Live reveal new EP title - "Local 717" Options

[Bremang]

http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/2018.../NEWS/180829624

Considering Live is known as a multi-platinum alt-rock band from the '90s, it was apropos that singer-guitarist Ed Kowalczyk referenced another touchstone from the decade when discussing the group's newly released single, "Love Lounge," which is a rocking affair that found the act plugging in its guitars and turning the amps to 11.

"I don't think anybody expected it," said Kowalczyk, calling from Mansfield, Massachusetts. "The fans were a little bit whiplashed by it, which was fun for us.

"We didn't expect to make a song like 'Love Lounge' and to sort of kick it up into that gear three years ago when we started putting the reunion together. It's like one of those, 'Life is a box of chocolates' kind of things."

Live finds itself at a new chapter of its 25-year-plus career, which includes more than 22 million albums sold worldwide, two No. 1 albums ("Throwing Copper" and "Secret Samadhi") and more than a dozen Top-20 alt-rock radio hits.

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After spending the better part of a decade away from Live, pursuing a solo career, Kowalczyk


rejoined the group a few years ago with an eye on new material. At that point, the Pennsylvania outfit could have taken the easy route — releasing a nostalgic, albeit schmaltzy, tune in hopes of finding airplay on adult-contemporary radio.

"I blame it all on Dave Grohl," Kowalczyk said. "We reconnected with the Foo Fighters a couple of times last year. 'Love Lounge' has a whole different tenor and energy. We also have EP 'Local 717' coming that's very much along the same lines.

"After this break, I didn't really want to do a sort of five-minute, mid-tempo meditation. We write like that all of the time. I wanted something that rocked, so we really took that, sort of digested it and just went into the studio and kicked the whole thing up a notch."

Fans attending Live's show Aug. 26 at Blossom Music Center — the band is opening for the Counting Crows — can expect to hear the new tune, as well as all of the group's hits ("Lightning Crashes," "I Alone," "All Over You" and "Lakini's Juice") and a Jimmy Reed cover ("Baby What You Want Me to Do").

This tour marks the third time Live has teamed up with Counting Crows, including a memorable 2000 show at Blossom. Kowalczyk said when the Adam Duritz-led act offered them the gig, it was a no-brainer for Live, which over the decades has lived and experienced all of the rock 'n' roll tropes — early success, creative differences, band acrimony, a breakup and an eventual well-received reunion.

"It's some kind of prefigured thing and a story that's been told a lot of times," Kowalczyk said. "But living it in my life, and I think I can speak for the band, the fact we're back together, nobody expected it for a long time. So there's a level of gratitude and joy on tour that I think the fans can really tell."

More importantly, playing up the title of the band's top-5 alt-rock hit "All Over You," it's pointed out that the fans aren't over Live.

"Nope, they're not over us yet," Kowalczyk laughed. "We're still rocking. They keep calling, we keep coming."

[Voodoo Lady]

Mixed reviews from my iTunes:

Yawn by MysteryWhiteBoy
"What happened to Ed's lyrics? They've been horrendous since 2000. The music is decent and pretty rockin here, but that's not what I loved about Live. They used to be dynamic and intense. Now it's just forgettable standard rock that doesn't elevate or dive. It's just kinda there. The Turn with Chris Shinn was the best thing they'd done since 1999. Bummed this is such a big step backwards.

Hmmm by Saint Lewis Band
I love older Live music, really liked Ed's solo records, & thought the one Live release minus Ed was alright, but I'm not sure... love track 1.. not so much track 2. Not sure how this is going to go, but I'm glad to see these guys make a run for it again! Btw, thanks for the martini in Nashville back in '11, Ed - I enjoyed our Jesus chat!

Live is Back by tid57
Best band ever! Back with a vengeance!

Where Is The Release of Hold Me Up by Journey 7
I thought for sure that Live would finally have put the kong awaited release of "Hold Me Up" from Zack and Miri Movie on their new album. We, as Live fans, have begged for an official release for years. Now that the band is back together, where is the track we been waiting forever for???? Please guys... at least release the single on iTunes!!!!

Live! i LOVE this band by Journey 7
I love the two songs so far i own every album they done alot or live rarities b sides concerts seen them liove ounce and can't wait for more! Ed from Live is truly an amazing singer and song writer songs like lightning crashes i mean that a really powerful song

Wow.... by myronsd
Nope

There was hope! by Roisterboy
When I first heard Love Lounge, I saw a glimmer of hope on the horizon! I thought "This could be their true comeback!" Well, no so fast!! This EP brings nothing new to the table. With the exception of Love Lounge, the rest of the EP is dull. The lyrics could have been written by a grade school kid!

Ed solo by fupaloop
I saw Ed K. solo set in a SMALL church for charity a few yrs ago. Unbelievable talent! Was really something special.

Surprisingly good! by ThePowerCosmic
"The Distance to Here" was the last great LIVE album for me, so I wasn't expecting much here, but I was pleasantly surprised! This sounds like a natural progression of what I would have expected to come out after "The Distance..." The Vocals and melodies sound more like their later 90's material and I love that the guitars are grittier and more rockin' that the last few LIVE albums. Ed's vocals sound great too! keep going guys... wish it was a full album in this new sound!

Trying to hard by tadyo
Sounds like they lost a lot of footing and are trying really hard to write a single here. So it has that record company sound which i don't like. Also it's very 90's still.

What happened Ed? by Smoosh smoosh
Dear Ed, what can I do to help you bring back the the creativity that gave birth to Throwing Copper? Why continue when this is all you have to offer? Why insist upon joining the milieu of disposable modern Rock bands? Stand out or sit down.

Love it! by Celeste239
Best cover of Venus in Furs!

Great return to form. by SJN1279
First new music from Live in 10 years, and worth the wait. "Be a Giver Man" is my favorite so far, but solid music all around. Can't wait for more!

WELL...? by HACK45
5 TRACKS? NOT REALLY ENGAGING LYRICSS OR MELODIES THAT LIVE IS KNOWN FOR! IT'S OK! GIVE IT A SPIN!

What happened by THE REAL MIKE O
Love Lounge is real good typical Live song. Picks up where they left off with "The Turn" except with Ed back on vocals. After that I don't know where they were trying to go with that but it's straight up bad. I'm hoping they get back to the drawing board and quick.