In Memoriam: The Broadway Composer And Barely Breathing Composer "Duncan Sheik" Dies Aged 56

The Grammy- and Tony-winning musician and composer Duncan Sheik has passed away at age 56, his mother has confirmed. Sheik, perhaps was best known for his 1996 hit "Barely Breathing," had been hospitalized in critical condition earlier this week, according to a message posted to his official Instagram page on Wednesday. The post did not elaborate on his medical condition, but said Sheik was stable and receiving treatment.

On Friday, The New York Times reported that Sheik's mother Suzanne Sheik had said her son died of organ failure, but the outlet later reported that she identified the cause of death as cardiac arrest. He died on Thursday while hospitalized in New York City, she said.

Another message posted to Sheik's Instagram page on Friday also confirmed his death:

"The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater,” reads the caption. “From his Grammy-nominated hit ‘Barely Breathing’ to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

“Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, inteligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him."

Growing up between South Carolina and New Jersey, Sheik learned guitar as a child and got his first synthesizer when he was 12. He was heavily influenced by Talk Talk, David Sylvian and Nick Drake. His self-titled debut album was released in 1996 and Rolling Stone gave it a four-star review, calling it "a defiant debut — beautiful and benevolent of spirit."

The single "Barely Breathing," from that album, spent 55 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 16. It was nominated for best pop vocal performance at the Grammy Awards in 1998.

Sometime during the production of his third album, Sheik teamed up with playwright Steven Sater to compose the music for "Spring Awakening," a musical that opened on Broadway in 2006. "Spring Awakening" went on to win eight Tony Awards, including for best musical, as well as the Grammy for best musical show album.

New Music: Take Me By The Hand

           

Taken from Echo And The Bunnymen's new album "Apples For Isaac" out today, "Take Me By The Hand" is the band's latest single that stick again with that legendary post punk vibe from the 80's, the band's new album had the collaboration of the legendary Clem Burke from Blondi who managed to work in 10 of the 11 tracks before his demise last year, the track was produced by Ian McCulloch, Alan Moulder & Andrea Wright.

New Music: Western/Martian Skyline

           

           

The Church have announced their 28th studio album — a stat that would close out most careers and is, for this lot, simply Thursday. Lacuna lands October 30 via Cooking Vinyl, and shares the lead single "Western"; Steve Kilbey has said the title came straight from the setting, a nod to a childhood spent absorbing TV. It also arrives paired with second track "Martian Skyline", the pair following on from last year's "Sacred Echoes (Part Two)." Kilbey calls the album “intense, forlorn, and exultant” — as tidy a summary as any for a band still finding new corners inside their own sound: jangling guitars, atmospheric post-punk, dream-pop haze. 

New Music: Fade To Grey

           

Midge Ure has just announced the compilation “Chapters: The Best Of” on 13 November 2026 via Chrysalis Records. The collection gathers his 1980s hits and key album tracks in new 2026 stereo mixes, alongside first-time studio recordings of two songs long associated with his career. "Chapters: The Best Of" follows Ure's recent studio album "A Man Of Two Worlds" and brings together his solo catalogue with material connected to Visage and Thin Lizzy. For the first time, Ure has recorded new studio versions of Visage's "Fade To Grey" and Phil Lynott's "Yellow Pearl," a song he originally co-wrote. The first single is actually "Fade To Grey" in a new fresh version of this 80's hit classic.

News/Compilation: Chrysalis Announce "Midge Ure Best Of" Collection

Midge Ure is back with a brand new compilation, following his recently acclaimed studio album A Man Of Two Worlds, Chrysalis Records will release a brand new Midge Ure Best Of collection, encompassing music he created in the 80s.

Featuring 15 newly mixed songs, including all the hits and, for the first time ever, new studio recordings of Visage's Fade To Grey and Phil Lynott's Yellow Pearl, Chapters: The Best Of is available on 2LP black vinyl and 1CD (standard edition) in a six-panel digisleeve.

A 3CD deluxe edition adds 10 newly commissioned remixes by artists and producers who have worked with Midge, including Craig Armstrong, Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen (Japan), Wolfgang Flür (Kraftwerk) and Chris Payne (Visage/Gary Numan), as well as new instrumental remixes.

Midge's remarkable life in music did not stand still from the moment he arrived in London from his native Glasgow in 1977. He joined Glenn Matlock's Rich Kids. The following year, he and Rich Kids' drummer Rusty Egan formed Visage with Steve Strange. The line-up was completed by John McGeoch, Barry Adamson and Dave Formula from Magazine and Ultravox! keyboardist Billy Currie. Their second single, Fade To Grey, was a Top 10 hit. The new collection will be out on 13 November.

Chapters: The Best Of Tracklisting

CD One The Songs [2026 Stereo Mixes]

 

1. Yellow Pearl 

2. Fade To Grey 

3. No Regrets 

4. The Man Who Sold The World

5. After A Fashion [Midge Ure & Mick Karn] 

6. Living In The Past 

7. The Gift 

8. If I Was 

9. That Certain Smile 

10. Wasteland 

11. When The Wind Blows*

12. Call of The Wild 

13. Hell To Heaven*

14. Answers To Nothing 

15. Sister & Brother [Midge Ure & Kate Bush]

16. Dear God 

17. Remembrance Day 

 

 * Deluxe Edition bonus track

 

CD Two CONNECTIONS 

 

1. Fade To Grey – Chris Payne Mix 

2. After A Fashion – Richard Barbieri Remix 

3. The Man Who Sold The World – Midge Ure 2026 Remix 

4. That Certain Smile – Craig Armstrong Remodel 

5. Call of The Wild – Ty Unwin Reconstructed 

6. If I Was – Blank & Jones so8os Reconstruction 

7. Sister and Brother – Steve Jansen Remix 

8. Wastelands – Danny Mitchell’s  Remix 

9. Answers To Nothing – 2026 Rework 

10. Dear God – Flür/Duggal Remix

CD Three The Music [2026 Instrumental Versions]

1. Yellow Pearl 

2. Fade To Grey 

3. No Regrets

4. The Man Who Sold The World 

5. After A Fashion [Midge Ure & Mick Karn] 

6. Living In The Past 

7. The Gift

8. If I Was

9. That Certain Smile 

10. Wasteland 

11. When The Wind Blows 

12. Call of The Wild 

13. Hell To Heaven 

14. Answers To Nothing 

15. Sister & Brother [Midge Ure & Kate Bush] 

16. Dear God 

17. Remembrance Day 

A Super Deluxe Edition exclusive release features a Blu-ray Atmos mix of the compilation and a hand-pressed edition of the 2LP on splatter vinyl.

Rocktrospectiva: The Experimental "Dopadromo" Turns 30

Released on 17 September 17 1996, "Dopadromo" was the third album by the Argentine band Babasónicos. It was considered their most experimental release due to the melting pot of styles it showcased—ranging from psychedelic sounds to heavy metal and indie rock, and even venturing into bossa nova. The album spawned the singles "El Medium", "Perfume Casino", "¡Viva Satana!", & "Su Ciervo."

Back in the day, the band employed a concept so compelling that it cemented their standing in the Ibero-American scene, positioning them as standard-bearers for the experimental rock emerging from Argentina. Both the themes and the sound represented a significant step forward—largely thanks to the production work of Andrew Weiss, fresh from producing the indie band Ween. His influence was palpable; the band finally achieved a professional sound, perfectly suiting distinctive tracks like "Gronchótica," "Cybernecia," "Coyarama," "Calmática," "Su Ciervo," and the curious "Perfume Casino."

It was a powerful album, rich in soundscapes that—far from being frightening—commanded attention. The record traversed genres including psychedelia, lounge, bossa nova, heavy metal, indie rock, and even a foray into hip-hop, all seasoned with electronic music. This was no accident; the band had already been experimenting with their "Trance Zomba" sound. Furthermore, a generational shift was underway in Argentine rock, bringing a wave of innovative acts, and "Dopadromo" naturally drew inspiration from that environment.

Despite this evolution, the band never lost its underground essence. This allowed them the freedom to incorporate a sonic aesthetic that might not have worked for others; remaining outside the mainstream and free from industry constraints gave them the unique identity and style for which they would become known. The lyrics referenced B-movies and musicals, showcasing the wide array of phrases and terms characteristic of Dárgelos’s writing. Four singles were released from the album, starting with "Viva Satana"—a curious track featuring string arrangements and a rock sound that foreshadowed the direction their music would take in later years. The song tells a story honoring the famous Tura Satana, the Japanese-American actress who starred in the cult classic "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" ...inspired by B-movie director Russ Meyer. Next came "El Médium," a track blending indie rock and electronica with an equally bizarre video; according to Dárgelos, they had wanted to film it during the F1 Grand Prix in Argentina, but that didn't work out, so they shot it elsewhere while keeping the car theme. Then came the raucous "Su Ciervo"—one of the strangest and most curious songs the band ever released, and one of the first to get significant airplay on MTV Latin America. Yet, if that was surprising, the look on our faces when the band released "Perfume Casino" was something else entirely: a refined, carefully crafted Bossa-style track. Even in the video, the band looked elegant, paying close attention to every chord, with a well-groomed Dárgelos singing in the style of 1970s vocalists—a video as peculiar as the song itself was at the time.

Critics praised the album which became a benchmark not only for the band but for the new wave of Argentine rock; they carved out a space for themselves in the scene and gradually rose in fame and recognition. The album is undoubtedly essential to the band's sonic catalog and fundamental to understanding their nature.

Dopadromo Track List:

1. Zumba

2. El Médium

3. Cybernecia

4. Safari Vixen

5. Viva Satana

6. Perfume Casino

7. Calmática

8. Coyarama

9. Su Majestad

10. Pesadilla Biónica Del Perro Biónico

11. Gronchótica

12. Su Ciervo

Rocktrospectiva: The Epic And Magnificent "Use Your Illusion II" Turns 35

Released on 17 September 1991, "Use Your Illusion II" was the 4th., studio album by the US rock band Guns N' Roses released on the same day as its counterpart and it was considered the more melancholic, reflective, somber, and dark counterpart to the previous album—thanks to tracks like "Estranged" and "Breakdown"—with many regarding it as the darkest record in their discography. The album spawned the singles "You Could Be Mine", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "Yesterdays", "Civil War" & "Estranged", 

Just like its counterpart, this was also a massive seller worldwide, the album holds its own against its counterpart, featuring equally iconic singles such as "You Could Be Mine"—the band's third most successful single, which appeared on the "Terminator 2" soundtrack that same year. However, this album marked the final collaboration with Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler: Stradlin left due to differences with Axl Rose, while Adler departed because he could not overcome his drug addiction (though he did record the drums for "Civil War," the last track released featuring the full original lineup).

The album was regarded as a turning point for the band. It included tracks released earlier that addressed topics like violence and run-ins with the law—such as the incredible "Civil War," which was already known to audiences from its 1990 release, as well as the Bob Dylan cover "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (from the same period) and "Get In The Ring." In fact, while the first twin album contained songs written prior to "Appetite for Destruction", this one featured material composed after that album's release. As previously mentioned, "Civil War" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" debuted at the 1990 Farm Aid concert; by the middle of that year, they were receiving heavy airplay in Guatemala—alongside the Dylan cover featured on the "Days of Thunder" soundtrack. On this album, they appear as the B-sides to "You Could Be Mine," making this side feel particularly cohesive in terms of its tracklist. Other standout tracks include "So Fine," a ballad dedicated to Johnny Thunders, and "Get In The Ring," which takes aim at critics, career enemies, and the music industry itself. We must also highlight the singles "Yesterdays"—a power ballad—and the epic "Estranged," which was accompanied by a music video just as epic as the song itself.

The album received positive reviews and was considered more serious and ambitious than its twin counterpart. To this day—thanks to its sound, ambition, musical prowess, lyrics, and production—it is regarded as one of the best albums released in the 90s. I would even go so far as to say it was the group's last truly great release, as subsequent years brought internal strife and the long, drawn-out conflict between Rose and the other band members. Yet, thirty years ago, the band was at the top of its game—in its prime—cementing its omnipresence for years to come, despite the odds and the rising tide of alternative music.

Use Your Illusion II Track List:

1. Civil War

2. 14 Years

3. Yesterdays

4. Knockin' On Heaven's Door

5. Get In The Ring

6. Shotgun Blues

7. Breakdown

8. Pretty Tied Up

9. Locomotive

10. So Fine

11. Estranged

12. You Could Be Mine

13. Don't Cry

14. My World.

Rocktrospectiva: The Epic And Magnificent "Use Your Illusion I" Turns 35

Released on 17 September 17 1991, "Use Your Illusion I" was the third studio album—and the first of a pair of twin albums—by the US rock band Guns N' Roses. It was their second most successful release and propelled the band to global fame at a time when glam metal and heavy metal were beginning to fade; for them, however, the opposite occurred, as the record revitalized their career. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and achieved massive success in several countries such as Argentina, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Japan, the album spawned the singles "Don't Cry", "November Rain" & "Live And Let Die."

The album featured singles that become iconic, a bunch of timeless anthems—such as the epic "November Rain"—as well as another epic track, "Don't Cry," which remains popular to this day. The record showcased a shift in their sound without abandoning their hard rock roots; the band incorporated elements of blues, classical music, punk rock, and, of course, heavy metal. This departure from the glam metal trend helped them avoid the obscurity that befell many famous "hair bands" of the era. Another significant change was the arrival of drummer Matt Sorum, who replaced Steven Adler after the latter was unable to overcome his drug addiction. 

It is interesting because many of the tracks here were written during their early years; "Don't Cry," "November Rain," "The Garden," "Bad Obsession," and "Back Off Bitch" all belong to that batch. There was also a cover of Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die"—which was released as a single—and the epic "November Rain," which, along with "Coma," is one of the album's longest tracks. The songs have intriguing backstories, such as "Right Next Door to Hell"—referenced in the "Don't Cry" music video—which stemmed from an argument between Axl Rose and a neighbor at whom he threw a bottle. Then come "Dust N' Bones," featuring talk-box guitar; "Perfect Crime"; "You Ain't the First," which uses acoustic slide guitar; "Bad Obsession," about the drug problems that plagued the band before they found fame; "Back Off Bitch," one of the oldest tracks (rumored to have been played even before the Appetite for Destruction era); and the curious "Double Talkin' Jive," the story behind which involves Izzy Stradlin finding a severed head and a gun in a dumpster near the studio.

The final tracks were "Garden of Eden," written during rehearsals during a long stint in Chicago; "Don't Damn Me," created in response to the controversy surrounding their explicit lyrics—a song that has never been performed live; "Bad Apples," another track composed over a long period; "Dead Horse," featuring Axl Rose on acoustic guitar; and finally, the intriguing "Coma," which Rose said was written following a personal experience where he took a bottle of pills and ended up in the hospital.

As for the cover art, it is simply a detail from Raphael's fresco "The School of Athens", adapted by the famous artist Mark Kostabi (the artist was also referenced in the "Miami Vice" episode "The Lost Madonna" during the show's final season); this contrasts with the story often told that, when pieced together, they formed a... ...upside-down crucifix—which, as you can see, was nothing more than a lie. The album was released a week before the wave of alternative music records, but its high quality secured a special place for these two albums, which were released separately rather than as a single double album. It was a massive hit in these parts, too; radio stations played the singles constantly, and distributors couldn't keep up with the demand for the albums themselves.

Use Your Illusion I Track List:

1. Right Next Door To Hell
2. Dust N' Bones
3. Live And Let Die
4. Don't Cry
5. Perfect Crime
6. You Ain't The First
7. Bad Obsession
8. Back Off Bitch
9. Double Talkin' Jive
10. November Rain
11. The Garden
12. Garden Of Eden
13. Don't Damn Me
14. Bad Apples
15. Dead Horse
16. Coma

New Music: My Madness

           

David Byrne has released an updated edition of Who Is the Sky? in celebration of its recent one-year anniversary that includes four new tracks—including a new single "My Madness," which arrives with a vibrant music video. Describing this particular song as one of his personal favorites, Byrne shared what it’s all about: The singer imagines their ‘madness’ as a separate entity from themselves, one that they come to love, understand and respect. There’s a reconciliation.

Rocktrospectiva: The Popular And Ecclectic "Spiders" Turns 30

Released on 16 September 1996, "Spiders" was the debut album by the English band Space. It arrived during the final echoes of the Britpop era and was noted for its eclectic mix of styles and genres—ranging from rock and hip-hop to techno and funk—reflecting the band members' personal tastes. Meanwhile, the lyrics, penned by vocalist Tommy Scott, drew inspiration from films and dark, black-humored tales featuring sadistic characters. The album catapulted the band to stardom, making them hugely popular at the time; it spawned five singles—"Money," "Kill Me," "Neighbourhood," "Female of the Species," "Me and You Versus the World," and finally "Dark Clouds"—and was a critical success. 

Formed in 1993, the band initially drew influence from hip-hop—specifically Cypress Hill's bass-heavy sound—leading them to recruit an old acquaintance, Franny Griffiths. Griffiths, who was living and working at a club in Ibiza at the time, took charge of samplers and keyboards; his contribution ultimately defined the band's sound and helped them secure a contract with Gut Records. 

Production was handled by Stephen Lironi, who grasped the band's concept and their melting pot of sounds and influences—ranging from British bands to crooners like Frank Sinatra. He achieved a perfect harmony between rock and electronic elements, ensuring guitars didn't drown out the beats (and vice versa), which gave the album a distinctive atmosphere. Although often labeled a Britpop band, the lead singer maintained that their only connection to the genre was their British accents and country of origin—nothing more. It is worth remembering that this was during the final glory days of Britpop. 

The album opened with the single "Neighbourhood" featured elements of spy-movie soundtracks, with lyrics describing a neighborhood populated by peculiar characters who all distrust one another. The hit that reached our shores, "Female of the Species," was an ode to a lover who practiced witchcraft, blending the styles of Burt Bacharach and alternative music. Then there was "Money," inspired by the work of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's "The Threepenny Opera", and "Me & You Vs. the World," which drew inspiration from the 1994 film "Natural Born Killers"—a track whose sound was... ...inspired by early '60s British bands—featuring the album's most pop-oriented track, "Love Child Of The Queen," the satirical "No-One Understands," and, of course, the vibrant and lively "Dark Clouds."

While the album was well-known in Europe and parts of Latin America, the band didn't expect much success in the United States due to their eclectic mix of influences and the vocalist's singing style. Nevertheless, the record gained a reputation and found success among a small circle of alternative music fans—particularly through college radio stations that championed this type of sound. This exposure helped them reach broader airwaves, and the music video for "Female Of The Species" received rotation on MTV2's 120 Minutes. That was how audiences in America discovered them, alongside exposure via BBC One programming on cable television. 

The album represented the band's biggest gamble; it is often cited not only as one of the best albums of 1996 but also as a standout in lists of the top 1,000 albums of all time—a distinction shared by their most famous single, "Female Of The Species." which was the jewel of the crown.

Spiders Track List: 

 

1. Neighbourhood 

2. Mister Psycho 

3. Female Of The Species 

4. Money 

5. Me & You Vs The World 

6. Lovechild Of The Queen 

7. No-One Understands 

8. Voodoo Roller 

9. Drop Dead 

10. Dark Clouds 

11. Major Pager 

12. Kill Me 

13. Charlie M 

14. Growler 

15. Spiders