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Rising new rock outfit CROSSBONE SKULLY have released the thought-provoking new track, Money, Sex, or God” today, May 10, via Better Noise Music. The band’s mastermind/frontman TOMMY HENRIKSEN(guitarist & musical director for Alice Cooper’s band and member of Hollywood Vampires) and guitarist Anna Cara announced the song’s release in late April following the surprise reveal of the music video for the howl-inducing song “I Am The Wolf.” Stream and/or download “Money, Sex, or God” now at https://crossboneskully.ffm.to/msg. “The song ‘Money, Sex, or God’ was inspired by a conversation I had while watching a tv show,” elaborates HENRIKSEN. “On the show, they were saying everything always comes down to three things you should never talk about in life: financials, sexual preference, and religion. I immediately thought...well that's easy...Money, $ex, or God. It was one of those songs where it rarely happens with me, that the lyrics just fell right out: ‘Pick your prize, what you gonna choose? / I bet you God, he's gonna lose / But then...if it was up to me? You're all gonna lose’… thank you, universe!” HENRIKSEN and CARA will join listeners for the global music video premiere of “Money, Sex, or God” todayat 12 P.M. ET (9 A.M. PT) via YouTube and will introduce the inspirational figure behind the band’s music, ‘Crossbone Skully’—an avenging superhero who was tasked with the mission to save humanity and fight the age-old battle of good vs evil. Here's a special message from Crossbone Skully: “In the chaos of life, we're faced with choices. Between ‘Money, Sex, or God,’ beware...for in my world, you're all gonna lose! Because the true prize lies behind the Otherworld!” Crossbone Skully’s plight was initially shared in the ashcan comic “Thing #1” which is included and signed with all orders for the CROSSBONE SKULLY’s first offering of a series of limited-edition 7” vinyl and includes their explosive single “The Boom Went The Boom (feat. Phil Collen of Def Leppard)” and their uplifting and anthemic track “I’m Unbreakable” as its B-side. Proceeds from the sale of the limited edition 7” vinyl will be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity MusiCares. Limited copies remain HERE. He is also the main character in the upcoming animated film of the same name, “Thing #1,” which includes voiceovers from A-list actor Johnny Depp and rock icons including Alice Cooper, Nikki Sixx, Joe Perry and Kane Roberts.

The year was 1996, where once the likes of Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Whitesnake and other Über rock bands resided alongside Stock Aitkin and Waterman now the charts were now filled with boy bands and dance. Despite the polarity of Grunge, Industrial and Thrash Metal, Rock as it we once knew it was undergoing a transformation and becoming an increasingly niche genre. In the UK Britop was riding high on a wave, and alt-rock bands like Smashing Pumpkins were appealing to a new generation hungry for something other than big hair and predictable mid section guitar solos. For Def Leppard it was also a pivotal time. Mutt Lange had also jumped ship on classic rock and helped forge Shania Twain's own inimitable brand of Country Rock crossover. The result left the band sans their signature sound and the charting success they once had. Although the album reached number 5 in the UK it failed to set America on fire and continued to divide audiences. Def Leppard fans had an ambivalence towards it because it was such a breakaway sound but those unfamiliar with the bands back catalogue seemed to warm to the album. Hearing the album this long after its release it seems to run alongside much of the rock and metal of today. Perhaps when Slang came out it was a ahead of its time so much so that fans weren't even sure how to respond. But now it sits happily in the rock canon. The sound marks the shift in the genre and the titular track is still the most commercial. This is also a profoundly personal album along with being musically experimental. In retrospect the album is clearly a cathartic process rather than a commercial one. Truth, the opening track lulls you into a false sense of security with it's soft guitar refrain intro you half expect the classic Def Leppard sound. Suddenly Rick Allen's drums hit you like a juggernaut right between the eyes in a powerful opener. The album also features the Sarangi on tracks like Turn to Dust which gives them a Middle Eastern feel. This is a very different album indeed. All I Want Is Everything and Where Does Love Go When It Dies? are a return to the comfort of the Def Leppard ballad, but not for long, expect some further headbanging beauties. Worlds Collide has a great guitar riff that will get you jumping and Deliver Me is dark, heavy, instantly sing – a – longable, and easily one of the standout tracks on the album. The album boasts some great material and is still unfortunately one of Def Leppard's more underrated albums. The significance of the album should not be overlooked. As Joe Elliott sings on Work it Out: “We show the world a brand new face, It’s taken us all this time,”

Madonna's sixth album, Bedtime Stories released in 1994, followed the heat from her most controversial period. The Erotica album (1992) and the SEX book caused a furore when released, but it gained the artist a huge amount of publicity, although not always for the right reasons. If attacking the Catholic Church and organised religion wasn't enough, Madonna's aim to break down sexual taboos and re-define the role of female sexuality may have made some people feel equally liberated, but others felt she had finally gone too far. I dare say these are exactly the sort of people the album was intended for in the first place. Regardless of the media and social outrage, Erotica is now regarded as one of Madonna's most acclaimed albums. Rather than add fire to the flames, the release for Bedtime Stories was very low key; there was little media coverage to promote the album and no subsequent tour due to her filming commitments on Evita. As a result, the album is often overlooked in the cannon of her work, despite being one of her best. At first glance, you could be fooled into thinking that the title makes the album simply a sequel to its predecessor, and in some ways, you'd be right. The album is certainly sexy and erotic in part due to the R & B and dub influences which give it a smooth, soulful feel, but it's also deeply romantic and layered with lyrical depth. If Madonna was aiming to reinvent herself again with the album she succeeded tenfold. The compilation album Something To Remember released a year later continued to shake off the one-dimensional image of her as a provocative pop star and get her taken seriously as an artist. If these two albums didn't fulfil that brief, then her acclaimed performance as Eva Peron and the universally regarded album Ray Of Light certainly would undo any damage caused in the previous decade. Survival opens the album with a distinctly different sound and has the singer proclaiming 'I'll never be an angel, I'll never be a saint it's true. I'm too busy surviving.' Lyrically it speaks volumes about her attitude towards the media and her chameleon-like status in the music industry. It's a hook-heavy track, with a sharp focus on harmonies and bass lines, something that is maintained throughout the album. The lead single, Secret, stills sound contemporary as does the rest of the album. The choice of enlisting several different producers helps to form a fresh and timeless sound to the album. It's certainly evident on a revisit that much of Madonna's work from the 90s and beyond does indeed have a perennial sound quality to it, in a similar way to the work of Kate Bush, Michael Jackson and Prince.The hip-hop influence of Erotica's Waiting creeps through tracks like Rather Be Your Lover, Inside Of Me and Human Nature. The latter plays on one of the themes from Madonna's previous singles, reaffirming the notion that you should 'express yourself, don't repress yourself.' Here she confronts previous haters, labelling them narrow-minded, and debating societies reluctance to talk about sex, after all, it is human nature. She offers the suave, yet unsanitised put-down, 'I'm not your bitch, don't hang your shit on me'. The final sting in the tail comes from her ability to challenge gender norms in society once again by asking her critics to consider if they would have tolerated her behaviour better if she was a man. It's a classy track which serves as an unrepentant two fingers to the stuffy collared establishment. Of course, this wouldn't be her only paean for unapologetic behaviour; she would later pick up the concept in 2015's Rebel Heart. Here on in, there's a much more subdued, understated feel to the album, although none the less emotive and alluring. Love Tried To Welcome Me combines elements of acoustic guitar, strings and a soulful sway to tempt us into the mournful song of loneliness and lust. It's a terrifically sensitive song which is enhanced by Madonna's gentle and silken vocals. Sanctuary hints at the hypnotic and mystical production that William Orbit would draw out in Ray Of Light. There's also elements of a similar sound in the ethereal and concupiscent, Bedtime Story, co-written by Bjork. These musical seedlings would grow to fruition on Ray Of Light, hinting at an artist who has a very clear foresight of what she wants to achieve musically. In many ways these two tracks bridge the gap between the two albums, showing the continued evolution of Madonna as an artist. Take A Bow, the effortless ballad on the album makes use of strings and a lilting Japanese style piano refrain. It's stylistically different from anything else on the album, which is a credit to Madonna and the track's co-producer Babyface. There is an innocence, a vulnerability to the music, but also empowerment in the lyrics which serves to confuse us emotionally. It's certainly a graceful and unexpected end to a varied and noteworthy album. Bedtime Stories may be a far cry from the explicit sounds of Erotica, it's more of a teasing, seductive pillow fight in comparison, yet it still had the power to create controversy. It's sexually suggestive which may have got people's back up, but the most crucial part of the album's legacy is the fact that Madonna refused to be silenced by critics and was steadfast in her unwillingness to kotow to their pressure to show remorse – a quality which has ensured that Madonna has stayed true to her artistic vision. That is something that she should never apologise for.

Leslie Mandoki's inspirational life and career reads just like the plot from a Hollywood movie: A 20-year-old rebellious musician rallies against Soviet oppression and censorship in Hungary. Inspired by Miles Davis and British prog rock bands, he realises that he won't live out his musical and artistic ambitions in his homeland. With his father's words ringing in his ears "live your dream and don't dream your life', our story's protagonist courageously flees his homeland via a railway tunnel to claim asylum in Bavaria in 1975. When an official asks what he plans to do with his life in the West, he replies that he wants to make music with his heroes, Jack Bruce, Ian Anderson and Al Di Meola. This isn't fiction and Leslie Mandoki becomes a modern pro hero and goes on to do exactly what he planned and a whole lot more. Mandoki has gone on to produce No Angels, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins and realised his dream of putting together the ultimate fusion of British prog-rock and American Jazz-rock by forming Mandoki Soulmates. Over the last three decades, the cooperative has featured some of the biggest names in prog, rock, soul and jazz, with a flavouring of folk and world music for good measure. The music on 'A Memory of Our Future' is once again composed by Mandoki, but offers the musicians flexibility to bring their arrangements to the table. More importantly, the album was recorded with analogue gear and all the musicians were in the studio at the same time, and it shows. These days it's easy for individuals to record their parts anywhere in the world and then email their contributions and then everything is knitted together. It may be convenient, but it makes for a sterile sound. 'A Memory of Our Future' draws some of the most influential and skilled musicians into the fold. Al De Meola has called him the 'Hungarian Quincy Jones'. Mandoki certainly has a way of working that brings out the best in the musicians he works with him at the helm of the project, the artistic freedom and vision he's always wanted can come to the fore. Ian Anderson's unmistakable flute heralds the opening of the album with the first of many socio-political tracks, 'Blood in the Water'. The track utilises its three vocalists as much as it draws out the experimental and expressive side of Anderson's remarkable flute playing. Cut to, 'The Devil's Encloydedia' and that punchy trill reminiscent of Jethro Tull where the flute is almost played like a guitar. 'Enigma of Reason' features Al de Meloa and this beautiful jazz fusion track will have your jaw on the floor from the sheer impeccable musicianship on offer. Mandoki continues to work his own brand of alchemy throughout the album with 'The Big Quit' exemplifying Mandoki's love for jazz fusion. The tender ballad 'My Share of Your Life' has some expressionistic arrangements and a swooning fretless bass, along with some Al Jarreau style scat singing, which highlights the track's sentiment. 'We Stay Loud' could almost be straight from a Toto album with the dynamic syncopation and breakouts, if it wasn't for the trumpet descant and more swinging scat singing. It's a defiant track that harks back to Mandoki's early days and encourages difference, freedom and creativity. Finishing off with the sublime semi-instrumental 'Melting Pot', which finds a way of drawing all of these influences into a blender of musical ear grabs. Lyrically 'A Memory of Our Future' has a strong message of unity and freedom that weaves through the album. With a record this musically complex, the lyrics don't try to compete, they just stick to doing their job of expressing a sentiment or feeling as best as they can. But of course, language is limited. The vast suaves of emotional impact this album has come from the music. As the lyric suggests 'where words fail, music speaks' and Mandoki Soulmates hit the spot once again with a glorious album that has a strong focus on the universal language of music.

Ferocious blues rock from Troy Redfern, a deeply personal track from Joanne Shaw Taylor and some power metal as Serious Black celebrate their 10th birthday. Troy Redfern - ''Van Helsing' Invocation is the title of the highly anticipated new 11-track album from slide guitar virtuoso Troy Redfern. The album, released by RED7 Records on Friday 17th May 2024, is available in limited edition coloured vinyl, black vinyl, plus two different CD cover artwork designs. Pre-order the album from www.troyredfern.com. The fifth single taken from the new album is “Van Helsing.” This is one of my favourite tracks from the new album Invocation,” says Troy. “It’s dark and heavy from the outset, musically reflecting themes of these times of uncertainty. The dystopian verse narrative is juxtaposed by an uplifting chorus that comments on the fact that were all looking for our own ray of light in this life to get us through. No matter how bad things can seem, there’s always something worth fighting or living for.” Troy is prolific. He’s released albums at an unprecedented pace, but judging by the strength of “Van Helsing” and the four previous singles “Getaway,” “The Fever,” “The Strange,” and “The Calling,” Invocation, promises to be his most compelling album to date. Over the course of last two albums The Fire Cosmic (2021) and Wings of Salvation (2022) Troy found his true voice stylistically in terms of writing and playing, but with Invocation he created a collection of outstanding new songs that carves out his own identity as to who he really is an artist. Troy head to the west Wales coast with his trusty 1929 National Triolian resonator guitar for a week of solitude in a remote Sheppard’s hut to sketch the initial song ideas for the new album. “It was important for me to clear my mind of all distractions so I could really focus on what I wanted to write on this album and the direction I wanted to take it in,” says Troy. With Invocation Troy explores fresh musical territory, from the heavy, bone crushing slide riffs and big sing along choruses on “Van Helsing” and “Getaway” to the evocative, wind-swept western landscapes of “The Native” and “Blind Me.” After three albums in three years Troy continues to expand his musical horizons and keep his creative fire burning. Joanne Shaw Taylor - 'Change of Heart' Renowned blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor unveils "Change Of Heart," the final and most personal single from her eagerly anticipated album Heavy Soul, out June 7th via Journeyman Records. Featuring Taylor's expressive vocals and masterful guitar playing, the track is further enriched by its joyful and inspirational lyrics, penned with the help of the legendary songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman, (Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood) which explores the vulnerability and courage involved in opening up to love. “Change of Heart is one of my favourite songs on the album,” Joanne shares. “It's about meeting someone who makes you want to risk your heart again, despite past hurts. Beth's lyrical genius really brought the emotion of the song to life." Produced by the acclaimed Kevin Shirley, Joanne’s new album Heavy Soul features a collection of songs that navigate the complexities of love, resilience, and personal transformation, showcasing her signature blend of blues-rock guitar and soulful pop sensibilities. Critics have already praised Taylor for her authenticity and raw talent, with Classic Rock Magazine noting her "rich honeyed marriage of blues-rock guitar and soulful pop sensibilities" and Blues Matters hailing her as "a beacon of authenticity and talent." Recognized for her exceptional guitar skills and powerful songwriting, Joanne’s journey, which began at the age of 16 when discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, has seen her garner accolades from music icons like Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox. Following the success of albums like Reckless Heart and The Blues Album, Heavy Soul emerges from Joanne's creative vision of bridging the gap between her previous album Nobody's Fool and her blues origins. The album features an array of accomplished studio musicians, including Anton Fig, Alison Presswood, and Rob McNelley blending their unique talents to create an unforgettable musical experience. Serious Black - ' Metalized' Ten years of SERIOUS BLACK, ten years of melodic power metal with the license to create anthems Since their founding in 2014 the band enthuses their fans not only with five studio albums to date (their last offering, "Vengeance Is Mine", charted at a phenomenal #16 in Germany), but also at acclaimed concerts and festival appearances around the globe. To celebrate their decadal birthday in glorious style, SERIOUS BLACK have announced the release of a brand new album "Rise Of Akhenaton", out on 27th September via AFM Records. The album pre-sale has just started at https://seriousblack.bfan.link/rise-of-akhenaton At the same time, the band will be on tour throughout Europe with Sonata Arctica and Firewind. To shorten your wait, SERIOUS BLACK will unleash three singles, including video clips, starting today with the uptempo track "Metalized". With its powerful guitar riffing, the dynamic base of drum and bass and the hymn like catchy tunes this song unites all the band’s strengths. Band mastermind Mario Lochert comments: "10 years of Serious Black! 10 years was the intro of Akhenaton the first track which blasted like a rolling thunder through the loudspeakers at over 200 concerts worldwide . Now it's time to bring Akhenaton and his army to life "Rise of Akhenaton" the album. So what would be better to start the journey into the album with a song, that reflects the lifestyle, heart and love to the music of every heavy metal fan - aren't we all a little 'Metalized'?"

Brave Rival Celebrate Their Musical Journey ‘Five Years On’ With Their First Single & Video From New Album. Multi-UK Blues Award Nominated Brave Rival release the triumphant first single ‘Five Years On’ from their eagerly awaited second album, ‘Fight or Flight’ (due for release on 16th August). Brave Rival have delighted fans and critics alike with their modern take on classic rock vibes. This culminated in the release of their 2022’s debut ‘Life’s Machine’ described by respected journalist Dave Ling as “ featuring a dozen nuggets of sharp melody and emotive playing, topped off by the delightful, hypnotising interplay of co-vocalists Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick”. Brave Rival are dual vocalists Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick, Donna Peters (Drums, Percussion and Acoustic Guitar); Ed ‘the Shred’ Clarke (Guitars); and Billy ‘Danger’ Dedman (Bass Guitar). “The new album is leaning towards the new wave of classic rock sound but still with the heartache of blues,” Brave Rival told Glenn Sargeant of Just Listen to This, “We’ve performed a handful of the new songs at live shows and have had such a wonderful response with fan favourites. We’ll still be using our well-loved recipe of dual power vocals, epic guitar and a driving engine room. The lyrical theme has a thread of mental health which we feel resonates with our own stories and our loyal fans.” ‘Fight or Flight’ builds on the winning recipe of Brave Rival’s debut album ‘Life’s Machine’, with added power and pizzaz honed during their acclaimed live touring and performance. It also benefits hugely from the passion and support of their Bravian fan base. ‘Five Years On’ hits the ground running as the spearhead single for the band’s brand-new album: a riff-tastic country/blues rock jam about feeling on top of the world. It celebrates the 5-year anniversary of the band, who see it as “a driving rock classic” that encompasses their moniker: “We are brave and we are ready to take on the next 5 years!” say Brave Rival. Opening with a tasty riff sweetened by classic Hammond keys (c/o Jonny Henderson) and punchy percussion, the band’s dual power vocalists deliver a triumphant anthem of sustained effort, achievement, and well-earned, sweet success. “Five years on, you will be coming to my show!” proclaim the lyrics, celebrating both the band’s journey and progress as well as all other people who’ve got sass, chutzpah, courage, and confidence. “’Five Years On’ is a celebration about how far we have come,” explains Donna Peters, with verve, gusto and pride, “But equally it's a song for anyone who has overcome the odds and fulfilled their dreams.” “The video was shot at our biggest headline show to date, at The Wedgewood Rooms in our hometown of Portsmouth,” adds vocalist Chloe Josephine, “We felt like we were on top of the world! We didn't actually intend to use this footage for a music video, but the energy and response from our Bravians to this song was electric! It felt right to!” To revel in the launch of their sophomore album, Brave Rival will be holding a rock-rich launch show at Dingwalls on 12th September, following on from their Summer Tour with melodic rockers FM. Brave Rival’s special guests for the launch gig will be the Deborah Bonham Band (a blues-rock band fronted by Deborah Bonham: sister of the late John Bonham — Led Zeppelin’s legendary drummer). The release date is 16th August. Order your copy at https://store.braverival.com/. Alternatively, pre-save the album now on Spotify at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/braverival/fight-or-flight-4.

Fleetwood Mac's 1977 'Rumour's album has been named as the best vinyl selling album of the century. Featuring tracks such as 'Dreams', 'Don't Stop' and 'Go Your Own Way', the album has become a favourite of music lovers and vinyl collectors. According to the Official Chart's Company 280,000 of the album's 40 million sales have ben since 2000. The second place spot goes to another iconic 70s album - Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' - an album that no self respecting music lover should be without. Top 10 Best Selling Vinyl Records Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon Nirvana - Nevermind Oasis - What's the Story Morning Glory Queen - Greatest Hits Bob Marley - Legend Stone Roses - The Stone Roses Oasis - Definitely Maybe David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust Nirvana - Unplugged Check out the full list https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-best-selling-vinyl-albums-of-the-21st-century-from-the-1970s-80s-and/

For those of you that like to listen to your music on shuffle, look no further than the new album by Beau Gris Gris (pronounced Gree Gree) and the Apocalypse. 'Hot Nostalgia Radio' was written over a four year period and is filled with pumping radio friendly tracks. Which station you’d hear these songs on would very much depend on which frequency you are dialled in: there’s punk, rockabilly, country, cabaret, blues, jazz, pop and Cajun all tossed into the glorious gumbo of this album. Rest assured, that whatever genre this dynamic duo turn their hand to they can’t miss. Even their album cover is the epitome of cool, as this album jumps from one delightful earworm to another. Brace yourself, the apocalypse is coming! This is the third album by the duo (Louisiana born singer Greta Valenti and British Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Robin Davey)  but this album really hits the spot in terms of their musical acuity.  They hit the ground running with a B52’s style track 'Oh Yeah' and the lead mission statement single, 'Satisfy Your Queen,' soon follows. The album takes a surprise turn when the versatility of Greta's vocals are really out to the fore on the mid tempo ballad, 'The Runaway'. The integration of Cajun music towards the albums close Is a stunning way to honour Greta's roots too. Davey's guitar work is beautifully understated throughout the album. Every solo or riff is perfectly placed to underscore the track, not dominate it. No matter what order you listen to these tracks you’ll find something that captures your nostalgia for big melodies and groovy toe tapping songs. They just don’t make them like that anymore.

Have you ever listened to a song and thought the backing vocalist sounded familiar? Well, there have been plenty of famous singers who have appeared on hit singles as backing vocalists. We take a listen to some of the voices from the back. Three Dog Night 'Mama Told Me' - Donna Summer Three Dog Night had a hit with this track in 1970 and a virtually unknown singer Donner Gains would appear on the track. Her first single, "Wassermann", a German version of the song "Aquarius" from the musical Hair, was released in Europe in 1968 under her maiden name, Donna Gaines. While working as a model part-time and backing singer in Munich, Summer met producer Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte during a recording session for Three Dog Night at Musicland Studios The trio forged a working partnership, and Donna was signed to their Oasis label in 1974. She would become known as Donna Summer from 1974 onwards and go on to have huge success in the 70 and a revival in the 80s. TLC 'waterfalls' - CeeLo Green Unprotected sex, drugs, crime and HIV, TLC's iconic 90s track 'Waterfalls' is a catchy pop song with a darker meaning. Back-up vocals for the track were done by CeeLo Green. Organized Noize were producing the track, they were also working with rap group Goodie Mob, who were in the studio when 'Waterfalls' was being recorded. One of their vocalists, CeeLo popped into the studio to record some vocals for the track. David Bowie 'Sound and Vision' - Mary Hopkin Knock knock, who's there - it's Eurovision winner Mary Hopkin doing backing vocals for David Bowie! Having Mary Hopkin lending her vocals to this track might seem a bit bizzare, but remember Hopkin was married to Bowie's producer, Tony Visconti! The track also features vocals from Brian Eno. Steve Winwood 'Higher love' Chaka Khan This 1986 hit for Steve Winwood features Chaka Kahn on back-up vocals. Chaka also appears in the music video, as does Nile Rogers who plays guitar in the band. Jeff Beck - 'Hi Ho Silver Lining' - Rod Stewart In May 1967, Jeff Beck released his version of 'Hi Ho Silver Lining. Beck's version peaked at No. 14 (for three consecutive weeks) on the UK Singles Chart during a then lengthy 14-week run. Rod Stewart features on backing vocals and Led Zeppelin's, John Paul Jones played bass in a session musician job. The B side of the track was 'Beck's Bolero' - a track that became synonymous with Beck throughout his career and was much more indicative of his style of music. Incidentally, fellow Yardbird alumni Jimmy Page and Keith Moon were also on that track. Rod Stewart features on backing vocals and Led Zeppelin's, John Paul Jones played bass in a session musician job. Elton John - 'This Train Don't Stop There Anymore' - Gary Barlow "This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore", taken from the 2001 album, Songs From The West Coast, has Justin Timberlake as Elton at the manic height of his 1970's popularity. Director David LaChapelle also cast Pee-Wee Herman and look-alikes for Liza Minnelli and Cher in the sequence. Elton and Gary became good friends and Elton supported Gary during his "wilderness years". The two would record a track together called 'Face to Face' in 2014. SWV - 'Right Here' - Pharrell Williams "Right Here" is the debut single of American R & B group SWV. The original album version sounds a bit different, but the remix from 1993 is far better known. It samples Michael Jackson's hit song 'Human Nature.' The remix also features Pharrell Williams on the rap section of the track. Rihanna/Calvin Harris - 'This Is What You Came For' - Taylor Swift Swifties will know the name "Nils Sjoberg". For the uninitiated it's Taylor Swift's nom de plume when she co-wrote this 2026 song with Calvin Harris. Taylor can be heard singing the "ooh, ooh, ohhhh" parts. Robbie Williams – 'No Regrets' Neil Tennant and Neil Hannan This track taken from Robbie's 1998 album 'I’ve Been Expecting You' gets you two uncredited vocalists. Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant and Neil Hannan from The Divine Comedy. Neil Tennant was happy to work on the track as he thought it was a "really fantastic melody" Robbie worked with Neil T again on the Rudebox album. Carly Simon - 'You're So Vain' - Mick Jagger This classic track from 1972 features Mr Peacock himself, Mick Jagger. Simon pointed out in 1983 that the song isn't about Mick Jagger. Carly Simon was recording the track for the album 'No Secrets' at Trident Studios in London. Mick dropped in and Simon asked if he wanted to pop some vocals on the track. The rest as they say is history.

Platinum-selling rock juggernaut P.O.D. — Sonny Sandoval (vocals), Marcos Curiel (guitar), and Traa Daniels (bass) — have thrilled fans worldwide with their unique blend of hip-hop, Latin, reggae, and metal influences for over 30 years. Their latest offering, "Veritas," marks the band's 11th studio album. The word Veritas, which translates to "Truth" in Latin is a concept that defines the emotional core of the album. Even the album cover of a child with its eyes blacked out, signifies “a culmination of innocence and dark hidden truths." Some of these hidden truths are uncovered by returning to faith as a means of dealing with the ills of the modern world. 'Afraid to Die' pulls in elements of their Christian rock roots, with a crunching guitar riff and uplifting congregatory chorus. The lyrics talk of rebirth, faith and not fearing death because 'I'm bringing all my friends.' 'Lay Me Down' (Roos' Song) also returns with these themes in a rousing juggernaut of a track. 'I Won't Bow Down' steamrollers into the album a few tracks in. It's another track about having faith in the Divine and yourself, a human struggle to rally against those in charge. Its message of empowerment is matched only by the gritty nature of the track's arrangement. Although the band have flirted with other styles and genres, 'Veritas' is a back-to-basics album. It's filled with heavy instrumentation, forceful vocals, and grungy guitar sounds. It's an album where even slower tracks like 'Lies We Tell Ourselves' have a metallic edge and it's a welcome return.

Electrifying new blues and a new single from one of the seminal bands in rock music Quinn Sullivan - 'Rise Up Children' Singer-songwriter and guitarist Quinn Sullivan has just released "Rise Up Children," the new single from his forthcoming album, 'Salvation,' due out June 7th via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. This vibrant track features catchy melodies that inspire a spirit of togetherness and resilience, inviting listeners to connect through the universal language of music. “I wrote Rise Up Children when I was reflecting on the world we live in today,” Quinn shares. “It’s a song about young people taking control of their future, which is happening more and more every day.” "Rise Up Children" is the latest in a series of recent releases from Quinn that have showcased his deepening artistry and emotional range. On the deeply personal “Half My Heart,” Quinn delves into the profound pain of separation, capturing the sorrow of a romantic relationship that has recently ended. On “Dark Love,” he explores the complex dynamics of a toxic relationship. And on the album’s title track, "Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray)," he uses B3 organ and wah-wah pedal to merge classic rock and soul with contemporary flair. Quinn’s journey in music has been marked by a steady progression and a deepening of his artistic expression. Known for his exceptional guitar talent from a young age, Sullivan has earned acclaim for his performances and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. His previous album, 'Wide Awake,' showcased his ability to blend his musical influences and skills in a way that pushed his creative boundaries. The album was well-received, highlighting Quinn’s capacity for storytelling and musical exploration. Since 'Wide Awake,' Quinn has continued to evolve, taking his music on the road and gathering new experiences that inform his work. His recent involvement with the new ensemble Trouble No More, sanctioned by the Allman Brothers Band to carry on their live-performance legacy and introduce their music to a new generation, has further enriched his sonic palette. This collaboration infuses his work with a taste of the timeless soul and depth of classic rock. Quinn is currently on a nationwide tour to support his new album, performing at various venues across the US, including intimate music rooms and the renowned City Winery locations. The release of "Rise Up Children" follows Quinn’s notable appearance at Panic en la Playa, where he performed with Trouble No More and guest starred with Eric Krasno and The Main Squeeze. For more information and to purchase tickets for Quinn’s upcoming performances, visit https://quinnsullivanmusic.com. Elles Bailey - 'Leave the Light On' Following the announcement of her forthcoming album and fresh from picking up the ‘Vocalist Of The Year’ award at this year’s UK Blues Awards, UK based genre-blending roots singer songwriter Elles Bailey releases her stunning new single ‘Leave The Light On’. The track is the second to be taken from Beneath The Neon Glow, which comes August 9th on Cooking Vinyl Records. An infectious, guitar driven anthem packed to the brim with emotion, ‘Leave The Light On’ is Elles at the top of her game. “You have to be a certain selfless type of person who supports another to realise their dreams and that's exactly the type of person I married,” Elles muses. “So this is my autobiographical open and honest love letter to my husband. The track is inspired by the time I missed my train home from London and ended up coming back really late at night feeling exceptionally guilty as I had been away so much, but as I arrived home, outside our house, the light has been left on and this small gesture just felt so welcoming and supportive and the next day this song was penned. ” Beneath The Neon Glow sees Elles intertwine British roots, Americana and blues across ten powerfully, uplifting tracks. Produced by Dan Weller (Enter Shikari) and recorded with Elles’ exceptional and trusted live band, the album is an exploration of love's myriad forms. Through lyrically vulnerable and brutally honest songwriting, Elles delves into the depths of heartbreak, the resilience of friendship, and the enduring power of love that spans a lifetime. From the fleeting moments to the love that withstands the test of time, she fearlessly navigates through the spectrum of human emotion, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her journey. “I might be new to some people, but I have been around for quite a long while. I'm not here for a flash-in-the-pan moment. I want a long-term career in music. I love what I do. I love that I get to take it around the world. So if I can continue to do that, and just play to larger audiences and continue to grow, that's exactly what I'll do.” Elles will also head out on a huge UK headline tour later this year, which includes a date at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on November 2nd. Deep Purple - 'Portable Door' One of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time releases new album ‘=1’, on July 19th via earMUSIC. The first single will be unveiled on April 30th at midnight, a taster for the full 13 tracks of pioneering and rip-roaring rock'n' roll. Deep Purple continue their charge of recent years, releasing hit albums and filling arenas around the world, adding yet more layers to their 100 million album selling legacy. The band are credited as one of the key originators of heavy rock and have constantly progressed their boundaries of music. They are fronted by the legendary Ian Gillan, whose vocals have defined generations, accompanied by the masterful bassist Roger Glover, the powerhouse drummer Ian Paice, and the maestro on keyboards Don Airey.  This is the band’s first album with sensational guitarist Simon McBride, who seamlessly slotted in when long-time member Steve Morse left due to personal circumstances. Since 2022, Simon has already played to Deep Purple audiences totalling more than half a million people. But Deep Purple is more than just their members and ‘=1’ embodies the essence and attitude of their 1970s incarnation possibly more than any other album in recent memory. With the legendary Bob Ezrin once again producing, the record evokes the pioneering band’s classic sound, without relying on nostalgia. The enigmatic title ‘=1’ symbolises the idea that in a world growing ever more complex, everything eventually simplifies down to a single, unified essence. Everything equals one. Its full meaning will be revealed in the coming weeks, with the artwork also playing its part. Fans have already been speculating after mysterious equations and depictions of multiverses appeared in London, Paris and Berlin in recent days. With three consecutive No.1albums in their back pocket and a resurgent new energy powering them forward, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), ‘inFinite’(2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. Taking the UK by storm this November, Deep Purple will be shaking the walls of arenas, lighting up Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow with an explosive lineup of unforgettable hits taken from their repertoire of rock spanning over half a century. Deep Purple guarantees a musical journey like no other. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewel case), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to all shows on the Deep Purple “=1 MORE TIME”-tour).

Old Habits do indeed Die Hard for 80s AOR stalwarts, FM.  Their distinctive melodic rock sound with a splash of rock is very much at the fore once again, and to be fair hasn't deviated much over the last four decades. It's a recipe that has served the band and their fans well. The band's continual ability to craft memorable songs and hooks has grown with every album. While their sound has occasionally been heavier, this album almost takes the band full circle in terms of tone, opener 'Out of the Blue' could almost have been ripped straight from the 'Indiscreet' album, while 'No Way Out' is straight out of the 1985 songbook. Vocalist Steve Overland has found that magical vocal elixir of youth, and has maintained his set of pipes, 'Leap of Faith' being an obvious example. Considering many vocalists have developed a raspier sound as they've aged, Steve sounds as fresh as the band's debut album. Despite seldom veering from the tried and tested path, since their reformation in 2007, FM haven't been sitting on their laurels, content to churn out the same old same old. Every track is crammed with energy and enthusiasm for the music and never seems tired. The album also sees the band in a comfortable enough zone to play with their trade mark sound on the bluesy pop number 'California' and 'Another Day in My World' adds a more contemporary flavour, but it's a rare departure. As the old adage says "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and it works like a charm.