Billy Bragg Recent News

Neko Case, Billy Bragg & Booker T. Jones To Perform At Bumbershoot 2010

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:08:00 -0700

Once again Anti-Records artists will be featured prominently at the 40th installment of Seattle's popular Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival occurring this coming Labor Day, September 4-6th at the expansive and environmentally conscious Seattle Center. Joining in the festivities will be Neko Case, Billy Bragg and Booker T. Jones.

Neko Case (Sept. 4th - 7:15 PM) With her modern-day ballads with deftly crafted pop hooks and bluegrass rhythms, acclaimed songstress Neko Case connects with her audience on a deep and meaningful level. A member of celebrated band The New Pornographers, Case's increasingly popular solo career recently earned her two Grammy nominations for her latest breakout album entitled Middle Cyclone. Case's infectious musical hooks and creative lyrical imagery will undoubtedly linger in one's heart and soul.

http://www.nekocase.com/

Billy Bragg (Sept. 5th - 8:30 PM) After three successful decades, fiery folk punk Bragg remains a relevant and prolific musician and a committed political activist. Bragg, a national treasure in his home country of England, carries on the tradition of other music greats like Woody Guthrie, Joe Strummer and Bob Dylan, by combing vital inspiring music with an impassioned sense of social consciousness.

http://www.billybragg.co.uk/

Booker T. Jones (Sept. 6th - 8:30 PM) Hammond B3 (organ) alchemist. Jones is a celebrated and instantly recognizable musical force. He started his storied career backing Otis Redding and Sam & Dave (among many others) and his albums with the MG's laid out the blueprint for the Stax sound, one of the most influential movements in rock & roll - example his enduring instrumental hit "Green Onions." Jones recent Grammy winning album Potato Hole, not only re-affirmed his greatness, it also re-introduces the neglected all-instrumental format to a noisy, crowded marketplace crying out for precisely the type of soul satisfying pleasure which Jones excels.

http://www.bookert.com/

For more information on the festival go to: http://bumbershoot.org

ANTI- RECORDS LOOKS BACK AT AN OUTSTANDING 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0800

Releases from NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS, JOLIE HOLLAND, MAN MAN Hailed as Career Bests, MAVIS STAPLES Captures a Moment in Time on Live Recording, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Crack the Top 40 for the First Time

Billy Bragg Mr Love & Justice - in this momentous election year, the man who has dedicated his life and music to political action gave us his most intimate and introspective record yet, without losing the passion that has characterized this beloved firebrand 's career.

• "Classic Bragg: frequently fantastic folk-rock that keeps both the faith and your attention." -Village Voice
• "Rather than being a return to form, it 's a leap forward in maturity, depth and nuance." -Paste

Bob Mould District Line - It is near impossible to calculate the level of impact or influence that Bob Mould has had on the last two decades of modern rock, from the Pixies to Nirvana, to Green Day to Daft Punk. District Line combines the fire of Mould's earliest work in Husker Du, the accessibility of his alternative rock, genre-defining trio Sugar, and the introspection found in his solo releases.

• "District Line is a ¬focused, gripping zigzag between fury and woe, scorched rock and folk-pop distress, much like the Hüskers' best records--now with a longer view." -Rolling Stone

• "He's rarely been more compelling." -Spin

DeVotchKa A Mad and Faithful Telling - 2008 found the Denver indie band -- who beautifully combines Eastern European bohemia with American prairie rock and south of the border melodies -- coming into their own with sold out tours, festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Red Rocks, and a record that charmed everyone from the Eastern bloc (a rare appearance in Moscow) to the online community (the much-discussed use of a DeVotchKa track on the Gears of War trailer)

• "Huge indie−rock anthems and lute−driven ballads defined by infallible melodies, heartbreaking arrangements, and dark, funny lyrics. It leaves you wondering whether to weep or dance." -Esquire

• "Cheerful, eclectic lunacy with a heart as big as the world * * * * " -Spin

Islands Arm 's Way - the 2008 release found the young, critically-acclaimed Montreal sextet heading in a surprising new direction. Their 2006 release, Return to the Sea, was heralded as a stunning work of impulsive outbursts and emotional explorations. Arm's Way saw the band naturally evolving a more lavish yet centered sound that showcased songwriter Nick Thorburn's astounding talent.

• "Freaky, transcendent stuff." -Filter

• "A rich tapestry of pop from a band that has fully coalesced under his [Nick Thorburn] self-proclaimed benevolent dictatorship. Their latest Arm 's Way is a sophisticated, majestic and visceral journey into the limelight." -Village Voice

Jolie Holland the Living and the Dead - the young songwriter with the incomparable voice adds rock n roll to her impressive resume that already includes folk and country and jazz on her third studio album with help from co-producer M. Ward and guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello). The results are hailed as a career best from critics and widely embraced by fans.

• "Jolie Holland's voice beguiles like something from an old 78.... she channels the folky, sultry, blues Joni Mitchell trademarked and conjures her own stunning takes on lost lovers and sly approaches." -Elle

• "Her fourth - and perhaps best - album foregoes the smoky speakeasy atmosphere of 2006 's Springtime Can Kill You for a more contemporary roots sound, which provides a more evocative backdrop for her signature vocals." -Paste

Lyrics Born Everywhere At Once - not just the title of Lyric Born's Anti Records debut but a statement about this most industrious multi-tasker's vida loca. The lyricist, producer, label exec, and non-stop live performer (2008 saw world tours, festival appearances and television gigs) never rests on his laurels and is always changing sh*t up and Everywhere is a perfect example: bored with the drum machine and over licensing rights, LB gathered a crew of top musicians and made a real live record, full of funk and feel, grooves and guts, topped off with Lyrics Born's unmistakable signature smoothness and loquacious flow.

• "Near-perfect party record...propelled by sweet soul melodies and rumbling funk grooves reminiscent of the Gap Band and the Ohio Players…crunchy, unstoppable beats that will have you coming back from more." - Mother Jones

• "On his second solo album, he sounds transformed - festive and celebratory, his smarts undiminished." -Vibe

Man Man Rabbit Habits - Part swampy juke joint brawlers, part smooth Philly warehouse doo-wop crooners, with a sprinkling of wild-eyed, demon-haunted art hustler, and a hint of punky kindergarten playroom Pollyannas, Man Man brought their incomparable vision of "pop music" to bear with Rabbit Habits. 2008 saw the roustabouts on tour non-stop with labelmate Tim Fite, indie darlings Yeasayer and at every festival ever conceived (Coachella, Bumbershoot, SD Street Scene, ACL, Voodoo)

• "While the band still has its head in the clouds, or beyond, it has made its finest, most listenable album to date." -Filter

• "One of the year's best rock albums (devoid of nearly any guitar parts, mind you)." -Pitchfork

Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout - Mavis Staples saw her life 's work singing alongside Dr King and marching for civil rights redeemed with the 2008 election results, and suddenly this live record, full of gospel classics and freedom songs, is a testament to the uplifting hope and certainty of success that has marked her 50+ year career.

• "Whether fronting the Staples Singers or on her own, Mavis Staples has always fared best in a live environment, where her powerhouse of a voice can take any lyric and transform it into an inspirational anthem…this is Mavis Staples at her fiery best." -Relix

• "She sat in at lunch counters and marched with King..now Mavis' marvelous new Live: Hope at the Hideout revisits that era with personal recollections and brilliantly evoked songs from (or recast for) the movement... if this concert doesn't get your heart pumping, check your pulse." -Philadelphia Daily News

Michael Franti & Spearhead All Rebel Rockers - 2008 saw some well-deserved recognition for the indefatigable Micheal Franti and Spearhead. Their sixth studio album cracked the Billboard Top 40 (debuting at #39) for the first time. They drew an unprecedented 70,000+ fans and activists to Michael 's Power to the Peaceful festival in San Francisco and closed out the acclaimed KCRW World Music festival at the Hollywood Bowl, keeping the 17,000-strong crowd dancing through the set. Television appearances, 130 tour dates, film festivals and more kept the hardest working band in rock cheerfully occupied for the year.

• "An album of shimmying, pop-reggae…it 's a well deserved holiday in the sun." -Rock Sound

• "More specific, hopeful, and incendiary than ever....All Rebel Rockers represents his most canny mixture of political topicality and musical accessibility." -Utne Reader

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! - if there was a single record that came out to universal acclaim this year, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! is definitely a top contender. Nick and mates kicked off the year as Plug Impact Award honorees, and high profile nominations from the Q Awards and Mojo and two wins at the Austrailian Age awards (Best Band and Best Album) fueled the international recognition. The record has already made the "Best Of" lists of Blender, Mojo, The Guardian UK, The Times UK, Uncut and Paste magazines. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds have been tapped to curate the inaugural Australian All Tomorrow 's Parties, their Hollywood Bowl performance was one of the shows of the year and Nick talked smack with Terry Gross on NPR 's "Fresh Air." It was a very good year.

• "The album is a triumph from first to last." -Observer Music Monthly

• "t's not every goth-punk fiend who can celebrate his fiftieth birthday with an album as loud, filthy and brilliant as Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!" -Rolling Stone

One Day As A Lion One Day As A Lion - the reemergence of the year was less about Axl Rose and all about Zack de la Rocha. His incendiary partnership with Jon Theodore in One Day As A Lion set the music community aflame with some of the most aggressive and original recordings heard all year. The two are currently at work on their full-length release, coming soon.

• "Wrathful and unyielding, the music pushes Rage's revolutionary essence further into the faces of listeners, eliminating any chance at misinterpreting these calls to arms as mere boogie-down rock." - LA Times

• "One Day as a Lion bristles with the street-level vigor that band [RATM] once embodied." - Time Out New York

• "There isn't any filler here; it's all the aural ignition of a gasoline bomb going off in your ears." -All Music Guide

Tim Fite Fair Ain 't Fair - Fair Ain't Fair is a collection of the most seasoned, reflective and charming work the genre-defying Tim Fite has ever produced. On it he growls about greed and avarice, topics manifest in last year's Over The Counter Culture (the acclaimed, free, web-only release which has topped 100,000 downloads this month), but told here with more empathy, more human-ness - perhaps signs of a deeply engaged artist growing up.

• "His new album confirms that this enigmatic, genre-bending songwriter is one of rock ‘n ' roll 's most subversive renaissance men." - Esquire

• "One of those albums that defies anyone to categorize or ignore it." - Chicago Tribune

Xavier Rudd Dark Shades of Blue - dusky and cool, the album is more sober than any work Xav has ever done, though it should not be mistaken for temperate. Guitar-driven jams, mixed by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), expand on a sound only hinted at on previous releases, and distortion often supplants the pretty jangly guitars heard on earlier work. Xav spent 2008 touring the world and scoring surf films like Matthew McConaughey 's comedy Surfer, Dude and the documentaries Highwater and Between the Lines.

• "Occasionally I encounter a work that so eloquently describes the human condition that my futile attempts to capture its essence in a review seem almost absurd. This album is one such work. Xavier Rudd's Dark Shades of Blue is an absolute tour de force and unequivocally his most powerful work to date." -Jambase

ANTI- Records Looks Back at a Stellar 2008 and Hints at 2009 with Free New Sampler

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:11:00 -0800

Featuring Brand-New Tracks from N.A.S.A, Ramblin Jack Elliott and William Elliott Whitmore

ANTI- Records launched its new 08/09 music sampler today on-line via the ANTI- blog and in stores with dozens of participating independent retailers around the country. In a special promotion running through the holidays, local music retailers will be offering the newest releases from ten of ANTI's latest and greatest artists for under $10. With purchase, the buyer will receive a copy of the new ANTI- sampler, or it can be downloaded for free directly from the ANTI- blog.

It is both a look back at a spectacular 2008, which saw releases from artists such as Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Jolie Holland and Michael Franti & Spearhead called "career bests," and a look into the New Year, including the following:

• "Spacious Thoughts" - N.A.S.A (featuring Tom Waits and Kool Keith)

From masterminds Squeak E Clean (Sam Spiegel) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales) comes the first track from the highly anticipated debut release The Spirit Of Apollo (out Feb 17 2009). The record - which pairs indie darlings such as Karen O, Santogold, the Cool Kids and M.I.A, with hip hop stars like Kanye West, Chuck D, KRS-One and Ghostface Killah - takes the "less is more" concept and turns it on its head, layering up to four famous voices over vintage Brazilian funk tracks and turntable wizardry.

• "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whimore

Iowa's own son of the soil William Elliott Whitmore premieres his first track off his ANTI- debut Animals in the Dark (out Feb 17 2009). With the old-soul voice of a master country blues balladeer and a devoted following in the punk, folk and indie rock worlds, Will captures the imagination with his raw, populist songs, seemingly untouched by pop culture.

• "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

He stole James Dean's girl, listened for two days while Jack Keroac read him On the Road and taught Dylan everything he knew, now Ramblin' Jack Elliott is trying something new: lending his plaintive drawl to Depression-era blues classics. Produced by Joe Henry (Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette), the new album also features guest appearances from David Hidalgo (Los Lobos, Tom Waits) and Van Dyke Parks. Out April 7.

2009 will also see new releases from Neko Case, Bob Mould and the legendary Booker T Jones, of Booker T and the MGs fame.

Anti- Records 08/09 Sampler tracklisting:
01. "Mexico City" - Jolie Holland
02. "Pieces Of You" - Islands
03. "Say Hey (I Love You)" - Michael Franti & Spearhead
04. "Whispers" - Lyrics Born
05. "Freedom Highway" - Mavis Staples
06. "Big Mistake" - Tim Fite
07. "Rabbit Habits" - Man Man
08. "Spacious Thoughts" (feat. Tom Waits & Kook Keith) - N.A.S.A.
09. "DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!" - Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
10. "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whitmore
11. "Freedom" - Billy Bragg
12. "Real Estate" - Cadence Weapon
13. "This World As We Know It" - Xavier Rudd
14. "Very Temporary" - Bob Mould
15. "Friend For Life" - Ersi Arvizu
16. "New World" - DeVotchKa
17. "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

Participating retailers:
STINKWEEDS - Phoenix, AZ
Zia - Phoenix, AZ
BOO BOO RECORDS - San Luis Obispo, CA
Fingerprints - Long Beach, CA
Lou's Records - Encinitas, CA
M-THEORY - San Diego, CA
Rasputin - San Francisco, CA
Rhino/Mad Platter - Claremont, CA
Salzer's - Ventura, CA
Streetlight - San Jose, CA
Twist and Shout - Denver, CO
EXILE ON MAIN ST - Branford, CT
Rainbow Books Music - Newark, DE
CD Connection - Jacksonville, FL
Central Square - Santa Rosa, FL
Park Avenue CD - Orlando, FL
Uncle Sam's Miami Beach, FL
VINYL FEVER - TAMPA - Tampa, FL
CRIMINAL RECORDS - Atlanta, GA
CRIMINAL/AURORA - Atlanta, GA
Record Exchange - Boise, ID
Indy CD & Vinyl - Indianapolis, IN
LANDLOCKED MUSIC - Bloomington, IN
LUNA MUSIC - Indianapolis, IN
Kief's - Lawrence, KS
CD CENTRAL - Lexington, KY
earX-tacy - Louisville, KY
Newbury Comics - Boston, MA
Bull Moose - Portland, ME
ROCK-A-BILLYS - Utica, MI
Electric Fetus - Minneapolis, MN
VINTAGE VINYL - St Louis, MO
Schoolkids - Raleigh, NC
Homer's - Omaha, NE
Lakeshore Record - Rochester, NY
Looney Tunes - West Babylon, NY
Record Archive - Rochester, NY
CULTURE CLASH - Toledo, OH
Finders Records - Bowling Green, OH
Magnolia Thunderpussy - Columbus, OH
SHAKE IT - Cincinnati, OH
Guestroom Records - Norman, OK
Guestroom Records - OKC, OK
CD World - Eugene, OR
JACKPOT RECORDS - Portland, OR
JACKPOT RECORDS - Portland, OR
Music Millennium - Portland, OR
Earshot - Greenville, SC
52.5 - Charleston, SC
Disc Exchange - Knoxville, TN
GRIMEY'S - Nashville, TN
Cactus - Houston, TX
END OF AN EAR - Austin, TX
GOOD RECORDS - Dallas, TX
Waterloo - Austin, TX
SLOW TRAIN - Salt Lake City, UT
Plan 9 - Richmond, VA
Pure Pop - Burlington, VT
Easy Street - Seattle, WA
HOT POOP - Walla Walla, WA
SONIC BOOM - Seattle, WA
SONIC BOOM - Seattle, WA
ATOMIC RECORDS - Milwaukee, WI

BILLY BRAGG TOURS US EAST COAST

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:08:00 -0700

Spinner "Interface" Podcast Launches This Week

Legendary folk/punk figure Billy Bragg is set to tour the US in the lead-up to this years election, making a dozen or so stops along the Eastern Seaboard beginning in mid-October.

This week, Spinner launched a new Interface podcast, featuring an in-studio performance from Billy, singing songs from his latest release Mr. Love and Justice, and well as an in-depth interview with the revered populist in which he talks about trying to overthrow Margaret Thatcher’s government, the music he’s most proud of and how Prince Charles is "a f-king jerk." See it here.

Mr. Love and Justice, Billy’s 12th studio album and his first in six years, has been widely hailed by fans and critics alike:

- "A return to form, a step forward, and a potent reminder of why Bragg's music still matters." -All Music Guide
- "Whether you prefer him shouting vitriol on the picket line or whispering sweet nothings in the bedroom, you'll find plenty to enjoy here." -Billboard
- "Frequently fantastic folk-rock that keeps both the faith and your attention." -Village Voice

Billy Bragg on Tour:
10-17 The State Theatre State College PA
10-18 State Theatre Ithaca NY
10-19 Monmouth University West Long Branch NJ
10-21 Somerville Theater Somerville MA
10-22 Somerville Theater Somerville MA
10-23 Lebanon Opera House Lebanon NH
10-24 Keswick Theatre Glenside PA
10-27 9:30 Club Washington DC
10-28 Rams Head Live Baltimore MD
10-29 Paramount Theatre Charlottesville VA
10-30 Attucks Theater Norfolk VA
11-01 Duke University Durham NC
11-02 The Orange Peel Asheville NC

Billy Bragg Featured on KCRW "Today's Top Tune"

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

KCRW is featuring "I Keep Faith" as "Today's Top Tune" for the next 24 hours. Go to: KCRW.com or their iTunes podcast to download it.

Mr. Love & Justice, out now!

OUT TODAY: Lyrics Born and Billy Bragg

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Lyrics Born's Anti debut Everywhere at Once is both a groovy instant dance party and a testament to the industrious multi-tasker's vida loca. Never resting on his laurels and always changing shit up, the MC, producer, label exec and non-stop live performer switched directions again, forgoing the usual samples/drum machine route and instead recording with his live band. Vibe writes, "he sounds transformed- festive and celebratory, his smarts undiminished."

Britian's best loved socialist Billy Bragg today released Mr. Love and Justice, his first record in six years. A deluxe version is also available that contains the whole record performed by Billy with just his electric guitar. Mojo called it "warmer, less blustery, more soulful," and Spin writes "Bragg gets the balance of message and music just about right." See for yourself.

Billy Bragg Post New Video For "O Freedom"

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Billy Bragg has posted a new video for "O Freedom" off his latest record, Mr. Love and Justice. Check it out at Anti's youtube channel.

Mr. Love and Justice, out April 22nd!

Billy Bragg Posts New EPK

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:04:00 -0700

Billy Bragg is an artist that doesn’t need much of an introduction, raising eyebrows for more than 20 years with his political views and wonderful music. If you still are unfamiliar with Billy Bragg or his latest record Mr. Love and Justice, feel free to enjoy the first two of four EPK’s at Anti's youtube channel.

Click here now.

Mr. Love and Justice, out April 22nd!

ANTI at South By Southwest

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:03:00 -0700

Check out the following live performances captured at our SXSW showcase.

Billy Bragg - I Keep Faith

DeVotchKa - Along the Way

The Weakerthans - Night Windows

Man Man - Doo Right

Tim Fite - More Clothes

Islands - The Arm

Billy Bragg Performance For KCMP at SXSW

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:03:00 -0700

Billy Bragg performs live from SXSW
by Mary Lucia, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. -- With a music career spanning over two decades, the sometimes folk and sometimes punk singer/songwriter Billy Bragg has teamed up with legendary artists like Wilco and Johnny Marr (The Smiths) as well as new artists like Kate Nash in addition to his abundant solo work.

Jump-starting his music career by impersonating a television repair person, Bragg made it into the office of an A&R rep to release his first record in 1983. Bragg is playing SXSW in anticipation of his new album titled "Mr. Love & Justice" coming out April 22.

Songs performed: "Farm Boy," "Old Clash Fan Fight Song," and "The Great Leap Forward."

Watch it now.