Ours Week: Day 4 "God Only Wants You"

Here is Jimmy with today's song: GOD ONLY WANTS YOU is a song that I wrote and recorded during our Precious record cycle. I honestly don't remember writing it. I just remember it being there one day. We did some overdubs, and remixed it for this record, but preserved the bulk of it in its original 8 track 1/2 inch form. - The album is in stores this week, but you can listen to this song right here

Akon or A Poser Con?

antiMusic reports: Does Akon really stand for a con job instead of a convict? The Smoking Gun seems to think so. The site claims that the rapper may have stretched the truth a tiny bit when braggin on his gansta like past.

The Smoking Gun reports: Akon's ad nauseum claims about his criminal career and resulting prison time have been, to an overwhelming extent, exaggerated, embellished, or wholly fabricated, an investigation by The Smoking Gun has revealed. Police, court, and corrections records reveal that the entertainer has created a fictionalized backstory that serves as the narrative anchor for his recorded tales of isolation, violence, woe, and regret. Akon has overdubbed his biography with the kind of grit and menace that he apparently believes music consumers desire from their hip-hop stars.

While the performer's rap sheet does include a half-dozen arrests, Akon has only been convicted of one felony, for gun possession. That 1998 New Jersey case ended with a guilty plea, for which the singer was sentenced to three years probation. Another 1998 bust, this one in suburban Atlanta, has been seized upon by Akon and transformed into the big case that purportedly sent him to prison (thanks to his snitching cohorts) for three fight-filled years. In reality, Akon was arrested for possession of a single stolen BMW and held in the DeKalb County jail for several months before prosecutors dropped all charges against him. - more on this story

System of a Wu-Tang Supa Group

HER reports: System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, Wu-Tang Clan founder The RZA, Kinetic 9 (aka Beretta 9 from Killarmy), and up-and-comer, the Reverend William Burke from Chicago, have formed a musical alliance, Achozen, and have just finished recording their self-titled debut album which is expected out this summer. Plans are to release the album on Shavo's own online digital label urSESSION, with plans to tour this summer in support of the album's release.

Achozen's mantra is "Many shall come, only a few shall be Achozen," and the four principal members feel that their unique sound is not only spiritual in nature, but a new genre of "heavy hip hop," not "rap-metal." There are no heavy guitars on the album, but the sound is genre-blending.

Most of the "Achozen" album was recorded at one of Shavo's two studios and produced by the Grammy-winning musician. The bulk the beats were created by Shavo (only one or two samples were used on the entire record) who also played live instruments throughout, including bass and sitar. The RZA, who contributed his share of beats, Kinetic 9 and the Reverend William Burke handle all of the vocals and lyrics, which are, according to Shavo, "some of the most innovative, poetic and righteous words and vocals that I've ever heard." - more on this story

Slash Slams Weiland

Blabbermouth reports: UK's Kerrang! magazine has published an exclusive interview with VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash about the group's decision to part ways with singer Scott Weiland and its future plans. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

On how they felt when Scott informed a sold-out Glasgow SECC in March that they were "watching something special — the last tour by VELVET REVOLVER": Slash: "He [Scott] didn't know that we were already planning on extraditing him. When we started touring the second record, it just felt like we were losing Scott as far as our connection went. During the tour with ALICE IN CHAINS [in August 2007], he was just out to lunch. When he came back, he was supposed to go to rehab, so we postponed our Austrailian tour but he didn't really go to rehab. That was the final blow. We had a lot of commitments, like the tour in the UK, which we didn't want to go back on, so we wanted to finish those before telling him."

On the relationship between Weiland and the rest of VELVET REVOLVER on their last tour together: Slash: "We basically didn't speak a word that whole time. We gave him the cold shoulder in the UK like nobody's business. There were a couple of arguments around the stage, but other than that, nobody spoke to him. I imagine he was quite uncomfortable. No wonder he didn't have a good time. Then he told everyone in Glasgow that the whole band was over. We were like, 'Oh, well, I guess we've got a surprise coming for you, Scott.' - He ain't done yet!

So Is Ashlee Knocked Up or What?

Hecklerspray reports: If you thought the rumours about Ashlee Simpson's pregnancy were put to bed when her fiance Pete Wentz called them 'crazy' earlier in the week are true, then think again. It's been reported that Ashlee Simpson really is pregnant all along and that Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson want to get married as soon as possible before she gets all swollen and crap.

But why did Pete Wentz say Ashlee Simpson wasn't pregnant when she really was? Was he telling the truth, making up a barefaced lie or is he just a bit stupid? Pete Wentz more than denied it - he likened the speculation to a witch hunt, called it 'crazy' and said that he couldn't wait for the rumours about him being gay as well. Which is odd, because Pete's denial has only made the pregnancy speculation stronger, especially since Ashlee Simpson won't deny that it's true. People reports:

Ashlee Simpson is pregnant and plans to get married next month at a private residence in Southern California, a source close to her family tells PEOPLE… On Tuesday, Simpson sidestepped the rumors during an interview with MTV after taping TRL in New York, saying simply, "Some things you want to keep personal." And now the source tells PEOPLE that not only is Simpson pregnant, but that she's planning to have her wedding in May at a friend's house. - more on this story

It's Official Everybody Hates Moby

antiMusic reports: Moby confirmed in a new interview something we have long suspected. The world at large hates him. He discussed this hatin' with the good folks at Gigwise: Speaking exclusively to Gigwise, dance veteran Moby has expressed his bafflement at why so many people hate him.

The 42-year-old New Yorker said that the hatred is disconcerting because these are largely people he has never met. He also refuted claims that he is self-righteous through his outspoken views on politics, world climate and other such pressing issues.

Somewhat dejected, he said: "Some people seem to like me and some people seem to hate my guts, which is strange. I mean, it's a very strange phenomenon being hated by people you've never met. - more on this story

Swervedriver To Kick Off Reunion at Coachella

Filter reports: Newly reunited Swervedriver will kick off its reunion tour with a performance on the final day of this year's Coachella.

There's no better way to reintroduce your band to the masses than a hot performance in the desert.

With just two weeks away, it's a nice addition to the already jam-packed Sunday.Not going to Coachella? No worries more reunion dates can be found - here.

Monterey Music Summit Lineup

PR reports: Joe Fletcher Presents announced their second annual Monterey Music Summit being held May 30 - June 1, 2008 on over 1000 acres of oak tree covered hills at Laguna Seca Recreation Area in Monterey, CA.

Over 30 performances will take place on three stages throughout the weekend, offering attendees everything from regional favorites to international stars of pop, rock, surf punk, hip hop, folk and world beat.

Musical artists currently include: Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid, Coheed and Cambria, Sound Tribe Sector 9, Ozomatli, The Crystal Method, Tea Leaf Green, Melvin Seals and JGB, Moonalice, Fishbone, New Moonson, Diesleboy with MC Messinian, Albino!, Tibetan Monks and Mystical Arts of Tibet, Paula Cole, Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace, Shelby Lynn, Crash Hot, Hot Buttered Rum, West Indian Girl and others. - more on this story

Dylan Biopic Coming to DVD

PR reports: Unearthing the emotional underpinnings of the complex life and legacy of musician Bob Dylan - I'M NOT THERE comes alive on DVD on May 6th. Directed by Academy Award nominated Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven), I'M NOT THERE is a bold narrative that explores the personal and professional experiences of a true American icon.

I'M NOT THERE features an all-star cast with six actors each portraying a different aspect of Bob Dylan including Blanchett, Christian Bale (Rescue Dawn), Richard Gere (Chicago), the late Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain) as well as Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake) and Marcus Carl Franklin ("Law & Order"). It also features a stellar supporting cast including Julianne Moore (Children of Men) and Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain).

I'M NOT THERE not only uncovers an intimate biographical story unbeknownst to Dylan's fans and the general public, but it also sheds light on the creativity and uniqueness in his music, style, voice, and personality. The I'm Not There soundtrack mixes original Dylan recordings with existing covers, including new versions by a variety of musicians including Ritchie Havens, Iggy Pop, John Doe and Sonic Youth, among others - more on this story

Leona Lewis Makes History with No 1 Debut

RCA reports: British sensation Leona Lewis has continued her record-breaking success as she conquers the U.S., with her album SPIRIT (J Records/SyCo Music) entering the Billboard album chart at #1 today with 204,841 albums sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

This is the first time in music history that a British female artist debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and it's the first time ever that a British artist overall has debuted on the chart at #1 with a first album. It is also the biggest female artist first album debut since Carrie Underwood in 2005, and had the biggest digital album sales week ever for a new artist. Leona is scheduled to perform "Bleeding Love" on The Tyra Banks Show on April 17th and American Idol on April 23rd.

Lewis, a 23-year-old London native and winner of the hit TV show the X Factor, Simon Cowell's British talent show, has broken all-time sales records there with Spirit entering the album chart at Number One and becoming Britain's fastest-selling debut ever. Spirit has scanned more than a 2.65 million copies worldwide since its release in November. - Her YouTube page

Evel Dick To Rock Against Diabetes

Metal Underground reports: Metalunderground.com has been announced as a sponsor for the Rock Against Diabetes event, taking place in Las Vegas at the Deep Rock Drive venue on August 23rd, 2008.

The event will be hosted by L.A. music promoter/Club Manager and the infamous and notorious winner of Big Brother 8, "Evel" Dick Donato. The fundraising concert's line-up currently consists of Y&T, LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Cliff Morrison and The Lizard Sun Band, Eric Martin (of Mr. Big fame), and Bang Tango, with the possibility of more bands to be added.

Proceeds from the event and related auctions will go to raise awareness of diabetes, educate diabetics on mitigating the effects of the disease with proper nutrition, and to help fund a facility in Abbotsford, BC, where this technology will be put to the test by using the information provided to actually prepare and deliver the food to diabetics in the area that are new to the disease, or incapable to prepare or afford the necessary foods. - more on this story

Steve Winwood CD and Tour Update

PR reports: Columbia Records will release Steve Winwood's Nine Lives on April 29, 2008. The eagerly-awaited Nine Lives is Winwood's first full-length studio album since the artist released About Time on his own independent label, Wincraft, in 2003 and opens an important new chapter in Steve's extraordinary career.

Songs on Nine Lives include "I'm Not Drowning," "Fly," "Raging Sea," "Dirty City," "We're All Looking," "Hungry Man," "Secrets," "At Times We Do Forget," and "Other Shore." Additionally, fellow musical legend Eric Clapton lends guitar work to "Dirty City."

Winwood also recently announced that he will head out on a national tour with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers this summer for shows across the U.S. - more on this story

KISS Comes Alive Again With Shoes

antiMusic reports: It's a big day for KISS news. No they aren't releasing another best of comp with the same tracks but a different cover. They are however putting out some a series of Vans shoes starting in October, for those that have always wanted to walk on Gene. They are also planning to play their seminal live-in-the-studio album ALIVE in it's entirety during their upcoming tour.

KISSnews.de reports: Just few minutes ago Tommy talked to a national Rock radio in Italy about the forthcoming European leg of the ALIVE35 World tour. Tommy confirmed that Kiss will play all songs from ALIVE

Plus they will play obscure songs never played before and they can't wait to play in Verona where they are going to show all Kiss stuff from big pyros great lights and the biggest stage ever. After the European part of the ALIVE35 tour they will play US and Canada and they are planning to play in South America and maybe also Japan - more on this story

Metal God Books Record Store Day Appearance

Blabbermouth reports: On Saturday, April 19, JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford will participate in the first national Record Store Day, an event organized by store owners across the country to focus on what independent music stores offer customers — by appearing at Fingerprints in Long Beach, California from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.

Hundreds of independently-owned music, movie and video game stores across the country will celebrate Record Store Day in honor of the culture and unique place they occupy nationally and in their local communities.

Record Store Day is organized by MonitorThis.com, the Alliance of Independent Media Stores, the Coalition of Independent Music Stores, Newbury Comics, the Value Music Group of Indie Stores and thousands of independent artists from around the country. - more on this story

Alice and Nugent Jump Into The Circle

Metal Underground reports: The rock 'n' roll rebel Ted Nugent is the latest artist confirmed to perform at the spectacular Magic Circle Festival 2008 in Bad Arolsen, Germany. Ted Nugent joins an impressive lineup that includes heavy metal powerhouses Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, WASP, Doro, Brazen Abbot (featuring Joe Lynn Turner), HolyHell, Gotthard and many more, with the mighty MANOWAR headlining the whole festival and celebrating the 20th anniversary of "The Kings of Metal."

Two days of music was not enough to contain such an impressive lineup, so a third full day of music has been added to the Magic Circle Festival at no additional charge.

"Magic Circle Music is all about value for the fans, and three nights at the original price is the best way we could think of to add to that value," says Magic Circle Music founder and MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio. The Magic Circle festival will begin on Wednesday, July 9 with opening ceremonies, followed by three days of music on Thursday, July 10 with Alice Cooper appearing as very special guest, Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 - more on this story

Wait there is more!

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Subscribe to Day in Rock Report by Email

Add the Day in Rock to your site/blog/Myspace

Read Day In Rock Reports From Other Days

Submit news or a press release to the Day In Rock report