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Ariana Grande Is Relaunching All Five Studio Albums Plus ‘Christmas & Chill’ EP In Custom Color Vinyl Available Exclusively Via Her Online Store December 6

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GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Ariana Grande is the first artist in music history to have the lead single from her first five albums debut on the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. On December 6Ariana Grande’s five studio albums will be available in color vinyl via her online store, along with her Christmas & Chill EP, which will feature an exclusive etching on side B. In addition, her first three albums Yours Truly, My Everything and Dangerous Woman are set for release on black vinyl and will be available at retail stores worldwide.

Yours Truly: As the ultimate introduction to the ultimate 21st century diva, Yours Truly debuted at #1 on the iTunes Overall Top Albums Chart in over 35 countries worldwide—USA, CanadaAustraliaBrazilIreland and Hong Kong, to name a few. Ariana Grande’s flawless voice takes flight over the course of the album’s 12 tracks, encompassing theatrical spirit, pop panache and R&B soul. The first single, “The Way” [featuring Mac Miller], debuted Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and seized the #1 spot on iTunes Overall Songs Chart as soon as it was released. Meanwhile, the track also resonated immensely with the Latin audience. The single’s Spanish version climbed to #5 at Latin Radio, showing that she could not only bridge the generational gap but cultural barriers as well. Big Sean slides through “Right There” with a breezy verse, heightening the track’s energy. Meanwhile, the ballad “Almost Is Never Enough” sees Grande and Nathan Sykes of The Wanted trade soaring vocal lines over swooping production. It’s an epic befitting of both the album and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones soundtrack, where it first debuted. Then, she and multi-platinum international star Mika add their own twist to the Broadway classic “Popular Song.” Moreover, the album showcases a bevy of top-notch writers and producers including the legendary Babyface as well as Harmony Samuels (Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia). 

My EverythingAssociated Press claimed, “This is how you follow up an impressive debut: simply step into the recording booth and be amazing yet again.” With additional accolades from Rolling Stone and USA Today, among many others, Grande broke streaming records and won numerous awards. Internationally the album quickly reached #1 in AustraliaMexicoCanadaJapan and Top 5 in the UK, GermanyIrelandNew ZealandSwedenNetherlandsAustria, and Switzerland. The first single from her sophomore album, “Problem” [featuring Iggy Azalea], saw her become the “youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week.” Other tracks include “Break Free” [featuring Zedd] and “Bang Bang” with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J.

Dangerous Woman: The double-LP comes complete with the original gatefold packaging and features the hit songs “Dangerous Woman,” “Be Alright” and “Into You” with guest appearances by Nicki Minaj, Lil WayneMacy Gray and Future. Initially released on May 20, 2016, the GRAMMY®-nominated Dangerous Woman solidified Ariana Grande’s superstardom as, Rolling Stone described, one who is “capable of practically anything.” The first vinyl edition appeared in 2016 as a branded retail exclusive. With the critically acclaimed Dangerous Woman, Grande boldly defied expectation and revealed the full force of her voice (hailed as an “extraordinary, versatile, limitless instrument” upon Grande’s appearance on Time‘s “100 Most Influential People” list).

Sweetener: The fourth studio album from Ariana Grande debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and broke the record for largest streaming week for a pop album by a female artist. Sweetener was met with rave reviews from Rolling Stone, giving the album four out of five stars and claiming it as “the best album of her career.” The Fader went on to say, “It’s Ari at the top of her game” and Cosmopolitan proclaimed she is the “only hope for pop this year.”  While V Magazine added to the extensive list of praise that “her light is shining brighter than ever.”

thank u, next: Continuing her streak at #1, the fifth full-length album also debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, her second #1 bow on the chart in under six months. The album broke numerous records right out of the gate. With 360k equivalent album units in under seven days, it now holds the record for Largest Streaming Week for a Pop Album & Female Artist.  She also ascends as The Only Female Artist to Grace the List of Top Ten Biggest Streaming Weeks. thank u, next smashed the global Spotify record for biggest opening day by a female artist as songs from the album occupied the Top 12 spots on the Spotify U.S. Chart. Not to mention, it achieved the biggest first 24 hours for a pop album in Apple music history and set the record for most streams by a female artist in Apple Music history.

Christmas & Chill: Ariana Grande’s second holiday EP, now being released on vinyl for the first time, was recorded and produced by Ariana and her team in less than a week from her home studio. She announced the project to fans via Twitter upon its release a week before Christmas: “‘Twas a “long, productive slumber party.” MTV News described the six-song EP as “filled with festive flirtation” and “immediately repeat-worthy thanks to sultry vibes that’ll make you want to snuggle…”

Preorders begin today for all releases, including the standard black vinyl of Ariana Grande’s Yours TrulyMy Everything and Dangerous Woman, here: Arianagrande.lnk.to/vinyl. The exclusive color vinyl of Yours Truly (white and clear cloud swirl vinyl), My Everything (opaque lavender and clear split vinyl), Dangerous Woman (smoky black and lavender swirl vinyl), Sweetener (peach vinyl) thank u, next (opaque pink and clear split vinyl) plus the Christmas & Chill EP (with an exclusive etching on side B) will ship on December 6. Preorder now at arianagrande.lnk.to/vinyl/artist

VIDEO: Billie Eilish Talks About Turning 18 on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

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Billie Eilish talks about living with her parents, being nominated for several Grammys, performing at the American Music Awards, being competitive with herself, why she’s looking forward to turning 18, dealing with fame, trying to be present, going on tour, her friendship with singer Jessie Reyez, and Jimmy proves how old he is with some questions for Billie from way back in 1984 – when he was 17.

How The Who’s “Eminence Front” Tells The Story Of Pete Townshend’s New Sober Lifestyle

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In The Who’s Eminence Front from their 1982 album, It’s Hard, songwriter and guitarist Pete Townshend sings about the delusions and drug use of the wealthy and hedonistic.

Music vlogger Noah LeFevre of Polyphonic takes a look at the song from the former alcoholic and drug addict Townshend’s perspective, making his decision to quit a profound change of personal direction.

A keyboard sequence provides a catchy repetitive loop… though it’s easy to miss the sequence and the keyboard beneath it features frequent tiny variations. There’s the illusion of growth and slight changes but in the end, it all comes back to the same place. That repetitiveness is key to the song and it reflects the lyrical themes for Townsend the endless rock star life is nothing but a repetitive sham: wake up, snort coke, go to a party, snort more coke, and fall asleep as the sun is coming up…there are slight differences in the city you’re partying and the people you’re partying with but in the end it all feels the same it’s a desperate loop with no forward motion

How Nirvana’s “Polly” Takes You Inside The Mind Of A Rapist

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Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain wrote “Polly” about an incident in Tacoma, Washington involving the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old girl in August 1987. Gerald Arthur Friend kidnapped the girl while she was leaving a rock concert, suspended her upside down from a pulley in his mobile home and raped and tortured her with a blow torch. She managed to escape by jumping from his truck at a gas station, attracting attention from surrounding people. Friend was later arrested and convicted for his crimes. Cobain’s addition to the story was to have the victim fool the kidnapper into thinking she was enjoying what he was doing to her, causing him to let his guard down long enough for her to escape.

In this facinating video essay, vlogger Evan Puschak, aka The Nerdwriter, examines the song and goes behind the lyrics.

Photo Gallery: City and Colour with Jacob Banks and Ben Rogers at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

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All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com

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David Byrne’s American Utopia Performs ‘Road to Nowhere’

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David Byrne gives a special performance of “Road to Nowhere” with the cast of the Broadway musical David Byrne’s American Utopia for the Tonight Show audience.

https://youtu.be/kyJNJOyO5Hs

Downchild Blues Band’s “I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost)” to be Inducted into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

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The first Canadian blues recording ever to sell gold, “I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost),” written by The Legendary Downchild Blues Band’s leader and co-founder, Don Walsh, will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Friday, November 29, 2019. The song skyrocketed to international fame when it was covered by The Blues Brothers’ Dan Aykroyd and the late Jon Belushi, who were heavily influenced by the Canadian group founded in 1969. Eighteen albums later, countless awards, and sold-out tours around the world, Downchild Blues Band are considered the trailblazers of blues in Canada and one of the premier blues bands in Canadian history, and a catalyst for the genre’s renaissance in the late ‘70s to ‘80s.

The song induction will take place during the band’s 50th Anniversary Party in Ottawa on Nov. 29, featuring special guests Dan Aykroyd, Tony D (MonkeyJunk), Suzie Vinnick and Andy J Forest. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster, by calling (613) 947-7000 ext. 620 and in person at the NAC box office.

“It’s such an honour to have “I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost)” chosen to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. When you write a song, you have no idea what kind of effect it will have on people and for some reason this song really connected with fans. Having my friend Dan Aykroyd record it with The Blues Brothers definitely helped give it greater exposure worldwide, which was exciting,” said Don Walsh. “As a songwriter, it’s the ultimate to have one of your songs selected to be in the Hall of Fame, alongside some of the greatest songwriters of our time, not only in Canada but internationally, like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young. It just doesn’t get any better than that!”

I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost) brought the sensuous sounds of the Mississippi Delta to Toronto, laying the groundwork for what is now a thriving domestic blues scene. As the house band of Grossman’s Tavern in Toronto in 1969, the Downchild Blues Band played audacious, innovative blues, rarely heard live in northern climes. Downchild quickly became Canada’s top blues band, with audiences embracing the act fronted by two brothers, blues shouter Rick “The Hock” Walsh and Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh on guitar.

Downchild first released I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost), penned by Don Walsh, on their “Straight Up” album in 1973. Their label, GRT, later remixed the cut in 1974 as a 45-rpm single titled Almost, as a follow-up to their first single, the infectious Top 40 hit Flip, Flop and Fly. Almost featured Don Walsh’s “York County” on the B side. With its winning combination of “jump” and Chicago blues, Almost quickly became a favourite of radio stations in March 1974.

With Don Walsh on blues harmonica and guitar, brother Rick’s no-holds-barred vocals, and a tight horn section, Almost combined an easy relaxed flow with a gritty sound befitting the singer’s desperation that fame means nothing without love: “But I don’t got you, and you’re the one I need the most…. If I don’t get you, I believe I’ll die.”

Almost led Downchild to tour clubs and colleges extensively in Canada. Further success came when Walsh’s pal Dan Aykroyd covered the hit song with his new act The Blues Brothers on their 1978 album “Briefcase Full of Blues.” The late John Belushi took the vocals, with Aykroyd on harmonica and the expertise of Thunder Bay-born Paul Shaffer (of TV’s David Letterman show) on keyboards. The Blues Brothers’ appearance on TV’s “Saturday Night Live” propelled the album to Billboard’s No. 1 position in February 1979. From there it went two times platinum, bringing Walsh’s Almost to millions of listeners.

Dan Aykroyd said about Downchild that “This is one of the greatest urban blues outfits in North America, with a full mastery and command of guitar, harmonica and vocals. … The blues belongs to everyone. It’s a universal art expression.” And adds, “You’ve got one of the best electric harmonica players in the world, you’ve got one of the best guitar players in the world, and he’s also a very good vocalist.”

Almost has been a staple of Downchild’s albums, including “Double Header” (1988), “A Case of the Blues” (1998), “Downchild Live at the Palais Royale” (2007), and others. Almost was also featured on later Blues Brothers albums, including “The Essential Blues Brothers,” “The Definitive Collection,” and “An Introduction to the Blues Brothers” (Billboard’s No. 5 Blues album of 2017).

The song has also been recorded by Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts, and by the late Marcia Rutledge. The international success of I’ve Got Everything I Need (Almost), combined with Downchild’s earlier hit Flip, Flop and Fly, opened the way for artists such as Jeff Healey and Colin James to forge their own blues identities at home in Canada.

Don Walsh, “The Father of Canadian Blues” and a member of the Canadian Blues Hall of Fame, was born in Toronto in 1947. His family moved to North Bay, Ontario, where his parents ran a hotel; there Walsh heard the rock and roll of Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry on the jukebox every weekend. He began playing with a band in high school, and was later introduced to the Mississippi and Chicago blues of Jimmy Reed, James Cotton, and B.B. King. As the leader of Downchild, he has won a Juno award and multiple Maple Blues awards.

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Photo Gallery: HELLYEAH with Nonpoint and DeepFall at the London Concert Theatre

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All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com

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Coldplay Release Two New Tracks “Daddy” and “Champion Of The World”

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Coldplay have today released two more songs, “Daddy” and “Champion Of The World,” from their upcoming album, Everyday Life, which is out on Friday.

“Daddy” is accompanied by a stunning animated video, created by Aardman Animations.

The film, directed by Åsa Lucander, offers an atmospheric journey through a girl’s fragmented memory about her father. It uses live action puppetry, digitally painted sets and 2D animation to create a tapestry of styles.

https://youtu.be/OWhiCkEY-Yk.

Said Lucander: “I knew when I had the opportunity to pitch on this project that is was going to be a very special one. A few minutes into listening to the track ‘Daddy’ – It spoke to me in a way that stories and visual images began to dance in front of me. And when this happens you know that you are on to something very special indeed. I tend to get drawn to emotional stories and this was certainly one I wanted to tell.”

The other new song, “Champion Of The World,” features a co-write credit for the writers of Owl John’s “Los Angeles Be Kind,” including Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit.

https://youtu.be/nE9cCb-s_UY.

Said Chris Martin: “Scott had a song called ‘Los Angeles Be Kind,’ which I love. When I first heard it, I thought it was going to go one way; but it went another. Anyway ‘Champion Of The World’ is the song that came from following the other path, and that’s why Scott is a co-writer on this song. Today is also his birthday. So happy birthday Scott and thank you for your beautiful music, wherever you are.”

On Friday, Coldplay will celebrate the release of Everyday Life with two exclusive performances streaming live from Jordan. Coldplay: Everyday Life – Live in Jordan will take place in Amman, Jordan and mirror the two halves of the 52-minute double album: Sunrise and Sunset. The Sunrise concert will begin at 4am GMT, with the Sunset concert following at 2pm GMT.

The concerts will be viewable at here.

Canada’s Original & Best Selling Kid’s Music Group MINI POP KIDS Release Album #17 — Including NEW Original Song, “Who You Are”

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It’s album number 17 for Canada’s best-selling and longest running kid’s music group! MINI POP KIDS have officially released their newest takes on today’s hottest pop songs, including original track “Who You Are” — available now.

The latest in the now-iconic compilation series lands as the legendary family entertainment group head south to perform in California and Minnesota to perform the album’s on their biggest release weekend in history. The MINI POP KIDS have officially announced The Bright Lights Concert Tour with more than 45 shows in over 30 cities across the country and U.S. — including first-time tour stops in Newfoundland, Quebec, Vancouver, Sault Ste. Marie, Ft. McMurray, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, and more.

Set to spark nostalgic memories for swaths of parents in the crowd as they relive their first-time concert experiences, this time with their own growing family by their side, audiences will be treated to family-friendly versions of the year’s biggest hits, including songs like “Señorita,” “If I Can’t Have You,” and “I Don’t Care” by other Canadian legends like Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, and Alessia Cara — plus throwback favourites for fans of all ages to enjoy. In storied tradition, MINI POP KIDS Live: The Bright Lights Concert Tour isn’t just an album or a show… It’s an experience for the whole family.

Each year, hundreds (and hundreds!) of hopefuls across Canada audition to be a part of this legacy act, and many MINI POP KIDS have gone on to perform with the biggest names in the biz, including Justin Bieber and Beyonce, and on national TV and Broadway.

For MINI POP KIDS 17 and The Bright Lights Concert Tour, the cast welcomes back Jazzy from Aurora, ON, Kayleigh from Whitby ON, Avery from Mississauga ON, Peyton from Newmarket ON, and Carter from Collingwood ON, and introduces Tre from Caledon, ON, Abby from Etobicoke, ON, Vasili and Leyonce from Toronto, ON.

The national tour kicks off December 28th in London, Ontario, and even includes a special leap-year date February 29th in Halifax.

MINI POP KIDS 17 and all-new original song “Who You Are” are available now!

MINI POP KIDS Live: The Bright Lights Concert Tour:

December 28 @ Centennial Hall, London ON
December 29 @ Chrysler Theatre, Windsor ON
January 4 @ Sanderson Centre, Brantford ON
January 18 @ Sault Community Theatre, Sault Ste. Marie ON
February 2 @ L’Olympia, Montreal QC
February 8 @ Grand Theatre, Kingston ON
February 15 @ Fraser Auditorium, Sudbury ON
February 17 @ E.S.C. Theriault Auditorium, Timmins ON
February 22 @ Living Arts Centre, Mississauga ON
February 29 @ Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax NS
March 1 @ Casino New Brunswick, Moncton NB
March 3 @ Fredericton Playhouse, Fredericton NB
March 7 @ Georgian Theatre, Barrie ON
March 8 @ Capitol Centre, North Bay ON
March 14 @ Kamloops, BC
March 15 @ Kelowna Community Theatre, Kelowna BC
March 17 @ The Port Theatre, Nanaimo BC
March 19 @ The Royal Theatre, Victoria BC
March 21 @ Abbottsford Entertainment Centre, Abbotsford BC
March 22 @ Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver BC
March 23 @ Northern Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton AB
March 27 @ Keyano Theatre, Ft. McMurray AB
March 28 @ Southern Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary AB
April 11 @ CentrePointe Theatre, Ottawa ON
April 16 @ E.A. Rawlinson Centre, Prince Albert SK
April 18 @ Vic Juba Theatre, Lloydminster AB
April 19 @ Conexus Arts Centre, Regina SK
May 9 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto ON
May 16 @ Mile One Arena, St. John’s NL
May 17 @ Gander Arts & Cultural Centre, Gander NL
May 24 @ Centennial Concert Hall, MB
July 4 @ Scotiabank Centre (Fallsview Theatre), Niagara Falls ON