Screaming Souls: News

Barry just announced that in response the the BP oil geyser catastrophy, he will perform Stand-Up from the Shakin' From the Trees Album at the Majestic Show on June 23rd. Click the Music tab to hear the song and click on the song title for the lyrics.

We've updated the website!

On the Music page, you can now hear "She's Gone", "Forgotten", "I Question You", "Padlock Jody", and "Only for You" in their entirety. About once a month, we will change the songs to give you a chance to hear Barry's music that may be new to you.

On the Buy page, links to CDBaby let you hear short music clips of every song on a CD, read about the album, buy downloads (and order a physical CD of IV). We've also included links to each of Barry's CDs on iTunes so they are easier to find.

Finally, there are now Share buttons at the bottom on the Music, Links, and Buy pages so that it's easier to spread the word about Barry Kingston and the Screaming Souls.

Thanks again to Hot Table for selling the "IV" CD at their restaurants during the holiday season. It was a pleasure to partner with them.

Visit the Links page to see a video of Barry's surprise solo performance of "Independence"--a gem he penned for The Breakdown--at the Iron Horse Show, with a segue into "After Forever".

Visit the Links page to see the YouTube video of "Why Can't I Let You Go" performed at the 11/25/09 Iron Horse show.

Well, fans--many who were in attendance were saying it was the best Screaming Souls show in recent memory! The fans were nothing if not energetic. Singing along often and at a very loud clip, it definitely felt like that raucous Thanksgiving show we all thought it would be.

For instance, Barry brought back a song he has not played for years by the name of "Independence". This was last performed with The Breakdown, the successful if elusive band he and his brother Chris led to success. Kingston performed it solo with electric guitar and vocals. Needing the audiences help with the background vocals on the chorus, he asked for their help. Strangely enough, this was one of the highlights of the night. It was one of those moments where the audience truly became the seventh man of the group. Never have the background vocals (or oh, oh’s)—sounded so good.

This song was almost performed with the full band, but rehearsal time ran a bit tight before the show, and the solo version was the result. Jason Arnold was just dying to lay the back beat down for this one---but that will have to be for another night. Something to look forward to possibly..... After the show, when asked about this song---Barry said that he felt compelled to play one of these older songs as he had promised a number of people he would play something from that era. He also commented that he still believes strongly in the lyrics of this particular song. Kingston also hinted that there will be other songs like these that will be re-worked and make their way into future shows.

This show had a very good flow to it and was planned out very well. Kingston, who is known for departing frequently from any pre-planned set list, did this only once at the end of the two hour set. This was at the very end when he did solo renditions of “Sweet Love” from the Nothing but Real CD, “Purple Sky” from Shakin’ from the Trees release and “Independence”—mentioned above. The set list can be seen on the next news entry down on this website.

There was a definite Beatles theme throughout the show as the poetic and graceful “Eleanor Rigby” was blasted through the house sound system as intro music. The compassionate refrain “I look at all the lonely people”, set up a blistering “Night of the Screaming Soul”. This song---not often played—-was captivating. At first glance, these songs seem nothing alike. “Rigby” is all vocals and string quartet. “Night of the Screaming Soul” is very rhythmic and the guitar work reminiscent of the late Jimi Hendrix. But lyrically---they have much in common. They both share an awareness of the devastating effects of loneliness. This was probably not an accident. While most of the show was up-tempo and rocking---it was almost as if Kingston was reminding the audience not to forget those who need help throughout the holidays. During “Forgotten”, later in the show, Kingston implored the audience to remember that loneliness is pervasive and we must all be aware to try and help where we can.

Continuing the Beatles theme, “Instant Karma” by John Lennon also made its way into the set. Continuing the theme of striving for community, certain lines in this song rang particularly true on this Thanksgiving Eve.

“Instant karma’s going to get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers—
Everyone you meet
Why in the world are we here?
Surely not to live in pain and fear.
Why on earth are you there?
When you’re everywhere—gonna get your share.”

Other highlights of this show were the groovin’ “Big Yellow Slide” from “Split Wide Open”. All of the songs played from “Shakin’ from the Trees” hit home as well. On these songs, Jason Arnold, Joe Boyle and John O’Boyle seemed extremely comfortable. This is probably due to them playing them together so often when Jason was the regular drummer for the Screaming Souls. One surprise song that surfaced from this record was “Only for You”. It is a favorite song for many of the band members off of “Shakin from the Trees”. It just grooves its way right into your heart----and the band nailed it for sure. “Friends”---which fans primarily know from Barry’s Myspace page---was also a fan favorite. They even got to chip in on the whistling part with Barry at the end.

One other highlight would have to have been “Forgotten” from Screaming Souls IV”. Always a great audience participation song, Kingston also used the middle to do a medley of sorts. Expanding on a theme of the evening of being aware of and helping those in need, Kingston referenced our soldiers fighting around the globe in wars they did not choose to start. This was done by inserting some lyrics from “Johnny Comes Marching Home” in the middle of this song At this point, the band was playing at a low volume and the vocals were the point of focus. He also sang a snippet of U2’s "Sunday Bloody Sunday" here. Those lyrics voice a frustration we all experience when the battles of the world can seem to eclipse our own lives—and trying to overcome that.

I can’t believe the news today-
I can’t close my eyes and make it go away-
How long, how long must we sing this song?
How long, how long?

Also of note is possibly one of the most diverse grouping of 4 songs that this writer has ever recalled----that actually worked!

Only For You (B. Kingston)---Funky, rock rythym and blues gem

My Way (Frank Sinatra)—The crooners signature song of the triumph of individualism in the face of adversity.

Kashmir (Led Zeppelin)-The old world tour de force about spiritual awakening set along the visual and musical background of the mountainous country of Kashmir.

Why Can’t I Let You Go (B. Kingston)—Pop flavored anthem from “Split Wide Open”.

If you look at these four songs on paper---you would say to yourself---this just would not work. Who could possibly pull that off?

Well—the answer is Barry Kingston and The Screaming Souls.

Who could start out a 2 hour show with introspective songs such as “Eleanor Rigby” and “Night of the Screaming Soul” and then continue to lead the audience through an uplifting show with the audience left chanting for more and feeling more connected at the same time?

Again—Barry Kingston and the Screaming Souls.

If you haven’t experienced this band yet—-buy some of this music, share it with your friends and wait for what is next---you may be surprised!

Note: Song in parentheses were songs by original artist fed through sound system but considered part of the show)

(Eleanor Rigby) -Lennon, McCartney
Night of the Screaming Soul
I Can't do it Alone
Ultraviolet Girl
Instant Karma -J. Lennon
(Imagination, Willy Wonka)
Big Yellow Slide
Sorry
Holla back
Companions
Fire and Gasoline
Shakin from the Trees
Train
Forgotten
Only For you
My Way (F. Sinatra)
Kashmir (Led Zeppelin)
Why can't I let you go
Friends
Sweet Love (Barry solo)
Purple Sky (Barry Solo)
Independence (Barry solo)
After Forever -(Mdeley)

Want to hear more of our songs than the 30 second clip? Now when you Google the Screaming Souls, Google displays song links that play the entire song with a Lala pop-up player.

Lala has a great feature that allows you to embed our album players in your Facebook and MySpace pages. With two simple clicks, you can help share our music with your friends!

Well fans, it is official. Jason Arnold, a longtime Screaming Soul veteran, will be taking the stage Thanksgiving Eve (11/25) at the Iron Horse. It should be a barn burner of a show as there are sure to be songs that surface that have not surfaced for quite some time----due to Arnold's presence. Fans have always enyoyed the electricity brought by Arnold's stage karma. Many have noted how much Jason and Barry seem to enjoy playing together. There combined positive energy has been rumored to creat small tremors under the earth's crust---so I am sure the dance floor will be shaking! There is talk of a possible percussionist being added for the show as well. This could open the door for a more R&B/ Rock flavored show. Either way--it will be interesting---and FUN! Be sure to use the link on the calendar tab on this website and buy tickets in adavnce---it really helps the band and insures you a seat at a reasonable price!

Go to our links tab and check out Tommy's myspace!

Go to Iron Horse website @ http://www.iheg.com/iron_horse_main.asp to buy tickets in advance.

Read about some of John's varied musical experiences...just go to our links tab!

Check out some of Joe's music and general info--on our links tab!

Check out these video links from the Cambridge show. Some good footage of "Padlock Jody" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y83f6leVw78), "Sorry" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5pL149tmj0&feature=related) and "Forgotten" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-eElVnIL9c&NR=1). They are located on our links tab also.

There has been a temporary change of plans regarding tickets for this show. They will be available at the door for $15. Originally they were going to be offered for sale on this website, but that service will now be available at a later date.

A band by the name of Eyeball Kid will be opening for the Screaming Souls at the upcoming Cambridge show. They are a talented group, be sure to get there in time to see them! They will go on at 7pm.

Check out some great photos of Screaming Souls at the CD Rlease Concert for "Screaming Souls IV" (12/20/2008). Just goe to photo's section and scroll down.

Tickets will be available in the near future for the next Screaming Souls show on Jan 23, 2009 in Cambridge. It will be an easy way to make sure you can see the show!

You can now buy "Screaming Souls IV" online at cdbaby.com. CD Baby is one of the most respected online distributors of independent music. There is even a link to it directly from our site under the "buy" section!

Despite menacing winter weather, the "Screaming Souls IV" CD release concert was a sellout--and then some. Many fans braved the elements to listen to a unique 2 hr and 15 minute set by Barry Kingston and the Screaming Souls. The first part of the set was devoted to playing the new CD--"Screaming Souls IV" in almost the exact order the songs appear on the record. Though a bit unconventional, it gave fans a chance to get aquainted with the new music in a very thematic way. This was more the "listening" part of the show---fans have been dying to hear this new music for quite some time. After this of course, there was plenty of familiar music to go around from the Screaming Souls back catalogue. The crowd was on it's feet and singing for the rest of the performance.

Some highlights of the night included the rousing opening song--"Ultra Violet Girl"--accompanied by a lively and HUGE power point presentation behind the band. "No Painful Sunrise" from the new CD was also a fan favorite. And last, "After Forever" proved to be a show stopping closer. It was packed with a medley of other rock songs such as "With or Without You" by U2 and "Badlands" by Bruce Springsteen. The song found Barry Kingston standing on the arms of one of the front chairs of the auditorium, encouraging the crowd to get it rockin'.

Please enjoy our new site. This can be the center of all info having to with Screaming Souls. Check out the music clips!

We have recently secured a booking on 12/20/08 at the Basketball Hall of Fame. We are looking forward to this oppurtunity to share this new music! If you like rock music, if you like electric guitar, if you like good songs---we know you'll like this record. Please come and share this exciting time with us.