When I took over the EIS from Greg he told me that this was a good time to be starting, in between projects while things were quiet... well let's just say I'm not looking forward to it being busy! I know it looks pretty quiet in the world of Erasure at the moment, but let me assure you that there is loads going on behind the scenes at EIS at the moment, planning for forthcoming Erasure and Andy Bell projects... I know from all the emails I'm getting that you're keen to know what's next, but all I can say for now is to watch this space!
In the meantime here's this week's Erasure news...
Erasure Fan Survey
I was at Mute Records last week to meet everyone and to have a chat about the various upcoming Erasure projects in the pipeline and Mute are very keen to make those releases the very best they can be for Erasure's fans, which is great news for us I'm sure you'll agree! To help them out I have set up a special online poll to find out what you consider most the important elements to include in a special edition album release. More information in news on the website or you can access the poll directly here. Your feedback is much appreciated!
Another Andy Bell Video Interview + White Party Coverage
I think you know by now that Andy Bell was recently in the US promoting the release of 'Total Pop!' and did a DJ slot at Jeffrey Sanker's White Party where he did a video interview with Pepper Mashay for the Pride Nation website (the interview is in the site's video player, just scroll down to the clip 'Pepper Mashay interviews Andy Bell'). Andy was also mentioned (often very briefly!) in loads of White Party coverage and there are lots of links to those mentions in the news section at ErasureInfo.com.
Half Price Erasure Merchandise At Lexer Music The Erasure Shop's series of special offer weeks comes to a close this week with half price on a selection of Erasure mugs and snowglobes. The offer will run for one week only so you should probably pop over to Lexer Music for a proper look!
Here are some photos of Andy Bell (with Lady Gaga, Jeffrey Sanker and Chi Chi La Rue amongst others) from White Party in Palm Springs (click on image to enlarge):
Andy Bell at White Party
Andy Bell at White Party
Andy Bell at White Party
Andy Bell at White Party
Andy Bell at White Party
Andy Bell at White Party
Andy Bell - White Party Media Coverage
Andy Bell was in the US recently promoting the release of 'Total Pop!' with a DJ slot at Jeffrey Sanker's White Party where he did a video interview with Pepper Mashay for the Pride Nation website which you can see here (the interview is in the site's video player, just scroll down to the clip 'Pepper Mashay interviews Andy Bell').
It's only my second newsletter but I'm very happy to report that everything's starting to feel a lot more comfortable already, and that is very much down to the phenomenal number of welcome messages and emails I have received over the last week. Thank you so much, everyone! I'm afraid that there's too many to answer personally but I'm very touched by your support and very pleased to see that I know so many of you already!
Here's this week's Erasure news...
Andy Bell Meets Lady Gaga...
Andy Bell was in the US last week to promote the release of 'Total Pop!' via a series of interviews and promotional events, including a couple of high profile DJ sets. I have already started adding content from the trip to the website, including some fantastic pictures of Andy with Lady Gaga (who was on the same bill as him at Palm Springs' White Party last week) and a video interview with Andy conducted by WestHollywood.com. The pictures and the video are online now and I will be adding more bits and pieces over the next week or so!
'Total Pop!' & 'Pop! Remixed' In The USA
'Total Pop!' is out now in the US and if you're in the US and you still haven't bought it then you can get it from Amazon or download it exclusively from iTunes right now. The 11-track 'Pop Remixed!' release is also available for download in the US exclusively from Masterbeat.
'Pop! The First 20 Hits' & 'Pop2! The Second 20 Hits' Reissued Mute are reissuing both these albums on May 4th featuring the remastered versions of the tracks used on 'Total Pop!'. Before you fill the air with shouts of 'sellout' I suggest you see the website for an explanation of why these albums are being reissued!
Both are available for preorder for you right now at Lexer Music who are also offering a limited availability 'Total Pop!' poster with initial orders of 'Pop2!' (while you're there you should also have a browse through everything they have on offer including the debut album from Destination, 'Alternate Realities', and Depeche Mode's 'Sounds Of The Universe' both of which are out this week!).
Last week Andy Bell played a 60-minute DJ set at the White Party in Palm Springs, California and spent some time with Lady GaGa, who was also on the bill (if you look closely at the pictures you can see she's clutching a copy of 'Total Pop!' autographed for her by Andy!). Click here to view the photos.
Official Vince Clarke Website?
It seems that Vince Clarke is finally launching his own official website. The site is still under construction but there is an announcement of the opening of Vince's new studio, The Cabin.
A limited availability batch of "Total Pop!" store posters are available to go free with pre-orders of "Pop2! The Second 20 Hits" in Erasure Shop (Lexer Music).
News
19.04.09
"Pop! The First 20 Hits" And "Pop2! The Second 20 Hits" Preorder
You can now preorder Erasure's "Pop! The First 20 Hits" and "Pop2! The Second 20 Hits" from The Erasure Shop (Lexer Music).
Both CD albums are due for release on Monday, 4th May 2009 and contains all Erasure's hits to date over the two remastered CD's.
01) Always
02) Run To The Sun
03) I Love Saturday
04) Stay With Me
05) Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)
06) Rock Me Gently
07) In My Arms
08) Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
09) Rain (Al Stone Mix)
10) Freedom
11) Moon & the Sky (Jason Creasey's Heaven Scent Radio Re-Work)
12) Solsbury Hill
13) Make Me Smile (Come Up & See Me)
14) Breathe
15) Don't Say You Love Me
16) Here I Go Impossible Again
17) I Could Fall In Love With You
18) Sunday Girl
19) Storm In A Teacup
20) Always (2009 Mix)
"Pop! The First 20 Hits" tracklist:
01) Who Needs Love (Like That)
02) Heavenly Action
03) Oh L'Amour
04) Sometimes
05) It Doesn't Have To Be
06) Victim Of Love
07) The Circus
08) Ship Of Fools
09) Chains Of Love
10) A Little Respect
11) Stop!
12) Drama!
13) You Surround Me
14) Blue Savannah
15) Star
16) Chorus
17) Love To Hate You
18) Am I Right?
19) Breath Of Life
20) Take A Chance On Me
21) Who Needs Love (Like That) (Hamburg Mix)
The legendary Erasure backing vocalists from the Phantasmagorical Entertainment tour are back! Annick and Veronique Clarisse (both can be seen in Erasure's "The Tank, The Swan And The Balloon Live!" DVD) are now have a MySpace page which can be accsessed here.
"Erasure Acoustic" Tour - Backstage Rehearsal
There is a rather funny backstage video from 2006 "Erasure Acoustic" tour, featuring dancing Vince and Andy with backing vocalists doing vocal exercises. Click here to watch it.
Andy Bell On Atlantis' January Cruise
Back in January 2009 Andy Bell was a surprise performer aboard the "Freedom Of The Seas" during Atlantis' January gay cruise. You may download the montage clip of his performance or, alternatively watch it in Youtube.
Finally, there is an interview with Pet Shop Boys' singer Neil Tennant in which he talks about Erasure:
"But the only rivalry between Pet Shop Boys and Erasure is because of the public!" Tennant protests. "They've sort of thrown us together. I think our records and their records are very, very different. Vince Clarke is not quite, but verges on, being a synth purist, while Pet Shop Boys have always been quite orchestral. The tradition of pop we are in, we are electronic, but we're pretty much in the tradition of Phil Spector really. It's all hands on deck - not just synthesisers, but guitars, orchestras...
Their songs are very different. But they've got some lovely songs, I think. If there has been a rivalry, it hasn't really come from Erasure or the Pet Shop Boys. I've always found it a bit weird - I don't really think about Erasure that much, and I don't suppose they think about us, apart from the fact that we endlessly get compared with each other. We don't know each other! I've only ever met Andy Bell maybe twice. I've never actually met Vince Clarke!" He laughs. "I've met Bono more times than Vince Clarke."
As I write this I can't help thinking of what big shoes I'm stepping into, enormous shoes that I suspect will see me staggering around like a clown for a time while as I get used to my new role, but Greg has set off for pastures new and has handed over the running of the EIS to me so this is my first newsletter and my first chance to say hello. I'm Richard, a longstanding EIS newsletter subscriber, a regular visitor to the Erasure website and a (largely silent!) user of the Erasure forums. In my spare time I also run the website RememberTheEighties.com (which I hope at least a few of you will know!). I am very excited to be the new EIS manager and look forward to getting to know you better in due course.
I tentatively starting adding news to the website last week but if you've not had a chance to stop by, here's a recap...
Guardian.co.uk Podcast
Andy was interviewed for The Guardian's Music Weekly podcast which was released last week and is available to hear, or download, from guardian.co.uk. Andy talks about what it was like coming of age in Peterborough in the 1970s, how his musical matrimony with Vince Clarke was fate, and why he has fond memories of pink cowboy boots... it's well worth a listen!
'Queens Of British Pop' TV Show
Both Vince and Andy appeared on this BBC One TV show last week to talk about Alison Moyet, one of the artists featured in the programme, alongside Kylie Minogue, Annie Lennox and Geri Halliwell among many others. The show broadcast last Wednesday and is currently available to view on the BBC iPlayer if you're in the UK. More information is available here.
Andy Bell's Top Ten Dance Tracks
Andy has selected his Top Ten Dance Tracks of All Time for a special feature in Filter Magazine. More from their website.
Andy Bell have choosed five female singers he was listening in March for April's edition of the "Rolling Stone" magazine (Russian edition). Here is his list:
1. Barbara Streisand - The Love Inside
2. Kate Bush - Moments Of Pleasure
3. Sinead O'Connor - Three Babies
4.
Clara Rockmore - The Swan
5. Kirsty MacColl - 15 Minutes
Click on images below to enlarge them.
Thanks to Agaf'ya Prokopevna Pidozra for the info.
Andy Bell At Amoeba
On 9th April Andy Bell have played DJ set at "Amoeba" music store in Hollywood. He also signed cds after the set was over. Here are some photos from that event (thanks to Benjamin Criteria):
There are also some short videos of Andy at Amoeba shooted by Benjamin Criteria. Click here to watch them.
New Andy Bell Interview
Ethan Mechare from Westhollywood.com interviews Erasure lead singer Andy Bell at Amoeba Records, Hollywood before a DJ gig there. Click here to watch the interview (thanks to cal for the link).
The Presets "If I Know You" - Vince Clarke Remix
On 23rd March Australian band The Presets have released their new single "If I Know You". Currently released only as a digital download in Australia, the single features Vince Clarke remix of "If I Know You":
Digital Download 1:
1. If I Know You
2. If I Know You (Alternate Version)
3. If I Know You (Tom Middleton Remix)
4. If I Know You (Tom Middleton Instrumental)
5. If I Know You (Heartbreak Remix)
6. If I Know You (Vince Clarke Remix)
7. If I Know You (Chaim Remix)
Digital Download 2:
1. If I Know You
2. If I Know You (Alternate Version)
3. If I Know You (Tom Middleton Remix)
4. If I Know You (Vince Clarke Remix)
5. If I Know You (Heartbreak Remix)
6. If I Know You (Tania & Jori Version)
News
09.04.09
"Total Pop! Deluxe Box" Out Now In USA
Erasure's "Total Pop! Deluxe Box", a four-disc boxed set (3CD/DVD) that includes all of the band's singles (remastered in 2009) on two discs, a career-spanning collection of live performances on a third CD and a DVD of the group's best BBC appearances is out this week in North America.
It have slightly different cover artwork:
Audio only version is also available in iTunes USA:
"Pop! Remixed" Out Now In USA
Also this week is out in USA "Pop! Remixed", new Erasure EP. "Pop! Remixed" features remixes from Vince Clarke, Mark Picchiotti, Manhattan Clique, Komputer, Sweden's Sound Factory and a mix of "Drama!" by Andy Bell and JC.
For the first 30 days "Pop! Remixed" is available as a digital only exclusive via Masterbeat.com. At the moment of writing, "Pop! Remixed" is at #1 in Masterbeat Top Sellers list.
Andy Bell In Guardian.co.uk Podcast
Andy Bell has been interviewed by Rosie Swash and Tim Jonze for The Guardian's Music Weekly podcast which you can download from guardian.co.uk. Andy talks about what it was like coming of age in Peterborough in the 1970s, how his musical matrimony with Vince Clarke was fate, and why he has fond memories of pink cowboy boots...
Source: EIS
Andy Bell On "Queens Of British Pop" On BBC TV
Andy Bell has contributed to the second show in "Queens of British Pop", a new two-part BBC1 documentary which features Alison Moyet. The show, which also includes contributions from Robert Marlow, has been broadcasted on BBC1 yesterday but is available on the BBC iPlayer for a week.
Source: EIS
New Andy Bell Interviews
Recently, Andy Bell gave several interviews to US press. Here are some of them.
"Yes, that's why I am down in London at the moment. I am off to France on Sunday, at least for a couple of weeks. I have a dozen songs or so written already. I am working with [ Belgian musician ] Pascal Gabriel on it. Hopefully, it will be finished by the end of June. It won't come out until the New Year, but I will also be writing with Vince in the autumn."
"It's going fantastic! I'm in electro-disco heaven working with Pascal Gabriel. We're doing some quite unusual things. Wait until you hear the Perry Farrell-Andy Bell duet - you're gonna love it. Hopefully it will be out in 2010."
“I get more nervous playing records than I do standing on stage singing and dancing,” he said. “It really depends really on the mood of the people and my confidence.”
"Filter" magazine asked Andy Bell what his top 10 favorite dance tracks of all time are. He kindly responded with this list, so smack these onto a CD for your next party, and prepare to shake your moneymaker:
1. “Overdose” by Tomcraft
2. “Popper (Discotown Mix)” by Christopher & Raphael Just
3. “Lollipop” by Dada Featuring Sandy Rivera & Trix
4. “Knockers” by Alden Tyrell
5. “Strict Machine (BB Ext)” by Goldfrapp
6. “Avalon (F*** Me I’m Famous Remix By David Guetta & Joachim Garraud)” by Juliet
7. “Bodyswerve (MG Full Vocal Mix)” by De’Lacy & Marco Gee
8. “Carry Me Away (Original Club Mix)” by Chris Lake & Emma Hewitt
9. “Je Regrette Everything (Jesper Dahlbäck Remix)” by Hell
10. “I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Remix)” by Donna Summer
Whilst on tour, 80's pop star Kim Wilde performs classic Erasure song "A Little Respect". Click here to watch the live video (with bad sound quality though).
"A Little Respect" - Gospel Choir Version
During this year London's gay and lesbian film festival, Diversity, London’s LGBT chamber choir performed their own unique interpretaion of Erasure's classic "A Little Respect". Click here to watch their performance.
On 4th May 2009 Erasure release another compilation - "Pop2! The Second 20 Hits" on CD and Digital Download. This album feautures all Erasure singles from 1994 to 2007 and also includes the brand new 2009 mix of "Always" from Jeremy Wheatley.
Tracklist:
01) Always
02) Run To The Sun
03) I Love Saturday
04) Stay With Me
05) Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)
06) Rock Me Gently
07) In My Arms
08) Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
09) Rain (Al Stone Mix)
10) Freedom
11) Moon & the Sky (Jason Creasey's Heaven Scent Radio Re-Work)
12) Solsbury Hill
13) Make Me Smile (Come Up & See Me)
14) Breathe
15) Don't Say You Love Me
16) Here I Go Impossible Again
17) I Could Fall In Love With You
18) Sunday Girl
19) Storm In A Teacup
20) Always (2009 Mix)
EIS Newsletter: "No You Girls (Vince Clarke Remix)"
Hello
In this weeks newsletter:
- No You Girls (Vince Clarke Remix)
- Erasure / Yazoo T-Shirt Sale Ends Tomorrow (Saturday Night)
- And It's Goodbye From Me!
No You Girls (Vince Clarke Remix)
The new Franz Ferdinand single 'No You Girls' is out next week (6th April) through Domino Records on three physical formats (CD single, 7" vinyl & 12" vinyl) as well as a digital download, and can be ordered online now.
The CD single features a Vince Clarke remix of 'No You Girls'.
The single was produced by Dan Carey and the band as part of the album sessions which took place at the band's own HQ in Govan, Glasgow and Carey's South London studio.
In addition, our friends at 'Live Here Now' are offering you the chance to get all three physical formats of the 'No You Girls' single *plus* an exclusive remix download for just £5.00 when bought as a bundle with any of the 'Franz Ferdinand' deluxe double live cd albums. Further details at the 'Live Here Now' website.
By the way, if you have any suggestions for new Erasure merchandise you would like to see, feel free to send them in as new ideas are always welcome. Use the feedback form on the Erasure website and pick 'Shop Queries' in the drop down menu to make sure that the suggestions go to the correct person.
You know, I thought this would be easy to write, but I've been putting it off for hours and I don't know what to say, as that's it from me - it's not quite my last day (which is next week) but this is my final newsletter.
Richard will be the new EIS Manager from next week and is going to be brilliant - just you see!
If I write a list of people to thank I'll invariably miss someone off by accident, so I'll just say thanks to:
- Everyone at Mute Records for being absolutely fantastic - the *best* people I've ever had the pleasure to work with.
- The forum moderating team who help keep things (mostly) sane.
- The Erasure tour crew who put up with all my meet & greet demands.
- Alan for handling all the Erasure merchandise.
- All the fans I've met over the years - thanks for all the diet cokes!
- And of course Andy and Vince who have made and will continue to make the best music *ever*.
EIS Newsletter [28.03.09]: "Andy Bell DJ events, photos and t-shirts"
Hello
In today's weekend edition:
- Andy Bell DJ Events (North America)
- Andy Bell at Number 10 Photos (LGBT History Month)
- Erasure/Yazoo/EIS Half Price T-Shirt Sale
Andy Bell DJ Events (North America)
On Saturday 11th April at the Wyndham Hotel (Palm Springs, California) Andy Bell will be spinning his favourite songs as guest DJ for Jeffrey Sanker's White Party, now celebrating 20 years. He will DJ from 3 to 4pm, spinning classic Erasure songs plus the hottest electro artists and mixes from yesterday and today.
The Erasure 'Total Pop! Deluxe Box' 4 disc box set (3CD & 1DVD) is released by Rhino Records in North America on the 7th April, and will be available at all retail outlets, including rhino.com. The box set will also be available for purchase at the FYE booth inside the Wyndham Hotel in Palm Springs during White Party weekend. Andy Bell will make a special appearance at the booth directly after his DJ set to greet fans.
Andy has been flashing his skills at turntables around the world since his sold-out DJ tour to support his solo album, Electric Blue in 2005. Andy is currently recording his second solo album for release later this year.
Amoeba Music (Hollywood)
On the 9th April (two days before his White Party set) Andy Bell will DJ a special in-store event at Amoeba Music in Hollywood, CA.
He will sign copies of the new boxed set purchased at Amoeba (plus one additional Andy Bell or Erasure item per fan) after his set. A pair of tickets to White Party 2009 will be given out during Andy's DJ set at Amoeba.
Also on the 7th April, Rhino Records will release 'Pop! Remixed' as a digital-only release for $9.99. Pop! Remixed features remixes from Vince Clarke, Mark Picchiotti, Manhattan Clique, Komputer, Sweden's Sound Factory, and a mix of "Drama!" by Andy Bell and JC. It will be available exclusively at masterbeat.com (the official music sponsor of White Party 2009) for the first 30 days of release.
Andy Bell At Number 10 Photos (LGBT History Month)
Thought you would like to see a selection of photos featuring Andy Bell at the LGBT History Month reception that was held at Number 10 earlier this month.
Erasure Fan Survey
"But the only rivalry between Pet Shop Boys and Erasure is because of the public!" Tennant protests. "They've sort of thrown us together. I think our records and their records are very, very different. Vince Clarke is not quite, but verges on, being a synth purist, while Pet Shop Boys have always been quite orchestral. The tradition of pop we are in, we are electronic, but we're pretty much in the tradition of Phil Spector really. It's all hands on deck - not just synthesisers, but guitars, orchestras... 
"Yes, that's why I am down in London at the moment. I am off to France on Sunday, at least for a couple of weeks. I have a dozen songs or so written already. I am working with [ Belgian musician ] Pascal Gabriel on it. Hopefully, it will be finished by the end of June. It won't come out until the New Year, but I will also be writing with Vince in the autumn."
