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Willie Nelson Honors His Longtime Friend on ‘Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle’

Eric Alper
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Willie Nelson Honors His Longtime Friend on ‘Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle’

Country music icon Willie Nelson has released his 78th solo studio album, Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, out now via Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings. The project serves as a deeply personal tribute to his late friend and collaborator Merle Haggard, featuring Nelson’s new interpretations of 11 classic Haggard compositions. Produced by Nelson and Mickey Raphael at Pedernales Studios in Austin, the album is particularly poignant as it features the final recordings from longtime Family band members—Willie’s sister Bobbie Nelson and drummer Paul English. From the gritty resolve of the title track “Workin’ Man Blues” to heartbreaking staples like “If We Make It Through December,” the album captures the “pioneer spirit” of two of outlaw country’s founding fathers.

The release arrives amid a busy season for the 92-year-old legend, following his prominent role in the Ethan Hawke-directed Merle Haggard documentary, Highway 99. Nelson is currently headlining the 10th anniversary of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour alongside Bob Dylan and Sheryl Crow, while continuing his decades-long advocacy for American farmers. A portion of the proceeds from his new “Willie’s Remedy+” social tonics—the official sponsor of the tour—directly benefits the Farm Aid Foundation. Whether performing at the 40th annual Farm Aid concert or revisiting Haggard’s No. 1 hits like “Swinging Doors” and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink,” Nelson remains a vital force, proving that the bond between these two legends remains as strong as ever.

‘Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle’ Track Listing:

1. Workin’ Man Blues
2. Silver Wings
3. Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
4. Today I Started Loving You Again
5. Swinging Doors
6. Okie From Muskogee
7. Mama Tried
8. I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink
9. Somewhere Between
10. If We Make It Through December
11. Ramblin’ Fever

The Cult Reissues Modern Classics ‘Choice of Weapon’ and ‘Hidden City’ on Vinyl

Eric Alper
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The Cult Reissues Modern Classics ‘Choice of Weapon’ and ‘Hidden City’ on Vinyl

Rock icons The Cult have reissued two of their most acclaimed modern works, Choice of Weapon and Hidden City, out now on vinyl via Cooking Vinyl. Originally released in 2012 and 2016, these albums represent a powerful creative rebirth for the band, forming part of a definitive trilogy in their storied discography. Choice of Weapon, which features the hit “For the Animals,” has been out of print since its original pressing and returns as a limited-edition color-in-color 2-LP set. Meanwhile, the band’s tenth studio effort, Hidden City, has been newly remastered for vinyl by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound, presented as a striking red and white 2-LP collection that captures the “sonic assault” of tracks like “Dark Energy.”

Both projects highlight the band’s enduring partnership with legendary producer Bob Rock, who helped steer these sessions toward a sound that is both expansive and urgent. Choice of Weapon also features production from Chris Goss, leaning into a desert-rock grit that earned it iTunes’ Rock Album of the Year and a No. 1 debut on the UK Rock Chart. From the cinematic atmosphere of Hidden City to the raw intensity of Choice of Weapon, these reissues offer fans a chance to own essential pieces of The Cult’s legacy that have been sought-after for years. Now available worldwide, these remastered editions reaffirm Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy’s status as masters of their craft, showcasing a band operating at their absolute prime.

Blondie Revisits Iconic Second Act with ‘No Exit’ Deluxe Reissue

Eric Alper
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Blondie Revisits Iconic Second Act with ‘No Exit’ Deluxe Reissue

Blondie’s No Exit—the 1999 masterpiece that marked the band’s triumphant return after a 17-year hiatus—has been reissued in a newly remastered and expanded deluxe edition, out now via BMG. This definitive release marks the first time the album is available on vinyl, celebrating the creative resurgence that famously reunited Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, and Jimmy Destri. The deluxe edition includes the global #1 hit “Maria” alongside remixes and the rare track “Hot Shot,” previously exclusive to Japan, now widely available with new production by David Wrench. Reimagined by original creative director Rob Roth, the packaging returns to the late-’90s visual aesthetic of NYC’s underground scene, providing a fresh dimension to this pivotal chapter of the band’s history.

Produced by Craig Leon—a veteran of the NYC punk scene who worked on the band’s 1976 debut—No Exit captured Blondie’s sharpened instincts and signature genre-blurring sound. The album title, a nod to Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist play, emerged from a spontaneous rehearsal moment and came to represent the band’s inescapable creative entanglement. Beyond the chart-topping “Maria,” the record features the hip-hop-infused title track with Coolio, the Jeffrey Lee Pierce tribute “Under the Gun,” and “Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room,” which marked Clem Burke’s songwriting debut. This reissue serves as a comprehensive archive of the sessions at Electric Lady and Chung King, documenting a period when the group successfully bridged the gap between their punk-rock origins and a new era of global pop dominance.

The deluxe edition arrives with significant emotional weight, serving as a final tribute to founding drummer Clem Burke, who passed away earlier this year. As the band’s rhythmic foundation for four decades, Burke’s unmatched precision and energy are the driving force behind the No Exit recordings. This release celebrates his enduring legacy and the 13-month global tour that followed the album’s original release, reaffirming Blondie’s status as a perennial cultural force. Available as a 2-CD set and multiple vinyl pressings, including a crystal-clear edition, this collection ensures that one of music’s most celebrated comebacks remains preserved for longtime fans and new generations alike.

CD 1:

  1. Screaming Skin (2025 Remaster)
  2. Forgive and Forget (Pull Down the Night) (2025 Remaster)
  3. Maria (2025 Remaster)
  4. No Exit (2025 Remaster)
  5. Double Take (2025 Remaster)
  6. Nothing Is Real But the Girl (2025 Remaster)
  7. Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room (2025 Remaster)
  8. Night Wind Sent (2025 Remaster)
  9. Under the Gun (For Jeffrey Lee Pierce) (2025 Remaster)
  10. Out In the Streets (2025 Remaster)
  11. Happy Dog (For Caggy) (2025 Remaster)
  12. The Dream’s Lost On Me (2025 Remaster)
  13. Divine (2025 Remaster)
  14. Dig Up the Conjo (2025 Remaster)

CD 2:

  1. Hot Shot (David Wrench Mix)
  2. Maria (Ether Dub Mix)
  3. Nothing Is Real But the Girl (Boilerhouse Lounge Mix)
  4. No Exit feat. Coolio & Loud Allstars (Urban Version Main Mix)
  5. Maria (Talvin Singh Rhythmic Remix Edit)
  6. Nothing Is Real But the Girl (Danny Tenaglia Heart Of Trance Mix)
  7. Forgive and Forget (Pull Down the Night) (Ben’s Mix)
  8. Maria (White Trash Mix)

Static-X Reclaims Their Evil Disco Legacy with ‘Wisconsin Death Trip (25th Anniversary Corrosive Edition)’

Eric Alper
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0
Static-X Reclaims Their Evil Disco Legacy with ‘Wisconsin Death Trip (25th Anniversary Corrosive Edition)’

Metal icons Static-X are celebrating a quarter-century of their groundbreaking debut with the release of ‘Wisconsin Death Trip (25th Anniversary Corrosive Edition)’. Out now via Warner Records, this definitive box set serves as the ultimate tribute to the 1999 masterpiece that introduced the world to “Evil Disco.” Reunited with original producer Ulrich Wild for a full remaster and original photographer Exum for a total visual redesign, the band has expanded the album’s runtime to over seventy minutes. The collection features a second disc packed with rare demos and alternate versions, all housed in a comprehensive package featuring hundreds of never-before-seen photos from the original era.

The anniversary celebration extends beyond the physical release, with the legendary music video for “Push It” officially reissued in high definition for the first time. Directed by Mick Olszewski, the clay-animation visual was a staple of MTV’s golden era and has been restored to provide a new experience for its millions of fans. Original members Tony Campos, Koichi Fukuda, and Ken Jay—joined by vocalist Xer0—are currently bringing the ‘Wisconsin Death Trip’ energy back to the stage on a massive 2025 tour including festival sets and a fall run with Mudvayne. From limited-edition “pill bottle” bundles to laser-engraved memorabilia, this relaunch cements the album’s status as a perennial pillar of industrial metal.

CD 1:

  1. Push It
  2. I’m With Stupid
  3. Bled For Days
  4. Love Dump
  5. I Am
  6. Otsegolation
  7. Stem
  8. Sweat Of The Bud
  9. Fix
  10. Wisconsin Death Trip
  11. The Trance Is The Motion
  12. December

CD 2:

  1. Down
  2. Head
  3. Head (Titan AE)
  4. S.O.M.
  5. So Real
  6. I Am (Unedited)
  7. Wisconsin Death Trip (Unedited)
  8. Love Dump (Demo)
  9. I’m With Stupid (Single Edit)
  10. December (Unedited)

Tyler Childers Extends ‘On The Road’ Tour with Massive 2026 U.K. and European Dates

Eric Alper
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Tyler Childers Extends ‘On The Road’ Tour with Massive 2026 U.K. and European Dates

Tyler Childers has announced a major expansion of his ‘On The Road’ tour, confirming a string of headline shows across the U.K. and Europe for Spring 2026. The new leg includes stops at iconic venues such as Dublin’s 3Arena, London’s O2 Arena, and Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, bringing his soulful blend of country and bluegrass to international audiences. This expansion follows a banner year for Childers, whose latest album, Snipe Hunter, earned him his highest career debut on the Billboard 200 at No. 7. As he continues his sold-out fall run through North American stadiums, these newly added dates ensure that the momentum behind his most successful project to date will carry well into the new year.

The tour serves as a celebration of the massive impact made by Snipe Hunter and its breakout viral hit, “Bitin’ List,” which has dominated streaming platforms and TikTok throughout the year. The record has solidified Childers’ status as a premier voice in Americana, reaching the top of the Folk, Indie, and Vinyl charts simultaneously. Fans in cities like Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen will finally get the chance to experience the new material live, alongside the deep-cut favorites that have defined his rise. With general ticket sales beginning September 12, the 2026 run is poised to be one of the most anticipated international tours in the roots music landscape.

Tyler Childers 2026 On The Road UK/European Tour Dates:

Mar 3 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena
Mar 6 – Glasgow, U.K. @ OVO Hydro
Mar 8 – Manchester, U.K. @ AO Arena
Mar 10 – Brussels, Belgium @ Ancienne Belgique
Mar 13 – Paris, France @ Salle Pleyel
Mar 15 – Berlin, Germany @ Uber Eats Music Hall
Mar 17 –  Copenhagen, Denmark @ K.B. Hallen
Mar 21 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ AFAS Live

Lecrae, T.I. & Killer Mike Pay Tribute to Hip-Hop Legends in New “Headphones” Music Video

Eric Alper
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Lecrae, T.I. & Killer Mike Pay Tribute to Hip-Hop Legends in New “Headphones” Music Video

Lecrae has joined forces with hip-hop heavyweights T.I. and Killer Mike for the release of a visually striking and emotionally resonant music video for “Headphones.” Directed by AlphaMale Visuals, the video serves as a heartfelt tribute to departed loved ones and influential icons of hip-hop’s past, including Nipsey Hussle, Takeoff, and Tupac Shakur. A standout from Lecrae’s tenth studio album, Reconstruction, the track finds the three MCs reflecting on the people who shaped their lives, using the healing power of music to navigate the warmth of nostalgia. The imagery of Lecrae crate-digging through classic vinyl sets a reflective tone, emphasizing the album’s overarching theme of getting back to the core beliefs and “building blocks of faith” that define his journey.

The video’s release coincides with the launch of the Reconstruction World Tour, a massive 42-date global trek that sees the four-time Grammy winner performing across Africa, Australia, and major North American cities. Supported by Miles Minnick, Gio, and Torey D’Shaun on select dates, the tour brings the message of the new album to life, focusing on the spiritual reconstruction of love, joy, and peace. By partnering with legends like T.I. and Killer Mike for this specific visual, Lecrae cements Headphones as a cultural touchstone that honors those who came before while inviting fans to find strength in their own reminiscence. Reconstruction is out now via Reach Records, serving as an introspective masterpiece for longtime listeners and new fans alike.

Five Finger Death Punch Reclaims Their Legacy with ‘Best Of – Volume 2’

Eric Alper
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0
Five Finger Death Punch Reclaims Their Legacy with ‘Best Of – Volume 2’

Hard rock powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch is celebrating their 20th anniversary by taking full control of their musical history with the release of two definitive collections. Following the release of ‘Best Of – Volume 1’, the band has announced ‘Best Of – Volume 2’, out now via Better Noise Music. These collections are born from a powerful act of reclamation; after their former label sold their original masters without the band’s knowledge, the group chose to fully re-record their biggest anthems. Rather than simple remasters, these volumes offer renewed intensity to fan favorites like “Sham Pain” and “Blue On Black,” ensuring the band owns the recordings that defined their two-decade rise to global dominance.

‘Best Of – Volume 2’ features 16 re-recorded classics, led by a brand-new 2025 version of “The End” featuring a collaboration with Babymetal. The collection also treats fans to three previously unreleased live recordings of “Wash It All Away,” “Wrong Side Of Heaven,” and “Jekyll And Hyde.” Available in multiple collectible vinyl and CD formats, this project honors the band’s past while firmly planting their flag in the future. With over 13 billion streams and a legacy of chart-topping hits, FFDP continues to prove why they remain one of the most resilient and dominant acts in rock, turning a significant industry setback into a celebratory milestone for their global fanbase.

Chayce Beckham Navigates Heartbreak on Haunting New Single “Ocean Blue”

Eric Alper
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0
Chayce Beckham Navigates Heartbreak on Haunting New Single “Ocean Blue”

Platinum-selling country artist and 2025 Grand Ole Opry NextStage honoree Chayce Beckham has released his latest single, “Ocean Blue,” a poignant heartbreaker that leans into the timeless storytelling of country legends like George Strait and Merle Haggard. Produced by Bart Butler, the track anchors a lonesome, mid-tempo groove with rich fiddle and striking steel guitar, serves as the first in a new series of releases following his debut album, Bad For Me, and the chart-topping success of his smash hit “23.” Written on his tour bus alongside Brandon Kinney and John Pierce, the song draws a vivid parallel between the restlessness of a stormy sea and the lingering waves of sadness that follow a love gone too soon. As Beckham continues his fall run on Warren Zeiders’ Relapse, Lies & Betrayal Tour, “Ocean Blue” cements his reputation as a vital voice in modern country, blending raw vulnerability with a classic, “restless sea” atmosphere that resonates with anyone who has navigated the deep waters of a breakup.

Annie Bosko Stakes Her Claim with Debut Album ‘California Cowgirl’

Eric Alper
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0
Annie Bosko Stakes Her Claim with Debut Album ‘California Cowgirl’

Rising singer-songwriter Annie Bosko has officially stepped into a new chapter with the release of her debut album, ‘California Cowgirl’, out now via QHMG/Stone Country Records. A true farmer’s daughter, Bosko has crafted a 19-track collection that serves as a colorful tapestry of her West Coast roots and agricultural upbringing. Produced by Trent Willmon and David “Messy” Mescon, the project blends the grit of the pioneer spirit with a “Golden State glow,” offering a sound that is as much about timeless storytelling as it is about modern country soul. The album features a massive list of collaborators, including high-profile duets with Dwight Yoakam on the Bakersfield-inspired “Heart Burn,” Darius Rucker on the reflective “Old Friends,” and Joe Nichols on the Top 40 hit “Better Than You.”

The project arrives alongside a surge of momentum fueled by the viral “Line-Men Dancing” campaign for Ariat, featuring San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and a squad of linemen performing to the high-octane “Honky Tonk Heartbeat.” Beyond the raucous party anthems like “Tequila Time” and the empowering “Country Girls! (Who Run the World),” ‘California Cowgirl’ also highlights Bosko’s deeper artistry through tracks penned by country heavyweights like Lainey Wilson, Garth Brooks, and Hannah Dasher. From the Haggard-esque strings of “Bright & Blue Sky” to her soul-stirring cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” Bosko delivers a 360-degree sense of what it means to be a modern cowgirl, proving that country is more than a place—it’s a way of life.

Aespa Redefines Empowerment with Sixth Mini Album ‘Rich Man’

Eric Alper
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0
Aespa Redefines Empowerment with Sixth Mini Album ‘Rich Man’

Global K-pop powerhouse Aespa has released their highly anticipated sixth mini album, ‘Rich Man’, out now via SM Entertainment. Building on the momentum of their record-breaking 2024 hits “Supernova” and “Whiplash,” the new project has already secured over 1.1 million pre-orders, marking the group’s seventh consecutive million-seller. The title track, “Rich Man,” is a gritty, guitar-driven dance anthem that redefines the concept of wealth through the lens of self-confidence and independence. The EP showcases the quartet’s vocal versatility across six tracks, ranging from the addictive, whistle-heavy hip-hop of “Drift” to the dreamy R&B layers of “Count On Me,” further expanding the group’s signature “metallic” sonic identity.

The mini album arrives during a historic year for Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning, who were recently honored as Group of the Year at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards. This accolades follow a string of global milestones, including a landmark headlining set at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco and the release of their high-charting summer single “Dirty Work.” To celebrate the new music, Aespa has embarked on their third world tour, ‘2025 Aespa Live Tour – Synk: aeXIS Line’, which kicked off with three sold-out nights at Seoul’s KSPO Dome. From the Y2K hyperpop of “Angel #48” to the empowering finale “To The Girls,” ‘Rich Man’ cements Aespa’s position at the forefront of the global music scene.

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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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