new Hoodoo Gurus released

The new Hoodoo Gurus disc, “Purity Of Essence,” hits stores today in Australia, as well as online. With a North American release date set for later this spring (April/May), I have at least three options, including: (a) order a download version right away; (b) order the cd online and wait for it to arrive; (c) wait a few months and buy it in person.

I actually used a fourth option that presented itself, recently: thanks to a heads-up tip from a friend/fellow music fan, I ordered the new Gurus disc in advance from an online Australian music store a couple of weeks ago. The exclusive online limited edition CD/DVD package is autographed by the Gurus and features a bonus DVD of four classic live tracks from a show a few years ago.

Now…the waiting begins…

In truth, the waiting for this album started, back in December, with the release of the first single, “Crackin’ Up,” which I wrote about recently.

In the past few months, the Gurus have revamped their online home and profile, which is great to see: their website has become an active and vibrant place, and the facebook home is well-maintained with features, news, exclusives, contests and regular updates from the band. In fact, advance audio of the new album is available to fans who sign up to the band’s facebook page; five tracks are available to check out.

The Gurus have created a series of webisodes documenting the making of the album; at least, that’s how it appears on the surface – the whole thing is actually a mockumentary in the same vein as “This is Spinal Tap” and Metallica’s “Some Kind Of Monster.”

Hoodoo Gurus - The Making Of 'Purity Of Essence' - Trailer (2010)



There are 6 episodes in the series, “Must Travel On Wheels”; a new feature is available each week during the six-week run, and each contains a live performance of one of the new tracks. Watch them exclusively here.

Trivia: the series is directed by Kimble Rendall, who was a founding member of the Gurus’ precursor, Le Hoodoo Gurus. Rendall went on to direct music videos and has worked on some major films, including "The Matrix" series and 2007’s “Ghost Rider.”

So, while I have enjoyed the videos, the webisodes, and an advance listen to a few new songs, there’s nothing like having the cd in my hands, so the waiting continues.

In the meantime, check out a recent performance of a Gurus classic:

Hoodoo Gurus - Mars Needs Guitars! - Bittersweet

Hoodoo Gurus – Bittersweet
Triple M Radio Melbourne - February 5, 2010