4AD News

Scott Walker e-mail

2006-04-27T17:28:00.000-04:00

4AD has launched a microsite which aims to introduce listeners to the unique world of Scott Walker's astonishing new album The Drift.

The site features - amongst other things - all the lyrics from the record, an essay and Scott Walker timeline written by Ian Penman, portaits of Scott, and the video for "Jesse", which was created by Graham Wood of Tomato.

* The site can be found at : http://www.the-drift.net/

Scott was recently interviewed by BBC Radio 4's flagship arts programme Front Row, and the feature was broadcast on Wednesday 26th April. If you missed the show, you can hear it by using the "Listen Again" feature on the BBC website.

* The Front Row homepage is here :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/frontrow/index.shtml

Finally, you might be interested in reading Chris Campion's five star review of The Drift, which appeared in the Observer Music Monthy last Sunday. Chris described the album as "absolutely compelling".

* The full text of the review is at :
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/10bestcds/story/0,,1756929,00.html

The Drift is released next month.

Thanks for listening !

Barbara Carlotti signs to 4AD?

2006-02-22T14:55:00.000-05:00

Word is spreading that french chanteuse Barbara Carlotti has signed to 4AD - which seems to come from various french online publications.

An album is planned for an April 2006 release, although no information was forthcoming from 4AD.

Kristin Hersh news update - new solo album, Works in Progress 5 announced.

2006-02-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

an excerpt from Kristin's current e-mail out.

"We've begun a new series of Works In Progress (#5). This one consists of my bedroom demos from 50FOOTWAVE's first year. These are the songs I was writing for Bernard and our still-unknown new drummer (I can't imagine not knowing Rob). We were living out in the desert at the time and I would record whatever I was doing on solo-electric guitar and send them mp3s every couple of days -- it was like sending messages to Earth from outer space. You can subscribe to the series (one new song every month for a year) here.

Slightly less commercial announcement: I've just finished recording my new solo record (tentatively titled "Fireworks"). I am genuinely excited about the "sound picture" that was created in this session. Dave Narcizo played drums (he really, really, REALLY played drums-he is still Super Dave) and The McCarricks flew in from London to play some beautiful, strange, and moving string parts.

In general, the sounds on this record are unusual and striking, though the songs feel immediate. We have rough mixes we've been listening to and we just can't get over how much better it is than the sum of it's parts. It's such a nice surprise when something accidental and great happens. Now it goes off to 2 time Grammy winner and my best pal -- the hilarious Trina Shoemaker -- for mixing in Nashville in March and should be ready for release in plenty of time for September 2006."

TV On The Radio launch new website

2006-02-18T14:35:00.000-05:00

TV On The Radio have just launched their brand new website - although there's nothing on there, other than a strange cartoon animation, complete with backing track, of a character throwing what appears to be a cookie, onto a larger pile of cookies.

Answers on a postcard, please to the usual address!

The Wolfgang Press, Mass and Rema-Rema get released in the US.

2006-02-06T18:18:00.000-05:00

If you are lucky enough to live in the US, and have a good local record store nearby, you may get lucky, and see copies of 'The Burden Of Mules', 'Labour Of Love' and 'Wheel In The Roses' in-store now.

All three 4AD releases received a low-key US release, after being mail order only, via 4AD's own service.

'Labour Of Love' also features brand new cover art - which can be previewed here.

Michael Allen Interview

2006-02-06T16:02:00.000-05:00

Michael Allen (formerly of The Wolfgang Press) talks to Todd E Jones at Music Remedy.

T.JONES: “How do you feel about 4AD as a label?”
MICHAEL ALLEN: “As a label, I think there are few to rival it. Ivo was very clear and resolute in his beliefs. His desire and passion to create something special and unique with every release, was remarkable.”

To read the full interview, visit here

Geniuser's Official Web Presence can be found here, and includes an update about new Geniuser music from Michael, on the newspage, which can be found here.

Scott Walker releases 'The Drift' in May

2006-01-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

We've been asleep, sorry about the lack of updates - but on waking up from our hibernation period, have found this snippet of exciting news for 2006!

4AD is delighted to announce that Scott Walker has completed work on his first album for the label.

The long-awaited new album - called "The Drift" - will be Scott's first since the ground-breaking "Tilt" was released in 1995.

4AD will release the album worldwide in May. The exact date will be announced shortly.

A documentary film about Scott's music - including the making of "The Drift" - is being made by the New York-based director Stephen Kijak. Titled "30 Century Man", it will also be released in 2006.

Cocteau Twins US Box Set Release Date Change.

2005-11-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

News reaches us of a release date change for the Cocteau Twins Box Set, due for release next Tuesday, but only in the US.

No reason is given, other than the release date has changed to December 6th in the US, and orders via Amazon.com "might want to make other provisions" - which sounds to us like Amazon wont be mailing out any CD's.

On checking the ADA website (4AD's distributor in the US), there's no mention of the Box Set, which leads us to put two and two together, and come to the conclusion that maybe 4AD are going through the Direct Sales in the Beggars USA office, who deal with key stores throughout the US.

Everywhere else in the world, the release date remains the 21st/22nd November.

Pre-Ordering at 4AD.com

2005-11-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

It appears you are now able to pre-order items from the 4AD Shop, up-front of the item's release date - so we thought we'd help out, and add some links for forthcoming releases.

4AD 25th Anniversary Compilation

http://www.4ad.com/releases/1980-forward/

The Wolfgang Press - Burden Of Mules

http://www.4ad.com/releases/the-burden-of-mules-2/

Cocteau Twins - Lullabies To Violaine

http://www.4ad.com/releases/lullabies-to-violaine/

Mass - Labour Of Love

http://www.4ad.com/releases/labour-of-love-0/

We're still not quite sure what to make of the Mass cover.

4AD on the 'Phone

2005-11-08T14:10:00.000-05:00

News has just reached us, via a post at the 4AD forums, of the phone promotion, previously hinted at on an earlier post.

"4AD with Juice Mobile Entertainment has also created a unique mobile experience to celebrate the label's 25th anniversary.

The anniversary bundle will give members access to an exclusive mobile site with news, biographies and classic images of 4AD artists, reviews of the gigs, and much more. The bundle will retail at £3.00 and includes free mobile downloads from the site - audio, images, and video material that will be available to all fans. Additional material for downloads will also be on offer with previously unavailable realtones from the likes of the Cocteau Twins.

This pocket guide will give you news, exclusive competitions to win tickets to the shows, event info & more to celebrate 25 years of 4AD. Access to the site will only run for the duration of the anniversary – so sign up now by texting 4AD to 80876 to hear as soon as the service is live..!"

Now, while this sounds interesting, there's no further information about exactly what will be provided. If it's good enough for the kids of today, well, it's good enough for us at 4AD blog towers! However, on closer inspection, it seems this deal is available for UK residents only.

BBC 6 Music Celebrates 25 Years of 4AD

2005-11-05T04:30:00.000-05:00

Starting on 17 November, there will be a series of live performances spread over 10 nights from a selection of 4AD classic artists.

Highlights include: TV On The Radio playing their only UK show of the year at London's Scala; The Breeders, performing in the beautiful surroundings of Blackheath Halls; Kristin Hersh playing two contrasting shows; and appearances by artists new to the label which are yet to be announced. Tickets for all shows are on sale now plus you can enter to win tickets to all the concerts here.

Win tickets to 4AD concerts
You could win tickets to concerts by the following 4AD artists:TV On The Radio, Minotaur Shock, Magnetophone, The Breeders, Robin Guthrie and more.
Win tickets to 4AD concerts

4AD classic album covers
Over the past 25 years 4AD have been responsible for some classic album covers, here's a selection to refresh your memory.
View the album cover gallery

4AD On 6 Music
Take a look at the On-Air schedule that we have planned for 6 Music's celebration of all things 4AD.
On-Air schedule for 1980 Forward

Gideon Coe (Weekdays 1000 - 1300)

Each day Gidoen will be welcoming guests from the 4AD roster to play live in the studio. They will include:

21 Nov - TV On The Radio
22 Nov - Kristin Hersh
23 Nov - The Mountain Goats
24 Nov - Mojave 3
25 Nov - Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters)

Steve Lamacq (Weekdays 1600 - 1900)

Steve Lamacq will be speaking to a former member of Modern English in his feature REMEMBER ME and his NEW FAVOURITE BAND of the week will be a tremendous new act from 4AD.

Tom Robinson 's Evening Sequence
(Mon - Thu 1900 - 2130)

Tom Robinson will be featuring more experimental and new acts from the current roster of 4AD. Bands currently in line to play live on the show include Blonde Redhead and new act Celebration.

Marc Riley's Rocket Science
(Sat 1300 - 1600)

Marc Riley will be featuring some exclusive brand new Breeders session tracks in his Saturday show.

Andrew Collins (Sun 1400 - 1700)

Andrew Collins will welcome into the studio a 4AD guest for his In Your Own Time slot.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/events/1980/

A New 4AD Site, let the celebrations begin!

2005-11-02T16:59:00.000-05:00

After months of teasing, knowing a new site was imminent from 4AD, mid-way through the 1st November, 2005, 4AD unleashed their new site for the world to see.

Gone are the old black and green colour schemes, and in it's place comes white, plain text, and a navigation wheel, as well as a discography, and artist sections which include images and ephemera sections, that fans are encouraged to contribute to.

Over here at 4AD blog towers, we've also heard whispers of a mobile phone promotion happening, although there's no mention of it on the 4AD site at the moment. Here's hoping there's more news to come very soon.

On the 1st November, an official launch night was held to celebrate the start of the 25th anniversary, as well as the launch of the new website. People attending the launch were lucky enough to get the chance to try some 4AD themed cocktails, and listen to music the label has released over the last 25 years. No further information is available about the night, whether any 4AD bands played.

To commemorate the launch of the new site, 4AD has produced some 25th Anniversary promotional items. There is a flyer, based on a similar wheel style to that on the new site, which contains information for the various shows. There are promotional stickers, and postcards, also bearing all the dates. We've been told to expect more promotional items to come, although no further information was forthcoming.

Vaughan Oliver has a new v23 book coming out in time for the shows. The book consists of posters made for the label, and will be sold at all the 4AD shows. Saturday 19th, it has been announced that Vaughan will be available to personally sign copies of the book, from 6pm until 7pm. This is only at the Blackheath venue, which is also housing a v23 Exhibition, which is open all hours for people to visit.

Karma Downloads Celebrate 25 Years Of 4AD

2005-10-29T03:33:00.000-04:00

If you go to http://www.karmadownload.com/static/?4ad you'll find a 25th Celebration page, dedicated to 4AD.

There's also a competition to win tickets to see TV On The Radio, the first date of the 25th celebrations, in London.

In addition, there's some 4AD related playlists, coming from John Fryer, Minotaur Shock and Simon Raymonde.

He was a Hunk Of A Punk

2005-10-21T03:58:00.000-04:00

Red has at long last (and 25 years after its initial release!) committed his 1980 recording of "Hunk of a Punk" to CD - along with a newly recorded version of the cult classic.

Rounding out the collection are two new songs: "I'm a Rebel" and "Body Parts."

"All orders dispatched directly from the living room of Red Atkins in England."

taken from the 4AD forums

a new 4AD Site happening

2005-10-19T17:02:00.000-04:00

It has been mentioned in recent press updates that a brand new 4AD site is about to happen. As of yet, there is no confirmed date when the site will be active - all we know so far is v23 were involved in the design.

Minotaur Shock exclusive one hour mixtape

2005-10-15T09:18:00.000-04:00

there is a free 1hr long mixtape available on www.minotaurshock.com - it's downloadable in two chunks although they're still quite hefty.

If you fancy it, visit the site and click on the boat.

www.minotaurshock.com

4AD Sign Celebration, send them out on tour

2005-10-06T10:28:00.000-04:00

from 4AD.com

New 4AD signings Celebration release their debut album in the USA on October 11th, and to mark the occasion they're embarking on a lengthy tour with Calla.

The band - drummer David Bergander, multi-instrumentalist Sean Antanaitis and livewire vocalist Katrina Ford - hail from Baltimore, and their music is all about untamed energy and euphoric intensity.

The album - self-titled - was recorded at Headgear Studios in Brooklyn and produced by David Sitek from TV On The Radio. Sitek is a long-time Celebration cheerleader - he introduced the band to 4AD - and being able to make this record was the fulfilment for him of months of dreaming and scheming. As well as producing the album, he contributed treated guitar parts and synth noises which - along with Martin Perna and Stewart Bogle's flute and sax parts - make for a record splashed with beguiling texture and sonic surprise. The other members of TV On The Radio were also around during the recording sessions - Tunde, Kyp, Gerard and Jaleel all make guest appearances as vocalists on various tracks.

Celebration's album will gain a worldwide release at the beginning of 2006 - before then the band will be touring the UK (with Liars), playing at the 4AD 25th anniversary shows, and releasing a 7" single called "Diamonds". More details soon - in the meantime the US tour is on display in the tour dates section.

Wolf and Cub sign to 4AD

2005-10-04T16:53:00.000-04:00

taken from 4AD.com

"Wolf And Cub have become the first Australian band for a very long time to sign to 4AD.

The young four-piece from Adelaide - Joel Carey, Joel Byrne, Tom Mayhew and Adam Edwards - released their debut EP on the Dot Dash label late last year. The EP caused quite a stir in Australia, and Wolf And Cub quickly found themselves with a burgeoning live following. They have now toured with Queens Of The Stone Age, Hot Hot Heat, Futureheads and Death From Above 1979.

Wolf And Cub's first single for 4AD will be released later this year. The band will visit the UK for the first time in November to play at the 1980 Forward anniversary shows - more details soon."

Sing-Sing - Sing-Sing and I available from 4AD now

2005-10-01T16:59:00.000-04:00

Sing-Sing 'Sing-Sing and I' available from the 4AD store

Sing-Sing are Emma Anderson, formerly of Lush and Lisa O'Neill.

'Sing-Sing And I' is their second album, on their own Aerial Records label, and draws on influences as diverse as folk-rock, a bit of Motown drumming, and just out-and-out-indie-pop! We've done a deal to sell some copies of the album at the 4AD online store - and it's available now!

Here's what some of the critics have had to say
"Delightful swoony Go-Gos's-style pure pop with a kittenish girlie vocal......and a sharp lyrical hook.......Sort of like a beefier Saint Etienne, and every bit as good as that sounds" - NME.

"Packed with melodic, clever vignettes, the standouts are the Alan Moulder mixed 'Lover', the charming 'Come, Sing Me a Song' and the introspective 'Ruby' - Music Week.

"Without a record deal they funded the recording with donations from their very loyal fans. But but this is no ramshackle affair cobbled together in their kitchen. 'Lover' is perfect indie-pop polished to a smooth finish. 'Mister Kadali' stands out courtesy of some beguiling samples of a witch doctor...worth a listen" - The Sun.

The CD includes the animated promo video for 'Lover', directed by the BAFTA nominated Bunny Schendler and Jonathan Hodgson.

There are excerpts from three songs from the new album, over at Sing-Sing's myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/singsinguk

Check out the offical website at http://www.sing-sing.co.uk

25 Years Of 4AD

2005-09-16T11:47:00.000-04:00

4AD - 1980 Forward - 25 Years Of 4AD

This November, 4AD celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Starting on 17th of November, there will be a series of live performances spread over 10 nights. Highlights include : TV On The Radio playing their only UK show of the year at London's Scala; The Breeders, performing in the beautiful surroundings of Blackheath Halls; Kristin Hersh playing two contrasting shows; and appearances by artists new to the label which are yet to be announced. Tickets for all shows are on sale now.

The full list of shows is :

November
17 - TV On The Radio plus special guests (The Scala)
18 - Minotaur Shock & Magnetophone plus special guests (The Luminaire)
19 - The Breeders plus special guests (Blackheath Halls)
20 - The Breeders plus special guests (Blackheath Halls)
21 - Kristin Hersh performing the songs of Throwing Muses (The Scala)
22 - Kristin Hersh performing songs from Hips And Makers onwards (The Scala)
23 - The Mountain Goats plus special guests (Bush Hall)
24 - Celebration plus special guests (The Water Rats)
25 - Mojave 3 & Mark Kozelek (Conway Hall)
27 - Blonde Redhead & Johann Johannsson (The Scala)

To coincide with the shows, 4AD will release a compilation that explores the highways and byways of the label's 25 year history. There will also be a very limited edition "bespoke" version of the compilation, available only from the brand new website at 4ad.com. The site, designed by Vaughan Oliver, is being launched next month; the limited edition compilation will allow fans to choose any selection of tracks from 4AD's catalogue - it will be hand-made for them, and delivered in an exclusive v23 designed sleeve.

Other celebratory projects include a deluxe Cocteau Twins 4 CD box set, and an intriguing release from the label's founder Ivo Watts-Russell, operating under his Hope Blister guise.

Cocteau Twins Remastered Box Set coming in 2005!

2005-09-14T13:59:00.000-04:00

COCTEAU TWINS – Lullabies To Violaine
singles and extended plays 1982 – 1996

For the first time all the non-album tracks from across the Cocteau Twins’ entire career have been compiled together and offer a unique view of their musical journey from the perspective of all their single / EP releases which incorporate most of their best known tracks.

CTBOX 2
This is an unusual de-luxe package containing all 4 CD’s that will be available 21 November (Europe) and 22 November (USA) in a worldwide limited edition of 10,000. The discs are contained in a fold-out package made of a material that itself sounds like a Cocteau Twins title – ‘Curious Soft Touch Milk’. It’s all very tactile, minimal and V23.

DAD 2513CD and DAD 2514CD
These are the regular versions of the set which will be available early 2006. Each package is a digipak with 2 CD’s. Volume One covers the 4AD era (1982 – 1990) and Volume Two the Mercury / Capitol years (1993 – 1996).

The 4AD material was previously available in a 10 x CD box set which had a CD for each single, though this set features alternative mixes of ‘Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops’ and ‘Aikea-Guinea’. Volume Two has never been anthologised and has tracks that were limited as singles as well as the Christmas tracks ‘Frosty The Snowman’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’.

CD1
LULLABIES (1982)
Feathers Oar-Blades
Alas Dies Laughing
It's All But An Ark-Lark

PEPPERMINT PIG (1983)
Peppermint Pig (7-inch version)
Laughlines
Hazel

SUNBURST AND SNOWBLIND (1983)
Sugar Hiccup (12” version)
From the Flagstones
Hitherto
Because of Whirl-Jack

THE SPANGLE MAKER (1984)
The Spangle Maker
Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops (alternate version)
Pepper-Tree

AIKEA-GUINEA (1985)
Aikea-Guinea (alternate version)
Kookaburra
Quisquose
Rococo

CD 2
TINY DYNAMINE (1985)
Pink Orange Red
Ribbed and Veined
Plain Tiger
Sultitan Itan

ECHOES IN A SHALLOW BAY (1985)
Great Spangled Fritillary
Melonella
Pale Clouded White
Eggs and Their Shells

LOVE’S EASY TEARS (1986)
Love's Easy Tears
Those Eyes, That Mouth
Sigh's Smell of Farewell
Orange Appled

ICEBLINK LUCK (1990)
Iceblink Luck
Mizake the Mizan
Watchlar

CD 3
EVANGELINE (1993)
Evangeline
Mud and Dark
Summer-blink

SNOW (1993)
Winter Wonderland
Frosty the Snowman

BLUEBEARD (1993)
Bluebeard
Three-Swept
Ice-Pulse
Bluebeard (acoustic version)

TWINLIGHTS (1994)
Rilkean Heart (acoustic version)
Golden-Vein (acoustic version)
Pink Orange Red (acoustic version)
Half-Gifts (acoustic version)

CD 4
OTHERNESS (1995) Mark Clifford remixes
Feet-Like Fins
Seekers Who Are Lovers
Violaine
Cherry-Coloured Funk

TISHBITE (1995)
Tishbite
Primitive Heart
Flock of Soul
Round
An Elan

VIOLAINE (1996)
Violaine
Smile
Tranquil Eye
Circling Girl
Alice

A Gift To You From TV On The Radio

2005-09-12T16:14:00.000-04:00

http://www.4ad.com/artists/tvontheradio/mp3/drydrunkemperor.mp3

"we ( tvotr ) were back in the studio thinking and feeling again and made this song for all our everybody... in the absence of a true leader we must not forget that we are still together.... hearts are sick ... minds must change ... it is our hope that this song inspires, comforts, fosters courage, and reminds us... this darkness cannot last if we work together. let us help each other... heal each other .... look after one another ... the human heart is our new capitol.... this song is for you.... us.....we....them... it is free. pass it on.

TO THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA : NEW YORK CITY'S HEART IS WITH YOU... STAY STRONG ! WE LOVE YOU . -tvotr"

Geniuser - Mud Black available at 4AD.com now

2005-06-27T19:00:00.000-04:00

Geniuser - Mud Black

Geniuser is a collaboration between Michael Allen, formerly of The Wolfgang Press, and Giuseppe De Bellis, a collaborator with The Orb.

In the summer of 1998 Giuseppe began to make music with Michael. The Orb had generously given Giuseppe and Michael the loan of their studio in Victoria, and they were holed up in the studio for some six months writing material, looking to fuse their very different influences into something fresh and worthwhile. The fruit of their labour is the album entitled 'Mud Black' under the project name Geniuser.

4AD Mail Order is selling copies of this CD, via the 4AD online store.

Geniuser's official website can be found here.

Emma Pollock Signs to 4AD

2005-06-16T19:12:00.000-04:00

taken from 4AD.com

"We're delighted to announce that Emma Pollock has signed a recording deal with 4AD.

Emma co-founded The Delgados and their Chemikal Underground record label in the mid-1990s, and as well as being a distinguished, distinctive songwriter, she also possesses one of the most beguiling voices around.

Emma will spend the remainder of 2005 writing, demoing and recording. Her debut solo album will be released next year."

50 Foot Wave new video online now

2005-05-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

taken from 4AD.com

The video for "Sally Is A Girl" by 50 Foot Wave is online now. Directed by Orrin Anderson, the clip uses a striking and ingenious time-lapse technique which neatly enhances one of the standout tracks from the band's recent "Golden Ocean" album.

You can watch the video (using RealPlayer) by clicking here for the hi-res version and here for the low-res version.

Three New 4AD signings?

2005-04-24T16:42:00.000-04:00

Something seems to be going on, over at 4AD HQ, there's no news confirming or denying rumours circulating over the internet, about three possible new signings.

Firstly, Micah P. Hinson, signed to former 4AD staffer Debbie M's label 'Sketchbook', appears to have been signed up for a deal with John Mark Lapham (from The Earlies). No further information is forthcoming, other than he mentions it in an interview here.

At the end of March, 2005, a local London Radio station featured some songs from TV On The Radio's David Sitek. Included in the playlist, is a mysterious new 4AD signing, called 'Celebration'. Described as "interesting - very interesting" on the official 4AD forums, the only information that could be found, was this link.

Finally, although there has been rumours circulating for a while now, about Australian band 'Wolf And Cub' signing to 4AD, a Rough Trade newsletter was sent out at the end of last week, with no mention to the label at all. "WOLF AND CUB - thousand cuts / spirals - the debut uk release from wolf and cub, who we championed last year with their debut mini cd. the main track 'thousand cuts' oozes class and energy and sounds like a mash up of the rapture with a killing joke style vocal delievery and the trademark lead guitar work of east bay ray from the dead kennedys. it all fits together to make a surefire 'white heat' dancefloor filler. limited edition 7" only on dot dash", although a Norman Records mailout indicates they have signed to Beggars Banquet (4AD's mother label) "New 7" by Wolf and Cub who apparently have just signed to Beggars Banquet and are going to be huge (yeah aren't they all). It's typical trendy guitarry scratchy rock saved by a rubbery dubby bass line. Kind of like Bauhaus meets The Police."

4AD News

2005-04-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

4AD has issued a new news update, via their online email service. Here we go!

MOUNTAIN GOATS - EP & Tour Dates
RACHEL GOSWELL - Remixes Available Online
50 FOOT WAVE - On Tour In Europe
MINOTAUR SHOCK - Breaks Cover !

*****

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
Download-Only EP

The Mountain Goats' third album for 4AD - titled "The Sunset Tree" - is set for release in a few weeks' time. In the meantime - as a scene-setter - comes the Dilaudid EP, which brings tracks from the album together with others written and recorded at the same time.

It's a powerful introduction to a set of songs as potent and affecting as anything John Darnielle has produced to date.

"Dilaudid" itself is as tense and arresting as it is brief, meshing Darnielle's trademark, barely-constrained yelp with Erik Friedlander's tightly-coiled cello to striking effect. It's joined by the swaying, backhanded bravura of "This Year", the wry, offbeat "Collapsing Stars" and a completely different, guitar-based version of the lead track, wittily christened the "Marrtronix Version".

The tracklisting is :

1. Dilaudid
2. This Year
3. Collapsing Stars
4. Dilaudid (Marrtronix Version)

The EP is available as a download ONLY. It comes with v23-designed artwork and is available in both MP3 and AAC formats. To buy it, head over to www.4ad.com.

*****

RACHEL GOSWELL
Remix 12" Now Available As A Download

Rachel Goswell's debut solo album - "Waves Are Universal" - was released last year; now comes this EP of wonderfully sympathetic remixes.

"Waves Are Universal" was an album of welcome surprises - many expected that Rachel's solo work would take its musical cues from Slowdive's mesmeric swirls of sound or from Mojave 3's plangent country melodies. Instead, she revealed a flowering talent for gentle, folk-inflected songwriting, garnishing deceptively simple tunes with unexpected instrumentation and artful splashes of environmental sound - singing throughout with real sweetness and delightful clarity.

The album gathered plenty of admirers, a couple of whom volunteered for remix duty. This EP features two mixes apiece from Ulrich Schnauss and The Earlies, working under their Names On Records production guise.

It was released last month as a limited edition clear vinyl 12", but this music deserves to be heard more widely and so is now being made available as a digital download.

On "Coastline", Ulrich Schnauss blends Rachel's vocals into cinematic swathes of warm electronica, while Names On Records construct a delicately-building two-part suite which takes the luminously-ascending "Plucked" into another dimension altogether.

The tracklisting in full is :

1. Coastline (Ulrich Schnauss Vocal Mix)
2. Coastline (Ulrich Schnauss Instrumental Mix)
3. Plucked 1 (Re-produced by Names On Records)
4. Plucked 2 (Re-produced by Names On Records)

Like the Mountain Goats EP, this download is available at www.4ad.com.

*****

50 FOOT WAVE
Live In Europe

After the release of the band's blistering debut album "Golden Ocean" Kristin Hersh is bringing her band 50 Foot Wave back to Europe for a run of dates.

They play :

April
15 - Islington Academy, London
16 - Academy, Liverpool
17 - Academy, Birmingham
18 - Boardwalk, Sheffield
19 - The Music Café, Leicester
20 - Doornroosje, Nijmegen
22 - Botanique / Rotonde, Brussels
23 - Paradiso, Amsterdam
24 - Hedon, Zwolle
26 - La Maroquinerie, Paris
27 - L'Olympic, Nantes
28 - L'Abordage, Evreux
29 - Le Normandy, Saint-Lo
30 - Le Grand Mix, Tourcoing

*****

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
Confirmed US Shows

April
26 - Redux Print Factory, Charleston SC
27 - The Earl, Atlanta GA
28 - Will's Pub, Orlando FL
29 - Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine FL
30 - The Beta Bar, Tallahassee FL

May
02 - Cat's Cradle, Carrboro NC
03 - Black Cat, Washington DC
04 - First Unitarian, Philadelphia PA
05 - Knitting Factory, New York NY
07 - Northsix, Brooklyn NY
08 - Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge MA
10 - La Sala Rossa, Montreal QC
11 - Lee's Palace, Toronto ON
12 - Kraftbrau Brewery, Kalamazoo, MI
13 - Logan Square, Chicago, IL

*****

MINOTAUR SHOCK
Live In London - Records On The Way

One of 4AD's newest signings - Minotaur Shock, aka David Edwards - has finished work on his debut releases for the label. And, with the advent of Spring, a young man's thoughts turn to playing live.

David's early releases on the Melodic label caught 4AD's attention with their blend of intricate detail and warm melody, and he subsequently turned in fine remixes of His Name Is Alive's "One Year" and Mojave 3's "Bluebird Of Happiness". One thing led to another, as they say, and David has now delivered an EP and an album to 4AD for release a little later in 2005.

To celebrate, he's playing a rare live show at the Bush Hall in London on April 26th, in the company of Sam Prekop (The Sea And Cake). Tickets are £9.50 and are available from Ticketweb, Seetickets, the NME Ticket Line (08701 663 663) and Rough Trade, Covent Garden (020 7240 0105).

Release dates for the new Minotaur Shock records will be confirmed shortly. In the meantime, have a look at David's rather nice Minotaur Shock website at www.minotaurshock.com

Kristin Hersh joined by Martin McCarrick

2005-03-28T16:41:00.000-05:00

News comes in from Martin McCarrick's official website, that he will be joining Kristin Hersh in the two small club shows she plays this week in London.

THE McCARRICKS with KRISTIN HERSH

Hello all.

Kimberlee and I will be doing two shows at the London Barfly (MOJO CLUB) on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th March 2005. I know this is very short notice to advertise these shows, but to be honest, the shows sold out long before Kimberlee and I were confirmed to play. There are some tickets on EBay for anyone who fancies getting involved in a bidding war.

These will be the first shows that I've performed with Kristin since we recorded LIMBO in New Orleans way back when.... and the first time we will have Kimberlee onstage with us which is really exciting. Hopefully this will see the start of us working together more often and there are plans afoot to record new material and do more shows together - so if you do miss these two intimate Barfly shows, then there will be other opportunities coming your way.

Martin 03/05

For more information on tickets for these shows or for Kristin Hersh information.

www.ebay.co.uk

www.throwingmusic.com

www.4ad.com

www.beggars.com

Dead Can Dance announce more tour dates

2005-03-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

SEPTEMBER 2005
USA/Mexico:

17th Seattle WA - Paramount Theater
18th -**-
21st Oakland - Paramount Theater
22nd -**-
25th Los Angeles - Hollywood Bowl
27th San Diego CA - Humphreys
29th Mexico City - Auditorio Nacional

OCTOBER 2005
CANADA:

1st Toronto ONT - Massey Hall
2nd Montreal - St Denis Theater

USA:

4th Philadelphia - Tower Theater
5th Washington DC - Music Center
7th Boston MA - Orpheum
8th New York NY - Radio City Music Hall
10th Chicago - Auditorium

Minotaur Shock Live!

2005-03-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

from the 4AD forum

Hello everyone.

Just a quick one to say that the all new 4-piece Minotaur Shock Touring Band (Mk II) will be making it's London debut on April 26th supporting Sam Prekop at Bush Hall.

We are gonna be trying to play tracks from the forthcoming album. Its quite likely that we will fail, but that makes it all the more exciting for the audience, no?

Best Wishes

Cocteau Twins call off Coachella reformation

2005-03-14T15:47:00.000-05:00

"It is with regret that Cocteau Twins announce they will not be performing at the Coachella Valley Music Festival on April 30th as had been planned. Due to personal reasons, member Elizabeth Fraser has decided that she is unable to participate in the reunion, and apologies for any inconvenience that this has caused."

the Mountain Goats and Rachel Goswell digital singles due on same day.

2005-03-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

EAD 2506S and EAD 2501S are both set for release on the 21st March, 2005.

Tracklistings are to follow.

50 Foot Wave - Golden Ocean

2005-03-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

Throwing Music releases 50 Foot Wave's full-length debut this March. Release day is March 7 in the 4AD territories and March 8 for the US. BMG/Sony will distribute for the US and 4AD will continue to distribute for all other worldwide territories.

Track listing is:

Long Painting
Bone China
Pneuma
Clara Bow
Petal
Dog Days
Sally is a Girl
El Dorado
Ginger Park
Diving
Golden Ocean

New Releases From 4AD

2005-02-11T03:57:00.000-05:00

Released this week from 4AD, is the second album from Cass McCombs, 'Prefection'. It is available on LP and CD, and features the last single 'Sacred Heart'.

Released next week, is a limited edition Rachel Goswell 12" single, which features remixes by Ulrich Schnauss and The Earlies.

More Cocteau Twins News

2005-02-04T06:08:00.000-05:00

The full band lineup for the Coachella Festival has now been confirmed.

Elizabeth Fraser (the voice)
Robin Guthrie (guitar)
Simon Raymonde (bass)
Mitsuo Tate (guitar)
Damon Reece (drums)

No further dates have yet been announced.

Cocteau Twins and Bauhaus to play at Coachella

2005-01-31T17:24:00.000-05:00

The Coachella 2005 line-up was announced today, confirming the rumours that have been circulating for the last week, that The Cocteau Twins and Bauhaus will be playing the festival.

No further information is known, however, tickets are to go on sale shortly.

Lonely Is An Eyesore Box Set for Sale On Ebay.com

2005-01-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

While the price is already way out of reach for many, here is a chance to see some close up photos, taken from the Lonely Is An Eyesore Box Set, possibly the rarest 4AD release ever?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1572&item=4065926020

Blonde Redhead support Interpol

2005-01-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

according to Interpol's official site..

US Support Announced

Blonde Redhead has been announced as the support for the upcoming US tour dates starting February 7th in Cincinnati.

http://www.interpolny.com/

source - 4AD forums

4AD Update

2005-01-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

There's some news up at the 4AD Official Forum.

2005 Catalogue numbers...

here's what we have so far... with release dates where they're announced..

BAD 2503 - CDEP - Blonde Redhead - The Secret Society Of Butterflies by BR (US only) - Jan 25th

CAD 2502/CAD 2502CD - Cass McCombs - PREfection (LP/CD) - Feb 7th

TAD 2501 - Rachel Goswell - Coastline/Plucked (also available digitally, EAD 2501s) - 12"/download - Feb 7th

to be scheduled

CAD 2506 - Magnétophone
CAD 2504 - 50 Foot Wave
CAD 2505 - the Mountain Goats
CAD 2507 - Minotaur Shock

so from this, Rachel's number has been amended to a 2005 number - we've not had stock yet - hopefully soon, and as and when we get to launch the download store later in the year, expect to see all releases on there prefixed EAD - for example, The The's 'Burning Blue Soul' will be EAD 113A...

so there's a few bits for starters...

There is also some information about the new Rachel Goswell single

The 12" is on clear vinyl, which feels quite sturdy. The artwork consists of just a single card, with track information, inside a sturdy 12" clear sleeve.

Here's the tracklisting :-

A1 - Coastline (Ulrich Schnauss Vocal Mix) (5.23)
A2 - Coastline (Ulrich Schnauss Instrumental Mix) (5.23)
B1 - Plucked One (Re-produced by Names On Records) (3.23)
B2 - Plucked Two (Re-produced by Names On Records) (4.17)

Catalogue number TAD 2501.

If you look closely on the vinyl, you can see the old catalogue number from last year scribbled off, and this years there.

Released February 7th.

And, lest we forget, 4AD is 25 this year! There's a thread on the official forums, but no news of how the label will commemorate this occasion.

Throwing Music News

2004-11-22T22:21:00.000-05:00

It has been announced that Kristin Hersh will play some solo live dates soon. The dates are US only. From Throwing Music

January, 2005

21 + 22 chicago, il - schuba's
23 cleveland, oh - beachland
25 + 26 philadelphia, pa - tin angel
27 fall river, ma - narrows center for the arts
28 boston, ma - paradise
29 + 30 nyc, ny - joe's pub

We'd love to see y'all out there...Also look for more dates headng south and then west coming in early february!

It has also been announced that Vicky, who the Throwing Muses song 'Vicky's Box' was about, has launched a website which features her paintings. Head on over to http://www.vicskitschn.com/ and take a look!

His Name Is Alive no longer on 4AD

2004-11-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

Details have been sketchy, but it has come to our attention, of a letter sent from 4AD to Warn Defever, in the gallery over at His Name Is Alive's new website.

http://www.hisnameisalive.com/gallery/various-expired.jpg

So it looks like HNIA are no longer on the current 4AD roster. Which is a great shame, but at the same time, their last two 4AD albums weren't up to their normal standards, so let's see what they can come up with for their next CD (we were unlucky, and missed out on one of the Cloud Box box sets)!

TV On The Radio win the Shortlist Music Prize

2004-11-16T08:34:00.000-05:00

TV ON THE RADIO scooped the SHORTLIST MUSIC PRIZE in LOS ANGELES last night (November 15).

The band picked up the award following a concert at the city’s Avalon featuring Dizzee Rascal , Eagles Of Death Metal and the New York combo.

The Shortlist Music Prize, now in its fourth year, is nominated by music industry insiders and artists like Perry Farrell, Beck and Josh Homme, who strive to honour one of the most creative albums of the year, but one which sells less than 500,000 copies.

click on the headline to read more :-

Magnétophone - Kel's Vintage Thought

2004-11-15T15:01:00.000-05:00

On the 4AD official forum, the full tracklisting and band personnel on the next 4AD release has been announced

A1 Kel's Vintage Thought
Kelley Deal - Violin, guitar
Kim Deal - drums
Ed Horrox - violin
John Phone - bass, electronic waves
Matt Phone - Guitar, electronic beats/sounds, tambourine

A2 No Fun Without You (Hello John)
Morgan Phone - words and voice
John Phone - electronics
Matt Phone - electronics

A3 ...And May Your Last Words Be A Chance To Make Things Better.
HMS Ginafore - words and voice
King Creosote - keyboard
John Phone - piano, sounds, telephone
Matt Phone - electronic waves

B1 - Kel's Vintage Thought (Outhud Remix)
same as before.... except remixed by Outhud...

2004 Discography.

2004-11-15T11:23:00.000-05:00

CAD 2401CD - The Mountain Goats - We Shall All Be Healed
BAD 2402CD - Rachel Goswell - The Sleep Shelter ep
CAD 2403CD - Lisa Gerrard and Patrick Cassidy - Immortal Memory
CAD 2404CD - Vinny Miller - On The Block
CAD 2405CD - Cass McCombs - A
CAD 2406CD - Pixies - Best Of
VAD 2407 - Pixies DVD
BAD 2408CD - Blonde Redhead - Elephant Woman
CAD 2409CD - Blonde Redhead - Misery Is A Butterfly
BAD 2410CD - The Mountain Goats - Letter From Belgium
MAD 2411CD - 50 Foot Wave - Bug
TAD 2412 - Magnetophone - Kel's Vintage Thought
BAD 2413CD - Vinny Miller - Breaking Out Of Your Arms
CAD 2414CD - Rachel Goswell - Waves Are Universal
BAD 2415CD - Blonde Redhead - Equus
CAD 2418CD - Tanya Donelly - Whiskey Tango Ghosts
EAD 2419 - 50 Foot Wave - Live in Seattle
CAD 2420CD - TV On The Radio - Desperate Youths, Blood Thirsty Babes
BAD 2421CD - TV On The Radio - Staring At The Sun
EAD 2422 - Pixies - Live ep
BAD 2423CD - TV On The Radio - New Health Rock
BAD 2424 - Cass McCombs - Sacred Heart
TAD 2425 - Rachel Goswell - Plucked remixes

There has been no official announcement about 2416 and 2417, other than they are back catalogue reissues, and have never been on 4AD prior to now. These numbers are likely to be skipped in 2004, and re-numbered in 2005.

Magnétophone announce album title

2004-11-14T23:25:00.000-05:00

The second album for Magnétophone on 4AD will be called 'The Man Who Ate The Man'.

No catalogue number is forthcoming, however, it is likely to get an early 2005 release date.

His Name Is Alive new official site

2004-11-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

www.hisnameisalive.com is now online.

You can also download the 'dreem up' album - although it isn't a proper new release - just lost material going back to 1994-1995.

Dead Can Dance reform

2004-11-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

Tickets are on sale now, at the following European venues. According to Brendan Perry's Official Site there will be a US tour late 2005.

March
10 - Ireland - Dublin - Olympia
12 - Holland - The Hague - NCC Prins Willem Alexander Zaal
14 - France - Paris - Palais Des Congres
16 - France - Lille - Salle Vauban
17 - Belgium - Brussells - Palais Des Beaux-arts (Bozar)
19 - France - Bordeaux - Le Femina
21 - Spain - Madrid - Teatro Lope De Vega
22 - Spain - Barcelona - Autditori
24 - Italy - Milan - Teatro Dal Verme
26 - Germany - Cologne - Philharmonie
27 - Germany - Munich - Philharmonie
29 - Germany - Berlin - Philarmonie
31 - Poland - Warsaw - Sala Kongresowa

April
1 - Latvia - Riga Dome Cathedral
3 - Russia - St Petersburg - Oktyabrsky
6 - England - London - Barbican

Frank Black Francis - Frank Black Francis

2004-10-15T18:07:00.000-04:00

Sometime back in 1987 I think, the producer for what would become the Pixies first record, Gary Smith, asked me to drop by his apartment in the Allston section of Boston, just down the street from the building I was born in, to play some songs into his cassette walkman. Gary and the band were scheduled to go into his studio, the original Fort Apache in the Roxbury section of Boston, the following day to record Come On Pilgrim, although it did not have a title at that time. Gary wanted to have some audio notes on the songs for the session. We were both excited about the session, to take place over three days; my father had given me the 1000.00 dollars to pay for it.

One of the cd’s in this package is that cassette tape. A few years ago a couple of record companies had expressed interest in releasing the tape, kind of a time capsule thing, and I signed some papers. The project sat around for a couple of years, mostly because my manager, Ken Goes, and I always felt a little uncomfortable about releasing only that tape to the buying public, as it was not a planned performance, a little casual, and very bootleg in sonic quality. Sure, the uberfans would be happy enough about the content, but we both felt that a potential new fan might feel a bit ripped-off. Ken suggested I re-record some of the old repertoire in some new way, especially a well recorded way, so as to balance this product out a bit. I realize some fans or critics might feel like I’m messing with the gospel here, but really these are the reasons for all these recordings here and now.

I first met the Two Pale Boys, Andy and Keith, at a gig some years ago in West Hollywood, the trumpet and guitar members of that trio formed with David Thomas. When David asked me to perform at UCLA as part of his Mirror Man improv-opera in early 2003, Andy and Keith were in the band again, and I asked them to come down on their one day off to record with the Catholics on Show Me Your Tears. The two pale fellows from England offered their studio and input on some undefined project in the undefined future. In the hot summer of 2003, July I think, I went down to the Hackney section of London and belted out the numbers and let the boys do their thing. Those sessions represent the other cd. I enjoy their work, with me or with others. I like these guys a lot. Sure, we’ve messed with the gospel, but I am satisfied with it.

-Frank Black Francis, Copenhagen 2004

4AD Night in England

2004-10-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

NEIL HALSTEAD
MAGNÉTOPHONE with KING CREOSOTE
CASS MCCOMBS
TUNNG

Plus DJs :
Minotaur Shock
Eat Your Own Ears
Rough Trade Shops
4AD

On Thursday October 28, 4AD joins the Vapour Festival to present an evening of live music at the ICA in London.

Neil Halstead from Mojave 3 headlines, playing his first solo show in the UK since his album "Sleeping On Roads" was released back in 2002. Neil has spent most of the summer down in Cornwall working on the next Mojave 3 album - but whether any of this new material makes it into this evening's set remains to be seen...

Neil is joined by Magnétophone, who've spent even longer away from the stage than he has. Apart from a fleeting appearance at RoTA in Notting Hill earlier this year, John and Matt have been hunkered down in the studio for what seems like an eternity - but work on their long-awaited second album is now complete, and we'll be seeing a lot more of them in 2005.

Tonight, they're playing with special guest King Creosote, the Fence collective ringleader who will be travelling all the way from Fife for this performance - he's just one of a veritable gallery of stars making an appearance on the new album. For more about King Creosote, check out the Fence website : http://www.fencerecords.com/index.htm

Cass McCombs comes to the ICA hotfoot from touring the UK with The Radio Department. He'll be showcasing songs from his forthcoming album "PREfection", which is set for release at the beginning of 2005 - as well as a few from his "compelling, sad and beautiful" (according to The Times) debut "A".

The bill is completed by the wayward genius of Tunng, whose imminent debut album for the Static Caravan label will be one of next year's choicest treasures. For more on them, head over to http://www.staticcaravan.org

Between these live performances, the audience will enjoy the finest in hand-delivered audio, courtesy of Minotaur Shock and DJs from Rough Trade Shops, Eat Your Own Ears and, of course, 4AD.

Tickets are a paltry £8, and are available from these outlets :

Vapour (http://www.vapour.co.uk)

Ticketweb (http://www.ticketweb.co.uk)

Rough Trade, Covent Garden, WC2 ( 020 7240 0105)

Rough Trade, Talbot Road, W11 (020 7229 8541)

and The ICA Box Office : 020 7930 3647

The ICA is at : The Mall, London SW1 (Charing Cross/Piccadilly Tube) and also at : http://www.ica.org.uk/

4AD
http://www.4ad.com