Around the Tubes: May 13, 2023

   

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Jack Johnson, MisterWives, Kenny Rogers, Pete Townshend, Noah Kahan, Lauren Spencer Smith, Clairo, Joy Oladokun, Jeremy Zucker, Eliott, Nanna, Kiana Ledé, Taylor Swift, Searching For Soul Food, Afghan Dreamers, and POV. 

- Multi-platinum musician Jack Johnson has released a new album track, “Calm Down (Dennis Bovell remix),” available through all streaming platforms today. The thoughtful track is the latest preview to Johnson’s summer remix album, In Between Dub and follows the incredible company of released songs, “Traffic In The Sky (Lee “Scratch” Perry remix)” along with “Better Together (Nightmares on Wax remix).  British Reggae legend and multi-instrumentalist, Dennis Bovell lent his talents to “Calm Down,” a beloved track off Johnson’s critically acclaimed 2022 album, Meet The Moonlight. With Blake Mills and Johnson on guitars and vocals, Bovell added drums, bass and organ for the remix.

- New York City/Los Angeles-based alt-pop group MisterWives announce their highly anticipated fourth studio album Nosebleeds due out July 14 and available for pre-order now. Plus, the band announces the Don't Look Down Tour with Bishop Briggs across North America this fall with tickets on sale now via misterwives.com/tour. Alongside the announcements, the band shares the booming, tenacious title track out everywhere now and its accompanying video, which premiered exclusively via Rolling Stone.  Nosebleeds, highly anticipated fourth studio album by MisterWives, propels the group into all new territory, this time, equipped with bravery, confidence and strength. Through a decade-long career, of tremendous highs and lows, the forthcoming project meets the band at their most evolved as they turn their pain into power. Over ten compelling tracks, the band digs deeper than they ever have before, capturing the nuances of life's highs and low and re-defining what it means to succeed and to fail.

- Kenny Rogers’ first posthumous album, Life Is Like A Song, due June 2^nd via UMe, is a heartfelt collection of songs that were near and dear to the late legend but in most cases never released. One of the unreleased treasures, available to stream and download as of today, is “Catchin’ Grasshoppers,” the centerpiece of the stunning and emotional new song cycle, featuring unreleased cuts and coveted rarities that tell the story of the love, life, loss and faith between Rogers and his family. A deeply personal ode to Rogers’ twin sons with Wanda Rogers, Justin and Jordan, “Catchin’ Grasshoppers” was written by Laura McCall Torno and Earl Torno, with production work by Rogers and Randy Dorman (a member of Rogers’ band, Bloodline, since the 1970s). The moving tune finds Rogers reveling in the quiet, precious memories made with his young children, now aged 18. Rogers sings, “Years from now I won’t remember this day/I won’t recall the field/But I’ll remember my children’s eyes/Lighting up like stars when they were five/Yes, I’ll remember/Catchin’ grasshoppers.”  Listen to “Catchin’ Grasshoppers” and pre-order Life Is Like A Song here: https://kennyrogers.lnk.to/LifeIsLikeASongPR.  Curated and executive produced by the Country Music Hall of Famer’s widow, Wanda Rogers, the album features eight never-before-heard recordings, spanning 2008-2011, and showcases Rogers’ range through an array of original material and covers, including interpretations of Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” and Lionel Richie’s “Goodbye,” as well as the artist’s long-sought-after duet with Dolly Parton, “Tell Me That You Love Me.” A digital deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks: a cover of the Mack Gordon/Henry Warren standard, “At Last” (made famous by Etta James), and the Buddy Hyatt-penned original, “Say Hello to Heaven.” Life Is Like A Song will be available on CD and vinyl as well as digitally. The release marks the first new non-Christmas studio album by Rogers in 10 years and the only non-compilation/non-reissued full-length album to be released on vinyl since 1991.

 

-  June 23, 2023, sees the release of the first in a series of half speed mastered studio albums from Pete Townshend, Rough Mix and Empty Glass.  These limited-edition black vinyl versions have been mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley and cut for vinyl by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios with a half-speed mastering technique which produces a superior vinyl cut and are packaged in original sleeves with obi strips and certificates of authenticity. Rough Mix is presented in a gatefold sleeve, and Empty Glass features a full-color inner bag with full lyrics and a 12” x 24” poster.  Rough Mix was initially released in September 1977 while The Who were on hiatus and was a collaboration with Small Faces bassist the late Ronnie Lane and features contributions from Who bassist John Entwistle, Eric Clapton, and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts among others.  AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW.

- Ahead of his upcoming, sold-out “Stick Season Summer Tour,” critically acclaimed Vermont singer and songwriter Noah Kahan drops a live rendition of his fan favorite song “Orange Juice” and captivating cover of Jason Isbell’s “If We Were Vampires” featuring Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers for Spotify Singles–listen HERE.  The updated, piano-ballad version of “Orange Juice” features Noah’s raw and emotional vocals alongside his signature songwriting. On the acoustic guitar-driven “If We Were Vampires” cover, Noah and Wesley’s voices fuse together, creating a stunning reimagining of the Jason Isabell classic

- Today, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith announces her debut full length album Mirror, to release July 14 via Island Records/Republic Records.  Mirror, which will feature 15 deeply moving, personal records tells a story filled with autobiographical ups and downs. The title Mirror is personal and deliberate.  “I’ve been working on this album for years. It has been with me through so much in my life, the highs and the lows, and it means more to me than I can put into words. It tells a story of reflection, healing and growth.” says Spencer Smith. “I went through a hard breakup, and the album tells the story of that all, the journey of that and now being in a more happy relationship. The title comes from the one thing in my life that's seen me in every emotion through that journey— my bedroom and bathroom mirror.”  Songs from the album have already amassed over 1 billion streams. Released in 2023, "Best Friend Breakup" presents a song that resonates with almost anyone yet fills a creative void, while most recent single "Fantasy" confronts toxic relationships through a collaboration with GAYLE and Em Beihold. Having grown up in a small town without a music community, Smith considers her collaborators the friends she always longed for. The chemistry from their group chats comes alive in the single and video.

-  Today, artist, songwriter, and producer Clairo unveils her Live at Electric Lady EP, the latest release in the Spotify and Electric Lady Studios series. The five-track EP features re-imagined versions of fan favorite hits from her discography and critically acclaimed sophomore album Sling, including “Bags,” “Amoeba,” “Zinnias,” “Partridge,” and “Blouse.” Not to mention, Clairo’s performance of “Amoeba” for the EP recording was her first time performing the song live on-camera.  Clairo says, “I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to perform at Electric Lady. A huge thank you to everyone involved!”

- A new performance video for acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s song, “Taking Things for Granted,” is debuting today. Watch/share HERE.  "Taking Things for Granted” is from Oladokun’s new album, Proof of Life, which was released last month to overwhelming acclaim via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records (stream/purchase here). In celebration of the record, Oladokun performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last week and recently spoke with The New York Times, who proclaims, “the singer-songwriter with Springsteen aspirations wants to make music for everyone. Her new album, Proof of Life, pushes her one step closer,” and continues, “her songs are conversational and confessional, and her hooky but profound melodies turn her lyrics into mantras.”  “Nashville’s most low-key musical revolutionary…in this time of shifting priorities away from work toward self-care and connection with others, Oladokun is offering a master class in those subjects”—Rolling Stone

- Multi-Platinum Certified singer, songwriter, and producer Jeremy Zucker drops his new single, “OK,” via Mercury Records/Republic Records—listen HERE.  The introspective and emotionally charged track is a reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health in a world that can often be overwhelming and stressful. With his signature blend of indie pop and electronic music, Zucker delivers a raw and honest performance as the song explores the feelings of uncertainty that many people experience on a daily basis, and encourages listeners to take a step back and take care of themselves.

- Alt-pop singer and songwriter Eliott continues to build the anticipation for her debut album with the release of the evocative new single “Control” – listen HERE. Fueled by Eliott’s soul-drenched vocals, “Control” is accompanied today by the official video directed by Charles Buxton-Leslie (known for his work with G Flip, ASHWARYA, Yergurl) and arrives fresh from supporting Irish singer/songwriter Cian Ducrot on his Australian leg of his World Tour – watch HERE.  Eliott shares, “Control is about unreciprocated love. It is about feeling isolated and vulnerable and coming to terms with the fact that you can’t force someone’s affection when you have already given them everything.” 

- Since announcing her debut solo project in January, anticipation has been mounting for Nanna’s new album How to Start a Garden, out today via Republic Records. She’s given fans a sneak peek at the 11-song project with the releases of three advance tracks: “Godzilla,” “Crybaby,” and “Disaster Master.” Produced by Nanna alongside collaborators Aaron Dessner (The National, Taylor Swift) and Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman, War on Drugs, Hiss Golden Messenger), How to Start a Garden is a tremendous solo introduction from this highly acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer.  LISTEN TO HOW TO START A GARDEN HERE

- Platinum-selling Phoenix-raised and Los Angeles-based artist and R&B’s foremost femme fatale Kiana Ledé uncovers a brand-new single entitled “Deeper” today via The Heavy Group/Republic Records.  Listen to “Deeper”: HERE.  The track’s silky guitar melody wraps around an understated beat. Meanwhile, her sensual delivery echoes by turning up the heat, culminating to a climactic chorus.

- Taylor Swift has made history once again this week. The vinyl release of folklore: the long pond studio sessions debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200, logging the “The highest chart debut for a Record Store Day Vinyl ever.” Right now, she occupies three spots in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 (#3 folklore: the long pond studio sessions, #4 Midnights, #10 Lover), joining Whitney Houston as the only female soloist to achieve this milestone. Moreover, folklore: the long pond studio sessions has emerged as “the first vinyl-only release to land in the Top 10” in the modern era. At the same time, it has earned her the title for “Most #1 Albums” on the Billboard Vinyl Albums Chart. The album also more than doubled the previous highest selling record store day sales record. The previous record was 35k units and folklore: the long pond studio sessions sold 75k.

- Onyx Collective debuts the teaser for upcoming Hulu food and travel series, "Searching For Soul Food."  All eight episodes will premiere on Friday, June 2 only on Hulu.  TEASER: HERE.  “Searching For Soul Food” follows rock star celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds as she discovers what soul food looks like around the world. As she seeks out the food, she’ll also explore the stories, the people, and the traditions of each place she visits, bringing her own flavor right along with her. The international journey finds Chef Reynolds exploring the culinary worlds of Mississippi, Oklahoma, Appalachia, South Africa, Italy, Jamaica, Peru and Los Angeles. 

- Paramount+ today announced it will exclusively premiere the award-winning MTV Documentary Film, AFGHAN DREAMERS. Executive produced by Emmy® Award winner Sheila Nevins and Oscar® winner Ellen Goosenberg Kent, the feature-length documentary will launch on the streaming service Tuesday, May 23rd.  Winner of the Best Human Rights Film award at Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland and the Audience Award for Tiempo de Historia at Valladolid International Film Festival in Spain, AFGHAN DREAMERS tells the harrowing story of an all-girl robotics team from Afghanistan as they struggle to succeed in international competitions, while combating their male-dominated culture under the threat of Taliban rule. It has been a sensation at film festivals across the country including: Boulder, Cleveland, Dallas, Montclair, SCAD Savannah and more.

- Multi award-winning series POV, hailed as America’s longest-running non-fiction series on television, enters its 36th season with a slate of 16 feature documentaries with themes devoted to caregiving, transnationalism, activism, childhood aspirations, accessibility, and intergenerational relationships.  The series’ commitment to provide a public platform to showcase bold forms of nonfiction storytelling by filmmakers with diverse voices and perspectives brings audiences unforgettable protagonists with unique points of views. Half of Season 36’s films are directed by women, and over two-thirds by filmmakers of color.  Celebrated films previously announced this season include POV alumni director Simon Lereng Wilmont and producer Monica Hellström’s timely Oscar®-nominated documentary A House Made of Splinters. As the war in Eastern Ukraine takes a heavy toll on families living near the frontline, a small group of strong-willed social workers work tirelessly in a special kind of orphanage to create an almost magical safe space for kids to live in. In Vietnamese first-time director Hà Lệ Diễm’s riveting Oscar® Shortlisted feature Children of the Mist, she details the challenges facing a Hmong girl living in rural Northern Vietnam caught between tradition and modernity.  

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 7, 2023

 

Fatal Attraction:  I have not seen the original movie, but my big prediction is that Lizzy Caplan is not dead.  The daughter ends up killing her in the future.

 

The Blacklist:  Oh, so Red is not the Big Bad, or least not yet.  I was shocked that the episode started with Red with Agnes in the dining room.  At least he is not the Big Bad… yet.

 

Saint X:  Oh joy, they added another timeline.  At least they did not have any young kid Gogo this week and the new timeline bleed into present day.  But at whvt point does Gogo start becoming suspicious of this white girl who just keeps showing up around her?

 

The Challenge: World Championship:  So did Darrell have to get one less piece and still lost?  Is he and Kiki just really bad swimmers.  The editing of that Challenge seemed weird.

 

Survivor:  Oh no, the one person that realized that Tiki was playing both sides got voted out.  Though Frannie may up being Tiki’s demise as Caroline seems like someone who will go scorched earth because they voted out her girl.  But then again she seemed like someone who would go scorched earth against Yam Yam when he went against her and started working with her again.

 

Titans:  So is Mother Mayhem actually dead-dead this time? 

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  What exactly are they doing with Hazel?  It is weird that she is the main focus occasionally but she is not with the cheerleaders or with the pink Ladies nor does it seem like either are even fighting over her.  Why is she on the show at all?

 

Yellowjackets:   Some of the best viewer theories about the show centered on Shauna’s wilderness baby.  I came up with one where Jackie kidnaps the baby and raises it in the wilderness and they were the ones sending the postcards.  When Jackie died, I swapped her out and put Lottie in that same theory.  I got a tingle that maybe I was right when Lottie said, “our baby.”  Of course then I remembered Lottie was rescued and went straight to a mental hospital.  I also then remembered what I wrote a couple weeks ago that none of the theories are going to be correct because this show is not a mystery box show, it is a show about trauma and of course what happened to the baby was not going to be some shocking reveal, but just the most tragic outcome: he dies in childbirth.  Sigh.

 

The other big news this week is for the first time, all six survivors (that we currently know about) we in the same place at the same time.  Misty in the cult did disappoint (holy brass knuckles).  Well maybe a little, I wish we would have gotten more time with her.  I wonder how much time we will get with them all there.  I really doubt Van is actually going to leave with the way she looked at Lottie.  But there is that pesky murder thing with Shauna that three of them covered up.

 

For me the weakest part of the first season was Shauna’s bored housewife routine.  But I have to say, after it turned out Jeff turned out to be a pretty good husband (aside from the whole blackmail thing) and we have gotten more Callie this season, it is slowly becoming the second best present day storyline after whatever Misty is doing.  Jeff listening to Fork the Police and Callie talking about the cop’s weird balls were the best part of this week.

 

One thing that stood out to me this week that I had not noticed previously (maybe this was the first time she wore it) was that Akilah was where a purple neck cover this week.  I wonder if that is some subtle nod that she will end up being team Lottie.  I tried to see if there was some color coordination going on, but other than a two people in red, I really could not see any division by wardrobe and Akilah was the only one I noticed wearing purple.

 

57 Channels and Only This Is On: April 30, 2023

 

The Blacklist:  So the Big Bad of the season for not the buddy of the lawyer, but Red himself.  Okay, that makes this season slightly more interesting.  Though I am not sure why exactly Red would go back on his lucrative deal with the government that took out his adversaries and made him a lot more money.

 

Saint X:  This was a slow to the series, but I do have some prediction: Obviously the natives did not kill the older sister, I am pretty sure it was one of the other ladies at the resort, either the pregnant lady who was mad her husband was eye forking her, or the other college age girl who seems annoyed that she is taking all the boy.  My other prediction is the younger sister and Gogo are definitely going to fork.

 

The Challenge: World Championship:  Why did they build this up to be some awesome challenge?  One of them ran for about five feet (I think one even lifted the cover before they put in the key, the hardest part of the challenge), then other person drove in a straight line.  I miss the days when they would melt ice with body heat.

 

Survivor:  So Franny was the only one smart enough to realize the loser alliance is playing both side.  Seemed pretty obvious to me when you know someone has an Idol and who they are going to play it for and not change your vote or inform the people you are voting for that is what the plan is.  Though the loser alliance did all vote for the big dude.  Wonder if anyone from the other tribe will pick up that they voted with them last week and against them this week when strategizing next week.

 

Titans:  So this ended up being the Titan’s world version of the Doom Patrol.  So where exactly were The Chief and Elasta-Girl?  They did not even get a mention.  Beast Boy even got that big reveal about The Chief last episode.  It was a shame they did not pull in more people into… wherever they were.  It would have been cool had Stargirl been hanging around all episode too.

 

Love and Death:  I did not think this story need two television shows devoted to it, so I skipped the Hulu version mostly because Elizabeth Olsen is a much better actress than Jessica Biel, but after watching the first three episodes of the HBO Max, I think maybe it did not even need one show devoted to it.  The nineties movie might have been enough.

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  I really hope this does not devolve into a Pretty Little Liars situation where the writers think a teacher statutory raping his student is some grand love story.  It is already creepy.  And if Jane is so worried about her reputation, maybe she should stop bouncing back between Buddy and the T-Bird.  But those old people are definitely going to get Hugo Chavez to switch some votes.

Around the Tubes: April 29, 2023

  

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Joy Oladokun, Shania Twain, New West, Yellowjackets, and Waco. 

- Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s anticipated new album, Proof of Life, is out today via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. Stream/purchase HERE.  Already receiving critical attention, Oladokun recently spoke with The New York Times, who praises, “the singer-songwriter with Springsteen aspirations wants to make music for everyone. Her new album, Proof of Life, pushes her one step closer,” and continues, “her songs are conversational and confessional, and her hooky but profound melodies turn her lyrics into mantras.” Additionally, The Tennessean declares, “everyone’s favorite unlikely breakout pop star…it’s the latest and greatest combination of eras of pop nihilism – ‘90s indie pop Beck and Weezer vibes delivered with blithe, Beatles-esque musicianship,” while No Depression proclaims, “She’s almost a throwback to a pre-internet era of big-tent pop-rock, with a tempered balance of self-doubt and affirmation delivered with a voice that can convey warm affability and stadium-filling uplift.”

- Five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain presents the Royal Edition the Deluxe Version of her acclaimed new album, Queen Of Me, out now via Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records. Listen to Queen of Me (Royal Edition)—HERE.  She delivers the definitive edition of Queen Of Me with five extra tracks. Among the additional material, she serves up two new originals - “Bone Dry” and “Wanted Man.”

- Toronto based “collective” New West performs their hit song “Those Eyes” in an incredible performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which serves as their late night television debut.  Watch HERE.  The song, via Giant Music/Republic Records, continues to amass major buzz with over 470 million streams worldwide and appears on their dynamic bundle entitled homecoming / in my city.

- The second season of YELLOWJACKETS will resume with its sixth episode on Friday, May 5 after taking a one-week preemption this weekend. In the upcoming sixth episode of the season, titled “Qui,” the Yellowjackets, trapped inside on a snow day, revisit the highlights, humiliations and traumas of “Health Class.” Taissa and Vanessa help each other kindly rewind, Misty explores joining a classic Cosmic American tribute band, Lisa helps Natalie carp the day, and Shauna gets a pop quiz on her cookie-reading assignment.

- SHOWTIME continues its winning streak with WACO: THE AFTERMATH’s impressive debut as a top three most streamed series launch ever for the brand behind only DEXTER: NEW BLOOD and YELLOWJACKETS while the latter extends its rise in viewership.

 Waco: The Aftermath premiere

• The most-watched debut for a new Showtime original on the integrated Paramount+ SHOWTIME bundle
• Most streamed debut since November 2021
• top 3 most streamed debut of all time for a new SHO original, only behind the launches of DEXTER: NEW BLOOD and YELLOWJACKETS
• 1M total viewers to date; doubling its audience from opening weekend

 YELLOWJACKETS Season 2

• The premiere episode has been seen by nearly 5.5M total viewers to date

• +65% gain in streaming over season one premiere episode

• Season two streaming viewership posting double digit growth each week since premiere
• Social on fire – with conversation +5X over season one 

57 Channels and Only This Is On: April 23, 2023

 

 The Blacklist:  Like I said last week, this is just going to be a greatest hits season.  Yawn.

 

The Mandalorian:  Well, that was a pretty straight forward finale, though, I was mildly surprised that IG-12 was named the new sheriff and they did not bring in Cobb Vance.  I wonder when we will see him again.

 

The Challenge: World Championship:  I was so happy to finally get rid of Kacee who grossly only seemed concerned that she was going to be kicked off the show and not at all concerned that her partner was being carted off to the hospital.  But then Amber had to go and get knocked up.  What is that, the third time a chick was kicked off for being knocked up?  And that does not even include Melissa who ran a final while pregnant.  You would think would think after the first time, they would make a pregnancy test to be part of the women’s physical.   What they should have done was bring back Jonna and have her team with Troy because at least she was more concern about Grant’s health than money.

 

Survivor:  Well, that was confusing.  So the firefighter played his Idol for Franny knowing that all the Tika players knew he was going to do it.  But if you think they are with you, why play the Idol?  And if you think they are not with they, why play it for Franny if there is a possibility they were going to switch their votes to someone else?  Then if the Tika people still voted for Franny know someone going to play the Idol, does that just show they are playing both sides and you probably should not trust them?  I feel like I am missing something.  Or maybe they are all just dumb.

 

Titans:  So Beast Boy was in The Red this whole time?  I still do not understand why the Previously On on the return episode was dedicated to him unless it was a mistake.  But it was nice to see Stargirl again, unfortunately it was not for very long and Wildcat was not with her.  I wonder what Doom Patrol Beast Boy ended up with, the one from his show, the one with its own show, or possibly a different one.  The one with its own show, the Cyborg on that lost his tech.

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  Okay, I also kind of liked the song in the classroom this week too.

 

Yellowjackets:  We waited almost half a season and Javi is not talking aside from one cryptic statement of someone telling him not to go back.  Who told him?  Are there more people out there?  Was this person in his head?  We have to add those to the questions we still need to know like where was he and how did he survive out there when Jackie was turned into a Popsicle? 

 

Of course the biggest downside of Javi returning was that he was one more mouth to feed.  But Misty gonna Misty and took care of that problem but eliminating one mouth.  When they walked up to that cliff, I said to myself, this is the second time we have seen someone stand over this cliff, someone is going to go over.  I just did not expect it to be as soon as the second time we saw it.  But as soon as they started sharing secrets, I knew Misty was going to blab about the black box.  Even then, I was not expecting her to die because I figured the other girls would figure out what Misty did eventually and this would be how.  Nope.  R.I.P. Crystal… or whatever her real name was.

 

Speaking of Misty gonna Misty, what exactly is she going to do with Walter?  He kind of seems into it, but I cannot see her keeping that loose end open.  Speaking of loose ends, when is she going to make it back to town to clean up Shauna’s mess?  But her time with the cult will likely be an all-timer.  And speaking of the cult, Nat’s vision of the plane crash kind of looked like everyone died.  Hopefully this is not a Lost-purgatory situation where they all died and the ones that were not worthy of moving on were stuck in that place before they redeem themselves. 

Around the Tubes: April 22, 2023

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, The Horror of Dolores Roach, John Mellencamp, The Offspring, Joy Oladokun, The Weeknd, Lyn Lapid, and Frawley.

- PBS and WORLD Channel announced today the presentation of Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, an award-winning documentary feature that explores the complex history of Black soldiers in the United States military. Director and producer Dru Holley weaves together the testimony of historians, experts and descendants of Buffalo Soldiers with archival photographs, reenactments and animation to tell the story of how newly free Black Americans enlisted in the U.S. Army, a reliable path to income and greater respect, and in the process helped to both fulfill America’s Manifest Destiny and disrupted the lives of Indigenous peoples. Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts will premiere Monday, June 12 at 10pm ET on PBS and Monday, June 19 at 8pm ET on WORLD Channel’s Local, USA series. The film will be available to stream on the PBS app, WORLDChannel.org , YouTube and on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel.  “The rise and role of Black Americans in the military is an important and overlooked part of American history, from conflicts abroad and on Indigenous lands at home,” said Chris Hastings, executive producer for WORLD Channel at GBH in Boston. “WORLD Channel is proud to bring Buffalo Soldiers to viewers on Juneteenth. With this film we hope to honor the contributions of brave Black soldiers and officers, and to acknowledge the painful legacy of westward expansion and colonial pursuits.”

- Prime Video announced that the new horror dramedy series The Horror of Dolores Roach, from Blumhouse–producers of M3GAN– Spotify, and GloNation, based on the hit podcast of the same name, will premiere all eight episodes on July 7, with the official first-look images out now. The eight-episode Amazon Original series will be available exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world. On July 7, The Horror of Dolores Roach will be a part of the savings, convenience and entertainment that Prime members enjoy in a single membership.   The Horror of Dolores Roach, based on the hit Spotify podcast series of the same name, is a contemporary Sweeney Todd-inspired urban legend of love, betrayal, weed, cannibalism, and survival of the fittest. Dolores Roach (Justina Machado) is released after an unjust 16-year prison sentence, and she returns to a gentrified Washington Heights. Dolores reunites with an old stoner friend, Luis (Alejandro Hernandez), who lets her live and work as a masseuse in the basement under his empanada shop. When the promise of her newfound stability is quickly threatened, “Magic Hands” Dolores is driven to shocking extremes to survive.

- John Mellencamp’s forthcoming new album Orpheus Descending is set for release June 2 via Republic Records. In anticipation of upcoming record, Mellencamp is sharing the album track “Hey God.” Listen/share HERE, watch/share the official video HERE and pre-order the album HERE.  His twenty fifth album produced by Mellencamp and recorded as his own Belmont Mall Studio. One of his most personal records to date, standout tracks “Hey God” and “The Eyes of Portland” focus on social issues Mellencamp continues to passionately advocate for.  

-  Pearl Jam will hit the road in August and September performing nine shows across St. Paul, Chicago, Indianapolis, Fort Worth and Austin. Special guests Inhaler will open the Chicago, Indianapolis and Austin shows. Support for the St. Paul and Fort Worth dates will be announced in the coming weeks.  A special ticket pre-sale for all tour dates begins today for eligible members (active as of April 19, 2023) of Pearl Jam’s fan club, Ten Club.  General public tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster Verified Fan, which requires advance registration in order to participate. Ticketmaster Verified Fan registration begins Today, April 20 at 10am PT and closes on Tuesday, April 25 at 5pm PT.  The Verified Fan sale begins on April 28 at 10am venue local time. To register, please visit: https://verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/pearljam

- The Offspring announces a special limited-edition 15th-anniversary reissue package of their acclaimed record, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, out June 16 via Round Hill Records/UMe. Available for the first time on vinyl in many years, this special edition will feature a bonus 45 with two new live tracks recorded at Hellfest in 2022, re-imagined artwork on the cover, and art lithos for each song. There will also be a digital version of the record that will be released along with new animated artwork for streaming services.At the time of release, Rise and Fall, Rage And Grace cracked the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and went to #4 on Top Alternative Albums in the US, along with reaching #3 in Japan, #3 in Australia, #4 in Canada, and #6 in France. In addition, “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid,” the band’s #1 most streamed track with over 1.9 billion global streams across streaming services, is featured on the album. To this day, it continues to be one of the band’s most illustrious records, and the RIAA recently awarded it a Gold Certification.  Pre-orders for the 15th-anniversary package of Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace are available now, HERE.

- Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s new song, “Taking Things For Granted,” is debuting today. Listen/share HERE.  Of the song, Oladokun shares, “I wrote ‘Taking Things For Granted’ about the way the things we've been through shape the way we grow up to see the world. Producing this song was one of my favorite moments of making this record because it was equal parts honest and experimental.”

- The Weeknd drops his newest single “Double Fantasy” featuring Future (XO Records/Republic Records). This single is the first original song off The Weeknd’s upcoming HBO Original series The Idol and includes production from himself along with Mike Dean and additional co-production from Metro Boomin.   The new series is co-created by Sam Levinson (HBO’s “Euphoria”), Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, and stars Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp. The Idol will premiere at this year’s annual Festival De Cannes in France as an Official Selection Out of Competition and is set to debut on Sunday, June 4 at 9:00pm ET/PT. The series will air on HBO and be available to stream on Max.

- Today, 20-year-old up-and-coming songstress Lyn Lapid unveils the official music video for her latest single “poster boy”—watch HERE. To celebrate her new song and era, Lyn also revealed her forthcoming sophomore EP to love in the 21st century will be released this summer, and she’ll also be embarking on a North American tour. The “to love in the 21st century” Tour will kick off in San Diego on May 21st and make stops in New York on June 13th, Los Angeles on June 28th, and more. See the full list of tour dates below and at www.lynlapidmusic.com/tour/.  Inspired by her first love and rom coms like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Summer I Turned Pretty, Lyn says of the video, “The ‘poster boy’ music video was by far my most favorite video I’ve put out. Everyone from the crew to the extras were all so lovely to work with, and it felt like one big hang between friends. One thing that was funny was the solo dancing scene with Hanbit (the ‘poster boy’) at the very end was the very first scene we had to do together, along with our (almost) kiss at the very end. Truly a one of a kind icebreaker for me. Thankfully Hanbit was super down to earth, which helped me with my attempt at acting in the video. I’m so proud of everyone who made the video possible, especially the director, Caro Knapp, who was especially lovely to work with.” 

- After generating over 100 million streams and drumming up buzz, rising New Jersey-born and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Frawley returns with her new single “Crying My Eyes Out” available now via Republic Records/ More Than Friends. It notably marks her first solo release of 2023.  Listen to “Crying My Eyes Out”: HERE.  The track’s understated acoustic guitar and bold piano underscore her soaring and soul-stirring vocal delivery. She opens up through vivid lyrics that cut deep on the chorus as she laments, “You look so in love, and I’m here crying my eyes out.”

57 Channels and Only This Is On: April 16, 2023

 

The Blacklist:  So is this season just going to be a greatest hits of former blacklisters?

 

The Mandalorian:  Who could have guessed Grogu was a Daniel Bryan fan?  I have to assume that is why he kept punching the “Yes” button.  Though I do not quite understand why the evil guys were so keen on killing all the Mandalorians, but just tied up Din.  Why spare him?

 

The Challenge: World Championship:  What a glorious two weeks with Wes and Johnny going out back to back.  But what was hilarious about Johnny going out, was that he was the biggest defender of letting the peanut gallery help people during the elimination, but no one bothered to tell him that he had the wrong sun.

 

Survivor:  That new twist would have been almost interesting if the Control a Vote happened in secret without anyone else knowing that it happened.  What is the point in having someone declaring to everyone whose vote they were stealing and who they were being forced to vote for?

 

Titans:  Why did the “Previously On” focus so much on Beast Boy when he was not even in either episode?  But I am really just ready for this show to end.

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  Okay, the second debate song was the first song that was almost catchy.

 

School Spirits:  Huh?  So how exactly was Maddie able to hear the ghosts?  Why was ghost lady able to take over her body?  Why did Maddie become a ghost because of it?  Why was there so much blood?  None of that finale made sense.

 

Yellowjackets:  Three episodes and no sign of javi or adult Van and here we get them both in quick succession.  Now the question is, where exactly was javi this whole time and how did he survive when Jackie turned into a popsicle?  Does it have to do with the melted snow?  I could not tell what was poking out of it, kind of looked like a black rock.  When Van started to poke around, I thought she was going to find some sort of hatch.

 

Except it is becoming clear that Yellowjackets is not that kind of show.  Fan theories went wild in the offseason with many people believing, including myself, that Lottie was the leader of some wild cult that started back in the wilderness.  But it became clear this episode that Lottie is not some nefarious cult leader but both Lotties are severely broken.  The elder one is going to therapy and the younger one seemed to be unwillingly pushed into the prophecy role by some of the other girls.

 

We do know that the girls eventually break into factions, was this where the first division is?  Van was with Lottie at the bear heart ritual, but this week she was very adamant that it was Tai supernatural powers that found Javi.  But Mari was still backing Lottie.  Is this going to devolve into the people who think Lottie is their savior and those that worship Tai? 

 

Speaking of out of control fan theories, I thought Walter was going to be some big bad, but he is turning out to be just a male version of Misty.   I am shocked they did not end up forking.  But if there is something this show needs is a big bad for the girls to fight.  But like I said before, Yellowjackets is not that kind of show.  It is because clear this is just a show about generational trauma, and nothing else.

 

Had it not been for those two appearances, my biggest takeaway from this episode was Jeff saying, “We only have one kid.”  That eliminates that his first kid is just some twenty-five year old living his (Lottie did call the baby a “him”) life away from his parents.  So where is the kid?  My wild fan theories really want to say that he is still in the Canadian wilderness or grew up in Lottie’s cult, but it is becoming clearer that the baby did not make it back to civilization.