Wednesday

Mike Patton Goes Hollywood

Patton's shape-shifting vocals will be heard in movie theaters across the country this month as he lends his voice to the dreaded creatures in "I Am Legend," the post-apocalyptic film set for release on Dec. 14. Next up is Patton's debut as a film composer with the film noir short, "A Perfect Place." 

The 20-plus minute film also marks the directorial debut of Derrick Scocchera, one of the founders of Fantoma Films, best known for their catalog of rare, cult films reissued on DVD. The score creatively reflects the style and tone of the film, which focuses on a pair of bumbling friends trying to dispose of a body. The film, shot in anamorphic black and white, will be packaged as a double-disc with the score and distributed together via Ipecac Recordings in March of 2008.- more on this story

The Breeders Announce New CD

The band, who make their live comeback tonight (December 4) in Chicago, have been working with Steve Albini on the record. 

Deal told VenusZine: "The new Breeders record is scheduled to be released in April 2008. There are 13 songs. 

"Mando Lopez is still on bass,Jose Medeles on drums, Kelley Deal, my evil twin, on guitar and vocals, and I'm playing guitar and vocals.
- Kim has more to say

Wentz Lipsync Lawsuit was PR Stunt or a Joke?

Anyone silly enough to believe I was serious about the comment I made at my [Neurosonic] NYC Knitting Factory performance has no sense of humor. Before we played our song, 'So Many People' I joked that Pete Wentz had taken out a cease and desist for the song because my lyrics are all about Ashlee Simpson's 'Saturday Night Live' debacle as well as celebrity culture. 

The song is not new... I wrote it 3 years ago... I wrote the music and had the initial lyrics right after the 'Saturday Night Live' debacle in October 2004, and completed the song right after Ashlee was given the Billboard award [December 2004]. 'So Many People' is on our album 'Drama Queen', which was released by our label Bodog Music in January 2007.
- more on this story

Bauhaus Retiring Again

So, after releasing their new album Going Away White in March (08), the group will part for good. Drummer Kevin Haskins tells Billboard.com, "We were getting along really well, but there was an incident that occurred (and) some of us just felt that we didn't want to carry on as a working unit."

Haskins, who refused to elaborate on the incident, admits he knew the reunion would be strained - more on this story

Moz Speaks Out

Here is some of what he had to say in his statement (a link to the full text follows): On Friday of last week I issued writs against the NME (New Musical Express) and its editor Conor McNicholas as I believe they have deliberately tried to characterise me as a racist in a recent interview I gave them in order to boost their dwindling circulation. I abhor racism and oppression or cruelty of any kind and will not let this pass without being absolutely clear and emphatic with regard to what my position is. Racism is beyond common sense and I believe it has no place in our society.

To anyone who has shown or felt any interest in my music in recent times, you know my feelings on the subject and I am writing this to apologize unreservedly for granting an interview to the NME. I had no reason whatsoever to assume that they could be anything other than devious, truculent and unreliable. In the event, they have proven to be all three.- more on this story

more stories including: Zeppelin Discuss Continuing Reunion- Moz Speaks Out- Bauhaus Retiring Again- Rapper Shot- Meliah Rage Lose Singer- Springsteen- Gnarls Barkley- The Breeders- 08 Take Action Tour- Band Mistaken For Touring- Darkest Hour- Super Furry Animals- Mike Patton Goes Hollywood- Valient Thorr- QOTSA - HIM- more

Thursday

Ministry Extend C U LaTouR

HER reports: Ministry, who will tour the world one final time, announce that four more dates have been added to the North American leg of their "C U LaTouR." C U LaTouR will now kick off on March 26 in Calgary, Alberta, and then play Vancouver - which is just about sold out - on March 28 as previously announced. Also added to the C U LaTouR itinerary are concerts in Albuquerque, Ft. Lauderdale, and, with tickets for the May 8 concert in Chicago already sold out, a second Chicago show has been confirmed for May 9.

The limited engagement 34-date "C U LaTouR" comes on the heels of Ministry's final studio release, "The Last Sucker," which was released on September 18. The North American leg will run through mid-May and will feature Special Guests Meshuggah and open act Hemlock. Ministry then heads off to play the principal European festivals as well as choice club dates beginning late May stretching through to July - those dates will be announced shortly. 

To coincide with "C U LaTouR," Jourgensen's indie imprint is scheduled to release Ministry & Co-Conspirators "Cover Up," a 12-track covers release featuring artists from the 13th Planet Records family, as well as other special guests. "Cover Up" is scheduled for a late March/early April 2008 release. - Find out who is the band and see when they'll be playing in Dubya's backyard as well as the other dates. 

Pantera Frontman Spawns Punk Band

With the current roster of supposed "extreme" or "underground" bands repetitively dishing out modern metal regurgitation, something had to give; enter Arson Anthem. Basking in the telepathic glow of filthy, vicious 80's-era punk and hardcore, and yearning for a spark, this improper outfit has finally ignited said spark. Fueled by stale vodka and non-filters, they've finally wrecked into a bare-bones, distorted, bastard vacuum.

After losing everything in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mike Williams moved into Philip's spare apartment. The two spent countless hours listening to Philip's collection of early hardcore bands; the timing was perfect to remedy this cabin fever.
- more on this story

Great White Fire Benefit

Rock fans were killed as fire engulfed a small club in Rhode Island after an ill-advised pyrotechnics display went awry. The subsequent years have seen ongoing legal battles between those left injured by the disaster and the families of the deceased and those deemed responsible for the blaze. 

The benefit show will take place at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence on 25 February (08) - five days after the fifth anniversary of the tragedy.- contactmusic.com/

Radiohead End Free Download

According to the band's blog, Dead Air Space, the "pay-what-you-want" download option for In Rainbows will be put to rest on December 10. 

The band also announced that the In Rainbows discboxes have stopped production and will only be available online through the band's w.a.s.t.e store.- Thom giveth and Thom taketh away. But there is some good news here

QOTSA Vs Interscope

In the interview, Josh pulled no punches: F**k the labels man, they suck. The last thing they're stripping down is their own expense accounts and sh*t. I mean, Jimmy Iovine of Interscope records takes a private jet or rides first class to tell a band they don't get tour support. You know what I mean? F**k that s***, I'm tired of it. [Our] American label's f**king us like crazy, so f**k them. 

Why should I not say anything, what am I afraid of? I'm not afraid of them. One of the things most notable about us is how we work. You could not like the music, you can do anything you want, but we work and there's no changing that fact. And all I want to do is what we agreed upon.
- Another example of why rap labels and rock artists do not mix. On the other hand, the label's rock publicist seems to really be behind the new CD. Imagine how mad Josh would be if they had been stuck with one the inept people that work rap PR there! - read the full interview here

more stories including: 12/06: Remy Ma Gang Trial- QOTSA Vs Interscope- Radiohead End Free Download- The Police Eat Crow- Linkin Park- Saosin Winter Tour- Bands Want A Piece of Ticket Scalping Profits- Marley Adds More Van Halen Support Dates- Spandau Ballet- Pink- Slash- Darfur Benefit - Onesidezero- Louis XIV- Earlimart- Hate Eternal- more

Friday

Jay-Z Dropped?

antiMusic reports: Apparently Jay-Z is too greedy for Universal to hang on to. This according to what an unnamed source told the New York Daily News. We'll see how reliable this source turns out to be. In the meantime, Contact Music has the report: Rap mogul JAY-Z will reportedly be ditched by his Def Jam record company - because bosses are sick of his excessive demands. The star - real name Shawn Carter - was reportedly keen to leave his post as president of Def Jam, a subsidiary of Universal, in favour of a new contract at Columbia, but new rumours suggest his current label may drop him first. 

Rumours of a label change have been rife in the music industry after Jay-Z was reported to be unhappy with Def Jam following the appointment of producer/performer Jermaine Dupri as the president of their urban music division in February this year (07). 

But now the rapper could have the decision made for him as his contract with Universal is due to expire at the end of this month (Dec07) and negotiations for a renewal have so far proved unsuccessful.- more on this story

Drowning Pool Hospitalized

George Clooney, Pierce Brosnan and Ralph Nader have also been afflicted with this illness. In most cases the disease is temporary and, with proper rest, resolves on its own. Consequently, doctors have ordered Benton off the road for a minimum of six weeks. 

As a result, the following remaining dates on Drowning Pool's This Is For The Soldiers Tour, which has been donating money to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the USO, have been cancelled.
- more on this story

Stapp Won't Face Domestic Assault Charges

The rocker is due in court on 5 February (08) in relation to a May (07) incident, in which he is alleged to have thrown a bottle of carbonated drink, Orangina, at his wife's head, narrowly missing the former beauty queen. In her emergency call to Florida police, Jaclyn claimed Stapp had been high on marijuana and other drugs when he returned home from a night of wild partying. 

The felony assault charge was later reduced to a misdemeanour after Stapp agreed to undergo drug and alcohol testing.
- more on this story

Grammy Nominations

Kanye West tops the nominations with eight, Amy Winehouse garners six, and the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and T-Pain each earn five nods. Akon, Dierks Bentley, Chris Daughtry, Feist, Tim McGraw, John Newton, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen receive four each. 

Artists reading nominations this morning included Akon, Chester Bennington (of Linkin Park), Fergie, Vince Gill, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Jam, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), George Lopez, Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park) and Taylor Swift. The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 10, 2008, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
- more on this story

Rap Outlawed in Iran

"There is nothing wrong with this type of music in itself," the official for evaluation of music at the Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry, Mohammad Dashtgoli, was quoted as saying.

"But due to the use of obscene words by its singers this music has been categorised as illegal," he said. "In coordination with the police, illegal studios producing this type of music will be sealed and the singers in this genre will be confronted," he said.- more on this story

more stories including:Jay-Z Dropped?- Motley Sued- Drowning Pool Hospitalized- Rap Outlawed in Iran- Bon Scott Statue Bash- Radio 1 DJ Jailed- Kid Rock- 08 Warped Bands- Abba The Museum- Kings Of Leon- Bonnaroo 08- KISS Sues- Y&T- Bullet For Radio- Morrissey Coma Support- Rise To Addiction- Keith Urban- Bravery- more

Top Reviews

....Lonn Friend: And the Desert Did Rock(Van Halen)

And there we sit, two fans, side by side, third row, close enough to see it all, even without the amazing stage length mega screen. And it is all there for they are there. The quartet, slightly altered from the original, but in blood and name, an even purer Van Halen.- Read the full And the Desert Did Rock

....Fall Out Boy Live

As ferocious as these openers were, the evening belonged to one band…Fall Out Boy. As the drape dropped, it was as if 13,000 simultaneously raised their arms, hands, hearts and voices to the air. I could feel the chills go down my spine.- Read the full Fall Out Boy: Their Hearts Beat For The Diehards
 

....Beatles Interview

Read Gisele's extensive interview with Jonathan Gould author of the new book ' Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain and America' noted as one of the most authoritative Beatles biographies to date. If you read one interview this year, this is the one to read!- Read the full Beatles Interview

....Control Denied - The Fragile Art of Existence

The musical evolution throughout Chuck Schuldiner's career is simply astonishing to witness, but the ideas and concepts made in the second stage of Death carried on with Chuck when he formed Control Denied.- Read the full Control Denied - The Fragile Art of Existence review
 

....Electric Six - I Shall Exterminate...

With the release of their fourth album I Shall Exterminate Everything That Restricts Me From Being The Master, the Electric Six have proven yet again that rockers can cut the rug too. The Electric Six have easily become Pearl Jam to the Killers being Creed (4 stars) - Read the full Electric Six - I Shall Exterminate Everything That Restricts Me From Being The Master review

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