On September 29th Shout! Factory will release Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy,
a tribute to former Miracle Legion front man Mark Mulcahy. The album
features a collection of some of today’s greatest recording artists
performing versions of Mark Mulcahy’s songs. Mulcahy’s wife, Melissa,
died suddenly in September 2008, and proceeds from the sale of the
album will go to Mulcahy to help him continue his music career while
raising his 3-year-old twin daughters.
Mark Mulcahy
The album features 21 exclusive recordings by Thom Yorke, Michael Stipe, Dinosaur Jr., Mercury Rev, The National, Frank Black, Vic Chesnutt, Frank Turner, and Josh Rouse,
among others. In addition, a further 20 tracks, from artists such as
A.C. Newman, Buffalo Tom and Laura Veirs, will be available digitally.
To coincide with the release, there will be two concert events, one in
London and one in New York, details TBA.
Mulcahy was the front man and main songwriter for alternative rock
band Miracle Legion in the 1980s to mid 1990s. Shortly after their
demise, Mulcahy formed Polaris, the house band for the mid 1990s
alternative television series The Adventures of Pete & Pete
(1993–96) and perhaps best remembered for the song “Hey Sandy,” which
was featured in the opening credits of the show.
Mulcahy has opened up for many notable artists, including Oasis and
Jeff Buckley, and has received homage from Radiohead front man Thom
Yorke, who dedicated a song to Mulcahy at a show in Boston. Nick Hornby
wrote an essay on Mulcahy’s song “Hey Self-Defeater” (from the album
Fathering) in his book 31 Songs.
Mulcahy released his latest album, In Pursuit Of Your Happiness,
in 2005, to critical praise: The Sun called it “majestic, mind-blowing,
quite marvellous—your happiness is assured if you purchase this
record.” “Terrific,” said The Guardian. “His third solo album opens
wounds and plays with the patterns as the blood runs free.” The Daily
Telegraph said, “The songs are intimate, intelligent, wise and melodic.
But the really special thing is his voice: such range, such texture,
such honesty—it’s gorgeous.”
Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to
producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture –
The Stuff You Grew Up On But Never Outgrew. Founders Richard Foos, Bob
Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music,
television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over.
Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult
TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and
documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s
audio catalogue boasts Grammy®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from
storied artists and lovingly assembled album reissues. These riches are
the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the
company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial
reinvention. For more on Shout! Factory, visit
www.shoutfactory.com.
Available on CD and digital download, the full track listing is as follows:
Thom Yorke – All For The Best
The National – Ashamed Of The Story I Told
Michael Stipe – Everything’s Coming Undone
David Berkeley – Loves The Only Thing That Shuts Me Up
Dinosaur Jr. – The Backyard
Chris Harford & Mr Ray Neal – Micon The Icon
Frank Black – Bill Jocko
Vic Chesnutt – Little Man
Unbelievable Truth – Ciao My Shining Star
Butterflies Of Love – I Have Patience
Chris Collingwood (Fountains Of Wayne) – Cookie Jar
Frank Turner – The Quiet One
Rocket From The Tombs – In Pursuit Of Your Happiness
Ben Kweller – Wake Up Whispering
Josh Rouse – I Woke Up In The Mayflower
Autumn Defense – Paradise
Hayden – Happy Birthday Yesterday
Juliana Hatfield – We’re Not In Charleston Anymore
Mercury Rev – Sailors And Animals
Elvis Perkins – She Watches Over Me (Son Of Actor Anthony Perkins)
Sean Watkins – A World Away From This One