Tag Archives: UK

David Bowie: Black Star

Leave a comment

blackstar

On January 8, 2016, “ISO”, “RCA”, “Columbia”, and “Sony” labels released “Black Star”, the twenty-fifth and final David Bowie studio album. It was recorded in 2015, at “The Magic Shop” and “Human Worldwide Studios”, in New York City, and was produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti.  The album was voted Best album of 2016, in the annual choices by many medias including The A.V. Club, Mojo, Newsweek, Paste, Q, Rolling Stone (Readers Poll), Uncut and The Wire Magazine. “Black Star” became Bowie’s only album to top the “Billboard 200” in the United States, and it remained at the number one position in the UK charts for three weeks. The album was certified Platinum in Australia by “ARIA”; in Austria by “IFPI”; in Belgium by “BEA”; in Canada by “Music Canada”; in France by “SNEP”; in Italy by “FIMI”, and in UK by “BPI”.

Personnel:

  • David Bowie– vocals, acoustic guitar, “Fender Guitar”, harmonica, string  arrangements, mixing
  • Ben Monder– guitar
  • Jason Lindner– piano, organ, keyboards
  • Tim Lefebvre– bass
  • Mark Guiliana– drums, percussion
  • James Murphy– percussion
  • Donny McCaslin– flute, saxophone, woodwinds
  • Tony Visconti– strings, engineer, mixing
  • Kevin Killen– engineer
  • Erin Tonkon – backing vocals, engineer assistant
  • Kabir Hermon – engineer assistant
  • Tom Elmhirst– mixing
  • Joe Visciano – mixing assistant
  • Joe LaPorta– mastering

Track listing:

All tracks by David Bowie, except where noted.

  1. Blackstar
  2. Tis a Pity She Was a Whore
  3. Lazarus
  4. Sue (Or in a Season of Crime) – David Bowie, Maria Schneider, Paul Bateman, Bob Bharma
  5. Girl Loves Me
  6. Dollar Days
  7. I Can’t Give Everything Away

Foreigner: Agent Provocateur

Leave a comment

foreigner_-_agent_provocateur

On December 7, 1984, “Atlantic” label released “Agent Provocateur”, the fifth Foreigner studio album. It was recorded in 1984, and was produced by Mick Jones and Alex Sadkin. The album was certified Platinum in Germany by “BVMI”; Platinum in Switzerland by “IFPI Switzerland”; Platinum in UK by “BPI”, and 3 x Platinum in the U.S. by the “RIAA”.

Personnel:

  • Lou Gramm- lead vocals, percussion
  • Mick Jones- guitar, keyboards, synthesizers. backing vocals
  • Rick Wills- bass, backing vocals
  • Dennis Elliott- drums
  • Wally Badarou – analog and digital synthesizers
  • Bob Mayo- synthesizer, piano, backing vocals
  • Brian Eddolls – synthesizer
  • Larry Fast– synthesizer
  • Jack Waldman– synthesizer
  • Tom Bailey– vocals
  • Don Harper- backing vocals
  • Jennifer Holliday- backing vocals
  • Ian Lloyd- backing vocals
  • New Jersey Mass Choir of the GMWA – backing vocals
  • Mark Rivera- saxophone, backing vocals
  • Thompson Twins- backing vocals
  • Josh Abbey, Larry Alexander, Joe Ferla, Frank Filipetti, Howie Lindeman – engineer
  • Bobby Cohen, Tim Crich, Scott Mabuchi – engineer assistant
  • Ted Jensen – mastering
  • Bob Defrin – art direction, design

Track listing:

  1. Tooth and Nail – Lou Gramm, Mick Jones
  2. That Was Yesterday – Lou Gramm, Mick Jones
  3. I Want to Know What Love Is – Mick Jones
  4. Growing Up the Hard Way – Lou Gramm, Mick Jones
  5. Reaction to Action – Mick Jones, Lou Gramm
  6. Stranger in My Own House – Mick Jones
  7. A Love in Vain – Mick Jones, Lou Gramm
  8. Down on Love – Mick Jones, Lou Gramm
  9. Two Different Worlds – Lou Gramm
  10. She’s Too Tough – Mick Jones, Lou Gramm

 

 

The Black Keys: El Camino

Leave a comment

the_black_keys_el_camino

On December 6, 2011, “Nonesuch” label released “El Camino”, the seventh Black Keys studio album. It was recorded March – May 2011, at “Easy Eye Sound Studio” in Nashville, and was produced by Brian Burton (Danger Mouse), Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. At the 55th “Annual Grammy Awards”, The Black Keys won the award for “Best Rock Album”, “Best Rock Performance” and “Best Rock Song” for “Lonely Boy”. The album was certified 2 x Platinum in Australia by “ARIA”; 3 x Platinum in Canada by “Music Canada”; Platinum in France by “SNEP”; Platinum in Ireland by “IRMA”; 2 x Platinum in New Zealand by “RMNZ”; Platinum in UK by “BPI”, and Platinum in the US by the “RIIA”.

Personnel:

  • Dan Auerbach– vocals, guitars
  • Patrick Carney– drums
  • Brian Burton– keyboards
  • Leisa Hans – vocals
  • Heather Rigdon – vocals
  • Ashley Wilcoxson – vocals
  • Kennie Takahashi – engineer
  • Collin Dupuis – engineer assistant
  • Tchad Blake – mixing
  • Tom Elmhirst – mixing
  • Ben Baptie – mixing assistant
  • Brian Lucey – mastering

Track listing:

All tracks written Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, and Brian Burton.

  1. Lonely Boy
  2. Dead and Gone
  3. Gold on the Ceiling
  4. Little Black Submarines
  5. Money Maker
  6. Run Right Back
  7. Sister
  8. Hell of a Season
  9. Stop Stop
  10. Nova Baby
  11. Mind Eraser

The Stone Roses: Second Coming

Leave a comment

second-coming

On December 5, 1994, “Geffen” label released “Second Coming”, the second Stone Roses (The) studio album. It was recorded 1992 – 1994, at “Forge Studios” in Wales, and was produced by Simon Dawson and Paul Schroeder. “Second Coming” was certified Platinum in UK by “BPI”.

Personnel:

  • Ian Brown– lead vocals, harmonica, recording of running water
  • John Squire – lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, recording, collage
  • Simon Dawson – keyboards, Jew’s harp, castanets, Wurlitzer electric piano, acoustic piano, engineer
  • Mani– bass guitar
  • Reni– lead and backing vocals, drums, recording of running water
  • Nick Brine – tambourine, engineer assistant
  • Paul Schroeder – engineer
  • John Leckie– recording
  • Mark Tolle – recording
  • Al “Bongo” Shaw – recording

Track listing:

All tracks by John Squire, except where noted.

  1. Breaking into Heaven
  2. Driving South
  3. Ten Storey Love Song
  4. Daybreak – Ian Brown,Gary Mounfield, John Squire, Alan Wren
  5. Your Star Will Shine
  6. Straight to the Man – Ian Brown
  7. Begging You – John Squire, Ian Brown
  8. Tightrope
  9. Good Times
  10. Tears
  11. How Do You Sleep
  12. Love Spreads
  13. Untitled – Ian Brown, Gary Mounfield, John Squire, Alan Wren

Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams

Leave a comment

coldplay_-_a_head_full_of_dreams

On December 4, 2015, “Parlaphone” label released “A Head Full of Dreams”, the seventh Coldplay studio album. It was recorded  2014 – 2015, at “Henson Recording Studio” in Hollywood; “AIR Studios” and “The Bakery and The Beehive” in London, and was produced by Rik Simpson, Stargate and Daniel Green. The artwork was created by Argentine artist Pilar Zeta in collaboration with the band. “A Head Full of Dreams” was the eighth best-selling album of 2015 worldwide. The album was certified Platinum in Australia by “ARIA”; Platinum in Belgium by “BEA”; Platinum in Canada by “Music Canada”; Platinum in Denmark by “IFPI Denmark”; 3 x Platinum in France by “SNEP”; Platinum in Germany by “BVMI”; 2 x Platinum in Hungary by “MAHASZ”; 3 x Platinum in Italy by “IFMI”; Platinum in Mexico by “AMPROFON”; Platinum in Netherlands by “NVPI”; Platinum in New Zealand by “RMNZ”; 2 x Platinum in Poland by “ZPAV”; Platinum in Spain by “PROMUSICAE”; Platinum in Switzerland by “IFPI Switzerland” and 3 x Platinum in UK by “BPI”.

Personnel:

  • Chris Martin- lead vocals, piano, acoustic guitar
  • Jonny Buckland- electric guitar
  • Guy Berryman- bass guitar
  • Will Champion- drums, drum pad, percussion, backing vocals
  • Davide Rossi– strings
  • Regiment Horns – brass
  • Beyoncé– vocals
  • Gwyneth Paltrow– vocals
  • Merry Clayton– vocals
  • Tove Lo– vocals
  • Khatia Buniatishvili– piano
  • Coleman Barks– narration
  • Barack Obama– vocals
  • Annabelle Wallis– vocals
  • Noel Gallagher– guitar
  • Moses Martin– tambourine
  • Rik Simpson– vocals, additional instruments
  • Mikkel S Eriksen– additional instruments
  • Tor Erik Hermansen– additional instruments
  • Tim Bergling– additional programming
  • Pilar Zeta, Coldplay – design, art direction
  • Phil Harvey, Ultramajic – photography

The Choir

  • Nico Berryman
  • Jonah Buckland
  • Violet Buckland
  • Blue Ivy Carter
  • Ava Champion
  • Juno Champion
  • Marianna Champion
  • Rex Champion
  • Aubrey Costall
  • Harvey Costall
  • Brian Eno
  • Elise Eriksen
  • Hege Fossum Eriksen
  • Selma Eriksen
  • Jacob Green
  • Sophia Green
  • Daniel Grollo
  • Finn Grollo
  • Kat Grollo
  • Mathilda Grollo
  • Max Harvey
  • Rofi Harvey
  • Idil Hermansen
  • Isak Hermansen
  • Apple Martin
  • Moses Martin
  • Coleman Barks– narration
  • Barack Obama– vocals
  • Annabelle Wallis– vocals
  • Noel Gallagher– guitar
  • Moses Martin– tambourine
  • Rik Simpson– vocals, additional instruments
  • Mikkel S Eriksen– additional instruments
  • Tor Erik Hermansen– additional instruments
  • Bill Rahko – engineer
  • Miles Walker – engineer
  • Daniela Rivera – engineer
  • Tom Bailey – additional engineering
  • Robin Baynton – additional engineering
  • Daniel Green – additional engineering
  • Jaime Sickora – additional engineering
  • Aleks von Korff – additional engineering
  • Rik Simpson– mixing
  • Phil Tan– mixing
  • Emily Lazar– mastering
  • Merlin Watts – mastering
  • Laurence Anslow – additional studio assistance
  • Fiona Cruickshank – additional studio assistance
  • Nicolas Essig – additional studio assistance
  • Olga Fitzroy – additional studio assistance
  • Jeff Gartenbaum – additional studio assistance
  • Christian Green – additional studio assistance
  • Pablo Hernandez – additional studio assistance
  • Phil Joly – additional studio assistance
  • Miguel Lara – additional studio assistance
  • Matt McGinn – additional studio assistance
  • Chris Owens – additional studio assistance
  • Roxy Pope – additional studio assistance
  • John Prestage – additional studio assistance
  • Kyle Stevens – additional studio assistance
  • Derrick Stockwell – additional studio assistance
  • Matt Tuggle – additional studio assistance
  • Ryan Walsh – additional studio assistance
  • Joachim Berose – additional studio assistance
  • Will Wetzel – additional studio assistance
  • Digital Divide – additional production

Track listing:

All tracks by Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion.

  1. A Head Full of Dreams
  2. Birds
  3. Hymn for the Weekend
  4. Everglow
  5. Adventure of a Lifetime
  6. Fun
  7. Kaleidoscope
  8. Army of One
  9. Amazing Day
  10. Color Spectrum
  11. Up & Up

Michael Jackson: Dangerous

Leave a comment

michael-jackson-dangerous

On November 26, 1991, “Epic” label released “Dangerous”, the eighth Michael Jackson studio album. It was recorded June 1990 – October 1991, at “Ocean Way Studios” and “Record One Studios”, and was produced by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, Bill Bottrell and Bruce Swedien.  The album was certified 10 x Platinum in Australia by “ARIA”; 4 x Platinum in Austria by “IFPI Austria”;  6 x Platinum in Canada by “Music Canada”; 5 x Platinum in Chile by “IFPI’; Platinum in Finland by “Musiikkituottajat”; Diamond in France by “SNEP”; 4 x Platinum in Germany by “BVMI”; Diamond in Italy by “FIMI”; 2 x Platinum in Japan by “RIAJ”; 7 x Platinum by Malaysia by “RIM”;  2 x Platinum in Mexico by “AMPROFON”; 3 x Platinum in Netherlands by “NVPI”; 6 x Platinum in New Zealand by “RMNZ”; 6 x Platinum in Spain by “PROMUSICAE”; 3 x Platinum in Sweden by “GLF”; 5 x Platinum in Switzerland by “IFPI Switzerland”; 6 x Platinum in UK by “BPI”, and 7 x Platinum in the US by “RIIA”.

Personnel:

  • Michael Jackson- lead and backing vocals, soprano voice, arrangement, vocal and rhythm arrangements, director
  • Slash – guitar
  • Tim Pierce – guitar
  • Paul Jackson Jr.- guitar
  • John Barnes – keyboards
  • Jasun Martz- keyboards
  • Michael Boddicker- synthesizers, speed sequencer, keyboards, keyboards programming
  • Bill Bottrell – rap, Father speaking part, synthesizer, guitar, bass, mellotron, drums, percussion, recording, mixing,
  • Brad Buxer- keyboards, synthesizers, percussion, keyboard arrangements, programming, keyboard programming
  • Bruce Swedien – keyboards, drums, percussion, recording, mixing, arrangements
  • Jai Winding – keyboards, keyboard programming, piano, bass
  • Greg Phillinganes- keyboards
  • René Moore – keyboards, arrangements
  • David Paich- keyboards, synthesizers, keyboard arrangements, keyboard programming, rhythm arrangement
  • Steve Porcaro- synthesizers, keyboards, keyboard programming
  • Teddy Riley – keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, drums, rhythm arrangement, synthesizer arrangement, recording, mixing
  • Rhett Lawrence- synthesizers, synthesizer programming, drums , percussion, arrangements
  • Terry Jackson – bass guitar
  • Louis Johnson- bass guitar
  • Abraham Laboriel- bass guitar
  • Jeff Porcaro- drums
  • Bryan Loren- drums, Moog bass
  • Christa Larson- ending solo vocal
  • Mystery Girl (Princess Stéphanie of Monaco) – vocals
  • The John Bahler Singers – choir
  • The Andraé Crouch Singers – choir
  • Linda Harmon – soprano voice
  • Heavy D- rap
  • Andres McKenzie – Son speaking part
  • Larry Corbett – cello
  • George Del Barrio – string arrangements
  • Endre Granat- concert master
  • John Bahler- vocal and choir arrangements
  • Jerry Hey- arrangement
  • Glen Ballard- arrangements
  • Andraé Crouch- choir arrangements
  • Sandra Crouch- choir arrangements
  • Johnny Mandel- orchestral arrangements, conductor
  • Marty Paich- orchestral arrangements, conductor
  • Jim Mitchell – recording
  • Thom Russo- recording
  • Jean-Marie Horvat – recording
  • Matt Forger – recording, engineer, mixing, sound design
  • Craig Brock – recording assistant

Track listing:

  1. Jam – Michael Jackson, René Moore, Bruce Swedien, Teddy Riley
  2. Why You Wanna Trip on Me – Teddy Riley, Bernard Belle
  3. In the Closet – Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley
  4. She Drives Me Wild – Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley; rap lyrics by Aqil Davidson
  5. Remember the Time – Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson, Bernard Belle
  6. Can’t Let Her Get Away – Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley
  7. Heal the World – Michael Jackson
  8. Black or White – Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell
  9. Who Is It – Michael Jackson
  10. Give In to Me – Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell
  11. Will You Be There – Michael Jackson
  12. Keep the Faith – Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett, Michael Jackson
  13. Gone Too Soon – Larry Grossman, Buz Kohan
  14. Dangerous – Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell, Teddy Riley

Eric Clapton: August

Leave a comment

eric_clapton_august

On November 24, 1986, “Duck / Warner Bros” labels released “August”, the tenth Eric Clapton studio album. It was recorded April – May 1986, and was produced by Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and Tom Dowd. The album was certified Platinum in UK by “BPI”.

Personnel:

  • Eric Clapton– vocals, guitar
  • Tina Turner– lead and backing vocals
  • Richard Feldman – keyboards
  • Greg Phillinganes– keyboards, backing vocals
  • Gary Brooker– keyboards, backing vocals
  • Richard Cottle – synthesizer
  • Laurence Cottle– bass guitar
  • Nathan East– bass guitar
  • Phil Collins– drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Henry Spinetti– drums
  • Michael Brecker– saxophone
  • Jon Faddis– trumpet
  • Dave Bargeron– trombone
  • Randy Brecker– trumpet
  • Katie Kissoon– backing vocals
  • Magic Moreno – backing vocals, engineer
  • Tessa Niles– backing vocals
  • Larry Williams– synthesizer programming
  • Leon Pendarvis – horn arrangements
  • Steve Chase, John Jacobs, Paul Gommersall, Peter Hefter – engineer
  • Terry O’Neill– photography

Track listing:

  1. It’s in the Way That You Use It – Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson
  2. Run – Lamont Dozier
  3. Tearing Us Apart – Eric Clapton, Greg Phillinganes
  4. Bad Influence – Robert Cray, Michael Vannice
  5. Walk Away – Richard Feldman, Marcella Detroit
  6. Hung Up on Your Love – Lamont Dozier
  7. Take a Chance – Eric Clapton, Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes
  8. Hold On – Eric Clapton, Phil Collins
  9. Miss You – Eric Clapton, Bobby Columby, Greg Phillinganes
  10. Holy Mother – Stephen Bishop, Eric Clapton
  11. Behind the Mask – Chris Mosdell, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Michael Jackson
  12. Grand Illusion – Bob Farrell, Dave Robbins, Wesly Stephenson

Mike Oldfield: Platinum

Leave a comment

mike-oldfield-platinum

On November 23, 1979, “Virgin” label released “Platinum”, the fifth Mike Oldfield album. It was recorded in 1979, at “Blue Rock”, “Electric Lady” in the US; and “Througham”,  “Denham”, and “The Manor” in UK, and was produced by Tom Newman.

Personnel:

  • Mike Oldfield– vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, marimba, piano, synthesizers, vibraphone
  • Peter Lemer– keyboards
  • Nico Ramsden – keyboards
  • Sally Cooper – tubular bells
  • Wendy Roberts – vocals
  • Francisco Centeno – bass guitar
  • Neil Jason– bass
  • Hansford Rowe– bass
  • Pierre Moerlen– drums, vibraphone
  • Morris Pert– drums
  • Demelza – congas
  • Allan Schwartzberg– drums
  • David Bedford– vocal arrangements
  • Peter Gordon – horn arrangements
  • Michael Riesman– horn arrangements
  • Kurt Munkacsi – engineer
  • Tom Newman- engineer
  • Richard Manwaring – engineer assistant
  • Renate Blauel– engineer assistant

Track listing:

  1. Platinum Part One: Airborne
  2. Platinum Part Two: Platinum
  3. Platinum Part Three: Charleston
  4. Platinum Part Four: North Star/Platinum Finale
  5. Woodhenge
  6. Into Wonderland
  7. Punkadiddle
  8. I Got Rhythm

U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Leave a comment

u2_-_how_to_dismantle_an_atomic_bomb

On November 22, 2004, “Island” label released “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb”, the eleventh U2 studio album. It was recorded November 2003 – August 2004, and was produced by Steve Lillywhite, with additional production by Chris Thomas, Jacknife Lee, Nellee Hooper, Flood, Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno and Carl Glanville. “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 68 on its list of the “100 Best Albums of the Decade”. “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” was certified 4 x Platinum in Australia by “ARIA”; Platinum in Austria by “IFPI Austria”; 5 x Platinum in Canada by “Music Canada”; 2 x Platinum in Brazil by “ABPD”; Platinum in France by “SNEP’; 10 x Platinum in Ireland by “IRMA”; Platinum in Japan by “RIAJ”; 3 x Platinum in New Zealand by “RMNZ”; 2 x Platinum in Spain by “PROMUSICAE”; 4 x Platinum in UK by “BPI”, and 3 x Platinum in the US by “RIIA”.

Personnel:

  • Bono – lead vocals, guitar, piano
  • The Edge – lead and backing vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards
  • Adam Clayton– bass guitar, keyboards
  • Larry Mullen Jr.– drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Daniel Lanois– guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, shaker
  • Jacknife Lee– keyboards, synthesizers

Track listing:

All lyrics by Bono except where noted, all music by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.

  1. Vertigo – Bono, The Edge
  2. Miracle Drug – Bono, The Edge
  3. Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own
  4. Love and Peace or Else – Bono, The Edge
  5. City of Blinding Lights
  6. All Because of You
  7. A man and a Woman
  8. Crumbs from Your Table
  9. One Step Closer
  10. Original of the Species
  11. Yahweh – Bono, The Edge

Eurythmics: Touch

Leave a comment

eurythmics_-_touch

On November 14, 1983, “RCA” label released “Touch”, the third Eurythmics studio album. It was recorded in 1983. at “The Church” in London, and was produced by David A. Stewart. In 2012, “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked the album at number 493 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. The album was certified Platinum in UK by “BPI”, and Platinum in the US by “RIIA”.

Personnel:

  • Annie Lennox- vocals, flute, percussion, keyboard, arrangements
  • Dave Stewart- vocals, dulcimer, bass, guitar, drum programming, keyboard, xylophone, sequencing, arrangements
  • Dean Garcia – bass
  • Martin Dobson -baritone saxophone
  • Dick Cuthell- trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn
  • British Philharmonic– strings
  • Michael Kamen – string arrangements
  • Michael Kamen- conductor
  • Jon Bavin – engineer
  • Laurence Stevens – art direction, design
  • Andrew Christian – design
  • Brian Aris, Pete Ashworth – photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart.

  1. Here Comes the Rain Again
  2. Regrets
  3. Right By Your Side
  4. Cool Blue
  5. Who’s That Girl
  6. The First Cut
  7. Aqua
  8. No Fear, No Hate, No Pain (No Broken Hearts)
  9. Paint a Rumour