Page 17 – That Eric Alper

Between the Buried and Me Explore Sonic Simplicity on New Single ‘The Blue Nowhere’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

Between the Buried and Me Explore Sonic Simplicity on New Single ‘The Blue Nowhere’

Progressive metal pioneers Between the Buried and Me have unveiled the title track from their highly anticipated new album, ‘The Blue Nowhere’, marking the third and final preview before the full record arrives. Departing from their signature complexity, guitarist Paul Waggoner describes the song as an intentional exercise in simplicity built around a basic chordal vamp. While the band is often celebrated for chaotic technicality, this new offering focuses on a singular, immersive vibe with subtle dynamic shifts. The track joins previously released singles “Things We Tell Ourselves In The Dark” and “Absent Thereafter,” which saw the band experiment with everything from sunny jazz-funk to 80s-inspired rock textures.

Out now via InsideOutMusic, ‘The Blue Nowhere’ follows the band’s tradition of genre-blurring journeys while pushing into uncharted territory. Critical reception for the new material has highlighted the group’s refusal to stick to conventions, with reviews noting influences ranging from Van Halen to mid-century modern aesthetics. The album packaging even features a 3D model of a vintage hotel, further emphasizing the thematic depth of the project. As the final piece of the puzzle before the September 12 release, the title track sits as a pivotal moment in the album’s sequence, proving that even in their most restrained moments, the band remains one of the most unpredictable forces in heavy music.

Little Feat Celebrates 50 Years of ‘The Last Record Album’ with Deluxe Edition

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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Little Feat Celebrates 50 Years of ‘The Last Record Album’ with Deluxe Edition

Little Feat has returned to one of the most creatively adventurous periods of their career with the release of ‘The Last Record Album (Deluxe Edition)’. Out now in 4-CD, 2-LP, and digital formats, this expanded set features a comprehensive remaster of the original 1975 classic alongside a treasure trove of rarities and previously unreleased studio material. The release highlights a pivotal shift in the band’s history where the songwriting voices of Paul Barrère and Bill Payne stepped forward alongside Lowell George, producing staples like “All That You Dream” and “Long Distance Love.” Fans can also hear a previously unreleased Halloween 1975 concert from Boston’s Orpheum Theatre, capturing the band locked into the legendary groove that would soon define their legacy.

The deluxe edition dives deep into the vaults, offering early sketches, raw demos, and alternate takes that provide a new perspective on the album’s sessions. Produced by Jason Jones, the collection also includes an exclusive standalone CD release of a 1976 London performance available through Rhino’s webstore. With new liner notes by historian Dennis McNally and the iconic “jackalope” artwork by Neon Park, this reissue honors the band’s sophisticated blend of rock, jazz, and R&B. Whether it’s the aching vulnerability of the newly restored “Long Distance Love” video or the high-energy live medleys, this 50th-anniversary celebration cements ‘The Last Record Album’ as a vital cornerstone of the Little Feat catalog.

‘The Last Record Album (Deluxe Edition)’ Track Listing:

CD 1: 2025 Remaster Romance Dance, All That You Dream, Long Distance Love, Day Or Night, One Love Stand, Down Below The Borderline, Somebody’s Leavin’, Mercenary Territory

CD 2: Hotcakes, Outtakes, Rarities Down Below The Borderline (Demo), Rockin’ Shoes 1 & 2 (Demo), Fool On The Avenue (Demo), All That You Dream (Alt), Mercenary Territory (Alt), Long Distance Love (Alt), Romance Dance (Alt), High Roller, Day Or Night (Instrumental), Front Page News (Outtake), Long Distance Love (Rough Mix), All That You Dream (Single Version)

CD 3: Live at the Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA (10/31/75) Two Trains, Skin It Back, Fat Man In The Bathtub, Walkin’ All Night, A Apolitical Blues, Oh Atlanta, On Your Way Down, Day Or Night, All That You Dream

CD 4: Live at the Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA (10/31/75) Romance Dance, Long Distance Love, Medley: Cold Cold Cold/Dixie Chicken/Tripe Face Boogie/Bag Of Reds/Tripe Face Boogie (Reprise), Willin’, Teenage Nervous Breakdown, Spanish Moon

Thomas Rhett Completes Summer Era with ‘About A Woman (Deluxe)’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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Thomas Rhett Completes Summer Era with ‘About A Woman (Deluxe)’

Multi-platinum country sensation Thomas Rhett has officially rounded out his massive summer of music with the release of ‘About a Woman (Deluxe)’. Out now across all streaming platforms, the project serves as Rhett’s most extensive and dynamic work to date, featuring a total of 25 tracks that explore the many shades of devotion and romance. This final deluxe version introduces three new recordings—”Water,” “Chapter 10,” and “On a River”—which provide a cinematic conclusion to a project defined by high-energy charisma and emotional depth. The album arrives on the heels of the chart-topping success of “After All The Bars Are Closed,” which recently secured Rhett’s 24th career No. 1, further solidifying his status as one of Nashville’s most prolific and versatile hitmakers.

Throughout the summer, Rhett has consistently unveiled new layers of ‘About a Woman’, incorporating standout collaborations with the likes of Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Teddy Swims, and Tucker Wetmore. From the retro Southern soul of “Ain’t a Bad Life” to the flirtatious spirit of “Bottle With Your Name On It,” the new material has served as the backbone for his hugely successful ‘Better in Boots Tour’, which included a historic headlining debut at Fenway Park. Rhett expressed profound gratitude for the fan reception, noting the joy of seeing these songs become part of his audience’s lives in real-time. Whether delivering pounding dance-floor beats or stripped-back front-porch ballads, the deluxe collection captures the full spectrum of Rhett’s evolving artistry and enduring connection to his fans.

‘Hamilton’ Celebrates a Decade of History with ‘Hamilton: 10 Shots’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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‘Hamilton’ Celebrates a Decade of History with ‘Hamilton: 10 Shots’

To commemorate ten years since the cultural phenomenon ‘Hamilton’ changed the face of Broadway, the release of ‘Hamilton: 10 Shots (Highlights from the Original Broadway Cast Recording)’ marks a milestone anniversary. Out now on CD and multiple limited-edition color vinyl pressings, this curated set features ten iconic tracks hand-selected by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The collection maintains the show’s legendary narrative arc while spotlighting all ten principal cast members. From the defiant energy of “My Shot” to the soaring reflection of “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” the album captures the emotional sweep of the best-selling cast recording of all time. Vinyl editions also include a collectible poster featuring original cast photos.

In addition to the physical highlights album, the tenth-anniversary celebration includes five new digital EPs that dive deeper into the journeys of individual characters. ‘Eliza’s Story’, ‘Burr’s Story’, ‘The King George III EP’, ‘Angelica’s Story’, and ‘Washington’s Story’ are all available to stream now, blending original cast performances with tracks from ‘The Hamilton Mixtape’ and the ‘Hamildrops’ series. These EPs feature an array of superstars including Alicia Keys, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and The Roots. With the filmed version of the show returning to theaters this week, fans have more ways than ever to revisit the revolutionary storytelling that has spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200.

‘Hamilton: 10 Shots (Highlights from the Original Broadway Cast Recording)’ is a masterful condensation of a modern masterpiece, perfectly timed for fans to celebrate a decade of the room where it happened.

CRAFT RECORDINGS Relaunches HIGHTONE RECORDS with Historic Vinyl Release of ‘Tulare Dust: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Merle Haggard’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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CRAFT RECORDINGS Relaunches HIGHTONE RECORDS with Historic Vinyl Release of ‘Tulare Dust: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Merle Haggard’

Craft Recordings has officially relaunched HighTone Records, the influential label that helped define the American roots landscape throughout the 1980s and 90s. Reimagined as a curated home for blues, country, rockabilly, and gospel, the imprint returns with a mission to bring foundational artists and timeless recordings back into focus for a new generation. The first wave of activity is led by the first-ever vinyl pressing of the acclaimed tribute album ‘Tulare Dust: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Merle Haggard’, out now. Originally released in 1994, the collection was executive produced by Americana icons Tom Russell and Dave Alvin, who sought to honor Haggard’s immense songwriting legacy during a time when his lyrical depth was often overlooked by the mainstream.

‘Tulare Dust: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Merle Haggard’ features a staggering lineup of roots royalty delivering 15 inspired performances of Haggard’s vast catalog. Standout moments include Lucinda Williams’ world-weary take on “You Don’t Have Very Far to Go” and Iris DeMent’s stunning rendition of “Big City”—a performance Haggard himself claimed reached depths of sincerity he hadn’t even reached as the writer. The record spans genres to reflect the breadth of Americana, from the outlaw grit of Billy Joe Shaver and Robert Earl Keen to the soulful R&B of Barrence Whitfield and the power-pop sensibilities of Marshall Crenshaw. By pulling from the deep archives of HighTone, Rounder, and Vanguard, the relaunch of HighTone Records promises to be a vital heartbeat for the preservation and celebration of American musical history.

Track Listing:

A1. Tom Russell – Tulare Dust/They’re Tearin’ the Labor Camps Down
A2. Iris DeMent – Big City
A3. Peter Case – A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today
A4. Dwight Yoakam – Holding Things Together
A5. Robert Earl Keen and The Sunshine Boys – Daddy Frank
A6. Joe Ely – White Line Fever
A7. Rosie Flores – My Own Kind of Hat
A8. Steve Young – Shopping for Dresses
B1. Marshall Crenshaw – Silver Wings
B2. Barrence Whitfield – Irma Jackson
B3. Lucinda Williams – You Don’t Have Very Far to Go
B4. Billy Joe Shaver – Ramblin’ Fever
B5. Katy Moffatt – I Can’t Be Myself
B6. John Doe – I Can’t Hold Myself in Line
B7. Dave Alvin – Kern River

LARKIN POE Celebrates Creative Rebirth with ‘An Acoustic Companion Volume II’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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LARKIN POE Celebrates Creative Rebirth with ‘An Acoustic Companion Volume II’

Grammy-winning sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, better known as Larkin Poe, have released ‘An Acoustic Companion Volume II’, a stripped-down extension of their chart-topping 2025 album ‘Bloom’. Out now via Tricki-Woo Records, the five-track collection reimagines key songs from the LP in a vulnerable, intimate setting. Recorded at the duo’s new Crosstie Recordings studio in Nashville, the project is led by a raw, unplugged rendition of the contemplative track “Mockingbird.” The sisters describe the process as a “re-blooming” of their recent work, allowing the lyrics to take center stage against a backdrop of acoustic instrumentation. The release is available on all streaming platforms and as a limited-edition picture disc vinyl exclusive to their webstore and tour dates.

The arrival of the acoustic volume comes as Larkin Poe continues their massive ‘Bloom’ world tour, which has seen the duo perform for sold-out crowds across the United States and Europe. Produced alongside Tyler Bryant, ‘Bloom’ solidified the Lovell sisters as modern torchbearers of American roots music, spending weeks at the top of the Americana charts with hits like “Easy Love Pt. 1” and the gritty anthem “Pearls.” Currently nominated for Duo/Group of the Year at the Americana Music Awards, Larkin Poe remains one of the hardest-working acts in the industry. As they transition into a heavy fall touring schedule across the UK and Europe with special guest Son Little, this acoustic companion offers fans a deeply personal look at the storytelling and soulful harmonies that define their evolving musical journey.

Does Timing Matter? Finding the Best Time to Play at a Casino

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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By Mitch Rice

“Las Vegas is a very strange place. It’s a place where the lights are always on, and the slot machines never sleep.” – Hunter S. Thompson. Today, players no longer need to travel to Las Vegas to enjoy slots, as thousands of titles are available online. Yet long before online casinos, a myth persisted about the best time to win, especially on slots. Some believe early mornings offer better chances, others swear by afternoons when most people are working. Let’s find out.

When is the Best Time to Play Games at a Casio?

It’s not unusual to have different beliefs as to what brings luck when playing casino games. Sometimes, Kiwi players may reserve slots for mornings and table games for the night. Some even go as far as assigning specific days as to when they’ll be most lucky, avoiding commonly-believed bad luck days, such as Friday the 13th.

However, those myths about the best time to play slots have been laid to rest with the advent of online casinos and RNGs. You can find audited and fair slots in New Zealand with the expert Kiwi-friendly casino guide. It won’t matter when you decide to play slots or any other game before you get your wins.

Per what we’ve observed at online casinos, the following are the times most people prefer playing certain games for better chances of winning.

Table games (Baccarat, blackjack, poker, and roulette) – Nighttime.
Slot games – Early hours of the morning.
Jackpot slots and Bingo games – Weekends.
All games – Monday mornings.
Live dealer games – Nighttime.

When brick-and-mortar casinos were still the only destination for gambling, these times and specific days might have been true. However, all that’s changed now with the advent of online casinos.

Does Timing Really Matter When Playing at an Online Casino?

At online casinos, the time you play a game does not matter. Whether it’s slots, table games, or even live dealer games, they all run on random number generators. These random number generators do not operate based on the time of day or specific days. They run on probability and can give wins at any time of the day.

Besides, the odds of the games at an online casino are fixed. When you see an RTP, it’ll tell you how much you’re expected to get back on average when you spend 100 coins. So, no matter the time you play, you can count on winning in the long run. Also, the online casino games are audited by external bodies, ensuring they’re fair and transparent.

No casino can manipulate its algorithm to pay more at certain times of the day. Any form of manipulation means the casino is ready to lose its license and go out of business.

When is the Best Time to Play Slot Machines?

“I go to casinos to relax — same reason people go to church.” – George Burns.

Back in the days of brick-and-mortar casinos, most people believed it was best to play slots when it was still “hot.” This meant playing when someone had just had a losing streak, as it was believed the slot was closer to “breaking” and giving wins. Hence, it was common to patronise casinos at night when people went to casinos to relax. For the same reason, it was also quite popular to play slots on weekends and holidays.

What About Playing at Brick-and-Mortar Casinos?

At brick-and-mortar casinos, the video slot machines also use random number generators. The table games are also based on probability, using cards and dice. The best time to use such casinos, then, would not be to boost your winnings but to socialise and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. You must also consider the wait times and noise, which might be to your disadvantage.

Final Thoughts

There is no optimum time to play at a casino to boost your chances of winning. However, there are optimum times for socialisation and a vibrant atmosphere, if you’re using a brick-and-mortar casino. At an online casino, the experience is mostly player-focused with fewer distractions. Regardless of the time you choose to play, you’ll only get winnings when the random number generator determines so.

YELLOW SOUND LABEL Releases All-Star Studio Recording of ‘Winchell: The Musical’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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YELLOW SOUND LABEL Releases All-Star Studio Recording of ‘Winchell: The Musical’

Yellow Sound Label has released the premiere NYC studio recording of ‘Winchell: The Musical’, a long-lost theatrical work centered on the life of legendary gossip columnist Walter Winchell. Originally slated for a Broadway debut in 1991 before being derailed by a production scandal, the score finally arrives on streaming and digital formats. The project features music by Keith Levenson and lyrics by the legendary Martin Charnin alongside Levenson. This release serves a significant philanthropic purpose, with album proceeds benefiting the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, an organization that has supported Levenson in his personal battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The recording boasts an extraordinary crossover cast that bridges the worlds of Broadway and classic rock. Jason Robert Brown stars as the staccato-voiced media icon, joined by an eclectic ensemble including Roger Daltrey, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, Darlene Love, and Sally Struthers. From its vaudeville roots to its Jazz Age slang, the musical explores Winchell’s legacy as the man who transformed journalism into entertainment and practically invented modern celebrity culture. After more than thirty years in the shadows, this melodic and delightful score is out now, offering theater fans a rare opportunity to hear a piece of Broadway history while supporting a vital cause in medical research and patient care.

THE BETHS Unveil Intimate New Single “Mother, Pray For Me” from ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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The Beths have shared their third single and video, “Mother, Pray For Me,” a profoundly personal and stripped-down track that highlights the emotional core of their new album ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’. Moving away from the band’s signature power-pop energy, the song features Elizabeth Stokes alone with a finger-picked guitar and a subtle organ, delivering a wistful plea for connection and understanding. Stokes wrote the track as she grappled with her relationship with her mother, an Indonesian immigrant, and the complexities of faith, mortality, and family history. This vulnerable approach follows the punchy lead singles “No Joy” and “Everything is Burning,” showcasing the startling new depths of insight that define the band’s latest era.

Out now via ANTI- Records, ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’ arrived on August 29, 2025, as the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2022 breakout ‘Expert In A Dying Field’. The album’s creation marked a significant shift in process for the New Zealand quartet, born from a period where Stokes intentionally deconstructed her songwriting routines to achieve a more therapeutic and free-flowing creative output. Recorded with guitarist and longtime producer Jonathan Pearce, the record has been hailed as the band’s most poetic and sharply observant work to date. To celebrate the release, The Beths have announced a series of intimate album release shows across New Zealand and Australia, alongside a massive 2026 world tour that kicks off in North America this January.

RAFIQ BHATIA Evokes an Ephemeral Summer Night on “Clearing, Crickets”

Music

Eric Alper

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Dec 21, 2025

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RAFIQ BHATIA Evokes an Ephemeral Summer Night on “Clearing, Crickets”

Composer and guitarist Rafiq Bhatia has shared “Clearing, Crickets,” a four-minute sonic meditation that serves as a cornerstone of his new album ‘Environments’. The track immerses listeners in the thick humidity of an August night, utilizing chirps, skitters, and languid horns to create a texture that feels more like the Earth left to its own devices than a traditional composition. Drawing inspiration from the monolithic sculptures of Richard Serra and the dreamlike cinema of Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Bhatia meticulously builds a world where acoustic instruments mimic studio-engineered soundscapes. The single follows his recent work on the ‘Each Dream, a Melting Door’ collaborative EP, further pushing the boundaries of what modern ambient jazz can encompass.

Out now via ANTI- Records, ‘Environments’ features a trio of close collaborators, including Son Lux bandmate Ian Chang on percussion and trumpeter Riley Mulherkar. The album marks a significant evolution from the “science fiction” scale of his 2018 record ‘Breaking English’, leaning into a breath-driven, intentional approach to sound-shaping. A member of the Oscar-nominated trio Son Lux, Bhatia’s recent schedule has been prolific, from scoring Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’ to debuting site-specific arrangements at the Aspen Art Museum. By focusing on expressive gestures and “world-building” through sound, ‘Environments’ offers a deeply focused listening experience that captures the complexities of the natural world through a high-fidelity lens.