Feb 1

The Shins storm Billboard chart
[source: NME.com] The Shins' Wincing The Night Away has debuted at number two on the Billboard chart.
The album sold 118,000 copies in its first week and was beaten to the top spot by boy band Pretty Ricky. It's the highest chart position ever for a Sub Pop album, beating the record previously set by the Afghan Whigs' Black Love, which reached number 79 in 1996.

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


Morrissey exhibition opens in New York
[source: NME.com] A photo exhibition documenting the legendary devotion of Morrissey fans has opened in New York.
Irregular Regulars has been devised by American photographer Ryan McGinley, who spent almost two years trailing the former Smiths star during his tours of the US, UK and Mexico. In the process, McGinley collated thousands of photos from hundreds of gigs. The best 20 are on display.
The prints are available for purchase in very limited runs and the most expensive portraits carry price tags of almost AU$7,752.

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


The Beautiful South split
[source: NME.com] The Beautiful South have split, 19 years after rising from the ashes of The Housemartins.
Paul Heaton and Dave Hemingway formed the band in 1988 and The Beautiful South scored their first hit the following year with "Song For Whoever". 1990 gave them their only number one single, "A Little Time".
They also had three chart-topping albums: hits compilation Carry On Up The Charts (1994), Blue Is The Colour (1996) and Quench (1998).
"The Beautiful South have split due to musical similarities," a statement read. "The band would like to thank everyone for 19 wonderful years in music."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beautiful-South-The.aspx


Coldplay to release singles collection
[source: NME.com] Coldplay will release a vinyl-only singles collection in March.
The Singles 1999-2006 box-set is due on Monday March 26 and will include all 14 singles. Each single will be pressed on heavyweight 7" vinyl and sleeved in its original artwork. There will be no CD release.
The box-set will contain five singles that have never previously appeared on vinyl, including debut EP The Blue Room, which has been split into two 7" singles. It will also feature international singles "Don't Panic", "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face" and "What If", as well as "The Hardest Part" from 2005's X&Y LP, which was previously only available in the UK as a download.

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


Mariah Carey strips for Playboy
Pop singer Mariah Carey has stripped off – but not quite all the way – for a forthcoming cover of Playboy magazine.
The March issue, which hits newsstands on Friday February 9 in the US, features the "We Belong Together" singer wearing nothing but a skimpy, flesh-coloured bikini. Photos of the shoot were leaked online this week, but it seems Carey has resisted the urge to bare all for the magazine's "sexiest comeback" feature.
Carey is currently working on the launch of her upcoming fragrance, which she'll release with cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden.

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


Chrissie Hyde leads protest against sheep mulesing
Currently on tour in Australia with legendary UK outfit The Pretenders, outspoken activist Chrissie Hynde has launched a new People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign to stop the practice of sheep mulesing.
Donning a wearable video screen that showed lambs undergoing the painful process, Hynde held a press conference at Circular Quay in Sydney to urge the Howard government to end the practice. Mulesing, a technique used to stop maggot infestation, sees more than 130 million sheep each year cut without any painkillers.
Hynde was also pleading for Australia to stop live sheep exports.
"If everyone says, 'We don't want wool if it's coming from merino sheep that have been mulesed', they'll change the practice overnight because that's the way the marketplace works," Hynde urged, dismissing the government's promise to phase out exports.
"Forget this 2010 target. I mean, that's nonsense."
Earlier this year, US pop star Pink was blasted by local farmers and industry groups after calling on US consumers to stop buying Australian wool

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


Courtney Love an American Idol judge?
Former Hole frontwoman Courtney Love has met with American Idol producers to discuss becoming a judge.
The programme's executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, is apparently considering ditching original judge Paula Abdul following the singer's recent battles with alcohol and her secret romance with an Idol hopeful.
"He called," Love admitted to magazine US Weekly this week. "He was wondering if I was interested. I thought it was kind of weird but brilliant."
The singer, known for her outspoken views and controversial antics, is currently in Los Angeles working on her next solo album, tentatively titled How Dirty Girls Get Clean.
While sources have told US Weekly it's a serious offer, rumours from inside the Idol camp insist the meeting was about a guest appearance only.

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


Joe Strummer celebrated on new LP
A documentary celebrating the life and music of former Clash frontman/guitarist Joe Strummer will be released in the US on Tuesday April 3.
The Future Is Unwritten was compiled using a combination of old interviews, live footage and words from the likes of Bono, Johnny Depp, Martin Scorsese, Courtney Love, Flea and John Cusack.
"This is not a hero-worship film," director Julien Temple revealed last year. "Hopefully it shows a real human being, because that's what Joe was. He certainly wasn't a saint of any kind. Hopefully, the film does give you a rounded portrait of the man and his life."
The film's soundtrack will be released via Legacy Recordings.

Tracklisting:

"White Riot" – The Clash
"Rock The Casbah" – Racid Taha
"Crawfish" – Elvis Presley
"Black Sheep Boy" – Tim Hardin
"Kick Out The Jams" – MC5
"Keys To Your Heart" – The 101'ers
"I'm So Bored With The U.S.A." – The Clash
"Natty Rebel (2006 mix)" – U-Roy
"Armagideon Time" – The Clash
"Nervous Breakdown" – Eddie Cochran
"(In The) Pouring Rain" – Clash II
"Filibustero" – Joe Strummer
"Martha Cecilia" – Andres Landeros
"Minuet" – Ernest Ranglin
"Trash City" – Latino Rockabilly War
"Rangers Command" – Woody Guthrie
"Corrina, Corrina" – Bob Dylan
"Johnny Appleseed" – Joe Strummer
"To Love Somebody" – Nina Simone
"Willesden To Cricklewood" – Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joe-Strummer.aspx


Beach Boys in court battle
Despite their sunny harmonies and easy-going lyrics, all is not well with The Beach Boys.
Members of the iconic group are busy battling in court over who's allowed to use the Beach Boys moniker onstage. While brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson are deceased – and main songwriter Brian Wilson tours his own band across the globe – Mike Love and Al Jardine have been entangled in countless lawsuits since 2001.
The latest update came this week, when Superior Court Judge James R. Dunn rejected Love's motion to rule in favour of his lawsuit against Jardine. Love maintains he has the legal right to perform under the band name, following a 2003 court ruling that Jardine couldn't use Beach Boys for himself (he now performs under Al Jardine's Endless Summer Band).
Now the judge has ruled there's sufficient evidence for the matter to go to trial. Despite thousands of dollars already spent in solicitors' fees, a resolution seems a long way off.
"Hopefully this will be resolved soon and Al can get back to [making music]," Jardine's lawyer revealed.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beach-Boys-The.aspx


Strokes drummer hooks up with Kirsten Dunst
Just weeks after breaking up with Drew Barrymore in December 2006, Fabrizio Moretti – drummer with New York rockers The Strokes – has a new love in his life.
Moretti and Marie Antoinette actress Kirsten Dunst were spotted dining together twice over the weekend in Los Angeles, with a "friend" telling US mag Life & Style it was "love at first date".

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

Jan 31

Sonic Youth guitarist guests on Cribs album
[source: NME.com] Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo will appear on The Cribs' third album, which is currently being mixed in New York.
Cribs bassist Gary Jarman told NME.COM Ranaldo has been a long-time hero of the band, particularly for his spoken word skills.
"I had a book of his poetry that I really liked," Jarman revealed. "When The Cribs first started we wanted to be a spoken word band, but none of us could get our heads around it."
Jarman admitted the band were apprehensive about meeting the indie veteran.
"He's the king of the spoken word. We didn't really know what to expect but he was a really friendly, nice guy.
"We just had one day in a studio in New York and we all played live together in the studio, which was really fun. He did five different full-length things and we all went through it together, choosing our favourite parts. He knew what he was doing and the way he works is really impressive."
The Cribs will finish mixing the album this week and return to Wakefield for mastering. As previously reported, Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos is producing the follow-up to 2005's The New Fellas.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sonic-Youth.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cribs-The.aspx


Franz Ferdinand ready to start third album
[source: NME.com] Franz Ferdinand are preparing to make an album with a "whole new sound", according to frontman Alex Kapranos.
Speaking from the New York studio where he's currently producing The Cribs' forthcoming third album, the Franz frontman revealed he will head back to the UK next week to start writing his own band's new LP.
And despite having written seven or eight songs on their last tour, Kapranos is keen to find a new sound for the follow-up to 2005's You Could Have It So Much Better.
"I don't really want to rely on the songs we were writing when we were on tour," Kapranos said. "I'd rather see what the character of the new songs is that we're going be writing. I'd like the next album to be quite new, quite different from everything we've done before."
He said the band are keen to create an atmosphere that will facilitate the writing process and allow the band time to develop songs.
"Nick [McCarthy, guitarist] has been setting up a room in Glasgow," Kapranos said. "I guess we're going to make that our home and write a bunch of songs. I'm quite keen to leave it open and see where we go with it. I don't want to approach it with some kind of preconceived idea of what it should be. I want to spend as long as we can coming up with a new sound."
He also revealed the band may produce the album themselves.
"We've been talking about different ideas [for production], one of which is producing it ourselves. But we'll have to wait and see. I think it depends on how the songs come out, what kind of songs they are. We're going to do a little bit of recording and then decide."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Franz-Ferdinand.aspx


Fall Out Boy team with Timbaland
[source: NME.com] Fall Out Boy have teamed with Timbaland for an as-yet-untitled track on his forthcoming solo album.
Shock Value will feature a number of guest musicians and be released on Monday March 26. It will be preceded by "Give It To Me", a single featuring Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado.
The producer, who's also worked with Missy Elliott and Aaliyah in the past, said the album was "sequenced like a movie".
Collaborator Nate "Danja" Hills said: "He has so many different sounds – from hip-hop to pop and rock – and he pulls every single one of them off perfectly."
Other guests on the album include Jay-Z, MIA, Elton John, She Wants Revenge and The Hives.

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


Avril Lavigne to release new album in spring
[source: NME.com] Avril Lavigne will release The Best Damn Thing on Monday April 16.
The album will be preceded by the "Girlfriend" single, while other tracks slated to appear on the follow-up to 2004's Under My Skin include "I Can Do Better", "When You're Gone", "Everything Back But You" and a new version of "The Best Damn Thing", which appeared on the soundtrack to Eragon.

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


Amp Award shortlist revealed
Competition for the prestigious 2006 Amp Award just got hotter, with the final eight short-listed albums revealed during a press conference on Tuesday.
With the winning artist taking home AU$25,000 and a gong for Australian Album Of The Year, The Amp Award, in just its second year, has become one of the most influential prizes in the country.
2005's winners, Melbourne four-piece The Drones, have been nominated again for their excellent Gala Mill LP.
This year's winner will be announced during a ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday March 7.

The nominees:

Augie March – Moo, You Bloody Choir
Sarah Blasko – What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have
The Drones – Gala Mill
Bob Evans – Suburban Songbook
Lisa Gerrard – The Silver Tree
Gotye – Like Drawing Blood
The Grates – Gravity Won't Get You High
Howling Bells – Howling Bells
Jackie Marshall – Fight n' Flight

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Augie-March.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bob-Evans.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sarah-Blasko.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Drones-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Howling-Bells.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Grates-The.aspx


The Avalanches unveil new LP plans
The Avalanches' debut album won applause from critics around the globe. Now, six years later, the Melbourne collective are finally back in the studio working on its successor.
A post on the group's website revealed they're hard at work on a follow-up to Since I Left You, which should drop in late 2007.
"Happy New Year, y'all," an un-named band member wrote on the site. "We've made a heap of mixes and stuff available while we finish the record. They won't give you a hint of the new album's magical sound unfortunately, but they will keep you pilgrims well nourished until the next harvest.
"It's a really thrilling time for us right now as this record comes together. It's so f***in' party you will die, much more hip-hop than you might expect. And while there's still no accurate estimated time of arrival, we're sure you're gonna love it."
With more than 40 songs in progress, The Avalanches have also posted a couple of new tracks on their site, including a Wham!/Digitalism mash-up and their own take of Carl Craig's remix of "A Different Feeling".
"So, [the new album] is real, it exists, and you know we wouldn't be serving anything up unless it was gonna give you that same special feeling Since I Left You has. One day, when you least expect it, you'll wake up and the sample fairy will have left it under your pillow."

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


Madonna escapes blasphemy charges
Pop queen Madonna has escaped prosecution in The Netherlands after angry religious groups claimed she blasphemed during an Amsterdam concert in September 2006.
Religious fanatics and the local Protestant SGP party demanded the controversial singer be charged after Madonna knelt in front of a crucifix and wore a crown of thorns. But authorities disagreed.
"The prosecutor's office believes that through her show, the singer tried to express her frustrations about certain situations in the world. It is not a question of contempt for God," a spokesperson for Amsterdam's prosecutor's office declared. "Furthermore, Madonna did not discredit Christians as a group."

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


Billy Joel stages comeback LP
More than 13 years after his last album, piano man Billy Joel is ready to re-enter the charts.
The 57-year-old Joel will release "All My Life" on Wednesday February 7 through Columbia Records (distributed by SonyBMG in Australia). The last official album from the New York entertainer was 1993's River Of Dreams, recorded when he was married to model Christie Brinkley.
Of course, you'd never know he'd stopped writing, as Joel is constantly on the road. His most recent visit to Australia was in late 2006, where he played a greatest hits set, which included tracks like "Uptown Girl" and "We Didn't Start The Fire".
While Joel's keeping quiet about the new LP's finer details, he's set to begin another US tour following a performance during the Super Bowl in Miami on Sunday February 4.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Billy-Joel.aspx


Bob Marley's sons celebrate their father's life
Four sons of late reggae master Bob Marley – Stephen, Ky-Mani, Damian and Julian – will stage a special concert on Saturday February 10 to honour their father.
Smile Jamaica will take place at Nine Miles in St Ann parish, where Marley was born. It shares the same name as a 1976 gig headlined by the departed Rastafarian, which was staged by Jamaica's former socialist government in order to promote political harmony. Next month's show falls in Bob Marley Week, which celebrates the singer's February 6, 1945, birth.
According to family spokesman Jerome Hamilton, Ziggy – the most famous offspring – will not attend due to other commitments.
"They are trying to push a message of peace, although it won't be as hardcore as when Bob did it," Hamilton revealed of the concert. The singer's ex-wife, Rita, and her daughters are expected to attend.
Marley died of cancer in 1981, aged 36.

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

Jan 30

Nickelback donate single proceeds to charity
[source: NME.com] Nickelback will donate all proceeds from the digital sales of their new single and video to charity.
"If Everyone Cared" is the sixth single from their quintuple-platinum-selling album All The Right Reasons and its video features historical footage of humanitarians, including Bob Geldof, Nelson Mandela and Peter Benenson (founder of Amnesty International).
The Canadian rockers will donate the funds to Amnesty International and International Children's Awareness Canada.

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


The Frames announce new album details
[source: NME.com] The Frames have announced details of a forthcoming album and US tour.
The Cost - the sixth studio album from the Irish band - will be released on Tuesday February 20 in the US. It was recorded in France's Black Box studios with long-time producer David Odlum.
April will see the band head to North America for a series of live shows. They'll begin in San Diego on Friday April 6 before hitting several other cities in the US and Canada and finishing at the Coachella Festival in California on Saturday April 28.

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


Pretty Girls Make Graves split
[source: NME.com] Pretty Girls Make Graves have split after six years together.
The Seattle five-piece, named after The Smiths' song of the same name, decided to call it a day after drummer Nick Dewitt quit the band.
"We are sorry to announce that our upcoming tour in May will be our last," a statement on their website read. "Nick quit the band and the rest of us feel like it wouldn't be right to continue without him. The five of us feel very lucky to have met and worked with some truly amazing people over the years. Thank you all so much."
During their career, the band released three albums: Good Health, The New Romance and Élan Vital.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pretty-Girls-Make-Graves.aspx


The Flaming Lips sign on for Yoko Ono project
[source: NME.com] Peaches, The Flaming Lips and Antony & The Johnsons are the latest artists to confirm their involvement on Yoko Ono's new album, Yes, I'm A Witch.
They join the likes of Polyphonic Spree, Le Tigre, Spiritualized and Cat Power in crafting their own take on Ono and John Lennon's classic songs.
The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne sounded positively excited about his band's contribution.
"To be able to play with a track as uncompromising and confrontational as John and Yoko's 'Cambridge 1969' is, for any curious artist, a rare treat," Coyne said. "We took Yoko's primal screams and John's moaning feedback and turned them into a kind of Ornette Colemanesque melody... I fear we may have de-fanged rock's most disturbing art jam."

Yes, I'm A Witch (out Monday February 19) tracklisting:

"Witch Shocktronica Intro" feat Hank Shocklee
"Kiss Kiss Kiss" feat Peaches
"O'Oh" feat Shitake Monkey
"Everyman... Everywoman" feat Blow Up
"Sisters O Sisters" feat Le Tigre
"Death Of Samantha" feat Porcupine Tree
"Rising" feat DJ Spooky
"Nobody Sees Me Like You Do" feat Apples In Stereo
"Yes, I'm A Witch" feat The Brother Brothers
"Revelations" feat Cat Power
"You And I" feat Polyphonic Spree
"Walking On Thin Gospel" feat Jason Pierce
"Toyboat" feat Antony Hegarty and Hahn Rowe
"Cambridge 1969/2007" feat The Flaming Lips
"I'm Moving On" feat The Sleepy Jackson
"Witch Shocktronica Outro" feat Hank Shocklee
"Shiranakatta (I Didn't Know)" feat Craig Armstrong

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Flaming-Lips-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Yoko-Ono.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Polyphonic-Spree-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spiritualized.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sleepy-Jackson-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Le-Tigre.aspx


Kelly Jones unveils solo album
[source: NME.com] Stereophonics singer Kelly Jones has unleashed a surprise solo project.
Recorded in just 36 hours with Jim Lowe, the frontman has laid down ten songs for Only The Names Have Been Changed.
"It began as something very off-the-cuff and then, within a couple of days, in the early hours, an album consisting of ten songs was finished. We wanted to do something in the vain of Nick Cave's Murder Ballads or Johnny Cash's Blood, Sweat & Tears. Every song is a girl's name.
"It's not about going solo. That's the last thing I ever want to do. It's more about making something spontaneous and making it spontaneously. Every song is a live take."
The album is available digitally from Monday January 29, while a physical release, backed with a live bonus DVD, is due out Monday March 26.

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


Baby Spice expecting first child
Now well and truly grown up, Baby Spice (English singer Emma Bunton) has announced she's pregnant with her first child.
The 31-year-old singer has been dating boyfriend Jade Jones for eight years and the new addition is due this winter.
"I guess I will be handing over the 'Baby' tag now to a deserving little new owner," Bunton joked in a statement issued yesterday. "We are so happy; it's unbelievable news. What a great start to the new year. We're really looking forward to having a family together and to the rest of our lives."

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


Brandy facing manslaughter?
American R&B singer/actress Brandy may be charged with misdemeanour vehicular manslaughter, following a freeway crash on Saturday December 30 that left one woman dead.
Brandy Norwood was driving her Land Rover down a Los Angeles freeway when her car struck the vehicle in front, driven by 38-year-old waitress Awatef Aboudihaj. Aboudihaj's car then slid into the freeway's median divider before being hit head-on by another vehicle. Aboudihaj died in hospital from massive head trauma.
The California Highway Patrol recommended Brandy be charged for the accident, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 months' prison and a AU$1295 fine.
"The office is currently reviewing the case and determining whether the evidence warrants the filing of a misdemeanour charge of vehicular manslaughter," city spokesman Nick Velasquez said.
Brandy wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

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


Lady Sovereign coming to visit
She's a pint-sized rapper from London with attitude to burn and a contract with one of hip-hop's finest labels. And now Def Jam Records' "princess of grime", Lady Sovereign, is heading to Australia to promote debut LP Public Warning.
The 22-year-old protégé of Jay-Z hits Australian shores in March for a series of shows in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, where she'll perform Triple J favourites such as "Hoodie", "Ch Ching" and "Random". Canberra hip-hop/indie outfit The Bumblebeez will support.
Tickets go on sale Monday February 5.

Tour dates:

Tuesday March 20 - Capitol, Perth
Thursday March 22 - The Prince, Melbourne
Saturday March 24 - The Forum, Sydney

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lady-Sovereign.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bumblebeez.aspx


INXS, Simple Minds and Arrested Development tour together
Three of the biggest acts of the 80s and early 90s are joining forces to stage a mammoth Australian tour. INXS, Simple Minds and Arrested Development will play for crowds around Australia in March.
The new INXS album, greatest hits package Taste It: The Collection, has sold more than 140,000 copies nationally, while Simple Minds' Jim Kerr and friends saw a huge response to their 2006 Aussie gigs in support of Black & White 050505.
Meanwhile, early 90s rap sensations Arrested Development - remember "Mr Wendal", "Tennessee" and "Everyday People"? - make a surprise return Down Under with new album Since The Last Time .
Tickets for the concerts go on sale Monday February 5.

Tour dates:

Saturday March 17 - The WACA, Perth
Tuesday March 20 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Thursday March 22 - Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
Saturday March 24 - Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Tuesday March 27 - AIS Arena, Canberra
Wednesday March 28 - Win Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
Friday March 30 - Sydney Entertainment Centre
Saturday March 31 - Tempus II Winery, Hunter Valley
Sunday April 1 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Simple-Minds.aspx


New Silverchair track unveiled
Silverchair fans have been rewarded for their patience with the announcement that the band's new single, "Straight Lines", will appear online this Friday February 2.
The track is the first taste of the trio's upcoming Young Modern LP, which is currently being finished in Canada by producer Nick Launay and mixer David Bottrill (who worked on the band's Diorama LP).
You'll be able to hear the new song on Silverchair's website and MySpace page, with the official version released for retail in March. The official version will also feature the band's cover of Midnight Oil classic "I Don't Wanna Be The One", as well as two new originals.
Expect to see the video for "Straight Lines" - shot at the Olympic Park railway station in Homebush, Sydney, by the team responsible for the Suburban Mayhem film - on your TV screens from this weekend.

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


Stevie Nicks gets nostalgic
Former Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks is releasing her first DVD retrospective: Reflections... The Best Of.
Due out in March, the collection will span two decades and include videos and live performances from both her solo and band careers. Look out for two special performances, which feature Nicks performing "Landslide" and "Edge Of Seventeen" alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Reflections... The Best Of tracklisting:

"Edge Of Seventeen"
"I Can't Wait"
"Sorcerer"
"If Anyone Falls In Love"
"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" (with Tom Petty)
"Silver Springs" (Fleetwood Mac original version)
"Dreams" (Deep Dish version)
"Rhiannon" (Live)
"Rooms On Fire"
"Talk To Me"
"Landslide" (live with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)
"Stand Back"
"Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You"
"Planets Of The Universe"
"Rock And Roll" (live)
"Leather And Lace" (with Don Henley)
"Edge Of Seventeen" (live with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stevie-Nicks.aspx

Jan 29

BB King discharged from hospital
[source: NME.com] Blues guitarist BB King has been discharged from hospital after contracting a fever that led to flu.
A representative from his management company said the 81-year-old, who was treated with antibiotics at the University Of Texas Medical Branch, was now "back to his old self".
King, who was honoured last year with the Presidential Medal Of Freedom, was forced to cancel a performance at the Grand Opera House in Galveston, Texas last Thursday.

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


Bono calls for Third World debt cancellation
[source: NME.com] U2 singer Bono has called on world leaders to fulfil their promise to fight African poverty.
The star, who was attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, urged rich countries to cancel Third World debt.
His comments came after the G8 group of industrialised nations agreed to cancel the debts of 18 low-income countries in 2005 and pledged to double African aid to about AU$61 billion by 2010.
"There were some serious promises made," Bono said. "The cheques were signed. But, as you know, politicians like signing cheques [and not] cashing them.
"Two years on, it's time to take the temperature. If those promises are not kept… it will make a generation of cynics. I don't believe that's going to happen; I am optimistic we're going to get through this."
While debt cancellation programs had already allowed some 20 million African children to go to school, Bono said there was still "lots, lots, lots to do".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx


Brian Eno producing new Coldplay album
[source: NME.com] In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme, Brian Eno has revealed he will produce Coldplay's fourth album.
The former Roxy Music member said the album will be "very original and very different from what they've done before".
Coldplay are currently holed up in their new London studio where they have been working on the follow-up to 2005's X&Y since last October.
The band will showcase the fruits of their labour to fans on their Latin American tour, which kicks off on Wednesday February 14 in Santiago, Chile.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Brian-Eno.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Coldplay.aspx


Kasabian and Flaming Lips design for Playboy
[source: NME.com] Kasabian and The Flaming Lips have designed T-shirts for Playboy's annual Sex & Music issue.
Metric, The Thievery Corporation, Soulwax and Stellastarr* have also customised the Playboy brand and logo for the Rock The Rabbit range, which will be replicated and sold both online and at the Playboy Boutique in Las Vegas.
Later this year, the original prototypes will be auctioned to raise money for Lifebeat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS.

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


Tom Waits sues over TV Ccommercial
American singer-songwriter Tom Waits has successfully sued a car manufacturer and advertising agency for imitating his music.
"I'm glad to be out of the car sales business once and for all," Waits said in a statement about the lawsuit, which was settled last week against ad company McCann Erickson and Adam Opel AG, a subsidiary of General Motors Corporation.
The Grammy-Award winning performer strictly opposes selling his songs for commercials and Waits's lawyers were in court arguing the companies hired a sound-a-like singer for one of their commercials after he'd already turned down several offers. Waits will donate his settlement fee to charity.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tom-Waits.aspx


Augie March officially the hottest
Melbourne five-piece Augie March have topped the biggest music opinion poll in the world – Triple J's Hottest 100 – with the sublime "One Crowded Hour".
The poll, now in its 14th year, saw a record-breaking 671,000 people vote for their favourite songs of 2006, with this year's event broadcast live on Australia Day from Sydney's Hyde Park.
Rounding out the top three spots were Perth rockers Eskimo Joe and Adelaide hip-hop outfit Hilltop Hoods.
"Australian music is why Triple J exists," Music Director Richard Kingsmill said. "Having an all-Australian top three makes us feel like we're doing our job well."

The top ten:

1. Augie March – "One Crowded Hour"
2. Eskimo Joe – "Black Fingernails, Red Wine"
3. Hilltop Hoods – "The Hard Road"
4. The Killers – "When You Were Young"
5. Scissor Sisters – "I Don't Feel Like Dancing"
6. Gnarls Barkley – "Crazy"
7. Snow Patrol – "Chasing Cars"
8. Gotye – "Hearts A Mess"
9. Muse – "Starlight"
10. The Grates – "19-20-20"

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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Eskimo-Joe.aspx
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The Great Escape gets bigger
The Great Escape organisers have confirmed Evan Dando and Lou Rhodes will appear at the three-day music, arts and camping festival to be held over Easter at Newington Armory in Sydney.
Evan Dando will arrive to front The Lemonheads' latest incarnation, while Rhodes, who made her name with UK indie darlings Lamb, will also perform.
Meanwhile, hip-hop superstars The Roots will take to the main stage, as will Irish folk star Damien Dempsey, English singer Alice Russell and US guitar sensation Kaki King.
Local additions include Dan Kelly, Expatriate, Bertie Blackman, The Exploders, Hermitude, Fourplay, Astronomy Class, Coda, The Bird, True Live, Sparkadia, The Flairz, King Tide, The Sins, Greta Gertler, Carla Werner and Waiting For Guinness.
These new acts join an already stellar cast of musicians, including Wolfmother, Hilltop Hoods, Gomez, Missy Higgins, The Living End, Ben Kweller, John Butler Trio, Ziggy Marley, Lee Scratch Perry, Fat Freddy's Drop, The Vines, Bob Evans, The Fumes, Fishbone and Blue King Brown.
Tickets for the festival are on sale now. For more information, visit www.thegreatescape.net.au.

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KISS frontman hits Oz
Paul Stanley – the singer for iconic US rockers KISS – is heading Down Under on his first solo tour outside of America.
Stanley will arrive on Australian shores in April to promote his second LP, Live To Win. Released a mere 28 years after his self-titled solo debut, Live To Win came out in the US late last year and saw the rocker – now make-up free – play across the country.
"The US shows were incredible and reconnected me to the reasons I loved live music growing up," Stanley said.
"Between all the KISS classics, songs we've never played and songs from my two solo albums, it's an ultimate night that's as good or better than anything else around. I want to continue this sweat-fest as long as I can and one of my first questions was, 'Can I get to Australia?'."
Fans of reality TV show Rock Star: Supernova have extra incentive to catch the gigs: the show's much-loved house band will be performing with Stanley at all shows.
Tickets go on sale Monday February 12.

Tour dates:

Wednesday April 11 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
Friday April 13 – Wollongong Entertainment Centre
Saturday April 14 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Monday April 16 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Friday April 20 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Tuesday April 24 – Burswood Theatre, Perth
Thursday April 26 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

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


Lily Allen slams Madonna
She's currently touring across the country with the Big Day Out, but Lily Allen has still found time to launch a scathing attack on pop icon Madonna.
The English singer – who had four tracks featured in Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown, with "Smile" reaching number 15 – suggested Madonna's enduring popularity had very little to do with her music.
"I never say anything unprovoked but an interviewer asked me who, in my opinion, was the most overrated pop star," Allen revealed this week. "Overrated, for me, is someone who sells a lot of records because of who they are. And I don't think people buy Madonna's records because they think they're really good."
Apparently Allen's been showing some of her own diva behaviour backstage at the BDO, with reports that the singer's entourage aren't proving particularly friendly to the rest of the bands on the bill.

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

Jan 25

Bjork confirmed for Glastonbury
[source: NME.com] Glastonbury festival chief Michael Eavis has confirmed Bjork will perform at this year's event.
He revealed the Icelandic singer will play but not headline the bash, which takes place between Friday June 22 and Sunday June 24.
"Most of the line-up's done now," Eavis told BBC Six Music. "Bjork's playing, but she's not headlining. She's brilliant. She's not on the main stage. She's very, very valuable to us. We simply love her to bits and we're so thrilled she's coming. She's not replacing Kylie."

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


Smashing Pumpkins guitarist makes soundtrack
[source: NME.com] Former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha has recorded the soundtrack to Linda Linda Linda.
The film charts the progress of a girl band who, after losing their singer, attempt to recruit a replacement. More details can be found at www.linda-movie.com
Meanwhile, Iha's former band are planning a return to the live circuit and are recording a new album. However, despite the confirmed appearance of frontman Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, it is not known if Iha will take part in the reunion.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Smashing-Pumpkins-The.aspx


Jimi Hendrix energy drink disappoints fans
[source: NME.com] Jimi Hendrix fans are unhappy with the plan to use the guitarist's image to help sell Liquid Experience soft drink.
The non-alcoholic drink, masterminded by Beverage Concepts, is set to hit shelves and vending machines in April.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist Flea said: "To see his image and the beautiful feelings it has created in me cheapened by advertising is very disappointing."
Hendrix's image has also been licensed for other products, including baby clothing, an air freshener and a lava lamp.
Bruce Kuhlman of Authentic Hendrix said some of the profits from the soft drink will go towards an unidentified music education foundation.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jimi-Hendrix.aspx


50 Cent producer found dead
[source: NME.com] 50 Cent producer Dave "Disco D" Shayman has been found dead.
The 26-year-old, who worked on "Ski Mask" from 2005 album The Massacre, was found in his New York home. Police are treating his death as a potential suicide.
The producer, who also worked with Shiny Toy Guns, Nina Sky and Kevin Federline, was recently diagnosed as bi-polar and was said to be suffering from depression.
Aside from his production work, Disco D worked on a series of TV commercials, films and award shows. A funeral is expected to be held later this week in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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


James discuss reunion
[source: NME.com] James frontman Tim Booth has revealed the band's reformation was entirely unplanned.
The Manchester group are about to embark on a UK spring tour and will play California's Coachella Festival. But Booth admitted he never had plans to regroup.
"If you had asked me in the summer about James getting back together, I would have said, 'Absolutely not – not a chance'. It was a load of synchronistic events that took place over about a month [that led to the reunion]."
The singer said he was in Manchester where he met Larry Gott (who left the band in 1993) and founding bassist Jimmy Glennie.
"I found myself in a room with instruments and microphones and we just started jamming," Booth revealed.
"It was really fantastic," he told XFM. "So we said, 'All right, let's see how this goes'. We didn't tell anyone; we didn't even tell our manager. But it went so well musically that we felt we had to see how far it could go."

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


Bono goes into business
U2 frontman Bono has expanded his business empire.
Edun Apparel – the clothing company he founded with his wife, Ali Hewson – has teamed with students at Miami University's Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. The students will be responsible for buying the African company's cotton T-shirts in order to sell them for a profit, with the extra funds going back to the company for further manufacturing.
The couple established the company in 2005 to boost trade and jobs in developing countries. It operates under a "trade, not aid" slogan.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx


Big Day Out battle?
Kasabian and My Chemical Romance are reportedly steering well clear of each other on the Big Day Out tour.
Apparently there's been tension between the bands since Kasabian's Tom Meighan described the emo group's output as "ventriloquist's music" last year. The comments have come back to haunt the English group now both bands are on the road together in Australia.
"It's weird and dark," Meighan said of the MCR album last year. "They don't have anything positive to say. The only good news is that it won't last. These clowns won't be around for much longer. Their make-up will flake off and the scene will die out. And it can't happen soon enough."
Now, My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way has hit back.
"[Meighan's comments were] obviously meant as a slam, but it was so poorly worded that it ended up sounding like a compliment!
"'Weird and dark'? That just makes them kinda ignorant. This band has never had a bulls**t war. I haven't found an opponent worthy enough yet. If you're gonna take me on, you'd better have the balls for it! If you're gonna talk s**t about us, you'd better have the juice. And we haven't found anybody with the juice yet."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kasabian.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/My-Chemical-Romance.aspx


Jacko's former lawyer back in court
Mark Geragos, a former attorney for pop star Michael Jackson, says he's been forced to take extraordinary measures with his new clients, after meetings with the superstar back in 2003 were famously videotaped and released to the media.
Three years ago, Geragos was representing Jackson on child molestation charges (for which the star was acquitted), and is now suing private plane company XtraJet over an invasion of privacy.
"I can't think of any act more distressing to me at a professional level than what was done here," Geragos said during the non-jury trial yesterday. He said he's since been forced to twice send colleagues overseas to discuss cases rather than use email or phone in the US.
The former owners of the company were originally sentenced to brief prison sentences after admitting they installed digital cameras in their planes. Now Geragos wants restitution.

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


Arctic Monkeys return to their roots
English indie rockers Arctic Monkeys have visited a dilapidated Liverpool housing estate to shoot the cover of their highly anticipated second LP.
Due for release in mid-2007, the album is the follow-up to the Sheffield band's hit debut, Whatever You Say I Am That's What I'm Not. The band were captured in front of three houses, specially created by Liverpool designers Juno (who also did the artwork for Whatever…). The houses were gutted for the project and spray-painted throughout.
"They were really impressed and chuffed with the houses, which we were obviously very pleased with. It's been a big job!" Juno PR manager Gemma Germains said. "The band behaved impeccably, as always. They hung out with the kids, signing guitars and stuff and having cups of tea with the neighbours."

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


K.Fed commercial deemed offensive
As if Kevin Federline's split from pop star Britney Spears hadn't caused enough sensation, the rapper/wrestler is in the news again.
This time he's in hot water over a tongue-in-cheek commercial he made for Nationwide Mutual Insurance. The company's 30-second advertisement, which will be screened next month in an ultra-expensive ad break during the Super Bowl, has been labelled "demeaning and unpleasant" by National Restaurant Association President Steven Anderson.
The ad features Federline performing in a glitzy music video… before he wakes up and realises he's actually cooking fries in a fast food joint.
The commercial, according to Anderson, "would give the impression that working in a restaurant is demeaning and unpleasant".
"We're not making fun of anybody, except Kevin Federline," ad manager Steve Schreibman said.
K.Fed is eager to relaunch his career after his debut LP, Playing With Fire, flopped badly in 2006. Britney and Kevin are finalising divorce details.

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

Jan 24

Marilyn Manson names new album
[source: NME.com] Marilyn Manson has announced his new album – his first since 2003's The Golden Age Of The Grotesque – will be called Eat Me, Drink Me.
Posting on official website www.marilynmanson.com, the star said work was "nearly completed" on the album.
The post also revealed his band were due to launch a world tour to coincide with the album's release, although no release date is confirmed.
The title, a reference to the cakes and drink consumed by Alice in Alice In Wonderland, is linked to Manson's directorial debut as a film director on Phantasmagoria: The Visions Of Lewis Carroll, which he's currently filming.
Manson stars in the film, alongside Tilda Swinton and Lily Cole.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Marilyn-Manson.aspx


Beyoncé movie dominates Best Song Oscar nominations
[source: NME.com] Dreamgirls, starring Beyoncé Knowles and Jamie Foxx, has picked up three Oscar nominations for Best Song.
The film charts the career of an all-girl group in the 60s and is based loosely on The Supremes. The three songs chosen for the shortlist include "Listen" (performed by Beyoncé) and "Love You I Do" (performed by former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson, who also picked up a nomination for Best Supporting Actress).
The songs are up against Melissa Etheridge's "I Need To Wake Up" from Al Gore's environmental documentary An Inconvenient Truth and Randy Newman's "Our Town", which features in Cars.
The ceremony takes place on Sunday February 25 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

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


Sean Paul reveals new album details
[source: NME.com] Sean Paul has confirmed he's working on the follow-up to 2005's The Trinity.
Paul said the lyrical tone of the new material is darker than his previous efforts.
"The content is just a little different than what people expect from me," he said. "[On] one or two of the songs, it's not about partying, it's not about ladies; it's about the kids with guns in the streets. It's more reality.
"I feel like I have things to say and that's what I'm looking forward to."
Paul has named one new song "Sufferer" and confirmed it would feature on the album.
He has also collaborated with Snoop Dogg on a remix of Akon's new song, "I Wanna Love You".

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


Rufus Wainwright reveals new album theme
[source: NME.com] Rufus Wainwright has confirmed new album Release The Stars has a number of themes running through it.
The LP, due to be released in May, has been executive-produced by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.
"The theme is just about releasing your love and your brilliance, or acting on your impulses and basically laying it all down on the line," Wainwright said.
"I think so much of life is spent hoarding and saving and protecting, and very few of us really live our full potential."
The singer will perform "In Bloom", his collaboration with contemporary dance company Stephen Petronio, at the University of Michigan for two nights in February.
Wainwright is also due to recreate Judy Garland's 1961 concert at London's Palladium on Sunday February 18 and Sunday February 25.
Speaking about his recent creative activity, Wainwright told the Ann Arbor News he's currently in his prime.
"I'm ready to flex all the artistic muscles I have been training over the years."

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



Jet fly the flag at Big Day Out
Politicians and community leaders have expressed outrage over the ban of the Australian flag at the Big Day Out, despite the fact that the "ban" is non-existent.
Melbourne rockers Jet, meanwhile, have announced they have no plans to curtail their specially created backdrop, which features a black and white image of the flag.
"We are proud to be part of this musical heritage and it's got nothing to do with political point-scoring or racist idiots and their misguided beliefs," lead singer Nic Cester said of the controversy.
"It's crazy to think we'd have to defend our decision to incorporate the flag into our backdrop for fear that people might get the wrong impression," Nic's brother, drummer Chris Cester, added. "But I guess these are pretty crazy times."

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


Tom Jones fights to save jobs
Veteran crooner Tom Jones has joined the fight to save jobs at a factory in Treorchy, Wales.
Jones, who grew up in neighbouring Pontypridd, is currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada, performing a residency at the Atrium Showroom at the Luxor Hotel. Yet he's outraged clothing company Burberry wants to relocate the local plant to China for profits.
"As a local boy I know how important this factory has been to the community," Jones said in a statement. His support comes on the back of similar pledges from celebrities Rachel Weisz and Ioan Gruffudd.
"I therefore urge the Burberry management to withdraw their plans to close their Treorchy factory."

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


Jack Award nominations announced
Nominees for the fourth annual Jack Awards – dedicated to celebrating Australia's live music scene – were revealed yesterday at Sydney's Gaelic Club.
Rockers Airbourne took to the stage for an energetic set complete with pyrotechnics, while industry guests were treated to DJ sets from Sydney outfit Red Riders.
Wolfmother and You Am I saw themselves nominated for the likes of Best Male Performer, Best Lead Guitarist, Best Drummer and Best Dressed, while both bands will vie for the prestigious Best Live Band gong, alongside Airbourne, Beasts Of Bourbon, Dallas Crane and Hilltop Hoods.
Best Female Performer will be contested by Adalita (Magic Dirt), Clare Bowditch, Juanita Stein (Howling Bells), Katy Steee (Little Birdy), Patience Hodgson (The Grates) and Sarah Blasko.
The Jack Awards are publicly voted and will be held later in the year at a date to be advised.

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Beastie Boys may join anti-racism campaign
Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, has launched an anti-racism TV campaign in the USA and has asked the Beastie Boys to join the fight.
Speaking at the World Jewish Congress American Section meeting in New York recently, Simmons said he wanted the Jewish trio to film a TV spot encouraging people to fight racism against "Islamophobia".
"I am looking for the Beastie Boys to join other prominent Jews in the entertainment industry to film a PSA [Public Service Announcement] confronting racism," Simmons said.
"The only way to end the madness is to have people of goodwill step up and say racism in all its ugly forms is wrong."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beastie-Boys.aspx


James and Jesus & Mary Chain to reunite
Just 24 hours after Crowded House announced their reunion, Scottish outfit Jesus & Mary Chain have followed suit and will also perform at California's Coachella festival.
The band originally split in 1999 after a highly influential career that saw them record tracks like "April Skies" and "Darklands".
Meanwhile, Manchester rockers James – who reportedly broke up in 2001 after the success of singles "Sit Down" and "Laid" – are also heading back into the studio. Fan website www.oneofthethree.co.uk has reported the band are writing new material, which they're set to reveal at live shows later this year.
"It appears the James line-up for the reunion will be the 'Laid' line-up of the band: Tim, Jim, Larry, Saul, Mark and Dave," the posting read.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jesus-And-Mary-Chain.aspx
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Jan 22

Bono to release new book
[source: NME.com] U2 frontman Bono will release his new book, On The Move, in the US on Tuesday April 3.
The tome is inspired by the singer's speech he made at the White House in 2005. In it, he calls on Americans to take action against extreme poverty and AIDS in Africa.
The book will also feature photographs by Bono taken from his first trip to Ethiopia in 1985. All royalties from the project will go the ONE campaign to Make Poverty History.
Publisher David Moberg approached Bono about turning his speech into a book.
"I was very motivated after hearing Bono speak and asked myself how we could help," Moberg said. "We were honoured to publish this book and assist in whatever way we can with Bono's efforts on behalf of the ONE campaign."
More details on the charity are available at www.one.org.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx


Mamas & The Papas singer dies
[source: NME.com] Mamas & The Papas singer Denny Doherty died on Friday January 19, aged 66.
According to his sister, Frances Arnold, Doherty had suffered kidney problems and had been on dialysis following surgery last month.
Doherty formed the Los Angeles band with John Phillips, Michelle Phillips and Cass "Mama Cass" Elliot. The band racked up a series of hits in the 60s and 70s with the likes of "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday".
Following the band's split, Doherty released two solo albums and later achieved success in the 90s playing the Harbour Master character on PBS television show Theodore Tugboat.
He also recently co-wrote a play – Dream A Little Dream, which was staged in New York – based on his experiences in the band.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1940, Doherty was originally a member of folk group The Halifax Three before he met husband-and-wife team John and Michelle Phillips in New York and formed The New Journeymen.
Moving to Los Angeles, the group evolved with Elliot's inclusion and were among the first to pioneer the acid-fuelled, sun-kissed West Coast sound.
The Phillipses split during the band's lifespan and the group eventually fell apart due to personal disputes in 1971. Elliot died in 1974, while John Phillips passed away in 2001, leading Doherty and Michelle Phillips to reunite for a one-off tribute show.
According to Associated Press, Doherty was married twice – both wives died before him – and is survived by three children.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mamas-And-The-Papas-The.aspx


Air name new album and single
[source: NME.com] Air have named their forthcoming new album Pocket Symphony.
The LP, the band's first since 2004's Talkie Walkie, has been co-produced by Nigel Godrich.
Air's Nicolas Godin said: "This album is different. We decided to go back to the soundtrack style, with more instrumentals and less songs."
Pocket Symphony is released in the UK on Monday March 5 while new single "Once Upon A Time" will follow a week later.

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


Coldplay team with Kanye West
[source: NME.com] Coldplay's Chris Martin has worked with Kanye West on the track "Homecoming".
The duet will appear on West's third album, Graduation, which should hit stores by the end of the year. The album will also feature Jon Brion, who appeared on West's 2005 album, Late Registration.

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


Son Volt announce new album details
[source: NME.com] Son Volt have announced details of their forthcoming album.
The Search is reportedly a departure for the alt-country group, which spun off from Uncle Tupelo after frontman Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy parted ways.
According to Farrar's website, the album, out on Tuesday March 6, strays from the band's alt-country roots and employs "an exceptional variety of sounds, melodies and arrangements".
"Instrumentally, the electric guitar was the focus of [previous album] Okemah, but for The Search we wanted to try something new," Farrar said. "This time, we utilised different instrumentation to fit each song – from guitar pedal loops to various keyboard sounds to horns."

The Search tracklisting:

"Slow Hearse"
"The Picture"
"Action"
"Underground Dream"
"Circadian Rhythm"
"Beacon Soul"
"The Search"
"Adrenaline And Heresy"
"Satellite"
"Automatic Society"
"Methamphetamine"
"L Train"
"Highways And Cigarettes"
"Phosphate Skin"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Son-Volt.aspx


Jamiroquai to break world record
UK outfit Jamiroquai – led by hat-wearing singer-songwriter Jay Kay – are preparing to break records by performing the highest ever gig, some 10,000 metres in the air.
The Gig In The Sky will be aboard a Boeing 757 on Tuesday February 27, flying between Munich and a secret European location.
"No one has done a gig like this before," Jay Kay admitted on his website, revealing that the band will play a greatest hits set.
"Rock and roll is all about pushing the boundaries and Gig In The Sky certainly does that."
Accompanying the band on the trip will be a representative from the Guinness Book Of Records, who'll ensure all necessary requirements are fulfilled

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


Jimmy Barnes to undergo surgery
The original working-class man, Jimmy Barnes, will have open-heart surgery in February to fix a faulty aortic valve, a problem he's had since birth.
The 50-year-old rocker, who was born in Scotland and shot to fame as part of legendary Aussie rock group Cold Chisel, goes under the knife on Thursday February 22.
Barnes is reportedly in good health and will keep working until he heads to hospital, according to friend and Liberation Music boss Michael Gudinski.
"I'm sure, like myself, his legion of fans will be wishing him a speedy recovery," Gudinski said in a statement, asking that Barnes's privacy be respected.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jimmy-Barnes.aspx


Radiohead LP underway
Singer Thom Yorke has revealed Radiohead are back in the studio after taking a month's holiday.
Posting on the band's website, Dear Air Space, Yorke admitted the recent bad weather in the United Kingdom had taken its toll on the recording.
"Back at work, so we have started up again had a good day today working on a version of [new song] '15 Step' and rebuilding our studio in the wind," Yorke wrote.
Radiohead hope to release the new LP, the follow up to 2003's Hail To The Thief, in the second half of 2007.
Potential song titles include "Nude", "Arpeggi", "Down Is The New Up", "Bangers 'n' Mash", "Open Pick" and "Bodysnatchers".

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


Rage Against The Machine to reunite
Los Angeles outfit Rage Against The Machine – who won over fans back in 1993 with debut single "Killing In The Name Of" – are reuniting for a one-off performance.
RATM disbanded in 2000 but will hit the stage at April's Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival. It's the first time the group – frontman Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk – have performed together since the split. Audioslave, the outfit that features all members except La Rocha, are currenty on hiatus while lead singer Chris Cornell records a solo LP.
Meanwhile, Tom Morello is about to hit the road in support of his solo project, The Nightwatchman. His acoustic-leaning debut, One Man Revolution, hits shelves Tuesday April 24 on the Epic/SonyBMG label, and was recorded by producer Brendan O'Brien.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rage-Against-The-Machine.aspx


Paul McCartney divorce to cost $80m
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney will pay AU$80million in alimony. That's $20m for each year he was married to his soon-to-be ex-wife, Heather Mills.
According to UK newspaper News Of The World, McCartney will also hand over his Beverly Hills mansion and a house in northwest London, estimated to be worth AU$25m combined. A source told the paper McCartney was pleased negotiations were complete, as he was "determined to keep as many details as private as possible".
The musician's daughters, Mary and Stella, aren't, however, quite so happy. The deal means their father is unable to publicly deny Mills's accusations of abuse.
"Stella and Mary are baying for blood," the source told the paper. "Their poor dad has been dragged through the mire by this woman and all they wanted was to see his name cleared on the record, in public."

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

Jan 19

Joss Stone attracts big names on new album
[source: NME.com] Joss Stone's new album will feature guest appearances from rapper Common and Fugees singer Lauryn Hill.
Introducing Joss Stone follows 2004's Mind, Body & Soul and was recorded in the Bahamas and mixed at the legendary Electric Lady studios in New York City.
Produced by Raphael Saadiq, whose previous credits include Macy Gray and The Roots, Stone described the record as "truly me".
"That's why I'm calling it Introducing Joss Stone," she explained. "These are my words, and this is who I am as an artist."
Common and Lauryn Hill both guest on the album, the latter rapping on the Fugees-inspired "Music".
Introducing Joss Stone is released on Tuesday March 20 in the US.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joss-Stone.aspx


Usher fined over speeding charge
[source: NME.com] Usher has been fined for speeding after he drove at more than 160km/h.
A court in Georgia found the singer guilty yesterday (Thursday January 18) and ordered him to perform 20 hours of community service. Probate Court Judge Mitchell Scoggins also fined Usher AU$539.
Usher was pulled over on Tuesday July 4 last year for driving at 103 miles (166 km) an hour.
After the ruling, the singer spent 30 minutes signing autographs for fans.

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


Garbage recording again
[source: NME.com] Garbage have started recording their first new material since 2005's Bleed Like Me.
Although singer Shirley Manson is currently working on a solo album and the band are preparing to release Absolute Garbage – a best-of due on Monday March 19 – drummer Butch Vic confirmed the band were recording again.
"We're recording a couple of new songs at the end of February. I think everyone's excited about getting back in a room and playing some music together."
Of the Absolute Garbage compilation, Vig told MTV News the band had been working on it "for a while".
"There was originally talk about doing it with a B-sides and remix CD as well," Vig revealed. "I'm not sure what we'll do, but we have a lot of B-sides and remixes over the years, so it would be cool to see that come out in a proper package for our hardcore fans."

Absolute Garbage tracklisting:

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

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


Justin Timberlake: Grammy competition finalists named
[source: NME.com] Justin Timberlake has named the five finalists who will compete for the chance to perform alongside him at the Grammy Awards.
Aspiring singers were invited to submit a 60-second video of themselves singing one of nine Grammy-winning songs without accompaniment. The videos appeared on Yahoo Music and CBS.com, where voters selected their favourites.
Neil Portnow, the Recording Academy President, said the response to the competition had been overwhelming.
The finalists are Alice Miranda (Alabama), Jillian Gaudious (New Jersey), Brenda Radney (New York), Robyn Troup (Texas) and Jessica James (Georgia).
The public can still vote, with three of the remaining five due to head to Los Angeles to rehearse with Timberlake in early February.
The 49th Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Sunday February 11. The winner will be announced live on the show before Timberlake's performance.

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


K-Fed kicks off new career
Determined to put his troubled marriage to US pop singer Britney Spears behind him, Kevin Federline says he wants to change the public's perception of him.
Speaking to US magazine People, the 28-year-old dancer/actor/rapper called for an image change.
"Just changing my perception of myself in the public eye is number one," Federline admitted. "I'm slowly and gradually doing that. I've been through a lot of stuff in my life and had to overcome a lot of different situations. I learned at a young age that it's not good to be negative about everything. Life's too short for that."
Federline is starting his new campaign with a tongue-in-cheek TV commercial for US firm Nationwide Insurance, which sees him play a rags-to-riches rapper.
"This is just the start of other things to come," he said. "2007 is a completely life-changing experience for me. We're only a few weeks in and it's already going in a whole other direction. I'm happy. I'm definitely happy."

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


Lindsay Lohan enters rehab
Hollywood actress/pop singer Lindsay Lohan has entered rehab in Los Angeles.
In a statement, Lohan said she had made a proactive decision to take care of her health.
"I appreciate your well wishes and ask that you please respect my privacy at this time," she added.
In December, Lohan admitted she'd been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for more than a year, but had kept them a secret.
"It's no one's business," she said at the time. "That's why it's anonymous!"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lindsay-Lohan2.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lindsay-Lohan.aspx


Kings Of Leon unleash Because Of The Times
Tennessee five-piece Kings Of Leon have released details of their new LP, Because Of The Times.
The new record from the Southern rockers – Nathan, Caleb and Jared Followill, and their cousin Matthew – is set to drop on Monday April 2, with first single "On Call" out in the last week of March.
The LP was recorded with producer Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Emmylou Harris) at Blackbird Studios in Nashville and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles.
According to frontman Caleb Followill, it's the band's most ambitious work to date.
"These songs are so much bigger [and] this band is so much better," he said. "There was a growth that some people thought they heard on [2005's] Aha Shake Heartbreak from [2003's] Youth & Young Manhood, but there's no comparison this time. I think it's pretty evident when people hear it."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kings-Of-Leon.aspx


Ewan McGregor to play Kurt Cobain?
Courtney Love is currently in talks with Hollywood producers to bring the life of her late husband, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, to the big screen, with Scottish actor Ewan McGregor tipped for the lead role.
Love has acquired the rights to Heavier Than Heaven, Seattle author Charles Cross's biography on the late grunge singer, and is intending on turning Cobain's story into a feature film.
"A number of actors have been talked about for the role but Ewan has emerged as the number one choice," an unnamed insider told UK newspaper The Daily Express.
Love, however, has merely confirmed the project. In a posting on her website, she revealed the project is "in an embryonic stage" and "it has no script and no director attached, let alone stars".

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


Marilyn Manson in mid-life crisis
After his wife of one year, burlesque star Dita Van Teese, filed for divorce last month after almost seven years as a couple, friends of US goth rocker Marilyn Manson are reportedly worried the star might be in serious trouble.
A close friend of the singer expressed dismay to a US magazine about the 38-year-old singer's recent behaviour.
The friend was particularly concerned about Manson's new relationship with 19-year-old actress Evan Rachel Wood, who starred as an out-of-control teenager in indie flick Thirteen.
"It's like he's having a midlife crisis," the friend said. "He's with a younger version of Dita. [Wood] has her hair and makeup done like Dita."
Wood's agent has denied the actress had anything to do with the split, while Von Teese is reportedly distraught her soon-to-be ex-husband has failed to try and contact her.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Marilyn-Manson.aspx

Jan 18

Johnny Cash's gospel recordings all on one album
[source: NME.com] An extensive collection of Johnny Cash's gospel recordings will be released in the US in March.
According to a Legacy spokesperson, it will be "the most in-depth collection of Cash's gospel recordings ever assembled".
The country crooner frequently performed gospel songs at his shows, including the famous concerts at Folsom Prison and San Quentin. He allegedly left his original label, Sun Records, when they wouldn't allow him to perform the material.
Tracks on the new collection include traditional gospel songs such as "He Turned The Water Into Wine" and "(There'll Be) Peace in The Valley (For Me)", as well as Cash original "The Preacher Said Jesus Said" and the Carl Perkins-penned "Daddy Sang Bass".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Johnny-Cash.aspx


XTC members work on new album
[source: NME.com] XTC frontman Andy Partridge and keyboardist Barry Andrews have been working on an improvisational music project with drummer Martyn Barker.
Known simply as the Partridge-Andrews-Barker Project, the trio compiled more than eight hours of material during three live sessions in Swindon's Headroom Studio last November.
Engineer Merv Carswell and Future Sound Of London guitarist Stuart Rowe recently finished arranging the material into a two-disc set, Monstrance, to be released in the US on Tuesday April 3.
According to a spokesperson, the album is "unusual but invigorating stuff".

Monstrance tracklisting:

Disc 1

"I Lovely Cosmonaut"
"Winterwerk"
"Black Swan Black"
"Mig"
"Oodoo"
"UR Tannoy"
"Little Field"

Disc 2

"Pagoda Tailfin"
"Chain Gang"
"Torturetainment"
"The Floating World"
"Priapple"

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


Pink backs down over animal cruelty claims
[source: NME.com] Pink is attempting to distance herself from comments she made in December about boycotting Australian wool.
The singer angered Australian farmers when she called the process of sheep mulesing "sadistic" in a video for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The process involves cutting slices of flesh from lambs' rumps to prevent maggot infestation.
However, Pink told Australia's Nine Network that she received a letter from sheep farmers saying they would phase out mulesing by 2010.
The singer admitted she could have researched the topic better.
"My message was, in my mind, boycott animal cruelty – not an entire industry, and not Australia, obviously, because it's my favourite country.
"But I was speaking without thinking and I actually did say ban Australia. It's not something I agree with. I have nothing against farmers. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania. I don't want to hurt anyone; I just want the animals to hurt less."
The singer said she was prepared to meet farmers and wool industry representatives.

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


Girls Aloud singer in drug drama
[source: NME.com] Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle's house was targeted by a drugs gang searching for a safe house to stash cocaine, a court heard on Wednesday January 16.
The gang acquired the keys to the flat in the exclusive development of Princess Manor Park, North London, via a letting agent who thought Coyle had moved out. However, the singer and her mother were in the lounge at the time of the break-in.
"As you may imagine, she asked what they were doing there and they replied that Mr Fisher had given them keys," prosecutor Nick Corsellis told the court. "She invited them to leave, which they did."
The members of the gang – Jason Anderson, Marc Fisher and Ewart Henry – denied conspiring to supply 42kg of cocaine in August 2005.
Another man, Bryan Miller, was also charged with conspiring to supply the drug, but was not before the court.
Corsellis said Fisher had been recruited by the gang to find them a flat in the 30-acre development.
"Some of the residents were famous – a good cover, perhaps, as it is not the sort of place where you expect to find a cache of drugs."
During a police raid, which occurred shortly afterwards, officers watched as Miller and Anderson met Henry on the estate to hand over several kilograms of cocaine.
Officers recovered blocks of cocaine with a street value of AU$125,000, totalling 42kg.

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


Wolfmother return home
With recent nominations for both Grammy and Brit awards, Sydney trio Wolfmother are undoubtedly the biggest band in the country right now.
Their self-titled debut has sold more than one million copies and landed on Best Albums Of 2006 lists in magazines such as Spin, US Rolling Stone and NME.
Now Wolfmother are returning home for a series of special gigs following stints in Japan, the UK, Europe and Canada. Joining them on the road are punk rockers Wolf & Cub, who are currently touring with Wolfmother overseas.
Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Thursday March 29 – University Of Canberra Refectory Hall
Friday March 30 – Kryal Castle, Ballarat
Saturday March 31 – West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Perth
Tuesday April 3 – Newcastle Panthers
Thursday April 5 – East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Byron Bay
Friday April 6 – The Great Escape Festival, Sydney
Monday April 9 – Barr Smith Lawns, Adelaide Uni

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


James Blunt moves to Switzerland
English crooner James Blunt – the man responsible for radio hit "You're Beautiful" – is relocating to an exclusive Swiss resort.
The director of tourism for Swiss town Verbier, Patrick Messeiller, confirmed a report in Swiss newspaper Le Matin claiming the 32-year-old singer had registered to live there with the national tax office.
While Blunt is a regular visitor to the region, critics have accused the singer of moving for tax reasons. Each Swiss "canton" (state) is allowed to set its own tax rates and they often negotiate special deals with wealthy foreigners. Last year, Blunt earned AU$12.4 million in the UK, thanks mostly to sales of his Back To Bedlam LP.

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


John Mellencamp returns to the studio
US singer-songwriter John Mellencamp is readying his first album of original work in more than five years.
Freedom's Road is released on Saturday February 3, with Billboard magazine describing the first single, "Our Country", as "an appreciable fable of tolerance, hope and empowerment".
According to Mellencamp, the new songs on the LP – recorded in a studio near the singer's home in Bloomington, Illinois – offer a contemplative look at the current social climate in the US.
Folk icon Joan Baez makes an appearance on "Jim Crow".

Tracklisting:

"Someday"
"Ghost Towns Along The Highway"
"The Americans"
"Forgiveness"
"Freedom's Road"
"Jim Crow"
"Our Country"
"Rural Route"
"My Aeroplane"
"Heaven Is A Lonely Place"

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


Noel Gallagher slams Robbie Williams… again
Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has re-ignited his long-running feud with Robbie Williams by calling the pop star's latest album "dog s**t".
"As he tends to refer to himself in the third person, Robbie Williams is obviously a character that he invented and the music he makes is f***ing dog s**t," Gallagher said. "And I think even Robbie would probably admit that."
Gallagher's comments came after Williams scored just one Brit nomination (for Best British Live Act) this week. The former Take That member's latest LP, Rudebox, was ignored in all other categories. It's the first time in a decade he's failed to receive plaudits for an album.
Gallagher first criticised Williams in 2000, labelling him the "fat dancer from Take That".

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


Kelly Osbourne: it's Dad's fault
Kelly Osbourne – daughter of former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne – says her pop career's been hit by her father's reputation.
"I'd love to do another album because music is my whole family's passion," 22-year-old Osbourne revealed this week.
"It's a lot of work and I get disappointed. It's harder for me because people always think, 'Oh, she's Ozzy Osbourne's daughter: everything just gets handed to her'.
"To get the respect of one person I've got to work twice as hard. I'm really proud of my second album [2005's Sleeping In The Nothing]. I still think it's great. People didn't give it a chance. If it was released by someone else I think people would have loved it."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kelly-Osbourne.aspx

Jan 17

Lucinda Williams previews new songs
[source: NME.com] Lucinda Williams has uploaded four tracks from her forthcoming album to her record label’s website.
West, the star’s first studio LP in three years, will be released in the US on Tuesday February 13 via Lost Highway Records.
Tracks from the record can be heard at http://www.losthighwayrecords.com.

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


Bob Dylan buys Scottish home
[source: NME.com] Bob Dylan has purchased a mansion in Scotland.
The US singer bought the pad – at Aultmore House near Nethybridge, Invernesshire – in the Cairngorms National Park with his brother.
Dylan has often expressed a fondness for Scotland and he even included a track called “Highlands” on 1997's Time Out Of Mind.
Aultmore House was built at the turn of the 20th Century and had previously been available to rent for AU$7,500 a night.

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


James Brown dispute takes new twist
[source: NME.com] The dispute over James Brown’s will has taken another twist after lawyers revealed it had been made more than a year before he married his last wife, Tomi Rae Hynie.
According to Brown’s probate attorney, Strom Thurmond Jr, the document was signed on August 1, 2000, some ten months after the birth of son James Brown Jr and 16 months after he married Hynie.
The late singer’s attorneys said his will does not include his widow or his son, although he did include his other six children.
According to North Augusta lawyer James Huff, if a will specifically names some children but excludes others, the excluded children have no claim to the parent’s assets, regardless of when they were born.
Brown's lawyers also argue that Hynie is technically not Brown’s widow as she was still married at the time of their wedding. She later annulled her previous marriage but she and Brown never remarried.
Despite the claims, Hynie is adamant she was legally married to the soul singer.

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


Korn announce tracklisting for unplugged album
[source: NME.com] Nu-metal kings Korn have revealed the 14 tracks that will appear on their forthcoming Unplugged album.
The LP, set for release on Monday February 19, features a duet with Evanescence singer Amy Lee on “Freak On A Leash”, plus covers of “Creep” by Radiohead and The Cure's “In Between Days” (which features a guest appearance from Robert Smith).
Unplugged was recorded at Times Square in New York City on Saturday December 9.

Unplugged tracklisting:

“Thoughtless”
“Blind”
“Hollow Life”
“Freak On A Leash” (featuring Amy Lee)
“Falling Away”
“Creep”
“Love Song”
“Got The Life”
“Twisted Transistor"
“Dirty”
“Coming Undone”
“Make Me Bad”/“In Between Days” (featuring Robert Smith)
“No One’s There”
“Throw Me Away”

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


Fall Out Boy team with Kanye West
[source: NME.com] Fall Out Boy have revealed plans to work with Kanye West.
The rapper will remix a track from the band's forthcoming Infinity On High album, while Fall Out Boy hope to return the favour on a future Kanye West recording.
The album, due out Monday February 5, features an appearance from rapper and label manager Jay-Z.
Meanwhile, new single “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race” is out on Monday January 29.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kanye-West.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fall-Out-Boy.aspx


Brit nominations announced
Nominees for the annual Brit Awards – England’s equivalent to the ARIAs – were announced yesterday during a ceremony in London.
"Crazy" US duo Gnarls Barkley have three nominations, an honour they share with mouthy pop singer Lily Allen and mega-rockers Muse. All three acts tour Australia in the next two months.
Elsewhere, Bob Dylan, Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Amy Winehouse and Scissor Sisters picked up two nominations each, while Aussie rock trio Wolfmother are up against The Saboteurs (The Raconteurs) and Gnarls Barkley for Best International Breaking Act. Liam and Noel Gallagher will be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution To Music award.
The Brits will take place on Thursday February 15 and feature performances from Oasis, The Killers, Red Hot Chili Peppers and a reunited Take That (minus Robbie Williams, of course). For a full list of nominees, check out the Brits website at http://www.brits.co.uk.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Muse.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Oasis.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wolfmother.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gnarls-Barkley.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kasabian.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Scissor-Sisters.aspx


John Butler spreads more of his seed
A musician who puts his money where his mouth is, John Butler has announced the categories for the 2007 JB Seed Programme.
Created by Butler and wife Danielle Caruana back in 2005, the scheme has funded 66 projects via workshops and arts grants. Funded by Butler and other noteworthy industry insiders (including The Cat Empire, Missy Higgins, Butler’s manager and Silverchair manager John Watson), the JB Seed is designed to help empower emerging musicians.
Categories for 2007 include Speak (an indigenous hip-hop competition where the successful artist will record an EP with producer Tony Buchman), Social Activism Through The Arts (grants of up to $5000 awarded to artists who focus on themes of nuclear energy and indigenous issues), Professional And Skills Development (grants of up to $3000) and the JB Seed Management Workshop (20 places offered).
For more information, visit http://www.thejbseed.com.


Sigur Ros in the studio
Icelandic moodists Sigur Ros, who last visited Australia in April 2006, are in the studio working on the follow-up to 2005’s Takk.
The five-piece, who say their next longplayer will be released either later this year or in early 2008, have given fans a brief insight into what to expect.
“We have finished recording a few songs but some more things need to be done,” the group revealed via their website.
“We don’t know exactly where the album is heading yet. We are really just experimenting at this stage. Some of the songs we recorded are old songs we had written a while ago, unreleased material we never got a chance to finish. We decided it was time they were recorded.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sigur-Ros.aspx


Slim Dusty foundation seeks funding
Named after the late country music legend, the Slim Dusty Foundation has lobbied the New South Wales Government for $1.5 million.
The funds will help build the Slim Dusty Centre, located at Kempsey on the mid-north coast of NSW. Five years in the making, the Centre will cost around $9 million and is being constructed on 12 hectares of land close to the Pacific Highway.
The foundation's general manager, Katherine Yarnold, revealed Slim’s family and various industry groups have already donated around $700,000 to the project.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Slim-Dusty.aspx


More legal problems for Jacko
Pop star Michael Jackson has a new set of legal problems this week, with news that a Beverly Hills pharmacy is suing him for failing to pay for prescription drugs.
The singer has, according to his lawyers, paid off most of his debts, however the pharmacy claim he still owes AU$130,000. They said Jackson's been ignoring financial notices since mid-2005.
Jackson reportedly also still owes his dermatologist $19,000, while another business, Celebrity Costumes, is chasing $147,000.
Jackson’s management have declined to comment on this latest suit.

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

Jan 16

Death Cab For Cutie singer makes film debut
[Source: NME.com] Death Cab For Cutie singer Ben Gibbard will make his film debut in the forthcoming Brief Interviews With Hideous Men.
Directed by John Krasinski (who plays Jim in the US version of The Office), the film stars Saturday Night Live's Will Forte, That 70s Show actress Mila Kunis and The Office actor Rashida Jones.
Away from Hollywood, Gibbard is currently working on new songs and Death Cab For Cutie should begin recording the follow-up to 2005's Plans later this year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Death-Cab-For-Cutie.aspx


Sufjan Stevens stars in documentary
[Source: NME.com] A documentary featuring Sufjan Stevens and New Jersey indie rock family The Danielson Family will be released on DVD in April.
Danielson: A Family Movie will also be shown on big screens in select cities throughout the US.
The 105-minute film, directed by JL Aronson, chronicles the tribulations of The Danielson Family and the rapidly ascending career of their friend Sufjan Stevens.
According to the film's website, Danielson: A Family Movie is "a documentary about unbridled creativity versus accessibility, Christian faith versus popular culture, underground music versus survival and family versus individuality".

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


The Killers confirm Joy Division cover
[Source: NME.com] The Killers have covered Joy Division's "Shadowplay" for the soundtrack to Control, the forthcoming movie about singer Ian Curtis.
Overseen by famed music video director Anton Corbijn, Control is based on Touching From A Distance, a book by Curtis's widow, Deborah, who also co-produced the movie. She is played by Samantha Morton.
New Order have recorded incidental music for the film and are also mooted to be re-recording a number of Joy Division tracks.
The biopic is set for a September release.

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


Macy Gray runs foul of the law
[Source: NME.com] Macy Gray has narrowly escaped arrest for swearing onstage in Barbados.
The singer was performing at the Barbados Jazz Festival last week when she used the word "motherf***er" several times in a between-song tirade about the men in her life. Gray was then forced to meet with law enforcement officials backstage, who threatened to arrest and charge her for each use of the word unless Gray publicly apologised. The singer did apologise and was not charged, according to the New York Daily News.
In a statement backstage, she told journalists she was sorry for the outburst.
"I truly apologise. My manager told me about this law but I didn't take him seriously. I love Barbados and I was supposed to stay here another three days. I really don't want to do it in jail… again, I truly apologise."
Barbados police charged rapper DMX in 2003 following a similar incident.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Macy-Gray.aspx


Christina Aguilera is heaven scent
Hot on the heels of fellow pop stars Kylie Minogue and ex-rival/Mickey Mouse Club co-star Britney Spears, US singer Christina Aguilera will launch her own perfume later this year.
"I love trying new things in my music and in fashion," Aguilera said.
She revealed she's teamed with manufacturer Procter & Gamble to create a signature scent.
"To have a perfume of my own is the beginning of an exciting adventure. Procter & Gamble is the ideal partner for this new experience."
Meanwhile, Aguilera is nominated for two awards in the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. She'll battle for Best Female Pop Vocal for hit single "Ain't No Other Man" and Best Pop Vocal Album for latest LP Back To Basics.

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


New Jim Morrison track unearthed
Not even death can slow down the release of new music. Well, It certainly hasn't stopped former Jane's Addiction/Porno For Pyros leader Perry Farrell including a new vocal track from late Doors singer Jim Morrison on his new album.
Farrell's latest outfit, Satellite Party, has reworked Morrison's "Woman In The Window" recording to use the vocal track in one of their new songs, "Ultra Payloaded".
Satellite Party's debut LP also features guest spots from (living) artists such as New Order's Peter Hook, Black Eyed Pea's Fergie and John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Farrell performed at a Doors 40th anniversary tribute event at LA's Whiskey-A-Go-Go in November last year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Perry-Farrell.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Doors-The.aspx


J.Lo: no more partying
With two new albums planned for 2007, actress/singer Jennifer Lopez has pledged to lead a quieter life.
She's hanging up her clubbing shoes and opting instead for comfortable slippers and a spot in front of the fire.
"It was a choice," Lopez revealed, admitting her public profile was coming at too high a price.
"My life had become uncomfortable in the way that it was affecting my personal life and the people in it. So I decided I needed to take a look at that. I realised there was a way to pull back from that – you don't go out as much. You choose different places to go. I've had my days."
Lopez's upcoming Spanish album, Como Ama Una Mujer, is due out later in April and will feature first single "Que Hiciste".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jennifer-Lopez.aspx


Mick Jagger to star in sitcom
Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger is putting the finishing touches on his role in the pilot of a new US TV series.
The show, Knights Of Prosperity, was originally called Let's Rob Mick Jagger. The singer, however, wasn't too keen on the title and asked the producers to make the change.
Jagger is starring in the pilot but hasn't revealed whether he'll continue in the show, which also features a cameo from Sting.
"A lot of people have come out of the woodwork to be on the show," ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson said. "It has become a hip New York comedy to be involved in."

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


Alice Coltrane Dies
Jazz performer/composer Alice Coltrane has died at the age of 69.
The wife of saxophone legend John Coltrane passed away on Friday January 12 from respiratory failure at the West Hills Hospital and Medical Center, Los Angeles.
Alice – a critically acclaimed pianist, organist and harpist in her own right, noted for her "astral" compositions – managed the estate and archive of her late husband, who died in 1967 of liver failure.
After his death, Alice converted to Hinduism and helped found the Vedantic Center, a spiritual commune in California.
Her last recording was 2004's Translinear Light.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Alice-Coltrane.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Coltrane.aspx

Jan 15

Kylie Minogue postpones UK tour dates
[source: NME.com] Kylie Minogue has postponed further UK tour dates after abandoning her Manchester gig on Saturday due to illness.
The Australian pop star only recently recovered from breast cancer and was forced to stop performing at the Manchester Evening News Arena.
It's now been revealed Monday and Tuesday's shows (January 15 and 16) have been postponed, although shows on Thursday and Friday (January 18 and January 19) are not thought to be affected.
Fans have been told to keep their tickets and await further announcements, while promoters have confirmed they will reschedule the dates at the earliest possible opportunity. It's not clear whether Saturday's truncated show will be rearranged.
Minogue's spokesperson told BBC News that doctors have ordered the star to rest after diagnosing a respiratory tract infection.

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


Nick Cave's side-project reveal album details
[source: NME.com] Nick Cave and several of his Bad Seeds have revealed the tracklisting for the album they are releasing under the Grinderman moniker later this year.
The band features Cave on vocals and guitar, backed by Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey and Jim Sclavunos. The self-titled LP, reported to be "foul-mouthed and noisy", will be released on Monday March 5.

Tracklisting:

"Get It On"
"No Pussy Blues"
"Electric Alice"
"Grinderman"
"Depth Charge Ethel"
"Go Tell The Women"
"(I Don't Need You To) Set Me Free"
"Honey Bee (Let's Fly To Mars)"
"Man In The Moon"
"When My Love Comes Down"
"Love Bomb"

"No Pussy Blues" can be heard on the band's MySpace site: http://www.myspace.com/grinderman.

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


Lily Allen covers The Specials in Japan
[source: NME.com] Lily Allen covered The Specials for Japanese fans on Friday January 12.
Backed by a seven-piece band at Tokyo's 1200-capacity Liquidroom, she performed a version of the ska band's 1979 track "Blank Expression".
"This is a cover of a song by one of my favourite ever bands," Allen told the crowd before admitting she'd never played it before. She also performed her cover of The Kooks' "Naïve" and claimed she usually hates the band.
After the understated, atmospheric rendition, she announced: "We'll play some more of my own songs now – they're much better anyway!"
Other highlights included B-sides "Cheryl Tweedy" – the lyrics to which Allen admitted she'd had to look up online earlier in the day – and "Nan You're A Window Shopper".
The Alright, Still album tracks were all reworked to take advantage of the three-piece brass section and live drums, bass, guitar and keyboards.
The last time Allen played in Tokyo – last November – it was with only two backing members.
The singer then repeatedly pleaded for the chance to play at the Fuji Rock festival this summer, explaining that she worked four years ago setting up the Palace Of Wonder area.

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


Limp Bizkit frontman becomes film director
[source: NME.com] Details have emerged of Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst's first experience directing a film.
According to reports, Durst, who had previously directed the odd music video, has just finished shooting debut feature The Education Of Charlie Banks.
Actor Chris Marquette said Durst was personable and "insanely calm".
"We did all our prep work and when we got to the set he just let it go. It was cool. His confidence was incredible."
The Education Of Charlie Banks follows three New Yorkers – played by Marquette, Jason Ritter and Jesse Eisenberg – who reunite at Vassar College after a turbulent youth.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Limp-Bizkit.aspx


Eagles Of Death Metal head to Oz
Los Angeles rockers Eagles Of Death Metal will arrive in Australia this March.
Founded by Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age/Kyuss) and his best friend from high school, Jesse "The Devil" Hughes, EODM are renowned for mixing classic garage rock and blues with a healthy helping of raunch, humour and sex. It was a combination that recently proved too much for Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose, who booted the Eagles from his band's US tour after just one gig.
Eagles Of Death Metal's debut LP, Peace Love Death Sexy, was followed in 2006 by Death By Sexy, which featured numerous guest appearances, including one from electro vixen Peaches.
Northern Ireland outfit The Answer will join the band Down Under for their three shows. Tickets go on sale Wednesday January 24.

Tour dates:

Friday March 16 – The Palace, Melbourne
Saturday March 17 – Arena, Brisbane
Monday March 9 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

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


No worries for Williams
Just how much does a pop star make? Well, if you're UK singer Robbie Williams, quite a lot.
British newspaper The Sun has reported Williams, whose latest release is the dance-fuelled Rudebox, paid himself AU$9.2 million in 2006.
The 32-year-old singer reportedly earned AU$45.4 million over the last four years, which works out at around $32,000 a day.
That's not to say he sits around and does nothing all day. Williams recently spent a rare Christmas at his Los Angeles home after wrapping up an eight-month world tour.

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


Justin Timberlake moves on to Scarlett Johansson
US singer Justin Timberlake is reportedly dating actress Scarlett Johansson.
The news comes just days after 25-year-old JT confirmed his break-up with long-time girlfriend Cameron Diaz. The couple broke up shortly before Christmas after three-and-a-half years together but only made the split official last week.
Johansson is also newly single, having recently ended a relationship with Josh Hartnett (who she co-starred alongside in 2006's The Black Dahlia). The 22-year-old actress, who recently launched a clothing line with Reebok, was spotted accompanying Timberlake at the party for his feature film, Alpha Dog.
"He sees he has more in common with Scarlett and just thinks she's really cool," a pal of Timberlake's told US People magazine.
"They're both just having fun."

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


Jack Black still doing it for the kids
Tenacious D frontman and Hollywood actor Jack Black turned his School Of Rock film role into real life last week when he was touring New Zealand.
After spotting 11-year-old drummer Max Tetley and his pal, 10-year-old guitarist Alex Philpott, busking on the streets of Christchurch, Black was so impressed by the duo that he asked them to open for Tenacious D the following night.
"I was just trying not to wet myself!" Tetley told a New Zealand TV show afterwards. The boys admitted they practised Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" about ten times the night before the performance and claimed they've seen Black's film "around 45 times".
Black would have been proud of the pair when they were asked what they hoped to get out of the experience.
"We'll be scoring heaps of chicks," they predicted.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tenacious-D.aspx


New Nine Inch Nails LP unveiled
The long-awaited new Nine Inch Nails record – tentatively titled Year Zero – is reportedly in the final stages of mixing.
And yet, frontman Trent Reznor doesn't seem to care how critics and fans take to it.
"With this record I feel a lot less concerned about what people think about it, especially the dying record industry," Reznor said. "I couldn't care less about that right now."
The album, which Reznor hinted is about "the end of the world", is due to hit shelves in April.

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