Finland has hosted the first ever Heavy Metal Knitting World Championship. Competitors from all around the world descended on the small town of Joensuu. Japan’s Giga Body Metal, complete with their Sumo wrestlers, became the first ever world champions.
Talking Heads performing at Max’s Kansas City in 1976, a year before their debut album
Here’s Talking Heads covering the Modern Lovers classic Pablo Picasso in 1976. Drummer Jerry Harrison was actually apart of The Modern Lovers until he joined Talking Heads in 1977.
A Scooby-Doo animation test from the 1970s using Scanimate
Scanimate is the name for an analog computer animation (video synthesizer) system developed from the late 1960s to the 1980s by Computer Image Corporation of Denver, Colorado.
The 8 Scanimate systems were used to produce much of the video-based animation seen on television between most of the 1970s and early 1980s in commercials, promotions, and show openings. One of the major advantages the Scanimate system had over film-based animation and computer animation was the ability to create animations in real time. The speed with which animation could be produced on the system because of this, as well as its range of possible effects, helped it to supersede film-based animation techniques for television graphics. By the mid-1980s, it was superseded by digital computer animation, which produced sharper images and more sophisticated 3D imagery.
Animations created on Scanimate and similar analog computer animation systems have a number of characteristic features that distinguish them from film-based animation: The motion is extremely fluid, using all 60 fields per second (in NTSC format video) or 50 fields (in PAL format video) rather than the 24 frames per second that film uses; the colors are much brighter and more saturated; and the images have a very “electronic” look that results from the direct manipulation of video signals through which the Scanimate produces the images.
The Black Keys MasterCourse
Take a tour of the The Black Keys’ studio in their first ever MasterCourse. Maybe. Naw. It’s the duo working with Funny Or Die.
Apollo 11 Remix
This week is the 50th Anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Electric Method turned some NASA’s footage into a rhyming remix tribute to the historic journey by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.
Post Malone Announces “Runaway” North American Tour
Today, GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum artist Post Malone revealed the Runaway Tour, his latest North American outing kicking off later this year. Produced by Live Nation, the run will start September 14 in Tacoma, WA and visit cities across the U.S. and Canada before wrapping November 20 at The Forum in Los Angeles. Swae Lee and Tyla Yaweh will appear as special guests on all of the Runaway Tour dates. Full routing can be found below.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, July 19 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com. AMEX cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, July 16 at 10am local time until Thursday, July 18 at 10pm local time.
Post Malone’s star continues to rise with the debut of his latest single “Goodbyes,” ft.Young Thug which became an instant hit after its Fourth of July release. This past March, “Wow.” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Post Malone’s sixth top 10 single. At the end of 2018, “Sunflower” was featured in the Oscar-winning film Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and ultimately hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The anthemic song features the Runaway Tour’s special guest, Swae Lee. Post Malone released his Grammy nominated sophomore album, beerbongs & bentleys, in 2018, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and is certified triple Platinum by the RIAA.
DATE CITY VENUE
Saturday, September 14 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
Monday, September 16 Vancouver, BC Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
Tuesday, September 17 Portland, OR MODA Center
Thursday, September 19 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Saturday, September 21 Fresno, CA* Save Mart Center
Sunday, September 22 Las Vegas, CA Life Is Beautiful Festival
Thursday, September 26 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
Sunday, September 29 Detroit, MI Little Ceasars Arena
Thursday, October 3 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Sunday, October 6 Buffalo, NY KeyBank Center
Wednesday, October 9 Boston, MA TD Garden
Friday, October 11 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall
Saturday, October 12 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
Monday, October 14 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Thursday, October 17 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
Friday, October 18 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
Sunday, October 20 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena
Thursday, October 24 Tampa, FL Amalie Arena
Friday, October 25 Jacksonville, FL Vystar Veterans Arena
Sunday, October 27 New Orleans, LA Voodoo Festival
Tuesday, October 29 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
Saturday, November 2 Dallas, TX Posty Fest
Tuesday, November 5 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Friday, November 8 Glendale, AZ Gila River Arena
Sunday, November 10 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Monday, November 11 Salt Lake City, UT Vivint Smart Home Arena
Thursday, November 14 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
Saturday, November 16 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Wednesday, November 20 Los Angeles, CA The Forum
*Sway Lee not appearing
Beyoncé Produces And Performs On Multi-Artist Album “The Lion King: The Gift”
23-time Grammy Award–winning global superstar Beyoncé is the executive producer of The Lion King: The Gift album, a musical ode to the classic story of Disney’s “The Lion King” feature film. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film includes the new original song, “Spirit,” performed by Beyoncé. The Lion King: The Gift album is set for release on July 19.
The powerful track, “Spirit,” appears in the film, during a pivotal scene with Beyoncé’s character, Nala and appears on the Walt Disney Records original motion picture soundtrack and on The Lion King: The Gift album from Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records. The song, available globally later tonight, was written for the film by IIya Salmanzadeh, Timothy McKenzie and Beyoncé and is produced by Beyoncé and IIya and Labrinth. https://smarturl.it/beyoncespirit
With The Lion King: The Gift album, Beyoncé curated a masterful recording, a robust soundscape bringing together some of her favorite artists with the most talented and important African artists of the day to both pay tribute to the iconic film and bring the authentic sounds of African music to the world.
“This is sonic cinema,” said Beyoncé. “This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro Beat.”
In planning and recording the album, the artists’ personal connection to the iconic film and its story was highly considered.
“I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” she continued. “Each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”
The Lion King: The Gift, with new recordings by Beyoncé, features a beautiful, multi-genre symphony, steeped in African influences from various corners of the Continent, with unexpected collaborations, pulsating rhythms and crisp production that celebrate the African diaspora. This love letter to Africa highlights the setting of the film, rooted in African culture and wondrous narratives. Track list and featured artists on The Lion King: The Gift are forthcoming.
Warner Music Group Partner With Build-A-Bear Workshop To Launch New Record Label
Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division and Warner Chappell Music have entered into an exclusive global music partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop, the popular global brand specializing in customizable stuffed animals, to launch Build-A-Bear Records. The deal comes as Build-A-Bear continues to find ways to connect consumers with its brand, evolving its retail operation into a more diverse business that includes original digital content.
The Build-A-Bear branded label under Arts Music will release original albums, singles, and playlists—including soundtracks from upcoming films, television shows, and digital shorts—as well as sign and develop artists and their releases. Warner Chappell Music will represent and administer publishing rights for all music on the label and collaborate with Build-A-Bear on opportunities with current WCM songwriters and catalogs.
Cracker Barrel Launches “Five Decades, One Voice” to Honor Women in Country Music in Celebration of Its 50th Anniversary
As the brand nears its 50th anniversary in September, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store today announced the launch of “Five Decades, One Voice,” a program to celebrate iconic female country music artists and shine a spotlight on those following in their footsteps. With radio airtime for female country artists at an all-time low, Cracker Barrel is using its 50th anniversary as a moment to recognize women in country music and lend a voice to help elevate this group of inspirational artists.
Cracker Barrel is proud to partner with four female pillars in the country music industry, who have each selected emerging female artists or songwriters to lift up and mentor. Those pairings include:
- Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town partnering with Ingrid Andress
- Brandi Carlile partnering with Tenille Townes featuring a special performance alongside Tanya Tucker
- Trisha Yearwood partnering with songwriters Caitlyn Smith, Connie Harrington and Erik Dylan
- Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum partnering with Bailey Bryan
Cracker Barrel is honored to create the opportunity for these artists to come together for one-on-one conversations and for each pairing to record three songs together – one from each artist, as well as a reimagined version of an iconic country song – all to be featured at crackerbarrel.com/onevoice leading up to the brand’s 50th anniversary in September.
Over the past 50 years, music has remained a part of the Cracker Barrel story – especially country, bluegrass and gospel. In the early days, Cracker Barrel guests often enjoyed live music by local musicians on its front porches. It was a popular gathering spot for local pickers that wanted to play their guitars and banjos for an audience.
Building on Cracker Barrel’s rich heritage in music, the “Five Decades, One Voice” campaign will continue to celebrate, support and empower women in country music by:
- Releasing an exclusive compilation album of songs handpicked by “Five Decades, One Voice” partner artists, with one dollar from every album sold benefitting She Is The Music, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the number of women working in music – songwriters, engineers, producers, artists and industry professionals.
- Creating an all-female in-store playlist for guests to enjoy in every Cracker Barrel location in September during the company’s anniversary month with songs handpicked by the “Five Decades, One Voice” partner artists.
Together, these five iconic women who are paving the way for emerging female artists have won 18 Grammys, 23 CMA Awards and 29 ACM Awards, and each are committed to sharing their unique experiences and advice to help lead the future generation of women in country music to success.
“This initiative was a no brainer for us to be a part of,” said “Five Decades, One Voice” partner artist Kimberly Schlapmanof Little Big Town. “We’ve been in the music business for 20 years and have had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. We looked up to the women trailblazers before us – Loretta, Emmylou, Reba, Dolly, Trisha, Martina – to inspire us and guide us through all these moments in our career. It’s so important for us all to lift each other up and even the playing field for these girls to have a shot at success. There is no reason why the world shouldn’t hear their voices for years and years to come.”
“It is beyond my wildest dreams to get to get to collaborate with Karen and Kimberly so early in my career,” said Ingrid Andress. “These are women who have forged a path in this format like no one else and have so fearlessly used their voices and their music to promote other women and lift so many up. They are powerful advocates and change makers in our community and beyond, and we are lucky to have them. I am thrilled to partner with Cracker Barrel and other incredible women in this campaign to be able to share our stories and create new, impactful moments to hopefully inspire the next generation of women in country music.”
“It is truly an honor to take part in a campaign that celebrates women in country music,” said Trisha Yearwood. “Not only do I admire each of these artists, but I’m thrilled to support and uplift the women behind the music as well. Songwriters play such an integral part of the business and it was such a wonderful experience getting to sing my latest single, ‘Every Girl in this Town,’ with those who wrote it.”
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and all the women who came before me, so I think it’s really great what Cracker Barrel is doing with ‘Five Decades, One Voice,'” said Tanya Tucker. “There are so many talented young ladies out there who need a lift – just someone to raise them up so fans can discover them. And who doesn’t love Cracker Barrel’s country cookin’?!”
“It is such an honor to be a part of ‘Five Decades, One Voice‘ and to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the women who have come before me,” said Tenille Townes. “Getting to stand in a circle and sing with Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker is one of those ‘is this actually real life’ moments that I will forever hold on to.”
“Five Decades, One Voice” follows Cracker Barrel’s long history of iconic female-driven artist partnerships – working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood– who have been at the heart of Cracker Barrel’s music history since the very beginning and instrumental in fostering the warmth and hospitality felt at America’s home-away-from home.
Country music legend and trailblazer Loretta Lynn serves as the voice of “Five Decades, One Voice,” narrating its vision and noting, “For five decades, I have seen many female artists who are still fighting for the chance to be heard. I want to help them bring their talents to the table and have a chance to be heard, and trust me, there’s plenty to go around.”
The Return Of Sugar Man – Rodriguez’s ‘Cold Fact’ & ‘Coming From Reality’ Albums To Be Reissued
Rodriguez, the enigmatic subject of the 2012 Academy Award®-winning documentary, Searching for Sugar Man, released two albums with Sussex Records, 1970’s Cold Fact and 1971’s Coming from Reality. Out of print on vinyl for several years, both albums are newly remastered by Alex Abrash at AA Mastering and are available now for preorder ahead of their August 30 release by Sussex/UMe in CD, 180-gram black vinyl, and limited special vinyl editions. Both albums have also been released digitally for the first time.
In addition to both albums’ new CD and black vinyl editions, a new picture disc vinyl LP for Cold Fact replicates the “Rodriguez in a crystal ball” image from its cover, and Coming from Reality is showcased with a new bottle-clear color vinyl LP, referencing the bottle in the album’s cover photo.
The CD for Coming from Reality features three additional bonus tracks, originally recorded in 1972-’73 for a third album that was never completed. The tracks were co-produced by Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore, who also co-produced Cold Fact. The tracks were first issued in 2009 on the Light in the Attic CD release, and they were also featured on the Searching for Sugar Man soundtrack.
Cold Fact [CD; 180g vinyl LP; ltd. edition picture disc vinyl LP]
SIDE A
1. Sugar Man
2. Only Good For Conversation
3. Crucify Your Mind
4. This Is Not a Song, It’s an Outburst
5. Hate Street Dialogue
6. Forget It
SIDE B
1. Inner City Blues
2. I Wonder
3. Like Janis
4. Gomorrah (A Nursery Rhyme)
5. Rich Folks Hoax
6. Jane S. Piddy
Coming from Reality [CD]
1. Climb Up On My Music
2. A Most Disgusting Song
3. I Think Of You
4. Heikki’s Suburbia Bus Tour
5. Silver Words?
6. Sandrevan Lullaby-Lifestyles
7. To Whom It May Concern
8. It Started Out So Nice
9. Halfway Up The Stairs
10. Cause
BONUS TRACKS
11. Can’t Get Away
12. Street Boy
13. I’ll Slip Away
Coming from Reality [180g vinyl LP; ltd. edition bottle-clear color vinyl LP]
SIDE A
1. Climb Up On My Music
2. A Most Disgusting Song
3. I Think Of You
4. Heikki’s Suburbia Bus Tour
5. Silver Words?
SIDE B
1. Sandrevan Lullaby-Lifestyles
2. To Whom It May Concern
3. It Started Out So Nice
4. Halfway Up The Stairs
5. Cause