New Music: The Centre Of My Everything

           

Shed Seven have shared the official video for their brand new single "The Centre Of My Everything" Directed by Andy Little and taken from the band's forthcoming self-titled new album due out on January 8th next year. About the single Rick Witter has said: "That feeling when love is all there is, when two are entwined as one, when nothing else matters apart from the other, when you can’t imagine a life lived alone, when you truly think of someone as being The Centre Of My Everything."

New Music: Mr. Charm

           

The Rolling Stones have shared their brand new video for the new single "Mr. Charm" taken from the band's latest album "Foreign Tongues." Directed by Henry Scholfield, the video stars Golden Globe winner Alesander Skarsgård, the video was shot in location of Palmdale, California. The new single "Mr. Charm" is considered as one of the album's highlight cause it has the sort of singular magnetism that only the actual Stones could maintain and they keep in doing so. 

Rocktrospectiva: The Sonically And Unified "Ghost In The Machine" Turns 45

 

Released on 2 October 1981 "Ghost In The Machine" was the 4th., studio album by the English rock band the Police. The songs were recorded between January and September 1981 during sessions that took place at AIR Studios in Montserrat and Le Studio in Quebec, assisted by record producer Hugh Padgham.

 

Ghost in the Machine topped the UK Albums Chart and peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200. The album produced the highly successful singles "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Invisible Sun", and "Spirits in the Material World", with a fourth single, "Secret Journey." The album was reissued in 1983 on CD.

 

Recorded under much more relaxed circumstances than their previous albums, the band spent about six weeks working on the record in Montserrat in a calmer atmosphere. They switched producers to Hugh Padgham, who introduced a new recording method involving separate rooms; this approach worked very well and was used again for the subsequent album. 

 

The record also featured a heavy emphasis on keyboards and horns—a shift that did not please guitarist Andy Summers. He commented that he disliked the direction the group was taking, feeling that synthesizers and horns were ruining the band's raw style and making it seem as though they were merely backing the lead singer in performing his pop songs.  

 

The set opened with the great "Spirits in the Material World," featuring Summers' keyboards—which employed a reggae-like vibe that defined the track—followed by the cheerful, Caribbean-flavored "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," which captured the same upbeat spirit seen in its music video. In contrast, the slower, guitar-solo-heavy "Invisible Sun" had a darker tone. 

 

"Hungry for You (J'aurais Toujours Faim de Toi)" was sung in French, driven by a solid rhythm section of bass, horns, and guitars, before transitioning into the set's longest track, "Demolition Man"—a song Sting had composed at Peter O'Toole's mansion. Next came a series of horn-heavy tracks—specifically "Too Much Information," "Rehumanize Yourself," and "One World (Not Three)," alongside Copeland's "Landlord" and "Dead End Job." Regarding "Rehumanize Yourself," Sting disliked the original lyrics, so they were rewritten. 

 

The album concluded with three darker-sounding tracks—reflecting the mood of the record's opening—namely "Omegaman," "Darkness," and the single "Secret Journey." As for the album's themes, many of the lyrics were inspired by Arthur Koestler's book "The Ghost in the Machine", which also provided the album's title; interestingly, this was the band's first album to use an English title. The cover art, designed by Mick Haggerty, features sixteen segments depicting the band members' hairstyles—Summers, Sting, and Copeland, in that order.  

 

Critical reception was positive, highlighting the band's dedication and commitment more than ever before; it was hailed as their best release to date, marking a step forward as the band focused on a pop sound while setting aside their reggae-rock style. The music videos received heavy rotation on MTV, and locally, songs like "Every Little Thing She Do Is Magic" and "Spirits In The Material World" got plenty of airplay and certain tracks still remain key classics in the group's career. 

 

The Ghost In The Machine Track List:  

 

1. Spirits In The Material World

2. Every Little Thing She Do Is Magic

3. Invisible Sun

4. Hungry For You (J'aurais Toujours Faim De Toi)

5. Demolition Man

6. Too Much Information

7. Rehumanize Yourself

8. One World (Not There)

9. Omegaman

10. Secret Journey

11. Darkness 

Rocktrospectiva: The Accomplished "Head Carrier" Turns 10

 

Released on 30 September 2016, "Head Carrier" was the sixth studio album by the US alternative rock band the Pixies. Produced by Tom Dalgety, and recorded at RAK Studios in London, the album is the first to feature new band member Paz Lenchantin on bass guitar, who joined the band in 2014 to tour in support of its previous album, Indie Cindy. The album spawned the singles "Um Chagga Lagga", "Tenement Song", "Classic Masher", & "Bel Sprit" The album's title references a cephalophore, a saint carrying his own head, more specifically St. Denis of Paris.

 

Production began in late 2015 with producer Tom Dalgety, who replaced Gil Norton (the producer behind the band's four previous albums). This era featured Lenchantin’s full-time collaboration, as she stepped into the role vacated by Kim Deal, who had officially left the band in 2013. 

 

In fact, the new bassist is credited with the track "All I Think About Now," a song written as a tribute to Kim Deal. For many, the new album carried an air of redemption; the material was more polished and conceptual, overcoming Deal's departure and embracing new directions with the arrival of Lenchantin, they delivered a record that stood as their best effort to recapture their former glory—a modernized take on their classic sound (or a "recycling" of it, as some put it). Starting with the heavy "Um Chagga Lagga," which harkened back to the band's late-80s era—a vibe even more evident in "Bel Espirit" and—for this writer—the set's standout track, "Classic Masher," which captured the band's signature classic style. Nor were the eccentric tracks courtesy of Black Francis left out; "Baal's Back," for instance, was raw and quintessentially the band, filled with screams and frenetic sounds. "Tenement Song" was another fine example, as was "All I Think About Now"—a track that, despite its saccharine tone, served, as previously mentioned, as a farewell letter to the great Kim Deal. 

 

At the time of its released, the album was undoubtedly considered one of their most accomplished albums, featuring fresh ideas and a new sound courtesy of their new bassist. It recaptured at least some of the band's lost magic and dynamic, clearly demonstrating—even five years ago—the dedicated effort put in by every member. 

 

Head Carrier Track List: 

 

1. Head Carrier

2. Classic Masher

3. Baal's Back

4. Might As Well Be Gone

5. Oona

6. Talent

7. Tenement Song

8. Bel Spirit

9. All I Think About Now

10. Um Chagga Lagga

11. Plaster Of Paris

12. All The Saints

 

 

 

Rocktrospectiva: The Accessible And Danceable "Stars" Turns 35

 

Released on 30 September 1991, "Stars" was the 4th., studio album by British-based pop/soul/jazz band Simply Red. Five singles were released from the album, "Something Got Me Started", "Thrill Me" "Your Mirror" and including the UK top ten hits "Stars" and "For Your Babies". The album was a worldwide success, particularly in the band's home country where it has been certified twelve times platinum and was the best-selling album of the year in the UK for both 1991 and 1992. The album was on the shortlist of nominees for the 1992 Mercury Prize.  

 

Interestingly, the recording process did not get off to a good start. Recording for the album originally began in Paris in August 1990, but the initial sessions did not go well: the equipment in the studio did not live up to expectations, and with the Gulf War having just started and dominating television news reports, the band found the atmosphere in the bunker-like studios oppressive and not conducive to making music. The group moved to the more relaxed surroundings of Venice to resume recording in the Condulmer Studios.

 

Hucknall’s directive was to create an album that was less electronic and more soul-oriented; consequently, Gota—known for his work with Soul II Soul—became a top choice. The opportunity arose after Hucknall heard him playing drums one night in Venice; Hucknall was impressed to discover that Gota was an accomplished drummer and subsequently hired him as the band's full-time drummer following the recording sessions. 

 

The work began on pre-written tracks such as "Stars" and the brilliant "Something Got Me Started," while the song "Thrill Me" was built around a riff created by McIntyre. Reflecting the political climate of the time, Hucknall wrote "Wonderland" to express his dissatisfaction with the conservative administration then governing the United Kingdom. 

 

The album was not without controversy regarding its cover art; Hucknall wanted to be photographed wearing only a tunic he had bought in Spain, leaving his bare legs exposed. Zanna, the photographer, presented the image to EastWest Records, where concerns arose that it might offend sensibilities in the United States. As a result, Zanna digitally retouched the photo, replacing Hucknall's bare legs with an image of her assistant's legs clad in jeans. 

 

Critical reception was mixed, with the album often described as merely average—featuring acceptable, easy-listening tracks. The sound was simultaneously relaxing, cohesive, and refreshing, with standout songs like "Thrill Me" and "For Your Babies" (the latter becoming a hit in the UK). Ultimately, the album could be considered Simply Red's most accessible and danceable work to date. 

 

Stars Track List:

 

1. Something Got Me Started

2. Stars

3. Thrill Me

4. Your Mirror

5. She's Got It Bad

6. For Your Babies

7. Model

8. How Could I Fall

9. Freedom

10. Wonderland.

 

New Music: Wings Of Love

          

The English synth-pop duo Erasure shares a new single, "Wings of Love,"  the first track from their forthcoming studio album, "Radio!! Radio!!," due March 12, 2027 on Mute. Andy Bell and Vince Clarke also confirmed a UK and European arena tour for April and May 2027, with Ladytron as special guests on the UK and Ireland dates. The album arrives during the duo's 40th anniversary era, four decades after Erasure released their debut album in 1986. According to the band, Radio!! Radio!! developed from a difficult period marked by personal loss, with the new songs moving through themes of love, grief, injustice, hope and healing. Clarke also expanded the duo’s familiar electronic palette by incorporating more piano and acoustic guitar into the writing. 

Rocktrospectiva: New Order's Conceptual Danceable Masterpiece "Brotherhood" Turns 40

 

Released on 29 September 1986, "Brotherhood" was the 4th., studio album by the English rock band New Order, released on 29 September 1986 by Factory Records. It contains a mixture of post-punk and electronic styles, roughly divided between the two sides. The album includes "Bizarre Love Triangle", the band's breakthrough single in the United States and Australia; it was the only track from the album released as a single and as a video (although "State of the Nation" was added to most CD editions).

The album sleeve, created by Peter Saville, is a photograph of a sheet of titanium–zinc alloy. Some early releases came in a metallic sleeve.

As for the album's sound, it explored post-punk and electronica blended with rock and disco, creating a vibe that bordered on the schizophrenic: synthesizers dominated one side of the spectrum while the other was given over entirely to guitars—a contrast evident throughout the record. There was the sonic frenzy of "Every Little Counts," while "All Day Long" revealed the curious influence of Richard Wagner (a track the band would later use to open their concerts). 

The flawless "Bizarre Love Triangle" was the main a gem—a synth-pop classic—though, interestingly, the song failed to crack the Top 40 in either the UK or the US despite its outstanding quality. Its music video, directed by Robert Longo, enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV and remains a cult classic in every sense. 

Then there was "State of the Nation," clearly a protest song, and the playful "Every Little Counts." The album received generally favorable reviews for the sound they achieved, although some critics felt it offered nothing new regarding the band's sonic identity. Yet, one could argue that with this record, the band was attempting to shed the "Joy Division" label, aiming to prove that their sound was uniquely New Order—and they succeeded. It was a blend of sonic beauty and complex creativity, grappling with everything around them—including their own past. That is precisely where the album's achievement lies: in championing a sound that was more pop-oriented and accessible than their earlier, darker musical offerings. 

An oftenly overlooked album, it made atmospheric grooves with more finesse than any contemporary computer-rocker. In the end, it was the album that define the sound and status of the band, they had nothing else to proved at the time aside from continuing making great music. 

 

Brotherhood Track List:  

 

1. Paradise

2. Weirdo

3. As It Is When It Was

4. Broken Promise

5. Way Of Life

6. Bizarre Love Triangle

7. All Day Long

8. Angel Dust

9. Every Little Counts

Rocktrospectiva: The Underrated Opus "The Pacific Age" Turns 40

 

Released on 29 September 1986 "The Pacific Age" was the seventh studio album by the English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). It was the last of two OMD studio albums produced by Stephen Hague, after Crush (1985). The record exhibits the same refined production values as its predecessor while venturing into the realm of mid-1980s sophisti-pop, retreating further from the group's experimental beginnings. The album spawned the singles "(Forever) Live And Die", "We Love You", & "Shame."

 

Working under increasing record label pressure and weathering a creative drought, the band committed each new song to the album with limited deliberation. The Pacific Age met with largely negative reviews, but has received some favourable attention in retrospective album listings. It was a Top 20 entry in the UK, Canada and New Zealand, as well as in multiple European countries. Lead single "(Forever) Live and Die" became the group's second Top 20 hit in the US.

Recording sessions for The Pacific Age were fraught with conflict and debauchery. It would be the last OMD studio album for five years, and the last to feature co-founder Paul Humphreys until 2010's History of Modern. The record is held in low esteem by OMD, with frontman Andy McCluskey calling it the band's "musical nadir".

Despite the album's title, the recording process was anything but peaceful; the band faced immense pressure from their label, yet they poured themselves fully into the project. Curiously, they faced a backlash from the British press—a stark contrast to their reception across the Atlantic, where they were well-received and scored a Top 20 hit with the single "Forever (Live and Die)." It was a grueling, conflict-ridden endeavor; in fact, the band would not record again for five years, and co-founder Paul Humphreys eventually left the group. 

Musically, the album showcased the band's experimental side while still crafting pop tracks designed to appeal to US radio. Despite the label's pressure for a quick release—leaving them only two months to write the material—they managed to compose the first nine songs during that window. They also included an older track, "Southern," which featured a sample from Martin Luther King Jr.'s final speech and had failed to make the cut on the previous album. 

They did everything possible to satisfy the label, even as they ran out of ideas and songs; exhaustion and infighting took their toll, and problems with drugs and alcohol began to emerge. They faced issues even when choosing the singles; the group wanted to release "Stay (The Black Rose And The Universal Wheel)," but the label pushed for "Shame." Instead, "Forever (Live And Die)" was released, followed by "Shame" as the final single. "We Love You" had been scheduled as the second single, but while the band was away on tour, the label released "Shame" without their knowledge. There was also a track, "Goddess Of Love," originally intended for the classic film "Pretty In Pink"; however, the movie's climax changed, and the song was replaced by the massive classic "If You Leave." 

Consequently, they worked on a different track for the album, as well as "Flames Of Hope"—which was ultimately used in Japanese television commercials. In fact, the album's title revolves around this theme: the prominent rise of East Asia in the global economy. 

Critical reception in the UK was negative; critics failed to see the point of the album, finding only the occasional good track. In the United States, however, it was hailed as their best and most cohesive record, highlighting the magic of McCluskey and Humphreys through strong pop cuts and potential hits. Ultimately, its legacy has endured—it was ranked among the top ten albums of 1986—and UK opinion has gradually shifted to embrace it more favorably, even though the band itself feels the album doesn't sound like OMD and that the pressures of the time resulted in a lackluster outcome.

 

The Pacific Age Track List:  

 

1. Stay (The Black Rose And The Universal Wheel)

2. Forever (Live And Die)

3. The Pacific Age

4. The Dead Girls

5. Shame

6. Southern

7. Flame Of Hope

8. Goddess Of Love

9. We Love You

10. Watch Us Fall

 

Rocktrospectiva: The Greatest "Somewhere In Time" Turns 40

 

Released on 29 September 1986 "Somewhere In Time" was the sixth studio album by the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was the band's first album to feature guitar synthesisers. The album spawned the singles "Wasted Years" & "Stranger In A Strange Land." 

The band had just come off a massive tour comprising 187 shows prior to recording; the tour had been grueling and had nearly drained the band's energy, which is said to be the reason why Bruce Dickinson made no contributions to the album—as the band rejected all of his submissions. 

Harris, speaking in Dickinson's defense, noted that the tour's exhaustion had taken a much heavier toll on Dickinson than on the rest of the band. However, Adrian Smith stepped up to the challenge, writing strong tracks—including the singles "Wasted Years" and "Stranger in a Strange Land" (the latter being the only song on the album that did not feature synthesizers).  

The use of synthesizers came about in a rather curious way; following an exhausting tour, the band had four months to recover. During this time, Harris, Smith, and Murray began experimenting with new equipment—a move that heavily influenced the album's sound—as the band discovered the benefits that guitar-adapted synthesizers could bring to Iron Maiden. 

It was also their most expensive production, as the drums and bass were recorded in the Bahamas, the vocals in the Netherlands, and the mixing was ultimately done in New York. The album's themes revolved around space, time, and futuristic concepts—very much in the style of the film *Blade Runner*—as evidenced by tracks such as "Wasted Years," "Caught Somewhere in Time," "Stranger in a Strange Land," and, of course, "Déjà-Vu." 

However, Harris noted that the album was never intended to be a concept record; things simply turned out that way. Following the album's release, most of its tracks were rarely performed live again, with the exceptions of "Wasted Years" and "Heaven Can Wait," which the band continues to play. 

Reception of the album was mixed; fans were surprised by the new sound, which was necessary to revitalize the band and distance it from glam-rock "hair bands." The "Maiden sound" was exploring more progressive and epic territory, a shift appreciated by fans who remained loyal to the group. The cover art, designed by Derek Riggs, is another point of interest; it contains a host of hidden details and allusions to other songs that deserve a post of their own.

 

Somewhere In Time Track List:

 

1. Caught Somewhere In Time

2. Wasted Years

3. Sea Of Madness

4. Heaven Can Wait 

5. The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner

6. Stranger In A Strange Land

7. Deja-Vu

8. Alexander The Great

In Memoriam: The Beloved Actor "Dennis Haskins" Best Known For His Role As "Mr. Belding" Has Died Aged 75

 

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for his role as principal Richard Belding on the high school comedy series "Saved by the Bell," has died, his agent said Monday. Haskins was 75. The cause and manner of death were unavailable.

He made his network television debut in 1979 on "The Dukes of Hazzard." Haskins also appeared on "Archie Bunker's Place," Magnum, P.I.," "7th Heaven," "Hot in Cleveland" and nearly 100 other shows as an actor and voiceover artist.

 

His death was confirmed by his longtime friend and caretaker in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. No cause of death has been announced. Some reports say Haskins was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 

 

Haskins was honored with The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Most Distinguished Alumni of 2000 award and has a regional high school academic decathlon named after him, The Dennis Haskins Open.

 

In recent years, Haskins traveled the country, visiting many Minor League Baseball stadiums in the summer, greeting fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. 

 

Haskins first played Mr. Belding in "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" on the Disney Channel in 1988. The show was renamed "Saved by the Bell" the following year and became a defining sitcom of the 1990s. His greeting of “hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” became one of the sitcom’s most recognizable running bits and remains instantly associated with the character decades later.

 

Haskins’ role on the show, which aired from 1989 to 1993, would come to define him for millions of fans. "Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more.

 

Haskins was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he reported for the student newspaper, acted in campus productions and was a founding member of the community theater group known as the Harlequins, according to his university biography. As a young man, he worked as a music manager, agent and concert promoter and boasted Tom Jones and Gregg Allman among his clients.

 

His acting career was boosted by his portrayal of Mr. Belding on Disney Channel's "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" in 1988, according to the university bio. The next year, NBC aired the show as "Saved by the Bell"; it ran until 1993. He reprised the role on "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," which aired Saturday mornings from 1993 to 2000 on NBC. After the show’s end, he found work in several movies and television shows, including "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia."