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The Beach Boys Shine A Light On 1972 Period With Expansive New ‘Sail On Sailor – 1972’ Box Set

Eric Alper
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The Beach Boys Shine A Light On 1972 Period With Expansive New ‘Sail On Sailor – 1972’ Box Set

The Beach Boys landmark albums, 1972’s Carl and the Passions – “So Tough” and 1973’s Holland, will take center focus in Sail On Sailor – 1972, a new expansive multi-disc and digital box set, releasing November 18th via Capitol Records/UMe, that documents and dives deep into their transformative and fruitful 1972 era. The latest chapter in the Beach Boys’ archival series was produced by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind 2013’s GRAMMY® Award-winning SMiLE Sessions and last year’s acclaimed Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971, the comprehensive 6CD Super Deluxe Edition features newly remastered versions of Carl and the Passions – “So Tough” and Holland, plus Holland‘s Mount Vernon and Fairway (A Fairytale) EP (complete with its original instructions to “please listen in the dark”), and boasts an unreleased live concert recorded at NYC’s famed Carnegie Hall on Thanksgiving, 1972, the first-ever release of a complete Beach Boys concert from this era with the original setlist.

Similar to Feel Flows, which topped many year-end lists in 2022 and was selected by MOJO as their prestigious “Reissue Of The Year,” Sail On Sailor – 1972 includes a bounty of unreleased outtakes, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the historic album sessions. In all, it contains 105 tracks, 80 of which are previously unreleased.

Sail On Sailor – 1972 is being previewed with the previously unreleased performance of Carl and The Passions’ album opener, “You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone,” recorded live during their performance at Carnegie Hall on November 23, 1972. The complete Carnegie Hall set, which has remained unreleased for 50 years, was recorded on then state-of-the-art 16-track tape, rare for the time and a great advantage given the number of instruments and vocalists in the band.

Housed in a beautifully designed 12.5″ x 10″ hardback book-style package, Sail On Sailor – 1972 is rounded out with a detailed 48-page booklet with extensive liner notes by noted radio veteran and Beach Boys aficionado Howie Edelson, featuring new and archival interviews with The Beach Boys, rare photos of the band, images of tape boxes and reels and other recording artifacts, producers notes from Linett and Boyd, and promotional memorabilia from the day, providing an in-depth look at the recording of these albums.

In addition to the 6CD Super Deluxe Edition, Sail on Sailor – 1972 will be available as a 5LP+7-inch EP vinyl box set, which includes the entire Carnegie Hall concerts, a variety of bonus material (also found on the Super Deluxe), and for the first time ever, a reproduction of Brian Wilson’s EP, Mount Vernon and Fairway (A Fairytale) on 7-inch, the format it was originally released on as a companion to Holland. The vinyl box will be available on its own or as a limited edition set with lithographs. A variety of abbreviated versions will also be available, including a 2LP+7-inch EP set, available with or without a limited edition reproduction of the original Holland promotional book telling the story of the making of the album; a 2CD deluxe edition; and digitally. For more information about the formats and to pre-order visit: https://TheBeachBoys.lnk.to/SailOnSailorPR

The year 1972 was a pivotal period for The Beach Boys. Fresh off riding a wave of newfound popularity and critical acclaim from their back-to-back albums, 1970’s progressive and wide-ranging Sunflower and 1971’s kaleidoscopic Surf’s Up, Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine didn’t waste any time getting back into the studio to record their 18th studio album, Carl and the Passions – “So Tough”. For the first time in their careers, new members were brought into the fold: guitarist/bassist Blondie Chaplin and drummer Ricky Fataar – two former members of the Carl Wilson-produced South African group The Flame, who were signed to the band’s Brother Records – officially joined the group after serving as their main support act. Together the newly expanded Beach Boys redefined their sound, look, vibe and message for a new era of fans.

The tongue-in-cheek title paid homage to a concert the band played with Carl at Hawthorne High around 1961, and a nod to the increasingly important roles as de facto producer and leader that he was taking on. The album was recorded from December 4, 1971 to April 13, 1972 at various studios across Los Angeles with most tracking done at the band’s private studio in Brian Wilson’s home on Bellagio Road. Released May 15, 1972, the incredibly varied eight-song record, with contributions from all seven members, peaked at No. 50 in the U.S. and No. 25 in the U.K. on the strength of such standout tracks “You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone,” “Marcella,” “Here She Comes” and “Cuddle Up.”

Seeking new surroundings and creative inspiration, The Beach Boys left sunny Southern California to record their 19th studio album, decamping to the small village of Baambrugge in Holland where they set up a makeshift recording studio in a barn and recorded the album’s basic tracks in the summer of 1972. A massive and massively expensive undertaking, the band’s entire LA-based studio was dismantled, shipped overseas, and rebuilt by engineer Stephen Moffitt. Meanwhile, the band members and their families and staff lived in different hamlets and soaked up the new environment. Eventually, the record would end up being finished at Village Recorders in L.A. towards the end of the year. The aptly titled Holland was released on January 8, 1973 and received widespread critical acclaim, charting at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 with opening track “Sail On, Sailor” becoming an FM staple and giving them their first radio hit in years. Holland was the last studio album to feature Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar as full members of the band.

While both albums found success upon release, they’ve only continued to grow in stature 50 years after their release. For those in the know they’ve become favorites of the band’s diverse catalog. In recent years AV Club called Carl and the Passions – “So Tough” “rich, rewarding, beautifully eccentric,” while The Guardian hailed it as “overlooked,” and Analog Planet declared it “under appreciated.” Holland meanwhile was listed as #21 on The Guardian’s list of the “Top 100 Albums That Don’t Appear In All The Other Top 100 Albums Of All Time” and was included in Colin Larkin’s influential and encyclopedic book, “All Time Top 1000 Albums.” Avowed fans Elvis Costello and Tom Petty have professed their love for the album and Petty even wrote the liners for the 2000 CD reissue, describing it as “beautiful” and exclaiming, “the playing shows The Beach Boys to be one of the U.S.’ strongest rock bands at this time. I saw this line-up in concert several times and the shows seemed not only contemporary, but perhaps a little ahead of us all.”

Sail On Sailor – 1972 offers an opportunity like never before to revisit this creatively fertile and transitional time in the band and experience this underappreciated era, a time when The Beach Boys threw out all the rules and reinvented themselves once again.

Sail On Sailor – 1972 comes as The Beach Boys celebrate their 60th anniversary this year, the first American pop band to reach the 60-year milestone. The anniversary celebration kicked off in June with the release of a newly remastered and expanded edition of the group’s career-spanning greatest hits collection, Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys. Originally released in 2003, the album soared to No. 16 in the US and stayed on the chart for 104 weeks. Now certified 4x platinum for sales of nearly four and a half million albums, the new edition has been updated in both number of songs and sonics as it expands the original 30-track best of with 50 more of the band’s most beloved songs for a total of 80 tracks that span their earliest hits to deeper fan-favorite cuts. Boasting 26 new mixes, it includes two first-time stereo mixes, plus 24 new-and-improved stereo mixes, which in some cases feature the latest in digital stereo extraction technology, allowing for the team to separate the original mono backing tracks for the first time. Stream/purchase Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys: https://thebeachboys.lnk.to/SoundsOfSummer

On Wednesday, September 28th, Morrison Hotel Gallery at the Sunset Marquis in Los Angeles will present Good Vibrations, an exhibit honoring The Beach Boys and their first decade. This is a celebration of the band, and a tribute to the often unsung photographers who captured these myth-making images. For Good Vibrations, MHG will be offering 30 never-previously-released images – plus, a very limited-edition of co-signed prints featuring all living Beach Boys. The exhibit features classic images of the legendary group performing live and in the studio and outtakes from classic album shoots, including Pet Sounds. The photographs in this collection are from the group’s personal archives as well as the Capitol Records vaults. With a strong theme from their earliest years when the group really cemented its aesthetic and imaging, many of these images were taken by Capitol’s staff photographers and confined to the label’s archives until now.

To mark the launch, and this significant anniversary, the band have selected three images from their history and created a very limited co-signed edition of only ten prints. These photos have been signed by Mike Love, Al Jardine, Brian Wilson and Bruce Johnston. The photos of the band include them rehearsing at Columbia Studio A for “Good Vibrations” (by Guy Webster); one from the iconic Pet Sounds photo shoot at San Diego Zoo (by George Jerman/Capitol Archive); and one at the Hollywood Bowl headlining the July 3rd, 1965 Summer Spectacular Concert that also featured The Byrds, The Kinks and Sonny & Cher (by Julian Wasser). For more information, visit: www.morrisonhotelgallery.com

SAIL ON SAILOR – 1972

6CD SUPER DELUXE EDITION TRACK LISTING

CD 1
CARL AND THE PASSIONS – “SO TOUGH”

1. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
2. Here She Comes
3. He Come Down
4. Marcella
5. Hold On Dear Brother
6. Make It Good
7. All This Is That
8. Cuddle Up

CARL AND THE PASSIONS – “SO TOUGH” BONUS TRACKS (Previously Unreleased)

9. The Road Not Taken (demo – previously unreleased)
10. All This Is That (a Cappella mix – previously unreleased)
11. He Come Down (2022 mix – previously unreleased)
12. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone (track and backing vocals)
13. Marcella (a Cappella mix – previously unreleased)
14. Make It Good (alternate mix with Intro – previously unreleased)
15. Cuddle Up (alternate mix – previously unreleased)
16. Carl and the Passions /Pet Sounds Promo (1972)

CD 2
HOLLAND

1. Sail On Sailor
2. Steamboat
3. California Saga – Big Sur
4. California Saga – The Beaks Of Eagles
5. California Saga – California
6. The Trader
7. Leaving This Town
8. Only With You
9. Funky Pretty

MOUNT VERNON AND FAIRWAY (A FAIRYTALE) 
By Brian Wilson 
(Please listen in the dark)

10. Mount Vernon And Fairway Theme
11. I’m The Pied Piper – Instrumental
12. Better Get Back In Bed
13. Magic Transistor Radio
14. I’m The Pied Piper
15. Radio King Dom

HOLLAND BONUS TRACKS (Previously Unreleased)

16. We Got Love (2022 mix – previously unreleased)
17. Hard Time (previously unreleased)
18. Carry Me Home (previously unreleased)
19. California Saga – The Beaks Of Eagles (1973 single mix – previously unreleased)
20. California Saga – California (1973 single mix)
21. Sail On Sailor (track – previously unreleased 2022 mix)
22. Holland Promo 1 (1973)

CD 3
THE BEACH BOYS LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL (Previously Unreleased)
November 23, 1972

1st Set

1. Concert Intro: Jack Rieley
2. Sloop John B
3. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
4. Leaving This Town
5. Darlin’
6. Only With You
7. Heroes and Villains
8. Long Promised Road
9. Don’t Worry, Baby
10. Student Demonstration Time
11. I Get Around

CD 4
THE BEACH BOYS LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL (Previously Unreleased)
November 23, 1972

2nd Set

1. Intro to 2nd Set: Jack Rieley
2. Marcella
3. California Saga – California
4. Help Me, Rhonda
5. Let The Wind Blow
6. Medley: Wonderful / Don’t Worry, Bill
7. God Only Knows
8. Do It Again
9. Wouldn’t It Be Nice
10. Wild Honey
11. Good Vibrations
12. California Girls
13. Surfin’ USA
14. Fun Fun Fun
15. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

CD 5
1972 SESSIONS (Previously Unreleased)

1. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone (a Capella mix – previously unreleased)
2. Marcella (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
3. Here She Comes (session excerpt – previously unreleased)
4. Here She Comes (2022 mix – previously unreleased)
5. He Come Down (a Cappella section – previously unreleased)
6. Hold On Dear Brother (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
7. Steamboat (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
8. California Saga – California (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
9. The Trader (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
10. The Trader (second section a Cappella – previously unreleased)
11. Only With You (alternate mix – previously unreleased)
12. Funky Pretty (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
13. Sail On Sailor (songwriting session – previously unreleased)
14. Sail On Sailor (a Cappella mix – previously unreleased)
15. Out In The Country (version 1) (previously unreleased)
16. Out In The Country (version 2) (previously unreleased)
17. Oh Sweet Something (previously unreleased)
18. Spark in the Dark (previously unreleased track)
19. Rooftop Harry (previously unreleased track)
18. Body Talk (Grease Job)  (previously unreleased track)
19. Holland Promo 2 (1973)

CD 6
LIVE BONUS TRACKS

1. We Got Love (Live 1973 – previously unreleased)
2. California Saga – Big Sur (Live 1973 – previously unreleased)
3. Funky Pretty (Live 1973 – previously unreleased)
4. The Trader (Live 1975 – previously unreleased)
5. Sail On Sailor (Live 1975 – previously unreleased)
6. All This Is That (Live 1993 – previously unreleased)

MOUNT VERNON AND FAIRWAY (A FAIRYTALE) SESSIONS (Previously Unreleased)

7. Fairy Tale Music (2022 mix – previously unreleased)
8. Pa Let Her Go Out (Better Get Back In Bed alternate version with intro – previously unreleased)
9. I’m The Pied Piper (a Cappella section – previously unreleased)
10. Radio King Dom (a Cappella section – previously unreleased)
11. I’m The Pied Piper (alternate take spoken section – previously unreleased)
12. Medley: Mount Vernon and Fairway Theme / A Casual Look (session excerpt – previously unreleased)

1972 BONUS TRACKS (Previously Unreleased)

13. Little Child (Daddy Dear) (Holland home recording)
14. Susie Cincinnati (Holland home recording)
15. Medley: Gimme Some Lovin’ / I Need Your Love

CALIFORNIA SAGA TRILOGY

16. California Saga – Big Sur
17. California Saga – The Beaks of Eagles (2022 edit – previously unreleased)
18. California Saga – California
19. Carry Me Home (track and backing vocals – previously unreleased)
20. All This Is That (a Capella alternate verse – previously unreleased)

5LP+7-INCH DELUXE EDITION TRACK LISTING

LP1
CARL AND THE PASSIONS – “SO TOUGH”

Side A
1. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
2. Here She Comes
3. He Come Down
4. Marcella

Side B
1. Hold On Dear Brother
2. Make It Good
3. All This Is That
4. Cuddle Up

LP 2
HOLLAND

Side A
1. Sail On Sailor
2. Steamboat
3. California Saga – Big Sur
4. California Saga – The Beaks Of Eagles
5. California Saga – California

Side B
1. The Trader
2. Leaving This Town
3. Only With You
4. Funky Pretty

7″ EP – MOUNT VERNON AND FAIRWAY (A FAIRYTALE)

Side C
1. Mount Vernon And Fairway Theme
2. I’m The Pied Piper – Instrumental
3. Better Get Back In Bed
4. Magic Transistor Radio

Side D
1. I’m The Pied Piper
2. Radio King Dom

THE BEACH BOYS LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL (Previously Unreleased)
November 23, 1972

LP 3 – 1st Set

Side A
1. Concert Intro: Jack Rieley
2. Sloop John B
3. You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
4. Leaving This Town
5. Darlin’
6. Only With You

Side B
1. Heroes and Villains
2. Long Promised Road
3. Don’t Worry, Baby
4. Student Demonstration Time
5. I Get Around

LP 4 – 2nd Set

Side C
1. Intro to 2nd Set: Jack Rieley
2. Marcella
3. California Saga – California
4. Help Me, Rhonda
5. Let The Wind Blow

Side D
1. Medley: Wonderful / Don’t Worry, Bill
2. God Only Knows
3. Do It Again
4. Wouldn’t It Be Nice
5. Wild Honey

LP 5

Side E – 2nd Set Continued
1. Good Vibrations
2. California Girls
3. Surfin’ USA
4. Fun Fun Fun
5. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

Side F – Sail On Sailor Bonus Tracks
1. We Got Love (previously unreleased 2022 mix)
2. Hard Time (previously unreleased)
3. Carry Me Home (previously unreleased)
4. Fairy Tale Music (previously unreleased 2022 mix)

The Animals Retrospective Out On Vinyl For First Time Ever On November 18

Eric Alper
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The Animals Retrospective Out On Vinyl For First Time Ever On November 18

On November 18, ABKCO Records will release, for the first time, a vinyl edition of Retrospective, the definitive 22-track collection spanning the years 1964-1970 from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Animals. Originally released in 2004 on CD and SACD formats, the 180-gram black 2-LP set gathers all fourteen US top 40 hits by The Animals and late ‘60s lineup Eric Burdon & The Animals, including “See See Rider,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “San Franciscan Nights” and the transatlantic number one “House Of The Rising Sun.” The set is capped by the 1970 smash hit “Spill The Wine” by Eric Burdon & War. An exclusive edition pressed on 180g orange vinyl is available at Target.

Formed in Newcastle, England in the early 1960s out of the ashes of The Alan Price Rhythm & Blues Combo, The Animals moved to London in ‘64 and were signed to EMI’s Columbia label by the visionary independent producer Mickie Most. Influenced by folk, blues, jazz, R&B, and early rock and roll, The Animals and front man Eric Burdon seemed tougher and more brooding than their British Invasion peers The Beatles and even The Rolling Stones. An international sensation almost out of the gate, the band toured and recorded non-stop until the end of 1968, going through several lineup changes and parting ways with Mickie Most in ’66 to work with producer Tom Wilson (Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Mothers of Invention). After disbanding, Burdon joined forces in the early 1970s with Los Angeles funk band War for two albums and scored a Billboard number three (Cashbox number one) hit with “Spill the Wine,” which featured the spoken-word style that he effectively employed on many of the latter Animals albums.

The Animals’ approach to music was three-pronged. There were the “Animalized” covers of folk and blues songs like the traditional “House of the Rising Sun,” blues great John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom,” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” originally recorded by Nina Simone. Then there were tunes written for the band by Brill Building songwriters such as “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place,” by Mann and Weil (which became an unofficial anthem for disgruntled American forces in Vietnam), the Gerry Goffin/Carole King-penned “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and “Baby Let Me Take You Home” by Bert Berns and Wes Farrell. Lastly, The Animals had original compositions that they leaned towards in the later years. The thinly veiled ode to LSD “A Girl Named Sandoz” (named after the company that chemist Albert Hofmann worked for when he synthesized the drug). It was covered decades later by Smashing Pumpkins. “Sky Pilot,” the epic, cinematic anti-war masterpiece, and the contemplative “When I Was Young” helped define The Animals’ second wind in the flower power era.

“We were the ultimate club band,” concludes Burdon in Jim Bessman’s Retrospective liner notes. “We had our differences and sometimes came to blows, but we all stood together when anybody attacked us from the outside.”

The Animals Retrospective 2-LP
Side 1
1) House Of The Rising Sun 4:29
2) I’m Crying 2:47
3) Baby Let Me Take You Home 2:20
4) Gonna Send You Back To Walker 2:27
5) Boom Boom 3:49
6) Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood 2:29
Side 2
7) Bring It On Home To Me 2:42
8) We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (U.S. single version) 3:16
9) It’s My Life 3:08
10) Don’t Bring Me Down 3:17
11) See See Rider 4:01
12) Inside-Looking Out 3:49
Side 3
13) Hey Gyp 3:50
14) Help Me Girl 2:43 *
15) When I Was Young 3:01 *
16) A Girl Named Sandoz 3:07 *
17) San Franciscan Nights 3:20 *
18) Monterey 4:18 *
Side 4
19) Anything 3:20 *
20) Sky Pilot 7:27 *
21) White Houses 4:43 *
22) Spill The Wine 4:03 **
* Eric Burdon & The Animals
** Eric Burdon & War

Rod Stewart Extends His Las Vegas Residency Into 12th Year With New 2023 Concerts

Eric Alper
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Rod Stewart Extends His Las Vegas Residency Into 12th Year With New 2023 Concerts

Legendary Rockstar Rod Stewart will return to Las Vegas in 2023 for 13 shows of his acclaimed residency “Rod Stewart: The Hits.“, presented in partnership by Caesars Entertainment and Live Nation Las Vegas, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” will perform select dates May 3 – 15 and Nov. 10 – 22, 2023.

For more than 10 years, the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has delivered an arena-sized concert in an intimate concert experience that’s exclusive to Las Vegas audiences, with no seat more than 145 feet from his majestic stage. Featuring chart-topping hits spanning Stewart’s unparalleled over five-decade career, the production remains one of the best-reviewed and must-see shows on the Las Vegas Strip. The hits-packed setlist includes songs like, “You Wear It Well,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Every Picture Tells A Story,” “Infatuation,” and “Forever Young.”

The 2023 concerts going on sale are:

May: 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15 
November: 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22

Fan club presale tickets will be available starting Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. PT. Citi is the official card of “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. PT until Thursday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. PT through the Citi Entertainment progam. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

In addition, Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, as well as Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale running Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. PT.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com/rodstewartvegas. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, with over 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, from rock, folk, soul, R&B, and even the Great American Songbook; making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. He’s earned countless of the industry’s highest awards, among them, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times bestselling author, Grammy™ Living Legend, and in 2016 he officially became “Sir Rod Stewart” after being knighted at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity. For more information visit RodStewart.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Since its premiere in August of 2011, “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” has remained one of the best-reviewed and must-see shows on the Las Vegas Strip.

Yusuf / Cat Stevens Announces ‘Catch Bull At Four’ 50th Anniversary Edition

Eric Alper
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Yusuf / Cat Stevens Announces ‘Catch Bull At Four’ 50th Anniversary Edition

Following the 50th anniversaries of Yusuf / Cat Stevens‘ seminal albums Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, and Teaser and the Firecat, 2022 will see the legendary singer-songwriter celebrate 1972’s Catch Bull At Four with a newly remastered 50th anniversary edition. The platinum-selling title, which marked Cat Stevens’ most successful chart album, will be available on vinyl for the first time since its original release on both 180-gram black vinyl and limited edition 180-gram orange vinyl, which will be available exclusively on CatStevens.com, UDiscover Music and Sound Of Vinyl. Catch Bull At Four will also return to CD for the first time since its reissue in 2000 and the new remaster will also be available for streaming in both standard and stunning hi-resolution audio. All formats will be released December 2nd via A&M/UMe.

Speaking about the experience, Yusuf / Cat Stevens remembers:

“Contrary to the spiritual nature and theme of the album, Catch Bull At Four went straight to number one and became one of my biggest commercial accomplishments. It was scary! I feared it would divert me from my spiritual goal. That’s precisely why I followed it up with an album called Foreigner, which would sacrifice my newly acquired crown for a welcome return to obscurity.”

Released in the autumn of 1972, Catch Bull At Four marked Cat Stevens’ sixth studio album and fourth release on Island Records – A&M in the U.S. – following Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman (both 1970), and 1971’s Teaser and the Firecat. In the two years leading up to the highly anticipated title, the British singer-songwriter had soared to incredible heights, becoming a global star with such hits as “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” “Where Do The Children Play?” “Morning Has Broken” and “Peace Train.”

The album found Cat Stevens reuniting with producer (and former Yardbird) Paul Samwell-Smith and guitarist Alun Davies, who collaborated with the artist on his previous three records. Joining them in the studio was drummer Gerry Conway, who appeared on Teaser and the Firecat, plus bassist Alan James, and keyboardist Jean Roussel. The album’s title, meanwhile, was inspired by Kuòān Shīyuǎn’s “Ten Bulls of Zen,” a series of short poems, in which a protagonist sets out in search of a bull, catches and tames him, and, through the experience, finds enlightenment.

When examining the years leading up to Catch Bull At Four, it’s certainly no surprise that the artist found himself looking increasingly inward. After having initial success as a teenager with hits like “Matthew and Son” and “I Love My Dog,” Cat Stevens faced a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis. As he endured months of recovery, the artist made significant changes to his life and began to explore spirituality. This metamorphosis was also reflected in his songwriting, as he embraced a stripped-down, folk-rock aesthetic, while his lyrics became increasingly reflective and poetic. During this period, which proved to be quite prolific, the artist wrote more than three dozen songs – the majority of which appeared on Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, and Teaser and the Firecat. By the time Cat Stevens began work on Catch Bull At Four, however, he was entering a new creative chapter.

The songs on Catch Bull At Four find the artist grappling with his dizzying rise to fame, while, at the same time, delving deeper into his spiritual journey. This search for meaning is illustrated in the album’s title, which specifically references the challenge and strength one must summon as they seek enlightenment. The opening track, “Sitting,” also speaks to this dichotomy. Cat Stevens sings, “Sitting on my own not by myself/Everybody’s here with me/I don’t need to touch your face to know/And I don’t need to use my eyes to see.” Later, the artist speaks to the trappings of celebrity: “Bleeding half my soul in bad company/I thank the moon I had the strength to stop.”

Sonically, the songs reflect a stylistic shift, with Cat Stevens opting for a more elaborate sound than his previous three records, introducing a broader array of instrumentation, backing vocals, and lush, multi-layered arrangements. This development resulted in no small part from the fact that Cat’s steep ascent into superstardom meant that he found himself performing in ever bigger venues to increasingly large crowds. He felt the need to expand his sound accordingly and began to lean on his love of R&B, soul, and even musical theatre to do so. These influences can be heard across the album, but particularly in such tracks as “Can’t Keep It In” and “O’Caritas,” both of which find the artist expressing his concerns for the state of the world. The foreboding album closer, “Ruins,” takes these sentiments a step further. In many ways the song can be seen as a successor to the prescient ecological anthem “Where Do The Children Play?” although, this time the outlook seems considerably more bleak. “Ah but it’s all changed winter turned on a man/Came down on day when no-one was looking and it/Stole away the land, people running scared, losing hands/Dodging shadows of falling sand, buildings standing like empty shells/And nobody…helping no-one else,” he sings.

Catch Bull At Four certainly has plenty of moments of optimism as well. A joyful, romantic spirit runs through songs like the tender “Sweet Scarlett” and the playful “Angelsea,“ featuring guest vocals from singer Linda Lewis. Cat Stevens also offers a message of hope with “Silent Sunlight.” Bolstered by strings and woodwinds, he sings about embracing a childlike sense of wonder: “Sing a song of love and truth/We’ll soon remember if you do/When all things were tall/And our friends were small/And the world was new.” These songs contain all the charm, sincerity and imaginative flair that were so instrumental to the success of his previous three albums, and his gift for timeless folk storytelling arguably reaches its zenith with the glorious “The Boy With A Moon And Star On His Head” Clocking in at nearly six minutes long, the song weaves the elaborate tale of a man’s passionate and deeply romantic transgression prior to his wedding. A year later a baby is left in a basket upon his doorstep and the child grows to become a sage who gives voice to the enlightened message of universal love “And people would ride from far and wide just to seek the word he spread/I’ll tell you everything I’ve learned/And love is all, he said.”

Upon its release Catch Bull At Four built on the massive success of its predecessor, becoming Cat Stevens’ first album to top the Billboard 200, where it remained No. 1 in the U.S. for three consecutive weeks. Certified Platinum by the RIAA, and broadly acclaimed by critics, Catch Bull At Four also topped the album charts in Canada and Australia and peaked at No. 2 in the U.K. Single “Sitting,” meanwhile, was a Top 20 hit in the U.S., while “Can’t Keep It In” peaked at No. 13 on the UK pop charts.

Now, a half a century later, fans can enjoy Catch Bull At Four at its best, with audio digitally remastered at 24bit/96kHz from the original stereo production tapes by Mazen Murad. The LP edition is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket, featuring newly-restored artwork. The CD edition, meanwhile, includes a new 16-page booklet featuring photos and press clippings from the era, as well as lyrics.

50th Anniversary Editions of Catch Bull At Four will be released on December 2nd via A&M/UMe. Full format details are listed below.

CATCH BULL AT FOUR

1LP 50th ANNIVERSARY REMASTER
Side A
1. Sitting
2. Boy with a Moon & Star on His Head
3. Angelsea
4. Silent Sunlight
5. Can’t Keep It In

Side B
1. 18th Avenue (Kansas City Nightmare)
2. Freezing Steel
3. O’Caritas
4. Sweet Scarlet
5. Ruins

50th ANNIVERSARY REMASTER (1CD, 24bit/96kHz Hi-Res Digital, Standard Digital)
1. Sitting
2. Boy with a Moon & Star on His Head
3. Angelsea
4. Silent Sunlight
5. Can’t Keep It In
6. 18th Avenue (Kansas City Nightmare)
7. Freezing Steel
8. O’Caritas
9. Sweet Scarlet
10. Ruins

Breakout Rap/Pop Artist Jai Bentley Dishes With Tales of Heartbreak In “I Met The Devil”

Eric Alper
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Breakout Rap/Pop Artist Jai Bentley Dishes With Tales of Heartbreak In “I Met The Devil”

Comprised of an intricate blend of pop fundamentals and Waterloo, ON’s Jai Bentley’s unique brand of laid-back heartbreak, this breakout artist brings a one-of-a-kind stylization to the ever-shifting plain of pop music with his newest single, “I Met The Devil.”

Known primarily for his contributions to the rap genre, Jai Bentley is no stranger to genre-bending to tell a convincing story. Bentley’s stories of heartbreak and love are riveting, to say the least, making “I Met The Devil” a welcome addition to this young artist’s ever-growing catalog of music.

“I Met The Devil” is a tale of domineering toxic love that feels inescapable. Characterized as “the devil,” Bentley’s former love consisted of on-and-off dating coupled with an ego complex. Despite having similar interests and a strong connection, Bentley knew the relationship was bad for him; he shares his takeaway on the relationship by saying

“She was evil in the sense that she had all the power over any boy who wanted to be with her. She was one of those girls that all the boys drooled over and wanted to be with. She knew it – and she was proud of it.”

Much like pretty girls, “I Met The Devil” is very much worth drooling over – despite its overall dejected connotations. Built on the foundations of a groovy feel-good guitar beat, Jai Bentley’s message becomes a little easier to swallow as he professes his conflict regarding his dating life. His silky-smooth vocals add a bit of character and a sense of genuinity as he offloads a weight of emotions onto his growing base of listeners.

Jai Bentley is a 21-year-old rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. Raised on the outskirts of Toronto by his mother, Jai was introduced to music early on in his life. Realizing that he had a potent ear for music, good music came naturally to him as he defined his voice throughout his adolescence.

In 2019 Jai released his first single “Fiction.” “Fiction’s” infectious catchiness took an unsuspecting torrent of listeners by surprise, birthing the start of a potentially fruitful music career for Jai Bentley. Jai’s ability to convey deep meaning and vulnerability through his music has made it easy for him to reach out and relate to his listeners on a personal level as he confesses the trials and tribulations of former relationships.

Producing music at home in his bedroom, Jai Bentley redefines the meaning of “bedroom producer” as he creates powerful hits ready to top charts and warm hearts. Working closely with independent producers, Jai uses his ability to pick out excellent compositions and add his unique flair to them. Once he has settled on an appropriate vibe and timbre, the long haul begins as he sits to mix and master everything himself.

Ever diligent to reap the benefits of his labor, Jai tries to release new music almost every month. Amassing over 90,000 followers on TikTok, Jai has built himself a loyal and supportive fanbase.

Alt Rockers Joe’s Groove Huddle Combine Combustive Metal and Funk on Searing, Political “Believe Me”

Eric Alper
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Alt Rockers Joe’s Groove Huddle Combine Combustive Metal and Funk on Searing, Political “Believe Me”

It’s getting harder and harder to trust in the political process these days, no matter where you are, and German alt-rock band Joe’s Groove Huddle captures some of that distrust and uncertainty in their pumping new single “Believe Me.”

Combining the driving, hard-hitting pound of stadium heavy metal with the funktastic groove of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Believe Me” treats the topic of a politician speaking out of both sides of his mouth. “Writing the lyrics, I was wondering how many political decisions are influenced by lobbyists, and where that will lead in the decades to come,” said bassist Jochen “Joe” Kinzig.

Hear my message in disguise
On the radio
And I’m sure you’ll pay the price
When it comes to show

The chorus is reassuring, if not disingenuous – “Believe me, all I want is your best” – and then the narrator speaks of having his back to the wall, and the world cowering under a wrecking ball. It’s not exactly a happy song, but the driving beat and the passionate vocals convey a message of refusing to succumb to powerlessness. It is, that simple answers are getting more and more popular. But experience shows, that real life isn’t that simple and simple answers will for sure not be the right answers. So we should not accept simple answers. We have to learn to live with complex answers that are not clear cut.

After he finished the lyrics, Kinzig asked his friend Eric Castiglia if he could sing “Believe Me.” “I sent him my draft, and the vocals he sent back blew me away,” Kinzig said. “Eric was really able to give the vocals a perfect vibe that fit perfectly with this fusion of funk and rock.” The song also features guitars by Benedikt Staud and Christian Fier on drums.

“Believe Me” is the fourth single to be released by Joe’s Groove Huddle. The band made its debut with “Good Day” in 2021, followed by “Shot From Behind.” Both songs featured vocals and guitars from Kinzig’s former bandmates Uwe Flatter and Jochen Stien, and keyboards by Torsten Lehnert. With the third release, “Strong,” the lineup became more international, featuring vocals by Eric Castiglia (Italy) and a rap portion by Daniel Picknell (England).

Joe’s Groove Huddle was launched in 2020 in Karlsruhe, Germany, by Jochen “Joe” Kinzig. Inspired by the lockdown and the resulting standstill in his live bands, the bass player had the idea to write his own songs and record over the distance with other musicians.

Influenced by the great rock music of the ’70s and ’80s as well as present day, the band provides an outstanding fusion of old-school and modern rock.

Meta: It’s about that time – get groovy with Lizzo in VR!

Eric Alper
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Meta: It’s about that time – get groovy with Lizzo in VR!

Meta has launched of a new Beat Saber music pack with none other than pop superstar… Lizzo!

In the midst of her new world tour, the Music Pack will feature 9 of Lizzo’s iconic hits that span her dynamic and louder-than-life career. This pack includes selections from her recently released album Special, and is headlined by the hit single “2 Be Loved”. Available for $13.99, the Lizzo Music Pack offers fans an exciting and new way to experience the star’s biggest hits in virtual reality.

Beat Saber is a unique VR rhythm game where your goal is to slash the beats (represented by small cubes) as they are coming at you. Beat Saber music packs like this give music fans new, immersive ways to interact with their favorite artists’ music – this time with Lizzo!

Users can access the new pack by using their Meta Quest account.

National Music Centre Announces the Power of the Playlist Program with Award-Winning Music Therapist, Jennifer Buchanan

Eric Alper
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National Music Centre Announces the Power of the Playlist Program with Award-Winning Music Therapist, Jennifer Buchanan

The National Music Centre (NMC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Power of the Playlist, a new playlist creation drop-in program in collaboration with Jennifer Buchanan, Founder of JB Music Therapy, and supported by Bell. Sign up for the full “seven track” series or drop in every Saturday from October 29 to December 10 at Studio Bell. Each session is included with pay-what-you-can admission to Studio Bell and participants are encouraged to register in advance at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

The announcement of the Power of the Playlist program comes ahead of World Mental Health Day (October 10), a day intended to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The Power of the Playlist program is derived from the book Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of the Playlist written by Jennifer Buchanan. In the book, the Certified Music Therapist reveals how to create playlists with purpose to improve mental health, and address our human need to feel, create, and connect.

“Just like our physical health, our mental health requires attention, perhaps now more than ever,” said Jennifer Buchanan, President of JB Music Therapy. “In theory, putting together a playlist is incredibly simple—but that does not make it easy. This seven-track series will help you dive deep into all the ways playlists can have an impact on your memory, mood, and motivation—the Wellness, Wellplayed way.”

Program Schedule:

  • October 29 – Track 1: The Meaning of the Mixtape
  • November 5 – Track 2: The Art and Science of Music
  • November 12 – Track 3: Set Yourself (and Others) Up for Success
  • November 19 – Track 4: Your Personal Soundtrack
  • November 26 – Track 5: Power Playlists to Activate Your Memories
  • December 3 – Track 6: Power Playlists to Regulate Your Mood
  • December 10 – Track 7: Power Playlists to Boost Your Motivation

“After reading Wellness, Wellplayed, I was personally inspired to create a playlist that was unique to me,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of NMC. “It took me on journey to the past that I found therapeutic at a time when I really needed it, and I’m really excited for others to experience the power of creating a purposeful playlist through this new program.”

The Power of the Playlist will be led over seven in-person sessions at Studio Bell, from October 29 to December 10, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Each in-person, interactive session will cover one of the seven tracks each week. Each person who enrolls in the program will also be encouraged to download the Power of the Playlist workbook, available at studiobell.ca/poweroftheplaylist, which will complement each session and provide a resource for further reflection. For each seven-week program, costs are generously covered by Bell, and are available on a first come, first served basis. Please visit studiobell.ca/whats-on to register now.

Music lovers outside of Calgary will be able to access a condensed version of the program online for free at studiobell.ca/poweroftheplaylist.

As part of NMC’s ongoing commitment to initiatives that promote the healing power of music, two weekday music therapy sessions, FunDrum and HealthSong, are also running every Thursday afternoon until November 24 at Studio Bell. Each session costs $15 per person or $10 for NMC Members, seniors, and students. Learn more at studiobell.ca/whats-on. NMC’s Music & Wellness exhibition, which taps into the power of music on mental and physical health, is also open. Those who have yet to see the exhibition are encouraged to check it out during Studio Bell’s regular operating hours, Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Admission to Studio Bell is currently being offered at a pay-what-you-can rate until the end of 2022. Suggested rate is $15. Any amount, big or small, supports NMC’s charitable efforts. Leave an amount that is equal to your experience and help us bring you more programs and offerings that amplify the power of music.

“Meet Me in the Bathroom” NYC Music Doc Has A Trailer

Eric Alper
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“Meet Me in the Bathroom” NYC Music Doc Has A Trailer

An immersive archival journey through the explosive New York music scene of the early 2000s. Set against the backdrop of 9/11 and a world unaware of the seismic political, technological and cultural shifts about to occur, Meet Me in the Bathroom, tells the story of the last great romantic age of Rock’n’Roll through the prism of a handful of era defining bands; THE STROKES, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, YEAH YEAH YEAH’s, and INTERPOL.

Inspired by Lizzy Goodman’s bestselling book, directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace (Shut Up and Play the Hits) is an exploration of myth and music, time and place that
Tells the story of how a new generation kickstarted a musical rebirth for New York City that reverberated around the world.

The documentary immerses you in the pre-social media, pre-gentrification world of New York, as it examines the lives of key figures from each band, the transformation of the city, and the cultural forces that shaped it.

Combining never before seen footage, intimate audio interviews and a visceral sense of time and place, Meet Me in The Bathroom is a raw and authentic evocation of a time The Guardian described as “a flashbulb moment, before everything changed”.

The confessional stories of key figures from each band intersect with the transformation of New York as a city and the cultural forces that shaped it.

DR. MARTENS X THE CLASH Are The Coolest Shoes Of The Year

Eric Alper
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DR. MARTENS X THE CLASH Are The Coolest Shoes Of The Year

During The Clash’s 7 years of recording and touring they burned bright and recorded 5 albums that changed the face of rock’n’roll. They were known for their exciting music, unforgettable performances and sharp individual style and at the crucial moments of their extraordinary history, they each stood in a trusty pair of Docs.

Now two icons of the UK music scene are officially together again. Presented in two parts and two designs for maximum inclusivity. A Made In England collection built using the same handcraft techniques from the same factory as the pairs The Clash first strapped on over 40 years ago. The timeless 1460 8-eye boot and 1461 3-eyeshoe are constructed from Smooth, DM’s legacy leather inspired by the original leather used on the first Dr. Martens produced. The heels are marked with The Clash’s instantly recognisable logo. Each pair comes equipped with a set of dog tags based on those worn by the band and 7 sets of laces inspired by the colours of their most iconic albums. Exclusively available at DrMartens.com and Dover Street Market.

Also available from DM’s main line are the 1460 boot and 1461 shoe constructed from Arcadia, a high-shine leather with a base dye and contrast top-coat. Over time the top-coat rubs off to reveal the underlying colour. The 1460boot has a military green base and the 1461 shoe a cherry red, chosen by the band from the colours from their albums Sandinista! and The Clash artwork. Each pair is embossed with The Clash logo on the heel and comes equipped with dog tags.

To celebrate the Dr. Martens x Clash collection, legendary film director, DJ and musician Don Letts has collated a playlist of songs to tell the story of the iconic band from his perspective as their long-time friend and collaborator. ‘The Story of The Clash in 100 Tracks’ is a mix of cuts from the band’s albums and solo careers, as well as music that inspired them and artists inspired by them. The playlist will drop on Spotify and through DM’s channels. About the playlist, Don said the following:

”A continuous clash of sounds provided the blueprint for my selection. I’ve often wondered what it is about The Clash that still resonates with so many. I think it’s something to do with the fact that they were a product of the vinyl generation, raised on music that could be a tool for social and personal change. They understood and believed in the power of music to actually make a difference. They also understood it was all for nothing if you didn’t have a groove and looked like shit. In the 21st century, these ingredients remain a crucial currency for the young. As for their musical legacy in the new millennium? Well, I’ll leave that one to you, my friend.”

A collaboration for fans new and old. Designed for maximum volume wearers.

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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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