New M. Ward Solo Album Announced

As a member of She & Him and the all-star band Monsters of Folk, it's easy to forget M. Ward is also an acclaimed solo artist. M. Ward's sporadic output doesn't help. His last album, 'Hold Time,' came out three years ago, and its predecessor came out three years before that. Fortunately, M. Ward as solo artist is about to be back on the map. His sixth album, 'A Wasteland Companion,' comes out via Merge Records on April 10. I, for one, can't wait.

M. Ward's most successful solo album (at least on the charts) was 'Hold Time,' and it was fairly well received by critics too, but I think his brightest moment was 'Post-War' from 2006. If you don't have it, get it. If you are a card-carrying member of the seemingly growing "I hate She & Him" camp, keep in mind the following song came out a couple of years before that band launched. It just might help.

M. Ward - Chinese Translation (mp3)

M. Ward will be on the road throughout April and May, but I want to highlight a handful of shows in mid-April because he is on the bill with one of my favorites, the recently reunited fIREHOSE. Now that's a night of entertainment.

M. Ward on Tour With fIREHOSE
Apr 12 Santa Cruz, Calif., The Cocoanut Grove Ballroom
Apr 16 San Diego, Belly Up
Apr 17 Phoenix, Crescent Ballroom
Apr 18 Flagstaff, Ariz, The Orpheum

'A Wasteland Companion' Tracklist
1. Clean Slate (for Alex & El Goodo)
2. Primitive Girl
3. Me And My Shadow
4. Sweetheart
5. I Get Ideas
6. The First Time I Ran Away
7. A Wasteland Companion
8. Watch The Show
9. There’s A Key
10. Crawl After You
11. Wild Goose
12. Pure Joy

Feb. 1 Update: Here is our first listen from the impending album. Enjoy "The First Time I Ran Away."

12 Inches of Love: General Public Edition

I picked up a vinyl copy of the English Beat's 1981 album 'Wha'ppen?' the other day (for a mere $2, yippee!), and that has me on a real Dave Wakeling/Ranking Roger kick. Let's see if it's contagious.

"Tenderness" is a great pop single from the 1984 album "All the Rage." Along with Talk Talk, the Style Council, Icicle Works and a handful of others from the era, this was a band I liked that actually cracked the Top 40. John "Jellybean" Benitez produced this extended version, and I can honestly say this is one of my favorite 12" singles of all time.

General Public - Tenderness (Dance Mix) (mp3)

Two years after 'All the Rage,' General Public released 'Hand to Mouth.' Believe me, there is no "Tenderness" here, and the album was ignored by just about all. For nearly a decade thereafter, Wakeling and Ranking Roger would go their separate ways. During this blog's infancy, I wrote about Ranking Roger's one bright moment during that period, but I digress. The song below was the best of the 'Hand to Mouth' lot, but I'm pretty indifferent on the 12" single. I pulled out the record for mp3 conversion just tonight, and it seemed like a very long seven minutes.

General Public - too much or NOTHING (extended DANCE MIX) (mp3)

Early Simple Minds Albums Get Boxed

Many, especially here in the States, think Simple Minds got their start when they appeared on a certain "Brat Pack" soundtrack and followed it up with the full-length smash 'Once Upon a Time.' That's a shame. It kind of reminds me of Madness. By the time Madness hit the U.S. charts for the first time (with "Our House"), their best work was already behind them. Let's hope that gets rectified when Simple Minds' first five albums are bundled together as the six-disc 'x5' box set, out as a UK import on Feb. 13. There are six discs because 'Sons and Fascination' and 'Sister Feelings Call,' first released together, are on separate discs this time around. There are two or three bonus tracks on each disc (B-sides, remixes, etc.), with the exception of 'New Gold Dream' and its six extra cuts. Unfortunately for you die-hard fans, none of these are previously unreleased tracks.

As for me, I'm a fan that falls somewhere between Simple Minds' earliest work and the inferior U.S.-hits period. I think 'Sparkle in the Rain' is their best, but I don't have every record in this box set. I think it might be time to rectify that situation.

Simple Minds - Love Song (mp3) (from 'Sons and Fascination')

'x5' Bonus Tracks

Disc 1: 'Life in a Day' (1979)
"Special View" (B-side to "Life in a Day")
"Garden of Hate" (B-side to "Chelsea Girl")

Disc 2: 'Real to Real Cacophony' (1979)
"Kaleidoscope" (Flexi-disc A-side)
"Film Theme" (Dub) (Flexi-disc B-side)
"Premonition" (Live) (B-side to "Changeling")

Disc 3: 'Empires and Dance' (1980)
"New Warm Skin" (B-side to "I Travel")
"I Travel" (Extended Mix)
"Celebrate" (Extended Mix)

Disc 4: 'Sons and Fascination' (1981)
"Sweat in Bullet" (Extended Remix)
"In Trance As Mission" (Live) (B-side to "Sweat in Bullet" 12″)
"This Earth That You Walk Upon" (Instrumental) (B-side to "Love Song" 12″)

Disc 5: 'Sister Feelings Call' (1981)
"The American" (Extended Mix)
"League of Nations" (Live) (B-side to "Sweat in Bullet" 12")

Disc 6: 'New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)' (1982)
"Promised You a Miracle" (Extended Version)
"Glittering Prize" (Club Mix) (12" A-side)
"Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)" (Extended Mix)
"Soundtrack for Every Heaven" (B-side to "Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)" 12″)
"New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)" (German 12" Remix) (12" A-side)
"In Every Heaven" (from 'New Gold Dream' DVD-Audio)

Close Lobsters Come Out of Shell

Perhaps I need to book a second trip to Scotland. All five original members of Close Lobsters, one of my favorite jangle-pop bands of all time, are reuniting for a few shows in 2012, including Glasgow. You can see Andrew Burnett's announcement and the reasons for getting back together on Facebook. The best part is there seems to be a good chance more shows will be added. This lineup hasn't played together since 1989. So, yes, it's kind of a big deal. Most of their work is pretty hard to come by here in the States, but I highly recommend the import singles collection 'Forever, Until Victory!' for starters.

Close Lobsters - What Is There to Smile About? (mp3)
Close Lobsters - Firestation Towers (mp3)

Close Lobsters on Tour:
March 10: Madrid Popfest, Madrid
April 27: Stereo, Glasgow
July 28: Berlin Popfest, Berlin

Top Reissues and Box Sets of 2011

There wasn't a 'Coals to Newcastle' like last year, but 2011 did have quite a few keepers. To keep things simple, I'm going to list my favorite at these three price points:

1. Reasonable
2. A sacrifice
3. Who needs to eat?

1. Reasonable
The Left Banke
'Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina'

Usually, the best thing about a reissue is the addition of B-sides, bonus tracks and other bells and whistles. This pick has none of that. Sometimes it's just enough when a little label takes the time to bring an old out-of-print album out of moth balls. Thanks to Sundazed for bringing back this perfect piece of baroque pop from 1967. For you slightly younger readers, think the Clientele. ($14.98)

The Left Banke - She May Call You Up Tonight (mp3)

2. A Sacrifice
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
'Live in Berlin'

The cost is awfully high for a single disc from the synthpop pioneers, but it has always been tough to find a good live collection of OMD songs that span their entire career... bootleg or otherwise. Kudos to the band for releasing this set on their own. The show was recorded in 2010 on the 'History of Modern Tour,' the first time the classic lineup of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes had played together since 1986. Not only is the sound quality top notch, but the hard-cover book that houses the disc includes some nice art and written remembrances from the fellas. ($40.47)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Messages (Live) (mp3)

3. Who Needs to Eat?
The Beach Boys
'The SMiLE Sessions' Box Set

I never planned to own this box set. Too decadent. I asked for the double-album version for my birthday from Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives! She knows of my affinity for Brian Wilson and went the extra mile for the five CD, two LP, two 7" single edition. The box also includes a 60-page hard-cover book and huge poster of the Frank Holmes cover art. Even the box itself is a sight to behold. In short, this is a monster. I got this in mid-November, and I still haven't heard and read everything. No, this is obviously not for everybody... unless you need 35 separate takes of "Heroes and Villains," for example, but it's a fascinating history lesson. If you can't shell out the big bucks, choose the vinyl version over CD. The sound is better. ($133.85)

It's Official... fIREHOSE Reunites

By now, you have probably seen the lineup announced yesterday for this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Gotta say, I like it. Girls, the Shins, We Were Promised Jetpacks and M83 are highlights for me. For fans of a certain age, however, it's pure nirvana... Pulp, Madness and Buzzcocks will all be there. That's not the one band, however, that made my eyes bug out.

I have read a rumor or two since last spring that fIREHOSE were reuniting, but nothing was officially in print until the Coachella was announcement. I'm a huge fan. It's my personal record holder for the band I have seen the most times live. I think this reunion means so much to me because it's one of those bands I grew up with. I bought Minutemen's 'Double Nickels on the Dime' when it came out in 1984 and went through the dark time following D. Boon's death. There was such a buzz about Mike Watt and George Hurley reforming as fIREHOSE with Ed Crawford. I'll never forget my first listen to their debut back in '86, 'Ragin,' Full On.' Dropping the needle on "Brave Captain" was practically a religious experience. So tight. Let's do it again. This is ripped from my 25-year-old vinyl.

fIREHOSE - Brave Captain (mp3)

When fIREHOSE became one of the bevy of indie bands that were signed to major labels in the early '90s, I couldn't help but think the music suffered at least a little bit. That, of course, could just be my bias, but I didn't like seeing my beloved fIREHOSE ending on that note. So I'll hope for a new album and a lengthy tour.

I followed Mike Watt's solo career off and on the past couple of decades but kind of lost track of him for a while until last year when he released the excellent 'hyphenated-man.' If I had done a top albums list for 2011, it definitely would have landed there. I highly recommend this one... especially if you were a fan of the Minutemen.

Jan. 12 Update: A small left-coast tour is coming together... and they are coming to my town! Here's what we know so far:

April 5: Harlow's, Sacramento
April 6: Doug Fir, Portland
April 7: Neumos, Seattle
April 9: Wild Buffalo House of Music, Bellingham, Wash.
April 10: WOW Hall, Eugene, Ore.
April 11: Slim's, San Francisco
April 12: Historic Coconut Grove Ballroom, Santa Cruz, Calif.
April 13: Fulton 55, Fresno, Calif.
April 14: Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Indio, Calif.
April 17: Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
April 18: Orpheum Theatre, Flagstaff, Ariz.
April 19: Plush, Tucson, Ariz.
April 20: Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Indio, Calif.

Bowie at 65

Yesterday, the "Thin White Duke," "Ziggy Stardust," or however you like to recall the great David Bowie, turned 65. He is now officially of retirement age, although he has appeared to have been out of work for several years now. His catalog of work is nearly without peer, and if he wants to call it quits, who can blame him? There is nothing left for him to prove. If this is, truly, the end of his recording career, he did not leave at the tippy-top of his game. In my humble opinion, however, he had rebounded quite nicely from several sub-par outings. 'Heathen' and 'Reality' are nice notes to go out on, I suppose, but I can't help but yearn for more. So, I give a rousing and belated "Happy Birthday" to you, Mr. Bowie. I hope your day was filled with celebration, but today I hope you decide to grace us with your tremendous talents once more.

I have been in trouble a time or two for posting songs by this, my favorite, artist, but I think I have gotten away with using songs from this live double album because it's a boot. Enjoy a couple of songs from the Glass Spider Tour, circa 1987.

David Bowie - Absolute Beginners (live) (mp3)
David Bowie - Never Let Me Down (live) (mp3)

Listen to New Song From the Shins

It's been nearly five years since we've heard anything new from the Shins... until today. Stream "Simple Song," from the upcoming album 'Port of Morrow,' out March 20. I'm really looking forward to this release and tour. I haven't seen them live in nearly a decade. In fact, I believe James Mercer is the only member from those days that's still part of the touring band. I digress. Get listening.

Simple Song by theshins

Staples, Wilco and Lowe

No, it's not a law firm... it's a jam session. I have really been enjoying this clip that was posted the other day. Mavis Staples, Nick Lowe and Wilco are practicing a cover of the Band's "The Weight" backstage at Chicago's Civic Opera House last month. Through the years, I have been fortunate enough to see both Wilco and Lowe perform live many times but never together. What a double bill! I'm starting to regret missing their well-received 2011 tour.

In a Big Country, Dreams Stay With You...

My New Year's Eve was almost like any other. As happens every year, I went back in time to my youth, Dec. 31, 1983, to be exact. I watched Big Country's legendary New Year's Eve show from Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom.

As I have written here many times, Big Country was my favorite band in the early and middle '80s, and this concert was the lads' absolute high-water mark. They had just returned home from a successful stint in the States, and you can see and feel the homesickness subside and the happiness envelop them as they rip through every song on 'The Crossing,' and a couple of new songs from the upcoming "Wonderland" EP. They perform with pure passion and an unbridled enthusiasm that's downright infectious. And, in what I imagine was a first for a rock show, as the clock struck 12 in Scotland, the band leaves the stage for a bagpipe brigade that nearly tears the roof off the place.

I watched this show with nearly the same feeling of excitement as I did almost three decades ago when it aired on MTV, but this time I was downright euphoric. You see, I got quite a Christmas gift from Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives! Remember when I wrote about Big Country reuniting for a small tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of 'The Crossing?' Well, we're crossing the pond to see them... at the Barrowlands in Glasgow, no less. So, pardon me if I gush. This is pure nostalgia, I know, but I make no apologies. I get to feel like a 13-year-old fan again, and this time it won't be from my sofa. I should add that the deluxe edition of 'The Crossing' will now be released in the UK on Feb. 6, the same day as the Glasgow show. Should be quite a celebration.

Here's a bit from the '83/'84 New Year's Eve show. Stay alive!

Top 25 Songs of 2011

Although I felt the year was a little weak on the album side, there was an enormous number of great songs in 2011. In short order, I came up with about 50 candidates for song of the year. From there, I shrunk the list to 37. So, I have 12 songs, in no particular order, I'm placing in an honorable mention category at the bottom of my top 25. As usual, I didn't allow for artists to have more than one slot. It is, after all, an awfully short list. On with the countdown...

25. "Fly Baby, Fly"

The High Llamas
from 'Talahomi Way'
(Buy)
(mp3)


Sean O'Hagan is a genius, and I think his previous two albums were among his best in a long and impressive career. This one doesn't quite live up to that standard, but it was still exciting to get something new from a band that we only hear from every few years.

24. "Need You Now"

Cut Copy
from 'Zonoscope'
(Buy)
(Video)


This Aussie electropop outfit has been around for years, but this was the first song I heard that really hypnotized me. Do I sense a little bit of OMD's 'Dazzle Ships' here?

23. "Through the Floor"

Crystal Stilts
from 'In Love With Oblivion'
(Buy)
(Video)


"Shake the Shackles" is the best song on this album, but it was an earlier single that made my list last year. You have to hand it to Slumberland Records. They have a great ear for talent.

22. "Under Cover of Darkness"

The Strokes
from 'Angles'
(Buy)
(Video)


No, they didn't make the album we all hoped for, but the fellas did show they could still create a catchy song.

21. "I Might"

Wilco
from 'The Whole Love'
(Buy)



Some of you may not agree, but see No. 20.

20. "Ffunny Ffriends"

Unknown Mortal Orchestra
from 'Unknown Mortal Orchestra'
(Buy)
(mp3)


I know almost nothing about this band, but I would almost swear this auspicious debut is part of the lo-fi Elephant 6 collective. Nice find by the Fat Possum label.

19. "Stay Useless"

Cloud Nothings
from 'Attack on Memory'
(Buy)
(mp3)


Dylan Baldi is just a kid, but he's already got two well-received albums under his belt and a third one on the way next month. This first song from it is just sick. What did you do when you were a teen?

18. "Midnight City"

M83
from "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming"
(Buy)
(Video)


Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez has an unlikely hit on his hands. I could have done without this song being featured on a Victoria's Secret commercial. Don't you just hate when your channel surfing and a song you like shows up in an ad?

17. "Maracas"

Mates of State
from 'Mountaintops'
(Buy)
(mp3)


I'm late to the party that is Mates of State, but I'm making up for lost time. The husband-and-wife team makes my list for the second consecutive year, and it was a very tough call between this song and "Palomino."

16. "Should Be Gone"

The Feelies
from 'Here Before'
(Buy)
(mp3)


You would never know the post-punk band went 20 years between records. It's tough to say there is a standout song, but 'Here Before' is a true contender for the best album of 2011.

15. "Light Blue Afternoon"

Robyn Hitchcock
from 'Tromsø, Kaptein'
(Buy)



Hitchcock's love for Norway is well documented, but he took it a step further by releasing this album on a little-known Norwegian label. I went the extra mile and ordered the physical CD from across the pond. In hindsight, I would have just downloaded this song and the other gem, "Dismal City."

14. "Another Country"

Big Country
from "Another Country" single
(Buy)
(Video)


My favorite band from my youth reunites without the late Stuart Adamson and returns to the sound that made them famous nearly 30 years ago. I never would have believed the addition of the Alarm's Mike Peters would work, but it has. I can't wait for the full-length album in 2012.

13. "Simpletons"

The Bats
from 'Free All the Monsters'
(Buy)
(mp3)


I have never owned an album by the Bats, but I took the time to listen to this song a few months ago because Robert Scott from the Clean is on the roster, and I have a soft spot for that New Zealand band. I quickly realized I have quite a bit of catching up to do.

12. "Checkout Time"

Nick Lowe
from 'The Old Magic'
'(Buy)



I have been a Lowe fan all of my life. Well, not when I was three. This song (and the entire album) continues a nearly flawless streak that began with 'The Impossible Bird' nearly 20 years ago.

11. "Love Is Found"

Sade
from 'The Ultimate Collection'
(Buy)
(Video)


When I'm president of the entire music industry, I'll have one rule. No new songs on best-of packages. Still, this one is way sexy.

10. "Up on the North Shore"

The Sea and Cake
from 'The Moonlight Butterfly'
(Buy)
(mp3)


Like the Sea and Cake of yesteryear, this is one is pure lounge. I can't tell you how many times I have ended my day to the elegant 'Moonlight Butterfly.'

9. "Sad Song"

The Cars
from 'Move Like This'
(Buy)
(Video)


What an unlikely reunion and pure old-school... right down to the hand claps. Much of the album sounds like a followup to to the classic 'Heartbeat City.' This was the lone single.

8. "Hide Your Colors"

The Jayhawks
from 'Mockingbird Time'
(Buy)



Any song from the first half of this record could have made this list, but I went with the one with the most lush orchestration. Beautiful. It's great to hear Gary Louris and Mark Olson together again.

7. "Honey Bunny"

Girls
from 'Father, Son Holy Ghost'
(Buy)
(mp3)


I seem to be in the minority that their first album was better, but there were still plenty of bright spots, and this piece of pop was the brightest.


6. "Whirring"

The Joy Formidable
from 'The Big Roar'
(Buy)
(Video)


Those with their ear to the ground know this song has been around since 2009, but it was re-released on 'The Big Roar,' this year's best debut album. It was so good that the Welsh trio got a major-label deal. Let's hope that's not the death knell. Appearing on the latest 'Twilight' soundtrack didn't help me with my uneasy feeling.

5. "Picture Sleeve"

The dB's
from the "Picture Sleeve" single
(Buy)

Back in the spring, this single was a 7" Record Store Day exclusive, and I snatched it up first thing that morning. It's great to hear the jangle-pop pioneers back together again. There will be a full-length album, 'Falling Off the Sky,' in 2012. Can't wait.

4. "Bad Feeling"

Veronica Falls
from 'Veronica Falls'
(Buy)
(mp3)


Yet another appearance by a band from the Slumberland stable. Throughout 2010, due to a couple of stellar singles, there was quite a blogosphere build up for the full-length debut. We were rewarded with some of the best boy-girl harmonies on the indie scene.

3. "Romance"

Wild Flag
from 'Wild Flag'
(Buy)
(mp3)


Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney fame is not fooling around with her new band. These gals are just about the hardest group you'll find on this list.


2. "My Mistakes"

Eleanor Friedberger
from 'Last Summer'
(Buy)
(mp3)


I hated the Fiery Furnaces so much that I'm not even sure how one half of that duo got a chance to be heard by me, but it was a happy accident, to be sure. No, I won't give Fiery Furnaces another chance, but I will look forward to future releases from this gal.

1. "Woods"

The Rosebuds
from 'Loud Planes Fly Low'
(Buy)
(mp3)


Six months ago I said this was the best song I had heard in 2011. I haven't budged on this point. We all wondered how divorce would change the duo. They definately got things sorted out on the professional level.

Honorable Mentions
"The World (Is Going Up in Flames)" by Charles Bradley
"Screws Get Loose" by Those Darlins
"Booty City" by Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
"New Beat" by Toro Y Moi
"The Afterlife" by Paul Simon
"Modern Art" by Black Lips
"Get a Grip" by Spectrals
"Eve" by Reigning Sound
"If Not I'll Just Die" by Lambchop
"Already in Love" by Exene Cervenka
"Arrow-Pierced-Egg-Man" by Mike Watt
"Tigers" by Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

Cover Me Impressed: 'Christmas Wish'

This really is a Christmas gift. Thanks to She & Him once again covering NRBQ, I get to talk up one of my favorite classic albums of the season, 'Christmas Wish (Deluxe Edition).' This 2007 CD collects all of the band's holiday tunes from the 1986 'Christmas Wish: Mini-LP' from Rounder Records, as well as several live renditions of classics with that NRBQ touch. NRBQ actually recorded the song "Christmas Wish" way back in 1979, and I posted the song (along with another '79 recording, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas") a couple of years ago, but since this post is all about the "Christmas Wish" song, I'm including a couple of other versions of the tune from the deluxe edition.

As for the brand-new 'A Very She & Him Christmas,' the reviews have been lukewarm at best. Remember back in October when I wrote about the recent spate of Zooey bashing, particularly from the indie-hipster community that once embraced her? Well, that seems to have been turned up a notch. Here is the album review from Pitchfork, as well as a semi-humorous take on the record from the usually reliable and entertaining Popdose crew. The consensus seems to be that the "act" is getting old and that the duo seems "posed." If that's the case, I guess I'm a lemming 'cause I'm still buying the act... hook, line and sinker. As a fan of classics like the Ella Fitzgerald, Phil Spector and Beach Boys Christmas albums, it's been years since I have been this excited about a new holiday record, and "Christmas Wish" is the best new song from these "posers."

NRBQ - Christmas Wish (mp3)
NRBQ - Christmas Wish (Reprise) (mp3)
NRBQ - Christmas Wish (Instrumental) (mp3)
She & Him - Christmas Wish (mp3)

More Cover Me Impressed:
"I Don't Like Mondays"
"Half a Boy and Half a Man"
"Money Changes Everything"/"The Right Stuff"
"I Put a Spell on You"
"Johnny, Are You Queer?"
"Superman"
"Voices"
"Almost Saturday Night"
"Too Many Teardrops"
"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"
"They Don't Know"
"Everybody's Talkin'"
"What Goes On"
"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"
Halloween Edition
"Porpoise Song"
"Prairie Rose"
"Come On Eileen"
"Walking On Thin Ice"
Jason Falkner Edition
"True Love Will Find You In The End"
"This Will Be Our Year"
"You're My Favorite Waste of Time"
"Nightime/Thirteen"
"The End Of The World"
"(Don't Go Back To)Rockville"
"God Only Knows"
"And Your Bird Can Sing"
"So Sad About Us"
"Everywhere"
"Walking The Cow"