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5 Surprising Facts about Dire Straits’ ‘Brothers in Arms’ Album

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts about Dire Straits’ ‘Brothers in Arms’ Album

Before Brothers in Arms, CDs were a novelty, Montserrat was just a speck on the map, and music videos were mostly mime and fog machines. But in 1985, Dire Straits took a leap so bold it changed the way records were made, heard, and sold. Brothers in Arms didn’t just top charts — it revolutionized them, dominated them, then digitized them. It’s an album that fused world-class musicianship, cutting-edge technology, and a war-haunted soul. But even with 30 million copies sold, there are still stories you probably haven’t heard. Until now.

1. The First Million-Seller in CD Format Wasn’t Phil Collins or U2 — It Was These Guys
Yes, Brothers in Arms was the CD that changed the game. It was the first album in history to sell over one million copies on compact disc, and it outsold its own vinyl counterpart. Why? Because it was recorded for CD. Knopfler wanted sound fidelity that matched his guitar’s whispery bite and massive solos — and producer Neil Dorfsman delivered, using a Sony 24-track digital tape machine. Most bands were still analog purists. Dire Straits were already in the digital age.

2. That “Money for Nothing” Guitar Sound? A Total Fluke.
Knopfler wanted the ZZ Top tone. He got something entirely different — and iconic — thanks to sheer accident. While mic’ing his Gibson Les Paul through a Laney amp, engineer Neil Dorfsman walked away before finishing setup. One mic was aimed at the floor, one wasn’t even near the speaker. But when they hit record, the sound was magic. That now-legendary intro wasn’t EQ’d, filtered, or fiddled with. It just was. It’s what happens when perfectionists let chaos in for a night.

3. “Walk of Life” Was Nearly Left Off the Album — Then Became a Monster Hit
Yes, the song with the happiest riff in Dire Straits’ catalog almost didn’t make the cut. Knopfler wanted it as a B-side. But manager Ed Bicknell heard the final mix, marched into the control room and vetoed the idea. Released as a single, it hit #2 in the UK and became their last top-10 US hit. The entire intro — that synth-meets-rockabilly bounce — became instant shorthand for joy. It’s the sound of a subway busker, a jukebox in a chip shop, a smile you didn’t expect.

4. Omar Hakim Saved the Sessions in 48 Hours
Original drummer Terry Williams was let go mid-recording — and jazz-fusion legend Omar Hakim was flown in to Montserrat. He re-recorded nearly the entire album’s drum parts in just two days. That’s not a typo. Two days. Hakim was on his way to another session but left behind the crisp, digital precision that Brothers in Arms demanded. Williams was still credited and appears in all the videos and on tour — but Hakim is the ghost in the machine.

5. The Title Track Was Born in War, Revered in Peace
Written during the 1982 Falklands War, “Brothers in Arms” was Knopfler’s meditation on the futility of conflict. It was a protest, an elegy. In 2007, he recorded a new version at Abbey Road to raise funds for British veterans still living with the consequences. The song has since become a staple at military funerals and remembrance events around the world. Proof that a guitar solo can echo longer than gunfire, and lyrics can hold grief without losing grace.

Brothers in Arms was a prophecy. It saw the rise of the CD, predicted the MTV era, and dared to question war while everyone else was just trying to sell stadium tickets. It’s a soft-spoken giant of an album, a digital age dagger sheathed in leather and resonance. Some albums are built to shake radios. This one was built to last forever — and we’re still listening.

5 Surprising Facts About Dire Straits’ Self-Titled Debut Album

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Dire Straits’ Self-Titled Debut Album

Before the MTV-era mega-hits, before Mark Knopfler became the fingerpicking philosopher king of rock, there was Dire Straits — a lean, moody, and quietly revolutionary debut album. Released on 9 June 1978, it was full of shadowy pubs, dry guitars, and that one song you’ve heard in every car commercial ever (Sultans of Swing, of course). But there’s more to this record than meets the FM dial. Here are 5 things you (probably) didn’t know about Dire Straits.

1. Charlie Gillett Was the Real Sultan of Swing
Long before Spotify algorithms and TikTok virality, Dire Straits owed their break to one man: radio DJ Charlie Gillett. Mark Knopfler mailed him a demo cassette, and rather than send a form rejection or never open it (as most might), Gillett played it on air. That airplay — especially the spin of “Sultans of Swing” — led to Dire Straits’ first contract. No polished PR push, no label-backed showcase. Just a great song, a trusted DJ, and the magic of radio. A true tale of punk-era underdog triumph.

2. Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Rig Was No Rock God Arsenal
You might imagine walls of Marshalls and a Les Paul with dragon inlays — but the sound of Dire Straits came from gear more modest than mythic. Knopfler recorded using a couple of red Fender Stratocasters (one from 1961, the other from 1962), along with a 1938 National Style O resonator guitar on tracks like “Water of Love.” That dry, woody tone? Thank the gear — and Knopfler’s fingers, which rejected picks altogether for the nimble, understated touch that became his signature.

3. “Down to the Waterline” Was Literally a Walk Down Memory Lane
That evocative opening track, where the band “emerges from the fog”? It’s no accident. Mark’s brother David confirmed the song drew from Mark’s teenage nights walking beside the River Tyne, hand in hand with a girl, under Newcastle’s shimmering lights. Add to that a quivering guitar intro and critics swooning over its “galloping groove,” and you’ve got a song that’s both specific and universal. It’s where nostalgia meets noir, with a Stratocaster playing tour guide.

4. “Water of Love” Became a Country Classic — Without Knopfler’s Consent
Knopfler wrote it in a period of bleak introspection, never imagining that country music would come calling. But his publisher made demos of the song without his approval, resulting in multiple country covers — including one by The Judds. Not only did Wynonna Judd deliver a smoky, nocturnal vocal, but Knopfler played guitar on the track. So a song born from post-divorce despair in London wound up haunting jukeboxes in Tennessee. That’s showbiz, baby.

5. The Album Art? Straight Outta Soho by Way of Chuck Loyola
While the music was lean and raw, the visuals were artful and abstract. The cover painting was commissioned from artist Chuck Loyola by the London design studio Hothouse. The back cover features the now-iconic Dire Straits Fender logo, designed by Geoff Halpern — a nod to the guitar sound at the heart of it all. No leather jackets, no staged band photos, just vibe. And that’s what set them apart from the start: no flash, all feel.

It’s hard to overstate how Dire Straits, the album, rewrote the rules without anyone noticing until it was too late. No punk sneer, no disco glitter. Just songs about real people in real places, played with immaculate restraint. It was the sound of a pub at midnight, a hand on your shoulder, a story being told without shouting. And nearly five decades later, it still whispers truths into the night.

Princess Celina Slot Review at Wolf Winner Online Casino

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Step into the enchanting world of Princess Celina, a captivating slot game that transports players to a realm filled with adventure and rewards. Available at Wolfwinner casino, this game offers vibrant graphics, engaging gameplay, and exciting bonus features that keep the excitement alive. With a user-friendly interface and a generous RTP of 96.5%, Princess Celina is designed to appeal to both novices and seasoned players alike. Join Princess Celina on her quest and uncover the treasures that await!

About the Game Provider

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Players should note that effective bankroll management can enhance the enjoyment and longevity of playing Princess Celina. With its dynamic features and interactive gameplay, this slot presents various opportunities to explore strategies for maximizing winnings while having fun.

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In terms of bonus mechanics, Princess Celina offers players several exciting features that enhance the overall gaming experience. The primary highlight is the Wild symbol, represented by Princess Celina herself, which substitutes for all symbols except Scatters. Landing three or more Scatter symbols triggers the Free Spins feature, awarding up to 15 free spins, during which all wins are multiplied by 2x. Additionally, players can activate the Bonus Game by collecting specific tokens during regular spins, providing an opportunity for significant payouts.

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It’s advisable for players to familiarize themselves with the game mechanics through demo versions, which are often available at Wolf Winner Online Casino. This practice can help players effectively manage their bankroll and maximize their chances of winning as they explore the magical world of Princess Celina.

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How to Start Playing and Tips for Beginners

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Here are some essential tips for beginners:

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In summary, starting your journey in the “Princess Celina” slot requires preparation and awareness of key strategies. By setting your budget, understanding the game features, and using the available bonuses, you can enhance your gaming experience and enjoyment at Wolf Winner Online Casino.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

5 Surprising Facts About Tracy Chapman’s Self-Titled Debut Album

Eric Alper
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0
5 Surprising Facts About Tracy Chapman’s Self-Titled Debut Album

In an era dominated by synths, hair spray, and neon, Tracy Chapman showed up with an acoustic guitar and a voice that could level mountains. Released on April 5, 1988, her self-titled debut album was a breath of fresh air and it was a full-blown revolution in four chords. While Tracy Chapman went on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide, there’s still so much most people don’t know about how it all came together. Here are 5 lesser-known stories behind the album that changed everything.

1. “Fast Car” Was a Last-Minute Addition That Almost Didn’t Happen
While nearly every track on Tracy Chapman was pulled from her original Tufts University demos, “Fast Car” was one of the last songs recorded—and it wasn’t even on her original demo tape. Producer David Kershenbaum heard it late in the recording process and instantly knew it was special. Without that moment of serendipity, one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s might never have existed. It’s a reminder that the biggest hits sometimes come from the quietest corners of a notebook.

2. Her Record Label Didn’t Believe in Her Sound at First
In the neon-hued world of 1987, acoustic protest songs weren’t exactly topping the charts. Tracy’s demos were turned down by several producers who wanted synthpop and big drum machines. Even when Elektra Records stepped in, their first producer choice didn’t work out—and tragically died in a car accident. Chapman briefly endured a “bombastic” session with an inexperienced replacement before finding Kershenbaum, who finally understood her vision. The rest is minimalist, socially conscious history.

3. Her Breakout Performance Was an Accident—Literally
At the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in June 1988, Chapman was only supposed to perform a few songs. But when Stevie Wonder’s equipment malfunctioned and he had to leave the stage, the producers asked Chapman to go back on. With nothing but her guitar, she performed “Fast Car” and “Across the Lines”—and stunned millions. The album shot to No. 1 on the Billboard chart just weeks later. It was one of the most serendipitous second chances in music history.

4. “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution” Was Already a Campus Classic
Before she was a global icon, Tracy Chapman was already a legend at Tufts University, where she recorded early versions of “Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution” at the college radio station WMFO. The song had been part of her repertoire for years, and the demo ended up in the hands of fellow student Brian Koppelman. He smuggled it out of the station and passed it to his father, who had industry connections. That bootleg tape? It started the whole chain reaction that led to a record deal.

5. The Album Was Recorded in Just 8 Weeks With Minimalist Perfection
Kershenbaum and Chapman deliberately kept the arrangements simple, focusing on her voice and lyrics rather than flashy production. The idea was to make music that was timeless and emotionally direct—and it worked. At a time when pop was big and brash, Tracy Chapman stood out by being the opposite: quiet, sincere, and deeply moving. Every string pluck and vocal nuance was deliberate. It was made for the right reasons—and it hit hard with millions.

Tracy Chapman wasn’t supposed to be a blockbuster. But her clarity of vision, undeniable talent, and a little bit of luck made it one of the most important albums of the 1980s—and of all time. It launched a voice that still reverberates across generations. Sometimes, the revolution starts with a whisper.

Why Using a Free VPN is a Smart Move in 2025 – Meet VPNLY

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

In today’s digital age, where online privacy is constantly under threat, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has shifted from a tech-savvy luxury to an everyday necessity. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, working remotely, or simply browsing the web, securing your data has never been more critical. Thankfully, solutions like VPNLY are stepping in to make online security accessible for everyone — without the hefty price tag.

Free VPNs often get a bad rap, mostly because some of them lack transparency or deliver poor service. But when designed with user security and speed in mind, a free VPN can be an incredibly valuable tool. VPNLY is one such solution that flips the script, proving that not all free VPNs are created equal. It’s user-friendly, secure, fast, and — best of all — completely free to use.

What is VPNLY?

VPNLY is a modern, reliable, and secure free VPN service built for everyday internet users. Whether you’re looking to protect your identity, bypass geo-restrictions, or simply surf the internet anonymously, VPNLY offers a seamless and effective solution. Unlike other services that overwhelm users with complex features or surprise them with hidden costs, VPNLY focuses on simplicity and efficiency.

At its core, VPNLY provides encrypted browsing, ensuring your data stays private from prying eyes — whether it’s your Internet Service Provider (ISP), advertisers, or potential cybercriminals.

Key Benefits of Using a Free VPN Like VPNLY

1. Privacy Without the Price Tag

One of the most compelling reasons to use VPNLY is the fact that it’s free — truly free. You don’t need to hand over your credit card or worry about limited-time trials. This opens the doors for students, freelancers, remote workers, and casual internet users to protect themselves without financial strain.

Despite being free, VPNLY offers impressive privacy features. Your IP address is masked, your location remains hidden, and your internet activity is encrypted. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to track your browsing habits or monitor your online behavior.

2. User-Friendly Experience

One of the standout features of VPNLY is its ease of use. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to install and run it. From the clean design to the intuitive interface, VPNLY makes it easy to connect to a secure server with just a single click.

There’s no complicated setup process or configuration headaches. It’s built for people who want security and speed without jumping through hoops.

3. Secure Browsing on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but notoriously insecure. Coffee shops, airports, libraries, and hotels are hotspots for hackers looking to exploit unprotected connections. Using VPNLY on public networks gives you an extra layer of defense, encrypting your data so that even if someone tries to intercept it, they’ll find nothing but scrambled information.

Whether you’re checking emails, managing bank accounts, or shopping online, VPNLY keeps your sensitive data safe from interception.

4. Access Geo-Restricted Content

Have you ever tried accessing a website or streaming service only to be told it’s not available in your region? VPNLY helps you bypass these frustrating restrictions by allowing you to change your virtual location. This means you can access global content, no matter where you are in the world.

Whether it’s entertainment, news, or research, VPNLY helps you unlock the full potential of the internet.

5. No Log Policy

One of the main concerns users have when using a VPN — especially a free one — is how their data is handled. VPNLY is committed to a strict no-log policy, meaning it doesn’t track, store, or sell your browsing data. Your activity remains private, and your trust isn’t compromised.

This level of transparency and ethical data handling sets VPNLY apart as a truly user-first VPN solution.

Who Should Use VPNLY?

The better question might be: who shouldn’t?

  • Students who use shared Wi-Fi networks on campuses

  • Remote workers managing sensitive files and data

  • Travelers connecting to unfamiliar public Wi-Fi networks

  • Content consumers looking to bypass geo-blocks

  • Privacy-conscious users who want anonymity online

VPNLY is perfect for anyone who values privacy, wants a safer internet experience, or just needs a solid VPN without the premium price tag.

VPNLY in a Nutshell

To recap, here’s what makes VPNLY stand out:

  • 100% free to use — no credit card required

  • Easy-to-use with a clean, intuitive interface

  • Strong encryption for safe, private browsing

  • No logs or tracking

  • Access to geo-restricted content

  • Works great on public Wi-Fi

  • Fast, reliable servers

And perhaps the biggest takeaway is peace of mind. In a world where online threats and surveillance are increasingly common, VPNLY offers a simple yet powerful way to take back control of your digital life.

Final Thoughts

Using a free VPN is no longer a risky gamble — not when you have options like VPNLY available. It provides all the essential features you’d expect from a premium service but without the cost. If you’re looking for a trustworthy VPN that respects your privacy, performs well, and doesn’t ask for your wallet, VPNLY is the answer.

Your online security is no longer a luxury — it’s a right. And with VPNLY, it’s a right you can exercise freely.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Alesso and Becky Hill Reunite for Euphoric New Dance Anthem “Surrender”

Eric Alper
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Alesso and Becky Hill Reunite for Euphoric New Dance Anthem “Surrender”

Global electronic music powerhouse, Alesso, joins forces with the UK’s dance music superstar, Becky Hill, on their compelling new single, “Surrender,” out now. Alesso and Becky Hill have previously worked together on Alesso’s hit “Words,” as Becky wrote the lyrics to the iconic single. Now, “Surrender” marks the first time Becky’s phenomenal vocals are featured in a track with the industry juggernaut. Combining Alesso’s euphoric production with Becky Hill’s hypnotic vocals, the duo crafted an anthem that pulses with the tension of love on the edge. Alesso’s signature dynamic progressive-house sound builds a sense of emotional urgency, transforming personal stakes into a universal dancefloor ballad. Becky Hill injects the track with a rich and soulful performance, adding depth and authenticity to the single’s powerful and emotional narrative.

“Becky Hill is a once in a generation talent,” says Alesso. “Her voice is made for tracks like ‘Surrender’. I am excited for the world to fall in love with this track like we did.”

“I’m so excited for ‘Surrender’ to be out in the world!” says Becky Hill. “It’s great to work with Alesso on the record which blends emotional lyrics with those nostalgic trance influences. It’s a sound that takes me back, but also still feels so fresh and exciting. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

Alesso continues to cement his status as a global dance music leader, recently making history as the first international recording artist in Billboard Dance Radio chart history to achieve two #1 hits with two different songs in consecutive weeks. His chart-topping singles include “I Like It” with country star Nate Smith and “Never Going Home Tonight” with David Guetta. Additionally, in 2024, Alesso launched his label, Body Hi, which has been soaring ever since, delivering genre-defying hits like “Lonely Heart” with John Alto and “DO YOU LIKE BASS” by John Alto, among others. As festival season approaches, Alesso can be seen at Coachella Music Festival for an epic back-to-back special set with Gorgon City at the Quasar stage during weekend 2. Additionally, he is set to play major dance festivals such as Ultra Music Festival and EDC Las Vegas while continuing his residency at TAO Nightlife in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Becky Hill continues to ride high off her sophomore album, Believe Me Now?—which landed in a #3 chart position. The album also included her single, “Never Be Alone” with Sonny Fodera, which went #1 at US Dance Radio, and includes many other notable tracks. The arena-headlining, two-time BRIT award winner has cemented her status as one of Britain’s most celebrated and respected dance music trailblazers. Now the two global artists come together with “Surrender”, as they both reinforce their reputations for crafting songs that are as emotionally resonant as they are sonically exhilarating. This new track emerges as an essential single poised to electrify dancefloors around the globe, solidifying Alesso and Becky Hill as indispensable captivators shaping electronic music’s future without end.

Calum Scott Announces New Album ‘Avenoir’ and Releases Powerful New Single “God Knows”

Eric Alper
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Calum Scott Announces New Album ‘Avenoir’ and Releases Powerful New Single “God Knows”

Today, multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Calum Scott announces the forthcoming release of his new album Avenoir on September 12th via Capitol Records— go HERE to pre-order now. The globally beloved UK- based artist’s third full-length features his brand-new single “God Knows,” a wildly romantic epic premiering today alongside its visualizer. Listen to “God Knows” HERE and check out the visualizer HERE.

The follow-up to Calum’s acclaimed sophomore album Bridges —a 2022 release that delivered hits like “Rise,” hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the 50 Most inspirational LGBTQ Songs of All Time,” “Biblical,” and “If You Ever Change Your Mind”, Avenoir marks the latest entry in a formidable catalog that also includes his gold-certified 2018 debut Only Human, featuring his 5X platinum smash “You Are The Reason” and iconic 3X platinum cover of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” which earned a Brit Award nomination in the category of Best British Single. With his powerful voice and soul-baring songwriting, Calum creates the kind of deeply resonant songs that are primed to accompany the most meaningful moments in our lives. From weddings to end-of-life rituals, fans have turned to his music to soundtrack major life events and for solace in times of heartbreak and loss. To date, Calum’s music has amassed over 10 billion streams worldwide.

As Calum reveals, his new LP borrows its title from John Koenig’s The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, a word-construction project that defines “avenoir” as “the desire that memory could flow backward.”

“Avenoir refers to how we move through life like a rower moves: always moving forward but facing backward, seeing where we’ve been, but not where we’re going,” says Calum. “The songs on this album speak to both regret and sorrow, and to undying love — a plea to live life to its fullest. While writing the album, I asked myself, ‘If I could, would I choose to be able to see what’s coming?’ I truly believe we are made from our successes and our challenges, from adapting and overcoming. The concept of Avenoir challenges all of us to live in the present, serving as a constant reminder that it is the surprises in life and the not knowing that makes life terrifying, but also truly magical.”

A perfect entry point into Avenoir’s unbridled emotionality, “God Knows” brings Calum’s stunning and soulful voice to an intimate yet grandiose expression of longing and remorse.

“This song came from a pretty rough patch in a relationship and is for anyone out there who has made mistakes, said things in anger or upset, or who has pushed people away,” Calum explains. “Sometimes we don’t realize what we have until it’s gone. I wrote ‘God Knows’ as an unapologetic and desperate act of love to want to make things right again. When I’m writing songs, I like to take sayings or phrases that we say sometimes without thinking, but that hold so much depth and power so that, in a short few words, people can understand it wholeheartedly. Exploring that in ‘God Knows’ helped remind me just how human we all are.”

Produced by Calum’s frequent collaborator Jon “MAGS” Maguire & The Nocturns (Jax Jones, Tiësto) and partly created at Real World Studios (a recording complex founded by the legendary Peter Gabriel), “God Knows” offers a dazzling glimpse into Avenoir’s more adventurous and exhilarating sonic landscape. After opening on a stark arrangement of piano and vocals, the track morphs into a majestic piece of pop/rock, unfolding in fuzzed-out textures and heart-pounding rhythms as Calum pleads for forgiveness (from the second verse: “Forever turned to strangers in a moment/And now we’re just two people passing by/And I heard something from someone or other/That you’re happy in love with another lover/So I’m calling out to someone in the sky”). In a particularly powerful turn, “God Knows” builds to a showstopping key change at the bridge — a tremendous vocal feat executed by Calum with equal parts masterful precision and exquisitely raw feeling.

His first new music in 2025, “God Knows” delves deeper into the high-energy sound Calum previously explored on songs like “Roots” (a blissed-out summer anthem released last July), “Where Are You Now” (a gold-certified collaboration with Lost Frequencies that earned a 2023 BRIT Award Nomination for Best International Song and cracked the Top 20 on the Spotify Global Chart), and “Whistle” (his gold-certified collaboration with producer/DJ/multi-instrumentalist Jax Jones). Like all the tracks on Avenoir, “God Knows” also finds Calum bringing even greater confidence to his one-of-a-kind vocal work, thanks in part to his recent experience in performing stadiums across Asia and Europe as support for Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour as well as captivating crowds all over North America on his own The Songbook So Far tour.

Over the last few years, Calum’s songs have appeared on countless TV shows (including “American Idol,” “The Voice,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and many more). His television performances include “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “Good Morning America,” “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” “Dancing With The Stars,” and the “The TODAY Show,” among others. In addition, Calum has garnered acclaim from outlets including Billboard (who praised his “stunningly pure voice”), The Huffington Post (who stated that “Scott makes an impressive splash…compelling”), and Rolling Stone (who declared that “[Scott] can give any listener chills”). Stay tuned for more new music from Calum soon.

Elton John and Brandi Carlile Release ‘Who Believes In Angels?’ — A Bold, Brilliant New Collaborative Album

Eric Alper
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Elton John and Brandi Carlile Release ‘Who Believes In Angels?’ — A Bold, Brilliant New Collaborative Album

Elton John and Brandi Carlile release their acclaimed collaborative studio album Who Believes In Angels?, out now via Island EMI Records. Listen here. The highly anticipated album comes the week after Elton and Brandi debuted several tracks live during a magical evening of music and conversation at The London Palladium. The show, which received widespread 5* reviews from critics, will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Saturday 19th April and on CBS on Sunday 6th April.

One of the tracks debuted live was album focus track ‘Little Richard’s Bible’. A meditation on the rock and roll legend’s journey from outrageous gay rock star to devout Christian gospel singer and back again, set to frantic piano, a blasting brass riff and a bassline inspired by T Rex, ’Little Richard’s Bible’ turned out to be the key to an extraordinary album.

Speaking on the track Elton says: “I played ’Little Richard’s Bible’ just accompanied by Chad Smith hitting the hi-hat. Then Andrew put the band on it. When I heard it, I thought ‘God Almighty, this is incredible.’ The frost melted. It was a breakthrough: it had so much energy, and it was exactly the energy I wanted. I suddenly thought ‘yeah, this album’s going to be great.’”

The concept for Who Believes In Angels? was devised by close friends and regular collaborators Elton John, eleven-time GRAMMY winning US superstar Brandi Carlile and multiple GRAMMY Award winning producer and songwriter Andrew Watt. They set out to create a genuinely collaborative studio album between Elton and Brandi. The album would mix Elton-led songs and Brandi-led songs, with long term collaborator Bernie Taupin and Brandi both contributing lyrics, and producer and co-writer Andrew Watt acting as the producer, mediator and creative conduit. Entering Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studios in October 2023 with a completely blank slate, they pushed each other out of their comfort zones to write and record an album completely from scratch in just 20 days. They would be backed by a world class band of musicians comprising of Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Pino Palladino (Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan and David Gilmour) and Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck).

“Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation” is a 30-minute film series that encapsulates the creative brilliance and unbridled talent of all the musicians who worked on the record. Static cameras positioned around the studio captured thousands of hours of raw footage and ultimately documented the album’s entire creation. Offering fans an unprecedented, searingly honest insight into the emotionally turbulent creative process – breakdowns, breakthroughs, tears, torn up lyric sheets and all. “Stories From The Edge Of Creation” marks the first time that Elton has allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions while creating an album. Fans can watch the short film this Saturday 5th April at 8pm BST premiered on YouTube here.

The results of this creative friction are stunning, and the kaleidoscopic scope of Who Believes In Angels? draws comparisons with some of Elton’s very finest works. Ballads co-exist with raw rock and roll, pop songs and country-hued Americana rub shoulders with synth-heavy psychedelia. It’s an album as unexpected as it is triumphant. Elton sounds utterly revitalized. Brandi sounds like a singer-songwriter at the absolute top of her game, her voice melding with Elton’s like a hand in a glove. The resulting songs somehow manage to be unequivocally the work of Elton John and Brandi Carlile, while sounding unlike any album either have made before.

Alex Isley Teases Intimate New EP ‘When’ With Sultry Single “Ms. Goody Two Shoes”

Eric Alper
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Alex Isley Teases Intimate New EP ‘When’ With Sultry Single “Ms. Goody Two Shoes”

R&B songstress and fan favorite Alex Isley will release her new EP, When, on April 18 via Free Lunch Records / Warner Records. Ahead of the project, the GRAMMY-nominated recording artist unveils her latest earworm, “Ms. Goody Two Shoes,” which playfully blurs the line between mysterious allure and a fearless attitude.

“Ms. Goody Two Shoes” finds Alex indulging in her sensual side. Underscored by soul, acoustic moments of desire, she blends swooning harmonies with expressive songwriting, embodying a new level of confidence for the ascendant R&B star. The song is a dreamy and roman#c number that adds another eyebrow-raising gem to Alex’s increasingly stacked discography.

“I ain’t pull those Good&Plenty lyrics out thin air / Come and feel my inspiration, way too good to share,” Alex croons over the intricately layered soundscape. Her velvety, jazz-kissed vocals sparkle against the reverberant piano riffs as she weaves through the composition like a conversation unfolding in real-#me. Switching effortlessly from soul-hinged high notes to staccato rhymes, every line that Alex delivers feels as intimate as a closely guarded secret.

“Ms. Goody Two Shoes” arrives on the heels of “Hands,” Alex’s debut single under newly-minted imprint Free Lunch Records. The release was widely lauded by the likes of Billboard, BET, Okayplayer, Rated R&B, and more. It also marked the first taste of her upcoming EP, providing a window into the singer-songwriter’s exceptional artistry.

When – due later this month – follows Alex’s joint album, I Le) My Heart In Ladera (2023), with producer and musician Terrace Mar#n. The collabora#ve release earned Alex her first Billboard entry, debuting at No. 2 on the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

Since her self-produced debut, Love/Art Memoirs, Alex’s prestige has grown considerably. She has consistently delivered undeniable melodies that resonate with fans worldwide, proven repeatedly with solo releases and high-profile collaborations. Now, When marks the early stages of what’s shaping up to be a prolific run for an indelible voice in R&B – further cementing her status as a once-in-a-generation artist.

Alex Isley was destined for music. As the daughter of Ernie Isley (of the legendary group The Isley Brothers), music and perfect pitch was in the Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/producer’s genes, though she was also surrounded by the timeless melodies that her family collectively crafted. However, instead of just simply following in her family’s footsteps, she opted to forge her own path, one that seamlessly blends Soul, R&B, Jazz, and other dreamy soundscapes. The result is a style all her own. Her critically acclaimed projects like 2012’s Love/Art Memoirs, along withThe Beauty of Everything (Parts One and Two), 2023’sI Left My Heart In Ladera with Terrace Martin, and her NPR Tiny Desk performance all display this gradual progression of Alex’s evolution and sound. Her upcoming EP When is perhaps the most intimate, as Alex is writing in the moment about her journey thus far. The project’s smoothly intoxicating lead single “Hands” echoes that sentiment, adhering to the mantra that the best use of time is being in that moment with the one you love. From grabbing Grammy nods with Robert Glasper to singing background for Alicia Keys, it seems as though in many ways, Alex Isley is music’s best kept secret. That is, until now.

Hard-Fi Celebrate 20 Years of ‘Stars Of CCTV’ with Deluxe Vinyl & CD Anniversary Release

Eric Alper
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Hard-Fi Celebrate 20 Years of ‘Stars Of CCTV’ with Deluxe Vinyl & CD Anniversary Release

British 4-piece Hard-Fi mark the 20th anniversary of their era-defining debut album, Stars Of CCTV with a stunning limited edition yellow gatefold 2-LP vinyl & 2-CD release – out 4th July. This collection celebrates the record that transformed four working-class lads from Staines into one of the UK’s most vital bands of the 2000s, capturing the disillusionment and defiance of suburban Britain. Pre-order here.

Recorded on a shoestring budget but radiating ambition, Stars Of CCTV struck a chord nationwide. The album climbed to No. 1 on the UK albums chart, earned a Mercury Music Prize nomination, and went triple platinum, selling over 1.2 million copies worldwide and over three quarters of a million in the UK alone, cementing Hard-Fi as the voice of a generation grappling with minimum-wage jobs, nightlife escapism, and a rapidly changing Britain.

The 20th Anniversary release features the album in full, never-before-heard demos of ‘Hard To Beat’, ‘Move On Now’ & ‘Gotta Reason’, as well as B-Sides, live versions and a host of special remixes. The original album was only ever released as a limited run on vinyl, so this brand new set will give most fans a special opportunity to purchase the record on vinyl for the very first time.

Richard Archer recalls: “We were skint, recording in a freezing old minicab office, but we knew we had something raw and real. ‘Stars’ was our life – watching mates struggle in dead end jobs, police on every corner, but still finding joy in the weekend. To see it still matter to people 20 years on… that’s really humbling.”

Formed in 2003 by frontman Richard Archer (vocals/guitar), Ross Phillips (guitar), Kai Stephens (bass), and Steve Kemp (drums), Hard-Fi burst onto the scene with their debut album ‘Stars Of CCTV’ (2005), from an old taxi office – blending indie and electronic influences into a sound that captured the spirit of British youth culture. Their 2005 debut became an instant classic, articulating the frustrations and aspirations of post-industrial youth through anthems like ‘Cash Machine’, ‘Hard to Beat’, and ‘Living for the Weekend’.

Hailed by NME as “the sound of young Britain,” Hard-Fi’s meteoric rise also saw them play one of the longest residencies at London’s Brixton Academy – a fully sold-out feat they share with the likes of Bob Dylan, and the Clash, after performing at the landmark London venue for five nights straight in 2006 and bringing on special guests including Paul Weller and The Clash’s Mick Jones.

Follow-up albums ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ (2007) and ‘Killer Sounds’ (2011) further showcased their genre-blurring vision.

LIVE DATES

May 24th Moto GP, Silverstone

June 28th Glastonbury Festival, Avalon Stage

July 17th Heritage Live, Englefield House (w/ The Wombats, Doves & Alfie Templeman)

Stars Of CCTV 20th Anniversary Tracklisting

CD1

  1. Cash Machine
  2. Middle Eastern Holiday
  3. Tied Up Too Tight
  4. Gotta Reason
  5. Hard To Beat
  6. Unnecessary Trouble
  7. Move On Now
  8. Better Do Better
  9. Feltham Is Singing Out
  10. Living For The Weekend
  11. Stars Of CCTV
  12. Stronger
  13. Sick Of It All
  14. Seven Nation Army
  15. Peaches (Radio 1 Live Version)
  16. Polish Love Song (Single Version)
  17. 1969
  18. Gotta Reason (Demo)
  19. Hard To Beat (Demo)
  20. Move On Now (Demo)

CD2

  1. Cash Machine (Roots Manuva Dub Remix)
  2. Cash Converter (Dub Machine) (Pt.2)
  3. Better Dub Better (Wolsey White Dub)
  4. Middle Eastern Holiday (Wrongtom Meets The Rockers East Of Medina Dub)
  5. Living For The Weekend (Wolsey White & Fred Dub)
  6. Dub Of CCTV
  7. Better Do Better (Wrontom Wild Inna 81 Version)
  8. Dubbed Up Too Tight
  9. Move On Dub
  10. Dub Machine
  11. Middle Eastern Holiday (Chicken Lips Dub)
  12. Cash Machine (Roots Manuva Vocal Remix)
  13. Hard To Beat (Axwell Mix)
  14. Middle Eastern Holiday (Chicken Lips Vocal Mix)
  15. Hard To Beatmix
  16. Cash Machine (Wrongtom Remix)
  17. Cash Machine (Acoustic)

2-LP Vinyl Tracklisting

SIDE ONE

  1. Cash Machine
  2. Middle Eastern Holiday
  3. Tied Up Too Tight
  4. Gotta Reason
  5. Hard To Beat
  6. Unnecessary Trouble

SIDE TWO

  1. Move On Now
  2. Better Do Better
  3. Feltham Is Singing Out
  4. Living For The Weekend
  5. Stars Of CCTV

SIDE THREE

  1. Stronger
  2. Sick Of It All
  3. Seven Nation Army
  4. Peaches
  5. Polish Love Song
  6. 1969

SIDE FOUR

  1. Gotta Reason (Demo)
  2. Hard To Beat (Demo)
  3. Move On Now (Demo)
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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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