Charles Snider's blog

Oh shit... 
Sorry for that. Anger, disbelief, sadness, a rush of emotions. Of course, every train eventually pulls into the station one last time, and my thoughts are for those closest to him, and to his bravery.
I can't think of many (any?) from Daevid Allen's generation that have influenced so many, not just musically, but on that oh so slippery slope that I'll call “the spiritual level”. Perhaps that's why we all take the news so personal? I mean there's so many of us, and only one of him. Queue up “Zion my T-shirt” from the new album...

Tickets have gone on sale today for Magma's 2015 North American tour.

“Magma is happy to return to the United States to play for Americans. We know you are passionate, respectful and curious about music. We find you to be generous and open. It will be a joy for us to see you this year.”

April 2 – Venue Nightclub – Vancouver, BC
April 3 – Crocodile – Seattle, WA
April 4 – Aladdin Theater – Portland, OR
April 6 – Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
April 8 – Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
April 10 – Reggies – Chicago, IL
April 11 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA

From the Tangerine Dream Facebook page:
"Edgar Froese 6 June 1944 – 20 January 2015
His son Jerome made the following announcement - Dear friends & colleagues, the Captain has left the ship ... I'm very sorry to inform you that my father Edgar Froese passed away on Tuesday afternoon (20th of January) in Vienna. And as you already know: Life plays no encores. Rest in peace Edgar, you will be sadly missed. RIP"

Suffice it to say, but TD were my introduction to electronic music, and Edgar was indeed, the captain of that ship. A true progressive, in every sense of the word.

Drummer and son Dylan Howe has released his take on some of David Bowie's Berlin-era music, on an album titled Subterranean: New Designs on Bowie's Berlin. Think of it as very much a jazzy brother to Phillip Glass' Low Symphony. Highest recommendations!

Krankschaft have a new studio album out, original tunes from Steve Pond and a previously unheard track written by Bob Calvert. Highest recommendations!

Jean-Herve Peron and Diermeyer have released a new Faust album, j U S t, pronounced "just us". It's out on Bureau B, available on CD and Vinyl. I'm off to get mine tonight.

Just announced, February 23rd 2015 will see an ultra-deluxe box set of the Pretty Things catalog, entitled "Bouquets from a Cloudy Sky". All 11 studio albums on CD, 2 CDs of unreleased tracks and rarities, 2 DVDs (including amazing two hour documentary MIDNIGHT TO SIX 1965-71), vinyl acetate repro with 4 unreleased 1964-67 demos, massive hardcover book written by Mike Stax + family tree, and other inserts. Limited edition of 2,000 copies!

The new album from Gong I See You is up for preorder with spoiler samples on the Planetgong website. The album features Daevid Allen, plus Orlando Allen, Ian East, David Sturt, Fabio Golfetti and Kavus Torabi. Due early November on Madfish UK label. Our thoughts and positive energy are with Daevid Allen, who is currently going through treatment for a tumor on his neck, and his recovery.

I had the great fortune of seeing "David Bowie Is..." exhibit at the V&A in London last year. Today marks the opening of the exhibit here in Chicago at the Museum of Contemporary Art, its only North American stop. There are many events coinciding with the exhibit, including a few classic albums being performed live, including The Disappears performing Low on November 22nd. Don't miss any of it!

Available now from Corrado's website, exclusive CD/DVD set!