Dec 1

Sum 41 talk about new album
[source: NME.com] Sum 41's Derek Whibley has revealed he's written 20 songs for the follow-up to 2004's Chuck.
The self-produced effort, the first since the departure of guitarist and founding member Dave Baksh, was recorded in Los Angeles' Ocean Way studio.
"We can't wait for fans to hear this album. And we can't wait to get out on the road and prove ourselves to people," Whibley said.
These days, the band consists of Whibley on guitar and vocals, Cone McCaslin on bass and Steve Jocz on drums.
"The whole thing with Dave happened so, yeah, I know there is a lot of baggage attached to this album. But I'd like to think that we all learned a lot from what's happened. We realised that we needed to be a band again. Ever since All Killer, No Filler [from 2001], we honestly weren't a band. We were a machine."
A release date for the new album has yet to be confirmed.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Sum-41.aspx


Oasis acoustic clips appear online
[source: NME.com] Footage from Noel Gallagher's recent acoustic tour has appeared online.
Highlights from a special global webcast – featuring the Oasis band leader and guitarist Gem Archer performing in Paris – can now be viewed via the Oasis website (http://www.oasisnet.com).
The show includes "(It's Good) To Be Free", "Wonderwall", "Talk Tonight" and Beatles classic "Strawberry Fields Forever".
Since then, Gallagher and Archer have also performed solo shows in Los Angeles and at London's Union Chapel. They now head to Australia for four gigs.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Oasis.aspx


50 Cent discusses new album
[source: NME.com] 50 Cent's third studio album, Before I Self Destruct, is set to be released in early 2007.
The rapper said the music will be more experimental than 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin' or 2005's The Massacre.
"I show more vulnerability on this record than on others," he explained. "I'm in a space where I can experiment a little bit. I mean, I felt a lot of pressure between each one of my projects."
50 Cent said he was influenced by Motown artists like Smokey Robinson and has been working with Beyoncé producer Rich Harrison.
Before the album drops, however, 50 Cent will feature in a new film – Home Of The Brave – alongside Samuel L. Jackson.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/50-Cent.aspx


Shirley Manson to cover John Lennon
[source: NME.com] Shirley Manson will cover a John Lennon track for a forthcoming benefit album.
The title of the track has yet to be revealed, but AOL reported former Jane's Addiction bassist Eric Avery is collaborating on the song.
Manson has been working on her solo album for the past year and has reportedly collaborated with Jack White, Billy Corgan and David Arnold, as well as fellow Scot Paul Buchanan of The Blue Nile.
Meanwhile, Garbage are gearing up for the release of their greatest hits album, which is expected to arrive on shelves in March.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Garbage.aspx


Bloc Party confirm single details
[source: NME.com] Bloc Party have unveiled further details of the first single to be lifted from new album A Weekend In The City.
The band will release "The Prayer" on Monday January 29 on a series of formats, including 7", CD and as a download bundle.
The CD format features new track "We Were Lovers" and a Phones Metal Jackin' mix of the title track.
Meanwhile, the download bundle includes mixes by Parisian DJ Para One (Institubes), Break & Silent Witness and UK duo Does It Offend You, Yeah?.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Bloc-Party.aspx


Robbie Williams: no talent
The man who discovered Oasis has launched a scathing attack on Robbie Williams.
Creation Records founder Alan McGee labelled the UK singer a "showbiz chancer" and said he couldn't understand why Williams was as popular as performers such as Elton John and George Michael.
"These people are brilliant, world-class musical talents," McGee bristled. "But it's people like him [Williams] who are destroying British pop culture. He has one per cent of Mick Jagger's talent. He's the post 9/11 feel-good factor. He doesn't mean anything. He's utterly vacant."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Robbie-Williams.aspx


Evanescence head to Oz
Goth rockers Evanescence will tour Australia in February.
The Arkansas five-piece will perform tracks from their six times platinum debut Fallen and its October 2006 follow-up, The Open Door.
Australia is the band's most successful sales territory outside North America, so expect tickets to sell fast when they go on sale Monday December 11.

Tour dates:

Thursday February 8 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Saturday February 10 – Vodafone Arena, Melbourne
Tuesday February 13 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Thursday February 15 – Challenge Stadium, Perth
Saturday February 17 – Sydney Entertainment Centre

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Evanescence.aspx


Slipknot: no album until 2008
Mask-wearing metal rockers Slipknot will keep fans waiting for new material.
Shawn Crahan (he wears the clown mask) told MTV a new LP isn't scheduled until 2008.
"I don't think a lot of people understand this, but we're not a normal band," Crahan insisted. "We are the kind of band that – because of its magnitude, its nine people – believes in taking time off between conceptual cycles. So, we just got done with a three-and-a-half-year thing, and we played over 240 shows in 34 countries, and now we get a break from each other – a spiritual, mental, physical break. And when we get back together, it's business, man."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Slipknot.aspx


Geri Halliwell retires
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is retiring from the music industry in order to raise her daughter, Bluebell Madonna.
With more than 40 million albums sold during her career, Halliwell said she won't be making any more solo LPs, having released three albums to varying success.
"As far as music is concerned, I feel like I've given it my best," Halliwell told a reporter. "When I see [UK TV show] The X Factor and see how desperate people are for that chance, I realise I've had my turn and now have to let it go."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Geri-Halliwell.aspx


Mercury Rev discuss new LPs
Mercury Rev drummer Jeff Mercel has unveiled details of the band's next releases.
The Essential Mercury Rev – The Weird Years 1991-2006 is a 32-track, two-disc set featuring the best of the band's six albums (disc one) and hard-to-find rarities (disc two).
The group have also completed a soundtrack to French film Bye Bye Blackbird. Both releases can be found on the band's website, mercuryrev.com.
Mercel says the group are currently writing for the follow-up to 2005's The Secret Migration, which will again be produced by Dave Fridmann.
"Right now, it's still those little sparks," Mercel says. "In some capacity, we're always involved with him [Fridmann]. The relationship has changed now that we have our own functional studio, so some of the roles sort of cross. But it's still a very collaborative effort."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Mercury-Rev.aspx


New Modest Mouse LP
As they prepare to tour Australia later this month, US indie rockers Modest Mouse have announced they'll release a new album in March.
Released locally on the Red label, the as-yet-untitled LP will be the band's second longplayer, the follow-up to 2004's Good News For People Who Love Bad News. Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr will join the band in the studio.
Modest Mouse play The Palace in Melbourne on Friday December 29 before appearing at the Falls festivals, Brisbane, Sydney and the Southbound Festival.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Modest-Mouse.aspx


Charlotte Church dropped by label
Welsh songbird Charlotte Church has been dropped by SonyBMG after her latest singles failed to top the charts in the UK.
But Church, who was discovered when she was 12 and recorded the classical album Voice Of An Angel, insisted she wants to concentrate on TV presenting.
"The five-album deal came to an end and both Sony BMG and Charlotte decided not to renew it," Church's publicist said. "It was a mutual decision. Charlotte is not in a rush to consider any new long-term recording deals because the record company industry is in a state of flux."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Charlotte-Church.aspx

Nov 30

Madonna in new adoption challenge
[source: NME.com] Madonna is facing another adoption challenge after a Malawian judge allowed a coalition of human rights groups to proceed with a legal challenge against the singer's adoption of baby David Banda.
The proceedings are led by 67 Malawian groups, who lodged a petition before the court last month claiming existing legislation didn't allow for inter-country adoptions.
Madonna was granted an 18-month interim custody order, which allowed her to take the baby out of the country.
Judge Andrew Nyirenda ruled the human rights groups could be regarded as "friends of the court", so they could pursue their application for a full review of the custody order.
The groups wanted to be party to the assessment of Madonna's fitness as a mother. They argued the government cut legal corners to fast-track the adoption and said regulations must be followed to protect children.
The singer has denied using her wealth to fast-track the process.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Madonna.aspx


Radiohead fans asked to create video
[source: NME.com] Radiohead fans are being invited to create a video for the Thom Yorke track "The Clock".
The project is part of the band's sponsorship of the Debut Music Video category for the D&AD Global Student Awards 2007.
The competition, which supports up-and-coming creative talent, calls upon students across the globe to tackle live briefs from some of the world's biggest brands.
The 32 briefs are set by the world's leading designers, advertising and business professionals and cover a wide spectrum of creative disciplines and industry sectors.
D&AD Education chairman Garrick Hamm told Ateaseweb that winning the competition was "the most effective way for students to stand out from the crowd and make an impression on the creative sector".

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Radiohead.aspx


Carl Barat: "The Libertines nearly killed me"
[source: NME.com] Dirty Pretty Things frontman Carl Barat has admitted the demise of The Libertines almost signalled the end for him.
Speaking exclusively in this week's NME, Barat explained that when he ended the group in 2004 after touring without Pete Doherty he was at his lowest ebb.
"Finishing off The Libertines almost killed me," he explained. "Going around honouring commitments and trying to give every song what it deserved, it wasn't easy. I should have worn a suit of armour. I was doing it for Pete."
However, he declared the band's legacy would live on.
"I'll be a Libertine until the day I die."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Libertines-The.aspx


Snoop Dogg arrested
[source: NME.com] Snoop Dogg has been arrested on narcotics and weapons charges in Los Angeles.
The rapper was stopped by police in Burbank on Tuesday November 28 after recording a performance of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Police spokesman Sgt Kevin Granalski said authorities had found marijuana, cocaine and a firearm in the rapper's car.
It's the third time in three months the rapper has been arrested. The two previous incidents have been at airports in California.
In October, police arrested Dogg at Burbank Airport after they found a gun and marijuana in his car. He was charged and released on $44,500 bail pending a hearing on Sunday December 12.
Earlier in November, he surrendered to police in California to face charges of possessing a deadly weapon. This related to an incident in September when the rapper attempted to carry a deadly weapon onto a plane at Orange County John Wayne Airport. He posted a $191,000 bond and was released.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Snoop-Dogg.aspx


Hard-Fi unveil behind-the-scenes podcasts
[source: NME.com] Hard-Fi are giving fans the chance to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of their recent world tour through a special podcast.
The Staines four-piece are lining up a series of monthly Rockin' The City online webcasts, kicking off with a double bill charting their sold-out five-night residency at Brixton Academy earlier this year.
The footage will also feature a previously unseen interview in singer Richard Archer's backyard.
Future podcasts will feature interviews with tour companions Paul Weller, Mick Jones, Jerry Dammers and Billy Bragg; footage of their Japanese and Australian tours; and studio recording sessions from their highly anticipated second album.
Fans will also be able to email questions, comments and suggestions to the band, which will be answered in further podcasts.
Rockin' The City is available free from iTunes and the band's website.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Hard-Fi.aspx


Inaugural AIR Awards revealed
The first official Australian Independent Music Awards – the AIR Charts Awards – were launched yesterday (Wednesday November 29) during an intimate ceremony at Sydney's Blacket Hotel.
More than 150 industry insiders and artists enjoyed performances by Melbourne's Gotye – aka Wally De Backer – as well as his other band, The Basics.
Four awards were presented on the night. Adelaide hip-hop kings Hilltop Hoods won Independent Artist Of The Year and Best Performing Independent Album, for their smash LP The Hard Road. Roots outfit Blue King Brown took home Best Performing Single/EP with their self-titled EP, while Gotye was awarded Most Outstanding New Independent Artist.
"The winners have been selected from a very deep pool of equally worthy artists who demonstrate the amazing richness and diversity of talent that the Australian independent sector produces each year," AIR CEO Stuart Watters said.

Hilltop Hoods: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Hilltop-Hoods.aspx


Good Vibrations reveals local line-up
The 2007 Good Vibrations Festival has added more Australian acts to its line-up.
ARIA-nominated dance six-piece Sneaky Sound System, whose single "I Love It" recently hit the ARIA top 30 ,will appear, as will live percussive group Dirty Laundry. Electro mash-up DJ Ajax – recently awarded #1 Australian DJ at the 2006 Dance Music Awards – is on the bill, as is Modular Recordings outfit Van She and Melbourne house DJ Dirty South.
Artists already announced include Beastie Boys, Jurassic 5, Timo Maas, Rahzel & JS-one, Cassius, Thunderball & Fort Knox Five, Ursula 1000, London Elektricity, Nightmares On Wax (Sound System), DJ Dan, Kraak & Smaak DJ Set, Desyn Maseillo, Cicada & DJ Yoda and Cut Copy.
Good Vibrations kicks off on Saturday February 10 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, before heading to the Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth. Tickets are on sale now.

Sneaky Sound System: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Sneaky-Sound-System.aspx
Ajax: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Ajax-Vs-Krash.aspx
Van She: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Van-She.aspx
Dirty South: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Dirty-South.aspx
Beastie Boys: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Beastie-Boys.aspx
Jurrassic 5: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Jurassic-5.aspx
Cassius: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Cassius.aspx
Timo Mass: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Timo-Maas.aspx


She Wants Revenge cancel tour
Goth-tinged Los Angeles rockers She Wants Revenge have cancelled their Australian tour, scheduled for January 2007. Refunds are being offered, with promoter Chugg Entertainment stating the band "sincerely regret any disappointment caused to their Australian fans". The band hope to reschedule the dates sometime in the future.
Their self-titled LP is out now on Universal Music Australia.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/She-Wants-Revenge.aspx


The Handsome Family head to Oz
New Mexico outfit The Handsome Family are heading to Australia for a tour in early 2007.
Blending old and new-world Americana, husband-and-wife duo Brett and Rennie Sparks will perform tracks from their latest critically acclaimed release, The Last Days Of Wonder.
The Handsome Family will headline shows across the country, beginning in Brisbane on Sunday February 18, and appear at the Perth International Arts Festival on Sunday February 25. Tickets go on sale Thursday December 7.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Handsome-Family-The.aspx


Australian Idol winner meets his fans
Damien Leith, the Irish-born winner of 2006's Australian Idol, is gearing up for plenty of promotional work in support of debut single "Night Of My Life".
Sydney fans can catch Damien in action at two locations next week. He'll appear at 7.50am on Channel Seven's Sunrise program in Martin Place on Friday December 8, and at Westpoint Blacktown at 3pm the same day.
"Night Of My Life" has been certified Gold in less than 72 hours, with SonyBMG chairman Denis Handlin awarding the singer a plaque yesterday. Damien's debut CD/DVD, Damien Leith – The Winner's Journey, is released Monday December 6.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Damien-Leith.aspx

Nov 29

Nick Cave has new approach to interviews
[source: NME.com] Nick Cave's new band are asking fans to phone and leave a question on their answer phone for their first interview.
Grinderman consists of Cave, Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey and Jim Scalvunos and they'll release a self-titled debut on Monday March 5.
"It's a good idea to keep your question brief," a message on the band's MySpace page reads. "We have limited time with the band, who will answer as many questions as possible, although we can't promise they'll answer every question.
"If you have a question you'd like to ask the band then we want to hear from you. Call and leave a message on 0207 043 9787."
Answers will then be posted on the band's site.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Nick-Cave-The-Bad-Seeds.aspx


Razorlight barred from Russian performance
[source: NME.com] Razorlight were denied permits to perform a gig in Russia on Friday November 24.
The band were due to headline a concert for 4000 people but discovered four hours before show time that they didn't have permission to play.
The promoters were assured the paperwork was complete but, according to a statement, were told at the last minute that the government had denied the band access.
"The permits were denied because, allegedly, in order for the gig to go ahead the government required a further permit costing an astronomical amount of cash," the statement read.
Razorlight were denied further explanations "as promoters said they did not feel comfortable speaking about this matter over the telephone".

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Razorlight.aspx


Snow Patrol members to go solo?
[source: NME.com] Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody and guitarist Nathan Connolly are planning solo records.
Lightbody is currently working on solo material that, he says, will have an electro feel. Speaking to the BBC show Across The Line, Lightbody said there "might be something in the sidelines".
"I know Nathan wants to make an album of his own and I'm going to go off and do something on my own in January."
The singer stressed this didn't mean the end of the band.
"We'll always be together – just like the end of Grease."
Guitarist Connolly said his solo album would be "melodic".
"I don't know what it'll end up as. It'll be melodic and tuneful but we'll see what happens when I finally get round to doing it."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Snow-Patrol.aspx


Coldplay cover The Killers
[source: NME.com] Coldplay's Chris Martin covered The Killers at a surprise gig on Monday November 27 at London's Union Chapel.
Martin played a surprise four-song set with a violin player as part of Mencap's Little Noise Sessions.
He opened with a version of The Band's "I Shall Be Released", which he joked was written by Gareth Gates.
"You shouldn't cover songs in an acoustic fashion in front of Lily Allen fans!" he then said, before playing The Killers' "When You Were Young".
"What a great band The Killers are," he said afterwards.
Martin also played a new piano-based Coldplay song, "Bucket For A Crown", which he claimed he'd written the night before.
"If it's shit," he said, "we'll give it to The Killers. If it's good, we'll keep it."
The track, which sounded like "The Scientist", saw Martin adlib a line about Oasis.
"I want to listen to the session by Noel Gallagher," he sang, in reference to the Oasis songwriter's appearance the previous night.
Martin finished his short set with a version of Bob Dylan's "Buckets Of Rain", which he dedicated to Lily Allen.
"This is for Lily Allen," he said. "She's gorgeous, she's sweet, and if I wasn't married…"
Later, Allen played a five-song set and revealed her parents had actually married in The Union Chapel. "This is where my parents got married, about 25 years ago. It didn't last very long though, did it?"
As well as stripped-down versions of "LDN", "Smile" and current single "The Littlest Things", Allen played a version of The Kooks' "Naïve".
The Automatic's five-song set saw synth player Pennie admit the acoustic set-up was "really strange" for the band. They played "Gold Digger" by Kanye West as well as their massive hit, "Monster".
The evening was rounded off with a performance from James Morrison.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Coldplay.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx


Damien Rice tours Australia
Irish singer Damien Rice has announced a tour to Australia in February 2007. The singer will arrive in support of recent album 9, the follow-up to his two-million-selling 2001 debut, O.
Five years between albums was enough time for Rice to become a critics' favourite, with UK newspaper The Sunday Times labelling him "a brilliant songwriter" and claiming music "really doesn't get much better than this".
Rice's tour kicks off on Thursday February 15 at Fremantle Arts Centre and continues to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday December 5.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Damien-Rice.aspx


ABBA museum opens
A museum dedicated to the world's biggest pop group – Swedish four-piece ABBA – will open in Stockholm in 2008. Featuring music, clothing and historical memorabilia, the interactive museum has not yet found a location.
Ulf Westman, the event consultant in charge of the project, said it took more than two years to convince the group (Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad) to agree to the idea.
"It is nice that someone feels compelled to take on our musical history," the four members said in a joint statement. "We think this will be a fun and swinging museum to visit."
"As a Stockholmer, this is what you have been missing," Stockholm mayor Axen Ohlin announced. "We are convinced that this is important both for Stockholm citizens and for marketing the city."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Abba.aspx


Extra P!nk shows added
Thanks to feverish demand for tickets to US pop singer P!nk's upcoming I'm Not Dead tour, promoter Michael Coppel has announced a fourth Sydney show.
The gig will take place on Saturday May 12 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, with tickets on sale now. P!nk's previous three shows have already sold out.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Pink.aspx


Hilary Duff loses boyfriend
Nineteen-year-old American pop singer and actress Hilary Duff has reportedly broken up with Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden.
The couple, who had been together two years, recently filed a restraining order against two men for allegedly stalking Duff. Twenty-seven-year-old Madden appeared in Duff's latest film, Material Girls, and co-produced her Most Wanted LP.
Reports suggest Madden spoke about the split at a DJ appearance in Chicago earlier this week, saying their age difference was the cause of their problems.

Hillary Duff: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Hilary-Duff.aspx
Good Charlotte: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Good-Charlotte.aspx


Barbra Streisand sets live record
Barbra Streisand has set records for box-office numbers with her recent 20-date US tour.
The jaunt, Babs' first in six years, grossed more than $118million and set house records in 14 of the 16 arenas played.
Tour producer Michael Cohl lambasted critics who predicted the shows wouldn't sell.
"I say 'nay' to the naysayers," he offered. "That was probably one of the most satisfying parts of the whole thing. But the most satisfying part for me was how amazing the show was. I watched every night and I loved it. I'd never seen her in concert and she was sensational."
Plans for shows in Europe and the Far East in 2007 are currently being discussed, although there's no word on Australian dates.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Barbra-Streisand.aspx


Melbourne Big Day Out almost sold out
Organisers of the Big Day Out festival have announced in-store tickets for the Melbourne leg are now sold out. There are, however, limited tickets available through Ticketmaster.
The Big Day Out, featuring My Chemical Romance, The Killers, Muse, Tool, Lily Allen, The Crystal Method and more takes place at Princes Park South, Melbourne, on Sunday January 28.

The Killers: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Killers-The.aspx
Muse: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Muse.aspx
Lily Allen: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx
The Crystal Method: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Crystal-Method-The.aspx
My Chemical Romance: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/My-Chemical-Romance.aspx

Nov 28

Idlewild announce new album details
[source: NME.com] Idlewild will release the follow-up to 2005's Warnings/Promises in February.
Make Another World was recorded in Edinburgh with producer Dave Eringa this summer and will be preceded by download and 7" versions of first single "If It Takes You Home", out on Monday December 4.
According to a statement, the band almost jokingly called the album OutKast in reference to the album and film named Idlewild by the Atlanta duo.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Idlewild.aspx


Panic! At The Disco discuss departure of member
[source: NME.com] Panic! At The Disco have spoken about the departure of bassist Brent Wilson in May.
Guitarist Ryan Ross said it was hard to sack their old school friend.
"It was tough because we all went to high school together," he explained. "It just got to a point where it didn't seem like he was taking it seriously and was along for the ride.
"And he started to get into things we weren't happy about. It was a hard decision, but with Jon [Walker, new bassist] in the band now, we know it was the right decision."
Walker told Popmatters he was enjoying his time in the group.
"This band is everything to these guys, so it's not fair to them if someone in the band can't keep up."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Panic-At-The-Disco.aspx


Moby talks about next album
[source: NME.com] Moby has been discussing the eclectic follow-up to 2005's Hotel.
The singer, who recently released best-of collection Go, said the as-yet-untitled album would be released in September 2007.
Moby said he was enjoying creating tracks in his home studio.
"The thing about having a home studio," he said, "is that you can go into your studio and create the music you want to create. So I can go in and make punk rock songs or dance songs or minimal experimental pieces. The hard part is trying to figure out what songs are good enough to be on the record."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Moby.aspx


OutKast rapper starring in new film
[source: NME.com] OutKast rapper Big Boi is currently shooting his role in independent movie Who's Your Caddy?.
The flick sees Boi starring as a rap mogul from Atlanta who attempts to join a conservative country club but runs into opposition from the board president.
The rapper will also appear in three episodes of US sitcom Girlfriends. He will play himself and "discover" Lynn (Persia White), a struggling musician who Boi hires to collaborate on an album. Boi also performs a song written by White's character.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Outkast.aspx


V Festival heads to Australia
Richard Branson's V Festival will make its Australian debut in March 2007.
The line-up for the inaugural event was revealed in Sydney on Monday and includes Pixies, Gnarls Barkley, The Rapture, Groove Armada, Soulwax, Pet Shop Boys, 2manyDJs, Softlightes, Bumblebeez, The Mercy Arms and The Temper Trap.
The one-day festival has taken place in the UK for the past 11 years and will now come to Centennial Park, Sydney (Saturday March 31) and Avica Resort, Gold Coast (Sunday April 1).
Tickets go on sale Monday December 4. See http://www.vfestival.com.au for more details.

Pixies: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Pixies.aspx
Soulwax: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Soulwax.aspx
Gnarls Barkley: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Gnarls-Barkley.aspx
The Rapture: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Rapture-The.aspx
Pet Shop Boys: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Pet-Shop-Boys.aspx


Axl dumps Eagles Of Death Metal
There's no pleasing Axl Rose. At least, that's what LA rockers Eagles Of Death Metal have discovered.
The band, -which features Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme on drums, opened for Guns N' Roses at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena on Friday November 24. But after just one show, they've been dumped from a planned three-week stint.
"So how'd you like the Pigeons Of Shit Metal?" Rose asked the crowd, who reportedly failed to warm to the band's tongue-in-cheek sleaze rock.
"Don't worry, that's the last show they're playing with us."
EODM responded via their website.
"At first, the audience refused to welcome us to the jungle, but by the time we took our final bow, it had become paradise city. Although Axl tried to November rain on our parade, no sweet child o' mine can derail the EODM night train. We say live and let die."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Eagles-Of-Death-Metal.aspx


J.D. Fortune writing for new LP
Singer J.D. Fortune has revealed he's busy writing for the next INXS LP.
With 11 songs already in the bag, the Canadian frontman has shared demos with the band and said he's determined to have more involvement this time.
So far, tracks include "Angel Skin" ("about a man descending to the depths of hell with another man and telling him what brought him there"), "Death Of An Elephant" ("sometimes meeting your heroes isn't all it's cracked up to be"), "Lullaby", "Everybody Says Goodbye" and "Product Of The System".
But what do his bandmates think?
"They're loving it, absolutely loving it," Fortune claimed.
INXS are currently gearing up for US and European tours over the summer, with worldwide sales of 2005's Switch album sitting at just under one million copies.

Elton John falls ill onstage
When English icon Sir Elton John fell ill onstage during a weekend concert in Brisbane, he left the stage silently… only to return five minutes later after a quick bathroom visit.
"I thought I'd better chunder in the toilet [rather[ than all over the front row," John joked with the audience before continuing for another 45 minutes.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Elton-John.aspx


Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson file for divorce
It's taken less than four months for US singer Kid Rock to file divorce papers against blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson.
Rock – real name Robert Ritchie – wed the ex-Playboy bunny in late July near St. Tropez, France. Two other wedding ceremonies took place in the US the following month.
An hour after Rock filed his papers, Anderson responded by filing her own, with each citing "irreconcilable differences" to Los Angeles' County Superior Court. Anderson had recently confirmed she'd suffered a miscarriage earlier this month.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Kid-Rock-Sian-Jones.aspx


Noel Gallagher heads to Oz
Hot on the heels of Oasis best-of collection Stop The Clocks, Noel Gallagher and bandmate Gem Archer will visit Australia next month for a quick promo tour.
The pair will play four semi-acoustic shows following appearances in London, Los Angeles, Toronto and Tokyo.

Tour dates:

The Forum, Melbourne – Sunday December 10
The Tivoli, Brisbane – Tuesday December 12
Enmore Theatre, Sydney – Thursday December 14
Concert Hall, Perth – Saturday December 16

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Oasis.aspx

Nov 27

Kaiser Chiefs speak about new material
[source: NME] Kaiser Chiefs flew to Europe this week to road test new songs from their forthcoming second album, the follow-up to 2005's Employment.
Singer Ricky Wilson said the crowds had been very receptive to the new material.
"We're playing half a set of new songs and the crowds are already doing backing vocals for the new songs, so they must be pretty good," he reasoned.
The band recently recorded 22 tracks in Oxfordshire for the new album, which is due out in February.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Kaiser-Chiefs.aspx


Rolling Stones stage richest ever tour
[source: NME] The Rolling Stones have overtaken U2 to record the highest grossing tour ever.
The British veterans' A Bigger Bang world jaunt has now generated the most money in concert history, pulling in more than $562 million.
This puts it ahead of U2's Vertigo tour (AU$428m), which itself took the record from the Stones' Voodoo Lounge tour in 1994/95.
It's believed A Biggger Bang will continue well into 2007 and final figures may be up around the AU$643m mark.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Rolling-Stones-The.aspx


Radiohead win composer award
[source: NME] Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has been honoured at BBC Radio 3's Composer Of The Year awards.
The guitarist, who became a composer in residence at the station after starting to work on classical composition between Radiohead albums, was named Favourite Artist at this year's awards.
The work that clinched the prize was "Popcorn Superhet Receiver", which beat eight other orchestral pieces the BBC commissioned in the last year.
Greenwood's composition blends strong chords with radio static and was inspired by Polish composer Penderecki's piece for the victims of the Hiroshima nuclear attack.
The BBC's Roger Wright said Greenwood's win was "a great example of Radio 3's unique cultural patronage".

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Radiohead.aspx


Ex-Ash guitarist names new album
[source: NME] Former Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley will release The Deep Blue on Monday March 5.
Out through her own imprint, Little Sister Records, the follow-up to 2004's debut album will be preceded by a four-track EP on Sunday December 17. The EP will be available in digital and 7" format and will feature new single "Behave", as well as a remix and two new songs ("Mr Ed" and "Cousteau").
Hatherley plans to tour the UK in February to coincide with the release of second single "I Want You To Know".
The Deep Blue was written and recorded in Italy with Frank Black producer Eric Drew Feldman and PJ Harvey cohort Rob Ellis. It was mixed by Blur producer Ben Hillier.

Ash: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Ash.aspx


Liam Gallagher: my Oasis best-of
[source: NME] Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher thinks his brother Noel could have chosen better songs for the band's new best-of collection, Stop The Clocks.
"I think he's missed a few," Liam declared. "I'd have put on 'Rockin' Chair', 'D'You Know What I Mean?' and some off Be Here Now.
"If he didn't like the record [Be Here Now] that much, he shouldn't have put the f***ing record out in the first place. I don't know what's up with him but it's a top record and I'm proud of it."
However, in an interview with The Sun's Something For The Weekend, Noel admitted "D'You Know What I Mean?", the chart-topping fist single from Be Here Now, was actually included until the very last moment.
"[It] was on it right up to the day before it was mastered. But it's just too long. It upset the flow of the album," he explained.
Meanwhile, Liam has revealed what he'd do if his hero, John Lennon, was alive and they met.
"I'd freak him out by looking at him, stare him out," the Oasis frontman said. "But I don't know. I'd probably bum him."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Oasis.aspx


The Great Escape announces line-up
Wolfmother, Gomez and Missy Higgins are among the first round of acts announced for new Sydney festival The Great Escape.
The Easter event takes place at Newington Armory, Newington, between Friday April 6 and Sunday April 8 and will feature both local and international talent.
Also on the bill are The Living End, The Vines, Fat Freddy's Drop, Ziggy Marley, Bob Evans, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Blue King Brown and The Fumes.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday December 7. Head to http://www.thegreatescape.net.au for more info.

Gomez: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gomez.aspx
The Vines: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Vines-The.aspx
Missy Higgins: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Missy-Higgins.aspx
Wolfmother: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
Bob Evans: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Bob-Evans.aspx
Ziggy Marley: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Ziggy-Marley.aspx
The Fumes: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Fumes-The.aspx
The Living End: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Living-End-The.aspx


Tom Petty loses his guns
Following an arrest earlier in 2006 for disturbing the peace, US rocker Tom Petty has told Guitar Acoustic Magazine he's prohibited from keeping firearms in his home.
"I can never have a gun in the house," Petty admitted. "I'm not allowed. I've had mine taken away for disturbing the peace. There were times when I'd just start shooting. Not at people, but I'd go out and kill a tree. When I'd get mad, I'd take a gun and kill some inanimate object. So it was the right thing to have the guns taken away. They're dangerous."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Tom-Petty.aspx


Nelly Furtado goes gold
Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado has revealed her philanthropic side in an upcoming photo shoot for Vanity Fair magazine.
The four-page spread sees the singer decked out in jewellery from Bailey Banks and Biddle, a Canadian chain with stores throughout the USA and Puerto Rico. The ad supports Land Conservancy, a British Columbia-based conservation group Furtado has been involved with for three years.
"She not only endorsed us for free but she also gave us the funds she would have been paid doing that ad," Land Conservancy representative Carla Funk revealed.
The organisation first teamed with Furtado after the singer posted a note on her website about her favourite holiday destination (the Sooke Potholes, a site supported by the organisation).
"She's just concerned about her child and other people's children and our grandchildren to have places that are green."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Nelly-Furtado.aspx


Madonna's new daughter denied
Rumours that pop star Madonna was planning on adopting another baby have been quashed after the child – a baby girl, Jessica – was collected by Australian couple John and Angela Wilmot.
The Wilmots, both missionaries, took Jessica out of the Kondanani orphanage in Malawi yesterday.
"She's with us now and that's where she's staying," 42-year-old John said. "We're her foster parents… we're just waiting for the adoption paperwork to go through. Madonna did visit the orphanage where Jessica was, but she never had any intention of adopting her."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Madonna.aspx


Fan hacks Into Linkin Park singer's email
A US woman has been charged after allegedly hacking into Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington's email.
It's suggested Devon Townsend, 27, used a computer at her former workplace – Sandia National Laboratories, a company that develops security technology for websites – to obtain copies of Bennington's phone bill, numbers he's dialled and telephone photos.
"This is the internet version of a groupie hiding in Mick Jagger's dressing room," Townsend's lawyer, Ray Twohig, said.
"We're in a different age, and fans have more skills than they used to."
A search of Townsend's home revealed pictures of Townsend with the singer, as well as copies of messages and photos intercepted from the Bennington family's e-mail.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Linkin-Park.aspx

Nov 24

Interpol start recording third album
[source: NME.com] Interpol have begun recording their third album.
The follow-up to 2004's Antics will be their first on Capitol Records and is expected to be released in mid-to-late 2007.
"The atmosphere and environs of a recording facility affect the sound and feel of an album in the subtlest of ways," the band announced on their official website. "And we are affected. And it is subtle."
The album is being recorded in New York's Soho and they say they are "enjoying being local".
Working titles of some new songs include "The Heimlich Manoeuvre" and "Pawn Shop".

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Mary-J-Blige.aspx


Mary J Blige to release retrospective
[source: NME.com] R'n'b superstar Mary J Blige will include four new songs on her greatest hits album.
Comprised of material spanning her 15-year career, Reflections – A Retrospective is due out on Tuesday December 12. The first single to be taken from the album will be "We Ride (I See the Future)".
Blige is also set to release a second album in the States. The two-disc release, Mary J Blige & Friends, will see all proceeds donated to youth aid programme The Boys & Girls Club Of America, and will only be available through retailer Circuit City.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Mary-J-Blige.aspx


New Order's future in doubt
[source: NME.com] New Order's future is in doubt after drummer Stephen Morris admitted he was unsure of the band's current status.
"I could say there won't be New Order for a couple of years, but we're bad at planning things so let's see what happens," he said.
Bassist Peter Hook said last month's gig in Buenos Aires could have been the band's last.
And when it comes to new material, Morris added, it's more a case of having old songs that are yet to be released.
"We have seven songs left from [2005's] Waiting For The Sirens' Call and we didn't want to make an album that was the rest of another one. Besides, Waiting For The Sirens' Call wasn't a successful enough record for our label to say 'Yes! Yes! Yes'. [It was] more like, 'Um, maybe'.
"This is a strange time to be in New Order. It was good a couple of years ago when everyone was saying we were 'god-like geniuses' [the band were honoured at the 2005 NME Awards] and the fans recognised the band. There are a lot of New Orders around and we're the old guys of the neighbourhood, so we should stop for a while and let them take our place."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/New-Order.aspx


The Killers record Christmas single
[source: NME.com] The Killers made a surprise trip to the studio last week with producer Alan Moulder to lay down a Christmas single.
Speaking to NME.COM, singer Brandon Flowers explained it was some of the great festive records of the past, rather than the likes of Cliff Richard, that inspired him to record "A Great Big Sleigh".
"There are some great Christmas tunes that have been recorded over the years from the likes of George Michael [in Wham!] and John Lennon," he explained. "Sometimes you get so caught up in business and being an adult that you forget to have fun and enjoy things and be nice to people."
The track will be released through iTunes as a download only on Tuesday December 5.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Killers-The.aspx


Seal is a dad again
Pop singer Seal has welcomed the birth of his second child. He and German supermodel Heidi Klum married in May 2006 and already have a one-year-old son, Henry Guenther Ademola Dashtu Samuel.
They became parents again on Wednesday November 22 after the birth of Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel.
"He is healthy, beautiful and looks just like his mother," a posting on Seal's website read.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Seal.aspx


Kasey Chambers and Missy Higgins play for farmers
Kasey Chambers and Missy Higgins will perform together on Australia Day at Tamworth's Country Music Festival.
"We shared the stage at Wave Aid a couple of years ago and I'd hoped to get the chance to do that again," Chambers revealed.
The country music star regularly hosts concerts at the festival to raise money for local charities and has convinced Higgins, currently in Los Angeles working on her new album, to get involved.
"I've only been to the Tamworth Festival once before," Higgins said, "so I'm really looking forward to getting back there and being part of this show that I've heard so much about."
All proceeds raised at the event will go to Tamworth's Salvation Army Drought Relief. Chambers has previously raised more than $90,000.

Kasey Chambers: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Kasey-Chambers.aspx
Missy Higgins: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Missy-Higgins.aspx


Mariah's coat goes missing
A fur coat donated to charity by Mariah Carey has gone missing. The $9000 coat, which Carey donated to animals rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), was on its way to Mongolia.
"After [Carey] received two floor-length minks from a rich admirer, she resealed the box and sent them to PETA," a PETA spokesman revealed.
"One coat was on its way to Switzerland where it was to be included in a sealed container bound for Mongolia as part of a worldwide fur-coat drive in conjunction with the Swiss Animal Protection Society. But the coat never arrived."
PETA regularly sends cast-off fur coats to help clothe the homeless and refugees.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Mariah-Carey.aspx


The Pretenders add new shows
The Pretenders, led by Chrissie Hynde, have announced additional Australian dates after concerts in some cities sold out.
A Melbourne gig at the Prince Of Wales on Wednesday January 24 has been added to the tour, while a second show at Sydney's State Theatre on Tuesday January 30 is also on sale.
The Pretenders will also appear at Rochford Wines' A Day On The Green in the Yarra Valley on Saturday January 27, alongside Paul Kelly, The Church and Josh Pyke.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Pretenders-The.aspx


East Coast Blues & Roots Festival reveals line-up
Ben Harper and the Dave Matthews Band head the first artist announcement for the 18th Byron Bay East Coast Blues & Roots Festival.
Festival director Peter Noble said the event, which will take place between Thursday April 5 and Monday April 9, is really "hitting a groove" now.
"It's great to be recognised at home and internationally. Sometimes the stars align and, with the line-up for 2007, we're incredibly happy with the fantastic, diverse artists that will be playing."
The first round of acts include Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Missy Higgins, Wolfmother, Bonnie Raitt, Bo Diddley, Taj Mahal, Tony Joe White, The Roots, Lee Scratch Perry, Kasey Chambers, John Butler Trio, Fat Freddy's Drop, Refugee All Stars Of Sierra Leone, ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra), Fishbone, Gomez, Fred Eaglesmith & The Flying Squirrels, Keiran Kane & Kevin Welch, The Waifs, Feist, Ben Kweller, Floggin' Molly, Go Go Bordello, Xavier Rudd.

Ben Harper: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Ben-Harper.aspx
Bo Diddley: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Bo-Diddley.aspx
Ben Kweller: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Ben-Kweller.aspx
Dave Matthews Band: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Dave-Matthews-Band.aspx
The Roots: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Roots-The.aspx
Fishbone: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Fishbone.aspx
Kasey Chambers: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Kasey-Chambers.aspx
Missy Higgins: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Missy-Higgins.aspx
Xavier Rudd: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Xavier-Rudd.aspx
Wolfmother: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
John Mayer: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/John-Mayer.aspx
Gomez: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Gomez.aspx
Bonnie Raitt: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Bonnie-Raitt.aspx


Elton John: "Noel's a tosser"
Sir Elton John has branded Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher a tosser.
In a week that saw Gallagher stir up controversy by blasting soldiers who complain about being shot, he also claimed Sir Elton and other pop stars were "too precious" to bother shopping for milk.
"[Oasis] don't deserve to be number one," Sir Elton told The Sun newspaper. "[Stop The Clocks] isn't a greatest hits album because they've left three of their biggest hits off. After what f***ing Noel Gallagher said about me I couldn't give a sh*t about Oasis. I go into f***ing shops all the time. He's just such a tosser. He's an absolute tosser and he looks like Parker from Thunderbirds."

Oasis: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Oasis.aspx
Elton John: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Elton-John.aspx


Lily Allen lashes out at NME editor
Angry at being dumped from the cover of music mag NME, UK pop queen Lily Allen has posted a vicious tirade against the magazine's editor on her MySpace blog.
Allen says a planned "lady cover", featuring herself and four other women who made it into the magazine's annual cool list, was dropped in favour of a Muse shot. Editor Conor McNicholas further incensed the Londoner by claiming "you can still rock a crowd when you're wearing stilettos" in the feature.
"I mean, how patronising," Allen fumed. "Is that all we are, stiletto wearing people? Is that all he could say, that we brought a 'new energy' to the music scene? Don't make me sick. We've always been here, you arrogant prick. This was your chance to actually show you meant it. And instead you put Muse on the cover because you thought your readers might not buy a magazine with an overweight lesbian and a not particularly attractive looking me on the front."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx

Nov 23

Thom Yorke reveals favourite song
[source: NME.com] Thom Yorke has named Bjork's "Unravel" as his favourite tune.
The Radiohead singer told Spin he wanted the band to cover the song in the future.
"I'm trying to get Radiohead to do a cover because I think it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard," he said.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Radiohead.aspx


Noel Gallagher slams Scissor Sisters
[source: NME.com] Fresh from dismissing The Beatles' new album, Noel Gallagher has taken a pop at Scissor Sisters.
The Oasis leader, whose band released best-of Stop The Clocks earlier this week, said the American group's sound was "music for squares".
"I particularly loathe Scissor Sisters," Gallagher told Spin. "I like 'Laura' from the first record, but it's music for squares, man. They're huge in England, but there's no accounting for bad taste as far as the English are concerned."
Meanwhile, Gallagher revealed a weakness for The Bee Gees.
"They're right up there with The Beatles in terms of how I learned to like music and how I was influenced as a songwriter."
However, he's not keen on their entire catalogue.
"Once they get into disco and all that fucking nonsense, it's music for women."

Oasis: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Oasis.aspx


Jarvis Cocker to release first solo single
[source: NME.com] Jarvis Cocker will release his first solo single proper in early 2007.
"Don't Let Him Waste Your Time", taken from debut solo LP Jarvis, will be released on Monday January 8. Previously, "Running The World" had been available as a download-only single.
The CD version of the track features a new song called "The Mouse, The Bird And The Sausage" and the video for "Don't Let Him Waste Your Time". There are also two 7" singles – one backed by "Big Stuff", the other by "One Man Show".

Pulp: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Pulp.aspx


Green Day fight addiction
[source: NME.com] Green Day have joined a campaign to fight America's oil addiction.
The band have joined forces with the Natural Resources Defense Council For The Move America Beyond Oil campaign.
In a statement, singer Billie Joe Armstrong said the band felt comfortable taking on the responsibility.
Green Day have established a special website – GreenDayNRDC.com – that allows fans to send text messages directly to lawmakers and corporate leaders to demand change.
http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Green-Day.aspx



Gwen Stefani wants her band back
With a second solo album due to hit stores in December, Gwen Stefani has told MTV the new LP might be her last solo outing.
"I don't think I will make another," she admitted. "I can't predict anything, but I don't plan on making one of these solo dance project records. I definitely feel myself going back to No Doubt after this."
However, Stefani admitted she has enough tracks to fill another disc.
"I don't really know what will happen with those other songs," she said. "There's probably about ten left over. I could [make] an album with them really fast! So we'll see what happens. I mean, you can always use them for something at some point, or I could just listen to them myself and be greedy."

No Doubt: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/No-Doubt.aspx
Gwen Stefani: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Gwen-Stefani.aspx


Faithless deliver new album
Faithless will unveil their fifth album this weekend. Dedicated to production guru Rollo and DJ Sister Bliss's new babies, To All New Arrivals sees one of the UK's most successful dance/trip-hop acts return to the top of their game.

Tracklisting:

"Bombs"
"Spiders, Crocodiles & Kryptonite"
"Music Matters"
"Nate's Tune"
"I Hope"
"Last This Day"
"To All New Arrivals"
"Hope & Glory"
"Kind Of Peace"
"The Man In You"
"Emergency"
.
http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Faithless.aspx


Michael Jackson's Christmas gift
Pop icon Michael Jackson will be the main attraction at a special Christmas party in Japan.
About 1600 fans will be given the opportunity to attend the party, with 200 "platinum tickets" (priced up to $4,420) available. They'll grant ticketholders a meet-and-greet session with the reclusive 48-year-old.
The party, to be held on Tuesday December 19, is designed to be a "25th anniversary" bash for Jackson's Thriller LP. Strangely, the best-selling album of all time was actually released 24 years ago, in December 1982.
"He had a good feeling when he came to Japan last May for the music video awards," promoter Misaki Hayashi said. "So I'm sure he wanted to come back to Japan as soon as possible."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Michael-Jackson.aspx


INXS have Australia's favourite lyric
A nationwide poll conducted by pay TV music channel VH1 has seen INXS classic "Never Tear Us Apart" named Australia's Favourite Lyric.
The 1988 tune topped the list, voted by thousands of viewers, beating finalists such as Jeff Buckley, AC/DC, Midnight Oil, Pink Floyd and Pearl Jam.
"That song is particularly dear to most Australians," legendary rocker and host Billy Thorpe said.
"It was a wonderful song before Michael's death, but those lyrics became particularly sad and poignant after his death since it was the song they played at his funeral. It added a whole new meaning to the song after Michael's death and I think Australians remember him when they hear that song."

The top ten:

1. INXS – "Never Tear Us Apart"
2. Jeff Buckley – "Last Goodbye"
3. James Blunt – "You're Beautiful"
4. Coldplay – "Yellow"
5. Oasis – "Wonderwall"
6. Led Zeppelin – "Stairway To Heaven"
7. Kasey Chambers – "The Captain"
8. Bob Dylan – "The Times They Are A Changin'"
9. AC/DC – "You Shook Me All Night Long"
10. U2 – "One"

INXS: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Inxs.aspx


Black Eyed Peas sweep American Music Awards
LA-based trio Black Eyed Peas were the big winners at the 2006 American Music Awards.
Held on Tuesday November 21 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the Peas were named Favourite Group in the soul/r'n'b and rap/hip-hop categories, while they also took home Favourite Album in the rap/hip-hop genre.
Currently on tour in Costa Rica, the band accepted the awards via satellite.
Other big winners included the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Favourite Pop/Rock Band and Favourite Alternative Music Artist), Mary J. Blige (Favourite Female Soul/R'n'B Artist and Favourite Soul/R'n'B Album) and Kelly Clarkson (Favourite Female Pop/Rock Artist and Favourite Adult Contemporary Artist).

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Black-Eyed-Peas.aspxa

Nov 22

Super producer Timbaland to release solo album
[source: NME.com] Super producer Timbaland is set to release a solo album, tentatively called Timbaland Presents Shock Value.
The album, which he's calling a "compilation", is reportedly due in March and will feature Dr Dre, Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
"The other stuff is rock: She Wants Revenge, The Hives," Timbaland said. "And I'm about to get Fall Out Boy, Bjork and Elton John."
The song with Elton John is called "Last Piece Of The Puzzle", while the first single, "Give It To Me", is a collaboration with Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Timbaland-And-Magoo.aspx

Scissor Sisters become TV stars
[source: NME.com] Scissor Sisters singer Ana Matronic will make a guest appearance on US soap Passions.
The soap centres around the inhabitants of a fictional town called Harmony in Maine and Matronic will star in a scene with Tabitha (played by Juliet Mills).
Two Scissor Sisters songs, "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" and "Land Of A Thousand Words", will appear in the episode.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Scissor-Sisters.aspx


Strokes singer speaks out on solo Albert Hammond Jr
[source: NME.com] Julian Casablancas has given his verdict on Strokes bandmate Albert Hammond Jr.'s solo album.
Speaking to baseball fansite Yankees2000, the singer said Yours To Keep was "great".
"He's my bro and I'm rooting for him. I like the album a lot and I think it's cool. When you're in a band it's kind of hard to bring stuff that five people agree on, but it's cool because he wanted to do this, he wanted to do his own thing.
"I'll tell you though, I don't know how he does it, going straight from our tour to his tour. I think he's gonna crash after this."
Casablancas also discussed the possibility of a new Strokes album.
"Well, we just finished touring and I'm still kind of couch-ridden at this point," he said. "I was, just a week ago, feeling like I was back and that I could get to work, but then I went to LA because I promised some friends I would help with their record, so I'm a little tired.
"Anyway, we haven't talked about anything specifically. We talk casually but there are no plans at the moment."
Hammond Jr's new single, "101", is due out on Monday November 27.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Strokes-The.aspx


Flaming Lips collaborate with Yoko Ono
[source: NME.com] The Flaming Lips are among 17 artists covering Yoko Ono on a new album entitled Yes, I'm A Witch.
Cat Power, Polyphonic Spree, Peaches and Antony Hegarty (Antony & The Johnsons) all contributed to the album, which involved each artist producing new versions of her tracks, with most bands opting to retain the original vocals.
Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne spoke enthusiastically about his band's contribution.
"To be able to play with a track as uncompromising and confrontational as John and Yoko's 'Cambridge 1969' is, for any curious artist, a rare treat.
"We took Yoko's primal screams and John's moaning feedback and turned them into a kind of Ornette Coleman-esque melody… I fear we may have de-fanged rock's most disturbing performance-art-jam."

Yes, I'm A Witch tracklisting:

"Witch Shocktronica Intro" – Hank Shocklee
"Kiss Kiss Kiss" – Peaches
"O'Oh" – Shitake Monkey
"Everyman… Everywoman" – Blow Up
"Sisters O Sisters" – Le Tigre
"Death Of Samantha" – Porcupine Tree
"Rising" – DJ Spooky
"No One Can See Me Like You Do" – Apples In Stereo
"Yes I'm A Witch" – The Brother Brothers
"Revelations" – Cat Power
"You And I" – Polyphonic Spree
"Walking On Thin Ice" – Jason Pierce (Spiritualized)
"Toy Boat" – Antony (Antony & The Johnsons) and Hahn Rowe
"Cambridge 1969-2007" – The Flaming Lips
"I'm Moving On" – The Sleepy Jackson
"Witch Shocktronica Outro" – Hank Shocklee
"Shiranakatta (I Didn't Know)" – Craig Armstrong

The Flaming Lips: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Flaming-Lips-The.aspx
Yoko Ono: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Yoko-Ono.aspx


Pink Floyd legend's belongings auctioned off
[source: NME.com] The family of Pink Floyd legend Syd Barrett will donate a percentage of the money raised from the auction of his belongings to educational development.
The event will be held at Cheffins Auctioneers in Cambridge on Wednesday November 29. Barrett's family decided to auction his possessions following his death in July, aged 60, from pancreatic cancer.
Among the items are a number of paintings. Barrett trained at Camberwell Art School in London before founding Pink Floyd in the 60s. After becoming a virtual recluse in 1974, he returned to his first love.
More details on the auction can be found at htttp://www.cheffins.co.uk.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Pink-Floyd.aspx


K. Fed: there's no sex tape
Kevin Federline, who was rumoured to be planning to use a homemade sex video as leverage in his divorce battle with Britney Spears, has denied the tape's existence.
"There is not a sex tape," a statement from Federline's lawyer read. "It goes without saying that the stories of Kevin attempting to sell such a video are patently false and anyone who reports that they have information of such attempts is either lying or reporting the lie of someone else.
"It would be impossible to comment upon and correct all of the other misinformation about Kevin that appears on a daily basis and consequently no attempt has been made, or will be made, to do so."
British tabloid News Of The World had publicly offered Federline $64million for the real thing, if it did exist.

Britney Spears: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx


Dolly Parton launches Canadian charity
Country icon Dolly Parton has extended the reach of her Imagination Library – a literacy program that sends a book a month to children under the age of five – by launching the project in Canada yesterday.
Parton, who was inspired to start the charity by one of her favourite books, The Little Engine That Could, visited a Toronto library on Tuesday to promote the project
"There must be Canadian children who want and need a program like this one and so here I am," she told reporters. "Let's face it, children relate to me because I look like a big old cartoon! I'm a little engine that did, honey!"

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Dolly-Parton.aspx


Kanye West sponsors BMW race car
Kanye West has sponsored a race car in order to "make a positive difference". The US rapper has got behind a car taking part in the Formula BMW World Finals in Valencia, Spain, this weekend.
The vehicle will feature West's bear mascot, an image that appeared on the artwork for College Dropout and Late Registration, as well as the logo of two charities West supports.
"The Kanye West Foundation is the realisation of a dream," West declared. "To be able to spread the word about both the Kanye West Foundation and the UN World Food Program in such an exciting setting is particularly gratifying."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Kanye-West.aspx

Radiohead in the studio
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has told fans the band are making good progress on their upcoming L.
Via a posting on the band's website, Dead Air Space, Yorke told fans they were taking a "blessed" seven-day break from recording.
"We had a good week in the studio last week. Finally things are growing," Yorke wrote.
He also urged listeners to sign up to a global Stop Global Warming petition, blasting politicians for their lack of response to world climate issues, which he said were "ringing bells in his head".

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Radiohead.aspx

Triple J unveil final J Award nominees
Triple J have revealed their full list of nominees for the 2006 J Award, the radio station's annual gong for Australian album of the year.
The winner will be announced live-to-air during a ceremony at the Gaelic Club, Sydney, on Friday December 1.

The nominees:

The Living End – State Of Emergency
Augie March – Moo, You Bloody Choir
The Hilltop Hoods – The Hard Road
The Grates – Gravity Won't Get You High
Gotye – Like Drawing Blood
The Sleepy Jackson – Personality (One Was A Spider, One Was A Bird)
Bob Evans – Suburban Songbook
Dan Kelly & The Alpha Males – Drowning In The Fountain Of Youth
Sarah Blasko – What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have
Macromantics – Moments In Movement
Subaudible Hum – In Time For Spring, On Came The Snow
Blue King Brown – Stand Up

Bob Evans: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Bob-Evans.aspx
Dan Kelly: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Dan-Kelly-And-The-Alpha-Males.aspx
Augie March: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Augie-March.aspx
The Grates: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Grates-The.aspx
Sarah Blasko: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Sarah-Blasko.aspx
The Sleepy Jackson: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Sleepy-Jackson-The.aspx
The Living End: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/Artist/Living-End-The.aspx

Nov 21

Smashing Pumpkins press on with "magnificent" new album
[source: NME.com] Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has described the group's comeback album as "magnificent".
Writing on the band's MySpace page, the drummer revealed frontman Billy Corgan, who has remained largely silent about the reunion, is currently putting his guitar parts down.
"We are moving along nicely in the studio," Chamberlin said. "BC pulled off a magnificent guitar symphony last night and it is still ringing in my ears this morning. Eight guitars resonating in one big harmonic handshake!
"Yes, things are sounding great, my friends. Today we will be working on vocals and solos. Tomorrow, who knows? We are channellers, sonic students."
The band are set to release a new album in 2007, their first since 2000's Machina/The Machines Of God.
Though Corgan and Chamberlin's participation is confirmed, it's unclear who else will be in the band.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3529494


Jay-Z plays seven times in 24 hours
[source: NME.com] Jay-Z has marked his comeback by performing seven concerts in just 24 hours.
The rapper played half-hour shows in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas over the weekend to celebrate the release of new album Kingdom Come.
A private jet ferried Jay-Z from city to city where he played a variety of venues, including clubs, a university and a pier, the BBC reported.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3516632

Beatles guitar to go under the hammer
[source: NME.com] One of George Harrison's guitars will go under the hammer for a special auction.
The Maton MS-500 Mastersound, played by the late Beatle at the height of Beatlemania in 1963, is expected to fetch $189,000 at the Cooper Owen's Music Legends sale on Thursday November 30.
The event will mark the fifth anniversary of Harrison's death. The legendary guitarist passed away after a battle with cancer on November 29, 2001.
Other items up for grabs include a shirt and jacket worn by fellow Beatle John Lennon and a Sex Pistols poster advertising their iconic 1976 gig in Manchester.

George Harrison: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3551428


Manics campaign to save world's oldest record shop
[source: NME.com] Manic Street Preachers have added weight to a campaign to save the world's oldest record shop.
Spillers in Cardiff has been trading since 1894 but is about to fall victim to a substantial rise in rent.
A petition has been created, calling for the landowners to recognise Spillers' contribution to Cardiff's musical heritage and keep the rent at a more affordable level.
A statement signed by James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore said: "Spillers was a lifeline, it gave us our musical education. [It was] the only record shop in Wales where we could find the music that made us who we are."
The street outside Spillers was the site of early busking gigs by James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3500205



Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds release double DVD
Not content with new side-project Grinderman, Nick Cave is preparing for the January 29 release of The Abattoir Blues Tour, a double-disc DVD featuring live performances by Cave and his band The Bad Seeds.
The discs contain songs from Cave's latest longplayer, Abattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheus, as well as a selection of older tracks and special features. The live footage was recorded at two UK gigs – one in Brixton (November 2004) and the other in Hammersmith (June 2003 circa Cave's Nocturama LP). Also contained within are videos of each single from the band's past two albums, and a film documenting the "Bring It On" promo.

DVD tracklisting:

"Hiding All Away"
"Messiah Ward"
"Easy Money"
"Supernaturally"
"The Lyre Of Orpheus"
"Babe, You Turn Me On"
"Nature Boy"
"Get Ready For Love"
"Carry Me"
"There She Goes, My Beautiful World"
"God Is In The House"
"Red Right Hand"
"The Ship Song"
"Stagger Lee"
"Wonderful Life"
"Nobody's Baby Now"
"Bring It On"
"Sad Waters"
"Watching Alice"
"Christina The Astonishing"
"Wild World".

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3504485

Iggy & The Stooges finish new LP
Stooges frontman Iggy Pop has told Billboard magazine he's amazed the band's new material "sounds like us".
The legendary Detroit rock act have been recording an album – their first since 1973 – with engineer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago.
"It doesn't sound quite like Fun House, Raw Power or our first one," Pop explained. "But you put it on and right away you'd know [it's us]."
The 16-track LP, due in March, features guests Mike Watt on bass and Brendan Benson on vocals.
Pop revealed being back in the studio stirred up mixed memories.
"Some of it is exciting and some of it is scary," he laughed, "and I don't care to go over there. But at the end of the day, I know these guys. I don't know anybody else quite that way."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3507020


Albarn records in Algiers and readies opera
With Blur and Gorillaz already on his resumé, British singer Damon Albarn has even more new projects to reveal.
Albarn recently returned from Algiers where he spent three days producing local group El Gusto, whose album he'll release on his Honest Jon label in early 2007. Then, back in London a few days later, Albarn completed an operatic score for Monkey: Journey To The West, a show based on an ancient Chinese legend that will premiere at the Manchester International Festival next June.
He's also working on a feature-length Gorillaz film with Monty Python's Flying Circus animator and Brazil director Terry Gilliam. Last but not least, Albarn's preparing to release an LP in January with his new band, The Good, The Bad & The Queen (featuring former Clash bassist Paul Simonon, ex-Verve guitarist Simon Tong and Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen). Who needs sleep?

Blur: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501548
Gorillaz: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501981


Bono grills Peter Costello on foreign aid
Having entertained thousands of fans across the country over the last fortnight, U2 frontman Bono turned his hand to politics yesterday.
He met Federal Treasurer Peter Costello for 30 minutes to discuss Australia's commitment to foreign aid.
"We talked of aid, the importance of aid effectiveness, the importance of rooting out corruption," Costello said after the meeting, which he described as "warm".
Bono said he was pushing for the government to increase Australia's aid to 0.7 per cent of our gross domestic product, as "a measure of how serious you are [in fighting global poverty]".
"I pointed him in the direction of programs that are very clearly effective, like the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria."

U2: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3504356


Nirvana bassist heads out on tour
Former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic is emerging from "retirement" to play with one of Kurt Cobain's favourite bands, Flipper.
The San Francisco four-piece, who haven't played in more than a decade, have reformed with plans to record a new LP early next year. Novoselic has spent recent years concentrating on local politics in the US state of Washington, reportedly considering running for lieutenant governor.
In other Nirvana news, drummer and Foo Fighter Dave Grohl is hitting the big screen this summer, playing the devil in Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny, starring actors/musicians Jack Black and Kyle Gass.

Nirvana: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502764
Foo Fighters: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501537

nov 20

The Game charged with impersonating a policeman
[source: NME.com] The Game was arrested in New York last Thursday for impersonating a policeman.
According to Associated Press, the rapper told a taxi driver he was an undercover police officer and persuaded the driver to run a series of red lights.
The Game allegedly picked up a livery cab on Thursday after he appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman. The taxi driver drove 13 blocks before he was pulled over, police said.
The rapper, real name Jayceon Taylor, now faces a charge of impersonating a police officer.
Taylor's lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, denied the accusation yesterday.
"This is a new low, even for the NYPD," he said. "It's a big joke to harass him and other members of the hip-hop community."
The Game is due to appear in court on Tuesday December 12.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3516631


Sugarcubes reunite in Iceland
[source: NME.com] The Sugarcubes reformed for one night only last Friday in Reykjavik.
The Icelandic band, led by Björk, played together for the first time in 14 years at a benefit to mark the 20th anniversary of record label Smekkleysa SM and the release of the band's first single, "Birthday".

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3503058


LCD Soundsystem announce new album
[source: NME.com] LCD Soundsystem plan to release their second album on Monday March 19.
Sound Of Silver is the follow-up to 2005's debut album and will feature nine songs, including "North American Scum", "Get Innocuous" and "New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down", Billboard reported.

Sound Of Silver tracklisting:

"Get Innocuous"
"Time To Get Away"
"North American Scum"
"Someone Great"
"All My Friends"
"Us V. Them"
"Watch The Tapes"
"Sound Of Silver"
"New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down"

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3515155


Willy Mason readies new album
[source: NME.com] Willy Mason has completed his second album, If The Ocean Gets Rough.
The longplayer, due on Monday March 19, was recorded on a farm-based studio in Massachusetts, using many of the same musicians who worked on his debut. Nina Violet also performed viola and backing vocals, while Mason's cousin, Zak Borden, contributed mandolin.
Mason first came to prominence with 2004 debut album What The Humans Eat, which Conor Oberst released on his own label, Team Love.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3508251


Air and Jarvis team up
[source: NME.com] Jarvis Cocker is set to feature on Air's new album, due for release on Monday March 5.
Pocket Symphony is the follow-up to 2004's Talkie Walkie and was produced by Radiohead collaborator Nigel Godrich.
According to Billboard, Pocket Symphony, which also includes vocals from The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon, heavily features Asian classical instruments, such as the koto and the shamisen.

Pocket Symphony tracklisting:

"Space Maker"
"Once Upon A Time"
"Hell Of A Party"
"Napalm Love"
"Mayfair Song"
"Left Bank"
"Photograph"
"Mer Du Japon"
"Lost Message"
"Somewhere Between Walking And Sleeping"
"Redhead Girl"
"Night Sight"

Air: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501592
Pulp: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502655


Michael Jackson fans demand ticket refunds
[source: NME.com] Furious Michael Jackson fans are seeking refunds after the star failed to perform "Thriller" at last week's World Music Awards.
Entry to the show at London's Earls Court cost as much as AU$250 and fans now claim they were misled by promises the star would play one of his most famous songs. It would have been his first UK live performance in nine years.
In the end, he joined a choir onstage to sing just a couple of lines of the 1985 USA For Africa charity hit "We Are The World", which he co-wrote.
Fan Katherine Kidd told the BBC she was furious.
"I feel like I've been ripped off," she said.
"People were expecting something significant but he didn't perform at all," Abdo Binmadhi added. "When the lights went on I saw people's faces and they were like: 'Is that it?'. I should have just stayed at home and watched it on TV. We should definitely get a refund."
However, World Music Awards organisers said they had "not been contacted by any of the fans or had one complaint" regarding the event. They added that Jackson's performance had been cut short because the ceremony over-ran, breaking a noise curfew at the venue.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3500107


Heather Mills denies affair rumours
It's the biggest celebrity divorce story in Britain: in one corner, ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney; in the other, anti-landmine campaigner Heather Mills McCartney.
In the latest twist, Mills has been forced to deny she's having an affair with her personal trainer, Ben Amigoni.
"I haven't got a lover," 38-year-old Mills told UK TV show Extra last week. "At the moment, I'm focusing on my daughter. [That rumour is] totally made up."
Attributing her recent weight loss to a vegan diet, Mills said she's currently working on establishing a vegan fast food chain, and that public perceptions of her as a gold-digger are unfair.
"I fell in love for the right reason. I fell in love unconditionally," she said of her marriage to Sir Paul, revealing that people on the street had offered her support.
"I didn't know that many people cared. You get to know who your friends are, and I haven't lost any friends."

Paul McCartney: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3534969


Chris Robinson files for divorce
Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson filed for divorce on Friday November 17, citing irreconcilable differences with wife and actress Kate Hudson.
The pair, who have been married for six years but separated in August, have a two-year-old son, Ryder Russell Robinson.
Thirty-nine-year-old Robinson is seeking shared custody and, as yet, hasn't offered any public comment on the marriage breakdown, although tabloids have published photos of the singer getting friendly with a mystery brunette.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3520004


The Futureheads dropped by label
With a UK tour kicking off this weekend, English four-piece The Futureheads have announced they've been dropped from their record label, the Warners-owned 679.
However, the outfit behind this year's wonderful News And Tributes album aren't too disappointed.
"I'm over the moon about it, to be honest with you," frontman Barry Hyde revealed.
"I feel like we're free now. We weren't happy as a band on that label. It's good to get out of the shackles of being tied down to something. I think it's put us in a very strong position 'cos we're still a band that people like."

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3506389


Hot Chip join Big Day Out
English indie/electro rockers Hot Chip are the latest addition to Australia's biggest travelling music festival, Big Day Out.
The band's 2004 debut LP, Coming On Strong, was highly acclaimed, while this year's The Warning was nominated for a Mercury Prize.
Music rag NME described the five-piece's live show as "a perfectly legal, risk-free pill that will leave your pupils dilated and a grin on your face", which sounds perfect for Big Day Out.
Big Day Out kicks off on Friday January 19 at Smart Stadium, Auckland.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3539008


Jet perform intimate, secret gig
Back home for a whirlwind visit, Melbourne four-piece Jet surprised fans yesterday (Sunday November 19) with a free gig on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River, opposite Rod Laver Arena.
Performing on a barge as part of Triple J's Ausmusic month, the band were watched by 400 lucky competition winners, plus a few curious onlookers who happened to be passing.
"It's never too hot for a scarf," frontman Nic Cester joked, "especially when you look this good."
The concert will be screened on JTV on ABC TV on Saturday December 9, with the band also planning to use the footage for their next single, "Shine On".
Meanwhile, Jet hit Sydney's Annandale Hotel tomorrow (Tuesday November 21) to perform at a McGrath Foundation benefit (the breast cancer fund that was Belinda Emmett's charity of choice). The band, who were originally due to perform on Rove Live, have agreed to have the benefit gig recorded for radio station Nova.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501552

Nov 17

New Franz Ferdinand track to feature in movie
[source: NME.com] A new Franz Ferdinand track will appear on the soundtrack to forthcoming movie Hallam Foe.
The band recorded "Hallam Foe Dandelion Blow" during a recent tour of Latin America and describe the song as a "lyrical drunken waltz".
The film, due out in 2007, focuses on teenager Hallam (Jamie Bell), who falls into a voyeuristic way of life after becoming convinced his mother's suicide was actually an act of foul play.
Sons & Daughters, Psapp and Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) also feature on the record.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3503189


Linkin Park all grown up
[source: NME.com] Linkin Park insist their third studio album, the follow-up to 2003's Meteora, is more "grown-up" than previous efforts.
The band joined forces with Red Hot Chili Peppers producer Rick Rubin and took a prog-rock approach to the music.
According to singer Mike Shinoda, they originally had 100 songs for the as-yet-untitled LP, and have since whittled those down to 18.
"There is an element to the album that will be familiar to people, simply because it's the same guys making the music," Shinoda told Billboard. "But at the same time, these guys have grown up quite a bit, and we definitely have a different mindset about making songs.
"I feel like we did what we wanted to do with [previous albums] Hybrid Theory and Meteora. Now it's time to step outside the box and try something new.
"The thing about Rick that I love is he's unpredictable. He'll listen to a song and throw out an idea that seems completely out of nowhere, but it makes a lot of sense and it makes the song better. The Moog [synthesiser] has been sitting in the studio since day one."
Aside from the album, due for release next year, Shinoda has been keeping busy with an art exhibition in Los Angeles. Diamonds Spades Hearts Clubs opens this weekend and will feature ten paintings he did for The Rising Tied, the 2005 debut by his-side project, Fort Minor.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502171


Amy Winehouse teams with Wu-Tang Clan
[source: NME.com] A new version of Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good" features the Wu Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah.
The single, which contains the remix, is the second lifted from Winehouse's Back To Black album, and follows recent hit "Rehab".
"You Know I'm No Good" will be released on Monday January 8.

Winehouse: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502599
Wu-Tang Clan: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3500182


Garbage singer goes solo
[source: NME.com] Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson has enlisted the help of some famous pals for her first solo album, due next year.
White Stripes frontman Jack White, Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and The Blue Nile's Paul Buchanan are all rumoured to appear on the record.
2007 will also see the release of a Garbage best-of. Absolute Garbage, out in March, features all the band's big singles, as well as one new track.

Absolute Garbage:

"Vow"
"Queer"
"Only Happy When It Rains"
"Stupid Girl"
"Milk"
"#1 Crush"
"Push It"
"I Think I'm Paranoid"
"Special"
"When I Grow Up"
"You Look So Fine"
"The World Is Not Enough"
"Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go)"
"Shut Your Mouth"
"Why Do You Love Me"
"Bleed Like Me"
"It's All Over But The Crying"
"New song [as yet untitled]"

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3517318


Fall Out Boy name new album
[source: NME.com] Inspired by an 1888 letter by artist Vincent Van Gogh, Fall Out Boy have called their new album Infinity On High.
Speaking to MTV.COM, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz was reluctant to explain the title's significance.
"As for what that means in relation to the record, we'll just let it unfold when people hear it," he said.
Songs rumoured for inclusion include forthcoming single "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race" and the leaked "Carpal Tunnel Of Love".
Infinity On High is due out on Monday February 5.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3518264


Justin Hawkins begins solo LP
After quitting The Darkness in October, Justin Hawkins has begun work on a solo LP.
The singer, who led The Darkness to the top of the charts with "I Believe In A Thing Called Love", left the band after developing alcohol and cocaine addictions. He recently completed a stint in celebrity UK rehab centre The Priory.
The Darkness vowed to find a new singer and continue, while Hawkins says he first wants to take a nice holiday:
"I'm planning on taking a very long holiday and doing things I enjoy, like ice skating!" he said.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501244


James Brown may still face court
A woman who claimed she was raped by soul singer James Brown has asked the US Supreme Court to hear her sexual harassment lawsuit, despite a lower court ruling in August 2006 that she had waited too long to file.
The defendant, Brown's former publicist Jacque Hollander, claims the singer raped her at gunpoint in 1988 and is seeking $137million in damages. Brown's attorney, Debra Opri, has labelled Hollander's request "a pipe dream", while the defendant's lawyer, Donald Rosen, disagrees.
"[If unsuccessful] then her only recourse is in the court of public opinion," Rosen said. "That would be a horrible miscarriage of justice."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501664


Beyoncé miffs stars at awards show
She might be the biggest r'n'b pop icon in the world, but British singer-songwriter James Morrison reckons Beyoncé Knowles is simply a diva.
The pair both appeared at the annual UK Music Hall Of Fame event in London on Tuesday November 15.
"When Beyoncé got there her people pushed me out of the way," Morrison said. "She stormed past me and they said, 'The beautiful one has arrived!'."

Beyonce: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501558
James Morrison: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3550700


The Shins reveal new album details
Wincing The Night Away, the third album from Portland, Oregon-based indie stars The Shins, has finally been given a release date.
The LP, largely recorded in the basement studio of frontman/songwriter James Mercer (who lives in the house once occupied by Elliott Smith during the making of Roman Candle), will hit stores on Tuesday January 23.
Wincing The Night Away is the long-awaited follow-up to The Shins' 2003 release, Chutes Too Narrow, which sold over one million copies in the US. The band gained a huge fan base after "New Slang" (a song from debut album Oh, Inverted World) featured prominently in the film Garden State.
The first radio single from the LP, "Phantom Limb", hits airwaves on Monday November 20.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3506547

Whitney Houston to lose house?
Singer Whitney Houston could lose her New Jersey estate unless she manages to come up with more than $1.3million in back mortgage payments.
The Morris County Daily Record newspaper this week reported the property will be auctioned on January 4 unless payments are made. It's understood Houston borrowed money to originally purchase the property.
Houston won't be homeless, however. The "I Will Always Love You" singer also has houses in California and Georgia.
Houston is currently seeking a divorce from husband Bobby Brown.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501543

Nov 16

U2 win legal battle against stylist
[source: NME.com] U2 have won their legal battle against their former stylist, forcing her to hand over a hat and clothes she took from them nearly 20 years ago.
Frontman Bono told Dublin's High Court last month that Lola Cashman acquired the items without permission during the band's Joshua Tree tour in 1987. Her haul included a Stetson hat, earrings, a sweatshirt and a pair of black trousers.
The group were also trying to retrieve a number of items reportedly seen at Cashman's flat, including a video tape, rosary beads and a selection of photographs.
For her part, Cashman insisted they were gifts from the band and appealed against a ruling that deemed she must return them. She claimed the hat had been "plonked" on her head when she asked for it on the last night of the tour in Arizona.
In 2002, Cashman tried to sell some of the memorabilia at auction house Christie's. She then claimed two letters sent to the auction house from U2 lawyers were defamatory and initiated proceedings against the band in London's High Court.

U2: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3504356


OutKast star to go solo
[source: NME.com] OutKast star Big Boi has started work on a solo album. It will feature production from bandmate Andre 3000 and is expected to be released sometime in 2007.
"You're going to get something from every genre, every funk, beat, loop, horn and whistle. We've got it all on the record," Big Boi told MTV.
"I've got maybe 35 beats already done for it, so I'm just diving in and trying to carve out the pie with the vocals."
Andre 3000 will be joined on production duties by regular OutKast collaborators Organized Noize.
"I'm going to try to keep it in-house," Big Boi explained.

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501539


Queens Of The Stone Age perform intimate show
[source: NME.com] Queens Of The Stone Age performed a shock show in New York earlier this week.
On Monday, they played for an hour to a tiny crowd at Lower East Side venue The Box. Only a handful of tickets were available to the public, but the band were ecstatically received by the usually reserved New York audience. Although clearly buoyed by the reaction, the group did not return to the stage for an encore.

Setlist:

"Do It Again"
"If Only"
"Mexicola"
"No One Knows"
"Burn The Witch"
"Leg of Land"
"In My Head"
"Little Sister"
"Regular John"
"The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret"
"Go With The Flow"
"A Song For The Deaf"

http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502731


Green Day unveil inspiration behind U2 collaboration
[source: NME.com] Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has revealed the New Orleans American football team inspired the band's recent collaboration with U2.
"The Saints Are Coming", a Skids song, was originally recorded to raise funds for Music Rising, an organisation that replaces instruments musicians lost in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
But the Green Day singer said both bands picked the track because it is the name of the New Orleans football team. The two bands recently performed the song before The Saints' first game of the season at the re-built Louisiana Superdome, which housed many of those made homeless in the wake of Katrina.
"It's a huge event for New Orleans to get their team back after losing everything," Armstrong told NME. "The fact that the team was coming back was a major thing for them. It just became a monumental event, a little something to celebrate."
The singer also condemned George W Bush's administration over the handling of the crisis.
"So many politicians don't have a clue about what it's like to be working class or lower class or live in any sort of poverty stricken area. They are completely disconnected with that sort of lifestyle," he said. "And their reaction to it all made that clear."
"It was a big watershed moment," U2 guitarist The Edge added, "because it exposed how vulnerable America was. This was the world superpower, and it couldn't deal with something that happened in its own backyard."

U2 and Green Day: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3552303


Wolf & Cub are top dogs
Adelaide four-piece Wolf & Cub have taken out the top prize in the annual QANTAS Spirit Of Youth Awards (SOYA) competition. They received the honour on Tuesday at a special ceremony held at the New South Wales Art Gallery in Sydney.
SOYA is run in conjunction with NOISE, the national youth arts initiative that profiles young artists (aged 25 and under) in the media. Accepting the award on behalf of his band, frontman Joel Byrne took home $5000 in cash and $5000 in travel, as well as a mentorship with award-winning engineer and producer Matt Lovell (Eskimo Joe, The Mess Hall, Something For Kate, Silverchair).
SOYA features seven categories, with other mentors including chef Neil Perry (cooking), director Phillip Noyce (moving pictures) and Sydney Museum Of Contemporary Art director Elizabeth Ann McGregor (pictures). For more info, see http://www.noise.net.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3536468


Ryan Adams reveals eight new albums
Fans of alt-country singer-songwriter Ryan Adams will already be familiar with his prolific output. But even they might be surprised to learn the man behind Gold, Heartbreaker and Cold Roses is offering eight albums worth of new material as free downloads from his website.
Recorded under three pseudonyms – DJ Reggie, The Shit and WereWolph – Adams' new "albums" contain everything from Shania Twain covers to punk rock songs and tracks posted on the site several months ago.

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502418


Candle Records to burn out
Melbourne-based Candle Records, home to artists such as Darren Hanlon, The Lucksmiths, Anthony Atkinson, Tim Oxley, Jodi Phillis, Stella One Eleven and The Dearhunters, will close its doors permanently in March 2007.
Formed in 1994 by Chris Crouch (who runs Polyester Records in Melbourne), the label will say farewell via a series of concerts in February.
"It's with a heavy heart that after 12 years of running Candle Records I have decided to close the label on March 31, 2007," Crouch said.
"Candle Records has been a big part of my life, run on the passion and love of music. I have made so many good friends and have worked with an incredible group of talented people. Great friendships have formed and the Candle family has in fact felt like a family. I've been blessed to work with many talented and inspirational people.
"My job has involved managing bands, releasing albums, booking shows, publicising gigs, selling CDs, running the mail-order shop and website and it's all been an absolute pleasure. But now is the time for change."

Darren Hanlon: http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3528335
The Lucksmiths: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3528334


Neil Finn teams with Nick Seymour for LP
Split Enz and Crowded House frontman Neil Finn has revealed he's reuniting with former bandmate Nick Seymour for an upcoming solo album.
The pair became close again following the death of good friend and Crowded House drummer Paul Hester in 2005.
"Working together again feels really good. It felt natural and right," Finn said. "We've been good company for each other. The day we heard what happened with Paul, my brother [Tim Finn] and I were about to play a show at Albert Hall. We decided we had to continue. And I rang Nick [because] he was the one I wanted to have there. There's some kind of strong bond still, as you would expect, I suppose."
Produced by Ethan Johns and recorded at Finn's own studio, the LP will feature his wife and two sons and mark Finn's first solo release since 2001's One Nil.
"It's a pretty emotional record, I think," Finn said. "I think it's fairly simple, which I'm really happy about."

http://bigpondmusic.com.au/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3502113


Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan announce Oz tour
Greg Dulli ("an alluring Venn diagram of love, sex, and death" if you believe Mojo magazine) has just announced plans to tour Australia in January 2007.
The former Afghan Whigs frontman will bring his new outfit, The Twilight Singers, to our shores for three club dates in support of the band's new LP, Powder Burns.
Joining Dulli on the road is former Screaming Trees and Queens Of The Stone Age vocalist Mark Lanegan, who's collaborated on several tracks. Equal parts blues, gutter soul, electronic samples and hard rock, The Twilight Singers are not for the faint-hearted.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday November 23, with the tour beginning on Friday January 12 at Melbourne's Prince Of Wales Hotel. Sydney and Brisbane dates will follow.

The Afghan Whigs: http://bigpondmusic.com/artistDisplay.asp?artistid=3501408