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My Next Read: “The Pet Shop Boys and the Political Queerness, Culture, Identity and Society” By Bodie A. Ashton

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The Pet Shop Boys came of age at a time of deep socio-political tension. From the rise of sexual politics and awareness to Thatcherite neoliberalism and the Cold War, this book explores the cultural and political impact of the band and offers a fascinating window into the late 20th and early 21st centuries. An archetypal ‘gay band’, it shows how their overt queerness influenced generations of LGBTQIA+ music lovers and artists alike.

Covering the full oeuvre of the Pet Shop Boys; their albums, films, stage productions and collaborations, chapters in this collection show how their work is suffused with political commentary on the past and present covering themes as broad as queer identity, the HIV/AIDs epidemic, globalization and Brexit. It also places them within the context of their times and considers them as activists, authors, social commentators, political actors and personalities to better understand what influenced them. Bringing together a range of perspectives and disciplines, The Pet Shop Boys and the Political provides a unique and untapped insight into a formative pop band of the modern era that has mirrored and shaped society over the past forty years.

The Beatles Story Museum to Unveil New Special Exhibition in Celebration of 60 Years of “A Hard Day’s Night.”

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The Beatles Story Museum at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock is celebrating 60 years of A Hard Day’s Night with a brand-new special exhibition and charity screening event of the movie in partnership with Cavern City Tours (owners of The Cavern Club), Hard Days Night Hotel and Strawberry Field. Four Fab Liverpool Beatles attractions coming together to celebrate this special milestone anniversary.

“A Hard Day’s Night,” a 1964 musical comedy film starring The Beatles, captures the band’s hectic lifestyle as they navigate a day of chaotic misadventures and the rise of Beatlemania, all set to a soundtrack of their iconic songs. The album was released in the UK on July 10th 1964 and was the first Beatles album to consist of entirely original material.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 11th July 2024.

With the kind support of collectors Bruce and Martha Karsh, the exhibit has been inspired by Mark Lewisohn’s book ‘The Beatles A Hard Days Night: A Private Archive’ which was based on the extensive archive of the couple.

Step on set and become immersed in recreations of key scenes from the movie. Walk onto the platform at Marylebone Station and relive iconic clips from the film.

Come face-to-face with pieces of original memorabilia from 1964, including a very rare copy of the “A Hard Day’s Night” album signed on the front by all four Beatles, as well as original movie posters, lobby cards and cinema tickets!

For the special exhibition, The Beatles Story have worked with tailor Gordon Millings to recreate the silver-grey suits worn by the Fab Four in the final scenes of the movie “A Hard Day’s Night” using the original patterns drawn in 1964.

The original suits were created as part of a collection of around 30 outfits for the movie by Gordon and his father Dougie Millings. Dougie was known as “the Beatles’ tailor” and made more than 500 outfits for the band including their iconic collar-less jackets in 1962/63. Dougie’s association with the band even continued into the 1970s, and he created the suits for Wings’ ‘Band on the Run’ album cover.

On working with The Beatles Story, Gordon Millings said: “Reviving the silver-grey suits from ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ has allowed me to honour my father’s legacy and the lasting influence of The Beatles. By using my father’s original patterns and fabric from the same Savile Row supplier, as well as the original techniques used by my father and I in 1964, we’ve recreated the suits with great attention to detail. This collection of suits is a bridge between past and present, and I cannot wait for fans to see them.”

Mary Chadwick, General Manager of The Beatles Story, added: “Sixty years on, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ still captures that special Beatles magic and the wild excitement of the Beatlemania era. We’re really excited to unveil this special exhibition, where fans can relive the film’s essence and see original memorabilia and meticulously recreated costumes first-hand. It’s a privilege to support the Strawberry Field charity through our one-night-only charity screening at The Odeon Cinema, and we hope this event will make a real difference.”

Major Kathy Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field, said: “For Strawberry Field to be chosen as the charity for the special anniversary screening of A Hard Day’s Night is an honour. We are very grateful for this support which will help fund the incredible work that we do through our Steps at Strawberry Field programmes to support young people with learning difficulties and barriers to employment into paid work, and will help us continue to provide a place of sanctuary for visitors to Strawberry Field.”

The new special exhibition “60 Years of A Hard Day’s Night” opens to the public on 11th July 2024 and is included in the price of a standard Beatles Story ticket purchased online at www.beatlesstory.com.

For £20, join them for their one-night-only charity screening of “A Hard Day’s Night” at Odeon, Liverpool One on 10th July 2024 with refreshments included. All proceeds will be going to Strawberry Field. Get your tickets here.

This very special event has been a collaboration between The Beatles Story, Cavern City Tours (owners of The Cavern Club), Hard Days Night Hotel and Strawberry Field with all proceeds supporting the Strawberry Field charity.

 

SiriusXM launches “The Andy Richter Call-In Show”

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SiriusXM today announced that actor, comedian, and writer Andy Richter, whom Esquire declared “one of the best podcast hosts on the air right now,” is launching a new show in which he’ll take calls directly from fans. Beginning today at 4pm ET/1pm PT, listeners can hear “The Andy Richter Call-In Show” every week on Conan O’Brien Radio (ch. 104) and the SiriusXM app.

Over three decades of late-night television, Andy Richter has spoken with the biggest names in showbiz, but his favorite conversations have always been the after-hours dinner party chats with friends and family. Now he is bringing those freewheeling discussions to SiriusXM, and you’re the guest! Each week on “The Andy Richter Call-In Show,” he will invite callers to weigh in on questions such as: Have you ever seen a ghost? What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? Who was your first crush?

Along the way, Richter is joined by his favorite comedians and friends, including Sona Movsesian, Andy Daly, Nicole Byer, and Laurie Kilmartin, to help field these calls and share their own hilarious stories.

“I’m really looking forward to getting on the air at SiriusXM and mixing it up with great guests and great callers,” said Andy Richter. “I’m doing this show because I knew it would be a lot of fun, and that’s exactly what I’m planning on providing for the listeners.”

Those who want to call in and be a part of the show can fill out the show’s Google Form at BIT.LY/CALLANDYRICHTER or dial 855-266-2604.

New episodes will premiere exclusively for SiriusXM subscribers on Conan O’Brien Radio (ch. 104) and the SiriusXM app every Wednesday at 4pm ET/1pm PT. Episodes will be released later in the “Three Questions with Andy Richter” feed wherever podcasts are found.

For updates, follow @teamcocopodcasts on Instagram and @teamcoco on X.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Air Co-Founder JB Dunckel Releases His First Ballet Score, Möbius Morphosis On July 19

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Air co-founder JB Dunckel releases his first ballet score, Möbius Morphosis, on Warner Classics. The monumental work features the choir of Maîtrise de Radio France, directed by Sofi Jeannin, blended with electronics and percussion. The album is released digitally on 19 July, with a limited-edition vinyl on 9 August.

JB Dunckel, co-founder of the iconic French band Air, has written and recorded his first-ever ballet score, Möbius Morphosis, a monumental work blending electronics, percussion and mixed choir.

The soundtrack will be released digitally on Warner Classics (in co-production with Radio France, La Maîtrise de Radio France and Prototyp Recording) on 19 July, with a limited-edition transparent vinyl LP released on 9 August.

The ballet was commissioned as part of Paris’s Cultural Olympiad in collaboration with renowned choreographer Rachid Ouramdane (Director of Chaillot – National Theatre of Dance) and Compagnie XY. Möbius Morphosis brings together over 100 acrobats, dancers, and choir members on stage, with choreography inspired by the phenomenon of large, spontaneous gatherings in the animal kingdom – such as murmurations of birds, or shoals of fish. The world premiere takes place at the Festival des Nuits de Fourvière on 2 July.

Composer JB Dunckel said of the soundtrack: “This music is first and foremost at the service of a choreography whose boldness, acrobatic grace and energy won me over straight away. The choir of Maitrise de Radio France amplified the scope of the work above my expectations. From the moment I started composing, I brought my very personal formula of percussion, pure voices and powerful electronics to the process… The vocal harmonies are characterised by a certain exalted dramatic tension, sometimes desperate, sometimes glorious.”

On his own and with groups such as Air, Starwalker, and Tomorrow’s World, Jean-Benoît Dunckel is a mastermind of stylish, sensual, and ethereal pop. Before becoming a professional musician, he studied maths and physics and played in the band Orange, which also counted Nicolas Godin among its members. Once Orange disbanded, Dunckel and Godin formed Air in 1995 and the duo soon earned acclaim for 1998’s debut album Moon Safari and the soundtrack to Sofia Coppola’s 2000 film The Virgin Suicides.

While he and Godin worked with Charlotte Gainsbourg on her 2005 album 5:55, Dunckel embarked on a solo career, choosing the moniker Darkel as a twist on his surname, which means “dark” in German. Darkel’s self-titled 2006 album shared the hazy atmosphere and lush synth passages as his Air work but also explored Dunckel’s fondness for more straightforward pop and rock.

When Air went on hiatus following 2012’s Le Voyage Dans la Lune, Dunckel founded the sci-fi pop act Tomorrow’s World with New Young Pony Club’s Lou Hayter, and Starwalker, a duo with Bang Gang’s Bardi Johannsson. He also returned to Darkel with 2015’s Man of Sorrow EP and composed the soundtrack for the film The Summer of Sangailé. In 2016, Air reunited for a tour supporting the career retrospective Twentyears. In 2018, Dunckel released H+, his first album under his own name, followed by the original score for the movie Summer of 85 in 2020, and the album Carbon in 2022. In 2023 and 2024, Dunckel composed two original film scores for The Good Teacher and For Night Will Come. Also in 2024, Dunckel released his first solo piano album Paranormal Musicality on Warner Classics.

The first single, Corps échangés, is released on Warner Classics on 5 July.

Möbius Morphosis
1. Corpséchangés
2. BalladedesGéants 3. GravitéReconstruite 4. CombatsetPérils
5. CœurVolant
6. Clair-Obscur
7. DieuLéger
8. PoidsCéleste

30 Participants Announced for National RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts

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Canada’s leading music education charity, MusiCounts, and RBC Foundation are thrilled to announce the participants of the 2024 RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts.

Expanding its reach this year, the RBCxMusic First Up Program is providing 30 emerging artists, music producers, sound engineers and other creatives from across Canada with a comprehensive and transformational professional development experience. This experience includes unique performance opportunities, valuable mentorship, networking, funding, and media and promotional marketing support.

“RBC is committed to powering ideas that equip the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future,” said Mark Beckles, Vice President of Social Impact & Innovation, RBC. “That is why the RBCxMusic First Up Program is proud to partner with MusiCounts which shares our belief that music has the powerful ability to transform lives. Congratulations to this year’s program participants – your incredible passion and talent are truly inspiring.”

The RBCxMusic First Up Program was created in 2020 to help emerging recording artists continue to hone their craft, perform for new and diverse fans and ultimately, progress their careers. The program has supported more than 200 artists across an array of genres and backgrounds that reflect Canada’s eclectic cultural mosaic, and the momentum is continuing in 2024 with the MusiCounts partnership. Through this new collaboration, the program participants increased from 20 in 2023 to 30 this year, and eligibility was expanded to include music producers, sound engineers and other creatives. Additionally, MusiCounts will provide valuable mentorship, networking, educational opportunities and more to this year’s roster.

MusiCounts and RBC recognize that being an emerging artist or music industry professional in Canada is not a singular experience, but rather a journey with distinct stages. This program has two streams aimed at engaging emerging artists and music professionals at two junctures in their career trajectory: early emerging, and early career.

“For over 25 years, MusiCounts has supported music education nationwide as a way to ensure the health and vitality of the Canadian music industry. This program partnership with RBC will be critical in helping us close the knowledge gaps that exist for young people as they progress in their music industry careers,” said Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts. “Congratulations to these exciting emerging artists and professionals!”

For additional information on the program, please visit musicounts.ca/firstup. The creative community and music fans can also follow @RBCxMusic on Instagram to stay up to date on program updates and exclusive content.

MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts’ vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities. This vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $18,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.

2024 Participants – RBCxMusic First Up Program, powered by MusiCounts
Aiona Santana, Ottawa, ON
Alicia Lov, Edmonton, AB
Ana Lía, Toronto, ON
Aphrose – Toronto, ON
Carter & the Capitals – Edmonton, AB
Chynna Lewis – Toronto, ON
Clerel – Richelieu, QC
Daniel James McFadyen – Port Williams, NS
Esco – Toronto, ON
Fox Revett – Toronto, ON
Gäelle – Montreal, QC
Graham Wall – Vancouver, BC
Ila Barker – Winnipeg, MB
JACE Carrillo – Montreal, QC
Josh Alexander – Outremont, QC
Kat Dion – Rawdon, QC
Keisha Booker – Winnipeg, MB
Magenta – London, ON
Mappe Of – Dundas, ON
Marcos Polar – Toronto, ON
Mckenzie Toyne – Toronto, ON
MINOE – Montreal, QC
Mint Simon – Montreal, QC
Nicolina – Vaughan, ON
Omega Mighty – Ajax, ON
Paesler – Toronto, ON
Puma June – Toronto, ON
Ruru – North York, ON
Toddy – Vancouver, BC
YASSiN & Sean Terrio – Ancaster, ON

Ed Sheeran Celebrates The 10 Year Anniversary Of ‘X’ ‘X (10th Anniversary Edition)’

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Global superstar Ed Sheeran releases a special 10th anniversary edition of his sophomore studio album ‘x’; 10 years to the date of its original release. The ‘x (10th Anniversary Edition)’ is available on multiple formats including an EcoRecord; a new, more ecologically sustainable LP format. Order all formats of ‘x (10th Anniversary Edition)’ here.

‘x’ – Sheeran’s second album, released in 2014 – was the catalyst behind his global ascent. The album has now exceeded 22 million global sales and generated the hit singles, “Don’t,” “Sing,” “Photograph” and “Thinking Out Loud”. Outside of the original tracklisting, nine bonus tracks will feature on the individual formats of the anniversary editions, all of which have never been released on vinyl, including “I See Fire” and “All of the Stars,” from the films, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Fault In Our Stars, respectively. Last month, Ed celebrated the album’s anniversary with a special, sold-out, one-night only show at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in the US, where he performed ‘x’ in its entirety, including many of the songs for the first time ever live.

Ed Sheeran is an era-defining artist, who has sold nearly 200 million records across the globe. After conquering North America with his record-breaking Mathematics Tour, Sheeran most recently brought the blockbuster tour to South East Asia, UEA and India, all while continuing to break records and make history.

‘x (10th Anniversary Edition)’ Tracklisting
1) One
2) I’m A Mess
3) Sing
4) Don’t
5) Nina
6) Photograph
7) Bloodstream
8) Tenerife Sea
9) Runaway
10) The Man
11) Thinking Out Loud
12) Afire Love
Bonus Tracks:
13) Take It Back
14) Shirtsleeves
15) Even My Dad Does Sometimes
16) I See Fire
17) All Of The Stars
18) English Rose
19) Touch and Go
20) New York
21) Make It Rain

The Rolling Stones Partner with Universal Music & SuperSocial to Bring Iconic Music to Roblox

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The Rolling Stones, Grammy-winning rock band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, are set to debut in Beat Galaxy, an immersive music hub on Roblox, a global platform for communication and connection. Created by Universal Music Group (UMG) in partnership with Supersocial, pioneer of virtual world development, Beat Galaxy reimagines music discovery and fan engagement for the digital age.

The immersive setting will offer users a unique and interactive way to connect with the band’s beloved music, while engaging with other like-minded fans. The Rolling Stones’ takeover in Beat Galaxy aims to bridge the gap between rock music legends and younger generations, featuring experiences and gameplay surrounding the band’s greatest hits, exclusive virtual merchandise and premium avatar items.

“Bringing our music to the virtual world of Beat Galaxy is an innovative way to connect with our new and existing fans,” said The Rolling Stones.

Beat Galaxy on Roblox is architected to become a virtual epicenter for a wide range of UMG labels and artist integrations. The Rolling Stones’ takeover will transform the ever-changing virtual world into an immersive experience that embodies the iconic art, styles, and influences from the band’s illustrious career. Users will be able to play a track-runner game featuring the band’s famous hits, compete for prizes and visit a 24/7 virtual club and social hub.

The integration not only celebrates the band’s rich history, but shapes the future of music discovery and fan interaction. Since launching in December of 2023, Beat Galaxy has become a landmark experience across genres, allowing artists to leverage their IP in new and innovative ways. Supersocial, the developer of Beat Galaxy, worked directly with artists such as YUNGBLUD and Mae Stephens to effectively bring their brands to life in a virtual setting. The Rolling Stones’ takeover builds on the previous success of artist integrations, which have collectively garnered over 84 million impressions from immersive ads on Roblox and 500,000 unique visitors.

The Rolling Stones’ virtual experience in Beat Galaxy is now available on Roblox. To immerse yourself  please visit Beat Galaxy.

The Rockwell, Michael Jackson and Black Sabbath Mashup You NEED To Hear

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Whoa! Mashup maestro Bill McClintock just dropped a mind-blowing combo Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” featruing Michael Jackson on background vocals meets Black Sabbath’s “Snowblind” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”!

Unlocking Efficiency and Collaboration with Enterprise Search Software

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By Mitch Rice

In the fast-paced landscape of modern enterprises, where information is the currency of success, the ability to swiftly access and utilize knowledge is crucial. This necessity has led to the widespread adoption of enterprise search software, a powerful tool designed to navigate and extract insights from the vast repositories of information that organizations accumulate over time. Central to this capability are knowledge base software solutions, which store, organize, and manage critical information.

Knowledge Base Software: The Foundation of Enterprise Knowledge Management

Knowledge base software serves as the backbone of enterprise knowledge management systems. These platforms allow organizations to consolidate diverse types of information, ranging from technical documentation and project updates to best practices and customer support resources. By structuring data in a logical and searchable format, knowledge base software enhances organizational efficiency by reducing redundancy and improving information retrieval times.

Key features of modern knowledge base software include:

  • Content Organization: Categorizing information into topics, categories, or tags for easy navigation.
  • Collaborative Editing: Enabling multiple users to contribute and update content simultaneously.
  • Version Control: Tracking changes made to documents to maintain a clear audit trail.
  • Search Functionality: Facilitating quick retrieval of information through robust search capabilities.

The Role of Enterprise Search Software

While knowledge base software organizes and stores information within defined parameters, enterprise search software enhances accessibility by enabling users to search across multiple knowledge bases and repositories. This capability is particularly advantageous for large organizations with diverse departments or teams that may use different systems to manage their information.

Enterprise search software leverages advanced algorithms to:

  • Unify Information: Aggregate data from disparate sources into a single searchable index.
  • Intelligent Querying: Interpret user queries to deliver relevant results, even when keywords are not exact matches.
  • Filtering and Faceting: Refine search results based on metadata or user-defined criteria.
  • Security and Access Control: Ensure that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized personnel.

Benefits of Integrating Enterprise Search Software with Knowledge Bases

  1. Enhanced Productivity: Employees spend less time searching for information and more time applying it to their tasks, thereby increasing overall productivity.
  2. Improved Decision-Making: Access to comprehensive and up-to-date information empowers managers and decision-makers to make informed choices swiftly.
  3. Cross-Department Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration across different teams or departments by breaking down information silos and fostering knowledge sharing.
  4. Scalability and Flexibility: As organizations grow, enterprise search software scales to accommodate increasing volumes of data and diverse information sources.

Case Study: Real-World Application

Consider a multinational corporation with regional offices worldwide. Each office maintains its own knowledge base tailored to local regulations and customer needs. By implementing enterprise search software, employees can seamlessly access information across all regional databases. This capability not only streamlines operations but also ensures consistency in service delivery and compliance with global standards.

In conclusion, the synergy between knowledge base software and enterprise search software represents a significant advancement in how organizations manage and utilize information. By integrating these technologies, enterprises can optimize efficiency, foster collaboration, and empower employees with the knowledge needed to drive innovation and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business environment. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, investing in robust knowledge management solutions remains paramount for staying ahead of the curve.

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

ALANIS MORISSETTE To Reissue “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (Thank U Edition)”

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Alanis Morissette’s multi-platinum album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and Rhino is celebrating with a 2-LP reissue featuring newly reimagined artwork and a digital deluxe edition with rare bonus tracks plus a brand new remix of “Uninvited” by electronic duo, Freemasons.

On September 6, Rhino will release SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE (THANK U EDITION) as a double album on black vinyl. Pre-order HERE. A crystal clear-vinyl version will also be available exclusively at select retailers.

Today, a new digital deluxe edition of the album is available through various DSPs. It has the original 17 tracks plus four bonus songs, including two B-sides, an outtake, and a demo and brand new Freemasons remix of “Uninvited,” a song written for the 1998 film City of Angels that won two GRAMMY® Awards.

Reuniting with Jagged Little Pill producer Glen Ballard, Morissette recorded Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie in Los Angeles. The album explores a range of musical styles and lyrical themes, including the Grammy®-nominated Top 20 hit “Thank U,” which was inspired by her recent trip to India.

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie reached No. 1 in several countries, including the U.S., and was a Top 10 hit on multiple charts around the world. In America, the album is certified triple platinum and once held the record for the highest opening-week sales by a female artist.

SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE (THANK U EDITION)

2-LP Track Listing
LP One: Side One
“Front Row”
“Baba”
“Thank U”
“Are You Still Mad”

Side Two
“Sympathetic Character”
“That I Would Be Good”
“The Couch”
“Can’t Not”

LP Two: Side One
“UR”
“I Was Hoping”
“One”
“Would Not Come”

Side Two
“Unsent”
“So Pure”
“Joining You”
“Heart Of The House”
“Your Congratulations”

SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE (DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION) Track Listing
“Front Row”
“Baba”
“Thank U”
“Are You Still Mad”
“Sympathetic Character”
“That I Would Be Good”
“The Couch”
“Can’t Not”
“UR”
“I Was Hoping”
“One”
“Would Not Come”
“Unsent”
“So Pure”
“Joining You”
“Heart Of The House”
“Your Congratulations”
“Pollyanna Flower”
“These Are The Thoughts”
“Death Of Cinderella”
“Uninvited” – Demo
“Uninvited” (Freemasons Remix)