TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate album releases of 1983

 

On their latest video, TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate the parade of amazing new studio albums released in 1983! They each highlight their favorite three albums of that year. Watch the video HERE.

New Music: The Rolling Stones, The Fixx, The Legion of Decency

Terrific releases from The Rolling Stones, The Fixx and The Legion of Decency make for a pretty stellar crop of music library essential titles to add to any music lover's collection. 

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Licked Live In NYC (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards 

Tell me more: Originally released in 2003 as an HBO special and as part of the Four Flicks package, The Rolling Stones' outstanding Licked Live In NYC has been fully restored and remastered with bonus material that shines a light on the legendary band's 40th Anniversary Tour; the legendary tour included 117 shows and was noteworthy for including the group's first-ever concert in Hong Kong. This title captures the Stones' Madison Square Garden show staged in January 2003; standout versions performed by the band include a fiery "Start Me Up," the melodic Mick Jagger track "Don't Stop," lively "Happy" featuring Keith Richards on lead vocals, magic "Gimme Shelter" (with Lisa Fischer trading vocals with Jagger), rowdy "You Got Me Rocking" and "Honky Tonk Woman" (the latter with guest Sheryl Crow) and fiery "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" and "Brown Sugar." The DVD+2CD version (reviewed in this column) looks and sounds terrific; it includes previously-unreleased performances of "Start Me Up," "Tumbling Dice," "Gimme Shelter" and "Sympathy For The Devil," along with three bonus performances from Amsterdam and rehearsal footage. Licked Live In NYC is also available via SD Blu-ray+2CD (wit includes the additional 51-minute documentary "Tip Of The Tongue"), as a standalone 2CD and 3LP. Information: rollingstones.com.  

Artist: The Fixx

Title: Every Five Seconds (BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2, David Bowie

Tell me more: Before the release of Every Five Seconds on June 3, it had been a full decade since The Fixx had issued a new studio album (2012's wonderful Beautiful Friction). The great news for fans of top-tier alternative rock is that the quintet's latest effort builds on a marvelous discography stretching back to their 1982 debut Shuttered Room. Lead singer Cy Curnin's voice is still a wonder, and it is amazing that the band's long-time lineup is fully intact (lead guitarist Jamie West-Oram, bassist Dan K. Brown, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, drummer Adam Woods). The top-tier material includes the topical rocker "A Life Survived," funk-tinged "Closer," thought-provoking sortie "Wake Up," luxurious "Suspended In Make Believe," dazzling "Spell" and the ambitious styles-defying "Lonely As A Lighthouse" — the latter showcasing West-Oram's amazing fret work. Information: TheFixx.com.

Artist: The Legion of Decency

Title: Deep Lines Among The Shallows (Legion Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Old 97's, Rhett Miller

Tell me more: Deep Lines Among The Shallows is the wonderful full-length album from Inland Empire-based The Legion of Decency. An album of immense depth, warmth and undeniable beauty, singer-songwriter-guitarist Michael Tamony's rich Americana guided soundscape is bolstered by a talented cast of players and singers who bring the mix of literate and poetic originals fully to life. Compelling songs on Side A include the poignant opener "Sometimes," the genuinely affecting "Grandma's Sound," rollicking "We Are Giant" and immersive title track. The countrified "I Do," lovely "Julietta," and reflective closer "Shine a Light" are among the wonderful cuts on Side B of the album. Information: TheLegionOfDecency.com.  

Robert Kinsler

Music News Roundup: John Mayall, The Rolling Stones, Queen + Paul Rodgers, DEVO, Van Halen, The Fixx, more!

Watch the debut episode of The News where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss some of the biggest music headlines of the week. This week they discuss a wide-range of artists in the news including British blues giant John Mayall, The Rolling Stones, U2, Queen + Paul Rodgers, Van Halen, Devo and The Fixx. 

John Mayall / Photo: Bob Steshetz

     View the episode HERE.

Concerts Aplenty: Psychedelic Furs, Thomas Dolby, Earth, Wind & Fire

Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs greets fans at Pacific
Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

My schedule has been decidedly hectic for the past several weeks, so I haven't had time to check in and share news on a trio of noteworthy shows I've caught dating back to July 19.

Catching the Psychedelic Furs live has always been on my "bucket list" so I can report catching the band at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on July 19 was worth the wait. Lead singer Richard Butler proved to be an interesting and energetic frontman and some of his mannerisms reminded me of David Bowie. The six-member band delivered a mix of enduring hits ("Love My Way," "The Ghost in You," "Pretty in Pink," "Heartbreak Beat," "Heaven") and lesser-known gems. 

Cy Curnin of the Fixx performs at
Pacific Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 19, 2018.
(Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos, OC Fair & Event Center)

Two of my favorite other bands of the era also performed on the bill, including Los Angeles-spawned quartet X and alternative rockers the Fixx. I've seen X and the Fixx a number of times on previous occasions dating back to the 1980s and both bands continue to deliver powerful shows built around songs that stand the test of time. In particular Fixx classics such as "Saved by Zero," "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall" rank among the best rockers of the 1980s.

All three bands were fantastic and this was truly a memorable night.


Make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's full-length review of that show here.

Thomas Dolby in concert and conversation at Largo at the Coronet.
Photo courtesy of Roland

Fast forward to July 25, 2018 and only my second-ever chance to catch groundbreaking English composer/singer-songwriter/keyboardist Thomas Dolby at Largo at the Coronet. 

This was an incredible two-part show where Dolby would have audience members reach into a hat and pull out small ping pong balls with the names of some of his most beloved material. Dolby would then tackle each of those songs, discussing the song and its creation and then performing the song solo. A very special night that included arresting versions of classic originals including "Hyperactive," "Europa and the Pirate Twins," "One Of Our Submarines" and "She Blinded Me With Science."

To read a full-length report on this special performance, see writer Donna Balancia's review on the California Rocker site here.

Earth, Wind & Fire performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre on
Friday, July 27, 2018.
Photo courtesy of the Orange County Fair.

Finally, last night (July 27, 2018I got to catch Earth, Wind & Fire at the Pacific Amphitheatre. While the audience seated around us was mostly awful (and generally far more interested in taking selfies, going on beer runs and chatting than listening to the group), the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers performed more than 90 minutes in a flawless performance. I am always astounded how original the group is, having masterfully forged a long list of hits with a blend of R&B, funk, soul, disco, rock, pop and Afro pop sounds. 

Opening with the infectious 1975 hit "Sing a Song," it was clear the dynamics of the popular track were enhanced by virtuoso skills of the 12 musicians on stage, including a great three-man horn section. Many other hits and deep cuts followed, including the aptly-titled "Shining Star," a stellar cover of the Beatles' "Got to Get You into my Life," the shimmering "Fantasy" (this writer's favorite track of the night), "September," "Boogie Wonderland" and many more.

The band still features three of its key members from its classic period including singer-percussionist Philip Bailey, percussionist Ralph Johnson and bassist Verdine White (sadly group founder Maurice White passed away in February 2016). Bailey's signature falsetto vocals continue to be a wonder, as evidenced by soaring performances of the ballads "Reasons" and "After the Love Has Gone." And there is simply no way to slow down Verdine White, who is one of the most fun musicians to watch as he bounds around the stage and works his bass guitar with an infectious passion.

Now, if only the magic of the band's performance could have cast a spell on the capacity crowd to connect with EW&F like our group did!

Robert Kinsler

Classic Sounds Celebrated on New Releases

A stylish 1980's rock 'n' roll film, and a trio of musical tributes available on audio CD and digitally highlight a new crop of releases available now.

Title: Streets of Fire {Collector's Edition} (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blasters, the Fixx, the Shout! Factory collector's edition of the 1974 film "Phantom of the Paradise"
Tell me more: The two-disc Blu-ray collector's edition of Streets of Fire is cause for celebration for fans of the cult classic. Originally released in 1984, the film's catch phrase "A Rock & Roll Fable" plays out over each frame thanks to writer-director Walter Hill's sharp instincts, great on-screen performances (including Diane Lane, Michael Pare, Rick Moranis, Willem Dafoe and Amy Madigan) and songs penned by the Blasters (the band appears on screen playing two of their songs), Tom Petty & Belmont Tench, the Fixx and others. The look and style of the film artfully blends '50s cars and retro cityscapes with '80s hair styles and music video trappings of that era; the result is a look and feel that belongs to this fast-moving 93-minute movie alone. The 2K high-def transfer of the film looks and sounds fantastic and there are extras galore, including a new "The Making of Streets of Fire" documentary, vintage featurettes, a theatrical trailer and still gallery. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Title: Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records (Americana Music Society Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Early recordings featuring Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis; Bobby Rush
Tell me more: A love letter to Memphis' Sun Records and its founder Sam Phillips, Red Hot: A Memphis Celebration of Sun Records exudes a joyful and nostalgic spirit celebrating the groundbreaking sounds of the 1950s. A number of roots and Americana artists join forces across the 10-track title, revisiting classic tracks spanning blues, country and rockabilly and first forged by Carl Perkins (a great "Sure to Fall (In Love With You) featuring Valerie June, Jimbo Mathus and Amy LaVere), Johnny Cash (Alvin Youngblood kills "Folsom Prison Blues"), Howlin' Wolf ("Moaning' at Midnight" with Luther Dickinson and Lightnin' Malcolm) and other greats. Blues legend Bobby Rush, 83, is a direct link with the original icons who recorded in Memphis in the 1950s and delivers a rousing original "Tough Titty," a tribute to the late Junior "Mr. Blues" Parker. All proceeds from the Americana Music Society will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Information: AmericanaSociety.org.

Artist: Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint
Title: With You In Mind (Cool Green Recordings / Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Dr. John
Tell me more: One of the late 20th century's leading American musical voices, Allen Toussaint (who died in November 2015 at age 77) was a musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer who helped spread the New Orleans R&B sound around the globe. The newly-issued tribute Stanton Moore: The Songs of Allen Toussaint celebrates Toussaint with 10 glorious selections produced by Moore (who also plays drums on the disc) that feature many of the players influenced by Toussaint's extensive artistic touch. The funky "Here Comes the Girls" kicks off the buoyant collection and features Cyril Neville (lead vocals, trombone) and Trombone Shorty (trombone solo) joining forces. Spiritual forays ("Life"), instrumentals (the rousing "Java" featuring Trombone Shorty, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and alto sax player Donald Harrison Jr.), ballads ("All These Things") and uptempo romps (the jazzy "Night People") are handled with an equal amount of energy and musical dexterity, all fully honoring the legacy and free wheeling spirit of the groundbreaking Gert Town, Louisiana native. Information: stantonmoore.com.

Artist: Robert Kraft Trio
Title: North Bishop Ave. (Resistor Record Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, the James Hunter Six, Robert Cray
Tell me more: Austin-based singer-songwriter Robert Kraft has a smooth and soulful voice able to deliver deeply affecting material that draws comparisons with vocal greats such as Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. On his new seven-song disc "North Bishop Ave." the Robert Kraft Trio (Kraft, guitarist JD Pendley, bassist Lindsay Greene) join forces with some great guest players and backing vocalists for upbeat material ("So Beautiful" and "I Want to Show You," both featuring some hot guitar work from Pendley), tender ballads ("Gotta Have You," "Alone With You") and a rhythmic cover of the 1950 Leon Payne song "You've Still Got a Place In My Heart." Fans of traditional smooth soul, Motown and R&B will love this album. Information: TheRobertKraftTrio.com.


Robert Kinsler

The Fixx soars in Coach House return

Cy Curnin, pictured here performing at The Coach House in July 2012, led the Fixx in a magnificent return to the venue on July 19, 2013. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Although it has been 30 years since the release of their trailblazing Reach the Beach album, the Fixx is one of the few groups to emerge in the 1980s whose artistry remains fully intact.
The evidence played itself out in brilliant fashion when the British rock quintet performed a flawless 18-song set before a capacity crowd at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday night, July 19.

Featuring songs from 1983's Reach the Beach and 2012's sterling Beautiful Friction (and a few choice hits off 1982's Shuttered Room and 1984's Phantoms), this was a concert that provided plenty of opportunities for nostalgia seekers to sing and clap along, but it was also a night for more discerning listeners to join the band for an even more abounding experience celebrating the musical and lyrical layers that have long separated The Fixx from both their contemporaries and any number of musical descendants.

Like several of their fellow early '80s pioneers (U2 and R.E.M. immediately come to mind),  time has been kind to the band's sound. Confident in their latest songs, the Fixx opened with a powerful string of cuts pulled from last year's Beautiful Friction.  The opener "Anyone Else" found Rupert Greenall's keyboard textures coating Cy Curnin's outstanding vocal delivery while the third offering, "Take a Risk," proved to be a potent riff rocker with Jamie West-Oram's masterful fret work featured. The performance of Beautiful Friction's title track was nuanced with the full band playing the lush arrangement before a more fiery and forceful take on their "What God."

The Fixx didn't take a by-the-numbers approach when playing their classics that came later; "Less Cities, More Moving People" boasted some of the richly-ornate keyboard-meets-guitar layers that are a trademark of the outfit. But then that approach was foreshadowed on "Outside" back in 1983, played this night with Curnin still fully in command of a falsetto that brought chills with its beauty.

An infectious "One Thing Leads to Another," haunting "Stand or Fall" and extended "Saved by Zero" filled the regular set with additional highlights. Throughout the night, Curnin was ever a personable and engaging frontman.

A strong encore found the Fixx playing a funk-tinged  "Deeper and Deeper," an explosive "Shaman" (another gem off Beautiful Friction) and ultimately a charged "Red Skies" where the joyful audience sang with almost as much power as the outstanding cast of players on the stage in front of them. 

The memorable night left me hoping that I would get to see the Fixx again soon, and that the group (which also features an outstanding rhythm section courtesy of bassist Dan K. Brown and drummer Adam Woods) will release new music soon. A concert DVD release would be nice too.

Here is a video featuring the Fixx performing "Red Skies" at The Coach House. The audio quality is very good:

The Fixx set to return to The Coach House on Friday, July 19th

As many of my long-time readers know, one of my favorite bands to emerge in the 1980s is The Fixx. What many may not know is that the British band remains a potent live act at the height of its artistic powers. Those of you who live here in Southern California should try to catch the rock quintet when they perform at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach tonight (July 18) or at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, July 19. Here is the preview I wrote about The Fixx that appeared in The Orange County Register on July 13, 2012 (just more than a year ago) around the time of the release of Beautiful Friction, the most recent Fixx studio album.

The Fixx returns as resonant as ever with new disc and tour kicking off at the Coach House

The Fixx

With the world mired in an ongoing financial crisis, it's little surprise that the Fixx, '80s-spawned rockers who have always featured material revolving around political topics, would return in 2012 fueled by such matters, leading the quintet to create one of its best-ever albums, Beautiful Friction.


Set for release next week by Kirtland Records, the disc is the Fixx' first studio album since 2003's Want That Life. The British band launches a U.S. tour in support of it with a headlining concert Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, bringing the group back to O.C. after a memorable performance at Jack's 5th Show at Irvine's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in September 2010.

Beautiful Friction is the outfit's 10th assortment of new material overall and arrives 30 years after the release of their official debut, 1982's Shuttered Room, which established the Fixx stateside with the hits “Stand or Fall” and “Red Skies.”

Anyone who listens to those staples of the New Wave era – or any of their other singles from back in the day, like “Saved by Zero,” “Are We Ourselves,” “One Thing Leads to Another” and “Deeper and Deeper” – knows that the members of the Fixx have worn their politics on their collective sleeve from the start. Indeed, the band's “How Much Is Enough?” (which peaked at No. 35 on Billboard's Hot 100 back in late 1991) could well be a fight song for the Occupy Wall Street movement decades later.

“The last few years we were doing a lot of live shows and just didn't feel the binge to put new music out," says singer Cy Curnin, "and then all of a sudden, about three or four years ago, things went pear-shaped out there in society, and that's what I feed on (as a songwriter). There was a financial crisis and there were people starting to ask big questions and politicians didn't seem so squeaky-clean.”

What is so remarkable about the Fixx is not only that its original lineup – including guitarist Jamie West-Oram, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, drummer Adam Woods and bassist Dan K. Brown – is impressively still together, but also how relevant the group's songs sound today.

When they performed the 1988 hit “Driven Out” at Verizon in 2010, casual fans might have mistaken that burning track's environmental-minded lyrics for those of a freshly-penned songs: “Driven out by thieves / I watch them pillage the planet / Fueled by a fattening greed / Trees fall to the hatchet.”

Curnin is proud his material has held up, although he wishes more of the problems he's addressed over the years would have been solved by now.

“Each artist or each writer has their own slant on things. Mine is that social backdrop of the mechanics of how we surrender our own dream-time to be part of a system that is managed by people that who aren't as godlike as they should be,” he said by phone from London, where the band was preparing for this coming tour.

“The relevance (of Fixx songs) has stayed there because it's never been sorted out, and it's an ongoing thing whenever you have a credit-based system and you have politicians (serving) on multiple terms. I really believe in one-term elections and flat tax rates and that type of stuff.”

Beautiful Friction features a wealth of songs that showcase the band's lyrical bite along with other well-crafted originals that blend rich textures and melodic elements set around Curnin's distinctive tenor. The driving anthem “Anyone Else,” luxuriant “Second Time Around” and blistering “What God?” are among the highlights from an 11-cut album written and recorded over a span of about three years.

Music Worth Buying episode: 2012 in Review

Happy New Year everybody! We've just posted our comprehensive look back at our favorite albums and biggest disappointments of 2012. Enjoy!

My Favorite Albums of 2012

I have always been reluctant to post any so-called "Best Of" album lists. Rather I prefer to title my end-of-year lists "Favorite Albums" since I think that while a certain album might be recognized as significant or essential in any given year it might wear out its welcome in the years ahead. To be honest, I rarely listen to Nirvana's Nevermind but still love to play Pearl Jam's timeless Ten and both were released in 1991. The list that follows here is a subjective look at what I like and albums I'm pretty sure will sound great in 2013, 2020 or beyond...

Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Psychedelic Pill
Neil Young & Crazy Horse returned big time in 2012, releasing the aptly-titled reworking of American folk songs Americana in June. But it was the subsequent October release of the 85-minute, two-disc Psychedelic Pill that resounded with the ambitious lyrical depth and sonic thunder equaling the troupe’s inspired classics. There are a number of great songs on Psychedelic Pill, with "Ramada Inn" and "Walk Like a Giant" among the best.

Aimee Mann, Charmer
On Charmer, singer-songwriter Aimee Mann offers up her literate observations via melodic and haunting songs that go down like vintage power-pop classics while boasting rich melodious colors and lyrical insights that artfully reveal themselves a little bit more with each subsequent listen. For those who loved Mann's Bachelor No. 2 (2000) or Lost in Space (2002) albums, Charmer is every bit their equal.





Rush, Clockwork Angels

While many classic rock fans have to be content with their heroes touring courtesy of nostalgia alone, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart have continued to challenge themselves and their listeners with sharp and searing prog rock. Clockwork Angels’ detailed concept about a young man’s search to follow his dreams is supported by one of the trio’s most accessible and compelling collections since 2112.

Dead Can Dance, Anastasis
This year has proved to be a year of remarkable and noteworthy comebacks, with champions such as Neil Young, Aimee Mann and Rush joined by the duo Dead Can Dance, whose Anastasis was the first full-length studio effort since 1996. Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard continued their bold odyssey without missing a beat on Anastasis, blending goth rock, Celtic and world folk with an expert and artistic touch.

Gary Clark Jr., Blak and Blu
On his full-length debut, the Austin-based singer-songwriter-guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr. fuses the energetic guitar-anchored rock of Jimi Hendrix with the soulful singing of Al Green. The dozen far-flung originals explore every conceivable corner of the music universe. Blak and Blu is a challenging and rewarding disc to be sure.

Susanna Hoffs, Someday
Susanna Hoffs’ latest album may mine the 1960s territory of Petula Clark and Jackie DeShannon but is at its heart a personal recording that is both timeless and joyful. The singer-songwriter joined forces with acclaimed producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Ron Sexsmith) to craft something far more compelling than an experiment in retro music making.

First Aid Kit, The Lion’s Roar
Who knew a couple of young sisters from Sweden would tap into the burgeoning Americana music movement like no other in 2012? Johanna and Klara Söderberg sing in angelic harmonies while conjuring up the ghosts of Gram Parsons, June Carter and Johnny Cash amidst beautiful songs that fully reawaken a spirit mostly missing from modern country music.

Otis Taylor, Contraband
Blues’ most innovative artist issued another stunning effort with Contraband, where his hypnotic baritone and so-called “trance blues” style fused the feel of early Robert Johnson recordings with African music. Few living artists bring the weight of history and power of music together like Taylor does in “Romans Had Their Way” and “Contraband Blues.


Shoes, Ignition
Another epic comeback. Ignition is Shoes’ first album since 1994’s Propeller, but is a sonic blast from start to finish. Power-pop has sadly been relegated to the commercial sidelines, but listening to Ignition is to rediscover the joys of undeniable melodies and rousing vocal harmonies powered by ringing guitars.


Dwight Yoakam, 3 Pears
Yet another striking return, Dwight Yoakam’s 3 Pears marks the honky tonk icon’s first new studio disc in seven years. Whether singing ballads (“It’s Never Alright”), or uptempo stuff (“Dim Lights, Thick Smoke”), there is plenty to love on this disc.

Honorable Mentions:

Alabama Shakes, Boys & Girls 
Jason Aldean, Night Train
ASIA, XXX
Beach House, Bloom
Blur, Parklive (deluxe 5-disc edition)
Micky Dolenz, Remember
Field Report, Field Report
Foxy Shazam, The Church of Rock 'n' Roll
The Fixx, Beautiful Friction
Grizzly Bear, Shields
Heart, Fanatic
Kenny Howes, Tornadoes Here and Past
Shawn Jones, Struggle Makes You Stronger
Led Zeppelin, Celebration Day
Rhett Miller, The Dreamer
Van Morrison, Born to Sing: No Plan B
Muse, The 2nd Law
Joan Osborne, Bring It On Home
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Lion The Beast The Beat
Lee Rocker, Night Train to Memphis
The Shins, Port of Morrow
Sigur Rós, Valtari
Bruce Springsteen, Wrecking Ball 
Zac Brown Band, Uncaged
7Horse, Let the 7Horse Run

The Fixx returning to The Coach House on Saturday, December 29

Back in early summer, I had the chance to interview Cy Curnin of The Fixx leading up to the band's July 18, 2012 performance at The Coach House. Well now, thankfully, the band will be returning to perform a show tomorrow night, Saturday, Dec. 29. The concert begins at 8 p.m. For more details, call the venue at 949-496-8930 or visit the venue's Web site at http://www.thecoachhouse.com/.

Here is a reposting of my original article that ran on The Orange County Register site for those interested in catching the band when they perform in San Juan Capistrano tomorrow.

The Fixx returns to The Coach House on Dec. 29, 2012.

The Fixx returns as resonant as ever with new disc and tour kicking off at The Coach House

July 13, 2012

With the world mired in an ongoing financial crisis, it’s little surprise that the Fixx, ’80s-spawned rockers who have always featured material revolving around political topics, would return in 2012 fueled by such matters, leading the quintet to create one of its best-ever albums, Beautiful Friction.



Set for release next week by Kirtland Records, the disc is the Fixx’ first studio album since 2003’s Want That Life. The British band launches a U.S. tour in support of it with a headlining concert Wednesday, July 18, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, bringing the group back to O.C. after a memorable performance at Jack’s 5th Show at Irvine’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in September 2010. AS I NOTED ABOVE, THE FIXX RETURNS TO THE COACH HOUSE ON SATURDAY, DEC. 29, 2012.


Beautiful Friction is the outfit’s 10th assortment of new material overall and arrives 30 years after the release of their official debut, 1982’s Shuttered Room, which established the Fixx stateside with the hits “Stand or Fall” and “Red Skies.”


Anyone who listens to those staples of the New Wave era – or any of their other singles from back in the day, like “Saved by Zero,” “Are We Ourselves,” “One Thing Leads to Another” and “Deeper and Deeper” – knows that the members of the Fixx have worn their politics on their collective sleeve from the start. Indeed, the band’s “How Much Is Enough?” (which peaked at No. 35 on Billboard’s Hot 100 back in late 1991) could well be a fight song for the Occupy Wall Street movement decades later.


“The last few years we were doing a lot of live shows and just didn’t feel the binge to put new music out,” says singer Cy Curnin, “and then all of a sudden, about three or four years ago, things went pear-shaped out there in society, and that’s what I feed on (as a songwriter). There was a financial crisis and there were people starting to ask big questions and politicians didn’t seem so squeaky-clean.”

Curnin is proud his material has held up, although he wishes more of the problems he’s addressed over the years would have been solved by now.


“Each artist or each writer has their own slant on things. Mine is that social backdrop of the mechanics of how we surrender our own dream-time to be part of a system that is managed by people that who aren’t as godlike as they should be,” he said by phone from London, where the band was preparing for this coming tour.

“We didn’t know it would work out as well as it did because we have different lives now, we have children,” Curnin explained of the process. “We have to book certain weekends together. Like once a month we would work for four days and when we would work we would come up with three or four songs. And after the time when we would break up and go back to our lives, if the song stayed with you, it was a good sign; if it didn’t stay with you, it would fall apart.”



Curnin says everyone in the Fixx is grateful to still be playing together after so many years.

“I’ll tell you what: We’re actually enjoying it more than ever. Because when we turn around on stage and we catch each other’s eyes we know we’re still (expletive) doing it! And still getting the same buzz. It’s almost like wine. Wine improves in the bottle and it gets better with age, and I think music does, too.



“It’s only the fact that the industry in music – “out with the old, in with the new” – it wasn’t designed to let people in on the fact that you could grow older with an artist and this artist was going to get better. That’s what we discovered, because we’re still doing it and enjoying it … that is where your wisdom comes through, you know?”


Curnin acknowledges that much of the power of the Fixx lies in its relationship with fans as well as each other.


“You know what it is – it’s really a deep friendship. We know how to argue with each other. In fact, it’s not arguing anymore – it’s just adding to the soup and getting the ingredients right. We do genuinely love each other like brothers. We respect each other like elders. And yet we’ve been through so much together, there are so many unsaid (things). We only need a wink and a nod and it says so much in this band.”

Music Worth Buying 101: Foxy Shazam, The Fixx

Watch the latest episode of Music Worth Buying where we celebrate Foxy Shazam’s The Church of Rock and Roll and the Fixx’ latest album Beautiful Friction:

The Fixx performs timeless classic and new material at the Coach House




Cy Curnin led the Fixx throughout a mighty 90-minute performance at the Coach House on July 18, 2012.

  There is little doubt that lovers of ‘80s music were in the right place if they were at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday night (July 18, 2012). Not only did the Fixx headline, but both show openers boasted sounds in sync with the popular modern rock sounds of that decade during their respective sets.


The Fixx’ best songs from the ‘80s and early ‘90s retain their relevance and power decades after their original release – and what’s more – the quintet’s performance of those songs on the opening night of its U.S. tour reflected an outfit whose musical powers remain fully intact.

Jamie West-Oram displayed his talents.

After opening with “Red Skies,” singer Cy Curnin noted “It’s always good to be back at the Coach House, and explained that the group was going to be featuring songs off their new album Beautiful Friction (released July 17) and then play early material after that. Discerning listeners were then treated to a number of the outstanding songs from Beautiful Friction, including the fiery “Anyone Else” (a song inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement) which showcased Curnin’s still-mighty voice and guitarist Jamie West-Oram’s dazzling fret work. The hypnotic “Just Before Dawn” featured a grooving bass line from Dan K. Brown that was only overshadowed with the song’s grand finale, with West-Oram again demonstrating his artful approach with power and flair.

Later, the band rocked with “Take a Risk,” a powerful blues-rocker that somehow flowed perfectly into the aptly-titled “Beautiful Friction.”

Fixx fans seemed genuinely impressed with the new material, but obviously couldn’t wait to hear old favorites. The last half of the show offered commanding versions of the group’s heavyweight material, including a potent “Driven Out,” dance-minded “One Thing Leads to Another” and pulsating “Stand Or Fall,” the latter featuring keyboardist Rupert Greenall’s outstanding playing. "Saved by Zero" was also very powerful, with Curnin and West-Oram positioned at the front of the stage together as an extended version of the song came to a fiery and rocking close. It was a perfect finish to the regular set.

The encore yielded even more hits, with the Fixx closing out with the crowd on its feet throughout the heavy grooves of “Deeper and Deeper,” “Are We Ourselves?” (complete with Curnin acting out many of the song’s lyrics with a graceful use of his hands) and an extended take on “Secret Separation.”

Greg Craycraft of the Reflexx.

The Reflexx is one of Southern California’s best (and best known) ‘80s tribute bands and demonstrated why during an energetic 35-minute set. The talented trio (singer-guitarist Greg Craycraft, keyboardist Alex Medina and drummer Russ Simms) was able to deliver mostly-faithful versions of well-known hits but do so in a way where the songs were embedded with the energy of a modern rock outfit. In fact, the group’s rendering of “I Ran (So Far Away)” bested the version I saw Flock of Seagulls perform a few years back, and an even stronger version of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” had several concertgoers on their feet dancing and many more singing along. Visit the band's official Web site by clicking here.

Opening the night, Orange County’s own Hyena Motorcade performed a 30-minute set that definitely recalled a Gothic rock sound positioned somewhere between the Psychedelic Furs and early Cure. The quartet didn’t provide much dynamic range in each song so that even when a tune would begin with a driving beat and interesting guitar work, it would ultimately lose power as it went along.
 
A special big thanks to Bob Steshetz for the use of the wonderful photos he took last night. Check out his photography and writing at his official Bob By Request site here.

New Bob Dylan album 'Tempest' set for September release

As long-time fans of rock know, 2012 has been an interesting year. At the beginning of the year, much was made about a much-discussed 50th anniversary disc from the Rolling Stones. Well, as we all know by now, that hasn't happened (at least not yet).

But the good news is that the Beach Boys have issued a surprisingly strong disc (That's Why God Made the Radio was released in June) in celebration of their 50th anniversary, while I'm even a bigger fan of outstanding 30th anniversary releases from ASIA (XXX) and the Fixx (Beautiful Friction, which is available today from Kirtland Records).

Now today comes word that the great Robert Allen Zimmerman - better known as Bob Dylan - is set to release Tempest on Sept. 11. It has been 50 years since the release of Dylan's debut album.

Here is the official media release and artwork of Tempest. Can't wait to hear it!

Collection of Ten New Bob Dylan Songs Marks Musician's 50th Anniversary as a Recording Artist

NEW YORK, July 17, 2012 -- Columbia Records announced today that Bob Dylan's new studio album, Tempest, will be released on September 11, 2012. Featuring 10 new and original Bob Dylan songs, the release of Tempest coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the artist's eponymous debut album, which was released by Columbia in 1962.




Tempest is available for pre-order now on iTunes http://smarturl.it/tempestitunes and Amazon http://smarturl.it/tempestamazon. The new album, produced by Jack Frost, is the 35th studio set from Bob Dylan, and follows 2009's worldwide best-seller, Together Through Life.


Bob Dylan's four previous studio albums have been universally hailed as among the best of his storied career, achieving new levels of commercial success and critical acclaim for the artist. The Platinum-selling Time Out Of Mind from 1997 earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Album Of The Year, while Love and Theft continued Dylan's Platinum streak and earned several Grammy nominations and a statue for Best Contemporary Folk album.


Modern Times, released in 2006, became one of the artist's most popular albums, selling more than 2.5 million copies worldwide and earning Dylan two more Grammys. Together Through Life became the artist's first album to debut at #1 in both the U.S. and the UK, as well as in five other countries, on its way to surpassing sales of one million copies.


Those four releases fell within a 12-year creative span that also included the recording of an Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning composition, "Things Have Changed," from the film Wonder Boys, in 2001; a worldwide best-selling memoir, Chronicles Vol. 1, which spent 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List, in 2004, and a Martin Scorsese-directed documentary, No Direction Home, in 2005. Bob Dylan also released his first collection of holiday standards, Christmas In The Heart, in 2009, with all of the artist's royalties from that album being donated to hunger charities around the world.

This year, Bob Dylan was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. He was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for "his profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power." He was also the recipient of the French Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres in 1990, Sweden's Polar Music Award in 2000 and several Doctorates including the University of St. Andrews and Princeton University as well as numerous other honors.


Information: http://www.bobdylan.com/

The Fixx returns as resonant as ever

The Fixx - singer Cy Curnin (top center) says the Fixx has stayed together for more than 30 years because "it's really a deep friendship. We know how to argue with each other."

With the world mired in an ongoing financial crisis, it’s little surprise that the Fixx, ’80s-spawned rockers who have always featured material revolving around political topics, would return in 2012 fueled by such matters, leading the quintet to create one of its best-ever albums, Beautiful Friction.


Set for release on Tuesday (July 17, 2012) by Kirtland Records, the disc is the Fixx’ first studio album since 2003’s Want That Life. The British band launches a U.S. tour in support of it with a headlining concert Wednesday, July 18, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, bringing the group back to O.C. after a memorable performance at Jack’s 5th Show at Irvine’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in September 2010.


Beautiful Friction is the outfit’s 10th assortment of new material overall and arrives 30 years after the release of their official debut, 1982’s Shuttered Room, which established the Fixx stateside with the hits “Stand or Fall” and “Red Skies.”


Anyone who listens to those staples of the New Wave era – or any of their other singles from back in the day, like “Saved by Zero,” “Are We Ourselves,” “One Thing Leads to Another” and “Deeper and Deeper” – knows that the members of the Fixx have worn their politics on their collective sleeve from the start. Indeed, the band’s “How Much Is Enough?” (which peaked at No. 35 on Billboard’s Hot 100 back in late 1991) could well be a fight song for the Occupy Wall Street movement decades later.



“The last few years we were doing a lot of live shows and just didn’t feel the binge to put new music out,” says singer Cy Curnin, “and then all of a sudden, about three or four years ago, things went pear-shaped out there in society, and that’s what I feed on (as a songwriter). There was a financial crisis and there were people starting to ask big questions and politicians didn’t seem so squeaky-clean.”


What is so remarkable about the Fixx is not only that its original lineup – including guitarist Jamie West-Oram, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, drummer Adam Woods and bassist Dan K. Brown – is impressively still together, but also how relevant the group’s songs sound today.



When they performed the 1988 hit “Driven Out” at Verizon in 2010, casual fans might have mistaken that burning track’s environmental-minded lyrics for those of a freshly-penned songs: “Driven out by thieves / I watch them pillage the planet / Fueled by a fattening greed / Trees fall to the hatchet.”


Curnin is proud his material has held up, although he wishes more of the problems he’s addressed over the years would have been solved by now.


“Each artist or each writer has their own slant on things. Mine is that social backdrop of the mechanics of how we surrender our own dream-time to be part of a system that is managed by people that who aren’t as godlike as they should be,” he said by phone from London, where the band was preparing for this coming tour.

“The relevance (of Fixx songs) has stayed there because it’s never been sorted out, and it’s an ongoing thing whenever you have a credit-based system and you have politicians (serving) on multiple terms. I really believe in one-term elections and flat tax rates and that type of stuff.”

Beautiful Friction features a wealth of songs that showcase the band’s lyrical bite along with other well-crafted originals that blend rich textures and melodic elements set around Curnin’s distinctive tenor. The driving anthem “Anyone Else,” luxuriant “Second Time Around” and blistering “What God?” are among the highlights from an 11-cut album written and recorded over a span of about three years.


“We didn’t know it would work out as well as it did because we have different lives now, we have children,” Curnin explained of the process. “We have to book certain weekends together. Like once a month we would work for four days and when we would work we would come up with three or four songs. And after the time when we would break up and go back to our lives, if the song stayed with you, it was a good sign; if it didn’t stay with you, it would fall apart.”



Curnin says everyone in the Fixx is grateful to still be playing together after so many years.


“I’ll tell you what: We’re actually enjoying it more than ever. Because when we turn around on stage and we catch each other’s eyes we know we’re still (expletive) doing it! And still getting the same buzz. It’s almost like wine. Wine improves in the bottle and it gets better with age, and I think music does, too.


“It’s only the fact that the industry in music – “out with the old, in with the new” – it wasn’t designed to let people in on the fact that you could grow older with an artist and this artist was going to get better. That’s what we discovered, because we’re still doing it and enjoying it … that is where your wisdom comes through, you know?”


Curnin acknowledges that much of the power of the Fixx lies in its relationship with fans as well as each other.


“You know what it is – it’s really a deep friendship. We know how to argue with each other. In fact, it’s not arguing anymore – it’s just adding to the soup and getting the ingredients right. We do genuinely love each other like brothers. We respect each other like elders. And yet we’ve been through so much together, there are so many unsaid (things). We only need a wink and a nod and it says so much in this band.”


The Fixx, with opening acts the Reflexx and Hyena Motorcade, play Wednesday, July 18, at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, in San Juan Capistrano. Tickets are $20. Also catch the band July 19 at Brixton in Redondo Beach and July 21 in L.A.’s Pershing Square.