Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics is proud to announce the release of the first installment in the brand-new, full-color edition of Vatican Assassin- The Graphic Novel. The first issue, Vatican Assassin - The Graphic Novel - Issue One (of Four) will be available at comiXology this Wednesday, October 18th, 2017!
"I can't wait for readers to see the new edition - the colors make the art pop!" Creator Mike Luoma said. Luoma's enthusiasm is understandable, and infectious - the new, colored book looks great! "Juan Carlos' magic touch has raised the project to another level," Luoma said, excited by the prospect of turning new readers on to his science fiction adventures.
In Vatican Assassin, Father Bernard Campion - 'BC' - an assassin for the Vatican - visits Lunar Prime, neutral city on the Moon, on an undercover mission for the Pope of the NcC - the New catholic Church: assassinate Lunar Prime's independent governor.
It's 2109, and BC is trying to take care of his "business" during an out of control interplanetary war between The UTZ - Universal Trade Zone - the commercial power that rules Earth - and the UIN - the Universal Islamic Nation - based on Mars. The UTZ and NcC believe Lunar Prime's governor is working with the UIN. They want her gone!
The original novel Vatican Assassin was published in 2005, the first novel by author Mike Luoma.Luoma then later edited and adapted the novel, creating a graphic novel, or comic book, script from his original book manuscript. Artist Cristian Navarro came on board, working with Luoma's script and concept sketches. Luoma provided the lettering and production work, and their black-and white graphic novel was published in four issues, and then released as a collected graphic novel.
Now, artist and frequent collaborator Juan Carlos Quattordio has joined the mix, adding color, vibrance, and dimension to Cristian's art. Behold - Vatican Assassin - The Graphic Novel is resurrected in this new, full-color edition!
Vatican Assassin - The Graphic Novel will be released by Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics in four issues, digital first, through comiXology and other online retailers, which will then be followed by the release of a full-color print and digital edition of the collected graphic novel. It all begins this coming Wednesday with issue one!
VATICAN ASSASSIN - THE GRAPHIC NOVEL
ISSUE ONE (OF FOUR)
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 2017
BY GLOW-IN-THE-DARK RADIO COMICS
MIKE LUOMA - WRITER, LETTERER
CRISTIAN NAVARRO - ARTIST
JUAN CARLOS QUATTORDIO - COLORIST
For my friends into comics, or Kickstarter/crowdfunding, or just cool success stories, check out Dirk Manning, whose latest Kickstarter went live at Noon today - and screamed past its 13K goal in just over 3 hours!
He's offering the latest hardcover in his "Tales of Mr. Rhee" supernatural horror comic book series, along with enticing "stretch goals" should higher monetary points be passed - and they will be, they're already being exceeded. Check out the kickstarter here if you like: https://www.kickstarter.com/…/tales-of-mr-rhee-volume-4-eve…
Think people are going to notice this - maybe he'll get some media coverage, which would be cool! I wish Dirk all the success in the world. He's been at this for a looong time, and given back and paid forward in huge and generous ways all the while. Thought I'd point him out as a cool example of a creator making his work... work. Before the general media frenzy begins. Ya know.
Got to know Dirk when he was writing his "Write or Wrong" column for Newsarama - a column based on his experiences on how to get into comics (and by the way? You "get in" by making comics). He shared his hard-earned knowledge extensively. It's now in book form, highly recommended if you want to put out comic books of your own. I benefited, learned A LOT! I continue supporting his Kickstarters as my way of sort of paying him back for what I learned from his columns and advice years ago.
As someone trying to put comics books together, I found what he was offering invaluable! It was nuts and bolts stuff for comic book writers - how to write scripts, how to find artists, what to pay them, fair practices, how to go to cons, etc. - what you need to know to actually DO it. I ate it up and took it to heart, and it's helped me put out comic books for the last ten years. Helped make me proud to share my own characters, my visions - instead of focusing on trying to write for Marvel or DC.
But it's not just the sharing of knowledge that has me cheering him on. I've watched this guy work HARD for the success he's getting. There's something like justice happening when someone who's been paying their dues, working hard, and pulling others up as well, sees the fruits of their labor pay off. It's nice to know there's still some justice in today's world!
Dirk's not writing a lot of columns these days, but watching him work is instructive thanks to his transparency of process. The amount of detail he's willing to share as he goes about writing and promoting his comic books and graphic novels is impressive. So is the amount of time we can see him put in - comic conventions, signings, other appearances, online presence... and, oh yeah... making comic books!
We know how much he works because Dirk is a masterful self-promoter! He promotes by sharing what he's doing, his kind of "behind-the-scenes" process, which personally connects him with his audience, promotes his work, and teaches by showing. To do this, he's been an adapter of tech's tools every step of the way, from posting webcomics way back when, to his facebook Live sessions now. Found out about facebook Live because Dirk was doing one... I keep learning things!
If you like horror, supernatural thrillers - read his work. You'll want to learn more about the author after you do. If horror's not your thing, just check out HOW he does his thing. Head over to the Kickstarter page and look at the way he sets up his stretch goals and pledge points - the presentation is impressive whether the subject matter works for you or not. Click over to his Dirk Manning facebook page or the The F(r)iends of Dirk Manning Support Group to see his hands-on interaction with his fans, how he encourages and nurtures support. He's there, interacting with his people.
This is only the latest Kickstarter success for Dirk - his last few books have blown past their goals and stretch goals. Not quite this fast, mind you, but it has been rewarding to back the projects with all the stretch goal booty added to the pledge packs! That success, along with this new victory, make me think media might take notice, even beyond the geeks/comics world. We shall see.
If you're a creative, a maker, an artist, a writer, whatever - you should watch Dirk at work, learn from his approach. He's stuck to his creative "guns" and followed his vision. He gets his work out in front of people, promoting with persistence, not annoyance - a talent all its own. He's now seeing amazing results on his major projects - his fans are responding to his efforts in big ways. You might learn something. At the very least, it's inspiring to see that art, vision, persistence, and hard work sometimes do pay off!
What's your favorite scene with BC in the Vatican Assassin Trilogy? What's your favorite scene with ALIBI JONES? Want to play some "Best of" segments on the upcoming episode 450 - what scene would you play for someone to introduce them to our universe, our settings and characters?
Comment below or email me at glowinthedarkradio@gmail.com
My next episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio will be my four hundred and fiftieth! 450!! It all began with Chapter One of Vatican Assassin back in September of 2006, just over 11 years ago. Now, if you do the math, you'll realize I've missed some weeks here and there, but still... almost weekly for over 11 years and through 450 episode feels like a pretty great accomplishment, so I've decided to toot my own horn and make a big deal out of the next episode!!
Here's where you come in - if you're a fan, I'd like you on the show! If you're a fan of the show, I'd love to have your recorded plug/congrats to run on the next episode, the Big #450! What you record is up to you, and I love creativity, but a simple mp3 of just your voice saying something like the following is fine:
"Hi, this is ME from MY THING at WEB ADDRESS and I want to congratulate Mike Luoma* on 450 episodes of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!"
*(PRONOUNCED Loo-OH-mah)
Send your mp3 to me at glowinthedarkradio@gmail.com
Not much time to do this... the sooner the better, with Friday the cutoff. I'm also open to ideas for what else show 450 should contain... Thank You!!!
Alibi Jones' search for The Sunrise of Hur continues – he's about to meet the wealthiest and most powerful man in the known universe! Can Richard Wentworth help Alibi track down the Dakhur relic? Will he actually want to help? Find out in Chapter Five of Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur, written and read by host Mike Luoma. Get caught up on the story-so-far, then listen as TheAdventures of Alibi Jones continue - free audio science fiction each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Paradissimo was a dead end, so Alibi Jones' search for The Sunrise of Hur continues with a trip to Rigel 4 to enlist the wisdom of old family friend Dr. Krishnavurti – Krish! Listen as host Mike Luoma, ourwriter and reader, gives a little "story-so-far" and then Chapter Four of Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur! Free audio science fiction – TheAdventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Alibi Jones is on the hunt for The Sunrise of Hur – the ancient Dakhur artifact went missing when crime lord Rene Laveillur's men grabbed Alibi Jones' ex-girlfriend Katie at a ceremony a month ago. Laveillur insists he doesn't have it. Besides, his people have told Alibi Jones to stop bothering their boss, under penalty of death... Get a quick update on the story so far and then enjoy Chapter Three of Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur with Mike Luoma, yourwriter and reader, on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio. TheAdventures of Alibi Jones continue– free audio science fiction audio adventure on every episode!
Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur continues on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!Alibi Jones lost his ex-girlfriend to crime lord Rene Laveillur. Laveillur's right hand man Peterson just showed up in Alibi's living room, warning Alibi away from Laveillur and his planet, Kismet. Join host Mike Luoma – yourwriter and reader – for Chapter Two of Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur as TheAdventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Free audio science fiction audio adventure every episode!
TheAdventures of Alibi Jones continue as we begin his second novel-length adventure, Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur, on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!Alibi Jones loses his girlfriend to a crime lord and his friend Kit to a grudge after a horrific event. Alibi can't stop reliving what happened, so we'll join him as he does so again in Chapter One of Alibi Jones and The Sunrise of Hur! The Adventures of Alibi Jones, written and read by host Mike Luoma – hear free science fiction audio adventure on every episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Hear the self-contained short science fiction story Alibi Jones: Vacation on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Listen in as Alibi Jones takes a little time off on a world that doesn't live up to its name. Paradise? Not exactly. Written and read by host Mike Luoma, it's the Adventures of Alibi Jones – Free audio science fiction adventure every episode on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Hear the self-contained short science fiction story Alibi Jones: Blind Eye on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Listen in as Alibi Jones uncovers a prospect that sounds a bit too good to be true... Written and read by host Mike Luoma, it's the Adventures of Alibi Jones – Free audio science fiction adventure every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Saturday and Sunday, July 8th and 9th, my two non-fiction eBooks are available for free at Amazon worldwide! Get Star-Lord and the Guardians of the Galaxy: An Unofficial Comic Book History and King Richard III: Unearthing the King free for your Kindle.
Star-Lord and the Guardians of the Galaxy: An Unofficial Comic Book History eBook:
"An in-depth look at Marvel Comics’ Cosmic Team from 1968 to 2011, with an extensive history of the character Peter Quill – Star-Lord – including creator insights from Steve Englehart, Chris Claremont, Timothy Zahn, Dan Abnett, Rafael Morin and more. Also includes in-depth looks at Adam Warlock and Thanos, as well as extras on Killraven and Monark Starstalker. Some of this material originally appeared on-line in columns by Mike Luoma at the late, lamented ComicRelated.com and other sites where they're no longer available."
"Taking On the Tudors! In this short work, author Mike Luoma looks at the years of character assassination and assault the reputation of King Richard III of England (1483-5) has undergone, and more recent efforts to look at his place in history with greater objectivity.
Just as Richard III's bones needed to be discovered and recovered, so too his true history and reputation required exhumation. Somewhere between the vilification of the Tudor "traditionalists" and the hagiography of modern-day "Ricardians" lies a portrait of a real man and king. Luoma attempts to shovel off the accrued dirt of historical maligning in the first half, then reconstructs Richard's character with an (attempted) objective look at his assumption of the throne in June of 1483.
An excellent introduction to the man and the controversy that is Richard III!"
Alibi Jones is about to have the top of his head removed by Azhumet, one of the Ancient Enemy! Can Kit save Alibi before the saw gets him? Find out in part two of Chapter Nineteen and in Chapter Twenty as we complete the novel Alibi Jones this week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! The Adventures of Alibi Jones – Free audio science fiction adventure every week, written and read by host Mike Luoma!
Alibi Jones has fallen into the clutches of – quite possibly – one of the Ancient Enemy! Can his Dakhur friend Kit save Alibi before Azhumet dissects him? Find out – travel with us to Deranimar on the edge of Dakhur space in part one of Chapter Nineteen of Alibi Jones – the novel – written and read by host Mike Luoma. Free audio science fiction adventure every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio, featuring the Adventures of Alibi Jones!
Alibi Jones and his Dakhur friend Kit head to the planet Deranimar on the edge of Dakhur space to investigate a sighting of the supposedly dead race the Eldred – and see if the Ancient Enemy has returned! Chapter Eighteen of the novel Alibi Jones – The Adventures of Alibi Jones – written and read by host Mike Luoma. Free audio science fiction adventure every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Alibi Jones just lied to his aunt... and The Pope! All so he can sneak back to the Eldred planetoid with Dr. Krish to check out some crazy high level tachyon readings... in Chapter Seventeen of the novel, Alibi Jones! The Adventures of Alibi Jones – Free audio science fiction adventure every week, written and read by host Mike Luoma on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
A killer episode with Alibi Jones... literally! Someone kills, and someone dies! Find out who does what – listen to Chapter Sixteen of the novel, Alibi Jones, written and read by host Mike Luoma. Free audio science fiction adventure every week – Listen to the Adventures of Alibi Jones on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Getting ready for Balticon 51, on the way Memorial Day Weekend! I'll be on a few panels and doing a reading. If you're in the Baltimore area, this old-school science fiction convention is one of the best around! Find out all about it at http://Balticon.org. Here are my panels and info for the weekend.
Friday at 4pm I'll be part of the "How to be a Good Moderator" panel discussion. Curiously, this is the first con I've been to in a while where I'm not actually moderating a panel...
Saturday at 1pm I'm doing a Reading! Sharing the hour with Chris Lester and Grig Larson. I'm not sure what I'm reading yet...
Saturday at 3pm you'll find me on the "Podcasting on the Cheap" panel.
Saturday at 7pm I'm part of "Writing the Near Future" panel. If you've read my stuff, you know this is what I do...
And Sunday at 2pm I'll be part of the "Writing Scripts Based on Your Own Work" panel. Charlie Brown is hosting this one and asked me to be a part, very cool. Told me he wanted someone with actual experience, and asked me as I've adapted Vatican Assassin. I told him my advice would not just be "Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut..." - but, man, that's a big part of it! There's a lot more, too.
There may be more panels I'm on as the con approaches or at the convention itself - sometimes I pick stuff up. Check the schedule for more, or just ask me, if you're there.
If you love science fiction and you're near Baltimore, hope you can join us!
Listen to the Adventures of Alibi Jones! Free audio science fiction adventure every week, written and read by host Mike Luoma. Mike's put together a Big Picture ”Story So Far" for this episode - catch up on the whole future world of Alibi Jones. Then hear Chapter Fifteen of the novel, Alibi Jones – on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Alibi Jones and his Aunt Anita lead a SAIF squadron to a formerly abandoned Eldred base as Alibi tries to prove the Eldred are still very much alive... and causing trouble! The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue with Chapter Fourteen of the novel, Alibi Jones. Host, author and narrator Mike Luoma brings you audio science fiction adventure free every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Alibi Jones heads back to Ceres Central to see if his Aunt Anita will believe his evidence that the Eldred are still very much alive. Plus, he and Katie Ramsey also get to know each other better... listen in for the latest installment in the science fiction audioadventure novel Alibi Jones with your host, author and narrator Mike Luoma! Hear Chapter Thirteen as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue. Free every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Alibi Jones faces a grim obligation this week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio, in Chapter Twelve of the science fiction audioadventure novel Alibi Jones with your host, author and narrator Mike Luoma. Alibi's life will be changed forever by what he must do before he, Kit and Piccolo can leave the abandoned Eldred outpost where they've found their kidnapped friends. The Adventures of Alibi Jones every week – Free – On Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Alibi Jones,Kit the Dakhur, and Piccolo search for hidden shipyards and hangars on an abandoned Eldred outpost that's mysteriously back in operation, as their search for kidnapped friends continues. Science fiction audioadventure in Chapter Eleven of the novel Alibi Jones this week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Join us for The Adventures of Alibi Jones with your host, author and narrator Mike Luoma every week – Free!
Alibi Jones,Kit the Dakhur, and Piccolo discover an abandoned Eldred outpost is back in operation in their search for kidnapped friends. Who is the mysterious man these not-dead Eldred seem to be working for? Listen and find out in Chapter Ten of the novel Alibi Jones this week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Science fiction audioadventures every week – Free! The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue with your host, author and narrator Mike Luoma.
Equipped with three possible locations for an Eldred base supplied by their scientist friend Krish, Alibi Jones, the Dakhur Kit, and the somewhat annoying human Piccolo search for kidnapped friends. They also hope to prove the once-dead alien race the Eldred are back! The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radiowith Chapter Nine of the novel Alibi Jones! Author and narrator Mike Luoma brings you his science fiction audioadventures every week – Free!
Alibi Jones seeks out old family friend Dr. Krishnavurti – Krish – with the news that the once-dead alien race the Eldred are back! How can the old scientist help? Find out in Chapter Eight of Alibi Jones! Fans of The Vatican Assassin Trilogy will run into an old friend as the Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio - host Mike Luoma reads from his science fictionnovels every week – Free!
Can Alibi Jones, convince his Aunt Anita that the once-dead alien race the Eldred have returned? And that they're behind the recent kidnappings? Find out in Chapter Seven of Alibi Jones! Host Mike Luoma reads from his a science fictionnovels every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio. The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue – Free!
Hot on the trail of alien kidnappers, Alibi Jones, Kit and Piccolo are about to discover a lot more than they bargained for! In Chapter Six of Alibi Jones, a science fictionnovel/audiobook, written and read by your host Mike Luoma. The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue – free every week – on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
ContactMike Luoma
Emailglowinthedarkradio@gmail.com
Websitehttp://glowinthedarkradio.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2017
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK RADIO'S "INTRODUCING... RED HOT!" GN @ COMIXOLOGY
Superhero Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel Also Available In Print
BURLINGTON, VT, January 25, 2017– Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics proudly presents the comiXology debut of our "Introducing... RED HOT!" graphic novel. Collecting the comic book mini-series written and lettered by Mike Luoma, featuring art by Rhys ap Gwyn and noted Argentine illustrator Juan Carlos Quattordio (FIERRO, GPS del AMOR), with colors by Bettina Fertitta on part two.
How Do You Prove You’re A Hero? Using inherited fire powers, Red Hot is hoping to figure that out as he follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. It’s not easy! Red Hot stakes out a bank when he’s tipped off it’s supposed to be robbed... but the thief is the last person Red Hot expects. They turn the tables, leaving Red Hot to take the blame!
“Introducing… RED HOT!” is a super hero coming-of-age story and an introduction to a whole world of heroes. THE TEAM is the premier group of powered people working today, founded by Mind Man. Only… Mind Man isn’t quite himself lately. As Red Hot tries to find out why that is – and tries to prove himself to THE TEAM in the process – his actions have lethal consequences! "Introducing... RED HOT!"- the graphic novel - now available digitally at comiXology! Also in print via Indy Planet.
"Playing on the ideas of legacies and what makes a superhero, Mike Luoma has plotted a story that has to do fifty things at once and convey it all subtly... a surprisingly well-rounded comic-book... " - MCMBuzz.com (review of RED HOT #1)
”... a good take on the "legacy" hero... ...has a really great twist that makes the book a little bit more readable than the usual young-hero-proving-himself fare." – BlogThis,Pal.com (review of RED HOT #1)
Glow-in-the-Dark Radio is a Vermont-based creative collaborative comic publisher. We also share news and fiction on our weekly Glow-in-the-Dark Radio podcast. More at http://glowinthedarkradio.com.
# # #
If you would like more information, please contact Mike Luoma - email glowinthedarkradio@gmail.com.
Alibi Jones, Kit and Piccolo head for the planet Junzias in search of kidnapped friends as the Adventures of Alibi Jones continue! Free every week - Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! With Chapter Five of Alibi Jones, a science fictionnovel/audiobook, written and read by your host Mike Luoma, on this new episode.
Alibi Jones, Kit and Piccolo blast up off the planet Tek'Ti'Karn pursued by the Tek'Tah as we get into Chapter Four of Alibi Jones, the science fictionnovel/audiobook, on this new episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Free every week and currently featuring the Adventures of Alibi Jones! Written and read by your host Mike Luoma.
This time next weekend we'll be in the middle of Arisia 2017 in Boston - find out more at Arisia.org!
I'm on three panels at Arisia - New England's Largest, Most Diverse Sci-Fi & Fantasy Convention - January 13 - 16, 2017 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. Come on out!
Sat 11:30 AM - Self-Publishing 101: Become an Authorpreneur Faneuil
Description Who needs gatekeepers when you can market your
stories directly to your readers? Come find out what it will take to transform
that manuscript into a marketable product. This panel of indie authors, small
presses, and comic creators will tell you what resources are out there, scams
to avoid, and what to expect. Come over to the Dark Side of indie publishing.
We have candy…
On the panel along with:
Anna Erishkigal (moderator), Guest-of-Honor Ursula Vernon, Ian
Randal Strock and Kate Kaynak.
Sun 10:00 AM - How To Make A Comic Marina 3
Description Everyone "knows how to make a comic"
in theory but the reality of it isn't so easy. Let's talk printing quality,
scripts, web hosting, gutters, borders, staples, CMYK vs RGB, and the alike.
Bring your questions - our panel's got you covered!
I'm moderating this one! With Dan Mazur, Mildred, Ursula
Vernon and Joey the First.
Mon 11:30 AM Build a Home Podcast/Audiobook Recording Studio Marina 3
Description Come learn how to set up a budget home audio
recording studio. How long does it take to record a book or create a podcast?
What makes a book read-out-loud-able? What annoying audio narrator habits
should you avoid? Once you've recorded them, where can you upload it for
monetization or for sale? Our panel of experts will discuss the basics and what
equipment will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
On the panel along with: Alexander Danner of "Greater
Boston" (moderator), Guest-of-Honor Gene Turnbow of Krypton Radio, Kevin from
"Kevin and Ursula Eat Cheap" and Justine Graykin.
Alibi Jones runs across a gravel desert on Tek'Ti'Karn with two fellow escapees, the catlike alien Kit and the drunk-like human Piccolo. Pursued by Tek'Tah, will they risk using the dead race Domo's empty enclave as temporary cover? Will it even slow down their pursuers? Dive into Chapter Three of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio and find out - it's the Adventures of Alibi Jones! Still the early going in Alibi's first adventure, written and read by your host Mike Luoma. Join us for free audio science fiction every week!
Listen to the Adventures of Alibi Jones - free audio science fiction - on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Alibi's just met the catlike alien Kit and drunk-like human, Piccolo. They're cellmates on a hostile alien planet, about to attempt an escape! We're just beginning Alibi Jones' first adventure – you'll hear Chapter Two of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode - written and read by your host Mike Luoma.
1. The Love Within - Bloc Party
2. Quiet Americans - Shearwater
3. Never Going Back - Caveman
4. Love Letters to God - Nahko and Medicine for the People
5. Maybe - The Twilight Hours
6. These Words - The Lemon Twigs
7. Knowing - Anderson/Stolt
8. Auld Wives - Bear's Den
9. Morning Dew - The National
10. Catch & Release - Matt Simons
11. All We Ever Knew - The Head and the Heart
12. Face In The Moon - Springtime Carnivore
13. On Hold - The xx
14. Kaleidoscope - Arc Iris
15. True Sadness - The Avett Brothers
16. Love Is Melancholy (EP) - Vandaveer
17. First Try Johnnyswim
18. Biloxi - Hiss Golden Messenger
19. Lost On You - LP
20. Breath And Burning - Phish
21. Fire - Barns Courtney
22. It's My Feeling - Holy Sons
23. Upbeat Feelgood - Foy Vance
24. Back To The Start - Old Man Canyon
25. Friend of the Devil - Mumford and Sons
26. Changes - Charles Bradley
27. Red Earth and Pouring Rain - Bear's Den
28. Orange Color Queen - Ty Segall
29. Three Miles High - Travis
30. Some Sunsick Day - Morgan Delt
31. You and Me Ben Abraham
32. Apples and Oranges Laura Burhenn
33. Wristband Paul Simon
34. I Can't Believe I Found You In That Town Mike Doughty
35. Get Out Frightened Rabbit
36. Wildfire The Mynabirds
37. Turning Into Water - Maybird
38. Lay Down - DMA'S
39. Ways to Fake It - CRX
40. The Good News Bloc Party
41. The Roundabout - Ryley Walker
42. All My Life - Caveman
43. Loveless - Lo Moon
44. Under the Sun - DIIV
45. Both Sides of the Line - Dr. Dog
46. Back Against The Wall - Son Volt
47. Stand By Me - Florence + The Machine
48. Look At What The Light Did Now - Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White
49. Love Is A Stranger - Sam Beam + Jesca Hoop
50. Fisherman's Blues - Dawes
Man. Two-thousand Sixteen. What a year! Been rough on music - lost lots of huge talents. Leonard recently, Prince a bit earlier and David towards the start of it all - to name only the biggest of too many. Hell, we lost two-thirds of ELP... 2016 has some major musical losses stacked against it!
And 2015? GREAT year for music - kind of hard for this year to measure up. Found myself STILL listening to some of my 2015 Top Ten albums well into this year, matter of fact. Blitzen Trapper'sAll Across This Land, Darlingside'sBirds Say, and Blur'sThe Magic Whip all enjoyed extended play in my musical world into 2016.
As Music Director at The Point, I constantly receive new music from record companies and bands promoting their releases, trying to get on the radio. While listening for what works on the radio is a little different than listening for personal pleasure, one often leads to the other. Plus, I seek out new sounds, new bands, and so get exposed to a pretty broad variety of stuff. If I like it, I bring it home.
And I DID bring stuff home. 2016 wasn't a total loss! Not at all! What follows are the ten "best" of what I brought home in 2016. This "Top Ten" may not resemble another one you'll find out there. My personal taste in music is a little quirky. I've always kind of steered away from the most popular releases - especially ones I had to play too much on the air. Stuff I bring home needs to be a sort of escape from my radio world to entertain.
10. Bloc Party - Hymns
One of the first albums I got into this year, Bloc Party's Hymns, was preceded by a track I really dug - TWO tracks, actually. Both "The Love Within" and "The Good News" arrived as singles, videos or "teaser tracks" before the album's late January unveiling. The universal nature of the message in "The Love Within" hit me immediately - could feel the love rising! The video does a nice job communicating the universality with an ever-changing cast of characters portraying the dancing protagonist of the piece.
The pseudo-Christian spin of "The Good News" blurs straying from the "good news" of Christ (the Greek translation of "Gospel") with the loss of "my baby", the Good News that once was in his heart. The vaguely biblical allusions work well, as in the lines "I used to find my answers in the gospel of St. John / But now I find them at the bottom of this shot glass..."
These two solid songs stand out with some staying power. The rest of the album is wryly written, listenable pop, if occasionally a little repetitive. Good enough to make it into my top ten, mostly on the strength of the two tunes I've singled out here.
9. The Lemon Twigs - Do Hollywood
Sometimes you fall in love with a band the very first time you hear them. A couple of promo reps - record company promotional representatives - visited the radio station last summer to play us some new stuff. As The Lemon Twigs' "These Words" began to unfold, the sheer audacity of it - the arrangement, the changes, the harmonies - made it love at first listen. Echoing Queen, The Beatles, Big Star and Harry Nilsson via MGMT or maybe Flaming Lips, The Lemon Twigs go for it, all out, without compromise or concern in sounding too much like any one influence - with so many on display, the mixture is rich:
Then you find out the band is a couple of teenage brothers from Long Island and you say, "what?"
They're the D'Addario brothers, Brian (19) and Michael (17). According to their label - 4 AD - bio, "Brian and Michael have been playing rock music since they were old enough to walk and talk, mastering every instrument they could get their hands on and writing and performing everything together (they alternate writing credits and instruments on Do Hollywood)." They might be young, but their music verges on timeless.
"As Long As We're Together" and "These Words" were released together as a lead "single" in early July. The album followed in the fall, mid-October. It's ambitious, fun, cleverly crafted pop rock.
8. Shearwater - Jet Plane and Oxbow
Shearwater's Jet Plane and Oxbow was the first new album to muscle its way into my listening this year. I'd already gotten into the lead track "Quiet Americans" - it arrived just before the end of last year. The rest of the album proved equally impressive - good driving music! Became my commuting soundtrack for a bunch of weeks.
It sort of surprised me that this album didn't take off. Developed a theory that the album didn't do as well as it might have because of how Bowie-esque it sounds at times. Check out the aforementioned "Quiet Americans":
In years past this might not have been a problem, but when your album comes out two weeks after a surprise-release by The Man Himself - and then he dies? Your album MAY be a bit overshadowed. It's too bad - songs like "Pale Kings" are pretty awesome.
7. Arc Iris - Moon Saloon
I'd been going out to see Providence, RI based Arc Iris whenever the band returned to town, after seeing them open for FREEMAN at Higher Ground in the fall of 2014. The brainchild of former Low Anthem member Jocie Adams, aided and abetted by Zachary Tenorio Miller and Ray Belli, Arc Iris doesn't easily fit any categorization or genre.
Adams' compositions range across realms of progressive rock, art rock, show tunes, folk and jazz... sometimes in the same piece. Structures and sounds shift with the intent of the song - everything serves to build the feeling of the idea expressed, inventive explorations not restrained by conventions.
In performance, Adams has a flair for the theatrical, a la 1970's Bowie or Peter Gabriel, appearing in a gold or silver lame' jumpsuit, wearing bejeweled makeup, and usually, at some point in the show, employing giant silver unfolding fan wings to great effect. The songs on Moon Saloon are ones I enjoyed seeing performed live in 2015. Without knowing actual titles, those tunes became known in my mind by a significant phrase in the song - such as "...Give the Worried Man A Rose". Turned out that song was actually called "Kaleidoscope" - and it was the first track released from Moon Saloon. Check out those wings...
Given their sense of showmanship, you know their videos will be good - check out the AMAZING VIDEO for the title tack as well:
You know, it sort of feels strange to call Moon Saloon a new album - I've heard some of these songs for over a year now. Although it is great to finally have a recorded document of them in my hands. One I can share with you!
6. Caveman - Otero War
Caveman's Otero War rose up on my radar early this year . The lead track "Never Going Back" arrived at radio on Leap Day - 2/29 - and I was able to get my hands on the entire album in late March. It didn't actually come out until June 17th - woo-hoo!
I'd been watching and waiting for new material from Caveman - one of the bands I'd filed away as a personal "one-to-watch". Saw them open for Phosphorescent in Burlington and was blown away. Checked out their first two albums. Pretty good. Wanted to hear what the band I saw live was cooking up. And here it was.
This is one of those times when the access you get from working in radio is both good and bad. I had the album, Otero War, two-and-a-half months before it was released. And that IS kind of cool. But it also means you're getting into an album you can't share with anyone nor tell anyone about for a couple months. Had to wait a while before telling folks how good it was, and that they needed to check out more from the album, like "All My Life":
Really enjoyed the album!
5. Various Artists - Day of the Dead
It's surprising - even to me - to include a cover compilation, a tribute album, in my Top Ten. Not a usual occurrence. But, then again, Day of the Dead isn't your usual covers collection.Mumford and Sons covering 'Friend of the Devil'? Kurt Vile and the Violators(featuringJ Mascis) doing 'Box of Rain'? The War On Drugs covering "Touch of Grey"? Very quietly over the last four years, the Dessner brothers, Aaron and Bryce (of The National fame), assembled a giant beast of a compilation - a 5 CD, six-hour, 60+ artist Grateful Dead Tribute, a new entry in the Red Hot Organization's series of fundraising discs.
Check out Phosphorescent with Jenny Lewis and Friends doing "Sugaree". There's also the Dessner's bandThe National's cover of 'Morning Dew':
You get Bruce Hornsby's and DeYarmond Edison's take on 'Black Muddy River' and Courtney Barnett doing 'New Speedway Boogie'. Plus Jim James & Friends - Candyman, The National - Peggy-O, Lucius - Uncle John’s Band, The Lone Bellow & Friends - Me and My Uncle, Daniel Rossen, Christopher Bear and The National (featuring Josh Kaufman, Conrad Doucette, So Percussion and Brooklyn Youth Chorus) - Terrapin Station (Suite), Wilcowith Bob Weir - St. Stephen (live), Phosphorescent & Friends - Standing on the Moon, Charles Bradley and Menahan Street Band - Cumberland Blues, The Tallest Man on Earth & Friends - Ship of Fools, Local Natives - Stella Blue, Bela Fleck - Help on the Way, Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Shakedown Street, Hiss Golden Messenger - Brown-Eyed Women, The Lone Bellow & Friends - Dire Wolf, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider, The Flaming Lips - Dark Star, and many more.
The epic scope and scale of this collection merits its inclusion in my Top Ten. Impressive. Most impressive.
4. Anderson/Stolt - Invention of Knowledge
As a fan of their main bands, I was excited and curious to see Jon Anderson of Yes and Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings were working together. Their first collaboration arrived this summer. Invention of Knowledge is impressive, evoking Tales from Topographic Oceans-era Yes. Stolt's instrumental backing of Anderson's spiritual lyrics echoes the complex arrangements of that golden era of progressive rock, though Topographic... is such a singular and unique work it's perhaps folly to draw too close a comparison. Plus, this effort stands well on it's own. The album is in the tradition of Jon's older Yes music. Invention of Knowledge occasionally sounds like a new Yes album, or perhaps a newly discovered lost Yes album released some time around the mid 1970's. And that's pretty awesome! Some old Yes fans complain about the "aping" of Steve Howe's guitar style, or Rick Wakeman's keyboards, or Chris Squire's bass lines... seems petty to me. Though fondly evocative of their approaches, I don't find the performances slavishly imitative.
Take a listen to this official release of "Knowing" and see what you think...
Of course, the ornate instrumentation and arrangements of Prog Rock aren't for everyone... if this piece suits you, pick up the whole album and enjoy some of the finest Yes music* made in years! *One note... If Chris Squirewere still alive, I wouldn't call this Yes music, out of respect for Squire. With him gone, for me it's Jon who carries this torch now, even if he's no longer in the touring line-up of the band. Jon Anderson has always been the spiritual core of Yes - which is where this album resides.
3. Nahko and Medicine for the People - HOKA
Wasn't familiar with Nahko and Medicine for the People before this summer. Noticed they had two dates booked in the big room of our largest club in northern Vermont, Higher Ground. Who were these guys that they could book a big venue for two days like that? Went and sought out the first single from their new album HOKA, their third, released June 10th - "San Quentin".
From the album's Press Release: "San Quentin" is "an important song in the telling of Nahko's story. It was inspired by Nahko's visit with the imprisoned man who murdered his father - a father he had never met.'Its about forgiveness,' says Nahko, 'I went there to forgive this man and in forgiving him, I freed myself. It only hurts yourself to hang onto hate. Forgiveness empowers you to create change.'" Wise words!
"Love Letters to God" was the follow-up track, another paean to understanding and spirituality, powerful stuff! And evidence as to why Nahko describes the album as "the soundtrack of the movement for a better planet." Nahko has an unusual mixed heritage - according to his bio, he was adopted at an early age and raised by a caucasian family in Portland, OR, though he's 1/3 Native American Apache, 1/3 Filipino and 1/3 Puerto Rican. As his bio states, "He has been channeling this ancestry through his music ever since."
There's a higher consciousness at work in Nahko's music, a spiritual wisdom shining through. The mix includes world beats interpreted a la Talking Heads, Native American chants and flavors, and straight-ahead rock, all brought together with a jam band's sense of experimentation and recombination. Guests abound, from the sisters from Joseph, to Xavier Rudd, Trevor Hall, Zella Day and more. HOKA is an impressive introduction to a brilliant emerging musical and spiritual voice!
2. The Twilight Hours - Black Beauty
The Twilight Hours are Matt Wilson on vocals, keys and guitar, and John Munson on bass - both former members of Trip Shakespeare in the late 80s/early 90s. Munson was also in Semisonic (most famous for "Closing Time") with Matt's brother and fellow TS alumni Dan Wilson. Matt and John have been performing together since the early 2000's, first as The Flops, and then as The Twilight Hours.
They announced the new album in late spring. As a HUGE Trip Shakespeare fan, my anticipation was high for hearing what Matt and John were up to. Supported their Pledge Music project and received my download codes for The Twilight Hours Black Beauty on July 12th, after their successful campaign ended - the physical CD soon followed. I'd really been digging the cut "Maybe" they'd released as a teaser track/lead single:
Happily, the rest of the album measured up well! The Twilight HoursBlack Beauty is both a bit like Trip Shakespeare and a progression from that era and sound, as you can hear on the closing track "Anymore":
There's something here... undefinable though it may be, there was a certain magic to Trip Shakespeare only occasionally captured on Matt's solo album Burnt, White and Blue or the first Twilight Hours release Stereo Night (though "Queen of Tomorrow" is still a favorite. But I digress...). On Black Beauty, the magic has returned! It's great having quality new tunes from these guys.
1. Bear's Den - Red Earth and Pouring Rain
Loved their debut Islands and was really looking forward to the second album from UK folk rockers Bear's Den. We'd get it July 22nd; Red Earth and Pouring Rain was announced at the start of June and the first track was released - the mesmerizing "Auld Wives" - with a heavier synthesizer sound than the band had displayed on Islands:
Though I receive a great deal of music for free in my capacity as Music Director for The Point, I do seek out - and purchase - music that might not otherwise come my way. When I discovered they were releasing the album in the US by themselves, I bought the Bear's Den album direct from the band on it's release, for example. Although, eventually - as they tried for radio play - we were sent complimentary copies at the radio station (full disclosure, I suppose...).
We played "Auld Wives"at The Point for a while, then switched to the title track. Listen to "Red Earth and Pouring Rain" to get a taste of Bear's Den. These two songs merely scratch the surface of a deep, atmospheric and amazing album:
Lush, sweeping, emotional, poignant, song after song unfolds, shifting in scale from majestic grandeur to pulsing intimacy and many points in between. Still listening to this one - one of the standout albums of the year. "Gabriel" is another beautiful number, and includes some of the banjo not found on the rest of the album, in contrast to the predominant banjo on Islands:
Part of the reason there's less banjo on this new one is that Joey Haynes - primarily on banjo and vocals - left the band as they began to make this album. Bear's Den is now a duo, with Andrew Davie on lead vocals, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar and Kevin Jones on vocals, drums, bass, and guitar. The sound has shifted subtly, accordingly, the alchemy of the new duo leading the band in new directions. Worth a listen!
So... that's my "Top Ten" for 2016! Though "Top Ten" implies ranking and liking one better than another, many of these albums could switch places were I making this list on another day - they're more of a group than in a hierarchy. Hope I've turned you onto some music you hadn't yet heard - hate for you to miss out on any of the best of 2016!
The perfect place to begin listening - Alibi Jones' first adventure! There's free audio science fiction every week. Hear Chapter One of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Written and read by your host Mike Luoma.
It's all come down to this - the final chapter in Alibi Jones' latest adventure - Chapter Thirty-Seven of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Written and read by your host Mike Luoma. Free audio science fiction every week - The Adventures ofAlibi Jonescontinue!
Can Kat and his friends free Alibi Jones' body from the possessing, invading consciousness of one of the Ancient Enemy? Find out in the penultimate chapter - Chapter Thirty-Six - of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Free audio science fiction every week with your host, author and narrator Mike Luoma.The Adventures ofAlibi Jonescontinueon this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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