Free Download From OMD's Live LP

As I mentioned at the beginning of the summer, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's 'History of Modern Tour: Live In Berlin' would be available on the band's Web site in August. You can still order it there, but I learned today you will also be able to get it on Amazon as an import starting next week. It's a pricey little affair, about $45, but a very well-done hardcover box set. It's a double disc of OMD's greatest singles that spans their entire three-decade career, as well as a book with exclusive pictures and handwritten notes from the 2010 tour. For the impressive tracklist, check out my post from June. We've been able to stream the live version of "History of Modern (part 1)" for a few months now, but now 100% Records has given us another listen. Download "Messages," one of OMD's earliest and catchiest singles, below. It sure is good to be an OMD fan right now. I, for one, plan to catch them live, too. Check out their North American tour dates here.

FREE DOWNLOAD: OMD - Messages (Live in Berlin) by 100% Records

History of Modern (part I) - Taken from 'OMD Live in Berlin' by 100% Records

It Was ** Years Ago Today...

If you think I'm giving the year, you're nuts. A huge happy birthday to Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives! She's in Europe on business (ooh, sounds so adult) right now. So, here's a little gift for her. Hopefully, there's wi-fi access on the Chunnel. If so, she can enjoy this video mix of some of her favorite songs. Hope you're havng a great day.

'Our Prayer' Answered: 'SMiLE' Details

The countdown is on. On Nov. 1, the Beach Boys' 1966-67 'SMiLE' sessions will be released in numerous formats, including a box set of five discs, two LPs, two 7" singles and a digital copy. For those of you less obsessed with Brian Wilson's lost album, you can also purchase 'SMiLE' as a double disc, double-vinyl LP or digital download. There are so many details and other extras... it's enough to make your head explode... but you can find the two-disc set/digital download tracklist below. The rest of the tracklistings, as well as info on T-shirts, lithographs and other goodies can be found here. These recordings contain so much more than my bootlegs or the well-done 'Good Vibrations' box set ever did. In case anyone needs to know, my birthday happens to be 12 days after all of this comes out.

'SMiLE' Sessions
CD 1: 'SMiLE'
1. Our Prayer (1:06)
2. Gee (0:51)
3. Heroes And Villains (4:53)
4. Do You Like Worms (Roll Plymouth Rock) (3:36)
5. I'm In Great Shape (0:29)
6. Barnyard (0:48)
7. My Only Sunshine (The Old Master Painter/You Are My Sunshine) (1:57)
8. Cabin Essence (3:32)
9. Wonderful (2:04)
10. Look (Song For Children) (2:31)
11. Child Is Father Of The Man (2:14)
12. Surf's Up (4:12)
13. I Wanna Be Around/Workshop (1:23)
14. Vega-Tables (3:49)
15. Holidays (2:33)
16. Wind Chimes (3:06)
17. The Elements: Fire (Mrs. O'Leary's Cow) (2:35)
18. Love To Say Dada (2:32)
19. Good Vibrations (4:13)
Bonus Tracks
20. You're Welcome (1:08)
21. Heroes And Villains (Stereo Mix) (4:53)
22. Heroes And Villains Sections (Stereo Mix) (7:16)
23. Vega-Tables Demo (1:46)
24. He Gives Speeches (1:14)
25. Smile Backing Vocals Montage (8:30)
26. Surf's Up 1967 (Solo Version) (4:09)
27. Psycodelic Sounds: Brian Falls Into A Piano (1:30)

CD 2
1. Our Prayer "Dialog" (9/19/66) (3:02)
2. Heroes And Villains: Part 1 (3:08)
3. Heroes And Villains: Part 2 (4:18)
4. Heroes And Villains: Children Were Raised (1/27/67) (2:07)
5. Heroes And Villains: Prelude To Fade (2/15/67) (3:42)
6. My Only Sunshine (11/14/66) (6:52)
7. Cabin Essence (10/3/66) (5:19)
8. Surf's Up: 1st Movement (11/4/66) (4:55)
9. Surf's Up: Piano Demo (12/15/66) (3:53)
10. Vega-Tables: Fade (4/12/67) (5:25)
11. The Elements: Fire session (11/28/66) (8:27)
12. Cool, Cool Water (Version 2) (10/26-10/29/67) (3:32)
13. Good Vibrations Session Highlights (8:20)

Great Scots: Top 10 Albums From Scotland

A funny thing happened on the way to assembling my upcoming list of the '80s best albums: A few subcategories emerged, such as this one from across the pond. I have always had a soft spot for early '80s new wave and post punk from Scotland. Even though this is an all-time list, much of my top 10 falls into this narrow area. First, here are the apologies. A few bands that had at least one album I considered and passed on included Altered Images, Associates, Cocteau Twins, the Beta Band and the Waterboys. There was only one newish group I thought about for inclusion. When compared with the albums that made the list, I simply needed more time with the debut album from We Were Promised Jetpacks. Feel free to shoot me your pans and picks. When possible (yes, I'm afraid of the music police), I have tried to include my favorite song.

If the music below is up your alley, I suggest you pay regular visits to The Vinyl Villain. This Scotland-based blog is one of my favorites.

1. Aztec Camera
'High Land, Hard Rain' (Buy)
It doesn't get any better than a young Roddy Frame, and his debut album is one of the best ever. This one has been in my regular rotation for more than a quarter century.
Aztec Camera - We Could Send Letters (mp3)

2. Big Country
'The Crossing' (Buy)
This is the first of a few bands on this list that could have easily had two albums here. When asked, I would usually say 'Steeltown' is Big Country's best, but right now I'm into the bigger sound of their debut.
Big Country - Harvest Home (mp3)

3. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
'Easy Pieces' (Buy)
I know. Most fans go with 'Rattlesnakes, and I love that record, but I feel like the non-singles on 'Easy Pieces' are a bit stronger. 'Rich' and this song are my favorite of Cole's deep cuts. Cheating a bit with this one, Cole isn't Scottish, but the band qualifies.
Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Minor Character (mp3)

4. Orange Juice
'You Can't Hide Your Love Forever' (Buy)
Truthfully, if I only have 30 minutes to listen to some OJ, I prefer 'The Glasgow School' collection, but that would be cheating since it's not a studio album. So, I went with their debut album. I like all of their records, and '...Coals to Newcastle' might be the best box set I have ever owned. If you can afford it, go get it.
Orange Juice - L.O.V.E. Love (mp3)

5. Belle & Sebastian
'The Boy With the Arab Strap' (Buy)
Wow, something from the '90s! I didn't discover B&S until this one came out. This happens a lot. The first one you hear is the one that sticks with you forever. I have a soft spot for 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress,' but I like how 'Strap' doesn't have an ounce of commercialism.
Belle & Sebastian - The Boy With the Arab Strap (mp3)

6. The Delgados
'The Great Eastern' (Buy)
I was crushed when this band called it quits six years ago. I'm not really into their stuff before this one, but the group's last three albums were perfect.
The Delgados - Accused of Stealing (mp3)

7. Close Lobsters
'Foxheads Stalk This Land' (Buy)
There are only a handful of jangle-pop bands outside of America that have grabbed me like this C86 alum. Close Lobsters only made two studio albums, and both could have made this list. I believe both are out of print, but there is a great singles package out there called 'Forever, Until Victory!' You should get it.
Close Lobsters - Just Too Bloody Stupid (mp3)

8. The Jesus and Mary Chain
'Psychocandy' (Buy)
Twenty-six years ago, I had never heard anything like it. It was so fuzzy. Of course, now, it seems you can't go a day without hearing a new band and thinking, "yep, there's that J&MC sound... again." Of the 10 bands here, this is the one with the most pioneer spirit.
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Some Candy Talking (mp3)

9. Josef K
'The Only Fun in Town' (Buy)
Josef K is the only band on this list I didn't discover when they first hit the scene. In fact, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I didn't hear the very early '80s group until about a decade ago. I knew of them because of the Postcard Records connection, but their work was (and still is) tough to find in America. Many think they sound like Joy Division, but I think Orange Juice and Television are closer comparisons.
Josef K - Sorry For Laughing (mp3)

10. Camera Obscura
'Let's Get Out of This Country' (Buy)
Their first couple of records sounded like homages to '60s girl groups. They were pretty good, but this, the band's third album, was a polished, less lo-fi affair that can only be described as pure pop. The title track and the song below are among the best singles of the past five years.

Stream the New Wilco Album...

... but you had better hurry. It's up on Wilco's Web site for one day only. Listen now. If you miss it, you'll have to wait for the regular release of 'The Whole Love' on Sept. 27. Preorder here. Sounds like a lot more keyboards and experimentation this time around. As someone who sorely misses the late Jay Bennett, this is great news. Sure is great to hear Jeff Tweedy's voice again, isn't it?

What I'm Diggin': Girls, Surfer Blood

August was sort of quiet here at LTL! The beginning of the month was filled with a family vacation, followed closely by a long visit by my mother. Well, Mrs. LTL! is overseas on business, and the kids start school on Tuesday. So, I'm ready to talk new tunes once again, as well as share a few lists, including my favorite albums from the '80s (coming soon!). As for today, I wanted you to hear a couple of new songs that I'm really digging.

One of my favorite new bands of 2010 was the Florida power-pop outfit Surfer Blood. In fact, "Floating Vibes" was No. 6 on my top tracks of the year. On Oct. 25, they follow-up 'Astro Coast' with the four-song EP 'Tarot Classics.' You can hear a song from it on Kanine Records' site. "Miranda" sounds like something right out of the Pixies' songbook. It's probably no coincidence the band is touring with Frank Black, Kim Deal and Co. this fall.

I have been touting to death the impending release from Girls, but it's for good reason. They are just about the most exciting band out there right now. I can't give enough love to their debut album or followup EP. On Sept. 13, the band's sophomore effort, 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost,' finally sees the light of day. If you didn't get the free download of "Vomit," the first song made available back in July, get it here. A few days ago a second song from the album was made available for streaming. Hear "Honey Bunny," two minutes of pure pop, and preorder the new record now. This highly anticipated album should be near the top of my year-end list.

New Song From Big Country

As I mentioned at the close of 2010, Mike Peters, frontman for the Alarm, took a turn as Big Country's lead vocalist for a special New Year's Eve show. By all accounts, that appearance went very well. So well, in fact, they have played several more shows in 2011. One Edinburgh show from April even became a double-CD, double-DVD package called 'Dreams Stay With You.' Now it has been announced Peters is a permanent member of the band. Big Country will be releasing it's first single in this new incarnation on Monday, and Steve Lillywhite, producer of the band's brightest moment, 'The Crossing,' is once again at the controls. It's all very exciting, especially for me, as this is the band I have posted the most about here at Linear Tracking Lives!

As for the new song, called "Another Country," there is a version floating around that the band did for a Scottish radio show. You can hear it below. I know I have a bias, but I think it's old-school Big Country and well worth a few bucks. Lucky for me that Mrs. LTL! is in Europe next week and can pick up this one for me. Yes, it feels a little funny, and I miss the late Stuart Adamson very much, but I'm really rooting for the other fellas and hope a 12" single will be released... just like days of yore. We have already heard from Bruce Watson that "Another Country" is but a little taste, and there will, indeed, be a full-length album next year. Here is the preorder info and tracklisting for the single. Stay alive!

"Another Country" Digital Download
1. Another Country
2. Just a Shadow (Billy Sloan session)
3. Never Take Your Place (Live from Edinburgh April 11)

"Another Country" CD Single
1. Another Country
2. Just a Shadow (Billy Sloan session)
3. Steeltown (Billy Sloan session)
4. Never Take Your Place (Live from Edinburgh April 11)

Several Seconds of Pleasure From Rockpile

Perhaps I should just go ahead and make this blog an ode to Nick Lowe, eh? In case you missed it, there was a very cool live set from Rockpile released this week. In 1980, a short time before splitting up, Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Billy Bremner and Terry Williams graced the stage of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. A quick inspection of the tracklist will give fans of these four fellas goosebumps. When you think of it, however, it should have been better.

Lowe had released 'Labour of Lust' and Edmunds had put out 'Repeat When Necessary' a year earlier. Then, of course, there was the lone Rockpile album, 'Seconds of Pleasure,' they were on tour to promote. So, I'm a little disappointed Lowe has only one song from his latest "solo" (every member of Rockpile played on it) work on the 16-track disc, and he rarely takes lead-vocal duties here. Oh well, I'll take it. Outside of a handful of bootlegs, there hasn't been much Rockpile out there. I'm adding this one to my queue right now. Enjoy a little live Rockpile below, and preorder 'Live at Montreux 1980' here.

Rockpile - So Fine (mp3)
(Recorded for the BBC, April 7, 1977, Paris Theatre, London)

'Live at Montreux 1980' Tracklist
1. Sweet Little Lisa
2. So It Goes
3. I Knew The Bride
4. Queen Of Hearts
5. Switchboard Susan
6. Trouble Boys
7. Teacher Teacher
8. Girls Talk
9. 3 Time Loser
10. You Ain't Nothin' But Fine
11. Crawling From The Wreckage
12. Let It Rock
13. I Hear You Knocking
14. They Called It Rock
15. Ju Ju Man
16. Let's Talk About Us

Hear New Song From Nick Lowe

I hope you're not sick of my constant harping about this, but here's some more news on the Nick Lowe front. His upcoming album, 'The Old Magic,' comes out Sept. 13, but if you preorder from Yep Roc, you will be sent two songs from the set, "Checkout Time" and "Somebody Cares for Me," right now. While you're thinking over that sweet offer, you can stream one of those songs below. Have you checked out the tracklist? I just did, and I'm happy to report that "Poisoned Rose" is, indeed, a cover of the Elvis Costello song from 'King of America,' my second-favorite album from his vast catalog.

Also, for you fang fans out there, you may have thought you heard Lowe's voice during the closing credits of 'True Blood' a couple of weeks ago. Yep, that was him singing the haunting "Cold Grey Light Of Dawn." It will appear on 'True Blood - Music From the HBO Series - Volume 3,' out Sept. 6. There are a few other great tunes on there, including Neko Case and Nick Cave covering the Zombies' "She's Not There." Check out the full tracklist and preorder info right here.

Finally, here are Lowe's complete North American tour dates. Woo-hoo! He's coming to Seattle.





'The Old Magic' Tracklist
1. Stoplight Roses
2. Checkout Time
3. House For Sale
4. Sensitive Man
5. I Read A Lot
6. Shame on the Rain
7. Restless Feeling
8. Poisoned Rose
9. Somebody Cares for Me
10. You Don't Know Me at All
11. Til' The Real Thing Comes Along

Brian Wilson Sings Tunes From Toons

Even if you're a fan of Brian Wilson, if you don't have kids, this may not be very interesting news. I'm a father of two young boys, and one of them is a Disney fanatic. So, I'm ecstatic. On Oct. 25, the legendary Beach Boy is releasing an album of Disney tunes. 'In the Key of Disney' is Wilson's second release on the Disney Pearl imprint and the first to feature songs from Disney movies. You may recall the first album he did for ol' mouse ears was his take on Gershwin tunes. Wilson is again backed by Paul Von Mertens, Jeffrey Foskett, Wondermints and the rest of the usual suspects. That's always good news.

As a parent and lover of music, it's always great when bands you like release albums geared for the kid in all of us. This one will be fun to pop on in the minivan. Try Wilson's version of 'Heigh-Ho/Whistle While You Work' here. Von Mertens' arrangement, as well as the production, sound out of sight. More on this one as we approach fall, I'm sure. In the meantime, here are a few more nuggets on the project from USA Today. This news reminded me of a fun cover the Replacements did back in the day. Check that one out below.

'In the Key of Disney' Tracklist
1. You've Got a Friend in Me ('Toy Story')
2. Bare Necessities ('The Jungle Book')
3. Baby Mine ('Dumbo')
4. Kiss the Girl ('The Little Mermaid')
5. Colors of the Wind ('Pocahontas')
6. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? ('The Lion King')
7. We Belong Together ('Toy Story 3')
8. I Just Can't Wait to Be King ('The Lion King')
9. Stay Awake ('Mary Poppins')
10. Heigh-Ho/Whistle While You Work ('Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs')
11. When You Wish Upon a Star ('Pinocchio')

The Replacements - Cruella De Ville (mp3)

Stream Stephen Malkmus' New Album

Good ol' NPR. I don't care what the right-wing Republicans say about ya. If you're streaming the entire new album from Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, then you're OK in my book. Listen to 'Mirror Traffic' right here. You can preorder the LP now. The official release date is Aug. 23. Won't be long now...

Also See: Another Song From Malkmus and More

Impending EP and Tour From Jens Lekman

In my humble opinion, Jens Lekman recorded the top song of the past decade. So, it's kind of a big deal that my favorite Swede has announced a new five-song EP due out on Sept. 20. That's the art you see above. Lekman has taken his sweet time producing new material. His last album, 'Night Falls Over Kortedala' was way back in 2007, and we will have to continue waiting for that elusive full-length LP. I don't care. I'll take what I can get. Besides, his track record of stellar EPs is without peer. Here's a look at the upcoming 'An Argument With Myself' tracklist, as well as tour dates. Yep, there will be a brief American tour, and he's coming to my town. Yippee! Oh, and check out the best song of the last decade, too. You can order that EP here.

Aug. 4 Update: Thanks to Pitchfork for posting the title track to the new EP. You can download that below, too.

'An Argument With Myself' Tracklist:
1. An Argument With Myself
2. Waiting for Kirsten
3. A Promise
4. New Directions
5. So This Guy at My Office

Jens's Lekman's Tour Dates:
Sept. 28 Los Angeles (Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery)
Sept. 29 San Francisco (California Academy of Sciences)
Oct. 1 Seattle (Columbia City Theater)
Oct. 3 Chicago (Lincoln Hall)
Oct. 5 Washington, D.C. (6th & I Historic Synagogue)
Oct. 6 Philadelphia (Philadelphia Ethical Society)
Oct. 7 Brooklyn (Music Hall of Williamsburg)
Oct. 8 Boston (Somerville Armory)
Oct. 9 Brooklyn (Music Hall of Williamsburg)

Jens Lekman - Rocky Dennis Farewell Song To The Blind Girl (mp3)
Jens Lekman - An Argument With Myself (mp3)