Bleu - Sargeant Pepper Grinder

Bleu has officially released his 7th studio album (or 8th - or 9th - depending on who you ask! ;-), Sargeant Pepper Grinder, out now via Miracle Records, with vinyl mastering handled by Licorice Pizza Records.

A true windows-down, volume-up record, it effortlessly balances radio-ready pop-rock, 1970s Jeff Lynne-style arrangements, Rundgren-esque bombast, and high-energy glam. Beyond the infectious melodies, the record carries heartfelt resonance as a tribute to lost friends and longtime collaborators—most notably the late Ducky Carlisle, the three-time Grammy-winning engineer and producer behind Boston’s Ice Station Zebra studio, who helped shape classic Bleu albums like Redhead and Four.

Track Highlights

"Start a Band" – A driving, guitar-forward rock track that directly reflects on Bleu’s early days and his friendship and studio work with Ducky Carlisle.

"This Song Won't Sell" – Plays heavily with contrast, shifting between quiet, contemplative verses and explosive, hard-hitting chorus dynamics.

"Where the Colors Bleed" – Built around layered vocal harmonies and late-70s production textures, featuring Los Angeles singer-songwriter Carly Paige on co-lead vocals.

"Scooch" – Upbeat glam-rock with prominent lead guitars and high-register vocal hooks.

"Shiny Dimes" – Driven by pizzicato string arrangements and an acoustic midsection, concluding with guest vocals from Bleu’s son, William McAuley IV.

"In the Red" – An upbeat, 80s-inspired pop-rock collaboration with guest vocalist Kelly Jones.

Order & Stream

Support Bleu directly, stream the record, or pick up a copy on vinyl:

Bandcamp: bleu.bandcamp.com/album/sargeant-pepper-grinder

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