Tag: ireland

Savage September Continues with Bowie, Floyd and a Scintillating Instore with A Fine Wordsmith

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Folks,

How’s it going?

Welcome to this evenings gentle ramblings.. Releases in the shop for today include the new ZEPPELIN boxset on CD, Vinyl Set and Super Deluxe Vinyl Boxset,plus albums from PREOCCUPATIONS (VIETCONG), SEX PISTOLS, CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS, ST PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES, SODOM, SETH LAKEMAN,WILLIE NELSON, EMINEM, CYPRUS HILL..

Image result for led zeppelin complete bbc sessions

Or for those who prefer the video, Bobby is back on duties this week! Be sure to slate him in the comments, and subscribe to keep up to date with all releases!

Scintillating Savage September sizzles on (ah shut up Ray for Christ’s Sake) with crackers galore for next week the 23rd of September also..

First up is the second in the series of BOWIE boxsets.. This one is 13LP, or 12CD set covers 1974-1976… Some merch available as ye know with the pre-ordered sets.. So if you order a set (as some of you have done already) you can choose from two items from four.. The four items are the tee-shirts, mouse mat, slipmat, and record bag.. All beautifully Bowie branded.. Any two of the four with a  set… (Sorry, I know I told ye this already, but a slight change with the merch.. So basically you can choose from two out of the four!)..

Image result for bowie who can i be now

WARNER

Warner also have a new BONAMASSA release for next week.. A live recording entitled ‘Live at the Greek’ where Joe plays or pays tribute to the three kings… Albert, Freddie and B.B.. This one is on 2CD, 3LP with Code, 2DVD + Blu Ray..

Warner also have two nice vinyl boxsets next week, starting with the great RAY CHARLES with his Atlantic Studio Albums reissued in Mono.. A 7LP boxset! Also out is the next instalment of the RANDY NEWMAN songbook via Nonesuch.. This one is a 4LP set..

Warner also have the next batch of PINK FLOYD reissues… This time it’s Atom Heart Mother, Meddle and Obscured By Clouds as well as a reissue of KD LANG’Sgreat album ‘Hymn of the 49th Parallel’, again on Nonesuch Records on 140gm vinyl..

Image result for atom heart mother

Lastly for this week from Warner is the 10th Anniversary of MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE’s ‘Black Parade’, on 2CD or 3LP which has 11 previously unreleased demos.. There are also some TROJAN reggae releases..

Next up is a massive local release… Sandwiched between Bowie and Bruce (us Cork boys like to keep good company like) JACK O’ ROURKE releases his debut album, out next Friday the 23rd… Entitled ‘Dreamcatcher’.. We can’t wait to hear this one! The EP from last year contained 5 great tracks so really looking forward to hearing the album.. Even better news, Jack is coming in to us the following day, the 24th of September (Saturday) at 12 noon to perform songs from the new album… Say hello to a few people and sign a few albums all going well.. Racks coming out of the floor for this one so mark it in your diary, head, or wherever you mark things… Sat 24th, 12 Noon, Music Zone… T’will be great, Jack in our opinion is as big a talent as anyone in the country at the moment and certainly one of the best songsmiths.. Love love is over now, so on to Sony for the 23rd of September..

Image result for jack o rourke dreamcatcher

SONY

Sony for next Friday (not too shabby so far has it.. Floyd reissues only got about 3 lines..), have the companion album to BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’s autobiography ‘Born to Run’… I’m sure Tom will drop in a signed copy of the book for display in the shop… Tom?… Tom?….

The album is called ‘Chapter and Verse’, and is basically a Best Of, with a slight twist… A song from each period of his life… On CD or Double LP…Here’s the sales notes :

‘Chapter and Verse,’ the audio companion to Bruce Springsteen’s extraordinary forthcoming autobiography, will be released Sept. 23 on Columbia Records. The career-spanning compilation will be released four days before Simon & Schuster publishes ‘Born to Run.’ Five of the album’s 18 tracks have not been previously released. 


Springsteen selected the songs on ‘Chapter and Verse’ to reflect the themes and sections of ‘Born to Run.’ The compilation begins with two tracks from The Castiles, featuring a teenaged Springsteen on guitar and vocals, and ends with the title track from 2012’s ‘Wrecking Ball.’  The collected songs trace Springsteen’s musical history from its earliest days, telling a story that parallels the one in the book.

Recordings from Steel Mill and The Bruce Springsteen Band feature musicians who would go on to play in The E Street Band. Solo demos of “Henry Boy” and “Growin’ Up” were cut in 1972 shortly before Springsteen began recording his debut album, ‘Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.’ 


‘Chapter and Verse’ will be available as a single CD and double LP. The package will include lyrics and rare photos..

INSOMNIUM also have a new album called ‘Winters Gate’, on CD Deluxe and LP…

Red Essential (I hope you notice I don’t have much time for cribbing this week… too much going on… I’ll save up the rants for a quiet week) have the new album by PASSENGER on CD or CD/DVD or LP or 2LP… Quite a bit of interest being shown in this one… Red Essential also have a new BILLY BRAGG / JOE HENRY record called ‘Shine Alright’..

PIAS

PIAS for the 23rd of September have WARPAINT’S third album called ‘Heads Up’ on Rough Trade records.. Played Dublin recently and supposed to have been very good.. Indies only black and pink vinyl for a limited time only folks… Roll up roll up… Don’t see double entendres where there are none meant folks…..

Image result for warpaint heads up

Quick side note… Great to have three strong new albums last week, not reissues… New material.. WILCO, TEENAGE FANCLUB, and NICK CAVE…. Three of the better albums of the year for me so far.. Top quality… All three… I think anyway!… Side note over….

PIAS also have a new IN FLAMES record, ‘Sounds From The Heart of Gothenburg’..

UNIVERSAL

Universal for the 23rd of September have a new SHAWN MENDES album, a new album from AIRBOURNE and UB40 + DUSTY SPRINGFIELD 3CD ‘Best Of’ CDs…

Quick cap in the hand one here again…. The Rolling Stones Mono Boxset coming out on the 30th of September as a limited 15 CD set for EUR140 best price, or Limited 16LP set for EUR335 best price… Boxsets are all limited… Universal offering a free CD album from their catalogue as an incentive if anyone is interested! Let me know… I need to know by Monday 11AM… Sound!!

Just saw SKEPTA won the Mercury… Can’t say I know the album, and can’t say I like Grime either to be honest…. Is it the right decision?.. I dunno… Don’t know the album… Bowie was the sentimental choice you could say, but from the nine albums of the twelve nominated that I knew, Bowie would have got my nod, but the Skepta record, I don’t know it… Look, maybe it will bring a new genre of music to the forefront with the kids, and that would be no bad thing..

Anyway,

Sin é for this week,

Thanks for listening.

Ray

www.musiczone.ie

ZEPPELIN, NICK AND MY FRIENDS IN THE AIR!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Everyone,

Hope ye are all well this evening…

Thanks to those who read this …I appreciate it…I do put a bit of time into it…late on a Thursday evening usually…between 2 to 3 hours a week normally to do a bit of research and write it so sound to those who read it.

Here’s a link to our vlog if you’d prefer…

Firstly, this week loads of goodies in the shop today…bit of a feast to be honest…bad for your pocket but good for your soul…listened a lot to the jingly jangly pop brilliance of the Teenage Fanclub…it’s poptabulous…the new Wilco…Schmilco is a fine listen as well and the new Nick Cave has been played all day today…I can safely say all three will be played again in 12 months time…really good…

the Nick Cave is really really dark and melancholy, there is a kind of whirling, looping drone through the record that is so melancholy and intoxicating…one track has a single piano note every 15 seconds…one note only but it gives an eerie feel to it…I played it 5 or 6 times today but didn’t study it…it’s on in the background (I’m not really listening to it intently) and I am not going to try and dissect meanings from the great man’s pen…not yet anyway (until a proper listen) but the opening track is called ‘Jesus Alone’, and the album opens with the line. ‘He fell from the skies’…ah man…I could be wrong but I think 3 fine albums have been released today…the Nick one could be an all time classic given time…it’s early days for me with it but it’s powerful, interesting stuff.

nick-cave-the-bad-seeds-skeleton-tree      wilco-schmilco         teenage-fanclub-here

Right, more out today are some great Neil Young reissues, the acoustic double album, Jack White, a live ZZ Top record, some Faith No More reissues, New Order singles collection on 4LP boxset, new record by Bastille (must listen tomorrow…could be another beaut), Verve reissue, Ramones boxset, new Okkervil River record, new one by D.A.R.K….so loads of new stuff in the man cave for the weekend…quality stuff a lot of it…

Right, moving on to arrivals in same man cave for next Friday the 16th of September (no disrespect in any shape, form or way to ye ladies with great taste who buy records or C.Ds from us…lady cave just ain’t got the same ring to it)…I better get out while the goings good…

Right, next week the biggie is definitely the Zeppelin BBC CD, LP set or super deluxe CD/LP set…a fine collection…thanks (big time) to those of you who were interested and pre-ordered from us (rather than elsewhere…go raibh maith agaibh)…Swansong/Atlantic/Warner being the providers of this beaut…the vinyl of the new Christine and the Queens reissued through Warner also for next Friday, LP also includes a copy of the CD which is a nice touch.

led-zep-bbc                                  led-zep-bbc-cd                                          led-zep-bbc-super

PIAS

PIAS have the new album by PREOCCUPATIONS ( well, I suppose it’s their debut album…the same four lads from Canada were VIETCONG but changed their name to the aforementioned)…the first album was good, so looking forward to hearing the new one…there is an indies only coloured vinyl with this one…as for the name change, it was causing offence and promoters were getting grief over it also, and the band were losing shows over it as well…the lads from the band said basically and honestly that they were young and ignorant to the ramifications of the name…not too many bands out there with names of terrorist organisations to be fair….storm in a teacup or a real problem…that’s for everyone to have their opinion on…Christ why am I still writing about it..Enough said Raymond…Shane thinks it was a bit of punk rock, they should’ve kept it…new record next week, CD and Ltd LP.

PIAS also have the score to the TV series NARCOS on black and red swirly ice pop flavoured vinyl (sorry, three words in that description are not true…I got a bit carried away again)

I’m lucky to be here (last story I promise/I hope about this/ I thought my head was going to explode on Tuesday)…EIR were back or should we call them Freddy…man, they are a nightmare…because I closed a contract and opened a huge new contract…I had no package with eir so I had agreed a new package with them last week…watch your costs…watch your costs type thing which entailed them sending sending some some dude out to install a new broadband modem…all cool…eh..no…he left and the next day the phone line was dead…I am not over exaggerating too much when I say this but when the realisation hit me that my phone was not working…terror, fear and bile rose in my stomach…I had to ring EIR…man…it is torture…9 minutes on hold…the line goes dead…try again, 9 minutes before I speak to someone…he puts me on hold…another 7 minutes, he is back and wants to transfer me …I’m getting full at this stage so I ask him nicely is there any way he can call me back rather than me waiting…I am the customer I think?…eh no he replys…I say why not…Gareth tells me he is too busy…I kid you not…he is too busy to call me, the customer back…pop…head explosion…nop raised voice but a right asshole I turned into for a good minute…a right asshole…I’d say Gareth wished he’d said grand I’ll ring you back…

I spoke to 40 Gareths over the past month in EIR and pop…it happened…I thought I was out you see but you know what’s coming, they kept pulling me back in…Anyway a long story short and an even longer 38 minutes (in total), I was told there was a fault with the line and they would sort it but it would take 3 working days…to get a dude back out…brilliant..brilliant guys…I knew that 40 minutes ago…

Anyway, hopefully that’s the end of that sceal once and for all…back to the tunes…

Essential for the 16th have new albums by Seth LAKEMAN, HANDSOME FAMILY and DEAD VALLY.

PROPER

PROPER have a new album by Ian Hunter (MOTT THE HOOPLE)

Music On Vinyl

Music On Vinyl have a few nice ones including DREAM THEATRE …2 and a half hours live from Paris…4 LP set…2000 copies on blue marbled ice pop flavoured vinyl…

MOV also have SUICIDE SQUAD OST on LP, NAS ‘I Am’ LP and MOVE ‘Looking On’ featuring Jeff Lynne.

UNIVERSAL

Universal have new albums by ALANA GEORGE, MADELINE PEYROUX, SHAKIN STEVENS, the new BRIDGET JONES DIARY…quick side bar…was top of the charts in 2001 when the baby opened…I remember asking a colleague and friend of mine before I opened the shop…how many of that Bridget Jones soundtrack should I get in…25 she said…you’ll definitely sell 25 she said…she was right…a long time ago now…amazing how little things can stick in your mind .

Universal also have an ENIGMA Best Of CD reissue, EMINEM ‘Curtain Call’ 2LP reissue and PETER GABRIEL Live DVD.

SONY

Sony have a new WILLIE NELSON album – a tribute to Ray Price, and a new USHER CD.

On the local scene, The Sunshine Factory were in performing in the shop last Saturday at 1pm. Really good sound…Velvet Undergroundy…Brian Jonestown Massacre vibes…EP out in January/February.

Sin é for this week folks,

Thanks for listening,

Ray.

www.musiczone.ie

SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND AS WELL NICK, WILCO, BASTILLE, TEENAGE FAN CLUB

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hello everybody,

How’s the form tonight…. hope ye are well.

Releases in the shop for today include  new albums by Divine Comedy,  Pearl Jam,  The Cure, Angel Olsen , Nirvana,  Scott Walker,  Iron and Wine, the Shins,  Freddie Mercury, James Vincent Mcmorrow And The Carpenters to name but a few.

Or for those who perfer the video, ye know the sceal!!

You’ve probably read enough madness last week but the real madness is about to commence says he hopefully….. the release schedule is really very strong for the next month…..  All killer ,  no fillers  as one might say…..i am some peddler for one peddler.

You are probably going to laugh at this but I am talking into a microphone on the laptop which is typing out the words for me on the screen….. Maiden voyage for both of us tonight…. I do have one little problem with my new friend,  it does not  seem to  understand  simple Cork  like  boy!!

So  I am talking like an earl from Downton Abbey, If you could hear me now you would definitely have a giggle ….

So moving on to releases for the  9th of  September ,  we  will start  with  NICK CAVE’s  new  record called ‘Skeleton Tree’,  his 16th studio  album. I have searched online  to try and find a couple of tracks from this release but to no avail…. this one seems fairly locked down for now which is quite refreshing to be honest.

Image result for nick cave skeleton tree

One cannot begin to even imagine the pain this man and his family have endured over the last 12 months….Terrible terrible loss… This release is on CD and vinyl record and I’m sure it will be a  powerful  listen.

WARNER

Warner Music have a load of crackers for next Friday including the truly wonderfulWILCO  with his  new album Schmilco…. I have never seen Wilco live but everybody who has that I have spoken to says it is a truly incredible experience….  They are one of the best around….mindblowing live i was told….. probably very  underrated bands…. unnoticed to a lot of ears…. worth a listen..I suppose Yankee Foxtrot would be the most glorified record they had…

Warner also has some NEIL YOUNG vinyl reissues on 140 gram vinyl including Time Fades Away, On The Beach, Tonight’s The Night and Zuma. The first two here are quite reasonable  priced but the latter two  are  more  expensive this i am told is down to  differing  specifications  and manufacturing costs. Say goodbye to my little friend….. We have decided to part company….it was a short  but sweet romance  but she just didn’t understand me and she hadn’t a great personality….that’s just the way it goes.

Image result for neil young on the beach

Moving on…NEW ORDER have a singles collection out via Rhino on 2 CD or a 4LP 180 gram in a lift top box…..fairly nice one.

Warner also has some FAITH NO MORE reissues again on Rhino ….Two major titles, ‘King for a Day, Fool For A Lifetime’ and  ‘Album of the Year’ on 2 CD or 2 LP  with download codes.

The 40th anniversary of the 29 minutes of punk bliss debut by the RAMONES…this genre defining record  gets the deluxe treatment as a 3CD/LP ….. there are limited numbered copies available of this title…. I didn’t say how many! Disc two in the CD set has outtakes, demos, mixes etc etc and disc three has two  full live shows one of which was never released before and the LP in the set  is in the new mono mix….. Tempting!!  

Image result for Ramones - Ramones

Lastly from Warner is a new ZZ TOP live album on CD and double LP as well as a new DANIEL LANOIS album and  a 3 CD collection of TRIO….. Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris complete set.

UNIVERSAL

Universal have the new and supposedly difficult second album by BASTILLE out for next Friday the 9th of September, on CD Jewel / Deluxe CD Digipack and Double LP.. I shall be giving this one a few listens..

Image result for bastille wild world

Universal have the BEATLES ‘Live at the Hollywood Bowl’ on CD.. The LP will follow in November, as well as ‘The Man Who Fell To Earth’ soundtrack starring the seldom mentioned Mr. David Jones… The 2CD/2LP and the 2LP not out until the middle of November I think!

Universal also have some vinyl reissues from THE VERVE with ‘Urban Hymns’, and SONIC YOUTH’s ‘NYC Ghosts + Flowers’, and ‘A Thousand Letters’, as well as a new MEAT LOAF album.

Not going off topic for too long… It’s just I am afraid and concerned after our break up that I bored my typing pal to distraction, and hence we parted, so just to finish on last weeks rant on EIR, I got a bill today in the post for 274Euro, and about 195 of it had to do with closing an account and opening a new account (with the same company I might add!!!).. Aren’t they bloody gas like.. Now I did think I had to ring them once or twice during the process.. What a bunch of beauties… Big corporations putting their hands in small business, or Joe Soaps pockets and taking their money.. It’s all wrong like but am I going to crib somewhere where I might get noticed?.. No because it takes too long and it’s too much hassle.. This shower know it… Getty were the same a few months back.. F**king gangsters the lot of ‘em!..

SONY

Back to the tunes… Sony has a new album by TWIN ATLANTIC.. Scottish band which has a bit of Rage Against The Machine vibe going on..

Republic of Music have the new TEENAGE FANCLUB record out on the 9th of September.. I told ye things were hotting up.. Their 10th record on CD, LP and Cassette as well as a limited indies only LP on clear vinyl with posters and codes.. Republic of Music also have the Original Sound Track to TWIN PEAKS on Perth Waltz records… Again on coffee coloured vinyl..

Image result for teenage fanclub here

New album out from D.A.R.K for next week which now includes Dolores O’ Riordan (Cranberries), as well as Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and Olé Koretsky.. On Couching Vinyl via Essential.. I think these lads have cancelled some tour dates so I hope Cork isn’t included in these cancellations..

Lastly on the tunes front tonight, CARGO have the new WEDDING PRESENTalbum called ‘Going, Going’ on 2LP / CD / DVD / 7’’.. That’s all one box!! Good value at 35EUR!.. Great if you’re a fan..

On the local scene, we are really delighted to announce that JACK O’ ROURKE will be doing an instore for us all to coincide with the launch of his new album ‘Dreamcatcher’… Jack’s EP last year was truly excellent.. A great listen and I for one can’t wait to get the new album.. So we are chuffed to have him coming in.. Saturday 24th of September at 12 noon.. Set ye’r alarms! The big gig launch is in the Everyman with the full band I think on Friday October 15th.. Jack’s debut album is released on Friday the 23rd of September.. We can’t wait!!

Also on the local instore scene, next Saturday the 10th of September we have shoe-gaze local lads THE SUNSHINE FACTORY at 1PM! Another one we’re really looking forward to so make sure to pop in if you are about! The lads debut single ‘Cruelest Animal’ is out through FIFA Records in the coming weeks so keep eyes peeled for that!

Sin é for this week,

Thanks for listening,

Ray

www.musiczone.ie

 

TOUCHDOWN AT LAST.. THE RETURN OF LISA HANNIGAN + THERE SHE GOES AGAIN!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Folks…

Hope all is well…

Phew.. Few deep breaths required here.. Well it’s done.. The move is over.. More or less.. The help, support, wishes, laughs and kind words will stay with me and the lads for a long time.. People (a lot of ye folks) were brilliant.. To many to mention here.. Those who showed up and boxed and lugged stuff with us.. Those who threw a few f**ks our way or a few words of encouragement.. Those who have put their hands in their pockets and supported us by buying stuff.. Those that made us laugh and those that made us cry… And those who done it all! THANKS!! With big, genuine, heartfelt sincerity.. I have said it before.. We are only in business because of a lot of ye.. Ye keep the blood flowing through the shop.. Look, all I can say is thanks!

I don’t want to thank everyone.. Namely Eir and the E.S.B but they are two stories for another day.. Tonight is all about dreamy positivity.. Well.. A good paradox really I suppose..

We’re in and so far it’s okay.. Today was great.. We had ALL TVVINS in, who were sound and class the whole time and sold a nice few records.. But in general it has been okay.. Not bad, but not great.. Alright, maybe good so.. The regulars (a lot of ye folks) have been like Magic Johnson on his best days but that’s half of the deal.. The passer bys have been okay.. But in truth that may take a bit of time.. Look I won’t bore ye to death.. It’s started reasonably well so work hard, keep at it, and it should Kool and the Gang… Hopefully

The first new vinyl record release video shot from the new shop is now up to watch! Quite a long one this week, covering the last 2 or 3 weeks of releases over the move.. Some nice bits after landing so worth checking out! Also be sure to hit that subscribe button to keep up to date with the new releases!

Better talk about some music I suppose..

PIAS

Cranky rants in later weeks! First up for today we have the latest (3rd) album from LISA HANNIGAN.. Arguably one of Ireland’s biggest female stars.. Did not get listening to this yet, but I have no doubt it will be musically beautiful once again.. First play in the morning it shall get.. Gan dabht! Produced by one of the Dessner boys from THE NATIONAL also.. Released on Play It Again Sam through PIAS..

PIAS also have the new RYLEY WALKER record on a fancy colour me thinks.. FAITH NO MORE’s ‘We Care A Lot’ deluxe edition, and NIRVANA ‘Bleach’ deluxe edition also out.. New ones from SCOTT WALKER (a soundtrack), as well as two new metal albums from SABATON and SOILWORK also out through PIAS..

PIAS for next week, the 26th of August have new album from JOSEPH, as well as a new ALL TIME LOW DVD for the pop-punk fans out there!

SONY

Sony have very little out, but next week they have new CDs from BRITNEY SPEARS, DJ KHALED, BARBRA STREISAND, CELINE DION and some newDEPECHE MODE L.P reissues. Including ‘A Broken Frame’, ‘Construction Time Again’, ‘Some Great Reward’, and ‘Speak and Spell’.. Fine band, enough said.. Sony also have a LP reissue of WATAIN’S ‘The Wild Hunt’.

UNIVERSAL

Universal for today have a new album by ED HARCOURT, called ‘Furnace’, as well as a SEX PISTOLS ‘Live 76’ boxset on 4CD.. 4LP version pushed back until September 23rd.. There is also a new ANDRE RIEU CD in store today, as well as the next edition of the CHESS NORTHERN SOUL 7’’ sets.. Probably the biggest from Universal today is an initial, special run of blue coloured vinyl for THE LA’S album…To chose of a certain age.. Priceless.

Universal for next Friday the 26th have the second album from indie rock band GLASS ANIMALS.. BIG COUNTRY 5CD boxset including the classics also out, as well as a SANDY DENNY 5CD set, and a SCOTT WALKER 5CD set.. Some nice hip-hop cassettes also appearing.. I have been warning ye.. Old Fiesta’s with cassette players are all the rage.. Gaskets or not gaskets..

Universal for next Friday also have the ROLLING STONES ‘Charlie Is My Darling’ rockumentary on Bluray.. Based around the time of the boys Irish Tour of 1965.. Uni also have a live KISS CD/DVD or DVD/2LP on Eagle Rock from Vegas..

Lastly from Uni for next Friday the 26th are some vinyl reissues including FRANK ZAPPA’s ‘Hot Rats’, and SOUNDGARDEN’S ‘Louder Than Love’ and ‘Down On The Upside’..

WARNER

Warner have the reissue of MADONNA’S ‘Bedtime Stories’ on LP, as well as a Monkees greatest hits on CD and on LP..

Warner for next week has reissues of PINK FLOYD’S ‘The Wall’, and ‘The Division Bell’, as well as a new album from CASS MCCOMBS (there has been a lot of interest in this one!), called ‘Mangy Love’, on CD and 2LP on Anti Records…

Couple of vinyl reissues also out including PRINCE ‘Parade’, and BLUR’s ‘Leisure’, as well as a BANKS + STEELZ new album called ‘Anything But Words’..

PROPER

Proper for the 26th of August have the new DE LA SOUL album on CD and LP.. Samples taken from over 1,000 hours of live performance..

A huge thanks to ALL TVVINS for a great instore yesterday.. The first band to grace our new stage.. So hope there will be loads more to follow.. Thumbs up also to Tim, Bobby, Shane and Warner! Most important, thanks to those of ye who helped fill the shop.. Magic.. Thanks!!

Displaying SAN_6999.jpeg

Look, i’m tired of blowing smokes up ***** so…

Sin é for this week..

Cranky Ray back next week..

Thanks for listening,

Ray

www.musiczone.ie

 

MAN PLANS : GOD LAUGHS, STOCKPORT’S FINEST, AND A CALL TO ARMS!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi everyone,

 

Hope the form is good with ye all.

 

Releases in the shop today include SIMPLE MINDS, NEW ORDER, VIOLA BEACH,BILLY TALENT, R.E.M., TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, HOLE, GODFLESH, and EMERSON LAKE AND PALMER.

It wasn’t the best of weeks as far as the new shop went… Best laid plans.. And fail to prepare.. Man plans, God laughs are a few that would spring to mind.. Basically, the drawings for the shop did not actually fit the shop.. Not enough room for the shelves in the middle of the floor so, (well there was enough room but you would have to jump / climb over them to get to the next part of the shop) shite here I am 2.45, last Monday afternoon throwing the plan in the bin… Nightmare for a few days… Where is this going to go?.. What about here?.. What about that?… The fire door is there!… You need more of this now.. And less of that…

 

Rip it up and start again… Now drawing on the back of a fag box type of thing… But the plan is taking shape a bit now.. I was a stress head for a day or two.. Step back now and it was not worth it… But you like to try to do it well… As well as your small budget allows anyway… But look it will be done just a bit differently than it was planned..

 

PIAS

So on to releases for August 5th and we will start with PIAS who have the newBLUES PILLS album ‘Lady in Gold’ on Gold LP, CD/DVD or CD.. This is the second album from the young and very talented quintet.. Great singer, fine guitar player.. The first album was really good if that is your buy.. Fantastic cover yet again, great to see such effort going into record sleeves.

PIAS also have some early DAMIEN JURADO reissues… First timers on vinyl for these.. ‘Rehearsals for Departure’ and ‘Ghost of David’..

 

DINOSAUR JR are back with ‘Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not’ and it sound as good as ever.. This new record is out via Jagjaguar and there is an indies only purple vinyl.. WILD BEASTS also return with a new album entitled ‘Boy King’.. This one comes as a standard CD, Deluxe CD, or Limited LP, with a 7’’.. The Deluxe CD has a lot of bonus material including demos, acoustic versions etc..

Republic of Music have the mono reissues of JOHN WILLIAMS original soundtrack to HOME ALONE…

SONY 

Bit of a PEARL JAM day from Sony for August 5th, as they reissue the 4th and 5th albums ‘No Code’ and ‘Yield’, as well as a double sided 7’’ from ‘No Code’, for ‘Who Are You / Hail Hail’ and ‘Off He Goes’, as well as singles ‘Given to Fly’ and ‘Wishlist’ from Yield.. Sony also have a definitive collection of ELVIS’ last studio recordings on CD+LP entitled ‘Way Down In The Jungle Room’..

 

We are closing in Douglas Court on Sunday the 7th of August, and moving lock, stock and barrel on Monday the 8th of August… I know a good few of ye kind souls offered help on the day… So if you want to help and are at nothing for 30 minutes on Monday the 8th, we are moving between 10AM and 8PM… There are a few conditions thoguh!

 

Condition 1

One car trip per helper… No more please.. If you are free and can spare the 30 minutes to do one trip with a few boxes great, but no more than one trip allowed.. I don’t want any cardiac arrests or broken hips on my watch

 

Condition 2

Without causing offence to anyone, we would kind of have to know ya! ‘I heard you wanted some records moved boi.. I’ll give you a hand sham, I love me records..’ Ye get my drift..

 

No seriously, if anyone who offered or wants to help, and wants to do one car load… Show up at some point during the day.. Cool and thanks! CRITICAL POINT.. Zero, I mean zero onus on anyone to do anything.. SECOND CRITICAL POINT.. Anyone who does show up.. Please make sure you have taken your angina meds before doing so..

 

UNIVERSAL

Right, i’ll get off the horse.. Back to the music! Universal have the debut album byBLOSSOMS.. These guys hail from Stockport in England, and there has been a buzz in the MZ corporation for their EPs over the last few months.. I had never listened to them up to about 30 minutes ago and I must say I like their brand of Indie psychedelia tinged with some good old fashioned synthesiser pop music.. I like them.. Influenced by the Arctic Monkeys, The Verve and bands like that I think…

WILCO guitarist NELS CLINE has a solo record out next Friday with Universal… His first solo record..

 

TARJA has a new album out via Universal called ‘Shadow Self’.. There is a CD, CD/DVD, 2LP and Boxset formats..

 

Universal / Polydor are also reissuing the two TASTE albums (which have been missing from the shop for a good year or so now).. So ‘Taste’ and ‘On The Boards’ will be back with us very soon.. Lastly from Universal, the first two TAME IMPALACDs are getting reissued..

WARNER

Warner for the 5th of August have a reissue of the very first GOV’T MULE recording, ‘The Tel-Star Sessions’ on Provogue.. This is a previously unreleased recording for you Mule fans.. From back in 1994 and it arrives as a CD or 2LP limited splattered vinyl..

 

DEEP PURPLE ‘Live in Concert 1972’ gets a reissue as a limited LP and 7’’ as well.. Warner also have the soundtrack to the hotly tipped summer blockbuster ‘Suicide Squad’ on CD..

 

There are some nice Jazz reissues out through Warner for next week through the Stateside label, including LOUIS ARMSTRONG / DUKE ELLINGTON, as well asMILES DAVIS ‘Amandla’.. Lastly from Warner for next week is the newest edition of the LIVE AT WACKEN set on CD/DVD or CD/BLURAY..

 

Small change with the date in relation to our upcoming instore performance for brilliant upcoming Irish act ALL TVVINS, which will now take place on THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH. We are really looking forward to this one, some cracking tunes worth checking out.. The boys were even featured on FIFA 16, which is great to see an Irish group on a platform that big.. More news on this in coming weeks! Check out the lead single below!

Ok so, sin é for this week.. Thunderbirds are nearly ready to go… 13 days to lift off..

 

Thanks for listening,

Ray

www.musiczone.ie

BIG INSTORE ANNOUNCEMENT, NEW LED ZEPPELIN, AND THE HOPEFUL END OF THE SUMMER RELEASE DROUGHT

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hey everyone,

How’s it going?… Hope ye’r all well.. Stop me ooh ho ooh stop me, stop me if you think that you’ve heard this one before…

Summertime and the releases are iffy… Third year in a row I think i’ve churned that one out… Tis a bit true for this coming Friday (July 29th), again i’m afraid, but improving in August.. Well that’s my weather forecast anyway..

Releases in the shop for July 22nd include THE ALLMAN BROTEHRS, BEARS DEN, OPETH, PARADISE LOST, CARCASS, IGGY/BOWIE, CLIFF MARTINEZ amongst others.

For those who prefer the video, here you are! And be sure to hit that subscribe button, and give the video a like!

MUSIC ON VINYL

Moving on to the 29th of July.. Music On Vinyl have a few nice ones that day including the debut by the INDIGO GIRLS, DEREK TRUCKS BAND ‘Joyful Noise’, and STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN’S ‘In Step’ LP.. For the younger reader who may not have heard of SRV.. He was one of the best blues / electric guitarists ever.. He died in a helicopter crash in 1990, with three of Clapton’s close circle at the time… It is rumored that Clapton was due to be the 4th passenger in the helicopter that day, but boarded a different one at the last minute… And Vaughan boarded the ill-fated one… When your luck’s out, your luck’s out… Or in for that matter..

SONY

Sony for the 29th of July have the debut album by NAO… Rising English soul, funk, and R&B star…

Essential for the 29th of July have the reissue of the JOHN PRINE classic duets album ‘In Spite Of Ourselves’, with all female singers like EMMYLOU, IRIS DEMENT and LUCINDA WILLIAMS.. This one is available as a double vinyl..

Essential also have the new POWERWOLF live album on CD/DVD or DVD/LP..

I’m not so sure you guys have much interest in the mechanics of the small music retail industry in this wee island of ours.. Well i’ll keep you filled anyway, whether ye have interest or not.. (No need to thank me..). The latest news is that Golden Discs (my old employer) are taking over supplying Tesco with their home entertainment products.. CD and DVD mainly… Some games I suppose.. Tesco are in a court battle with their last supplier (a Dublin based wholesaler) for fraudulent trading.. Excuse me if I have told you this before, I can’t remember.. The old supplier claims that Tesco falsified over 16,000 invoices over 7 or 8 years.. The lawsuit is for 3.5 million…

Now Golden Discs are taking on the task of supplying them.. (As ye know, I wish only well on Golden Discs, they were always good to me, good to work for and I always hope there is room for both of us).. Golden Discs have 13 stores nationwide now… So they are jumping from that to now supplying 93 stores (80 Tescos)… That’s a big change in any company I would have thought.. I suppose for Golden Discs it’s a bit of a case of can’t beat them, join them… And if it works for them it could be very worthwhile (which I genuinely hope it does, once it doesn’t affect me!)..

But from what’s on the grapevine.. Tesco ain’t interested in any participation except at the point of sale.. Basically they give Golden Discs the space and let them do what they want with stocking, racking, merchandising, returns, faulties, theft, overstocks…. Tesco don’t want to know… We give ye the space, and we take a margin at the till… So Golden Disc by one CD from Warner.. Put an RRP on it… Put it into Tesco… Golden Disc pay Warner… Tesco sell it (whenever and after Golden Disc have employed someone to put it in to the Tesco Shop), and Golden Disc make EUR1 a unit type of thing… I dunno… I have no idea of the numbers, i’m only guessing but what I do know is that it is a big undertaking and that Golden Discs will need a good team of people to do it right for them… Time will tell how it will all play out I suppose…

WARNER

Big news as Warner have a new ZEPPELIN release just announced for September… The Complete BBC Sessions.. Here’s the sales note from Warner!

Nearly 20 years ago, Led Zeppelin introduced BBC Sessions, an acclaimed two-disc set of live recordings selected from the band’s appearances on BBC radio between 1969 and 1971. Later this year, the band will unveil THE COMPLETE BBC SESSIONS, an updated version of the collection that’s been newly remastered with supervision by Jimmy Page and expanded with eight unreleased BBC recordings, including three rescued from a previously “lost” session from 1969.

BBC Sessions was originally released in 1997 and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. THE COMPLETE BBC SESSIONS builds on that collection with a third disc that boasts eight unreleased performances, plus “White Summer,” a recording that first surfaced in 1990 on the Led Zeppelin Boxed Set. In addition, the set includes extensive session-by-session liner notes written by Dave Lewis. For the first time ever, it provides accurate details and notes about all of the band’s BBC sessions.

Musical highlights on this new collection include the debut of a long-lost radio session that has achieved near-mythic status among fans. Originally broadcast in April 1969, the session included three songs: “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” “You Shook Me,” and the only recorded performance of “Sunshine Woman.”

Also included are two unreleased versions of both “Communication Breakdown” and “What Is And What Should Never Be.” Separated by two years, the performances vividly demonstrate the young band’s rapid evolution over a short period of time.

Jimmy Page spoke about the band’s growth in an interview with Guitar World: “The BBC Sessions show in graphic detail just how organic the group was. Led Zeppelin was a band that would change things around substantially each time it played…We were becoming tighter and tighter, to the point of telepathy.”

Speaking with Wall of Sound, John Paul Jones added: “We’d been on the road a lot by the time those sessions were recorded. The albums were always the starting point of the music, and then we’d take it out and expand it on the road. Then we’d come straight off the road into those BBC studios.”

Recalling the BBC experience in an interview with Mojo, Robert Plant said: “The whole thing was very quaint: the politeness of the audience, the technicians fumbling about, proper hallowed low-key introductions. Like there was some sort of holy moment about to occur.”

Formats

  • Deluxe Edition (3CD) – Remastered original album plus a third disc of unreleased audio

  • Deluxe Edition Vinyl (5LP) – Remastered original album, plus a fifth LP of unreleased audio, on 180-gram vinyl

  • Digital Download – Remastered album and unreleased audio will both be available (MQ, MFiT & Standard)

  • Super Deluxe Boxed Set (3CD/5LP)– This collection includes:     

    • Remastered album. 2 CDs, each in a replica sleeve

    • Unreleased audio on CD in a separate card sleeve

    • Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl

    • Unreleased audio on 180-gram vinyl

    • High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit

    • 48-page book filled with photos of the band, the recording locations, BBC memorabilia, and session information

    • High-quality print of the original album cover, the first 30,000 of which will be individually numbered.

I shall have pricing and more info in the coming weeks..

Great news for the shop with the confirmation of an instore by the excellent Dublin based group ALL TVVINS, who have just supported Foals at Live at the Marquee.. Thursday, August 12th at 5PM… More on that also in the coming weeks!

Their debut album is due out that day, August 12th.. Some cracking tunes on it from what i’ve heard… Here’s the Warner promotion for it again! :

After a succession of huge radio singles which have inspired glowing comparisons with the likes of Bloc Party, New Order, Haim, Chvrches and The Killers, ALL TVVINS are set to release their debut album ‘IIVV’ on August 12th on Warner Bros. Records. Throughout ‘IIVV’, the Irish duo counterpoint angular post-punk riffs with insistent energy, strident hooks and swathes of synths to create an unconventional blend of the anthemic and the unconventional. All of their singles to date feature on the album: ‘Darkest Ocean’ which has accumulated 3 million plays online; the striking debut ‘Thank You’ which was nominated for Irish Song of the Year at the Choice Music Prize; the dramatic and intense ‘Too Young To Live’; and the recent track massive radio hit ‘Resurrect Me’

PIAS

Back to releases for next week the 29th of July and PIAS have the latest NEW ORDER single ‘People on the High Line’ on CD, 12’’ and 7’’..

UNIVERSAL

Universal for the 29th of July have a deluxe edition of the SIMPLE MINDS classic ‘New Gold Dream’, from 1982.. A load of versions of this available including a super-duper fancy version…

There is a beautiful musical document left behind by VIOLA BEACH after their terrible tragic end along with their manager.. Well they will hopefully be remembered forever with their only 9 tracks committed to record.. Only started out in life.. Terrible

Universal have a fierce limited DISCLOSURE EP… I mean it, fierce..

Universal also have some nice reissues including R.E.M. ‘Dead Letters Office’, ‘Eponymous’, and ‘Lifes Rich Payment’.. Also out is TOM PETTY‘s ‘Greatest Hits’ on DLP, and Hole’s ‘Live Through This’..

Warner for the 29th have E.L.P (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) reissues.. The Debut LP, and ‘Tarkus’.. Also out from Warner is a new GAVIN JAMES 12’’, and some SEASICK STEVE reissues, including ‘I Started Out With Nothing’…

Lastly, Warner have GODFLESH ‘Selfless’ reissue… 1st time on vinyl for this one…

On the local scene, STEVIE G and IAN RING have a new single out, well worth checking out!

https://soundcloud.com/abovedat/dance-on-feat-jesse-boykins-iii

Also got in copies of blues / rock gods CROW BLACK CHICKEN on CD and LP, and got copies of the excellent TWO TIME POLKA new CD.. So you know where they are folks.. Both excellent..

Sin é for this week..

Thanks for putting up with me as always.. 20 days to the new shop opening!!

Slán,

Ray.

www.musiczone.ie

NEW ALBUM OF THE YEAR??? MISSING PINTS OF GUINNESS AND CDS NOW ON SITE!

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Everyone,

How’s the form with ye all…

Hope ye enjoyed the break from me ….!

Blissful….i could say the same….no offence meant.

Back to normal this week or attempting to get back there anyway.

Loads going on with the impending move to Douglas Village happening now in early August….under the duvet never looked better Monday morning last….i did look hard there but alas up and at it…..i’m sure ye have had that feeling

The place was in safe hands with Bobby and the lads keeping the ship afloat…nice newsletters from the Bob man also.

Excited about the move….loads to be organised so it’s a bit nerve wracking and daunting and a bit scary but excited all the same….we hope to put our own stamp on the place and make it a nice shop….that’s the plan anyway…twil be great in one sense to get the move under way….it’s dragged since Jan 29th this year.

Releases in the shop for tomorrow include the new BIFFY CLYRO, DEAD CAN DANCE, BOB DYLAN, JOHNNY CASH, ELVIS PRESLEY, AVALANCHES, ROISIN MURPHY and MILES DAVIS.

A few heavy hitters there to be fair.

 

So, moving on to releases for the the 15th of July, the biggest arguable is the new MICHAEL KIWANUKU album, his second, called “ Love and Hate” on CD and double gatefold LP on Polydor records.

This one could be a surprise packet of the year….maybe one of the albums of the year in my opinion by the time the year ends…….worth checking out….. again in my opinion…people have been interested in this album from months back….here’s a taster to save you a few key taps….we are a world of key tappers now really aren’t we….key tapping and red tape….automated cars that tumble into  traffic…

UNIVERSAL

Steven Tyler ( Aerosmith ) has a solo offering coming out next friday the 15th also….his maiden solo journey…Universal also have have a couple of FRANK ZAPPA CDs reissued “ zappa for president” and “ the crux of the biscuit” ….both of these reissues have previously unreleased material.

UNIVERSAL also have the next batch of PETER GABRIEL vinyl reissues, these include the fairly obviously excellent “ SO”  as well as triple LPs “ UP” and “US” …. All of these are limited and numbered with codes also.

On codes…..codes should be a given….end of story….Mr. record company man, make codes a given….i have seen cost prices of some good selling catalogue vinyl like THE STONE ROSES debut album increase 20% since the turn of the year….greedy guts creeping in….least you can do is throw in a code….sometimes code not mentioned on  the cover and the code is in there, other times it is not there…..CODES SHOULD BE A GIVEN.

 

Universal also some LP reissues from THE HUMAN LEAGUE and SONIC YOUTH  as well as some DVDs from MARVIN GAYE, OZZY OSBOURNE, JONI MITCHELL and a new album from supergroup DEAD DAISIES “ make some noise” on red vinyl.

 

PROPER

Proper for the 15th of July have a new album from GOOD CHARLOTTES, a 2CD/2DVD  ofTREXs born to boogie and a new album from DAVID CORLEY….went to see David, last year now id say, in the mighty Coughlan’s and got chatting with him at the bar….asked him would he like a drink…..a whiskey please….no bother….a guinness and a whisky so please mr bartender….two minutes later David and i say good luck after a nice chat as he leaves with a Guinness and a whiskey!! Sound lad David twas  just an honest mistake…( if even five of ye even get that quip it would be a result….best ignore me i think… i got too much sun in Shanagarry)

WARNER

Warner have a new JEFF BECK album out next friday called “loud hailer”.

 

Those reading these ramblings for a couple of years notice the lull in releases in the height of summer….july and august mainly.

 

SONY

Sony have  new CDs out next week from PITBULL and 9ELECTRIC as well as Vinyl releases from JUDAS PRIEST “battle cry” and ASAP FERG “ ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER” gets its LP release also.

Struggling a small bit to find my mojo this week so apologies if i was brief ( ye could be delighted!)

Just one more quick note… We have now started started selling CD on the website. Same scenario as LPs, 1 or 2 copies 5EUR shipping, free on 3+ bought.. Only a small few up now, but hoping to have most of the shop up in around 6-8 weeks so keep and eye..

So,

Sin e for this week….

David Corley has a song called just an honest mistake in case ye think i’m completely sun stroked…

Thanks for listening…

ray.

BIFFY CLYRO’S VERY LIMITED SPECIAL DEAL, A BIT LESS RANTING, AND A DAY OF HEADBANGING INSTORE

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hey everyone,

Hope all is well!

Bobby here again to bring you all the new releases in the world of vinyl and music for next Friday, July 8th.

First up, new releases in the shop this week include BAT FOR LASHES, MAXWELL, OF MICE AND MEN, ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, THE ROLLING STONES, SIMPLE MINDS, CREAM, THE POLICE, and PAIN OF SALVATION..

There are a few nice bits out next week!

WARNER

We’ll start with probably the biggest release, which is the seventh studio record from Kilmarnock’s finest BIFFY CLYRO, entitled ‘Ellipsis’, out through Warner.. Now, many of ye probably know that I am a slight bit Biffy mad.. Well, totally Biffy mad.. So it’s a fitting week for me to be doing the newsletter!

This LP marks the start of a new era for the band, with the first three records showcasing the weird, math style metal that the band started with, and the second three records becoming the ‘epic’ rock records, filled with orchestras and mariachi bands.. While they have stripped back to the ‘bare essentials’, from what I have heard of the new record, it is a combination of both styles. It contains the heavy, riffy, weirdness of the first three albums, while mixing in the huge catchyness of the later three. Check out the single ‘Animal Style’ below, if you like guitar riffs, it should be one for you! (And at the end of the video they smash their gear, must have took Ray’s advice in the debate from a few weeks back!). One of the best rock songs of the last few years in my opinion. But different strokes for different folks as they say!

We will be getting the extremely limited clear Indie only vinyl of ‘Ellipsis’, with only 1000 being sent out worldwide.. On top of this, the kind folk at Warner have also included the ‘Wolves of Winter’ 7’’ single for every clear vinyl bought as a FREEBIE.. This 7’’ once again is extremely limited, and has only seen the light of day through a special deluxe box set which was exclusive to the band’s website, so it is a nice one! (Although, I think in the UK only HMV have got an exclusive of it, but it’s £8 without shipping.. Ohh the great beasts in the sky.. Sorry Ray, I had to!)..

Because this is so limited (we hopefully will get around 20), we will be taking names, with it being first come first served! So if you’re interested pop us a mail and we’ll stick your name down!

Also out from Warner next week for July 8th is the GONE IS GONE self titled debut LP.. Gone is Gone is a supergroup consisting of Troy Sanders, the singer and bass player from Mastodon, Troy Van Leeuwen, one of the guitarists for Queens of the Stone Age, Tony Hajjar, the drummer for At the Drive-In, and Mike Zarin, so looking forward to this one! Between this and Biffy it’s gonna be a head banging day in the shop next Friday! Also out from Warner for July 8th is three more BOWIE CD reissues, Earthling, Hours and Outside, which were previously done through Sony but have been difficult to get more recently..

The next of the PRINCE reissues is also out through Warner next week, with ‘Around The World In A Day’, which was Prince’s 7th studio album from 1985. Finally for Warner for July 8th is a deluxe reissue of K.D LANG’s third album from 1989, entitled ‘Absolute Torch and Twang’, which comes on LP with a lyric insert and a bonus 7” single which contains “Our Day Will Come” (K.D. Lang with Take 6) and “Three Cigarettes In An Ashtray” (K.D. Lang Live from BBC). The album hasn’t been out on vinyl for 25 years.

UNIVERSAL

Not too much happening for Universal for July 8th. Their biggest release is the new album by ABC, ‘Lexicon of Love II’, which makes its vinyl debut after the CD was released a few weeks back, to great reviews. It only took 34 years since the release of the first ‘Lexicon of Love’ which stormed the 80s, and features 10 new tracks penned by Martin Fry! All you need is love!

Uni also have a couple of EMINEM reissues out on vinyl, including ‘The Slim Shady LP’, ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’, ‘The Eminem Show’, ‘Relapse’, ‘Recovery’, ‘Curtain Call’, and ‘Encore’. Most of these were near to impossible to get before this, and may never have been printed before, besides from the boxset which they released about 18 months ago. Uni also have the new LAWSON CD, entitled ‘Perspective’.

SONY

Sony for July 8th have some new series of artist’s greatest hits on vinyl, entitled ‘The Essential’. Some of ye might be aware of the series because they’ve had them on CD for the last few years, but this is the first time they will be printed on vinyl. I remember one of my first ever CDs that I bought with my pocket money was Bob Dylan’s ‘The Essential’ a good few years ago now.. For about a year I never turned off CD 1 because I thought it was the best thing ever.. I have since listened to CD 2, it is equally as good!

So in this series, next Friday we will have ELVIS PRESLEY ‘The Essential’, BOB DYLAN‘The Essential’, and JOHNNY CASH ‘The Essential’, all on vinyl!

PIAS

A good few nice bits out next week from PIAS. First up is ‘Take Up Her Monto’, the highly anticipated follow up to last year’s Mercury Prize nominated ‘Hairless Toys’ from Ireland’s own ROISÍN MURPHY. I really enjoyed the last record, great electronic feel to it, with a great beat, which normally wouldn’t be my thing. Also caught some of her set at Glastonbury last weekend and looked like one of the highlights, a great performer. So looking forward to this one!

More electronic goodness from PIAS for next Friday includes THE AVALANCHES second studio LP, entitled ‘Wildflower’. The album has been in production since 2005, and is the group’s first album in almost 16 years.. Is Axl Rose a member?.. In all fairness, there is 21 tracks on this album, and features plenty of collaborations, including tracks with WARREN ELLIS, and FATHER JOHN MISTY. And the lead single is called ‘Frankie Sinatra’. It wins my vote over Democracy.. Sorry Axl! It is available as a DLP.

DEAD CAN DANCE, which is a duo consisting of Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard have a couple of vinyl represses from PIAS next Friday, July 8th. These include their debut self titled album, their second album ‘Spleen and Ideal’, and their sixth album ‘Into The Labyrinth’. ALEX SOMMES (Sigur Ros) has ‘Music From The Film Captain Fantastic’ also out through PIAS, this one on coloured vinyl and is housed in a handmade bespoke gatefold sleeve with rounded edges complete with digital download card.

PIAS also have a 12’’ reissue of MODEST MOUSE / 764 HERO’s ‘Whenever You See Fit’, on limited, coloured vinyl. Probably Seattle’s best outing at the time, a classic.. And finally through PIAS is the new APHEX TWIN EP, entitled ‘Cheetah’, which uses digital sound generation techniques combined with wave sequencing technology to bring you sounds with movement and depth rarely found on records today. (Thanks PIAS notes!).

And finally, Essential for the 8th of July have some JOHN PRINE CD reissues, including ‘Aimless Love’, ‘Lost Dogs / Mixed Blessings’, ‘Live on Tour’, ‘In Person, On Stage’, and ‘’The Singing Mailman Delivers’..

So, as ye know, the Bossman is back to the shop early next week. I hope ye all have enjoyed your short break from rants as much as he has enjoyed his holidays.. 

Hope you have enjoyed the last two newsletters! I’ll have to do another one sometime soon, when I come up with something to rant about, but until then…

Stay classy,

Bobby

www.musiczone.ie

 

DON’T BLINK OR YOU’LL MISS THE UFO’S, THE YOUTH TAKES OVER, AND CLASSIC RECORDS CUT AT HALF SPEED

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hey Everyone,

 

How’s the form?

 

Short and sweet from me this week but Bobby will add in his own younger better looking slant on it for a bit this week, and fully next week.. (And hopefully add in his performance video from his music course final exam also)..

 

Firstly, thanks to everyone for the kind wishes about the move…. I will keep ye abreast of our comings and goings when I get back from the sunny south east coastline…

 

Releases for the shop today include THE TRAVELLING WILBURYS, BAD COMPANY,DEEP PURPLE, ALT J, MOVE, LITTLE FEAT, STAR WARS (JOHN WILLIAMS)

Or for those who perfer the video, here you are :

 

So on to releases for the 1st of July.. Small calm after the storm, but still a few nice bits happening this month..

WARNER

Warner for the 1st of July have BLINK 182’s new record ‘California’, on CD/LP and limited indie only silver vinyl with code… The punk popes’ 7th album since 1992 I think… The band now have Matt Skiba (of Alkaline Trio) as singer after replacing Tom DeLonge from the group..Quick Bobby input : Tom came out during the week announcing his reason for leaving the group was to hunt UFO’s… Interesting to say the least.. Taking the newsletters ‘big beast in the sky’ recurrence to a whole new level! Who said rock n’ roll is dead?

Warner also have the new BAT FOR LASHES record again on a limited indie only pink vinyl for 5,000 copies worldwide (a double LP in fact) and CD and standard double LP.. ‘The Bride’ is a concept album by Bat For Lashes which follows the story of a woman whose fíancee has been killed in a crash on the way to the church for their wedding… (Must have nicked that idea from Morrissey somewhere along the way).

 

Warner also have a 3CD ERIC CLAPTON + GUESTS ‘Crossroads Revisited’, as well as some METRONOMY reissues on LP and a limited MUDDY WATERS Live LP, entitled ‘Hoochie Coochie Man – Live At The Rising Sun Celebrity Jazz Club’ on DLP.. This was meant to be released for RSD but it did not get out of the pressing plant in time…. But here it is now…

 

Now I pass the reigns to Bobby for his mini State of The Nation address this week, as well as the rest of the new releases for July 1st… Thanks all, see ye when i’m back please god..

 

Hey everyone! Due to the huge success of my brilliant vinyl video last week, we have decided it is time for me to take charge for a week or two, and try entertain ye with some fresh rambling! In the words of Planty, Ramble On!

 

We’ll crack straight into it!

UNIVERSAL

First up for release for the 1st of July from Universal is the come back single ‘All For One’ by the mighty Stone Roses! Unfortunately it is a 1 track, 1 sided 7’’ with no B-Side, as is gonna cost 12EUR.. Bit sharp for a 1 track 7’’.. Who knows, maybe Mani is saving up for some UFO hunting kits..

Universal also have a new CD from sensational violinist NICOLA BENEDETTI, entitled ‘Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1, Glazunov Violin Concerto’, as well as 6 CLASSIC albums reissued on LP, mastered at half speed for ultimate sound quality, including theROLLING STONES ‘Exile on Main Street’, CREAM’S ‘Disraeli Gears’, JOHN MARTYN’s‘Solid Air’, SIMPLE MINDS’ ‘New Gold Dream’, and finally THE POLICE ‘Ghost In The Machine’. All were cut by legendary engineer Miles Showell, of Abbey Road Studios.

Also out from Universal for July 1st is the new LP from grammy winning SNARKY PUPPY, entitled ‘Culcha Vulcha’, their first in two years..  If you haven’t heard these guys, well worth checking out! Hard to pin point a genre to them, ranging in everything from rock, R&B, funk, soul, jazz, bossa nova, and most importantly played by a band who you can tell absolutely love what they do! Had the pleasure myself of getting to see their keys and hammond organ player Cory Henry in Cyprus Avenue in May, and was completely blown away! He played alone with a drummer, on a day that happened to be Stevie Wonder’s birthday.. A special night! Have never seen a musician on that caliber before!

SONY

Sony for the 1st of July have a new album from MAXWELL, another R&B, Soulful type grammy winner. The album entitled ‘blackSUMMER’S Night’ is out on LP and CD. Prog Metal band FATES WARNING have a new album out through Sony as well for next Friday, called ‘Theories of Flight’, their twelfth record.. The video for the lead single ‘White Flag’ is an interesting one.. A close up, guitar playthrough video, with the band’s three guitarists just shot in one go playing the song.. The guitar nerd in me loves it, but can’t see MTV jumping on the bandwagon.. Surely the band saved a bit of money this way. Fair play. Maybe they’re saving for UFO hunting gear too..

 

 

Also out from Sony is another (yes, another!) couple of E.L.O reissues, of ‘Face the Music’ and ‘Time’, both on LP.. And finally from Sony is Swedish hard rock / metal group Pain Of Salvation, with ‘Remedy Lane : Revisited’, the remixed and relived take on the album will be on 2CD Digipack, and 2LP, which includes a new sonic take on the original LP, and a live album from a 2014 show.

PIAS

Next up is PIAS, with not much happening for the 1st of July after their mammoth release of Radiohead last week.. Biggest release for them is the new SARA WATKINS LP, entitled ‘Young in all The Wrong Ways’. Watkins is most known for her role as fiddle player in the bluegrass group Nickel Creek, but has now ventured solo with the new LP being her third solo record.. ‘Young in all The Wrong Ways’ could be a nice title for this new, fresh newsletter?..

 

PROPER

Proper for July 1st have a new CRADLE OF FILTH reissue, with 2011’s mini album ‘Evermore Darkly’ making its first appearance on the vinyl format.

 

And finally on the new release front for this week is the reissue of American alternative rock group NADA SURF’s fourth record from 2005, entitled ‘The Weight Is A Gift’.. This one is done by City Slang, through Republic of Music.

As Ray asked earlier, I better include the video from my final year performance with UCC Music.. The gig took place in the middle of May this year in Cyprus Avenue, with the theme of my performance being a dedication to Fender guitars, as the company celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. With that I attempted to showcase a chronological performance through the decades of guitarists who have used the Fender in a unique way to obtain their own unique sound, becoming icons of the Stratocaster. Starting with the ‘pure’ clean blues tone of Hank Marvin and the Shadows, moving right through to the thick, heavy distortion of Biffy Clyro’s metal influence, it is a collection of songs from the icons who have inspired me to play guitar myself! So if you have a spare half an hour some evening, here it is!

 

 

Hopefully I haven’t missed anything! (Sorry Ray if I have!)

 

If you have any enquiries over the next week, feel free to throw us an email even though Ray is away, and we will do our best to help! And if we can’t, all messages will be passed on to Ray once he is back!

 

Should I say ‘sin é for this week?’…

 

Stay classy, vinyl lovers.

 

Bobby

 

www.musiczone.ie

Pet Sounds at 50, Return of the Mac and Your Views on the State of Rock

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Everyone,

Have we all been transported to Espana for a week…Tis magic…Ole ole ole…..Terrible for biz…Good for the head though.

Releases in Music Zone towers that hit the shelves in the last week or so include PINK FLOYD, ROLLING STONES, MINOR VICTORIES, THE KILLS, JOHN WILLIAMS STAR WARS, DARK FUNERAL, THE KINKS, TEGAN & SARA, VOLBEAT, BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO,MUDCRUTCH and JESS GLYNNE.

 

Or for those who prefer the video, this week’s video is now up! (Which actually covers the last two weeks, the sun has made us lazy!)

Releases with us for next Friday the 10th include PAUL MCCARTNEY self titled compilation album of his solo work, Wings stuff and Fireman stuff on a deluxe 67 track 4 CD box set or a 4 LP set also.

UNIVERSAL

U2 – ‘Innocence and Experience Live in Paris; on DVD, BLU RAY, Deluxe 2 disc DVD and a limited ( pricey) super deluxe box which has the DVDs , BLU RAY , USB lightbulb, 64 page hardback via book, individually numbered dog tags, stencil set, postcard set, sticker sheet, pin badges and download codes for more stuff is also next Friday via Universal.

BAND OF HORSE’s fifth album “ Why Are You Ok” is also out on CD and LP via Virgin/EMI.

 

Universal also have the 50th anniversary of considered one of the greatest albums of all time, ‘Pet Sounds’ by THE BEACH BOYS ( note of interest…..if you have not seen Love and Mercy, the Brian Wilson movie….try watch…its excellent….well i thought it was anyway….probably a bit of hollywood license…but really good insight into the man i thought anyway..) this one on double CD, mono and stereo LP versions of the album and a 4 CD/Blu ray pack.

STEVE EARLE and SHAUN COLVIN are releasing a album together and there are some Sinatra reissues on Vinyl  are out next Friday including “ Strangers In The Night” “ The World We Know” and “Songs For Swinging Lovers”.

 

Lastly from Universal for next week are some more quality LP reissues including THE POLICE, DRAKE, WEEZER, DIRE STRAITS and NATURAL BORN KILLERS OST.

SONY

Sony for next week have the complete VAN MORRISON “ It’s Too Late To Stop Now “ performances on 3 CD/DVD…VOLUMES II, III, IV of these live performances from his mythic 1973 tour with the Caledonia Soul Orchestra….11 piece band with string section….Van at the very top of his game arguably….the original album is getting re issued also on CD and LP….it was the first or very nearly the first live album to have no overdubs….moondance got the chop because of one single bum note!

TOM ODELL has his follow up to his million selling debut album out next week also, there is an ELO studio album CD set, ELO ‘Very Best Of’ on DLP, STONE ROSES ‘Very Best Of’ on DLP also…nice track listing….why wouldn’t there be says you….the new one is growing on me a bit to be honest….has a hook that gets in your head…..PREFAB SPROUT  give us a reissue of the poptastic “ Steve Mcqueen “ on LP and the HENDRIX EXPERIENCE give us “Smash Hits “ on LP also….all the above out via Sony

PIAS

PIAS for the 10th of June have GARBAGE’s new album, their 6th entitled ‘Strange Little Birds’. Also through PIAS is the new Temper Trap album ‘Thick as Thieves’..

 

Samaris second album is out via One Little Indian called ‘Black Lights’, and lastly PIAS have a double ‘Best Of’ by John Holt..

 

Bowie Reality Tour 3LP Set is also now in with us, lovely set to be fair..

WARNER

Warner for the 10th have MOTORHEAD’s – ‘Clean Your Clock’ on CD/DVD, CD/Blu Ray, + 2LP with codes.. Recorded in Munich just 3 or 4 weeks before Lemmy left…

 

Warner have a CARS 6LP coloured vinyl boxset.. All different colours.. Also a JOHN COLTRANE
‘Mono Years’ 6CD + 6LP plus 7’’… New documentary also coming later in the year called ‘Chasin’ Trane’, supposed to be good..

 

Rick Astley new CD ‘50’ is also out next week, written and played by himself (fully).. That surprised me… Fair play, looks like he’s never gonna give us up… Eh hemm.. Sorry..

 

I had a few reactions to last week’s newsletter when i suppose  i asked the questions where’s the great stuff….where’s the top shelf stuff….kids , what are ye doing…..those questions….here’s one reaction from a good friend of mine and the shops.

 

“Morning Ray, Really enjoyed reading this weeks newsletter from the corporation and you raised some interesting points.  I’d like to add my two cents worth so get ready for a ramble. In the letter you write of the industry still pushing the “old reliables” like the Stones, Beatles, Floyd etc. I understand the point that you are making but I don’t think that this ploy is necessarily a bad thing. I don’t believe you can dismiss the bands or their music just because it is old.  If that were the case then logic would dictate that classical music has no place or relevance in todays world.  We should object to the marketing strategy not to the bands or their music. 

With regards to new bands and new music and that mythical band slaving away in the garage? I firmly believe that that band is out there but does anybody particularly care.  Take our own John Blek for example.  I make no apologies for stating yet again that his two albums with the Rats contain some of the finest music I have heard in a long long time.  Great songs, great music and great lyrics.  All the qualities we look for in this great garage band.  Well here they are on our doorstep.  But as previously stated, does anyone care.  I would argue very few.  If John was called Dizzie John Misty and came from Tombstone in America I bet you’d have people beating a path to Music Zone Towers to buy his album!  But No, he’s from Cork, and he is one of many talented local musicians and that will always be their problem in one word…local. 

As for Springsteen in Dublin, I cant knock it, up to a point.  The guy still delivers and believes in the power and glory in music.  Cant fault him.  Back in the early 80’s when you had the likes of Queen, Elton John, Rod Stewart and our very own Foster and Allen and Joe Dolan playing dates in South Africa, Bruce took a political stand and said Fuck That,” I aint gonna play Sun City.”  He helped form Artists against Apartheid and helped to overthrow an evil regime.  Would Rihana or One Direction or any of todays acts do the same, or take a political stand on anything? I doubt it.  Don’t rock the boat.  And on the subject of Bruce in Croker, I guarantee you that at least half the crowds at the gigs are the same people who were Garth Brooks crazy a few years ago!!!!  Coming back to the local scene again I always tend to put John Spillane and Bruce in the same bracket.  Now I know that Bruce is streets ahead of John, I understand that.  But they both chronicle what goes on in their hometown.  John singing about his Dunnes Stores girl is as relevant and vital to Cork as Bruce singing about his Jersey Girl is to New Jersey.  The geography is different is all.  But both equally relevant.  I don’t think that young people today feel or believe that music matters anymore.  Does anyone take any notice of the charts. 

I know when we were young the charts were everything.  Music and football (and girls) was all we talked about in school.   Where was your team in the league and where was your band in the charts?  It was almost life and death.  Not now.  Not anymore.  You see now people don’t have the time to put in to listening to new music (hence Beatles and Stones being re-issued) so they just download what they know and in some ways that’s no ones fault.  Just ’cause something is popular doesn’t make it good.  It often means people have no choice.  Its just the way it is now.  Many many years ago Bowie said that if he were a young kid today he wouldn’t be into music, he would be interested in the internet.  That’s where the future was.  Music doesn’t shock anymore.  No revolution there.  No danger.  All that is now to be found online.  In 1970 Gill Scott Heron said ” The revolution will not be televised.” He was right.  The revolution, when and if it happens will be downloaded.  The last time we spoke of Bruce, I said I was a dinosaur. 

But Ray anyone, no matter what their age who walks into Music Zone and buys a physical copy of music, cd or lp is a dinosaur, just by buying something you can hold in your hand.  All of us a dying breed.  Its a different game now Ray, as you well know music is tailored to demographics.  Record companies now look at different age groups, eg people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and manufacture bands or music to suit that particular age group (One D, Ollie Murs, Il Divo).  Music is made easily digestible for people.  Nothing too out there or shocking.  Bring back The Pistols please!! Most of these people do not go to gigs or clubs anymore.  Sat at home in front of the t.v. waiting for the next big band/act from X Factor.  People want music they can listen to over cocktails, and see Springsteen or Garth Brooks every two or three years to get that roc’n’roll experience.  That’s rock and roll now, All wrapped  up in a bow.  So nothing too challenging.  Just perfect sounding music produced to within an inch of its life.  Check Beyonces new album, count the  number of producers.  There are 75 writers credited on the album, 17 on one track alone. I rest my case. 

Jesus Ray I’v gone on enough and trust me I could go on even more about how punk and hip hop were the last two global movements in music in that they influenced fashion, writing, film and culture in general but that was 40 and 30 years ago.   Nothing since.  Oasis/Arctic Monkeys are /were really only average bands.  Good because there was no one else.   The biggest mistake rock and roll made was having a self destruct button.   Once you went over 25 you were by the very nature of youth rebellion over the hill.  But look at all the great Blues legends in their 70”s.  Wouldn’t it have been great if the Stones had written and sung about aging in terms of rock and roll!!! And on that note Ray I’ll say “Its only rock and roll but I like it.”

 

There’s a lot to take in there and most of it has it’s merits.. Gan aon doubt… But I have to believe.. The next mind blower is out there.. Not that I have to believe… I do believe.. Not that some of our local stuff is not as good if not better that the stuff on mainstream radio.. I think you will agree that I have banged that drum for a long time.. But to get a break is so difficult even when you show quality.. Consistently it is so difficult to get noticed… So when you get your shot on The Late Late Show young and upcoming Cork bands, throw your guitar into the crowd at the end with venom, eat a dove, start to show your crown jewels to the 40 something plus audience.. Do something out of the ordinary.. Get seen… If the music is good enough then you shall be noticed after your stunt has been forgotten.. I do disagree with the point about young people today not feeling or believing that music matters anymore. I just think there has not been a whole lot for kids to relate to… To be honest… On a massive scale anyway.. Pockets of Strypes fans, Jake Bugg fans, Mumford fans.. All going about their business in a really worthwhile way… Strypes newest album, a fine record in my opinion from what are essentially only four kids… Hit the English charts at number 9 or something like that, but plummeted to 46 in week two.. These boys are one of the few great hopes out there.. But I saw little support really nationally here for them around the time of the album…

 

Maybe I am missing it…. What’s changed so dramatically this century that we, or more importantly young people, mainly have had no supergroup.. No Beatles, Zeppelin, U2, Oasis… There’s one from every decade prior to the millennium, and plenty more I could have mentioned…

 

I would love to know ye’r thoughts on this… Especially if you are under 25.. But everyone’s thoughts if you want to drop us a line… Is it the fragmentation of the way we consume music now? Is there too much choice, so support for bands gets diluted?… We are all lost in a fog?!!!

 

Is the cream at the top of the pile or if not, why can’t it rise there?

 

Some fierce interesting points made by my good pal TC but part of me does not want to believe them… For personal and business reasons! I would love to hear anybody else’s feedback, or hell maybe it just don’t matter..

 

Sin é for this week,

 

Thanks for listening as always.

 

Ray

www.musiczone.ie

Emerging Irish Talent, Documentaries on the Corporation, and Good News for Radiohead Fans

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi Everyone,

 

Hope the form is good…

 

The hurling is back… Thurles Sunday what’s the chances?.. Against the oldest enemy… Slim to none? Hard to call is my opinion.. Could, should be an interesting one.

 

Anyway… News on the RADIOHEAD white vinyl is better.. I am receiving 24 copies of it now… Better than 10… So still 6 copies available if anyone else is interested.. No luck at all on the single.. Got zero, zip, nada, nought… Crazy Ebay pricing now your only option (my advice, forget about it and don’t support the slippery quick buck merchants)…

radioheadwhite

 

Anyway, June 17th for the Radiohead… I have not listened at all to it yet..

Right so, releases in the shop today for your browsing pleasure include RICHARD ASHCROFT, BOB DYLAN, MANIC STREET PREACHERS, THE ASSOCIATES, ADAM + THE ANTS, CHRISTY MOORE (CD), DAVID BOWIE, ERIC CLAPTON (CD), and MUDCRUTCH (CD) amongst others.

 

Or for those who prefer the visual medium of a video, we have upgraded our camera in the Music Zone Towers, but unfortunately our camera man is still a bit on the shakey side! Be sure to hit the subscribe button on our YouTube channel in order to keep up with these weekly video new release updates! One customer got a fine chuckle from me during the week when he asked for me not to send him any more Vinyl Pornography.. Sorry, here’s more porn.. Be sure to subscribe for vinyl porn!

 

 

Moving on from that so… To releases for next Friday the 27th of May.. No major releases but still quite a few interesting ones.

UNIVERSAL

Universal have the new CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN album on CD and Gatefold Vinyl via Island records..

catfish

Thirty four years on and the return of MARTIN FRY with the follow up to ‘The Lexicon of Love’.. Part II is out next Friday.. CD only for now.. LP will follow in coming weeks.

 

Universal also have a nice WILKO JOHNSON selected blues album CD… 40 tracks, 8 quid.. Entitled ‘The First Time I Met The Blues’.

 

There is a 9LP STEVE HACKETT vinyl boxset of his first 6LPs, plus previously unreleased ‘Live at the New Theatre, Oxford 1979’, and a double live LP ‘Live At Reading 1981’

 

Still more from Universal for next week, the third instalment of the MARVIN GAYE boxsets, this is an 8LP set again, covering records from 71-81, including the classics like ‘Let’s Get It On’, and ‘What’s Going On’, and the alimony acquired favourite ‘Here, My Dear’.

marvin

Universal have a reissue of TALK TALK’s ‘Laughing Stock’ and the NIRVANA live compilation ‘From The Muddy Banks of the Wishkah’ on double LP, and lastly there is a new ALAN PARSON’s triple live album.

SONY

Sony for the 27th of May have LACUNA COIL’s new album ‘Delirium’, limited edition CD and limited edition LP. Some nice Sony Legacy vinyl reissues also out, including titles from the brilliant JEFF LYNNE’S E.L.O, and the great bard himself MR. LEONARD COHEN… E.L.O titles include ‘A New World Record’, ‘El Dorado’, and ‘Out of the Blue’, and the Cohen titles are ‘Songs of Leonard Cohen’, ‘Songs From A Room’, and ‘Songs of Love and Hate’. Decent value on the Cohen’s at 18Eur each!

leocohen

A good friend and customer of the shop, Tim Mc 2, put together a really fabulous video documentary of the shop on Record Shop Day… A brilliant piece in my opinion, really captured the day… Thanks Tim!

 

Tim and myself go back a while but inadvertently Tim is the reason MUSIC ZONE is here.. We worked together in McDonalds in 1991.. Tall ships race time.. Busy for the burgers, burnt fingers, work there, work anywhere… Tim got into GOLDEN DISCS just around the corner on Patrick Street. Tim always loved his tunes and I had him pestered if there was news on a job there, not to forget me… Low and behold, one day in trots Tim.. ‘I’m moving on Ray, will I put in a word for ya?’… True to his word.. Bod a bing, here I am… 23 years later, boring guys to death with my rambling notes.

 

If you can spare 40 minutes over the weekend have a watch.. We think it’s worth it.. Thanks to Ian, Frank, Stevie, Martin and Aaron for doing the auld interviews.. There are some lovely moments in the video.. I lightly chuckle when I see Arthur making his decision on his free CD from the box of freebies… The reaction is great I think (over Stevie’s shoulder during his interview!). Great document of a great day.. Thanks a million Tim.. And the rest of ye… Handsome devils for showing up… It was a Boyzone reunion audition in the man cave that day..

PROPER 

Proper for the 27th of May have new albums by BRONAGH GALLAGHER. The King of swamp rock, TONY JOE WHITE, has a new one via YepRoz.. MARK KOZELEK ‘Sings Favourites’, PINK FLOYD ‘London 66/67’, PET SHOP BOYS new 12 inch single on white vinyl.. Nice few bits.

 

Lastly from Proper is the second album by CIARAN LAVERY… I am really looking forward to hearing this one… Firstly he is Irish which is always a great starting point for me.. So much Irish music is as good, if not better, than any of the stuff we are being force fed, but it is so hard to get seen.. Radio in this country don’t help.. It’s all about the dollar.. Why can’t this song be played on 96FM?… Radio Friendly, surely?… You heard the quality of the local guys here from the video.. Top quality each and everyone of them, and deserve a shot at it..

 

 

 

 

This dude has a lot of talent, and deserves to be heard… And he starts from the right place… All for one and one for all, let’s hold hands and build a wall..

ciaranlav

PIAS

PIAS have new albums for the 27th by FLUME, on coloured vinyl for Indies only, the new I HAVE A TRIBE vinyl, as well as the new DEATH ANGEL record through Nuclear Blast… .DANIEL ROMANO’s new record on New West called ‘Mosey’ is also out… Being very well received by critics, LP is double gatefold at 45RPM in Mono, with codes.

 

Geoff Barrow of PORTISHEAD has the soundtrack to the ‘Couple In The Hole’ movie..

 

Plenty of reissues from PIAS also for next week including JOHN LEE HOOKER’S ‘Alive Volume 1’ and ‘Volume 2’, some MOBY vinyl reissues of ‘Animal Rights’, ‘Everything is Wrong’, and ‘Play’. Also reissued is MY MORNING JACKET’s ‘It Still Moves’, deluxe LP reissued with 13 track b-sides on ATO, and finally the 10th Anniversary of SPOON’s ‘Gimme Fiction’ on 2LP through Matador..

 

Republic of Music have the new GOLD PANDA record, their third on City Slang records.

WARNER

Warner for the 27th of May have NEIL YOUNG’s ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ DVD and Blu Ray, which is a visual document of the tour of the same name… Also the Human Highway DVD for the first time ever.. It had a very limited cinema release back in the day… Neil has decided to let it out after years.. This has been described as The Wizard of Oz on acid…

neilhuman

Warner also have the new MONKEES album.. First in 20 years.. Also out is a BURT BACHARACH ‘Best Of’, and the new album by BAND OF SKULLS…

 

Sin é for this week folks,

 

Check out VINYL RECORDS CORK for all the comings and goings,

 

Thanks for listening,
Ray.

Radiohead, Rants and the return of the Roses

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hey everyone,
Hows the form…
Releases in the shop for today include CAPTAIN BEEFHEART, SANTANA, METALLICA, EAGULLS,GRAND MAGUS, FOY VANCE, RUFUS WAINWRIGHT and BIRDY.
Right so, on to next Friday, the 20th of May… where do I start though, quite a few of note…

SONY

Sony gets the nod to start for the 20th of May. Dylan’s new album is out next Friday entitled “Fallen Angels”, another covers album, the first record really divided people, some saying it was as good as anything Dylan has ever done, others thinking it was pure tripe.. I’m praying to sit on the fence somewhere firmly in between both views… I thought it was a nicely produced, easy listening album, well arranged and for me, vocally quite nice… not great but not shite either. Bob has sold over 125 million records now… savage like… but I do wish he was writing his own songs and not doing these covers stuff. Must have a touch of writers block… can happen to the worst of us!

Story goes (probably not true at all), when Bono met Bob for the first time, Bono questioned Bob on his apparent ease with penning songs… Bono – “they say you can write a song anywhere, at any time, at the drop of a hat??”… Dylan – “Yeah, that’s about right”… Bono – “can you write a song now?” Dylan writes some lines on a napkin and shows Bono… Bono- “wow that’s unreal, can I have it?”… Dylan – “no, write your own songs”. As I said, probably not true at all.

 

manicsbox

Sony also have the brilliant MANIC STREET PREACHERS fourth album… commercially massive album… “Everything Must Go” on a deluxe reissue boxset  as well as CD and standard LP. A cracking album in my opinion aside from the huge hits on it, some gems like “small black flowers” and the brilliant “all surface but no feeling”… in fact every track is strong on it… just like the new FRANKS album… its brilliant… not a weak song… really, really good… in case I didn’t tell ye already.

Sony also have the ADAM AND THE ANTS reissue of 1980’s “Kings of the Wild Frontier” on a fancy super dooper boxy thingy… I was a tad young for this at the time, only 6… but seems to be a lot of interest so I must have a proper listen.
Sony also have the new CHRISTY MOORE CD, his 25th solo album, “Lily”… lovely name… eh hem… same as the smallest… Christy wrote some of the songs on this one as well as songs written by Peter Gabriel, Declan O’Rourke and our own John Spillane.

Lastly from Sony is a new HIGHWAYMEN live one called “American Outlaws Live”… Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson. Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings… four fine lads lads I’d say would make Christy look like an altar boy even in his heyday… this one is a 4CD set.

PIAS

Pias have a GRATEFUL DEAD tribute album created and curated by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National… it’s a celebration of the DEAD’s music over 6 hours and 59 tracks… CD only

Essential have the new RICHARD ASHCROFT album on CD and double vinyl record as well as the new SATYRICON CD and LP, “Nemesis Divina”.

I had to rush purchase the indies only, one press only, really, really limited RADIOHEAD vinyl on Monday last… I ordered a few… quite a few, but have been told by the rep to stop taking names at 10… that he would try and get me more than 10, but 10 was all he thought I would get… at this point 8  customers have contacted me about the record (the white version), so only 2 more kinda guaranteed to get them… if you want to throw your hat in the ring… its first come first served… if I get more than ten white ones, they will be allocated to the names in that position… sorry about this, I know it’s not ideal… if you’re not arsed about the colour, let me know also and I shall keep for you… released for Friday the 17th of June… I hoped I would get around 20/25 of the white, but looks like it will be around 10 copies… will keep ye posted next week on developments… just telling ye the sceal is all.

WARNER

Warner for the 20th of May have the BOWIE “changes one Bowie” on CD digipack and 180 gram vinyl… random black or clear are the vinyl, 50% of each being pressed… like looking for willy wonkas golden ticket… you don’t know until you open the wrapper… bit of a gimmick really… the powers that be know a lot of Bowie fans are completists and the record company are not really looking after their customers… make it limited to a number so at least the early and more eager birds will get the worms… this way (50/50 way) is less fair but probably more lucrative… don’t kill the golden goose lads… vinyl is keeping the whole thing afloat… do not piss people off… treat them right…cornerstone of any relationship is honesty, trust and respect… not making people feel like they have been mugged … bigi curamach Mr. Record company man or I won’t be coming for dinner, I can hear some Bowie fans hum.
Warner also has the second album release by Tom Petty’s band MUDCRUTCH… they actually formed back in 1970 originally… took them a while to get the debut album out… 2008… Warner also have a reissue of DEATH’s debut album “scream bloody gore” on 2CD and royal blue vinyl with codes.

UNIVERSAL

I did warn there was a bit tonight… is anybody awake still? Nearly there. Universal for the 20th of May have the new ERIC CLAPTON record called “I Still Do” on CD and LP… Bleeding Heart Pigeons have the CD release of their excellent debut “is” out next Friday. Ariana Grande has a new album… Bassist and a third of the JAM, Bruce Foxton has a new solo record… contributions by Weller. Sing Street gets its vinyl release and there are some nice Jazz 5CD sets by some of the greats like Miles, Coltrane and Bill Evans.

New song tonight by the Stone Roses… one of my favourite bands (who were never properly a band, if that makes sense). Probably, if there had been more productivity, would have been my numero uno, up there competing with THE DOORS, THE BEATLES, THE CURE and THE SMITHS, (note to upcoming bands, put THE at the start of your band name).

I was 15 when the debut album dropped… all the b-sides… sheer class… the tunes were class… still are… I love the second record also… it was a disappointment for a lot of people and the snobby purists will slag it off, but this snobby purist thinks it’s a fine record with some cracking tunes… so there for ya… must say though the new song… jury is out big time… lovely riff and playing all through by Squire, Mani with his northern soul influenced bass lines and Reni is driving the beat as only the beatmaster can but lyrically it is so weak… catchy, anthemic, but so weak lyrically… where are the lyrics that caught a 15 year olds imagination:

“as the miles they disappear,
see land begin to clear,
free from the filth and the scum,
this American satellite’s won”

from ‘Waterfall’ or

“kiss me where the sun don’t shine,
the past is yours but the future’s mine”

from ‘she bangs the drums’ or the adolescent awakenings from ‘going down’,

“Penny’s place, her crummy room,
her Dansette crackles to Jimi’s tune,
I don’t care I taste Ambre solaire,
her neck, her thighs, her lips, her hair”

Brownie was always a good man for lyrics, including his solo stuff like:

“fed up of excuses,
theres nothing more to say,
sands of your patience have surely drained away,
backed into a corner,
built of my design, peer into the future,
entwined is yours and mine,
I know this can’t go on if things remain the same,
drastic change is needed, its driving me insane”

…  and I’m sure there will be finely penned songs off this album…just not this one…. maybe they felt they had to open with some kind of a singalong anthem … I still love them and always will but this is no ‘I am the Ressurection’… did I say I still love them though…
Anyway, for those still awake,
sin e for this week,
Thanks for listening,
Ray

FLASH MAY BANK HOLIDAY VINYL RECORD SALE, AND MR. SULK IS BACK ON

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hey everyone,

 

How’s the form? Hope all is well..

 

Releases in the shop for today include THE STAR WARS : FORCE AWAKENS PICTURE DISC, ROB ZOMBIE, DEEP PURPLE, BOZ SCAGGS, VINYL ON VINYL, THE JAYHAWKS, JESU / SUN KILL MOON, and KING GIZZARD amongst them.

 

The video is back this week, for those who prefer the visual medium!

 

So moving on to releases for the 6th of May…

UNIVERSAL

Universal have the new GREGORY PORTER album, the guttural, soulful jazz singer’s new album is available on CD / 2LP / CD + DVD..

 

Universal also have a deluxe version of the stunning debut by RYAN ADAMS ‘Heartbreaker’ on 4LPs / DVD, or 2CD / DVD, featuring the legendary New York show at the Mercury Lounge in 2000. The set also includes rare and unseen photos… None from that famous night in Tung Sing Chinese in the city… Unfortunately…

Universal have the LP reissue of RICK WAKEMAN’S ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, as well as some STEVE EARLE vinyl reissues including some gems like ‘Copperhead Road’, and ‘Guitar Town’.

WARNER

Warner for next week the 6th of May have a few bits and pieces of note including THE RIDES second album ‘Pierced Arrows’ on Provogue Records. THE RIDES consist of Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg, and this release in on CD, Deluxe CD and LP with codes.

 

Warner also have a vinyl reissue of DIANA KRALL’s debut record ‘Stepping Out’, on a double LP with codes… (most have codes to be fair these days, my own personal opinion.. My thinking on the way forward if the record companies want to support the physical formats… Single LP new releases should have a 20 Euro price point with CD included in a little slip case and access to a code also if you want it… Do not penalise the physical buyer, give them the lot..)

 

Warner also have some more good vinyl reissues including NATALIE MERCHANT’S ‘10,000 Maniacs’, ‘In My Tribe’, and ‘Our Time In Eden’, the great soundtrack to JACKIE BROWN gets a reissue, THE CARS ‘The Best Of’ on double LP and some MOTLEY CRUE reissues including ‘Dr. Feelgood’, and ‘Shout at the Devil’.

Lastly from Warner for next week is a GORDON LIGHTFOOT ‘88  Sony 4CD set….

 

Tesco Ireland were in the high court in the last week… Brought there by their Dublin based supplier of CDs and DVDs, Beaumex.. Beaumex have supplied Tesco stores in this country for nearly 20 years now… Neither a great friend of this corporation… But that’s neither here nor there… Beaumex are suing Tesco for fraudulent concealment saying that Tesco are deliberately making it hard for Beaumex to work out what they are owed… The amount of money in question is up to 4 Million Euro… It is alleged by Beaumex that Tesco have made 16,000 deductions to invoices… That’s 16,000 invoices tampered with… i.e, we only got 5… Invoice charged for 10… Only then pay for 5… But how many were received??? That’s a deduction payment.. Nice guys to be doing business with if that’s the case..

 

Beaumex are only a third party distributer but when you have 108 Tesco accounts waiting on the new Adele album, i’d imagine you can get it at a fairly good price.. Things seemed to have turned fairly nasty there…

 

If Beaumex are correct… That’s incredible behaviour from Tesco and it also begs the question how Beaumex missed it… I remember a rep from Proper Music telling me some years ago about a big release they had.. (Can’t remember what it was now).. Tesco got in touch, they wanted it.. How much did it cost Tesco wanted to know (very simplified version here..) They were told the price that it could be sold to them for (which took into account the size of the order).. Tesco came back and said that wanted it 10% cheaper than that… Proper hummed and hawed and finally agreed.. For Tesco to turn around and say ‘actually we want it another 10% cheaper’.. Proper hummed and hawed again but this time they said NO.. Fair play to them.. They have never sold a CD to Tesco since.. What a way to operate… They want to rule the world…

 

I heard a story (true) during the week about a high profile Irish band who were thinking of putting their new album up on iTunes. They were on a small indie label I deal direct with.. iTunes offered them 40 cent on album sale.. I kid you not.. 40 cent out of a tenner.. They have to try recoup the cost of making the record which ain’t just a few pound.. 40 cent… At least through a shop or through their website they will recoup a far higher amount.. In our / this case 66% goes back to the band… 23% to Mr. Taxman.. And 11% to us.. It’s better than 40 cents.. Anyway, i’ve bored ye close to death at this stage i’d say with my anecdotes and tales for the grandchildren, so I am going to move on.. Yipee they say

SONY

Sony for next Friday the 6th of May have the new JEAN MICHEL JARRE record ‘Electronical’, as well as the vinyl reissues (again) of MICHAEL JACKSON’s first three solo records… I’d say ye probably know the ones.

 

Essential for the 6th of May have the ne MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER album.

PIAS

PIAS for the 6th of May have the ASSOCIATES reissues including ‘Fourth Drummer Down’, ‘The Affectionate Punch’, and of course ‘Sulk’ (which is probably in danger of becoming my nickname), and also the new Yeasayer album ‘Odd Blood’..

At Music Zone Towers (just off President Donal Trump Plaza), we are having a bit of a VINYL SALE… Not everything i’m afraid.. Just stuff that we have too much of.. So here’s the gig :

 

15% OFF RSD 2016 stock left on the racks.

20% OFF BLACK FRIDAY 2015 stock left on the racks.

20% OFF 3 OR SO BOXES OF VINYL STOCK (located by record players at counter).

Worth a nose if you’re passing..

 

On the local scene, aboveDat have a debut single coming out next Friday the 6th. aboveDat consist of Stevie G and Ian Ring (one half of Young Wonder), with vocals beautifully and soulfully put on this track by Christina Underwood. Check it out here :

 

https://soundcloud.com/abovedat

 

Sin é for this week…

Thanks,

Ray.

www.musiczone.ie

Heart Felt Thanks, and a Great Instore Gig Announcement

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hi everyone,

 

Just a quick note… Normal service will resume soon.

 

Two points of note today though, both important.

 

Local lads THE SHAKER HYMN are playing an instore with us this Friday at 4PM to launch their new album ‘Do You Think You’re Clever?’… If you can pop in to support the lads that would be great.. They’re playing Coughlan’s also that same Friday 22nd of April, still a few tickets left.

Secondly, a hugely important, heartfelt, genuine thank you to everyone who supported us for RSD.. Ye guys reading this.. Sheer class.. Humbling to be honest.. The support… The bands… Thank ye.. And the boys who work with me.. Thanks!

 

Sin e,

 

Ray

www.musiczone.ie

8 Sleeps to RSD and the return of Polly Jean plus loads more…

Posted on by musiczoneadmin

Hey everyone,

 

Hope the form is good….

 

Links to new releases in the shop include THE LUMINEERS, PRIMAL SCREAM, MEGADETH, DEFTONES, PARQUET COURTS, VIOLENT FEMMES, NIGHT MOVES, FRIGHTENED RABBIT and we finally got a few WHITE STRIPES albums back in….maybe a year since we had them….pressing plants and all that…..Jack has his own plant….productivity not a prerequisite there one presumes….he’s dead right. ( id say hes a busy boy to be fair to him, dowtcha Jackie boy)

So 8 sleeps to RECORD SHOP DAY, excitement is building with us, a theme of celebration ( were still alive!!!) this year, like every other year, we’re still going….i think this is Music Zone towers 6th RSD….I think i got about 6 records the first year in ( was not stocking vinyl at the time) to maybe 30 records in 2012 to this year where we are getting nearly 800 records across 300 titles……so bring your wallets ( !!!) leave your car…. if you wish….booze and buns shall be provided…we hope to give everyone in the early booze

morning  queue a pressie….LP/ 7INCH/ CD/BIT OF MERCH/LOCK OF BOBBY’S HAIR ( some of ye in need of it) things like that up for grabs…definitely for the first 30 to 40 anyway. My RSD fill of records was good enough, a few disappointments though as usual but hey that’s the nature of the beast …..a lot of the smaller UK labels don’t seem to be overly fair when it comes to supplying the Irish shops for RSD, I feel they sell them in the UK first and if they dont sell out, then we get a shot at it….whereas the majors in fairness, yes in fairness i said, give Ireland 10% of the UK/IRELAND quantity….so if there is 500 units of the DOORS record for the UK and IRELAND…then Ireland get 50 copies….TOWER and GOLDEN DISCS would probably eat up 20 of them, GD qty spread across a few shops….30 units then left for the likes of me, Willie in ROLLERCOASTER in Kilkenny ( we don’t really talk about sport, well the one that matters anyway, no, we don’t really talk about it, i may inquire about Brian Codys health from time to time but generally we keep it to the music ) OMG in Galway, BEN O NEILL in Dungarvan, CLASSIFIED up in Louth and maybe a few others….so the rest of us can get a few each i.e i have 6 of that DOORS record….ah the Doors….pour moi….numero uno….JIMBO and the lads…6 brilliant records in less than five years, musically and lyrically class

Words dissemble

Words be quick

Words resemble walking sticks

Plant them they will grow

Watch them waver so

I’ll always be a word man

Better then a bird man

 

I’d say you liked the birds as well now Jim  boy to be fair…

Anyway , sidetracked, apologies, RSD commences at 9am on Saturday the 16th of April and we have an independant mini music festival in the shop on the day also…
Kicking us off at 11am are a fine rock band with roots in Scotland and Cork, RAISING JUPITER…they will definitely warm us up with some cracking tunes like this beauty…thanks for doing it RJ

Next up at 12 pm is ANDERSON who in fairness to him is  travelling down from Dublin to do RSD for us….Daniel played a lovely set around the launch of his album PATTERNS a few months back, so really looking forward to this one….ANDERSON plays Cypress avenue the following weekend Friday the 22nd…thanks for doing it Danny.

 

1 PM brings us CRY MONSTER CRY…..these boys are class so really looking forward to seeing them…Simon & Garfunkel vibe going on…class..can’t wait…thanks for doing it lads….

2 pm brings us the supremely talented local lass ANNA MITCHELL with a little bit of help from John Blek,  Anna’s voice is startlingly beautiful backed up by some fine self penned songs…talented girl….one not to miss…..thanks for doing it Anna

Last up at 3 PM are local young fellers and talented boys CROJAYN….the Music Zone corporation thinks a lot of these boys….an awful lot….pop in and see for yourself….you can brag in years to come that you saw them play in a record shop at the start of their journey…check this out…

We like, we like, we like…

 

All these artists are doing this for a drop of whiskey and a bun, maybe a record…. so bula bos for getting behind us and the spirit of RSD… hats off to ye Lady and Gents…thanks.

Right so onto releases for the day before RSD, friday the 15th of April which sees the return of the unconquerable Polly Jean Harvey….i like the tunes i heard from this record….reports of stock issues, firm reports, not bullshitting here…my LP order was cut way back…second press wont be in till may 20th…forewarned is forearmed and all that yada yada…

 

UNIVERSAL

Universal also have the new CATE LE BON and a new ANDRE RIEU.

 

PIAS

PIAS have some BERT JANSCH LP reissues from the original analogue master tapes , from 1968 “ birthday blues “ and from 1967 “ NICOLA” ….1967….man 1967…what music…THE DOORS debut, PEPPERS, SURREALISTIC PILLOW, LOVES “ FOREVER CHANGES” ….these JANSCH tapes have not being used for nearly 50 years….
There is a DEAD CAN DANCE release also that day says he hedgingly ( if that’s a word) “anastasis” is being reissued on green vinyl….30 copies for Eire….so potluck for me and hence ye….Gerrard and Perry were some duo….

SAM BEAM and JESCA HOOP have an album also on the 15th on sub pop.

 

WARNER

 Warner have the next in the batch of PHIL COLLINS reissues as well as new albums by GRAHAM NASH and STURGILL SIMPSONS , his third album….this one an open letter to his first child from start to finish….

Republic of Music have the new album “ person A”  ( 4th) by californian 10 piece EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS as well as JOHN CARPENTERS follow up “ lost themes 2” some of these on purple and white swirl coloured….make an nice ice cream.

 

SONY

Sony have the lost album from 2001/02 by J.DILLA  as well as some vinyl reissues by THE DIXIE CHICKS “ home” and “ taking the lead” and PARADISE LOST “ in requeim”

 

ESSENTIAL have the new SANTANA album….all original members back for this one….

 

PROPER

Proper have the second album by Dublin band THE YOUNG FOLK outnext Friday also.

And last but not least Cork music gods THE FRANK AND WALTERS are to release a new album next Friday….should have stock for RSD THE 16TH….really looking forward to that one….we are, we are, we are the….

franks

So LOADS of releases to bring people into the record shops over RSD weekend….hope you enter one and who knows maybe your grandkids will enjoy that experience also some day…anyway enough of my preaching for one week…

 

Sin é for this week folks…

 

Check us out here on what’s coming and going

 

www.musiczone.ie

 

And thanks for listening as always,

 

Ray

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