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LATEST NEWS
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FEBRUARY - 2007
ANTHONY WILSON, the music mogul behind some of Manchester's most successful bands, has been diagnosed with cancer. The 56-year-old was a reporter and presenter on Granada Reports and it was during the 70`s that he went on to present So It Goes - the music show that first aired punk bands. He then rose to fame after he co-founded Factory Records, the label behind Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays, and the legendary Hacienda nightclub which was famously known as the birthplace of the "Madchester" music phenomenon. The semi-fictional story of both the music label and the historic club was later told in the 2002 film, "24 Hour Party People". During the 90`s Anthony (and Yvette Livesey) went on to set up the annual IN THE CITY music conference. He also presents a weekly radio show on Xfm Manchester and another on BBC Manchester. Anthony underwent emergency surgery last month to remove a kidney. The disease was found during a routine visit to the doctor. Mr Wilson said: "I spent November and December working very hard and thinking I had flu. Eventually my partner, Yvette Livesey, forced me to go to the doctor, who spotted the problem and sent me to hospital." Two minutes into his check-up the doctor identified that something was seriously wrong with his right lung. After having the lung drained a scan revealed that his right kidney was completely consumed by cancer. It was then removed at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and he is now set for additional treatment.
All of us at AAPA would like to wish Anthony the best of luck.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS are back with a brand new album. "Send Away the Tigers" (Columbia Records) will be released in May (although 7th & 28th May have both been mentioned as release dates). Meanwhile the BBC have just announced details that this years Big Weekend Music Festival will take place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May. This two-day event - Europe's biggest free music festival - will take place at Moor Park in Preston (UK). Although the line up has not yet been announced, we can tell you that MANIC STREET PREACHERS are scheduled to play Preston on 20th May as part of their 20+ date UK tour which coincides with the album release. In 2006 Dundee hosted the Big weekend event and the year before Sunderland was the venue.
2007 Oscars: "The Departed" has won four Oscars, including best film and best director for Martin Scorsese, who had missed out on five previous occasions. Forest Whitaker collected best actor for his role in "Last King of Scotland", and there were three Academy Awards for Mexican fairytale "Pan's Labyrinth". Italian film composer ENNIO MORRICONE won an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar for his "magnificent and multi-faceted contributions to the art of film music". Like Scorsese, The 78-year-old had also been nominated five times - with original score for Days of Heaven (1978), The Mission (1986), The Untouchables (1987), Bugsy (1991) and Malèna (2000) - but never won. On 5th March a 3CD compilation album by Morricone, entitled "The Platinum Collection" will be released. Additional info about this influential musical genius can be found - > HERE
Following in the footsteps of exciting new bands like Klaxons and CSS, a new band from the states that are making their noises heard and who will be touring the UK during February and March to promote their new album "We Are Pilots" (Universal) are schizophrenic electro rockers SHINY TOY GUNS, who are reported to have taken their influences from the ‘80s new wave catalogue (New Order, Depeche Mode) with a touch of, erm ... Duran Duran!, and described as future-forward rock. Not so sure about the Duran Duran influences but we will give them a chance. No live dates yet for the Benelux region but we will keep you posted.
TORI AMOS is set to release her brand new album "American Doll Posse" (Columbia Records) on 1st May with a full tour to coincide, followed by appearances at various European Festivals in the summer, including Rock Werchter in Belgium (see related article about this festival below). The album was written and produced by Tori at her home in Cornwall, UK. On 28th May, Tori`s world tour will commence in Rome.
THE FUTUREHEADS have just confirmed that they will be playing at the Grav2ty Festival in Vienna, Austria on 23rd March.
THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN have reformed and are set to play at various festivals across the world this year. In Europe they will play Madrid's Boadilla del Monte on 13th July, and then at Barcelona's Parc del Forum on 14th July. It will be their first gigs since they split in 1998.
SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES have recently uploaded a live performance from just about every era of the band's career, starting with the band's UK TV debut right through to 1995 and a live performance of B Side "Ourselves" in Buenos Aires - You can go and take a look by going to their own site through AAPA`s MySpace. Additional info about re-releases (& photos) are - > HERE
MORRISSEY will commence a 40-date tour of North America from 27th April. Kristeen Young will provide the support for all dates.
FIELDS who are touring the UK as special guests to BLOC PARTY will be releasing their debut album "Everything Last Winter" (Black Lab Records) on Monday 2nd April. A single, "Charming The Flames" is released one week earlier on 26th March. They released three singles last year, "Song For The Fields", "4 From The Village" and "If You Fail We All Fail". All three received great reviews on their release, with UK music paper NME giving two of the singles 'Track Of The Week' status - You can find out more info and listen to some of their songs by going to their own site through AAPA`s MySpace.
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE QUEEN have been confirmed to play at the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium (Thursday 28th June to Sunday 1st July) - They are also to release "Green Fields" as a single on 2nd April. It will be the third single to be taken from their self titled album (full review can be found under ALBUM REVIEWS) - See also previous article under "01 - 2007" - You can go to our GIG LISTINGS section to find out more info on the festival line-up so far.
The CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA are back with a brand new album and a tour, including live dates in the Benelux region.
The album "Ma Fleur" (Ninja) will be released on 7th May, which will be preceded by the following singles: download single "To Build a Home" on 26th February, and then "Breathe" as a 12” & download single on 9th April. Go to our GIG LISTINGS section for venues and dates in Amsterdam & Brussels - Or have a listen to some of their songs by going to their own site through AAPA`s MySpace.
    
NEW RELEASES: In addition to the new albums by ARCADE FIRE and AIR (see previous info below & under January 2007), Monday 5th March also sees the release of several other recommended albums which means it is time to save up your Euros!
MINT ROYALE release "Pop Is..." (CD+DVD) on Faith & Hope Records, ROYKSOPP release "Back To Mine", and "Strange House" is the debut album from THE HORRORS and is out on Polydor, while ENNIO MORRICONE, who should have his Oscar by this time next week has a 3CD collection out with a lot of his greatest themes called "The Platinum Collection" (photo to follow).
BAT FOR LASHES will be releasing "Prescilla" as a single on the 5th March. It comes with the b-side "I'm On Fire" and on the enhanced CD there is an exclusive video. "Prescilla" has been especially re-recorded for this release. Natasha flew to Brooklyn specifically to work closely with producer Matt Boynton and a horn section to reinterpret the song and produce a more raw, rhythmic and full sound. The original recording of this song was included in our end of year playlist for 2006 - You can find out more info and listen to some of their songs by going to their own site through AAPA`s MySpace. Our album review (from October 2006) can be found in the REVIEWS section. And additional info is in our NEW BANDS section under Summer 2006 - > HERE
The Brit Awards 2007: Last night (14th Feb), the ARCTIC MONKEYS picked up two of the main Brit Awards, for Best British Band and Best British Album. THE FRATELLIS received one for Best British Breakthrough Act, while MUSE took the award for Best British Live Act. Arctic Monkeys recently announced that they will be playing one gig in Holland on 10th March as part of the promotional tour for their new album. Tickets go on sale this Saturday (17th Feb) but are not available online so you will have to go down to the venue itself for them where they are restricted to 2 per person. (see below for previous article about their new album) - Go to our GIG LISTINGS section for more info.
iLiKETRAiNS welcome in 2007 with a spectacular nine and half minute release, reciting the story of the only successful assassination of a British Prime Minister, 'Spencer Perceval,' in 1812. The song is written from the perspective of murderer John Bellingham whilst the accompanying track, ‘I am Murdered,’ is sung from that of Spencer himself. Both tracks were produced by the band late 2006 in the first recording session for their forthcoming debut album on the Beggars Banquet label. The Leeds five piece made a huge impression in 2006 with their powerful tales of morose events from bygone days, murder and misfortune. Last year their explosive live shows – dressed in British rail uniforms with projected films and loyal audiences – helped spread the word further. On 23rd February they will be appearing at the "Music in Mind Festival" in Brugge (B). iLiKETRAiNS will release "Spencer Perceval" on 26th March (Beggars Banquet).
See also our review from the Rotown in Rotterdam - > HERE under September 2006.
KAISER CHIEFS will be doing 2 gigs in May at the Paradiso in Amsterdam ... Go to our GIG LISTINGS section for more info.
NEW SINGLE RELEASES: On 5th March we see the release of "Anything can happen ..." from ENTER SHIKARI (see also our Concerts & Gigs section for details about live dates in Holland), and THE CINEMATICS will be releasing their new single "Keep Forgetting" - Then on 12th March, THE FRATELLIS have "Baby Fratelli" out as a single, the hotly tipped GOOD SHOES release "Never Meant To Hurt You", while former SUEDE frontman Brett Anderson releases his debut solo single "Love Is Dead".
You will be able to see BAT FOR LASHES playing live this Saturday (10th February) as part of THE CULTURE SHOW on BBC2 - There will also be a feature about being on the road with KLAXONS - The programme starts from 20:30 hrs NL time.
LIVE: ARCTIC MONKEYS will be doing 1 gig in March at the Melkweg in Amsterdam ... BJORK, MUSE, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, AIR, THE WHO, ARCTIC MONKEYS (again!), AUTECHRE and RHCP announce live dates in the Benelux region over the next few months and during the summer. Go to our GIG LISTINGS section for more info.
From all the live dates in the Benelux region during February there is one gig that is definitely worth checking out this month, when the hotly tipped Canadian band TOKYO POLICE CLUB and AAPA favourites FIELD MUSIC join forces at the Paradiso in Amsterdam on Sunday 18th February (see GIG LISTINGS). Tokyo Police Club have just released the single "Cheer It On", are set to play their first ever gig in Europe on 12th February over in London, while the European release date of their mini album "A Lesson In Crime" (originally released in North America last October) should follow soon and will be available on the Memphis Industries label over here, while Field Music have just released their second album "Tones of Town" (Memphis Industries) on 22nd January - you can read about both albums by Field Music from 2005 and 2007 under our REVIEWS section (TPC review to follow). You can also have a listen to both bands by going through AAPA`s MySpace
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THE TWANG will be releasing their debut single "Wide Awake" on 19th March which will be preceded by a digital download a week earlier on 12th March. See also previous info under MUSIC NEWS - 01 2007 - You can also have a listen by going to their own site through AAPA`s MySpace
SHITDISCO will be playing over 20 gigs over in the UK during February and March in the lead up to the release of their debut album "Kingdom Of Fear" (Fierce Panda Records) which will be out on 16th April.
ARCTIC MONKEYS have announced that they will be releasing their eagerly awaited second album "Favourite Worst Nightmare" (Domino Records) on 23rd April. It will be preceded by the single "Brianstorm" on 16th April.
It looks like BJORK will be appearing at some of the major festivals this year! - So far GLASTONBURY and Roskilde (Denmark) from 5th to 8th July have been confirmed. However, her first live appearance in 2007 will be as one of the headliners at the Coachella Festival (27th to 29th April) in California which also includes ARCADE FIRE, RHCP & ARCTIC MONKEYS, along with The Jesus & Mary Chain, Happy Mondays, AIR, Sonic Youth, Interpol, Jarvis Cocker & Kaiser Chiefs.
 MAXIMO PARK will be releasing their second album "Our Earthly Pleasures" on 2nd April (Warp Records). It will be preceded by the single "Our Velocity" on 19th March. The album was produced by Gil Norton (Pixies / Foo Fighters) and vocalist Paul Smith adds: “Thanks to two years of touring the world and with the contribution of Gil Norton, Our Earthly Pleasures is a heavy, eye-opening record. It's rock music without the clichés, dealing with the world on an emotional level. Ultimately we want to reach as many people as possible because we feel this record has the ability to inspire and affect people.” The band will also be doing one gig in Holland on Thursday 19th April at the Melkweg in Amsterdam.
TRAVIS are back with a brand new album! - "The Boy With No Name" is out on 7th May (It will be the follow up to "12 Memories" from 2003) and will be preceded by the single "Closer" which will be released on 23rd on April.
THE EARLIES released their second album "the enemy chorus" on 29th January (679 Recordings). They are also set to play 2 gigs in Holland in March, followed by a tour of Germany. Go to our GIG LISTINGS section for more info.
"Madchester" legends and one of John Peel`s favourite ever indie bands, INSPIRAL CARPETS will be doing a UK tour in March to coincide with their exclusive B-sides album. You can find out more info by going to their own site through AAPA`s MySpace. See also previous articles about them under "05-2006" & as part of our special section on Manchester. There is also a "LIVE REVIEW" from 13th August 2006.
The SMASHING PUMPKINS have made their first official announcement for live dates in 2007. In June the band will headline both the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park Festivals in Germany, and the Nova Rock Festival in Austria which takes place on 15th June.
FEBRUARY PLAYLIST NOW ONLINE
click here for PLAYLISTS
Music news snippets:
DARTZ!, with their spiky guitar songs, released their new single "Once, twice, again!" on Monday (29th Jan) and is available on CD, 7" vinyl and as a digital download. The DEAD 60s are currently in New York recording their 2nd album with Producer David Kahne, GOOD SHOES will now be releasing their debut album 'think before you speak' on 26th March, which will be preceded by the single "never meant to hurt you" on the 12th of March, while THE WOMBATS have confirmed that "Backfire at the Disco" will be their new single and will also be released late March. More info in our NEW BANDS section, or go through AAPA`s MySpace to have a listen and to catch upcoming live dates.
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA will be re-releasing their classic album "Out Of The Blue" (30th Anniversary Edition) on 12th February 2007 through Epic Records (see also our MONTHLY PLAYLIST section). This will be the expanded CD, with 3 bonus tracks, that comes in a hard backed CD sized "eco" book, with a 24 page full colour booklet crammed full of rare pictures, memorabilia, and liner notes (including Jeff Lynne’s). It will be limited to only 35,000 copies worldwide.
direct links for MUSIC NEWS (per month) for 2006 below...
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