Grow Your Own Drugs Release Date
Ethnobotanist, James Wong, presents BBC TV documentary, Grow Your Own Drugs, a programme which encourages viewers to grow their own remedies and beauty products.
He shows us ways to make our own medicines for simple, everyday ailments as well as skin and hair care.
The series looks at the properties of Fruit, Flowers, Trees, Herbs, Roots and Vegetables in 6 weekly hour-long episodes.
Examples of the healing power of nature are shown with recipes for:
- Syrup of figs for constipation
- Goji berry and chicken soup for colds and flu
- Hops pillow for insomnia
- Kiwi and papaya face mask
Grow Your Own Drugs is released on BBC Video on 4th May.
Where to get it >>
Ice Road Truckers Release Date
The tagline says “The Winter road just gets in your blood.” Well, you’ve got to have a passion tinged with slight madness to do what these guys are doing, driving heavy rigs across snow and ice, hauling huge cargoes and encountering Artic winter weather.
Currently showing on Channel 5 in the UK, Ice Road Truckers first aired on the History Channel in 2007 and quickly became essential viewing for thrill seekers and trucking enthusiasts. But it is also a very human story. Narrater, Thom Beers, started the first show of Season 1 by saying:
“At the top of the world, there’s an outpost like no other…and a job only a few would dare. The mission: To haul critical supplies across 350 miles of frozen lakes to Canada’s remote billion-dollar diamond mines. The challenge: to transport 10,000 loads in 60 days—before the road disappears. The rewards are great; the risks even greater. These are the men who make their living on thin ice.”
With a regular cast of veteran truckers and rookie supporters, Ice Road Truckers: Complete Season 2 features episodes such as “The Big Blizzard”, “Artic Whiteout”, “100 Ton Haul” and “A Truckers Farewell” which gives an idea of the adventures and challenges these tough men face during their 3-month stints on the road.
Ice Road Truckers: Complete Season 2, 3-disc set is released on 4th May 2009 through GoEntertain.
Where to get it >>
Roadrunner/Warners
Madina Lake Release Date
Chicago Band, Madina Lake release their 2nd studio album, “Attics to Eden” on 4th May. Madina’s music is influenced by bands such as Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails and is fronted by Nathan Leone with his twin brother, Matthew, joining him on bass and backing vocals. Completing the band are guitarist and backup vocalist Mateo Camargo and drummer Dan Torelli.
Madina Lake won Best International Newcomer at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards and gained a reputation for their hard-hitting post-punk sound. The new album, which received a 4-star review in last month’s Q Magazine, is produced by David Bendeth (Paramore, Killswitch Engage) and includes the single ‘Never Take Us Alive’ along with 3 bonus tracks.
“Attics to Eden” is released through Roadrunner Records on 4th May 2009.
Where to get it >>
SONY/BMG
Ciara - Fantasy Ride Release Date
“Fantasy Ride” is the third studio album from American R&B star Ciara Princess Harris – or Ciara (pronounced “Sierra). Her previous two albums, “Goodies” and “Evolution” have both sold millions of copies worldwide and Ciara has charted 12 top fourty singles, including 4 top tens and a number 1 in the UK singles Chart.
This album was originally going to be a 3-disc concept release, but Janet Jackson-inspired Ciara has instead opted for a single album and introduces us to her comic-book alter ego “Super C”. Collaborators on the album include include Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, Chris Brown, Young Jeezy, The-Dream, and Missy Elliott.
“Fantasy Ride” is released through Sony/BMG on 4th May 2009 on CD and Digital Download.
Where to get it >>
High Contrast – Confidential – Release Date Now the 4th of May
Hospital Records
High Contrast - Confidential New Album Release Date
High Contrast is the stage name of Welsh drum ‘n’ bass DJ, Lincoln Barrett. He first burst onto the electronica scene in 2002 with his debut album, “True Colours” with “Return of Forever” and “Global Love” entering the UK single chart. His second album, “High Society”, was one of the most successful drum and bass albums of 2004.
Nowadays, he is a highly sought after DJ and remix artist, having remixed tracks for performers such as Missy Elliot (‘We Run This’), The Streets (‘It’s Too Late’) The White Stripes (‘Blue Orchid’) and Adele (‘Hometown Glory’).
Described as progressing towards “liquid funk”, the release of Confidential is preceded by a one-off launch party at East Village, Great Eastern Street, London on 16th April where guest DJs will feature High Contrast himself as well as Brookes Brothers, Syncopix, James Killawatts, MC Script and fellow label-mate DJs Goss, Riley & Vibert.
Where to get it >>
Fiction Records
The Maccabees - Wall of Arms Release Date
South London indie band, The Maccabees, released their 2nd studio album on 4th May, titled “Wall of Arms”. This is their follow-up to 2007′s ‘Colour It In’ and it will be preceded by a single, ‘Love You Better’, released on April 27.
‘Wall Of Arms’ was produced by Markus Dravs (Bjork, Arcade Fire) in Paris and Liverpool and the artwork for the album cover, by the band’s favourite artist Boo Ritson has been hailed as the “perfect album cover”. It features the band members covered in acrylic paint. After finally tracking Boo down in Soho, London the deed was finally done. Lead singer, Orlando Weeks explains:
“Barefoot and wearing ill-fitting second-hand clothes (provided by Boo), we closed our eyes for fear of splashes and waited for the first wave of paint….”
The band have a strong fanbase and their first album, “Colour Me In” charted at a modest #24. They have had two top 40 single releases and are tipped as one of the big albums for 2009.
The band have recently toured the US with indie pals, Bloc Party, and are currently on a nationwide UK tour.
“Wall of Arms” is released through Fiction Records on 4th May.
Where to get it >>