Paul Carrack Speaks To The House

Source: House Of Many Rooms

To celebrate the release of Pauls's new single, "Aint No Love In The Heart Of The City" (order it now) Paul Carrack has taken the time to answer some questions for us, regarding his new single and forthcoming album, and of course the current status of Mike and The Mechanics.

You can read the interview through this link - enjoy

New Paul Carrack Single & Album -

Source: http://www.carrack-uk.com/

Following 2007's "Old, New, Borrowed and Blue" release, Paul Carrack is back with a new single, a cover of the Bobby 'Blue' Bland track - "Aint No Love In The Heart Of The City".

Taken from Paul's as yet untitled new album, the single and album is being produced by Dave Robinson (Stiff Records), who first met Paul when booking Ace (amongst others) for the Hope & Anchor in Islington.

You can listen to a preview of the single by clicking - HERE.

The single will be released on July 7th, and will be available as both a 4 track cd and a digital download - both are released on Paul's own Carrack-UK label.

Mike Calls It A Day!

Source: Genesis News

A recent interview with Mike Rutherford, on the highly respected Genesis news site, "Genesis-News", has posted an interview with both Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks during their recent Turn It On Again tour.

During the interview, Mike is asked if he has any plans to record a follow up to Rewired, to which he responds, "Erm..I think that's it probably."

A transcript of the relevant section of the interview is included below:

it: Mike, your last Mechanics album Rewired is now three years old. Do you intend to record another one after the Genesis tour?

Mike: Erm... I think that's it probably. We had our time, we did the album without Paul Young and a tour and live we were better than I thought but there was a chemistry with the three of us, especially on stage with Paul Young performing and Carrack's musicality and voice - it was a good combination. And then we did the tour without Paul, which was okay, but I think the time is right to say that's it. And also, Paul Carrack is busy doing his own stuff. He tours every year anyway with his own band, playing some Mechanics songs as well. So I think that's it although you never know...

it: Any plans to record stuff on your own or maybe with other people?

Mike: I haven't thought about that. I'm not worried, this year has been taken care of and then we'll see.

So there you go!

Coupled with Paul Carrack's recent comments regarding his involvement (or rather lack of) with any future Mechanics project, it seems that despite Mike's refusal to shut the door completely, Mike and The Mechanics are indeed at an end.

With so much great music in their back catalogue, the bands name will not soon be forgotten however, and with both Mike and Paul still actively working in the music industry, I'm sure there will be more great music to come, even if it's not under the Mike and The Mechanics name.

Genesis 1976 - 1982 Box Set Released

Source: Rhino Records

After many, many years of dedication and work, the first of three box sets chronicling Genesis' amazing career has been released. Covering the 1976 - 1982 period of the bands history, the first set, simply titled "Genesis: 1976 - 1982" is now available in Europe, via Virgin records.

Featuring a deluxe 2 disc (DVD & SACD), each album has been tirelessly remastered to a 5.1 finish. The albums included are: Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, And Then There Were Three, Duke and Abacab.

The set also comes with a bonus DVD, full of b-sides, interviews and unreleased live footage.

America will get the set on May 15th courtesy of Rhino Records, and can be bought direct from Rhino, (amongst othert places) from their own online shop.

I've yet to nab a copy for myself, but all reports indicate that the sound quality (providing you have an SACD player) is astonishing, and the presentation is fitting of the collections "definitive" status.

Tim Renwick Goes Solo

Source: www.timrenwick.com

Long time Mechanics collaborator, Tim Renwick, has released a brand new solo album with Audio Network plc.

The album, entitled "Privateer" is a smooth, and diverse instrumental album, which - whilst rooted in a classic rock sound - touches many musical bases, and contains an eclectic mix of songs.

You can listen to tracks off the album for yourself at: www.audiolicense.net/composers/19.asp, and the full album is now available to buy on Tim's own website: www.timrenwick.com.

To celebrate the launch of this CD, Tim has agreed to hold a Q & A with us at the House, so if you've got any questions for Tim, please send them to us at:

Tim has kindly offered to post the best question sent, a free copy of the album, so get sending.

I'll be posting a review of the album up in the next few days, so keep your eyes peeled.

The End of the Mechanics?

Source: Genesis News

A recent interview with Paul Carrack on German station, Radio Jade, suggests that Paul Carrack is leaving Mike and The Mechanics, in favour of taking full control of his career.

A transcript of the interview is included below:

Interviewer: Do you have any plans to do another M&M album?

Paul: "No, I didn't. Maybe Mike did, I don't know [laughing]. And I won't be doing it!"

Interviewer: Are there some difficulties between you and Mike?

Paul: "Well not really, Mike is ok, I like Mike (...). But I've gotten used to being my own boss and doing my own thing and I really enjoy that. I was also very disappointed not to be able to use some of the M&M recordings for my greatest hits album, and that just made me realize even more that I have no control over that situation, even though I'm involved and am the singing lead vocalist and writer of some of the songs. But I have no rights to any of the recordings and I don't like that position at this time of my life. So I'm quite happy to do my own."

The future of the band seems to be very "up in the air" at present. With Mike being on tour with Genesis until winter of 2008, the Mechanics would have been on hold anyway, but these latest comments from Paul, certainly cast doubt on an eventual follow up to Rewired.

Given Pauls' principle concerns are to do with rights and ownership of the songs, it's far from impossible that a deal could be worked out for any future releases. Everyone at the house remains optimistic that this could - eventually - be the case, and that the more adventurous musical direction the band took with Rewired, could be continued in the future.

Genesis Reunite

Source: Official Genesis Site

It is with great pleasure that I can report that the long hinted at Genesis Reunion, will finally take shape in the form of a 20 date European tour (with American dates still to be announced), and dubbed: "Turn It On Again - The Tour".

You can read further details on the bands official web-site, but of the twenty dates, the UK will be getting one at London's Twickenham Stadium and one at Manchesters' Old Trafford. Germany is getting a eight of the announced dates - so that's great news for our German readers.

New Paul Carrack Anthology CD Released

Source: Official Paul Carrack Site

The new anthology collection from Paul Carrack has recently been released, and can be purchased at his online shop. The new collection features most (although not being a ten hour set, not all : D) of his best loved work.

Amongst the well established favourites, Paul has taken the time to re-record special 2006 versions of "Love Will Keep Us Alive", and of keener interest to us at the house, "The Living Years".

Released just in time for Christmas, this new collection should make a welcome stocking filler for any fans Christmas morning.

Mechanics on "Band du Lac" & "The Strat Pack"

Source: Genesis News

Whilst all has been pretty quiet on the Mechanics front recently, they have made numerous guest appearences on a variety of charity performances. Two of their most notable, "Band du Lac" & "The Strat Pack" are now being made available on DVD, by the good folks at Eagle Vision.

"Band du Lac" was set up to benefit HASTE (Heart And Stroke Trust Endeavour) and was recorded at Wintershall Estate in Surrey. The show features stars such as: Gary Brooker (keyboards, vocals), Mike Rutherford (guitar), Andy Fairweather-Low (guitar), Harry Spinetti (drums) and Paul Carrack (organ, keyboards, vocals). Eric Clapton (guitar, vocals), Ringo Starr (vocals), Roger Taylor (vocals, drums), Katie Melua (vocals), and The Drifters guested at the event.

The only Mechanics song performed at the event was "Over My Shoulder", with Paul Carrack's "How Long" and Genesis faithfull "I Can't Dance" closing the set in suitably raucous style.

"The Strat Pack" offers a similarly star led event, this time with Mike and Paul performing, How Long, All Along The Watchtower, While My Guitar Gently Weeps and I Cant Dance.

You can pick yourself up a copy of these DVD's, direct from Paul's own store at: www.carrack-uk.com

Feel free to send us a review of these DVD's and we'll add them to our features page.

Paul Carrack To Release Anthology CD

Source: World Of Genesis

World of Genesis continues to be sharper than the safety manager at a razor factory, by breaking the news that a new Paul Carrack anthology collection is on the way. This collection will reportedly be a 20 track collection of Paul's finest work, encompassing both his solo career, and his work with the Mechanics, ACE and Squeeze. Reports also indicate that Paul will re-record two of his earlier songs, for inclusion on the album. This will be far from the only Paul Carrack compilation on the market, with the '94 releaase, "21 Good Reasons" being the most complete thus far.

The collection is due for release this Autumn and as soon as we get more news on exact release dates and track listings, we'll be sure to post them here. In the meantime, you can discuss Paul Carrack and his illustrious career with fellow fans on our forum, just click here.

Paul Carrack's Summer Tour

Source: Official Paul Carrack Site

Paul Carrack is set to thrill his many fans again this summer, when he takes to the road on a 34 stop UK and Spanish tour.

Anyone who's seen Paul live before, knows they don't want to miss this, and anyone who hasn't, shouldn't miss this fantastic opportunity to see Paul in some of his most established venues. Paul usually plays a good mix of his own material as well as the hits from the Mechanics, often giving them a smoother sound than we're used to.

Full tour dates are as follows:

• United Kingdom 2006

• Fri August 18th Chester Race Course with Van Morrison
• Sun Oct 8th: Cliffs Pavillion Southend
• Tues Oct 10th: Corn Exchange Cambridge
• Thurs Oct 12th: Hove Centre Hove
• Tues Oct 17th: North Wales Theatre Llandudno
• Mon Oct 23rd: Derngate Northampton
• Fri Oct 27th: Philharmonic Liverpool
• Thurs Nov 2nd: Lowry Salford Quays
• Wed Nov 8th: New Theatre Oxford
• Thurs Nov 9th: Grand Opera House York
• Tues Nov 14th:The Anvil Basingstoke
• Fri Nov 17th: Victoria Hall Stoke-On-Trent
• Sun Nov 19th: Colston Hall Bristol
• Mon Nov 20th: St David's Hall Cardiff
• Mon Nov 27th: Symphony Hall Birmingham
• Wed Nov 29th: The Sage Gateshead
• Thurs Nov 30th: Royal Concert Hall Glasgow
• Sat Dec 2nd: Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa
• Sat Dec 9th: City Hall Sheffield

• 2007

• Thurs Jan 4th: Opera House Buxton
• Fri Jan 5th: The Ritz Brighouse
• Sat Jan 6th: The Ritz Brighouse
• Sun Jan 7th: The Ritz Brighouse
• Sat Jan 13th: International Centre Harrogate
• Sun Jan 14th: Newark Theatre Newark
• Sat Jan 20th: TBC
• Sat Jan 21st: TBC
• Sat Jan 27th: TBC
• Sun Jan 28th: Corn Exchange Kings Lynn
• Wed Jan 31st: Southport Theatre Southport
• Sat Feb 3rd: TBC
• Sun Feb 4th: Winding Wheel Chesterfield

• Spanish Dates 2006

• 6th August "Luna Lunera Festival" ( Zaragoza )
• 17 August "Javea" ( Alicante )

Hope to see you there : D

Paul Carrack's: Suburban Voodoo Re-Released

Source: Official Paul Carrack Site

Kicking off with the punchy melodies of "Lesson in Love", "Suburban Voodoo" proved to be a definite showcase for Pauls pop sensibilities. Now thanks to Arcadia Records, this classic 1982 release has been digitally remastered and re-released.

You can pick yourself up a copy direct from Paul's own store, at: www.carrack-uk.com

Feel free to send us a review of this album, and we'll add it to our features page.

The Mechanics Perform For The Countryside Alliance

Usually the news that Mike and Paul are to perform live would be thrilling news to report, but it is with a somewhat heavy heart that I'm forced to add that the occasion has been prompted by blood sport backers, the Countryside Alliance. Needless to say, everyone at the house is somewhat dismayed at the possibility that both Mike and Paul support the brutalities of fox hunting, but remain hopeful that the Mechanics have come out to support the less brutal activities of the Countryside Alliance.

The event is scheduled for the 20th May at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, and other notable artists on the bill, include:

• Gary Brooker
• Andy Fairweather Low
• Eric Clapton
• Roger Taylor
• Roger Daltrey
• Georgie Fame

Needless to say, everyone is entitled to their opinion and Mike & Paul are no different, and whilst myself and many of their fans disagree with them on this issue, it is important to keep in mind the many other valued charity organisations both Mike and Paul have participated in, in the past.

If you'd like to discuss this news further, feel free to pop into the forum and chat about it with myself and other fans.

Paul Carrack's Online Sale

Source: Official Paul Carrack Site

If you've got any gaps in your Paul Carrack collection, then now's the time to fill 'em, and help out Paul directly. Many of Paul's albums have had a pound or three knocked off, including Paul's latest relase, "Winter Wonderland", which can now be purchased for ten pound.

Paul also stocks a nice supply of tour programmes, DVD's, hats and singles, so it's worth a look for any fan, happy shopping : )

BA Robertsons: "My Living Years" tour postponed until 2006

Source: Official B.A. Robertson Site

Long time Mechanics co-writer, BA Robertson, has been forced to cancel his upcoming "My Living Years" tour. His management gave the following statement:

Promoter Nigel McIntryre said today:

"Due to family reasons BA has had to postpone the tour of his hit Edinburgh Fringe Show until Spring 2006. We hope to announce a new tour schedule in the next few weeks. Venues will provide those who have already purchased tickets a full refund or the opportunity to defer their seats until next year.".

Paul Carrack Releases: "Winter Wonderland"

Source: Official Paul Carrack Site

Paul Carrack has recently released his new album, "Winter Wonderland". The album is a compilation of Christmassy tunes, sung by the man himself.

Taken from Paul's e-shop:

"Eleven Christmas classics recorded with the Grammy Award winning SWR Big Band. Arrangements by Chris Walden (Diana Krall, Sheryll Crow) and Steve Sidwell (George Michael, Robbie Williams). Guaranteed to put you in the festive mood. Order your signed copy now."

Track list:

• Winter wonderland
• Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
• White Christmas
• Have yourself a merry little Christmas
• Let it snow
• Christmas song
• Sleighride
• Wonderful world
• Silverbells
• Rockin around the Christmas tree
• Beautiful World

Genesis Reunion On The Cards?

Source: Special Genesis Reunion News Site

In November, messrs Collins, Rutherford, Banks, Gabriel and Hackett will be meeting to properly discuss the reunion chances of the original Genesis lineup. Your guess is probably as good as anybody's as to what this meeting will yield, but the idea of a new tour, and even a studio album is probably about as exciting a thing to happen in the Genesis camp for a long time.

"All I Need Is A Miracle" Remixed

Source: andrewsmith2005 from the Mike Rutherford forum

It seems the Mechanics second hit single is fertile ground for remixers, as aside from it's remix on the original 12 inch release, and again in '96 for the "Hits" album, yet another remix has emerged, this time courtesy of Red Kult. Not being a fan of this sort of music, I wouldn't want to say how good a re-mix this is, but feel free to judge for yourself:

Sample - Hosted by Andrew Smith

"Silent Running" Gets The Synth Treatment

Source: Tiffany Lunn

Tiffany Lunn has included a synthesized version of "Silent Running" on her new album, "A New Horizon". I don't usually go in for this sort of music, but this re-imagining of this classic song, is done with taste. Everythings so soft and subtle, it's hard to find this frequently annoying music...annoying. Have a listen for yourself.

Sample - Hosted by Tiffany Lunn