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WAR’s Golden Era Returns with ‘The CD Collection 1971–1975’ Box Set

Eric Alper
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WAR’s Golden Era Returns with ‘The CD Collection 1971–1975’ Box Set

On September 5th, Rhino celebrates the enduring legacy of WAR with The CD Collection 1971–1975—a deluxe five-disc box set honoring the band’s groundbreaking early years and continuing the year-long celebration of their landmark album Why Can’t We Be Friends?. This beautifully packaged collection features five essential albums—WAR (1971), All Day Music (1971), The World Is A Ghetto (1972), Deliver The Word (1973), and Why Can’t We Be Friends? (1975)—capturing the band’s first chapter following the departure of former frontman Eric Burdon. These albums mark the creative emergence of WAR as a singular force in American music—fusing funk, jazz, Latin rhythms, soul, rock, and psychedelia into a genre-defying sound all their own.

Housed in a striking package featuring original artwork by acclaimed illustrator Dave Van Patten, whose surreal, hand-drawn style channels the same boundary-pushing energy that defined WAR’s music and message, each album delivers the most vibrant and immersive listening experience to date. 

Following 2021’s Record Store Day vinyl exclusive, this CD box set is a must-have for both longtime collectors and new listeners—offering a fresh lens into WAR’s most iconic era. From the streetwise poetry of The World Is A Ghetto to the unifying call of Why Can’t We Be Friends?, these albums remain as powerful, joyful, and relevant as ever.

Pre-order The CD Collection 1971-1975 Here

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Why Can’t We Be Friends?, WAR’s blockbuster album that helped define the sound of the ‘70s. As Variety says, “When it comes to low rider Cali-cool multiculturalism, WAR wrote the biggest, loudest book.” That legacy continues to grow, with the band reaching new milestones and long-overdue recognition. After kicking off the celebration with a national performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, WAR was honored earlier this summer with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing their impact on American music and culture.

Fresh off that celebration, the band returned from a triumphant European tour filled with career-defining moments. At the Love Supreme Festival, WAR was joined by surprise guest Questlove, who jumped behind the kit for a fiery encore of the timeless hit “Low Rider.” He later praised the band on Instagram, writing: “I’d never thought I’d see a 70s unit actually nail the groove and funk of their peak period…” Now, The CD Collection 1971–1975 gives a new generation of listeners the chance to experience WAR at their creative peak: five classic albums, newly remastered and reimagined, capturing the heart, soul, and revolutionary spirit of one of the most vital bands of the 20th century.

Tracklist 

CD 1: War (1971)

  1. SUN OH SON
  2. LONELY FEELIN’
  3. BACK HOME
  4. WAR DRUMS
  5. VIBEKA
  6. FIDEL’S FANTASY

CD 2: All Day Music (1971)

  1. ALL DAY MUSIC
  2. GET DOWN
  3. THAT’S WHAT LOVE WILL DO
  4. THERE MUST BE A REASON
  5. NAPPY HEAD (THEME FROM “GHETTO MAN”)
  6. SLIPPIN’ INTO DARKNESS
  7. BABY BROTHER

CD 3: The World Is A Ghetto (1972)

  1. THE CISCO KID
  2. WHERE WAS YOU AT
  3. CITY, COUNTRY, CITY
  4. FOUR CORNERED ROOM
  5. THE WORLD IS A GHETTO
  6. BEETLES IN THE BOG

CD 4: Deliver the Word (1973)

  1. H2 OVERTURE
  2. IN YOUR EYES
  3. GYPSY MAN
  4. ME AND BABY BROTHER
  5. DELIVER THE WORD
  6. SOUTHERN PART OF TEXAS
  7. BLISTERS

CD 5: Why Can’t We Be Friends? (1975)

  1. DON’T LET NO ONE GET YOU DOWN 
  2. LOTUS BLOSSOM  
  3. HEARTBEAT  
  4. LEROY’S LATIN LAMENT (Medley)
    1. LONNIE DREAMS
    2. THE WAY WE FEEL
    3. LA FIESTA
    4. LAMENT
  5. SMILE HAPPY  
  6. SO  
  7. LOW RIDER 
  8. IN MAZATLAN
  9. WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS? 

Foghat Announce 50th Anniversary Edition of ‘Fool for the City’

Eric Alper
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Foghat Announce 50th Anniversary Edition of ‘Fool for the City’

 It’s become commonplace to hear the words, “I can’t believe it’s been 50 years since that album came out!” That exclamation comes this year for legendary rockers FOGHAT–Roger Earl (founding drummer), Bryan Bassett (guitar), Scott Holt (lead vocals/guitar), and Rodney O’Quinn (bass)– whose Platinum-selling fifth album, FOOL FOR THE CITY (which gave us the rock anthems “Slow Ride” and the title track) was originally released on September 15, 1975. 

To celebrate this illustrious occasion, Rhino Records is releasing the 50th Anniversary Edition of FOOL FOR THE CITY on September 12, 2025. This special reissue available as a double-vinyl or double-CD version, features the newly remastered original tracks, as well as an electrifying bonus disc featuring a never-before-released live album recorded during two live performances at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago in 1975. Pre-order info is here.

A limited number of autographed CDs and vinyl can be pre-ordered now on TalkShop.Live, which will include an exclusive insert signed by Roger Earl and producer Nick Jameson. On Wednesday, August 6 at 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Roger Earl and producer Nick Jameson will appear on the site’s Rock & Roll Channel with their good friend and host Steve Harkins for an in-depth discussion about FOOL FOR THE CITY and the incredible bonus material on the 50th Anniversary package. 

Captured and performed by multi-talented bassist/producer Nick Jameson—the mastermind behind both FOOL FOR THE CITY and 1977’s legendary FOGHAT LIVE—these raw, high-energy recordings have been resurrected nearly 50 years later. Mixed and mastered by Jameson himself at a studio in Reykjavik, Iceland, the result is a time capsule of pure rock fury. The CD edition will also include two bonus live tracks and a brand new interview with founding drummer Roger Earl and Jameson, diving into the making of “Slow Ride” and the magic behind the FOOL FOR THE CITY sessions. 

“Nick is a genius,” says Earl. “He worked tirelessly to make these live tracks as powerful as his original LIVE mixes—and we are absolutely thrilled with the results.” Check out more from him about the album on this video posted on the band’s YouTube page. 

“From the iconic album cover, to the first 30 seconds of the opening track, FOOL FOR THE CITY 50 years later is still as relevant today as in 1975,” declares bassist Rodney O’Quinn. “A go to album while cruising down the highway of life. “ 

Lead/slide guitarist Bryan Bassett who has mixed, produced and mastered all of Foghat’s releases since 2000 says, “Included in this release are several ‘live’ recordings from the band in 1975. The mixes for these live tracks were done by the multi-talented producer/engineer/ musician Nick Jameson who was the producer on the original FOOL FOR THE CITY record. An awesome set of rare bonus tracks for your FOGHAT collection. “ 

As singer Scott Holt exclaims, “FOOL FOR THE CITY, birthplace of ‘Slow Ride,’ as well as one the greatest most iconic album covers ever, the music inside this masterpiece continues to excite and entertain and 50 years on, still being embraced, consumed, treasured, streamed and played on radio stations all over the world! FOGHAT has an embarrassingly rich catalog, but the body of work that is FOOL FOR THE CITY is a standard of great American Rock & Roll! And now, remastered with bonus live tracks?!? What a great time to be alive and rocking out to FOGHAT!” 

“I am absolutely thrilled that the four merry lads who created Slow Ride can at long last be heard performing together live,” says Nick Jameson. “This performance happened mere weeks after we recorded the FOOL FOR THE CITY album, and we were at the absolute top of our game. And I’m so happy that FOOL FOR THE CITY once again sounds the way it did when it was first released. Love always to Dave and Rod; they live on in this music!” 

And the party doesn’t stop there. FOGHAT wants their legions of loyal fans to help celebrate. They’re being invited to design their own version of the iconic FOOL FOR THE CITY album cover for a chance to win big. The Grand Prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas, NV to hang out with the band at their September 

13 show at the Cannery Hotel & Casino. Second and third place winners will score exclusive band merchandise. All entries will be showcased in a special 50th Anniversary tribute video and on FOGHAT’s social media. Fans should submit their designs by August 15 on the band’s website. Download the original background HERE and let their imagination run wild. 

FOGHAT is still making chart-topping music and touring all over North America, the U.K. and Europe 50 years later. Their latest album, SONIC MOJO, was released November 10, 2023, and remained on the Billboard Top 10 “Blues Albums” chart for 34 weeks, including two weeks at #1. It is the first time the band has ever landed at #1 on any of Billboard’s charts after a new album release. Even “Slow Ride” had never reached #1. SONIC MOJO is available in various formats, including a single CD boasting 12 electrifying tracks in a stunning six-page digipak and digital copies. For vinyl enthusiasts, there’s a limited edition 180gram, neon purple vinyl version featuring 11 tracks and a gatefold jacket, as well as extra special CD and vinyl bundles. The album’s four singles, “Drivin’ On,” “She’s a Little Bit of Everything” (co-written by the late Kim Simmonds from Savoy Brown), “Black Days & Blue Nights,” and “I Don’t Appreciate You” are streaming on all digital outlets and the band’s official YouTube page. 

Vintage Guitar has immense praise for SONIC MOJO. “Few things in life are guaranteed – but one is that drummer Roger Earl will keep FOGHAT truckin’…FOGHAT’s trademark sound is here, with fresh twists planted in the blues – and even country…FOGHAT’s blistering guitar-boogie boogies on!” 

The band’s journey began in 1971, and their legacy is written in Rock & Roll history with their classic hits “Fool for the City,” “Slow Ride,” and “I Just Wanna Make Love To You,” eight Gold records, one Platinum record, and one double-Platinum record. Through ups and downs, tragedies, and triumphs, one thing remains constant: FOGHAT’s unwavering dedication to music. It’s all about the music, always has been and always will be. 

Here is the track listing for the 50th anniversary edition of FOOL FOR THE CITY: 

ORIGINAL ALBUM: 

1. Fool For The City 

2. My Babe 

3. Slow Ride 

4. Terraplane Blues 

5. Save Your Loving (For Me) 

6. Drive Me Home 

7. Take It Or Leave It 

1975 LIVE RECORDING: 

1. Fool For The City 

2. Home In My Hand 

3. My Babe 

4. Honey Hush 

5. Slow Ride 

6. I Just Wanna Make Love To You 

7. *Wild Cherry 

8. *Maybellene 

*CD only 

Madonna Celebrates 40 Years of ‘Dress You Up’ With Digital Release

Eric Alper
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Madonna Celebrates 40 Years of ‘Dress You Up’ With Digital Release

Madonna celebrates the 40th anniversary of her quintessential single “Dress You Up” with three track digital release, out today. The song was the final single from the Diamond-certified album Like a Virgin on July 31, 1985, and continues to endure cross generational appreciation for this timeless dance classic. 

https://open.spotify.com/album/3xZLQ2dPzasCmJ9gFnur2X?si=k4MfczWKR-q7OT9ZnDZM3g

With the tragic news this week of the passing of the doll designers and Madonna superfans Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, she dedicates this release to them. In a statement, she writes, ‘Thank you for dressing up so many of your creations in Madonna iconic looks over the years.’

“Dress You Up” Track Listing:

  1. Dress You Up Remix/Edit – 3:48

2. Dress You Up The 12″ Formal Mix – 6:18

3. Dress You Up The Casual Instrumental Mix – 4:38

5 Surprising Facts About Sonic Youth’s ‘Daydream Nation’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Sonic Youth’s ‘Daydream Nation’

Released in October 1988, Daydream Nation stands as a turning point in Sonic Youth’s catalog and in alternative rock at large. With its open-ended song structures, noise-driven improvisations, and experimental tunings, the double album captured a raw yet composed intensity that connected the downtown New York art scene with a new generation of indie rock fans. While it’s widely celebrated for its influence and ambition, the album’s creation also involved a series of overlooked details and oddv choices that give it its enduring mystique.

Here are five surprising facts about Daydream Nation that even longtime fans may not know.

1. The album’s mixing deadline forced an all-nighter to finish the “Trilogy.”
Although most of the recording was efficiently handled, time ran short as the band approached their August mastering date. With pressure mounting, Sonic Youth spent an entire night finalizing the mix for the ambitious three-song suite known as the “Trilogy” (“The Wonder,” “Hyperstation,” “Eliminator Jr.”). Kim Gordon later noted that some of her vocals were rushed, and she remained unsatisfied with a few takes—an unusual admission for a project often viewed as meticulously executed.

2. The producer was a hip-hop engineer who had never worked with a rock band.
Nick Sansano had previously engineered Public Enemy’s “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” and Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s “It Takes Two,” but Daydream Nation was his first time working with a guitar-based band. His background in layered, sample-heavy production influenced the album’s drum sound and dense mix. Sonic Youth embraced his unfamiliarity with rock conventions, and that outsider approach helped shape the album’s unusual sonic character.

3. “Providence” was built from a home-recorded piano and voicemail messages.
The haunting interlude “Providence” is constructed from a lo-fi Walkman recording of Thurston Moore playing piano at his mother’s house, layered with voicemails left by Mike Watt from a payphone in Providence, Rhode Island. The static-laced amp noise included in the track came from an overheating Peavey Roadmaster. Rather than treating it as filler, the band used this collage as a purposeful pause—highlighting their interest in non-linear, ambient storytelling.

4. The guitar tunings were more complex than most fans realize.
Sonic Youth’s alternate tunings on Daydream Nation weren’t just experimental—they were borderline mathematical. For example, “Teen Age Riot” used a rare pentatonic GABDEG tuning for Moore’s part and a GGDDGG setup for Ranaldo. These tunings were created not for novelty, but to access chord voicings and dissonant intervals that standard tuning simply couldn’t provide, giving the songs their signature harmonic tension.

5. The band originally considered titling the album Tonight’s the Day.
“Daydream Nation” is a lyric pulled from the song “Hyperstation,” but another working title was Tonight’s the Day—a nod to Neil Young’s Tonight’s the Night. The phrase also appears in “Candle,” one of the album’s more melodic tracks. Ultimately, Daydream Nation better captured the album’s scale, ambition, and its merging of dreamlike abstraction with political unease.

Daydream Nation endures not just because of what it sounded like in 1988, but because of how thoroughly it captured the tension, ambition, and experimentation of its moment. These lesser-known details reveal a band operating on instinct and intent, weaving punk, poetry, noise, and structure into something expansive and alive. Even today, its influence echoes—still jarring, still open, still on fire.

Bailey Zimmerman Drops Surprise Single “Chevy Silverado” Ahead of New Album ‘Different Night Same Rodeo’

Eric Alper
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Bailey Zimmerman Drops Surprise Single “Chevy Silverado” Ahead of New Album ‘Different Night Same Rodeo’

 Today, multi-platinum country superstar Bailey Zimmerman surprised fans with a fiery new single “Chevy Silverado.”  The unexpected release arrives just a week before his anxiously awaited sophomore album Different Night Same Rodeo out August 8 via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville – pre-add / pre-save HERE. 

In tandem with the surprise drop, a limited Silverado Edition Galaxy White Vinyl of Different Night Same Rodeo is now available exclusively HERE. 

Produced by longtime collaborator Austin Shawn, Different Night Same Rodeo features previously released superstar collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs as well as Top 10 and platinum single “Holy Smokes,” in addition to “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” “Comin’ In Cold,” and “Ashes” with Diplo. 

Different Night Same Rodeo Tracklist

1. Comin’ In Cold 

(Jaron Boyer, Matt Gorman, Jake Puliti, Kaylin Roberson)

2. Ashes (Diplo & Bailey Zimmerman) *

(Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Josh Serrato, Thomas Wesley, Josh Miller, Jimmy Robbins, Chris Tompkins)

3. Chevy Silverado

(Tucker Beathard, Ilsey Juber, Gavin Lucas, Heath Warren, Bailey Zimmerman)

4. Yours For The Breaking 

(Bart Butler, Jacob Davis, Drew Fulk, Austin Shawn)

5. Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI)

(Rodney Clawson, Ryan Hurd, Michael Lotten, The Kid Laroi, Billy Walsh, Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn)

6. Holy Smokes 

(Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler, Lauren Hungate)

7. When It Was

(Kelly Archer, Ben Goldsmith, Carson Wallace, Ben Williams)

8. It’s All Good

(Tucker Beathard, David Dorn, Ryan Tyndell)

9. Backup Plan (feat. Luke Combs)

(Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood)

10. New To Country 

(Austin Shawn, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren, Tim Galloway, Bailey Zimmerman)

11. At The Same Time

(Jaxson Free, Aldae, Ben Johnson)

12. Hell or High Water

(Ashley Gorley, Austin Shawn)

13. These Nights

(Nora Collins, Randall Fowler, Mary Kutter, Brad Wagner)

14. Everything But Up

(Devin Dawson, Jacob Hackworth, Sam Martinez, Heath Warren)

15. Before You

(Bailey Zimmerman, Randall Fowler, Brian Alexander, Frank Romano, Austin Shawn, Marty James)

16. Holding On 

(Austin Shawn, Blake Whiten)

17. Dare You To Try It

(Austin Shawn, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Beathard, Gavin Lucas, Sam Martinez, Heath Warren)

18. Happy Ever After Me

(Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell)

All songs produced by Austin Shawn 

* Additional production by Diplo, Josh Serrato

Bailey is currently on the road for his summer 2025 New To Country Tour, which saw 13 dates sell out instantly. Promoted by Live Nation and featuring support from Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge the New To Country Tour is electrifying audiences as Zimmerman brings his signature dynamic live show to amphitheater’s across the U.S. See below for remaining dates and get tickets at baileyzimmermanmusic.com.

New To Country Tour Dates

* with support from Dylan Marlowe & Drew Baldridge

** with support from Dylan Marlowe 

Hailing from Louisville, Illinois, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Bailey Zimmerman is one of country music’s brightest stars, known for his chart topping hits and authentic gritty sound. After first gaining traction by posting original songs to social media in 2020, Zimmerman rocketed into the spotlight with the viral success of “Fall in Love,” which made him the fastest debut country artist to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in over a decade.

In 2023, Zimmerman released his debut album Religiously. The Album. which arrived as not only the biggest streaming debut for a country album in history, but also the biggest all-genre streaming debut since 2021. The “comfortably bruising and appealingly bruised” (The New York Times) album also features his fourth consecutive No. 1 single “Where It Ends,” his 4x-Platinum, No. 1 debut single, “Fall In Love,” and its 5x-Platinum follow-up, the six-week No. 1 mega-hit “Rock And A Hard Place.” The album debuted at #3 on the Top Country Albums chart and #7 on the Billboard 200, instantly positioning him as one of the genre’s most impactful new voices.

In 2024, Zimmerman continued to dominate the charts with singles “Holy Smokes,” “Holding On” and “New To Country” all of which made a splash. Most recently, Zimmerman announced that his Sophomore album Different Night Same Rodeo will be out August 8th and will feature previously released superstar collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs as well as Top 10 and platinum single “Holy Smokes,” in addition to “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” “Comin’ In Cold,” and “Ashes” with Diplo. This summer, Zimmerman will be hitting the road for his New To Country Tour, which saw 13 of 16 dates sell out instantly, and will be headlining major festivals, while gearing up for the new album. 

Zimmerman has earned multiple award nominations, including nods from the Billboard Music Awards, ACM Awards, People’s Choice Country Awards, and CMT Music Awards—cementing his status as one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. He has ignited television audiences across the country with show-stopping performances on Good Morning America, TODAY, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, and the 2024 CMT Music Awards and more. Beyond the stage, Zimmerman has drawn widespread acclaim from top-tier media outlets including Forbes, Rolling Stone, Variety, Los Angeles Times, Billboard, American Songwriter, and more.

Goo Goo Dolls Announce New EP ‘Summer Anthem’ Out August 22 + Release Lyric Video for “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)”

Eric Alper
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Goo Goo Dolls Announce New EP ‘Summer Anthem’ Out August 22 + Release Lyric Video for “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)”

Summer Anthem, the new EP from GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls, is set for release on August 22 via Warner Records. Consisting of 7 tracks, Summer Anthem is a precise, hard-hitting project, featuring the type of vivid lyricism that’s led the band to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time.

In conjunction, the group debuts their heartfelt track “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” alongside an accompanying lyric video. Written by John Rzeznik and produced by Gregg Wattenberg (John Legend, Santana, Noah Kahan) and Grant Michaels (Weezer, Billy Idol, Jewel), “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” reflects on the fading nature of life and the quiet clarity that comes with letting go.

Of the song, Rzeznik says, “‘Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)’ is a song about accepting the inevitability of mortality and how life is constantly in flux.”

Most recently, the band released their track “Nothing Last Forever” alongside an accompanying video.

Goo Goo Dolls have also embarked on their sold out Summer Anthem Tour with Dashboard Confessional, which has sold over 300,000 tickets to date. The extensive run of summer tour dates will bring the band to nearly 50 iconic venues coast-to-coast, including stops at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, Morrison’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Wantagh’s Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Holmdel’s PNC Bank Arts Center, Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion as well as a hometown show at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. Full tour routing can be found below while tickets can be purchased at googoodolls.com/tour.

Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY during 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have quietly broken records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades. Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, the group has garnered 4x GRAMMY-nominations and nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined and seized a page in the history books by achieving 15 #1 and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”

On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the band’s 4x GRAMMY-nominated track “Iris” is now Certified Diamond, clutched #1 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and reached a new global streaming peak, approaching 5 billion streams worldwide. The global hit continues to reach new audiences around the world and has been covered by the likes of Taylor Swift, Machine Gun Kelly, Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog. 

Thus far, A Boy Named Goo (1995) has gone 2x Certified Platinum, Dizzy Up The Girl (1998) 5x Certified Platinum and Gutterflower (2002) and Let Love In (2006) are both Certified Gold. In addition, Something for the Rest of Us (2010) and Magnetic (2013) bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200.

SUMMER ANTHEM

TRACKLIST 

  1. Ocean
  2. Nothing Lasts Forever
  3. Slightly Broken
  4. Misery
  5. Such A Mystery
  6. Run All Night
  7. Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)

GOO GOO DOLLS LIVE

Friday, August 1, 2025 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center* 

Saturday, August 2, 2025 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater*

Sunday, August 3, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – The Mann Center*

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater*

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion*

Friday, August 8, 2025 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

Saturday, August 9, 2025 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center*

Saturday, August 10, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*

Friday, August 15, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*

Saturday, August 16, 2025 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre*

Monday, August 18, 2025 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater*

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – La Vista, NE – The Astro*

Thursday, August 21, 2025 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park*

Friday, August 22, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre*

Sunday, August 24, 2025 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre*

Thursday, August 28, 2025 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino*

Friday, August 29, 2025 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater*

Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery*

Monday, September 1, 2025 – Seattle, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery*

Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre*

Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl*

Sunday, September 7, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre*

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater*

Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Zoo Amphitheatre*

Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Sunday, September 14, 2025 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond 2025

Friday, September 12, 2025 – Camdenton, MO – Ozark Amphitheater*

*with Dashboard Confessional

Karan Aujla Announces New Album ‘P-POP CULTURE’ and Drops Explosive “MF Gabhru!” Video

Eric Alper
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Karan Aujla Announces New Album ‘P-POP CULTURE’ and Drops Explosive “MF Gabhru!” Video

Following the massive success of his sold-out North American arena tour, global superstar Karan Aujla is set to make history once again with his highly anticipated new album, P-POP CULTURE, dropping August 22 via Warner Music Canada/Warner Music India.  A bold fusion of global pop and hard-hitting Punjabi hip-hop, P-POP CULTURE is more than an album – it’s a cultural statement that reflects both sides of Aujla’s identity: the international performer and the proud son of Punjab. Coinciding with the announcement, Aujla has unveiled the official video for “MF Gabhru!” – a visually striking and emotionally charged track that sets the tone for what’s to come. 

P-POP CULTURE is more than just an album title. It is a statement that redefines the contemporary landscape of Punjabi Pop by seamlessly merging two of the culture’s most potent forms of expression: melody and raw power. This album carves out Karan’s unique artistic space, where Punjabi Pop converges with Punjabi Hip-Hop, serving as the foundational blueprint for this innovative sound. The project is divided into two distinct moods, with side A delving into the emotional and melodic facets of Punjabi Pop, while side B explores the gritty, bass-heavy soundscapes of Punjabi Hip-Hop. Across its ten tracks, Karan effortlessly navigates between moments of vulnerability and bravado, weaving romantic narratives with unyielding self-assurance. For Karan, P-POP CULTURE resonates at a deep and personal level, embodying his authentic sound as that of a lover and a fighter, a dreamer and a doer. This album goes beyond music: it is the essence of Karan’s duality and his rich cultural heritage.

Fans at Karan’s sold-out show in Montreal were treated to an unforgettable moment as he debuted his powerful new track “MF Gabhru!” live for the first time. The crowd erupted as Aujla delivered the high-octane anthem, setting the tone for what’s to come from his forthcoming album, P-POP CULTURE.

The Montreal show marked the final stop of the North American leg of Aujla’s worldwide It Was All a Dream tour, which sold out arenas in Oakland, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, cementing his status as one of the most electrifying live performers in global music today. Next, Aujla will bring his genre-defying sound to Europe, kicking off the tour’s next chapter on August 26 in Dublin.

Karan Aujla continues his unstoppable rise as a global music force. In 2024, he was named the most streamed Punjabi artist on Spotify worldwide and earned over 2 billion streams for his breakout album Making Memories.With major features in Rolling Stone and Billboard, a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Canada Top 100 (“At Peace”), and the world’s most-watched music video in 24 hours for “Courtside”, Aujla’s cross-cultural impact is undeniable.His single “Tell Me” with Grammy-nominated giants OneRepublic landed on the latest season of Love Island, and he made history as the first South Asian to win the TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award – alongside a show-stopping performance at the 2024 JUNO Awards.

Tour Dates

August 26 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

August 28 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Electric Halle

August 30 – Paris, France – Zenith

September 2 – Milan, Italy – Fabrique 

September 4 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live

September 5 – Malta – Breaking Borders Festival (headliner)

November 29 – Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Park

Photo Gallery: The Struts and King Falcon at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall on July 31, 2025

Eric Alper
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Photo Gallery: The Struts and King Falcon at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall on July 31, 2025

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
The Struts
King Falcon
King Falcon
King Falcon
King Falcon
King Falcon
King Falcon
King Falcon

5 Surprising Facts About N.W.A.’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About N.W.A.’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’

Straight Outta Compton was a cultural earthquake. When N.W.A dropped their debut on January 25, 1989, they brought the raw sound of Compton to the world, challenged authority, rewrote the rules of hip-hop, and launched gangsta rap into the mainstream. Recorded in just six weeks for $12,000, the album’s impact has only grown in the decades since. But behind the controversy and acclaim lie some wild, surprising facts about its creation that most fans don’t know.

1. Dr. Dre produced the entire album while spending weekends in jail.
At the time of recording, Dre was still serving weekend sentences for traffic violations. This meant his weekdays were spent crafting Straight Outta Compton, but on Fridays he reported to jail—only to return to the studio on Mondays. His initial hesitation to record “Fuck tha Police” was in part due to this legal pressure, but once his sentence ended, he fully embraced the track’s rebellious fire.

2. “Fuck tha Police” was born from a real-life incident outside the studio.
The lyrics of the now-infamous protest track came directly after N.W.A members were harassed by police while standing outside Audio Achievements studio in Torrance. Ice Cube immediately began writing in a fury. The real anger and injustice embedded in that moment translated into a track that sparked FBI scrutiny and became an anthem of resistance.

3. The album was sold out of car trunks before it ever hit radio.
Because mainstream radio refused to play the album—especially in areas outside L.A.—Eazy-E and the Ruthless team resorted to guerrilla marketing, selling copies directly from their cars and at swap meets. The grassroots approach worked: Straight Outta Compton went platinum with almost no national radio support, proving the streets moved records faster than the industry gatekeepers.

4. “Express Yourself” was a conscious contradiction—and a solo Dr. Dre moment.
Amid the hard-hitting, profanity-laced tracks, “Express Yourself” stands out as clean, sample-heavy, and surprisingly optimistic. Written by Ice Cube and performed solely by Dr. Dre, it was a deliberate response to censorship, with a subversive twist: Dre criticizes artists who change their messages for radio while delivering a fully radio-friendly track himself.

5. The album sparked the FBI’s first known warning letter to a record label.
In an unprecedented move, the FBI sent a formal letter to Priority Records objecting to “Fuck tha Police.” While not an official threat, it was a chilling message—and one that N.W.A weaponized to build their outlaw image. Far from backing down, the group leaned into the controversy, turning it into a badge of honour and amplifying their reach.

Behind the swagger and shock value were real stories, personal risks, and moments of radical defiance that reshaped hip-hop forever. From street corners to Senate hearings, N.W.A proved that music—when honest, unfiltered, and unapologetic—could shake the system to its core.

5 Surprising Facts About Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Nick Of Time’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Nick Of Time’

Nick of Time wasn’t just a comeback—it was a quiet revolution. Released in 1989 after years of personal and professional roadblocks, Bonnie Raitt’s tenth album captured a rare kind of honesty: raw, lived-in, and defiantly unpolished. Behind the Grammy wins and commercial triumph lies a deeper story—one shaped by heartbreak, chance encounters, emotional breakthroughs, and a determination to stay true to her artistic core. Here are five lesser-known facts that peel back the curtain on this landmark album.

1. Bonnie Raitt recorded most of Nick of Time live in the studio—because it was cheaper.
After years without a label and minimal resources, Raitt and producer Don Was opted to record the album largely live, with the full band playing together in the room. This wasn’t just an artistic choice—it kept costs down and played to Raitt’s strength as a seasoned performer. Engineer Ed Cherney later said the stripped-down approach captured an emotional immediacy that more polished sessions couldn’t replicate.

2. The title track was written during a solitary cabin retreat in Mendocino.
Raitt composed “Nick of Time” alone in a cabin, reflecting on aging, relationships, and family. It wasn’t written for commercial appeal—in fact, she considered it almost too personal. But its raw honesty ended up resonating deeply with listeners, becoming an anthem for midlife reflection and one of the most iconic songs of her career.

3. “I Ain’t Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again” only happened thanks to a falling cassette.
Songwriter David Lasley handed a demo tape to a security guard years earlier, and Raitt tossed it in a box—where it sat forgotten until it literally fell on her head while she was cleaning her closet. That serendipitous moment led to one of the album’s most emotionally wrenching performances, featuring Herbie Hancock on piano and capturing Raitt breaking into tears mid-take.

4. Capitol Records didn’t want to sign her—and barely promoted the album.
Over a dozen labels passed on Raitt before Capitol finally gave her a modest deal. Even then, the marketing team was skeptical, forcing her manager to lobby the label’s president directly for minimal ad space. The album’s success came almost entirely from word-of-mouth and critical acclaim—not a radio blitz or big-budget campaign.

5. Prince offered to sign Raitt before the album was made.
After catching a live show in L.A., Prince invited Raitt to join his Paisley Park label. She agreed, but a skiing accident sidelined her for two months. During that time, she entered recovery and began rethinking her priorities—ultimately leaving the label before recording anything. That detour set the stage for her artistic rebirth on Nick of Time.

Beneath the elegant slide guitar and warm vocals, Nick of Time is the sound of an artist finding her footing again—on her own terms. The stories behind its making speak to resilience, risk, and the reward of trusting one’s instincts. It wasn’t just the right album at the right time—it was Bonnie Raitt, fully herself, right on time.

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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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