Metric Announce Forthcoming Album Tracklisting

Metric have announced details of their fourth studio album, entitled ‘Fantasies’ scheduled to be released on April 14.

The Canadian four-piece will make the album available for pre-sale from March 2 via www.ilovemetric.com, and those who pre-order the album will immediately get an MP3 of the album's first single, ‘Help I'm Alive’ plus bonus materials which are exclusive to the pre-order.

The album was produced by Gavin Brown and Jimmy Shaw, and mixed by John O'Mahony who’s previously worked with Coldplay and The Strokes.

The group have established their own distribution company to release the album worldwide, while two independent labels will manage the release in Mexico and Canada.
In a statement on their website, singer Emily Haines admitted that the group taken a “gamble” by choosing to release the album without the help of a major record label.

The tracklisting for ‘Fantasies’ is:

‘Help I'm Alive’
‘Sick Muse’
‘Satellite Mind’
‘Twilight Galaxy’
‘Gold Guns Girls’
‘Gimme Sympathy’
‘Collect Call’
‘ Front Row’
‘Blindness’
‘Stadium Love’

The All-American Rejects to Release Remix EP

The All-American Rejects have announced they will release a special EP on February 3.

The EP will include 4 remixes of the current hit single, 'Gives You Hell' by premier remix artists such as El-P (Nine Inch Nails, Mars Volta, Beck), Ocelot (The Killers, Robyn) and more.

For a live version of 'Gives You Hell' check out the exclusive video from the band’s record release show in Hollywood, head to Allamericanrejects.com.
Full track listing:

'Gives You Hell (Ocelot Remix)'
'Gives You Hell (Bloody Beetroots Remix)'
'Gives You Hell (Limousines Remix)'
'Gives You Hell (El-P Remix)'

As previously ADateZ Inc. reported, the band launced new video which they covered Britney Spears' single 'Womanizer'.

U2 Set to Make a Bid for London Recording Studio

U2 are set to make a bid for a London studio where they recorded their new album.

Reports today suggested that the Irish rockers are keen to buy Olympic Studios in Barnes, which was recently put on the market by EMI.

The band said the studio, which once graced the talents of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, had proved inspiring while they recorded 'No Line On The Horizon'.
A source told The Sun: "Bono, The Edge and the rest of the band really enjoyed their time in Olympic. They knuckled down and really responded well to the place’s atmosphere.

"They already have their own studios in Dublin but feel that Olympic could be a very wise investment.

"They’re totting up some figures at the moment. If the maths works out there’s every chance they’ll put an offer in."

The Rolling Stones were one of the first bands to use the studios when they moved to Barnes in 1966 and two years later, Led Zeppelin recorded their self-titled first album at the studios.

Pendulum Announce North American Tour Dates

Pendulum have announced a tour of the US and Canada, kicking off on March 6 in Vancouver.

The outing will see the band perform at SXSW in Austin, TX, as well as the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, FL alongside the likes of The Prodigy and Bloc Party.

The festival is part of the 24th annual Winter Music Conference at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami, and will take place on March 27 and 28.
Pendulum will play:

Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom (March 6)
Seattle, WA Showbox at the Market (7)
Portland, OR Roseland Theatre (8)
San Francisco, CA Grand Ballroom (10)
Pomona, CA Glass House (13)
Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia (14)
Tucson, AZ The Rock (15)
Salt Lake City, UT Murray Theatre (17)
Denver, CO Ogden Theatre (18)
Austin, TX La Zona Rosa (SXSW) (21)
Houston, TX House Of Blues (22)
New Orleans, LA House Of Blues (24)
Atlanta, GA CW Centerstage (25)
Miami, FL Ultra Music Festival (25)

Modest Mouse Announce Massive US Tour

Indie rock band Modest Mouse have announced their comeback tour in US - will kicking on February 22 in Oakland, CA.

Former Grandaddy guitarist Jim Fairchild will join Modest Mouse on stage, replacing Johnny Marr, who has become a member of The Cribs in the time since Modest Mouse was last active.

The opening act on the tour will be Mimicking Birds, the latest band signed to Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock's Glacial Pace label.
Modest Mouse will play:

Fox Theater, Oakland, CA (February 22)
Fox Theater, Visalia, CA (23)
Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles (24)
Marquee, Tempe, AZ (25)
Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM (26)
Balch Fieldhouse, Boulder, CO (28)
Uptown Theater, Kansas City, MO (March 2)
Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City (3)
Stubb's, Austin, TX (4)
The Lyric, Oxford, Miss. (5)
Tabernacle, Atlanta (7)
Langerado Festival, Miami (8)

Tickets go on sale Thursday (January 29).

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Keyboardist Dies at Florida Home

Billy Powell, a keyboardist for the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has died at his northeast Florida home.

Powell called 911 about 12:55 am Wednesday (January 28) saying he was having trouble breathing. Rescue crews performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 1:52 am, said Orange Park Police Lt. Mark Cornett.

The keyboardist, 56, who has a history of heart problems, missed a appointment with his doctor for a cardiac evaluation. A heart attack is suspected. No autopsy will be performed because Powell's cardiologist will sign the death certificate, Cornett said.
The Jacksonville-based band became one of the South's most popular rock groups, and gained national fame with such hits as 'Free Bird', 'What's Your Name' and especially 'Sweet Home Alabama', which reached the top 10 on the national charts in 1974.

The band was decimated on October 20, 1977, when their chartered plane crashed in a swamp near McComb, Miss.

Six people were killed — lead singer Ronnie Van Zant; guitarist Steve Gaines; and his sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines; as well as an assistant road manager, the pilot and co-pilot. Powell was one of the survivors.

Two years after the accident, Powell and fellow members Allen Collins, Gary Rossington and Leon Wilkeson formed the Rossington-Collins Band. It broke up in 1982.

Powell was on hand again in 1991 when a revived version of the band put out a new album, 'Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991' and launched a tour in Baton Rouge, LA, where the band was headed in 1977 when the plane crashed. Fans who kept their tickets from the canceled 1977 concert were admitted free.

The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006.

Bon Jovi Sued by Ex-Philadelphia Soul's Manager

The former sales manager for the Philadelphia Soul arena football team is suing club owner Jon Bon Jovi and his partners for nearly $125,000 he says he's owed.

Joseph Krause of Jenkintown alleges that rock singer Bon Jovi and other team officials told employees they would receive two weeks of severance pay.

The Arena Football League is canceling the 2009 season as it creates a better business model for tough economic times.
Krause says he is owed commissions of more than $83,000 for the 2008 season and more than $41,000 for the canceled 2009 season.

Interim general manager Paul Korzilius, when reached by KYW-AM, declined to comment because of the pending lawsuit.

Bon Jovi and the others named in the suit didn't respond to requests for comment.

Deerhunter, Modest Mouse to Play 2009 Langerado

Deerhunter, Modest Mouse and the Gene Ween Band have been added to the lineup for Langerado 2009, taking place in Miami, FL.

The both bands join previously-announced acts Death Cab For Cutie, The Pogues, Snoop Dogg and Ryan Adams And The Cardinals at the three-day event.

The festival, which takes place at Bicentennial Park in Miami, FL, will also feature performances by Broken Social Scene, Cold War Kids, Girl Talk, Chromeo and Black Kids.

Thievery Corporation, Dashboard Confessional, Gym Class Heroes, The Virgins, The Faint and Matisyahu are also on the schedule for the festival, running from March 6-8, 2009.

Tickets start at $120 for weekend passes, with day tickets starting at $75, currently on sale at Langerado's official website.

Smashing Pumpkins to Perform New Song at Super Bowl

The Smashing Pumpkins has reportedly to perform a new song during the NFL Super Bowl on Sunday (February 2).

The song, called 'FOL', will accompany an advert for the car manufacturer Hyundai.

Joel Ewanick, vice president of marketing at Hyundai Motor America, said the track “offers the perfect 'kick-off' to Super Bowl advertising”.

The Super Bowl traditionally offers acts valuable exposure, with an estimated American TV audience of 150 million people.

Joaquin Phoenix's Rap Career is An 'Hoax'

Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix who recently turned to be a rapper, now his rap career has reportedly an hoax, according to two friends of the actor.

The ‘Walk The Line’ star recently announced his plans to become a rapper, even going so far as to say that P. Diddy was on board to produce his debut album.

The unlikely move by Phoenix was greeted with skepticism by many, who suspected it was a hoax from the start. His brother-in-law Casey Affleck was working with him on a documentary about his new 'career', which saw him have an apparent meltdown on stage in Las Vegas on January 16, during which he took a tumble from the stage.
Now a source close to the star has come forward to say that it is indeed all a joke, telling ew.com: "He said, 'It's a put-on. I'm going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it.’"

Another source says that Phoenix considers the hoax an “art project” and that he will continue to appear to pursue his new career as rapper.

"He's going full out. He probably has told his reps that he's quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control," the source said.

Previously reported, Phoenix's first rap performance which was filmed by Phoenix's brother-in-law, director Casey Affleck, ended chaotically when Phoenix fell from the stage.

Deerhunter Announce Rescheduled UK Shows

Deerhunter have announced details of a rescheduled UK and Irish tour following the cancellation of several live dates earlier in 2009.

The Atlanta-based group will now head out on a jaunt following their appearance at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Minehead on May 16.

In a statement the band said they would add further dates to the tour and hope to announce details of a new release soon.
Deerhunter tour dates is:

London Scala (May 18)
Manchester Deaf Institute (19)
Glasgow Stereo (20)
Belfast Black Box (21)
Dublin Whelans (22)
Leeds Brudenell Social Club (24)

To check the availability of Deerhunter tickets, visit the link below.

Buy Deerhunter tickets

Cooking Vinyl Signs Deal with MUZU Website

Cooking Vinyl, the label behind the Charlatans and The Prodigy, has signed a global licensing deal with YouTube rival, MUZU, a new music video website.

Cooking Vinyl said that it had chosen to partner with Irish firm MUZU because it was purpose-built for the industry.

Music labels are looking to develop their digital businesses as physical sales of CDs fall.
MUZU, which has also signed up EMI, Sony BMG and the Ministry of Sound, pays artists through advertising when their music is played.

Users can either watch music videos on the MUZU site, on artist sites or embed them into their social networks.

"To date, we have resisted doing deals with a lot of online video platforms because we didn't feel their offering fairly compensated our artists and had the right focus," said Martin Goldschmidt, founder and managing director of Cooking Vinyl.

"MUZU.TV is different from other online video sites -- it was purpose-built for the music industry and we believe it holds great revenue potential."

Scarlett Johansson Covers Jeff Buckley's Song

Scarlett Johansson has recorded a cover of the late Jeff Buckley's song.

'Last Goodbye' will feature on the soundtrack to Johansson's new movie, He's Just Not That Into You.

Johansson's version of the song arrives less than year after the actress released a covers album of Tom Waits songs.

'Last Goodbye' first appeared on Buckley's 1994 album 'Grace'.

Oasis' Noel Gallagher: 'I'm average at guitar'

Oasis' Noel Gallagher has said that when compared to guitar greats such as Johnny Marr and Paul Weller he is "average" at playing the instrument.

The star made the comments in an interview with Total Guitar magazine – with Weller adding that he agreed with the statement.

Speaking of his ability, Gallagher said: "It facilitates what I do in Oasis, know what I mean?
"I'm unfortunate enough that two of my best mates are Johnny Marr of The Smiths and Paul Weller. Those two are virtuosos to me, although neither of them would admit it.

"On the electric guitar they're it. So if you're asking me how do I compare to those two – and I like to compare myself to the greats – I'm average at fucking best."

Responding to the comments, Weller said, "Bless him, but his playing is rudimentary. But Noel doesn't pretend to be a guitar god.

"He's very good at putting chords together and he's got a distinctive style in terms of his chord sequences and his rhythm playing. It's recognisable, I suppose."

Bruce Springsteen Maps US and European Tour

Bruce Springsteen has announced details of his forthcoming European tour.

Springsteen is set to visit Europe in June, July and August. As yet, there are no UK dates announced, although he will play at the Dublin RDS on July 11.

The star released a new studio album, 'Working On A Dream', yesterday (January 26).

Bruce Springsteen will play:
Tampere Ratinan Stadion (June 2)
Stockholm Stadium (4, 5, 7)
Bergen Koengen (9, 10)
Munich Olympiastadion (July 2)
Frankfurt Commerzbank Arena (3)
Vienna Ernst Happel Stadion (5)
Herning Herning MCH (8)
Dublin RDS (11)
Rome Stadio Olimpico (19)
Turino Olimpico di Torino (21)
Udine Stadio Friuli (23)
Bilbao San Mames Stadium (26)
Benidorm Estadio Municipal de Foietes (28)
Sevilla La Cartuja Olympic Stadium (30)
Valladolid Estadio Jose Zorrilla (August 1)
Santiago Monte Del Gozo (2)

The Boss will also play 27-date US tour include dates in Los Angeles, Greensboro and Toronto.

And his US tour dates are:

San Jose, CA, HP Pavilion (April 1)
Glendale, CA, Jobing.com Center (3)
Austin, TX, Frank Erwin Center (5)
Tulsa, OK, BOK Center (7)
Houston, TX, Toyota Center (8)
Denver, CO, Pepsi Arena (10)
Los Angeles, CA, LA Memorial Sports Arena (15)
Boston, MA, TD Banknorth Garden (21, 22)
Hartford, CT, XL Center (24)
Atlanta, GA, Philips Arena (26)
Philadelphia, PA, Wachovia Spectrum (28, 29)
Greensboro, NC, Greensboro Coliseum (May 2)
Uniondale, NY, Nassau Coliseum (4)
Charlottesville, VA, John Paul Jones Arena (5)
Toronto, ONT, Air Canada Centre (7)
University Park, PA, Bryce Jordan Center (8)
St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center (11)
Chicago, IL, United Center (12)
Albany, NY, Times Union Center (14)
Hershey, PA, Hersheypark Stadium (15)
Washington, DC, Verizon Center (18)
Pittsburgh, PA, Mellon Arena (19)
E. Rutherford, NJ, Izod Center (21, 23)

Three 'Secret' Lady Sovereign Shows Postponed

Lady Sovereign have been pushed back Three ‘secret’ gigs in the US a week due to complications in securing the rapper’s visa.

She was supposed to perform at Pianos in New York tonight (January 26) but that show has been moved to February 2. Tickets for the original date will be honoured. It is sold-out.

Her Twitter account today said: "Sorry! Just got word that the US secret show dates have been delayed to February cos of Visa issues. Dates R confirmed, but waiting 2share'm".
Her new album ‘Jigsaw’ comes out April 7 via Midget Records.

The new dates are:

New York, NY Pianos (February 2)
Chicago, IL Logan Square Auditorium (4)
Los Angeles, CA The Echo (6)

Kanye West: 'Call me Martin Louis The King Jr'

Kanye West has made a video blog, during which he says he should now be addressed as ‘Martin Louis The King Jr’.

Speaking to a camera from a hotel room in Paris, West says that the new name came to him when he saw the shoes he designed for Louis Vuitton hit the runway last week:

“Who do you know with two thumbs and their own Louis shoe? This guy,” West says pointing to himself.
“Due to the transactions earlier this week I have some very grim news. I’ve been called a lot of names, mostly the ‘Louis Vuitton Don’, and due to what has happened so severely, when the red shoes hit the runway, I was forced to change my name to ‘Martin Louis The King Jr’. Address me as such.”

West last week lashed out at internet hackers who had suggested he would take part in bisexual porn.

He was reacting after he found out that his email account had been hacked and a false Twitter account in his name inflamed a feud between him and US TV host Steven Colbert.

M83 to Perform with The Los Angeles Philharmonic

M83 have announced a co-headlining performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in Los Angeles in March.

The musicians are set to perform at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 7. This will be M83's debut performance with an orchestra, and at the Disney Hall.

The concert will pair M83 mastermind Anthony Gonzalez in a programme that features three sets:
The Los Angeles Philharmonic performing orchestral pieces chosen in collaboration with M83.

M83 performing solo material.

And the Philharmonic performing a selection of songs with M83, featuring orchestral arrangements by Sean O’Loughlin.

O’Loughlin also wrote the arrangements for the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Belle & Sebastian and The Decemberists.

M83 recently wrapped up a tour of the UK with Kings Of Leon.

Michael Jackson 'Thriller' to Become Musical Show

Producer James Nederlander has confirmed he now owns the rights to a stage version of ‘Thriller’, inspired by the legendary Michael Jackson video.

According to Nederlander, the show is bound for Broadway in New York, and will include songs from Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and ‘Off the Wall’ albums.

"I love the idea of making 'Thriller' a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?" Nederlander said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
Previously, Jackson's legendary video ‘Thriller’ is reportedly to be made into a musical for Broadway last year.

The 14-minute video clip for the track, taken from the album of the same name, was directed by John Landis and made waves upon its release in 1983 due its length and cost, which at the time was $500,000.

After shifting over a million copies a week for over a year, ‘Thriller’ became the worldwide best-selling album of all time, and was the first album to be Number One in the US and UK. It won seven Grammy Awards in 1984.

David Bowie Not to Play 2009 Coachella Festival

David Bowie is not playing 2009 Coachella Festival, despite tabloid claims that he is.

It was claimed today (January 26) that the singer would revive his Ziggy Stardust persona for a performance at this year's Californian event.

However a spokesperson for Bowie has told that the singer has no plans to play, according to NME.com.

The line-up for the even has yet to be announced.

Yusuf Islam, Klaus Voormann Cover George Harrison

Yusuf Islam, the singer formerly known as Cat Stevens, has collaborated with Beatles associate Klaus Voormann on a cover of George Harrison's 1973 song 'The Day The World Gets 'Round'.

Islam revealed that the collaboration came about after Voormann, who played in John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band and designed the sleeve for The Beatles' 'Revolver', asked him to contribute to an album he was making to raise money for the American Indians.

The song is released this Monday (January 26), with proceeds going to various children's charities (Small Kindness, UNRWA and Save The Children).
Islam also announced that he is returning to Island Records – the label he released his 'Teaser & The Firecat' and 'Tea For The Tillerman' albums on in the '70s.

'The Day The World Gets 'Round' will also appear on Klaus Voormann’s 'A Sideman's Journey' album, which is raising money for an environment and health project in aid of the Oglala Sioux of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton have both contributed to Islam's new album.

Lil Wayne Announces The Release of Rock Album Debut

Lil’ Wayne will release his first ever rock album.

‘Rebirth’, which due April 7, is the rapper’s seventh album, will be preceded by the single ‘Prom Queen’.

The song will debut online after Lil’ Wayne’s concert in San Diego on January 27.

Reports about the rapper’s change in direction first surfaced at the beginning of January.
Hip Hop star Drake said in an interview that Lil’ Wayne’s new record would be “a complete rock album”.

Drake said the rapper had been inspired to try a different direction by Kanye West’s latest album ‘808s and Heartbreak’, which sees West favour singing instead rapping.

‘Rebirth’ will arrive less than a year after Lil’ Wayne’s enormously successful ‘Tha Carter III’, which sold over one million copies in a week in the United States.

Oasis' Guitarist Attacker Faces 14 Years in Prison

The man accused of attacking Noel Gallagher onstage in Toronto last year has had his charge upgraded.

Gallagher broke several ribs after Daniel Sullivan, 47, ran onstage and pushed the guitarist onto his monitors during Oasis' Virgin Festival gig in Toronto last September.

The band were subsequently forced to cancel a number of gigs and promotional plans for new album 'Dig Out Your Soul', in order to allow Gallagher to recover.
Sullivan was originally charged with assault over the incident, but his charge has now been upgraded to one count of aggravated assault, reports The Press Association.

The maximum sentence carried by aggravated assault is 14 years in prison, whereas the maximum penalty for assault is five years.

Sullivan is due in court on March 6 for the pre-trial hearing.

Meanwhile, Oasis have rescheduled the date for their previously-postponed show at the Cornwall Eden Project on July 14.

Slash to Sue over Unsuitable House for Party

A Los Angeles judge ruled that Slash and his wife can proceed with a lawsuit against the brokers who sold them their house because it's not, in their eyes, suitable for parties.

The guitarist claims that real estate agent Gregory Holcomb and Sotheby's International Realty misrepresented the Hollywood Hills house, saying it was a good location to hold parties.

The couple, who bought the house in 2006 and sold it in 2007, claim that the home was smaller than advertised and is located on a street with parking restrictions, inhibiting their ability to throw large parties.

As a result, they are seeking more than $1 million and punitive damages, reports the Associated Press.

The judge did not dismiss the couple's claims, but will allow Sotheby's to dispute the punitive damages.

Coldplay Head to The Studio with Brian Eno

Coldplay have returned to the studio with famed producer Brian Eno.

Eno produced the band's most recent album, 'Viva La Vida', and worked with U2 on their forthcoming release 'No Line On The Horizon'.

The band made the announcement today (January 23) that they were "back in the studio for a couple of weeks" via a Twitter update.

Meanwhile, Coldplay are preparing to embark on a Japanese tour next month before heading down under for dates in Australia and New Zealand.

Brother and Sister Pay Tribute to Ron Asheton

Ron Asheton's brother Scott and sister Kathy have paid tribute to the guitarist and thanked fans for their messages of support after his death was announced earlier this month.

The guitarist was found dead in his home of a suspected heart attack on January 6.

Scott Asheton, who drums in The Stooges, and his sister Kathy released the following statement:
"We would like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of sympathy and support that we have received. The knowledge that Ron's kindness and music touched so many people around the world has been a great comfort to us at this very difficult time.

"We loved our big brother very much and we will miss him deeply. Our lives will never be the same.

"His spirit will continue through a foundation we plan to set up in his name. Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts."

Iggy Pop, members of the Sex Pistols and Primal Scream's frontman Bobby Gillespie were among those who paid tribute to Asheton.

Kanye West Hits Back Bisexual Porn Movie Claims

Kanye West has lashed out at internet hackers who had suggested he would take part in bisexual porn.

The rapper was reacting after he found out that his email account had been hacked and a false Twitter account in his name inflamed a feud between him and US TV host Steven Colbert.

He called for any potential hackers to "give me a break".

Writing on his blog at Kanyeuniversecity.com, he wrote, "Why won't you let me be great? I read some shit claiming I said I'm down to do porn and some bisexual porn!
"First people believed the Twitter/Steven Colbert thing. Now somebody has been hacking into my MySpace and somebody's actually hacked into my personal Gmail account and has been e-mailing people from it. Hey world, I no longer have Gmail!

"I found out I had 12 unautharised Skype accounts under my name! It's not official. I just gave the performance of my life for our new President… please I beg you, give me a break!

"Please! Let me be great! Who have I hurt so bad that they want to destroy me? Who have I ever spoke about so negatively?

"I was just speaking to our new President two days ago. Never take a picture from my Obama performance and put it next to a quote like that [on a false blog]! That's in poor taste! Look how fresh my suit is… 'nuff said."

Fall Out Boy to Play Special 'The Simpsons' Song

Fall Out Boy will perform a special version of the theme to 'The Simpsons' on an episode to air this Sunday (January 25).

The band, who are named after a character from the animated series, will play their version of the song during the end credits of the episode which features the voice of actress Emily Blunt, reports OKmagazine.com.

Fall Out Boy, who dedicated the song, 'Thanks For The Memories', to former president George W Bush at the Youth Inaugural Ball at the Hilton Washington on Tuesday night (January 20), recently announced details of a North American tour, scheduled to kick off in April.

The dates are:
Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre (April 3)
Las Vegas, NV Pearl (5)
San Jose, CA SJSU Event Center (7)
Sacramento, CA Memorial Auditorium (8)
Portland, OR Expo Center (9)
Seattle, WA WaMu Theatre (10)
Vancouver, British Columbia Thunderbird (11)
Salt Lake City, UT The Great Saltair (13)
Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium (14)
Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre (17)
Houston, TX Sam Houston Race Park (18)
New Orleans, LA Lakefront Arena (19)
Miami, FL Mizner Auditorium (21)
Orlando, FL UCF Convocation Center (22)
Atlanta, GA Gwinnett Arena (23)
Charlotte, NC Bojangles Coliseum (24)
Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion (25)
Troy, NY RPI Fieldhouse (26)
Lowell, MA Tsongas Arena (28)
Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun (29)
Philadelphia, PA Festival Pier (May 1)
East Rutherford, NJ Bamboozle (2)
Memphis, TN Beale Street Music Festival (3)
Toronto, Ontario Ricoh Coliseum (5)
Montreal, Quebec Cepsum de Montreal (6)
Detroit, MI EMU Convocation Canter (8)
Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena (9)
Cleveland, OH TWCA at Tower City (12)
Columbus, OH LC Pavilion (13)
Indianapolis, IN The Lawn at White River Park (15)
Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom (16)
Minneapolis, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium (17)

Franz Ferdinand Defend BBC's Jonathan Ross

Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has defended Jonathan Ross after his band performed at the filming of his chat show yesterday (January 22).

The Scottish rockers performed new single 'Ulysses' at the recording of 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross', set to air on BBC1 tonight at 10:35pm (GMT).

The show marks Ross' return to broadcasting after being suspended for making lewd prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs with Russell Brand on BBC Radio 2.
Kapranos told The Guardian that he thought Ross had been treated harshly, and was glad he was back on TV.

"There are some people who want to be offended no matter what, and they are going to look for offence in anything someone like Jonathan Ross is going to say," he said.

He added, "I suppose he had to apologise, but we've done the show a few times before and it just felt like Jonathan Ross back doing his thing."

Other guests on Ross' show tonight include Tom Cruise, Stephen Fry and Lee Evans.

Prosecution Rests In Phil Spector Case Retrial

The prosecution rested its case yesterday (January 22) in the murder retrial of famed music producer Phil Spector.

Following nine weeks of testimony, the prosecution called its final witness to the stand - Donna Clarkson - the mother of actress Lana Clarkson who died of a gunshot wound at Spector's home in 2003.

Clarkson testified that she and her daughter had spent her last day shopping for shoes together, and said that she planned to revive her acting career.
Spector - the pioneer behind the Wall Of Sound technique - is accused of murdering Clarkson at his Los Angeles mansion on February 3, 2003.

Defence attorneys are alleging that she took her own life because she was despondent over her waning career, while prosecution is making the case that Spector shot the actress.

The facts presented in the retrial have been similar to those in the original 2007 trial, which ended in a mistrial after the jury reached a 10-2 deadlock in favour of convicting Spector.

Spector's attorney, Doron Weinberg, intends to begin the defence case on Monday (January 26). He said that it should take about three weeks to make his case, reports the Associated Press.

The 69-year-old producer, who is free on $1 million bail, was present in court today with his wife, Rachelle.

Glasvegas Announce Massive US Tour Dates

Glasvegas have announced details of North American tour dates, will kick off on March 23.

The Glaswegian four-piece will hit the road this spring in support of their recent self-titled debut album.

Although it has not yet been confirmed, the schedule will have the band arriving in California just in time to play the Coachella Festival.

The band's tour dates are:
New Orleans, LA The Parish (March 23)
Atlanta, GA The Loft (24)
Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle (25)
Washington, DC Black Cat (26)
West Chester, PA The Note (27)
Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg (28)
New York, NY Webster Hall (30)
Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club (31)
Montreal, QC La Tulipe (April 2)
Toronto, ON Mod Club (3)
Detroit, MI Magic Stick (4)
Chicago, IL The Bottom Lounge (6)
Varsity Theater Minneapolis, MN (7)
Denver, CO Bluebird Theater (9)
Salt Lake City, UT Avalon Theater (10)
Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom (12)
Seattle, WA Neumos (13)
Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom (14)
San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall (16)

John Legend, Juanes to Play at NBA All-Star Game

John Legend and Juanes has gotten the green light from the NBA to sing at its annual all-star game, in February 15 in Phoenix.

They will sing 'If You're Out There', an anthem about leadership, from Legend's recent album, 'Evolver'.

The National Basketball Association says Legend and Juanes were chosen because of their dedication to community service, a theme that will be highlighted during their performance as they spotlight the NBA Cares program.

The game will air live on TNT.

Parents' Group Protests Britney Spears Song

A conservative parents' group is protesting Britney Spears' new single, 'If U Seek Amy', claiming it is indecent for US radio stations to broadcast it during peek hours.

The Parents Television Council, a non-profit organisation with a mission "to promote and restore responsibility to the entertainment industry", says that airing Spears' song between 6:00am and 10:00pm "would violate the broadcast indecency law."

The organisation's president Tim Winter said that he believes saying the title phrase quickly sounds a lot like spelling out the F-word, and the song's theme is inappropriate for young listeners.
"There is no misinterpreting the lyrics to this song, and it's certainly not about a girl named Amy," he told Billboard.

The group's objections have not prevented radio stations from airing the third single from Spears' recent album 'Circus'.

Several US top 40 stations are playing the song in heavy rotation, and it currently sits at Number 92 on Billboard's Pop 100 chart.

Digitally, 'Amy' has sold 107,000 copies in the United States.

The Rumble Strips Reveal New Album Collaborator

The Rumble Strips have revealed that the band had teamed up with Arcade Fire and The Last Shadow Puppets collaborator Owen Pallett on their forthcoming new album.

Pallett, aka Final Fantasy, worked with the band and producer Mark Ronson to add orchestral arrangements to the as-yet untitled album, which is now almost complete.

Pallet said he has high hopes for the record, which he compares to The La's' eponymous 1990 debut.

"The album is the most infectious record I've ever worked on," he enthused. "It reminds me a bit of The La's."

Pallet added that sessions for the album had been "easy".

Meanwhile, The Rumble Strips will play 21-date UK tour, that will be:
Birmingham The Rainbow (March 9)
Manchester The Roadhouse (10)
Leeds Cockpit (11)
York Fibbers (13)
Glasgow King Tuts (14)
Dundee The Doghouse (15)
Newcastle The Cluny (16)
Sheffield The Plug (18)
Leicester The Charlotte (19)
Cambridge Junction 2 (20)
Norwich Arts Centre (22)
Southampton Joiners (23)
Brighton Komedia (24)
London Dingwalls (25)
Derby Rockhouse (27)
Luton Charlie Browns (28)
Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach (April 1)
Exeter The Cavern (2)
Chatham Tap 'N' Tin (4)
Gloucester Guildhall (5)
Bristol Thekla (6)

Sonic Youth Reveal Upcoming Album on Twitter

Sonic Youth have reached the mixing stage of their forthcoming album, tentatively titled 'The Eternal' - revealing it on their Twitter account.

The band have also revealed the names of songs destined for the album.

The indie veterans are mixing the album with producer John Agnello (Patti Smith, Aerosmith, Dinosaur Jr.).
Current song titles emerge on Twitter.com/thesonicyouth that working titles for songs include 'Calming The Snake', 'Sacred Trickster', 'Massage The History', 'That's What We Know' and "something about a Malibu gas station".

Former Pavement guitarist Mark Ibold plays guitar on 'That's What We Know'.

Sonic Youth plan to release the new album, the follow-up to 2006's 'Rather Ripped', in June.

The band have been using the micro-blogging service since January 17 to record their progress.

Myles Kennedy Hopeful 'Grateful' for Led Zeppelin Audition

US singer Myles Kennedy, who supposed to replace Robert Plant in Led Zeppelin, has said he is "grateful" for the chance to impress - despite not getting the gig in the end.

Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham had auditioned singers for a potential tour after Plant said he wouldn't be involved with the permanent reunion.

However, Page's manager Peter Mensch said a suitable singer was not found and the band would not continue in any form.
"I am not singing in Led Zeppelin or any offshoot of Led Zeppelin," Kennedy, who sings in Alter Bridge, told Blabbermouth.net.

"But I did have a great opportunity and it was something that I'm very grateful for."

He added: "Alter Bridge will go on, and that's that. [The audition was] surreal. It was great. I'll tell that story some day."

"But for now, it was a good experience, and I'm still pinching myself, let's put it that way."

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Reveal New Album Title

Yeah Yeah Yeahs have revealed their new album, which the band say is due out in the spring.

A cartoon post on the band's website reveals that the follow up to 2006's 'Show Your Bones' will be called 'It's Blitz'.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs revealed the title with a hand-made collage of some baby chicks asking the question "What's the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs record called?" while a raccoon answers "'It's Blitz'!"

Carnegie Hall Slashes Schedule and Budget

Legendary New York venue Carnegie Hall has announced it will be scaling back its schedule for the 2009/2010 season, due to the economic recession.

The Hall’s calendar bookings have been reduced by 10 percent, and a hiring freeze has been placed on the venue. In addition, the budget has been reduced by $4 million.

According to The Associated Press, the budget for next season will be even lower then the reduced budget for the current one. Usually 200 concerts take place per season, but this year only 180 are due to be staged.

The report also says that donations from individuals to Carnegie Hall were down 17 or 18 percent, but that corporate donations were comparable to previous years.

Akon Claims He Doesn't Know His True Age

Even though Akon has a birth certificate, he says his age is still a mystery — and he'd rather keep it that way.

"All it's going to do is depress me," he told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I don't want to know I'm getting older. Then I'll start to think about getting checkups and insurance. I don't want that."

Numerous reports have put his age between 25 to 35 years old. In 2006, he gave his age as 25. But now, he claims his birth certificate shows he was born on April 16, 1977, which would make him 31.
Some have accused Akon of trying to push back his age. But the singer, who was born in the United States but spent his early life in Senegal, where his family is from, says he never knew it.

"In Africa ... age is not important over there. They don't care. People only focus on it here (America) and in Europe."

Akon says when people ask, he just gives him a figure that comes to mind.

"I feel like I'm 21 right now," he says. "And I'll be 21 for the next 10 years."

Akon went multiplatinum with his 2006 CD 'Konvicted', which included hits such as 'Smack That' with Eminem and 'Don't Matter'. His most recent album, 'Freedom', was released in December.

Metallica's Drummer Confirms Appearance in New Guns N' Roses Video

Lars Ulrich has confirmed that he granted permission for a clip of himself to be used in Guns N’ Roses new music video.

Metallica drummer was blamed last month for delaying the release of the video for 'Better' - the second single to be taken from Guns N’ Roses 'Chinese Democracy'.

However, in an interview with Rolling Stone, the drummer denied holding up production and said he had allowed one clip to be used in the video.
“When it got to me, I signed off on the one clip… I don’t know where [the rumor] came from. I’d love to be in a Guns n’ Roses video. It’s my favourite song on the record — I think it’s a great song,” he said.

He added: “I can’t wait for the video to come out. There’s a shot of me and Axl embracing backstage at some concert, and I signed off that, and hopefully it’ll make it in the final cut.”

Although Ulrich has permitted his inclusion, the video for 'Better' has still yet to emerge. It had been set for release over Christmas.

Guns N’ Roses and Metallica staged an infamous stadium tour together in 1992.

Coldplay and Take That to Play at 2009 BRIT Awards

Coldplay and Take That have been added to the list of performers at the 2009 BRIT Awards, joining the likes of U2 and Kings Of Leon who will also play on the night.

Both bands have been nominated in the British Group category, one of four that Coldplay are up for at the event.

Duffy, Girls Aloud and Pet Shop Boys will also perform live at the ceremony, which will take place at Earl’s Court in London on February 18. It will be hosted by Kylie Minogue, James Corden and Mathew Horne.

Beyonce Ditches Four-Block Walk in High Heels

Beyonce reportedly exhibited some diva-like behaviour in Washington D.C. yesterday (January 19), refusing to walk just four blocks in high heels.

The singer was with husband Jay-Z as they finished rehearsals for the his inauguration eve concert at the Warner Theater.

According to the New York Daily News, Beyonce wouldn’t walk in high heels, forcing an intervention by the Secret Service, who gave the okay for the pair’s driver to gain access to the closed-off street so they could return to their hotel.

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The news story says that the temperatures were so cold in the city that Jay-Z was forced to ditch a plan to leave his hand prints in a block of cement intended to be placed outside the theatre, as the cement froze.

The concert last night saw performances from Young Jeezy and Mary J. Blige. Beyonce guested with Jay-Z on her hit 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)'.

German Distributor Stops Selling Bob Dylan's Album

A German distributor can no longer sell two early albums by U.S. singer-songwriter Bob Dylan as the rights are owned by Japan's Sony, the European Union's top court ruled today (January 20).

Falcon Neue Medien distributes the two albums, 'Blowin' in the Wind' and 'Gates of Eden', featuring famous tracks such as 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' and 'Highway 61 Revisited'.

Sony, which acquired the rights to the albums, argued Falcon should be stopped from selling them in Germany.
But Falcon said Germany and the United States signed a music copyright convention that took effect only from the start of 1966, after the two albums were originally released.

Sony dismissed this, saying because of a rule in another EU state, Britain, that protects albums released before 1966, this protection is extended across the bloc under EU copyright rules.

The European Court of Justice said protection provided by EU copyright rules "is also applicable... where the subject matter at issue has not at any time been protected in the member state in which the protection is sought."

New Arctic Monkeys Album, 78 Per Cent is Done

Arctic Monkeys have revealed that they have nearly completed their forthcoming third album.

Frontman Alex Turner said the record, which is the follow-up to 2007's 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', would be ready by the summer.

“[It's] 78 per cent is done, I have been working in fractions actually – two thirds. [I'm] thrilled with it,” he told Australia's Triple J network.
The band have been showcasing new material during a mini-Australian tour, which included a performance at the Big Day Out festival.

Turner, who spent 2008 working with side-project The Last Shadow Puppets, said the group weren't concerned about airing new songs so far ahead of the album's release.

“Otherwise it seems like you are going backwards, almost, if you didn’t at least do something new,” he said.

As previously reported, Arctic Monkeys were recently announced as headliners for the forthcoming Oya festival, set to take place in Norway in August.

The Courteeners Announce First US Headline Tour

The Courteeners have revealed details of their first US headline show.

Liam Fray and co. will play New York's Mercury Lounge - the venue made famous by The Strokes - on March 17.

The one-off date comes two days before The Courteeners head out on an 18-date tour across the US supporting Morrissey.

Speaking about the gigs, Fray said "I'm unhealthily excited for the tour. We really feel like we're at the top of our game at the minute. We feel like this is perfect timing. The stars are aligned."

The Courteeners will play:
New York Mercury Lounge (Headline) (March 17)
Supporting Morrissey
Buffalo University Of Buffalo (19)
New York Bowery Ballroom (21)
Philadelphia Academy Of Music (22)
New York Webster Hall (25)
New York Carnegie Hall (26)
Boston House Of Blues (29)
Ann Arbor Michigan Theatre (31)
Columbus Palace Theatre (April 1)
Milwaukee Eagles Ballroom (3)
Chicago Aragon Ballroom (4)
Minneapolis State Theater (6)
Kansas City Midland Theater (7)
Saint Louis Pageant (8)
Dallas Palladium Ballroom (10)
Houston Jones Hall (11)
Austin Bass Concert Hall (12)
El Paso Abraham Chavez Theater (14)
Albuquerque Sunshine Theater (15)

Watch! Morrissey's New Video Leaks Online

The video to Morrissey's comeback single 'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris' has been made available to watch online.

The song is released on February 9. In the video, Morrissey is seen miming to the track while wearing eyeliner, surrounded by bulldog puppies and his band.

In other Morrissey news, the singer has announced he will play an intimate gig to competition winners at the BBC Radio Theatre in London on February 11. The gig is set to be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

Peter Bjorn And John Reveal New Album Track Listing

Peter, Bjorn And John have revealed details of their highly anticipated forthcoming album.

The follow-up to 2007's 'Writers Block' is called 'Living Thing' and is due out on March 31 worldwide.

The album features 12 tracks including 'The Feeling', 'It Don't Move Me' and 'Nothing To Worry About', which Kanye West leaked on his blog.

The album was produced by the band and Lars Marten, and was recorded in Stockholm, New York and Los Angeles.
The album tracklisting is:

'The Feeling'
'It Don't Move Me'
'Just The Past'
'Nothing To Worry About'
'I'm Losing My Mind'
'Living Thing'
'I Want You!'
'Lay It Down'
'Stay This Way'
'Blue Period Picasso'
'4 Out Of 5'
'Last Night'

Former The Cardinals Ryan Adams Leaves The Band

Ryan Adams has confirmed he is leaving The Cardinals, the band he formed and has fronted since 2004.

Writing in a lengthy blog on Cardinology.com, Adams said that he will quit the band at the end of their current tour, which ends in Atlanta on March 20.

"Atlanta will be my last venture with the band," he wrote. "I am grateful for the time we have had and maybe someday we will have more stories to tell together. I am, however, ready for quieter times."

Adams hinted that he would be taking a step back from music altogether, saying that he has "a whole lot of living and learning to do" instead.
"Maybe we will play again sometime and maybe I will work my way back into some kind of music situation but this is the time for me to step back now," he wrote.

In their early days, The Cardinals also featured JP Bowerstock - the so-called 'guru' who taught The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr to play the guitar.

The Cardinals officially released three albums together, although they also often played on Ryan Adams solo material, as well as 'Songbird', the 2006 album by by Willie Nelson, for which Adams was producer.

The band were handpicked by Noel Gallagher to support Oasis on their recent North American tour.

Writing on his blog, Adams dismissed the touring lifestyle as "soul destroying".

He wrote: "This is not much of a life; not glamorous like those ridiculous videos a long time ago television played. And no, it is not monetarily as rewarding as people would like you to believe. And yes, it is soul destroying. Especially when you spend your life trying to write about the really difficult stuff and you stand there losing your way and people yell at you like you were in a circus. When it was your dream to matter and you realise one day, it never mattered - I mean, I am a punchline and a footnote."

Adams is now set to release a book, called 'Infinity Blues', on April 1.

He has called the publication "the jewel of my life's work".

Blur's Graham Coxon: 'Pete Doherty is funny, warm and charming'

Blur's Graham Coxon has spoken about why he chose to hook up with the Babyshambles man and how he got frustrated with him.

The guitarist, who plays guitar on Pete Doherty's forthcoming solo album, said that the promise he heard in the initial demos for the album convinced him to sign up. He also spoke about Doherty's personal life, calling him a "funny, warm and charming".

Writing online at Forums.blur.co.uk, Coxon wrote, "I would not have entertained the idea of playing on his record if I had not heard such a lot of promise when listening to the demos."
Writing about his relationship with Doherty, he wrote, "I actually like Pete as a person a lot. He is very funny, warm and charming. He has rough press and not surprisingly so.

"He is also very impressionable, quite vulnerable, rather too trusting and needlessly gets himself into some difficulties – basically and unfortunately for him, he is a scumbag magnet.

"I really do think it's easy to think Pete is a waster. I also have been more than a little angry with him at times for pissing his talent up the wall on too many occasions.

"But I think when he sees through the murk at what opportunities are there for him he can really come up with the goods... Well, I think he did with these songs anyway.

"Some songs here touched me quite deep to be honest. And lyrically I think he's bang on with this record."

Jennifer Hudson to Perform at The Super Bowl

Jennifer Hudson is using sports' grandest stage — the Super Bowl — to make her return to the spotlight.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed Wednesday that Hudson will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Tampa, FL, on February 1. E! News first reported that Hudson would perform.

Hudson hasn't made a public appearance since her mother, Darnell Hudson Donerson; brother Jason Hudson; and nephew Julian King were slain in Chicago in October. Her estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings.
Hudson, who had released her self-titled debut album, is also scheduled to sing at the Grammys' MusiCares event in Los Angeles a few days later. She is nominated for four awards at the February 8 Grammy Awards.

The 27-year-old Hudson already has an Oscar to her credit, a best supporting actress win for her role in 'Dreamgirls'.

The former 'American Idol' contestant's career was continuing its skyrocketing rise, with featured roles in movies like 'Sex and the City' and 'The Secret Life of Bees', as well as her album release, when the slayings occurred.

The Super Bowl is one of the most viewed spectacles on television. Bruce Springsteen is scheduled to sing during halftime of the pro football championship game.