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On this day in 2023

On this day in 2022

• DEATHS
• Harry White, Australian jockey (Melbourne Cup: Think Big 1974,75; Arwon 1978; Hyperno 1979; Australian Racing HOF), who died from multiple sclerosis at 78.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• Aftersun is released. Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier. Memories real and imagined fill the gaps between miniDV footage as she tries to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn’t.
• All That Breathes is released. In one of the world’s most populated cities, two brothers — Nadeem and Saud — devote their lives to the quixotic effort of protecting the black kite, a majestic bird of prey essential to the ecosystem of New Delhi that has been falling from the sky at alarming rates. Amid environmental toxicity and social unrest, the ‘kite brothers’ spend day and night caring for the creatures in their makeshift avian basement hospital.
• Descendant is released. Descendant tells the story of the Clotilda - the last known ship to smuggle stolen Africans to America - the unthinkable cover-up, and the impact of that crime on generations of descendants living in Africatown. Once the past is revealed, can the future be reclaimed?
• Slash/Back is released. The sleepy village of Pangnirtung wakes up to a typical summer day. No School, no cool boys (well... except one), and 24-hour sunlight. But for Maika and her ragtag friends, the usual summer is suddenly not in the cards when they discover an alien invasion threatening their hometown. These teenagers have been underestimated their whole lives but, using makeshift weapons and their horror movie knowledge, they show the aliens you don't mess with the girls from Pang.
• MOVIES: PG13
• Black Adam is released. Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
• Ticket to Paradise is released. A divorced couple (George Clooney and Julia Roberts) find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter (Kaitlyn Dever) from making the same mistake they once made.
• Wendell & Wild is released. From the delightfully wicked minds of Henry Selick and Jordan Peele, comes Wendell & Wild, an animated tale about scheming demon brothers Wendell (Keegan-Michael Key) and Wild (Jordan Peele) - who enlist the aid of Kat Elliot - a tough teen with a load of guilt - to summon them to the Land of the Living. But what Kat demands in return leads to a brilliantly bizarre and comedic adventure like no other, an animated fantasy that defies the law of life and death, all told through the handmade artistry of stop motion. [Netflix]
• MOVIES: R
• The Return of Tanya Tucker: Featuring Brandi Carlile is released. Trailblazing, hell-raising country music legend Tanya Tucker defied the standards of how a woman in country music was supposed to behave. Decades after Tanya slipped from the spotlight, rising Americana music star Brandi Carlile takes it upon herself to write an entire album for her hero based on Tanya’s extraordinary life, spurring the greatest comeback in country music history.
• The Banshees of Inisherin is released. On a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, lifelong friends Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson) find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Padraic, aided by his sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Padraic's repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.
• My Policeman is released. My Policeman follows three young people – policeman Tom (Harry Styles), teacher Marion (Emma Corrin), and museum curator Patrick (David Dawson)– as they embark on an emotional journey in 1950s Britain. Flashing forward to the 1990s, Tom (Linus Roache), Marion (Gina McKee), and Patrick (Rupert Everett) are still reeling with longing and regret, but now they have one last chance to repair the damage of the past. Based on the book by Bethan Roberts.
• Raymond & Ray is released. Half-brothers Raymond (Ewan McGregor) and Ray (Ethan Hawke) have always lived in the shadow of their terrible father. Somehow, they still each have a sense of humor, and his funeral is a chance for them to reinvent themselves. There’s anger, there’s pain, there’s folly, there might be love, and there’s definitely gravedigging.
• TV SERIES
• The Peripheral: Season 1 is released. Flynne Fisher (Chloe Grace Moretz) earns extra money playing VR games for others and one night she finds herself in a futuristic London that is not a game but real life in this adaptation of William Gibson sci-fi novel of the same name.
• From Scratch: Season 1 is released. American student Amahle "Amy"Wheeler (Zoe Saldaña) and Sicilian chef Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea) overcome a number of obstacles to their love in this limited series based on Tembi Locke's memoir of the same name.
• ALBUMS
• Hugo was released by Loyle Carner. The third full-length release for British rapper Loyle Carner features guest appearances from John Agard, Athian Akec, Olivia Dean, Wesley Joseph, and JNR Williams.
• Is It Going to Get Any Deeper Than This? was released by The Soft Pink Truth. The latest full-length release for the solo electronic project of Matmos' Drew Daniel features contributions from such artists as John Berndt, Koye Berry, Andrew Bernstein, Brooks Kossover, Mark Lightcap, M.C. Schmidt, Flock Of Dimes/Wye Oak's Jenn Wasner, Jason Willett, and Nate Wooley.
• Crybaby was released by Tegan and Sara. The 10th full-length studio release for Candian indie pop duo Tegan And Sara was produce with John Congleton.
• The Loneliest Time was released by Carly Rae Jepsen. The sixth full-length studio release for Canadian pop artist Carly Rae Jepsen includes production from Rostam Batmanglij, Captain Cuts and Alex Hope.
• The Car was released by Arctic Monkeys. The seventh full-length studio release for British rock band Arctic Monkeys was produced by James Ford.
• The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit was released by Architects. The 10th full-length studio release for British metalcore band Architects was produced by Dan Searle and guitarist Josh Middleton, with frontman Sam Carter providing additional production.
• Steady was released by Sloan. The 13th full-length studio release for Canadian indie rock band Sloan was produced and mixed with Ryan Haslett.
• Stumpwork was released by Dry Cleaning. The second full-length release for London-based post-punk band Dry Cleaning was produced by John Parish.
• Shufflemania was released by Robyn Hitchcock. The first new solo studio release in five years for British singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock features contributions from such artists as Johnny Marr, Sean Ono Lennon, Pat Sansone, Eric Slick Kimberley Rew, and Morris Windsor of The Soft Boys.
• Reason in Decline was released by Archers of Loaf. This is the first full-length studio release for indie rock band Archers Of Loaf since 1998's White Trash Heroes.
• Midnights was released by Taylor Swift. The 10th full-length studio release for singer-songwriter Tayor Swift features a guest appearance from Lana Del Rey and was produced with Jack Antonoff.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 5
• New Tales from the Borderlands for PlayStation 5 is released. Take a stand against ruthless corporate overlords in this narrative-driven adventure! Within the perpetually war-torn metropolis of Promethea, you'll control Anu, Octavio, and Fran on the worst day of their lives. Help these three lovable losers as they endeavor to change the world (and maybe even save it)! Face down a planetary invasion, vicious vault monster, and cold-hearted capitalist in this cinematic thrill ride where what happens next is up to you! Meet a motley cast full of misfits, assassin bots, and talking guns in this race to the top! It's time to fight back against exploitation and corporate greed. It's time to make Mayhem your business.
• Persona 5 Royal for PlayStation 5 is released. Forced to transfer to a high school in Tokyo, the protagonist has a strange dream. "You truly are a prisoner of fate. In the near future, ruin awaits you."With the goal of "rehabilitation"looming overhead, he must save others from distorted desires by donning the mask of a Phantom Thief. Prepare for an all-new RPG experience in Persona 5 Royal based in the universe of the award-winning series, Persona! Don the mask of Joker and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Break free from the chains of modern society and stage grand heists to infiltrate the minds of the corrupt and make them change their ways! Persona 5 Royal is packed with new characters, confidants, story depth, new locations to explore, and a new grappling hook mechanic for stealthy access to new areas. With a new semester at Shujin Academy, get ready to strengthen your abilities in the metaverse and in your daily life. Persona 5 Royal presents a unique visual style and award nominated composer Shoji Meguro returns with an all-new soundtrack. Explore Tokyo, unlock new Personas, customize your own personal Thieves Den, discover a never-before-seen story arc, cutscenes, alternate endings, and more! Even for the most seasoned Phantom Thieves among us, Persona 5 Royal is a new challenge to defy conventions, discover the power within, and fight for justice. Wear the mask. Reveal your truth.
• GAMING: XBOX SERIES X
• Gotham Knights for Xbox Series X is released. Batman is dead. It is now up to the Batman Family - Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin - to protect Gotham City, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops, and fear to its criminals. You must evolve into the new Dark Knight and save Gotham from chaos. Your legacy begins now. Step into the Knight. Gotham Knights is a brand-new open world, third-person action RPG featuring the Batman Family as players step into the roles of Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin, a new guard of trained DC Super Heroes who must rise up as the protectors of Gotham City in the wake of Batman's death. An expansive, criminal underworld has swept through the streets of Gotham, and it is now up to these new heroes to protect the city, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops and fear to its criminals. Players must save Gotham from descent into chaos and reinvent themselves into their own version of the Dark Knight.

On this day in 2021

• EVENTS
• Actor Alec Baldwin shots cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead and injures director Joel Souza with a prop gun in rehearsal on a film set at Bonanza Ranch, New Mexico.
• DEATHS
• Einár, Rapper.
• Bernard Haitink, Dutch conductor (Concertgebouw,1961-88; London Philharmonic,1967-79; Royal Opera Covent Garden,1987-2002), who died at 92.
• (Nils) Einár [Grönberg], Swedish rapper (" Första klass" ; "Katten i trakten"), shot to death in suspected gang-related incident at 19.
• Nils Einár Grönberg, Swedish rapper (" Första klass" ; "Katten i trakten"), shot to death in suspected gang-related incident at 19.
• Kathy Flores, American rugby union coach (United States women's team 2002-11; Brown University), who died at 66.
• GAMING: PC
• Tandem: A Tale of Shadows for PC is released. Tandem : A Tale of Shadows redefines the puzzle platformer genre with a unique gameplay and exceptional aesthetics. Help Emma and the teddy bear Fenton solve the mystery of the disappearance of the famous magician Thomas Kane.
• Disciples: Liberation for PC is released. Disciples: Liberation is a mature, dark fantasy strategy RPG with turn-based combat. Liberate the land of Nevendaar and uncover the endless stories hidden within this richly detailed world where every decision has a consequence, and every wrong move could be deadly.
• Killsquad for PC is released. Hack and slash? Check. Twin-stick-shooter? Check. 4 player coop to slay hordes of aliens & bosses with your friends? Check. Skills, upgrades, weapons, gears, talismans and more to make you stronger? Check. Wake up, bounty hunter. We have a mission for you. Time to clean up the scum of the galaxy.
• Unplugged (Vertigo Games) for PC is released. Play air guitar and write rock history in VR! Unplugged lets you rock out hard to some of the biggest rock songs, including The Offspring, Weezer & Ozzy Osbourne, using just your hands. Become a rock legend with Steel Panther’s Satchel as your mentor. Are you ready to ROCK?!
• GAMING: XBOX SERIES X
• Echo Generation for Xbox Series X is released. Echo Generation follows a gang of kids through otherworldly adventures as they investigate mysterious and supernatural events in their hometown that will change the course of their lives forever.
• POLITICS
• Syria's government says it has executed 24 people for starting devastating wildfires in 2020 that killed three.

On this day in 2020

• EVENTS
• 54th CMT Music Awards: Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan win.
• Spain becomes the first European country to record more than 1 million COVID-19 pandemic cases with the death toll at 34,366.
• Nasa Osiris-Rex spacecraft lands briefly on asteroid Bennu on mission to collect dust, largest sample from space since Apollo.
• Pope Francis backs same-sex civil unions in interview in documentary film "Francesco".
• Parents of 545 children cannot be found that were separated at the US-Mexico border according to American Civil Liberties Union.
• FBI says Iran and Russia have US voter information and are trying to influence outcome of US election.
• DEATHS
• Frank Bough, British sports and current affairs television presenter, who died at 87.
• Viola Smith, American drummer and bandleader (one of the first professional female drummers), who died at 107.
• GAMING: SWITCH
• Horace for Switch is released. An tale of a small robot on a big adventure. This title from Paul Helman and Sean Scapelhorn is a classic platformer that tells an emotional and surprisingly rich tale of self-discovery peppered with nostalgic popular culture references that will bring a smile to any gamer who enjoys the 8 and 16 bit era. Made by just two people, Horace offers over 15 hours of exciting platforming and pushes the boundaries of the genre with profound storytelling and quirky and nostalgic pop culture references! A game made by videogame lovers for videogame lovers!• “Horace really could be one of the most charming games of the year.” Eurogamer• “A real contender for Indie Game of the Year.” The Sixth Axis• “A frankly gorgeous-looking pixel art platform adventure game” Kotaku UK• 9/10 ""Might very well be the best platformer of 2019""Cub3d• “Horace’s heartwarming narrative pushes you through the hardcore gameplay, and the high quality aesthetic and music burns themselves into your brain” Escapist Magazine• 9/10 “Definitely one of the best Indie titles I have played this year” Demon Gaming• 9.5/10 “This is one of the best games of 2019 and one of the best independent games I have ever played” Way too many games• 8.5/10 ""Manages to offer his own personal reading of the platform genre, surprisingly walking the streets of narration""Multiplayer.itAdventure through hours and hours of varied gameplay, dubbed by many as Indie GOTY 2019! Overcome 2D platforming challenges with a unique twist, unlock new metroidvania inspired robot abilities, enjoy plenty of retro-inspired mini games and reunite Horace with his family.
• GAMING: XBOX ONE
• ScourgeBringer for Xbox One is released. ScourgeBringer is a fast-paced free-moving roguelite platformer. Help Kyhra to explore the unknown and slash her way through ancient machines guarding the seal of her past, and maybe the redemption of humanity.
• SPORTS
• Gordon Astall, English soccer forward (2 caps; Birmingham City 235 games,59 goals), who died from dementia at 93.

On this day in 2019

• EVENTS
• Facebook says it has taken down four state-backed disinformation campaigns, three from Iran, one from Russia in addition to dozens earlier this year.
• Australia's biggest newspapers all blank out their front pages in protest against press restrictions.
• Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn strips his royal consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi of her titles for "misbehaviour and disloyalty against the monarch" two months after she was appointed to them.
• World's oldest natural pearl,8,000 years old, announced discovered during excavations at Marawah Island, near Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• GAMING: PC
• The Elder Scrolls Online: Dragonhold for PC is released. The Season of the Dragon culminates with Dragonhold, the latest DLC game pack for The Elder Scrolls Online! Venture into Southern Elsweyr, restore the ancient Dragonguard order, and help Sai Sahan put an end to the Dragon threat once and for all.
• POLITICS
• Lebanon government approves economic reforms after 5 days of protests, largest in a decade.
• Canadian Federal Election: Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party loses its majority but wins the most seats (157) to form a minority government.
• SPORTS
• Willie Brown, American Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback, coach and executive (Super Bowl 1976,80,84; Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders), who died at 78.

On this day in 2018

• EVENTS
• Train derails in Yilan County, Taiwan, killing 18 and injuring 178.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus is presented with the Mark Twain Prize, comedy's top honor, at a ceremony in New York.
• Sectarian fighting between Muslim and Christian youths kill 55 at Kasuwan Magani, Nigeria.
• DEATHS
• Robert Faurisson, British-born French academic, who died at 89.
• Charles Wang, Entrepreneur.

On this day in 2017

• TV SERIES
• Gunpowder: Season 1 is released. The three-part BBC miniseries written by Ronan Bennet focuses on Robert Catesby (Kit Harington), who after seeing his fellow English Catholics persecuted by Robert Cecil (Mark Gatiss), plans to assassinate of King James (Derek Riddell) and blow up the Palace of Westminster in what would be called the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 London.
• POLITICS
• Spanish government suspends Catalonia's autonomy in the face of a deepening political crisis over the region's push for independence.

On this day in 2016

• EVENTS
• Leonard Cohen released his last album, You Want It Darker,17 days before his death. Cohen was in poor health while the album was being made, and never went to the recording studio, relying on his son Adam to handle the sessions and integrate his tracks. The title track was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance in January 2018..
• DEATHS
• Manfred Krug, German actor (Boxer), who died at 79.
• Richard Nicoll, Fashion Designer.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• Moonlight is released. Moonlight is the tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.
• The Handmaiden is released. 1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl (Kim Tae-ri) is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress (Kim Min-hee) who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle (Jo Jin-woong). But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count (Ha Jung-woo) to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions.
• Fire at Sea is released. Samuele is twelve and lives on an island in the Mediterranean, far away from the mainland. Like all boys of his age he does not always enjoy going to school. He would much rather climb the rocks by the shore, play with his slingshot or mooch about the port. But his home is not like other islands. For years, it has been the destination of men, women and children trying to make the crossing from Africa in boats that are far too small and decrepit. The island is Lampedusa which has become a metaphor for the flight of refugees to Europe, the hopes, hardship and fate of hundreds of thousands of emigrants. These people long for peace, freedom and happiness and yet so often only their dead bodies are pulled out of the water. Thus, every day the inhabitants of Lampedusa are bearing witness to the greatest humanitarian tragedy of our times. [Kino Lorber]
• King Cobra is released. It’s 2006, YouTube is in its infancy, and internet porn is still behind a paywall. Taking the stage name Brent Corrigan, a fresh-faced, wannabe adult video performer (Garrett Clayton) is molded into a star by Stephen (Christian Slater), a closeted gay porn mogul who runs the skin flick empire Cobra Video from his seemingly ordinary suburban home. But as Brent’s rise and demands for more money put him at odds with his boss, he also attracts the attention of a rival producer (James Franco) and his unstable lover (Keegan Allen) who will stop at nothing to squash Cobra Video and steal its number one star. [IFC Films]
• Creepy is released. A year after a botched hostage negotiation with a serial killer turned deadly, ex-detective Koichi (Hidetoshi Nishijima), and his wife move into a new house with a deeply strange new neighbor (Teruyuki Kagawa). His old cop colleagues come calling for his help on a mysterious case, which may be related to the strange goings-on next door, in this insidiously-constructed narrative that braids plot twists on top of plot twists and shock on top of shock.
• We Are X is released. Under the enigmatic direction of drummer, pianist, composer, and producer Yoshiki, X Japan has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined — captivating such a wide range of admirers as Sir George Martin, KISS, Stan Lee, and even the Japanese Emperor — and pioneered a spectacle-driven style of visual rock, creating a one-­of­-a-kind cultural phenomenon. Chronicling the band’s exhilarating, tumultuous, and unimaginable history over the past three decades — persevering through personal, physical, and spiritual heartache — the film culminates with preparations for their breathtaking reunion concert at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. [Drafthouse Films]
• MOVIES: PG
• Before the Flood is released. A look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the planet.
• MOVIES: PG13
• Boo! A Madea Halloween is released. Madea winds up in the middle of mayhem when she spends a hilarious, haunted Halloween fending off killers, paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls and zombies while keeping a watchful eye on a group of misbehaving teens.
• Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is released. Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) returns with his particular brand of justice in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. When Army Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), who heads Reacher’s old investigative unit, is arrested for Treason, Reacher will stop at nothing to prove her innocence and to uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy involving soldiers who are being killed.
• Keeping Up with the Joneses is released. An ordinary suburban couple (Zach Galifianakis, Isla Fisher) finds it’s not easy keeping up with the Joneses (Jon Hamm, Gal Gadot) – their impossibly gorgeous and ultra-sophisticated new neighbors – especially when they discover that Mr. and Mrs. “Jones” are covert operatives.
• Ouija: Origin of Evil is released. In 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a merciless spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.
• MOVIES: R
• 31 is released. Five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large compound. At the mercy of their captors, they are forced to play a twisted game or life or death called 31. For the next 12 hours they must fight for their lives against an endless parade of homicidal maniacs.
• In a Valley of Violence is released. A mysterious drifter named Paul (Ethan Hawke) and his dog Abbie (Jumpy) make their way towards Mexico through the barren desert of the old west. In an attempt to shorten their journey they cut through the center of a large valley - landing themselves in the forgotten town of Denton - a place now dubbed by locals as a "valley of violence."The once popular mining town is nearly abandoned, and controlled by a brash group of misfits and nitwits - chief among them, the seemingly untouchable, Gilly (James Ransone) who is the troublemaking son of the town's unforgiving Marshal (John Travolta). As tensions rise between Paul and Gilly, Denton's remaining residents bear witness to an inevitable act of violence that starts a disastrous chain reaction, infecting the petty lives of all involved and quickly drags the whole town into the bloody crosshairs of revenge. Mary-Anne (Taissa Farmiga) and Ellen (Karen Gillan), two bickering sisters who run the town's only hotel, try to find the good in both men, while desperately searching for their own salvation. Only the world-weary Marshal struggles to stop the violent hysteria, but after a gruesome discovery about Paul's past...there is no stopping the escalation.
• American Pastoral is released. Seymour “Swede” Levov (Ewan McGregor), a once legendary high school athlete, is now a successful businessman married to Dawn (Jennifer Connelly), a former beauty queen. But turmoil brews beneath the polished veneer of Swede’s life. When his beloved teenage daughter, Merry (Dakota Fanning), disappears after being accused of committing a violent act, Swede dedicates himself to finding her and reuniting his family. What he discovers shakes him to the core, forcing him to look beneath the surface and confront the chaos that is shaping the world around him.
• The Whole Truth is released. Defense attorney Richard Ramsay (Keanu Reeves) takes on a personal case when he swears to his widowed friend, Loretta Lassiter (Renée Zellweger), that he will keep her son Mike (Gabriel Basso) out of prison. Charged with murdering his father, Mike initially confesses to the crime. But as the trial proceeds, chilling evidence about the kind of man that Boone Lassiter (Jim Belushi) really was comes to light. While Ramsay uses the evidence to get his client acquitted, his new colleague Janelle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) tries to dig deeper - and begins to realize that the whole truth is something she alone can uncover.
• TV SERIES
• Black Mirror: Season 3 is released. The third season of the British anthology-styled drama was picked up by Netflix, who commissioned 12 episodes.
• Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Season 2 is released. Rebecca's confession to Josh will have ramifications on the second season of the musical comedy.
• ALBUMS
• Citizen of Glass was released by Agnes Obel. The latest release from the Berlin-based singer-songwriter was inspired by a German legal term “Gläserner Bürger”, or “glass citizen, ” about the level of privacy we have in the world today.
• Bonito Generation was released by Kero Kero Bonito. This is the debut full-length release for the London-based J-pop-influenced trio.
• Big Baby D.R.A.M. was released by D.R.A.M.. The debut full-length studio release for the rapper from Virginia features guest appearances from Erykah Badu, Lil Yachty, and Young Thug).
• Big Box of Chocolates was released by Hooton Tennis Club. The second full-length release for the British indie rock band was produced by Edwyn Collins.
• Apricity was released by Syd Arthur. The fourth full-length release for the British psychedelic rock band was produced by Jason Falkner.
• Alone was released by Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde returns after an eight year absence as the Pretenders backed by Dave Roe, Russ Pahl, Kenny Vaughan, Leon Michels, and Richard Swift on this release recorded with the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.
• American Football (LP2) was released by American Football. The second full-length release for the emo/indie rock band comes 15 years after its debut.
• Integrity Blues was released by Jimmy Eat World. The ninth full-length studio release for the rock band was produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen.
• Joanne was released by Lady Gaga. The fifth full-length release for the pop artist features a duet with Florence Welch.
• Front Row Seat to Earth was released by Weyes Blood. The latest full-length release for singer-songwriter Natalie Mering was co-produced with Chris Cohen.
• Lazarus [Original Cast Recording] was released by Various Artists. The cast recording for the musical inspired by The Man Who Fell to Earth features music by David Bowie and includes three new songs he wrote and recorded before his death.
• Running out of Love was released by The Radio Dept.. The first release in over six years for the Swedish dream pop band was influenced by the frustrations at the direction they felt Sweden is heading toward.
• Retribution was released by Tanya Tagaq. The fourth release for the Polaris Prize-winning Inuit throat-singer features a guest appearance from Shad.
• Lighthouse was released by David Crosby. The latest solo release from the singer-songwriter was co-written and executive produced by Michael League of Snarky Puppy.
• Let It Be You was released by Joan as Police Woman. The debut full-length release for the collaboration between Joan As Policewoman & Benjamin Lazar Davis is loosely inspired by the musical patterns of the Central African Republic Pygmies.
• The Deaner Album was released by The Dean Ween Group. The debut full-length solo release for Ween's Mickey Melchiondo features four instrumentals.
• Savoy Motel was released by Savoy Motel. This is the debut full-length release for the Nashville indie quartet that includes Cheap Time's Jeffrey Novak and Jessica McFarland and Heavy Cream's Mimi Galbierz and Dillon Watson.
• Winter Wheat was released by John K. Samson. The second solo release for the ex-Weakerthans frontman includes contributions from his wife, Christine Fellows, as well as his former bandmates Greg Smith and Jason Tait.
• Yes Lawd! was released by NxWorries. The debut full-length release for the collaboration between Anderson.Paak and Knxwledge features two tracks from their 2015 EP.
• You Want It Darker was released by Leonard Cohen. The 14th full-length studio release for the Canadian singer-songwriter was produced by his son.
• The Serenity of Suffering was released by Korn. The 12th full-length release for the California nu metal band was produced by Nick Raskulinecz and features a guest appearance from Slipknot's Corey Taylor.
• GAMING: PC
• Battlefield 1 for PC is released. Intuitive destruction and dynamic weather ensure that no battle is ever the same. For even more gameplay possibilities, carve a path through walls and buildings, take down your enemies in creative ways, and leave your mark on the terrain around you through intuitive destruction. Through your actions, the pristine world around you change into a battle-scarred landscape, changing the world forever. With dynamic weather you will need to adapt your tactics to weather changes as the elements play a part in the battle. Playing the same map on a bright day, in heavy fog, or rain will impact what you see and hear, forcing you to adapt your play style on an ever-changing battlefield. Operations introduces a new way to play multiplayer. In Battlefield 1 you play a series of interconnected battles across multiple fronts. Play a sequence of battles where your actions have consequences beyond a single match, as you try to conquer territory or push back your attackers. At those times when you feel all is lost, call in the Behemoths - the largest fully player-controlled vehicles ever seen in Battlefield. Roam the battlefield and rain fire on your enemy to break their defenses. All-out war never felt so epic. Take control of the Armored Train, Air Ship, or the Battleship to dominate the battlefield across land, air, and sea. [Electronic Arts]
• GAMING: XBOX ONE
• Slain: Back from Hell for Xbox One is released. Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.

On this day in 2015

• EVENTS
• German Chancellor Angela Merkel says German view of Holocaust will not change, after Benjamin Netanyahu says idea came from Mufti of Jerusalem.
• BIRTHS
• Desiree Gharaei, Instagram Star, born in Iran.
• DEATHS
• Marty Ingels, American comedian (I'm Dickens He's Fenster), who died at 79.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• Heart of a Dog is released. Heart of a Dog is a personal essay film that explores themes of love, death and language.
• GAMING: PC
• Kingdom for PC is released. Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic.
• DISTRAINT for PC is released. DISTRAINT is a 2D psychological horror adventure game for PC. You step into the shoes of an ambitious young man named Price. In order to forge a partnership from a famous company, Price seizes a property of an elderly woman. In that very moment he finds out the price of his humanity.

On this day in 2014

• EVENTS
• Former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson said he has been "cured" of the terminal pancreatic cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2012. The 67-year-old was initially given 10 months to live after rejecting chemotherapy, but had radical surgery to remove the tumour earlier this year..
• Oscar Pistorius Convicted for 5 Years. The South African Paralympic Champion was on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. He was sentenced to a maximum of five years for culpable homicide. He was released on parole for good behavior in October 2015. However, in December 2015, South Africa' s Supreme Court of Appeal upgraded the charges to murder and found him guilty of murder..
• DEATHS
• Ben Bradlee, American editor, journalist, newspaper executive (Washington Post), who died at 93.
• ALBUMS
• Earth Suck was released by Oozing Wound. The second full-length release for the Chicago metal band was recorded by Matt Russell.
• Burnt Offering was released by The Budos Band. Produced by guitarist Thomas Brenneck, the fourth release for the New York-based funk band sees influences from psychedelia and metal music.
• Hold My Home was released by Cold War Kids. The fifth full-length studio release from the indie rock band led by Nathan Willett is its first with new drummer, Joe Plummer.
• Kings & Queens of the Underground was released by Billy Idol. The first release of new material in nine years for the British hard rocker was produced by Trevor Horn with Greg Kurstin working the boards on two songs.
• It's a Pleasure was released by Baxter Dury. This is the fourth full-length release for the son of British rock artist Ian Dury.
• I Forget Where We Were was released by Ben Howard. The follow-up to the British singer-songwriter's Mercury Prize-nominated debut was produced by Chris Bond.
• Paperwork was released by T.I.. Executive produced by Pharrell Williams, the ninth studio release for the rapper features guest appearances from such artists as Iggy Azalea, Chris Brown, Skylar Grey, Jeezy, Victoria Monet, Pharrell, The-Dream, Trae tha Truth, Usher, Watch The Duck, and Young Thug.
• Phantom Radio was released by Mark Lanegan Band. The ninth full-length studio release from the ex-Screaming Trees singer was produced by Alain Johannes and features contributions from Duke Garwood, Sietse van Gorkom, and Shelley Brien.
• Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble was released by Primus. The tribute to the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory from the San Francisco Bay Area-based band sees the return of Tim Alexander on drums.
• Melody Road was released by Neil Diamond. The first release in six years (and his first on the Capitol Records label) for the singer-songwriter was produced by Don Was and Jacknife Lee.
• Nostalgia was released by Annie Lennox. Produced with Mike Stevens, the covers album from the former Eurythmics singer includes such classics as "Summertime, "“Georgia on My Mind and "I Put a Spell on You."
• Lifer was released by Dope Body. The third full-length release for the Baltimore-based noise rock band led by Andrew Laumann was produced by Travis Harrison.
• Sound of a Woman was released by Kiesza. The debut full-length release for Canadian artist features guest appearances from Mick Jenkins and Joey Bada$$.
• Soused was released by Sunn O))). The second collaboration between Scott Walker and Sunn O))) is a five-track album produced by Scott Walker and Peter Walsh.
• Sings the Great Diva Classics was released by Aretha Franklin. Co-produced by Clive Davis, Babyface, and Antonio Dixon, the singer known as the Queen of Soul returns with a covers album of songs from such artists as Adele, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Sinead O'Connor, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, with guest appearances from Cissy Houston, and Tawatha Agee.
• The Best Day was released by Thurston Moore. The fourth full-length solo release for the Sonic Youth guitarist/singer sees the return to guitar rock with backing from Steve Shelley, My Bloody Valentine's Debbie Googe, and James Sedward.
• The Innocents was released by Weyes Blood. This is the second release for former Jackie-O Motherfucker member Natalie Mering as Weyes Blood.
• .5: The Gray Chapter was released by Slipknot. The fifth full-length studio release for the heavy metal band is its first since the departure of drummer Joey Jordison at the end of 2013 and the death bassist Paul Gray in 2010.
• Tough Love was released by Jessie Ware. The second full-length release for the British pop singer-songwriter was produced by Benny Blanco and Two Inch Punch.
• Wait 'Til Night was released by Cooly G. The second full-length release for the British dance artist features influences of R&B, reggae, and synthpop.
• Under Pressure was released by Logic. The debut full-length studio release for the Maryland rapper was produced largely by 6ix.
• GAMING: PC
• Screencheat for PC is released. It is an online and offline split-screen multiplayer first-person shooter in which all are invisible and you must cheat to come out victoriously.
• Dreamfall Chapters Book One: Reborn for PC is released. The world of Arcadia exists in parallel and in balance with own own. It is a world of magic and chaos, a counterweight to Stark, the world of science and order. The Balance between the twin worlds is watched over by the Guardian, who channels the energies of Chaos and Order between Arcadia and Stark.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 3
• F1 2014 for PlayStation 3 is released. An alternative to the Young Driver Test in-game is a new driver evaluation system. Players are launched right into a one lap race when they load F1 2014 for the first time, and the game then suggests an appropriate difficulty level.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• Fluster Cluck for PlayStation 4 is released. Fluster Cluck is a cartoony, pick-up-and-play twin-stick shooter with resource gathering elements. It has no blood, no gore, no grizzled mercenaries, no princesses who need to be saved, no softcore anime cutscenes, no dialogue trees, and no moral dilemmas. It just has chikkin. Lots and lots of chikkin. [Playstation.com]
• Shadow Warrior for PlayStation 4 is released. Shadow Warrior is bold reimagining of 3D Realms' cult classic shooter from developer Flying Wild Hog (Hard Reset) and independent game label Devolver Digital (Serious Sam 3: BFE, Hotline Miami, LUFTRAUSERS) for PC and next-gen consoles. Blending the viciously over-the-top gunplay of its predecessor with the elegant precision of the powerful katana, Shadow Warrior is an imaginative take on the classic arcade-style shooter.
• The Legend of Korra for PlayStation 4 is released. Only one human born every generation, the Avatar, can bend the four elements of nature to their will. The Legend of Korra is a third-person action game that follows the current reincarnation of the Avatar – Korra – a headstrong teenage girl chosen by fate to bring balance to the powers of the world.
• Race the Sun for PlayStation 4 is released. You are a solar-powered craft. The sun is your death timer. Hurtle towards the sunset at breakneck speed in a futile race against time.You are a solar-powered craft. The sun is your death timer. Hurtle towards the sunset at breakneck speed in a futile race against time. Race The Sun is inspired by arcade games of the past with a focus on high scores, short game sessions, and a sense of pure fun mingled with a nerve-wracking tension. The rules are simple: don't crash, stay in the light, and don't slow down! This is a cross-save, cross-buy title.
• Samurai Warriors 4 for PlayStation 4 is released. The game's primary mode, Story Mode, is separated into 2 parts, regional stories, which tell the tales of the officers of various regions around the land such as Kyushu and Shikoku, and the story of unification, which details events up to the end of the Warring States era. By way of contrast to previous games in the SW series, the battles and the stories surrounding them are portrayed by faction, allowing the dramatic relationships between characters to be explored in more depth than ever before. Experience the convictions, intertwining ambitions and motivations that each character bears for yourself. [KOEI]
• GAMING: XBOX ONE
• Just Dance 2015 for Xbox One is released. Since its launch in 2009, the Just Dance franchise has become the world’s top selling dance video game and a mainstay of popular culture. And the game is back again this year with Just Dance 2015, bringing hot moves and new features to 40+ current hit songs and throwback favorite tunes. Let loose with friends and family by dancing to hit songs like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Burn” by Ellie Goulding. Staying true to the Just Dance personality, there are also legendary favorites like “Walk This Way” by Run DMC & Aerosmith and a chance to dance to Tetris moves! Get ready for this year’s fun and quirky dance moves that have something for everyone in your family or group of friends.
• Fantasia: Music Evolved for Xbox One is released. In this game, players enter the magical realms of Fantasia, selected by the legendary sorcerer Yen Sid to hone their musical and magical prowess as his new apprentice. "Fantasia: Music Evolved" takes players on an interactive motion-controlled journey through worlds of music and magic, unleashing their creativity along the way. Using Kinect motion control technology and natural, controller-free gameplay, players control the music flow from some of the industry's biggest acts, including electronic DJ and producer AVICII, chart-topper Bruno Mars, and rock royalty Queen. "Fantasia: Music Evolved" gives players the power to change the mix of their chosen songs in real-time, choosing between the original recording and new remixed versions, or adding new layers of music via magical manipulators that allow them to change music in new ways.
• POLITICS
• Gough Whitlam, Australian politician (Prime Minister,1972-1975), who died at 98.

On this day in 2013

• EVENTS
• The Parliament of Canada confers Honorary Canadian citizenship on women's rights and education activist Malala Yousafzai.
• Sid Bernstein, the concert promoter who staged early US shows by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, died aged 95.Bernstein booked The Beatles for their legendary show at Shea Stadium in New York in 1965, which was the first concert to be staged in a stadium. Bernstein also promoted the Fab Four's gigs at Carnegie Hall in New York on their first US tour in 1964. He also arranged The Rolling Stones first five US gigs and shows for Judy Garland, Ray Charles and Tony Bennett..
• DEATHS
• Bud Adams Jr., American NFL team owner (Tennessee Titans), who died at 90.
• ALBUMS
• How to Stop Your Brain in an Accident was released by Future of the Left. The fourth studio release for the Welsh alternative rock band was funded by fan donations through PledgeMusic.
• Situation Comedy was released by Euros Childs. This is the ninth solo release for the former Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci singer.
• Soul Music was released by Special Request. British electronic producer Paul Woolford's debut full-length release as Special Request includes a remix of Lana Del Rey's Ride.
• GAMING: PC
• Eldritch for PC is released. Eldritch is a 1st-person action game inspired by roguelikes, immersive sims, and H. P. Lovecraft. Unearth ancient secrets and find your path to freedom. Sneak, fight, and explore strange worlds. Invoke mystical powers to augment your play style. Randomly generated levels provide fresh challenges and opportunities. Unlock shortcuts to jump directly to deeper dungeons. [Minor Key Games]
• Warface for PC is released. Warface gives you extensive and addictive multiplayer options. A vast and constantly updated PVE universe complete with dramatic co-op missions that reward teamwork and individual skill, and a full set of class-based PVP games for unmatched competitive play.
• POLITICS
• Major R Owens, American politician (Rep-D-NY,1983-2007), who died at 77.