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The Latest
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| The Latest | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 23, 2009 | |||
| Recorded | 2008–2009 | |||
| Genre | Hard rock, power pop | |||
| Length | 40:06 | |||
| Label | Cheap Trick Unlimited | |||
| Producer | Cheap Trick, Julian Raymond, Howard Willing | |||
| Cheap Trick chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from The Latest | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    [1] |
| The A.V. Club | B+[2] |
| Chicago Tribune | [3] |
| Hard Rock Hideout | (9/10)[4] |
| PopMatters | [5] |
| Spin | (7/10)[6] |
The Latest is the sixteenth studio album by the American hard rock and power pop band Cheap Trick, released on June 23, 2009. The album was produced by Cheap Trick, Julian Raymond, and Howard Willing and was issued on CD, as well as limited pressings on vinyl and 8-track tape. The Latest is the final studio album by the band to feature original drummer Bun E. Carlos, who left the band in 2010.
Background
[edit]The track "Sleep Forever" was written in memory of a friend who died,[7] "Miss Tomorrow" was originally a B-side from Robin Zander's eponymous 1993 solo album, taken from the "Show Me Heaven" single,[8] while "Sick Man of Europe" was one of the band names used by Nielsen and Petersson in the early 1970s. "Everyday You Make Me Crazy" was originally written by the band as a Pepsi jingle from 1995[9] while "Alive" is a re-worked version of "What's in It for You", an outtake from the band's previous 2006 album Rockford.
Two music videos were created for songs off the album: one for "When the Lights Are Out" which was released on January 18, 2009,[10] and one for "Sick Man of Europe", which was released on August 13, 2009.[11]
Reception
[edit]The Latest debuted at number 78 on Billboard 200, and number 36 on the Top Rock Albums. The album has sold 24,000 copies in the United States as of March 2016.[12]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sleep Forever" | 1:37 |
| 2. | "When the Lights Are Out" (Slade cover) | 3:26 |
| 3. | "Miss Tomorrow" | 4:11 |
| 4. | "Sick Man of Europe" | 2:08 |
| 5. | "These Days" | 2:44 |
| 6. | "Miracle" | 3:47 |
| 7. | "Everyday You Make Me Crazy" | 1:17 |
| 8. | "California Girl" | 2:47 |
| 9. | "Everybody Knows" | 4:16 |
| 10. | "Alive" | 3:36 |
| 11. | "Times of Our Lives" | 3:59 |
| 12. | "Closer, The Ballad of Burt and Linda" | 3:00 |
| 13. | "Smile" | 4:12 |
Personnel
[edit]Cheap Trick
[edit]- Robin Zander – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Rick Nielsen – lead guitar, background vocals
- Tom Petersson – bass, background vocals
- Bun E. Carlos – drums
Additional musicians
[edit]- Julian Raymond – arrangements, additional musician
- Roger Joseph Manning Jr – keyboards
- Bon Harris – programming
- George Doering – acoustic guitar
- Luis Conte – programming
- Bennett Salvay – orchestration
- Jason Falkner – additional musician
- Todd Youth – additional musician
- Linus of Hollywood – additional musician
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Japanese Albums (Oricon)[13] | 84 |
| US Billboard 200[14] | 78 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard)[15] | 14 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[16] | 36 |
References
[edit]- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (July 21, 2009). "The Latest - Cheap Trick". AllMusic. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ Phipps, Keith (July 21, 2009). "Cheap Trick: The Latest". The A.V. Club. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ Kot, Greg (June 19, 2009). "Turn It Up: Album review: Cheap Trick's 'The Latest'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
- ^ Basker, Brian (July 7, 2009). "Cheap Trick - The Latest (2009)". Hard Rock Hideout. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ Loar, Christel (July 30, 2009). "Cheap Trick: The Latest". PopMatters. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
- ^ Zimmerman, Shannon (August 24, 2009). "Cheap Trick, 'The Latest' (Cheap Trick Unlimited)". Spin. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
- ^ "India Flux - Latest English Hindi News, Today Headlines & Breaking News". indiaflux.com. June 19, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "ROBIN ZANDER SHOW ME HEAVEN WHAT S HER NAME MISS TOMORROW CD 7 1994". Archive.today. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Boston Music Spotlight - Your Source for Music News and Concert Information » Cheap Trick and Squeeze to play co-headliner in Boston". Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- ^ "When The Lights Are Out - Cheap Trick". YouTube. January 18, 2009. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "Sick Man Of Europe - Cheap Trick". YouTube. August 13, 2009. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
- ^ "ザ・レイテスト". Oricon.co.jp. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ^ "Cheap Trick Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ "Cheap Trick Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ "Cheap Trick Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
The Latest
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background and Development
Podcast Concept
Ukraine: The Latest was conceived by Telegraph journalist David Knowles on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as a dedicated daily podcast to provide in-depth coverage of the conflict and its global ramifications.[9] The podcast was launched on March 2, 2022, just days after the invasion began, aiming to deliver weekday episodes featuring on-the-ground reporting, expert analysis, and discussions on military, humanitarian, and geopolitical aspects.[10] This format allowed for timely, accessible audio content, filling a gap in English-language media for comprehensive war coverage and quickly establishing it as The Telegraph's most popular program.[1] The concept emphasized a rotating team of hosts, starting with Knowles alongside Francis Dearnley and Rob Hains, to ensure diverse perspectives from Telegraph journalists with expertise in foreign affairs and history.[3] It focused on neutrality and rigor, incorporating voices from Ukraine, Russia, and international experts while avoiding speculation, which contributed to its rapid growth to millions of global listeners and over 120 million downloads by 2024.[1]Content Origins
The podcast's content originated from The Telegraph's immediate response to the escalating crisis in Ukraine, drawing on the newspaper's existing reporting infrastructure and correspondents in the region. Early episodes covered the initial invasion phases, including Russian advances and Ukrainian resistance, building on breaking news from Telegraph articles.[4] Over time, it evolved to include historical context, such as episodes exploring Ukraine-Russia relations predating 2022, and interviews with figures like historians and military analysts.[11] Following Knowles' death in September 2024, the hosting team expanded to include Lee Jarvis and Dominic Nicholls, maintaining continuity while incorporating more frontline dispatches from Ukraine.[12] By November 2025, over 1,000 episodes had been produced, reflecting the war's duration, with recent developments including AI-powered translations into Ukrainian and Russian launched on February 24, 2025, to broaden accessibility amid the conflict's third anniversary.[2][8] This innovation, using pioneering AI tools, marked a significant evolution in the podcast's delivery to reach audiences in the affected regions.[7]Recording and Production
Studio Sessions
Ukraine: The Latest originated as live discussions on Twitter Spaces (now X Spaces) shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, with episodes repurposed into a podcast format by cleaning up audio and incorporating pre-recorded interviews.[13] Principal recording occurs daily from The Telegraph's London offices, with contributions from on-the-ground reporters in Ukraine and remote experts worldwide, allowing for timely analysis of military, humanitarian, and geopolitical developments. Episodes typically run about 45-60 minutes and are released weekday evenings UK time to align with global audiences.[13] This flexible process captures a dynamic, conversational style, often including live elements or urgent updates, reflecting the podcast's commitment to real-time journalism. By November 2025, over 1,000 episodes had been produced, adapting to the war's evolution while maintaining high production standards.[1] The podcast marked a significant transition following the death of co-founder and host David Knowles on 8 September 2024 from a suspected cardiac arrest while on holiday in Gibraltar. Knowles' contributions shaped its early format, and episodes continued under rotating hosts to honor his legacy.Production Team
Production of Ukraine: The Latest is managed by a cross-newsroom team at The Telegraph, involving journalists from foreign affairs, defence, tech, and other desks, under the leadership of the podcast and social media teams.[13] This collaborative approach ensures diverse expertise and rigorous fact-checking, with episodes produced in-house without external studios to maintain editorial control. The format blends on-location reporting, expert interviews, and studio discussions, balancing immediacy with in-depth analysis.[1] Key hosts include Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor of Audio), Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor for Defence), and occasional contributors like Nataliya Vasilyeva and Rob Hains, rotating to provide fresh perspectives.[14] The team was selected for their on-the-ground experience and analytical skills, fostering a sound that is accessible yet authoritative on the conflict. Dearnley and Nicholls, in particular, have driven the podcast's growth, including live events and expanded coverage.[15] In February 2025, the production incorporated AI-powered tools to generate Ukrainian and Russian translations of episodes, replicating the original hosts' cadence and tone to broaden accessibility in the region without altering content. This innovation, developed in partnership with AI specialists, supports the podcast's global reach while preserving journalistic integrity.[2]Composition
Format
Ukraine: The Latest employs a journalistic format centered on daily weekday episodes, typically lasting 40 to 60 minutes, produced by The Telegraph's team of rotating hosts including Francis Dearnley, Rob Hains, and Dominic Nicholls.[14] Following the death of co-host David Knowles in September 2024, the podcast has continued with an expanded rotation of journalists and expert contributors.[12] Episodes generally structure around a timely news roundup of the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, followed by in-depth discussions, on-the-ground reporting, and interviews with military analysts, policymakers, Ukrainian civilians, and international observers. This conversational style incorporates data visualizations, historical context, and audio elements for clarity, often complemented by a weekly newsletter featuring maps and additional insights.[1] A unique feature is the use of AI-powered translations into Ukrainian and Russian, launched to broaden accessibility for regional audiences.[2] By November 2025, over 1,000 episodes have been released, maintaining a focused, no-filler approach to sustain listener engagement amid the protracted conflict.[7]Content and Themes
The content of Ukraine: The Latest delves into multifaceted themes surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with core motifs including military tactics and frontline updates, humanitarian consequences, geopolitical responses, and the war's broader global implications. These are presented through evidence-based analysis and diverse viewpoints, drawing from Ukrainian, Russian, and Western sources to ensure balanced coverage without overt editorializing.[14] A prominent theme is Ukrainian resilience and adversity, exemplified in episodes featuring personal stories from affected civilians and soldiers, such as discussions on trench warfare and reconstruction efforts. Nostalgia and historical context often frame analyses of Soviet-era influences and the invasion's roots, as seen in segments exploring Zelensky's leadership and Putin's regime dynamics.[1] Recent episodes as of November 2025 have addressed escalations like strikes on Russian ports and naval buildups, blending immediate reporting with long-term strategic insights on Western aid and economic disruptions.[16] The podcast also covers cultural and societal impacts, including corruption probes and preservation of Ukrainian heritage, fostering an optimistic undercurrent of solidarity and international support. This thematic depth, achieved through collaborative journalism, resonates universally while prioritizing factual rigor over speculation.[14]Release and Promotion
Commercial Release
The Latest was self-released by Cheap Trick on their own imprint, Cheap Trick Unlimited, marking the band's first independent album venture.[17] The album launched on June 23, 2009, and was distributed primarily through the band's official website, with availability expanding to select retailers such as Amazon shortly thereafter.[17][18] It was offered in several formats to appeal to both modern and nostalgic audiences, including a standard CD, limited-edition vinyl pressing, and a novelty 8-track tape as a nod to the band's 1970s origins.[19] The marketing strategy emphasized direct-to-fan engagement through online pre-orders and promotions targeted at existing supporters, underscoring the group's independence from major labels and their lasting legacy after 35 years together.[17][20] The release timing aligned with Cheap Trick's extensive summer touring schedule, including dates supporting Poison and Def Leppard through September, which helped amplify visibility and allowed fans to purchase the album at shows without relying on traditional label backing.[21]Singles and Videos
The lead single from Cheap Trick's sixteenth studio album The Latest was "When the Lights Are Out", a cover of Slade's 1974 glam rock track, released as a promotional CD single on January 18, 2009.[22][23] A music video for the song, described as a cleverly edited performance clip, was uploaded to the band's official YouTube channel on the same date to preview the album's energetic style.[24] The second single, "Sick Man of Europe", followed on August 13, 2009, as a CD single release.[25] This two-minute rocker, characterized by raucous guitar riffs and references to the British Invasion, drew its title from the band's short-lived early moniker used during a 1972–1973 European tour before renaming to Cheap Trick.[26][27] A music video for the track was released in September 2009, available on platforms like Apple Music and YouTube, and incorporated historical band footage to nod to their origins.[28][29] Both singles and their videos were targeted toward online platforms like YouTube for direct fan engagement, reflecting the album's independent distribution on the band's own Cheap Trick Unlimited label, with no major radio promotion campaign.[30] The tracks were chosen to showcase high-energy rock elements central to The Latest, helping sustain album interest through live performances and digital buzz into late 2009.[26]Personnel
Hosts
Ukraine: The Latest features a rotating team of hosts from The Daily Telegraph's journalism staff, providing on-the-ground reporting and analysis. As of November 2025, the primary hosts include:[1][3]- David Knowles, co-host and creator of the podcast, focusing on foreign affairs and conflict analysis.[10]
- Francis Dearnley, co-host and Executive Editor (Audio), specializing in defense and international security.[31]
- Dominic Nicholls, co-host and Associate Editor of Defence, covering military developments and strategy.[32]
- Adélie Pojzman-Pontay, co-presenter and narrative podcast producer, contributing to episodes on humanitarian and geopolitical impacts.[33]