on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. This single along with others are to be dropped in the coming months contributing to a highly anticipated fall album release.
Visit his website and socials linked below to keep up with future announcements and releases.
"Yeah, I'm thankful Scratch that, baby, I'm grateful Gotta say it's really been a whileBut now I got back that smile (Smile)" - Smile, Katy Perry Katy Perry released a new single this week titled "Smile" about the power of perseverance. It seems like the anthem we could all use at present. Not to mention the whimsical photo above with Katy dressed as a clown for our amusement. Thus today, think of something that makes you smile, and focus on it. Trust me it is something that will make your day a little more brighter. Remember tough times don't last, tough people do... Katy on IG - https://www.instagram.com/katyperry/?hl=en
My Friends Are Internet And I Want To Break You Open
Genres Spanning New Wave, Electronic and Indie/Dream Pop
Set for Release on July 31, 2020
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Two Advance Singles out June 26 & July 17
Adult Karate (the musical moniker for versatile artist K.C. Maloney) is poised to release his second album, My Friends Are Internet And I Want To Break You Open, on July 31, 2020, on tastemaker label Plug Research. More than a year and a half in the making, this new album is a true expression of the artist’s musical evolution, a culmination of both his personal life journey and the integration of his various musical influences. This dynamic, boundary-crossing release defies genre pigeonholing and seamlessly glides between musical styles while Maloney’s candid, sometimes confessional lyrics and reverbed-out vocals hold the whole picture together. Two singles (both with B-sides) will precede the album release: “Euphoria” will be available on June 26, and expect “Keep Your Love” on July 17, 2020. For more information, please visit https://www.adultkaratemusic.com.
My Friends Are Internet… is Adult Karate’s most wide-ranging effort to date, adeptly mixing and crossing over genres from acid house to disco to indie rock, all the while maintaining the kind of tender introspection that lies at the heart of Maloney’s music. Listening to the album, you get the sense that Maloney has hit his stride after working through a troubled past marked by addiction and issues around sexuality and identity—that there has in fact been a kind of trial by musical fire that’s both inspired and fed the artist’s journey through these personal issues/demons. One might interpret Maloney’s musical growth from the first Adult Karate release LXII, which the artist has said was “mostly an excursion into dark electronic music and slowed-down deep house” to the genre-bending ride that is My Friends Are Internet… as the artist’s finding more confident musical footing and integrating all the various aspects of his musical personality into one enthralling whole. The result is a powerhouse of an album—catchy, haunting, introspective, celebratory.
Photo: Natalie Arriola
Lead Single “Euphoria” out June 26
Adult Karate’s first single, “Euphoria" (with "Fighters" on the B-side), which comes out this Friday, June 26, is, according to Maloney himself, “by far the poppiest-sounding music I’ve ever written.” Indeed, its four-on-the-floor drumbeat and catchy, Interpol-esque guitar hook recalls the best indie rock of the aughts more than the dark electronic roots where Adult Karate began, but Maloney’s plaintive lyrics and strong vocal performances, along with the crescendo-ing, electronic-leaning choruses, make this one of his crossover-genre masterpieces. “Euphoria” lyrically mines the process of forgetting an ex, a familiar yet timeless subject that Maloney describes poignantly: “It’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s necessary.” It’s a song for shoegazing as much as it is for taking a long, breezy drive with the top down—there’s something in it for fans of genres spanning electronic, dance and rock.
Second Single “Keep Your Love” out July 17
“Keep Your Love”—with "Those Words/Robot 36C" on the B-side—the second single off of All My Friends Are Internet… was born from an idea Maloney originally worked on for his second EP, Indoors. What started out as more of a deep house track grew into more of a “dark disco kind of thing,” with an infectious groove built from live drums and looped guitars layered in lockstep. Outgrowing the house beat and moving toward the organic drum track changed the feel of the song completely, and opened the door for one of the strongest vocal performances on the album. On the lyrics to “Keep Your Love,” Maloney says, “It’s about the passage of time and how unforgiving it can be. Fear of aging and all that. Partly inspired by some health issues I’ve been going through the past few years.”
The byline are the lyrics I am fixated on from Jay Jacobson's latest single These Troubled Times. If you have to ask why, you really haven't been paying attention to the world around you the last few days. You may recall the interview I did with Jay when the single first dropped, if not, hit the link below: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2020/04/these-troubled-times.html Jay just dropped a hauntingly beautiful and evocative video to accompany the song of our times. Hit it after the jump! Stay at home and stay safe 💓
Burnaby, BC CANADA - A punk legend / city councillor and local mayor have combined forces to create the seemingly impossible: a COVID-19 rock anthem.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Councillor Joe Keithley celebrate the spirit of our communities and our frontline workers with the release of "We're All in This Together," a passionate, upbeat song for our times.
"Joe wrote this great song, and I hope it energizes and fortifies people to stay strong," said Hurley. "It captures the community's grit and determination that we see all around us today, and calls on us to double down on our commitment to each other and beat COVID-19."
Keithley and Hurley performed the song - with appropriate physical distancing - for a video shot at Burnaby's Deer Lake Park. The song is both a salute to the resilience and perseverance of residents during the COVID-19 crisis and a rallying call:
"We're all in, this together We've got to brave, this stormy weather You can count on us, we're your neighbours We're all in, this together"
Councillor Keithley sings lead vocals and plays guitar for the arrangement, while Mayor Hurley, a lifelong guitar player, accompanies Keithley on bass and backup vocals.
"Writing this song was just a natural as I saw the growing effort by our fellow Canadians to keep as many folks as possible safe throughout the pandemic," said Keithley, who is also the front man for legendary punk band D.O.A. "It's my way of thanking and expressing my admiration for the nurses, doctors and all the front line workers. They are the best!"
Considered a 'godfather of Canadian punk,' Keithley founded D.O.A. in 1978. The band is known for its consistent thread of political activism and its diverse sound rooted in punk rock.
In 2018, Keithley took the band's slogan TALK-ACTION=0 to the next level when he was elected to Burnaby City Council. Hurley, a former fire fighter, was elected mayor in the same election and since then, the two musicians have performed together for a number of charitable events around town.
New Facebook Live Variety Series, “Escape the Virus with a Lights Out-ing,” Airs Saturdays @ 4 p.m. EST
Call it fate, call it coincidence, call it happenstance, but every so often there occurs a magic moment − unplanned and unforeseen − when a song arrives just at the point it is needed most. Such is the case with “All That Matters,” by LIGHTS OUT, which is poised to become an anthem for these troubling and frightening times.
The first single/video and title track from the vocal quartet’s new album, All That Matters– just released April 17 − is a moving, uplifting and inspirational piece that imbues the listener with what is most needed as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic: Optimism that a better day is on the horizon and the unshakeable belief that the human spirit is always stronger than the most fearsome foe.
In line with the group’s pandemic efforts, LIGHTS OUT has launched a weekly Facebook Live variety series, “Escape the Virus with a Lights Out-ing,” webcasting every Saturday at 4 p.m. EST. Weekly themes range from archival concert videos, to live Zoom performances, fan recipe cooking segments, story-swapping, topical discussions, and most importantly throughout, regular fan interaction. It’s all about maintaining the individual and group intimacy with their fans that the group holds in such high regard despite the tenuous climate the pandemic has created. Indeed, social distancing has inspired LIGHTS OUT to further find ways of staying close to its fans through social media.
Composed by membersChris JamesandDanny Goscicki,“All That Matters”is a work of classic blue-eyed soul marked by an indelible, instantly familiar melody and the breathtaking vocal harmonies that are the sonic signature ofLIGHTS OUT. Despite its of-the-moment urgency, it was written and recorded before the world had ever heard the phrase “COVID-19.”
According to Rob Fleishman, fellow group member Chad Moroz suggested the track be released as a single. “That,” Fleishman explains, “kind of sparked an idea in my head to create the video. So I created the video and it kind of took on a life of its own.
“At first, it was going to go down the road of friendship and how the group is together,” he continues. “But the ‘A-ha!’ moment came while I was watching the news. It kinda hit me that the lyrics are just so inspirational for this moment. It spoke to me as, ‘Why not thank the people who are on the front lines?’ Which is why at the end of the video, we thank everyone − doctors, nurses, cashiers, farmers, truck drivers, teachers, the military− for working as hard as they are to save our lives right now.”
The phrase "working hard" also applies to the Philadelphia-based unit that was formed by its members when they were students at the University of Delaware. Starting as an a capella group inspired primarily by Rockapellaand Boyz II Men, LIGHTS OUT has simultaneously traveled several musical paths, including being a popular attraction at many of the nation's top venues,2 performing their own blend of originals and covers, and as a highly successful FrankieValli and the Four Seasons tributeact as well as their original show, The Jersey Beach Boys.
Through the years, the troupe’s thrilling vocal harmonies, polished stageshowsand songwriting prowess have providedLIGHTS OUTwith the opportunities to work withMartina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Philadelphia’s chart-topping vocal groupBoyz II Men, andBarry Carl ofRockapella.BoyzII Men co-founderMike McCarywas so impressed by the foursome that he actually served as its manager. Although today, the group’s career is overseen by another Philly music legend,Jerry Grossof the revered 1960s vocal act,The Dovells, the relationship withMcCarycontinues to pay dividends.
“We were all, at one point, going to school for music at the University of Delaware,” offers Chris James. “Being a music major is amazing, because you learn so much, but you also can kind of get pigeonholed a little bit, even in your own mind. You can get kind of closed-in and not realize that even though the rules say you shouldn't do something, there are ways to do it that might sound good. Mike started opening our eyes to different harmonies and different voicings and different movements within the four of our voices that we would not have had otherwise. It's not just that we wouldn't have thought of them. But we probably would have said, ‘That note's not in the chord, that won’t work.’ But he opened our ears and our minds into a completely new way of harmony. And to this day we take that with us everywhere we go.”
The evidence the band members have taken such lessons to heart can be heard on the All That Matters album, which boasts, in addition to the title cut, 12 tracks steeped in the quartet’s shimmering, usually breathtaking harmonies. Aside from nine originals, the album boasts four covers: The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” The 4 Seasons’ “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” Mr. Big’s “To Be With You,” and most notably, a sharp and energetic “hip-pop” reinvention of “Stand By Me” featuring a guest appearance by show business titan Ben Vereen.
What better way to start than with a pair of singles from everyone's favorite crime-fighting superheroes, The Aquabats!.
The first single, "Pajamazon!," is available now and it's the perfect upbeat theme to help get you through these quarantined days.
The band addresses the positives of staying inside while combining sax and trumpets with insanely catchy lyrics.
It's the first taste of The Aquabats' first studio album since 2011 and the family-friendly swinger the world needs.
The band's second single, "No One Wants to Party!" comes out on May 1st and it sees the band trying to figure out why no one wants to party at their place. Could it be the man-bun?
Both singles are from the band's upcoming eighth album, Kooky Spooky...In Stereo, which is scheduled for a summer release and will be available on CD and LP as well.
"Ain't gonna stop until I stop it, Ain't gonna let it go until I drop it," growls Eddie Spaghetti on the first track off the Supersuckers 13th studio album, "Play That Rock n' Roll." Tracked over the course of four sweltering days at Willie Nelson's Austin, TX studio, "Play That Rock n' Roll" rocks with an amphetamine intensity, delivering muscular riffs, big choruses and more than a few tricks up it's sleeve.
Raw, immediate and often times hilarious, "Play That Rock n' Roll' is the album a band makes after slugging it out on the road for thirty years (barring a one year hiatus while Eddie battled throat cancer). No frills, no guest stars and no collaborations, the album earns the listener's ear - the Supersuckers have lived this shit and you can feel it.
Songs like "Bringing It Back" and "Last Time Again" deliver a Ramones-like wall of sound, courtesy of guitarist Metal Marty Chandler, while "You Ain't The Boss Of Me" recalls Dirty Deeds-era AC/DC - and never one to be taken too seriously, Eddie and company make sure to keep the Supersuckers tongue firmly planted in cheek with "That's a Thing?" and "Gettin' Into Each Other's Pants". The album also includes a rousing cover of Michael Monroe's "Dead, Jail or Rock n' Roll" and a long overdue revival of the Allen Toussaint penned "A Certain Girl," which appears as an "unlisted track."
All in all, "Play That Rock n' Roll" delivers the middle finger brand of Rock n' Roll the band has been known for since signing to Sub Pop in the early 1990's. Combining the ferocity of Motörhead, the off kilter humor of Cheap Trick and the swagger of Steve Earle, the 'Suckers earned their spurs playing everywhere from dirt floor dive bars to The Tonight Show. Thirty years later, they still deliver the goods, or in the words of Eddie Spaghetti himself...
"The Supersuckers have been doing this for a long time. A LONG time. And the fact that we're still doing it is not lost on us. We still love Rock n Roll. I mean, we must. There's no other explanation for why we would still be putting out fresh, new rock music anymore. No one NEEDS it. Hell, hardly anybody even WANTS it. But here it is. Another master class in quality Rock n' Roll. Sure it's for the few, the proud, the People of Impeccable Taste, the Connoisseurs Of Quality but it makes us happy to know we still got it. And we do. We might be better than we've ever been and that's exciting. So here it is, our love letter to good, ass kicking rock n roll. Turn it on, turn it up and listen to the Supersuckers play that Rock n' Roll!!"
US TOUR DATES:
1/16 - Steamboat Springs, CO @ Schmiggity's Live Music
1/18 - Denver, CO @ Globe Hall
1/19 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
1/22 - Dallas, TX @ Three Links Deep Ellum
1/23 - Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room & Garage
1/24 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
1/26- Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
1/29 - Outlaw Country Cruise
* Full European tour starts Feb 7, US dates continue in May 2020
Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Stephen McNally who recently reunited after a 15-year hiatus are back in a big way with a recent performance on Good Morning AmericaBBMAK on GMA as well as a special Facebook Live GMA Facebook Live sneak peak backstage with host Ginger Zee as they surprised a staff member with a very special serenade of their huge hit “Back Here” as well as interviews with CBSand many more.
The band recently performed a mash-up of their songs “Bullet Train” and “Back Here” on Good Morning America. Click here to listen to “Bullet Train” http://smarturl.it/e7dwor and watch the lyric video: https://youtu.be/kGmxv6wW9XU.
BBMAK are also excited to announce new North American & UK tour dates. The tour is set to kick off in San Diego on November 3 and wrap up on December 16 in Glasgow, UK. All dates (see below) will go on sale Friday, September 13 at 10:00 AM PST - https://bbmak.com/#tour. The tour, dubbed “Back Here” after their massive 1999 worldwide hit, travelled through such cities as Boston (SOLD OUT), New York, Nashville & Austin, TX this past May.
Tour Dates
11/3 House of Blues / Voodoo Room - San Diego, CA
11/5 Belasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA
11/6 Slims - San Francisco, CA
11/7 House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
11/15 Epcot/ WDW - Orlando, FL
11/16 Epcot/WDW - Orlando, FL
12/12 02 Academy Islington - London UK
12/13 02 Academy 2 - Birmingham, UK
12/15 Academy 3 - Manchester, UK
12/16 Oran Mor - Glasgow, UK
The band have also released their new single, “So Far Away” from their forthcoming album Powerstation.“So Far Away” is available at all digital retailers https://ffm.to/5z3589r now and you can view the video here: https://youtu.be/Kaz-tTYhCt8
"So Far Away” is a song ultimately about longing. The soaring guitars and huge drums on this song definitely match the epic scenery in the video” Christian, Mark & Ste
Powerstation was produced by BBMAK, Jonathan Radford Mead, Steve Chrisanthou (Corinne Bailey Rae) & Firebox and is set for release on October 11th via Topanga Creek Records and The Orchard. Pre-order/pre-save is available now: https://ffm.to/powerstation
“When we got back together last year, we never dreamed we would end up where we are today. We had such good times with BBMAK, from touring with *NSYNC to performing on The Tonight Show to being a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and we thought maybe that was enough. But when we got together again, the magic was still there, so much so that we started writing music again like not a moment had passed. The result is Powerstation, which is coming out in October and we literally can’t wait for you to hear it. We’ve been absolutely blown away by the love, support and excitement from everyone who has come to see us at our shows or written to us online to tell us how much it means to you that we’re together again.” Christian, Mark & Ste
To coincide with the release of Powerstation, the group has one of a kind, unique items up for grabs on their website (www.bbmak.com). Items on the store include the BBMAK Vintage Merch Bundle (1 vintage signed postcard, 2 vintage stickers, set of four pins, and three guitar picks), an acoustic video performance of each buyer’s chosen song, a short video message from the band and disposable cameras filled with images taken in the studio, on tour, or around town.
Other exclusive items include a handwritten & signed lyric sheet for one BBMAK song of your choosing, a signed polaroid photo (no two are alike) of the band and, of course, the new album signed by the band. Click here to view all items & order:http://bbmak.com/merch/
The multi-platinum selling Englishpop group has sold more than three million albums to date and had hit singles worldwide between 1999 and 2003, when they disbanded.
Best known for their self-penned infectious guitar driven hits “Back Here,” “Out of My Heart“ and “The Ghost of You and Me,” BBMAK was one of the few bands from that genre to play their own instruments. Billboard Magazine named “Back Here” the 9th Greatest Boy Band Song of All Time.
