Posted by The G on October 31, 2011 under GNN | 
Photo by G.
Amy Winehouse in 2007
Finally, some good news about Amy Winehouse. A collection of previously unreleased songs entitled “Lioness: Hidden Treasures” will be released on December 5, 2011. According to her official site, here’s the track list and some notes about the songs:
“Our Day Will Come (Reggae Version)” – reggae re-working of classic 60’s doo wop song produced by Salaam Remi. Recorded May 2002.
“Between The Cheats” – new Amy composition recorded in London in May 2008 for potential inclusion on album three produced by Salaam Remi.
“Tears Dry” – originally written by Amy as a ballad, this is the original version she recorded in November 2005 in Miami with Salaam. The later uptempo version appears on “Back To Black”.
“Wake Up Alone” – the first song recorded for the “Back To Black” sessions. This is the one-take demo recorded in March 2006 by Paul O’Duffy.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” – Amy’s beautiful reading of the Carole King written Shirelles classic. Produced by Mark Ronson and featuring the Dap Kings with string arrangements by Chris Elliott who did all the strings for Mark’s tracks on “Back To Black”. Recorded in September 2004.
“Valerie” - one of Amy’s jukebox favourites. This is the original slower tempo version of the Mark Ronson produced post “Back To Black” single. Recorded in December 2006.
“Like Smoke” featuring NAS – Amy and Nas became really good friends after Amy name checked the New York rapper on “Back To Black’s” “Me & Mr Jones”. “Like Smoke” is finally Amy doing a song with one of her favourite artists. Produced by Salaam Remi. Recorded in May 2008.
“The Girl From Ipanema” – the first song the 18 year old Amy sang when she first went to Miami to record with Salaam. Salaam remarked that “the way she re-interpreted this bossa nova classic made me realise that I was dealing with a very special talent. Her approach to the song was so young and fresh, it really inspired the rest of our sessions.” Recorded in May 2002.
“Halftime” - Amy had talked to Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson of the Roots about working together. “Halftime” is a song that Amy and Salaam had worked on since the Frank sessions. The result is beautiful. Recorded in August 2002.
“Best Friends” – “Frank” era live set opener produced by Salaam Remi. Probably the first song that early Amy fans would have heard live. Recorded in February 2003.
“Body & Soul” with Tony Bennett - cover of 30’s jazz standard with hero Tony Bennett. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios London in March 2011 and produced by Phil Ramone. Amy’s final studio recording.
“A Song For You” - heartbreaking and emotional version of the Leon Russell classic made famous by Donny Hathaway. Hathaway was Amy’s all-time favourite artist and the song was recorded in one take, just Amy and her guitar, at her home in London during the spring of 2009 as she battled her demons. Produced by Salaam Remi.
To read more, visit www.amywinehousefoundation.co.uk/ or follow on twitter @amysfoundation
Posted by The G on August 18, 2011 under G Reviews |
Photo by G.
Lenny Kravitz
I am about to listen to Lenny Kravitz’ latest album “Black and White America” for the first time. As I listen to the record, I’ll give you my initial impressions. You should know I am a huge Lenny Kravitz fan. I’ve seen him in concert many times, and I love him. I’ve been extremely disappointed with his last few albums, so I am praying this is a return to form. Let’s see…
“Black and White America” - Starts off on a good note. There are horns and the lyrics are about the division between blacks and whites in this country. As a side note, I am just as offended when someone calls me “white” as my skin looks nothing like the color white! The lyrics talk about when his parents got married how they were afraid to walk the streets.
“Come and Get It” – Ooh! Funky beat. Playful lyrics and horns. I am gettin’ it!
“In The Black” – The lyrics are subdued and the song has a great lead line. It would not be out of place on a movie soundtrack from the 70s. He says “with you, I feel the perfect high.”
“Liquid Jesus” – Kind of reminds me of a 70s version of “Don’t Go And Put A Bullet In Your Head.” He sings “wash me over, wash me down. I wanna get saved baby. Liquid Jesus.”
“Rock Star City Life” – This is your run of the mill rock and roll Lenny Kravitz song. It’s not offensive, but not ground breaking either.
“Boongie Drop (Featuring Jay-Z and DJ Military)” – He’s talking about the woman he sees at the clubs. This sounds like an outtake from the “Baptism” album. DJ Military says “come make that Boongie Drop” during the chorus which cements the fact that this will not be a track I listen to.
“Stand” – No relation to the Sly Stone song of the same name. The lyrics are about getting up when you’ve been knocked down. The music has a hand-clap beat. This song reminds me of the last few Lenny albums – certainly enjoyable, but doesn’t break any new ground.
“Superlove” – Another track that sounds like it was recorded in the 70s. This is making me wonder if these are the tracks from the often talked about and never released “Funk” album. I like this track. He says “I wanna be inside your superlove.”
“Everything” – A rock song. Not horrible, but not breaking new ground either.
“I Can’t Be Without You” – A slower groove with whispered spoken vocals from Lenny.
“Looking Back On Love” – A slower song with a funky groove. This sounds like it was recorded in the 70s as well. I am almost waiting for the Barry White voice over (and then Lenny delivers it when he says the name of the song!)
“Life Ain’t Ever Been Better Than It Is Now” – He talks about “when you’ve got the Lord, you’ve got the wealth.” The track is funky, but throwaway.
“The Faith Of A Child” – A ballad that is like a marriage of “Stand by My Woman” and “What the Fuck Are We Saying.”
“Sunflower (Featuring Drake)” – Midtempo track. Not great, but not bad either.
“Dream” – A very slow song that is just Lenny on piano with a string section.
“Push” – Mid-tempo track that would not be out of place on Lenny’s last few records.
I’m obviously going to listen to this album a lot more and I expect my impressions to change a little bit. I think the first half of the album is much stronger than the second half. I am not totally disappointed on first listen as it seems that Lenny is slowly making a return to form. However, he’s not there just yet.
Let us know what you think.
Posted by The G on July 12, 2011 under GNN |
Photo by G.
Jonathan Pierce of The Drums
The Drums are back! They are releasing their new album “Portamento” on September 12, 2011.
The tracklist (via NME) is:
‘Book Of Revelation’
‘Days’
‘What You Were’
‘Money’
‘Hard To Love’
‘I Don’t Know How To Love’
‘Searching For Heaven’
‘Please Don’t Leave’
‘If He Likes It Let Him Do It’
‘I Need A Doctor’
‘In The Cold’
‘How It Ended’
Posted by The G on under GNN |
Photo by G.
Male Bonding
Male Bonding, a 3 piece punk trio from the UK have announced a new album and a new tour.
The album will be called “Endless Now” and will be released on August 29, 2011. The tracklist, courtesy of Brooklyn Vegan (who are also offering a free mp3 of “Bones”), is:
1 Tame the Sun
2 Carrying
3 Seems to Notice
4 Bones
5 Before It’s Gone
6 What’s That Scene
7 Mysteries Complete
8 Can’t Dream
9 The Saddle
10 Channeling Your Fears
11 Dig You Out
Their tour dates for Summer 2011 are:
August 6th. OFF Festival, Katowice, Poland
August 27th Glasslands, Brooklyn NY @
August 28th Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia PA @
August 29 Mercury Lounge, New York NY @
August 31 st Brighton Music Hall, Boston MA
September 1st lI Motore, Montreal, QE @
September 2nd Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON @
September 3rd Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit, MI @
September 8th Subtereanean, Chicago, IL @
September 10th Red Palace, Washington, DC @
September 24th. Exeter – The Cavern, UK
September 25th. Cardiff – The Globe, UK
September 26th. Liverpool – Shipping Forecast , UK
September 27th. Birmingham – The Victoria Pub, UK
September 28th. Manchester – The Ruby Lounge, UK
September 29th. Glasgow – The Admiral, UK
September 30th. Newcastle – The Other Rooms, UK
October 1st. Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
October 4th. Brussels, Rotande Botanique, Belgium
October 5th. Amsterdam, OT301, Netherlands
October 6th. Tilburg, Incubate, Netherlands
October 7th. Paris, Fleche D’Or, France
October 8th. Berlin, Festaal Kreuzeberg, Germany w/ Moon Duo
October 9th. Leipzig, Centraltheatre, Germany w/ Moon Duo
October 10th. Munich, 59:1, Germany w/ Moon Duo
October 12th. Yverdon-Les-Baines, Amalgame, Switzerland
October 13th. Bern, Isc Club, Switzerland
October 14th. Lille, Aeronef, France
October 17th. London – Upset The Rhythm! The Garage
@ w/ Love Inks
Posted by The G on June 27, 2011 under GNN |
Photo by G.
Cody Critcheloe of Ssion
Ssion had me at “we have a new album called ‘Bent’ coming out on June 28, 2011.” The album is being released for free download on Ssion’s official website on Bent’s release day. Ssion is part dance/punk band and part visual art. Combining both mediums, a Ssion concert is a ridiculously good time. Fun people in attendance, amazing visuals and dance music that reminds you how wonderful it is to be alive. Lead singer Cody Critcheloe is a great performer and you’ll have a sweatty great time when you see him do his thing on stage. You can hear their new single “Psy-chic” right now on Ssion.com. Make sure you get your speakers ready, get the strobe lights out and prepare to party! If you like what you hear, and I think you will, spread the word.
Tags: 2011, Bent, Cody Critcheloe, Download, Lead Singer, New Album, New Single, Photo, Release Date, Ssion, Ssion Offer New Album "Bent" For Free
