Following the live thrill of Grace Jones in January, who performed across the UK with the aptly named 'Hurricane' tour, Wall Of Sound announce the forthcoming release of "Love You To Life" due March 30th 2009, the second single to be taken from Jones' masterpiece record, 'Hurricane'.

Watch "Love You To Life" video from Later with Jools Holland:

Grace Jones on amazon.com

Grace Jones on amazon.co.uk

"Love You To Life" continues the autobiographical nature of 'Hurricane' with its moody lyricism and reggae tint.

Over the past 9 months, the thirst for Ms Jones has not wavered; show after show, her high octane and dramatic performances have been received across the board with 4 and 5 star reviews. The ageless diva never fails to impress.

As the Independent observed, they were 'Blown away by amazing Grace'. As the Daily Telegraph stated - 'It was about Jones alchemy which delivered flashing moments of sensory delight: fleeting, powerful and unique'., The London Lite confirmed how 'it wasn't a concert so much as theatre and we weren't her audience so much as her subjects'.

This year, Grace is expected to headline various Festivals across the UK and Europe; more releases are due from the Hurricane project, along with some new headline dates.

"Love You To Life" is available on 12inch vinyl and digitally, with remixes to be announced shortly.

Grace Jones - The Hurricane Is Coming Website
Grace Jones MySpace

I've been listening to Grace Jones' new "Williams' Blood" single and remixes. They are GREAT. Especially the Mad Professor remixes. Excellent track. When I first listened to 'Hurricane', "Williams' Blood" stood out - and the 'Amazing Grace' bit at the end gave me shivers up and down my spine. - Jenny May, BandWeblogs.com

Press Release:

8th December 2008 will see the release of "Williams' Blood", off of Grace Jones' breathtaking new album, 'Hurricane', released on the Wall Of Sound label. "Williams' Blood" is released on 12" and digital download.

Grace Jones - Hurricane on amazon.co.uk

Hurricane on amazon.com

Enigmatic Grace, who this month released her first studio album in nearly twenty years, has been enjoying a stunning return. 'Hurricane', the new LP co-produced by Grace herself along with Ivor Guest, has seen Ms Jones collaborate with old friends Sly and Robbie as well as the likes of Brian Eno.

2008 has seen the recently crowned Q Awards Idol winner reenter the public consciousness with a sensational show at this year's Meltdown Festival that was the live event of the year and startling recent appearances on Tonight With Jonathan Ross and Later... with Jools Holland.

A dramatic, uplifting and positive track, "Williams' Blood" projects Grace's versatility and relevance in today's pop culture. With guest vocals from Grace's mother, Marjorie, the track is a personal insight into the World of Ms Jones.

A video directed by the elusive (and highly selective) Chris Cunnigham is also in production, promising to add further kudos and attention to this already iconic campaign.

Remixes of the track come courtesy of Mad Professor, Greg Wilson and Ivor Guest - with more to be announced in the very near future.

Also Hurricane UK tour dates for January 2009 have been announced.

The album, 'Hurricane', was released 3rd November 2008.

"Amazing Grace" - Observer Music Monthly

"Pop icon pulls back up to the bumper, baby" - Uncut

"Beware, the bitch is back" - Clash

"The results are extraordinary" - GQ

"Did you have any doubts that Grace's re-emergence could be, well, amazing? Fear not: Hurricane will blow them all away" - Attitude

Limited Edition 12" Vinyl (WOS042T)

A1: Williams Blood (Album Version)
A2: Williams Blood (Mad Professor Remix)
B1: Williams Blood (Greg Wilson Version)
B2: Williams Blood (Ivor Guest Remix)

Grace Jones - The Hurricane Is Coming Website
Grace Jones MySpace

The first thing to say about 'Hurricane' is that it is a classy bit of work, and I'm not just saying that because I'm old enough to remember Russell Harty. The production values on this CD are high, the list of collaborators (Brian Eno, Tricky, Sly and Robbie amongst others) stellar, the songs strong, Grace Jones' voice inimitable. She makes her own rules, does Grace, always has, no doubt always will, her voice is her own and no-one else's, a rare commodity in these corporate and homogenised times. Let this be said because this album is good, very good, and it deserves to be measured against the highest standards, which is I'm sure just how Ms Jones would want it.

Even measured against those highest standards, there is little to complain about. "Sunset Sunrise" is not just classic Grace Jones, it is classic pure and simple, with an infectious pop reggae rhythm (that's Sly and Robbie for you), memorable melody, strong lyrics, a sentiment befitting someone, how to put this, not as young as once she was. I don't mean to be rude here - the sooner we get over this ridiculous glorification of youth that has plagued our culture for decades the better. We're all going to get old and die so get over it, which is incidentally one of the things this song says, with the wisdom and lightness of touch which comes with age. I also don't mean to imply that she doesn't still look fantastic because she does, far better if you ask me than the sleek, androgynous and implausibly shiny Jones that graced the cover of Island Life, but I digress.

It feels indelicate to mention this, but it has been nearly twenty-five years since her last album, and in model/pop star terms she was old then (nearly thirty perhaps, the mind boggles). This is relevant only because one of the things that lifts this album above the ordinary is the way that she is not masking anything, ignoring or distorting where she is at right now, but rather simply singing about her life with daring, self-assurance, and a surprising amount of heartfelt reminiscence. See for example "I'm Crying (Mother's Tears)" (note the position of the apostrophe - she is not crying the tears of mothers in general here) and the upcoming single "Williams' Blood".

"Love You To Life" and "Well Well Well" also bring to the fore the pop reggae vibe that works so well whenever it appears on this album, some distance away from the clipped and brittle groove that defined older tracks such as "Pull Up To The Bumper Baby" and "Love is the Drug", and giving the songs a glorious uplifting mood even when the underlying message of the song is more sombre or reflective.

The other tracks explore a harder-edged, darker sound, which is where the high standards come into play. Listened to in the background they have enough hooks to keep the brain engaged, and the lyrical content is on the whole strong. Even the opening track "This Is", which threatens to be little more than vapid posturing ('This is my voice/My weapon of choice') is redeemed by the rest of the album, where she really does use her voice (not just her singing voice, but her attitude, her whole mode of being) as a weapon. But listen more carefully, and a few worries appear. There is no lack of inspired ideas - on the contrary, on tracks like "Corporate Cannibal", "Devil In My Life" and "This Is", the problem is that there are too many ideas, which tend to pile up against each other without the kind of careful development that could make them shine. And the lightness of touch which made the rhythm section such a joy on the more reggae-inspired numbers translates into a lack of aggression to match the muscularity of the lyrics. (The official website optimistically describes the music as 'industrial' - Ministry is industrial, this isn't, it simply isn't nasty enough.) The structure of the title track is, I'm sure, intended to mirror a hurricane, with two heavy sections book-ending a quieter, beat-free passage. But the build-up at the end of that middle section doesn't explode into life, rather the beats come in one after the other, almost apologetically, robbing the listener of the satisfaction of an abrupt transition.

But enough of these niggles. 'Hurricane' is a fine album, and it improves with every listen. If you know Grace Jones from her eighties heyday, you'll recognise the improvement on her earlier work, and appreciate the way she has grown up in the same way you have; if you are too young to remember her first time out, you'll be impressed by an artist from a previous era sounding so energetic and contemporary in her approach. Either way, you'll be glad you've been graced.

Grace Jones - Hurricane on amazon.co.uk

Hurricane on amazon.com

Grace Jones - The Hurricane is Coming Website

MySpace

Grace Jones Official Website

By: Jim Driscoll

Musical maestro Grace Jones today announces her UK strike as she prepares to travel the across the country in January 2009 with the Hurricane Tour.

Grace Jones - Hurricane on amazon.co.uk

Hurricane on amazon.com

The tour, scheduled to start at Birmingham's Symphony Hall on January 19th, 2009, will travel across the country, before finishing with two nights at London's Roundhouse on January 27th and 28th. The show will see Grace perform tracks from Hurricane, which has firmly positioned Ms Jones back on the music-scape. With jaw dropping and spine tingling hooks and rhythms, 'Hurricane' projects Grace at her most enigmatic.

As with everything Grace, expect the unexpected.

Grace Jones - The Hurricane 2009 Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

19 Jan Birmingham Symphony Hall - 0121 7803 333
21 Jan Gateshead Sage - 01273 709 709
22 Jan Glasgow Clyde Auditorium - 0870 040 4000
24 Jan Manchester Apollo - 0844 477 7677
25 Jan Bristol Colston Hall - 0117 922 3686
27 Jan London, The Roundhouse - 0844 482 8008
28 Jan London, The Roundhouse - 0844 482 8008

Ticket Prices: London £40 / Regional £35

National Ticket Hotline: www.seetickets.com / 0871 230 5576

Grace Jones - The Hurricane is Coming Website

Grace Jones MySpace

Over the past few months, a figure so dominant and iconic has returned to the forefront of our social conscious. Model, actress, performer, entertainer, singer, producer, writer, the enigma that is Ms Grace Jones has firmly been reaffirming herself as the superstar she has always been.

Grace Jones on amazon.co.uk

Grace Jones on amazon.com

In preparation for her first album in nearly twenty years, the aptly named 'Hurricane', Ms Jones has been performing various festivals including the cult Secret Garden Party and Lokerse Feesten in Belgium.

Read the 'Hurricane' review

Her one-off London Show at the Royal Festival Hall on June 19th for Massive Attack's Meltdown series of concerts saw the excitement for her forthcoming album sky-rocket, as The Times called it a "sensational return to form", whilst the Telegraph observed that "all around the gawping, whistling, cheering Festival Hall was the sense that this is how a star should be". The show has been one of the most talked about of the year.

This much-awaited album sees Ms Jones working with various purveyors of pop perfection, having been produced by Ivor Guest alongside Grace herself and includes contributions from Sly and Robbie and Brian Eno.

Much noise has been made around "Corporate Cannibal", an industrial piece of work, with a ferocious and sinister undertone reflecting modern 21st century life. With a jaw dropping monochrome video by Nick Hooker, Grace morphs, distorts and bleeds into what can only be described as a living example of Dali artwork in constant flux. The video has been racking up countless plays on Youtube et al, whilst fans and musos scramble to get their fix of Ms Jones.

Watch "Corporate Cannibal" video:

The wait, however, is nearly over. More information on the track listing for 'Hurricane' has just been revealed.

First up, "This Is", a perfect pocket of toe tapping classic Grace. "Williams' Blood", a dramatic, uplifting and positive track shows Grace's pop versatility. Next up "Corporate Cannibal", a seismic bass heavy epic.

The delicate "I'm Crying (Mother's Tears)" shows a more intimate, personal side to Grace, complimented by the up-tempo, hip swaying "Well Well Well". Then comes title track "Hurricane", followed by "Love You To Life" which nods back to Grace's past whilst swaying rapidly forward.

The reggae infused "Sunset Sunrise" and the spine tingling "Devil In My Life" are all widely affirming glimpses into the psyche of Ms Jones.

In the next few months Ms Jones will also be revealing details of her forthcoming UK tour for 2009 as well as various other exciting projects. With a cultural legacy that has defined the popular culture over the last 35 years, being the muse of Andy Warhol and symbolising the peak of the infamous Studio 54 in New York, to working with controversial American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and collaborating with visual artist Keith Haring, it is a certain that Grace will be working with the equal creatives of the 21st Century. What to expect, as ever with Ms Jones, will be the unexpected.

The 'Hurricane' is approaching. The album is due November 3rd 2008 on Wall Of Sound. "Williams' Blood" single set for release 1st December 2008.

Grace Jones - Hurricane track listing:

* This Is
* Williams' Blood
* Corporate Cannibal
* I'm Crying (Mother's Tears)
* Well Well Well
* Hurricane
* Love You To Life
* Sunset Sunrise
* Devil In My Life

Grace Jones Official Website

Prepare for the storm; the Hurricane is coming...

Pop sorceress, iconic diva and multimedia fashionista Grace Jones returns this year to release her first studio album in two decades, entitled 'Hurricane', scheduled for release on October 27th, 2008 in the UK.

Following her one off London Show at the Royal Festival Hall on June 19th for Massive Attack's Meltdown series of concerts, which received critical acclaim across the board, cult indie label Wall of Sound today announce the release of what will be one of the most anticipated albums of the year, if not the decade. PIAS, parent company of Wall Of Sound, will also distribute the album worldwide excluding North America.

On the show itself, The Times called it a "sensational return to form", whilst the Telegraph observed that "all around the gawping, whistling, cheering Festival Hall was the sense that this is how a star should be".

The Guardian confirmed how "she is an ongoing performance art project...what resonates is not any one song, but Jones' unparalleled presence".

Says Mark Jones, Managing Director of Wall of Sound - "It's an absolute honour and privilege to be working with Grace. No one has inspired more people whatever race, sex, colour or creed to be who they want to be and so much more. Her new album will not only re-establish her as one of the world's most important artists but also introduce her to a new generation of music lovers".

Grace Jones, who pioneered avant-garde pop, fashion and culture has been working with various purveyors of pop perfection. The album was produced by Ivor Guest and Grace herself and includes performances from Sly and Robbie and Brian Eno.

Grace this week, on signing to Wall Of Sound and the new record; simply said 'Grrrrrrr'.

The London show also saw Jones premiere for the very first time four new tracks for the forthcoming LP, including the much cited "Corporate Cannibal", a thunderous, epic emotionally charged monster of sonic wonder, illustrating how the 56 year old Jamaican born diva can redefine the boundaries of convention.

Her last studio album was 'Bulletproof Heart', released in 1989 on Capitol Records.

Says Brendan Coyle of CMO Management on the forthcoming record; "Hurricane continues Graces' legacy of timeless, classic music, which after the dust settles will remain as fresh in 20 years time as it is today. Grace is an Icon who Inspires, Challenges and furrows her own unique path, which many have followed and will continue to follow. Lock down, and prepare for Hurricane Grace".

With more news to be announced soon, Grace will also be headlining the Secret Garden Party Festival in Huntingdon, in the UK on Saturday 26th July, 2008.

Grace Jones Official Website

I've been hearing a lot about the Noisettes lately and keep running into them on Myspace but hadn't yet sat down to give them a good listen until today. It goes to show, YouTube isn't the only source for discovering new bands - TV can still be good for watching music videos (depending on your tolerance levels) as I have been getting turned on to a few bands lately via the telly.

If you're into your London based indie rock bands with a punk edge that include cool looking and sounding female singers backed by a loud band, then run out to your local music shop and buy the Noisettes latest CD. Better yet, make it easier for yourself and buy it online.

"Scratch Your Name" is off of Noisettes latest album What's The Time Mr. Wolf? which was recently released in the US and the UK. In the "Scratch Your Name" video, singer and bassist Shingai Shoniwa reminded me of Grace Jones a bit - her clothes, hair and makeup were reminiscent of the flamboyant and statuesque singer popular in the 80's. Guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison round out the band and they all look like they're having a good time. Certainly one of the coolest bands that I've seen and heard in awhile.

Watch the Noisettes video for "Scratch Your Name"

Following are the Noisettes 2007 tour dates:

*Dates could be added or changed! Go to the Noisettes Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

May 2 2007 Kings College - SOLD OUT London
May 3 2007 53 Degrees Preston
May 4 2007 Cornerhouse - Sumo Middlesbrough
May 5 2007 The Priory Doncaster
May 6 2007 Cathouse Glasgow
May 8 2007 Keele University, Love Music Hate Racism event Keele
May 9 2007 Mojo event London
May 9 2007 Soundhaus Northampton
May 11 2007 Rosis Berlin
May 12 2007 Molotov Hamburg
May 13 2007 Geb?ude 9 Cologne
May 14 2007 Ekko Utrecht
May 18 2007 Topman DJ set London
May 19 2007 Great Escape Festival Brighton
May 21 2007 Temple Bar, Bud Rising Show, supporting Maximo Park Dublin
May 24 2007 Koko, War Child Event London
May 26 2007 Pinkpop Festival, 3FM stage near Amsterdam
May 27 2007 Pompano Beach Amphitheatre West Palm Beach, Florida
May 28 2007 USF Sun Dome Tampa, Florida
May 29 2007 UCF Arena Orlando, Florida
May 31 2007 Tabernacle Atlanta, Georgia
Jun 1 2007 House Of Blues North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Jun 2 2007 Millenium Center Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Jun 5 2007 Electric Factory Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jun 6 2007 Knitting Factory New York
Jun 7 2007 Asbury Park Convention Hall Asbury Park, New Jersey
Jun 9 2007 Schubas Chicago
Jun 11 2007 Uptown Theatre Kansas City, Kansas
Jun 12 2007 Ogden Centre Denver, Colorado
Jun 13 2007 The Pearl Las Vegas, Nevada
Jun 14 2007 Pop Scene @ 330 Ritch San Francisco
Jun 15 2007 Troubadour Los Angeles
Jun 16 2007 Viejas Concerts In The Park Alpine, California
Jun 20 2007 Pembroke May Ball, Pembroke College Cambridge
Jun 22 2007 Glastonbury Casino @ Lost Vagueness near Glastonbury town
Jun 23 2007 Glastonbury, Leftfield stage ? Love Music Hate Racism near Glastonbury town
Jun 24 2007 Glastonbury, John Peel Stage. near Glastonbury town
Jun 27 2007 Hove Festival, Marquee stage Tromoy, Ardenal
Jun 30 2007 Bournemouth Music Festival, headline slot Bournemouth
Jul 1 2007 Metropolis Festival Rotterdam
Jul 4 2007 Manchester Academy 3, International Festival, headliners Manchester
Jul 13 2007 Lounge On The Farm Canterbury
Jul 27 2007 Secret Garden Party, main stage near Cambridge
Jul 28 2007 Standon Calling Festival at The Spitz, headline slot London
Aug 2 2007 Sudoeste Festival Zambujeira do Mar
Aug 4 2007 1st Festival Wick, Wales
Aug 17 2007 Pukkelpop Festival Kiewit, Hasselt
Aug 24 2007 Rock En Seine Festival Paris
Sep 7 2007 Isle Of Wight Festival, Main Stage Isle Of Wight

Noisettes Official Website
Noisettes on Myspace

By: Jenny May