New Michael Jackson Song Set For Release

"This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows -- that Michael is one of God's greatest gifts," said John McClain, who co-produced the album and is also a co-executor of Jackson's estate.
- more including details about a new album

Eminem Vs iTunes

Yahoo reports: Apple Inc and Eminem have failed to settle a lawsuit over whether the rapper's songs can be downloaded on the iTunes music service, paving the way for a federal trial to begin on Thursday.

Eight Mile Style LLC, Eminem's music publisher, had accused iPod maker Apple in a 2007 lawsuit of having used 93 songs in a downloadable format on iTunes without permission.

It also sued Aftermath Records, saying it had no right to approve digital downloads, despite having control of Eminem recordings under agreements entered into in 1998 and 2003.
- more on this story

Britney Releases New Song and Announces New Collection

Jive reports: In celebration of the 10th anniversary of her debut on the music scene, Jive Records is releasing Britney Spears The Singles Collection on November 24. To launch the special package a brand new single entitled "3," which Britney recently recorded with hitmaker Max Martin, will go to radio Tuesday, September 29.

There will be two configurations of The Singles Collection; an ultimate fan box set and a standard version. The standard version of The Singles Collection will contain 17 of her chart topping favorites along with the new song "3," all on one CD.

The ultimate fan box set version of The Singles Collection will contain all 29 of her singles, including the new song "3." Each disc will be packaged in its own slip sleeve case with original artwork, and will include an additional b-side or a remix of the track. The collection will include a DVD featuring all of Britney's videos in chronological order. The ultimate fan box set will also include a special booklet featuring iconic images and fun facts about each track. - more on this story

Eric Hutchinson Falls for Kelly Clarkson on the Road

PR reports: Eric Hutchinson has been invited to open for Kelly Clarkson on her upcoming fall tour. The Warner Bros. Records recording artist, who played a series of summer shows with Clarkson, will support Ms. Clarkson on 30+ dates (see below for itinerary).

"Ok, It's Alright With Me," the second single from Hutchinson's full-length debut, Sounds Like This, is currently charting at Hot AC radio and was a Top 5 hit at the Triple A Radio format. In October, Screen Vision will include a two-minute segment of the video for "Ok, It's Alright With Me" in its content packages, which run before the movie previews in Screen Vision's 6,660 U.S. theaters. Meanwhile, his latest single, "Oh!," had an explosive first week at Triple A radio, where it was Most Added.

Hutchinson was the only new artist to score a No. 1 single at the Triple A format in 2008. "Rock & Roll," his first single, topped the Triple A radio chart last December and subsequently hit No. 1 at Pop Radio in Australia, New Zealand and Norway, too. Sounds Like This bowed at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart in September 2007 and re-entered the same chart's Top 10 earlier this month. Originally self-released, Sounds Like This is the highest-charting album ever by an unsigned act on iTunes. - dates

Pete Yorn Announces Second Leg

PR reports: With two albums released, headlining dates and a tour supporting Coldplay - 2009 has been the busiest year of Pete Yorn's career. He hits the road this fall for a second leg of headlining dates kicking off Oct. 19 in Lawrence, KS.

Of a recent LA performance the LA Times said Pete has an "undeniable knack for catchy pop-rock tunes" and The Oregonian described Pete's songwriting as "brilliant" and his show as "richly-layered [and] well-rounded." The Chicago Citizen hailed the arrangements, "expertly weaved together, rich [and] subtly complex." The Palm Beach Post said "Pete spun gorgeously moody tunes" while in New York The Aquarian Weekly observed "the new cuts went over famously with the crowd, who swayed and danced with relish to songs."

**For a limited time we are offering exclusive bonus material with every purchase of B & F, these never before released demo tracks can be yours with the purchase of Back & Fourth directly from Pete's site - more on this story

Abby Parks Goes Soph

PR reports: Alabama folk singer/songwriter Abby Parks is poised to release her sophomore CD "The Homeplace" on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009. The prolific songstress presents the masses with her 11-song set with a CD release event to follow in Gadsden, AL at Moon Song Music on October 17th.

Parks had this to say about "The Homeplace": "Recording this second album "The Homeplace" was one of the biggest accomplishments of my career. I never thought I'd be working with someone as talented and knowledgeable as Doug Smith, and the production on this album is beyond what I would have hoped for. I tried to have a portion of my songs blend thematically, that theme being to tell tales of various individuals' lives in the rural South or small towns in general. Three of the songs - The Homeplace, Wild Dogs, and Lambert Road - were stories pulled from my own family history and especially dear to my heart. Other tracks such as Your Chantilly, The Only One Who Knows, and Kicking Dust Off Our Feet also fit the theme. Caves is an odd story, a cavewoman with agoraphobia, basically. I like to fancy that she was a southern cavewoman, but will leave that up for debate. As a singer/songwriter, you want your work to stand out and be a reflection of your own individuality. I am happy with this project because I feel I accomplished that goal, and I look forward to seeing if it stands up against the vast competition in the indie world."

There is a plethora of technical musical training in Alabama singer/songwriter Abby Parks' background. Years of formal education in everything from classical guitar and piano to composition and creative writing would seem to make an impressive resume for anyone wanting to delve into a music career. Impressive as it can be, true artisans of the musical craft always need that extra edge, and with Parks, that edge is a deep devotion to God, a burning desire to tell stories, and a fierce passion for music and performing that has fueled her fire long before she ever stepped into a classroom. - more on this story

Haggard Alabama Jam

PR reports: Last night, country music legend and world renowned musician Merle Haggard, welcomed Alabama lead guitarist Jeff Cook to join he and his band on the Ryman Auditorium stage.

Cook jammed with Haggard and The Strangers for a rockin' hour and a half set that drew out some of country music's biggest names including Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Bobby Bare, Kellie Pickler and Joe Nichols.

"Joining 'The Hag' and his band onstage at the 'Mother Church of Country Music' was a real honor," notes Cook. "I haven't 'picked' like that since Alabama left the road!" -

The Mary Onettes Puzzles

PR reports: The Mary Onettes will release 'Puzzles', taken from their sophomore album 'Islands', released November 3rd on Sweden's Labrador Records, home to The Legends, The Radio Dept. and Little Big Adventure to name a few.

The Mary Onettes' critically acclaimed debut was described as the perfect mix between A-ha and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Now they are back with a grandiose new album. Imagine a Swedish equivalent of The National on a diet of speed, Planet Earth DVDs, and 80's guitar pop singles and you'll have a vague idea of how amazing this is.

The year 2008 was characterized by the deaths of close relatives and friends of Philip Ekström (singer and songwriter of the band) and on 'Islands' he's put more focus on the lyrics. 'The Disappearance of My Youth' and 'Cry For Love' were written in his girlfriend's mother's estate and most of the songs on the album are highly marked by his time in Stockholm after her death. - more on this story

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