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| January 20, 2007 |
| The Killers cover Joy Division |
The Killers have covered a Joy Division song, which will feature on the soundtrack to the forthcoming movie about late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, it has been confirmed.
The Las Vegas rockers have reworked the group's track "Shadowplay," which was originally featured on Joy Division's landmark debut LP Unknown Pleasures in 1979.It will feature on the soundtrack to the Anton Corbijn-directed Control, which is based on Touching From A Distance, the book written by Ian Curtis's widow Deborah.
The soundtrack to the biopic, which is currently being filmed, is also set to feature new music from New Order, plus their own covers of Joy Division tracks.Meanwhile, Corbijn has responded to claims from New Order bass player Peter Hook that he's been having too much influence over the movie and interfering with their work.
Hook apparently commented recently: "We're supposed to [record the film's soundtrack] but the problem is that he's telling us what to do. If we don't tell him how to direct, why is he telling us how to make music?"
Corbijn has now dismissed claims of a rift, commenting: "There is no argument whatsoever between New Order and myself or Hooky and me. I am in control of Control as any director worth his celluloid should be in charge of his film, but I am not telling the band that I moved to the U.K. for in 1979 how to write songs. Please. I wouldn't dare." |
posted by viraks @ 8:09:00 AM  |
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| Kanye West : works with Coldplay |
Chris Martin will feature on the new Kanye West album, the hip hop icon has revealed.
The Coldplay star appeared on "Beach Chair," a track on Kingdom Come, Jay-Z's return to the hip-hop world, last year.
Kanye has now revealed that he and Martin have recorded a song called "Homecoming," which is scheduled to be the first single from the follow-up to Late Registration.
The LP is provisionally titled Graduation and is tentatively due for release towards the end of 2007, reports Billboard.
Kanye is also currently working on a TV show with Rick Rubin and Curb Your Enthusiasm mastermind Larry David. |
| posted by viraks @ 8:06:00 AM |
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| Bjork to work with Timbaland |
Bjork has begun work on her new album, with Antony Hegarty and Timbaland among the contributors.
The Icelandic pop star's last official release was Medulla in 2004. The current recordings are expected to result in a follow-up, due later this year.
Hegarty, of Antony & the Johnsons fame, has apparently laid down vocals for two tracks on the LP, while super producer Timbaland is working on a further two.
Details of the progress on the album have been posted on Bjork's official website by her "official correspondent," Meester Fly.
He explains that "numerous people from truly different backgrounds" have been involved with the recordings, including Lightning Bolt's Brian Chippendale and Mark Bell.
Meester Fly explained: "More work is being done in the next few weeks on the new record. It has not got a name. The record is scheduled for a late spring release." |
| posted by viraks @ 8:05:00 AM |
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| Hilary Duff : "Fan" Sentenced for Stalking |
If it looks for a Duff, and repeatedly tries to contact a Duff…it just might be a stalker.
An 18-year-old Russian immigrant arrested for threatening Hilary Duff was sentenced Friday to 117 days in Los Angeles County Jail and five years probations after pleading no contest to a felony stalking charge.
Police picked up Maksim Myaskovskiy in November after a private investigator from the security firm Duff uses for protection said that the teenager had threatened to kill the starlet at an industry event. The accused originally pleaded innocent but he remained in custody, unable to come up with $1 million for bail.
In October, Duff and then-boyfriend Joel Madden obtained 100-yard restraining orders against Myaskovskiy and his roommate, paparazzo David Joseph Klein, accusing the younger man of being obsessed with the Lizzie Maguire star and his older pal of trying to approach Duff and her beau on his behalf.
According to the ex-couple's complaint, Myaskovskiy traveled to the U.S. two years ago solely for the purpose of making contact with Duff. Court documents also alleged that Myaskovskiy had become obsessed with the A Cinderella Story heroine and was intending to buy a gun in order to commit dramatic acts to get her attention |
| posted by viraks @ 8:02:00 AM |
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| Tom Waits : Indies aim to grab share of online sales |
Independent record labels behind artists like The White Stripes, Deep Purple and Arctic Monkeys announced a global deal Saturday to pool access to their catalogs, seeking to grab a bigger share of online music sales from the major record companies.
Indies and their trade groups from more than a dozen countries signed up to Merlin, a nonprofit licensing agency that will cut deals on their behalf with download sites under the terms of the agreement unveiled at Midem, a music industry gathering in the French Riviera town of Cannes.
Smaller record companies with just a handful of successful artists fear being left behind in fast-growing digital music markets, where the majors — Universal, Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music — enjoy a clear advantage in negotiations with online retailers such as Napster and Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes.
"Merlin may be the most important move we as independents will ever undertake to secure our mutual prosperity in this rapidly changing business landscape," said Brett Gurewitz, owner of U.S.-based Epitaph Records, whose artists include Tom Waits.
Indie labels account for about 80 percent of new music releases in major markets but only 30 percent of total revenues, according to industry data for 2005, partly because the majors spend more on marketing and have — until recently — maintained tight control over distribution channels.
That is already changing with the inexorable rise of online sales, analysts say, as more artists achieve success and celebrity through independent record companies, bypassing the top four. |
| posted by viraks @ 8:01:00 AM |
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| The Mamas and The Papas member dead at 66 |
Denny Doherty, one-quarter of the 1960s folk-rock group the Mamas and the Papas, known for their soaring harmony on hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday," died Friday at 66.
His sister Frances Arnold said the singer-songwriter died at his home in Mississauga, a city just west of Toronto, after a short illness. He had suffered kidney problems following surgery last month and had been put on dialysis, Arnold said.
The group burst on the national scene in 1966 with the top 10 smash "California Dreamin'." The Mamas and the Papas broke new ground by having women and men in one group at a time when most singing groups were unisex. John Phillips, the group's chief songwriter; his wife, Michelle; and another female vocalist, Cass Elliot, teamed with Doherty.
"Monday, Monday" hit No. 1 on the charts and won the band a Grammy for best contemporary group performance. Among the group's other songs were "I Saw Her Again Last Night," "Go Where You Wanna Go," "Dancing Bear," and versions of "I Call Your Name" and "Dedicated to the One I Love."
"What made the group special was their haunting and sumptuous harmony singing," according to "The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll."
"Everybody used to think that John Phillips, who wrote the songs, was also the main voice of the group, but it wasn't — it was the angelic voice of Denny Doherty," said Larry Leblanc, Canadian editor of Billboard Magazine. "He was often overlooked but it was really his voice that carried the group."
In 1998, the Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.The group's catchy sound was a blend of '60s upbeat pop and the folk music that had surged in popularity early in the decade. The song "Creeque Alley" told the story of their formation amid the musical ferment of the folk scene; among the other stars-to-be mentioned in its lyrics were members of the Lovin' Spoonful and the Byrds.Folk superstars Peter, Paul and Mary paid their own tribute to the Mamas and the Papas with their humorous 1967 hit "I Dig Rock and Roll Music."
But the group's heyday was brief and it disbanded in 1968 following John and Michelle Phillips' divorce. The members re-formed in 1971 for the album "People Like Us," but all hope for a reunion ended in 1974 when the 32-year-old Elliot suffered a fatal heart attack in London. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:58:00 AM |
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| Harry Connick, Jr. : Connick, not Nevilles, closing Jazz Fest |
The Neville Brothers, the closing act for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for more than a decade before Hurricane Katrina, will miss the musical fete in their hometown for the second year in a row.
Like last year, the Neville Brothers have decided not to perform, in large part because of singer Aaron Neville's concerns about aggravating his asthma, festival producer Quint Davis said Friday.
At the time festival organizers needed confirmation of whether the Nevilles would perform, Aaron Neville was also dealing with the illness and eventual death of his wife, Joel Roux-Neville, to lung cancer, Davis said.
"They'll be back," Davis said. "People should not think the Nevilles will not come back to New Orleans. They will be back."Like last year, Davis said it was important to have a New Orleans artist for the festival's closing act, and singer Harry Connick Jr. was "the natural choice."
"His heart and soul has always been with New Orleans," Davis said.
Since Katrina, Connick has returned to New Orleans regularly. He still has family here, and co-founded one of the city's famed Carnival groups, the Krewe of Orpheus, which this year rolls on Feb. 19, a day before Mardi Gras.
About a year ago, he also helped launch a Habitat for Humanity project in the city's devastated Ninth Ward with New Orleans saxophonist Branford Marsalis. Called the Musicians Village, the project provides affordable housing for the city's musicians and others who lost their homes in Katrina's flooding.
During Jazz Fest, Connick is expected to perform selections from his "Oh, My Nola" album, which is slated for release on Jan. 30. The new album covers New Orleans standards associated with the likes of Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and Louis Armstrong, as well as a handful of original recordings. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:56:00 AM |
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| Rosie Takes on 'American Idol' Judges |
On Thursday morning’s “The View,” Rosie O’Donnell dropped a bomb on “American Idol” and attacked America’s three favorite judges.
“If you keep serving people crap, they’re eventually going to think it’s a meal,” Rosie touted. “Three millionaires… one probably intoxicated. So sad.”
Rosie’s new war came the morning after an incredible 32 million people tuned in as Simon, Randy and Paula struggled in Seattle, taking aim at wannabes like Kenneth Briggs.
“You look like one of those creatures in the jungle with those massive eyes, what are they called? Bush baby,” Simon told the “Idol” hopeful. their own. On Ryan’s L.A. radio show, Paula attacked Ryan for not defending her behavior when he appeared on “The Tonight Show.”
“Look, I don’t look in their cups to see what’s sitting before them on that table,” Ryan told Jay Leno.
Paula attacked Ryan on the Los Angeles airwaves, as she inquired about his sit down with Leno.
“You know darn well there’s nothing in any of our Coca-Cola cups, and you know darn well I’ve never gone out drinking,” she snapped.
“I really feel like I try to keep the peace with you,” he then told Paula, who accepted his apology, saying, “I love you.”But how long will the “Idol” love last?Tune in to “American Idol” every week to find out! |
| posted by viraks @ 7:53:00 AM |
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| Victoria Beckham Makes a Splash in Hollywood |
Mrs. David Beckham, Victoria “Posh Spice”, is Hollywood’s newest paparazzi magnet.
The brunette bombshell created another flashbulb frenzy as she arrived at LAX to catch a flight to London. 
Victoria arrived in an SUV, but it took a whole other car to handle her posh luggage!
While Victoria played, we know what her hubby David Beckham has been up to: we snapped him in Spain where he watched his soon-to-be former soccer team, Real Madrid. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:52:00 AM |
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| K-Fed: 'I'm Just Having Fun' |
“Extra” was the only camera crew invited to the set of Kevin Federline’s commercial for Nationwide Insurance that will premiere during the Super Bowl next month.
“I’m just having fun,” K-Fed told us. “That’s what it’s all about. If you can’t have fun, there’s no reason to be in this business.”
On whether he thinks his career will be more of a challenge in 2007, he revealed, “Once people get to see that I don’t take myself too seriously, [that] I can joke about me…about anything; when people see that, they take you in a little more, and that’s all I ask.”When asked if he would make an appearance at next month’s Grammy Awards, Kevin told us, “I’m not sure…it all depends.”
“I’m going through a lot of changes,” Federline added. “I always try to stay positive no matter what. I’m that guy that likes to rise above everything…I’m being me…upholding my character now…people will be able to learn more about me.” |
| posted by viraks @ 7:50:00 AM |
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| Has Brit's New Single Been Leaked on the Net? |
Pop princess Britney Spears dropped yet another bomb on K-Fed! Or did she?
A brand new song, which claims to be Britney’s new work, has surfaced on YouTube and seems to take aim at Kevin Federline.
“You think you can walk all over me/ And you think that I will just let you be/ Now I’m going to do things differently.”
But is the songstress on the web really Brit?
On Thursday, Britney’s record label, Jive Records, told “Extra” no!
While it’s not Britney, we caught up with the party princess out on the town in L.A.
This time Spears and a girlfriend grabbed lunch, making a mad dash past the paparazzi to grab a hamburger! |
| posted by viraks @ 7:47:00 AM |
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| Cameron Diaz Hangs Ten with Kelly Slater |
Aloha Cameron and Kelly!
“Extra” got all-new pictures that just may prove Cameron Diaz has found a hot new date less than one week after confirming her split from Justin Timberlake.
We spotted Cam and surf hunk Kelly Slater hanging loose in Hawaii, where they looked a little more than friendly.
According to insiders, Cameron is staying as a visitor at Kelly’s home on the island.
“Extra” has compiled some vital stats on Cam’s new man. He’s a 34-year-old 8-time surfing world champion, and he has been romantically linked in the past to Pam Anderson and Victoria’s Secret beauty Gisele Bunchden. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:23:00 AM |
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| January 18, 2007 |
| Usher fined $425 for speeding in Ga. |
Usher has been found guilty of speeding in a July 4 incident in which he was pulled over on Interstate 75 for driving 103 mph.
The 28-year-old R&B singer appeared in Bartow County court Tuesday to face a speeding citation. He was fined $425 by Probate Court Judge Mitchell Scoggins and told to perform 20 hours of community service.
Usher was driving a 2005 Range Rover sport utility vehicle, according to a clerk in the Bartow County Probate Court.
After the ruling, Usher spent 30 minutes signing autographs for fans inside the courthouse, said a representative for Scoggins.
Usher is a five-time Grammy winner. His hits include "Confessions," "Burn," "You Make Me Wanna" and "Yeah!" |
| posted by viraks @ 11:53:00 PM |
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| Liza, Gest end lawsuits, to divorce |
Liza Minnelli and husband David Gest have patched things up to the point that they can now get divorced.Legal disputes between the two ended Thursday when their lawyers filed court papers saying they had settled their differences and agreed to get divorced without fault.
Gest's lawyer, Susan M. Moss, said the two will be divorced "within the next few weeks" in Memphis, Tenn., where Gest has a home. Moss said the couple chose Tennessee because the state, unlike New York, has no-fault divorce.rraine Nadel, Gest's lawyer in the assault lawsuit and in the Minnelli countersuit, confirmed that legal battle was over. She said the settlement terms were confidential and would not say whether either paid the other any money.
State Supreme Court Justice Jane Solomon threw out Gest's $10 million assault case in September, but the settlement apparently means he won't try to appeal.
Moss said the divorce agreement was reached during the past week.
"Liza Minnelli and David Gest have resolved all disputes between them, and the parties will be divorced without fault on the part of either of them," Moss said. "The terms of the settlement are confidential."
Minnelli's lawyer, Dorothy Weber, confirmed that "an amicable resolution to all outstanding matters" had been achieved. She would not comment further. |
| posted by viraks @ 11:48:00 PM |
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| Kelly Clarkson partners with NASCAR |
Kelly Clarkson will soon be showing her racing stripes in the biggest partnership NASCAR has ever made with a music artist, the sports franchise announced Thursday.
"Anyone who knows me knows I'm a race fan and love NASCAR," the former "American Idol" and Grammy-winning singer said in a NASCAR press release. "I look forward to hanging out with the fans, drivers and the entire NASCAR Clarkson will be "integrated into all aspects of NASCAR," including television spots, charitable events and NASCAR's awards dinner in New York City in December, NASCAR said.
The deal kicks off with Clarkson headlining the Nextel "Tribute To America" concert airing live on Fox just before the Daytona 500 in Florida on During the appearance, Clarkson will film a 30-second NASCAR spot for TV featuring a new song from her upcoming third album.
She will also serve as a spokeswoman for the fourth annual NASCAR Day on May Other artists who have partnered with NASCAR include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Lenny Kravitz and LeAnn Clarkson's "enthusiasm for NASCAR as a fan of NASCAR will surely develop into an unparalleled relationship," said NASCAR's Sarah Nettinga in a statement.
The 24-year-old singer rose to pop-rock stardom after snagging the first "American Idol" crown in Her debut album, "Thankful," earned double-platinum status, and the multiplatinum follow-up, "Breakaway," garnered two Grammy awards in 2006. |
| posted by viraks @ 11:45:00 PM |
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| Lindsay Lohan Enters Rehab |
According to TMZ.com, teen queen Lindsay Lohan has checked into rehab.
In a statement issued through her rep, Leslie Sloane Zelnik, Lindsay revealed, "I have made a proactive decision to take care of my personal health. I appreciate your well wishes and ask that you please respect my privacy at this time."
Just last month, Lindsay’s mom Dina let it slip that Lindsay had been attending AA meetings.
Last year, Lindsay went on the record with Vanity Fair about everything from her battle with an eating disorder to admitting she's done drugs.
"She was completely skin and bones," said Vanity Fair's Evgenia Peretz. "She does admit to having done drugs."
"I have made a proactive decision to take care of my personal health. " - Lindsay Lohan |
| posted by viraks @ 11:42:00 PM |
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| Is Brangelina Moving to the Big Easy? |
Are Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie looking for a Hollywood-free lifestyle in New Orleans?
Rumors stirred that Brangelina and their brood have moved to the Big Easy after Angie revealed the kids are attending school in Louisiana while on the Golden Globes red carpet Monday.
But on Wednesday, Brad’s rep told “Extra” while they are currently residing there, it’s only temporary, and the family has not made New Orleans their new permanent residence.
Instead, Angie, Maddox, Zahara and Shiloh are all soaking in the southern lifestyle as Dad Brad films “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” opposite Cate Blanchett. |
| posted by viraks @ 11:40:00 PM |
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| J Lo and Marc: In Search of Some 'Grey' |
An elegantly clad Jennifer Lopez and hubby Marc Anthony spent much of the evening at Monday night’s Golden Globes trying to track down the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Yeah, that's our big thing tonight,” J Lo admitted. “They already know. We already went up to them!”
“I've been stalking them all night,” Marc confessed.
“Grey’s” Ellen Pompeo was honored to have J Lo and Marc’s support. “We’re huge fans of theirs,” she said.
J Lo and Marc weren’t the only ones star stuck at the Globes. “Grey’s Anatomy’s” James Pickens Jr. told “Extra,” “On the way to the stage I walked past Jack Nicholson. He said, ‘Chief, I don’t miss it!’” |
| posted by viraks @ 11:37:00 PM |
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| Tom Cruise Takes on New Role: Chauffer |
“Extra” spotted Mr. Tom Cruise playing Mr. Chauffer to wife Katie Holmes and Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham on Tuesday night as he dropped them off for dinner.
But is the cash strapped Michael Jackson trying to get the Beckhams to buy his Neverland Ranch for $20 million?
On Wednesday, a spokesman for Michael told “Extra,” there is no truth to the rumors.
However, $20 million is the price of the luxurious Bel Air mansion Victoria was spotted looking at, which is located near the homes of Liz Taylor and Nancy Reagan |
| posted by viraks @ 11:34:00 PM |
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| Oprah's Diet Secrets Revealed |
Bob Greene is the fitness guru who helped Oprah Winfrey conquer her lifelong battle of the bulge.
She started to see when she was happy she used food, when she was sad she used food,” Greene said of the old Oprah.
Now Bob’s bestselling book, “The Best Life Diet,” which is endorsed by the TV talk queen herself, is showing everyone how to keep the weight off forever with a gradual change in lifestyle.
“When someone wants to lose weight, most people cut calories,” he explained. “I don't want that because your body responds by cutting your metabolism.”Instead, Bob’sdietplan is divided into three phases.
PHASE 1: Don’t cut calories; just get up and get moving!
“I also want you eating a nutritious breakfast, especially if you’re not accustomed to the breakfast,” Greene said.
PHASE 2: Cut calories and limit food intake.
“Phase two is where you start to really cut the calories,” Greene pointed out. “I want you going to bed never hungry, but kind of wanting a little something.”
PHASE 3: Focus a new you on developing healthier eating habits.
“Taking out simple sugars and taking out sodium” is vital at this point, Greene revealed.
The fitness guru also suggests starting a food diary to keep track of what you eat, and he revealed Oprah still does it every day.
“She does things, oatmeal in the morning,” Greene revealed. “She loves oatmeal; she loves omelets, stuffed with vegetables and mushrooms.”And now you too know Oprah’s secret to finding her best life diet! |
| posted by viraks @ 11:24:00 PM |
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| Eminem's divorce official |
Eminem and Kim Mathers were officially divorced for a second time yesterday.
The couple, who were first married for two years after tying the knot in 1999, remarried in January this year but the rapper filed for divorce just three months later, in April.
On Tuesday, in Macomb County Circuit Court, Detroit, Chief Judge Antonio P. Viviano paid tribute to the couple as an out-of-court settlement was reached to end the relationship.
He told the court: "These people were a pleasure. They conducted themselves with dignity and respect."
Eminem and Kim are understood to have agreed joint custody of their daughter Hailie, aged 10. |
| posted by viraks @ 2:44:00 AM |
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| Guns N' Roses : Axl says new Guns N' Roses album will be out in March |
The new Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy will be released in March 2007, according to Axl Rose.Rose claims he will finally unveil the chronically long-awaited LP in the spring, around 10years after it was first mooted.
In an online posting, the Guns singer admitted there had been a series of "obstacles" delaying the LP, but seems certain that it will now finally emerge.Speaking yesterday, he said: "To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement."
However, Rose continued: "It takes approximately eight weeks for an album to hit the shelves once it has been turned in to the record company."That being said this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee, but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6. This is the first time we have done this publicly for this album.
"Any and all other dates have been made up by others for their own reasons. We would like to assure the fans that though tentative, everything in our power will be done to meet this date." |
| posted by viraks @ 2:41:00 AM |
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| Duran Duran talk Timberlake |
Duran Duran have revealed more details about their work with Justin Timberlake.
The '80s pop legends have been recording with pop hero Timberlake and superstar producer Timbaland for their currently untitled new LP.
The follow-up to 2004's Astronaut is scheduled for release in the summer and features some contributions from founding guitarist Andy Taylor, who left the band in October.Meanwhile, Timberlake has collaborated with Duran on "Night Runner," while Timbaland is understood to have produced two further songs, "Skin Divers" and "Zooming In."
Speaking about their work with Timbaland, Nick Rhodes explained: "I'm always personally really inspired by working with urban producers, more so than rock producers. They really bring something to the songs that we don't have completely covered, whereas with rock producers, often I find [they suggest] things we'd do ourselves naturally anyway."
Despite the new influences on the tracks on the new record, however, Rhodes told Billboard that singer Simon Le Bon "is the glue that holds them all together." |
| posted by viraks @ 2:37:00 AM |
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| Lady Sovereign feuds with donut |
A few months ago, a Lady Sovereign fan named Zach Slow successfully campaigned via his viral website, helpmegetrandomwithladysovereign.com, for a date with the rising young British rapper. Slow raised $10,000 on his website, which he and Sovereign spent on an SUV limo, a harbor cruise in a private yacht, and a luxury suite at a five-star hotel. Unfortunately, after their date their friendship soured, with the two exchanging insults in The San Francisco Chronicle. (Slow even claims Sovereign dissed his grandmother.) And now their feud has grown even more bizarre.
This past Tuesday night, a Slow comrade and amateur MC named "Jelly Donut" (who originally gained his 15 minutes of cyberfame rapping on Slow's website, begging Sovereign to go on the date) went to Sovereign's San Francisco concert--and hijinks quickly ensued. Believe it or not, Mr. Donut (who, it should be noted, attended the show wearing a giant foam-rubber donut cosutme) has actually released a statement about what transpired:
"We decided to take the beef to the next level the way most hip-hoppers do: a battle. It's not the easiest thing in the world to arrange a rap battle between a pastry and Jay Z's newest nuisance, so we decided to go guerilla. Yes, a hostile jelly flood at her January 8th show at Mezzanine in San Francisco.
"Zach and some other homies secured about 50 tickets to the show, while other friends got their own. We met at a secret warehouse (kind of like the bat cave, but with more stoners hanging around) to go over our plan of getting the Donut in the door and wreaking havoc during the dirty munchkin's performance. Amidst cheers and gulps of Sparks, our rag tag band of ninjas reworked the plan. We hit Mezzanine and there was an electric buzz in the air, with a hint of raspberry.
"With the Donut covered in 'I Love SOV' signs, there was no problem getting the giant thing in the door (although the donut suit is forever scarred having donned such profane accessories). Now we just had to spread the word and get krunk. |
| posted by viraks @ 2:31:00 AM |
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| Beyoncé : Dream Stays Alive at No. 1 |
And we're telling you that Effie and the rest of the Dreamgirls aren't going anywhere.It took five weeks to get to number one, and the Dreamgirls soundtrack isn't ready to relinquish the spot just yet.
Although the album sold just 60,000 copies for the week ended Sunday, according to today's Nielsen SoundScan numbers, it was enough to top the Billboard 200 album sales chart for the second straight week.That total was down 6,000 from the previous week, but due to the traditionally sluggish post-holiday sales, no other album came close.
Indeed, the Dreamgirls disc is expected to get a bump on next week's charts after Monday night's Golden Globe wins for Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical, and supporting acting trophies for Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy.As one soundtrack topped the chart, another landed the week's biggest bow. The Jump In! soundtrack—stemming from yet another hit Disney Channel TV movie—sold 49,000 copies to debut at number five. Clearly on a roll, Mickey's network had the biggest album of last year with the High School Musical soundtrack, which initially opened towards the bottom of the Billboard 200 in January of '06.
With the Dreamgirls on top, Akon logged another week at number two, with Konvicted, selling 55,000 copies to push it total to 1.3 million. Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds climbed a spot to number three on 51,000 discs sold.A pair of albums reentered the chart's upper echelon this week: Beyoncé's B'Day climbed five to number six, while Nickelback's All the Right Reasons jumped eight to the ten spot.
The rest of the Top 10 holdovers included Daughtry's self-titled at four, Now That's What I Call Music! Vol. 23 at seven, the Beatles' Love at eight and Young Jeezy's The Inspiration at nine.Further down the chart, a trio of new albums made their debuts: Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato at 79, Tucanes De Tijuana's El Papa De Los Pollitos at 118 and Crunk Hits, Vol. 3 at 120. |
| posted by viraks @ 2:27:00 AM |
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| James Blunt moving to Switzerland |
British singer James Blunt plans to move to an exclusive Swiss ski resort, local officials said Wednesday.Patrick Messeiller, director of tourism for Verbier, confirmed a report in the Swiss daily Le Matin that Blunt, who is a frequent visitor to the mountain village, had registered with the tax office there.
Blunt, 32, is the latest celebrity to move to the alpine nation. French rock legend Johnny Hallyday took up residence in nearby Gstaad last month.Hallyday's move prompted a heated debate in France about rich people and multinational companies fleeing the country for Switzerland because of low taxation there.
But Messeiller wouldn't comment on whether Blunt would receive similar preferential tax treatment as Hallyday. "That's a private matter," he said.Each Swiss canton (state) sets its own tax rates, and can cut special deals with wealthy foreigners that allow them to pay only a fraction of what they would have to pay elsewhere.
London's Daily Mirror reported last year that Blunt, a former tank commander in the British army, earned $9.8 million with his 2005 album "Back to Bedlam," released by Atlantic Records. |
| posted by viraks @ 2:24:00 AM |
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| George Jones U: school of country music |
Country-music luminary George Jones wants to share his knowledge of the industry as part of a just-launched "country music university" named for him.Dedicated to teaching students how the music industry works and how to break into the business, George Jones University will assemble its first 3-day session in late March, school officials said Wednesday.
The kickoff session, which likely will be held at Jones' Nashville-area home, will be followed by similar quarterly seminars.The cost for each session will be $300 pestudent.Music executive Tandy Rice, who has been tapped as dean, said George Jones University was modeled off Trump University, established last year by New York real estate mogul Donald Trump.
Each day's sessions will be moderated by Rice, formerly a Belmont University music business professor Country Music Association president.Besides Jones, the school plans to bring in guest lecturers such as Ralph Emery, Tom T. Hall and Hank Williams Jr.The seminars will focus on music publishing, recording contracts, artist management and bookings, life on the road and the politics of Music Row. The history and traditions of country music and its legendary icons also will be covered.
"We want our students to have fun and depart with new knowledge they can literally take to the bank," Rice said. "Because of George Jones, they'll gain insight from our classes that they can't get anywhere else."The school is a for-profit group, though partners have pledged a portion of all profits to Middle Tennessee children's charities.George Jones U even has a mascot it got from the singer's nickname, a possum. |
| posted by viraks @ 2:06:00 AM |
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| January 17, 2007 |
| Bob Dylan vs. Simon Cowell |
Simon Cowell finds Bob Dylan "boring" and prefers to listen to Kelly Clarkson, he has revealed.
The American Idol impresario has dismissed the talents of the rock 'n' roll legend in a new interview.
"A singing poet? It just bores me to tears," he told a U.K. tabloid, before explaining the relative merits of Clarkson against Dylan.
He continued: "If I had 10 Dylans in the final of American Idol, we would not get 30 million viewers."
Bob Dylan has yet to respond to Simon Cowell's comments |
| posted by viraks @ 1:31:00 AM |
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| The Killers, to record next James Bond theme? |
The Killers have been approached about recording the next James Bond theme song, it has been claimed.
The Las Vegas rock heroes are rumored to be the frontrunners for the theme for the 22nd movie, which is apparently going to be called Risico.
The next movie will be Daniel Craig's second as the British spy, following Casino Royale, which was released last month to considerable acclaim and is soundtracked by Chris Cornell.
"The Killers have reached the perfect point in their career to do a Bond track. They have the right sound, right look and a huge fanbase, making them the perfect choice," a 'source' told London paper The Sun. |
| posted by viraks @ 1:29:00 AM |
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| Queen plan comeback |
Former Queen star Brian May has spoken of his excitement about the decision to reform the band and go back on tour. May and Roger Taylor are understood to be recording a new album with vocalist Paul Rodgers, formerly of Free, once again replacing Freddie Mercury.
There are also plans for live dates from the group, apparently under the name of Queen, despite the group lacking the presence of iconic frontman Mercury. May said the duo, who are also set to go ahead without founding bass player Roger Deacon, have recorded some "great" new songs with Rodgers.
He explained: "We went in the studio to see what happens, because we've already tested it pretty good on stage and that works great. And we went in almost unprepared and came up with some tracks, which I think are really great. They're very different, they're very unlike anything that we've done, or anything that Paul's done."
Speaking about plans for new live shows, May continued: "It's gonna be good, because next time we go out, we won't just be nostalgia, we will be: 'This is what we are.'" |
| posted by viraks @ 1:20:00 AM |
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| Oasis, Brit Awards nominations revealed |
Oasis will receive the Outstanding Contribution Award at this year's Brit Awards, while Muse, Lily Allen, and Gnarls Barkley head the nominations, it was announced today.
Muse, Lily Allen, and Gnarls Barkley are all up for three prizes at the 2007 event, while Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys, Scissor Sisters, and Amy Winehouse have been nominated twice.
Snow Patrol, Scissor Sisters, the Killers, Take That, Corinne Bailey Rae, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Amy Winehouse, and Oasis will all perform at the event in London.
The 2007 Brits takes place on February 14 at Earl's Court and will be hosted by U.K. comedian Russell Brand. |
| posted by viraks @ 1:18:00 AM |
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| Toni Braxton, Sues Ex-Manager |
We're not sure if he wasn't man enough, but as far as Toni Braxton is concerned, he definitely wasn't honest enough.
The R&B singer has sued former manager Barry Hankerson, accusing him of cheating her out of more than $10 million by manipulating her into leaving her longtime label, LaFace/Arista, for his own record company.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan Friday, claims that beginning in 2002, Hankerson deceived Braxton by fabricating feuds with Arista over creative decisions, including song selection, choice of record producers and content of music videos, to sabotage her ties with the label.
"Hankerson actively sought to destroy Braxton's relationship with Arista through underhanded 'double-talk,' telling Braxton that Arista was not interested in working with her anymore, while telling Arista that Braxton no longer wanted to record for Arista," states the complaint.
According to court documents, once Hankerson was able to get Braxton released from her Arista contract in 2003, he convinced her to sign a multi-album deal with his newly formed Blackground Records.
Braxton cut one disc for Blackground, 2005's Libra, which debuted at number four and was certified gold with a half-million copies sold. But the album didn't spawn any hit singles and wasn't widely promoted. It was then, per her suit, that Braxton uncovered the alleged duplicity.
She also claims that Hankerson denied her certain contractual rights she had in her previous deal by prohibiting her from obtaining accounting statements and other financial information.Braxton says she repeatedly tried to fire Hankerson, but he purportedly threatened retaliation if she didn't allow him to personally micromanage her career. She claims he also prevented her from talking with several potential replacement managers. |
| posted by viraks @ 1:10:00 AM |
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| Diana Ross to mentor on 'American Idol' |
Diana Ross says she's a busy woman these days. So busy, in fact, that she hasn't had time to see the hit film "Dreamgirls," which is loosely based on her life as a Motown starlet.The 62-year-old singer told CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman on Tuesday that she is going to be a mentor on Fox's "American Idol" and is planning a world tour in March to promote her new album, "I Love You."
Ross said she didn't see the musical version of "Dreamgirls," either.
When Letterman asked her whether she was curious about the film, Ross joked: "Yes, I've heard a lot about it. I'm going to see it with my lawyers."
The film, which won a Golden Globe on Monday for best musical or comedy, tells the story of a Motown trio similar to the Supremes and their rise to fame. Eddie Murphy also won for best supporting actor, and newcomer Jennifer Hudson, a former "American Idol" contestant, won for best supporting actress.
Ross went on to say that she's heard there is a lot of her image and likeness in the movie. Beyonce Knowles' character, Deena Jones, looks like Ross during her early solo days."What I would like to do is to be able to see it," Ross said. "I like to inspire the talent that it is out there today." |
| posted by viraks @ 1:07:00 AM |
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| Phil Spector, Jury selection date set in Spector trial |
Jury selection will begin in March in the murder trial of music producer Phil Spector, who's charged with killing actress Lana Clarkson in his suburban mansion, a judge said Tuesday.
"We have to get this to trial," said Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler, who has granted numerous postponements in the case since Spector was arrested for the Feb. 3, 2003 slaying.Fidler plans to call as many as 300 prospective jurors to his courtroom March 19 to begin the process of identifying those who could serve on a trial that might last three months.Testimony is unlikely to start until three or four week later, he said.
Spector did not attend the hearing Tuesday, but was ordered to appear for jury selection.The 67-year-old producer — famed for creating the "wall of sound" recording technique that revolutionized rock music — has pleaded innocent.
Clarkson, 40, was best known as the star of Roger Corman's cult film "Barbarian Queen." She was working as a hostess at the House of Blues on Sunset Strip and went home with Spector the night she was killed, police said. Authorities were called when a limousine driver heard a gun go off.
Spector is free on $1 million bail. He faces life in prison if convicted.Spector has hired a battery of lawyers and forensic experts, including attorney Robert Blasier, a key figure in the O.J. Simpson trial.
Among his requests, Blasier asked for information surrounding the use of a Taser to subdue Spector the night he was arrested, saying its use could have influenced his statements that night. He also sought access to e-mails from Clarkson's computer, which might indicate whether she was depressed or suicidal at that time. |
| posted by viraks @ 1:05:00 AM |
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| Keith Urban, out of rehab, to go on tour |
Keith Urban has completed his treatment for alcohol abuse and will ease back onto the stage with a short run of club shows in the United Kingdom and Germany in April, his spokesman said Tuesday.Paul Freundlich, the country singer's publicist, said Urban had finished treatment over the weekend and will head to Germany this week for promotional appearances. Urban, 39, had checked himself into rehab in October.
The shows will launch Urban's world tour in support of his latest album, "Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing," Freundlich said.The tour dates are still being finalized, but after the club shows he will play arenas in Australia in May and in the U.S. and Canada in June.
Urban sought treatment just before the album came out in November, forcing him to delay the tour and several TV appearances.Despite his absence for promotion, the album reached No. 1 on the country chart and spawned the hit singles "Once in a Lifetime" and "Stupid Boy."The Australian-reared singer and Nicole Kidman, also 39, were married in Sydney, Australia, in June. The couple then moved to Nashville, where Urban records. |
| posted by viraks @ 1:04:00 AM |
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| R. Kelly drops suit over security shack |
R. Kelly is ending his feud with this south suburban village over a guard shack.The Grammy-winning R&B singer recently agreed to drop his legal challenge against Olympia Fields that claimed the community improperly denied him the right to build a guardhouse outside his mansion.
The Chicago native, whose real name is Robert Kelly, also agreed to pay the village of 4,700 residents more than $20,000 to cover attorney fees and code-violation fines.
"Robert Kelly wants to be a good neighbor," said John Touhy, his attorney.
The community 20 miles south of Chicago doesn't allow guard shacks at houses and sued Kelly after the building was constructed without proper permits.But Kelly, 40, fileda lawsuit of his own, arguing that he should be granted an exception to village code because of his status as "a nationally known, Grammy Award-winning recording artist."
The offending guard building has been torn down, and the village dropped its lawsuit.
Village officials say the spat never was personal and even honored Kelly for his holiday decorations."He had streams of lights running up and down the roof of this huge house, lights on the trees, all kinds of stuff," said Village President Linzy Jones, also one of Kelly's neighbors. "It was spectacular."
Kelly is awaiting trial in Cook County on 14 counts of child pornography after prosecutors said he videotaped having sex with an underage girl.He has pleaded not guilty. |
| posted by viraks @ 12:51:00 AM |
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| January 16, 2007 |
| Trey Anastasio Arraigned on Drug Count |
This isn't the kind of jam Phish's former frontman is used to.
Apparently figuring he might as well get it over with, Trey Anastasio turned up one week early in an upstate New York court and pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges stemming from his December bust for driving under the influence of prescription medication.
All told, Anastasio, 42, is facing a third-degree count of aggravated unlicensed operation, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving while intoxicated. Prosecutors say the misdemeanor possession charge could be bumped up to a felony due to the virtual cornucopia of drugs the rocker had on him at the time of his arrest.Anastasio's next court appearance is set for Feb. 14, at which time prosecutors, after discussions with his attorneys, will decide whether to call a grand jury to determine whether more serious charges be filed or whether to recommend drug treatment.
The musician, born Ernest Josepee Anastasio III, was initially scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 10, but the court gives those charged the option of showing up earlier. Following the hearing, he left without speaking to reporters, escaping into a black limo waiting outside the courthouse.
Phish's principal songwriter and band leader was headed back to his home in Richmond, Vermont, in the wee hours of Dec. 15 when police in the town of White Hall pulled him over after watching his SUV drifting across the road. Suspecting the singer-guitarist was under the influence of narcotics, officers administered a field sobriety test, which he flubbed.A search of Anastasio's vehicle turned up the painkillers hydrocodone and Percocet along with the anti-anxiety medication Xanax—all of which were prescribed under another person's name.
Washington County District Attorney Kevin Kortright told the Albany Times Union that the "Sample in a Jar" rocker was carrying more than 60 pills, plus another substance that he and Whitehall Police Chief Richard LaChapelle refused to identify. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:56:00 AM |
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| Scott Stapp's New Edition |
His arms were wide open anyway, so Scott Stapp must have figured he was ready to wrap 'em around a new baby. The former Creed frontman and his wife, Jaclyn, welcomed their first child together Thursday afternoon in Miami, a girl they've named Milán Hayat Stapp.
A statement issued by the proud pop's record company said, "Milán has been chosen from Scott's Cherokee heritage for its definition, which is 'to have the creativity of God.' Hayat is from Jaclyn's Jordanian upbringing and is simply 'to give life.' " The baby was born at approximately 1 p.m., weighing in at 6 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.
Stapp and Jaclyn Nesheiwat tied the knot last February at the waterfront Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on Miami's Biscayne Bay. Nesheiwat, who was crowned Miss New York USA in 2004, walked down the aisle in a Vera Wang stunner. Stapp's son from his first marriage, eight-year-old Jagger, served as best man. The Grammy-winning rocker divorced Hillaree Burns in 1999 after 16 months as husband and wife.
After splitting with Creed in 2004, Stapp released a solo album, The Great Divide, the following year. According to his rep, the 33-year-old Florida native has already penned a song for his newborn daughter, which will be featured on his second solo effort. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:54:00 AM |
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| Christina Aguilera : Makes Scents |
Christina Aguilera is looking to be more than just a "Genie in a Bottle." For starters, she's wondering what else she can fit in that bottle. Joining a club that boasts A-listers ranging from Jennifer Lopez to Jessica Simpson, the pop singer became the latest trendsetter to lend her image to a fragrance line, announcing Thursday that she has teamed up with Procter & Gamble Prestige Products to create a signature scent, Women's Wear Daily reported.
“I love trying new things in my music and in fashion,” Aguilera said. “To have a perfume of my own is the beginning of an exciting adventure. P&G is the ideal partner for this new experience.” Well, hopefully the Christina perfume will work out better than "Dirrty" black hair and lingerie chic. Her latest switch to retro glamour didn't do much for her either, at least as far as finicky fashionistas are concerned—Aguilera still ended up on Mr. Blackwell's list of the Worst Dressed Stars of 2006.
Last year alone saw a boom in celebrity scents, with Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani and the studio behind Desperate Housewives announcing plans to lend their own scentsibility to a crowded market that already includes Lopez (Glow by JLo, etc.), Simpson (Dessert), Sarah Jessica Parker (Lovely), Beyoncé (True Star), Sean "Diddy" Combs (Unforgivable), Celine Dion (Always Belong), Kylie Minogue (Darling), the Olsen twins (Coast to Coast, etc.), Britney Spears (Curious, Fantasy, In Control), Hilary Duff (With Love) and David and Victoria Beckham (Intimate Beckham). |
| posted by viraks @ 7:51:00 AM |
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| Jay-Z and GM's Big Pimpmobile |
Sure he lords over the album charts, designs a clothing line (Rocawear), runs a record label (Def Jam), owns sports bars and even a minority stake in the New Jersey Nets, but now Jay-Z is really in the driver's seat, courtesy of General Motors Corp.
The rap mogul turned up in Detroit Saturday night for a GM Style event celebrating the public unveiling of the automaker's new vehicles and concept cars—among them his signature Jay-Z Blue, a 2007 GMC Yukon Denali that he spent more than a year designing in cahoots with GM's Global Color Studio.
"Automotive design, entertainment and fashion have had a profound influence on each other and American culture for generations,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Tonight we're pairing a music icon, Jay-Z, with an automotive icon, the GMC Yukon Denali. Our Global Color Studio worked with Jay-Z to develop a fresh, vibrant color that matched his goals and aesthetics."
Big pimpin', indeed.The Jay-Z Blue is still in the concept stage, but it's expected to roll off the assembly lines and into showrooms later this year.
"Hopefully I'll be able to drive one of them out of here tonight," the recently unretired rap star, real name Shawn Carter, told reporters.Jimmy Kimmel hosted the glitzy GM party, an invitation-only event attended by more than 1,000 people that officially revved up the North American International Auto Show which opens to the public Jan. 13.
Also on hand were a number of celebs to help showcase the car giant's latest fleet of roadsters. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:49:00 AM |
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| Jamie Foxx : Sweet Dream Floats to No. 1 |
Girl Power is alive and well.
With the film doing record business at the box office and picking up plenty of awards mojo going into the Oscar season, the Dreamgirls soundtrack has climbed to the top of the charts.
As the holiday season winds down, the music industry enters one its slowest sales periods of the year; with the sales bar set lower, albums with legs often reach new chart peaks. Such is the case with Dreamgirls, which reached number one on the Billboard 200 after five weeks on the charts.For the week ended Sunday, Dreamgirls reached the top spot by selling just 66,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures released today. That's 38,000 copies fewere than it sold the previous week, a 36 percent drop.
The soundtrack--highlighted by the film's stars Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and American Idol's Jennifer Hudson--opened at 20 in its inaugural week as the film itself debuted in just a handful of theaters.The film expanded its release nationwide on Christmas Day, when it set the single-day record for ticket sales by a big-screen musical, helping the album's upward climb. That week, Dreamgirls jumped 28 spots to number three.
While Dreamgirls climbed to number one, last week's chart-topper, Omarion's 21, fell nine spots to number 10 on 42,000 copies. While the former B2K singer took one of the hardest hits in the post-holiday slide, a pair of albums fared better with Top 10 returns: Daughtry's self-titled jumped eight spots to three (expect the sales to stay strong as the band embarks on its just-announced new tour) and the Beatles' Love moved up four to nine. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:44:00 AM |
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| Van Halen Hot for Rock Hall, R.E.M. Also Tapped |
Van Halen is preparing for a reunion. Whether they like it or not.
The notoriously splintered rock band was tapped Monday for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, joining alternative rockers R.E.M., hit-making girl group the Ronettes, punk poet Patti Smith and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, the first rap act to ever make the cut, in the class of 2007.
Now, we just have to wait and see whether Van Halen can put the animus aside and show up to collect their plaques and play a set.Virtuoso guitarist and band cofounder Eddie Van Halen and his drumming brother, Alex, have been singer-less since the turn of the millennium. Original flamboyant frontman David Lee Roth was bounced from the band. His replacement, Sammy Hagar, departed under bad terms. Bassist Michael Anthony became persona non grata with the brothers Van Halen since taking up with Hagar.
And we haven't even mentioned ex-Extreme vocalist Gary Cherone, who piloted VH to one disastrous album that the band never fully recovered from. (Cherone didn't make the cut for Van Halen's Rock Hall roster.)In a joint statement, Eddie and Alex Van Halen and Roth said, "It is an honor and a privilege and we would like to thank the fans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee." Hagar, meanwhile, called the news "humbling" and said he hoped everyone would get along for the induction.
While Van Halen has been sidelined by turmoil and turnover since 2000, all those years running with the devil have certainly paid off. The band is only one of seven Hall of Fame acts to have at least two albums sell more than 10 million copies in the U.S., ranking alongside the immortal likes of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Eagles.
Van Halen scored their biggest sustained success with "Diamond" Dave at the helm, issuing one rock hit after another, including "Everybody Wants Some," "Panama," "Hot for Teacher," the chart-topping "Jump" and covers of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" and Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman." |
| posted by viraks @ 7:42:00 AM |
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| George Michael Fights Unfit Charge |
As far as George Michael is concerned, being found passed out behind the wheel of his car with a small amount of marijuana at his side does not an unfit driver make.Though on that point he admittedly differs from the London Metropolitan Police.
The former Wham! singer pleaded not guilty to the ungentlemanly motoring charge in London court Wednesday, stemming from his arrest last fall when police responded to complaints that the '80s icon's car was blocking a North London intersection.The 43-year-old pop star was not present at the Brent Magistrates Court; his attorney, Keima Payton, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf.
Payton based Michael's claim of innocence for the unfit driving charge on the fact that blood samples taken the night of his arrest were done so illegally, thus voiding their results.A pretrial hearing, which Michael again won't be required to attend, has been set for Mar. 7 and will determine whether or not the results of the test will be admissible during the singer's trial, itself scheduled to take place April 23.Michael, whose real name is George Panayiotou, was arrested in the early hours of Oct. 1. Police, responding to several calls made by concerned—and annoyed—drivers about a stationary vehicle at a North London traffic light, found him slumped over in his BMW. Witnesses said they phoned the police only after their attempts at waking Michael via honking and window-banging proved fruitless.
The pop star was given a Breathalyzer test, which he reportedly failed, and police also found a small amount of pot in his pocket.The roadside sleeping-beauty routine was nothing new for Michael, who suffered through a nearly identically embarrassing arrest in February 2006, when police found the "Freedom" singer slumped over in his BMW, this time in possession of cannabis, liquid Ecstasy and an assortment of sex toys. He was released with a caution. |
| posted by viraks @ 7:25:00 AM |
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| January 15, 2007 |
| "Borat, "The Queen," odd couple at Golden Globes |
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - British actress Helen Mirren, who knows how to play a queen, and British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who is a prince at playing boors, may dominate the 64th annual Golden Globe awards on Monday -- an event that likes to think of itself as a precursor to the Oscars.
The awards, which are voted on by 83 members of the minuscule Hollywood Foreign Press Association, are indeed a major stop on the road to the February 25 Academy Awards. The show is televised around the world and is filled with high fashion and high spirits -- just like the Oscars.
But whether it is truly predictive is an open question. Last year only two films the Globes nominated in its two best film categories went on to make the Oscars' list of five best film nominees. And the Globes did not even nominate the picture that won the Oscar -- "Crash."
As the show business newspaper Variety recently noted, this year could be different because many of the movies the Globes have nominated also are being well-received by Oscar voters, most notably Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "Babel," British director Stephen Frears' "The Queen," starring Mirren as you-know-who, and Cohen's "Borat," in which he portrays a boorish, anti-Semitic, sexist Kazakh journalist touring America. |
| posted by viraks @ 5:16:00 AM |
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| Britney Brings Back The Bad Extensions |
Britney took a break from partying with her new man Isaac Cohen to take Sean P to the park in Beverly Hills this weekend. At least it seems she's willing to spend more on the one kid (seriously, can we start a JJ day count?) than she is on maintaining her extensions. Kids left at home, Brit took Isaac to the opening of Sideways Restaurant & Lounge in LA last week and it was all about PDA for the new couple
The two "ordered tons of the kobe sliders and Louisiana crab cakes," said our spy, who added, "They drank a lot of vodka cranberry cocktails." The couple then made out at the table for all to see, "engaging in major public displays of affection."
At least Brit found some time to hang out with little Sean P over the weekend. That is before she headed to Vegas for a romantic night with Isaac. Apparently, the couple shacked up at the Fantasy Tower suite at The Palms for $40,000 a night. In the meantime, more of Brit in her heels at the park with little Sean P so |
| posted by viraks @ 4:57:00 AM |
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| Brad Pitt Makes Confession about More Kids |
he desert never felt hotter than when a tan Brad Pitt hit the 18th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.
“Spent the holidays in Costa Rica, just took some time off. And then Panama,” Brad explained of his tan.But most recently, life hasn’t been all play and no work for the demanded superstar; Brad was also just in the Caribbean shooting his next movie, a mystery romance with “Babel” co-star Cate Blanchett.
“We’ve been filming all week in the Virgin Islands,” he told “Extra.”The hard working duo confessed they jumped on a plane for a cross-country trip to Palm Springs after working all night.
“Extra” has learned that Angelina and the kids stayed close behind Dad Brad, retreating at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs as Brad made his film fest appearance.
“It’s important to keep the brood together,” Brad told our Jerry Penacoli.And, this just in, Brad told People.com that he and Angelina want more kids!Speaking of family, Brad was in for a surprise when Jerry introduced his biggest fan, who happens to be Jerry’s mom.
“You came all the way to meet me?” Brad asked the Florida native. “I did customs in Florida; I just landed in Florida this morning.”But Mama Penacoli wasn’t the only woman Mr. Pitt made blush; Sienna Miller was a little flustered herself after Brad kissed her cheek.
“I can think of worse things, I have to say,” she said of the peck.Inside the annual film fest, Brad and Cate picked up an Ensemble Performance award for “Babel,” while Cate also nabbed the Career Achievement Award for her amazing body of work, including “Notes on a Scandal.”
“I’m too young for this,” she joked of the honor.Meanwhile, we asked Brad what he thought about his good friend George Clooney lobbying for Cate to pick up a golden statue at this year’s Academy Awards.
“He’s always lobbying for something,” Brad said.Also at the festival, Kate Winslet, who stunned the crowd in Valentino, picked up acting nods for “Little Children.”
On Sunday, the stars winded down from the red carpet event by attending a Screen Actors Guild Foundation brunch, hosted by Jerry Penacoli himself.The brunch, sponsored by Integrated Wealth Management’s Jim Casey, helps struggling actors.
And we have no doubt that Brad and company served as the ultimate inspirations |
| posted by viraks @ 3:39:00 AM |
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| Donald and Rosie to Kiss and Make Up? |
It’s round one billion for The Donald vs. Rosie O’ Donnell!
But are Trump and Rosie ready to forget the past and move on?
Not quite, although Colonel Sanders, the president of KFC, has offered to play peacemaker to the dueling public figures.
Sanders offered the sparring celebs a forum to work things out over a 10-piece meal of chicken!
While we doubt Rosie and The Donald are ready to move past the blasts just yet, Trump’s wife Melania came to her hubby’s defense on FOX’s “Good Day L.A.” on Friday morning.
“Donald is right to attack, just like what he said in his book. ‘When you are attacked you need to attack back,’” she said.
Watch for a fired-up Trump on the premiere of “The Apprentice,” this Sunday on NBC. |
| posted by viraks @ 3:29:00 AM |
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| Lindsay Lohan Undergoes Surgery |
Lindsay Lohan underwent an unplanned surgery to remove her appendix on Thursday.
According to TMZ.com, Lindsay’s rep, Leslie Sloane Zelnik, revealed the starlet felt ill and went to the doctor on Wednesday.
After performing several tests, the doc determined Lohan was suffering from appendicitis.
Doctors asked her to return to the hospital Thursday to remove her appendix as a precaution.
Zelnik says post-op Lindsay is resting comfortably. |
| posted by viraks @ 3:28:00 AM |
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| Inside Dayna Devon's Baby Shower |
Dayna Devon is busy playing mom to her newborn son Cole, but now we can show you how she got ready for baby number two.
In Touch magazine has the exclusive photos of Dayna's baby shower, which was held at the Jaan Pavilion restaurant in Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills Hotel.
“I thought they were finger puppets at first and they're booties,” Dayna showed us.
Baby carriage maker Silver Cross hosted the celebration, and you can read all about the festivities in this week's issue of In Touch. |
| posted by viraks @ 1:23:00 AM |
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| What Do You Want to Know About Your Favorite Star? |
Is there a question you’ve always wanted to ask your favorite star?
How does Brad keep his tan? How does double nominee Leo keep his cool? Is the cast of “Thank You For Smoking” really smoke free? How does breakout star Jennifer Hudson handles her newfound fame?
Well, this is your chance!
Just leave a comment with a detailed question for your favorite celebrity, and “Extra” will ask the stars everything you want to know on Golden Globes night |
| posted by viraks @ 1:21:00 AM |
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