Rachel Lichtman's Programme 4 issues limited-run Easy AM 66 promo LP

The Easy AM 66 Promotional Album, Vol. 3 features Aimiee Mann, Michael Penn, Kelley Stoltz, Ted Leo & Patton Oswalt!

Here's the scoop...

Programme 4 and New Dimension Records present the EasyAM 66 Promotional Album Vol. 3, brought to you by MagiClean® Carpet Cleaning Services.

Yes, now you can lay back anytime, and enjoy the soft, gentle sounds of Easy AM 66, Golden Sands’ very own Beautiful Music radio station. This exciting promotional album is available for immediate digital download OR as a special LIMITED EDITION numbered vinyl record today (Friday, December 6). And as a special promotion—five lucky vinyl orders will include complimentary tickets to see Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra in 1977! Get a digital or limited edition vinyl copy of the Easy AM 66 Promotional Album Vol. 3 via Bandcamp right here here. 

To listen to Easy AM 66 Vol. 1 & 2 FREE, go to Programme4.tv/easyam66

EasyAM 66 Promotional Album Vol. 3 was produced by Rachel Lichtman for MagiClean®. 

Starring (in order of appearance) Rachel Lichtman, Rich Koz (Svengoolie), Dio Deltoro, Tammy Faye Starlite, Michael McKean, Randy Sklar. Jason Sklar, Ted Leo, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Chris Murphy, Dag Juhlin, Kelley Stoltz, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Patton Oswalt & liner notes by Jim Gavin, creator of Lodge 49! 

Easy AM 66 is just one of the happening presentations of Programme 4, an independent, local market station broadcasting an inter-dimensional signal of audio/visual deep shag magic from Centre 4000 Plaza in Golden Sands.  

All the exquisite programming on this station is available for you to experience without a paywall.  Programme 4 is a member supported station that can only exist and evolve through donations from Affiliates like you. 

Independent artistic endeavors need your support, now more than ever. Programme 4 is produced by one lady, with contributions by brilliant performers who generously lend their talents. It takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication and creativity to produce this kind of work — and there is so much more groovy, analog entertainment under way!

Kelley Stoltz shares new video for "About Time"

Here's the Josh McCartney-filmed video for "About Time" off the new Kelley Stoltz album "La Fleur" available right here.  

Kelley Stoltz shares video for "Hide in a Song" directed by Rachel Lichtman

Kelley Stoltz wisely enlisted Programme 4's Rachel Lichtman to get the period-perfect 70s look for his "Hide in a Song" video clip.  

Here's the scoop...

In anticipation of the new album La Fleur by San Francisco psych-pop ace Kelley Stoltz, comes the glorious pop single "Hide in a Song," and a new promotional film bathed in the cosmic radiance vision of director Rachel Lichtman (Programme 4).  

Kelley Stoltz has spent the past two years steadily writing and recording his 18th album, La Fleur. The dazzling 12 song collection will be released on Friday (June 7) by Agitated in Europe/UK and Dandy Boy Records in the USA.  "Hide in a Song" features Jason Falkner on electric guitar. You can pre-order Kelley Stoltz's La Fleur album via Bandcamp right here. Watch the video for "Hide in a Song" below. 

La Fleur – Kelley Stoltz

La Fleur' finds Kelley Stoltz once again playing nearly all of the instruments on the album – though a new friendship with pop guru Jason Falkner has led to Falkner appearing on two songs, “Hide In A Song” and “Make Believer” respectively. There’s the requisite 60’s meets 80’s pop rock confections that Stoltz favors with a new focus on out front vocals and perhaps a bit shinier production. Pandemic era blues, politics and fatherhood are lyrical touchstones throughout. 

The album’s first single “Reni’s Car” is the jangle rock lead single based on an actual event of Kelley riding around Manchester in the Stone Roses drummer's car. The accompanying music video was shot (partially) on location. “About Time” marries Twin Peaks synths to Fleetwood Mac and Avalon era Roxy Music in a cautionary tale to Stoltz's young daughter. “Human Events” puts revolutionary prose to a Moody Blues strum that floats off into Osees territory …and do I hear a nod to Gershwin in there? 

During the 2010s Kelley played live as a sideman with Rodriguez and Echo & the Bunnymen, as the 2020s dawned he was invited to support Pavement on their big reunion tour. He’s also been heard playing drums live with Robyn Hitchcock as well as adding sitar to Hitchcock's last two albums. In 2022, Stoltz was championed with a live appearance on Marc Riley’s BBC6 show. As producer, he has recorded the new album by Brigid Dawson formerly of the Ohsees. 

In my ears, Stoltz rarely does any wrong, and these comparisons are only just that little fruit to get you curious- he is still one of a kind. An under the radar hero to a few, and still after all these great songs, deserving of more. Climb on the bandwagon - as ever it’s quite pleasing here. – George Cloud, San Francisco, CA 2024  

April March sings Kelley Stoltz EP due for Record Store Day

The 4-song April March Sings Kelley Stoltz 12" EP is being released by Agitated Records on April 20th. Read all about it!

April March Sings Kelley Stoltz EP

Four special tracks recorded by April March and Kelley Stoltz, whereby April sings Kelley Stotlz songs in french, and vice versa, a one-off meeting of underground pop legends, and overground garage rock royalty. Mixed & masterd by Warren DeFever at Third Man, issued with two different bagette-enhanced sleeves, and two different colour vinyl options. Blue and Red. Ooh La La! C'est Magnifique!

April March: "I was in Nashville with Olivia Jean on a little break from shooting our "Allons Y" video at Third Man. I got in her car and she cranked up her playlist. Out jumped "Double Exposure". I went bananas right there in the passenger seat. "Kelley Stokes!", she smiled wide. It reminded me of something I'd heard in a dream. I went around singing songs from "Double Exposure" for a few weeks zeroing in on "Are You My Love" and "Your Face". I thought to myself cover-wise there's nothing to add here, they're perfect as is but maybe some French versions would be a kick so I asked for an intro. A few months later I was in San Francisco kicking out the Bonne Mamans with Kelley in his studio. Lucky me and thanks to Agitated Records lucky you too." 

Kelley Stoltz: “Like almost everyone in the world I was dazzled by April March's take on "Chick Habit" back in the late 90s. It was such an up feeling and joyful sound in the music and vocals. At odds with the manly wails and bleak outlooks that were standard song fare of those days. You can develop a crush on the voice in your speakers, you know! I did anyway. I was so pleased to hear from her in person and out of the blue, years later, and find out she wanted to do her own versions of my songs. I soon got to re-recording the music bits, and as she asked, stayed pretty true to their original form… maybe even improving on them just a tad. She appeared at my door one day and we instantly hit it off and laughed and sang and climbed on an elliptical machine. We did some recording and then took a walk and ate tacos. She even gave my daughter her first book. We're just friends, but I'll always have that crush when I hear her voice! I hope you enjoy April March Sings Kelley Stoltz as much as I did working on them.”

Tracks: "Es-Tu Mon Amour," "Ton Visage," "Are You My Love," "Your Face"

You can also pre-order a copy of Kelley Stoltz's forthcoming La Fleur album (out June 7th) right here. 

Kelley Stoltz takes a spin around Manchester in Reni's Car

You don't really need to be a Stone Roses fan to enjoy "Reni's Car" by Kelley Stoltz... but it couldn't hurt. 

Here's the scoop from Kelley...

"For your pleasure here is a new song "Reni's Car" about the time I found myself in Reni from the Stone Roses car driving around Manchester a few years ago… it's a blur of fact and fiction… it did happen but I wasn't driving.  This song was written with my jangle master pal Fred Barnes!   This will be on the new album "La Fleur" which will be released June 7th, 2024 by Agitated Records in UK/Europe and Dandy Boy Records in North America! 

"A record release show is June 13th at The Chapel in SF and some UK and Norway tour dates to follow… plus a BBC6 session for Marc Riley BBC 6 music and Gideon Coe." - KS

You can pre-order a copy of Kelley Stoltz's new album La Fleur via Bandcamp right here. 

Watch the video for "Reni's Car" below. 

La Fleur by Kelley Stoltz

Between outside musical projects, pushing past 50 years old and becoming a father for the first time, San Francisco psych-pop legend Kelley Stoltz has spent the past two years steadily writing and recording his 18th album, “La Fleur”. The dazzling 12 song collection will be released in June by Agitated in Europe/UK and Dandy Boy Records in the USA. 

“La Fleur'' finds Stoltz once again playing nearly all of the instruments on the album- though a new friendship with pop guru Jason Falkner has led to Falkner appearing on two songs, “Hide In A Song” and “Make Believer” respectively. There’s the requisite 60’s meets 80’s pop rock confections that Stoltz favors with a new focus on out front vocals and perhaps a bit shinier production. Pandemic era blues, politics and fatherhood are lyrical touchstones throughout. 

The album’s first single “Reni’s Car” is the jangle rock lead single based on an actual event of Kelley riding around Manchester in the Stone Roses drummer's car. The accompanying music video was shot (partially) on location. “About Time” marries Twin Peaks synths to Fleetwood Mac and Avalon era Roxy Music in a cautionary tale to Stoltz's young daughter. “Human Events” puts revolutionary prose to a Moody Blues strum that floats off into Osees territory …and do I hear a nod to Gershwin in there? 

During the 2010’s Kelley played live as a sideman with Rodriguez and Echo & the Bunnymen, as the 2020’s dawned he was invited to support Pavement on their big reunion tour. He’s also been heard playing drums live with Robyn Hitchcock as well as adding sitar to Hitchcock's last two albums. In 2022, Stoltz was championed with a live appearance on Marc Riley’s BBC6 show. As producer, he has recorded the new album by Brigid Dawson formerly of the Ohsees. 

In my ears, Stoltz rarely does any wrong, and these comparisons are only just that little fruit to get you curious- he is still one of a kind. An under the radar hero to a few, and still after all these great songs, deserving of more. Climb on the bandwagon - as ever it’s quite pleasing here. 

- GEORGE CLOUD San Francisco, CA 2024 

 

Christmas Album's We'd Like To See: Scott Walker

For those who always wondered what Scott Walker would find at the emotional core of "Frosty The Snowman" – here you go... 

Watch the TV ad spot for the Scott Walker Christmas Album created by Rachel Lichtman and her Programme 4 crew right here.

Happy Birthday Allyson Baker!

Celebrating Allyson Baker's birthday with two Dirty Ghosts performances, playing "Duchess" with Hugh Cornwell and more.  

Kelley Stoltz releases new album Ah! (etc)

Kelley is joined by Bunnymen guitarist Will Sergeant, Allyson Baker and Karina Deniké formerly of Dance Hall Crashers. 

Here's the scoop...

'I was guzzling wine at my favorite bar in San Francisco, the Rite Spot, and the entertainment that night was some local opera singers singing along with a big video screen showing a collage of various operatic moments with subtitles. One particular subtitle, 'Ah! (etc)' made me laugh, I thought it was a perfect description of life -- the joy of existence against the etcetera of it all, the struggle. With a heavy head of rosé it seemed like ecstatic poetry! I scribbled it on a napkin and thought it might make a good title for something" And so the mystery behind the title of Kelley Stoltz's new record is solved. Less of a mystery is the quality contained therein: after twelve releases and a several more under pseudonyms, Stoltz is the word for "one-man-band-home-recording-pop-songs of idiosyncratic character.' A quick follow up to his more power pop and pub rock LP only Hard Feelings offering in the summer, Ah! (etc) finds Stoltz returning to his sweet spot, writing songs that never were, but should have been in the '60s and '80s. As with other releases, Stoltz makes virtually every noise on the album which was written and recorded in 2019 at his Electric Duck Studio in San Francisco. A few friends popped in to play along: Stoltz former bandmate, Echo & the Bunnymen's Will Sergeant adds electric guitar to 'The Quiet Ones' a sort of Scott Walker lyrical take on strangers and neighbors. Karina Deniké formerly of Dance Hall Crashers adds gorgeous vocals on the bossanova groover 'Moon Shy', where Sergeant pops up again in a spoken word role on the outro. Allyson Baker of SF's Dirty Ghosts sings on 'She Likes Noise', a song Stoltz wrote for her in celebration of her love of seeing live bands." 

Get the new Kelley Stoltz album Ah! (etc) via Bandcamp right here. Listen to "She Likes Noise," "Moon Shy" and "The Quiet Ones" below.

Kelley Stoltz's Echo & The Bunnymen salute gets deluxe vinyl treatment

Here's the scoop from Kelley Stoltz...

This Saturday (August 29) is record store day and for the first time I'll have something in the shops! My version of Echo & the Bunnymen's "Crocodiles" which I recorded in 2001, will finally be available on LP… brought to you by the good folks at Nine x Nine Records in Liverpool 

"Kelley Stoltz’s track for track covers album of Echo and the Bunnymen’s Crocodiles is available for the first time on vinyl this Record Store Day via Nine x Nixe Records. Originally recorded in 2001, the album was only available on CD. Stoltz took up the mantle of rhythm guitar in the Bunnymen in 2016, largely because of this album. Pressed on 180 gram colour vinyl, with original artwork and new sleeve notes from Bunnymen guitarist Will Sergeant and Scott Kannberg (Pavement), there’s never been a better time to discover this gem from Stoltz’s back catalogue. Remastered by Mikey Young. Bonus 7” E.P. features 3 early demos of 14 year old Kelley’s band "Distorted Reality". These are the earliest known recordings of Stoltz’s Bunnymen covers. This EP is exclusive to the RSD release and will not be available with any subsequent reissue." 

Kelley Stoltz – Crockodiles (NinexNine) LP & Bonus 7"

Side One

(1) Going Up (2) Do It Clean (3) Stars Are Stars (4) Pride (5) Monkeys (6) Crocodiles 

Side Two

(1) Rescue (2) Villiers Terrace (3) Read It in Books (4) Pictures on My Wall (5) All That Jazz (6) Happy Death Men 

Distorted Reality 7" EP

(1) Do It Clean (2) Silver (3) Stumped

Limited Edition Red LP

Bonus 7" 3 Track E.P. of 14 year old Kelley's first ever recordings, 'Distorted Reality'

Limited to 850 copies world wide (500 UK)

Cat: NXN002LPX

Barcode: 5031802063325

For more info, go to Nine x Nine Records right here. Watch a few vintage performance clips below. 

Hear Robyn Hitchcock perform Eye in San Francisco

Robyn Hitchcock was joined by Emma Swift, Rusty Miller & Kelley Stoltz to reprise his Eye album on his 67th birthday. Listen to the show after the clips.

Robyn Hitchcock performs Eye in San Francisco 03/03/2020

Set 1: Eye Album – Side 1 
 1 Cynthia Mask
 2 Certainly Clickot
 3 Queen Elvis 
 4 Flesh Cartoons
 5 Chinese Water Python
 6 Executioner
 7 Linctus House
 8 Transparent Lover 
 9 Sweet Ghost Of Light 

Set 2: Eye Album – Side 2 
 1 Beautiful Girl
 2 Raining Twilight Coast
 3 Clean Steve
 4 Agony Of Pleasure
 5 Glass Hotel 
 6 Satellite
 7 Aquarium
 8 Queen Elvis II 
 9 (encore break)
10 One Long Pair Of Eyes 
11 The Beauty Of Earl's Court
12 Madonna Of The Wasps