Format, Pet Shop Boys' new B-sides collection, shows how clever artists can make pop gold from a single's flipside The one-word titles of Pet Shop Boys albums always repay a second look and so it proves with Format, the name of their second volume of B-sides, covering 1995-2009. The B-side is a means of expression that owes its existence to outmoded formats: first the vinyl disc that needed both sides filling, then the CD single, which doubled or tripled the demand for extra music. During the 90s, when formatting went into overdrive, chart positions could be decided by how ...

This is a truly wonderful free exhibition of photos on display in Glasgow until 27 February. From the accompanying website:- Harry began his photographic career in his Glasgow home town, standing outside the Apollo, flogging gig-goers newly-developed shots from bands' Edinburgh shows the night before. Harry's impulse to guerilla lensmanship swiftly drew him to London: from 1979 to 1984 he was a staff photographer for the music weekly Sounds, providing countless front covers. During those five years, Harry's photographs covered the post-punk waterfront, from Blondie to David Bowie; the Associates to Devo by way of Joy Division, Bryan ...

Skabilly Rebels , a ska/ rockabilly hybrid group featuring Roddy "Radiation" Byers of The Specials , a spring tour, which kicks off at the end of the month. The trek supports their debut full-length, Blues Attack! .

The fourth round of artists performing at this year's Bluesfest has been announced. A further 30 artists have been added to the bill, including Creedence Clearwater Revival stalwart John Fogarty, Ziggy Marley, Canned Heat and Candi Staton. Local additions include Eagle and The Worm, The Backsliders and The Audreys. Those artists just announced join a heritage-rich lineup that includes Roger Daltrey, Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Pogues and The Specials. Added artists:   JOHN FOGERTY ZIGGY MARLEY CANDI STATON DAVID BROMBERG BAND CANNED HEAT VUSI MAHLASELA RICHARD CLAPTON Attached Image(s):  Canned Heat 2011 read more

Alter The Press couldn't be more pleased to present this exclusive track by track guide to Anthony Raneri of Bayside's debut solo EP 'New Cathedrals' . The EP, which is set to be released via Raneri's own label, Gumshoe Records drops on January 17th. Disclaimer: I have never been into track by track explanations of a record. I don't really think you should be able to explain the meaning of a song and what you were going through when you wrote it in a paragraph. Furthermore, I song should mean whatever it means to the listener. Since ...

Ryan Leslie  is one of the most intelligent artists in the game. Not only does he boast the honors of having a degree from Harvard University, but he's damn near a musical genius.  EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Leslie Talks Producing Movies! Not to mention that he teaches a class at the prestigious New York University. GlobalGrind sat down with Ryan to discuss the effects of digital media in today's world, as well as being a teacher.  Check out the exclusive interview below! GlobalGrind: Let’s talk about your digital media and how it’s affecting what you’re working on ...

Bombay Bicycle Club are streaming a new 'Rub A Dub' style reggae version of 'Lights Out, Words Gone'. White boy reggae is one of the most divisive genres of all time. For every act that grasps Jamaican music and adds something distinct - say, The Specials - there's another who quite clearly have no idea how this reggae thing works. So when rumours began to emerge that Bombay Bicycle Club were working on a reggae tune, the ClashMusic team held their collective breath. Set to be part of the upcoming 'Leave It' EP, the band have re-worked 'Lights Out, Words Gone ...

For the first time in its 23-year history, Byron Bay’s Bluesfest has announced an Australian headliner. And it’s none other than pub-rock legends Cold Chisel, who will be making their only summer festival appearance when they close the Bluesfest main stage on April 5. The band take top billing over the likes of other “blues” luminaries Crosby Stills & Nash, Roger Daltrey (performing The Who’s Tommy ), Earth Wind & Fire, The Pogues, The Specials, My Morning Jacket and Lucinda Williams. Chisel are currently in the last throes of their “Light The Nitro” comeback tour, which has so far drawn ...

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The Godfathers of two-tone return to Australia for some super special Bluesfest sideshows.

Bluefest has added Crosby Stills and Nash, The Specials, Lucinda Williams, Seasick Steve and more to its already impressive lineup.

Imagine a big band, 18 strong. They've all got colourful costumes, and the sound is positively interplanetary. Fantastic, eh? Well, you know how life is unfair? Here's one for you: it seems unlikely that Jerry Dammers will ever have the money to be able to tour the Spatial AKA Orchestra again. If you've not already seen them, it's too late. Oh, and here's the kicker: they never got to release any records either. The Spatial AKA Orchestra played music by Sun Ra, The Specials, Alice Coltrane and others. If it seems an unlikely combination, that ...

We hope you all had a great bonfire night last night, and saw lots of amazing fireworks. Remember, always keep your pets indoors when fireworks are going off. Right, now that The 405 public service announcement is over, enjoy our latest playlist! We hope you enjoy it. You can listen to our playlist by clicking here . Our Tracks Of The Week The History Of Apple Pie - 'Mallory' (Tom Furse Optimello Orchestra Mix) - ( link ) Porcelain Raft - 'Put Me To Sleep' - ( link ) Rostam - 'Don't Let It Get To' - ( link ) Tiger My Timing">My Tiger My Timing - 'Written In Red' (Portasound Remix ...

Photo by John Coles If you wandered along the seafront on this bright October day you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a Quadrophenia reunion for all the extras or the national This Is England convention. Instead everyone had donned their shiniest boots, dusted off their reddest braces and polished their heads for The Specials who were appearing for their always celebrated Brighton leg of the tour. As a bonus, we didn’t hear one person shout ‘Bellboy’ as they walked past The Marriot (maybe they only shout it at Sting himself, or maybe that’s just ‘Bellend’). Unfortunately ...

The early 80’s are often regarded as the lost years of music, remembered more for its awful synth pop than the dub, reggae and ska vibes that established one of the strongest cults in British music history. And for one night, inside the confines of the gigantic Alexandra Palace, it seemed this cult was re-established, in full form, Dr. Martens and all. It was The Specials who of course for led this scene. Bringing a wake of excellent music with them that still seems to captivate the young people of the noughties. It was a different world back then ...