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Dolly Parton Partners With Tennessee Tourism for a Magical Family ‘Playcation’

Eric Alper
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Dolly Parton Partners With Tennessee Tourism for a Magical Family ‘Playcation’

Kids have a big say when it comes to family travel, and that’s why Dollywood’s “Dreamer in Chief” Dolly Parton has teamed up with Tennessee Tourism to inspire the ultimate Playcation. Together, they’re inviting kids—and kids-at-heart—to plan their perfect Tennessee adventure with the Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide. Available now for pre-order at DollyPlaycation.com, the 90-plus page guide sparks creativity and pure imagination, helping families map out their dream getaway.

Ten Butterfly Tickets will be hidden randomly amongst the mailed guides offering a once-in-a-lifetime VIP Dollywood Experience. The lucky recipients will win a VIP celebration at the park’s 2025 season opening (timed with its 40th season), including a two-night stay at one of Dollywood’s luxury resorts for a family of four, season passes to Dollywood, a signed Dolly-inspired guitar and an activity pass to explore more of Pigeon Forge’s family-friendly attractions.

“I love making dreams come true, and this is a chance for families to dream big and plan their perfect Tennessee vacation at one of my favorite places – Dollywood,” said Dolly Parton. “I’m tickled to be part of this adventure and help create some memories that will last a lifetime. There’s nothing quite like spending time with family, and I’m just thrilled to give folks a little something special with these Butterfly Tickets!”

The free Tennessee Playcation Kid’s Guide is available for pre-order starting October 29 at DollyPlaycation.com, with guides arriving in mailboxes by November 25. Featuring kid-friendly activities and real Tennessee destinations, the interactive guide turns trip planning into a fun, family affair. Kids can also submit their own artwork for a chance to be featured on a Tennessee-sponsored billboard.

More than 250,000 printed guides are available upon request at TNvacation.com. The Playcation campaign, first launched in 2023, has become a year-long initiative to engage families and inspire kids to play an active role in vacation planning. The guide features over 45 family-friendly Tennessee destinations, such as Dollywood, the Memphis Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium, Grand Ole Opry, and more.

Music Group Technologies Signs First-Ever Music AI Prompters, Establishes European HQ in Norway

Eric Alper
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Music Group Technologies Signs First-Ever Music AI Prompters, Establishes European HQ in Norway

Music Group Technologies Inc., a pioneer in merging traditional music creation with artificial intelligence (AI) driven innovation, has acquired Music Group AI LLC to leverage its proprietary methods in music AI prompting. This move establishes Music Group Technologies’ United States headquarters in Austin, Texas, and its European headquarters in Bergen, Norway, solidifying its status as a global leader in music technology.

Music Group Technologies has become the first company in the music industry to recognize and sign prompters who use AI software such as Suno or Udio to create or enhance music. Two of the four engineers joining Music Group Technologies are based in the U.S., while the other two are based in Norway. This groundbreaking recognition of the role of AI-assisted music creators has the potential to redefine the modern music industry. In addition, MGT has signed three traditional artists — two in the U.S. and one in Norway.

“We’re at the forefront of something innovative and disruptive but truly exciting,” said Matt Alvers, Co-founder of Music Group Technologies. “While many in the music industry fear AI, our experience in both the music industry and with global technology sets us apart. Our talented developers are already working with previously signed artists, major music publishers, renowned artists and the estates of legendary musicians to repurpose lyrics and music.”

Music Group Technologies’ dual U.S. and European headquarters will serve as gateways for fostering technological innovation and artistic collaboration with international musicians and AI engineers.

“Skilled music AI engineers will be essential to the future of music, and mixing innovative prompting with musicians and songwriters marks a new revolution for the music industry,” said Paal Larsen, Co-founder of Music Group Technologies. “With dual headquarters in Austin and Bergen, we are strategically positioned to support both artists and creators on a global scale.”

Matt Alvers brings a unique blend of music industry and AI expertise to Music Group Technologies. From the early to mid-2000s, Alvers discovered rising talent and managed Top 40 artists signed to Universal, Elektra and MCA/Geffen Records. In 2003, Alvers helped showcase rising young talent Taylor Swift to multiple record executives at the Florida Music Festival, which was one of Swift’s first major industry showcases. In 2005, Alvers joined Larsen to expand the Norwegian-based tech company Meltwater Group across North America ahead of its $1 billion IPO. Most recently, Alvers was a Regional Vice President at tech giant Salesforce, where he focused on the industry’s cutting-edge technologies, including AI and Fortune 500 digital transformations.

Paal Larsen is a Norway-based entrepreneur, investor and software-as-a-service (SaaS) executive with a strong focus on developing people, teams and international companies. In the 2000s, Larsen worked in the U.S. music industry alongside Matt Alvers, helping launch the international careers of several prominent artists and shaping the artist development process. He later transitioned into tech, building and developing international companies in AI, security and sustainability. A key player in the success of Meltwater, Larsen contributed to the company’s global expansion across Europe, APAC and other regions, playing a pivotal role in its $1 billion IPO in 2020. As co-founder of the Terravera Foundation, he champions sustainability and responsible innovation across all ventures.

The Beatles’ 1964 U.S. Albums Return in Stunning 8LP Box Set

Eric Alper
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The Beatles’ 1964 U.S. Albums Return in Stunning 8LP Box Set

1964 was the year that the U.S.A. first fell head-over-heels for The Beatles, with an unprecedented run of albums and singles topping the charts and going on to sell millions of copies. But these albums are not simply replicas of the 1963 and 1964 albums released by Parlophone in the UK and rest of world. Seeing a different opportunity, Capitol Records and United Artists compiled these albums for U.S. release between January 1964 and March 1965.

To celebrate the momentous year when Beatlemania exploded across the U.S., seven Beatles albums are collected for a spectacular new 8LP vinyl box set. Meet The Beatles!; The Beatles’ Second Album; A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track); Something New; The Beatles’ Story (2LP); Beatles ’65; and The Early Beatles all feature faithfully replicated artwork and new four-panel inserts with essays written by American Beatles historian and author Bruce Spizer. The albums’ new vinyl lacquers were cut by Kevin Reeves at Nashville’s East Iris Studios with constant reference to the original vinyl first pressings to ensure they are faithful to the original release, while also enabling more musical information to be heard than was possible before. 180 gram audiophile pressing. The Beatles’ Story 2LP is exclusive to the box set. It gets released on November 22, 2024 here.

THE BEATLES
1964 U.S. ALBUMS IN MONO
180g 8LP box set (Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe)

091224.beatlesus64.meetthebeatleslp.jpg

Meet The Beatles!

Side One
1. I Want To Hold Your Hand
2. I Saw Her Standing There
3. This Boy
4. It Won’t Be Long
5. All I’ve Got To Do
6. All My Loving

Side Two
1. Don’t Bother Me
2. Little Child
3. Till There Was You
4. Hold Me Tight
5. I Wanna Be Your Man
6. Not A Second Time

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The Beatles’ Second Album

Side One
1. Roll Over Beethoven
2. Thank You Girl
3. You Really Got A Hold On Me
4. Devil In Her Heart
5. Money (That’s What I Want)
6. You Can’t Do That

Side Two
1. Long Tall Sally
2. I Call Your Name
3. Please Mister Postman
4. I’ll Get You
5. She Loves You

091224.beatlesus64.harddaysnightlp.jpg

A Hard Day’s Night (Original Motion Picture Sound Track)

Side One
1. A Hard Day’s Night
2. Tell Me Why
3. I’ll Cry Instead
4. I Should Have Known Better (Orchestral Instrumental)
5. I’m Happy Just To Dance With You
6. And I Love Her (Orchestral Instrumental)

Side Two
1. I Should Have Known Better
2. If I Fell
3. And I Love Her
4. Ringo’s Theme (This Boy) (Orchestral Instrumental)
5. Can’t Buy Me Love
6. A Hard Day’s Night (Orchestral Instrumental)

091224.beatlesus64.beatlessomethingnewlp.jpg

Something New

Side One
1. I’ll Cry Instead
2. Things We Said Today
3. Any Time At All
4. When I Get Home
5. Slow Down
6. Matchbox

Side Two
1. Tell Me Why
2. And I Love Her
3. I’m Happy Just To Dance With You
4. If I Fell
5. Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand

0912091224.beatlesus64.beatlesstoryLP.jpg

The Beatles’ Story

LP1, Side One
1. On Stage With The Beatles
2. How Beatlemania Began
3. Beatlemania In Action
4. Man Behind The Beatles – Brian Epstein
5. John Lennon
6. Who’s A Millionaire?

LP1, Side Two
1. Beatles Will Be Beatles
2. Man Behind The Music – George Martin
3. George Harrison

LP2, Side One
1. A Hard Day’s Night – Their First Movie
2. Paul McCartney
3. Sneaky Haircuts And More About Paul

LP2, Side Two
1. The Beatles Look At Life
2. “Victims” Of Beatlemania
3. Beatle Medley
4. Ringo Starr
5. Liverpool And All The World!

091224.beatlesus64.beatles65lp.jpg

Beatles ’65

Side One
1. No Reply
2. I’m A Loser
3. Baby’s In Black
4. Rock And Roll Music
5. I’ll Follow The Sun
6. Mr. Moonlight

Side Two
1. Honey Don’t
2. I’ll Be Back
3. She’s A Woman
4. I Feel Fine
5. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby

091224.beatlesus64.earlybeatleslp.jpg

The Early Beatles

Side One
1. Love Me Do
2. Twist And Shout
3. Anna (Go To Him)
4. Chains
5. Boys
6. Ask Me Why

Side Two
1. Please Please Me
2. P.S. I Love You
3. Baby It’s You
4. A Taste Of Honey
5. Do You Want To Know A Secret

5 Surprising Facts About Patti Smith’s Album ‘Horses’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Patti Smith’s Album ‘Horses’

Patti Smith’s Horses is often hailed as one of the most revolutionary rock albums of all time, celebrated for merging poetry with punk in a way that captivated both critics and fans. Released on November 10, 1975, the album was Smith’s debut, a bold statement in the rock world that continues to resonate nearly fifty years later. Here are five fascinating insights about Horses that reveal the album’s creative spirit and complex legacy.

1. The Album’s Release Date Was “Magically” Delayed

Originally, Horses was set for release on October 20, Arthur Rimbaud’s birthday—a date that held significance for Smith, who deeply admired the French poet. However, due to a vinyl shortage, the release was postponed to November 10, the anniversary of Rimbaud’s death. Smith saw this as a “magical coincidence,” adding a haunting layer of tribute to Rimbaud and further tying the album to her artistic influences. For Smith, this delay made the album’s release even more meaningful, aligning it with a poetic end rather than a beginning.

2. An Attempt at Strings That Smith Vehemently Opposed

John Cale, who produced Horses, initially envisioned adding string arrangements to give the album a more polished, layered sound. However, Smith was adamantly against this idea, preferring a raw, unfiltered approach that captured the energy of her live performances. Smith’s rejection of the strings created some tension with Cale but ultimately kept the album’s minimalist punk ethos intact. This decision reinforced Smith’s vision of Horses as a revolutionary break from the polished music dominating the airwaves at the time.

3. A Tense Collaboration with Rock Icons Led to a Physical Altercation

The recording of Horses wasn’t without its drama. During the sessions, Smith’s boyfriend, Allen Lanier of Blue Öyster Cult, and her ex-boyfriend, Tom Verlaine of Television, clashed over creative differences. The tension escalated to the point where Lanier and Verlaine ended up in a physical altercation on the final day of recording. This event added to the already charged atmosphere, showing how personal and professional relationships often collided in the making of Horses.

4. Patti Smith’s Outfit: A Thrifted Look That Defied Gender Norms

The iconic cover photo of Horses, taken by Smith’s close friend Robert Mapplethorpe, portrays her in an androgynous pose that defied 1970s conventions for female artists. Smith wore a simple white shirt from a Salvation Army shop and an old black jacket that she slung over her shoulder. The look was partly inspired by French poet Charles Baudelaire, as well as Frank Sinatra. Smith’s unorthodox fashion choice, which eschewed the glamorous image typical of female rock stars, became a revolutionary statement, challenging gender norms in rock and roll.

5. Recorded as a Tribute on Hendrix’s Death Anniversary

Smith recorded the song “Elegie” on September 18, 1975, exactly five years after Jimi Hendrix’s death. Dedicated to Hendrix and other rock icons who had passed away, the song was intended as a requiem for those who, like Hendrix, had shaped the music of the 1960s but didn’t live to see its evolution. This small but poignant tribute connects Horses to the history of rock in a heartfelt way, making it not only a groundbreaking punk album but also a commemoration of rock legends lost too soon.

Horses is more than just an album; it’s a cultural artifact steeped in history, emotion, and boundary-pushing artistry.  The stories behind Horses reveal why it’s celebrated as both a punk rock milestone and an enduring work of poetic expression that speaks to those who march to the beat of their own drum.

What Are Age Demands for Renting Lamborghini in Dubai?

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Renting a Lamborghini in Dubai  is a gripping experience  but it is essential  to  understand   that age demands   play an important  role   in  renting procedure. Many  expensive vehicle renting   companies in Dubai   set lower age   demands   for  expensive  cars for example Lamborghinis. You  should be 25   years old  to rent  the Lamborghini,  various companies   might   need  drivers to be 27 and older. Age  limitation exists   because  more performance cars  need   the   driving experience   and maturity to manage  protectively. Renting  companies   want to ensure that    drivers  can  handle   the potential ad   lamborghini speed. For the   drivers under  25, rental of these cars is not permitted   and comes with   more  limitations  like improved  top up  amounts   and more insurance   premium.

Focus On Age Demand

When you are  younger than the needed age, you might  find   it  challenging  to  hire car dubai,  as  many  companies follow these  rules  to save    both the   car and driver.  Various companies   permit   drivers  as young  as   21   to rent the lamborghini  with particular  conditions . These  conditions include more insurance rates and deposit charges because younger   drivers   are   more risk  customers.  Moreover   when younger drivers are approved  to rent  lamborghini  they might   encounter  restrictions   on the vehicle  model  and they can select  as  agencies  might   limit  approach  to the    luxury lamborghini  for less expert drivers.

Insurance Requirement 

Insurance plays an  important role  in finding   age demands. Insurance   givers   enforce   their own    age  restriction   for   cars, for example Lamborghini rent Dubai. For the driver   under 25   obtaining the   extensive  insurance   coverage  can be difficult  and princely  and  most renting   agencies  will not permit   drivers  without sane coverage  to rent these   cars.   Various renting   companies  may give insurance  for  drivers   but  at premium , improve the   renting price.  More  prices    show   the improved   risk links   with   drivers and make sure the company   can cover the   damage price.

Driving Permit

For  tourism, overseas driving allowances  are accepted  with a home nation license, you meet age demands. Always best to verify the renting company ahead of time, as particular  rules   can different. Various renting companies  need   verification   for example  evidence of residency  and job  to rent   more   vehicles   specially for   young drivers.

Conclusion

Age demands  to rent  the Lamborghini  in Dubai   is  25  or  older. Young drivers,  if permitted, might   face more   charges and limitations. This  assists   make sure that  responsible and  expert drivers   manage these  cars as they are  daunting to handle  compared  to  regular  vehicles. Meet age   demand, have  the best driving   history and  knowing the  more charges  will make the  renting procedure effective and  more lovable. With these demands , rental lamborghini can be an unforgettable  experience, provided  you are prepared  and meet   eligible criteria.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Streamline Your Travel with Smart Stroller Choices

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Travel is a fun adventure, but traveling with kids makes it a little more complicated. But bringing the right gear along with the family will help make that an easy and enjoyable experience. But among all the good investments you can make for traveling with the whole family, there is one thing that stands out: getting the best travel stroller that really emphasizes ease, comfort, and portability. 

For many parents, a travel stroller becomes the ultimate solution for them – compact, easy to use, and lightweight enough to carry anywhere. Here is what to look for in a travel stroller, and why the umbrella stroller may just be the perfect solution for your next journey.

Why Opt for a Travel Stroller?

A travel stroller provides unique benefits compared to traditional strollers when you are traveling. They are generally smaller and lighter and more ideal for folding and stuffing into a suitcase or overhead bag, especially in crowded airports or busy sightseeing areas. A travel stroller is built to overcome those travel-related challenges while keeping your little one comfortable easy to use and practical.

This umbrella folding travel stroller is famous for its folding technique. The lightweight frame and convenience when folding make it particularly popular. Very compact, a family may want this just for easy packing in the trunk of the family car, overhead in an aircraft, or easy handling during traveling periods.

Some of the critical benefits of having an umbrella stroller include:

  • Light and Portable: Most umbrella strollers weigh under 15 pounds, making them a breeze to lift and transport.
  • Quick Fold: Umbrella strollers fold up close in seconds perfect travel stroller when there is little time to spare.
  • Space Savers: Since the frame of an umbrella stroller is so slender and compact, they easily fit into car trunks, airplane storage, and more.
  • Cost Effective: There are lots of umbrella strollers offering great value without blowing the budget.

Features of the Best Travel Stroller

The best travel stroller is that has all the features that make traveling easier and more comfortable. Though probably most important is that it should be really lightweight and compact, it should also have those features in it which make life easier and keep your child safe and comfortable.

Here’s what to consider:

  • Compact Fold: The stroller should fold down easily and fit into small spaces.
  • Durability: With travel-friendly strollers, you are going to want materials that can stand up to the demands of frequent usage.
  • Comfort for Your Child: Padded seating and reclining options are probably the most obvious comfort features.
  • Safety Features: A well-built harness, brakes, and stability features all combine to instill a sense of peace.

The umbrella stroller often checks all of these boxes, offering a fine blend of affordability and portability without skimping on the essentials.

Choosing the Right Stroller for Your Travel Needs

Consider how you will use the stroller as you travel. If you are navigating busy airports and train stations, you will appreciate the nimble handling that comes with an umbrella stroller. Families embarking on longer road trips will appreciate strollers offering a bit of additional storage, while those flying may prioritize super-light models. The best travel stroller will depend on the type of travel you like to do and what is required during such travel.

Top Picks for Umbrella Strollers and Travel Strollers

Best travel stroller. A few of the highlights can be seen below.

  • Basic Models – Really good for short trips or weekend city adventures. They are no frills but do the job.
  • Advanced Models – Add more features, such as reclining seats or storage compartments. They become super comfy for parents and children.
  • Compact Fold Strollers: A stroller combining all the best features of both worlds, such as compact fold, lightweight, but with additional features.

Ease of Travel through Choosing a Suitable Stroller

Therefore, choosing the best travel stroller for your family is sure to make a huge difference in your travels being more comfortable and enjoyable. A huge difference comes whether you select an umbrella stroller for its portability or a slightly more robust travel model. The right stroller makes all the difference. So streamline your travel by picking the stroller that fits your needs, and enjoy the journey with comfort and confidence.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Tori Amos Announces New Live Album ‘Diving Deep Live’

Eric Alper
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Tori Amos Announces New Live Album ‘Diving Deep Live’

Tori Amos has long been renowned for never playing the same show twice. As The Guardian noted in 2022, she “is famous for her eclectic setlists peppered with fan favourites, B-sides, and covers.” Now these unique live performances, which also feature Musical Director and bassist Jon Evans and drummer and percussionist Ash Soan, are captured in a new live album Diving Deep, recorded during Amos’ Ocean to Ocean tour, which spanned 93 dates across the globe throughout 2022 and 2023. Diving Deep is released on December 6th 2024 and the lead single Cornflake Girl is out now and available HERE.

Standing as a welcome reminder of Amos’s brilliance as a virtuosic musician and performer, Diving Deep Live features tracks from across her iconic catalogue, including hits such as “Cornflake Girl”, which is out now, “Silent All These Years”, which appeared on 1992 debut Little Earthquakes, and “God” from Amos’ 1994 album Under The Pink.

“After having already moved the entire tour twice due to the Pandemic, I was eventually able to start rehearsing with the band, which for this tour consisted of my musical friend of a million years, MD and bassist Jon Evans, and, for the first time, renowned drummer and percussionist Ash Soan. By the time we set off, Europe had still not fully opened up so we played the UK and Ireland and headed to the States. By the time we finished in late summer 2023 we couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed and how much fun we’d had. Playing with these two beings was one of the greatest experiences I have had on stage. To be able to sit back and jam with the guys was so very special and I truly hope anyone listening will find themselves getting lost in the moment just like we did.”

During the course of an illustrious 35-year career, Amos has sold over 12 million records, performed 1000s of concerts, been nominated for eight Grammys and won countless awards. A noted humanitarian, Amos was the first spokesperson for RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), which is the United States’ largest anti-sexual assault organisation. Amos’ legacy and impact on female artists today is as prevalent and dynamic as ever – Halsey recently paid homage to Amos as one of the artists that has inspired her most in her career saying “I grew up on Tori and have always considered her in a class of her own”. In October this year, lifelong fan Natasha Khan of Bat For Lashes presented Amos with the Inspirational Artist Award at Music Week’s ‘Women in Music’ event to rapturous applause and a standing ovation from the thousands of women present working in the industry.

Diving Deep is released on Decca Records/Universal Music Canada on December 6th 2024. The LP version will feature 12 tracks, and an expanded 16-track version entitled Diving Deeper will be available on CD and DSPs.

Diving Deep LP Tracklist:
God
Ocean To Ocean
Amber Waves
Daisy Dead Petals
Pandora’s Aquarium
Silent All These Years
Ruby Through The Looking Glass
Climb
Spring Haze
Code Red
Cornflake Girl
Lady In Blue

Diving Deeper additional bonus tracks:
Here In My Head
Crazy
Sister Janet
Mother Revolution

Scissor Sisters Return to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Their No.1 Album Scissor Sisters

Eric Alper
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Scissor Sisters Return to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Their No.1 Album Scissor Sisters

The long-awaited reunion that fans have been clamouring for is here: Scissor Sisters are back and readying their first live shows in over 12 years.

2024 marks the 20 year anniversary of the band’s debut album ‘Scissor Sisters’, one of the UK’s 40 best-sellers of all time, and to celebrate this, the era-defining pop disruptors – lead singer Jake Shears plus multi-instrumentalist Babydaddy and guitarist Del Marquis – will fill the UK’s arenas next May with their signature mix of showmanship, songcraft and galvanising queer energy.

The album ‘Scissor Sisters’ was the best-selling album in the UK of 2004, selling over 3 million copies globally (a staggering 2 million of these were UK sales). Ranked as the 20th biggest-selling album of the 21st century in the UK and the 35th biggest-selling album of all time, the album went 9 x Platinum in the UK, and won three BRIT Awards in 2005, including Best International Album, Best International Group and Best International Breakthrough Act, making Scissor Sisters the first act ever to win all three international categories.

The band are already batting around setlist ideas but plan to perform every single track from the album on the tour. They will also cherry-pick highlights from their three subsequent albums, 2006’s Ta-Dah, 2010’s Night Work and 2012’s Magic Hour, which contain some of the band’s biggest hits and most cherished fan favourites.

Jake says: “It’s the 20th anniversary of our debut album, so it really feels like the right time to revisit all the intense excitement of that moment. I think the impetus for this reunion was really a YouTube screening of Scissor Sisters: Live at The O2 that happened during lockdown. I don’t think I’d seen that show since it was filmed in 2007, but we were all kind of surprised by how great it was.  And chatting with fans during the screening really brought back what a special moment it was for all of us.”

Babydaddy adds: “There’s something really special about us being a gay band, a queer band, who really pushed into the mainstream with that album. We want to revisit that because there weren’t as many queer acts breaking through in that way 20 years ago. We do acknowledge that we did something pretty unique back then just by putting ourselves out there as queer people. We put queer culture in the mainstream at a time when there wasn’t much of it there.”

Del says: ” There will always be a little bit of anarchy and chaos in our live shows. That’s the magic ingredient of the Scissor Sisters, and we’re definitely going to bring that ‘anything can happen’ energy back again. This time I want to be really present on stage and celebrate how lucky we are to have achieved what we achieved. I don’t think I was mature enough to deal with everything the first time around because it happened so fast.”

The Scissor Sisters 2025 live experience will have a different dynamic as singer Ana Matronic has decided not to join the tour as she has other projects she is focusing on right now. “The 20th anniversary only happens once and now has to be the time for us to celebrate that album”, says Babydaddy.

“We’ve spent a lot of time collectively thinking about what we can add to our show that isn’t a ‘replacement’ for Ana in any way,” Del says. “She’s part of the spirit of this band and we want to honour that.” For Jake, reconvening as a trio adds to the “fun challenge” of working out what their live show looks and feels like after 12 years away. “The way I see it is this,” he adds, “If it’s gonna be different, why not make it an interesting kind of different?”

Tickets will go on pre-sale on Wednesday 6th November at 10am, with the general on sale Friday 8th November at 10am, all via www.scissorsisters.com.

The arena tour dates announced today are:
FRI 16 MAY 2025 NOTTINGHAM, MOTORPOINT ARENA
SAT 17 MAY 2025 GLASGOW, OVO HYDRO
MON 19 MAY 2025 BOURNEMOUTH, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
TUE 20 MAY 2025 CARDIFF, UTILITA ARENA
WED 21 MAY 2025 MANCHESTER, CO-OP LIVE
FRI 23 MAY 2025 LONDON, THE 02
SAT 24 MAY 2025 LEEDS, FIRST DIRECT ARENA
SUN 25 MAY 2025 BIRMINGHAM, UTILITA ARENA
TUE 27 MAY 2025 BELFAST, SSE ARENA
WED 28 MAY 2025 DUBLIN, 3ARENA
WITH SUPPORT FROM VERY SPECIAL GUEST ALISON GOLDFRAPP

The album, ‘Scissor Sisters’ will be reissued on vinyl on 22nd November with a deluxe expanded edition to follow next year. Fans can expect B-sides, remixes and unheard rarities alongside the original 11-track LP.

Scissor Sisters burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a colourful, boundary-pushing style that blended glam rock, pop, and disco, breaking down barriers in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music. Released in February 2004, the group’s debut album achieved the biggest selling week one of any international artist in the last 20 years. It spawned five irresistible singles: the funky strut of Laura, Elton-esquecoming out anthem Take Your Mama, life-affirming ballad Mary, horny club banger Filthy/Gorgeous and an audacious disco cover of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. In a way, the album’s jubilant fusion of rollicking pop, gleaming glam rock, classic balladry and subtly subversive club tunes reflects the fact that Scissor Sisters started out as musical outsiders.

Though they emerged from New York’s hyper-creative queer underground, the band were embraced most vehemently of all in the UK. In 2004 Jake and Babydaddy collaborated with pop royalty when they co-wrote and produced Kylie Minogue’s shimmering disco gem I Believe in You, a UK No.2 hit that was nominated for a Grammy award. In January 2004, Scissor Sisters made their UK live debut at a sweaty Soho club night; by June, they were playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. In 2005, they cemented their incredible rise by winning three BRIT Awards and performing Take Your Mama at the ceremony with eye-popping puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.  Their unforgettable performances at Coachella, and V Festival truly cemented their status as one of the most exciting live acts of the early 2000s. In 2005, they performed at ‘Live 8 London in Hyde Park, supporting MAKEpovertyHISTORY. The band has also headlined iconic venues like Wembley Arena and the London O2, completing five international sell-out tours. In 2005 they were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for Comfortably Numb.

The Ta-Dah album stormed straight to the top of the charts in 2006 after spawning the No.1 single I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, a dazzling disco bop co-written with the band’s idol Elton John. Ta-Dah also featured the deliciously off-kilter stomper I Can’t Decide, which has gone on to become one of the band’s most streamed songs despite never being released as a single. Ta-Dah was followed in time by Night Work, a harder dance-rock record spearheaded by the strident single Fire with Fire. Since its release, the album has become a cult queer classic thanks to its heady celebration of club culture’s potential for personal, political and sexual liberation. Magic Hour was a kaleidoscopic pop album that yielded the sleek house single Only the Horses, which was co-produced by Calvin Harris, and the drag-inspired banger Let’s Have a Kiki. The latter remains a staple at gay bars and Pride parties, and the band are especially excited to be returning in an era where more queer artists are breakout stars.

The Verve – This Is Music: The Singles 20th Anniversary 2 LP Out January 2024

Eric Alper
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The Verve – This Is Music: The Singles 20th Anniversary 2 LP Out January 2024

Released on vinyl for the very first time, This Is Music: The Singles, is a double LPcompilation album by The Verve: Richard Ashcroft (vocals), Pete Salisbury (drums), Simon Jones (bass), Nick McCabe (guitar).

It was originally released on CD only in November 2004 and, for its 20th anniversary, it has been updated to a more definitive track listing; the two tracks pulled from the sessions for their third album, Urban Hymns, ‘This Could Be My Moment’ and ‘Monte Carlo’ have been replaced by the powerful singles from the band’s 2008 reunion album, Forth – ‘Love is Noise’ and ‘Rather Be’. In addition, their second single ‘She’s A Superstar’ (1992) is included in its original, full- length, eight-and-a-half-minute glory (rather than the five-minute edit that featured on the first edition of this compilation). As such, the album now represents the complete story of The Verve’s singles. And what a compelling saga it is, comprehensively documenting the potency of The Verve’s epoch-making journey through the musical cosmos. On their emergence in the early 90s (when they were known simply as Verve), their output was expansive, cinematic and genuinely psychedelic. Their early 45s – ‘All In The Mind’, ‘She’s A Superstar’, ‘Gravity Grave’, ‘Blue’ and ‘Slide Away’ – all topped the UK independent chart and served notice that there something more than a little special going on up in Wigan, Lancashire.

1995’s A Northern Soul album saw the band develop their sound even further and spawned three truly memorable singles: ‘This Is Music’, ‘On Your Own’ and the much- loved, ‘History’, the group’s first collaboration with string arranger Wil Malone, which was issued as the band splintered for the first time. They reconvened (with the addition of guitarist and keyboard player Simon Tong) to reach their commercial peak in 1997 with the hugely successful Urban Hymns, which was centred around a brilliantly accomplished suite of anthemic songs written by Ashcroft, including the worldwide smash ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, the UK number one ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’, the majestic ‘Lucky Man’ and fourth single ‘Sonnet’, recently introduced to a new generation by its use in the popular TV series One Day earlier this year.

After the success of Urban Hymns, the band split again before they came back together (with their original four-piece line-up) for 2008’s Forth LP, another international success and a campaign that culminated in a triumphant headline slot at Glastonbury in 2008.

Listening back to these singles, what’s immediately apparent is just how mighty a musical force The Verve were. Many of these songs are more than just great singles, they are anthems that resonate with millions of people, the soundtrack to a generation. This Is Music, folks. The black and light blue/red vinyl editions will be released on 24th January 2025 and can be purchased alongside a new range of band merchandise from the recently launched official The Verve online store HERE

This Is Music: The Singles 2LP

LP1
Side A Side B
1. This Is Music 5. She’s A Superstar
2. Slide Away 6. On Your Own
3. Lucky Man 7. Blue
4. History 8. Sonnet

LP2
Side C Side D
1. All In The Mind  2. Bitter Sweet Symphony
3. The Drugs Don’t Work 4. Love Is Noise
5. Gravity Grave 6. Rather Be

The Cure Releases New Album ‘Songs of a Lost World’ – The First New Album in Sixteen Years Out Now

Eric Alper
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0
The Cure Releases New Album ‘Songs of a Lost World’ – The First New Album in Sixteen Years Out Now

THE CURE’s long-awaited, critically acclaimed new album, ‘SONGS OF A LOST WORLD’, their first new release in 16 years, is out now.

The band will be performing their only scheduled show of the year tonight at Troxy in London, which will be live streamed on The Cure’s YouTube page Show Of A Lost World The Cure Live At Troxy

Initially formed in 1978, The Cure has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, headlined the Glastonbury festival four times and been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. They are considered to be one of the most influential bands to ever come out of the UK.

‘SONGS OF A LOST WORLD’ was written and arranged by Robert Smith, produced and mixed by Robert Smith & Paul Corkett and performed by The Cure – Robert Smith: Voice / guitar / 6string bass / keyboard, Simon Gallup: Bass, Jason Cooper: Drums / percussion, Roger O’Donnell: Keyboard, Reeves Gabrels: Guitar. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Robert Smith created the sleeve concept, and Andy Vella, a long-time Cure collaborator, handled the album’s art and design. The cover art features ‘Bagatelle’, a 1975 sculpture by Janez Pirnat.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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