Dec 22

Coldplay’s Christmas message
[source: NME.com] Coldplay have left a special Christmas message for fans on Coldplay.com.
The short film is entitled Coldplay Dance Anthems 1906 and is set in “olde London town”.
Shot in sepia, the band are shown dressed in period costume and dancing to a collection of techno songs, including a snatch of their own track, “Clocks”.
“I would just like to wish you all a merry Christmas. I predict railways will be big in the future,” guitarist Jonny Buckland jokes in the film.
Coldplay are set to mount a South American tour early next year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Coldplay.aspx


Aqualung releases details of new album
[source: NME.com] Aqualung has revealed details of a forthcoming album featuring several guests.
Memory Man will be released on Columbia Records in the US on Tuesday March 6 and is the second Stateside release for British singer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Hales.
Hales wrote or co-wrote each of the 11 songs on the album, collaborating with his brother, Ben Hales, and Kim Oliver on some tracks.
“Garden Of Love” features guest vocals from Paul Buchanan of cult Scottish band The Blue Nile.

Memory Man tracklisting:

“Cinderella”
“Pressure Suit”
“Something To Believe In”
“Glimmer”
“Vapour Trail”
“Rolls So Dee”
“The Lake”
“Black Hole”
“Outside”
“Garden Of Love”
“Broken Bones”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Aqualung.aspx


Yoko Ono’s driver denies blackmail
Yoko Ono’s driver, Karl Karsan, pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree attempted grand larceny at a hearing on Tuesday December 19.
Karsan was arrested last week after allegedly threatening to release private photos and audio tapes unless John Lennon’s widow paid AU$2,500,000. He was remanded in custody after a New York court hearing to prevent him returning home to Turkey.
At the hearing, Karsan’s lawyer said the driver would “vigorously dispute” the charges. But District Attorney Anne Schwartz said she was sure Karsan would flee to Turkey if released.
“It is clear the defendant has been plotting and planning to commit some sort crime against the victim,” Schwartz said
Karsan is due to return to court on Thursday January 11, according to the BBC.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Yoko-Ono.aspx


Pink Floyd’s eyeballs go for thousands
[source: NME.com] Two of Pink Floyd’s giant eyeball props have raised more than AU$40,000 for homeless charity Crisis.
The 6ft stage props were made to promote the Pulse DVD and were on auction site eBay for a week, attracting 46 bids.
Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour, who is also the Crisis vice president, said extra help was needed in the winter months to keep the homeless warm and safe.

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


Jacko to sell Neverland?
Michael Jackson's sprawling Neverland estate is reportedly set to go under the hammer as part of a new reality TV show.
Jackson’s finances took a severe blow after he was cleared of child molestation charges, with the singer paying millions in legal fees and civil case settlements. A source says he’s hoping to sell the ranch for AU$640 million.
Jackson left the estate back in July 2005, its infamous zoo and amusement parks already closed. According to US publication The National Enquirer, Jackson is in negotiation with US cable network Bravo to feature the property on reality show Million Dollar Listing: Hollywood.

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


TV On The Radio remix The Knife
Swedish pop duo The Knife have been remixed by acclaimed New York indie five-piece TV On The Radio.
The Swedes' upcoming single, “Marble House”, is the fourth track to be lifted from the hit Silent Shout LP, which is being re-released in early 2007 as a special edition.
David Sitek from TVOTR remixed the track, along with Rex The Dog and Italian electro connoisseurs Booka Shade.
“Marble House” is released on Valentine’s Day (Wednesday February 14).

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Knife-The.aspx


P Diddy welcomes twins
P Diddy has welcomed baby twin girls after long-time girlfriend Kim Porter gave birth on Thursday morning.
“Diddy received an early Christmas gift,” his agent, Robert Zimmerman, said.
Zimmerman revealed the rapper flew back to New York in his private jet from Toronto, where he’s filming the Broadway adaptation A Raisin In The Sun.
“[Diddy] made it just in the nick of time for the delivery,” Zimmerman said. “Both Kim and the girls are doing great.”
The couple already have an eight-year-old son, Christian, while Diddy also has a 12-year-old son, Justin, from a previous relationship.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/P-Diddy.aspx


The Ataris reveal new LP
After selling more than one million copies of their So Long LP, and with two top ten singles in Australia, Indiana seven-piece the Ataris will release their fifth album in February.
Welcome The Night hits stores on Saturday February 17, with first single “Not Capable Of Love” due on the airwaves just prior.
The LP is being released in Australia via Sanctuary/Shock Records, who previously worked with the band when they were still on US indie label Kung Fu Records.
“I can’t wait for the industry and fans to hear this CD,” Sanctuary General Manager Bob Cahill said.
“The Ataris have delivered an album that has real depth, representing huge artistic growth while retaining the intensity and honesty that has earned them legions of fans worldwide. It also contains several massive hits, which Sanctuary intends to deliver in kind. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the band.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ataris-The.aspx


Jessica says no to Dolly
Pop diva Jessica Simpson has requested her performance at the annual Kennedy Center Honors in the US last month not be aired as part of the ceremony's telecast.
During the ceremony, Simpson forgot the lyrics to “9 To 5” and left the stage in tears while attempting a tribute to legendary country singer Dolly Parton. Having seen footage of her second attempt at the song, Simpson has asked her performance be deleted from the show’s airing, which goes to TV in the US on Boxing Day.
“We appreciate the time and energy Ms Simpson put into this event,” the show's producer said, “and respect the high standards she has for herself and that of the Kennedy Center Honors."
Simpson's publicist, Cindi Berger, said the singer "really wasn't happy" with the performance.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jessica-Simpson.aspx


Performers announced for the 35th Country Music Awards
Organisers of Australia's annual Country Music Awards, held each year as part of the legendary Tamworth Music Festival, have revealed the first round of performers who’ll take to the stage on Saturday January 27.
The stars include major award finalists Lee Kernaghan (who has six nominations), Beccy Cole (five), Melinda Schneider (four), Adam Brand (four) and Felicity Urquhart (three), who’ll play at Tamworth’s Regional Entertainment Centre alongside rising talent The McClymonts and Travis Collins.
More acts will be revealed next month but tickets are already on sale from the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mcclymonts-The.aspx

Dec 21

FBI releases John Lennon files after 25 years
[source: NME.com] A surveillance report on John Lennon by US intelligence services has finally been released after a lengthy court battle.
The documents, which reveal the Beatle’s links to left-wing and anti-war groups in London in the 1970s, had been suppressed by the FBI for 25 years.
Lennon’s infamous “bed-ins” in protest against the Vietnam War made him a target of the FBI, subject to wire-taps and surveillance.
According to BBC News, historian Jon Wiener requested the documents in 1981 when he decided to write a book in the wake of the star’s assassination.
The FBI released some of the documents, but argued others were exempt from freedom of information laws due to their politically sensitive nature.
Wiener sued the US government, eventually getting some of the documents in a settlement in 1997, before a Federal Judge this week ordered the release of the final ten pages.
The new files note an interview Lennon gave to left-wing journal Red Mole and his support for Cambodia during the US attacks. But they also report he turned down requests to fund a left-wing bookshop, with the FBI admitting Lennon “apparently resisted the attempts of any particular group to secure any hold over him”.
"Today we can see that the national security claims the FBI had been making for 25 years were absurd from the beginning,” Weiner told the LA Times.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Lennon.aspx


Organist wins Procol Harum battle
[source: NME.com] Procol Harum founding member Matthew Fisher has won a high court battle over the writing credits on “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”.
Fisher played organ on the song and argued he wrote the distinctive melody line, which Mr Justice Blackburne agreed with and ruled he was entitled to 40 per cent of the copyright. For more than 40 years, the song was credited to lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid.
“I find that the organ solo is a distinctive and significant contribution to the overall composition and, quite obviously, the product of skill and labour on the part of the person who created it,” Blackburne said:
Fisher said he wanted half the royalties, but the court decided singer Brooker’s input was more substantial.
It also rejected the organist’s claim for up to AU$2.5 million in back royalties.
Brooker, who still fronts the 60s band, defended his claim to be the sole writer of the song. He now faces paying a large part of the legal costs, estimated at around AU$1.2 million.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Procol-Harum.aspx


Eminem in second divorce
[source: NME.com] Eminem divorced Kim Mathers for the second time on Tuesday December 19 in Michigan.
The couple agreed to divide property under terms of a private settlement and share custody of daughter Hailie Jade Scott. They told the judge they understood the divorce was final.
Judge Antonio P Viviano said the pair conducted themselves with dignity and respect and were "a very fine couple to deal with".
They remarried on Saturday January 14 of this year and Eminem filed for divorce on Wednesday April 5. They first married in 1999 in a secret ceremony before divorcing in 2001.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Eminem.aspx


The Doors and Grateful Dead get honorary Grammys
[source: NME.com] Rock legends The Doors and The Grateful Dead are among artists set to receive lifetime achievement gongs at next year's Grammy Awards.
According to the Reuters news agency, other artists include folk legend Joan Baez, soul musician Booker T and saxophone player Ornette Coleman. The ceremony traditionally rewards artists who were never awarded Grammys at the height of their careers.
As such, deceased artists such as opera singer Maria Callas and country icon Bob Willis will also be honoured.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Doors-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Grateful-Dead.aspx


Pink says no to Aussie wool
Despite an impending visit Down Under in April, sassy US pop singer Pink is campaigning to urge shoppers to stop buying Australian wool.
“I am calling on consumers to check labels on sweaters before buying them and, if they’re merino wool or made in Australia, to leave them on the racks,” the singer says in a video released by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
The video, which contains gruesome scenes of sheep having their throats cut and undergoing mulesing (reportedly done to prevent maggot infestation), will be screened across the globe. It also urges Australia to stop live exportation to the Middle East.
“If you’re like most people, you already refuse to wear fur because of the obvious cruelty involved. And, like me, you may even look for stylish alternatives to leather.
“But what about wool? Most of us have never thought about it. Sadly, like any other industry that uses animals, the wool trade uses methods so sadistic it makes you consider clearing your closet of any animal products.”

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


Cat Stevens returns to the stage
Almost three decades after his last live performance, Yusuf Islam – better known as Cat Stevens – performed new songs and old favourites in an invite-only gig in Manhattan this week.
“It’s one small step for man, one giant step for commonsense,” the 58-year-old joked. The “Peace Train” singer has a brand new album, An Other Cup, due for release next month.
Back in 1978, Stevens changed his name after converting to Islam and walking away from the music industry. It wasn’t until his son, also a musician, brought home a guitar that the singer picked one up again “for the first time in 20 years”.
“My fingers knew just what to do,” he said this week. “I believe what I could do with a song is much more valuable than just giving a lot of talks. I feel I’ve been given a gift, and I should use it.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cat-Stevens.aspx


P Diddy selling racoon?
Rapper, producer, businessman and clothing designer Sean "Diddy" Combs (aka P Diddy) has attracted the ire of animal rights activists in the US.
The Humane Society Of The United States (HSUS) claim a “fake fur” jacket issued under Combs’ label, Sean John, is actually made out of raccoon dog.
The organisation bought the jacket – whose tag claims it’s made with an “imitation rabbit fur collar” and “nylon/faux fur/goose down” – only to discover a label stating it’s actually constructed from “genuine raccoon fur”.
HSUS is conducting DNA testing on the item to determine whether or not the fur is raccoon dog, a breed of Chinese dog whose coat resembles racoon.
If it is real fur, the jackets will be pulled from major US chain store Macy’s, who have a strict policy on cat and dog fur items.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/P-Diddy.aspx


Nelly Furtado records Latin LP
US pop songstress Nelly Furtado – who’s scored one of the biggest hits of the year with the Timbaland-produced “Maneater” – is recording a Latin album.
Furtado grew up speaking Portuguese and learnt Spanish while at high school. Furtado has already recorded tracks in Spanish (“Te Busqué” on her Loose LP and a 2002 duet – "Fotografi" – with Colombia rock singer Juanes), but this is her first attempt at writing in the language.
“I feel like a little kid again, because it’s a whole new language,” she told MTV this week. “I can’t translate poetically yet. But Latin languages come easy to me. When I sing in them, it feels natural. It feels organic.
"I always wanted to be an international artist and it’s more of a true artistic experience when you just let yourself go. My parents listened to Julio Iglesias and stuff like that – bilingual, trilingual – and those types of artists were real icons.”

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


Spice Girls to reform?
British pop icons the Spice Girls are reportedly considering reuniting to perform at Concert For Diana, a memorial for the former Princess Of Wales, on Sunday July 1.
Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) is friends with Prince William who, together with his brother Harry, is behind the concert. The event will mark the tenth anniversary of their mother’s death.
Held at London’s Wembley Stadium, Bunton admits a reformation is a possibility.
“I would love to do something with the girls again,” Bunton revealed this week. “It would be great to sing at Princess Diana’s concert.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spice-Girls.aspx


March release for Josh Pyke’s debut LP
Sydney singer-songwriter Josh Pyke will release his highly anticipated debut album on March 10.
Memories & Dust was recorded with producer Wayne Conolly (The Vines, You Am I, Youth Group) and will be released locally through indie label Ivy League. The LP will also see a release in the UK via major label Island/Universal, who signed Pyke earlier this year following a head-turning promotional tour.
Memories & Dust is the follow-up to Pyke’s 2005 EP, Feeding The Wolves.

Memories & Dust tracklisting:

“Lines Of Palms”
“Memories & Dust”
“Forever Song”
“Mannequins”
“Someone Else’s Town”
“Fed And Watered”
“Sew My Name”
“Covers Are Thrown"
“Middle Of The Hill”
“Buttons”
“Vibrations In Air”
“Monkey With A Drum”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Josh-Pyke.aspx

Dec 20

Good Charlotte reveal new album details
[source: NME.com] Good Charlotte have confirmed they will release their fourth studio album on Tuesday March 20.
Good Morning Revival's first single, “The River”, is slated for a January release, and sees the band collaborate with long-time friends M. Shadows and Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold).
“This wasn’t planned, but it ended up working out,” Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden said in a press release. “We were sitting around listening to some new music and they liked that song so we asked them to jump on. It felt right and sounded really cool.”
The band, who have sold more than nine million albums, reunited with producer Don Gilmore for the recording. He produced Good Charlotte's self-titled debut in 2000, as well as records from Pearl Jam, Linkin Park and Avril Lavigne.
The album is the follow-up to 2004’s Chronicles Of Live And Death.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Good-Charlotte.aspx


Brett Anderson in Christina Aguilera shock
[source: NME.com] Footage of Brett Anderson covering Christina Aguilera has surfaced online.
The former Suede singer, currently on hiatus from The Tears, can be seen covering her hit “Beautiful” on a piano.
As previously reported, Anderson has completed a solo album, which is due to be released next year. However, the “Beautiful” cover is unlikely to appear on the collection.

Suede: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Suede.aspx
Christina: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Christina-Aguilera.aspx


Madonna to direct boxing movie
[source: NME.com] Madonna looks set to make her directorial debut.
An entry on Hollywood.com lists her as director of an upcoming movie called Blade To The Heat.
Her company, Maverick Entertainment, is listed as production company for the film, which supposedly tells a tale "loosely based on the 1959 bout between Emile Griffith and Benny ‘Kid’ Paret”.

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


Kaiser Chiefs announce new single
[source: NME.com] Kaiser Chiefs have confirmed they will kick off 2007 with a new single.
The first track to be lifted from their forthcoming second album, "Ruby" will be released on Monday February 19 on limited edition 7” and CD single. It will come out as a download a week earlier.
As previously reported, Kaiser Chiefs are set to mount a North American tour in association with NME in April, with UK dates set to be announced soon.

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


Noel says no to Ashes
Despite being a self-confessed cricket fanatic, Oasis songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher declined an offer of free tickets to the Ashes.
In the country last week to promote the band's Stop The Clocks best-of set, Gallagher turned down the chance to catch England’s cricket team in action. It seems he was convinced they’d lose anyway.
“I couldn’t be bothered hanging around to watch them get beaten again,” Noel said.

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


Nine Inch Nails ready new LP
Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor has revealed final mixing duties will take place in January on the group's new album.
The LP will be the band's first since 2005’s acclaimed With Teeth.
“Is it possible I am actually finished writing and recording a new Nine Inch Nails record?” Reznor wrote on the band’s website. “Apparently so. We begin mixing in January! Juggling 15 all-new tracks around. Testing sequences. No leftovers from With Teeth. Highly conceptual. Quite noisy. F***ing cool.”
A live DVD, Beside You In Time, is due to hit shelves in February.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nine-Inch-Nails.aspx


Black Eyed Peas get down to more Monkey Business
With several Grammy nominations to their name, LA hip-hop/pop outfit Black Eyed Peas are already hard at work on a brand new longplayer.
The follow-up to 2005’s four-million-selling Monkey Business is, according to frontman will.i.am, “almost” done”, but the LP isn’t set to be released until late 2007.
“We have 12 songs,” will.i.am told industry mag Billboard, “and we’ll probably do another 30 or 40.”
The Peas have been recording while on tour, which included a brief visit to China. will.i.am says the new tracks sound “fun”, but still deal with heavy issues. “It’s not, ‘Oh, everything messed up! Oh my gosh, we’re doomed’,”, he said. “It’s a thinking record. It brings up what’s happening in the world. Monkey Business didn’t do that.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Black-Eyed-Peas.aspx


Kylie spends Christmas in Paris
Despite rumours suggesting she’d spend Christmas in Melbourne, pop princess Kylie Minogue has returned to Paris amid speculation her relationship with actor Oliver Martinez is in trouble.
Less than 12 hours after completing the final leg of her Showgirl tour, Minogue was on a plane to Europe. Last week, younger sister Danni told reporters the family were intending on spending the holidays together:
“We know how lucky we are to be together this Christmas,” she said.
A representative for Minogue said the singer’s schedule for an upcoming New Year’s Eve show at London’s Wembley Arena changed, hence the sudden return. The UK media have claimed Martinez has been in a tryst with 24-year-old model Sarai Givati.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kylie-Minogue.aspx


Helmet head to Australia
Helmet will make their long-awaited return to Australia in March 2007.
One of the most seminal American hard rock acts of the 90s, Helmet will headline the Overcranked Festival, held in Brisbane on Saturday March 24.
Paving the way for bands like Deftones, Killswitch Engage, Norma Jean and Silverchair, the trio – Paige Hamilton, Kyle Stevenson and Jon Fuller – have a new album, Monochrome, up their sleeves, and recently completed a support slot for Guns N' Roses.
The band will play shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Tickets on sale now.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Helmet.aspx

Dec 19

Brian Wilson leads LA music camp
[source: NME.com] Brian Wilson (Beach Boys), Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead) and Paul Stanley (KISS) will train aspiring rock stars at Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp in Hollywood next year.
For five days (Feb 15 to 19), they and other celebrity musicians will instruct participants for 12 hours each day, share meals with them and offer tips and jamming techniques.
The camp will culminate in a Battle Of The Bands competition that will be open to the public and held at the House Of Blues on Sunset Strip, Los Angeles.
Scott Ian of Anthrax and Poison's Bret Michaels will also lend their talents, instructing participants from all walks of life how to wield a whammy bar and hit high notes.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Brian-Wilson.aspx


Avril Lavigne reveals new album title
[source: NME.com] Avril Lavigne has revealed her new album will be called The Best Dam Thing and will be out in April.
Posting on her MySpace blog, Lavigne also revealed the first single from the album will be "Girlfriend", which is due to be released in February.
She described the record as "fast, fun, young, bratty, aggressive, confident, cocky in a playful way… all the good stuff".
Lavigne also said it would make for some good live shows.
"I promise you guys will love this record. It is my favourite one! And I can't wait… I wanted to make sure the songs were fun – fun for the fans and myself. I will only have, like, three slow songs on the record."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Avril-Lavigne.aspx


DJ Shadow to release fan video for new single
[source: NME.com] DJ Shadow has chosen an "80s-style Nintendo video" for his next single after he gave fans a chance to enter a special competition.
The star picked the winning clip for "This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way)" from over 200 entries.
DJ Shadow told NME.COM he liked the video because it reminded him of a skit on a Nintendo game and it stuck closely to the song's lyrics.
"Every phrase that comes up in the track, there's a new scene that symbolises what the person is talking about. There are different little characters that symbolise words and stuff so there's a lot of different characters saying, 'This time I'm gonna try it my way'.
"I was surprised how dark a lot of the entries were. To me, the song is supposed to be fun, it's supposed to be feel-good. There is a lot of wit in this video – it makes me laugh – and that's why I really liked it."
The clip features a barbershop quartet with moustaches, along with birds hanging on a wire.
"When they land on different wires it's like different notes on a guitar," he added. "It doesn't look like any video I've seen. It is quite unique."
Winning 21-year-old Ukraine director Mykola Dosenko will pick up a AU$2,496 prize for his submission, which will be shown globally.
"This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way)" will be released on Monday January 8.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dj-Shadow.aspx


CSS to cover Grizzly Bear
[source: NME.com] Cansei de Ser Sexy will record a cover of Grizzly Bear's "Knife", multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Adriano Cintra has told NME.COM.
In return, the Brazilian band have asked the New Yorkers to record one of their songs.
"Grizzly Bear's Yellow House is one of my favourite albums from 2006 and 'Knife' is probably my favourite track from the album," Cintra, who began working on the track this weekend, said.
"On the plane coming from Athens, I started to sketch it. I think by the end of next week I'll have it done. We're going to record it. Maybe we could do a split single. That would be awesome."
Cintra said the CSS version of "Knife" will be a "Eurotrash/house meets Talking Heads kinda thing".
Grizzly Bear were pleasantly surprised to learn of the plans.
"I wouldn't have expected a Brazilian dance punk band to be into us, but they're really huge fans," Grizzly Bear frontman Ed Droste said.
"Adriano contacted us and asked if they could record it and use it as a B-side or a download, and maybe play it out live, and we were totally into it."
Although Grizzly Bear are not yet sure which CSS song they'll cover, Droste said they're leaning toward "Alala".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Grizzly-Bear.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Css.aspx


Michael Jackson party postponed
A planned party in Tokyo for pop recluse Michael Jackson has been postponed after the singer was forced to change dates.
Jackson was due to appear at the party in Japan today, an event for which fans had purchased exclusive tickets to meet the singer.
Meet-and-greet tickets for the event – staged to celebrate 20 years since the release of Thriller – cost AU$4,344, while a mere AU$2,172 would land punters a signed portrait of the singer.
Preferring not to perform, Jackson was scheduled to have been eating dinner while fans listened to his music. The party has been postponed until Thursday March 8.

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


Bee Gee moves into Johnny Cash's home
Former Bee Gee Barry Gibb has purchased the lakefront home of Johnny and June Carter Cash and is planning on recording a country album on its grounds.
"It's going to be nice," Gibb revealed this week, speaking at an event held in his honour by US performance rights organisation BMI.
"We'd like to use it as our second home. I am a country artist, always have been, and this is my chance to get some self-expression out because the group is no longer the group," Gibb said.
It's not only the house that's steeped in musical history. Cash's neighbour was Roy Orbison.
"Do you realise how many hit songs have been written in that four or five acre area?" Gibb asked. "The inspiration, being surrounded by the musical atmosphere that has been there for 35 years… we just had to do it.
"I still haven't seen a tall man wearing black clothes yet, but I am very much into it and hope that I do."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bee-Gees.aspx

Want to perform with Justin Timberlake?
Justin Timberlake fans are polishing their dance moves because the singer has announced a new competition that will see the winner accompany him onstage at the Grammy Awards in February.
The 25-year-old has asked entrants to submit a 60-second clip of themselves singing one of nine Grammy-winning songs, as selected by Timberlake.
The contestants will be cut down to 12 by a judging panel, with finalists decided by public vote. The top three entrants will be announced during the US Super Bowl weekend.
"All contestants should look at this as more than just a chance to duet with me, because it's really an opportunity to begin your career as a superstar," Timberlake said. "And I'll be there to coach you along."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Justin-Timberlake.aspx


eBay wins fight against Big Day Out
Online auction site eBay has been successful in its court case against the promoters of the Big Day Out.
Yesterday, Federal Court judge Justice Steven Rares agreed, in an "unfortunate" ruling, that BDO promoter Creative Festival Entertainment had "engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by stating that every ticket resold for profit would be cancelled".
Despite recognising the BDO was doing the right thing by attempting to stop scalping, the court decided they didn't have the grounds to insist they'd cancel any tickets sold on eBay.
BDO promoter Ken West was left incredulous.
"In what can only be described as a win to the legal system over common-sense logic, the Big Day Out today lost its right to stop ticket scalping on electronic auction sites. The court case lodged by eBay attacked the process and not the objective, and, in taking the moral high ground, has exposed that good intentions count for nothing once you are in a court of law. "
The BDO takes place next month and includes Tool, Muse, The Killers, My Chemical Romance, Spank Rock, The Streets, Kasabian, Crystal Method DJs, Trivium, and many more.

The Crystal Method: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Crystal-Method-The.aspx
Muse: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Muse.aspx
My Chemical Romance: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/My-Chemical-Romance.aspx
The Killers: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Killers-The.aspx
Kasabian: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kasabian.aspx
Trivium: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Trivium.aspx
The Streets: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Streets-The.aspx
Spank Rock: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Streets-The.aspx
Lupe Fiasco: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lupe-Fiasco.aspx
Lily Allen: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx


Danni back on Aussie TV
After Danni Minogue popped up onstage alongside sister Kylie for the first time in 20 years this week, she's announced she's returning to Australian TV.
Danni will appear as a judge on Channel 7's new reality show, Australia's Got Talent. The program is a spin-off of American Idol judge Simon Cowell's TV show, America's Got Talent.
"It's more in my nature to be empathetic and I always get really nervous watching my friends perform," Minogue said.
She also insisted she'll be friendlier than the former Spice Girls manager.
"I'll probably be more nervous than the contestants are."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dannii-Minogue.aspx

Dec 18

Arctic Monkeys make shock guest appearance
[source: NME.com] Arctic Monkeys joined The Little Flames onstage at the Deltasonic Christmas Party in Liverpool on Saturday.
Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders and Nick O'Malley took to the stage to add extra vocals, guitar, drums and bass to the Scouse act's "Put Your Dukes Up John".
"We're going to be joined now by our little cousins," Little Flames singer Eva Petersen told the stunned crowd at the Liverpool Academy. "This one will sound better with the Arctic Monkeys."
The shock appearance at the 2000-capacity venue came just days after the Sheffield band announced two massive dates at the Lancashire County Cricket Club, to take place in July next year.
Meanwhile, Saturday's event, a charity bash in aid of the Alder Hey Children's Hospital, also saw The Coral make their live comeback, debuting tracks from their as-yet-untitled new album, scheduled for release next year.
The band played three new songs – "Remember Me", "Who's Gonna Find Me?" and "In The Rain" – alongside a rapturously-received greatest hits set.
Other support came from labelmates Tiger Kicks, The Suzukis and The Dead 60s, while up-and-coming street magician Dynamo – touted as Britain's answer to David Blaine – amazed punters with his repertoire of tricks.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx


Luscious Jackson's Jill Cunniff announces solo debut
[source: NME.com] Former Luscious Jackson frontwoman Jill Cunniff will release her solo debut, City Beach, on Tuesday February 20 in the US. A UK release will follow shortly after.
Cunniff laid low after Luscious Jackson's demise six years ago, but has now returned with an ode to Coney Island, the famous beach city not far from where she grew up in New York.
Recorded in her own studio, City Beach showcases Cunniff's punk and alternative rock roots, as well as some Brazilian influences.
"I chopped up samples, hid them slightly, turned them around… fiddled with and re-worked sounds and vocals," Cunniff said of the recording process. "I learned how to record my voice better. When you record yourself it's a very un-self-conscious process."
Emmylou Harris provided guest vocals on "Disconnection", the final track on the album.
City Beach will get a vinyl release in the US on film director Cameron Crowe's record label, Vinyl Films, as well as a wide release via The Militia Group.

City Beach tracklisting:

"Lazy Girls"
"Happy Warriors"
"NYC Boy"
"Warm Sound"
'Eye Candy"
"Apartment 3"
'Love Is A Luxury"
"Exclusive"
"Kaleidoscope"
"Future Call"
"Calling Me"
"Disconnection"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Luscious-Jackson.aspx


Beyoncé nominated for two Golden Globes
[source: NME.com] Beyoncé Knowles has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for her role in Dreamgirls.
The film is loosely based on the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, and is set for a Christmas Day release in the US.
Beyoncé plays the part of the Ross-inspired character in the movie and has been nominated in the Best Actress category. She also co-wrote "Listen" from the movie, which is competing in the Best Song category.
The ceremony is due to take place on Monday January 15 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyonce.aspx


Cranberries star signs solo deal
[source: NME.com] Cranberries frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan has signed a solo record deal with Sanctuary Records.
O'Riordan took a break from The Cranberries in 2003 and has since been working on solo material in Dublin with local musicians, including ex-Therapy drummer Graham Hopkins.
O'Riordan told Hot Press the album – Are You Listening? – was "dark and personal".
"It's completely different to The Cranberries. You wouldn't have written something as dark and personal as that with the boys."
The album was originally planned for a summer 2006 release but will now come out on Tuesday May 8 through Sanctuary's Sequel label.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cranberries-The.aspx


Guns N' Roses announce album release date
[source: NME.com] Guns N' Roses' long-awaited Chinese Democracy album will receive an online release on Tuesday March 6.
Although the band's management had hinted the album might appear this year, singer Axl Rose has now told fans the album will be released in 2007.
"To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement," he wrote of the record's long delay.
"Overcoming the obstacles faced by all involved, notwithstanding the emotional challenges endured by everyone – the fans, the band, our road crew and business team – has at many times seemed like a bad dream where one wakes up only to find they are still in the nightmare. Unfortunately, this time it has been played out for over a decade in real life."
However, Rose said he now hoped Chinese Democracy was finally ready to go.
"It takes approximately eight weeks for an album to hit the shelves once it has been turned in to the record company. That said, this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee, but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6.
"This is the first time we have done this publicly for this album. Any and all other dates have been made up by others for their own reasons. We would like to assure the fans that, though tentative, everything in our power will be done to meet this date. Once it is finalised and official you will be notified. If we are delayed for unseen reasons you will also be notified as soon as possible in regard to a new date, and the album will be released as shortly thereafter as is possible."
In order to complete the record, Rose explained he had to cancel several dates on their US tour.
"Rather than delay the album yet again, all involved have decided to remove these shows from the band's schedule."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Guns-N-Roses.aspx


Chrissie Hynde takes on the EU
Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of legendary UK outfit The Pretenders, has written a letter to the European Union in response to their upcoming ban of cat and dog fur products.
Hynde, who will head to Australia next month on tour, is a long-time supporter of animal rights. The singer's letter to EU Union secretary Catherine Day pointed out that the current plan doesn't offer any protection for animals not classified as domestic pets.
"This legislation will grease the wheels of the fur industry so it can kill millions of other animals for their pelts while assuring consumers that none of them are like their family pets," the singer wrote. "It is crucial that people look beyond its title and read what this legislation actually says."

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


B.B. King awarded Medal Of Freedom
Legendary blues singer and guitarist B.B. King has been awarded the Medal Of Freedom, the USA's highest civilian honour.
During a ceremony held on Friday December 15, President George W. Bush presented the 81-year-old with the award, praising him for overcoming a difficult childhood that saw King picking cotton for $0.35 a day and living alone at age nine.
"It has been said that when John Lennon was asked to name his great ambition," Bush said, "he replied: 'to play the guitar like B.B. King'."
"Many musicians have had that same goal but nobody has ever been able to match the skill, or copy the sound, of The King Of The Blues."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/B-B-King.aspx


Kaiser Chiefs diss Girls Aloud cover
Kaiser Chief frontman Ricky Wilson has criticised UK pop starlets Girls Aloud for covering his band's "I Predict A Riot" on their recent tour.
The girl-group changed the lyrics from the Chiefs' hit song from "borrow a pound for a condom" to "borrow a pound for a phone call", which left Wilson fuming.
"I don't give a s**t if they don't change the words," he told UK newspaper The Daily Star. "But they did change the words. I'm gonna cover a Girls Aloud song and change all their words but make them really filthy. It's illegal, Girls Aloud. We're after you."
The band aren't so mad, however, at Lily Allen, whose also been covering the band during recent gigs.
"Lily asked our permission for the song," drummer Nick Hodgson said. "Girls Aloud didn't and then they changed the words. It's embarrassing because people think we have been asked and we haven't been."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kaiser-Chiefs.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Girls-Aloud.aspx


Phish frontman arrested
Trey Anastasio, frontman for US jam rockers Phish, has been arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs and holding a suspended licence. The 40-year-old singer was pulled over recently in Vermont, after police witnessed him driving erratically and crossing lines. Anastasio was found carrying Hydrocodone, Percocet and Xanax, which were prescribed to someone else.
The singer was taken to a local police station where he failed a sobriety test. He was eventually released when he was deemed sober enough. Anastasio will appear in court next month to face the charges. Meanwhile, Phish are currently on the road in the US, having resumed touring after officially breaking up back in 2004.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Phish.aspx


Dixie Chicks to split?
Messageboards are swirling with rumours that Texan country trio Dixie Chicks may split, with an inside source revealing to US press that February's Grammy Awards may mark the end of the group… at least for now.
The insider has claimed sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson are wanting to concentrate on motherhood, and are "tired and wrung out" after having to constantly defend themselves over anti-Bush comments made by singer Natalie Maines back in 2003.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dixie-Chicks.aspx

Dec 15

Yoko Ono in blackmail incident
Yoko Ono’s driver has been arrested after he allegedly threatened to blackmail her on the 26th anniversary of John Lennon's death.
Koral Karson is believed to have sent a letter with a photograph of Ono in her nightclothes, saying he would release further photos and audio tapes of private conversations with him unless she paid him AU$2.56 million.
Her chauffeur also allegedly talked about killing the late Beatle’s widow and her son Sean in a conversation recorded by investigators. Karsan has denied the claims.
The chauffeur worked for Ono for six years and drove her on an almost daily basis.
“For an employee – especially a trusted employee who drove her – to attempt a shakedown has left her absolutely shocked," spokesperson Eliot Mintz said. "You’re reminded that this takes place around that time of the anniversary, when she is in a particularly vulnerable position. It just adds insult to injury. This one’s really cold.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Yoko-Ono.aspx


Yeah Yeah Yeahs discuss demo leak
Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O has spoken about the leaking of her demos, which saw 16 tracks under the KO At Home umbrella surface on the internet.
“I can’t say I don’t feel a little grossed out by someone taking a liberty with music that was mine and Dave’s. S**t happens nonetheless," O wrote on the band's messageboard.
“All I can do at this point is offer up a recommendation… if you happen to get your mitts on one of those old demos floating around, my personal favourites, and the only ones I would have released for anyone to enjoy, are ‘Pumpkin’ and ‘Snakes And Worms’. The rest I probably would have pitched or buried for a while longer.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Yeah-Yeah-Yeahs.aspx


Rolling Stones most successful touring artist of 2006
The Rolling Stones have clocked up the most successful tour of 2006, taking in AU$557 million dollars worldwide.
The figures come despite the band cancelling a series of shows following guitarist Keith Richards’ fall from a coconut tree earlier this year.
Madonna’s Confessions tour came in second, raking in $249 million in profits for 60 shows, while Bon Jovi were third with $167 million from their most recent tour.
Other acts who secured a slot in the top grossing tours in Billboard’s Boxscore were U2, Tim McGraw/Faith Hill, Barbara Streisand, Kenny Chesney and Aerosmith.

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


The Rakes name new album
The Rakes have named the follow-up to 2005 debut Capture/Release.
Ten New Messages was recorded by Arctic Monkeys producer Jim Abbiss and Brendan Lynch, who has previously worked with Primal Scream, in London’s Mayfair Studios.
Singer Alan Donohoe described the album as a “combination of choral music, the television show 24, [James] Bond theme tunes, World War I poets and the Sugababes”.
“It’s a bit more focused than the last album. It has the same sort of lyrics but it's more character driven,” Donohoe told NME.COM.
“We’ve got this one song called ‘When Tom Cruise Cries’. It’s about media sensationalism on one level but on another level it’s about how actors can be so believable you get into an emotional relationship with them when they’re only acting. I got the idea for this from the scene at the end of Magnolia when he’s crying at his sick father’s bedside.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rakes-The.aspx


Bob Dylan fights Factory Girl
Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is seeking a court injunction to stop the release of the Factory Girl movie, a biopic of Andy Warhol muse Edie Sedgwick, which stars Sienna Miller.
Concerned the movie defames him – it allegedly suggests Sedgwick committed suicide after being jilted by Dylan – lawyers have demanded the film’s producers stall its release until the singer has had the chance to view it for himself.
“You appear to be labouring under the misunderstanding that merely changing the name of a character or making him a purported fictional composite will immunise you from suit,” Dylan’s attorney, Orin Snyder, said in a statement to producers.
In the film, Dylan’s character has been re-named Danny Quinn and is supposed to be a mixture of Dylan, Jim Morrison and Mick Jagger. Critics who have seen the film, however, say it’s all Dylan.
“Even though Mr Dylan’s name is not used, the portrayal remains both defamatory and a violation of Mr Dylan’s right of publicity,” Snyder continued. “Until we are given an opportunity to view the film, we hereby demand that all distribution and screenings… immediately be ceased.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bob-Dylan.aspx


Rufus Wainwright reveals new LP plans
Rufus Wainwright will self-produce the follow-up to 2004's critical hit, Want Two.
Release The Stars is due in stores in May 2007 and will also feature input from Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant as executive producer.
Wainwright is currently preparing for two February performances, one at New York’s Carnegie Hall and the other at London's Palladium, where he’ll stage recreations of Judy Garland’s infamous 1961 stage shows.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rufus-Wainwright.aspx


Robbie Williams lights up
Despite it being illegal in Queensland, UK pop singer Robbie Williams won’t get in trouble after lighting a cigarette while onstage in Brisbane last night.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said Williams will avoid paying a fine and admitted he wasn't concerned about the singer breaking the stadium’s clear no-smoking rules.
“Look, anyone who knows anything about Robbie Williams – and I don’t claim to be an expert but I do know this – his demeanour and his act, know a part of that is defiance and breaking some of the rules,” Beattie said.
“The reality is it was part of the act. I didn’t see it as a big deal and nor did anyone else.”

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


Mike Skinner hits the jackpot
UK rapper Mike Skinner, aka The Streets, is giving away a recent jackpot win that saw him pocket AU$2569 while out on the town with fellow UK hip-hop outfit The Mitchell Brothers.
Skinner, who’s about to hit Australian shores as part of the 2007 Big Day Out, is offering the cash to anyone who can explain what the Brothers’ song “Solemate” is really about.
“After a long day last Thursday talking to the Mitchells about their new song, it was The Beats’ Christmas dinner,” Skinner revealed on his website. “I decided to have it at a casino when I saw the James Bond film. So [Mitchell Brothers'] Magic Mike was saying he would take it easy but, as each beer flowed, he seemed to be taking on strange powers.
"Anyway, I walked away with £1025 cash (I woke up with £1020 due to a lady taking $5 on the way out to work).”
To enter the competition, head to the Mitchell Brothers MySpace page or email Mike at mike@the-beats.co.uk with your interpretation of "Solemate".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Streets-The.aspx


Velvet Underground vinyl still for sale
Having endured a fake AU$198,215 eBay bid, Warren Hill – the owner of an extremely rare acetate recording by seminal New York City band the Velvet Underground – is putting the disc up for sale once again.
Bought at a Manhattan flea market for $0.95 in 2002, the vinyl is reportedly one of two in existence. It was made during Velvet Underground’s first ever recording session back in April 1966 at New York’s Scepter Studios. Bidders for the second auction will need to register so they can be checked for legitimacy after the first winner emailed Hill admitting he had no money.
Hill, who owns a small vintage record shop in his house and prefers gospel music, says he can't wait for the hoopla to die down.
“I just want to sell it.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Velvet-Underground-The.aspx

Dec 14

Brandon Flowers: "I nearly lost an eye at Christmas"
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has revealed how he nearly lost an eye one Christmas after an accident with an air-pellet gun.
Speaking in this week's special festive edition of NME, the singer described how the dark incident turned into his most memorable Christmas.
"I got a BB gun once – it's a gun that shoots little pellets," he said. "It was during the first Gulf War and my dad brought back pictures of Saddam Hussein for me to shoot at. So I was shooting at one of them and I ran forward to it immediately after I'd fired to see how good a shot I was, but it ricocheted off the shed and came back at me square in the head. I learnt my lesson. I almost lost my eye that Christmas."
The singer said he now really appreciates Christmas and deliberately changed the name of the band's charity single to a "A Great Big Sled" to make it sound more festive.
"I realise now that I probably should have called it 'A Great Big Sleigh' because that's what Santa rides, but it doesn't sound very Christmassy at all," he declared. "It sounds like you're going on a killing spree! Besides, 'sleigh' doesn't rhyme with 'red', which is the next line!"

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


Ozomatli unveil fourth studio album
Ozomatli have revealed how an art installation they created at a gallery in Los Angeles inspired songs on their forthcoming album, Don't Mess With The Dragon.
The ten-piece contributed art and decorations to a space at the Tropico de Nopal gallery where they were holed up for several weeks. They've now drawn on their own art and pieces by other LA artists for inspiration.
"Visitors came in and each of us got a chance to show how we create music, individually and collectively," bassist/vocalist Wil-Dog Abers said. "That environment gave birth to these songs. I think we created our most cohesive album yet."
Abers also said the new album, due at the end of March, focuses on Hurricane Katrina, the multiculturalism of Los Angeles, and the perils of war.

Don't Mess With The Dragon tracklisting:

"Can't Stop"
"City Of Angels"
"After Party"
"Don't Mess With The Dragon"
"La Gallina"
"Magnolia Soul"
"Here We Go"
"La Temperatura"
"Violeta"
"Creo"
"When I Close My Eyes"
"La Segunda Mano"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ozomatli.aspx


The Music make live return
The Music debuted four new tracks at a comeback gig in their hometown this week.
The four-piece made their live return at The Cockpit in Leeds, with a set mainly consisting of tracks from their previous two albums, including the likes of "The Dance", "Welcome To The North", "Take The Long Road And Walk It", "Getaway" and "Freedom Fighters".
But the band also threw in new songs "Fire", "Simple Of Hope", instrumental "No Danger" and another untitled track.
The gig, the band's first in more than a year, saw frontman Robert Harvey sporting a skinhead.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Music-The.aspx


BRMC reveal new album details
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have revealed the final tracklisting for their new album.
They've been recording the follow-up to Howl in a friend's LA studio and hope to have the disc out in March.
"We're doing the final mixes and putting the icing on the cake," band leader Rob Turner told NME.COM.
"It's the first album where we went into the studio knowing exactly what we wanted and we've been able to record when we feel it, instead of when we're supposed to feel it, which is a nice luxury."
The record combines elements of all three previous albums and is "not as much of a concept record" as the blues-and-soul-infused Howl, according to Turner. It also sees drummer Nick Jago, who was absent during their last recording session, return to the studio.
While the band are yet to name the new album, the final track listing reads like this:

"Cold Wind"
"Killing The Lights"
"American X"
"Window"
"Berlin"
"All You Do Is Talk"
"Lien On Your Dreams"
"The Snow's About to Begin"
"Am I Only One Of You"
"Weapon Of Choice"
"666 Conducer"
"Not What You Wanted"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Black-Rebel-Motorcycle-Club.aspx


Big Day Out finalises line-up
Organisers of the Big Day Out have announced the final additions to the national festival's line-up.
Joining The Killers, My Chemical Romance, Lily Allen, The Streets, Jet and many others on the already packed bill are rockers The Vines, Gold Coast outfit Sick Puppies, Melbourne rapper Macromantics, Perth punkers Snowman, reggae master Luciano, techno legends Digital Primate and DJ Mark Murphy. DJ Sir-Vere, That 1 Guy, P-Money, Foreign Heights, TZU, Keith Flint, DJ Gedo Super Mega Bitch Mrs Flint 4, Dan Kelly & The Alpha Males, Gersey and Ground Components will also appear, as well as a stack of local artists in each city.
For full line-up details, visit http://www.bigdayout.com

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Vines-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dan-Kelly-And-The-Alpha-Males.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Snowman.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ground-Components.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Luciano.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Digital-Primate-Featuring-Cc-Martini.aspx


Christina plays Santa for Britney
It appears former pop rivals (and Mickey Mouse Club teen stars) Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears have made up.
Currently on tour in Europe, Aguilera dialled an up-market Los Angeles store to order Christmas gifts for Spears' two sons.
Nina Takesh, owner of celebrity baby outlet Petit Tresor, claimed Aguilera called her from overseas and indicated she wanted to "give them something adorable for the colder weather".
The singer reportedly chose two blue cashmere schoolboy sweaters for $164 each. Spears, meanwhile, did some of her own shopping at the store, picking up two Kaloo chairs shaped like teddy bears for $108 each.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Christina-Aguilera.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx


Korn begin work on new LP
Los Angeles nu-metallers Korn have started on the follow-up to 2005's See You On The Other Side, with the new LP set for release in June 2007.
Jonathan Davis and co are heading into the studio, however, without drummer David Silveria; he's taking a "temporary hiatus" from the group.
"I just need a break right now," Silveria explained.
This week the band shot an episode of MTV's Unplugged series, featuring special guest Amy Lee (Evanescence) on vocals.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Korn.aspx


Beyoncé defends Diana Ross feud rumours
Rumours of a feud between Beyoncé Knowles and former Supremes singer Diana Ross are, Knowles claims, completely false.
The Destiny's Child star said there's no truth to the rumours that her role in Dreamgirls – in which she plays the ambitious Deena, lead singer of a fictional 60s girl pop trio – is based on Ross.
"I actually spoke to her at a Clive Davis party," Knowles revealed this week. "She was so nice. And it made me very happy because I respect her and I want her to be happy. Deena is not Diana Ross. It was very clear that a lot of the story lines never happened to Diana. I kind of borrowed some of her posture and make-up, but it stops there. She's definitely stronger and has a different story."
It has been suggested that Ross was angry about the film and was attempting to hold up its release.
In other news, Knowles confirmed she is planning a solo tour from April to September 2007.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyonce.aspx


Flyleaf head Down Under
US hard rockers Flyleaf will head to Australia in February for a tour that includes three shows as part of the national Soundwave Festival.
The Texan outfit have recently finished a US tour with Three Days Grace.
"Flyleaf achieve that rare feat of sounding like nobody else out there right now," Kerrang magazine wrote of the five-piece.
The tour kicks off on Saturday February 24 in Brisbane, before heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Other acts on the Soundwave bill include the Deftones, +44, Unwritten Law, Thrice, Hatebreed, Juliette & The Licks and more.
Head to http://www.soundwavefestival.com for more information. Tickets are on sale now.
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Flyleaf.aspx

Dec 13

Velvet Underground auction: final bid was fake
[source: NME] The seller of a rare Velvet Underground record has revealed the final bid of AU$198,349 by a person known only as mechadaddy was fake.
The current owner of the rare acetate, Warren Hill, said the sale didn't work out as planned.
"It seems to have gone badly at the end… I just don't really feel like talking about it," he told CBC.
Despite the setback, Hill said he was "still interested" in selling the record, which contains the only definitive version of the Velvet Underground & Nico album.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Velvet-Underground-The.aspx


Busta Rhymes charged over his ten-inch blade
[source: NME] Busta Rhymes appeared in court on Monday facing charges for criminal possession of a weapon, after a machete was found in his car in August.
Additionally, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office is already pursuing Busta Rhymes for assault and harassment charges dating back to August. The rapper was accused of felony assault and harassment after police searched his vehicle and found a ten-inch blade.
The rapper's lawyer, Scott Leemon, said the knife was "a prop" and did not warrant a criminal charge.
During an October hearing, Judge Shawndya Simpson dropped the charges. However, the District Attorney's Office filed a misdemeanour charge of criminal possession yesterday and they were reinstated.
Rhymes is set to appear in court again on Tuesday February 20.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Busta-Rhymes.aspx


Quincy Jones honoured by Harvard University
[source: NME] Veteran producer Quincy Jones will receive a special honour at Harvard University next month when he becomes the first recipient of the institution's Mentor Of The Year award.
Speaking about the honour, Associate Dean Of Harvard School Of Public Health Jay Winsten said Quincy had helped many people.
"Through his spirit, insight, inspiration and caring, Quincy has touched and transformed many lives, ranging from celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith to former gang members in South Central, Los Angeles.
"Through his work with UNICEF and other international agencies, he has served as a role model for using the power of celebrity to improve the lot of humankind."
Jones was mentored at the age of 15 in Seattle by jazz singer Ray Charles and went on to work with Michael Jackson on both the highest selling single and album of all time ("We Are the World" and Thriller). Jones is also the most nominated Grammy artist, with 76 nominations.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Quincy-Jones.aspx


Elton John lines up for Diana memorial concert
[source: NME] Pharrell Williams, Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry, Duran Duran and Elton John will all play a commemorative concert to mark the tenth anniversary of Princess Diana's death.
They will join a host of stars, including singer Joss Stone and Andrew Lloyd Webber, for a special show at the new Wembley Stadium on Sunday July 1. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sir Elton John praised Prince William and Prince Harry, who are curating the show, for choosing to honour their mother.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be performing at this great event. Diana was a personal friend and someone I greatly admired for her tireless and enthusiastic work for charity."
All proceeds from the gig will go to a host of charities Diana supported during her life, and to two of the princes' own charities, Centrepoint and Sentebale.
For more information, visit http://www.concertfordiana.com.

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


James Blunt raises cash for war charity
Despite five Grammy nominations for 11-times platinum album Back To Bedlam, English crooner James Blunt still has his feet on the ground.
The former NATO peacekeeper has raised $261,000 so far for the emergency relief agency Medicins Sans Frontieres, an organisation whose work he witnessed while serving time in the war-zone of Kosovo. Blunt raised the cash by auctioning meet-and-greets after every show on his current tour, with one recent auction fetching a whopping $10,900.
Blunt has earned Grammy nominations for Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best New Artist. It's not all roses, however: NME voted Back To Bedlam the worst album of 2006.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/James-Blunt.aspx


Kylie Minogue's New Year's Eve bash
Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue will return to UK stages on New Year's Eve with a one-off London concert at Wembley Arena.
"I've been to some great New Year's parties over the years," Minogue said, "and I can't wait to host what will be the biggest party of all."
The concert, which will run until midnight on Sunday December 31, will be Minogue's first UK performance since her cancer diagnosis in May 2005.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kylie-Minogue.aspx


Evel Knievel sues Kanye West
US hip-hop superstar Kanye West has found himself the subject of a lawsuit by infamous daredevil Evel Knievel.
Knievel, 68, currently resides in Clearwater, Florida, and is fighting a lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis. But his latest battle is over an alleged trademark infringement.
He's angry at West's "Touch The Sky" video, which depicts the rapper (alongside Pamela Anderson) as "Evel Kanyevel", attempting to jump a canyon while dressed in a star-spangled, V-striped, white jumpsuit.
"He's just a disgrace to me," Knievel said, who believes his image has been tarnished by the "vulgar, sexual and racially charged nature" of West's video.
"What a cheap shot. What a cheap, two-bit shot."
"You're dealing with people who are very familiar with intellectual property rights," Knievel's lawyer, Richard Fee, said. "They make their living off intellectual property rights but have chosen to ignore somebody else's."

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


Bob Dylan tops Rolling Stone poll
Legendary US singer/songwriter Bob Dylan has topped Rolling Stone's annual best albums poll with his first record in five years, Modern Times.
The magazine's yearbook edition, out this month, sees Dylan's LP at number one, followed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers' double CD release, Stadium Arcadium, and Sonic Youth's latest LP, Rather Ripped.
The top single of 2006 went to Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy", a track the magazine claimed "nobody even pretended not to like". The Saboteurs' "Steady As She Goes" and rapper Chamillionaire's "Ridin'" rounded out the top three, with Aussie rockers Wolfmother landing at number nine with "Other Dimension".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bob-Dylan.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gnarls-Barkley.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Red-Hot-Chili-Peppers.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sonic-Youth.aspx


Delta returns home for Christmas
Delta Goodrem is returning to Australia after two years in The Big Apple.
The singer moved to New York City hoping to break into the American market and concentrate on writing her upcoming 2007 LP. But now Goodrem has announced she'll take to the stage at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, on Christmas Eve (Saturday December 24) for Carols By Candlelight. It will be her first hometown performance since the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in March.
"I think it is time I came back home," she told The Daily Telegraph earlier this week.
"I really felt I needed to give people a bit of space. Everything happened in such a short space of time. It was very busy and very crazy, all within a space of three years. I think I was around so much for a little while there, I really felt people were getting sick of me."
Goodrem's boyfriend, former Westlife singer Brian McFadden, is also heading to Australia to spend Christmas with her family before moving here permanently.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Delta-Goodrem.aspx

Dec 12

New York Mayor covers Bruce Springsteen
[source: NME.com] New York mayor Michael Bloomberg performed a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" at his annual staff Christmas party at Gracie Mansion last week.
In response to persistent rumours that he will run for President of the United States, the New York Times reports Bloomberg took to the stage – backed by senior members of staff playing inflatable musical instruments – wearing a T-shirt, jeans, mullet wig and bandana.
Changing the lyrics, the mayor sung: "I know I said this job I'd keep, but [Deputy Mayor Kevin] Sheekey said don't be cheap. Only cost you half a billion, 'cause folks like us, baby, we were born to run."
The mayor performed the song under the name Mike Bloomsteen And The Bullpen Band.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bruce-Springsteen.aspx


Nine Inch Nails announce details of live DVD
[source: NME.com] Nine Inch Nails will release a live DVD featuring footage of this year's North American tours.
Beside You In Time will contain 19 tracks from their recent winter tour, plus five tracks from their summer outing.
Additional features include an image gallery, the music videos to "Only" and "The Hand That Feeds", plus footage of the band in live rehearsals.
Tracks from the North American winter tour include "Love Is Not Enough", "You Know Who You Are?", "Terrible Lie", "The Line Begins To Blur", "March Of The Pigs", "Something I Can Never Have", "Closer", "Burn", "Gave Up", "Eraser", "Right Where It Belongs", "Beside You In Time", "With Teeth", "Wish", "Only", "The Big Come Down", "Hurt", "The Hand That Feeds" and "Head Like A Hole".
Meanwhile, the summer tour provides "Somewhat Damaged", "Closer", "Help Me I Am In Hell", "Non-Entity" and "Only".
The DVD will be released Tuesday February 27 in the US, with an international release date still to be confirmed.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nine-Inch-Nails.aspx


Mariah Carey in porn battle
[source: NME.com] Mariah Carey has threatened to take legal action against porn star Mary Carey to prevent her from trademarking her name.
Singer Carey believes fans could get confused between the two if Mary Carey's trademark application is successful.
The porn star said she's ready to battle the singer all the way.
"I've been Mary Carey for a long time. It's kind of funny because I'm a porn star and I've been being myself for a long time. I think she's being silly."
Mary Carey's lawyer, David Beitchman, said he thought the singer stood little chance of winning a case.
"My first thought was, 'Does Mariah Carey realise what her lawyer is comparing her to and are they seriously concerned?'," he told Reuters. "Do they seriously think the fans are going to be confused?"

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


Prince to play Super Bowl show
[source: NME.com] Prince will play the half-time show at the Super Bowl in February.
The Rolling Stones played this year's event, although they were asked to censor several of their lyrics. It's believed this move followed Janet Jackson's infamous nipple-bearing performance at the 2004 Super Bowl, which saw broadcaster CBS fined a record AU$638,000.
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events in America and past half-time shows have featured the likes of U2 and Paul McCartney.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Prince.aspx


Courtney Love's legal victories
Former Hole frontwoman and occasional actress Courtney Love has escaped her legal woes, with a Los Angeles Superior Court dismissing three pending charges.
Yesterday, Judge Rand Rubin dropped Love's misdemeanour assault charge and two drug possession cases, declaring the singer had successfully completed drug rehabilitation.
Love, who was accompanied by her manager and lawyer, cried upon hearing the verdict.
"Thank you for not taking me into custody," she said. "Thank you for giving me an opportunity. You've been a good, fair judge. Sorry for crying."
Having now been sober for 16 months, Love says she's relieved her legal troubles are at last behind her.
"I'm so happy and excited. I'm relieved," she said. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Courtney-Love.aspx


Jet stage special LA show
It was almost four years ago that Melbourne rockers Jet played their first US show at the small, yet noteworthy, Spaceland venue in Los Angeles. With millions of sales of their debut, Get Born, under their belt, Jet were back at the 260-person capacity venue once again on Sunday night.
Performing an intimate, semi-acoustic show in support of second LP Shine On, the band surprised the crowd with a few special guests. Jet were joined onstage by soul singers the Waters Sisters, who provide back-up on Shine On (and, as drummer Chris Cester pointed out, also sang on Michael Jackson's hit LP, Thriller).
They were followed by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash (who helped the band cover The Rolling Stones' "Salt Of The Earth") and Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson (who sang Jet's "Eleanor" plus The Ronettes' "Be My Baby").
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones also took to the stage (for The Faces' "Miss Judy's Farm"), with the night ending in a huge all-star finalé.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jet.aspx


The Stooges name album
Returning with their first studio LP in 23 years, legendary Detroit outfit The Stooges have confirmed the title of their upcoming longplayer.
The Weirdness will be released on Tuesday March 20 on Virgin and will contain 16 tracks mastered at London's famous Abbey Road Studios.
"Some of it is exciting and some of it is scary," frontman Iggy Pop recently told Billboard about working with his original band once again. "But at the end of the day, I know these guys. I don't know anybody else quite that way."
Song titles include "Trollin'", "ATM", "You Can't Have Friends," "My Idea Of Fun", "Greedy Awful People", and "Free And Freaky" (which features The Saboteurs' Brendan Benson).

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stooges-The.aspx


Foxy Brown summoned to court
US rapper Foxy Brown made an unexpected appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday after being accused of violating her probation. Brown had previously been sentenced to three years' probation, having pled guilty to misdemeanour assault back in August 2006 following a fight in a nail salon two years ago.
Lawyer Shawnda Weinberg said Brown was "flouting the court-ordered conditions of her probation", failing to attend anger management classes, submit to drug tests or keep appointments.
Brown (whose real name is Inga Marchand) wasn't allowed to speak during her appearance and told reporters outside the courthouse she was being hounded.
"I have never violated probation," she declared. "This is happening to me because I'm Foxy Brown."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Foxy-Brown.aspx


Special Michael Franti show announced
Already heading to Australia for The Falls Festival, musician/activist Michael Franti has announced he'll perform an intimate show in Lorne's historic picture theatre on Tuesday January 2.
The night will include a screening of Franti's recent documentary, I know I'm Not Alone, a film capturing the musician's travels through the war zones of Iraq, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The doco has been described by System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian as "powerful, honest and touching", while Anthony Minghella (the director of films The English Patient and Cold Mountain) urges people to "watch this film and then insist Michael Franti becomes President of the United States".
Tickets cost $50 (plus booking fees) and go on sale Wednesday December 13 from Ticketek and other outlets.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Michael-Franti.aspx

Dec 11

Arctic Monkeys top NME poll
[source: NME.com] NME staff have voted Arctic Monkey's Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not as the best album of 2006.
Frontman Alex Turner admitted he was surprised by the album's success, despite the hype that surrounded it before its release.
"We'd been up and down playing those songs and everyone had gone pretty barmy, but I didn't think they were going to buy a CD," he explained.
"I just thought they were out and having a laugh. I didn't think it meant we were ultimately going to make this big album. When we finished we were so proud we'd made a record, it seemed secondary that it was a good one."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx


The B-52s work with New Order producer
[source: NME.com] The B-52s are working with New Order producer Steve Osbourne on their first new album since 1992.
In a posting on the band's website, guitarist Keith Strickland discussed the lengthy lay-off:
"We took a short break, which ended up lasting several years as each of us went our individual ways, musically… I considered doing a solo album, but in a moment of clarity I decided that I would rather put my energy into a new B-52s album."
The band began working on the album in 2003 and decided to record with Steve Osbourne.
"[He] produced New Order's Get Ready, which I love," Stickland said. "When we were discussing producers for the album, I suggested Steve."
Strickland also explained the new album would contain a theme, although he would not reveal what it was.
"About halfway through these sessions we noticed a theme developing," he said. "However, I don't want to spoil the experience for you by giving it away. You've got to hear it to believe it."
A release date for the album, which the band has described as "rock'n'roll-glam-electro-soul", has yet to be announced.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/B-52s-The.aspx


Madonna to design clothing line for H&M
[source: NME.com] Madonna has teamed with clothes retailer H&M to create a fashion line that will be sold in 1300 stores around the world.
The singer joined forces with the chain earlier this year when she became the face of the brand, modelling a tracksuit she helped design.
She will now launch M by Madonna, which will include women's clothing and accessories. She said she was "looking forward to wearing the line with the rest of the world".
Meanwhile, Madonna recently confirmed the release of her The Confessions Tour DVD, which comes out on Monday January 22.

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


Fall Out Boy rope in Jay-Z on new album
[source: NME.com] Hip-hop superstar Jay-Z will appear on the next Fall Out Boy album.
The emo pop posterboys will release their fourth album, Infinity On High, on Monday February 5, with Jay-Z making a brief cameo on opening track "Car Crash".
The band's urban obsession doesn't stop there. Regular producer Neal Avron also received some help from legendary R&B hit-maker Babyface.
Infinity On High is preceded by "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race" on Saturday January 20.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fall-Out-Boy.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jay-Z.aspx


Elvis and Diana have twins
English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, 52, and his wife, 42-year-old US jazz vocalist Diana Krall, have become the proud parents of twin boys.
Dexter Henry Lorcan and Frank Harlan James made their way into the world on Wednesday December 6.
The pair, who met several years ago when Krall went backstage to see Costello after a performance in Sydney, said they are "ecstatic".
"Mother and sons are doing splendidly," a statement revealed.
The couple have been married for three years and collaborated on Krall's 2004 release, The Girl In The Other Room.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Elvis-Costello.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Diana-Krall.aspx


The Great Escape announces more acts
John Butler Trio, Little Birdy and Deerhoof are among the next round of acts announced for Sydney's three-day Easter camping festival, The Great Escape. The Cops, The Temper Trap, Bliss N Eso, Darren Hanlon, Holly Throsby, Angus & Julia Stone, Stick Figures, Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, Ooh La La and Operator Please will also appear.
They join Wolfmother, Gomez, Missy Higgins, The Living End, Ben Kweller, Fat Freddy's Drop, Ziggy Marley, The Hilltop Hoods, The Vines, Bob Evans, The Fumes, Fishbone, Blue King Brown and Lee Scratch Perry.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday December 14. For more info, see http://www.thegreatescape.net.au.

Hilltops Hoods: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hilltop-Hoods.aspx
Little Birdy: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Little-Birdy.aspx
Darren Hanlon: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Darren-Hanlon.aspx
JBT: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Butler-Trio.aspx
Lee Perry: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lee-Scratch-Perry-The-Upsetters.aspx
TLE: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Living-End-The.aspx
Holly Throsby: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Holly-Throsby.aspx
Bob Evans: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bob-Evans.aspx
Bliss N Eso: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bliss-N-Eso.aspx
Wolfmother: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx


Madonna's last-ditch effort to save marriage
Madonna is heading to the Maldives this week, reportedly to undergo a last-ditch effort to save her marriage to British film director Guy Ritchie.
A "friend" of Ritchie's told UK newspaper The News Of The World the couple's marriage was in a "sad" state.
"It's make or break. They even argued over where to go, so things aren't good. Guy has let slip their marriage is hanging by a thread."
The couple, who've been married for six years and have a six-year-old son (as well as adopted toddler David and Madonna's ten-year-old daughter Lourdes), have been dogged by break-up rumours for months.
Meanwhile, Mads has been attacked by animal rights group People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) after she was photographed wearing a fur coat in London last week.
"Wearing a coat made of dozens of animals who were strangled or anally electrocuted got Madonna the attention she so desperately craves," PETA spokesperson Karen Chisholm said. "But it also brought painful deaths to small, gentle animals who died for her vanity."


Paul McCartney pays Mills $299 million
Divorce proceedings between Sir Paul McCartney and estranged wife Heather Mills have reportedly been finalised.
According to British press reports, McCartney will pay Mills a staggering AU$299 million (including a yearly payment of $7.5 million a year, more than $5 million annually for "expenses" over the next 15 years and an additional $7.5 million for an English home for Mills).
One of McCartney's aides has told a British newspaper it's a "done deal". Mills has announced she'll donate most of her annual payment to charity.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Mccartney.aspx


Wolfmother earn Grammy nomination
Sydney trio Wolfmother have racked up yet another achievement with a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for "Woman".
The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious honours in the US music industry, with this year's winners announced during a ceremony on Sunday February 11. Other nominees in the category include System Of A Down, Tool and Nine Inch Nails.
Two other Aussies are also up for gongs: Keith Urban (nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance) and Tommy Emmanuel (Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag").

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tommy-Emmanuel.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Keith-Urban.aspx


Bon Scott statue planned
Some 23 years after forming, AC/DC are still going strong. In fact, they're the second highest-earning group in the country (behind The Wiggles).
Now, former lead singer Bon Scott will be honoured in his hometown of Fremantle, Western Australia, where a committee has formed to raise funds for a statue.
Their first project is a concert at Claremont Showgrounds on Sunday February 25 that will feature some of the country's biggest AC/DC fans performing their own hits and Bon-era AC/DC classics.
The Bon Scott Celebration Concert will feature The Angels, Rose Tattoo, The Party Boys (which includes former members of AC/DC and Status Quo, plus special guests), The Screaming Jets, Dave Warners from The Suburbs, The Spazzys and The Flairz, with more to be announced. For more info, visit http://www.bonscottconcert.com.au.

Dec 8

Wilco reveal new album plans
[source: NME.com] Wilco are preparing to release their sixth studio album.
The band have been busy working on the follow-up to 2004's A Ghost Is Born at The Loft, their studio and home base in Chicago. Long-time associate Jim O'Rourke will mix the still untitled, self-produced album in New York, with a May release tentatively scheduled.
O'Rourke, who recently moved to Japan after parting ways with Sonic Youth, has worked with the band on their previous two albums. He has also performed with Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy and drummer Glenn Kotche in their Loose Fur side-project.
Wilco have performed a dozen new songs at concerts over the last six months. They are: "Let's Not Get Carried Away", "Side With The Seeds", "What Light", "Shake It Off", "Impossible Germany", "On And On And On", "Lullaby For Rafter And Beams", "Patient With Me", "Walken", "Let's Fight", "Is That The Thanks I Get?", "Maybe The Sun Will Shine".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wilco.aspx


Arctic Monkeys and U2 nominated for Grammys
[source: NME.com] Arctic Monkeys have been nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Alternative Music Album category for Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
U2's collaborations with Mary J Blige ("One") and Green Day ("The Saints Are Coming") have also earned the Irish group two nominations.
The Raconteurs are up for two gongs: Best Rock Album for Broken Boy Soldiers and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group for "Steady, As She Goes".
Coldplay and Keane will also fight out the Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group category, Coldplay going into battle with "Talk" and Keane with "Is It Any Wonder?".
Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" is nominated in the Best Rock Song category, but they face stiff competition from The Killers' "When You Were Young".
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are nominated in the Best Alternative Music Album for Show Your Bones, while Thom Yorke is nominated for The Eraser.
Gnarls Barkley are up for four nominations, including Album Of The Year for St Elsewhere, and Record Of The Year for "Crazy".
The winners will be announced at the 49th Grammy ceremony, which takes place on Wednesday December 13 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

U2: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Yeah-Yeah-Yeahs.aspx
Gnarls Barclay: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gnarls-Barkley.aspx
The Killers: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Killers-The.aspx
Mary J Blige: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mary-J-Blige.aspx
Coldplay: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Coldplay.aspx
Arctic Monkeys: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx


Scissor Sisters announce Australian shows
[source: NME.com] Scissor Sisters have announced details of five Australian shows.
The band, who released new single "Land Of A Thousand Words" on Monday December 4, will play their first date on Thursday February 1 at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

Tour dates:

Thursday February 1 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Friday February 2 – Brisbane Riverstage
Monday February 5 – Sydney Entertainment Centre
Thursday February 8 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Friday February 9 – Melbourne Vodafone Arena

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


Kaiser Chiefs and U2 back copyright campaign
[source: NME.com] Kaiser Chiefs, U2 and Maximo Park are among 4000 bands who have taken out a full-page newspaper advert demanding "fair play for musicians".
The musicians are calling for an extension of British copyright law on sound recordings from 50 to 95 years, to bring it into line with American provisions.
PJ Harvey, The Who's Pete Townshend, Sir Paul McCartney and The Clash's Paul Simonon have all signed the advert, which appears in the Financial Times.
"We call upon the UK Government to support the extension of copyright in sound recordings," the advert reads.
The ad follows the publications of the Government-commissioned Gowers Report, which recommended the protection should not be extended.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has previously campaigned for the UK to be brought into line with the US, which has a 95-year limit.
According to the Financial Times, the Government has accepted all the recommendations of the report, which found the UK's IP regime "fundamentally strong".

Kaiser Chiefs: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kaiser-Chiefs.aspx
PJ Harvey: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kaiser-Chiefs.aspx
U2: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx
The Who: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Who-The.aspx
Paul McCartney: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Mccartney.aspx


Super Furry Animals plan "speaker-blowing" comeback
[source: NME.com] Super Furry Animals have enough material for three new albums, according to frontman Gruff Rhys.
The band are currently mixing the follow-up to 2005's Love Kraft and Rhys says the album, due out in spring on new label Rough Trade, will be "speaker blowing". But an orchestral album is also planned for release at some stage.
"We just finished mixing the new record, but we're working on about three different Furries records at the moment. We've got so much music, which we'll put out gradually," Rhys said.
"We've got about 20 hours of music recorded. The next record's a bit of a racket. By the end of the last tour we had dumped all the slow songs are were just doing rocky numbers. At that point we were rehearsing a batch of new songs and that influenced their direction.
"At the moment, we're just trying to make sense of what we've mixed and we're having a period of reflection, as we always have after finishing things. We're not in a mad rush but the sooner [it's released] the better, I suppose."
Rhys, who will issue his second solo album, Candylion, on Monday January 8, also disclosed how some of the other new material sounded.
"We've got an orchestral record on the way – completely instrumental. But that will take a while."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Super-Furry-Animals.aspx


Spice Girl takes on Eddie Murphy
Melanie Brown, best known to pop music fans as Scary Spice from British super-group Spice Girls, has hit back at former boyfriend Eddie Murphy.
The pair had been dating since June 2006 and Brown recently fell pregnant. But the American comedian/actor has demanded a paternity test to prove he's the father.
Murphy appeared on a Dutch TV show on Tuesday December 5 and announced the split, which allegedly came as a surprise to Mel B.
Yesterday, Brown released a statement to celebrity blog http://www.prezhilton.com.
"I am obviously upset and distressed at some of the comments made by Eddie Murphy to the media," she wrote. "I have no idea why anybody would want to conduct themselves in this kind of manner. I was astonished about what Eddie said [and] there is absolutely no question that Eddie is the father."

Spice Girls: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spice-Girls.aspx


Want to buy Elvis's wedding ring?
Fans of The King with cash to burn can bid for the chance to own Elvis Presley's diamond and platinum wedding ring.
Featuring 24 diamonds, the ring is part of a selection of movie and TV memorabilia up for grabs at Hollywood's Profiles In History auction house.
The ring is expected to fetch between $127,000 and $190,000.
"This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a true piece of pop culture history," PIH owner Joe Maddalena said.
There's no word on whether Priscilla Presley will be bidding.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Elvis-Presley.aspx


eBay takes Big Day Out to court
Global auction website eBay has initiated legal action against Big Day Out promoters after the festival introduced ticket measures to reduce scalping.
The BDO have changed ticket terms and conditions to read "[tickets] will be voidable" instead of "may be voidable" if they're on-sold. The move allows BDO promoters to cancel any ticket scalped.
"I have no objection to people selling porcelain tea sets, but [eBay are] facilitating the sale of a Big Day Out ticket when there's no certainty the tickets they are selling won't be cancelled," promoter Viv Lees said.
The BDO, along with other promoters, have made many attempts to encourage eBay not to sell festival tickets online, claiming 5,200 tickets were on offer for the 2007 shows. Tickets for the Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne Big Day Out are sold out.

The festival's line-up includes:

The Crystal Method: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Crystal-Method-The.aspx
Muse: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Muse.aspx
My Chemical Romance: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/My-Chemical-Romance.aspx
The Killers: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Killers-The.aspx
Jet: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jet.aspx
John Butler Trio: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jet.aspx
Kasabian: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kasabian.aspx
Trivium: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Trivium.aspx
The Streets: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Streets-The.aspx
Spank Rock: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Streets-The.aspx
The Sleepy Jackson: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sleepy-Jackson-The.aspx
Scribe: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Scribe.aspx
Something For Kate: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Something-For-Kate.aspx
Lupe Fiasco: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lupe-Fiasco.aspx
Little Birdy: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Little-Birdy.aspx
Lily Allen: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx
The Presets: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Presets-The.aspx
Diplo: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Diplo.aspx
The Drones: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Drones-The.aspx
Evermore: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Evermore.aspx
Eskimo Joe: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Eskimo-Joe.aspx
You Am I: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/You-Am-I.aspx
Hot Chip: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hot-Chip.aspx

Britney: "I'm just getting started"
Defending herself against reports of parental neglect (and a lack of underwear), pop princess Britney Spears has spoken out about her recent bout of partying with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.
"It's been so long since I've been out on the town with friends," the 25-year-old singer wrote on her website.
"It's also been two years since I've even celebrated my birthday. Every move I make at this point has been magnified more than I expected, and I probably did take my newfound freedom a bit too far. Anyway, thank God for Victoria Secrets' new underwear line! I look forward to a new year, new music and a new me. I'm just getting started… Happy Holidays everyone!"

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


Usher heads back into the studio
US R&B singer Usher is back in the studio, hard at work on an upcoming longplayer that's set to drop mid-2007.
"I feel it's about time for me to come out with an album," the singer told MTV.
Working in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, on the follow-up to 2004's Confessions, Usher says he's inspired by the lack of "classic" artists currently making the rounds.
"I'm not extremely enthused about where music has gone," he revealed. "I say that coming from listening to artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson… those great artists and iconic musicians. I feel music is at a standstill."
Helping him out in the studio is Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Robin Thicke and the production teams of Dre and Vidal, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Usher also denied rumours that he's playing James Brown on the big screen, insisting he's too busy opening restaurants, developing a fragrance and promoting R&B group One Chance (who're signed to his Us Records label).

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Usher.aspx


Shannon Noll and Natalie Bassingthwaighte duet
This week sees the release of "Don't Give Up", a cover of the classic Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush hit, by none other than ex-Australian Idol singer Shannon Noll and Rogue Trader frontwoman Natalie Bassingthwaighte. The pair performed the track, which appears on forthcoming compilation Home: Songs Of Hope & Journey, on Channel 7's Dancing With The Stars last week. A percentage of proceeds from the album will be donated to Beyond Blue, the national initiative against depression.
Other artists featured on the LP include Human Nature, Alex Lloyd, Guy Sebastian & Amy Pearson, Anthony Callea, David Campbell, The Inches and Young Divas.

Shannon Noll: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Shannon-Noll.aspx
Anthony Callea: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Anthony-Callea.aspx
Alex Lloyd: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Alex-Lloyd.aspx
Young Divas: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Young-Divas-The.aspx
Human Nature: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Human-Nature.aspx
David Campbell: http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/David-Campbell.aspx

Dec 7

Alex Turner reveals his favourite Arctic Monkeys track
[source: NME.com] Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner says "The View From The Afternoon" is his favourite song from the band's debut album.
In this week's NME, Turner discussed the making of Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
"I think 'The View From The Afternoon' is probably my favourite," he said. "That was one of the last ones we wrote. [I like] that one because it's interesting and groovy."
Speaking about the album's title, Turner said simply calling it Arctic Monkeys would have been a cop-out.
"I saw that Saturday Night And Sunday Morning film. There's a bit where he says that line ['Whatever people say I am…'] and the conviction with which he said it just rang a bell."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx


Bands caught up in spy poison scandal
[source: NME.com] Cooper Temple Clause and Razorlight have been embroiled in the plot that poisoned former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
The ex-KGB man died in London on Thursday November 23 after ingesting radioactive substance polonium-210.
However, since his death, a radioactive trail has been followed by authorities to jet planes recently used by both bands.
Traces of polonium-210 were detected on recent British Airways flights from Moscow, both of which Razorlight and Cooper Temple Clause travelled on.
"Ben [Gautrey, vocals] and I were indeed on the infamous flight," Cooper Temple Clause guitarist Dan Fisher told NME.COM.
"So far, the extensive screening process has consisted of a phone conversation with a bored-sounding BA operator who reassured me that if I haven't been sick then we should be okay. The only thing that made us sick was the weed we brought back with us. Now we know why. Radioactive weed is the future!"
Razorlight's Andy Burrows, Bjorn Argen and Carl Dalemo were also on a contaminated aircraft, but have since been tested and given the all clear.
Meanwhile, The Cooper Temple Clause are putting their brush with espionage behind them. New single "Waiting Game" is out on Monday January 8, while fans can also expect some remixing work in the future.
"We've known for a while that The Automatic were fans of ours and we've been getting pretty seriously involved with remixing of late," Fisher explained. "We DJ-ed the other week in Milan and have remixed some of our own tracks, including 'Waiting Game'. Then we got approached by The Automatic's label and were asked to remix 'Raoul', which will be f**king cool."
The band are also launching a Christmas competition via www.thecoopertempleclause.com from Thursday December 14.
In what's being dubbed The Ten Days Of Christmas, the band will give away daily prizes, including an X-Box, a limited edition ten-inch version of their album and a year's subscription to NME.

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


The Cure discuss new album
[source: NME.com] The Cure may release their new album as early as May 2007.
Frontman Robert Smith has been writing new songs for the follow-up to 2005's The Cure but admits it's not been easy.
"I find myself stopping short and thinking 'I've done this before… and better'," he explained. "I've given myself a deadline to finish the words before Christmas. If I don't, I should be shot."
Smith said the album will be a mix of sadder songs and more upbeat tracks.
"I tend to favour this option," he said. "It will be more in the style of [1987]'s Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me album, with different things happening instead of being a mood piece. But the art of that is to get it all to hang together."
The band no longer have a keyboard player since Roger O'Donnell quit last year, while original guitarist Porl Thompson has returned.
"There's no need for keyboards when you have Porl playing guitar. He can pretty much create any sound you want. He's brought back a sense of urgency and we've got a rock edge again."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cure-The.aspx


The Rapture form record label
[source: NME.com] The Rapture have formed their own record label and its first release will be a remix of their own song, "Get Myself Into It".
Throne Of Blood Records has already secured distribution in the US and Europe and, according to a press release, "some of the most influential producers in dance music" will be coming on board as remixers.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rapture-The.aspx


Oklahoma City honours The Flaming Lips
Oklahoma City Council has named an alley in the music and restaurant hub of Bricktown after The Flaming Lips.
Frontman Wayne Coyne, who formed the band back in 1983, still lives in the city and said the honour was extremely important.
"So many bands despise their home towns," Coyne said. "I guess we're just lucky it never felt that way to us. Oklahoma City never rejected us. It's always seemed to be a strange twist of fate that even though we want to play Los Angeles or London we weren't doing it to say we don't like where we came from."
Coyne said the alley was a fitting tribute to The Flaming Lips.
"I could see people sneaking in during the middle of the night doing graffiti art," he laughed. "I can see all kinds of strange things going on there."
The council also named two streets after other famous Oklahoma residents, country singer Vince Gill and jazz icon Charlie Christian.

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


K-Fed doing fine
Despite his impending divorce from Britney Spears and a debut album that's made him a laughing stock in the US, Kevin Federline (K-Fed) insists he's coping well.
"I am good, I am great, you know… just moving along, progressing and taking it all in stride," the 28-year-old rapper told E! News.
Federline's debut LP, Playing With Fire, sold only 6,500 copies in its first week on shelves in the US, but the rapper says he's not worried by the flagging sales.
"[I'm] still trying to get out there and do more stuff," he admitted. "I've got a lot of options on the table right now."
And how's Federline dealing with all the media attention surrounding his divorce?
"I laugh a little bit about it, you know," he responded. "I don't take it too seriously. Those are people who don't really know who I am."

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


Olivia Newtown-John sues over Grease
Australian singing icon Olivia Newtown-John has launched a lawsuit in the US against Universal Music Group Inc. for allegedly failing to pay more than $1.2 million in royalties on sales of the Grease soundtrack.
"The lawsuit is without merit and, at the appropriate time, we expect the court will dismiss it," Universal said in a statement.
Newtown-John's lawyer, John Mason, is claiming the company overlooked a specific section of contractual payments, despite paying most of the royalties. The Aussie singer shot to fame in 1978 after starring in Grease alongside John Travolta in the movie version of the Broadway hit show.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Olivia-Newton-John.aspx


Prince Andrew and… Courtney Love?
Courtney Love has told UK newspaper The Daily Mail that Prince Andrew once paid her a visit, showing up at her LA home to "look for chicks".
Forty-two-year-old Love said she opened her door late one night to discover Prince Andrew (officially the Duke Of York) outside on the footpath.
"Prince Andrew turns up at my house at one in the morning and he wants to party," the former Hole frontwoman revealed.
"He'd come to Hollywood to look for chicks. I don't know what he expected at my house. I answered the door and he was there with a bodyguard."
Prince Andrew's spokesman admitted the Prince has visited Love in the past, but claimed it was more than six years ago. He also said the Prince was alone and was not looking for female company.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Courtney-Love.aspx


Scott Weiland launches record label
Former Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland has launched his own label, Softdrive Records.
Weiland, who's battled drug and alcohol addictions for years and spent time in prison back in 1999, will work alongside Sony's RED Distribution and New West Records in the venture.
As well as new signings, Weiland says he'll release his second solo album on Softdrive in late 2007/early 2008.
"We had a lot of opportunities early on to sort of sell ourselves out and just be a production imprint, but that's not really I wanted to do," the singer told Billboard.
"But we also didn't fool ourselves to think we could creatively run the label and also run the business side of things."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Scott-Weiland.aspx