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Band Of Skulls Unveil Rare Live Track In Deluxe ‘Cold Fame’ Box Set

Eric Alper
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Band Of Skulls Unveil Rare Live Track In Deluxe ‘Cold Fame’ Box Set

Band of Skulls has released “Death by Diamonds and Pearls (live from the Village)” on all streaming services. The track is one of the many B-Sides and rarities included in the limited edition deluxe boxset Cold Fame, out now via Artist Royalties Collective.

The Cold Fame box set was curated by the sole original member, Russell Marsden. For the collection, Marsden pulled items from his personal archive, including exclusive interviews, previously unseen photos, and rare materials, to give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, Sweet Sour, and Himalayan, from their humble start in South Hampton to touring the globe. The box set includes the first three albums, B-sides, rarities, a coffee table book, and more.

“Death by Diamonds and Pearls (live from the Village)” was recorded at the legendary Village Recording Studio in Los Angeles in 2009, where the band was invited to record a session for MySpace’s Transmission program. The band recorded several songs for the session, including a cover of Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight” and “Death By Diamonds and Pearls,” which became one of their signature songs. ” “Recording at the Village studios was a date with destiny,” recalls Marsden. ” Just a few months before, Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk and Rumours had inspired us in the creation of our debut record. We gathered in the famous Studio D, and recorded the songs in one day, a stark contrast to the sporadic sessions back in the cosy Courtyard studio back in England. The session captured the band just as we set out on our American adventure. It’s a perfect testament to our ambition and the songs that propelled us to new heights.”

Band of Skulls, formed in Southampton in 2004, led by Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals). The band released Baby Darling Doll Face Honey in 2009, which produced the stand-out tracks “I Know What I Am” and “Death by Diamonds and Pearls.” The band’s signature gritty guitar riffs, dual vocal harmonies, and raw energy of the album earned them critical acclaim, millions of streams, and memorable placements in wildly popular video games, film, and TV series, including Friday Night Lights, Twilight, Guitar Hero, and more.

In 2012 the band released their second album, Sweet Sour, which debuted in the top 20 on the UK sales charts, in the top 50 in Australia, and in the top 200 in the U.S., with the title track “Sweet Sour” peaking in the top 30 on the U.S. Alternative Charts. The album showcased a more polished and mature sound while retaining their signature intensity. The third album, Himalayan, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, was produced by Nick Launay ( Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Talking Heads, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Arcade Fire). The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, reinforcing the band’s reputation for delivering high-quality rock music with a distinctive edge.

The success of the first three albums and the band’s reputation for their bombastic live show led to tours supporting bands such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Dead Weather, Muse, and more. In recent years, Band of Skulls have continued to evolve and experiment with their sound, releasing several more albums and maintaining a strong presence both live and through the continued use of their well-crafted songs across film and TV. This evolution keeps their music fresh and exciting, as evidenced by their over 100M streams across streaming platforms.

W.E.T. Returns With Melodic Rock Power On New Album ‘Apex’

Eric Alper
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W.E.T. Returns With Melodic Rock Power On New Album ‘Apex’

International powerhouse rock group W.E.T. is pleased to release their highly anticipated new studio album, ‘Apex,’ via Frontiers Music Srl. The focus track, “What Are We Fighting For,” is accompanied by a visualizer.

Vocalist Jeff Scott Soto commented on the focus track: “What I love about this song and even about the evolvement of W.E.T. is utilizing the fact that we have two lead singers in the band, and this can be exploited as many of my favorite bands in the 70’s – like Queen, Styx, Journey, and Eagles did, adding layers to the songs. On this track, Erik and I trade off on lead vocals for this defining song with a sound that has the true W.E.T. stamp to it.”

The acronym W.E.T. comes from the members’ association with other bands, Robert Säll& Andreas Passmark from Work of Art, Erik Mårtensson & Magnus Henriksson from Eclipse and Jeff Scott Soto from Talisman. And now, for the first time ever, the T is emphasized as Talisman drummer Jamie Borger has joined forces with the band’s original core members.

W.E.T. truly epitomizes what melodic rock has become in the new decade. The key element at the foundation of W.E.T. has always been to create a modern melodic hard rock sound that will drive the genre into the future. Combining powerhouse rhythms and top-notch production (courtesy of Erik Martensson), the music is equally classic and contemporary. 

Although a side project to the members’ original bands, over the course of the band’s existence, W.E.T. have reconvened regularly over the last 15 years to produce four studio albums and a live record.

Starting with a genre-defining self-titled debut, Robert Säll (the “W” from Work of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse), and Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman) accepted the daunting task to give that debut a follow-up, ‘Rise Up’. After that stellar follow-up, their third opus, ‘Earthrage’, cemented a legacy of music which will stand the test of time. ‘Retransmission’, their latest album, is nothing else than an absolute milestone, which is well in keeping with the tradition established by the three amazing records that have preceded this one.

‘Apex’, the fifth studio album of the melodic supergroup, is a bold statement in the band’s confidence that they have delivered their best work to date. Eleven tracks full of big choruses and hooky melodies, all served on a platter of smooth heaviness.

Phil X & The Drills Deliver Hard-Hitting New Album ‘POW! Right In The Kisser’

Eric Alper
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Phil X & The Drills Deliver Hard-Hitting New Album ‘POW! Right In The Kisser’

Phil X & The Drills are proud to unleash their latest album, ‘POW! Right In The Kisser’ to the world! Alongside the release, out via Frontiers Music Srl, the band is sharing the hot fresh track, “Broken Arrow.”

About the “Broken Arrow,” Phil X comments: “I’m really excited for our fans to witness the growth of the Drills. Songs like ‘Broken Arrow’ add a dimension to my songwriting and my voice. I wrote that song after hearing of Chris Cornell’s passing which sparked deep thoughts about challenges and dealing with options. There’s a lot of depth on ‘POW! Right in the Kisser’ and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

About the new album, he adds: “‘POW! Right in the Kisser’ was a good ten years in the making. ‘Battleship’ was tracked in 2014. I just kept writing, and we’d record and then kept the whole ‘different drummer on every song’ thing going. It became a very special collection of songs & vibes. It’s very exciting for me to share something like that with the world.

St. Vincent Unleashes Sinister New Song “DOA” For A24 Film

Eric Alper
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St. Vincent Unleashes Sinister New Song “DOA” For A24 Film

Six-time GRAMMY-winning multi-hyphenate St. Vincent has teamed up with A24 Music for the release of new song “DOA.” Written, recorded and performed entirely by St. Vincent, and mixed by Cian Riordan, exclusively for the A24 feature DEATH OF A UNICORN, “DOA” is now available across digital platforms simultaneously with the film’s theatrical release.

The sweetly sinister pulsations and infectious guitar figures of “DOA” distinguish the song as yet another early 2025 highlight for St. Vincent. Recent months have seen her open the Nirvana set at FireAid and perform at the SNL50 Homecoming concert. Weeks earlier, her universally acclaimed seventh album All Born Screaming took Best Rock Song, Best Alternative Music Performance and Best Alternative Music Album honors at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards — at which she appeared in an all-star opening performance of “I Love L.A..” This week, St. Vincent resumed her All Born Screaming world tour March 26 in Curitiba, Brazil. Following its swing through South America and Mexico, the tour returns to the U.S. starting April 6 in Dallas. 

DEATH OF A UNICORN stars Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant, and was written and directed by Alex Scharfman. 

5 Surprising Facts About The Go-Go’s ‘Beauty And The Beat’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Go-Go’s ‘Beauty And The Beat’

Released on July 14, 1981, Beauty and the Beat introduced the world to the energy, attitude, and perfectly polished hooks of the Go-Go’s. It became a landmark in pop music, breaking barriers and topping the Billboard chart—making history as the first album by an all-female band who wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to hit #1. From punk roots to pastel towels, here are five wild facts about this classic debut.

1. The Towel Cover Photo Was Belinda’s Idea (and Macy’s Got the Towels Back)
Belinda Carlisle came up with the idea for the iconic album cover: the band wrapped in towels and facial masks, fully incognito. The towels were returned to Macy’s right after the shoot, making it a high-concept, low-budget win. Early pressings had a peach background, but later versions featured the now-famous blue.

2. “We Got the Beat” Helped Spark a New Sound
Charlotte Caffey originally worried “We Got the Beat” wouldn’t be punk enough, but the band embraced it instantly. The song shifted their sound toward pop-driven new wave, and it quickly became their signature hit. Its shout-along chorus and dance-craze lyrics made it a perfect anthem for both radio and clubs.

3. “Our Lips Are Sealed” Started with a Transatlantic Affair
Jane Wiedlin co-wrote “Our Lips Are Sealed” with Terry Hall of The Specials after they met on tour in the U.K. Hall mailed her some lyrics, Wiedlin finished the song, and the Go-Go’s recorded it as their first American single. Its blend of secrecy and sunshine helped launch the band into the Top 20.

4. Record Execs Passed… But the Go-Go’s Went #1 Anyway
Major labels didn’t offer the Go-Go’s a deal after a showcase at the Starwood. I.R.S. Records stepped in, and within a year Beauty and the Beat reached #1 on Billboard’s album chart and stayed there for six weeks. With two smash singles and over two million copies sold, it remains one of the most successful debut albums ever.

5. The Fountain Splash Was All Improvised
The music video for “Our Lips Are Sealed” featured the band joyriding through LA, stopping at a lingerie shop, and ending with a spontaneous leap into a Beverly Hills fountain. Jane Wiedlin called it “the best day ever.” The carefree shoot cost very little and helped define the Go-Go’s as bold, fun, and totally original.

Beauty and the Beat turned garage-born punk energy into polished pop perfection. With catchy hooks, DIY flair, and undeniable charm, the Go-Go’s made an album that still dances to the beat of its own drum—and invites everyone else to join in.

5 Surprising Facts About Duran Duran’s ‘Rio’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Duran Duran’s ‘Rio’

Released on May 10, 1982, Rio turned Duran Duran into global icons and shaped the sound and style of an entire decade. With chart-topping singles, groundbreaking videos, and a cover that became a visual landmark, Rio brings together adventure, fashion, and irresistible grooves. Here are five wild facts that continue to keep this album in the spotlight.

1. A Saxophone Solo Became Part of the Melody Forever
Andy Hamilton recorded the saxophone solo on “Rio” with two chords and a lot of flair. Overseen by keyboardist Nick Rhodes, the part became such a key feature that it was played the same way at every concert. The solo adds sparkle and swagger, just like the song’s tropical imagery.

2. The Album Cover Was Inspired by Cigar Boxes and a Playboy Discovery
The cover painting by Patrick Nagel was based on a photo of model Marcie Hunt, chosen after the band’s co-manager spotted Nagel’s work in Playboy. Designer Malcolm Garrett added 1950s cigar packaging flair to the layout, including a sticker seal on first pressings. The result created one of the most recognizable album covers of the 1980s.

3. Real-Life Sounds Were Mixed Into the Tracks
The giggle at the start of “Hungry Like the Wolf” came from Nick Rhodes’ girlfriend Cheryl. On “The Chauffeur,” the band added the sound of cracking ice cubes and a soft conversation about nature. These details, paired with vibraphone, marimba, and synthesizers, made the songs feel vivid and cinematic.

4. Paul and Linda McCartney Visited the Studio During Recording
While Duran Duran worked on Rio at AIR Studios in London, Paul and Linda McCartney were in the next room creating Tug of War. They dropped by to say good night, and John Taylor even listened to a final mix of Rio with Paul. The moment added another layer of magic to the sessions.

5. The Music Videos Launched a Visual Movement
The band filmed videos for “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and “Rio” in Sri Lanka and Antigua with director Russell Mulcahy. Featuring yachts, temples, and high-fashion suits, the videos brought Duran Duran’s style to screens around the world and played a huge role in the rise of MTV’s influence on pop music.

Duran Duran’s Rio brings vibrant melodies, stylish visuals, and global ambition into perfect harmony. The album continues to inspire artists, designers, and dreamers everywhere with its bold vision and unforgettable sound.

5 Surprising Facts About The B-52’s Debut Album

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The B-52’s Debut Album

Released in 1979, The B-52’s debut album launched a revolution in sound and style that blended surf rock, new wave, kitsch, and post-punk into something totally unexpected. With towering beehives, sci-fi absurdity, and a danceable edge, the Athens, Georgia band created a record that still inspires—and confuses—in the best way possible. Here are five wild facts about this unforgettable debut:

1. The Album Cover Was Designed by “Sue Ab Surd”
The cover’s offbeat, high-energy look matched the music perfectly—and it came from the mind of artist Tony Wright, who cheekily took the pseudonym “Sue Ab Surd” for the credit. The cover’s playful design helped frame the band as visually unique from the jump, reinforcing their position as pop culture outliers.

2. John Lennon Became a Fan Before His Return to Music
Shortly before his 1980 comeback, John Lennon publicly praised The B-52’s and cited “Rock Lobster” as a direct inspiration. He saw echoes of Yoko Ono’s vocal style in the song’s surreal shrieks and chaos, and it helped rekindle his creative spark after five years away from the studio.

3. A Morse Code Signal in “Planet Claire” Came From a Real Canadian Military Transmission
The strange Morse code at the beginning of “Planet Claire” isn’t just gibberish—it’s from a real Canadian Forces Station transmission originating in Nova Scotia. That sonic detail adds an eerie, otherworldly energy to a song already drenched in sci-fi vibes.

4. “Rock Lobster” Helped Name a Hockey Team
The song’s popularity didn’t stop at radio and clubs. It eventually inspired the name of an actual professional hockey team in Athens, Georgia—the Rock Lobsters. That kind of influence proves the song’s legacy stretched well beyond music into pop culture folklore.

5. The Band’s Sound Inspired Future Icons—Including Kurt Cobain
After seeing the B-52’s perform “Rock Lobster” and “Dance This Mess Around” on Saturday Night Live in 1980, a young Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl later described the moment as unforgettable. It marked one of those early lightbulb moments that lit the path toward Nirvana and beyond.

With its blend of goofy confidence, sonic experimentation, and undeniable hooks, The B-52’s debut album turned weird into wonderful and carved out a joyful space in rock history. Over 40 years later, it still sounds like the future in a thrift store jumpsuit.

Lisa MacKinney Reclaims The Shangri-Las’ Legacy In New Book ‘Dressed in Black’

Eric Alper
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Lisa MacKinney Reclaims The Shangri-Las’ Legacy In New Book ‘Dressed in Black’

The first full-length history of the Shangri-Las, one of the most significant—and most misunderstood—pop groups of the 1960s.

Sisters Mary and Betty Weiss, together with twins Mary Ann and Marguerite Ganser, were schoolgirls when they formed the Shangri-Las in 1963, and had a meteoric rise to fame with songs like “Leader of the Pack” and “Remember (Walking in the Sand).” Their career was cut short for reasons largely beyond their control, derailed by the machinations of Mafia-linked record executives, and heartbreak and tragedy followed. Historian Lisa MacKinney marshals an impressive array of new evidence to tell the Shangri-Las’ story, dispelling many myths and long-standing mysteries along the way.

Equally importantly, Dressed in Black radically rewrites the accepted narrative of the Shangri-Las’ place in rock history. As young women, they were permitted little agency within a male-dominated industry that viewed teenagers as fodder to be manipulated and exploited by producers, songwriters, and label owners. For decades, this has served as an excuse for critics to deny the musical input of the group members, to trivialize the Shangri-Las as a “girl group,” and to assign their work a lesser rank in the canon of “authentic” rock and roll. MacKinney’s great achievement here is to foreground the Shangri-Las’ considerable abilities and musicality, and establish the centrality of their performance of their songs to the group’s underappreciated artistic achievement.

This is not to deny the critical role in the group’s success of professional songwriters (including Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry) and writer/producer George ‘Shadow’ Morton, a pioneering and eccentric figure whose self-mythologizing has generated a level of obfuscation that rivals that of the Shangri-Las themselves. MacKinney’s clear-sighted account reveals Morton in a completely new light—and as part of a complex ecosystem of musical relationships. Morton wrote and produced highly emotional material specifically for the Shangri-Las because he knew they had the skills to make his mini-operas not only believable, but enthralling. The group members, particularly Mary Weiss, channeled personal anguish into their extraordinary performances, which are central to the songs’ impact—no less so than for such classic singers as Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis Presley, who also relied on producers and songwriters for their body of work. The Shangri-Las’ impassioned delivery elicited a massive response from their audience of fellow teenagers at the time and has continued to connect profoundly with audiences ever since. MacKinney backs up these arguments with in-depth analysis of key Shangri-Las’ recordings, and makes a powerful case that their achievements warrant a far more prominent place for the Shangri-Las in the history of popular music.

Rik Emmett Blends Guitar Craft and Storytelling in ‘Ten Telecaster Tales’ Book

Eric Alper
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Rik Emmett Blends Guitar Craft and Storytelling in ‘Ten Telecaster Tales’ Book

Ten Telecaster Tales remakes the idea of the “concept album.” This book about guitar music is arguably the most comprehensive attempt at liner notes in the history of electric instrumental fingerstyle guitar albums.

In his latest offering, Rik Emmett delves into the creative process ― the roots, influences, philosophy, and spirituality involved in writing and recording. Even the story behind these stories explores creativity: Emmett dreamed of, then commissioned, a one-of-a-kind Telecaster-style guitar ― wrote for it, then recorded with it.

Playfully, beautifully, Ten Telecaster Tales goes on a journey of artistic revelation: The storytelling inherent in solid musical composition translates into an entertaining narrative about the process behind the songs, and how compositions turn into recordings. A generous amount of fairytale mythology is sprinkled throughout ― despite the whole project’s assimilation by digital technology. The notion of a “telecaster tale” implies something “vintage” at its heart. Humanity glues the layers together.

Ten Telecaster Tales became the next logical step for Emmett after publishing his memoir, Lay It On The Line. It represents the evolution of his life story into a combination of musical composition, guitar playing, and prose. After all, writing has always been the solid backbone and lifeline of his multifaceted journey.

Spotify Launches Personalized ‘Concerts Near You’ Playlist to Boost Live Music Discovery

Eric Alper
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Spotify Launches Personalized ‘Concerts Near You’ Playlist to Boost Live Music Discovery

Spotify listeners love discovering new artists and songs, but they also love finding out when they can catch their favorites live in concert. That’s why they’re rolling out Concerts Near You, a personalized playlist that helps you discover upcoming concerts in your area. 

Inspired by your listening habits, Concerts Near You is updated on Wednesdays with 30 songs from artists performing nearby. Concerts Near You gives users access to full event details and ticket links directly from expandable track rows in the playlist. And since live music is better with friends, both the playlist and the event info listed within it are easily sharable, so you can plan to attend a concert together.

“There’s nothing worse than realizing that your favorite artist played your town last week,” said Charlie Hellman, Vice President, Global Head of Music Product at Spotify. “Concerts Near You solves for that. This new playlist not only makes it easier for fans to find shows nearby, but it also gives artists a powerful new way of selling more tickets and filling venues with the audiences who love their music most.”

Stay in the loop with the latest concert updates by following these easy steps: 

  • Make sure your location is up-to-date via the “Live Events” section of the Spotify app. 
  • Have push notifications turned on to receive reminder messages for your favorite artists. 
  • Follow your favorite artists on the app to get their latest show updates.

Just search for “concerts” on Spotify to find your playlist on your own personalized Live Events feed.

Explore Concerts Near You to start filling your 2025 with unforgettable shows.

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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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