audio ‘stache: STEVE VAI Announces New Album “The Story of Light”

Virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai will release The Story of Light, a new solo album of original material, on August 14th via Favored Nations Entertainment, the label Vai founded in 1999

The sprawling and expressive 12-song set continues a conceptual and cosmic narrative arc that began with the artist’s most recent studio release, 2005′s acclaimed Real Illusions: Reflections.

Although The Story of Light is largely instrumental, the album does feature guest vocalists including singer-songwriter Aimee Mann-dueting with Vai on “No More Amsterdam,” which she also co-wrote. Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist onThe Voice, appears on “John the Revelator,” a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acid-soaked vocals are in the mix as well.  Other highlights include the title track (which opens the album), “Gravity Storm,” “The Moon and I,” and “Velorum.”

Throughout, three-time GRAMMY-winner Vai’s lead guitar is as lyrically resonant as it is technically masterful, his licks and solos bending sounds and in listeners’ minds in equal measure.  The Story of Light follows the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment, and redemption.

 The Story of Light is available as of today for online pre-sale orders.  This special pre-sale selection of bundled packages is offered exclusively through Vai’s website, www.Vai.com, where complete details on the products and ordering information are available.  Each package includes an instant download of a track from the new album personally selected by Vai, “Gravity Storm.”

 The Story of Light is Vai’s 16th solo effort, and the follow up to 2009′s live effort, Where The Wild Things Are.  In support of its release, Vai will begin a tour of North America on August 15th in Fort Lauderdale Florida, accompanied by his band-who are also featured on the new album: Dave Weiner (guitar), Jeremy Colson (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass), and Deborah Hensen (harp, vocals, keyboards).

Follow Steve Vai online: Website | Facebook | Twitter

audio ‘stache: THE CULT Release New Studio Album “Choice of Weapon” (Cooking Vinyl/MRI/RED Distribution)

Iconic British rock band The Cult have released their new album Choice of Weapon on May 22^nd via Cooking Vinyl/MRI, the group’s first studio album in five years!

Co-produced by long-time Cult collaborator and producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Bush) and Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, U.N.K.L.E.), the album was written by founding members Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. Choice of Weapon is aimed at the heart of The Cult’s loyal following, and according to the members, it reflects their current discontent with the destruction of the world’s eco systems, search for individual meaning against a tide of rampant materialism, narcissism and disconnected lives.

Read a recent interview from Rolling Stone to get a look into the making of the album. You can also watch the band’s live performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, here is “For The Animals,” “Wildflower” or watch the entire show!

“Offering catchy music with a twisted core, The Cult continue to thrive by sticking to their basic muse, and they are showing pretty much no signs of rust.” – Paste Magazine

Choice of Weapon is streaming week of release at AOL Spinner and is available digitally on iTunes, physically on Amazon and all other retailers. For tour, news and more information, follow The Cult online and visit www.thecult.us.

 

More ‘stache coverage on The Cult here.

Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Myspace

Choice of Weapon Amazon | iTunes

audio ‘stache: Witness the Rising of “Prairie Sun”: The New Album by ORBO & THE LONG SHOTS

Rootsy rock band’s new album features guest appearance from Delbert McClinton and is currently streaming in full on AOL Music.

Norwegian Grammy winners ORBO and the Longshots are ready to make their mark on America with their debut U.S. release, Prairie Sun. The album has garnered advance praise from the music press as well as from radio programmers, who have taken to songs like “Magic” and “Highway Tears.” Prairie Sun is currently streaming on AOL Music and you can watch the video for the single “Highway Tears” below.

 

Prairie Sun was recorded in Cotati, California at Prairie Sun Studios, which has hosted artists such as Paul McCartney, Neko Case, and Tom Waits, provided the perfect mix of vintage gear and a rural setting that added to the organic feel of the new record. The band was so pleased with their experience there that they named both a song-and then the entire album-after the studio.The record was produced by ORBO and Erick Jaskowiak (Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury) and features special guests Delbert McClinton, Fats Kaplan (Buddy Miller, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks) and John Jorgenson (Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Earl Scruggs).

Says ORBO, “We play rock ‘n’ roll with a rootsy American twist-some gospel, some country, blues and more-and this time out, we found a way to blend the way we sound live and the way we sound in the studio on one album.”

Nashville’s Music City News calling ORBO and the Longshots “One of the best international acts I have heard in a long, long time!” and OA.NO in Norway proclaiming that “Prairie Sun is rock solid and magnificent… A shining masterpiece.”

The quintet takes its names from the initials of the group’s charismatic founder, guitarist and frontman, Ole Reinert Berg-Olsen, and he is joined by Longshots Ine Tumyr (vocals, percussion), Reidar Opdal (piano, vocals) Paul Inge Vikingstad (bass) and Stian Tumyr (drums).

A late summer/early fall tour will be announced soon.

Prairie Sun:  iTunes |Amazon

Website | Facebook | MySpace | YouTube

audio ‘stache: OBERHOFER Covers Kanye West

Noisey.com/VICE Magazine have posted Oberhofer’s cover of Kanye West’s “RUNAWAY” — check it out here and grab the new album Time Capsules II, out now from Glassnote Records.

Time Capsules II iTunes | Amazon 

Facebook | Twitter | MySpace

audio ‘stache: MICKEY AVALON’s Loaded Streaming Now

Loaded, the new album from Mickey Avalon, is available now and streaming for your listening pleasure at BroBible.com

Stream the album in it’s entirety now at BroBible.com

Loaded paints a picture of a debauched life. He’s living the lifestyle we would all live if in his shoes. - Playboy

The world’s greatest glam rap star. - LA Weekly

After six long years, Mickey Avalon has finally released his sophomore album, Loaded via Suburban Noize Records. Loaded is available at physical retailers now (Amazon / Newbury Comics) and also available digitally on iTunes, where fans will receive an exclusive bonus track “When Avalon Comes.”

BroBible.com is currently celebrating Loaded‘s release by streaming the album in full this week, listen here. 

Using his life experiences as fuel for his intense X-rated rhymes, Loaded is Mickey Avalon’s honest invitation to those who are bold enough to step into his world of women and drugs. The album takes fans on a journey through the seedy streets of Hollywood and the party lifestyle. Watch the video for the latest single “More Junk.”

Mickey Avalon kicks off his Loaded tour tonight with an album release show at the Key Club in Hollywood, CA. To celebrate the release, all fans in attendance will receive a free copy of Loaded.  Click here for a full list of tour dates.

Loaded at  Newbury Comics | iTunes | Amazon 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Tumblr

audio ‘stache: WILD ADRIATIC Release “Lock & Key” + Free MP3

“Bound To Let You Go” available for free MP3 download now at RCRD LBL

 “Their newest six songs hit you hard enough from all angles that labeling loses all importance. Lock & Key catches fire in the first two seconds with an alluring electric riff and the fittingly titled song ‘The Spark.’” - LA Music Blog 

Lock & Key, the new EP from Saratoga Springs, NY-based rock band Wild Adriatic, was independently released on April 27^th.  The six song EP was produced by John Naclerio (Steel Train, Brand New, The Ataris) and is available for purchase digitally on iTunes and physically on CD via the band’s webstore.

RCRDLBL.com, who is calling Lock & Key “a collection of soulful rock songs that fall somewhere between Kings Of Leon and Manchester Orchestra,” recently premiered the first single entitled “Bound to Let You Go.”  The track is currently being offered as a free MP3 download on the site.

 Download ”Bound to Let You Go”

Having just finished tour dates with All-American Rejects, Wild Adriatic have previously shared the stage with bands such as Foxy Shazam, MuteMath, Company of Thieves and Third Eye Blind to name a few.  See below for a list of current tour dates with many more to be announced soon.

Tour Dates

May 4 Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY (w/ Hurrah! A Bolt of Light)

May 9 Spike Hill, Brooklyn, NY(w/ Zac Clark & Young Volcanoes)

May 10 The Black Oak, Oneonta, NY (w/ Arison Cain)

May 12 PICCS Pub, Delhi, NY (w/ Arison Cain)

Wild Adriatic has released videos for the songs “The Spark” as well as “Bound To Let You Go.”  Watch the brand new video for “The Spark” below and keep an eye out for a new video for the song “The Letter” in the very near future.

“The Spark” Video

For more Wild Adriatic news, follow the band online below and on ‘stache here.

Lock & Key pre-order the EP Webstore

Website | Facebook | Twitter

audio ‘stache: Free Download From MXPX

MXPX are giving fans a free download of the track “Far Away” on MP3.com

“MxPx have been pop-punk’s torch carriers for the better part of 20 years. Plans Within Plans is proof that growing up doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down.” - Alternative Press

MxPx are currently giving away an MP3 for their latest single, “Far Away” on MP3.com. The song comes off their new album, Plans Within Plans which was released April 2^nd on the band’s own label, Rock City Recording Company/MRI.

“Far Away” MP3 Download

MXPX’s “20th Anniversary Shows”:
5/26 @ El Corazon — Seattle, WA*
6/29 @ House of Blues — Anaheim, CA**
6/30 @ House of Blues — West Hollywood, CA**
8/31 @ Amador County Fairgrounds — Plymouth, CA (JoshuaFest)

*w/Amber Pacific
**w/Set Your Goals, Mest and Rufio

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace

PLANS WITHIN PLANS iTunes | Amazon 

MXPX ‘stached 

audio ‘stache: DEUCE’s “Nine Lives” Streaming Now

Hear the debut solo album from Deuce “Nine Lives” streaming in full at iHeartradio.com

Deuce played a killer set for rabid fans at the Gramercy Theater last night in New York City. We caught some of the action, here’s a shot from the pit!

Nine Lives is available now everywhere!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace

Nine Lives  iTunes | Amazon

audio ‘stache: THE DANDY WARHOLS New Album Out Today

The Dandy Warhols Release New Album
This Machine Out Today via The End Records

The Dandy Warhols’ 8th official studio album, This Machine is out today via The End Records. This Machine is streaming all this week on AOL Spinner and MSN Listening Booth and is available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.    

Watch the video for “Sad Vacation” on VEVO!

This Machine Tracklisting:

1. Sad Vacation
2. The Autumn Carnival
3. Enjoy Yourself
4. Alternative Power To The People
5. Well They’re Gone
6. Rest Your Head
7. 16 Tons
8. I Am Free
9. SETI vs The Wow! Signal
10. Don’t Shoot She Cried
11. Slide

The Dandy Warhols are kicking off a national US Tour on May 16th in San Francisco at The Fillmore. Dates wrap up in Seattle on June 17th and pre-sale tickets are available for purchase at The Dandy Warhols website.

Full Dandy Warhols Tour Dates:

05/16 – The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA

05/17 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA

05/19 – The Belly Up – Solano Beach, CA

05/20 – Roxy Lounge – Scottsdale, AZ

05/22 – Emo’s East – Austin, TX

05/23 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX

05/25 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA

05/26 – The Fillmore Charlotte – Charlotte, NC

05/27 – Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

05/29 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC

05/30 – Trocadero – Philadelphia. PA

06/01 – Royale Nightclub – Boston, MA

06/02 – Corona Theatre – Montreal, QC

06/03 – Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON

06/05 – Irving Plaza – New York, NY

06/06 – Bell House – Brooklyn, NY

06/08 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak, MI

06/09 – Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH

06/10 – Metro – Chicago, IL

06/12 – Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO

06/13 – Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO

06/15 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC

06/16 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR

06/17 – Showbox at the Market – Seattle, WA

 The Dandy Warhols are kicking off a national US Tour on May 16th in San Francisco at The Fillmore. Dates wrap up in Seattle on June 17th. More information and pre-sale tickets are available for purchase at The Dandy Warhols website here.

Get This Machine at your local record store 

 Amazon | iTunes 

The Dandy Warhols ‘stached and online:

Online | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

The End Records | Richard Morgan Bio

audio ‘stache: Free Track Download from ANATHEMA

Anathema Release New Studio Album, Weather Systems, Out Today

Today sees the US release of Anathema‘s ninth studio album, Weather Systems via The End Records. The album was recorded in Liverpool, North Wales and Oslo, each place significant to Anathema past, present and future. The record was produced by band members Vincent Cavanagh and Daniel Cavanagh, as well as Christer-André Cederberg.

Weather Systems is the follow-up to 2010′s critically acclaimed We’re Here Because We’re Here, which producer Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), has described as ”definitely among the best albums I’ve ever had the pleasure to work on. Daniel Cavanagh (lead guitarist) is certain that the album will exceed the lofty expectations, stating, “it feels like we are at a creative peak right now, and this album reflects that. Everything from the production to the writing to the performances are a step up from our last album.”

Popmatters.com recently premiered the track “The Storm Before The Calm.” An MP3 download of the song is available here.

What the critics are saying:

The album’s blend of lachrymose laments and breathtaking highs is a masterful display of virtuosity and creativity. If you have a heart, its health would be would immeasurably improved by tuning into Weather Systems. - About.com

 ”Weather Systems” is a superb follow-up to “We’re Here Because We’re Here,” using many of the same themes and ideas but taking them to different places. - Metal Underground

 Anathema are truly masters of their field. Able to flow through contradictory emotions and switch from calming moments to all-out rock and vice versa, this is a band at their peak. Weather Systems will captivate and break you. Magnificent. - Scene Point Blank

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Purchase Weather Systems digitally on iTunes or physically at  Amazon or The Omega Order.