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Blues Rock Sextet SPARROW BLUE Releases “That Rock N Roll” Single From No Lies, No Tricks Album

Eric Alper
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Blues Rock Sextet SPARROW BLUE Releases “That Rock N Roll” Single From No Lies, No Tricks Album

St. Albert, Alberta’s blues rock sextet Sparrow Blue has managed to do something that is rare: make classic rock sound as fresh, energetic, and punchy as it did when it first started. The result is a short but incredibly sweet, party-starting, rowdy rock nugget, “That Rock N Roll,” the latest single from the band’s 2024 album No Lies, No Tricks. And judging by the sizzle on this sonic steak, Sparrow Blue has so, so much to offer.

The single captures all the pent-up energy and angst the pandemic created for everyone, especially musicians who weren’t able to perform for fans, giving out that energy from the stage to fans and in turn receiving their energy. “‘That Rock N Roll’ was a direct response to being locked down in 2020,” the band says. “It came from the frustration of not being able to connect with people in a live setting and missing the freeing feeling of a full PA pumping through your body. The song evolved into an anthem of passion and love for live music, our fans, and appreciation that one day we will be on the road again.”

That verve comes through immediately on “That Rock N Roll.” Singer Des Parks’ classic rock rasp and slightly southern delivery in the vein of Cinderella’s Tom Keifer reaches through the speakers (or ear buds) to grab your attention immediately. Meanwhile, guitarists Chad Plamondon and Jon Dombroski lay down some rockabilly-ish riffs that keep the lean, lovable tune rolling down the tracks and gathering steam. The rhythm section of bassist Caden Doyle, percussionist Russell McCann, and drummer Liam Holm hold down the back beat and groove with sacrificing any oomph. Think of some fine boogie blend of the Georgia Satellites, Stray Cats, and Guns N Roses circa The Spaghetti Incident? and you might get the gist of this incredible rocker.

I’ll take what I can get cause it’s been a while ya know
The tremble and the shaking when the lights start getting low
I feel it in my heart running rhythms at full speed
Good God, in this moment I’ve never felt so free

I just can’t wait to hear that rock n roll
I just can’t wait to hear that rock n roll

“That Rock N Roll” is the latest single from Sparrow Blue’s No Lies, No Tricks album, a record the band describes as a “loose concept of a gunslinger’s journey through time and space while staying relevant to the modern world and the human condition.” The group, who cite influences like classic rock legends Mountain, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin, has shared the stages with a myriad of bands such as The Trews, Finger Eleven, The Sheepdogs, Rick Springfield and The Pursuit of Happiness among others.

Having recently wrapped up a tour supporting Australian rock group The Lazys, Sparrow Blue will now bring “That Rock N Roll” to the masses with an extensive touring schedule from British Columbia to Nova Scotia from mid-September through late October. And with a great single in “That Rock N Roll” at their disposal, look for Sparrow Blue to provide a show that is free of tricks or gimmicks. It’s a great rock band with a great rock single. And that’s no lie!

Sparrow Blue No Lies, No Tricks 2024 Tour Dates (with support)

September 13, 2024 — The Green Room — Saskatoon, SK (with Saint Vicious, Blind Commentary)
September 14, 2024 — Osborne Taphouse — Winnipeg, MB (with Kingsway, Moonfield)
September 17, 2024 — Knowhere Public House — Sudbury, ON (with Pop Machine)
September 18, 2024 — Meteor — Windsor, ON (with Indiana Drones, Case The Joint)
September 19, 2024 — Eastside Bar — London, ON (with Howzat, Brother Leeds)
September 20, 2024 — Broom Factory — Kingston, ON (with High Loves, Kasador)
September 21, 2024 — The Rainbow — Ottawa, ON (with Keanne Powell, Lucky Honey)
September 25, 2024 — Monteith Manor — Woodstock, NB (with Strychnine)
September 26, 2024 — Truro Brewing Company — Truro, NS (with Dali Van Gogh)
September 27, 2024 — Ducky’s — Sackville, NB (with Dali Van Gogh)
September 28, 2024 — Shoebox Cantina — New Glasgow, NS (with Hugh Wilson)
September 29, 2024 — Gus’ Pub — Halifax, NS (with The Fabulous Pontoona Bros, Dali Van Gogh)
October 2, 2024 — Five & Dime — Saint John, NB (with The Fabulous Pontoona Bros)
October 3, 2024 — District Saint Joseph — Quebec City, QC (with Atome Hits)
October 4, 2024 — Piranha Bar — Montreal, QC (with The Occult, Black Magic)
October 5, 2024 — Dakota Tavern — Toronto, ON (with Cold Weather Captains, Propter Hawk)
October 6, 2024 — St. Andrews Church — Peterborough, ON (with Nitetime Drive)
October 7, 2024 — Vertagogo — Hamilton, ON (with The Reed Effect, Gypsy Brydge)
October 10, 2024 — Harris Hotel — Harris, SK
October 11, 2024 — Cheers Live — Lloyd, AB (with Makenna Gallagher)
October 12, 2024 — The Vat — Red Deer, AB (with Grim, Hungry Hollow, Chuck Spadina)
October 25, 2024 — Pure Yellowhead Casino — Edmonton, AB (with You Me & Zach, King Theory)

Dawn LeFevre’s Novel ‘The Metal Sisters’ Celebrates Female Guitarists in the 1980s Heavy Metal Scene

Eric Alper
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Dawn LeFevre’s Novel ‘The Metal Sisters’ Celebrates Female Guitarists in the 1980s Heavy Metal Scene

Unless you were interested in playing the wicked step-groupies in the Cinderella videos, there wasn’t a lot of room for a pair of young women in the heavy-metal scene of the ’80s. Certainly not as musicians in their own right. That’s the daunting landscape that confronts Sapphire and Destiny, the heroines of author Dawn LeFevre’s keenly observed and lovingly rendered period novel, The Metal Sisters.

Inspired by LeFevre’s passion for headbanging music, the book is set in 1985, when burning riffs were everywhere and the allure of dominating the Sunset Strip was overwhelming. Into that maelstrom wade a college-bound honor student and a tequila-soaked bad girl who are united by their love of playing guitar. Can their band climb the mountain of metal to a height that justifies putting their life plans on indefinite hold? Or will poverty, unreliable bandmates, and a palpable lack of label interest make it all go up in smoke?

The book is an affectionate salute to a fondly remembered era, and it’s already being praised for its authenticity and insight. “The vivid portrayal of the 1980s rock scene had a wealth of atmospheric language and immersive touches, and this was beautifully complemented by the well-paced plot filled with universal themes of ambition, friendship, and chasing dreams,” summed up reviewer K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite. “Overall, The Metal Sisters is a heartfelt tribute to the power of music and the bonds it forges, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of empowering, entertaining fiction everywhere.”

Growing up in New Jersey (the state that also birthed the seminal record label Megaforce and influential metal DJ Eddie Trunk), LeFevre was the typical horse-crazy girl, except that her barn radio blasted metal, not country music. When she wasn’t horsing around, LeFevre was locked in her room playing guitar along to her ever-expanding album collection. During her undergrad at Cook College of Rutgers University, she realized that her skill set was better suited to scribbling than shredding. A lateral move into reviewing metal albums and writing features for print publications proved a natural fit, and she even managed to get some short stories about lady shredders into publications like The Pacific Coast Journal. Surely a full-length novel on the subject was the next logical step?

Instead, after graduating college with a BS in Animal Science, LeFevre spent the next 13 years training and racing thoroughbred horses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. She fully intended to finish The Metal Sisters one day, but the 24/7 needs of her equine charges superseded her writing dreams. Only after the South Jersey racetracks had shuttered their doors forever did she once again pick up her pen. She was still driven to write about the things she loved, and the fruit was her first novel, Backstretch Girls, which won the Best Horse Racing Fiction award at the 2021 Equus Film & Arts Festival. Her second novel, Racetrack Rogues, was a finalist for the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. She also published an equestrian-oriented novella and contributed to a horse-racing website. In a further show of her thematic versatility, she even became a wine blogger.

Yet the liberating sound of classic metal had never fully left her internal soundtrack. (So enduring was her devotion that she had full-on married her guitar teacher.) And in the decades since she had mothballed The Metal Sisters, female guitarists had somehow become all the rage. From A-circuit axe goddesses like Nita Strauss to the legion of lipstick-and-leather virtuosos regularly displaying their chops on YouTube and Tik Tok, the clicking of blood-red fingernails on a fretboard was suddenly everywhere. Yet when it came to heavy metal fiction books, the shelves were practically bare. The time for LeFevre to revisit the tale of Sapphire and Destiny was clearly nigh.

“I began to feel that creative hunger to finish the story that had remained close to my heart even after all these years,” she says. “And so, I did. I wrote The Metal Sisters not only for this generation of social-media shredders, but also for those few, brave women guitarists who kicked down the walls back in the ’80s so they could step through.”

These days, LeFevre is kicking down plenty of walls of her own. Even before its release, her new novel had risen to #3 on the Amazon music-books chart and #1 in the metal ranking. Striking while the iron is red hot, she’ll be appearing at the Collingswood Book Festival, being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, in Collingswood, New Jersey. She’ll be signing copies of all her books, although the focus will obviously be on her latest, long-gestating labor of love. We aren’t promising she’ll sign your guitar too, but it’s a good bet the idea would make her smile.

The Evolution of Modern Recording Studios

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Recording studios have long been at the heart of the music industry, serving as spaces where creativity meets technology to produce the music we listen to every day. Over the years, recording studios have undergone significant changes, evolving alongside technological advancements. In this read, we will explore the features and benefits of modern recording studios, shedding light on how they have adapted to the needs of today’s artists, producers, and engineers.

Technological Advancements in Modern Studios

One of the most significant changes in recording studios is the shift from analogue to digital technology. While analogue recording once dominated the industry, the introduction of digital audio workstations (DAWs) like FL Studio, Pro Tools and Ableton has revolutionized the process. These platforms allow producers to record, edit, and mix music with greater efficiency and precision than ever before.

In addition to DAWs, high-end audio equipment continues to play a vital role in producing professional-quality recordings. Modern studios are equipped with state-of-the-art microphones, preamps, and soundboards that capture sound with incredible clarity. Virtual instruments and plug-ins have also become an essential part of the production process, offering limitless options for creating unique sounds and textures. With these tools, musicians and producers can manipulate audio in ways that were once unimaginable, pushing the boundaries of music production.

Acoustics and Studio Design

While technology is essential, the design of a studio’s physical space is just as important to the quality of a recording. Acoustics play a crucial role in capturing clean, professional sound. Modern studios invest heavily in acoustic treatment and soundproofing to minimize unwanted noise and ensure that sound is accurately recorded.

In addition to traditional acoustic treatments, many modern studios adopt modular designs, allowing for greater flexibility. These setups can be rearranged to suit the specific needs of each session, providing an optimal environment for recording different instruments, vocals, or even entire bands. The layout of a studio can directly impact the final sound, influencing how sound waves are absorbed, reflected, or diffused within the room.

Remote and Mobile Recording Capabilities

One of the most exciting developments in modern recording is the ability to collaborate remotely. Cloud-based platforms have made it possible for artists, producers, and engineers to work together from different locations across the globe. This shift has democratized the recording process, allowing musicians to access high-quality production without needing to be physically present in a traditional studio.

Moreover, the rise of mobile studio setups has made recording more accessible than ever. With the right equipment, artists can now set up professional-grade recording environments in their homes, hotel rooms, or virtually anywhere. This flexibility has become especially important in the post-pandemic world, where remote work and creative collaboration have become the norm.

Artist-Centric Features in Modern Studios

Modern recording studios such as The Lockup are not just about technology; they are designed with the artist in mind. Today, studios are often equipped with comfortable lounges, private areas, and customizable environments that cater to the specific needs of the artist. These features create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing artists to focus on their creative process without distractions.

Customizable studio environments are particularly important for artists working across different genres. For example, a rock band may require a completely different setup than a solo electronic artist. Modern studios offer the flexibility to tailor the space to the genre, providing the ideal recording environment for every type of artist.

Additionally, the physical and mental well-being of artists is becoming a greater focus in modern studio design. Many studios now offer wellness features such as meditation rooms, healthy snack options, and ergonomic furniture to ensure that artists are in the best frame of mind during long recording sessions.

The Role of Producers and Engineers

In modern recording studios, the role of producers and engineers has evolved to be more collaborative than ever. While they have always played an important part in shaping the sound of a recording, today’s producers and engineers are creative partners in the process. They bring their technical expertise to the table, helping artists translate their vision into a polished final product.

Producers and engineers now have access to a range of digital tools that allow them to manipulate sound with incredible precision. This technology has not only enhanced their ability to refine recordings but has also expanded their creative potential. By experimenting with effects, layers, and sound manipulation, producers can craft entirely new sonic landscapes, giving artists the opportunity to explore uncharted creative territory.

Future Trends in Recording Studios

As technology continues to advance, recording studios are likely to evolve in exciting new ways. One emerging trend is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production. AI tools can analyze and generate musical elements, assisting producers in creating everything from melodies to harmonies. While some purists may be sceptical, AI has the potential to streamline the production process and introduce new levels of creativity.

Another future trend is the incorporation of virtual reality (VR) into recording studios. Imagine an immersive studio experience where artists can manipulate sound in three-dimensional space. This could revolutionize the way music is created, allowing artists to engage with their recordings in entirely new ways.

Modern recording studios are at the forefront of technological innovation, blending cutting-edge equipment with artist-centric design to create spaces that foster creativity and collaboration. From the rise of digital recording to the introduction of remote and mobile setups, these studios have adapted to meet the changing needs of today’s musicians. As we look to the future, advancements such as AI and VR promise to further shape the evolution of music production, ensuring that recording studios remain essential in the ever-evolving world of music.

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

Young Christina Aguilera Belts Aretha Franklin’s ‘Think’ While Britney Spears Dances in the Background

Eric Alper
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Young Christina Aguilera Belts Aretha Franklin’s ‘Think’ While Britney Spears Dances in the Background

Before they became global pop superstars, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears shared the stage in a memorable moment during their early years. In a throwback performance, a young Christina Aguilera delivered a powerful rendition of Aretha Franklin’s classic “Think,” showcasing her impressive vocal talent even at a young age. As she sang, Britney Spears took on the role of backing dancer, adding her own energy to the performance.

My Next Read: “Faster Than A Cannonball: 1995 and All That” By Dylan Jones

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Faster Than A Cannonball: 1995 and All That” By Dylan Jones

Decades tend to crest halfway through, and 1995 was the year of the Nineties: peak Britpop (Oasis v Blur), peak YBA (Tracey Emin’s tent), peak New Lad (when Nick Hornby published High Fidelity, when James Brown’s Loaded detonated the publishing industry, and when pubs were finally allowed to stay open on a Sunday). It was the year of The Bends, the year Danny Boyle started filming Trainspotting, the year Richey Edwards went missing, the year Alex Garland wrote The Beach, the year Blair changed Clause IV after a controversial vote at the Labour Conference.

Not only was the mid-Nineties perhaps the last time that rock stars, music journalists and pop consumers held onto a belief in rock’s mystical power, it was a period of huge cultural upheaval – in art, literature, publishing and drugs. And it was a period of almost unparalleled hedonism, a time when many people thought they deserved to live the rock and roll lifestyle, when a generation of narcotic omnivores thought they could all be rock stars just by buying a magazine and a copy of (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

Faster Than a Cannonball is a cultural swipe of the decade from loungecore to the rise of New Labour, teasing all the relevant artistic strands through interviews with all the major protagonists and exhaustive re-evaluations of the important records of the year – The Bends by Radiohead, Grand Prix by Teenage Fanclub, Maxinquaye by Tricky, Different Class by Pulp, The Great Escape by Blur, It’s Great When You’re Straight… Yeah! by Black Grape, Exit Planet Dust by the Chemical Brothers, I Should Coco by Supergrass, Elastica by Elastica, Pure Phase by Spiritualized, …I Care Because You Do by Aphex Twin and of course (What’s the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis, the most iconic album of the decade.

5 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’

Eric Alper
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5 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’

Joni Mitchell’s Blue is a musical gem, a raw and beautifully honest album that has stood the test of time since its release in 1971. Considered one of the greatest albums of all time, it’s packed with emotional depth, soulful melodies, and timeless stories. But how much do you really know about Blue? Let’s dive into five fun facts about this iconic album that’ll have you listening with fresh ears.

1. It Was Written During a Heartbreaking European Adventure

In 1970, after a breakup with fellow musician Graham Nash, Joni Mitchell decided to hit the road. She traveled to Europe, where she found both inspiration and heartbreak. Her adventures on the island of Crete, among other places, gave rise to some of Blue’s most beloved tracks, like “Carey” and “California.” Her European soul-searching journey made the album as raw and reflective as it is — talk about turning travel into art.

2. “Little Green” Was a Deeply Personal Song About Her Daughter

One of the most touching songs on Blue is “Little Green,” but what you might not know is that it’s about the daughter Joni Mitchell gave up for adoption in 1965. She kept the song under wraps for years, only releasing it on Blue. The lyrics are subtle yet heartbreaking, revealing the personal pain that Mitchell was willing to share with the world. It wasn’t until decades later that her daughter was reunited with her – a real-life full-circle moment.

3. James Taylor Wasn’t Just a Love Interest — He Played On the Album

While recording Blue, Mitchell was romantically involved with James Taylor, and their relationship deeply influenced the album. What many fans may not know is that Taylor actually played guitar on some of the tracks, including “A Case of You” and “California.” The warmth and intimacy in the music reflect not just Joni’s heartache but also the complexities of their relationship.

4. It Almost Included Two Completely Different Songs

Blue could have sounded a lot different! Originally, Joni Mitchell had planned to include two older songs, “Urge for Going” and “Hunter (The Good Samaritan),” but she swapped them out at the last minute. Instead, she added “All I Want” and “The Last Time I Saw Richard,” making Blue even more cohesive in its exploration of love, loss, and self-reflection. You can still hear those cut tracks on later releases, but Blue wouldn’t be the same without the last-minute changes.

5. It Redefined What a “Confessional” Album Could Be

Before Blue, artists didn’t typically wear their hearts on their sleeves quite this openly. The album set a new standard for what a confessional singer-songwriter album could be — brutally honest and emotionally transparent. Joni Mitchell herself once said the album made her feel like “a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes,” fully exposed to the world. Critics and artists alike have praised her vulnerability ever since, with legends like Prince and Taylor Swift citing Blue as a major influence.

 

V-U2 Extends Run at Sphere Las Vegas: New Dates Added Through December

Eric Alper
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V-U2 Extends Run at Sphere Las Vegas: New Dates Added Through December

The groundbreaking V-U2 immersive concert film, directed by Morleigh Steinberg and U2’s The Edge, is now extending its run at Sphere Las Vegas through December. The visually stunning showcase of the band’s history-making U2 show, which captivated 700,000 fans from September 2023 to March 2024, blends state-of-the-art technology with a dynamic setlist, taking fans on a journey through U2’s past and future. Don’t miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind cinematic concert event. Tickets are now available here.

Little Big Town Unwraps Their First-Ever Holiday Album ‘The Christmas Record’

Eric Alper
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Little Big Town Unwraps Their First-Ever Holiday Album ‘The Christmas Record’

Need the perfect soundtrack to help you deck the halls? Multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning four-piece Little Big Town – comprised of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook – have unwrapped their first-ever Christmas album, The Christmas Record, out now via Capitol Records Nashville.

But wait, there’s more.  Alongside The Christmas Record, Little Big Town have released a beautiful music video for “Glow” – out today. Little Big Town pine for the holiday season as they venture through the breathtaking town of Gstaad, Switzerland, in search of the holiday spirit. The video is directed by long-time collaborators Becky Fluke and Reid Long.

“We shot the video for “Glow” while on tour in Switzerland this summer. Being in Gstaad and the Swiss Alps channeled our holiday spirit, so we couldn’t pass up the chance to create our own winter wonderland magic!” says Little Big Town. “We’re so happy to finally share our first-ever Christmas record with the world. We hope this soundtrack will create some new traditions for you this holiday season.”

The 11-track record – produced by Dave Cobb – includes new interpretations of country classics and a stellar batch of original soon-to-be-classics. Among these originals is “Glow,” the upbeat track that’s begging to be listened to around a crackling, stocking-adorned fireplace.

The Christmas Record follows the release of Little Big Town’s first-ever Greatest Hits album, released in August to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. Consisting of 12 tracks that span the group’s genre-defining discography, the record pays tribute to their remarkable journey thus far, and teases what’s to come thanks to fresh collaborations with Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland.

Little Big Town won’t be slowing down this holiday season. Along with the release of The Christmas Record, the band will be ringing in the holidays with NBC for their one-of-a-kind special, “Little Big Town’s Christmas at The Opry.” The 2-hour holiday spectacular will feature performances from Little Big Town along with some extra-special guests. At the end of the month, Little Big Town head out on the road with special guest Sugarland for the Take Me Home Tour, which hits 18 arenas across the country.

GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA, and Emmy Award-winning group, Little Big Town – consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook – burst onto the music scene 25 years ago with smash hits “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The band’s breakthrough albums Tornado and PainKiller produced multiple No. 1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of 2015 “Girl Crush.” 2017’s The Breaker debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts to critical acclaim and features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week #1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” In January 2020, the band released their self-produced ninth studio album, Nightfall, which once again hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts. The record included critically acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated songs “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” – the latter of which has reached almost 400 million global streams. In September 2022, they released their tenth studio album, Mr. Sun, which debuted as the Top Country Album released by a Group in 2022. To date, Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home over 20 awards, including multiple GRAMMY, AMA, People’s Choice, CMA, and ACM Awards, in addition to an Emmy award. To celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, Little Big Town released their first-ever career-spanning Greatest Hits album on August 9th, which features collaborations with Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland. Along with the new album, Little Big Town are gearing up to play arenas nationwide on The Take Me Home Tour, with special guests and recent collaborators Sugarland. Celebrations are set to continue into the New Year with the release of the band’s first-ever Christmas album, The Christmas Record, out now.

The Christmas Record
Glow
Santa Claus Is Back In Town
If We Make It Through December
Someday At Christmas
Christmas Night With You
Believe In Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Tennessee Christmas
Christmas Time Is Here
Evergreen
Holiday

Tour Dates
October 24 – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, SC
October 25 – PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC
October 26 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
October 31 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
November 1 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
November 2 – KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY
November 7 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
November 8 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
November 9 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
November 14 – T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO
November 15 – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center – Sioux Falls, SD
November 16 – Vibrant Arena at The MARK – Moline, IL
November 21 – Moody Center – Austin, TX
November 22 – Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX
November 23 – BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
December 11 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum – Biloxi, MS
December 12 – Gas South Arena – Duluth, GA
December 13 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

5 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ Album

Eric Alper
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5 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ Album
The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds is often rightfully call as one of the greatest albums of all time. Released in 1966, it transformed the way pop music was perceived, elevating the genre to new artistic heights. While fans and critics alike have spent decades celebrating its lush harmonies, innovative production, and emotional depth, there are still some lesser-known details that helped shape this masterpiece.

1. It Was Inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul

The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson was deeply inspired by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, released in December 1965. Wilson was struck by how Rubber Soul worked as a cohesive album, with no filler tracks, and it motivated him to create something equally groundbreaking. In a 2011 interview, Wilson admitted that he wanted to make Pet Sounds as “a whole album where all the songs made sense together.” This rivalry pushed both bands to raise their creative stakes, eventually leading to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, influenced by Pet Sounds.

2. It Wasn’t Immediately a Commercial Success

Despite being critically revered today, Pet Sounds wasn’t an immediate hit upon its release in the United States. It peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200 and didn’t receive the commercial reception Capitol Records hoped for. At the time, many listeners expected the sun-soaked surf anthems The Beach Boys were known for, and Pet Sounds‘ introspective, orchestral sound came as a surprise. However, the album performed much better in the UK, where it reached #2 on the charts.

3. The Album Was a Solo Brian Wilson Project in Disguise

While The Beach Boys are credited as the artists, Pet Sounds was largely the vision of Brian Wilson. By 1965, Wilson had stopped touring with the band to focus on studio work, allowing him to dive deeper into experimentation with arrangements and production techniques. He wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, enlisted session musicians from the legendary Wrecking Crew to bring his ideas to life, and handled most of the production duties. The rest of the band added their iconic harmonies, but the album is largely Wilson’s personal expression.

4. The Title Pet Sounds Was a Happy Accident

The album’s title, Pet Sounds, came about almost by chance. It started as an inside joke between Wilson and fellow Beach Boy Mike Love. They originally intended the title to reflect the “pet” or favorite sounds that Brian loved to explore in the studio, including animal noises that appear on tracks like “Caroline, No.” However, as the project evolved, the title took on a deeper meaning, suggesting that the songs themselves were like Wilson’s beloved creations—his musical pets.

5. Paul McCartney Considers “God Only Knows” One of the Greatest Songs Ever Written

One of the standout tracks on Pet Sounds is the tender, heart-wrenching ballad “God Only Knows.” It’s a song so revered that Paul McCartney has publicly stated it’s one of his favorite songs of all time. In various interviews, McCartney has said, “It’s one of the few songs that reduces me to tears.” The song’s layered harmonies, minimalist lyrics, and emotional vulnerability were ahead of their time, and it remains one of the most celebrated love songs in music history.

Pet Sounds is not only a defining moment for The Beach Boys but also for pop music as a whole. Its lush arrangements, introspective lyrics, and bold production techniques were revolutionary for their time and continue to influence musicians across genres.

Photo Gallery: Testament with Kreator and Possessed at Toronto’s History

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: Testament with Kreator and Possessed at Toronto’s History

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

Testament
Testament
Testament
Testament
Testament
Testament
Kreator
Kreator
Kreator
Kreator
Kreator
Kreator
Kreator
Kreator
Possessed
Possessed
Possessed
Testament
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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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