Jul 31

Tabloid hell: Britney's divorce finalised
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears' marriage to Kevin Federline officially ended on Tuesday when their respective lawyers had divorce papers signed off in court.
Spears and Federline, who have two children together – Sean Preston and Jayden James – separated late last year, with Spears filing for divorce in November.
The pair will share joint custody of the children, although Spears will pay Federline US$15,000 a month in child support, according to TMZ.com. As per a pre-nuptial agreement, Federline is receiving US$20,000 a month in spousal support, but that will reportedly stop in November.
The couple were married for two years.

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


Babyshambles' second album details emerge
[source: NME.com] The tracklisting for the second Babyshambles album has emerged.
The record, currently untitled, was produced by Blur and Kaiser Chiefs collaborator Stephen Street, and is expected to be released before the end of the year, although an exact date is yet to be finalised.
Comeback single "Delivery" is currently scheduled for a Monday September 17 release.

Tracklisting:

"Carry On Up The Morning"
"Delivery"
"You Talk"
"Unbilotitled"
"Side Of The Road"
"Crumb Begging Baghead"
"UnStookietitled"
"French Dog Blues"
"There She Goes"
"Baddies Boogie"
"Deft Left Hand"
"The Lost Art Of Murder"

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


Peter Hook attacks his New Order bandmates
[source: NME.com] Former New Order bassist Peter Hook, who left the band after Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris declared him no longer part of the set-up, has declared the band defunct and threatened to sue the pair over continuing under the New Order banner.
Earlier this year, Hook told NME the band was over, which prompted Sumner and Morris to declare New Order was still active, albeit without Hook's input.
Addressing Sumner and Morris, Hook wrote on his MySpace page: "This group [New Order] has split up! You are no more New Order than I am! You may have two thirds, but don't assume you have the rights to do anything 'New Order-ey', because you don't. I've still got a third! But I'm open to negotiation."
He signed the statement: "See you in court!"

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


Ozzy Osbourne treated in hospital
[source: NME.com] Ozzy Osbourne has been treated in a Denver hospital for a blood clot in his leg.
The star was admitted on Saturday July 28 after complaining of leg pains all day and during his show at the Coors Amphitheatre.
"Ozzy Osbourne had a minor outpatient procedure at [Denver's] Rose Medical Centre late last night. He was released early this morning and is doing well," a statement from his management team read.
Osbourne is currently in Kansas, where he is scheduled to perform at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

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


Sigur Ros to release concert movie
[source: NME.com] Sigur Ros will release a concert film shot in their native Iceland last summer.
Heima, out on Monday November 5, was filmed in various locations and features some of the band's biggest and smallest shows of their career.
Drummer Orri Páll D_rason told NME.COM: "It was good to film it in our home country. Sometimes we were playing these big shows and then we were playing in those really small fields, which was beautiful.
"It was fun doing those shows, especially in front of our friends. Really nice."
A compilation album, Hvarf-Heim, will be released on the same day. Split into two sections, the first, Hvarf, features three unreleased tracks, as well as "Von", a radically reworked track from the band's first album.
Meanwhile, Heim will feature six acoustic versions of already familiar album tracks.
"We are having a clear out, really! One of the songs even dates back to 1994!" D_rason said.
"We picked the ones we really like. It's not like a normal album. There are a lot of good songs on there but they didn't fit when it came to putting the albums together."

Hvarf tracklisting:

"Salka"
"Hljomalind"
"I Gaer"
"Von"

Heim tracklisting:

"Samskeyti"
"Staralfur"
"Vaka"
"Agaetis Byrjun"
"Heysatan"
"Von"

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


Fall Out Boy pen new songs
[source: NME.com] Fall Out Boy have written a number of new songs for the follow-up to current LP Infinity On High, but are in no hurry to release them.
Instead, singer Patrick Stump said he wants to give the band's latest album, released earlier this year, "some space".
Speaking to Billboard, he said: "I've got a bunch of songs written, but I think I'm going to wait a while before we release it, because I'm still really proud of this record and I want to give it some space."
Stump said the new tunes were influenced by a comment made by Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong.
"[Armstrong said] he didn't want to play four-chord punk rock for the rest of his life. If anybody knows more about punk rock than Billie Joe, I don't know who it is. So I looked at that and their growth, and I think about how honest that is. They're really just true to what they are, and so that's how we are.
"I think we'll change stylistically, but that's just something you wear. You're still yourself."
Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy have shot the video for forthcoming single "I'm Like A Lawyer With The Way I'm Always Trying To Get You Off (Me & You)".

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


Want to reside with The Grateful Dead?
Fans of San Francisco psych rockers The Grateful Dead may be interested to learn the home of singer Jerry Garcia is up for sale.
Current owner Henry Koltys – who purchased the property over a decade ago – is putting the property back on the market and says he's selling everything from the toilet to the kitchen sink.
Profits from the eBay sales will go to local charity The Sophia Foundation, which helps children and families during marital separations and divorces. "This charity auction allows me to combine my interest in protecting and helping these families and my love for Jerry Garcia's music," Koltys said.
Koltys bought the Marin County estate in 1997 and plans to sell the house (and its contents) during the week beginning Monday August 12.

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


50 Cent's new girlfriend?
He's a bad-ass rapper from the wrong side of the tracks; she's a Hollywood starlet who's been labelled one of the hottest women in the world. No wonder US tabloids are excited to report that Detroit hip-hop star 50 Cent has hooked up with Fantastic Four actress Jessica Alba.
The actress, who reportedly split from long-time boyfriend Warren Cash last week, was spotted in The Netherlands last week, where 50 Cent was performing on his European tour.
Sources have revealed the "In Da Club" star invited Alba onstage and introduced her as "the loveliest woman in America".
Representatives for both stars have refused to comment on the rumours.

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


Pearl Jam DVD due out in September
Pearl Jam are readying a live DVD release that features footage recorded late last year at five Italian shows.
Directed by Danny Clinch, Immagine Nel Telaio (which means "picture in a frame") is due out on Tuesday September 25 and is named after a Tom Waits song the band often performs.
"The band even offered me some music that has never been heard and Mike [McCready, guitarist] went into the studio to create some more music for the soundscapes," Clinch said.
"This is a look at Pearl Jam that no one has seen yet."
Included on the disc is singer Eddie Vedder performing The Who's "A Quick One (While He's Away)" with opening act My Morning Jacket.

Immagine Nel Telaio tracklisting:

"Severed Hand" (Milan)
"World Wide Suicide" (various)
"Life Wasted" (Torino)
"Corduroy" (Verona)
"State Of Love And Trust" (Milan)
"Porch" (Verona)
"Even Flow" (Torino)
"Better Man" (Verona)
"Alive" (Milan)
"Blood" (Verona)
"Comatose" (Pistoia)
"Come Back" (Pistoia)
"Rockin' In The Free World" (Pistoia)
"A Quick One (While He's Away)" (Torino)
"Throw Your Arms Around Me" (Pistoia)
"Yellow Ledbetter" (Milan)

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pearl-Jam.aspx


The Offspring lose drummer
US punk outfit The Offspring – who have the highest selling single in Australian history with "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)" – have parted ways with long-time drummer Atom Willard.
Williard was reported to have quit the band in early 2007 but the Dexter Holland-led group issued a statement that refuted that claim. But he doesn't appear on the band's forthcoming album, his spot filled by Josh Freese (NIN, Devo).
Now the band have been joined permanently by former Alkaline Trio, Face To Face and Saves The Day member Pete Parada, who'll make his live debut with The Offspring when they tour Japan in August.
Meanwhile, Atom is focussing on his other band, Angels And Airwaves.

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


Paris Hilton to sing for sci-fi soundtrack?
Paris Hilton is reportedly in talks with director Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw) to perform as a singer in his new film, Repo! The Genetic Opera.
Set in 2056, the film will tell the tale of an epidemic that destroys most of the human race, with sources claiming Hilton has scored a leading role.
The director has confirmed more than 30 actresses auditioned for the part.
Meanwhile, Paris is a tad poorer following news she'll miss out on more than AU$71million after her 79-year-old billionaire grandfather, Barron Hilton, announced he would donate her inheritance to charity.
According to author Jerry Oppenheimer, who wrote The House Of Hilton, Barron "was, and is, extremely embarrassed by how the Hilton name has been sullied by Paris".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paris-Hilton.aspx


Scissor Sisters star to marry
Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears is set to marry long-time boyfriend Chris next year.
The couple, who've been together for eight years, recently bought an apartment in New York City and are reportedly planning a wedding.
"They are both blissfully happy with their apartment and the wedding is the next thing," a pal told The Sunday Mirror.
"They're ready to show everyone they're together. The apartment was a big commitment for Jake and Chris because it's a large place in Manhattan's coolest district."
It's unclear if good friends Elton John and Kylie Minogue – who've both collaborated with the "I Don't Feel Like Dancing" singer – will attend the union.

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

Jul 30

Kinks gun case collapses
[source: NME.com] Jerome Barra, the American man accused of shooting Kinks frontman Ray Davies in 2004, has had charges against him dropped. The case related to an incident in New Orleans that saw Davies shot in the leg while he chased a man who had stolen his friend’s wallet.
Davies claimed he was only notified of the court hearing, which occurred last Thursday (July 26), a few days before he was expected to attend, so did not have enough time to travel from London.
The non-appearance meant charges against Barra were dropped.
The Kinks legend said: “I am very disappointed with the way this case has been handled.”

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


Status Quo to star in Thai comedy
[source: NME.com] Status Quo are set to star in a movie set in Thailand.
Care Factor Zero sees Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt being chased on the Orient Express by bikers and crime gangs. According to reports, the movie will end with a “triumphant concert in Bangkok”.
The band’s own production company, Status Quo Films, is behind the caper, which will reportedly begin shooting in Thailand early next year.
This is not the Quo’s first foray into acting. They previously appeared in British soap Coronation Street, in scenes that included a punch-up with hapless Les Battersby.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Status-Quo.aspx


Elvis statue unveiled in Hawaii
[source: NME.com] A life-sized statue of Elvis Presley has been unveiled in Hawaii on the site of his famous 1973 concert.
The King performed at the Neal Blaisdell Center for a TV special called Aloha From Hawaii. It was one of the first major concerts to be broadcast globally via satellite. More than a billion people watched the landmark event, one of three shows Elvis performed in Hawaii throughout his career.
At a ceremony to mark the statue's unveiling, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said Elvis was "not a native son of our land, but we adopted him as our own”.
The bronze statue was a gift from TV Land.

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


Madonna and JT collaboration leaked
[source: NME.com] A track from the much-hyped collaboration between Madonna and Justin Timberlake has appeared online.
Reportedly called “Candy Shop”, the song appeared on putfile.com but was removed following copyright issues. The track is a mix of dance, pop and hip-hop and will appear on Madonna’s forthcoming album, scheduled to be released in November.
“Candy Shop” is just one of several tracks Madonna worked on with Timberlake and uber-producer Timbaland, both of whom have been writing, producing and contributing vocals. Pharrell Williams and Mika have also been involved in the album.

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


Usher postpones wedding
American R&B star Usher was reported to be marrying his pregnant fiancée, Tameka Foster, this past weekend, but the nuptials were mysteriously scrapped at the last minute.
The ceremony was meant to take place at the home of record label boss Antonio Reid, in Long Island, New York, with bookings in place for caterers and florists. But according to Usher’s publicist, Patti Webster, the union didn’t take place.
“No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation,” Webster told the press, “but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected.”
Having announced their engagement back in June, the couple hit a rough patch in recent weeks, with tabloid The National Enquirer revealing details of Foster’s alleged drug and gang past.

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


Starky call it quits
Sydney rockers Starky will play their last shows this weekend.
“We only ever got into it because we were a bunch of friends that liked music and wanted to make some ourselves. Nothing more to it really.
“Unfortunately there are people out there that don’t give a sh*t about music or art – people who are only interested in money and don’t care who or what they destroy to get it. Sometimes you have to give up something you love because the only satisfaction you can get is knowing that at least you won’t be making any more money for them to get their hands on.”
Starky formed in 1998 and released two LPs: 2003’s Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre and 2006’s self-titled album. Fans can catch the band this weekend for the very last time, when they support The Lost Valentinos in Melbourne.
Frontman Beau Cassidy says he’ll form a new band with fellow guitarist Jonny Wilson.

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


The Killers head to Oz for headline gigs
New dad and The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers is set to spend the next few months immersed in a busy touring schedule, which includes a trip Down Under.
The Las Vegas rockers, who headlined this year's Big Day Out festival, will return to Australian shores in November to play dates in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
The band’s second album, Sam’s Town, has so far spawned a series of hit tracks, including “Read My Mind” and “When You Were Young”.
Tickets go on sale Friday August 17.

Tour dates:

Friday November 9 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sunday November 11 – Sydney Entertainment Centre
Tuesday November 13 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

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


Christina cancels concerts as the flu hits
US pop singer Christina Aguilera has been forced to cancel two live dates in Melbourne after contracting a particularly bad strain of the flu.
“It has become apparent that Christina will not be well enough to perform her last two Melbourne shows,” a statement from the tour’s promoter, Frontier Touring, read.
“Doctor’s have confirmed Christina has a viral upper respiratory tract infection, with a high fever and abnormal coughing. They have prescribed complete bed rest for the next few days.”
The “Candyman” singer said she was devastated at not being well enough to perform.
“I want to personally apologise to all of my fans for having to cancel my last two shows here in Melbourne,” she said. “Unfortunately, I have fallen ill with a bad flu virus. This is one of the best cities in the world to perform in and I am truly disappointed I won’t be able to share my show with you all. Thank you for all of the continued love and support and I hope to perform for you all again next time.”
Ticketholders for the two cancelled gigs can seek a refund.

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


Hard-Fi rebel with Once Upon A Time In The West
UK rockers Hard-Fi are missing the demise of vinyl so much they’re rebelling via the creation of their second LP's artwork.
“The significance of album covers is becoming little more than a centimetre square on an iPod screen,” singer Richard Archer explained.
“The sleeve used to add another dimension to an album, but that seems to be disappearing, which is really sad.”
Instead of an image, the band have chosen to feature their name and the LP title in small letters, leaving plenty of room to plaster the rest of the cover with the words “no cover art”.
The move has been heralded by British designer Peter Saville, who’s famous for creating iconic images for the likes of New Order and Roxy Music. Saville, who described Hard-Fi's action as a "bold and very intelligent gesture", said the band have made "the White Album for the digital culture”.

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


Elton John heads out alone
Sir Elton John is heading back to Australia for a brief run of solo dates at the end of 2007.
With just his piano for accompaniment, he's planning to perform in “unique locations” across the country on what will be his 13th visit Down Under.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday August 13.

Tour dates:

Saturday November 24 – Barossa Arts & Convention Centre, Barossa Valley
Wednesday November 28 – Acer Arena, Sydney
Friday November 30 – Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Saturday December 1 – Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley
Saturday December 15 – Werribee Park Mansion, Werribee

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

Slash too addicted to record
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash admitted he was so addicted to painkillers during the recording of Libertad – the new LP from Los Angeles rockers Velvet Revolver – that a visit to rehab was on the cards the minute the sessions were completed.
“There was a lot of negative sh*t going on,” Slash told Rolling Stone.
“Some of it was band stuff, some of it was home stuff… and I went on a little f**king OxyContin binge for, like, two or three months.”
Often falling asleep in the studio, Slash said he was considering joining bandmates Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum in rehab.
Libertad was released earlier this month, while Slash is rumoured to be teaming with former Gunners bandmates to celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of Appetite To Destruction.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Velvet-Revolver.aspx

Jul 27

Keith Richards memoir sparks bidding war
[source: NME.com] Keith Richards' forthcoming autobiography has caused a bidding war among several publishing companies.
Publishers have already offered The Rolling Stones guitarist an advance of US$7.3million (AUS$8.31), according to industry insiders.
Yesterday (Thursday July 26), the New York Post claimed the bidding has been narrowed down to two publishing houses: HarperCollins, a unit of News Corp., and Little Brown, a division of Hachette Filipacchi.
The memoirs are expected to include details of Richards' two famous arrests and his romantic relationships with models.

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


P Diddy launches new fragrance
[source: NME.com] P. Diddy has launched a new fragrance in London.
The rapper's Unforgivable Woman scent is the follow-up to its male counterpart, Unforgivable, which was launched in February 2006.
In a statement, the new fragrance was described as "a breathtaking combination of creamy, floral, warm and luscious notes".
Diddy said he wanted to emphasise the "pina colada" flavour of the smell.
"I think we all have an emotional connection to pina colada," he said. "I had this vision of a woman being on the beach and the Unforgivable man sees her – the scent is just the way he feels, the heat of it."
The scent will be launched in September, and can be purchased via Seanjohnfragrances.co.uk.

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


Sex Pistols to release special edition Bollocks
[source: NME.com] Sex Pistols will release a 30th anniversary edition of classic debut album Never Mind The Bollocks… Here's The Sex Pistols.
The album will be re-issued on Monday October 29 in heavyweight vinyl with a 7" insert of "Submission" and a poster.
The format mirrors the way the record was originally released on October 28, 1977. "Submission" was left off the original tracklisting when the album was mistakenly released a week earlier than planned. Due to the band's insistence, the first 50,000 copies of the album included a one-sided 7".
The band will also re-release four classic singles in reproductions of their iconic sleeves: "Anarchy In The UK" (Oct 1), "God Save The Queen" (Oct 8), "Pretty Vacant" (Oct 15) and "Holidays In The Sun" (Oct 29).
According to the band's label, Virgin, the vinyl re-issue of the album will "re-create all the original artwork from the first edition's front and back".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sex-Pistols.aspx


Carlos D aims for movie career
[source: NME.com] After landing an acting role in forthcoming film My Friends Told Me About You, Interpol bassist Carlos Dengler has revealed he's also an aspiring film and TV composer.
He posted examples on his official website of alternative soundtracks he has made for existing films, such as computer animated movie Ice Age 2, American TV show The West Wing and Meryl Streep film The Devil Wear Prada.
Dengler also posted the short non-dialogue film Golgotha, which he wrote, produced and composed the soundtrack for.
Dengler records in his home studio in New York, using equipment to "simulate the sound of a symphony orchestra". He hopes to one day work with the real thing.
Visit carlosdengler.com to view the films.

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


Linkin Park and Chris Cornell announce joint Oz tour
US nu-metal act Linkin Park are heading to Australia in October and will bring former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell with them.
The band's latest LP, Minutes To Midnight, was a number one hit in America and provides much of the impetus for the current live show.
Cornell, meanwhile, will open the Australian gigs with tracks from his new longplayer, Carry On.
Tickets go on sale Monday August 6.

Tour dates:

Sunday October 14 – Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
Tuesday October 16 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Thursday October 18 – Perth Burswood Dome
Saturday October 20 – Sydney Entertainment Centre
Monday October 22 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Linkin-Park.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Chris-Cornell.aspx


Etta James hospitalised following surgery
Legendary blues singer Etta James has been re-admitted to hospital following complications from recent abdominal surgery.
The 69-year-old Grammy winner, who shot to fame with gorgeous renditions of "At Last", "Trust In Me" and "A Sunday Kind Of Love", was due to hit the road in early August alongside guitarist B.B. King and soul star Al Green. The post-op difficulties now mean James won't appear until the end of the month.
"If it had been left solely up to her, she would have checked herself out of the hospital and started the tour regardless of her delicate health," James' manager, Lupe De Leon, said.
"However, her doctor advised that were she to do so it would put her at very great risk."

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


Robbie Williams reckons he's "a national treasure"
British pop star Robbie Williams says he's aiming to become "a national treasure" in his home country.
The 33-year-old admitted himself to rehab on his birthday earlier this year after suffering from bouts of depression. Now, however, he insists he's fine.
"I want to be known as 'El Presidente' or 'Nash', as in National Treasure," he told teammates in Los Angeles-based soccer team LA Vale.
"I'm the number one male."

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


Jimmy Barnes signs up for A Day On The Green
Ex-Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes will appear on national winery tour A Day On The Green in October and November.
The performances will be the first time Barnes – who's currently working on a brand new album – has appeared onstage following heart surgery to fix a faulty valve.
With five different festivals across the country, Barnes will be supported by a variety of acts, including his daughter Mahalia, Vanessa Amorosi, The Black Sorrows, Colin Hay, Richard Clapton, Deborah Conway and John Swan.
Tickets go on sale Monday August 6.

Tour dates:

Saturday October 27 – Craigmoor Winery, Mudgee
Saturday November 10 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley
Sunday November 11 – Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley
Saturday November 24 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jimmy-Barnes.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Deborah-Conway.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Swan.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Vanessa-Amorosi.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Richard-Clapton.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Black-Sorrows-The.aspx


Coldplay head to church for album number four
Coldplay have begun work on their fourth album by laying down tracks in churches around Barcelona.
"We've been travelling light: acoustic guitar, a couple of mics, a laptop and some headphones," the band revealed on their website.
"We're recording in Barcelona, moving from church to church, setting up where we can: in front of the altar, under the pulpit. We've been playing at the feet of archangels."
While the band claimed they won't be picking up "maracas or castanets" anytime soon, they do admit to being influenced by their Catalan surrounds. The music apparently contains "a vibrancy of colourfulness that owes much to the atmosphere of Buenos Aires and Barcelona".
Coldplay's last release was 2005's X&Y.

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


The return of Von Bondies
Detroit garage rockers Von Bondies are back with a new LP after three years of turmoil and time off.
Set for an early 2008 release, Love, Hate And Then There's You sees singer Jason Stollsteimer exercise some ghosts following his break-up with his wife and departure of bandmates Marcie Bolen (guitar), Carrie Smith (bass) and Yasmine Smith (bass).
"When we finished touring Pawn Shoppe Heart we were so exhausted," Stollsteimer told Billboard magazine.
"In my own head, I was like, 'I don't want to ever do it again'. But these three years have revived my energy to do it again."
Stollsteimer has worked with several producers on the new disc, including Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) and Peter Katis (Interpol). Expect to hear the first single in October.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Von-Bondies-The.aspx


Josh Pyke's "Monkey With A Drum" trek
Sydney-based troubadour Josh Pyke is heading back out on the road for a series of special shows.
Pyke's Monkey With A Drum tour will see the "Middle Of The Hill" singer perform throughout regional Victoria and New South Wales with guests 78 Saab and Whitley.
Tickets go on sale Monday August 20.

Tour dates:

Wednesday October 24 – Newcastle City Hall
Friday October 26 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Saturday October 27 – The Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Thursday November 1 – Concert Hall QPAC, Brisbane
Friday November 2 – Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide

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

Jul 26

Beyoncé takes a dramatic fall
[source: NME.com] Beyoncé took a dramatic fall down a flight of stairs at her concert in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday July 24.
The star was in the middle of performing a song when she tripped and fell head-first down several stairs, drawing gasps from the audience.
The singer, who was wearing high heels and a red trench coat, immediately picked herself back up and continued dancing and singing "Ring The Alarm".
After the song, Beyoncé quickly left the stage. She soon returned to continue the show, and jokingly asked the audience not to "put it on YouTube".
The audience didn't comply with her request, as several videos of the incident have appeared on the site.

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


Black Lips unveil new album, tour details
[source: NME.com] The Black Lips have revealed details of their second album, Good Bad Not Evil, scheduled for release in September.
The Atlanta quartet recorded the album, which features the songs "Katrina", "Lean" and "Bad Kids", in their home town.
The band performed a typically entertaining set at New York's Siren Music Festival on Saturday July 21 when they brought a live chicken onstage and blasted the audience with thousands of feathers.

Good Bad Not Evil tracklisting:

"Lean"
"Katrina"
"Veni Vidi Vici"
"Good Bad Not Evil"
"Navajo"
"Lock And Key"
"How Do You Tell A Child That Someone Has Died?"
"Bad Kids"
"Step Right Up"
"Cold Hands"
"Off The Block'"
"Slime & Oxygen"
"Transcendental Light"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Black-Lips.aspx


Queen Guitarist completes education
[source: NME.com] Queen guitarist Brian May is set to receive his degree, 30 years after he quit his course to be a rock star.
May was studying astrophysics at Imperial College London in 1970 when he formed the band with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor.
The guitarist has long been interested in astronomy and even co-wrote a book called Bang! The Complete History Of The Universe, which came out in 2006.
Now 60, May is in the midst of a thesis entitled Radial Velocities In The Zodiacal Dust Cloud, which he says he will submit to the college imminently.
Part of May's thesis involved astronomical observations at an observatory in the Canary Islands.

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


Joni Mitchell reveals new album details
[source: NME.com] Joni Mitchell has revealed details of her forthcoming album, Shine.
Mitchell's new album will be released at the end of September on the new Starbucks label, Hear Music.
Shine contains ten tracks that were written, arranged and produced by Mitchell. The singer said the album is "as serious a work as I've ever done".
"I am thrilled to be able to work with the Hear Music label on my new CD," Mitchell added. "Starbucks and Concord Music Group are joining me in releasing a project that has enabled me to appreciate what I loved about making music in the first place. I am very grateful to them."
Two songs on the new album – "If" and "If I Had A Heart" – appeared in The Fiddle And The Drum, a ballet based on Mitchell's songs that premiered earlier this year. Mitchell said she was inspired to write "If" by her favourite Rudyard Kipling poem.

Shine tracklisting:

"One Week Last Summer"
"This Place"
"If I Had A Heart"
"Hana"
"Bad Dreams Are Good"
"Big Yellow Taxi"
"Night Of The Iguana"
"Strong And Wrong"
"Shine"
"If"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joni-Mitchell.aspx


Britney's erratic behaviour revealed in magazine
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears' erratic behaviour at a recent photo shoot has been documented in detail by the magazine that reportedly planned to pay her a million dollars (AU$1,113,000) to appear.
Spears was all set for a "tell-all" interview with OK! Magazine in the US, but instead of a revealing conversation with the magazine, OK! instead published a telling account of Spears' out-of-order behaviour while on set.
According to OK! Editor Sarah Ivers, Spears did not consider the clothing selected for the shoot "sexy, short or tight enough", and she eventually agreed to a pink silk dress. When a wardrobe coordinator asked Spears not to wear the dress while eating, Spears refused to take the dress off and after lunch wiped grease from her hands on the front and back of the (borrowed) dress.
Ivers also reports that Spears' Yorkie puppy pooped on a $7,589 Zac Posen dress, and that neither "Spears nor her assistant bothered to clean it up" until the wardrobe coordinator demanded it.
Spears apparently walked off the set after just three hours and took with her more than $15,000 worth of clothing without permission.
The photos from the shoot were not published as they were "not up to standard" according to OK! publisher Brian Strong.

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


Homebake 2007 line-up announced
Sydney's favourite all-Aussie music festival, Homebake, returns once again in December, kicking off in The Domain on Saturday December 8.
Headlining the festival are legendary Aussie rockers Divinyls, led by the unforgettable Chrissie Amphlett. They'll be preceded by one of Australia's most popular performers, Missy Higgins.
With four stages, a cinema tent, an international food fair, market stalls, rides, an artist signing tent and roving performers, Homebake promises something for everyone.
Other artists scheduled to appear include Cut Copy, Gotye, Sarah Blasko, Josh Pyke, Midnight Juggernauts, Paul Kelly, The Beautiful Girls, Angus & Julia Stone, Paul Dempsey, The Bumblebeez, Soft Tigers, Pnau, Operator Please, Behind Crimson Eyes, Muscles, Ed Kuepper & The Kowalski Collective, Mammal and Red Eye Society.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday August 20.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Missy-Higgins.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gotye2.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cut-Copy.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Midnight-Juggernauts.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Something-For-Kate.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Soft-Tigers.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bumblebeez.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Kelly.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sarah-Blasko.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Angus-Julia-Stone.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pnau.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Behind-Crimson-Eyes.aspx


Klaxons cancel Aussie tour
Klaxons have cancelled their Australian tour after singer Jamie Reynolds fractured his ankle and underwent emergency surgery.
"The doctors say that if I spend the next two weeks with the foot elevated then there is a chance of a recovery without further complications. But we've had to cancel next week's Australian tour until some point in the future," Reynolds wrote on the band's website.
"A big apology to all those who've bought tickets for the gigs. We're gutted we are missing out on this trip."
The band were due to appear at Byron Bay's Splendour In The Grass festival. Hot Chip will fill their spot with a special "club DJ" set.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Klaxons.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hot-Chip.aspx


Backstreet's back, all right!
It's been two years since we last heard from US boy-band Backstreet Boys but the group are set to return with a sixth studio LP in October.
Having lost a member – Kevin Richardson – in the past two years, the as-yet-to-be-titled album will mark ten years since the outfit first appeared on the scene.
Formed in the early 90s in Orlando, Florida, the group sold more than 30 million copies of 1999's Millennium, while 2000's Black And Blue sold half that. The band has been in trouble recently, with former Svengali Lou Pearlman indicted on bank fraud charges.
The first single from the new disc will be "Inconsolable", which hits radio at the end of August.

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


Wilco frontman turns music journalist
He's known as one of the best songwriters and lyricists in America, but Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy has turned his hand to music writing in The New York Times.
"I'm probably the only person that wanted to be a rock critic and failed at it and started a band," Tweedy said.
Tweedy was commissioned to write about some of his favourite bands, including Panda Bear, Dr Dog, Grizzly Bear, Battles and A Hawk And Hacksaw. Of Grizzly Bear, he wrote: "I read a lot about this band but resisted based on the snide expression on a couple of their faces in a magazine."
Tweedy also recently starred as the voice of God in US cartoon series Lil' Bush.

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


Outkast rapper wants his wife's clothes back
Big Boi, one half off Atlanta-based rappers Outkast, is offering a reward of AU$56,600 for information about a recent theft of his wife's clothing designs. Sherlita Patton was ripped off recently after thieves broke into her Atlanta boutique and helped themselves to plenty of expensive denim jeans.
"It is not a good day when your wife calls and says, 'Babe, they got us'," Big Boy told a Los Angeles radio station.
"So, you know, I've got to see about this personally. You don't even have to call the police folk. Just call me – I'll get this handled."

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


Li. Lo heads back to rehab
Actress/singer/troubled 20-something Lindsay Lohan is back in rehab following her arrest this week for drink driving and drug possession.
Pulled over by police in the early hours of Tuesday July 24, Lohan was caught driving erratically in pursuit of another vehicle, which contained the mother of an assistant who'd quit her job the day before.
The mum called the cops and Lohan is now back in rehab and headed to court once again, just days after she completed her latest stay at the Promises facility in Malibu, California.

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


Pink to become a mother?
US pop singer Pink, who spent more than two months in Australia on her I'm Not Dead tour, says she's under pressure from her mother to start making babies.
"Carey [Hart, Pink's husband] really wanted us to have kids when we first met," Pink revealed this week. "But I told him that would be taking things a bit too fast, which he was fine with. But now it's my mum that keeps nagging me. All I get from her is, 'Why don't you want any babies yet? When am I going to be a grandma?'".

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

Jul 25

Yayo rejects jail offer
[source: NME.com] Rapper Tony Yayo has rejected the offer of spending nine months in jail in exchange for pleading guilty to assaulting a 14-year-old boy.
Yayo, who founded hip-hop group G-Unit along with rapper 50 Cent, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include assault, harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.
"The prosecution's nine-month offer is one Tony vehemently rejected," Yayo's lawyer, Scott Leemon, said. "It's not even a good offer for a guilty person and Tony denies the allegations absolutely."
The alleged victim is James Rosemond, the teenage son of recording executive Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond.
The case has been adjourned until Thursday September 6. Yayo is currently free on AUS$5,500 bail.

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


Gnarls Barkley man gets rare Hendrix catalogue
[source: NME.com] Gnarls Barkley's Cee-Lo Green has acquired rare Jimi Hendrix material, which he plans to release.
The singer will release the music on his Radiculture Records label in conjunction with sample clearance company Alien Music Services.
The label will offer these masters – shelved for 15 years – as licenses for film, TV and special projects.
They also plan to use the recordings for an as-yet-untitled project, possibly featuring contemporary producers such as Cee-Lo, Outkast and Goodie Mob.
Danny Zook, head of Alien Music Services, said: "When I first heard these masters I was floored. Cee-Lo, combined with Hendrix, are two of the most out-of-the-box artists of all time."
The recordings date back to the early 60s when Hendrix played guitar with Curtis Knight's band The Squires.
The 33 master recordings, recorded at Chalpin's Studio 76, included "Ballad Of Jimi", "Knock Yourself Out" and "How Would You Feel".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gnarls-Barkley.aspx


Sleevage: where music and art collide
Fans of album art, get excited: there's a new website just for you. Sleevage.com delves into some of the most infamous album art of our time and allows users to post thoughts on everyone from Blur to Beck.
From vintage 70s covers (think Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks) to dissections of The Dandy Warhols' Welcome To The Monkeyhouse (an image which mixes the infamous banana shot of The Velvet Underground with The Rolling Stone's Sticky Fingers zipper), Sleeveage.com features hundreds of covers, with more added each day.
Based in Sydney, the site also profiles local designers and design companies. Head to sleeveage.com for more.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sex-Pistols.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dandy-Warhols-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Velvet-Underground-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rolling-Stones-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Blur.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beck.aspx


Jamie Foxx to pay up?
Actor/musician Jamie Foxx is in trouble with his former stylist, who's suing the Ray star after he reportedly failed to pay for her services.
Stacy Young is suing Foxx for breach of contract and claims he owes her AU$6,787 in back-pay after she styled him for a series of awards shows and press junkets.
On Monday July 23, Young tried to amend her suit to also claim that Foxx insulted her in front of colleagues by "disparaging her abilities".
Yesterday, however, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jane L. Johnson dismissed Young's latest claim. Foxx's lawyer, Allison Hart Sievers, maintained the stylist's allegations are "complete fabrications and have no merit whatsoever". The case is set to return to court next month.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jamie-Foxx.aspx


Motorhead head back to Oz
Legendary metallers Motorhead will return to Australia this October.
Iconic frontman Lemmy and bandmates were previously in the country in 2006 when Motorhead toured with Mötley Crüe. Now they're back for a headline visit, with Oz rock heroes Rose Tattoo supporting.

Tour dates:

Wednesday October 3 – Brisbane Convention Centre
Friday October 5 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Saturday October 6 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sunday October 7 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
Wednesday October 10 – The Forum, Melbourne
Thursday October 11 – The Forum, Melbourne
Saturday October 13 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Tuesday October 16 – Challenge Stadium, Perth
Saturday October 20 – TSB Stadium, New Plymouth

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


Mindy McCready arrested for assault
Troubled US country music singer Mindy McCready – who had a hit in 1996 with "Guys Do It All The Time" – has been arrested in Florida, charged with battery and resisting arrest.
The 31-year-old former flame of actor Dean Cain has endured a tough couple of years, fighting suicide attempts, drug problems and court appearances for charges of driving under the influence and fraudulently obtaining prescription painkillers.
While the local sheriff's office is refusing to provide details of her latest arrest, McCready was released on AU$1,131 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday August 14. Her last LP was 2002's self-titled album.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mindy-Mccready.aspx


Kid Confucius head out on their Street Corner Soul tour
Sydney funk and roots collective Kid Confucius are heading out on the road this September, determined to "establish a new era of soul music in Australia".
Garnering inspiration from the soul movement of the 60s and 70s, the band will perform in venues around the country. But they'll also take their sound to the street… literally. Fans can tune into kidconfucius.com for news on impromptu jams, which will take place on footpaths and public streets on the same days as their shows.
Tickets are on sale now. For dates and details, visit kidconfucius.com.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kid-Confucius.aspx


Tupac's mum won't sell
Afeni Shakur, mother of slain US rapper Tupac Shakur, is heading to court to stop her son's former label, Death Row Records, selling his unreleased recordings.
Shot in 1996 when he was travelling in a car alongside label boss Marion "Suge" Knight, Tupac left behind almost an album's worth of material. Now Afeni is seeking an injunction in the US federal bankruptcy court, claiming the label is trying to sell the tunes to potential investors as part of proceedings over the late rapper's estate.
The court is expected to consider the injunction over the next four weeks, when it will decide whether or not to let Death Row release a new album – which includes secret tracks – in order to pay off its debts.
In April 2006, Knight sought bankruptcy protection, claiming Death Row was more than AU$113 million in debt.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Tupac-Shakur.aspx


Midnight Juggernauts take Dystopia to the masses
Fresh from recent tours of the UK, Europe and China, Midnight Juggernauts are preparing to unleash debut LP Dystopia on local music fans.
To celebrate Dystopia's release (August 4), the band will hit the road on an official album launch tour, which includes shows supporting Bloc Party and a slot at Byron Bay's Splendour In The Grass festival.
Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Thursday August 2 – Wollongong Uni
Friday August 3 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
Saturday 4 August – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Sunday 5 August – Splendour In The Grass, Byron Bay
Friday 10 August – Republic Bar, Hobart
Saturday 11 August – James Hotel, Launceston
Thursday 16 August – Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
Friday 17 August – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday 18 August – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Sunday 19 August – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Friday 24 August – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 25 August – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
Thursday 30 August – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday 31 August – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Saturday 1 September – ANU Bar, Canberra
Friday 7 September – The Capitol, Perth
Saturday 8 September – The Gov, Adelaide

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Midnight-Juggernauts.aspx


Kelly Clarkson says sorry, boss
Former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson has apologised to label boss Clive Davis after publicly insulting RCA's reaction to her latest disc, My December.
"I want to set the record straight on this by saying that I want my band, my advisors, those close to me and my record label to be one big, tight-knit family," the 25-year-old singer wrote on her website.
"A lot has been made in the press about my relationship with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and out of context. Contrary to recent characterisations in the press, I'm well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date."
With more than one million albums sold so far, Clarkson stirred controversy early in 2007 when she criticised RCA for failing to "support her work".

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

Jul 24

The Donnas announce details of Bitchin new album
[source: NME.com] The Donnas will self-release their seventh album, Bitchin, on Tuesday September 18 in the US and Monday October 1 in the UK.
The follow-up to 2004's Gold Medal features 14 tracks co-produced by Jay Ruston (The Polyphonic Spree, Meat Loaf) and sees the band develop a sound that's free from label pressures, according to a band spokesperson.
"We know what we want, we know how to get it, and we are ready and willing to take it. It's almost like we have come full circle," guitarist Allison Robertson said.
"Maybe in some way we are still the same dorky pre-teens who started playing because we love rock and roll. The difference is that now we are completely comfortable and confident with who we are."
Bitchin will be released via The Donnas' new label, Purple Feather Records.

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


Two rappers arrested on similar charges
[source: NME.com] Lil Wayne and Ja Rule were both arrested and charged with possession of a weapon following two unrelated incidents in New York on Sunday July 22.
Outkast collaborator Lil Wayne was spotted smoking marijuana near a tour bus by police officers. A .40-caliber pistol was found on him after he was taken into custody, according to the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Ja Rule was arrested after he was pulled over by police officers for speeding. The officers found a .40-caliber gun on the Jay-Z collaborator and he was taken into custody.
Ja Rule and Little Wayne recently recorded a song together called "Uh Oh".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lil-Wayne.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ja-Rule.aspx


The Cure speak about Ashlee Simpson collaboration
[source: NME.com] The Cure's Robert Smith has confirmed he would like to work with Ashlee Simpson but denied it would be happening soon.
"I would be hugely surprised if I end up working with Ashlee this year, but I haven't ruled it out," Smith said. "I went to see her in Chicago [the musical]… I was impressed. The fact is, when she got onstage and sang she was really good."
Simpson is also known to be working with Keane's Tim Rice Oxley, Chad Hugo from The Neptunes and John Legend.

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


Angus & Julia Stone hit the road
Brother and sister duo Angus & Julia Stone, who hail from the northern beaches of Sydney, are currently in London putting the finishing touches on debut LP A Book Like This.
Having sold more than 35,000 copies of early EPs Chocolate & Cigarettes and Heart Full Of Wine, the pair are set to return home in October for a quick tour in support of the new disc. The first single to be taken from the LP is "The Beast", which is at radio now.
Tickets for the shows are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Thursday October 4 – The Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
Friday October 5 – Tivoli, Brisbane
Saturday October 6 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
Sunday October 7 – Lizottes, Kincumber Central Coast
Wednesday October 10 – The Metro, Sydney
Thursday October 11 – Wollongong University
Friday October 12 – The Roxy, Parramatta
Saturday October 13 – Green Room @ University of Canberra
Thursday October 18 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday October 20 – Palais Hepburn Springs
Wednesday October 24 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
Thursday October 25 – Capitol, Perth
Friday October 26 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Angus-Julia-Stone.aspx


New Young Pony Club postpone tour
UK rockers New Young Pony Club were recently blessed with a nomination for Britain's most prestigious accolade, the Mercury Music Prize.
It's bad news, however, for local fans hoping to hear tracks from their upcoming longplayer, Fantastic Playroom, in the flesh. Due to "an increased publicity schedule", the band have been forced to postpone their Australian tour.
But it's not all doom and gloom: expect new tour dates announced for shows in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in early to mid-September.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/New-Young-Pony-Club.aspx


Original Gunners to reunite… without Axl?
According to reports in the US, the original members of LA rockers Guns 'N Roses are set to reunite without controversial band leader Axl Rose.
Former drummer Steven Adler says the band will get together at a special event on Saturday July 28 in Los Angeles to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band's seminal debut LP, Appetite For Destruction.
"I'll be down there with my band and Slash, Izzy [Stradlin, former guitarist], and Duff [McKagan, bassist] will be there too," Adler wrote on the website for the venue, the Key Club. "It's gonna be great."
While the drummer doesn't think Rose will show up on the night, he does believe a full reunion will happen one day.
"Axl and I spoke to each other in Las Vegas recently, and I know there's a chance," he said. "It's just too big. Whatever The Rolling Stones make when they play, we'd triple it. It'd be ridiculous not to do it. He can't be that goofy."

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


Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony to tour?
US power-couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony are, according to an interview with Mr Lopez, considering heading out on tour together following recent collaborations on-screen and in the studio.
"Jennifer has never toured," Antony recently told US music industry mag Billboard. "I've toured all my life. This is where I can step in and say, 'Oh my God, this could be fun', and introduce her to that world."
The couple are about to appear on the big screen in El Cantante, a biopic about the life of salsa legend Hector Lavoe. Antony is playing Lavoe, while Lopez stars alongside her real-life hubby as wife Nilda.
"Touring is something she's always wanted to do, but she's never had the time," he said. "And I was offered many more films I never took advantage of because I was always on tour. So, yes, we're seriously talking about going out this year [and] putting together an amazing show with just her and myself."

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


More collaborators for Kylie
The rumour mill surrounding Kylie Minogue's "comeback" album is still going strong, with Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears revealing details of his band's recent collaboration with the singer.
Shears already teamed with the pint-sized pop star back in 2004, helping to co-write "I Believe In You".
"We definitely work her really hard in the studio, from midday to midnight, although sometimes we pepper it with a shopping trip in between," Shears joked about recent sessions.
"We've written songs with her that are ridiculous and may never see the light of day. We've also written songs with her that I think are amazing but they may never see the light of day either."
Meanwhile, Sydney outfit Sneaky Sound System also reckon they've contributed a song called "I Want Everything" to the new LP.
Rumours suggesting the album will be called Kylie X are, according to the singer's spokesperson, completely unfounded.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Scissor-Sisters.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kylie-Minogue.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sneaky-Sound-System.aspx


Eve heads back to court
US rap star Eve (real name Eve Jihan Jeffers) may have turned over a new leaf.
The singer turned up early for a probation check that wasn't due until Friday July 27.
The Grammy winner was sentenced to 36 months of informal probation back in June following an arrest on Thursday April 26. Pulled over by police after crashing her Maserati into a centre divider in the road, Eve was found to have a blood-alcohol level 0.08 per cent higher than the legal limit.
The singer is currently putting the finishing touches on her fourth LP, Tambourine, which will include guests such as Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke, T.I., Sean Paul and Sizzla Kalonji.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Eve.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Robin-Thicke.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mary-J-Blige.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sean-Paul.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sizzla-Kalonji.aspx

Jul 23

Sly And The Family Stone play first UK show in 20 years
[source: NME.com] Funk legend Sly Stone made his first appearance on a British stage in more than 20 years on Saturday July 21.
With a new version of his band, The Family Stone, the star headlined the first night of a rain-hit Lovebox Festival in London.
The frontman did not initially appear, as the band – fronted by his sister, Vet – performed hits such as "Dance To The Music" and "Everyday People". When Stone did appear, he sang lead vocals on "If You Want Me To Stay" and "Sing A Simple Song" before telling the crowd he "needed a piss".
Stone returned to lead the band through euphoric versions of "I Wanna Take You Higher" and "Stand!".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sly-And-The-Family-Stone.aspx


50 Cent sues over video game
[source: NME.com] 50 Cent filed suit on Friday July 20 against an internet advertising company for allegedly using his likeness in a video game called Shoot The Rapper without his permission.
The rapper is suing Traffix Inc. for US$1million (AU$1.14m) for using his image in the game where players are asked to shoot him by clicking a computer mouse. If a player succeeds in shooting him, a red cloud appears and the person is directed to a website selling the defendant's goods and services.
50 Cent's lawyer, Peter Raymond, said the rapper's name is not mentioned in the game, but "it looks like him, and there's no doubt the character is intended to be him".
The lawsuit seeks a minimum of $1m in actual damages, a permanent injunction against the use of his image without his permission, and unspecified punitive damages.

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


New Order to carry on without Peter Hook?
[source: NME.com] New Order will continue without bassist Peter Hook after band members Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris issued a statement vowing to continue.
The pair's statement comes after former bassist Hook claimed recently he is no longer working with his bandmates.
Sumner and Morris declared: "After 30 years in a band together we are very disappointed that Hooky has decided to go to the press and announce unilaterally that New Order have split up. We would have hoped that he could have approached us first. He does not speak for all the band, therefore we can only assume he no longer wants to be a part of New Order."
Last week Hook told NME the band was over.
"We've decided not to work together anymore. It's been on-off-on for a while and last time we just went our separate ways."
Sumner and Morris did not reveal any plans about the band's future without Hook, only to declare that "New Order have NOT split up, they continue to exist".

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


Smiths reunion ruled out by bassist and drummer
[source: NME.com] Andy Rourke has quashed hopes of a Smiths reunion, insisting Morrissey is impossible to contact, let alone coax into reforming.
Rourke spoke at the launch of the Inside The Smiths documentary on Thursday July 19 alongside drummer Mike Joyce, who refused to pass comment on the elusive star.
"He makes himself unavailable," Rourke said. "He only communicates in postcards. But I suppose time is a great healer and can change your perception of people," he told fans, implying they would have to patch up their relationship before any reunion could take place.
The bassist made a cheeky joke about the singer's enigmatic sexuality when asked if Morrissey ever had any groupies.
"He had a delivery once and the boy was in there with him for a good ten minutes, but apart from that, I don't think so."
In the documentary, Joyce claims that once guitarist Johnny Marr left the band, he realised how difficult Morrissey could be to work with. The crunch, for Joyce, apparently came when the band and crew were sitting down for a meal.
"Morrissey was giving me the eye as if to say, 'We need to have a word'," Joyce recalled. "So he took me aside and said, 'Who are these people we're eating with?'. I said, 'Well, they're the producer, the engineer, the bassist, guitarist and me'. He said, 'I don't want to eat with these people'. What do I do? Tell them to p**s off and not eat with us? That was the brief."

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


Britney Spears shoots comeback video
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears began shooting a new music video for forthcoming single "Get Back" on Thursday July 19.
It will be the first release from her as-yet-untitled new album, Spears' first since 2003's In The Zone. It is thought Spears worked with Sean Garrett and Jonathan Rotem on the record, which is due to be released in 2008.

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


Starbucks to sign Joni Mitchell?
[source: NME.com] Rumours suggest Starbucks may sign Joni Mitchell to its Hear Music label.
CEO Ken Lombard said in a press conference on Wednesday July 18 that the label would announce its next signing in the next few weeks, according to a music industry insider.
However, Martin Talbot from music industry magazine Music Week gave away more clues about who it was.
"He [Lombard] briefed me yesterday on who that was and I'm absolutely sworn to secrecy. But it is another big-name artist – one of the all-time great female artists which will, I think, reaffirm what Hear Music is all about."
It has since been speculated that the female artist in question is Joni Mitchell.
Mitchell has previously released two albums for Starbucks: 2005's Artist's Choice contained 18 of her favourite songs and Selected Songs contained tracks of hers chosen by the likes of Bob Dylan, Prince and Elvis Costello.
Mitchell is currently without a label.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joni-Mitchell.aspx


Bad Religion return to Oz
Southern Californian punkers Bad Religion will play a series of shows in Australia this November.
The Brett Gurewitz-led rockers are heading back Down Under to perform tracks from latest release New Maps Of Hell.
Tickets for the shows go on sale Thursday August 2.

Tour dates:

Monday November 5 – Arena, Brisbane
Tuesday November 6 – Arena, Brisbane
Wednesday November 7 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Friday November 9 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
Saturday November 10 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Sunday November 11 – Metro City, Perth

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bad-Religion.aspx


Madonna to make gangster movie?
Perhaps it's her marriage to Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels director Guy Ritchie, but according to reports in the UK, pop diva Madonna is set to take on another film project – a movie about her former boyfriend, alleged mafia member Chris Paciello.
"She's back in touch with her old flame Chris," The Sun newspaper reported.
"He led Madonna astray in 1992/3 and most of her friends were unhappy about their relationship at the time. She has met him three times to thrash out a deal – first when she went to LA for the Academy Awards, then twice in New York, including her most recent trip there last month."
While the source claimed there's no love between the pair, the paper suggested she's keen to produce a film about his story.
"She is desperately keen to produce a film based on the book Mob Over Miami. She has always been fascinated by tough guys and loves his story."

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


Michael Franti and friends launch Up! Festival
Determined to "encourage people to have their voices heard", US singer Michael Franti has helped launch a new music, art and media festival that will make its international debut in Australia this September.
The Up! Festival has been founded by the Spearhead frontman to help "inspire people to integrate creativity, media, environmental impact, activism and humanity through self expression, music and art."
"No concert is going to fix the world," Franti said about the event, which will partner with green-friendly groups, "but what it can do is put the issue on the everyday agenda. It's about making it cool to care, to make a difference, to get up and do something about it."
Joining Michael Franti and Spearhead on the bill will be Aussie troubadour Ben Lee, roots group Blue King Brown and Old Man River.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday July 31.

Tour dates:

Friday September 14 – Challenge Stadium, Perth
Sunday September 16 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Wednesday September 19 – AIS Arena, Canberra
Thursday September 20 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
Friday September 21 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Saturday September 22 – Riverstage, Brisbane

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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ben-Lee.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Blue-King-Brown.aspx


McCartney divorce finalised?
Reports suggest former Beatle Paul McCartney is finally set to sign off on Britain's most infamous divorce deal.
McCartney's former wife, Heather Mills, is set to receive a staggering AU$35million lump sum in alimony, as well as $8m a year until their daughter, Beatrice, turns 18.
Meanwhile, the "Yesterday" singer will be responsible for his daughter's expenses – nannies, schooling, travel – but will share custody of the four-year-old with his former wife.
Mills is reportedly agreeing to keep quiet for 15 years about the marriage and will receive no property. McCartney is estimated to be worth more than $2billion, while the final legal details are set to be finalised in a court hearing in February 2008.

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


Foo Fighters spend the weekend in Oz
Dave Grohl and Nate Mendel made a whirlwind visit to Sydney last weekend to undertake promotional duties for brand new album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace.
Due out on Saturday September 22, the new disc features an acoustic track called "Ballad Of Beaconsfield Miners", which, Grohl said, was quickly written late last year in Sydney before he realised he was about to meet Brant Webb and Todd Russell backstage at the Sydney Opera House. The pair spent two weeks underground listening to Foo Fighters in order to keep their spirits up.
The first single to be lifted from the new album will be "The Pretender", which hits radio in early August.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Foo-Fighters.aspx

Justin Timberlake to open new restaurant in New York
Singer Justin Timberlake is set to open a second restaurant in the US.
Southern Hospitality will open this week in New York City and follows Chi, located in the Los Angeles Hyatt Hotel, which was opened last year with best friends Eytan Sugarman and Trace Ayala. Unfortunately, Chi mysteriously closed after becoming one of the hippest joints in town.
The new restaurant will feature the kind of traditional Memphis-style cuisine Timberlake ate as a child in Tennessee, including some of his grandmother's dessert recipes, spare ribs, homemade buttermilk biscuits and crab-and-corn fritters.

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


Phil Jamieson talks drugs on Denton
Grinspoon singer Phil Jamieson has opened up to talk show host Andrew Denton about his recent battle with "ice".
With new album Alibis And Other Lies due in stores this week, the 30-year-old singer spoke to the ABC host about his problems and told how his as-then heavily pregnant wife, Julie, helped pull him together.
"It was tough and it was scary, and yeah… detoxing was horrible. They were trying to give me drugs in the detox and I'm like, 'I don't want to take more drugs'," Jamieson revealed on the show.
"They treat crystal meth addictions with anti-psychotic drugs and I just didn't want a bar of that."
Jamieson's appearance on Denton screens on the ABC on Monday July 23, while Grinspoon have recently announced a national tour in support of the new longplayer.

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

Jul 20

Siouxsie goes solo
[source: NME.com] Siouxsie of Siouxsie & The Banshees has announced the details of her first solo album.
Mantaray, due out in the US on Tuesday October 2, was produced by Steve Evans (Robert Plant) and Charlie Jones and features ten tracks.
According to a spokesperson for the singer, the album incorporates industrial rhythms, modern glam and an expansive sound.

Mantaray tracklisting:

"Into A Swan"
"About To Happen"
"Here Comes That Day"
"Loveless"
"If It Doesn't Kill You"
"One Mile Below"
"Drone Zone"
"Sea Of Tranquillity"
"They Follow You"
"Heaven And Alchemy"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Siouxsie-And-The-Banshees.aspx


Jon Bon Jovi objects to name of energy drink
[source: NME.com] Jon Bon Jovi has objected to the name of an energy drink, which the rocker says is too similar to his own moniker.
Bon Jovi wants the owner of the Mijovi coffee-based energy drink to change its name, but owner Marcos Carrington says the drink is named after his girlfriend, Jovita, and not the rock star.
Bon Jovi has also taken issue with the drink's marketing materials, which include the phrases "itsmijovi" and "itsmilife", which he says resembles the title of his hit song "It's My Life".
Associated Press have reported Bon Jovi's lawyer, Peter Laird, sent a letter to Carrington demanding he "cease and desist all further use of the name 'Mijovi' and 'It's My Life'".
Carrington is willing to stop using the phrase 'itsmilife', but intends to keep the name Mijovi.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jon-Bon-Jovi.aspx


The Streets put new album back another year
[source: NME.com] Mike Skinner is "panicking" about The Streets' next album, and has put the release date back to next year.
The hotly-anticipated follow-up to 2006 album The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living was originally due to hit shelves this year, but Skinner admits he has been working too hard and is in need of some time away from the project.
"Making an album when you're quite well known is a bit stressful," he writes on his MySpace blog. "I've had to accept this week that because my album isn't quite right yet it won't be coming out this year.
"I think I've got the makings of a great record, but I've been working so hard on it my head is spinning at the end of every day and when I wake up each morning the first thing I feel is panic.
"I've decided to try to get some distance from it. This also means I'll maintain my tidy pattern of releasing an album in 2002, 2004, 2006 and, now, 2008."

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


Fugees reunion 'dead'
[source: NME.com] The Fugees reunion is dead, according to rapper Pras.
The trio reunited briefly in 2004 and were said to be working on new material.
"Me and Clef [Wyclef Jean] are on the same page but Lauryn [Hill] is in her zone and I'm fed up with that sh*t," Pras said.
"Here she is, blessed with a gift and with the opportunity to rock, and she's running on some bullsh*t? I'm a fan of Lauryn's but I can't respect that."
Hill recently played a series of disastrous shows, including a solo date in London.
She is set to release a new song – "Lose Myself" – on the soundtrack of forthcoming animated film Surf's Up.

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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fugees.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lauryn-Hill.aspx


Robert Smith hard at work on Cure documentary
On the eve of their visit to Australia, The Cure have revealed details of an upcoming documentary that won't be released until 2009.
Speaking to US music industry rag Billboard, lead singer Robert Smith said the doco – which will celebrate the band's 30th anniversary of debut LP Three Imaginary Boys – would be one for fans to collect.
"This will include interviews with everybody who has ever been in the band, and everybody who has been an important part of The Cure," Smith said.
"Tim [Pope, the film's director] has been there from 1982 through to the mid-90s. We've kept in touch and he's done some things with us since. People will react to him very well in an interview scenario."
The Cure begin their Australian tour in Perth on Wednesday August 8.

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


Basement Jaxx team with Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono will appear on UK duo Basement Jaxx's forthcoming album.
"We ended up doing a couple of things," Jaxx member Felix Bunton confirmed.
"Once I started listening to her stuff, I started thinking she was miles ahead and she should be on the new album."
Bunton said the new LP may end up as a two-disc affair, with one CD containing "soundscapes" and the other "pure tracks".
Basement Jaxx are also hoping statuesque singer Grace Jones might be keen to get behind the mic.
"We've been trying to work with her for years, but she keeps disappearing," Bunton revealed. "Her manager said she was up for it…"
Fans will have to wait to hear the new tunes, however. The new LP won't hit the streets until the middle of 2008.

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


Klaxons' surprise over unknown track
Fans of British new rave rockers Klaxons were given a surprise when they picked up a vinyl copy of the band's latest single, "It's Not Over Yet".
Nothing seemed unusual on the A-side, but flip the vinyl and the B-side featured music from a totally unknown band. What's more, Klaxons – who're due in Australia for a tour centred around August's Splendour In The Grass festival – were even more surprised.
Apparently the band thought the vinyl would have no music at all on the B-side.
"I think the people at the pressing plant have their eyes on different pies," frontman Simon Taylor joked yesterday.
"I used to get really into those fan websites where people would claim there was some kind of link between the hidden tracks and the other ones. I like the idea that there is some sort of magic behind it. Maybe there is."

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


Bob Dylan retrospective set for worldwide release
American troubadour Bob Dylan will release a mammoth retrospective collection on Monday October 1, although Australians will get the chance to buy it two days early.
The 18-song, three-CD set will be called Dylan and fans Down Under can grab a copy when it hits stores on Saturday September 29.
With more than 90 million albums sold throughout his career and countless accolades, Dylan's influence on modern music is astounding. Two additional versions of Dylan will also be released at the same time. A deluxe edition will feature a book of rare pics and ten postcards, while the best-of edition will feature 18 songs on a single bonus disc.
Dylan visits Australia next month, kicking off his tour in Sydney on Wednesday August 15.

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


Mark Ronson's in demand
UK producer Mark Ronson – who topped the charts in 2007 with debut album Version – is currently in hot demand.
The 29-year-old claimed he's been offered the chance to work with some of rock's biggest names, including Bob Dylan and former Style Council/The Jam frontman Paul Weller.
However, Ronson said he's keeping his eye on his main wish list of clients, which includes Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen.
"I'm getting lots of people coming forward and saying they like what I do, which is mind-blowing – especially when it's Dylan and Weller," Ronson said.
"Mani from The Stone Roses came up to me at a party and said I should cover one of their tracks. I was blown away as they're one of my favourite bands of all time. [But] Amy and Lily are my priority. As long as they want to work with me, I'll do something with them."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mark-Ronson.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bob-Dylan.aspx
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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stone-Roses.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Weller.aspx
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Kylie Minogue: Australia's fourth richest entertainer
Pop singer Kylie Minogue has come in at number four in business magazine BRW's annual list of Australia's wealthiest entertainers.
Unsurprisingly, TV four-piece The Wiggles topped the chart with earnings of AU$49 million in 2006.
Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman came in at number two with $34million, while fellow actor Hugh Jackman rounded out the top three with a tasty $30million.

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

Jul 19

Prince album floods the net
[source: NME.com] Copies of Prince's Planet Earth album have flooded the internet after it came free with a UK paper on Sunday July 15.
The album is easily accessible to fans around the world, despite plans for a full commercial release in countries including the US. However, it is not being sold in record shops in the UK after a deal with distributors Sony BMG fell through.
Planet Earth was freely available to download after an estimated three million copies of the CD were distributed with the Mail On Sunday.
Hundreds of the CDs have also been put up for sale on auction site eBay.
The album is still due to be released on Tuesday July 24 in the US and Canada.
A blogger who posted the full album on the web wrote: "Seeing as it was free anyway… we decided to stick it up here for anyone who didn't get it.
"This seems to be the way forward. With music being free, the artists make their money from merchandising and touring and the digital revolution may yet be the downfall of major labels. No harm in our book!"
The move to give the CD away has angered members of the music industry.
A spokesperson for Sony BMG said: "The perception of intellectual property being 'free' is a problem we share with other business, including TV, radio, film, magazine, newspapers and gaming companies. At present, no action is being taken to remove files that I know of."
Prince is also set to give the album away to fans attending one of his 21 concerts at London's O2 Arena next month.
Prince said: "It's direct marketing and I don't have to be in the speculation business of the record industry, which is going through a lot of tumultuous times right now."
Mail On Sunday's editor Peter Wright said: "Prince has done this because he makes most of his money these days as a performing artist."
Wright confirmed the newspaper had paid to press and distribute the album, but hoped to make money by selling extra copies of the paper and extra advertising.

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


James Blunt in songwriting dispute
[source: NME.com] James Blunt has been caught in a songwriting dispute.
The singer faces a courtroom battle in a long running dispute over the authorship of six songs from 2005 album Back To Bedlam.
Lukas Burton, a Los Angeles producer, claims he co-wrote the tracks with Blunt. Due to the claims, royalty payments to the singer have been suspended since last year, according to The Independent.
Burton, who has worked with Paul McCartney and Dido, is seeking royalties for "Goodbye My Lover", "No Bravery", "Cry", "I Don't Believe", "I Really Want You" and "Don't Lose Yourself".
Blunt insists he wrote the songs for the huge-selling album either while serving as an officer with the British Army in Kosovo in 1999, at his flat in Bristol, or at his parents' home in Hampshire in early 1989.
The singer's publicist confirmed he and his publishing company EMI are asking the High Court to settle the dispute.
She said: "This is true. It is all a matter for the public record."
Writing on his blog, Burton said of Blunt's music: "His stuff was crude, occasionally laughably direct, and betrayed his relative lack of musicianship or discernible influence… it would probably be an overstatement to say that, in terms of his professional musical aspirations, James had nothing going on, but he definitely had next to nothing going on."
According to Burton, Blunt was ordered to sever all ties with him when he signed a new management deal.
"I simply couldn't believe that the universe was going to repay me with such abject treachery."

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


Smashing Pumpkins discuss Paris Hilton collaboration
[source: NME.com] The Smashing Pumpkins have revealed how infamous heiress Paris Hilton appeared on the sleeve of new album Zeitgeist.
Pictures of Hilton appear on the inside cover of the reunited Pumpkins' first new album since 2000.
Frontman Billy Corgan said he took the photos of Hilton.
"The original idea was we were gonna see if Lindsay [Lohan], Britney [Spears] and Paris would all shoot… but I knew Paris personally and hung out with her a few times, and so I asked her… and God bless her, she came, she showed up at 10am on a Sunday morning, sat in the chair, got made up and I shot her," Corgan told MTV News.

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


Gwen Stefani sues fashion label
[source: NME.com] Gwen Stefani is suing fashion label Forever 21.
The singer is at loggerheads with the company for trademark infringement of her Harajuku Lovers fashion line. She claims the clothing chain stole designs from her label.
In papers filed in Los Angeles Federal Court on Tuesday July 17, representatives for Stefanis's Harajuku Lovers claim Forever 21 is marketing, promoting and selling products featuring a design "virtually indistinguishable" from Harajuku's signature heart/box logo.
The lawsuit claims Forever 21 "changed a couple of words in the Heart Box trademark which are inconspicuous and likely to go unnoticed by a consumer".
Specifically, the lawsuit claims Forever 21 used the design but changed the word Harajuku to Forever and the word Lovers to Love.
As a result of the chain using a similar image, Harajuku has allegedly "suffered and continues to suffer damage to its business reputation".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gwen-Stefani2.aspx


Ashlee Simpson pregnant and engaged to the Fall Out Boy?
Despite fervent denials on both sides, websites and tabloids in the US are reporting that Ashlee Simpson is pregnant and engaged to her latest boyfriend, Fall Out Boy lead singer/bassist Pete Wentz.
According to various sources, the couple reportedly decided to tie the knot shortly after the Live Earth concerts, held across the world on Saturday July 7. The same pals are reported as stating the "Boyfriend" singer is keeping mum on the subject to avoid leaking too many details to the media.
Simpson's publicist, however, claims it is "absolutely not true".

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


Shakira to battle child malnutrition
Colombian hip-shaker Shakira has teamed with Latin American organisation ALAS Foundation (Latin America in Solidarity Action) to help raise awareness for the fight against juvenile malnutrition and hunger.
The "Beautiful Liar" single will work on the AU$228million campaign and perform at concerts in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and New York City. "ALAS came about because of a social emergency," the singer said.
"350,000 children die each year due to avoidable causes, 40million children work and live on the streets. We want an active Latin America united for our children."
Money raised from the gigs will go towards joint initiatives with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

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


Mach Pelican call it quits
With more than 11 years under their belt, Japan-via-Australia punk rockers Mach Pelican have announced a farewell tour, deciding to put an end to their pop-punk history.
Starting next week, the band are about to embark on their final shows, hitting Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, where they'll play their adopted home, The Tote in Collingwood.
The band's final LP was 2006's Radio Action. The trio claimed personal differences and visa problems were behind the split.

Tour dates:

Friday July 27 – The Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday July 28 – July Jive, Adelaide
Friday August 17 – Amplifier, Perth
Saturday August 18 – Hopetoun Hotel, Sydney
Monday August 27 – The Tote, Melbourne

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mach-Pelican.aspx


Spice Girls to film reunion documentary
Having recently announced their reunion show, UK supergroup Spice Girls are reportedly set to film a new documentary about their upcoming reunion shows.
According to BBC One controller Peter Fincham, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell are working on a new song for UK charity Children In Need and will be filming rehearsals and recording for a British TV special.
"We've got full involvement from all of them," Fincham said. "They are all keen to get involved with Children In Need. They are recording two new songs and one of them might be a single."
Spice Girls are due to hit Australia with a concert taking place in Sydney on January 17.

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


Glenn Wheatley heading to the slammer
Glenn Wheatley, the manager of John Farnham and one-time manager of Delta Goodrem, was sentenced today to more than 15 months' prison for tax fraud.
It was during the Australia Tax Office's Operation Wickenby crack-down that Wheatley was discovered to owe over AU$300,000 in back charges, after not paying tax on the revenues earned from Farnham's Talk Of The Town tour and boxer Kostya Tszyu's 2003 fight against American Jesse James Leija in 2003 (the monies have since been paid back).
In 1968 Wheatley formed seminal rockers The Masters Apprentices, while he also managed Little River Band and created The Main Event tour, featuring Farnham, Olivia Newton-John and Anthony Warlow.
Wheatley is expected to appeal against the sentence.

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The Stones set new record for banker gig
They've already the best paid band in the world and now legendary English rockers The Rolling Stones have earned a record AU$6.2million for a private show.
Currently touring Europe, Mick Jagger and bandmates played an 80-minute set for Deutsche Bank staff at the Catalan National Art Museum in Barcelona.
"Thank you for having us," Jagger told the crowd. "The best part is, it's coming out of your bonuses."
The Stones' current world tour has grossed more than $497million in the last 12 months, making it the most successful tour in history.

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

Jul 18

Michael Jackson forced to pay steep legal fees
[source: NME.com] Michael Jackson has been ordered to pay almost AU$300,000 in legal fees related to his 2005 molestation trial, a Los Angeles Superior Court ruled on Tuesday.
The pop star is being forced to pay the amount to Ayscough & Marar, a law firm located in California that handled some of the issues in the trial.
According to Associated Press, the firm sued Jackson for failing to pay legal fees and preventing the release of information to the lawyers and the public during the trial in Santa Barbara County.
Jackson, who was eventually cleared of all molestation charges, unsuccessfully counter-sued the law firm.

Sting ordered to fork out in discrimination case
[source: NME.com] Sting has been ordered to pay a former employee more than AU$50,000 by an employment tribunal in Southampton, England.
The Police frontman and his wife, Trudie Styler, were accused of sexual discrimination after they fired a chef when she became pregnant.
According to Jane Martin, who worked for the couple for eight years, Styler became displeased with her after she became pregnant in 2005. Martin alleged Styler would get angry when she took sick days and forced her to work long hours. Martin eventually left her job in 2006.
The tribunal ruled Martin was a victim of sexual discrimination and was unlawfully dismissed by Lake House Estate, the management company of Sting and his wife.
The pair have already launched an appeal against the ruling.

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


Brandon Flowers welcomes a son
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has become a dad after wife Tana gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday July 14.
It’s the first child for the “Smile Like You Mean It” singer – who happens to be a Mormon – and who’s currently on a break from touring throughout Europe. The Killers are set to head back to the UK in mid-August to headline England’s V Festival.

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


The Police head to Oz
After one of the most successful reunion tours of 2007, English trio The Police will return to Australia for the first time in more than a decade in early 2008.
Stewart Copeland, Andy Summers and Sting have sold more than 1,770,000 tickets in North America so far for their reunion shows, with a 25-date European tour set to kick off in late August.
Tickets for the Australian dates go on sale Monday July 30 at 9am.

Tour dates:

Tuesday January 22 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Thursday January 24 – Telstra Stadium, Sydney
Saturday January 26 – Melbourne Cricket Ground
Monday January 28 – AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
Friday February 1 – Members Equity, Perth

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


Lily Allen is stable, says brother
Alfie Allen, brother of UK pop star Lily, says her sister is not in danger of suffering a breakdown, despite the singer wondering online if she might be turning into an alcoholic.
Alfie reckons his sister is actually quite happy and doing well despite the tabloid rumours.
“Lily will never try and be someone else to impress people,” 20-year-old Alfie revealed.
“She’ll just impress people by being who she is.”
Meanwhile, Lily, who’s due to head to Australia next month for the Splendour In The Grass festival in Byron Bay, insists she’s fine.
“If I was falling apart at the seams I’d be in the Priory [an infamous London rehab facility], not here,” she told journalists at the recent Glastonbury festival. “It’s not about career, it’s not about longevity. It’s about being happy in this moment for me, living the day.”

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


Mercury Music Prize nominees announced
The nominees for one of the most prestigious awards in music – the 2007 Mercury Music Prize – have been announced in London.
Among the shortlist is tattooed diva Amy Winehouse, who sees her second LP, Back To Black, in the running for the coveted gong. Previous winners Arctic Monkeys are nominated once again for their sophomore effort, Favourite Worst Nightmare, while London-born rapper Dizzee Rascal is nominated for his third album, Maths & English.
The winner will be revealed at a ceremony held on Tuesday September 4.

Nominations:

The Young Knives – Game (Up All Night)
Bat For Lashes – Fur and Gold
Jamie T – Panic Prevention
Klaxons – Myths Of The New Future
The View – Hats Off To The Buskers
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
Basquiat Strings – Basquiat Strings With Seb Rochford
Dizzee Rascal – Maths & English
New Young Pony Club – Fantastic Playroom
Maps – We Can Create
Fionn Regan – End Of History
Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worse Nightmare

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AC/DC head back in the studio
Oz rock legends AC/DC have announced they’re heading back to the studio to start work on a new release that should see the light of day in early 2008.
While on a recent tour in New Jersey, frontman Brian Johnson spoke to local newspaper The Daily Record about his bandmates’ plans.
“Malcolm and Angus [Young] are in the studio,” Johnson revealed. “There’s an album in the works, and a tour, too, I think. The boys are working on something special. They don’t want to do just another album: it’s gotta be perfect.”
AC/DC’s last album was 2000’s Stiff Upper Lip.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ac-Dc.aspx


Want more Paris Hilton?
Music critics mightn’t be thrilled, but former jailbird/hotel heiress Paris Hilton is getting ready to head back into the studio, with plans to record her second longplayer over the summer.
According to an interview with the blonde party girl on E! Online, Hilton says she’s “excited” to begin work on the follow-up to her self-titled debut, which has sold more than 600,000 copies worldwide.
“I’ve been working on it with Scott [Storch] for a few weeks,” Hilton revealed. Hilton didn’t reveal if her prison stay inspired any tunes.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paris-Hilton.aspx


Simon & Garfunkel to tour Australia?
Local promoters are currently negotiating to bring American folk duo Simon & Garfunkel to Australia.
The pair haven’t played together since 2004, with their last visit to our shores occurring back in 1983.
With more than 40 million albums sold worldwide to their credit, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel are responsible for hits such as “Hazy Shade Of Winter”, “Mrs Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Dates are tentatively locked in for early next year but, according to the Herald Sun newspaper, rival promoters are bidding for the tour.
Simon & Garfunkel plan to release a 1969 live show in September.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Simon-Garfunkel.aspx

Jul 17

Smashing Pumpkins seek Siamese twins from album cover
[source: NME.com] The Smashing Pumpkins are attempting to track down the Siamese twins who adorned the cover of their 1993 landmark album, Siamese Dream.
The band posted the following announcement on their website:
"Need help! Looking for girls from Siamese Dream album cover. There's no one better to ask than the super fans themselves! We are trying to locate the girls that adorn the cover of Siamese Dream. As you all know, they were quite young when the photo was taken. They are not conjoined anymore, as far as we know.
"Anyone with info on this, please spread the word and send me a private message to PumpkinsMediaMilitia."
In other news, The Smashing Pumpkins played the first of 11 sold-out shows at the San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium Sunday July 15.

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


Radiohead mastering seventh album in New York
[source: NME.com] Radiohead are currently mastering their seventh album in New York.
According to a posting on fan website Ateaseweb, some of the band were at a Spoon listening party.
Radiohead members Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien and producer Nigel Godrich turned up to the event in New York.
"They're in the city mastering the album," the poster wrote. "Then they're going to listen to it, see what they think. So, we're almost there, maybe."
The poster's friend, Marty, also asked Greenwood if one of the much mooted tracks would make it onto the release.
"Oh yeah, when Marty asked Colin [Greenwood] if 'Nude' was going to be on the LP, Colin looked uncomfortable and said, 'maybe, if we can do it right'."
A release date for the LP has yet to be announced, but it is believed the album, the follow-up to 2003's Hail To The Thief, will be out before the end of the year.

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


Gnarls Barkley discuss new album
[source: NME.com] Gnarls Barkley have been discussing their forthcoming album and have stressed they don't want another "Crazy".
Danger Mouse, one half of the duo, said he hoped to have the follow-up to 2006's St. Elsewhere out before the end of the year, but did not want one song to overshadow the whole package.
"Crazy" was the first single to go to the top of the UK chart on downloads alone, and ended up staying there for nine weeks.
Speaking about the new material, Danger Mouse said: "No song is ever done until we have all the material together. When we have enough songs, then we'll go in and start finishing them together, so they have cohesiveness to them and we know where they fit with each other.
"Some of the songs may be exactly the same, and some may end up being very different."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gnarls-Barkley2.aspx


Janet Jackson signs new deal
[source: NME.com] Janet Jackson is set to sign a new record deal with Island Def Jam.
The singer is to follow in the footsteps of boyfriend Jermaine Dupri by moving from Virgin to her new label.
Speaking about the move, Dupri told Billboard: "She's on Island, but it's more or less [Def Jam's CEO] Antonio 'LA' Reid's project.
"I let him deal with that on a day-to-day basis. He's going to A&R that project too. Janet's record is one that he's wanted to do for a long time. He's very passionate about it."
Jackson's departure from Virgin comes on the back of two consecutive commercial disappointments: 2004's Damita Jo and 2006's 20 Y.O.
As for the new album's direction, Dupri said: "I don't really know what he's [Reid] got in mind at this point. His past record isn't shabby so I'm going to let him do what he's going to do. I'm going to do the new Mariah [Carey album], and we're going to make it seem like we're in competition to see who's going to have the biggest album of the year."
There is no release date for the album, although Billboard suggest it may be out before the end of the year.

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


Arctic Monkeys hit written with ex-girlfriend
[source: NME.com] Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner co-wrote current hit "Fluorescent Adolescent" with his ex-girlfriend.
Johanna Bennett explained that the song's lyrics were written while she was going out with the band's frontman last year.
"We were on holiday and had cut ourselves off from everything. We were in a really quiet hotel and didn't watch TV or listen to that much music," she told The Observer. "So as not to drive each other mad, we started messing around with these words, like a game, singing them to each other.
"It's great to think that it came from something we did for fun on holiday. It'll always be a good memory for Alex and I. He doesn't usually write lyrics with other people, though I think he enjoyed it."
Bennett is the frontwoman of the band Totalizer, whose demos have been produced by Dirty Pretty Things guitarist Anthony Rossomando.
She said "the band was something Alex really encouraged me to do".
Totalizer plan to release their debut single next year.

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


Xavier Rudd hits the road
He's a fan of eco-friendly living and now Aussie roots singer/didgeridoo player Xavier Rudd is set to bring his acclaimed White Moth album to Australian audiences.
On Monday, Rudd announced an extensive national tour that will begin in October and see the singer play 29 dates across the country.
Tickets go on sale Friday July 27.

Tour dates:

Thursday October 25 – Albert Hall, Launceston
Friday October 26 – City Hall, Hobart
Wednesday October 31 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
Thursday November 1 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
Friday November 2 – Byron Bay Entertainment Centre
Monday November 5 – Regional Entertainment Centre, Tamworth
Tuesday November 6 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Thursday November 8 – Regent Theatre, Wollongong
Friday November 9 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sunday November 11 – Canberra Theatre
Tuesday November 13 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
Wednesday November 14 – Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat
Thursday November 15 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
Saturday November 17 – Costa Hall, Geelong
Monday November 19 – Centre Cinema Theatre, Horsham
Wednesday November 21 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
Thursday November 29 – Convention Centre, Cairns
Friday November 30 – Townsville Entertainment Centre
Sunday December 2 – Mackay Entertainment Centre
Monday December 3 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
Wednesday December 5 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
Friday December 7 – Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sunshine Coast
Sunday December 9 – Gold Coast Exhibition Centre
Monday December 10 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Xavier-Rudd.aspx


Korn singer offers olive branch to former guitarist
When Brian "Head" Welch abruptly quit California nu-metallers Korn back in 2005, singer Jonathan Davis had a few choice words for his bandmate.
Turning his back on the rock and roll lifestyle, Welch found Jesus and has recently released a book depicting his struggles and resulting move to born-again Christianity. Now, Davis is offering Welch an olive branch, admitting his exit from the band was a good move.
"At least now he's in a better place," Davis said. "Good for him. I'm glad he got the help he needed. I tried everything possible in my power to help him but he was just in hell. And so we just had to watch him crumble. We didn't know the extent of his drug bulls**t at the time…
"It turns out Head was f**ked up on methamphetamine from the time I joined the band to the time he f**king left."
Meanwhile, Korn have a new album – reportedly untitled for artistic reasons – due for release on Tuesday July 31.

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


Has Kylie reunited with her ex?
Tabloids in the UK and Australia are excited with the news that "singing budgie" Kylie Minogue might be getting back with her ex-boyfriend, French actor Oliver Martinez.
Minogue was spotted over the weekend visiting Martinez's home in Paris. According to Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph, the "Body Language" singer has visited Martinez twice since their much publicised split in early 2007.
A spokesman for Minogue denies the couple are reuniting.
Meanwhile, music producer Calvin Harris has commented on recent speculation that he's Minogue's latest conquest.
"I became aware when it was on the front page of the newspaper," Harris said. "It was funny, but so far from the truth. It was a joke."

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


Morrissey slams Madonna over fur
Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has slammed Madonna's stance on fur.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she made that African boy she adopted into a coat and wore him for 15 minutes, then threw it away," he said.
Morrissey, who's long campaigned for animal rights, also criticised her appearance at the recent Live Earth event.
"I'm very gratified to be so close to the international headquarters of the People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals," Morrissey told a festival crowd in Virginia.
Morrissey's latest LP is the acclaimed Ringleader Of The Tormentors.

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


Osama Bin Laden wants Bobby Brown dead
In a rather unusual move, terrorist group al-Qaeda have plotted to kill US crooner Bobby Brown unless he refuses to cancel his planned Melbourne performance this week.
Due to take to the stage on Thursday July 19, Brown is reportedly taking the threat seriously.
"I figure if bin Laden wants me, and everybody is looking for him, it probably won't happen," Brown said. "But if he wants to try and find me for something so stupid, he can do what he wants. I have to leave it in the hands of my higher power."
According to Sudanese writer Kola Boof, Osama is a tad obsessed with Brown's ex-wife, Whitney Houston. Organisers for the show have increased security but Brown insisted he wasn't scared.
"I don't worry about these kind of things, even if you have to take it seriously," he revealed.

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


Missy Higgins to decamp to Los Angeles
After the success in Australia of recent LP On A Clear Night, Melbourne-based singer Missy Higgins says she's planning to relocate to Los Angeles in order to try and crack the US market.
"It's good for the public, it's good for me, it's good for everyone for me to get out of here!" Higgins told reporters yesterday.
"There's nothing worse than people going, 'Not her again!'."
Higgins also said fans will have to be patient for new material, with at least 18 months of touring and promotional duties scheduled for her new disc, which features the hit single "Steer".
"I think it might be a while between this album and the next," Higgins admitted. "I've got the urge to go travelling again – travelling that doesn't involve music."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Missy-Higgins.aspx