Devin Townsend Project Sets Strapping New Release

The most renowned project member on Ki is drummer Duris Maxwell (62), who has played with many acts, such as Heart, Jefferson Airplane, The Powder Blues, Tommy Chong and The Temptations. Maxwell even jammed with Hendrix. "I am very conscious of drummers and the energy they bring to the bands," Townsend says. "I went to a blues club way up in the North of Canada and watched Duris. He has the vibe I wanted for the drums here: nothing to prove, but strong and a bit angry. Duris is an older cat but he's heavy." He is supported by bassist Jean Savoie. "Jean plays in a Beatles cover band and spent years playing the cruise ships all over the world. Name a style and he can jam it for hours. His technique is accomplished, and the fact that he had never played heavy music made him and Duris perfect for the project." Dave Young is the keyboardist, and Townsend has been working with him for years: "He's the most schooled musician out of all of us and can play any instrument. Keyboard players typically annoy the hell out of me, but Dave is more of an ambient musician and fills the spaces with fitting but unusual note choices simply by watching where I am on my fretboard." - more on this story

Sweet L.A. Guns Gig

antiMusic reports: Sweet are playing at the House of Blues on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles this Thursday, April 30th. L.A. Guns will be opening for the legendary rockers.

Lead guitarist Stuart Smith tells that this may be the last LA gig for the band for a while as they plan on hitting the road for the rest of the year.

Tickets for the LA show are only $15.00 in advance or $17.50 on the night. Get the latest on the group and pick up their new live CD which was recording during last year's reunion tour - right here

Ray Charles Message From The People To Be Reissued

conqueroo reports: It was 1972, the turbulent '60s were winding down, and the music world was about to fork off in several directions: the Soft Rock of James Taylor and Carole King, the Outlaw Country of Waylon and Willie and soon . . . Disco. America was on people's minds: Don McLean with "American Pie" and there was even a band named America. Our nation was at war in Vietnam; we had landed on the moon. African-Americans were emboldened and encouraged by the progress they were achieving.

The album A Message From the People, produced by Ray and recorded at his RPM International Studio, contained a song that did not chart at the time, but went on to become one of his best loved recordings: "America the Beautiful." He would perform it countless times on TV and in live concert for the rest of his life.

"Mr. Charles wanted A Message From the People to include 'America the Beautiful' because of his tremendous love for our country," stated Valerie Ervin, President of the Ray Charles Foundation. "Throughout his career he performed 'America' at a Super Bowl, a World Series game and for seven U.S. Presidents," she added.

On May 5th, Concord Records will reissue, in its entirety, this landmark album for the first time on CD and digital download - more on this story

The Lonely H Record Release Party

PR reports: There is nothing ordinary about Seattle, Washington (by way of Port Angeles, WA) based classic rock quartet The Lonely H. And there will be nothing ordinary about their CD release show for their third full-length, "Concrete Class" (The Control Group), on June 6th at Siren's in Port Townsend, WA.

Fronted by the charismatic, 6'7", 19 year old Mark Fredson, a man hard to miss in any room for both his height and booming voice, and accompanied by the Brothers Whitman - Eric Whitman (guitar) and Johnny Whitman (bass) - and drummer Ben Eyestone, The Lonely H not only look the part, but their sound is as authentic as it comes.

"Those pants are tight, but they ain't too tight, brother." With worn out boots and starry eyes, The Lonely H return from the road bearing one thing: "Concrete Class." After 200 plus shows in 2008, these knights-in-shining-denim have seen their share of hardwood floors, hopeless drunks, and enough roadkill to feed Detroit. And on top of that, three out the four can't legally hit happy hour, yet. - more on this story

I Was A King Plot US Invasion

PR reports: Norwegian group I Was A King is pleased to announce their first ever US Tour with The Constantines and Crystal Antlers, in support of their self-titled sophomore effort.

The album, which features collaborations from Sufjan Stevens, Danielson, Ladybug Transistor and Serena Maneesh was recently released via The Control Group (El Perro Del Mar, Figurines) on April 7th.

Live, the band consists of Frode, Anne Lise, and Havard Krogedal (ex Serena-Maneesh, Loch Ness Mouse), in addition to a revolving door of friends. - more on this story

New World Revolution Coming in May

PR reports: Space Rock outfit, New World Revolution, are set to digitally release their debut EP, "Karmakaze" on May 25, 2009. Mixed by super-producer Sean Beavan (NIN, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt etc.), "Karmakaze" features an eclectic array of guest performances including Juliette Beavan (8mm), Shok (My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult) and Jeff Mice (Nina Hagen).

Soon to be on rotation on Yahoo and CBS radio, "Karmakaze" also features an eclectic array of guest performances including Juliette Beavan (8mm), Shok (My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult) and Jeff Mice (Nina Hagen).

NWR is fronted by cult figure, Herwig Maurer, who was a member of the groundbreaking MANKIND LIBERATION FRONT, and whose solo work has been championed by tastemaker DJs such as Carl Cox and John Digweed. - more on this story

Sean Paul Debuts New Song

Atlantic Records reports: Sean Paul is set to unveil his first new music in over three years. A new track, entitled "So Fine," premiered Saturday, April 25th, on the Grammy-winning superstar's official site. Furthermore, the track will make its radio debut on all formats Friday, May 1st.

"So Fine," produced by Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor, heralds the upcoming release of Sean's hugely anticipated fourth album. "IMPERIAL BLAZE" – which follows 2005's RIAA platinum-certified "THE TRINITY" – will arrive in stores and at all online retailers on August 18th.

Sean Paul is the most successful Jamaican artist of all time on the U.S. charts, with three #1 singles ("Temperature," "Get Busy," and "Baby Boy"), five Top Ten hits (including "We Be Burnin'" and "Gimme The Light"), and eight chart entries over two worldwide multi-platinum albums.
- grab a listen here

Chart Toppers The Enemy UK Promise Music For the People

PR reports: The Enemy UK, a three-piece from Coventry, England are poised to release Music For the People, their brilliant new album available digitally on April 28th and in stores everywhere June 23rd.

The band experienced an explosion of popularity in the UK with their debut album We'll Live And Die In These Towns. Entering the UK charts at #1 the band quickly found themselves becoming a consistent mainstay on the pop charts and within the pages of NME magazine, gracing the cover six times.

From the Pop Chart success spawned a slew of awards: "Best New Act" from Q Magazine, "Best British Debut Album" at the XFM Awards and "Best New Band" at the NME Awards. - more on this story

. Seventh Servant (Ex-Iced Earth) Interview

John Greeley has played in a plethora of bands (including Iced Earth), with an ambitious Biblically-themed project in the works, this seasoned guitarist has a lot on his plate. Our own Matt Hensch sat down with Greeley and discussed his legacy and his future. - Read the full Seventh Servant (Ex-Iced Earth) Interview

. First Look: Mongrel

The word Mongrel is a derogatory epithet meaning an ill-bred man with low morals and manners. The band by the same name led by Adam Savage could not be farther from that description. - Read the full First Look: Mongrel review

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