This still seems like an odd pairing, but there’s never a problem with watching Scarlett do her thing regardless of her musical talent: continue reading...

November 17th, 2008 — New York, New York — The five royal Princes of Hives Nation have teamed up with the Queen of Queens from Queens, Cyndi Lauper, to record the best holiday song this side of White Christmas (ok… maybe Silver and Gold as well).  The Hives and Cyndi Lauper In A Christmas Duel will be released via The Orchard on December 1st in the UK and one day later on December 2nd in the US.  As an early present to fans who have found themselves being particularly awesome this past year, the single will be exclusively available for free download via the band’s website throughout Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, November 28th through Sunday, November 30th. continue reading...

In many ways, he’s one of the music industry’s best kept ‘secrets’ although staunch music fans from London and Los Angeles to Tokyo and New York City will readily attest to Leon Ware’s artistry as not merely a legendary songwriter and producer but as a brilliant artist and performer in his own right. A music maker for four decades, Leon’s amazing list of impressive credits includes classic recordings by Quincy Jones, Minnie Riperton, Michael Jackson, Maxwell, Average White Band and of course, the late Marvin Gaye (whose Ware-written and produced “I Want You” LP remains a seminal Motown album). Leon readily confesses that even with a catalog of nine of his own albums released since 1972, “I’ve never really been out there as a fully-fledged recording artist and performer because of my love for producing and writing. Now,” he emphasizes, “it’s time to do that…”

The impetus, Leon says, is MOON RIDE, his debut album for Stax/Concord Records. The twelve songs that comprise the Ware-produced collection of new material easily validates Leon’s stance as a true master of musical sensuality. In the tradition of his previous recordings and work with others, songs on the new album like “Just Take Your Time,” “Hold Tonight” and “Smoovin’” are love-filled odes, a heady mix fantasy and reality. continue reading...