Oct 12

Madonna reportedly set to ditch record label
[source: NME.com] Madonna is apparently on the verge of leaving Warner Music for a ten-year, AU$133 million deal with concert promoters Live Nation.
Although she still has one album to deliver under her current contract, Madonna is reportedly close to signing on the dotted line.
The deal with Live Nation would provide her with a mix of cash and stock in exchange for the rights to sell three albums, promote her tours, sell merchandise and license her name. This is a departure from the usual framework, in which albums and concert promotion are handled by separate entities.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Madonna's last two Live Nation-produced tours have grossed AU$444 million, but industry pundits speculate that in order for Live Nation to make a profit from this new deal, Madonna would have to sell 15 million copies of her next three albums.
Warners would retain the rights to her back catalogue.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Madonna.aspx?search=69075


Radiohead side-project set for release
[source: NME.com] Jonny Greenwood's soundtrack to Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood will be released on CD a week before Christmas.
The Radiohead guitarist's ten-track record is due on Tuesday 18 December and includes two songs – "Henry Plainview" and "Proven Lands" – from Greenwood's orchestral piece, Popcorn Superhet Receiver, composed for the BBC last year.
.
There Will Be Blood tracklisting:

"Open Spaces"
"Future Markets"
"Prospectors Arrive"
"Eat Him By His Own Light"
"Henry Plainview"
"There Will Be Blood"
"Oil"
"Proven Lands"
"HW/Hope Of New Fields"
"Smear"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Radiohead.aspx?search=69082


The Flaming Lips freak out for Halloween
[source: NME.com] The Flaming Lips have been asked by The Oklahoma Gazette to join their annual Halloween parade this year.
The group, from Oklahoma City, are now asking fans to get involved with their March Of A Thousand Flaming Skeletons, which is set to take place on Saturday 27 October.
The group have issued a call for 1000 fans to join them on the march, which they say is "a symbolic procession glorifying the beauty of death and the boundless flame of love and life". Participants must pay a small fee (around AU$28) but get to keep their costumes.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/The-Flaming-Lips.aspx?search=69084


Bobby Brown denies heart attack
[source: NME.com] Bobby Brown has denied he was forced to spend Tuesday 9 October in a Los Angeles hospital after suffering a mild heart attack.
The singer's attorney told media on Wednesday 10 October that Brown was taken to two hospitals near his southern California home after complaining of severe chest pains, but Brown denies the claim.
"I heard I had a heart attack earlier, but I didn't," he said.
The singer did confirm, however, that he went to hospital… but only for a routine check-up.
"Everything's all right with me. I got a clean bill of health and everything's fine. I'm ready to get on the road and do these shows and take care of what I gotta take care of."
He told the EUR website he was worried what effect the heart attack rumours would have.
"It bothers me a lot, because my kids are hearing it and they're calling me crying," he said. "So I just had to let everybody know that I am okay."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bobby-Brown.aspx?search=69090


Britney Spears can spend the night with sons
Things are looking up for US pop singer Britney Spears, who won permission yesterday to spend one night a week with her two sons.
The 25-year-old singer showed up to Los Angeles Superior Court dressed in jeans and a black satin top and asked the judge in the closed hearing to be granted more time with two-year-old Sean Preston and one-year-old Jayden James. Spears lost custody of the children last week to ex-hubby Kevin Federline and has since been having supervised visits.
According to Spears' lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, the singer asked the court to allow her mother, Lynne, to act as an official "monitor" during her visits. Spears' latest single, "Gimme More", is at the top of the music charts in the States, with her new LP, Blackout, due out on Tuesday 30 October.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx?search=69100


Kanye West teams with Michael Jackson
US rap superstar Kanye West has confirmed he'll team with pop icon Michael Jackson for the "Thriller" singer's comeback LP.
Speaking to UK newspaper The Sun, West – who's rumoured to be heading back to Australia in summer 2008 – told the paper: "I'm working on stuff for Michael Jackson. If I like a person's outlet or what a person brings to the table, then I'll speak to them."
Jackson, meanwhile, released a statement to his European fans, telling them he'll be "sharing exciting and surprising news with you from my other efforts". Jackson's forthcoming album will be his first since 2001's Invincible.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kanye-West.aspx?search=69106


MC Hammer: not dead
"U Can't Touch This" singer MC Hammer has been forced to announce he's still alive after a man with the same name – Stanley Kirk Burrell – passed away.
It's all a misunderstanding, according to the rapper-turned-preacher, who insists he's alive and well. In fact, Hammer – who previously claimed bankruptcy after spending more than AU$22 million on helicopters, gold chains for his dogs and Boeing planes – is reportedly set to make another music comeback, this time via an "internet dance project called DanceJam", which will see him judging dancers' home videos.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mc-Hammer.aspx?search=69103


Sinead O'Connor heads to Australia for the first time
Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor will tour Australia for the first time in March 2008.
Having shot to fame while still a teenager with 1987's uncompromising debut, The Lion And The Cobra, O'Connor has since released 11 albums and sold more than 17 million albums.
A recent live show in America saw her described by indie music website Pitchfork Media as "a master of dynamics, turning her body into a personal mixing board with violent shakes of the head, swooping arm gestures, and childish hopping up and down".
The 40-year-old will perform tracks from her latest LP, Theology, as well as her greatest hits at three shows in Australia. Tickets go on sale Thursday 18 October.

Tour dates:

Tuesday 18 March – State Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 22 March – Brisbane Convention Centre
Tuesday 25 March – The Palais, Melbourne

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sinead-O-Connor.aspx?search=69124


Justin Timberlake will "never find love"
'N Sync star Lance Bass reckons former bandmate Justin Timberlake wasn't the greatest boyfriend to former flame Britney Spears… because he was too keen on being a pop star.
According to Bass' new autobiography, Out Of Sync: "Britney showed no signs of the turmoil she would eventually encounter, maybe because she was so in love with Justin she thought it was going to last forever.
"I knew it wouldn't. Justin already had a great love in his life – his career. He wanted to be a star and no girl, no matter how great, was going to be able to distract him from that for more than a night or two between trips to the centre of the spotlight."
The 28-year-old Bass – who's been training in Russia to become a cosmonaut – will release his new book on Friday 26 October.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Justin-Timberlake.aspx?search=69108
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nsync.aspx?search=69117


Black Eyed Peas return to Oz
Los Angeles hip-hop outfit Black Eyes Peas are returning to Australia this month to play an "intimate", one-off show in Sydney.
The band's Black, Blue & You tour will hit the Hordern Pavillion, Sydney, on Thursday 30 October, but only 600 tickets will be on offer.
With more than 25 million albums sold, three Grammy Awards and two number one albums in Australia alone, the show promises fans the chance to get up close and personal with the superstars.
Tickets to the gig are capped at two per person and are available via www.frontiertouring.com on Wednesday 17 October.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/The-Black-Eyed-Peas.aspx?search=69127

Oct 11

Bobby Brown suffers heart attack
[source: NME.com] Bobby Brown suffered a mild heart attack and spent Tuesday 9 October in a Los Angeles hospital.
The 38-year-old's attorney confirmed the singer was taken to two hospitals near his Southern California home after complaining of severe chest pains.
"They did diagnose him as suffering from a mild heart attack… they attributed it to stress and diet," Phaedra Parks said.
"He is in great spirits, he's doing very well. He's speaking with family members."
Brown, who has now returned home, was married to Whitney Houston and is currently seeking custody of their daughter.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bobby-Brown.aspx?search=60350
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Whitney-Houston.aspx?search=60352


Britney Spears' album release date brought forward
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears' new album has been brought forward by two weeks and will now be available on Tuesday 30 October.
Jive Records decided to release the album early in order to "prevent and avoid any further illegal distribution of songs", according to reports in Associated Press.
The album's first single, "Gimme More", has risen to number three on the US Billboard chart in the past week.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx?search=57995


Christina Aguilera and Aretha Franklin plan duet
[source: NME.com] Christina Aguilera and Aretha Franklin are planning a duet, according to DJ Premier.
The producer, who worked on Aguilera's Back To Basics album, claims the two are working on material together.
"Christina got back at me because she's doing a duet with Aretha Franklin," Premier said.
No release date is known for the duet, but it is thought it will feature on Franklin's forthcoming album, Jewels In The Crown: All Star Duets With The Queen, which is set to be released later this year.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Christina-Aguilera.aspx?search=60340
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Aretha-Franklin.aspx?search=60341


Eric Clapton opens up about son's death
British songwriter and guitarist Eric Clapton has written of the 1991 death of his infant son, Conor, in his new autobiography.
Released this week, Eric Clapton: The Autobiography features a passage recounting the devastating event, which inspired hit song "Tears In Heaven".
"The following morning I was up early, ready to walk cross-town from my hotel to pick up [mother] Lori del Santo and Conor to take them to the Central Park Zoo… The phone rang and it was Lori. She was hysterical, screaming that Conor was dead. I thought to myself, 'This is ridiculous. How can he be dead?' and I asked her the silliest question: 'Are you sure?'.
"And then she told me he'd fallen out of the window. She was beside herself."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Eric-Clapton.aspx?search=56926


Michael Jackson says he never disowned nanny
US pop star Michael Jackson is under attack once more, with the former nanny of his children, Grace Rwaramba, accusing the "Beat It" singer of disowning her once she was diagnosed with Lupus.
Last month rumours were also rife that the singer had married Rwaramba, although those reports proved false.
According to a "source" in the New York Post, Rwaramba is not coping well at the moment.
"She's ill and she could use his spiritual, mental and financial support right now. I do believe [Jackson] has affection for Grace, but he acts like a child. He could at least give her a call and say, 'How are you doing, Grace? Do you need more doctors?'. But it's never like that. It's always taking."
Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, insists it's all untrue.
"It's a hilarious rumour. I can guarantee she is not very ill. I've spoken to her in the last two hours."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Michael-Jackson.aspx?search=56949


Boy George fined for cancelled gig
Former Culture Club singer Boy George has been ordered to pay AU$70,224 to a Los Angeles club owner after he cancelled a 2005 show.
The "Karma Chameleon" singer was due to perform at a special Halloween show at Club GAY in LA, put on by Manchester businesswoman Kasia Saleh. After he was arrested for possession of cocaine, the singer pulled out of the event, only to be sued by Saleh, who claimed her brand collapsed as a result. A judge in Manchester High Court yesterday instructed Boy George to pay the cash as compensation.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Boy-George.aspx?search=56946


Paul MCartney's divorce to be finalised
Former Beatles singer Paul McCartney is set to finalise his divorce from Heather Mills.
The couple, who share a daughter, Beatrice, split in May 2006 and will appear before Britain's High Court to finalise details of a complicated divorce agreement.
It's believed they will share joint custody of Beatrice and have agreed never to discuss each other with the media. The deal is set to net Mills an estimated AU$65 million, as well as $7.9m per year until three-year-old Beatrice turns 18.
It's believed McCartney will also be expected to foot the bill for all of his daughter's schooling, travel, security and care.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Mccartney.aspx?search=56935


J. Lo keeps mum on pregnancy rumours
US star Jennifer Lopez is refusing to confirm or deny rumours she's heavily pregnant.
According to a new cover story in Us Weekly magazine, the singer is four months pregnant with twins. The publication says Lopez's mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez, has been proudly telling friends about the news, even if her daughter won't be drawn on the subject.
Meanwhile, Damien Fahey, host of MTV's Total Request Live programme, met Lopez last week when she dropped by the studio to promote her new LP, Brave.
"I've been around a lot of pregnant women," Fahey said. "She walked around like a pregnant woman, sat like a pregnant woman and stood like a pregnant woman. If I were a betting man, I'd definitely bet she was pregnant."
US TV anchor Diane Sawyer also quizzed the star during a recent interview, with Lopez stating: "This is really, really a great, happy time in my life. Everything's great."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jennifer-Lopez.aspx?search=60433


Liam Gallagher to marry Nicole Appleton
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and former All Saints singer Nicole Appleton are set to marry in Westminster, London, on Friday 26 October.
The pair already share a six-year-old son, but Appleton's management team have reportedly confirmed marriage is now on the cards.
"Liam and Nicole have registered plans with Camden Town Hall for a service in Marylebone, Westminster," a source revealed yesterday.
"Guests will then move on to Claridges Hotel for the reception."
Appleton, who gave birth to son Gene in 2001, had previously stated the couple were in no hurry to tie the know.
"There's no pressure from our parents to get married but when we go to friends' weddings I think, 'I want to do this'," she admitted. "We're pretty much married anyway and I call him husband sometimes. We come as a unit – where he goes, our son Gene and I go. Having a child together is a bigger commitment than getting married anyway but we will do it."
It'll be the second time down the aisle for Gallagher; his first marriage, to actress Patsy Kensit, ended in 2000.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Oasis.aspx?search=60425
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/All-Saints.aspx?search=60428

Oct 10

Cat Power names new album
[source: NME.com] Cat Power will call her forthcoming covers album Jukebox and not Covers Record 2, as originally announced.
In addition to covering songs by her favourite artists, Marshall will also include an updated version of her own "Metal Heart", as well as her homage to Bob Dylan, "Song To Bobby".
Jukebox is due out on Tuesday 22 January in the US, although the tracklisting has yet to be finalised.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cat-Power.aspx?search=52979


Moby tells all about Last Night
[source: NME.com] Moby has revealed his new album, a return to his electronic roots, will be called Last Night.
"It's much more electronic and dance-oriented than my last three records," he wrote on his website, adding that the record includes "some techno songs that sound like buildings falling down". It's due for release in early 2008.
Moby is also set to launch a new club night this week at New York's Hiro Ballroom, called Degenerates.
The inaugural night will feature DJs Stretch Armstrong, The Juan MacLean, Alex Frankel and Moby.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Moby.aspx?search=52981


Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner moves in with The Reverend
[source: NME.com] Reverend And The Makers leader Jon "The Reverend" McClure has revealed he and Alex Turner, frontman of Arctic Monkeys, are sharing a flat together in Sheffield.
In an interview with BBC News, McClure explained that although he shared living space with the Arctic Monkeys man, he didn't feel any particular affinity to the band's music.
"There ends the connection, apart from the fact me and Alex live together," he said.
"I feel more of an affinity with Manu Chao and modern day rebels, really – Ojos de Brujo, Ian Brown, 3D from Massive Attack, the Dixie Chicks. I feel more akin to those people than I do the Arctic Monkeys."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arctic-Monkeys.aspx?search=52990


Timberlake, White Stripes among American Music nominees
[source: NME.com] Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Linkin Park and Daughtry have all received three nominations for the 35th annual American Music Awards.
The White Stripes, My Chemical Romance and Timbaland also earned nods, as did Fergie, Maroon 5 and Avril Lavigne.
For the first time, the public will choose the winners, which will be announced at a ceremony on Sunday 18 November at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
The American Music Awards were created by Dick Clark in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammy Awards, honouring musical achievement in several genres.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Justin-Timberlake.aspx?search=53023
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/The-White-Stripes.aspx?search=53024
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyoncé.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Linkin-Park.aspx?search=53029
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/My-Chemical-Romance.aspx?search=53033
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Fergie.aspx?search=53037
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Maroon-5.aspx?search=53039
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Avril-Lavigne.aspx?search=53041
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Daughtry.aspx?search=53052


Elvis Costello pumps up Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign
[source: NME.com] Elvis Costello will perform at Hillary Clinton's birthday party, to be held at New York's Beacon Theatre on Sunday 25 October.
The party is organised by former president Bill Clinton to celebrate New York Senator Hillary's 60th birthday.
Other acts are likely to be announced, seeing as Bill's own birthday party last year included performances from The Rolling Stones, Jack White and Christina Aguilera, and was filmed by none other than Martin Scorsese.
The shindig is also a fundraiser for Hillary's presidential campaign and is open to the public, with tickets ranging in price from $250 (AU$279) to $2,300 (AU$2,563).

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Elvis-Costello.aspx?search=52995
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Timbaland.aspx?search=53034


Nine Inch Nails: free agents
The frontman of US industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor, is celebrating following the announcement he's a free agent after 18 years of record label contracts.
Posting on the band's website yesterday, Reznor revealed he's parted ways with long-time label Interscope and is now free to distribute his music however he sees fit.
"I've waited a long time to be able to make the following announcement: as of right now Nine Inch Nails is a totally free agent, free of any recording contract with any label," Reznor wrote.
"I have been under recording contracts for 18 years and have watched the business radically mutate from one thing to something inherently very different. It gives me great pleasure to finally have a direct relationship with the audience."
The announcement follows the recent move by UK group Radiohead, who are allowing fans to decide how much to pay when they download the band's latest longplayer, In Rainbows.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nine-Inch-Nails.aspx?search=53008


Cyndi Lauper returns to Oz
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" singer Cyndi Lauper is returning to Australia next year for a run of shows that will see the New York City-based pop icon play Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.
Last seen Down Under back in 2004, Lauper will undoubtedly perform hits like "Time After Time" and "I Drove All Night".
The 54-year-old singer – who recently completed a US trek with guests Erasure, Deborah Harry, Rufus Wainwright, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip, and Margaret Cho – also has a new LP due for release in early 2008.
Tickets for the dates go on sale on Monday 15 October.

Tour dates:

Friday 22 February – Kings Park & Botanic Gardens, Perth
Tuesday 26 February – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Friday 29 February – State Theatre, Sydney
Wednesday 5 March – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cyndi-Lauper.aspx?search=53015


Sydney Big Day Out sells out
Some 45,000 tickets to the 2008 Sydney Big Day Out sold out within minutes of going on sale on Wednesday morning.
The 20,000 tickets sold online via Ticketek were snapped up in less than five minutes, a record for the event.
Now organisers have revealed they're holding a ticket ballot for the remaining 10,000 tickets, which will be drawn in lots of 1000 every week beginning Thursday 25 October.
Registrations for the weekly ballot will open at 9am Thursday 18 October via www.bigdayout.com.
The 2008 festival features the likes of Rage Against The Machine, Bjork, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, Grinspoon, Midnight Juggernauts, Paul Kelly, Faker and Sarah Blasko.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rage-Against-The-Machine.aspx?search=53056
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bjork.aspx?search=53058
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arcade-Fire.aspx?search=53062
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lcd-Soundsystem.aspx?search=53066
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Grinspoon.aspx?search=53494
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Midnight-Juggernauts.aspx?search=53498
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Kelly.aspx?search=53512
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Faker.aspx?search=53515
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sarah-Blasko.aspx?search=53516


Green Day back in the studio
American pop-punkers Green Day are back in the studio, working on the follow-up to 2004's critically acclaimed American Idiot.
Fans shouldn't hold their breath waiting for any new material, however. According to singer and chief songwriter Billy Joe Armstrong, the band have a wealth of new material up their sleeve but no idea when the LP will be released.
"We have a lot of music – something like 45 songs," the singer told the New York Daily News.
"It's total chaos. I had some kid come up to me yesterday and he goes, 'When's your next record coming out?'. I was like, 'God, I don't know'."
The band are keeping mum about where or who they're currently working with, although their label declared writing is "underway at an undisclosed studio in California's East Bay area".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Green-Day.aspx?search=53018


Sting tops worst lyricist poll
UK crooner Sting – who's currently on tour with reformed act The Police – has been voted the worst lyricist of all time in influential US magazine Blender.
According to the survey, Sting has made the errors of name-dropping Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov ("Don't Stand So Close to Me"), quoting a Volvo bumper sticker ("If You Love Someone Set Them Free"), and generally writing "mountainous pomposity and cloying spirituality".
Also feeling the ire of the publication was Creed frontman Scott Stapp (who came in at number three on the list) and Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher (described by Blender as someone who "seemed incapable of following a metaphor through a single line, let alone a whole verse").
Other artists on the list included Carly Simon, Robert Plant, Paul McCartney, Dan Fogelberg and Stevie Wonder.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sting.aspx?search=53011
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Creed.aspx?search=53043
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Oasis.aspx?search=53045
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dan-Fogelberg.aspx?search=53049
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Mccartney.aspx?search=53697
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stevie-Wonder.aspx?search=53700


P. Diddy vows to care for "secret" daughter
He spent 12 months denying the claims, but now DNA tests have proven rap mogul Sean Combs is Chance Chapman's father he's vowed to take care of his daughter "for the rest of her life".
Fifteen-month-old Chance was conceived by Atlanta resident Sarah Chapman, who fell pregnant while Diddy was with former girlfriend Kim Porter, despite Diddy's previous claims he was faithful.
Combs and Porter are parents to nine-month-old twin daughters D'Lila Star and Jesse James, as well as nine-year-old Justin.
The pair broke up shortly after the twins' birth and, when asked yesterday if the new revelations had anything to do with the split, Diddy admitted it "was definitely part of it".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/P-Diddy.aspx?search=53014

Oct 9

Bryan Adams to headline concert for peace
[source: NME.com] Bryan Adams will headline a concert later this month to promote peace in the Middle East.
The show will take place on Thursday 18 October on Israel's West Bank and will be broadcast via satellite to London, Washington DC and Ottawa.
The concert's objective is to collect one million signatures from Israelis and Palestinians demanding their leaders finalise an agreement on a Palestinian state living at peace with Israel.
The event is being held by One Voice, a non-profit organisation based in New York that promotes peace in the Middle East.
The concert is free to those who sign the One Voice petition. For more information, visit Onevoicemovement.org.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Adams.aspx?search=43437


Mark Ronson: "Amy Winehouse eager to start new album"
[source: NME.com] Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson have made plans to begin recording the singer's follow-up to the massively successful Back To Black.
The producer explained Winehouse is"dying to go back into the studio", but won't be able to start work until after the end of her tour in November.
Speculating on what the new album may sound like, Ronson told Rolling Stone they will look to Phil Spector's infamous "wall of sound" technique for inspiration.
"We can't do the same thing again. It can't be like a 60s element or Motown. If anything, I'd really like to make it sound older or more morbid or really 'wall of sound'. But I don't want to second guess before I actually hear the songs."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mark-Ronson.aspx?search=43438
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Amy-Winehouse.aspx?search=43440


Britney's raunchy stripper video leaks
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears' new video is set to debut on MTV today in the US after an unofficial version briefly made its way onto YouTube on Friday 5 October.
In the grainy clip for comeback single "Gimme More", Britney plays two roles – a blonde, drinking at a bar with two friends, and a brunette, who entertains the trio by gyrating around a stripper pole in torn fishnets and a biker vest. The raunchy edit was removed from YouTube following a copyright claim by Sony BMG.
"Gimme More" has gone straight to the top of the US charts, while Britney's label, Jive, has vowed to support her despite the media frenzy surrounding her personal life.
Jive representative Allan Mayer issued a statement of support: "Britney's a grown woman and she makes her own choices, and we respect that. But she's been at a disadvantage [without a consistent team], and obviously that makes it harder to cope."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx?search=43442


The Police to release new album?
[source: NME.com] The Police guitarist Andy Summers has hinted the recently reformed band may enter the studio to record a new album.
Although Summers said the group had no definite plans to record new material, he explained it would be "remarkable" to make a new album.
"It's sort of like living with the elephant in the room," he told Associated Press. "I would see it as a challenge, to make an absolutely brilliant pop album at this stage of our career, and that would be something quite remarkable."
The Police haven't released an album since 1983's Synchronicity, but reunited earlier this year for an extensive world tour.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/The-Police.aspx?search=43443


Lily Allen lands TV show?
[source: NME.com] Lily Allen has posted details on her MySpace blog about a potential TV deal that would see the singer host her own show.
"I'm having meetings about a potential TV show," she confirmed, before adding she is considering a different musical direction on her second album.
"I spent the past couple of weeks in a twee little cottage in the Cotswolds and it's gone so well. I'm just over the moon at the moment," she declared. "I feel like I'm on Prozac or something.
"I won't say much, but it's a different musical direction and really quite exciting. Everything just seems to be falling into place… I'm doing Fashion Rocks in a couple of weeks, which should be quite exciting, and then going back into the studio to finish off the album."
Allen began working on the new album in June with Future Cut. One of the new songs is called "Steve From Accounts".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lily-Allen.aspx?search=43445


Queen win best ever video for "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Readers of influential British music magazine Q have voted Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" the best music video ever made.
More than 1000 readers took part in the poll, with more than 30 per cent naming Queen's clip the world's best.
It beat out Michael Jackson's zombie dance number "Thriller", which came in second place with 13 per cent of the vote.
Other artists sitting in the top five included Justin Timberlake ("Cry Me A River"), OK GO ("A Million Ways") and Norwegian trio A-Ha ("Take On Me").
Robert Palmer, Sinead O'Conner, Christina Aguilera and Madonna were also in the top ten. Over half of the voters stated the most important thing in a video was that it "related to the song".

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http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Justin-Timberlake.aspx?search=39465
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/A-Ha.aspx?search=39475
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ok-Go.aspx?search=39481
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Robert-Palmer.aspx?search=39488
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Madonna.aspx?search=39492
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Christina-Aguilera.aspx?search=39494
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Michael-Jackson.aspx?search=43837


Kylie Minogue says no to reunion with ex
With her brand new LP, X, due for release late next month, Aussie songstress Kylie Minogue has given a revealing interview about her relationship with French actor Oliver Martinez.
Despite rumours the couple are on the verge of a reunion, Minogue insisted she's not ready to be pals just yet.
Having spent four years together, Minogue and Martinez split in early 2007 after rumours he was cheating with Israeli model Sarai Givati.
"I want to keep working on finding perfect harmony within my life and my work," Kylie told Glamour magazine. "And a family. Yeah, that's still something I would love to happen."
Minogue told the reporter she'd love to be a mother but fears she'll never walk down the aisle. The singer also discussed her upcoming LP, which she began recording while still recovering from breast cancer.
She headed into the studio early to "reassure myself I could still do what I did before".
"The first chance I got, I went into the studio for a week and went nuts."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kylie-Minogue.aspx?search=43436


Beyoncé Knowles won't cover up for anybody
Having stirred up controversy in the Muslim country of Malaysia, American r&b star Beyoncé Knowles has relocated her upcoming concert to nearby Indonesia.
The 10,000-strong National Union Of Malaysian Muslim Students had led a nationwide protest against the gig, believing Knowles' revealing dress sense was "obscene" and would "corrupt local youth".
Earlier this year, the same group caused No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani to cover up on her recent visit. Beyoncé, however, has chosen to move her show to nearby Jakarta, where she can wear whatever she wants.
Concert promoter Nia Zulkarnaen said: "I expect Indonesians to see this in a positive light. Beyoncé is a great singer and her stage act is entertaining. Why should we say no to the way she dresses?"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyonc%C3%A9.aspx?search=39433


Babyshambles manager denies suicide reports
Babyshambles manager Any Boyd says recent reports in the UK media claiming Pete Doherty had tried to commit suicide while in rehab are "completely untrue".
According to one-time "minder" Johnny Jeannevol, the former Libertines frontman took a bunch of pills in rehab after becoming upset over his break-up with model Kate Moss.
Boyd, however, claimed Jeannevol was never Pete's minder and says the whole story is rubbish.
"It's completely untrue," he said.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Babyshambles.aspx?search=43432


Shannon Noll rolls out the haywagon
More than 12 months after his last national trek, Australian Idol star Shannon Noll is set to hit the road once more.
His latest LP, Turn It Up, hit the top of the charts last month and now Noll says he's keen to take his new material to his fans.
"The band and I cannot wait to play a full live gig. That's why I put the wood on management and Chuggie [music promoter Michael Chugg] to get us out there as soon as possible," Noll said.
"I'm proud of this new selection of songs, and I know the band will go off. I'm counting down the days!"
Tickets for all shows went on sale today.

Tour dates:

Friday 23 November – Palais, Melbourne
Monday 26 November – Panthers, Newcastle
Tuesday 27 November – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Thursday 29 November – Regent Theatre, Wollongong
Sunday 2 December – Brisbane Convention Centre

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Shannon-Noll.aspx?search=39424


P Diddy sued for $21million
A former employee of rap mogul P Diddy has filed a $21million lawsuit against the star, alleging he's owed unpaid royalties from the late Notorious B.I.G.
According to James Sabatino – currently in jail, and who used to work for Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment Inc. company – he deserves a stake in B.I.G.'s cash.
Sabatino said he accompanied the "Juicy" star to Miami for a show and recording session and had a verbal contract with the late rapper, promising him money in return for travel expenses and studio time.
B.I.G – real name Christopher Wallace – recorded 17 minutes of music and 90 minutes of video – and now Sabatino wants his cut, stating the material belongs to him.
P Diddy is yet to respond.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/P-Diddy.aspx?search=39456

Oct 8

The Cribs bassist hospitalised
[source: NME.com] The Cribs' Gary Jarman has been hospitalised after complaining of pains in his arms over the weekend.
He played the trio's show at Sheffield University on Saturday night, but was later diagnosed with blood poisoning. It's believed Jarman contracted the poisoning after cutting himself on his bass strings during a recent gig. He was put on antibiotics and ordered to stay the night.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Cribs-The.aspx?search=35472


Pete Doherty in suicide bid?
[source: NME.com] Pete Doherty allegedly tried to commit suicide during his recent stint in rehab.
According to his minder, Johnny Jeannevol, the Babyshambles frontman attempted to overdose on pills while in the Clouds House clinic in Wiltshire.
Claiming the singer had been upset about his break-up with model Kate Moss, the bodyguard told The News Of The World: "He saw an opportunity to take an overdose and took it. He told me he didn't know what the pills were but thought 'f**k it' and took them all. He doesn't care what drugs do to him – in fact, he likes finding out."
Doherty was violently sick from the medicine but went on to complete his rehab and test negative for drugs in his system.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Babyshambles.aspx?search=35477


Bruce Springsteen sued over a horse named Pavarotti
[source: NME.com] Bruce Springsteen and wife Patti Scialfa are being sued by an Olympic equestrian who claims the pair got cold feet on a deal to buy a horse worth almost AU$950,000 for their teenage daughter, Jessica.
The Boss and his wife reportedly agreed to pay Todd Minikus US$650,000 for a horse named Pavarotti, and also offer their horse, Scarlett, as part exchange.
According to Associated Press, the lawsuit says the couple signed a contract and paid a $25,000 deposit before changing their minds after Minikus rode Pavarotti at the Pan American Games in Brazil.
The lawsuit calls the issue "a simple matter of parties on one side of a contract getting cold feet" and calls the Springsteens the "cold-footed parties".
Minikus is seeking damages and wants to be compensated for the maintenance of Pavarotti.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bruce-Springsteen.aspx?search=35482


Britney Spears' Blackout
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears' new album, due out on Tuesday 13 November, will be called Blackout.
The singer, who has been in the news recently for everything ranging from flashing her bits to losing physical custody of her children, is currently at number three on the Billboard single charts with lead single "Gimme More". It's her first top-ten hit since 2004's "Toxic".
Billboard claim other tracks set to appear on the album include "Piece Of Me", "Break The Ice" and "Radar".

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


Madonna adoption in doubt?
Madonna's plans to adopt a second child from the African country of Malawi have hit a snag after the uncle of 13-month-old orphan Mercy James said he wasn't keen on the pop superstar.
According to John Ngalande, his niece will face serious problems if taken in by a white couple.
"We were told when Mercy went into the orphanage that we would be in constant contact with her and that she would come back to us after six years," Ngalande said.
"I would like to stick to that. Whether it be Madonna or any other white person, I'm against our child being taken away."
The 49-year-old singer and her husband, director Guy Richie, already have a Malawian-born son, David Banda.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Madonna.aspx?search=35501


Supergrass bassist recovering from sleepwalking incident
Supergrass bassist Mick Quinn says he's recovering well from the freak sleepwalking accident that saw him fall from a first-floor balcony and break his back while holidaying in France recently.
The rest of the band are currently working on the delayed release of their new LP (their first disc since 2005's Road To Rouen), while the 37-year-old continues to recuperate.
"Just thought I'd call in and tell you how I'm getting on as I'm almost feeling well enough to start moaning," Quinn wrote on the band's website.
"Still convalescing in a hospital in Toulouse where both my back and foot operations went well. I've managed to avoid too much pain by taking large, horse-size tablets of Paracetamol every six hours and lying as still as possible.
"I have progressed from being covered in drips, tubes and wires last week to a 'stand-alone' human being, although due to my back injury I still have to spend the majority of my time lying flat with no pillow, staring at the same patch of ceiling."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Supergrass.aspx?search=35515


Ray Charles' son launches lawsuit
Ray Charles Robinson Jr., the son of late soul singer Ray Charles, has filed a lawsuit against his father's former manager, alleging Joe Adams cheated his family out of AU$11.13 million in company shares.
Adams managed the singer for 45 years and was named by Charles as the executor of his estate after his death in 2004, aged 73.
Robinson Jr., who says he was unable to deal with his father's business at the time due to now resolved drug issues, said Adams coerced his father into giving up shares in a family-owned production company, cheating the family out of the cash.
So far, the former manager has not responded to the legal action.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Ray-Charles.aspx?search=35517


Natasha Bedingfield takes out Best Pop Act
English songstress Natasha Bedingfield has taken out the Best Pop Act award at the annual BT Digital Music Awards, beating out the likes of Lil' Chris, Mika, Simon Webbe and The Hoosiers.
The clean-cut singer performed "Say It Again" at the London-based awards, and was teased by BBC Radio 1 presenter Sarah Cox for her squeaky clean image.
Bedingfield has also spoken out about her upbringing, revealing that her parents helped steer her away from drugs by introducing her to recovering addicts.
"In rock and roll it is really in at the moment to be really messed up," Bedingford said. "I've never been attracted to drugs or excessive alcohol consumption, probably because my parents counselled so many people over drugs and alcohol."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Natasha-Bedingfield.aspx?search=35519


Jay-Z: the wealthiest rapper of all time
He might have retired at one stage but US rap superstar Jay-Z is officially the wealthiest rapper of all time, according to influential US magazine Forbes.
The 37-year-old star, who's set to release new LP American Gangster later this year, beat out 50 Cent for the top spot, and said the cash is good but not important.
"There's one thing in the world money can't buy," Jay-Z pointed out, "and that's cool. Now I have all the cool things that a lot of hard work has created for me. If I'm the king, ain't nobody gonna take this crown away from me."
Jay-Z is valued at almost AU$38 million.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jay-Z.aspx?search=35500
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/50-Cent.aspx?search=35512


Joss Stone returns to Oz
Having last visited Australian shores back in Easter for a headline spot at Byron Bay's annual East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, UK singer Joss Stone will return to Australia in December.
"Husky and smoky, full of texture, her voice fools you into thinking it belongs to a woman much older. Instead, it's a barefoot, gangly, pink-haired 19-year-old nymph," The Sun-Herald wrote upon seeing the "Tell Me 'Bout It" singer earlier this year.
Stone has sold more than 200,000 records in Australia – including her most recent release, Introducing Joss Stone – and another 7.5 million overseas.
Performing three intimate shows only, tickets for the dates go on sale Monday 15 October.

Tour dates:

Wednesday 5 December – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Friday 7 December – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sunday 9 December – Forum Theatre, Melbourne

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Joss-Stone.aspx?search=35953

Oct 5

Sons and Daughters unveil second album details
[source: NME.com] Sons & Daughters have revealed details of their second album, set to be released on Tuesday 29 January.
This Gift is the follow-up to 2005's The Repulsion Box and was produced by former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler.
Written in a Scottish barn over the summer of 2006, the album will be preceded by album opener "Guilt Complex" and also features "Chains", "Rebel With A Ghost" and "Iodine".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sons-And-Daughters.aspx?search=9932


Wu-Tang Clan didn't sample Beatles after all
[source: NME.com] The Wu-Tang Clan have retracted a statement they made earlier this week claiming they had sampled The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
"We didn't sample The Beatles, it was a replay, pardon," the group wrote on their MySpace page on Wednesday 3 October.
"The statement we made yesterday was incorrect and we apologise for any confusion it may have caused. We did not sample The Beatles… rather we did an interpolation of the classic George Harrison composition 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.
"Dhani Harrison, son of George, through his friendship with the RZA, played guitar on the song and he himself helped secure the reuse license."
Wu-Tang Clan also announced that their version of the song, "The Heart Gently Weeps", can be heard on Loud.com.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wu-Tang-Clan.aspx?search=9940


Billy Corgan joins effort to create Moog museum
[source: NME.com] Billy Corgan is joining the fight to preserve the musical legacy of electronic synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog by creating a museum about his life and work.
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman is working with the Bob Moog Foundation to establish the museum and scholarships in his name.
"I believe Bob Moog to be one of the great visionaries of our time," Corgan said.
"His ideas far transcend use in just music, and to this day continue to have an impact in everything from rock to rap to quantum physics. I strongly believe many people all over the world would benefit from being able to interact with the thoughts, ideas, inventions and life of Dr Moog."
When Moog died in 2005, he left his archives in a state of disrepair. Now Corgan and the Moog Foundation are working to restore and preserve them in the museum.
For further information, visit Moogfoundation.org.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Smashing-Pumpkins.aspx?search=9944


Hanson guitarist hospitalised
[source: NME.com] Hanson guitarist Isaac Hanson was hospitalised in Texas on Wednesday 3 October after complaining of severe chest pains following a performance in Dallas the previous night.
Hanson, 26, the eldest member of the Hanson brothers band, was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot enters the lungs.
He is currently being evaluated by doctors at Baylor University Hospital in Dallas.
The band issued a statement saying they will make an announcement about the status of their US tour once doctors have completed their tests.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hanson.aspx?search=9949


Nirvana to release DVD
[source: NME.com] Nirvana will release their MTV Unplugged gig on DVD next month.
Two tracks not broadcast in the show from November 1993 – "Oh Me" and "Something In The Way" – will be included, alongside a behind-the-scenes documentary, extended band interviews and four tracks from the pre-show rehearsals.
It will be released on Monday 19 November, according to the Nirvana Club website.

MTV Unplugged tracklisting:

"About A Girl"
"Come As You Are"
"Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam"
"The Man Who Sold The World"
"Pennyroyal Tea"
"Dumb"
"Polly"
"On A Plain"
"Something In The Way"
"Plateau"
"Oh Me"
"Lake Of Fire"
"All Apologies"
"Where Did You Sleep Last Night"

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nirvana.aspx?search=9958


Blur members discuss reunion over lunch
[source: NME.com] Blur bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree have met for lunch to discuss their band's imminent reunion.
Blur are planning to reunite as a four-piece – including guitarist Graham Coxon, who left the band in 2002 – and had suggested they will record together imminently.
Writing on his blog for the Independent newspaper, James explained he met up with Rowntree and together they discussed how much they were looking forward to the rest of the band meeting up again.
"Rowntree was on good form," he wrote. "We looked forward to the four members of Blur sitting round a table for lunch for the first time in a long time.
"Rumours of another Blur record are greatly exaggerated. But that lunch happened. It was just lunch – there are no immediate plans to go into the studio."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Blur.aspx?search=9963


Beyoncé copy-cat claim returns to court
[source: NME.com] A woman who claims Beyoncé stole the lyrics to "Baby Boy" has taken the singer to a US appeal court.
Jennifer Armour claims Knowles took lyrics from her song "Got A Little Bit Of Love For You".
Armour's lawyer, Dana Kirk, said the case, which was thrown out by a judge in Texas last year, should be heard by a jury.
Kirk added that an expert had analysed the two songs and found they were substantially similar.
Knowles' lawyer, Cynthia Arato, said the standard for copyright cases is what an ordinary person hears, not an expert's analysis.
The judge in last year's case ruled the two songs were "substantially dissimilar".
Armour said: "I do believe it was the heart of my song. When I first heard it, it hit me."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyoncé.aspx?search=9966

MIA sent to jail in Australia
[source: NME.com] MIA has been helping the inmates of a Sydney juvenile detention centre learn to make music.
The two-day workshop was part of the Heaps Decent program, which aims to support indigenous and disadvantaged Australian youths to break into music.
MIA told NME.COM: "[I was] asked if I'd go there to meet these teenagers in an all-girls juvenile detention centre and help them to make music… teach them. There were around 15 girls, aged from 13 to 20. All the girls just wanted to gangster-rap, but we had to make a censored version and an uncensored version, 'cos they just wanted to be like, 'F**k the police'.
"I was like, you can't make 'F**k The Police', 'cos it's been made 20 years ago. Come up with a new way of saying it."
NME.COM heard a snippet of the sparse, fierce track.
"It was them beat-boxing and making noise," she explained after the listen. "We used the doors shutting in the prison; all the random noises they made to make the beat, and then we made sure that all the girls got a go rapping on it and they just did their thing. It was really cool."
The track was produced by French producers Tepr and Grand Marnier, and will be mixed by Switch, before a full Australian release. French rapper Yelle also features.
For more information on Heaps Decent go to Heapsdecent.com.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mia.aspx?search=9971


Chili Pepper becomes a dad
Anthony Keidis, the 44-year-old tattooed frontman of Californian funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers, has become a first-time father.
Keidis' girlfriend, 22-year-old Heather Christie, gave birth to the baby boy at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The child's name has not yet been released.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Red-Hot-Chili-Peppers.aspx?search=9983


Richard Ashcroft reveals all about The Verve split
British songwriter Richard Ashcroft has spoken out about the controversial split with his former band, The Verve.
Having shot to the top of the charts with tracks like "The Drugs Don't Work" and "Bittersweet Symphony", the shoe-gazing four-piece split up in 1999 as a result of inter-band fighting.
Earlier this year they announced they were reuniting, and plan to head into the studio to begin work on a new album.
"It's all bollocks, really," Richard Ashcroft admitted of the band's former troubles. "We're not here to get on the f**king couch. We've got our lives, we've got kids, we've got our wives. There's a lot of sacrifice goes on making a record and we're prepared to do that."
According to guitarist Nick McCabe, the band's ill feelings have now dissipated. "We had quite a lot of time being angry," he says. "Then, once you've sort of resolved a lot of things in your own mind, you kind of realise that it wasn't such a big deal in the first place."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/The-Verve.aspx?search=9990


Britney to head back to rehab?
Having lost her plea to regain joint custody of her two sons, troubled US pop star Britney Spears is heading back to rehab.
The 25-year-old singer spent four weeks at the Promises Treatment Centre in Malibu, California, back in March this year. According to reports in the US, Spears admitted herself to the Crossroads Centre in Antigua "in an attempt to get custody of her children".
Spears is currently granted only visitation rights to her two sons, Sean Preston, two, and Jayden Jones, one, who are currently staying with their dad, Kevin Federline.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx?search=9977


Dire Straits songwriter to tour Oz
Fans of British group Dire Straits will soon have the chance to catch one of the band's original members up close and personal.
David Knopfler – brother of frontman Mark – formed the band back in 1977, and is heading to Australia to promote his recent solo LP, Ship Of Dreams.
Recorded in London with Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey, the new disc will see Knopfler head Down Under to perform for the first time in more than a decade.
Tickets are on sale now.

Tour dates:

Wednesday 31 October – Great Northern, Byron Bay
Thursday 1 November – The J, Noosa Junction, Sunshine Coast
Friday 2 November – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
Saturday 3 November – The Globe, Brisbane
Wednesday 7 November – Clarendon Guest House, Blue Mountains
Thursday 8 November – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
Friday 9 November – Northern Star, Newcastle
Saturday 10 November – The Vanguard, Sydney
Sunday 11 November – Manly Boatshed, Manly
Monday 12 November – The Vanguard, Sydney
Wednesday 14 November – The Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
Friday 16 November – Palais Theatre, Hepburn Springs
Saturday 17 November – Bennetts Lane, Melbourne
Sunday 18 November – Jive Bar, Adelaide

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Dire-Straits.aspx?search=10011


Pete Doherty to marry?
Following the recent news that ex-girlfriend Kate Moss has become engaged to The Kills' frontman Jamie "Hotel" Hince, Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty has reportedly also popped the question to his latest flame, Canadian model Irina Lazareanu.
The model was apparently overhead talking backstage at a fashion show, telling a friend "I recently got engaged".
According to fashion rag Women's Wear Daily, Lazareanu has also been spotted wearing a diamond ring on her finger.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Babyshambles.aspx?search=10001


Princess Di benefit raises $2.75 million for charity
The recent memorial concert for Princess Diana – held at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday 1 July – has raised more than AU$2.75 million for charity.
Eight different charities will benefit from the funds raised from the show, which featured performances from some of Diana's favourite artists, including Take That and Elton John.
Organised by the late princesses' two children, Prince William and Prince Harry, a spokesperson for the Royal Family said: "Although the event was first and foremost a tribute concert, both princes were keen that any proceeds should be shared among the eight charities they had selected to be beneficiaries."
A DVD of the concert will be released on Monday 5 November.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Elton-John.aspx?search=9993
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Take-That.aspx?search=9995


Faker hit the road
Having returned from Los Angeles last month, where they were busy recording second album Be The Twilight, Sydney four-piece Faker have announced a national tour in support of their new longplayer.
Recorded with US producer Paul Fox, the new LP is named after the evocative time of day.
According to lead singer Nathan Hudson: "I've had a fear of twilight ever since I was a kid. Anything could happen."
Coming along for the trek is Melbourne three-piece Children Collide and E.L.F (Gerling's Darren Cross). Tickets go on sale Monday 10 October.

Tour dates:

Wednesday 14 November – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Thursday 15 November – Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
Friday 16 November – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday 17 November – Night Train, Adelaide
Wednesday 21 November – ANU Bar, Canberra
Thursday 22 November – Waves, Wollongong
Friday 23 November – Forum, Sydney
Saturday 24 November – Newcastle University
Wednesday 28 November – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
Thursday 29 November – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Friday 30 November – Southport RSL, Gold Coast
Saturday 1 December – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Sunday 2 December – Swan Basement, Fremantle

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Faker.aspx?search=10402
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Children-Collide.aspx?search=10413
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gerling.aspx?search=10417

Oct 4

Pearl Jam and Mudhoney members reform old band
[source: NME.com] Green River are set to reform next summer for a special show to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Seattle label Sub Pop.
The band consisted of Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam, Mark Arm and Steve Turner of Mudhoney, as well as drummer Alex Vincent. Turner was later replaced by Bruce Fairweather, who went on to play in Mother Love Bone.
News of the reunion was broken to Billboard.com by Stone Gossard.
Meanwhile, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder’s solo record is set for release on Monday 29 October. The album is the soundtrack to the Sean Penn-directed movie Into The Wild.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mudhoney.aspx?search=1869
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Pearl-Jam.aspx?search=1874


Osbourne-Love feud continues
[source: NME.com] The mud-slinging between Sharon Osbourne and Courtney Love continued this week with reports that Osbourne called Love a “has-been”.
Perezhilton.com claims Osbourne said: “I’m glad [Courtney Love] doesn’t like me. I only pity her. She’s a virus. I don’t want her anywhere near people I love. The cold hard fact is she’s a has-been.”
The pair became embroiled in a media-slanging match last month after Osbourne blamed Love for Jack's addiction to painkillers.
"I will never have time for Courtney Love," Osbourne said. "She was the first person to give my son the prescription drug OxyContin. There’s not a shadow of doubt in my mind about that. My dislike towards her is very personal.”
Love denied giving the teenager drugs.
“I never did that. I would never give drugs to a teenager. F**k you Sharon. As if I would ever give drugs to a teenager.”
Jack Osbourne received treatment for his drug addition in 2003.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Courtney-Love.aspx?search=1879


Britney Spears finally gets her license
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears has finally been granted a California driving license.
Spears lost custody of her children on Monday 1 October, partly because she was driving without a valid license with her sons in the car. She was also involved in a hit and run in a car park in September.
Spears was yesterday issued a temporary license and will receive her permanent one at a later date.
Her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, officially assumed custody of children Jayden James and Sean Preston on Wednesday.
Another hearing will take place today in Los Angeles, where Spears is petitioning to have custody of her sons returned to her.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Britney-Spears.aspx?search=1886


Nick Drake films to premiere at LA event
[source: NME.com] The work and life of Nick Drake will be celebrated at the Los Angeles Egyptian Theatre on Friday 5 October, approximately 33 years after the songwriter's death.
The American Cinemateque is presenting A Place To Be – A Celebration Of Nick Drake. It includes the Los Angeles premiere of A Skin Too Few, a documentary about the folkie's life, with contributions from Drake’s sister, Gabrielle, string arranger and friend Robert Kirby and Paul Weller.
It will also include the world premiere of short film homages to the singer, titled Their Place: Reflections On Nick Drake.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Nick-Drake.aspx?search=1889


Jay-Z reveals Gangster tracklisting
[source: NME.com] Jay-Z has revealed the tracklisting for the American Gangster soundtrack.
The album, due out on Tuesday 6 November, features 11 songs, including the Pharrell-produced track “Blue Magic”.
American Gangster stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe and chronicles the life of 70s New York gangster Frank Lucas.

American Gangster tracklisting:

“Amen”
“Blue Magic”
“Untitled”
“Alright, Alright”
“You Don’t Know”
“And The Winner Is”
“American Gangster”
“Welcome”
“Ignorant Sh*t”
“The Demise”
“I Get Money” (Remix)

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jay-Z.aspx?search=1899


Kid Rock says Pammy's miscarriage may have been “fake”
American rapper Kid Rock has claimed ex-wife Pamela Anderson's reported miscarriage last November may have been a figment of her imagination.
According to a new interview with the 36-year-old, Anderson called him to announce she’d lost their child, despite never telling him she was pregnant.
“She’s in Vancouver shooting a movie and I have LA Lakers seats on the floor, and I’m gonna go to the game with my friend Jesse James,” Rock told Rolling Stone.
“She finally comes up with this: ‘I just had a miscarriage’… and hangs the phone up.”
Rock said he then flew to Vancouver, where he discovered his wife partying. “When I get there, she’s partying at this restaurant, drinking champagne, jumping on the tables. I’m thinking, ‘That’s a quick recovery from a miscarriage'."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kid-Rock.aspx?search=1907


Guy Sebastian finishes covers album
Guy Sebastian has finished work on his upcoming album of Stax covers, which he recorded in the legendary Ardent Studios in New York.
The LP was produced by Steve Cropper and features Donald "Duck" Dunn (a backbone of the Stax sound and, alongside Cropper, a member of Booker T & The MGs as well as The Blues Brothers).
The disc sees Guy take on classics like “Soul Man”, “In The Midnight Hour”, “Knock On Wood”, “Dock Of The Bay” and “Hold On I’m Coming”.
The Memphis Album, as it’s titled, is currently being mixed, and is due out on Saturday 10 November.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Guy-Sebastian.aspx?search=1902


Marilyn Manson bonds with teenage girlfriend’s dad
US shock-rocker Marilyn Manson, who was recently in Australia to perform gigs in support of his latest LP, has reportedly formed a close bond with the father of his actress girlfriend, 19-year-old Rachel Evan Wood.
The relationship between “The Beautiful People” singer and the Hollywood teen has been controversial from the beginning, with Manson’s ex-wife, burlesque star Dita Van Teese, suggesting their “friendship” was responsible for the couple’s marriage split.
“My mum dated rock stars and my dad has played Dracula onstage, so they get it,” Wood said when asked what her folks think about her choice of boyfriend.
“My dad and Manson were getting on really well and talking about vampires when my mum leans over and says, ‘I’m sorry, are we all on acid?’.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Marilyn-Manson.aspx?search=1922


The Rolling Stones hit the jackpot
Reports claim The Rolling Stones' recent world tour grossed a whopping AU$628,523,180.
The funds were earned over almost two years, with the final figures revealed to music industry bible Billboard by tour manager Michael Cohl.
The band’s revenue (excluding tour costs) means it was the highest grossing tour in history, surpassing U2’s Vertigo trek (which topped AU$438 million).
A Bigger Bang consisted of 144 shows across the globe, with more than 4,680,000 tickets sold.
“It was a long tour, but more than anything it was fantastic,” Cohl told Billboard.
“We had to overcome a lot; this was like Homer’s Odyssey. There were all sorts of difficulties to overcome and it turned out to be just one amazing triumph.”

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/The-Rolling-Stones.aspx?search=1909


Falls Festival sells out
Organisers of the annual Falls Festivals – held in Marion Bay, Tasmania, and Lorne in Victoria over the two-day New Year’s Eve period – have announced they’ve now completely sold out.
The Lorne leg sold out within minutes of going on sale, but the Tassie show took a few weeks longer before officially selling out on Wednesday.
Punters at both events will be ringing in the New Year with the likes of Kings Of Leon, Groove Armada, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Jose Gonzalez, Blackalicious, Built To Spill, Paul Kelly, The Go! Team, The Mess Hall, Magic Dirt, Angus & Julia Stone, Bonde Do Role, Clare Bowditch, Regurgitator, Operator Please, The Herd and Lior.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Black-Rebel-Motorcycle-Club.aspx?search=2279
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kings-Of-Leon.aspx?search=2284
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Jose-Gonzalez.aspx?search=2287
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Groove-Armada.aspx?search=2293
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Built-To-Spill.aspx?search=2297
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Kelly.aspx?search=2298
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Blackalicious.aspx?search=2300
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Mess-Hall-The.aspx?search=2307
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Magic-Dirt.aspx?search=2308
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Angus-Julia-Stone.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bonde-Do-Role.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Clare-Bowditch-And-The-Feeding-Set.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Regurgitator.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Operator-Please.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Herd-The.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lior.aspx


British India take Guillotine on the road
Having landed themselves a nomination for Triple J’s annual J Award with debut LP Guillotine, rocking Melbourne four-piece British India are hitting the road to celebrate.
They recently wrapped up a tour supporting Kisschasy and are now about to take on their own headlining trek for the first time.
As well as turning up at sold-out festivals such as Homebake and Pyramid Rock, the band will head to regional areas on their Run The Red Light tour.

Tour dates:

Friday 5 October – The Council Club, Wangarratta
Saturday 6 October – Sodens, Albury
Friday 12 October – Chilli Lounge, Wyong
Saturday 13 October – Manly’s Fisho, Sydney
Sunday 14 October – Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
Wednesday 17 October – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Friday 19 October – Golven Vine, Bendigo
Saturday 20 October –The National, Geelong
Thursday 25 October – Siroccos Night Club, Burnie
Friday 26 October – The Republic Bar, Hobart
Saturday 27 October – St. James Hotel, Launceston
Sunday 28 October - The Republic Bar, Hobart
Thursday 1 November - Players Bar, Monaural
Friday 2 November – Insomniax, Albany
Saturday 3 November – Crown Hotel, Collie
Sunday 4 November – Fly By Night, Fremantle (U18s)
Sunday 4 November – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
Wednesday 7 November – The Foundary, Cannington
Thursday 8 November – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
Friday 9 November – 3 Bears Bar, Dunsborough
Saturday 10 November – Capitol, Perth
Sunday 11 November – Indi Bar, Scarborough
Thursday 22 November – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
Friday 23 November – The Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
Saturday 24 November – Sands Tavern, Sunshine Coast
Saturday 8 December – Homebake, Sydney
Monday 31 December – Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/British-India.aspx?search=2336

Oct 3

Wu-Tang Clan to use first Beatles sample
[source: NME.com] Wu-Tang Clan will become the first band to officially use a Beatles sample when they cover the group's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
In a message posted on the Wu-Tang Clan website, the band wrote: "Special thanks to Danny [sic] Harrison & Erykah Badu for helping bring this song to life! Also, thanks to The Harrison Estate and The Beatles for helping make this possible!"
The band also said they're pushing back the release date of their new album, 8 Diagrams, from Tuesday 13 November to Tuesday 4 December "due to the magnitude of the sample and the history being made".

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Wu-Tang-Clan.aspx


Britney's lawyer explains custody loss
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears' lawyer has published a report explaining why the pop star lost custody of her two children.
Attorney Sorrell Trope believes Monday 1 October's ruling was made because she did not produce a valid California driver's license and allegedly missed a drug and alcohol test.
"We weren't able to prove compliance with what the judge ordered," Trope told People magazine.
"Specifically, the judge ordered that by 10am Monday morning, both parties show valid California driving licenses. I've been unable to produce evidence of that," he added.
Spears was recently ordered by a judge to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, and Trope pointed out that although she skipped a recent test, she did not fail.
Spears was ordered at yesterday's hearing to turn over custody of sons Jayden James and Sean Preston to ex-husband Kevin Federline.

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


Courtney Love claims Kurt Cobain loathed Dave Grohl
[source: NME.com] Courtney Love has hit out at Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, claiming Kurt Cobain "loathed" him.
The song "Let It Die", on new Foo Fighters album Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, is widely assumed to be about the relationship between Kurt and Courtney.
It contains the lyric: "A simple man and his blushing bride, intravenous, intertwined… You're so considerate, did you ever think of me?".
Writing on her MySpace, Courtney said: "As for that drummer, well he's hit on me so many times. He's just a very, very conflicted guy about me, which is why he continually writes songs about me to hear he hates me more than anyone else.
"Kurt loathed him more than anyone else [except a journalist]. In his will he made a codicil that Grohl was no longer a member of Nirvana. I just ignored the guy and will continue to do so.
"Dave knows this, and he takes it out on me! Hey, it wasn't my band and it wasn't my idea! It's funny he hates me since I don't think about him.
"He's just a sub-mediocre kind of guy who does this 'nice guy' nonsense. There isn't a word he could he say that would ruffle my feathers, honestly. Anyway, what a fun, fabulous, special evening!"

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


Rolling Stones quash 'retirement' rumours
[source: NME.com] The Rolling Stones have quashed rumours they are to retire.
Instead, singer Mick Jagger said he plans to continue recording and touring with the band.
"I'm sure The Rolling Stones will do more things and more records and more tours. We've got no plans to stop any of that, really. As far as I'm concerned, I'm sure we'll continue."
Jagger added he would use his "own judgement" to decide when it was time to stop.
"The trouble is, when you get older or you smoke a lot, your voice changes. As a singer you know you can't go to certain notes. But that is not everything, it's the express you put into it."
Jagger also said he wasn't that keen on headlining Glastonbury.
"I don't want to play Glastonbury on the Sunday night in the pouring rain, which is what The Who did this year.
"I was watching it on the telly, and my kids were there. I'm on the phone saying, 'It's awful'. They said it was really fun, but it didn't look fun to me."

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


Morrissey heads back into the studio
Former frontman of cult British outfit The Smiths, Morrissey has revealed he's planning on heading back into the studio later this year to record a new album.
The singer is currently in Los Angeles, where he's undertaking a ten-night residency at Palladium nightclub, before wrapping up his 177-date world tour in Washington on Friday 2 November.
"The plan is to make a new album after this tour. It's absolutely written and completely ready," he said, although it's believed a new record won't see the light of day until September 2008.
"You are bound to pick up influences whose lyrics are famed for incorporating social and political commentary," he explained. "But when you create and write it's very important to be yourself and that's what I've always tried to do. I'm outside the mainstream, and the mainstream never let me in."

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


First line-up for Big Day Out festival announced
Arcade Fire will headline the 2008 Big Day Out, alongside reformed rockers Rage Against The Machine.
Other acts soon to he heading across the country on the tour include Bjork, Grinspoon, Hilltop Hoods, Billy Bragg, Paul Kelly, LCD Soundsystem, Sarah Blasko, Faker, Midnight Juggernauts, Dizzee Rascal, Something With Numbers, Battles and Cut Off Your Hands.
Tickets for the festival go on sale Wednesday 10 October, with organisers planning on taking extra precautions against the inevitable eBay scalpers.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Rage-Against-The-Machine.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bjork.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Arcade-Fire.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Grinspoon.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Hilltop-Hoods.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Billy-Bragg.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Paul-Kelly.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Lcd-Soundsystem.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Sarah-Blasko.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Faker.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Midnight-Juggernauts.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Something-With-Numbers.aspx


Pete Doherty: clean at last
Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty has reportedly kicked his long-standing habits, testing negative for drugs after spending time in a London-based rehab clinic.
The former Libertines singer was due to show up at West London Magistrates court yesterday to be sentenced for outstanding drug charges, but the case was adjourned. With Doherty's clean test results, it's expected he'll now be allowed to continue his rehab treatment.
"Pete's doing very, very well, and he wants to give himself a chance," Doherty's lawyer, Sean Curran, said.
"The court knows he's tested negative for drugs throughout his residential programme – that's six weeks now. The judge wants to see how he's keeping after the aftercare before he goes back to assess him."

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


Placebo drummer quits
Steve Hewitt, the drummer with English trio Placebo, has left the band. According to a statement issued by the drummer, his relationship with bandmates Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal is strong, and the split was amicable. But a post by Molko on the band's official website paints a slightly different picture.
"Being in a band is very much like being in a marriage and in couples – in this case a triple – people can grow apart over the years," the diminutive singer wrote.
"To say you don't love your partner anymore is inaccurate considering all that you've been through and achieved together. There simply comes a point when you realise that you want different things from your relationship and that you can no longer live under the same roof, so to speak."
No replacement has been announced.

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


Keith Urban in motorcycle accident
Currently in Sydney to accompany wife Nicole Kidman while she films the Baz Luhrmann epic Australia, country singer Keith Urban has been involved in a motorcycle accident he claims was caused by paparazzi.
The singer, who was unhurt, was heading to an AA meeting on Monday 1 October when he fell from his bike.
"The incident was the result of one person's desire to do his job and my desire to maintain my privacy," Urban said in a statement.
"While out riding to an AA meeting, a time when my privacy is especially important to me, I felt myself being pursued. I sped up, and in an effort to elude an oncoming car, which was making an illegal U-turn, saw no choice but to drop my bike. In actual fact, my pursuer came to my assistance, without taking photos, and helped me from the road. I returned home, got my car, and continued on my way."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Keith-Urban.aspx


Operator Please return home and hit the road
Having won over critics in the UK with crossover hit "Just A Song About Ping Pong", Gold Coast five-piece Operator Please are returning to Australia next month to tour on the back of debut longplayer Yes Yes Vindictive.
The album promises to be one of the most anticipated records of 2007, with the young band currently nominated for two ARIA awards (Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Pop Release). As their press release reminds us, they might well take home an ARIA before they finish their HSCs.
Joining Operator Please on the road are Sydney synth pop outfit Van She and Canberra outfit Soft Tigers.

Tour dates:

Tuesday 30 October – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
Friday 2 November – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday 3 November – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide
Sunday 4 November – Amplifier Bar, Perth
Wednesday 7 November – The Zoo, Brisbane
Thursday 8 November – Southport RSL, Gold Coast

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Operator-Please.aspx

Oct 2

Britney Spears loses custody of her children
[source: NME.com] Britney Spears lost custody of her kids in a ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott M. Gordon on Monday 1 October.
The singer was ordered to turn over custody of Jayden James (aged one) and Sean Preston (aged two) to ex-husband Kevin Federline by Wednesday 3 October. Federline will have sole custody "until further order of the court".
As previously reported, Federline's lawyer went to court alleging Spears was driving without a Californian license.
Last Friday, the court found Spears was a "habitual" user of drugs and she was ordered to attend counselling, meet with a parent coach and submit random drug tests twice a week.

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


Kanye West launches new blog
[source: NME.com] Kanye West has been busy on his new blog, posting several messages each day.
So far, the rap star has posted YouTube clips of his own performances, including the season premiere of Saturday Night Live this past weekend (Saturday 29 September).
West also shouts out to some of his favourite artists, including Feist, Common and Stevie Wonder. He even gushes about Bat For Lashes' video for "What's A Girl To Do", which features bicycle stunts from people dressed as animals.
"I used to want to be a freestyle biker, so I extra love this video," West wrote.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Kanye-West.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Bat-For-Lashes.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Feist.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Stevie-Wonder.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Common.aspx


Beyoncé ditches plans to play Malaysia
[source: NME.com] Beyoncé has cancelled a scheduled show in Malaysia, instead choosing to perform in Indonesia on her visit to the region.
The singer has cited a scheduling conflict as the reason for the 1 November cancellation, although rumours are rife that it was due to strict Muslim rules about how women performers should dress.
Indonesia is also a Muslim country, but its rules are not as strict as those in Malaysia where women must cover up from shoulders to knees.
According to Associated Press, Malaysian promoters Pineapple Concerts said they were "disappointed and frustrated" the concert was pulled from the singer's schedule.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Gwen-Stefani.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beyonc%C3%A9.aspx


Bono to team with Spice Girls?
[source: NME.com] If reports in Monday's tabloids are to be believed, U2's Bono has written a song for the Spice Girls.
Apparently, the chalk'n'cheese collaboration came about because label bosses were "getting a bit jittery" about the release of the girls' Greatest Hits album.
An "insider" said: "It might seem unusual with the Spice Girls' pop roots and the much rockier work of Bono, but it works.
"There's been a bit of unease as to how the album will perform and if there's still a solid Spice Girls fan base out there.
"However, Bono's involvement has lifted the whole camp, and he's delighted to have been asked to add to this experience."

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/U2.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Spice-Girls.aspx


New Radiohead album is revolutionary
[source: NME.com] Music industry experts say the way Radiohead's new album is being released will revolutionise the way people think about music.
The band have not set a price for the download version of In Rainbows, leaving the field blank so customers can decide how much they want to pay.
Adam Benzine of Music Week said it will really shake things up in terms of album pricing.
"Radiohead have really put the cat amongst the pigeons with this one," he told NME. "The album will revolutionise the way people think about music. It had already forced people to question how much music is actually worth. I saw a posting on a forum with a fan saying he would pay £2.50 (AU$5.70) for it!
"Radiohead have always been about asking questions of their audience. When they did their 'tent tour', they wanted to do a tour without any branding."
Benzine thinks the move will have a lasting impact on the future of the music industry.
"The timing of this comes when The Charlatans are giving their album away as a free download, Prince is giving a DVD away free with The Observer and Travis gave away a veritable best-of free with the Mail On Sunday," he explained.
"This move continues the changing musical landscape for established artists."

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


Liam Gallagher tells Arctic Monkeys to enjoy themselves
[source: NME.com] Liam Gallagher has offered Arctic Monkeys some advice about dealing with the pressures of being the most talked-about band in Britain.
The Oasis singer recalled his own band's meteoric rise in the mid-1990s and gave the Sheffield group a few pointers.
"Everything just felt right. Everything that we'd worked for," he said in Mojo. "Nothing felt weird – it felt deserved, and I didn't feel uncomfortable with any of it. I fu**ing loved it. And I think you were able to tell I fu**ing loved it.
"I look at bands like Arctic Monkeys and they're uncomfortable, and I think, "Where's your head at, man?'," he asked.
"They're embarrassed by fame? Yeah, it's embarrassing being famous… well, it's not embarrassing being in a rock'n'roll band.
"If you're embarrassed about your dream then God fu**ing help you. I'd be more embarrassed to call myself a poet."

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


Ozzy being "driven to death" by his wife?
Sharon Osbourne's brother fears former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy is being "driven to death" by his wife's excessive work and spending habits.
In an interview with UK newspaper The Sun, David Arden revealed he believes his sister will keep her husband "on the road until, like Tommy Cooper, he dies onstage".
The siblings have reportedly fallen out over Sharon's plans to tell all about her famous, troubled family in an upcoming autobiography, following the death of her music manager father earlier this year.

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


Velvet Revolver head Down Under
Hard rocking, hard living super group Velvet Revolver are set to tour Australia this December.
Featuring former Guns 'N Roses members Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums), as well as Wasted Youth guitarist Dave Kushner and Stone Temple Pilot Scott Weiland, the band will return to Australia to play tunes from longplayers Contraband and Libertad.
Don't be surprised if there's a sprinkling of classic Guns 'N Roses in there either.
Tickets go on sale Thursday 11 October.

Tour dates:

Tuesday 4 December – Brisbane Convention Centre
Wednesday 5 December – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 8 December – Festival Hall, Melbourne
Sunday 9 December – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

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


George off the pot
British pop star George Michael told BBC 4 he wants to cut down on his dope smoking.
In a candid interview with the Desert Island Discs programme, the former Wham! star revealed he's "constantly trying to smoke less marijuana".
"Is it a problem in my life? Is it getting in the way of my life? I really don't think so. I'm a happy man and I can afford my marijuana so that's not a problem."
The "Faith" singer also admitted he kept his homosexuality a secret for more than ten years, primarily to avoid upsetting his now deceased mother.
"In a strange way, I've spent the last 15 to 20 years trying to derail my own career," Michael said of his recent legal woes. "But it never seems to suffer. I suffer like crazy. I've suffered bereavements and public humiliations, but my career always seems to right itself like a plastic duck in the bath. In some ways, I resent that."

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


No Pink Floyd reunion, says guitarist
Despite media reports suggesting a Pink Floyd reunion is underway, guitarist David Gilmour says the iconic 70s act are not getting back together.
With more than 200 million album sales to their credit, the "Wish You Were Here" rockers performed at the recent Live Earth concert in London, fuelling speculation they'd resurface for a world tour in 2008.
"Roger [Waters] hasn't written a lyric lately that has really been something where I've gone, 'Wow, I wish that was part of my oeuvre'," Gilmour said of the band's frontman and bassist.
For now, Gilmour said he's happy to continue focussing on his own music.
"Going back into all that just wouldn't bring me joy. It's my time to be selfish and please myself."

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


Nine Inch Nails to shake things up
Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor has admitted it's time to reinvent the band.
"At this point, I want to switch things around a bit. As a rock band configuration, Nine Inch Nails has done it and we've done it again," Reznor said.
"I see other ways I can present the material in concert – more challenging, something new. I don't want it to go stale. The idea of five guys playing loud music for two hours – while it's the culmination of fine tuning over a lot of years – has got to change once finances come into play, especially performing in markets outside of the mainland US. I want to whittle things down."

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


Madonna, Beastie Boys, John Mellencamp for Hall Of Fame?
Nominations for America's annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame have been announced, and some of the biggest names in music are vying for induction in 2008.
Pop icon Madonna heads the list, while other names include New York rappers Beastie Boys, dance diva Donna Summer, heartland rocker John Mellencamp, 70s disco outfit Chic, rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, US songwriter Leonard Cohen, surf rockers The Ventures and British Invasion outfit The Dave Clark Five.
Not everyone can make it in, however. Just five acts will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame during an extravagant ceremony held at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Monday 10 March, 2008.
More than 500 musicians, industry professionals and journalists in the US vote each year on the inductions.

http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Madonna.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/John-Mellencamp.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Beastie-Boys.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Donna-Summer.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Chic.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Afrika-Bambaataa.aspx
http://bigpondmusic.com/Artist/Leonard-Cohen.aspx