Rivers Cuomo Plans Memoir in 8 Volumns

Gigwise reports: Weezer front man Rivers Cuomo last year made known that he had 400 words written for his 'memoirs' but it seems the project is moving on apace.

Speaking to Gigwise yesterday (January 23) Cuomo revealed that the book will now take the format of a massive multi-volumn tome.

He said: "I've quite a lot of material collected now, I'm still working on most every day and I really enjoy it. "Right now I have eight volumes sketched out." - more on this story

Bjork Takes Big Day Off

Gigwise reports: Bjork has been forced to pull out of her appearance at the Big Day Out in Sydney tomorrow (January 25) after being struck down with swollen vocal chords.

Doctors have advised the Icelandic singer to rest her voice to avoid any further swelling or damage, meaning the Big Day Out show is out of the question.

Unfortunately due to the late notice of the cancellation, organisers say that they will not be able to find a replacement to fill her slot. - more on this story

Def Jam To Drop Nas Over 'Nigga' Title Controversy?

Gigwise reports: Nas is reportedly set to be dumped by his record label Def Jam because of the ongoing rift over the title of his upcoming album.

The rapper has caused a storm of controversy over recent months after he announced his impending album will titled 'Nigga', before changing it to 'Nigger.'

According to MediaTakeOut.com, Nas' decision not to budge on the title has caused massive friction between the two parties. "If Nas doesn't change his mind, he'll be dropped. And he doesn't have to much time to come to that realization." - more on this story

LA Call Suge A Gansta

Jam! reports: City officials asked a judge to ban members of the Mob Piru street gang from being able to congregate in a neighbourhood of Compton - and asked that the order include Marion (Suge) Knight.

The co-founder of Death Row Records was one of 200 people the officials said were members of Mob Piru. The injunction would ban them from congregating, carrying guns, drinking alcohol in public or staying out past 10 p.m.

"This is crazy," Knight told the Los Angeles Times in Thursday's editions. "I'm a 42-year-old businessman, not a gang member. I don't even live in Compton anymore." - more on this story

Imperial Robbed

Lambgoat reports: Orlando, Florida band Imperial had a computer stolen last weekend that stored material written for their forthcoming album. The group has released the following statement:

"So you all know that lately we've been writing and recording our new stuff. That's why we haven't been playing out as much. That's been keeping us busy.

Unfortunately, last weekend, someone broke in our guitarist's studio and stole a lot of stuff including the computer full of software and the hard drive with everything we had done til now.

This pretty much means that we have to start from scratch again - more on this story

Belay My Last Fall Off Dead To Fall Tour

Metal Underground reports: Belay My Last has dropped off their upcoming tour with Dead To Fall, Winds Of Plague, and Impending Doom.

The group attributes the cancellation to problems with drummer Ilai Lebel's broken arm, which is not healing "correctly."

Belay My Last will be replaced on the tour by With Dead Hands Rising.

- more metal news

Gorerotted Lose Member

BW&BK reports: UK grindcore act GOREROTTED have parted ways with drummer John Rushforth. The band commented: "It was a hard decision for us to make and it wasn't a personal issue at all. In the end it came down to time commitments and professionalism.

You will still be able to hear John's drumming skills through his other bands INFECTED DISARRAY, HADES LAB and DETRIMENTUM. We wish him the best of luck with all his bands and Grindethic Records.

The new drummer is to be Nate Gould of UK weirdoes SCREAMIN' DAEMON fame. - more on this story

Burn in Silence No More

Metal Underground reports: BURN IN SILENCE vocalist Chris Harrell has issued the following update: "It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing the end of Burn In Silence.

"This band has had the great opportunity to play shows all across the country with great bands and in front of great people. I want to thank every musician who helped to make Burn In Silence what it was no matter how long they were in the band. I will continue to keep our MySpace page updated as to let you guys know what is going on with the former members.

"Thank you all very much for your love and support over the past years, through the good and the bad you put a smile on my face every day knowing that we had people that cared about this band!

- more on this story

Shocking News! Winehouse Goes To Rehab

BBC reports: Singer Amy Winehouse has been admitted into rehab in a battle to kick her addiction to drugs.

A statement from her record company, Universal said she entered the facility "after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors".

A film of the singer apparently smoking a crack pipe emerged earlier this week. [Ok so this news is as about as surprising as Britney not showing up in court or Pete Doherty being arrested but for those that actually do give a damn, you can read more - here]

More Detail About The New Sevendust CD

PR reports: Sevendust are set to release their seventh studio album, Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, April 1st, 2008. Hope & Sorrow was produced by Sean Groove, Morgan Rose & John Connolly in Atlanta, GA at Tree Sounds Studios. The release will be their second on the band's wholly owned record label, 7Bros. Records under Warner Music Group.

For the first time since Animosity (2001), the band has collaborated with outside artists. As the record gets finalized over the next few weeks, identities of the guest appearances will surface - Sevendust felt bringing in some outside friends added a healthy dynamic for the project. Additionally, the band has signed on new management and feels like is a fresh new beginning for 2008! - more including tracklisting

Burton C. Bell Returns with a Vengeance

PR reports: Burton C. Bell (of Fear Factory fame) is a busy man! His brand new project, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, is readying its debut release, he is heading out on the road as a special guest with MINISTRY, he appears on the upcoming MINISTRY & Co-Conspirators album and he recently became a Dad for the second time. Any one of these things could overwhelm a lesser artist, but Bell forges ahead to fully realize his 'dreams.'

Bell recently told MTV.com "The musical vibe, artwork and title for the band's full-length debut stemmed from a dream (I) had in 2000. In it, (I) was traveling through vast expanses and came to a clearing where (I) saw a burning tree. The branches were silhouetted against the bright sky and (I) was struck with a sense of peace and awe…" This experience, according to one of the forefathers of psychology Carl Jung, is called a numinosum (a mystical or religious experience that occurs within oneself) and thus Bell named the album.

Numinosum was made with friends John Bechdel (Ministry, Killing Joke) and Edu Mussi (Still Life Decay) and it makes its debut on February 19th, 2008 on 13th Planet Records. The music flies in the face of Bell's previous work, instead of sounding like FEAR FACTORY's raging Industrial music. - more on this story

Misfits Records Ink Juicehead

PR reports: In an age of recycled pseudo-punk, Juicehead, the latest addition to the powerhouse punk rock label roster at Misfits Records, is the real deal. On their debut album, "The Devil Made Me Do It," the Chicago trio provides an aggressive yet melodic take on punk, complemented by thought-provoking lyrics. The title itself is a social commentary on how people in this day and age refuse to take responsibility.

Originally a DIY release, "The Devil Made Me Do It" is a shining example of punk rock ethic. Because money was tight, the group used whatever physical resources were available to them to record. The album's distinct vocal sound comes from a decidedly low-tech method of recording vocals in a bathroom and the original mix was done on a home computer, with the end result being a perfect representation of Juicehead's determination. The heart and soul of Juicehead was enough to catch the interest of Misfits Records. - more on this story

Louis XIV Tour

PR reports: Pineapple/Atlantic recording group Louis XIV has unveiled details of their upcoming North American headline tour. The dates celebrate the release of the San Diego-based rock 'n' roll band's eagerly awaited second album, "SLICK DOGS AND PONIES," which arrives online and in stores on January 29th.

The headline dates will kick off on March 4th at Tucson's Club Congress, and then continue through a March 19th show at Toronto's Mod Club. Atlantic labelmates Carolina Liar will be joining Louis XIV as the tour opener, giving audiences a preview of their own forthcoming debut album, expected out later this year. Details for the second leg of the headlining trek will be announced in early February. - more on this story

State Radio CD and Tour Update

PR reports: STATE RADIO will return to the road February 22 in support of the release of their new album YEAR OF THE CROW.

Marking a partnership between STATE RADIO's own Ruff Shod label and Nettwerk, YEAR OF THE CROW--the follow-up to their 2006 debut Us Against The Crown--is due out February 5.

The Boston-based trio will appear on NPR's popular "Day To Day" program for an interview and acoustic performance during the week of release. - more on this story

Famed NYC Club Crash Mansion Comes to LA

PR reports: Crash Mansion LA, Downtown's newest independent live music venue, located near the Nokia Theater and Staples Center, with picturesque views of the historic Downtown skyline, celebrates their official Grand Opening on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008. The celebration will be open to the public and feature special performances by NYC's indie-rockers The Bravery and The Switches. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are priced at $25.00 and available via Ticketmaster.com or through the Crash Mansion LA box office at 213-747-0999.

The Bowery Restaurant Group, successful owners of Crash Mansion NYC were pioneers of the revitalization of The Bowery district in lower Manhattan and bring that same spirit and energy to help revitalize Los Angeles' Downtown community. Their new 14,000 square-foot, 1200+ capacity venue, Crash Mansion LA, is the culmination of many years of searching and hope for a historic second location.

"We are excited to announce a concert calendar full of amazing acts ranging from hot new bands to established icons of all musical genres," states Crash Mansion LA's Talent Buyer, Roger LeBlanc. Future shows include such national acts as Boyz II Men on Feb. 1, The Bravery on Feb. 2, The Donnas on Feb. 6 and Umphrey's McGee on Feb. 13. - http://www.myspace.com/crashmansionlosangeles

Edenbridge Release Comp

PR reports: Edenbridge's "The Chronicles of Eden," a two-CD best of and rarities set, has been released in North American through Locomotive Music.

"I think a double CD for the price of one is a real value for money," said guitarist/keyboardist/composer Lanvall. "For our longtime fans, we have a lot of songs they might not know and for new people we have the best of, which is a good overview of what we have done the past years."

The Austrian act, whose music has been described as "angelic bombast," let its fans choose their favorite tracks to be included on the best of compilation through it website. The rarities disc was culled from unreleased recordings, freshly-written songs, and bonus tracks from international releases. - more on this story

J-Henry Release Party and Webcast

PR reports: J-HENRY is back with his sophomore album CODE RED, digitally available on January 29, 2008 on all major digital service providers. J-HENRY along with co-producer & guitarist Anthony Krizan (former guitarist for the '90s band the Spin Doctors) added a lot of texture and instrumentation to this CD. "We tried some violins, pedal steel guitar and used lots of vintage recording equipment and Amps. I am very happy about the quality of Code Red."

The first Americana single "I Love My NASCAR Weekends" came about from J-HENRY's experience touring the NASCAR circuit the past couple years. "We got to meet so many people and really understand the NASCAR fans and their incredible devotion to the sport" says Henry.

In celebration of this new release, J-HENRY will be performing at his CODE RED CD Release party at New York's Crash Mansion on January 31 at 9:00 PM and Synclive.com will also be streaming the show live on their website. - http://www.synclive.com/

Bayadera Soph

PR reports: Three-time OC Music Awards winner BAYADERA are set to release their sophomore CD "Rotation of Earth" worldwide on Bitemark Records Tuesday, March 18, 2008 as a followup to their successful 2003 release "90 Million Miles".

BAYADERA, with its melting pot of musical styles, backgrounds, and experiences, has scheduled their CD release party for Thursday, March 20th at the Martini Blues, 5874 Edinger Ave. in Huntington Beach, CA. Phone 714-840-2129. Doors open at 8PM. Admission: $12. This show is for ages 21 and up. - more on this story

Out of Patience, Give Us Chinese Democracy!

antiMusic reports: What follows is the conclusion of our Guns N' Roses week, an open letter to Universal Music regarding 'Chinese Democracy' written by antiMusic columnist Anthony Kuzminski. In it he offers some interesting ideas on how to release and market the highly anticipated album so that the label can make a profit after recouping their considerable investment in it. We're reprinting the full article here in the Day in Rock because we know that a lot of Guns N' Roses fans read the report but might not necessarily read other sections of antiMusic and Tony offers some intriguing ideas. We hope you have enjoyed our look at the legendary band this week and will enjoy this final article in the series. - ed

Out of Patience, Give Us Chinese Democracy!- An Open Letter to Universal Music Regarding The New Guns N' Roses Album By Anthony Kuzminski: Over the last few months, the rumor machine has been working overtime as to why 'Chinese Democracy', the long awaited Guns N' Roses album, has yet to be released. Well, it's been one of the most talked about albums of all time, merely because of what it may or may not hold. Regardless, the rumor mill has kicked into high gear in recent months because it has been confirmed that Axl Rose has indeed turned the completed album into Universal Music. Something most people never thought would happen…has happened. There should be shouts of jubilation inside Universal Music, alas, there isn't. To set the record straight, I don't know anyone in Guns N' Roses and I don't have a personal contact at Universal Music. However, the same rumors appear to be popping up continually and it evolves around how to market the album and since Universal has sunk a large amount of money into this project already, there are rumblings that they are unwilling to set aside large amounts for promotion since they have yet to recoup their initial investment.

The first Guns N' Roses album in fifteen-years is a story in itself and this alone should be enough to sell copies out of the box, however, Universal apparently is holding the album hostage until some kind of agreement can be made. One of the things I keep hearing is that the label has "reportedly" spent $14 million in expenses for this album. Now, granted, I believe the 'Greatest Hits '87-'94' was released specifically to recoup some of these costs and that particular album has been a consistent and constant seller ever since (selling over 3 million copies) but let's say hypothetically that Universal wants to find the easiest way to recoup this $14 million, while simultaneously getting this album into the marketplace. Here are three simple, effective and profitable ways to recoup your investment, while allowing Axl Rose to release 'Chinese Democracy'

Anthony Kuzminski is a Chicago based writer and can be found at The Screen Door
- comments?

.... Vreid Interview

Named after the Norwegian word for "Wrath," Vreid are a veritable institution of balls-to-wall rocking black metal who aren't afraid to experiment with unique forms of dark and evil expression. Mark chatted up Bassist Hvall about their newest album "I, Krig." - Read the full Vreid Interview

.... Quick Step John - The Multiple Personalities of Last Week and Next Year

The 10 original songs on the disc make up a collection of alluring moody rock with pleasing melodies and soft appealing tempo's. None of the tunes can be labeled as great or groundbreaking but they hold their own in the world of mellow soothing rock music. (3 stars) - Read the full Quick Step John - The Multiple Personalities of Last Week and Next Year review

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