Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Sleepers Desktop Music Channel

Let The Sleepers connect to you and get the latest news about:

New track releases, Song Lyrics, Tour Dates & Ticket Sales. Blogs, Special Offers, Merchandise. Go beyond the browser to stay in touch with your favorite band. Right on your desktop!!

It's easy, just click here to download The Sleepers DMC.

Brought to you by www.desktopmusicchannel.com

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Comeback Special reviews!

Great reviews are rolling in for The Sleepers new CD "Comeback Special". Check them out:

Daily Herald

Sleazegrinder

Hablo Ennui

Rock And Roll Report

Our Man In Chicago

Chicagoist

Lowcut

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Pravda artists on TV

The Sleepers track "Dirty Cop" off the new CD "Comeback Special" was just used on the season finale of the hit CW show "Reaper". "Reaper" season one also featured music by Pravda artists: The Civil Tones, The Goldstars & The Diplomats Of Solid Sound. Click here for more details.

The first season of TV Land's ”High School Reunion” used The Goldstars tracks: "It's All About You", "She's Late", "Purple Girlfriend", "DMV" & “Angry Eyes” off their latest CD “Purple Girlfriend”. You can also hear “Fire” off "Purple Girlfriend" on episode #2 of Oxygen’s “Bad Girls Club season 2”.

The Civil Tones track “Road Rage” off the CD “Soul Bucket” can be heard on MTV’s "The Paper".

The Service song "Mine" is currently being used in a national TV/Radio/Internet ad campaign for KFC. This exclusive The Service song can be heard on our new Pravda compilation "Download, Dig It Or Die".

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Pravda Ringtones!

Looking for ringtones & wallpaper from Pravda artist such as: Andre Williams, New Duncan Imperials and The Goldstars? If so, please text 'pravda' to 32852 or visit:

Pravda ringtones

Lots of cool ringtones available, check it out! More coming soon...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Welcome DOSS featuring The Diplomettes!

Pravda Records would proudly like to announce the upcoming summer release on July 8th from Iowa City’s ambassadors of funk and soul, The Diplomats Of Solid Sound featuring for the first time The Diplomettes! Having already cut 3 full-length albums, "Instrumental Action Soul" (Prescription Records - 2001), "Let´s Cool One"(Estrus Records - 2003) and "Destination Get Down!" (Estrus Records - 2005), you can hear the band growing stronger in sophistication and depth as they ingested the sounds of 60s soul, R&B and deep funk. Cut to 2006 and The Diplomats became backing band to RnB/Soul legend Andre Williams. They recorded "Aphrodisiac" with ´Mr. Rhythm´ and was released by Pravda & Spanish label Vampisoul. In the same year they asked 3 three gifted soul sirens (Sarah Cram, Katherine Ruestow, and Abigail Sawyer) aka the Diplomettes to join the group & the rest as they say is history. This upcoming self-titled album (produced by Freestyle Records hottest property LACK OF AFRO aka Adam Gibbons) is chocked full of irresistible funk and soul bombs ready to melt your heart or make you shake it on the dance-floor! Stay tuned for more details coming soon…

Diplomats Of Solid Sound website.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Andre Williams to play Spaceland in LA then off to Europe

ANDRE WILLIAMS & THE FLASH EXPRESS will be @ SPACELAND in LOS ANGELES, CA on Wednesday, February 13th 2008. Then the boys are off to Europe for three weeks. Click here for the complete tour schedule...

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Sleepers CD release party news

MAJOR CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sleepers CD release party for the upcoming Pravda Records release of "Comeback Special" (release date - 2/26/08) will be Saturday, March 8th @ Double Door in Chicago. More surprises in store, so stay tuned!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

2008: The Year Of The Dre

Chicago, IL – 2007 was certainly an up & down year for the 72 year old “Black Godfather” Andre Williams. The year started with a successful tour across the US & Europe, fuel by the late 2006 release of “Aphrodisiac” (Pravda) w/The Diplomats Of Solid Sound. But by mid-2007 Andre was evicted from his senior housing building in Joliet, IL for a minor drug possession. This conviction lead to a short jail term, something Andre experienced for the first time in his life. Then because of an ongoing battle with alcohol abuse & not visiting his doctor on a regular basis, Mr. Williams collapsed and was quickly rushed to the hospital. He had a seizure and his body was basically shutting down due to the diagnosis of pneumonia, alcohol poisoning and heart problems. But Andre cleaned up, resumed taking his medication & ended 2007 on a positive note & for the first time in a long time, friends said Andre talked about new album projects & performing live. Dre seemed determined & focused about his career more than ever.

This determination & focus lead to "Agile, Mobile & Hostile: A Year With Andre Williams", a documentary film by Tricia Todd & Eric Matthies (Ayamye, Making ‘The Matrix’) set for release early this year. Mr. Williams has also recently recorded a new album with The New Orleans Hellhounds set for release on Bloodshot Records this spring. He also hooked up with Chicago garage rockers The Goldstars for a successful stop in Spain, a release of a 7” single (It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock N’ Roll) b/w Fight For Your Right”) on Spanish Munster Records & live dates across the Midwest. They will once again team up and perform Thursday, February 7th @ The Hideout in Chicago. So look out Chicago & rest of the World, Andre Williams is determined to make 2008 his best year yet.

Mr. Williams is available for interviews. Also photos are available upon request.

###

Friday, December 21, 2007

Top 10 album of 2007

Chicago Sun-Times music critic Jim Derogatis named "Wheels In Motion" by Glenn Mercer (#2) on his Top 10 albums of 2007 list!

Wait, there's more. "Wheels In Motion" also made these top albums of 2007 lists:

Things I'd Rather Be Doing - Best Music of 2007 (#10)
WFMU's Joe Belock's Top Albums of 2007 (#1)

Monday, September 24, 2007

The Sleepers join Pravda family

If Jerry Lee Lewis would've married "Appetite For Destruction" instead of his underage cousin, his offspring would've been The Sleepers. Whether it's strange to marry a rock album instead of Myra Lewis is debatable, but the fact is The Sleepers play some lowdown & dirty rock n' roll. After the eye-popping self-release of their first CD "Push It Nationwide", Pravda Records is now proud to announce the signing of these Chicago boys. Loaded with amazing new songs, the guys are currently pounding 'em out at Southside Recording Company in Chicago with Vince Casamatta. Look for "Comeback Special" out on Pravda Records February, 26th 2008!

The Sleepers consist of John Fields (drums), Chris Cormier (bass), Kevin Bannon (guitar) & Tony Manno (guitar) & Tom Richied (vocals).

Friday, August 10, 2007

More "Wheels In Motion" ink!

Here are some recent reviews of the new Glenn Mercer CD:

NoRipCord

Jersey Beat

East Bay RI.

Dagger Zine

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

"Wheels In Motion" album review in Time Out NY

Here is a new review of "Wheels In Motion" in Time Out New York!

Monday, June 18, 2007

"Wheels In Motion" picked as The Mid-Year Best of 2007 albums

Syndicated Chicago Public Radio show 'Sound Opinions' picks "Wheels In Motion" as one of the The Mid-Year Best of 2007 albums! Listen to the show here.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Glenn Mercer interviewed in Village Voice

Here is a link to the Glenn Mercer interview by Rob Trucks in the Village Voice. Check it out!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

"Wheels In Motion" hits the streets

Today (06.05.07) is the offical street date for Glenn Mercer's new solo CD "Wheels In Motion". Check your local record store, shop Amazon.com or puchase the album here . It can also be purchased digitally at iTunes and Emusic with the exclusive bonus track "Sunday Morning" not found on the CD!

Check out Chicago Sun-Times music critic Jim Derogatis's 4 STAR review of "Wheels In Motion" here.

Also be sure to catch Glenn doing a live set on WFMU, June 19 @ 1 p.m. (eastern) 91.1 FM or www.wfmu.org.

Friday, May 18, 2007

CD release party for 'Wheels In Motion'

Glenn Mercer will be performing at the ledgendary Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ to celebrate the release of his first solo CD "Wheels In Motion" on June, 23rd 2007.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Andre Williams on tour w/Flash Express

Catch Andre on tour:

JUNE 6 in SEATTLE @ THE HIGH DIVE w/Flash Express
JUNE 7 in PORTLAND @ DANTES w/Flash Express
JUNE 8 in SAN FRANCISCO @ THE KNOCKOUT w/Flash Express
JUNE 9 in JAMESTOWN, CA @ RAWHIDE SALOON w/Flash Express
JUNE 29 in LOS ANGELES @ SAFARI SAMS w/Flash Express
JUNE 30 in LONG BEACH @ ALEXS BAR w/Flash Express

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Cheer-Accident on Tour with Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

Catch Cheer-Accident on tour:

06.08.07 @ The Earl in East Atlanta, GA w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
06.09.07 @ Cell Block in Mobile, AL w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
06.11.07 @ Emos in Austin, TX w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
06.12.07 @ Wreck Room in Ft Worth, TX w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
06.14.07 @ Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
06.15.07 @ Great American Music in San Francisco, CA w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
06.16.07 @ The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA w/Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Down But Not Out - Andre Williams Is Back!

The last four months have not gone too well for 71 year old soul legend Andre Williams. After settling into a senior housing building in Joliet, IL, he was quickly evicted after an arrest for drug possession. Andre then moved into a Motel 6 nearby and was preparing for a 2 week tour of France. He’d been feeling tired and worn out and was missing his bottom teeth. This made eating very difficult, so he was subsisting on Bacardi, cigarettes and soup. The promoters in France had insisted that Andre provide a letter from his doctor to prove he was fit to do a grueling 2 week winter tour of France. Andre went to his doctor and during the exam, he collapsed on the floor and was quickly rushed to the hospital. He had a seizure and his body was basically shutting down due to the diagnosis of pneumonia, alcohol poisoning and heart problems. Andre then spent the next six weeks in the hospital, some of that time on life support after his heart stopped briefly.

Somehow- Andre pulled through. He went through a brief rehab program, got his prescriptions filled and gathered his strength. He found an apartment on Chicago's South Side and felt ready to get back to work. A true survivor, Andre will return to the stage May 4 at Beat Kitchen to perform for the first time in months backed by The Diplomats of Solid Sound. This same Iowa group backed Andre on his latest Pravda release "Aphrodisiac". Please come out and watch the legendary ‘Black Godfather’ perform his old and new songs from his colorful career.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Pravda to release Glenn Mercer solo CD

Pravda Records is proud to announce the upcoming release of Glenn Mercer’s first-ever solo CD titled “Wheels In Motion” in late April 2007. After a 5-year hiatus from his last recording project Wake Ooloo, former lead singer/guitarist/composer of the highly influential Hoboken based band The Feelies, has delivered a hypnotic, highly melodic and often reflective album. Glenn says, "The record is a very personal and intimate reflection on where I am, where I've been and where I'm going. The best part of the project was the opportunity to re-unite with a few old friends to play music. When I wrote and recorded the songs, I wanted the interplay between the guitar and vocal to be the main focus, building the track from that point."

Performers on the record include ex-Feelies: Stan Demeski, Vinny DeNunzio, Dave Weckerman, Anton Fier (all played drums on various tracks) and Brenda Sauter (bass). More details on it's release date forthcoming!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Tobin talk

Here's what some critcs are saying about Tobin Sprout's - Songs From The Movie FORTUNES:

Mundane Sounds interview with Tobin
PopMatters
The Celebrity Cafe
Fufkin.comme

Hey, don't forget to pick-up this album here.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

What Sequel? reviews & more...

Here are some reviews & more from Cheer-Accident's new CD "What Sequel?":

Chicago Tribune
Aiding & Abetting
Fufkin.com
LMNOP
Time Out Chicago
Build On A Weak Spot

Hey, don't forget to pick-up this album here.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

New Duncan Imperials to invade SXSW 2007

Upcoming Shows!

Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Hideout, Chicago, IL
1354 Wabansia Ave.
773-227-4433
Hideout
Benefit to raise money for SXSW bound musicians!

Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Continental Club II, Houston, TX
3700 Main St.
713-529-9899
The Continental Club II

Saturday, March 17, 2007
SXSW
The Continental Club, Austin, TX
1315 S. Congress
512-441-2444
The Continental Club

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Goldstars year-end hype!

Here are some fantastic end-of-the-year nods The Goldstars latest CD "Purple Girlfriend" recently received:

*Chicago Sun-Times music critic & Sound Opinions co-host Jim Derogatis just named "Purple Girlfriend" as one of his "Best Of 2006".
*Chicagoist just called "Purple Girlfriend", "one of the musical highlights of 2006". Read about it here.
*WITR's Whole Lotta Shakin' host Mike Murray just included "Purple Girlfriend" in his Top 50 countdown for 2006 (we're #11)
*WLUW's Di from the Razor & Di Show put it in her Top 10 of 2006.
*WFMU's Three Chord Monte host Joe Belock just named "Purple Girlfriend" as one of his "Best Of 2006".
*WMBR's Aural Fixation host Sue Safton included "Purple Girlfriend" in her Best Of 2006 countdown.
*WRTC's Rock And Roll Pest Control show named "Purple Girlfriend" in his "Best Of 2006" (we're #8). No link, you'll just have to trust us on this one...
*WORT's Leopard Print Lounge Show just gave "Purple Girlfriend" an honorable mention in her Top 10 List of 2006.

Upcoming shows...

Double Door, Chicago, IL. March 9th, 2007 w/Paybacks
Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL. March 25th, 2007 w/Hoodoo Gurus

Hey, don't forget to pick-up this album here.

Sunday, July 2, 2006

Andre Williams on Tour

Andre Williams heads to Europe for dates to promote "Aphrodisiac", which will be released in Europe on Munster Records. The tour starts Sept 30th in Belgrade and ends Oct 8 in Arnhem, Netherlands. Aphrodisiac continues to garner great reviews and lots of radio airplay nationwide.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Andre Williams CD release party

Andre Williams celebrates the release of "Aphrodisiac" with a live performance at the Subterranean in Chicago Fri June 23. Andre will be backed by the Diplomats of Solid Sound for this show and also appearing will be the HOT Burly Q Dancers from Kansas City. As if this was not enough, The Goldstars will open the show at 9:30. Don't miss this night! The next night June 24 the show will happen again in Milwaukee at the Stonefly. Don't miss these shows!

Friday, June 9, 2006

Goldstars CD release party

The Goldstars celebrate the release of "Purple Girlfriend" at the Hideout in Chicago Sat June 10th. Show starts at 9PM. Seems like the Chicago press like the Goldstars. The Chicago Reader and Chicago Sun-Times both gaves thumbs up to the cd.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Andre Williams on Tour

With the release of his amazing new cd, Andre Williams has hit the road out West. He will be on the West Coast, then play several dates in Europe, then return home to play his cd release party Fri June 23 at the Subteranean in Chicago. Andre is also now on myspace. Check out his new CD "Aphrodisiac". It is OUT NOW!

Thursday, March 9, 2006

Andre Williams SXSW dates

Newest Pravda Recording star Andre Williams will play SXSW and other Texas dates. He will be playing songs from his upcoming Pravda release "Aphrodisiac", and will be backed by the legendary El Orbits.
Catch Andre Wed Mar 15-Casbeers, San Antonio TX, Thurs Mar 16 Continental Club Houston, Sat Mar 18 SXSW showcase, Continental Club Austin 11 PM.
Watch for more Andre dates in the US and Europe starting in April.

Friday, February 10, 2006

March Madness Hits Pravda Records

Not since its inception in 1984 has Cinderella story record label Pravda Records had so many diverse, exciting, and important releases in the month of March. Here is a taste of the sweetness...

ANDRE WILLIAMS AND THE DIPLOMATS OF SOLID SOUND: "Aphrodisiac"
From the man who penned sweaty, low-down R&B cuts such as Shake A Tailfeather, Cadillac Jack, Jailbait, Twine Time & Bacon Fat is back! The Black Godfather may have just turned 70, but damn he looks good and still sounds so delicious. Andre called on the "ambassadors of instrumental soul" The Diplomats Of Solid Sound (Estrus) to deliver his most soul-soaked album to date.

THE GOLDSTARS: "Purple Girlfriend"
Our favorite Chicago foursome stumbled out of the garage and handed us their most raucous, high-powered muse to date. Producer Ted Cho somehow captures the energy & intensity of The Goldstars live show while realizing the great songs that make fans shake there asses into the wee hours...

CHEER-ACCIDENT: "Variations On A Goddamn Old Man II"
This is the second installment in a series of recordings made at home and the band's practice space between 1995 and 1999. It can only be described as a voyeuristic glimpse into the psyche of Cheer-Accident, one of Chicago's longest running and most fascinating musical groups. Always unpredictable, but never disappointing.

FORTUNES: Motion Picture Soundtrack - featuring the music of Tobin Sprout
From former Guided By Voices guitarist & songwriter comes the perfect backdrop of a story about three old friends (Mike McGlone, James Urbaniak, Tony Hale) who find themselves receiving visions of their future from a Fortuneteller. Which leads them to the timeless question: Are our lives simply what we make of them or is there indeed such a thing as "fate"?

ANDRE WILLIAMS AND THE GOLDSTARS: "It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock N' Roll)" special 7" single
While on tour in Europe recently, Andre dragged around an old beat-up boombox blasting this AC/DC gem and demanding he record it at once. What Andre wants, Andre gets. But who better than Chicago's own garage misfits The Goldstars to back him. But here's the catch, they wouldn't do it unless the B-side was Beastie Boys #1 party anthem "Fight For Your Right".