Classic Rock 373 Items

Franco-American artist Cory Seznec is back with his third album, Deep of Time. Co-produced with Jean-Etienne Loose and Geoffroy Dauptain of Tonehouse Studio, this new creation was forged during a strange and unprecedented period that turned our lives upside down. Overnight, Cory, now a stay-at-home dad looking after his two little boys and with little time to devote to music, had to put everything on standby. Then, with a gradual return to "normal", he once again found time to compose, despite opacity on the professional front. With time on his hands he decided to proceed as he had never done before. Each track was pieced together brick by brick with Loose and Dauptain, first as a demo - which in another era may have become the final product - to facilitate the final recording sessions. A handful of exceptional musicians were then brought on board to add their magic touch: drummer Raphaël Chassain, percussionist Renaud Ollivier, sousaphonist/trumpeter Rafgee, guitarist Daniel Mizrahi, double bassist Thomas Garoche, harmonicist David Chalumeau, pedal steel guitarist Paolo Conti, organist Jean-Max Méry... Deep of Time is a contemplative album that delves into that strange elasticity of experience where everything simultaneously slows down and speeds up, where imaginary worlds replace physical adventures lost in time’s gearwheels, where large questions are raised without any clear answers in sight. Through a unique musical universe that draws on American folk, rock and African guitar, Cory expresses his doubts, frustrations and existential crisis in the face of sudden inertia. All this flows through the dreamlike, playful, melancholy and angry work of an indomitable artist who continues to surprise with his ability to fluidify his influences, transforming them into a musical river that belongs to him alone.

Lost in 1993, found in 2022. Limited Edition Metallic Gold Vinyl - Only 1000 units pressed / Gatefold. In the Fall of 1993, between contracts with Capitol and RCA, The Smithereens ventured into Crystal Sound Studios NYC to write and record a new album for their own label. The results of those one month marathon recording sessions is this album, unheard by the outside world until now, and appropriately titled "Lost Album". The Smithereens' take no prisoners sound, reflecting their Garden State roots, has resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and 2500+ live shows. They've also inspired generations of musicians, including Kurt Cobain, who counted The Smithereens as a major influence. Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock'n'roll for 41 years. The Smithereens' fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien, and Saturday Night Live. Songs Include, Out Of This World, Dear Abby, Don't Look Down, A World Apart, Stop Bringing Me Down, Pretty Little Lies, Monkey Man, Everyday World, Face The World With Pride, Love Runs Wild, I'm Sexy and All Through The Night.

Grave Speaker is a doom project from Massachusetts. Risen from the ashes of High n’ Heavy, it continues the journey of 70s heavy rock inspirado. Influenced by fellow doomers Acid King, Windhand, and Electric Wizard. Grave Speaker is based off the mantra “follow the vibes, not the rules.” Formed in the summer of 2023 by former HnH guitarist/songwriter John Steele, Grave Speaker is very excited to join the EVR family with it’s self-titled debut.

Svart Records proudly present Tasavallan Presidentti live at the Ruisrock festival in 1971!

Tasavallan Presidentti’s annual performances at Ruisrock in Turku, Finland during the festival’s early years were proof of the band’s rapid ascent from a local band to an internationally renowned group of top musicians. “Pressa” left a lasting mark on many a festivalgoer, and the most optimistic ones were hoping to get these performances on a live album, if recordings existed. They do exist, and what remains on tape of the first ever Ruisrock performance was released on Changing Times and Movements (Svart Records), and the show at Ruisrock 1971 is now coming out on this album.

Arriving in Turku 1971 “Pressa” had completely shed their skin and revamped their set list from the previous year. The group had evolved into something entirely new musically. The festival had a more progressive lineup this year, and Pressa got the chance to prove themselves as part of a well respected international lineup. Some of Ruisrock’s international talent in 1971 included The Jeff Beck Group, The Kinks, Fairport Convention, Canned Heat, Juicy Lucy, Hardin & York, Pete Brown & Piblokto!, Pink Fairies, Stefan Grossman, Niemen Enigmatic, Culpeper's Orchard, Fläsket Brinner and Fruit.

Another proof of the rapid renewal of Pressa’s set list is how they would perform songs under different names, until the final name was chosen when releasing the song on an album. Jukka Tolonen’s composition The Bargain is included twice on this live album. The earlier version is from Ruisrock 1971 and the latter from the Finlandia house in December the same year.

The Bargain was first performed as Better Move On with lyrics by Frank Robson. In the autumn of 1971 the piece was re-christened as Falling Deeper, and this unreleased studio version was discovered and released on The Lost 1971 Studio Session (Svart Records). This was the name the song got for a few months, and was registered with Teosto, the Finnish music copyright association with this title. For whatever reason the song was performed using its older name at the Finlandia house in December 1971. Then, when Eero Raittinen sang the song when Lambertland was recorded, Mats Huldén provided new lyrics and the song got its final name The Bargain. Ramblin’, a familiar tune from Tolonen’s solo career, was at first performed as Feel My Way Through with vocals by Robson. This early version is featured on this live album.

There’s been a lot of talk among fans about a certain cover tune by Tasavallan Presidentti and its discovery and release are long overdue. Well, here it is, King Kong by Frank Zappa, performed by Tasavallan Presidentti at Ruisrock 1971!