PBS Distribution Adding More Content To Its Prime Streaming Channel

Courtesy: PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution is adding more PBS Kids content to its streaming service next month.

Pinkalicious & Peteriffic: A Pinkaperfect Birthday and Let’s Go Luna: Volume 3 will be added to the company’s PBS Kids Prime Video Channel.  In the new Pinkalicious & Peteriffic special, it’s Pinkalicious’ birthday, and she gets her birthday wish — everything turns pink.  The problem is that not everyone is as enthusiastic about everything being pink as she is, so she and her friends take a trip to Fairyland to find the Birthday Fairy to undo her wish.

Let’s Go Luna: Volume 3 continues Luna’s adventures around the world with her friends, the group learning more lessons about different cultures and peoples. This latest collection picks up where Let’s Go Luna: Volume 2 left off, featuring episodes 11-15.

The first short in episode 11 is titled “Guitar To Sitar.”  The strings on Carmen’s guitar need replacement as she is writing a song for her mother’s birthday, leading to the a bazaar where she searches for new strings.  This leads her to the discovery of a sitar.  The episode’s second segment, “Spring Has Not Sprung” continue the group’s adventures in India.  Andy wants to get some photos of Delhi’s springtime settings, but the gray clouds cause some problems for him.

Episode 14 finds Luna and company down under in Australia.  The first half of this episode, “Boomin’ Boomerang,” finds Carmen being asked to take part in a boomerang competition, but she is struggling with her self-confidence.  It’s up to her and her friends to make her believe she has what it takes to compete.  The episode’s second short, “House Music” takes the gang to the famed Sydney Opera House as Andy wants to hear the band Syd and the Sydneys.

Luna herself takes center stage in Episode 15’s first half, “You Can’t Move The Moon.”  Luna has to take the place of Salami Strong in a sumo wrestler match in this episode after Salami is injured ahead of the match.  The episode’s second short, “Lizardzilla!,” reveals the magic of the movie industry and reminds young viewers that movies are just that, movies.  This is done as Leo admits he is too afraid to watch the movie Lizardzilla.

These episodes are just a portion of what audiences can expect in Let’s Go Luna!: Volume 3.  Episodes 13 and 12 are also featured in the new volume.

Families can subscribe to PBS Kids’ Prime Video Channel for $4.99/month. Full episodes of Pinkalicious & Peterific and Let’s Go Luna! are also available for free on PBS Kids/ 24/7 channel on television and online at each show’s official website.

Pinkalicious & Peterific‘s official websites are located at:

 

Website: http://www.thinkpinalicious.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pinkalicious

 

Let’s Go Luna!‘s official websites are located at:

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/luna

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LetsGoLunaHQ

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Three New PBS Kids Titles Available Now Through PBS Distribution

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution released three new titles for the whole family this month.

Released July 9 were Ready Jet Go!: One Small Step and Arthur: Arthur Celebrates Community.  The first of the two titles was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.  It features a special hour-long episode that looks back at the historic moon landing mission after Jet tells his friends that he has built a new super saucer.

The announcement leads Jet and his friends to the moon, and a rough  landing on the moon leads Jet and Sunspot to go missing, leading his friends to search for the pair.  In the process of the search, Jet’s friends find things left behind by the Apollo 11 mission.

Ready Jet Go!: One Small Step can be ordered online at PBS’ online store now.  Ready Jet Go! games, activities and printables are available online at:

Website: http://pbskids.org/readyjetgo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialReadyJetGo

 

 

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

Arthur: Arthur Celebrates Community features four episodes from the beloved animated series that teach invaluable lessons about compassion, civility, honesty and open-mindedness.  One of those lessons comes in the form of “When Rivals Come To Roost,” which finds the students of Lakewood Elementary having to share their school — and science fair secrets — with the students of Mighty Mountain after the school floods.

The episode’s second story, “The Longest Eleven Minutes,” finds Muffy having to deal with the internet going out as she obsesses over her blog.

The controversial “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone” is also featured in this new collection.  This episode finds everyone’s grumpy Lakewood teacher tying the knot, but not to who they might think.

Also featured in this collection are the stories, “The Feud,” “House Guests,” “Binky Can’t Always Get What He Wants,” “Muffy’s Car Campaign” and “Truth or Poll.”

Arthur: Arthur Celebrates Community is available now through PBS’ online store.  Lots of Arthur activities, printables and activities are available online now at:

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/arthur

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArthurPBS

 

 

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

On July 16, PBS Distribution released a brand new collection of classic episodes from the beloved series Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood in the form of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: Would You Be Mine Collection.  This second collection of classic episodes features 30 more episodes from the series, spread across four discs.

One of the series’ most beloved episodes, “A Visit to the Crayon Factory” is featured as a bonus in this collection.  Also appearing in the collection are famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, equally famous performance group STOMP and Olympian Suzie McConnell.  The set’s run time tops 14 hours, giving the whole family lots of entertainment.

Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: Would You Be Mine Collection is available now through PBS’ online store.  More fun for the whole family is available through activities, printable and games at:

 

Website: http://pbs.kids.org/daniel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TVNeighbor

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://philspicks.wordpress.com.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lacuna Coil Debuts ‘Layers of Time’ Video

Courtesy: Century Media Records

Goth metal outfit Lacuna Coil debuted the video this week, for the lead single from its forthcoming album Black Anima.

The band debuted the video for the song ‘Layers of Time‘ Friday.  Directed by Robert Cinardi, the video finds the band perfoming its new single on a dimly lit sound stage designed to look like a room in a house.

The song’s musical arrangement is a heavy, guitar-driven composition that will appeal to fans of the aggro-rock sound of the late 1990s that was so popular at the time.  The song’s lyrical content hints at a message of perseverance.  This is inferred as vocalist Andrea Ferro sings, “Building this life/Still trapped inside/I think I’ve lost the storyline/Forever hurt and broken/I swear I’ll get out alive/Burning the bridges built behind/My life’s reloading every night” and as co-vocalist Christina Scabbie sings in the song’s chorus, “Victims of time/We take our chance again/Our road is paved with pain/The past we can’t rewind.”

The full track listing for Black Anima is noted below.

“BLACK ANIMA” Tracklisting

1. Anima Nera (02:29)
2. Sword Of Anger (03:54)
3. Reckless (03:06)
4. Layers Of Time (04:07)
5. Apocalypse (04:18)
6. Now Or Never (04:42)
7. Under The Surface (04:13)
8. Veneficium (06:10)
9. The End Is All I Can See (04:17)
10. Save Me (04:36)
11. Black Anima (03:23)

Pre-orders for Black Anima are open now.  Fans can order the album on Limited Edition 2CD Book Edition with bonus tarot cards, standard CD and black LP+CD combo pack (with bonus tracks).

Lacuna Coil will launch a tour in support of Black Anima Sept. 15 in New York, NY.  The tour’s first North American run is scheduled to run through Oct. 19 in Baltimore, MD and features performances in cities, such as Phoenix, AZ; Columbia, MO and Atlanta, GA.  The band will also take some time overseas between Aug. 8 and 17 for a series of festivals in Europe.

The tour’s European leg will launch Nov. 2 in Bari, Italy after the band rests up following the North American leg of the tour for a couple of weeks.  The European leg of the tour is scheduled to run through Dec. 21 in Hamburg, Germany and will feature performances in cities, such as London, UK; Vienna, Austria and Helsinki, Finland.

The full schedule for Lacuna Coil’s upcoming tour is noted below.

LACUNA COIL TOUR DATES

Disease Of The Anima Tour w/All That Remains

September 15 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

September 17 – Greenville SC – The Firmament

September 18 – Knoxville, TN – Jackson Terminal

September 19 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

September 20 – Dothan, AL – The Plant

September 21 – Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen

September 23 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Live

September 24 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music

September 27 – Phoenix, AZ – The Pressroom

September 28 – Las Vegas, NV – Hard Rock Live*

September 30 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues*

October 1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater*

October 2 – Berkley, CA – The UC Theatre

October 3 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades

October 5 – Spokane, WA – The Knitting Factory*

October 6 – Calgary, AB – Palace Theatre

October 7 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room

October 9 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre

October 10 – Minot, ND – The ‘O’ Riginal Bar

w/Bad Omens, Eximious, and Uncured

October 11 – Minneapolis, MN – The Cabooze

October 12 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note

October 13 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave II

October 15 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverfront Live

October 16 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues*

October 17 – Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues

October 18 – Toronto, ON – Opera House

October 19 – Baltimore, MD – Ram’s Head Live

*no Bad Omens

 

w/Eluveitie and Infected Rain

August 8 – Villena, Spain – Leyendas del Rock Festival*

August 10 – Leeuwarden, Netherlands – Into the Grave Festival*

August 16 – Moravsky Krumlov, Czech Republic – Rock Heart*

August 17 – Lviv, Ukraine – Zaxidfest*

November 2 – Bari, Italy – Demodé Club

November 3 – Rome, Italy – Orion

November 5 – Bologna, Italy – Estragon

November 6 – Milan, Italy – Live Club

November 8 – Stuttgart, Germany – LKA Longhorn

November 9 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle II

November 10 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix

November 12 – Manchester, United Kingdom – O2 Ritz

November 13 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – Garage

November 14 – Dublin, Ireland – Academy

November 15 – Bristol, United Kingdom – SWX

Novembe 16 – London, United Kingdom – O2 Forum Kentish Town

November 17 – Utrecht, Netherland – Tivoli Ronda

November 19 – Frankfurt, Germany – Batschkapp

November 20 – Hannover, Germany – Capitol

November 21 – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys

November 22 – Leipzig, Germany – Felsenkeller

November 23 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle

November 24 – Dornbirn, Austria – Conrad Sohm

November 26 – Bordeaux, France – Le Rocher de Palmer

November 27 – Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz

November 28 – Madrid, Spain – Mon Live

November 29 – Toulouse, France – Le Bikini

November 20 – Rennes, France – L’Etage

December 1 – Paris, France – Elysée-Montmartre

December 3 – Saarbrucken, Germany – Garage

December 4 – Nurnberg, Germany – Hirsch

December 5 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Kino Siska

December 8 – Vienna, Austria – Arena

December 10 – Krakow, Poland – Kwadrat Students Club

December 11 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja

December 12 – Riga, Latvia – Melna Piektdiena

December 13 – Helsinki, Finland – Tavastia

December 14 – Tampere, Finland – Pakkahuone

December 15 – Tallinn, Estonia – Rock Café

December 17 – Stockholm, Sweden – Klubben Fryshuset

December 18 – Oslo, Norway – Vulkan Arena

December 19 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Tradgarn

December 20 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio

December 21 – Hamburg, Germany – Docks

*festival dates

More information on Lacuna Coil’s new single, video, album and tour is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.lacunacoil.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lacunacoil

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lacuna_coil

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Of Mice & Men Debuts Title Track From New LP, ‘EARTHANDSKY’

Courtesy: Rise Records

Of Mice & Men debuted the video for its new single this week.

The band debuted the video for its new song ‘Earth & Sky‘ Thursday.  The song is the title track from the band’s forthcoming album EARTHANDSKY, which is due out Sept. 27 through Rise Records.

The video finds the band performing its new song inside a studio made to look like the inside of a spaceship.  The spaceship in question, is a pyramid-shaped vehicle that eventually shoots a giant laser beam onto Earth from outer space.  It is not known what the ray does to Earth, though what looks like shockwaves are visible blowing across a nondescript deserted highway as the spaceship sits in front of the sun.

The song’s musical arrangement is pure metalcore that is certain to appeal to fans of the band’s older material.  Bassist Aaron Pauley said in a recent interview, the song’s lyrical theme is meant to present a positive message.

“‘Earth & Sky‘ is a song about resilience,” Pauley said.  “It’s about understanding you can rise above whatever it is that keeps trying to drag you down, no matter what.  For me, a lot of the time, I’m writing about battling with my own mind.  For you, it may be a person or an obstacle or a circumstance.  Regardless of whatever it is is that’s trying relentlessly to drag you down, I hope I hope this song empowers you to rise above it with authority, like it does me every time I sing it.”

‘Earth & Sky‘ is just the latest song and video to come from EARTHANDSKY.  of Mice and Men most recently debuted the video for another of the album’s songs, ‘Mushroom Cloud‘ on May 2.  It was preceded by the debut of the video for the song ‘How To Survive‘ on March 6.  The audio-only stream of the song debuted Feb. 14.

All three songs are featured as part of EARTHANDSKY.  The album’s full track listing is noted below.

earthandsky TRACK LISTING:
“Gravedancer”
“As We Suffocate”
“Taste Of Regret”
“Mushroom Cloud”
“Pieces”
“Deceiver/Deceived”
“Earth & Sky”
“The Mountain”
“Meltdown”
“Linger”
“How To Survive”

Of Mice And Men will launch a tour in support of EARTHANDSKY on Sept. 23 in Los Angeles, CA.  The three-week tour is scheduled to run through Oct. 19 in Mesa, AZ and to feature performances in cities, such as Columbus, OH; Greensboro, NC and Houston, TX.  The tour’s current schedule is noted below.

OF MICE & MEN ON TOUR:
EARTH TOUR:
WITH FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, THOUSAND BELOW, + BLOODBATHER:
9/23 — Los Angeles, CA — Teragram
9/24 — San Diego, CA — Soma
9/25 — Flagstaff, AZ — The Green Room
9/27 — Salt Lake City — Complex
9/28 — Denver, CO — Marquis
9/29 — Lawrence, KS — Granada
10/3 — Columbus, OH — Basement
10/5 — Ottawa, ON — Brass Monkey
10/6 — Toronto, ON — Lee’s
10/7 — Montreal, QC — Fairmont Theatre
10/9 — Philadelphia, PA — Volatage Lounge
10/11 — Virginia Beach, VA — Elevation 27
10/12 — Greensboro, NC — The Blind Tiger
10/13 — Manchester, TN — Exit 111 Festival*
10/15 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live
10/16 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live
10/17 — Dallas, TX — Cub Dada
10/19 — Mesa, AZ — The Underground
*Festival Date

Pre-orders for EARTHANDSKY are open now.  More information on EARTHANDSKY is available now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.ofmiceandmenofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ofmice

Twitter: http://twitter.com/OMandM

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Shout! Factory, Sesame Workshop To Release New ‘Sesame Street’ DVD Next Month

Courtesy: Sesame Workshop/Shout! factory/Shout! Kids

Sesame Workshop and Shout! factory are teaming up to bring families another new Sesame Street DVD next month.

Sesame Street: Dance Party is scheduled for release Aug. 8 on DVD.  The new DVD features a handful of segments that teach young viewers the joy of dancing.  In one segment, the Feelingwells hold a family dance party in one episode.  Another segment features Nina teaches the Sesame Street gang dances from all around the world.  Yet another segment — “Snuffy’s Dance” — finds Zoe choreographing a ballet.

The dances are just part of the appeal of Sesame Street: Dance Party.  The segments featured in the new DVD feature guest appearances from celebrities, such as Liev Schreiber, Nicole Kidman and Wendy Williams to add to the enjoyment for viewers.

Viewers can pre-order Sesame Street: Dance Party now via Shout! Factory’s store.  More information on this and other titles from Shout! Factory is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShoutFactory

 

More information on this and other titles from Sesame Workshop is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.sesameworkshop.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SesameWorkshop

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sesameworkshop

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://philspicks.wordpress.com.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

New ZZ Top Doc To Make Its Theatrical Debut Next Month

Courtesy: Abramorama/Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision/Banger Films

ZZ Top’s new documentary will make its theatrical debut next month.

ZZ Top: The Little Ol’ Band From Texas is scheduled to make its theatrical Aug. 13 at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, CA.  The documentary, which features interviews with the band’s members, testimonials from the band’s celebrity fans and animations, is presented by independent movie studio Abramorama, and is meant as part of the band’s 50th Anniversary Tour.

The documentary’s trailer is streaming here.  Tickets to the premiere are available here.

ZZ Top’s 50th Anniversary Tour is scheduled to launch Aug. 16 in Ridgefield, WA.  It is scheduled to run through Nov. 9 in Shreveport, LA and will feature performances in cities, such as Raleigh, NC; Peoria, IL and Burgettstown, PA.  The tour’s schedule is noted below.

ZZ Top’s 50th Anniversary Tour

Aug     16 – Ridgefield, WA – Sunlight Supply Amphitheatre*

            17 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Casino Theater

            18 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Amphitheater

            20 – Yakima, WA – Yakima Valley SunDome

            21 – Woodinville, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle*

            23 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre**

            24 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion**

            25 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre*

            27 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theater

            28 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU*

            29 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre*

            31 – Lewisville, TX – City of Lewisville

Sept    01 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre*

            02 – St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fairgrounds*

            04 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Harris Pavilion*

            06 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*

            07 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*

            08 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill*

            10 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights*

            11 – Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion*

            13 – Ocean City, MD – Ocean City BikeFest

            14 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion*

            15 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion*

            17 – Syracuse, NY – Crouse-Hinds Theatre at John H. Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter

            18 – Boston, MA – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion*

            19 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater*

            21 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica*

            22 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon and Beyond Festival 

Oct      05 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre*

            06 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*

            08 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center for Arts & Sciences     

            09 – Charleston, SC – Volvo Cars Stadium*

            11 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee – Event Center*

            12 – Manchester, TN – Exit 111 Festival – Great Stage Park

            13 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

            15 – Augusta, GA – The James Brown Arena*

            16 – Saint Augustine, FL – Saint Augustine Amphiteatre* 

            18 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena*

            19 – Tampa, FL – MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre*

            20 – West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre*

            22 – Melbourne, FL – King Center for the Performing Arts

            23 – Tallahassee, FL – Donald L. Tucker Center

            25 – Oxon Hill, MD – MGM National Harbor

            26 – Bethlehem, PA – Sands Bethlehem Event Center

            27 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino 

            29 – Erie, PA – Warner Theatre

            30 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center

Nov     01 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee

            02 – Waukegan, Il – Genesee Theater

            03 – Peoria, Il – Civic Center Theater

            05 – Springfield, MD – Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts 

            06 – Enid, OK – Stride Bank Center

            08 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino         

            09 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

* with Cheap Trick

**with Lynyrd Skynyrd

All three members of ZZ Top are scheduled to take part in the premiere of ZZ Top: The Little Ol’ Band From Texas for a Q&A session following the screening.  The trailer for the band’s new doc is streaming here.

Band member Billy F. Gibbons said in a recent interview, he is looking forward to the documentary’s premiere.

“I think even our most steadfast fans will find themselves surprised by what they learn about those men behind the beards and cheap sunglasses,” Gibbons said.  “There we are, up there on the silver screen, and it’s something we’re delighted to share with fans of all stripes.”

Abramorama CEO Richard Abramowitz and Abramorama Head of West Coast Acquisitions and Business development Evan Saxon shared Gibbons’ positive sentiments about the documentary during a separate interview.

“ZZ Top always seemed larger than life and are one of the most iconic bands to hit the stage, the pair said.  “They belong on the big screen!  We are proud to be collaborating with our colleagues at Eagle Rock Entertainment, Banger Films and Suretone Management to bring the story of these sharp-dressed men to fans around the world.”

The doc will make its Canadian premiere Aug. 23 at Cineplex Cinemas nationwide.  That premiere will be followed by a Sept. 1 premiere at Event Cinemas throughout Australia.

More information on ZZ Top’s new documentary is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.zztop.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZZTop

Twitter: http://twitter.com/zztop

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

PBS Distribution Giving Families A Special Early Halloween Treat Next Month

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Distribution

Chris and Martin Kratt return to DVD next month with a new Halloween-themed collection of stories.

Wild Kratts: Creepy Creatures is scheduled for release Aug. 13.  The DVD features two family friendly Halloween-themed episodes; the first being the DVD’s title episode.  In this episode, Chris and Martin decide to find some “creepy cool” creatures in order to celebrate Halloween.  In the process, Chris and Martin learn that Zach and his fellow villains have some naughty tricks up their sleeves, so it is up to Chris and Martin to save Halloween.

The DVD’s second episode, “Masked Bandits,” finds some spooky things going on around the Tortuga.  Jimmy thinks the Wild Kratts’ gang’s airship is haunted because of everything going on, but that might not necessarily be the case.

Wild Kratts: Creepy Creatures‘ run time is 74 minutes on one disc.  The DVD will retail for MSRP of $6.99.  It can be pre-ordered online at PBS’ online store.

More information on Wild Kratts‘ new DVD is available online along with lots of games, printables and activities at:

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wildkrattsofficial

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Stone Leaders’ Self-Titled Debut LP Is A Solid Start For The Band

Courtesy: Vanity Music Group

A little more than four months have passed since up-and-coming progressive rock band Stone Leaders released its self-titled debut album overseas through Vanity Music Group.  It was released just last month in the United States.  In the months that have passed since the album’s release, the Croatia-based band has garnered acclaim from progressive rock fans and critics alike on both sides of the Atlantic with its musical arrangements and its lyrical themes.  While one of the band’s members labeled the group’s music as “Dark Prog,” that label – which is already used for Tool —  fits neither musically nor lyrically in Stone Leaders’ debut record.  That is not necessarily a bad thing, though.  Rather, the album’s overall content is certain to keep listeners fully engaged and entertained from start to finish.  The album’s lead single and album opener ‘Box Of Time,’ is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statements.  ‘Shot By Lies,’ which comes just ahead of the album’s midway point, does just as much to support the noted statements and will be addressed a little later.  The same can be said of ‘Seeker,’ which closes out the 61-minute album.  It will also be addressed later.  Each song noted here is key in its own way to the whole of Stone Leaders.  When they are considered along with the nine songs not noted here, the whole of those compositions makes Stone Leaders a rock solid debut effort from Stone Leaders.

Stone Leaders’ self-titled debut album is a good start for the Croation progressive rock outfit.  It is a record that is certain to entertain and engage progressive rock and metal fans across the board.  The album’s opener and lead single ‘Box of Time,’ is just one of the songs that serves to support the noted statements.  The song’s musical arrangement can easily be likened to early works from veteran prog outfit Dream Theater.  That comparison is made through the guitar work, the song’s driving bass line, its keyboard line and even its drumming.  Front man Ivan Mihaljevic can himself even be likened to Dream Theater front man James Labrie due to the sound of his voice and his own stylistic approach to the song.  When this is coupled alongside the work of his band mates, the whole instantly becomes comparable to songs from Dream Theater’s breakout 1992 album Images & Words.  The song’s musical arrangement is just one of its most notable elements.  The song’s lyrical content is anything but dark, but is still without question something very deep.

As Stone Leaders drummer John Macaluso noted of the song’s lyrical theme in a recent interview, the song’s lyrical content centers on the influence that our experiences have on us throughout our lives.  He said of this concept, “You know, one day you’re doing fine until soon, you’re walking down a street, and a voice or a scent – or even a song – pulls you right back to where you were before.  Ultimately, the song is about the power of the mind, because sometimes, survival depends upon this deleting mechanism in the brain.”

Macaluso’s statement is illustrated as Mihaljevic sings in the song’s lead verse, “Traveled and battled the night/A rounded knife with hell to fight with me when I shut my eyes/My perception took a fall/Thought I could put away it all/Hide it in the wall/The voice I heard walk by/Has opened up a box of time/Stored up in my mind/Locked away/Are visions left to stay?/Was taken back in time by an old sound/Brought me down.”  He continues in the song’s second verse, “Running without making ground/Spirit’s footsteps my only sound/In just a flick of time/Without warning or a sign/When the venom starts to crawl through my veins and all/Over I must rise and lock down on my box of time.”  Again, it is clear that what is being discussed here is someone trying to put a lot of negative memories in the back of one’s mind, but those memories coming back with the re-entry of a certain element out of nowhere.  This is anything but dark, but definitely something that will most certainly reach a wide range of listeners.  It is just one of the songs that serves to show why Stone Leaders a positive first effort from Stone Leaders.  ‘Shot by Lies’ is another way in which this self-titled debut from Stone Leaders proves a positive overall work.

‘Shot by Lies’ comes later in the album’s run, just ahead of the album’s midway point.  This song’s arrangement is another work that can be likened to early works from Dream Theater, but this time, a little later in the 90s.  The song’s arrangement, whose keyboard line is much more prominent than in other songs featured in the record, is more akin to songs featured in Dream Theater’s 1997 album Falling into Infinity than its harder-edged prog metal from the early 90s and late 80s.  At the same time, one could also argue that there is a hint of a Deep Purple influence added to the mix here, too.  Whether one, the other or both, the reality is that this song is another of the album’s most notable additions, if only for its musical arrangement.  Of course its musical arrangement is not its only point of interest.  It also is notable for its lyrical content.

Mihaljevic sings in the song’s lead verse, “Analyze then sterilize and finalize the strange behavior/Humanize then neutralize/Then utilize their only savior/Amplify fears/Make them weak and trace their every word/Analyze, then sterilize and finalize their pathetic lives.”  This is a bit dark, yes.  Reading through these lyrics, it is as if he is perhaps talking about society’s norms and mores, and in a way, tying in commentary about how religious leaders make things worse.  That is inferred with the note of “Utilize their only savior.”  The references about analyzing behavior and sterilizing makes one think of how psycho analysts and psychologists deal with patients, leading them to believe that the problem is them, not society.  The seeming message about social control and its impact is continued in the second verse, with Mihaljevic singing, “The tube that feeds you all you need/Controlled by holders of the greed/Antagonize to capitalize/We optimize the dread machine/Advertise to terrorize before their eyes/Dehumanizing/Tragedy will keep them weak/Secure behind the wall/Agonize to animalize, then euthanize/ Their pathetic lives.”  Again, this seems to be a statement about the controlling factors in the world.  Whether it has to do with the religious leaders, something else or both, the fact of the matter is that it seems to be there.  It is hardly the first time that any band or group has ever focused on such a matter in music.  As a matter of fact, most rock music is centered on going against societal control.  To that end, the song doesn’t break new ground, but is still hard hitting in its own right, in the delivery of its message.  When that message is considered alongside the song’s driving musical arrangement, the whole of those elements makes the song in whole another notable addition to Stone Leaders.  It is not the last of the album’s most notable works.  ‘Seeker,’ which closes out the album, is one more of the album’s most notable entries.

‘Seeker’ brings listeners a slightly more modern prog vibe with its increased keyboards and electronics.  That comparison to Dream Theater circa 1997 is still there, but at the same time, listeners can hear more of a 21^st Century prog vibe coupled with that late 90s prog metal sound, too.  The keyboard lines can so easily be compared to those of Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess while the guitars and drumming can just as easily be likened to the work of the rest of the band.  While the comparisons are so easy to make, the good thing is that despite the comparisons, Stone Leaders’ song here is not just one of those blatant ripoffs of the noted influence.  That is another tribute to the band’s efforts.  Far too often, bands go beyond just imitating their influences – especially up-and-coming bands, and go to the point of blatantly ripping off said influences.  That doesn’t happen here or at any other point in the album.  The songs just exhibit Dream Theater’s influence.  Keeping this in mind, the song’s arrangement is just one part of what makes it stand out.  Its lyrical content is just as important to its whole as its musical side.

Mihaljevic sings in the song’s lead verse, “Among the fear/Behind the beveled wall/Seems time stood still/Crumble, scale or fall/I was begging help me please/Voices from above/Underneath/A wonderer always sees it first.  He continues in the song’ second verse, “Archive the holes/They’re hidden in the road/Making a path/A highway to the stars/Fists were banged against the wall/First it broke before the fall/Screams have left my ears you see/Searcher/Traveler/Visionary.”  As this is sung, there is a softer, spoken portion in which the speaker states, “Signals begin/Emergency is declared in mind/Sensors flash, flicker/Taking their time in a hurry/Executing the next move for the soul/Beware the watcher’s will to sneak attention/To his way to creep/Strive with everlasting thirst/A seeker lives a blessed curse.”  This is just this critic’s own take on this song, but it almost seems as if Mihaljevic is telling a story here, of someone who has overcome life’s trials and tribulations.  Again, this is only interpretation and should not be taken as gospel.  That inference comes as in the first verse, he seems to be singing about those difficult times, “begging help me please,” while in the second verse, he notes Screams have left my ears, you see.”  He has become that visionary, overcoming the negative moments.  Hopefully this interpretation is at least somewhere in the ballpark, and not too far from the mark.  Considering the seeming story here, and even the discussion that these verses can generate even if this interpretation is incorrect, the very fact that the song is certain to generate so much discussion just on its lyrics, is another strong statement about the song.  To that end, the song is just another example of what makes Stone Leaders a positive debut for Stone Leaders.  When it is considered along with ‘Shot by Lies,’ ‘Box of Time’ and the rest of the album’s entries, the whole of the album proves to be a solid offering that progressive rock and metal fans alike will appreciate.

Stone Leaders’ self-titled debut record – released in March internationally and in June in the United States – is a work that progressive metal and rock fans alike will appreciate.  That is proven in part through the album’s musical arrangements.  The album’s arrangements easily lend themselves to comparisons to works from Dream Theater from the beginning to the end of the 12-song, 61-minute record.  The arrangements can be compared easily to works created by Dream Theater at various points in its life.  The good thing is that despite the clear influence of Dream Theater, the arrangements are not blatant ripoffs of Dream Theater’s songs.  Rather, they use the band’s arrangements as a starting point for their own identities.  The lyrical themes presented alongside the arrangements are just as interesting as the songs’ musical arrangements.  The metaphorical language used in each song and the messages in the lyrics will certainly generate discussion among listeners.  All three of the songs noted here serve to illustrate these statements.  When they are considered along with the rest of the record’s works, the whole of the album becomes a work that is a solid starting point for the band.  More information on the album is available online now along with all of Stone Leaders’ news at http://www.facebook.com/stoneleaders1.

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Bad Blood Releases Self-Titled Debut

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Rock super group Bad Blood released its debut self-titled album this week.

The album and band are already getting attention from a very well-known actor, too.  Aquaman star Jason Mamoa offered his praise for the band via Twitter.

My dear friend @kennydaleborill and his band @badbloodbandofficial just released their album!,” Mamoa tweeted.  His message also featured a swipe up link to the band’s album.

Bad Blood — composed of Chad Cherry (The Last Vegas), Chris Clemence (RapScallions and Adelita’s Way), Chris Iorio (Adelita’s Way) and Kenny Borill — has partnered with music app company Vezt to release its album.  Vezt is a music rights platform that allows fans to share in portions of the royalties and profits earned from music.  It essentially lets fans have a certain portion of ownership in the songs.

Clemence explained how the partnership works in a recent interview.

“We’ve partnered with an amazing new music app Vezt that will allow our fans to share ownership in our songs,” Clemence said.  “They’ll be able to make royalties and get paid every time the songs are played, licensed, streamed, performed, etc. The more everyone listens to and promotes Bad Blood, the more money everyone makes.  It’s partnering with our fans in the success of this record.  It’s truly revolutionary and a game changer for the music business.”

The Vezt app can be downloaded via the company’s website, http://www.vezt.co and through GooglePlay.

A mini-documentary featuring the video for Bad Blood’s debut single ‘The Drug That I Need’ is streaming now here.

More information on Bad Blood is available online now at:

Website: http://www.badblood.band

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/badbloodbandofficial

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Queensryche Debuts ‘Bent’ Video

Courtesy: Century Media

Queensryche debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the lyric video for its new single ‘Bent.’  The song is taken from the band’s most recent album The Verdict, which was released in March through Red Music and Century Media Records.

Front man Todd LaTorre talked about the song’s musical arrangement and lyrical content in a recent interview.

“‘Bent’ is a lyrical conglomerate of social injustices and societal struggles infused with progressive musicality,” LaTorre said.  “Snippets of thought provoking subject matter take you on a journey of up tempo hard rock/metal riffs with melancholic melodies and atmospheres.”

Queensryche is on tour in Europe promoting its new single and The Verdict.  Mirrorplain and Firewind are serving as support for the first portion of the tour, which runs through August.

After completing the first leg of that tour, Queensryche will take some time to rest and recharge before heading back out across Europe in November. Firewind will serve as sole support on the second half of the tour.  The tour’s schedule is noted below.

QUEENSRYCHE “THE VERDICT EUROPEAN TOUR”

w/ Firewind, Mirrorplain

July 25 – Berlin, DE – SO36

July 26 – Rottenburt-Seebronn, DE – Rock of Ages *+

July 27 – Szekesfeherva, HU – Fezen Festival+

July 28 – Ljubljana, SL – Kino Siska

July 30 – Munchen, DE – Free & Easy Festival

July 31 – Aschaffenburg, DE – Colos-Saal

August 2 – Wacken, DE – Wacken Open-Air*+

August 3 – Eindhoven, NL – Effenaar

August 4 – Paris, FR – Petit Bain*

August 6 – Pinarella di Cervia, IT – Rock Planet

August 7 – Pratteln, CH – Konzertfabrik z7

August 9 – Kortrijk, BE – Alcatraz Festival+

August 10 – Leeuwarden, NL – Into The Grave Festival*+

August 11 – Walton-on-Trent, UK – Bloodstock Open Air Festival*+

August 13 – Norfolk, UK – Waterfront, Norwich*

August 14 – London, UK – o2 Islington Academy*

August 15 – Saarbrücken, DE – Garage*

August 16 – Dinkelsbuhl, DE – Summer Breeze Festival*+

August 17 – Essen, DE – Turock Festival*+

* FIREWIND do not appear

+ MIRRORPLAIN do not appear

QUEENSRYCHE “THE VERDICT EUROPEAN TOUR”

w/ Firewind

November 15 – Thessaloniki, Greece – Fix Factory Of Sound

November 16 – Athens, Greece – Fuzz Club

November 19 – Krakow, Poland – Kwadrat

November 21 – Telfs, Austria – RathausSaal Telfs

November 23 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fryshuset Klubben

November 24 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Tradgarn

November 25 – Oslo, Norway – Tradgarn

November 26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset

December 4 – Mannheim, Germany – MS Connexion

December 5 – Dornbirn, Austria – Conrad Sohm

December 6 – Geiselwind, Germany – Christmas Bash

December 7 – Oberhausen, Germany – Ruhrpott Metal Meeting

* FIREWIND do not appear

Queensryche’s video for ‘Bent‘ is just its latest video to debut from The Verdict.  The band most recently released the video for ‘Light Years‘ in March.  That video was preceded in January by the video for ‘Dark Reverie,’ and that video by the video for the album’s lead single ‘Man The Machine.’

More information on Queensryche’s new single, video, tour dates and more is available online at:

 

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.