BigPond Music - News

Lil Wayne sued for using Rolling Stones track

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:45:04 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Lil Wayne has been sued for allegedly releasing an altered version of a Rolling Stones song without proper permission.
In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan today, musical publishing company Abkco Music Inc accused the rapper, his artistic collaborators and his record company – a unit of Universal Music Group – of copyright infringement and unfair competition.
The company alleges that Lil Wayne’s “Playing With Fire” was obviously derived from The Rolling Stones’ song “Play With Fire”, reports the Associated Press.
The company also claims in the lawsuit that Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, uses “explicit, sexist and offensive language” that could lead the public to believe that The Rolling Stones approved of the rapper’s version.

Britney Spears’ mum killed 12 year-old boy

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:32:49 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Britney Spears’ mum Lynne accidentally ran over and killed a 12 year-old boy when she was 20, it has emerged.
Lynne is said to be “still haunted” by the death of Anthony Winters in her home town of Kentwood, Louisiana in 1975.
The boy was playing with his bicycle outside his home when Lynne Spears turned the corner and knocked him down, reports The Daily Mail.
She was unable to avoid him because on oncoming traffic on the other side of the road.
Spears’ spokesperson Louise Taylor explained: “The boy died at the hospital as a result of his injuries, Lynne realised the boy was struck immediately, and to this day is grieved by the Winters’ loss of their son.”
Winters’s younger brother Chris recalled the incident for the National Enquirer, explaining: “I was about three or four, but I remember Anthony as my big brother. I was in the house. He was outside on his bike, a two-wheeler.
“He went into the street and the car went over him. I know my mother ran outside and was screaming. My folks told me years later Anthony died instantly. It affected my family pretty bad.”
Lynne Spears, who was driving her brother to hospital at the time, was never charged and the boy’s death was deemed to be accidental.

George Michael: toilet arrest was “deliberate”

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:32:03 GMT

Former Wham! frontman, British pop star George Michael, has admitted that his infamous 1998 arrest in a Los Angeles public toilet for lewd conduct was a deliberate mistake, his actions due to an unconscious desire to be open about his homosexuality.
The “Faith” singer – who is currently working on a “no holds barred” autobiography – pleaded no contest to charges stemming from the incident, which gathered massive press worldwide and saw the 45-year-old become the target of hate mail.
“It was a very eventful and bizarrely dark period for me that I thought was going to go on forever,” Michael recently revealed of the incident. “It was a huge relief and it took me about a year to admit to myself that I had done it, deliberately. The truth is, cruising has gone on for as long as there have been men trying to hide their sexuality.” Michael was ordered to pay a fine and undergo community service for the crime.

JLo hits the block for triathlon

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:28:20 GMT

Just six months after giving birth to her twin babies, Max and Emme, US pop star/actress/fashion mogul Jennifer Lopez is in training for an upcoming triathlon.
The race – which involves running, swimming and cycling – is set to take place in October, and the 39-year-old “Jenny From The Block” singer says she can’t wait for the challenge.
“I want my babies to be proud of me,” says Lopez, who’s spending two hours per day training in preparation for the event.
Hubby Marc Anthony plans to be right there alongside his wife, cheering her on from the sidelines. “I’m very supportive,” Anthony says. “I’ll be on my Segway encouraging her.”
According to Lopez’s trainer, Gunna Peterson, the star “may be the most efficient multi-tasker I know. She literally has every aspect of her life in check. She doesn’t have a nanny, a chef, or a nutritionist. She makes time for the kids. Family comes first.”

Timbaland brings in the big guns for new LP

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:24:08 GMT

US super-producer Timbaland (aka Timothy Z Mosley) has revealed that he’s planning on utilising the talents of some very special guests for his upcoming new LP, the follow-up to 2007’s Shock Value.
With at least 10 big artists dropping by his studios, the “Give It To Me” star revealed to MTV this week that he’s determined to ensure good buddy Jay-Z is the first name on the line-up.
“Jay was really on the last one, but he wanted to change (the song),” Timbaland explained of his previous disc. “I said, ‘Look, man, I gotta put out an album. You’re killing me!’ Right now, I have a song with Madonna that I didn’t put on her album, I saved it in case I wanna do one for me. Of course I’m going to do one with Beyoncé. Of course I’m gonna do one with Jordin Sparks, Rihanna. It’s a lot of people. I’m gonna do one with Jonas Brothers. All the major ones.” Timbaland recently married his long-term girlfriend, Monique.

DMX indicted on felony charges

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:59:34 GMT

[Source: NME.com] DMX has been indicted on felony charges in Arizona for allegedly trying to get out of paying a hospital bill by assuming a false identity.
The 37-year-old rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons has been charged with one count of theft and one count of taking someone else’s identity, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas told the Associated Press.
He was arrested Saturday 19 July at a mall in Phoenix.
This is the latest in a long string of arrests for DMX on charges ranging from animal cruelty to traffic and drugs charges, and failing to appear in court.

Courtney Love sued for $1 million

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:58:23 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Courtney Love is being sued by a Los Angeles-based business management company that says she didn’t pay them a share of profits she made after selling a portion Nirvana’s publishing catalogue.
Former Hole front woman Love is the widow of Kurt Cobain, and inherited control of the rights to Nirvana’s work after his death in 1994.
The company London & Co. says that Love broke a verbal contract in which she promised to share 5 percent of any of her earnings, or earnings from her company The End Of Music after selling her share of Nirvana’s publishing catalogue for almost $20 (AUS$20.55) million in 2006.
The five-page suit says that Love formed her company to manage Cobain’s intellectual property, including his career with Nirvana, says the Associated Press. According to the suit, Love owes the company $975,00 (AUS$1,011,835).

Homebake unveils ‘Peace In The Park’

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:47:17 GMT

It’s one of Australia’s best-loved music festivals, and the only one to support local talent with a line-up that’s one hundred percent local. Homebake is back once again on Saturday 6 December, with announcers today revealing the Sydney-based festival’s line-up.
2008 also sees Homebake team up with Amnesty International to celebrate and commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Celebrating a theme of ‘Peace In The Park’, the festival aims to bring folks together, all inspired by the sounds of the following acts: Crowded House, Sneaky Sound System, The Vines, Cut Copy, Gabriella Cilmi, PNAU, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, Died Pretty, The Potbelleez, Bliss N Eso, Karnivool, You Am I, Headless Chickens, British India, The Getaway Plan, Infusion, Sparkadia, Bluejuice, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Drapht, Little Red, Bag Raiders, Snob Scrilla, Pegz, Dash and Will… and plenty more to come.
Tickets for Homebake go onsale Monday 18 August.

Metallica unveil Death Magnetic tracklist

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:43:14 GMT

One of the music world’s biggest bands is about to make a comeback: hard rock/metal legends Metallica will release their latest LP, Death Magnetic, in early September.
The hard rock legends previous LP was 2003’s St Anger, which saw them tour Australia as part of the Big Day Out and sell almost two million copies in the USA alone.
Currently on tour throughout Europe, the band hit the studio this time ‘round with producer Rick Rubin.
Fans will be keen to hear the track “The Unforgiven III” – the original “Unforgiven” appeared on 1991’s Black Album. Tracklist for the new disc is: “That Was Just Your Life”, “The End of the Line”, “Broken, Beat & Scarred”, “The Day That Never Comes”, “All Nightmare Long”, “Cyanide”, “The Unforgiven III”, “The Judas Kiss”, “Suicide & Redemption”, “My Apocalypse”.

Neil Young launches new CSNY documentary

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:34:53 GMT

“Just because I’m famous doesn’t mean that I work for the audience,” says Canadian singer/songwriter Neil Young. “I’m not obligated to do anything. I’m an artist. I will do what I want to do. Whatever the consequences ... I certainly hope that it’s a civilised reaction.”
What is the 62-year-old “Hurricane” rocker talking about?
Young has unveiled his brand new documentary: CSNY: Deju Vu, which he’s directed under his nom de plume, Bernard Shakey.
The film captures the tumult which followed Young on 2006’s “Freedom Of Speech” tour, when he took to the stage with former bandmates David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.
Faced with hostile crowds who were unhappy with the singers’ anti-Iraq stance (Young was recently hit with death threats), the movie – which opens in US cinemas this week – is a fascinating look into America’s political heart.
“I hope that when they leave that they talk about it for a while, and that when they wake up the next day they still have some images from it in their mind,” Young admits of his audience. “The rest is up to them.”

Kanye West visits Iraq vets for documentary

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:11:57 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Kanye West is set to visit veterans of the Iraq war for a new documentary to be shown on MTV.
The rapper will team up with MTV VJ Sway Calloway for “Choose Or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming” when the pair will show up at the homes of the returned veterans to discuss stories about the war and how they are adjusting to life back home.
West will leave each soldier with a departing gift, ranging from paying college tuition, outstanding debt or paying their rent.
“There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacrifices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about,” West said, according to rollingstone.com.
“I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories.”
The documentary will air on MTV on Monday 28 July at 10pm EST.

Karen O debuts side project with Brooklyn show

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:08:21 GMT

Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O unveiled her side project Native Korean Rock last night with two performances in the same night at Brooklyn’s Union Pool venue.
The shows was only been announced last week, but sold out instantly despite the low-key nature.
O the treated the 100 or so fans lucky enough to get tickets to each show to a 40-minute set of folky love songs and an elaborate nautically themed stage set which featured her singing from the hull of a model boat.
Her back-up band consisted of drums, guitar and a string trio and were all dressed as sailors to fit the theme.
Speaking to NME.COM after the show, a slightly inebriated O explained that her reason for doing these shows was simply for fun and that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs – her bandmates were spotted in the crowd – were still her main priority.
“I felt really nostalgic about playing love songs in New York in the summer because it’s pretty much what I did before the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It’s just what I felt like doing right now so I don’t think there will be any more shows like this. The main thing I’m concentrating on is the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs record, which we’ve been working on for a while and it’s nearly done. It should be out by early next year.”
Native Korean Rock played: “OOO”, “Body”, “Visits”, “Beast”, “Rapt”, “Sunset Sun”, “Comes The Night”, “Day Go By”, “Indian Summer”, “Day Go By” (Reprise)

Oasis “booted” U2 out of Abbey Road, says Noel

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:06:12 GMT

It was a battle of the super bands when two of the United Kingdom’s biggest outfits – Manchester rockers Oasis and Irish stadium rockers U2 – decided to head to the infamous Abbey Road studios last December to begin work on their new records.
Who won?
According to outspoken Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, there was no way the “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” four-piece were ever going to take up residence.
“U2 were booked in there with (producer) Rick Rubin,” Gallagher revealed to Mojo magazine, when discussing recording sessions for Oasis’ forthcoming LP, Dig Out Your Soul, due out in October.
“I was like, ‘U2? U2 have to have a six-hour meeting (about) whether to get tea or coffee in the rehearsal room! They are not coming in here any time in the next five years!’
According to the “Wonderwall” star, “We actually went down to Abbey Road with a bag of money, and said, ‘We can pay for the studio now’” – and hence they won.
Oasis’ new single, “The Shock Of Lightning”, will be released in late September.

Robert Plant and Radiohead head up Mercury Prize nominations

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:50 GMT

Nominations for the most prestigious music accolade in Britain – the Mercury Music Prize – have been announced.
The prize is awarded to the best album in Britain and Ireland each year, with 2007’s top gong taken out by Myths Of The Near Future trio Klaxons.
Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has scored his third nomination in three years thanks to his latest outfit, The Last Shadow Puppets, while indie kings Radiohead are also up for the gong.
With the winner set to be unveiled at a London ceremony on Tuesday 9 September, the shortlist includes:
Adele – 19
British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music
Burial – Untrue
Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid
Estelle – Shine
The Last Shadow Puppets – The Age Of The Understatement
Laura Marling – Alas I Cannot Swim
Neon Neon – Stainless Style
Portico Quartet – Knee-Deep In The North Sea
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss – Raising Sand
Radiohead – In Rainbows
Rachel Unthank And The Winterset – The Bairns

Moby says ‘stay off the pills’

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:56:09 GMT

American techno/electronic producer wizz Moby (real name Richard Melville Hall) has warned fans against the danger of taking prescription sleeping pills, after suffering through an embarrassing incident on a flight recently. According to the “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad” star – whose most recent release was March’s Last Night LP – a passenger sitting next to him on the star’s flight made rather a large fool of herself…
“I was on a flight recently and I was sitting next to a very professional business woman,” Moby has revealed. “I’m guessing she was 48-years-old, very affluent and successful and poised. Fifteen minutes into the flight she took an Ambien and went to sleep. Ninety minutes later she woke up, looked at me and said, ‘I like your glasses’. She took my glasses and tried them on. She then sat for a second, farted very loudly, and went back to sleep!” With no recollection of what she had done when she awoke, the musician offers this word of warning to his fans: “Some sleep drugs probably should be reconsidered at 38,000 feet in the company of complete strangers.”

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett name next project

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:12:27 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett – the duo behind animated band Gorillaz and the opera Monkey: Journey To The West, have revealed details of their next collaborative project.
Hewlett explained that the project will be named Carousel, and will be a film and stage project that Albarn has written around 70 songs for so far.
The visual artist told the Observer: “[Carousel] is even bigger and more difficult than Monkey. I’ve done a lot of visuals and Damon’s done a lot of music but we haven’t figured out how they’re going to fit together.
“It’s sort of like a film but not with one narrative story. There’s many stories, told around a bigger story, set to music, and done in live action, animation, all different styles.
“Originally it was a film but now we think it’s a film and it’s a stage thing as well. Damon’s written around 70 songs for it, and I’ve got great plans for the visuals.”

Britney Spears reaches custody agreement with ex-husband

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:08:13 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Britney Spears has reached an agreement with ex-husband Kevin Federline allowing her more access to her children.
The singer will be allowed more overnight visits with her two sons, while Federline will retain sole custody, meaning a planned custody trial will now not take place.
Spears will now have three visits per week, with at least two overnight visits, with the possibility of expanded rights by the end of the year.
Neither party was present at the closed-door session in Los Angeles, reports the BBC.
Confirming that the singer will now get more access to Sean Preston and Jayden James, Spears’ attorney Laura Wasser said told the Associated Press: “The fact is, it’s a win for the family.”
Federline’s lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan said: “This has been a long ordeal and to have that over is something that makes him extremely happy.”
Spears lost custody of the two boys last October, losing visiting rights in January amidst ongoing public troubles.
But Ms Wasser pointed to the agreement as further evidence of her continuing recovery. “The difference from the beginning of this year to now is astonishing,” she said.

Control writer to tackle John Lennon?

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:06:58 GMT

The screenwriter behind the critically acclaimed Ian Curtis biopic Control has chosen his next subject: John Lennon.
Matt Greenhalgh won accolades for his touching portrayal of the troubled Joy Division singer, who committed suicide back in 1980 at the age of 23.
Now Greenhalgh’s signed on for a film titled Nowhere Boy – which is based on the memoir “Imagine This: Growing Up With My Brother John Lennon”, written by the Beatle’s half-sister, Julia Baird.
“When looking for my next project I was wary of musical protagonists,” the scriptwriter revealed to British newspaper the Guardian, “but when John Lennon was floated, that vanished. And his early life as told in Julia’s book took me into a world that illuminated so much about this legendary genius. The women in his life, the men who weren’t, the birth of rock ‘n roll; all imposing on a brilliantly complicated adolescent mind. Without this story we would never have heard the Beatles – can you imagine that?”
Filming on the project isn’t due to begin until 2009.

“Amy is completely unstable,” says Blake’s mum

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:04:51 GMT

With her incarcerated husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, due to be officially sentenced tomorrow, troubled British soul star Amy Winehouse is hoping that it won’t be long before her hubby returns to their family home… despite the fact he’s facing up to five year in prison.
Currently locked up after pleading guilty on assault and blackmail charges, the former TV star will soon know his fate – but his mum, Georgette Civil, is hoping he’ll head back to her abode in order to save both her son and her famous daughter-in-law.
“Blake thinks he’s going to be Amy’s saviour and has every intention to try to stop the drugs,” she revealed to News Of The World on the weekend.
“But Amy is completely unstable. Blake is a recovering addict and he’s not strong enough to resist the temptation. If they are reunited I know they will be back on drugs within days. The dealers will swarm round Blake and Amy. They are meal tickets for the dealers. Then the police will get called, Blake will be arrested and sent back to prison.”

Fiddy’s a generous soul…

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:03:37 GMT

He’s not really famous for his softer side, but rap superstar 50 Cent – better known to his family as Curtis Jackson III – has proven that he’s quite the generous soul.
According to Fiddy’s co-star in the film Streets Of Blood, Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, the “In Da Club” star has penned a song for his kids.
“He’s a real genuine, kind man,” says Kilmer of his musical co-star. “He gave me a 1965 Chevy Impala convertible – it was quite shocking. He knows how close I am with my kids. And it was actually cruel that he would take over as the centrepiece of their affections with an object,” Kilmer joked to MTV.
“Curtis, you may have been shot nine times and you may be the number one rapper on Earth, but I know where you live. I’m going to wait until you’re asleep, and you’re going to wake up screaming, buddy. He’s still got a slug in his tongue. And yet he gets up in the morning and makes a living speaking. Amazing.”

China restricts foreign performers after Bjork’s ‘outburst’

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:40:55 GMT

[Source: NME.com] China has announced that it will impose severe restrictions on foreign performers following Bjork’s ‘outburst’ at her concert there earlier this year.
In a statement posted on its website today, the Chinese government said that it will ban all entertainers from overseas, Hong Kong and Taiwan who have ever attended activities that “threaten national sovereignty.”
This comes after Bjork’s recent performance in Beijing at which she made a vocal show of support for freedom in Tibet, a subject considered taboo in China.
“Any artistic group or individual who have ever engaged in activities which threaten our national sovereignty will not be allowed in,” the Ministry of Culture said in a statement in Chinese on its website.
During performances, entertainers who “threaten national unity,” “whip up ethnic hatred,” “violate religious policy or cultural norms” or “advocate obscenity or feudalism and superstition,” will also be banned, reports Reuters.
The government also said that it must approve the content of all encore performances as well.
After the incident, Bjork stated, “Songs like ‘Declare Independence’ for me are about humanity. I stand by what I said.”

Nelly Furtado gig sparks riot

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:39:36 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Nelly Furtado’s recent Russian gig descended into a riot after a rapper was banned from the stage.
The star was supposed to collaborate with Russian rapper Timati during the gig, held in Moscow on Sunday 13 July.
However, the venue’s security wouldn’t allow the rapper onstage with Furtado, leading to an altercation with the singer’s security.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the brawl involved 20 people and ended with “some of the crowd getting covered in blood and Timati losing a tooth”.
The rapper is reported to have later commented: “I know who is behind it. They will be punished.”
A statement from a venue official apparently read: “We learned at the last moment he was going to perform with Furtado. I gave the order not to let him get on stage.”

Michael Jackson tops ‘greatest dance record poll’

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:35:48 GMT

According to a new poll by British radio network BBC Radio 2 it’s officially the “greatest dance record” in history: Michael Jackson’s Grammy Award-winner “Billie Jean”, released back in 1983.
The track is, says host Zoe Ball, an absolute dancefloor killer.
“I’m delighted that ‘Billie Jean’ has been voted the greatest dance record ever made. This is Jackson at his best,” Ball reckons. “This track is way up there for me – Jacko’s rendition of it at the Motown 25th anniversary show has got to be one of the great live performances of all time. I can remember hearing this at the Boutique club night in Brighton and the place would go crazy. The bassline is awesome, the production is killer. It’s just perfect.”
In the poll – voted by thousands of UK music fans – Jackson beat out Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and James Brown’s “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” into second and third places.
The top ten songs are:
1. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
2. I Feel Love - Donna Summer
3. Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine – James Brown
4. Strings Of Life – Rhythim Is Rhythim
5. Where Love Lives – Alison Limerick
6. Keep On Movin – Soul II Soul
7. Can You Feel It – Fingers Inc.
8. Big Fun – Inner City
9. Theme From S-Express – S-Express
10. Key To My Happiness – The Charades

Incubus head back to school

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:28:46 GMT

For some rock & rollers, being in one of America’s biggest-selling bands just isn’t inspiring enough.
For “Drive” outfit Incubus – who’re currently enjoying a year off from the music industry – finding new areas to enjoy involves heading back to school.
Singer/chief songwriter Brandon Boyd has enrolled at a Los Angeles art college, while guitarist Mike Einziger is off to Ivy League university Harvard.
“I never really had the time in the past 12 years,” says 32-year-old Boyd when asked about his return to the classroom. “I actually left the beginnings of art school to go on tour.”
Determined to focus on painting and sculpture, the singer has already published two books of his work but says he has a “need to humble myself in the presence of other artists who are younger, better and hungrier than I am. I think it will do good things for my ego.”
Incubus were last in Australia in October 2007 to promote their 2006 LP, Light Grenades.

Controversial James Brown auction finally takes place

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:39 GMT

An auction of the belongings of late soul giant James Brown has failed to bring in the expected revenue of $2 – $3 million dollars, with more than 300 lots taking home just over AUS$871,794 via famed auction house Christies yesterday. It was a controversial selling off of the “Sex Machine” star’s belongings, with a South Carolina judge giving Christie’s permission to go ahead only last Monday 14 July after months of legal estate wrangling between Brown’s children, ex-wives and family.
David Letterman band director Paul Shaffer successfully bid on one of the singer’s trademark capes, as well as a medical bracelet.
“We were not opposed to an auction per se,” said Brown’s daughter, Yamma Brown, when talking to Reverend Al Sharpton on his radio show, stating that the family had wanted to hold onto certain items. “We were opposed to all of the items that went – at the end of the day, everything went.”
Yet another courting hearing over the troubled estate is scheduled for August.

Barenaked Ladies frontman arrested on drug charges

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:48:32 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Barenaked Ladies’ lead singer and guitarist Steven Page has been arrested and charged with cocaine possession.
The singer, 38, has been charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Police Captain Bill Bleyle told the Associated Press that Page was visiting Christine Benedicto at her apartment in Fayetteville, New York when an officer saw a car parked across the street with its passenger door open.
After looking up the license plate they discovered it was registered to Benedicto’s address. When they approached the house, they saw Page and another woman at a table with a white capsule that later tested positive for cocaine.
Page is currently out on bail and his representatives refuse to comment. His arrest comes at a time when Barenaked Ladies are promoting a new children’s album.

Natalie Cole diagnosed with Hepatitis C

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:44:24 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Natalie Cole said today that she has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
The virus was discovered during a routine medical exam, and is likely a result of the Grammy-winning singer’s drug use many years ago.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences,” Cole said in a statement.
“I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends; I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination. This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life.”
Cole’s doctor said that she is responding well to anti-viral medication and the problem may clear up over time.
They believe it should not interfere with the Tuesday 9 September release of her new album ‘Still Unforgettable’.

Okkervil River prepare for The Stand Ins

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:38:44 GMT

Austin rock & roll outfit Okkervil River are gearing up for the release of their fifth LP, The Stand Ins.
According to frontman and chief songwriter Will Sheff, the 11 new tracks are a follow-on from the previous disc – 2007’s The Stage Names.
“I don’t like double albums and I really wanted to make a short record,” the “Black Sheep Boy” singer says, after previous rumours that the band were set to release both discs together as an opus.
“Everybody in the band felt the same way. It was just the case of making a short record and feeling attachment to the songs -- and putting out a part two.”
The new disc isn’t, he insists, “our next word, musically”.
Tracklist for The Stand Ins is: “Stand Ins, One”, “Lost Coastlines”, “Singer Songwriter”, “Starry Stairs”, “Blue Tulip”, “Stand Ins, Two”, “Pop Lie”, “On Tour With Zykos”, “Calling And Not Calling My Ex”, “Stand Ins, Three”, “Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed On The Roof Of The Chelsea Hotel, 1979”.

The Stray Cats return down under

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:33:56 GMT

Formed way back in 1979, Long Island, NY, rockabilly trio the Stray Cats are making their way back to Australia for their Farewell World Tour.
Comprised of Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker, the US trio first found chart success in England, their unique punk and swing mix proving popular in hits like “Runaway Boys”, “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut”.
Drummer Slim Jim Phantom has a message for Aussie fans: “I’m happy and very proud to say that I’ve been playing rock and roll music with Stray Cats for 30 years. These are my guys and I’ll love them to death do us part. We are by far the best band in the world at what we do. Come check out any show and you will leave the show fully rocked and fully aware that you’ve just seen the greatest show on earth I promise!”
Tickets go onsale Wednesday 30 July and dates are:
Sunday 15 February – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth, WA
Tuesday 17 February – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 19 February – The Forum, Melbourne, VIC
Monday 23 February – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 26 February – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD

Whitney voice destroyed by drugs?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:31:55 GMT

Currently at work on her ‘comeback’ record, former R&B superstar Whitney Houston is being forced to deny reports that her previous, much publicised drug use has permanently damaged her vocal chords.
The 44-year-old “I Will Always Love You” star has, according to British paper The Daily Mirror, undergone voice ‘rehabilitation’ at the behest of music mogul and friend Clive Davis, after Houston seriously damaged her five-octane range via using drugs.
According to a source, “Thousands have been shelled out to train her back up to the original. But now she sounds terrific – she is going to blow everybody away.”
Back in 2006 Whitney’s former sister-in-law, Tina Brown, claimed the star was “living in squalor” and addicted to crack cocaine.
Houston’s recovery has been impressive; her new disc is scheduled for November.

Elton John has ice-cream made in his honour

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:55:03 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Elton John has joined the likes of Phish and Jerry Garcia by having a special ice-cream created in his honour by Ben & Jerry’s.
‘Goodbye Yellow Brickle’ road has been formulated to celebrate Elton’s performance this month in Vermont, the state that Ben & Jerry’s comes from.
The flavour is said to be as “an outrageous symphony of decadent chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks” and proceeds from the sale of the dessert will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The show on Monday 21 July will be the superstar’s first in the state, and is currently the only state out of all 50 in which he has yet to perform.
The limited edition flavour will only be available in Ben & Jerry’s Vermont Scoop Shops from Friday 18 – Friday 25 July, as well as at the concert which takes place at Green Mountain State’s Champlain Valley Expo Center.

Jarvis Cocker gets ready to “rock” on second solo album

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:52:31 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Jarvis Cocker has revealed that his second solo album will be much heavier than his debut, 2006’s Jarvis.
The former Pulp frontman also explained that discovering that his backing band “could rock” led to a more democratic writing process.
Speaking to BBC 6Music, Cocker said: “What I’ve tried to do with the new stuff, rather than me just sit there and wait for inspiration to come at some point – which takes ages – instead we’ve written stuff together. And it’s a bit louder.
“That really made me think. I’d never really had that before. Pulp could be loud, but we didn’t really rock…. Well, maybe occasionally.”
Cocker suggested that his new-found desire to rock could have come from his age, saying: “It’s probably something to do with some kind of mid-life crisis as well, y’know? Rock while to still have the ability to do it, before your bits start falling off.”
The singer is expected to hit the studio this year, but claimed his album will likely not be released until 2009.

Kylie Minogue to tour Australia in December?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:50:33 GMT

Fan of Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue could be in for a treat this December, with a tour by the “2 Hearts” singer looking likely.
According to Michael Gudinski – one of Australia’s biggest music promoters, who signed the then teenage singer to his label, Mushroom Records, back in 1987 – who’s spending time with Minogue in the UK, she’s keen to make it happen.
“If everything can work out there’s every possibility we will do some dates later this year,” Gudinski told Australian reporters in Manchester, north-west England, where he’s visiting the singer as she undertakes the ‘KylieX2008’ 53-date European tour.
“How many dates we can do, and how many cities we do, and that stuff, will have to be worked out – it’s an absolutely gigantic production, it really is like taking theatre on the road,” he said.
“But from Frontier’s point of view, I’m going to make every effort possible to make sure it happens.”

Jessica Simpson should “be authentic”, advises Jewel

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:47:37 GMT

Alaskan country singer Jewel has offered some advice for a fellow blonde – 28-year-old former reality TV star Jessica Simpson.
With 27 million albums under her belt, Jewel Kilcher says that Simpson’s debut into the world of country music should be interesting – as long as she remembers to “work hard and be authentic.”
Simpson’s as-yet-untitled Nashville LP is due out in early September.
“I really like Jessica. She’s always been such a sweet, sweet person,” says Jewel. “If I were going to give her any advice, I would say work hard and be authentic. Be true to who you are. The thing about country music is its fans have an excellent authenticity meter. They can spot bullshit a mile away. Anyone who comes to country music just to dabble in it, or who doesn’t know it or respect it as a genre and respect its history and tradition, is not going to make it.” According to Simpson, this isn’t a fad. “I’m planning on making country music for the rest of my life,” she’s claimed, “and I don’t want to go back to that other world.”

Chris Brown keeps mum on Rihanna relationship

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:42:45 GMT

They’re one of the hottest couples in the music biz, but don’t expect R&B stars Chris Brown and Rihanna (aka Robyn Rihanna Fenty) to open up about their much-rumoured about romance any time soon.
According to Brown, a former “American Idol” star, all enquiries into his personal love life are strictly off-limits. “Nobody wants to focus on what’s positive, they want to know about my personal life,” he criticised this week when asked by MTV about his relationship with the 20-year-old “Umbrella” singer.
“Every interview I do, they’re like, ‘So, how are you and such and such doing?’ And I’m like, I don’t know you, why you all in my business? So that’s my take on it personally.”

Red Hot Chili Peppers logo causes $11 million lawsuit

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:04:28 GMT

[Source: NME.com] A Florida clothing company that affixed the Red Hot Chili Peppers logo to a jacket has been sued by the merchandising company that owns the rights to the logo, as well as logos of Guns N Roses, Led Zeppelin and more.
Bravada International is suing Back-Lite for $11 million (AUS$11.43) dollars after the company used the logo on a single jacket, at the request of an individual customer.
Back-Lite owner Gary Shaffer agreed to affix the logo on a jacket for a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan who wanted it to wear to this year’s Grammy Awards. The fan was not charged for the jacket, as it was considered a promotional item.
“They are claiming there is a possibility that I’ve made over a million dollars in profits on copyrighted merchandise, which is not true,” Shaffer told rollingstone.com, calling the multi-million dollar suit “extortion”.
The report says that he is currently seeking legal advice, and may not even be able to afford to pay a lawyer.

Pete Wentz says parenthood ‘is like making a record’

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:03:04 GMT

[Source: NME.com] Pete Wentz has been discussing his forthcoming role as father, and compared parenthood to the making of an album.
Speaking to Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show this morning, Wentz said it’s “like making a record, but knowing you’re going to mix it for the next 18 years of your life.”
He also said that pending fatherhood becomes a reality every time he visits the doctor’s office with wife Ashlee.
“I heard women become mothers when they become pregnant, and boys become fathers when the baby is born, so I don’t feel all the physical things, but when I’m in the doctor’s office, I freak out. It’s ... crazy because it’s this thing you made.”
Meanwhile, being a dad-to-be has affected Wentz’s creativity, in that he is writing about different issues.
“It’s affected my perspective on the world. I care less about stupid things, petty feuds,” Wentz said, reports usmagazine.com.
The Fall Out Boy bassist also revealed his new ambitions involve simply being a father and said he wants to “live in the suburbs and hang out with my kid.”

Michael Jackson in a wheelchair?

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:02:16 GMT

He’s not known for being the most normal of musicians, but according to reports in the media pop superstar Michael Jackson is suffering from a back complaint so severe he’s been forced to travel in a wheelchair. The “Thriller” star, who’s currently recording a new album alongside guest will.i.am and producer Rodney Jerkins, was snapped by paparazzi this week being pushed around in a wheelchair in Las Vegas – and wearing his pyjamas, a surgical mask and a dread-locked wig.
According to British tabloid The Sun, Jackson’s health woes have worsened over the years, and he now suffers from severe back pain alongside auto-immune disease lupus and vitiligo (loss of skin pigment, causing pale skin).
“He stayed in the store for two hours and wheeled himself around in the chair the whole time,” an eye-witnessed told the paper. “The skin on his hands was peeling, almost like a snake’s. He kept his mask on all the time. His security man was at his side and nobody approached him. It is really sad.”