Michael Franti and Spearhead Recent News

Michael Franti "Say Hey (I Love You)" Digital Single Sales Top 120,000

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:06:00 -0700

Michael Franti’s single, “Say Hey (I Love You), from his recently released album All Rebel Rockers, is fast becoming the biggest of his career. Not only did All Rebel Rockers mark Franti’s highest debut Billboard Top 200 Album Chart position, but “Say Hey (I Love You)” has now topped the 120,000 mark in digital sales marking another career high. Sales are in fact nearly 130,000, placing the track in the Top 20 on iTunes’ Alternative Singles Chart – a position that the song’s held for the past six weeks. The song also currently stands at #1 on Media Base’s Hot AC Indie Label Chart and #3 on the Indie Label Chart.

“’Say Hey (I Love You)” is a song about life’s journey,” says Franti. “No matter where it takes us, no matter how hard it may seem to understand at times, there is one thing we know for sure…we love the people who are closest to us.” He adds, “People are smiling on this song because in these uncertain times people are connecting with what they value most, friends, family and togetherness. It’s also got a hot beat and you can dance to it.”

Franti is set to return to the road on July 21st, where Los Angeles’ Greek Theater will host Michael, Counting Crows and Augustana, as part of “The Saturday Night Rebel Rockers Traveling Circus & Medicine Show. The show will be an original format where the three bands (and some special guests along the way) will combine to play together in addition to playing their own sets. Highlights of the tour include stops at many of the best summer amphitheaters in the country such as the aforementioned Greek Theater, Central Park’s Summerstage in New York City, Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Atlanta, GA and Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.

Hailed by critics as a musical visionary, Franti has earned and maintained a reputation as one of the best live acts in the business. The Bay Area born Franti has been bringing our world exceptionally powerful, deeply felt music. From the intense punk rock of the Beatnigs, to the deeply political rap he made with the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy to his joyful and meaningful modern soul music with Spearhead, and now as Michael Franti & Spearhead, this still young man has released an impressive series of recordings that have vividly reflected his status as a musical citizen of this world.

All Rebel Rockers is available on multiple formats, including a super-deluxe version that features a CD, DVD, seven vinyl singles and a slew of extra items bound in a beautifully embossed book.

Michael Franti & Spearhead on Tour with the Counting Crows

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:05:00 -0700

Come one, come all to the Saturday Night Rebel Rockers Traveling Circus & Medicine Show starring Counting Crows, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Augustana plus special guests!

The Counting Crows today announced plans for a summer tour, THE SATURDAY NIGHT REBEL ROCKERS TRAVELING CIRCUS & MEDICINE SHOW with special guests Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana, kicking off June 26 in Milwaukee, WI at SummerFest. The show will be an original format where the three bands (and some special guests along the way) will combine to play together in addition to playing their own sets.

“We want to give fans a completely different concert experience this summer than they’ve been getting,” says Counting Crows front man, Adam Duritz. “We’re turning your normal concert experience on its head. We’re going to go out on the road with a bunch of our friends and we’re all going to play shows together. Make sure you come out early, because when the curtain rises on the MEDICINE SHOW this summer and the lights come up, Counting Crows, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Augustana are all going to be right there together on that stage, along with any other friends and special guests happen to be in town and feel like joining the circus for a night. We won’t know what we’re going to do until we do it but we’re gonna try and make a glorious noise. One way or another, by the time me and my pals walk off that stage, we’re gonna make sure you remember that the Circus came to town.”

7/19/09 - Friant, CA- Table Mountain Casino w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

7/21/09 - Los Angeles, CA- Greek Theatre w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

7/24/09 - Las Vegas, NV- Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

7/26/09 - Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley w/ Augustana plus special guests

8/1/09 - Houston, TX - The Showgrounds at Sam Houston Race Park w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/3/09 - Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and
Augustana

8/4/09 - Grand Prairie, TX - Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/6/09 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage Theatre w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and
Augustana

8/7/09 - Orange Beach, AL - The Amphitheater at The Wharf w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/11/09 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/12/09 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheatre w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/14/09 - St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheatre w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/15/09 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/17/09 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/18/09 - Miami, FL - Bayfront Amphitheatre w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/20/09 - N. Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/21/09 - Charlotte, NC - The Uptown Amphitheatre at The Music Factory w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/26/09 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/28/09 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Resort Spa and Casino Event Center w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

8/29/09 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

9/3/09 - New York, NY - Rumsey Playfield at Central Park Summerstage w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

9/5/09 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD ADDED TO COACHELLA LINEUP

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:02:00 -0800

NEW SINGLE "HEY WORLD" (DON'T GIVE UP) #1 MOST ADDED AT AAA RADIO

New York, NY- Michael Franti & Spearhead will make their third appearance at this year's Coachella festival in April. The group will be performing on Saturday night along with The Killers, Amy Winehouse, TV On The Radio and Band Of Horses.

"I go to Coachella first as a fan and second as a musician," Franti commented. "I'm so excited to see bands like Franz Ferdinand and Amy Winehouse - and also to just walk around and come across new bands I've never seen before. But my favorite part is the thousands of people who attend - its like all of southern California gets their freak on and hits the desert for a weekend of debauchery."

Michael Franti & Spearhead's latest single "Hey World" (Don't Give Up) was the number one most added track at AAA radio last week. The track is the current single from Franti's new album All Rebel Rockers.

Upon its release late last year, All Rebel Rockers, was the highest debut for Franti on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart coming in at #39. Produced by superduo Sly and Robbie and rock veteran Matt Wallace, the album has been praised as "a groove-heavy and often joyous affair," All Rebel Rockers is being called Michael Franti & Spearhead's "most ambitious and musically stimulating record to date."

Franti has earned and maintained a reputation as one of the best live acts in the business. Franti & Spearhead consistently deliver an electrically charged, and ultimately unforgettable, musical experience for fans. The band is currently on tour in support of the new album.

In his desire to consistently connect with and inspire his audience, Michael creates a concert atmosphere that celebrates not only music but life. "There are so many stresses in the world," says Michael. "I want to create and play music that makes people feel excited and passionate about something."

All Rebel Rockers is available on multiple formats, including a super-deluxe version (which can be purchased exclusively at www.Spearhead Vibrations.com) that features a CD, DVD, seven vinyl singles and a slew of extra items bound in a beautiful embossed book.

Franti recently performed at several inaugural balls in Washington D.C. including Al Gore's Green ball.

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD "HEY WORLD" 2009 TOUR
2/12 - Minneapolis MN - State Theater
2/13 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Ctr-Egyptian Room
2/14 - Cincinnati OH - Bogart's
2/15 - Cleveland OH - House Of Blues
2/18 - Athens GA - Georgia Theater
2/19 - Knoxville TN - Valarium
2/20 - Charlotte NC - Neighborhood Theatre
2/21 - Charleston SC - Music Farm
2/22 - Atlanta GA - Variety Playhouse
2/26 - Ashville, NC - Orange Peel
2/27 - Richmond VA - The National
2/28 - Annapolis MD - Ram's Head
4/18 - Indio, CA - Coachella

MICHAEL FRANTI GOES TO WASHINGTON

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0800

Politically Active Musician To Perform at
The Green Inaugural Ball, Inaugural Peace Ball
and Rock The Vote Events in Washington DC Next Week

January 15, 2009 - Michael Franti, known for his soulful and politically charged lyrics, will perform at three upcoming inaugural celebrations in Washington, DC: the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball on January 19th and the Inaugural Peace Ball and the Rock the Vote event, both on January 20th. The 2009 Green Inaugural Ball will honor the historic campaign of President-elect Barack Obama. The event is being chaired by Al Gore, and will feature performances by John Legend, Maroon 5, Will.I.Am and Melissa Etheridge. The event will take place at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

The Inaugural Peace Ball will take place at the Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum on Tuesday, January 20th, and will celebrate Barack Obama’s historic win with peacemakers from all over the world. Michael Franti and Spearhead will headline the event.

The Rock The Vote Inauguration Party is sponsored by CK One and will take place at the 9:30 Club on the evening of January 20th. The event will feature an acoustic performance by Franti. Talib Kweli, The Dresden Dolls and others are scheduled to appear as well.

Since the start of his career, Michael Franti has produced music that is passionate and socially and politically relevant. His lyrics contain words of hope, unity and peace, which in these times speak to people around the globe.

Michael Franti and his band, Spearhead, recently released "Obama Song," a tribute to president-elect Barack Obama. It is a celebration of the hope and optimism that has filled the hearts and minds of the country ever since the words uttered on the campaign trail, "Yes We Can." Featuring Michael’s unique rock/reggae sound, "Obama Song’s lyrics will resonate with all those that were similarly moved by Obama’s message of peace, unity, and hope. The music video for "Obama Song" is now available at www.MichaelFranti.com.

The Inaugural Green Ball will celebrate the strength and diversity of the network of organizations, corporations, and individuals committed to creating the new energy economy that will repower, rebuild, refuel and restore America. Chaired by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, The Inaugural Green Ball is sponsored by National Resource Defense Council, National Tribal Environmental Council, Apollo Alliance, Energy Action Coalition, and the Sierra Club.

MICHAEL FRANTI AND SPEARHEAD SONG TO APPEAR ON (RED)WIRE ON JANUARY 20TH

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0800

MICHAEL FRANTI AND SPEARHEAD SONG TO APPEAR ON (RED)WIRE ON JANUARY 20TH

"Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong" To Premiere on www.Red.MSN.com in Support of AIDS Campaign

Michael Franti, considered among today's most socially and politically conscious musicians, and his band Spearhead, are set to premiere their song "Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong" on the newly launched (RED)WIRE website, www.Red.MSN.com, on Wednesday, January 20th. It will be included in the (RED)WIRE Launch Party, alongside artists such as U2, Coldplay, and Sheryl Crow. MSN.com launched (RED)WIRE, (RED)'s new digital music magazine designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

The lyrics "Reach out a heart/To somebody torn apart" found in "Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong," encapsulate the importance of reaching out to those that need help. Michael is dedicated to the (RED) campaign, utilizing his music to help treat those afflicted with the HIV/AIDS virus. Michael is honored to have the oppotrunity to use his music in a way that helps spread awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa.

Michael Franti & Spearhead's "Hey World" Tour is set to open on January 28th in Salt Lake City at The Depot. The tour, which is expected to go through to the spring, will initially include stops in California before heading east and ending at the Langerado Festival in Miami, Florida.

(RED)WIRE, launched on December 1st, 2008, is a digital music magazine that utlizies great music to help bring awareness to and eliminate the AIDS epidemic in Africa. Every week, members receive exclusive new music from some of the world's greatest music artists. Half of the membership fee is donated to buying medicine that treats HIV patients in Africa.

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD EXTEND "HEY WORLD" TOUR INTO 2009

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0800

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD EXTEND "HEY WORLD" TOUR INTO 2009 AMID SUCCESS OF LATEST RELEASE "ALL REBEL ROCKERS"

January 9th, 2009…Michael Franti & Spearhead are set to kick off 2009 with their "Hey World" Tour, set to open on January 28th in Salt Lake City at The Depot. The tour, which is expected to go through to the spring, will initially include stops in California before heading east and ending at the Langerado Festival in Miami, Florida.

Hailed by critics as a musical visionary, Franti has earned and maintained a reputation as one of the best live acts in the business. Franti & Spearhead consistently deliver an electrically charged, and ultimately unforgettable, musical experience for fans.

In his desire to consistently connect with and inspire his audience, Michael creates a concert atmosphere that celebrates not only music but life. "There are so many stresses in the world," says Michael. "I want to create and play music that makes people feel excited and passionate about something."

2008 has been a banner year for Michael Franti with his latest album, All Rebel Rockers, becoming the first Top 40 album of his music career. Produced largely by super duo Sly and Robbie and veteran rock producer Matt Wallace, All Rebel Rockers is a dub-steeped record filled with "infectious hooks, catchy choruses, stellar musicianship, top flight production and a mix of politically relevant and fun lyrics." All Rebel Rockers is available on multiple formats, including a super-deluxe version (which can be purchased exclusively at www.SpearheadVibrations.com) that features a CD, DVD, seven vinyl singles and a slew of extra items bound in a beautiful embossed book.

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD "HEY WORLD" 2009 TOUR
1/28 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
1/29 Park City, UT World Cup Ski Deer Valley Resort
1/30 Ventura, CA Ventura Theater (Support: SoliLLaquists of Sound)
1/31 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theater (Support: SoliLLaquists of Sound)
2/07 Oakland CA Fox Theater (Support: SoliLLaquists of Sound)
2/09 Boise ID Knitting Factory SPECIAL OLYMPICS
2/10 Sun Valley ID Outdoor Pavllion SPECIAL OLYMPICS
2/12 Minneapolis MN State Theater
2/13 Indianapolis, IN Murat Ctr-Egyptian Room
2/14 Cincinnati OH Bogart’s
2/15 Cleveland OH House Of Blues
2/18 Athens GA Georgia Theater
2/19 Knoxville TN Valarium
2/20 Charlotte NC Neighborhood Theatre
2/21 Charleston SC Music Farm
2/22 Atlanta GA Variety Playhouse
2/26 Ashville, NC Orange Peel
2/27 Richmond VA The National
2/28 Annapolis MD Ram's Head
3/ 08 Miami FL Langerado Festival

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD SAY YES WE CAN WITH IRRESISTIBLE NEW SINGLE "OBAMA SONG"

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0800

Song available for free download now, exclusively at iLike

Michael Franti & Spearhead's "Obama Song," a tribute to the president elect Barack Obama, is available now for free download (MP3 format), exclusively at iLike.com/franti. The song, featuring Michael Franti, Solliloquists of Sound, Cherine Anderson, and Anthony B, is a celebration of the hope and optimism that has filled the hearts and minds of the country ever since the words uttered on the campaign trail, "Yes We Can." It is also yet another example of how Michael utilizes his music to effectively convey his message of peace, joy and hope.

Featuring Michael's unique sound, "Obama Song"'s lyrics will resonate with all those that were similarly moved by Obama's message of peace, unity, and hope.

As a socially conscious singer-songwriter, Franti has grown up in public as his message has evolved from one of youthful frustration to a more mature determination to find common ground. Franti's live performances are a musically electrifying and unifying experience, marked by a genuine openheartedness, a commitment to communication, and a greater sense of community.

Michael Franti & Spearhead are currently touring in support of their sixth studio album All Rebel Rockers. Charged with "infectious hooks, catchy choruses, stellar musicianship, top flight production and a mix of politically relevant and fun lyrics" All Rebel Rockers demonstrates that music is the driving force in Michael's creative world.

For a free download of "Obama Song" go to iLike.com/franti.

For more information on Michael Franti, please visit SpearheadVibrations.com.

ANTI- RECORDS LOOKS BACK AT AN OUTSTANDING 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0800

Releases from NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS, JOLIE HOLLAND, MAN MAN Hailed as Career Bests, MAVIS STAPLES Captures a Moment in Time on Live Recording, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Crack the Top 40 for the First Time

Billy Bragg Mr Love & Justice - in this momentous election year, the man who has dedicated his life and music to political action gave us his most intimate and introspective record yet, without losing the passion that has characterized this beloved firebrand 's career.

• "Classic Bragg: frequently fantastic folk-rock that keeps both the faith and your attention." -Village Voice
• "Rather than being a return to form, it 's a leap forward in maturity, depth and nuance." -Paste

Bob Mould District Line - It is near impossible to calculate the level of impact or influence that Bob Mould has had on the last two decades of modern rock, from the Pixies to Nirvana, to Green Day to Daft Punk. District Line combines the fire of Mould's earliest work in Husker Du, the accessibility of his alternative rock, genre-defining trio Sugar, and the introspection found in his solo releases.

• "District Line is a ¬focused, gripping zigzag between fury and woe, scorched rock and folk-pop distress, much like the Hüskers' best records--now with a longer view." -Rolling Stone

• "He's rarely been more compelling." -Spin

DeVotchKa A Mad and Faithful Telling - 2008 found the Denver indie band -- who beautifully combines Eastern European bohemia with American prairie rock and south of the border melodies -- coming into their own with sold out tours, festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Red Rocks, and a record that charmed everyone from the Eastern bloc (a rare appearance in Moscow) to the online community (the much-discussed use of a DeVotchKa track on the Gears of War trailer)

• "Huge indie−rock anthems and lute−driven ballads defined by infallible melodies, heartbreaking arrangements, and dark, funny lyrics. It leaves you wondering whether to weep or dance." -Esquire

• "Cheerful, eclectic lunacy with a heart as big as the world * * * * " -Spin

Islands Arm 's Way - the 2008 release found the young, critically-acclaimed Montreal sextet heading in a surprising new direction. Their 2006 release, Return to the Sea, was heralded as a stunning work of impulsive outbursts and emotional explorations. Arm's Way saw the band naturally evolving a more lavish yet centered sound that showcased songwriter Nick Thorburn's astounding talent.

• "Freaky, transcendent stuff." -Filter

• "A rich tapestry of pop from a band that has fully coalesced under his [Nick Thorburn] self-proclaimed benevolent dictatorship. Their latest Arm 's Way is a sophisticated, majestic and visceral journey into the limelight." -Village Voice

Jolie Holland the Living and the Dead - the young songwriter with the incomparable voice adds rock n roll to her impressive resume that already includes folk and country and jazz on her third studio album with help from co-producer M. Ward and guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello). The results are hailed as a career best from critics and widely embraced by fans.

• "Jolie Holland's voice beguiles like something from an old 78.... she channels the folky, sultry, blues Joni Mitchell trademarked and conjures her own stunning takes on lost lovers and sly approaches." -Elle

• "Her fourth - and perhaps best - album foregoes the smoky speakeasy atmosphere of 2006 's Springtime Can Kill You for a more contemporary roots sound, which provides a more evocative backdrop for her signature vocals." -Paste

Lyrics Born Everywhere At Once - not just the title of Lyric Born's Anti Records debut but a statement about this most industrious multi-tasker's vida loca. The lyricist, producer, label exec, and non-stop live performer (2008 saw world tours, festival appearances and television gigs) never rests on his laurels and is always changing sh*t up and Everywhere is a perfect example: bored with the drum machine and over licensing rights, LB gathered a crew of top musicians and made a real live record, full of funk and feel, grooves and guts, topped off with Lyrics Born's unmistakable signature smoothness and loquacious flow.

• "Near-perfect party record...propelled by sweet soul melodies and rumbling funk grooves reminiscent of the Gap Band and the Ohio Players…crunchy, unstoppable beats that will have you coming back from more." - Mother Jones

• "On his second solo album, he sounds transformed - festive and celebratory, his smarts undiminished." -Vibe

Man Man Rabbit Habits - Part swampy juke joint brawlers, part smooth Philly warehouse doo-wop crooners, with a sprinkling of wild-eyed, demon-haunted art hustler, and a hint of punky kindergarten playroom Pollyannas, Man Man brought their incomparable vision of "pop music" to bear with Rabbit Habits. 2008 saw the roustabouts on tour non-stop with labelmate Tim Fite, indie darlings Yeasayer and at every festival ever conceived (Coachella, Bumbershoot, SD Street Scene, ACL, Voodoo)

• "While the band still has its head in the clouds, or beyond, it has made its finest, most listenable album to date." -Filter

• "One of the year's best rock albums (devoid of nearly any guitar parts, mind you)." -Pitchfork

Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout - Mavis Staples saw her life 's work singing alongside Dr King and marching for civil rights redeemed with the 2008 election results, and suddenly this live record, full of gospel classics and freedom songs, is a testament to the uplifting hope and certainty of success that has marked her 50+ year career.

• "Whether fronting the Staples Singers or on her own, Mavis Staples has always fared best in a live environment, where her powerhouse of a voice can take any lyric and transform it into an inspirational anthem…this is Mavis Staples at her fiery best." -Relix

• "She sat in at lunch counters and marched with King..now Mavis' marvelous new Live: Hope at the Hideout revisits that era with personal recollections and brilliantly evoked songs from (or recast for) the movement... if this concert doesn't get your heart pumping, check your pulse." -Philadelphia Daily News

Michael Franti & Spearhead All Rebel Rockers - 2008 saw some well-deserved recognition for the indefatigable Micheal Franti and Spearhead. Their sixth studio album cracked the Billboard Top 40 (debuting at #39) for the first time. They drew an unprecedented 70,000+ fans and activists to Michael 's Power to the Peaceful festival in San Francisco and closed out the acclaimed KCRW World Music festival at the Hollywood Bowl, keeping the 17,000-strong crowd dancing through the set. Television appearances, 130 tour dates, film festivals and more kept the hardest working band in rock cheerfully occupied for the year.

• "An album of shimmying, pop-reggae…it 's a well deserved holiday in the sun." -Rock Sound

• "More specific, hopeful, and incendiary than ever....All Rebel Rockers represents his most canny mixture of political topicality and musical accessibility." -Utne Reader

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! - if there was a single record that came out to universal acclaim this year, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! is definitely a top contender. Nick and mates kicked off the year as Plug Impact Award honorees, and high profile nominations from the Q Awards and Mojo and two wins at the Austrailian Age awards (Best Band and Best Album) fueled the international recognition. The record has already made the "Best Of" lists of Blender, Mojo, The Guardian UK, The Times UK, Uncut and Paste magazines. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds have been tapped to curate the inaugural Australian All Tomorrow 's Parties, their Hollywood Bowl performance was one of the shows of the year and Nick talked smack with Terry Gross on NPR 's "Fresh Air." It was a very good year.

• "The album is a triumph from first to last." -Observer Music Monthly

• "t's not every goth-punk fiend who can celebrate his fiftieth birthday with an album as loud, filthy and brilliant as Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!" -Rolling Stone

One Day As A Lion One Day As A Lion - the reemergence of the year was less about Axl Rose and all about Zack de la Rocha. His incendiary partnership with Jon Theodore in One Day As A Lion set the music community aflame with some of the most aggressive and original recordings heard all year. The two are currently at work on their full-length release, coming soon.

• "Wrathful and unyielding, the music pushes Rage's revolutionary essence further into the faces of listeners, eliminating any chance at misinterpreting these calls to arms as mere boogie-down rock." - LA Times

• "One Day as a Lion bristles with the street-level vigor that band [RATM] once embodied." - Time Out New York

• "There isn't any filler here; it's all the aural ignition of a gasoline bomb going off in your ears." -All Music Guide

Tim Fite Fair Ain 't Fair - Fair Ain't Fair is a collection of the most seasoned, reflective and charming work the genre-defying Tim Fite has ever produced. On it he growls about greed and avarice, topics manifest in last year's Over The Counter Culture (the acclaimed, free, web-only release which has topped 100,000 downloads this month), but told here with more empathy, more human-ness - perhaps signs of a deeply engaged artist growing up.

• "His new album confirms that this enigmatic, genre-bending songwriter is one of rock ‘n ' roll 's most subversive renaissance men." - Esquire

• "One of those albums that defies anyone to categorize or ignore it." - Chicago Tribune

Xavier Rudd Dark Shades of Blue - dusky and cool, the album is more sober than any work Xav has ever done, though it should not be mistaken for temperate. Guitar-driven jams, mixed by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), expand on a sound only hinted at on previous releases, and distortion often supplants the pretty jangly guitars heard on earlier work. Xav spent 2008 touring the world and scoring surf films like Matthew McConaughey 's comedy Surfer, Dude and the documentaries Highwater and Between the Lines.

• "Occasionally I encounter a work that so eloquently describes the human condition that my futile attempts to capture its essence in a review seem almost absurd. This album is one such work. Xavier Rudd's Dark Shades of Blue is an absolute tour de force and unequivocally his most powerful work to date." -Jambase

ANTI- Records Looks Back at a Stellar 2008 and Hints at 2009 with Free New Sampler

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:11:00 -0800

Featuring Brand-New Tracks from N.A.S.A, Ramblin Jack Elliott and William Elliott Whitmore

ANTI- Records launched its new 08/09 music sampler today on-line via the ANTI- blog and in stores with dozens of participating independent retailers around the country. In a special promotion running through the holidays, local music retailers will be offering the newest releases from ten of ANTI's latest and greatest artists for under $10. With purchase, the buyer will receive a copy of the new ANTI- sampler, or it can be downloaded for free directly from the ANTI- blog.

It is both a look back at a spectacular 2008, which saw releases from artists such as Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Jolie Holland and Michael Franti & Spearhead called "career bests," and a look into the New Year, including the following:

• "Spacious Thoughts" - N.A.S.A (featuring Tom Waits and Kool Keith)

From masterminds Squeak E Clean (Sam Spiegel) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales) comes the first track from the highly anticipated debut release The Spirit Of Apollo (out Feb 17 2009). The record - which pairs indie darlings such as Karen O, Santogold, the Cool Kids and M.I.A, with hip hop stars like Kanye West, Chuck D, KRS-One and Ghostface Killah - takes the "less is more" concept and turns it on its head, layering up to four famous voices over vintage Brazilian funk tracks and turntable wizardry.

• "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whimore

Iowa's own son of the soil William Elliott Whitmore premieres his first track off his ANTI- debut Animals in the Dark (out Feb 17 2009). With the old-soul voice of a master country blues balladeer and a devoted following in the punk, folk and indie rock worlds, Will captures the imagination with his raw, populist songs, seemingly untouched by pop culture.

• "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

He stole James Dean's girl, listened for two days while Jack Keroac read him On the Road and taught Dylan everything he knew, now Ramblin' Jack Elliott is trying something new: lending his plaintive drawl to Depression-era blues classics. Produced by Joe Henry (Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette), the new album also features guest appearances from David Hidalgo (Los Lobos, Tom Waits) and Van Dyke Parks. Out April 7.

2009 will also see new releases from Neko Case, Bob Mould and the legendary Booker T Jones, of Booker T and the MGs fame.

Anti- Records 08/09 Sampler tracklisting:
01. "Mexico City" - Jolie Holland
02. "Pieces Of You" - Islands
03. "Say Hey (I Love You)" - Michael Franti & Spearhead
04. "Whispers" - Lyrics Born
05. "Freedom Highway" - Mavis Staples
06. "Big Mistake" - Tim Fite
07. "Rabbit Habits" - Man Man
08. "Spacious Thoughts" (feat. Tom Waits & Kook Keith) - N.A.S.A.
09. "DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!" - Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
10. "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whitmore
11. "Freedom" - Billy Bragg
12. "Real Estate" - Cadence Weapon
13. "This World As We Know It" - Xavier Rudd
14. "Very Temporary" - Bob Mould
15. "Friend For Life" - Ersi Arvizu
16. "New World" - DeVotchKa
17. "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

Participating retailers:
STINKWEEDS - Phoenix, AZ
Zia - Phoenix, AZ
BOO BOO RECORDS - San Luis Obispo, CA
Fingerprints - Long Beach, CA
Lou's Records - Encinitas, CA
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Michael Franti & Spearhead Return to US Stages After Triumphant Month in Australia

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:11:00 -0800

Labelmates Solillaquists Of Sound Support Nov 7th - 16th

After spending the month of October on tour in Australia, Michael Franti and Spearhead will resume their protest dance party on stages across the US, beginning on November 7th in Royal Oak MI. Labelmates Solillaquists Of Sound, renowned for their jazz-poetry hip hop originality and insane MPC stylings, will be main support November 7th - 16th.

Michael Franti is not only a musician and activist, but also an award-winning documentary filmmaker (I Know I'm Not Alone, documenting his time in the war torn areas of Iraq, Israel and Palestine), author (What I Be, Michael's first children's book) and promoter (the Power To The Peaceful festivals which draw tens of thousands of fans to the yearly performances in San Francisco and Sao Paulo, Brazil).

Michael Franti and Spearhead are touring in support of their sixth studio album All Rebel Rockers. Produced largely in Jamaica by superduo Sly and Robbie, All Rebel Rockers is a reggae-steeped record filled with hope and dissent – the perfect soundtrack for this important moment in our nation's history. Jambase enthuses "infectious hooks, catchy choruses, stellar musicianship, top flight production and a mix of politically relevant and fun lyrics makes All Rebel Rockers another Spearhead gem," while The Boston Globe raves "Franti offers a set of elastic, expansive grooves that combine humane social concern and messages of love with pure thump."

Solillaquists Of Sound recently completed their sophomore album for ANTI-, the follow-up to 2006's As If We Existed. The yet-untitled LP is slated for release in 2009.

Michael Franti & Spearhead on tour:
11-07* Royal Oak Theater Royal Oak MI
11-08* Vic Theatre Chicago IL
11-09* Barrymore Theatre Madison WI
11-12* Brown Theatre Louisville KY
11-13* Carnegie Lecture Hall Pittsburgh PA
11-14* Palace Theatre Albany NY
11-15* Lupos Heartbreak Hotel Providence RI
11-16* Orpheum Theatre Boston MA
11-19 9:30 Club Washington DC
11-20 Electric Factory Philadelphia PA
11-21 Nokia Theatre Time Square New York NY
11-22 Nokia Theatre Time Square New York NY
11-23 Calvin Theatre Northampton MA
11-28 Fillmore Denver CO
11-29 Fillmore Denver CO
12-13 Asheville Civic Asheville NC

*Solillaquists Of Sound supporting