• Curt Smith, vocalist/bassist for Tears for Fears, is set to reissue one of his earlier solo projects this summer. Mayfield (1998) was Smith’s second album, recorded under the same name as the record (Curt is Mayfield – get it?). It’ll feature a new track, a new recording of the song “Trees.” Smith talks about the album and other projects in this interview with social networking site Flavors.
• Demon Music Group’s Harmless imprint is releasing another compilation of rare grooves mixed by one Tom Moulton. Some of the disco legend’s earliest works are covered here, some obscure (First Choice, The Quickest Way Out), others less so (the Loose Change and TJM albums were recently reissued by Big Break Records). The track list is after the jump of this post.
• Looking for some more background on the deluxe edition of Twisted Sister’s Under the Blade? Addicted to Vinyl has you covered.
• Here’s one we totally overlooked from our friends at MusicTAP: this Tuesday, Virgin is reissuing Australian rockers Sick Puppies’ latest album, 2009′s Tri-Polar. The album will be expanded with a bonus disc featuring this year’s unplugged EP Polar Opposite, three non-LP B-sides and a new track. That’s quite a package!
• And finally, some music geek-intensive notes you may have missed: check out the Library of Congress’ National Jukebox, which features rare masters owned by Sony Music from their entire catalogue (Columbia, OKeh, Victor and other labels) up to 1925. And Rhino’s famed RMAT (Rhino Musical Aptitude Test), issued to record stores across the country long ago, is back as an app! Better get those trivia muscles flexing; it looks like there’ll be a contest soon…

Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears (1985)
A duo comprised of Roland Orzabel & Curt Smith, Tears for Fears effectively parted ways in 1991, even though Orzabel retained legal rights to the band name. He collaborated with others to deliver two Tears for Fears studio albums during the 90′s, and in 2001 he delivered a solo album under his own name. In the meantime, Smith moved to the US and worked on a handful of solo and collaborative projects. Orzabel & Smith reunited in 2000 and released a new studio album in 2005. They’ve since toured and released a live album, but no new material is in the works, mostly due to their geographic separation and their respective families (Rozabel’s in England, Smith’s in California). Smith released a new Christmas single last year and has become a strong proponent and user of social media. He’s currently working on Stripped Down Live, an online version of MTV Unplugged), and Social Media Project, a collection of music he makes with artists he’s met online.

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Yes, another Focus on the Family/Family Research Council affiliate gets federal funding to teach others about “healthy marriage” while lobbying to restrict marriage rights for same-sex couples.  And, as an added – say what? - Indiana Family Institute (IFI) is the official partner of the State of Indiana to administer their federal grant to promote [Christian one man one woman] marriage.  IFI has deep political ties, federal money and a powerful PAC.  This is what gay rights are up against.

And there are numerous FOF/FRC affiliates that have gotten federal funding and work tirelessly to deny gay people their civil rights.  My article above lists a couple of these – Iowa Family Policy Center and Palmetto Family Council in South Carolina.  There are others – New Jersey, Georgia….

• Lead vocals: Roland Orzabal
• Written by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith
• Backing vocals: Curt Smith
• Produced by John Hughes
• Keyboards: Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley
• Recorded in the U.K.

So here we are, the home stretch.  In a few days we’ll be enjoying Christmas with our family and, if you’re anything like me, gorging yourself on 4,000 plus calories a day on things like cookies, cheese platters, and Primanti Brothers sandwiches.  Before you gain 10 pounds in two weeks, take a moment from your busy end of the year schedule and listen to this song by Curt Smith from Tears for Fears.

The End of the Party, by Andrew Rawnsley

An insightful and gripping documentation of New Labour’s time in office

Perfectly, Still, by Curt Smith

One of three gorgeous slices of melancholic bliss released this year by Curt.  I can’t make up my mind though, on whether I wouldn’t prefer to wait three years and get a whole album at once.

This Is England ‘86 (Shane Meadows)

Probably the best TV ever.

The General Election

Not for the result and everything that’s followed, which is the worst government for this country since the early 80s, but for the sheer drama of it; for the great fall experienced by the BNP; for the unmasking of Nick Clegg as a power-crazed Tory scum; for the ability to say ‘I told you so’ to anyone who thought that the Tories weren’t so right wing anymore…

San Francisco, Karlsruhe, Copenhagen

Three great cities visited this year – all of which had so much to offer that I’ll definitely be going back.

Geeky Section:

Twitter

Android 2.2.1

Head First by Goldfrapp

A really nice, very 80s flavoured album of Electro Pop.

Luther (BBC)

Fantastic performances – Idris Elba is sensational.  Seemed a bit unbelievable at first, but the narrative arc took an idea and ran with it, leading to the most memorable conclusion.  “What now?”

A Single Man (Tom Ford)

He doesn’t just make nice suits, he makes nice films too.  Although Colin Firth deserves a lot of the credit.

Charles Lloyd Quartet + Norma Winstone Trio (Barbican – LJF)

A great double bill.  Charles Lloyd is okay, but Eric Harland is amazing and often dominates a bit (like Tain Watts).  But here he was beautiful and understated throughout.  Norma Winstone’s trio seems unsual, but is so perfect and perfect as a complement to her voice.  Memorable evening out.

A Prophet (Jacques Audiard)

A Prison drama that takes its time to tell its story (the growing in stature and rising through the prison heirachy from nobody to, well, Prophet) but is always involving and smart.

Chronic City (Jonathan Lethem)

Another sprawling[-ish] NY novel from Lethem.  It doesn’t hit the highs of Fortress of Solitude, but is much more than the enjoyable whimsical You Don’t Love Me Yet.  Always entertaining, its not till the end that the whole thing makes sense.

For the Ghosts Within (Atzmon/Wyatt/Stephen)

Robert Wyatt’s latest album, a collaboration with Sax player Gilad Atzmon and String player/arranger Ros Stephen, is beautiful.  Mostly standards, but for the odd re-visitation (Dondestan) and the odd new track (the stunning title track).  I was fortunate enough to be at the launch gig at Scala as well, sans Wyatt, but still an evening of enchanting and intricate music.

The Sea (Corinne Bailey Rae)

A late addition to the list – I just bought it, but I’ve listened to it 3 times in a row and know that I’ll listen to it a lot more.  I heard about it when it came out, knew that it was a heartfelt tribute to her partner who died recently.  But its a lovely mix of soul, funk, pop, jazz, gospel, never definedly either of them – a lot of Philly in it – a really talented artist and songwriter.  She’s be great too live, I bet.

And some things that came back in 2010 and were still great (or better):

Doctor Who (BBC)

Steven Moffat takes the reigns and the two-part finale goes from being over-the-top throwing in everything including the kitchen sink, to being clever, surprising and emotional.  Although the series as a whole had some weak moments, Moffat’s contributions were great and Karen Gillan is a great find.

Mad Men (BBC4)

A pleasant surprise to be brought forward to airing only a few weeks after its American showing – although now we have to wait a full year for anymore.  Is Don on the verge of a midlife crisis, about to collapse in the next series and surprise us all with his stupidity – or is he evolving into a higher order being?  Only a year [or so] to find out.

Miranda (BBC2)

I love this sort of stuff.

I may add more if I’m particularly gripped by anything in the next week – chances not high!

After the success of his version of Mad World Gary planned to get a star tattoo for each finger

Are you waiting to open the door for the 4th December on my UK Christmas number ones advent calendar? I hope so. Apologies for being a little tardy with this one, let’s blame the weather shall we? Anyway as you open that cardboard flap very carefully you will be releasing “Mad World” by  Gary Jules and Michael Andrews. The song was originally a hit for Tears For Fears back in 1982 when it reached number 3 in the UK chart. The song was the third single from the band and was written by Roland Orzabal.It was originally the B Side of the band’s second single “Pale Shelter (You Don’t Give Me Love)“

Surely Curt's hairstyle was never cool, not even in the 80's. Was it?

The Gary Jules and Michael Andrews version is slowed down and in my opinion almost menacing at times. It was taken from the soundtrack from one of my favourite films, ‘Donnie Darko‘. It was number one in the UK during Christmas 2003 and held the pole position for three weeks. It also reached number one in Canada and Portugal. It has been covered by quite a diverse group of acts including Adam Lambert and Die Toten Hosen. TV shows have used it to great effect on many occasions too including CSI, Smallville and the Vicar Of Dibley.

Success didn't really go to Gary's head, but he was turning into the Incredible Hulk or maybe the Jolly Green Giant (OK that was really corny wasn't it?)

Michael Andrews is well-known for his film scores, including Donnie Darko (obviously), My Suicidal Sweetheart and Funny People. Gary Jules is attributed with what in my opinion is a truly wonderful quote. “I found out that people through the ages are exactly the same as now, they had the same issues, the same desires. One thing that’s clear when you read old literature is that there are some great universal truths – things like fart jokes, guys screwing other people’s wives and the hunger for power.” I have to agree on the fart jokes comment.

Enjoy the Gary Jules and Michael Andrews version below

Here are Tears For Fears performing the original song on Top Of The Pops in 1982

And finally experience Die Toten Hosen playing (or maybe murdering) the song live.

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#137 in the Series) is Tears for Fears, The Seeds of Love.

I would love to know how much time Tears for Fears spent in the studio recording this album.  It has so much texture and so many layers that it had to have taken many, many months.

Released in 1989, this was Tears for Fears third release following The Hurting and Songs from the Big Chair. The latter reached #1 on the strength of two singles, Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

The Seeds of Love peaked at #8 but top to bottom, I think this was a stronger album.

There was a major difference in this album that sets it apart from the first two.  That is the incredible vocals of guest singer Oleta Adams.

Ms. Adams was a struggling gospel singer who had previously released two self financed solo albums that did not get much notice.  She moved to Kansas City after not finding much success in Los Angeles.

There her life changed.  She was performing in a hotel bar when Tears for Fears members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith wandered while on tour.  They made contact with her and two years later she’s singing on their album and touring the world.

She was best known for the duet she sang with Roland that opens the album.  It’s a fantastic song called Woman in Chains.  If you recognize that drum sound, yes, that is Phil Collins on drums.

Other great songs on the album include the heavily Beatles influenced, Sowing the Seeds of Love, Badman’s Song, Advice for the Young at Heart, Swords and Knives and Year of the Knife.

Oleta Adams maintains a solo career to this day.   Most of her success has been in Tears for Fear home country, the U.K.

Tears for Fears also still records and tours but hasn’t had a major hit in the US since Sowing the Seeds of Love.

I often like to try and find live versions of videos to post.  But here’s the studio versions of Woman in Chains and Sowing the Seeds of Love. The production and arrangements are so perfect that I felt it was the way to go.

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#137 in the Series) is Tears for Fears, The Seeds of Love.

I would love to know how much time Tears for Fears spent in the studio recording this album.  It has so much texture and so many layers that it had to have taken many, many months.

Released in 1989, this was Tears for Fears third release following The Hurting and Songs from the Big Chair. The latter reached #1 on the strength of two singles, Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

The Seeds of Love peaked at #8 but top to bottom, I think this was a stronger album.

There was a major difference in this album that sets it apart from the first two.  That is the incredible vocals of guest singer Oleta Adams.

Ms. Adams was a struggling gospel singer who had previously released two self financed solo albums that did not get much notice.  She moved to Kansas City after not finding much success in Los Angeles.

There her life changed.  She was performing in a hotel bar when Tears for Fears members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith wandered while on tour.  They made contact with her and two years later she’s singing on their album and touring the world.

She was best known for the duet she sang with Roland that opens the album.  It’s a fantastic song called Woman in Chains.  If you recognize that drum sound, yes, that is Phil Collins on drums.

Other great songs on the album include the heavily Beatles influenced, Sowing the Seeds of Love, Badman’s Song, Advice for the Young at Heart, Swords and Knives and Year of the Knife.

Oleta Adams maintains a solo career to this day.   Most of her success has been in Tears for Fear home country, the U.K.

Tears for Fears also still records and tours but hasn’t had a major hit in the US since Sowing the Seeds of Love.

I often like to try and find live versions of videos to post.  But here’s the studio versions of Woman in Chains and Sowing the Seeds of Love. The production and arrangements are so perfect that I felt it was the way to go.

Author, columnist and radio/tv host Curt Smith joined us to talk about the Cardinals return to KMOX.

Kids and concussions.  That’s what we talked about with Dr. Joe Primrose today.

(Photo by Douglas H. Wheelock/NASA via Getty Images)

A.P. correspondent Tony Winton joined us from Kill Devil Hills as Hurricane Earl headed his direction.