Latest news with #WhiteAlbum
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
The queens of collaboration in Lucius are finding themselves again musically
NEW YORK (AP) — The magic created by the vocal blend of Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, collectively known as Lucius, has opened many doors for them in the music industry. Sometimes quite literally — like when they arrived at the home of Joni Mitchell, invited by Brandi Carlile to sing at one of her 'Joni Jams,' and Paul McCartney answered their knock. It's a heady experience, singing at Mitchell's house. Tipped in advance that McCartney might be there, Laessig and Wolfe rehearsed a version of 'Goodbye,' a song he wrote that was a hit for Mary Hopkin in 1969. They sensed the moment he recognized it — hey, that's my song! The women have collaborated with many artists through the years, among them Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Harry Styles, Roger Waters, Jeff Tweedy, the Killers, War on Drugs and Mumford & Sons. This year, they're concentrating on their own music with Lucius, a rock band that also includes Dan Molad and Peter Lalish. They've released a self-produced disc that reflects their experiences settling in Los Angeles and starting families, titling it simply 'Lucius' even though it's their fourth album. An album that felt like coming home 'It felt like a coming home to ourselves,' Wolfe said. 'There wasn't really a question, actually, whether the record would be titled something else. It just felt like it was us, and let's give it our name.' Laessig and Wolfe met and quickly bonded two decades ago as students at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. They first sang together as part of a school project to remake the Beatles' White Album — their version of 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' will never see the light of day — that was abandoned because they began writing their own music. 'We were always inspired by Phil Spector and Elliot Smith and people who used double vocals as an interesting textural thing,' Wolfe said. 'And we thought, well, we could actually do this live. We both wanted to be lead singers, but together.' 'Unison singing,' notes Laessig, 'is not for the faint of heart.' Check out the heartbreaker ' The Man I'll Never Find' — particularly the stripped-down, piano-led version — for a spellbinding example of their work. Many have wrongly assumed they were sisters. They look a little alike, and play up this image of two who have become one by frequently dressing alike onstage. Even offstage: they arrived at The Associated Press for an interview in nearly matching, all-red outfits with identical makeup. They are disciplined in alternating who answers questions. It can be, let's be honest here, a little creepy. 'We're dressing the sound,' Wolfe explained. 'I grew up in the theater. Being able to escape and feeling like, you know, you can put on your costume, put on your uniform and become something else for a moment in time. Even though it feels honest and real and close to the heart, there's something magical about it.' 'When you look at us, we wanted you to see one,' she said. 'We didn't want you to see two.' The gimmick served them well as they sought to make a name for themselves, Laessig said. 'We were touring in the van and doing festivals and nobody had a clue who we were, but we walked around in matching outfits. People were like, 'What is this about?' Oh, come see us. We're playing at this stage at 3 p.m.' Their collaborative nature is a strength they have brought to working on projects with other musicians. 'People who bring us in know that they're going to have something that's solid between the two of us,' she said. 'We just speak each other's language. And we like building worlds within worlds. Luckily we've been given the freedom in all of these different projects to be us.' Sharing looks, sharing styles and now, sharing a nanny Real life brings its parallels, too. They live in homes minutes from each other and, within the past year or so, both gave birth to babies. Collaborating with others has its strengths, and Lucius brought in Madison Cunningham and The War on Drugs to work with them on two songs on the new album. But becoming known for their work with others comes with a risk attached, that they lose sight of themselves in the process. 'We like exploring different worlds and seeing how it takes shape and how we can get lost in it,' Wolfe said. 'There's something really enchanting and magical about that. And, yes, sometimes after you explore that world, it doesn't necessarily feel like you.' To that end, the 'Lucius' album is in one sense a reaction against the dance-oriented production hand that Carlile and Dave Cobb brought for the 2022 album 'Second Nature.' The more rock-based new disc sounds like the musicians are more comfortable. It 'feels honest and real because we wrote about things that were just happening in our lives,' Wolfe said. They're looking forward to a busy summer of playing that music on tour, and sharing the experience with their young families. 'We get to do it together and see the world together and our kids are going to know different places and cultures and foods and things, more than I had as a kid,' Wolfe said. 'As tough as it can be with the nap times and sleep schedules, it's a beautiful thing.' ___
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
The queens of collaboration in Lucius are finding themselves again musically
NEW YORK (AP) — The magic created by the vocal blend of Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, collectively known as Lucius, has opened many doors for them in the music industry. Sometimes quite literally — like when they arrived at the home of Joni Mitchell, invited by Brandi Carlile to sing at one of her 'Joni Jams,' and Paul McCartney answered their knock. It's a heady experience, singing at Mitchell's house. Tipped in advance that McCartney might be there, Laessig and Wolfe rehearsed a version of 'Goodbye,' a song he wrote that was a hit for Mary Hopkin in 1969. They sensed the moment he recognized it — hey, that's my song! The women have collaborated with many artists through the years, among them Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Harry Styles, Roger Waters, Jeff Tweedy, the Killers, War on Drugs and Mumford & Sons. This year, they're concentrating on their own music with Lucius, a rock band that also includes Dan Molad and Peter Lalish. They've released a self-produced disc that reflects their experiences settling in Los Angeles and starting families, titling it simply 'Lucius' even though it's their fourth album. An album that felt like coming home 'It felt like a coming home to ourselves,' Wolfe said. 'There wasn't really a question, actually, whether the record would be titled something else. It just felt like it was us, and let's give it our name.' Laessig and Wolfe met and quickly bonded two decades ago as students at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. They first sang together as part of a school project to remake the Beatles' White Album — their version of 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' will never see the light of day — that was abandoned because they began writing their own music. 'We were always inspired by Phil Spector and Elliot Smith and people who used double vocals as an interesting textural thing,' Wolfe said. 'And we thought, well, we could actually do this live. We both wanted to be lead singers, but together.' 'Unison singing,' notes Laessig, 'is not for the faint of heart.' Check out the heartbreaker ' The Man I'll Never Find' — particularly the stripped-down, piano-led version — for a spellbinding example of their work. Many have wrongly assumed they were sisters. They look a little alike, and play up this image of two who have become one by frequently dressing alike onstage. Even offstage: they arrived at The Associated Press for an interview in nearly matching, all-red outfits with identical makeup. They are disciplined in alternating who answers questions. It can be, let's be honest here, a little creepy. 'We're dressing the sound,' Wolfe explained. 'I grew up in the theater. Being able to escape and feeling like, you know, you can put on your costume, put on your uniform and become something else for a moment in time. Even though it feels honest and real and close to the heart, there's something magical about it.' 'When you look at us, we wanted you to see one,' she said. 'We didn't want you to see two.' The gimmick served them well as they sought to make a name for themselves, Laessig said. 'We were touring in the van and doing festivals and nobody had a clue who we were, but we walked around in matching outfits. People were like, 'What is this about?' Oh, come see us. We're playing at this stage at 3 p.m.' Their collaborative nature is a strength they have brought to working on projects with other musicians. 'People who bring us in know that they're going to have something that's solid between the two of us,' she said. 'We just speak each other's language. And we like building worlds within worlds. Luckily we've been given the freedom in all of these different projects to be us.' Sharing looks, sharing styles and now, sharing a nanny Real life brings its parallels, too. They live in homes minutes from each other and, within the past year or so, both gave birth to babies. Collaborating with others has its strengths, and Lucius brought in Madison Cunningham and The War on Drugs to work with them on two songs on the new album. But becoming known for their work with others comes with a risk attached, that they lose sight of themselves in the process. 'We like exploring different worlds and seeing how it takes shape and how we can get lost in it,' Wolfe said. 'There's something really enchanting and magical about that. And, yes, sometimes after you explore that world, it doesn't necessarily feel like you.' Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. To that end, the 'Lucius' album is in one sense a reaction against the dance-oriented production hand that Carlile and Dave Cobb brought for the 2022 album 'Second Nature.' The more rock-based new disc sounds like the musicians are more comfortable. It 'feels honest and real because we wrote about things that were just happening in our lives,' Wolfe said. They're looking forward to a busy summer of playing that music on tour, and sharing the experience with their young families. 'We get to do it together and see the world together and our kids are going to know different places and cultures and foods and things, more than I had as a kid,' Wolfe said. 'As tough as it can be with the nap times and sleep schedules, it's a beautiful thing.' ___ David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at and
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 15 most wanted music DVDs according to Discogs
Well, how about that pile of DVDs just sitting next to the TV, collecting dust thanks to the advent of streaming services, or perhaps the lack of anything to watch them on with video game consoles now often going 'discless'? Yet, this format, once considered 'the future' of film and television viewing, is still seeing newer works released on disc. Often, these discs are misplaced in the wrong DVD case, or worse, have simply gone missing entirely. We've consulted Discogs once again to find out what music DVDs are currently the most wanted by users of the marketplace. Some of these were included in days when an 'extended edition' release contained both a CD and DVD, while others are standalone DVD releases offering live footage of celebrated performances or those all-important peaks behind the curtain into the lives of the musicians involved. This once again comes with a caveat, though: those who might have a copy of one of the 15 we've included should do their due diligence. Check the condition of their item and also the current market value on Discogs. The nature of music collecting is one that continually fluctuates. For instance, that Taylor Swift EP you owned that was worth hundreds might drop in value when a newer variant comes along – you have been warned. But what music DVD releases are people looking for? Read on to find out! 1 . Cannibal Corpse - The Wretched Spawn (CD + DVD-V, 2004, US) For fans of extreme metal, this CD/DVD release from death metal titans Cannibal Corpse is a highly prized item. It offers a brutal auditory and potentially visual experience, cementing its place as a collector's essential within the metal community. 🔎 3518 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 2 . Metallica & San Francisco Symphony - S&M2 (2xCD + DVD-V, 2020, US) The sequel to their ground-breaking S&M collaboration, this S&M2 release with a DVD is a powerful testament to Metallica's continued innovation and their unique orchestral fusion. It's a recent release that quickly climbed the 'want' list for its powerful visual and audio experience. 🔎 3501 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 3 . The Beatles - The Beatles (Box, Comp + CD, Enh, RM + DVD-V, 2009) Even decades later, The Beatles remain cultural giants. This comprehensive box set, including a DVD, is a vital acquisition for collectors seeking the ultimate experience of their seminal White Album era, with all its remastered glory and bonus visual content. 🔎 3552 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 4 . Amy Winehouse - At The BBC (CD + DVD-V, 2012, Europe) The raw talent of Amy Winehouse shines through in this collection of BBC performances. Her indelible impact on music means this DVD is consistently desired by fans eager to witness her unparalleled live vocal prowess and captivating stage presence. 🔎 3603 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales Related topics: BoostMusicMusiciansFilmPeople
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 15 most wanted music DVDs according to Discogs
Well, how about that pile of DVDs just sitting next to the TV, collecting dust thanks to the advent of streaming services, or perhaps the lack of anything to watch them on with video game consoles now often going 'discless'? Yet, this format, once considered 'the future' of film and television viewing, is still seeing newer works released on disc. Often, these discs are misplaced in the wrong DVD case, or worse, have simply gone missing entirely. We've consulted Discogs once again to find out what music DVDs are currently the most wanted by users of the marketplace. Some of these were included in days when an 'extended edition' release contained both a CD and DVD, while others are standalone DVD releases offering live footage of celebrated performances or those all-important peaks behind the curtain into the lives of the musicians involved. This once again comes with a caveat, though: those who might have a copy of one of the 15 we've included should do their due diligence. Check the condition of their item and also the current market value on Discogs. The nature of music collecting is one that continually fluctuates. For instance, that Taylor Swift EP you owned that was worth hundreds might drop in value when a newer variant comes along – you have been warned. But what music DVD releases are people looking for? Read on to find out! 1 . Cannibal Corpse - The Wretched Spawn (CD + DVD-V, 2004, US) For fans of extreme metal, this CD/DVD release from death metal titans Cannibal Corpse is a highly prized item. It offers a brutal auditory and potentially visual experience, cementing its place as a collector's essential within the metal community. 🔎 3518 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 2 . Metallica & San Francisco Symphony - S&M2 (2xCD + DVD-V, 2020, US) The sequel to their ground-breaking S&M collaboration, this S&M2 release with a DVD is a powerful testament to Metallica's continued innovation and their unique orchestral fusion. It's a recent release that quickly climbed the 'want' list for its powerful visual and audio experience. 🔎 3501 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 3 . The Beatles - The Beatles (Box, Comp + CD, Enh, RM + DVD-V, 2009) Even decades later, The Beatles remain cultural giants. This comprehensive box set, including a DVD, is a vital acquisition for collectors seeking the ultimate experience of their seminal White Album era, with all its remastered glory and bonus visual content. 🔎 3552 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 4 . Amy Winehouse - At The BBC (CD + DVD-V, 2012, Europe) The raw talent of Amy Winehouse shines through in this collection of BBC performances. Her indelible impact on music means this DVD is consistently desired by fans eager to witness her unparalleled live vocal prowess and captivating stage presence. 🔎 3603 wants | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales Related topics: BoostMusicMusiciansFilmPeople
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fleetwood Mac's 50-Year-Old Album Charts Higher Than Ever
Fleetwood Mac continues to do what few others can: remain a chart force with music that's been out for decades. This week, the band manages to do so with a set that's been available half a century, almost to the month. The beloved group's classic Fleetwood Mac album (sometimes called the White Album, as it's the rockers' second self-titled effort) mounts an impressive comeback, reaching new highs, returning to several charts, and even debuting on another tally. Released in 1975, the second Fleetwood Mac reappears on a slew of Billboard charts in America. The legendary collection reenters four tallies and debuts on one more, bringing its total number of current appearances to five. That kind of showing would be impressive for any project, but for a title nearing its fiftieth anniversary, it's almost unbelievable. This frame, Fleetwood Mac reaches brand new highs on three different charts. The set reenters the Top Album Sales and Top Rock Albums lists at No. 17 on both. Meanwhile, it also cracks the top 20 for the first time on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums roster, appearing at No. 20 — a milestone it hadn't reached before. In addition to its impressive returns, Fleetwood Mac also breaks onto a Billboard ranking it's never been seen on before. The collection debuts on the Vinyl Albums chart, narrowly missing the top 10 as it enters at No. 12. The new arrival gives the group its eighth appearance on the roster dedicated solely to the bestselling vinyl releases in the U.S. Fleetwood Mac also reappears on the Billboard 200 this week, the ranking that tracks the most consumed albums across the country using a blend of metrics. The title is far from new to the all-genre tally. It lands at No. 94 on the list during this frame, its one-hundred-and-sixty-ninth on the Billboard 200. At one point, it even climbed all the way to No. 1. In the latest tracking period, Fleetwood Mac moved 12,500 equivalent units in the U.S., with 7,000 of those being pure sales. That sales figure represents an almost 2,000% increase from just a few days prior, as interest in the collection skyrocketed. The surge is attached to Record Store Day, as a special picture disc vinyl of the album was released to celebrate its upcoming fiftieth anniversary. Only about 6,500 copies of the new edition were pressed, yet somehow the title managed to sell more than that figure, as other versions were also available to purchase.
