Around the Tubes: May 10, 2025

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Chelsea Cutler, Lord Huron, Sublime, Lorde, Kid Cudi, Marcus King Band, The Who, The Weeknd, Motorheads, and Rivals.

- Platinum-Certified singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer Chelsea Cutler surprises fans with a brand new mixtape, titled if i could just stop the time, (may 2024-may 2025), out now via Mercury Records—listen HERE. Providing a cathartic release, the five-track mixtape provides a raw look at an emotional and vulnerable moment in the critically acclaimed artist’s life, while also signaling the beginning of a new chapter.  Cutler shared: “this is not an album, it is not the album. it’s just a handful of the many songs i made while processing and healing from the loss of a great love, coming to terms with the ruthless passage of time, accepting that things change and people change, both for worse and for better. i didn’t want the album to be about this, because it wouldn’t be a reflection of the person i’m coming into now. but i also didn’t want to skip steps or leave out a large part of my story, especially when we’ve all been always so honest with each other. i don’t know if these particular songs are even really finished, i don’t know if they’re even really any good, and that’s all right. i just don’t want to keep living inside them, i am ready to let them go, and i still want the world to have them in some capacity. so this for now, and the album later. talk soon.”

- Lord Huron — the project of Los Angeles-based songwriter, musician and visual artist Ben Schneider — announces The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1, their new album out July 18th via Mercury Records, along with the new single, “Looking Back.” Known for creating “atmospheric music of exquisite craft” (Wall Street Journal), the band began teasing the new album over the last few months with singles/videos, “Who Laughs Last” and “Nothing I Need,” which is currently in the Top 10 at Adult Alternative radio.  Listen to Lord Huron’s “Looking Back”

- An all-star compilation titled Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime is out now on all streaming platforms https://sublime.ffm.to/atributetosublime and special limited-edition CD & Vinyl bundle packages, available for fans to order here www.sublimelbc.store. The 2025 release of Look At All The Love We Found: A Tribute to Sublime marks the 20^th anniversary of the original 2005 tribute album Look At All The Love We Found (Cornerstone R.A.S.), now reworked and remastered, featuring over 30 artists covering classic Sublime tracks including Zac Brown Band (“Wrong Way”), Pennywise (“Same In The End”), Jack Johnson (“Badfish”) and more, in addition to 8 previously unreleased tracks. One of the unreleased tracks includes a collaboration with Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure with their take of the Sublime classic “Slow Ride,” and the lyric video is out now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyJoTA0QucM  

- New Zealand alt-pop icon Lorde has announced Ultrasound a fall North American and European headline tour—fans can sign up for Lorde’s pre-sale HERE. Pre-sale begins Wednesday, May 14th at 10am local, and general on sale begins Friday, May 16th at 10am local HERE. The tour kicks off in September, with stops at iconic venues around the world—including Madison Square Garden, The Kia Forum, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and London’s O2 Arena—marking her first time headlining these stages. Support comes from Blood Orange, The Japanese House, Nilüfer Yana, Chanel Beads, Empress Of, Jim-E Stack and Oklou on select dates. This announcement follows the news of her highly anticipated new album Virgin—out June 27th—and the release of “What Was That,” co-produced by Lorde, Jim-E Stack and Dan Nigro. The track has been praised for its raw energy and emotional immediacy, offering a glimpse into the sonic world of Virgin. You can pre-order the album HERE.

- GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum sonic visionary, artist, producer, actor and director Kid Cudi returns with the new single “Neverland.” Listen to “Neverland” here.  Cudi will premiere his short film, Neverland, directed by Ti West and produced by Monkeypaw Productions, at Tribeca Film Festival in June.  The new single is Cudi’s first offering of 2025 following his record breaking 2024 that saw “Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)” officially earn its RIAA Diamond Certification, marking his groundbreaking debut Man on the Moon: The End of Day as “the first 2000s hip-hop album to earn multiple RIAA Diamond singles.” Last year also saw Cudi release his ninth studio album, INSANO and its epic Deluxe Version, NITRO MEGA. Hailed by Clash as “a lavish return,” and logging his seventh Top 20 debut on the Billboard 200 with INSANO.

- The Marcus King Band unveils a first taste of new music with the track “Honky Tonk Hell” out now via American Records/Republic Records. Listen/share the song HERE. Watch/share the lyric video HERE.  “‘Honky Tonk Hell’ is an anthem for anyone out there like myself who have struggled with the permanence of sobriety - those who fear the thought they will never again howl at the moon,” King says, “This song for me serves as a reminder to take it all one day at a time.”  The beloved Marcus King Band Family Reunion music festival will return for its ninth installment this summer, taking place in Charleston, SC for the first time ever. Over the course of two days—August 23 and 24—the festival will see performances by the Marcus King Band, Jamey Johnson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Molly Tuttle and more. Tickets and more information are HERE.

- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inductees and GRAMMY® Award-winning iconic band The Who will release, Live At The Oval 1971, as part of the Whooligan Fan Club exclusively HERE, fans will receive early ticket access, exclusive Whooligan merchandise and a copy of Live At The Oval 1971!  Learn more about the Fan Club, HERE.  The Who announced their bittersweet final tour of the US and Canada as a truly grand finale of their illustrious six-decade career. The legendary duo, Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend, revealed the news live during a press conference at the Iconic Images gallery in Piccadilly, London. The 2025 North America Farewell Tour aptly titled The Song Is Over is named after the Who’s 1971 classic song. Tickets will be available on Friday, May 16 at 10:00 AM local time at thewho.com/tour/  On August 22, 2025— Live At The Oval 1971 will be available on all DSPs, CD, Atmos, and 2LP 180g Black Vinyl, and limited edition 2LP Sea Blue & Red Hot Color Swirl & Splatter Vinyl. Fans may now pre-order Live At The Oval 1971 on The Who’s official store HERE; available for pre-order at all retailers June 13^th. 

- Listen to The Weeknd’s “Timeless (Remix) featuring Playboi Carti and Doechii” here.  Global superstar The Weeknd has tapped Grammy-award winning Doechii for an additional feature on the official remix of “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti out now via XO / Republic Records. The hit single from The Weeknd’s latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, first debuted in the Top 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 after being teased during his one night only special stadium concert at Estádio Morumbi in São Paulo last year.

- Prime Video released the official trailer for upcoming young-adult action-drama Motorheads. All 10 episodes will be available on May 20, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.  Motorheads is about first love, first heartbreak, and turning the key in your first car. Set in a once-thriving rust-belt town that’s now searching for a glimmer of hope, the series is an adrenaline-filled story of a group of outsiders who form an unlikely friendship over a mutual love of street racing, while navigating the hierarchy and rules of high school.  Watch Trailer HERE

- Filming begins this month on the highly-anticipated second season of “Rivals,” based on the best-selling novel by Dame Jilly Cooper.  The drama returns with an extended season of twelve episodes - and even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second installment will see the return of the all-star cast that won the hearts of fans and critics alike as well as introducing brand new faces.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 4, 2025

 

Mobland:  How disappointing that Chekov’s hand grenade did not go off in the third act.  Sure, there are still more episodes left and maybe it will go off in the finale, but I really was hoping that it got thrown at the funeral. 

 

The Last of Us:  So it took the show almost an entire season to get Joel and Ellie to Wyoming, but Ellie and Dina were able to get to Seattle in half an episode.  That is giving strong late season Game of Thrones vibes.  Really, they are not running into any obstacles?  It is just a straight shot, no infected nor questionable humans on the way?

 

Andor:  So are we going to get one secondary death each segment?  We said goodbye to Brasso during the first batch and Cinta this time.  It does feel like Bix may come sooner than later.  Considering Luthen is such a big part of the Rebellion but is not seen in Rogue One, he is not long for this world.  Vel is a hard one, she is related to a Senator so it feels like she cannot be found out without blowback to Mon.  Cyril and Dedra are just cogs in the Empire machine so they can just survive and become insignificant when the Empire falls.  Though a show about them in the Empire’s ashes could be interesting.  The big question for me is Kleya.  She seemed like a background character during the first season, but may have turned out to be the most interesting character.  If Luthen goes down it probably is a good guess she goes down with him, but she is sneaky, she might be able to weasel herself out of a trap.  I kind of hope we see her after this.

 

The Handmaid’s Tale:  Wait, why exactly did June and Moira split up?  That just seems like plot contrivance. 

 

Survivor:  On no, the dreaded, someone with little screen time all of the sudden gets a lot of screen time and is promptly voted out.   The editing seems to be a lot more even in the New Era, especially with the extra half hour, it seems like a while since this has happened.  After her rap, it is disappointing we did not get more of Star this season.  But one thing the show really loves to do, new or old era, is telegraph who is going to win Immunity by spending so much time before the Immunity Challenge with players targeting the person that ends up becoming immune.  Sigh.  But my big question with this episode is does Mitch really think he is in the Strong People Alliance?  Maybe they are not showing just how good the Strong People are able to convince him, but he has got to notice how many times those 4 (or 6 when David was still around) go off without him.

 

The Stolen Girl:  They actually had me for a second that the girl might be the thief’s.  I guess the Photoshop of the birthmark pretty much confirms she is not.  But it does seem like she did have a daughter, so what exactly happened to her.  And how does this tie into the real mother.

 

Leverage: Redemption:  Having a solo mission is kind of fun.  Makes me wonder what one with Elliot would look like.

 

Grosse Point Garden Society:  I wonder if I get half credit for prediction the dog murderer would be the dead body if the dog death indirectly led to the death.  But the show did a poor job making it seem like the mother-in-law could be capable of dogicide.  Why not start with reporting the dog to the landlord like with foster first?  Going straight to doggie murder seems extreme first step to getting a grandkid.  And to the father in law, why not shut off the wood chipper?  Why even try to pull out a quill that is already partially destroyed?

Around the Tubes: May 3, 2025

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Summer of 69, Nine Perfect Strangers, Lorde, Erin Gibney, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Lamont Landers, Rachel McIntyre, The Surrender, Call Her Alex.

- Hulu has debuted the official trailer and for the Original movie "Summer of 69."  Marking Jillian Bell’s feature directorial debut and starring Chloe Fineman, Sam Morelos, Matt Cornett, Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy and more, “Summer of 69” premieres May 9 on Hulu.  An awkward high school senior hires an exotic dancer to help seduce her longtime crush before graduation, leading to unexpected friendship and lessons in self-confidence, acceptance and adulthood.

- Hulu has debuted the official trailer for season two of "Nine Perfect Strangers."  The new season premieres on Hulu on May 21, 2025 with a two-episode launch. New episodes stream Wednesdays leading up to the season finale on July 2. Nine new strangers connected in ways they could never imagine are invited by mysterious guru Masha Dmitrichenko (Nicole Kidman) to join a transformational wellness retreat in the Austrian Alps. Over the course of a week, she takes them to the brink. Will they make it? Will she? Masha is willing to try anything in the interest of healing everyone involved, including herself.

- Lorde has officially announced her highly anticipated new album, Virgin, set for release on June 27. The project marks the New Zealander’s first full-length body of work in four years and promises a bold evolution in her sound and storytelling. You can pre-order the album HERE.  The announcement follows the release of her new single “What Was That”, co-produced by Lorde, Jim-E Stack and Dan Nigro. The track has been praised for its raw energy and emotional immediacy, offering a glimpse into the sonic world of Virgin.  “What Was That” has already made a major impact, hitting #1 on Spotify in the US — Lorde’s first US #1 on the platform since “Royals”. It also landed at #3 in the UK and #5 globally, solidifying Lorde’s triumphant return to the top of the charts.  The video for “What Was That”, shot on location in New York — including a surprise performance in Washington Square Park — captures the intimate, spontaneous spirit of this new chapter. Watch it HERE & listen to the single HERE.

- Country-pop singer-songwriter Erin Gibney just released her new single, "wasted potential," via Rock Ridge Music.  Says Gibney about the song: "'wasted potential' is a song I wrote after leaving my long-term relationship. It talks about the pain and sadness of giving years to something you thought would last forever, only for it to end. The lyrics of this song are extremely close and personal to me and describe the feelings I worked through in my breakup. I felt a sense of panic when my relationship ended over the thought of giving the first half of my 20s to the wrong person. I wrote this song with Alex Angelo and am so excited to finally bring it into the world!"

- Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ little known 1974 concert album, Saturnight: Live From Tokyo, is now available globally in multiple formats for the first time ever, more than 50 years after it was originally released only in Japan, due to contractual restrictions. The record has been remastered from the original production master at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios and is available on CD, vinyl and digitally for streaming and download via Cat-O-Log Records/UMe.  The CD is packaged in a digisleeve with a 16-page booklet featuring lyrics and new retrospective recollections from those who were there, including bassist Bruce Lynch and the band’s 1974 tour manager Carl Miller, and additional notes. The vinyl is available on 140-gram black vinyl or as a limited edition pressing available only via CatStevens.com, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl on 140-gram lava splatter vinyl, both packaged for the first time in a gatefold sleeve with the aforementioned liner notes. Saturnight was released in a super limited edition as an “RSD First” for last year’s Record Store Day Black Friday event exclusively on 180-gram orange splatter color vinyl.  Purchase/stream Saturnight: Live From Tokyo: https://ycs.lnk.to/saturnightPR

- Alabama-born singer, songwriter, and soul powerhouse Lamont Landers makes his long awaited major label debut with the release of “Lotta Love,” out now via Lucille/MCA/Republic.  The new single is accompanied by an official visualizer - watch HERE.  Produced by multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton) “Lotta Love” showcases Lamont Landers' unmistakable voice soaring effortlessly over smooth piano, a deep-grooving bass line, and bold, brassy horns. With raw emotion pouring through the hook—“I gotta whole lotta love… come and get you some”—the track blends bluesy guitar licks and a laid back soul vibe that hits instantly. It’s a strong introduction that positions Lamont as one of 2025’s most exciting breakout artists.

- Fresh off her Whiskey Jam debut, Nashville-based Americana/country singer-songwriter Rachel McIntyre Smith is set to release her new EP, Honeysuckle Friend Deluxe Edition, independently on June 27, 2025. Produced by Dran Michael (who also worked with Smith on her debut EP, Glory Daze), Smith’s lyrically driven songs on the EP are full of her trademark “comfort twang” music, which reminds listeners of the classics while also adding a relevant and fresh perspective. A reissue of her 2024 EP, the deluxe edition includes some new songs, as well as previously unreleased bonus content.  “I had such a good time creating the aesthetic and sonic world of Honeysuckle Friend that I didn’t want it to end,” Smith says. “I wrote two of the deluxe tracks after I had the concept for Honeysuckle Friend – ‘Hummingbird Woman’ and ‘My Place’ – they felt like they were meant for the project even though I already had my track list complete. It felt strange to add them to another project, so I decided to keep the party going with deluxe tracks.”  https://www.rachelmcintyresmith.com/

- A fraught mother-daughter relationship is put to a terrifying test when the family patriarch dies, and the grieving mother hires a mysterious stranger to bring her husband back from the dead. As the bizarre and brutal resurrection spirals out of control, both women must confront their differences as they fight for their lives – and for each other.  The Surrender, streaming on Shudder Friday, May 23rd.

- Hulu announced the new original documentary series, “Call Her Alex,” which will launch June 10 on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. “Call Her Daddy” creator, host and executive producer Alex Cooper is at the top of her game, signing one of the biggest deals in podcast history. This revealing two-part series gives audiences a behind-the-scenes, intimate look at her journey and the defining moments that shaped her influential voice.  “I’ve shared my life with the Daddy Gang since I started "Call Her Daddy"—but this documentary series takes it even deeper,” said Alex Cooper. “It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the moments that shaped me—the raw, the messy, the personal stuff I’ve never felt comfortable sharing until now. My hope is that by bringing people along for this part of my journey, they’ll feel both more connected to my life and more empowered in their own."

Transmissions from Pluto: Coming to Pluto May 2025

 

Welcome to the May edition of Transmissions from Pluto, where we’re serving up anime marathons, babysitter mishaps, and movie nights so good you might forget to leave the couch. We’re kicking off Ani-May with a revamped collection that includes brand-new anime channels, fan-favorite marathons, and over 800 hours of fresh content to dive into. We’re also celebrating National Babysitter’s Day on May 10 with the Pluto debut of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (though fair warning, this babysitter might not be the best role model). And if you’re in the mood for a movie marathon (or three), we’ve got you covered. Stream epic favorites like Gladiator, Boogie Nights, Hellboy, A Few Good Men, The Faculty, Zero Dark Thirty, Only the Brave, and more all for free, all month long. Scroll down for everything new and unmissable this May on Pluto TV. ANI-MAY Whether you're a die-hard anime fan or just curious what the hype is about, our team of expert curators at Pluto TV have made sure there is something for everyone this Ani-May. We just dropped our biggest anime refresh ever on Pluto TV with 800+ hours of programming, 120+ movies, 50+ new series, and brand-new channels that range from action-packed adventures to laugh-out-loud comedies and iconic throwbacks. Here’s what’s streaming (and coming soon!) this Ani-May. New Channels Rolling Out This Month: Anime x HIDIVE: A curated mix of fan-favorite hits like Food Wars and Farming Life in Another World Anime Comedy: Over-the-top, ridiculous fun with shows like Pop Team Epic and Ghost Stories Inuyasha: Featuring episodes of the iconic series, day and night Anime Movies: Marathons from franchises like Naruto, Bleach, and Lupin the 3rd Kids Anime: Action-packed picks for the younger crowd (Beyblade, Bakugan, and more) Special Events + Marathons: One Piece Birthday Bash on the One Piece Channel (May 5): Celebrate Luffy’s most legendary moments, all day long Anime All Day Marathons: Weekly marathons spotlighting JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Hunter x Hunter, Speed Racer, Death Note, and more Anime x HIDIVE Marathons: Dive into full-day takeovers like Food Wars, Fate/Stay Night, K-On!, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, and Clannad Pluto TV Anime Movies: Epic movie nights every weekend, featuring titles from Bleach, Naruto, Urusei Yatsura, City Hunter, and more Plus, even more marathons on channels like Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Lupin the 3rd that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re diving in for the first time or reliving your favorite story arcs, there’s never been a better time to tune into anime for free, all month long, on Pluto TV. NEW MOVIE SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a special note from the director of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. I am immensely proud of this joyful and hilarious film about young suburban Black kids left to fend for themselves over the summer—which, when you dig a little deeper, reveals a real and honest story about being forced to grow up before your time. Our all-star cast truly brought this world to life. Simone Joy Jones, Donielle Hansley Jr., Ayaamii Sledge and Carter Young shine as the siblings at the center of the chaos. Nicole Richie is a comic wonder as the off-the-wall CEO of a fledgling fashion company, and June Squibb is an absolute revelation as the babysitter. The film is also stacked with rising stars like Tyriq Withers and Jermaine Fowler—plus a few fun cameos from the original (but you’ll have to watch to see who!). I couldn’t be more thrilled that Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead is now streaming—for free!—on Pluto TV. We set out to make something bold, heartfelt, and for everyone. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. Wade Allain-Marcus— Director, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (2024) PREPPING FOR LAUNCH NEW CHANNELS ANIME x HIDIVE Your go-to spot for anime. Dive into fantasy, slice-of-life, romance and more. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here. ANIME x HIDIVE is where anime fans belong. INUYASHA Kagome Higurashi, an average ninth grader, gets pulled into an ancient well by a demon, bringing her 500 years in the past to a feudal era.  PLUTO TV ANIME COMEDY Laugh along with your favorite characters on Pluto TV Anime Comedy! From the most mystical worlds to the high school classroom, enjoy stories about the power of friendship and the most hilarious, zany, and irreverent comedies.  PLUTO TV ANIME MOVIES Tune in to Pluto TV Anime Movies for feature-length anime stories. Whether you’re looking for celebrated classics by anime auteurs, fan favorite franchise hits, or cult darlings, Pluto TV Anime Movies has got you covered.  KIDS ANIME Embark on thrilling adventures! From action-packed scenes to laughter-filled journeys, there's always something exciting waiting for you. Dive into epic battles, hilarious moments, and heartwarming friendships on Kids Anime! S.W.A.T. For this highly skilled unit, the biggest challenge is navigating loyalty between fellow officers and the streets of Los Angeles. S.W.A.T. is now streaming 24/7 on Pluto TV. TENNISCHANNEL 2 TennisChannel 2 is Tennis Channel’s second network, airing select live tournament coverage from both the women’s and men’s professional tours. The network also features original series and unique storylines & interviews from shows like Second Serve.   NEW MOVIES American Outlaws Bad Ass Bad Ass 2: Bad Asses Bad Ass 3: Bad Asses On The Bayou The Big Hit Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk Black Cop Boogie Nights Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Double Team The Faculty Faster A Few Good Men Gladiator Go (1999) Hamburger Hill Hellboy (2004) House Of Flying Daggers Hyena Road Identity (2003) Jamesy Boy Jawbreaker (1999) Jerry Maguire Junebug Kung Fu Hustle Little Man Man Of The House (2005)   Mission: Impossible Mission: Impossible II Mission: Impossible III Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation Multiplicity Next Of Kin Only The Brave (2017) The Other Boleyn Girl Pain & Gain Panic Room Playing With Fire Predestination Proud Mary The Raid 2 Raid, The: Redemption Safety Not Guaranteed Saving Face (2005) Single White Female (1992) Southland Tales The Tailor Of Panama The Ides Of March Thunderheart Tigerland Zero Dark Thirty