Latest news with #JonathanWilson
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Europa League final lineup has been roundly mocked but it still matters
Gatwick on Tuesday morning was full of Spurs fans. They were in the Pret a Manger, they were in the Pizza Express, they were in the Wagamama, but mostly they were standing gawping at the destination board, which featured a baffling number of Vueling flights to Bilbao, a squeezing of the schedule that led to inevitable delays and confusion. The queue for the three open booths at passport control in Bilbao was a vast python of white shirts, speckled with the occasional tree green or purple. The bus into town was almost entirely Spurs, with a handful of businessmen and a bewildered older couple returning from their holidays, who admitted they had no idea their city was hosting a major European final. Advertisement Related: The bin fire strikes back: United and Spurs' song for Europe is a bit of tasteless fun | Jonathan Wilson In fairness, it has not felt much like a major European final. This is 16th against 17th in the Premier League, a battle of two sides who have each won one of their past 10 league games. As such, it has been regarded as an indictment of the inequitable distribution of resources in the modern world and something from a Victorian freak show, simultaneously an English boot grinding its studs forever into the face of Europe and a bout between a blind bear and a pair of three-legged badgers. None of which is entirely unfair, and yet it is a major European final, as the mass migration of excited fans attests. That a final could comprise two such struggling teams is undeniably funny, but the game matters. For Tottenham, this could be a first trophy since 2008 and a first European trophy since 1984; for United, it could, inexplicably, be a third piece of silverware in successive seasons, and a seventh European trophy. Neither side will need reminding that their ostensibly more successful local rivals have won nothing this season. Advertisement Almost more importantly in the remorselessly capitalistic environment of the modern game, victory on Wednesday would secure passage to next season's Champions League, with all the financial benefits that will bring. It could rival the Championship playoff final as the most valuable game in English football. The way potential qualification for the Champions League has been touted as a means of salvaging dismal seasons is itself indicative of the way football has been financialised. A trophy may have meant the world for Crystal Palace on Saturday, but for at least some at United and Spurs (although not Ange Postecoglou, as he was determined to point out), the Europa League feels like a means to a more lucrative ends; winning silverware in order to generate the revenue that will allow them to generate more revenue. The game, as Danny Blanchflower nearly said, is about glory, it is about doing things in style and with a flourish, about going out and creating sustainable revenue streams for the future. When Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham, he seemed a natural fit. His attitude to the game had been shaped by Ferenc Puskas, who coached him at South Melbourne, and there was a stylistic congruence between Arthur Rowe's Tottenham of the early 1950s, which established the push‑and-run style, and the ethos of Hungarian football in the same period. For all Postecoglou's cussed insistence that the way he plays is the way he plays, Spurs' best performances this season have been in away games when they have played in a style that would not be described as Angeball. When they beat Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, it was by playing on the counter and controlling the game in the second half. The Europa League wins at Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodø/ Glimt were almost like tactical plans devised by José Mourinho, stifling their opponents and assuming superior quality or physicality would tell in the end. Advertisement Related: Brennan Johnson has run hard yards to become Spurs' under-the-radar star Which presents Postecoglou with a conundrum. Tottenham have beaten United three times this season: twice with classic Angeball and once in a grim scrap when neither side played remotely well. Does he go with what worked at Old Trafford in the league and at home in the Carabao Cup or does he go with what has worked in Europe and opt for something more cautious? He may not have much option. Spurs do not have the natural advantage they had over Frankfurt and Bodø/Glimt, but neither are they likely to have their three most creative midfielders with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out and Lucas Bergvall a major doubt. That probably means Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur sitting with Pape Matar Sarr driving forward. It had looked as though Postecoglou's team without a midfield would be facing Ruben Amorim's team without a defence, although with Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot back in training the injury situation at United is not as acute as it had appeared. If there is an explanation for the disparity in United's European and domestic form this season, it is probably that the lower pace of the Europa League allows players such as Casemiro and Harry Maguire to play under less immediate physical pressure. The dilemma for Postecoglou, then, is how to press them without losing the defensive structure that saw Spurs through the past two rounds. Despite all the noise around it, the talk of finals of the undeserving and the economic rewards on offer, this is, almost despite itself, a major final. Somebody will win a trophy and whatever else that means it will be celebrated on the night and go down in posterity. Football is made of this.
Grazia USA
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Aly & AJ's New Album, 'Silver Deliverer,' Is a Soulful Testament to Sisterhood, Change, & Creative Freedom
Photo courtesy of Aly & AJ After 20 years in the spotlight, Aly & AJ Michalka are not just evolving — they're thriving. With their new album Silver Deliverer , the former Disney sister duo is embracing a profound new chapter within their music career, filled with transformation, reflection, and fearless artistry. 'Honestly… this is really my favorite piece of work we've ever put out, hands down,' AJ tells GRAZIA USA in an exclusive interview. It's a bold statement, but one that feels entirely deserved. Silver Deliverer dropped earlier this month on May 2, following the release of their latest single 'If You Get Lonely,' and marks yet another powerful pivot in their ever-expanding discography. At once intimate and expansive, the record is a mirror of their personal lives — capturing the emotional weight of change, the beauty of resilience, and the deep bond of sisterhood that has always guided their music. A New Era of Sound: Recording Silver Deliverer in Topanga Canyon The new album was crafted in California's Topanga Canyon with producer Jonathan Wilson, known for his work with artists like Father John Misty and Angel Olsen. The choice of setting was no accident — it became a character of its own in the record's creation. 'It was us living in a place together in Topanga Canyon during that time,' Aly remembers. 'It brought us back to living under one roof again… I remember that house and how it smelled and the food that we ate and the mornings that we took that were so just lovely and lazy, and there was no rush. Then we would just get to the studio at 2:00 or 3:00 PM; it was just heaven.' AJ adds, 'I think the growth and just where we're at in life very much reflect the music we make and vice versa. Aly and I's taste, obviously, over the years, has evolved. We grew up, born and raised, in Southern California. We've been listening to bands like The Beach Boys and Heart for years, and that's always been a foundational reference for our harmonies and our songwriting.' The result is a body of work that's sun-soaked, sonically expansive, and deeply rooted in who they are now — as artists, sisters, and women in their 30s. 'I just feel like it's meeting us right where we're at in our early 30s,' AJ says. 'I'm really, really proud of this record.' Deliverance Through Change: The Meaning Behind the Album Title The celestial title Silver Deliverer isn't just poetic — it's deeply symbolic. 'When we were thinking about album titles for this album, we came upon this quite soon in the album making,' Aly says. 'From that point on, we just knew that that's what the record would be called… It felt like we were being delivered truly into this new place that we had little knowledge of, but we were just trusting in the process.' She continues, 'I think that had to do with me becoming a mom, AJ becoming an aunt, me moving away from AJ and Laurel Canyon — because we used to live down the street from each other, and now I live a good hour and a half away from her — just a lot of things. And so we wanted the album title to capture what we were experiencing and going through.' AJ adds, 'Her water broke on day two of pre-production, which was hilarious because he came two weeks early. Aly went home, lived with him for a solid week. I continued to work with the band, and then she came back and was able to sing parts and breastfeed him while she was in the studio. He had on his little headphones… it was really magical.' 'It was truly two babies at once,' Aly shares from the heart. Photo courtesy of Aly & AJ Breaking the Rules: Creative Risks and Musical Freedom What makes Silver Deliverer especially powerful is its willingness to break the mold. The sisters embraced a less structured approach to songwriting and production, guided by trust in Wilson and themselves. 'We really trusted [Wilson] in his process, which was definitely a different process from past producers we had worked with,' Aly explains. 'But I think the thing that we embraced on this album was more solos and more instrumental moments on the record… We just really threw [structure of pop music] out the window… That was, I think, the most exciting part of making this record.' AJ echoes the sentiment: 'We didn't really lead with any fear or doubt because Jonathan was so confident… The album we wanted to make was there, and it was literally just ours to reach.' A Love Letter to Sisterhood: 'I Don't Know What It Is' One of the most emotionally resonant songs on the album, 'I Don't Know What It Is,' explores Aly's move away from LA and the ripple effect that had on their relationship. 'I think for me, 'I Don't Know What It Is' really hits hard because it is the song that represents Aly's move and the change in season of not living together or near each other as sisters anymore. Our whole lives has right down the street from each other, if not in the same house,' AJ says. 'It's made me realize that when I'm down there, the time is so important… Those moments are really important to me.' Aly adds, 'We've never really written about a subject matter in that way… The fact that we were writing about a thing, like a home, I think it makes that song just specifically very interesting.' Healing Through Music: Aging, Motherhood, and Letting Go Themes of self-acceptance and growth are woven throughout the album, especially in songs like 'What It Feels Like.' ''What It Feels Like' has really taught me… those things like your clothing fitting a little differently, your skin changing, your hair looking different when you pose — those things are really beautiful,' AJ shares. 'I wish as a younger kid I knew that that was coming because I would have told myself, 'You are going to have to embrace getting older and it's okay. Those things aren't going to change who you are as a person or change your DNA. They don't matter. They're surface things.'' As a new mother, Aly's perspective has also shifted: 'You just can't get to everything. You're just going to maybe have laundry that's just sitting there for five days… But you have a kid, and you've got to interact with them, and that's alright… The world kind of spins on, and it's not that big of a deal.' Looking Back with New Eyes: The Legacy of 'Rush' and 'No One' Even their earlier songs have taken on new meaning in adulthood. 'If I'm going to go back to a song… a song like 'No One,' which is so much about embracing being yourself and loving yourself… I think that's a really beautiful message to listen to now as a woman,' Aly reflects. AJ agrees, saying 'Rush' has become an anthem in unexpected ways. 'I really feel like the lyrics really represent a time and a place in a teenager's life, or whatever age you might be, accepting yourself who you are, being every color that you are. It also really represents our fandom,' she continues. 'They all become friends. They're all from different backgrounds, but they all somehow have this thing in common, and it's our music.' Photo courtesy of Aly & AJ Reintroducing Themselves: Aly & AJ on Call Her Daddy Their recent appearance on Call Her Daddy reconnected them with fans old and new — and on their own terms. 'At that point, we become in command because we're here to tell our story,' AJ says. 'We had a lot of feedback from fans that didn't know we were back… And then feedback from fans who were like, 'I followed every phase.'' Aly adds, 'It was fun to be able to talk with another girl that is so in the zeitgeist and so a part of pop culture… It's always great to be stopped on the street by people that are like, 'I loved your Call Her Daddy podcast.'' Life on the Road: Tour Rituals and Staying Grounded With a fall tour planned to support the album, Aly & AJ are ready to hit the road again — but not without their grounding rituals. 'Our number one thing on tour is rest,' AJ says. 'We really make [the bus] our sanctuary… We decorate our bunks. We make sure the kitchen is stocked with healthy foods.' They even still do their signature handshake before shows. 'It used to be insanely long,' AJ laughs. 'We've now shortened [it]… and then just a little bit of quiet time, a little bit of prayer… That's also a really comforting place for us.' The Message Behind the Music: What They Hope Fans Take Away At the heart of Silver Deliverer is the hope that listeners feel seen. 'I hope that people listen to this record and feel like, 'Oh, wow, I feel very centered in who I am as an adult. Even if I haven't reached exactly who I'm going to be, I'm on my way there,'' AJ says. Aly echoes this beautifully: 'I hope that people find a song that they really connect with, that they feel was literally written for them… I do feel like there's a song on this record for everyone.' A Legacy Rewritten in Real Time Two decades into their musical careers — with this summer marking the 20th anniversary of their iconic debut album, Into the Rush — Aly & AJ aren't chasing trends. They're creating music that reflects the women they've become — and the world they're helping to shape. Silver Deliverer isn't just a new album. It's a living, breathing journal of change, grace, and growth. And for longtime fans and first-time listeners alike, it's an invitation to come along for the ride. Listen to Aly and AJ's newest album, Silver Deliverer , out now.
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Trent walks alone, Anfield boo-boys, 20 years of The Glazers
Today at 12:48 After Trent Alexander-Arnold was blasted with boos at Anfield yesterday, Jonathan Wilson joins Joe to assess the fan backlash against the Real Madrid-bound full-back, the Liverpool legacy he leaves behind, and what this transfer could mean for both clubs.
Business Wire
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Aly & AJ Release Transcendent New Album Silver Deliverer
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Silver Deliverer, the highly anticipated independent sixth studio album from platinum-selling sister duo Aly & AJ, is out today. A career-defining body of work, Silver Deliverer blends sun-drenched California rock, country-tinged folk, and warm, analog textures into an honest and deeply personal album that feels like a love letter to growing up, growing older, and growing free. Out just in time for summer and building momentum into the fall, the release also marks the announcement of Aly & AJ's headlining must see North American Silver Deliverer Tour, presented by Concerts West / AEG Presents. The tour launches Friday, September 19 in Los Angeles, concluding in Santa Barbara on Sunday, November 9. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 9 at 10am local time HERE. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Amanda Shires will grace the bill and support across all dates. Arriving after the critical acclaim of their 2023 album With Love From, Silver Deliverer sees Aly & AJ embracing full creative control and crafting their most authentic, self-assured and spiritually resonant record yet. Written and recorded in Topanga Canyon, the album draws from the Laurel Canyon movement while sounding unmistakably fresh and modern. It marks a striking return for the beloved artists: bold, unfiltered, and wholly their own. Brimming with poetic warmth and wisdom that the sister duo has honed over the years, Silver Deliverer reflects on maturing, sisterhood, and self-actualization. 'After 20 years of making music together as sisters we've created our most revealing and poignant album to date. Motherhood, personal loss, and traumatic events have rewoven our tapestry of sisterhood. And we've done our best to write about it. We hope this music is something to reach for when you're lost and looking for some deliverance.' Produced in part by longtime collaborators, including GRAMMY nominated Jonathan Wilson, Silver Deliverer captures Aly & AJ's signature harmonies across a soundscape rich in organic instrumentation and golden-era storytelling. The album features standout singles including the recent 'Dandelions', the haunting 'If You Get Lonely' and 'Next to Nothing, ' which has received acclaim for Aly & AJ's iconic harmonies and makes audiences feel like they are 'living in the song while listening to it'. The shimmering lead single from the album, 'What It Feels Like', has already amassed over one million streams on Spotify and over 200K views of its official music video, solidifying the sisters' ongoing cultural relevance and deepening resonance with fans both old and new. Presales for the dynamic Silver Deliverer Tour tour begin on Tuesday, May 6 at 10am local time, followed by the general on sale on Friday, May 9 at 10am local time. For Los Angeles fans, the presale will be on Friday, May 16 at 10am PT followed by the general on sale on Tuesday, May 20 at 10am PT. Please see all cities, dates, and venues further below. In addition to the forthcoming tour, Aly & AJ have been busy kicking off their new era with a slew of high profile performances and major festival appearances including SXSW, Willie Nelson's Luck Festival, the Sunset Festival and Stagecoach. This is only the beginning as the duo prepares to kick off the album release with performances at Bonnaroo Festival and Milwaukee's Summerfest. ALY & AJ SILVER DELIVERER TOUR DATES September 19 - Los Angeles, CA - Venue Announced Soon September 25 - Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall September 26 - Seattle, WA - The Paramount Theatre September 27 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre September 30 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory October 1 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Union October 2 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre October 4 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theatre October 5 - Kansas City, MO - The Midland Theatre October 7 - St. Louis, MO - The Factory October 8 - Fort Wayne, IN - Clyde Theatre October 10 - Chicago, IL - The Salt Shed October 11 - Columbus, OH - KEMBA Live! October 12 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre October 14 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE October 15 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall October 17 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 October 19 - Boston, MA - Roadrunner October 21 - Philadelphia, PA - Franklin Music Hall October 22 - Washington, D.C. - The Anthem October 24 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium October 25 - Jacksonville, FL - FIVE October 26 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live October 28 - Pompano Beach, FL - Pompano Beach Amphitheater October 29 - Atlanta, GA - The Eastern October 31 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall November 1 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre November 2 - Dallas, TX - The Bomb Factory November 4 - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre November 5 - San Diego, CA - Humphrey's Concerts by The Bay - On Sale Now November 8 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield November 9 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theatre ABOUT ALY & AJ: Aly & AJ, comprised of sisters Aly and AJ Michalka, have captivated audiences around the world with their stirring harmonies, relatable lyrics, and a unique blend of pop and indie-rock influences. From their early days as Disney stars to their triumphant return to the music scene as independent artists, Aly & AJ have evolved into a force to be reckoned with, transcending genres and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Their previous album With Love From recorded with a live band at the famous Sunset Sound studio, showcased their genre-spanning artistry, incorporating Americana, folk, country and indie pop, featuring an array of reflective ballads and anthemic tracks. Critics have raved over the album, with Billboard claiming the track 'After Hours' 'pour[s] one out for the night owls,' while Rolling Stone highlighted and approved the song 'Baby Lay Your Head Down.' The California native sisters took the album on the road on their nationwide 'With Love From Tour,' which included a milestone performance at Los Angeles' legendary Greek Theatre for the first time for an unforgettable evening of powerhouse vocals, electrifying performances, and a nostalgic celebration of their remarkable discography. Aly & AJ first burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s with their debut album Into the Rush in 2005, featuring the hit single "Rush". Their music resonated with a generation, blending pop sensibilities with their innate ability to craft infectious melodies. Their roles in Disney Channel projects like "Phil of the Future" and "Cow Belles,' catapulted them into the hearts of young audiences worldwide. The release of their second album, Insomniatic, in 2007 showcased their growth as artists, exploring deeper themes and further curating their musical identity. Spawning hits like "Potential Breakup Song" and " Chemicals React," Aly & AJ ignited the soundtracks of our lives and solidified their status as superstars. After a decade-long hiatus, the sisters officially returned to the music scene in 2017 embracing both their roots and newfound maturity, seamlessly transitioning from pop sensations to indie darlings. Their EP " Ten Years" marked a triumphant return to their original sound, featuring the viral hit "Take Me." Their subsequent releases, including the critically acclaimed EP " Sanctuary" in 2019, showcased a powerful blend of synth-pop, dreamy melodies, and introspective lyrics that resonated with fans old and new. As the duo entered the 2020s, their music continued to evolve, delving deeper into themes of love, mental health, and personal growth. Shortly after, they released their first studio album in 14 years, a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun. This album contains tracks like "Listen!!!" and "Slow Dancing," showcased a newfound vulnerability and an unapologetic embrace of their true selves. Billboard included the album on their list of best albums of the first half of 2021. It was also listed on The Guardian's list of the 50 best albums of 2021.
WIRED
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- WIRED
These Noise-Canceling Headphones Deliver Gorgeous Sound for a Pretty Penny
I am fully immersed in the tones of Jonathan Wilson's stereo guitars on 'Desert Raven,' practically able to hear the pick on each jangly strum. The stereo image is as wide as you can possibly expect from a pair of closed-back headphones. It's still leaning out to each side more than fully spreading out into space like it might with speakers or open-backed headphones, but the gorgeous tonality of the reproduction never makes anything feel smaller than it should. The ability to fully recreate the entire soundstage in warm and exacting detail is like a French chef making something simple with only the finest ingredients. These headphones don't add a hi-fi Instagram-filter tonality to your favorite music; instead, they act like a beautiful Leica lens. Old favorites simply sound better when played through these headphones, especially in DAC mode. Photograph: Parker Hall Plugging into your laptop via USB-C and using DAC mode essentially lets you use these headphones as their own digital audio decoder—better than Bluetooth, and in the vast majority of cases better than using your laptop or tablet's built-in 3.5-mm port, if the device even has one. By plugging straight into USB, you can enjoy full digital fidelity the likes of which you won't get wirelessly, and it makes these a real treat to take with you for wired listening on the go. Instead of having to bring a dedicated headphone amp like the Astell & Kern HC4 ($220), you can just bring these and a USB-C cable. The dongles I usually bring aren't large, but I'll take one less thing in my travel kit. I loved cueing up old favorites like The Commodores' 'Easy,' to hear the difference between DAC mode and wireless listening. It's particularly noticeable in the high end, where the hi-hats and cymbals just seem to shimmer a bit more when listening with the USB-C cable. That said, wireless playback is shockingly on par, which is telling to folks who continue to pooh-pooh any form of Bluetooth listening at the high end. I was able to deeply enjoy music both wired and wirelessly on the Bathys MG. As a do-it-all audio accessory, you can think of this pair as something like Bentley or Rolls-Royce class, rather than a Ferrari. Sure, they're not as sharp, shiny, or perfect as more premium wired models for true analog nerds (which Focal also makes), but this pair is the type that you really want to drive daily. They're comfortable, and they sound good enough that you can truly forget the mess that is the world around you for at least a song or two. Isn't that what money is for?
