| CMU Daily - on the inside Friday 10th November |
|
In today's CMU Daily:
- Australian report accuses record companies of exaggerating piracy figures
- Bono makes Guantanamo plea
- Morrisons on Morrison
- Even more country music gongs
- Stones dominate Billboard Touring Awards
- Preston says MySpace is dead
- My Chemical Romance's album worries
- Diddy signs up to Violator
- Prince launches his new club
- Dylan musical ends
- Culture Club cancel upcoming tour
- Bulleit bring some alt-country to East London
- Girls Aloud tour
- Boy Kill Boy announce in-stores
- Guillemots tour
- New Young Pony club dates
- NME announce details of new compilation
- Rapster Kings Of exhibition launches next week
- Coxon, etc, exhibit artworks
- Resfest celebrate Radiohead vids
- NTL consider ITV merger
- Live Nation post loss for third quarter
- IFPI respond to European piracy rulings
- World adopts different DAB format to UK
- Imperial win good at Student Media Awards
- Liverpool licence goes to EMAP talk station
- All Saints to turn on lights
- Lennon had affair with Cogan
- Beatles corrupt financial dealings
- Walken to play Osbourne?
- Dohety and Moss nonsense
- Diddy mocks West and Hill
- Deicide's room vandalised by fellow band
--------------------------------------------------
TOP BIT>>
So, not wishing to lead the witness or anything, but here are some songs you might want to nominate for the big CMU track of the year thing. First, some tracks likely to be getting votes from within the CMU review team. Simian v Justice's 'We Are Your Friends' is an obvious favourite, even though I somehow managed to delete it from my iTunes the other day. Many votes in for that already, and not just from the CMU review team either, one unnamed reader (subscribed at [email protected]) described it as "the most deserved winner of them all". The Roots Manuva / Coldcut collaboration 'True Skool' is also sure to get some votes from the team, and Bell X1 and The Fratellis likewise, though they've both given us several good tracks this year, which might just split their vote. Jim Noir's been a long term favourite round here too, and 'My Patch' and 'Eanie Meanie' both had releases this year. Oh, oh, and the Barefoot covers album came out this year too, votes for them are surely due. And the Cuban Brothers 'A Million Stories' also. And quite how I'm going to pick which Infadels track to give my vote to, I just don't know. In terms of the early votes coming in from you guys - I'm pleased to report there are a few nods to the Infadels in there too. Gnarls Barkley, Sunshine Underground, Humanzi, Kasabian, The Rapture, Trivium and Akira The Don have all got some counts in, and some of you have been brave enough to vote for those Arctic Monkeys, despite the risk of being handed a 'bandwagon jumper' badge. From those that occupy the clubbing domain - that storming Soulwax rework of Robbie's 'Lovelight' has got some nods. But hey, who the hell cares what we or they think - it's what you think that matters. Vote for your favourite track of the year (single releases, b-sides, remixes, album tracks, bootleg mixes all eligible) by emailing the name of the track and (if you can be bothered) a two sentence reason why. Email it in to [email protected] right about now (well, before 8 Dec).
--------------------------------------------------
CLASSIFIEDS>>
WORKING LONG DAYS OR LATE NIGHTS?
Suffering with stiff shoulders, backache or a sore neck?
Feeling tired, stressed or simply deserve a treat?
If so, Calma can help. We provide high quality complementary therapy treatments for clients in the music, media and creative industries. Plus, for the whole of November CMU Daily readers will receive an introductory discount on workplace massage treatments, which means you and your colleagues can receive a 20 minute treatment for just £10 each.
Please contact Caroline Dapre for full details - [email protected] / www.calma.biz
--
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES & PRODUCTS here for just £50 a week, or £150 for two weeks in the Daily and four weeks on the web. Email [email protected] for details.
--------------------------------------------------
CMU RECOMMENDS>>
KILL ALL HIPPIES NOVEMBER
The next edition of the CMU recommended Kill All Hippies takes place this coming Friday - 10 Nov - at its new home, the Carling Islington Academy, you'll find Archie Bronson Outfit and Kubicek and Broken Dolls all taking live to the KAH stage. DJs wise the Cooper Temple Clause boys will join KAH resident Gavin Nugent in the main room, while in Room 2 you'll find the City Rockers team with Eclectic Aristocracy, GoodBooks, We Hate You, Gaz N Max and the Xerox Teen all taking to the decks. Doors open at 8.30pm, it runs till 4am, and tickets are just £6 if you guest list in advance. Oh yes, and Carling is just £1.80 a pint - bargain.
Full info>> http://www.leylinepromotions.com/killallhippies
BREAKING GROUND
Another storming night for your diaries - the second edition of breaks fest Breaking Ground. All the big names are going to be on the bill - Pendulum (Live), Stanton Warriors, Rennie Pilgrem with MC Chickaboo, Splitloop (Live), Precision Cuts, Janette Slack, Breakfastaz, Deekline & Wizard with MC Ivory, Cltr-Z, Freshold, Si Begg, General Midi, Soto, Merka, Symmetrik, Dirtpop, Mr Sushi and Fyoog. Phew. It will all take place at London's seOne Club on Saturday 2 Dec, from 9.30pm to 6am. Tickets are £18.50 in advance - from http://www.ticketweb.co.uk - press info from Leyline.
Full info>> http://www.leylinepromotions.com/breakingground
PRODUCTION MAGIC
Music Tank and the Music Producers' Guild's Production Magic conference is the one stop all day event for anyone working in music production, with a stack of top names offering their insights into this exciting sector of the music biz. Dance music pioneer Nile Rodgers will provide the opening address, multi-Grammy winning Phil Ramone will be interviewed, plus Guy Chambers, John Leckie, Magnus Fiennes and Hugh Padgham are among the other producers who will speak at the event. This all takes place at the London offices of the Magic Circle a week on Saturday - 11 Nov. For full details you need to get on over to http://www.musictank.co.uk. Admission to the conference is £155, but CMU readers can get a £40 discount (ie the trade association rate) - for details of how to book with that discount email [email protected]
Full info>> http://www.musictank.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------
CMU FRIDAY TIPS
VIGSY'S LIVE TIP: Nicola Conte and Marco de Marco Trio then Jazzanova at the London Jazz Cafe
The ever-so-tight guest list at the cafe is still unfortunately so - but they keep on programming really good acts, and I may have to stump up the readies to get into this one. Nicola Conte is a bit of a jazz genius. This is a man who takes jazz from the 60s and 70s and gives it his own new wave bossa lick. He's worked with nu-jazz's Alex Attias, recorded tracks for Eighteenth Street Lounge and is definitely a must see - especially when accompanied by his full live band. The Marco de Marco trio have recently re-released a number of recordings on the rather indie Arision label, and I'm really looking forward to their live show. After the live music, the amazing collective that is Jazzanova will be DJing. Some of the most exciting electronic artists and DJs of recent times, these Germans know how to rock it electronic soul style, with beats to match. Another stonking night.
Friday 10 Nov, Jazz Cafe, Camden, London NW1, doors 7pm for NC/MdM, then 11pm for Jazzanova, £17.50 for live acts, then £12, info at http://www.jazzcafe.co.uk.
CARO'S LIVE TIP: Art Brut
Art Brut, who we like, are playing in Leeds tomorrow night. I'm aware that the majority of our readership are possibly based in London, but you know, it's only fair to occasionally recommend things happening in the regions, because otherwise, we're at risk of making you think that we think nothing good goes on outside of the Metropolis. Besides which, Londoners, Art Brut are playing in London on Wednesday too, and if you don't catch them then, they'll be at the Insomniac's Ball later this month. And in fact, readers in Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol, Brighton, Paris and Barcelona (lots of CMU subscribers living in the last two) can also catch them. Check the MySpace page - http://www.myspace.com/artbrut for the dates. Oh, yes, you need a reason to go. They're really great. And funny. And their frontman has great eyebrows. That okay for you?
Saturday 11 Nov, The Cockpit, Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG, doors 7pm, £8 advance. For more info see http://www.thecockpit.co.uk or call 0113 244 1573
CHRIS' CLUB TIP: Sunday Best at The Beford
Obviously, I'm also tipping Kill All Hippies, but you'll find all the info you need on that in CMU Recommends above. Meanwhile, CMU's good friends at Sunday Best take over the Bedford in Balham this Sunday, and they've got Kid Carpet on the bill, who is worth the trip in itself (well, depending on where you live, possibly not if you're one of our Aberdeen readers, though our Dundee readership really should make the effort). Also lined up are Rita & Sue, Stick It On, The Lawries, Rob da Bank and the Sombrero Sound System. It all kicks off at 7pm, and tickets are a fiver. Brilliant.
Sunday 12 Nov, The Bedford, Balham, doors 7pm, £5, info from Sunday Best IH.
--------------------------------------------------
AUSTRALIAN REPORT ACCUSES RECORD COMPANIES OF EXAGGERATING PIRACY FIGURES
A rather interesting draft report from the Australian Institute Of Criminology accuses the music and software industries of exaggerating the levels of copyright crime being committed, especially on the internet, in order to pressure government to tighten copyright laws. According to The Australian newspaper, the report says that record labels and computer firms have been touting "absurd" piracy figures in self commissioned reports that are, they argue, filled with "self-serving hyperbole".
The report alleges that neither industry are able to explain the methodology behind many of the piracy statistics they publish. Claiming that much industry research is "unverified and epistemologically unreliable", it says: "It is inappropriate for courts and policy-makers to accept at face value currently unsubstantiated statistics. Either these statistics must be withdrawn, or the purveyors of these statistics must supply valid and transparent substantiation". It adds that music and software companies are publishing exaggerated piracy statistics in order to get copyright issues higher up the political agenda, concluding: "Demonstrated higher levels of piracy and counterfeiting would invariably result in additional federal government resources being diverted to enforcement activities. This is a matter requiring urgent attention".
Although the report is concerned primarily with the actions of the Australian music and software industries, some of the statistics that are criticised for hyperbole come from global reports, so the criticisms possibly have wider relevance. That said, the Institute Of Criminology itself has aired caution about the draft report, which reached The Australian via an illegitimate route. They say that the report has been written by an external consultant, Alex Malik, and that they are currently reviewing his work. The indication is that criticism of the music or software industries will be not so sweeping in the eventual published version of the report.
--------------------------------------------------
BONO MAKES GUANTANAMO PLEA
More Aussie politics, though I'm not sure why this is news, exactly, given that Bono is always making political statements, at every available opportunity. Oh well. Bono addressed his audience at U2's recent Brisbane gig with a plea for the only Australian detainee at Guantanamo Bay to be sent home. Speaking during the band's performance of 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', he referred to David Hicks, who has been held at the facility for five years, asking that he be allowed back to Australia for a fair trial.
Aussie prime minister John Howard has thus far refused to intervene on the issue but has agreed to meet with Bono to discuss it. Howard's not making any promises, however. He says: "I don't commit in advance to businessmen in this country, and I don't certainly don't do it to high grade Irish entertainers".
--------------------------------------------------
MORRISONS ON MORRISON
Jim Morrison's father has broken his silence on the subject of his rock icon son, in a new book 'The Doors By The Doors', published to celebrate The Doors' 40th anniversary. The book is the work of music journalist Ben Fong-Torres, who interviewed George Morrison, a retired US Navy admiral, as well as the frontman's younger brother and sister, plus the three surviving Doors.
George Morrison says: "We look back on him with great delight... The fact that he's dead is unfortunate but looking back on his life is a very pleasant thought."
A rebellious teen, Jim Morrison essentially disowned his family, once even making a throwaway comment that they were dead. According to his brother Andy, the singer, appearing at a concert in Washington, refused to see his mother Clara, who died last year.
Speaking about the fact that he turned his back on his family, Mr Morrison adds: "I had the feeling that he felt we'd just as soon not be associated with his career. He knew I didn't think rock music was the best goal for him. Maybe he was trying to protect us."
His sister Anne added: "He liked mystique, too. He didn't want to be from somewhere."
--------------------------------------------------
EVEN MORE COUNTRY MUSIC GONGS
Now, you wouldn't believe how many CMU readers have been complaining that three sets of country music awards just isn't enough in any one week, so here, have another one. The twelfth Inspiration Country Music Awards were held in Nashville last night, and Brooks & Dunn who, as previously reported, dominated the Country Music Association Awards earlier this week, won the Song Of The Year and Top Video awards, both for their song 'Believe'.
Elsewhere, Mike Hammock won Entertainer Of The Year, Tommy Brandt took Best Male Vocalist, Melanie Walker was named Best Female Vocalist and Carrie Underwood was named Best Mainstream Country Artist (news that brought joy to Faith Hill's heart presumably).
--------------------------------------------------
STONES DOMINATE BILLBOARD TOURING AWARDS
Talking of awards, it was also the Billboard Touring Awards in New York last night. These basically present awards based on previously released sales statistics, so it's not exactly a night of surprises.
The Rolling Stones' Bigger Bang tour took the top prizes - Top Draw, which is based on number of tickets sold (nearly 2 million), and Top Tour, which is based on amount of cash in the till (nearly $230 million). Madonna took the Top Boxscore Award for her $22 million eight day sell out run at London's Wembley Arena, while her management - Guy Oseary and Angela Becker - were presented with the Top Manager award. Kenny Chesney got the Top Package prize for his multi-artist Road And The Radio Tour, while Nickelback picked up the Breakthrough Act Award. On a corporate level, Live Nation won Top Promoter and Chicago's Jam Productions took the Top Independent Promoter Award.
Elsewhere, Elton John received a lifetime achievement style Legend Of Live award, while the Music Rising programme, the previously reported charitable initiative to help the music community affected by Hurricane Katrina last year, established by Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, producer Bob Ezrin and U2's the Edge, was presented with Billboard's Humanitarian Award.
--------------------------------------------------
PRESTON SAYS MYSPACE IS DEAD
MySpace is over. Dead. It's official. Well, that's what Preston Ordinary Boys says. Given his celebrity status, we should probably all take note and delete our accounts. What's more, CMU should probably cease and desist with our old, tired MySpace Of The Day feature. Maybe.
To be fair, what he's saying is that promoting your music via the site is not the organic thing it once was, if it ever was. He told NME.com: "MySpace was important with one band, Arctic Monkeys. Now it's on the check list with record labels. We've got to do some instores, sign all these posters, give away a signed guitar and set up a MySpace account. So MySpace is already dead. It's over."
And actually, this is another fair point: "It's owned by fucking Rupert Murdoch for fuck's sake! MySpace is a prime example of something which is cultivated in order to appear like it's alternative when it's nothing of the sort. Also, what kind of person sits on the computer all day going, 'I've got 12,400 friends but I've never met any of them'? How depressing!"
However, what he's forgetting is that it is still a facility bands can use to share their music and attract the attention of people like me who will then nominate them for the prestigious MySpace Of The Day slot, an honour which invariably leads to world superstardom. Oh, it so does.
--------------------------------------------------
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE'S ALBUM WORRIES
My Chemical Romance have said that they were very nervous prior to the release of their latest album 'The Black Parade' - because they were afraid that everyone would have forgotten about them, given that it took a massive two years to come up with their second LP. That was sarcasm, by the way.
Guitarist Ray Toro explained to Rock Radio that the band spent a lot of time working in isolation, adding: "There were actually times where I thought, 'Do people even remember us? Are people gonna be interested in hearing what we put out next?' And, you know, there were times I felt like, 'Are there going to be people out there waiting for this record?' So we kind of live in a bubble, in a sense. We're very closed off to that whole world of thinking about those kinds of things."
As you know, they hadn't been forgotten, they scored a their first UK number 1 single, and they all lived happily ever after.
--------------------------------------------------
DIDDY SIGNS UP TO VIOLATOR
The New York Daily News reports that Diddy has engaged the services of one Chris Lighty and Violator Management as his managers, meaning Mr Combs will be represented by the same team who look after the affairs of 50 Cent, Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes. Violator have already been coordinating some of the marketing activity around Diddy's recent album 'Press Play'. The paper adds that Hiram Hicks, who has essentially been Diddy's interim manager in recent times, may stay involved in some capacity.
--------------------------------------------------
PRINCE LAUNCHES HIS NEW CLUB
Prince launched his previously reported new club in Las Vegas the other night. The 900 capacity venue, named '3121', after his 2006 album of the same name, is housed at the city's Rio Hotel and has been decorated, perhaps not too surprisingly, all in purple. At the launch on Wednesday, the singer played a three song set and revealed his plans to play at the club twice a week, adding "I like Las Vegas". One of Prince's backing singers, Maya Mcclean, says "He wants to bring raw, live music back to Las Vegas. He wants a more positive vibe".
The club officially opens today, with tickets priced at $125.
--------------------------------------------------
DYLAN MUSICAL ENDS
That previously reported musical based on the music of Bob Dylan has had its Broadway run cancelled after just 28 performances, and will now end on 19 Nov.
'The Times They Are A Changin', written by Twyla Tharp, was not well received by critics. Here's what one of them, Terry Teachout of the Wall Street Journal, said: "Mr Dylan is one of the greatest songwriters of the post-war era and Ms Tharp one of its most admired choreographers, so how bad could it be? Now I know: 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' is so bad that it makes you forget how good the songs are".
--------------------------------------------------
CULTURE CLUB CANCEL UPCOMING TOUR
Culture Club, who, as you all know by now, have reformed without Boy George and hired a brand new singer, have cancelled their upcoming UK tour because they want to concentrate on getting some new stuff out there before they actually tour.
The band say: "We want to start our tour with the release of a hit comparable to our world wide hits 'Karma Chameleon' and 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me'. Culture Club sold over 45 million albums, the high standard has been set for our new material, so it is taking longer than we planned, but we feel it's the right decision."
I think they're being a trifle ambitious if they think they can replicate the success of the likes of 'Karma Chameleon. But that's just my opinion. And Boy George's too, probably.
--------------------------------------------------
BULLEIT BRING SOME ALT-COUNTRY TO EAST LONDON
This is one of those things I've been meaning to report on for a while, but every time I've gone into my email looking for the press release I've just not been able to find it. Well, I just found it, hurrah!
Whiskey brand Bulleit Bourbon (I'm going with 'whiskey' because its an American drink, though someone once told me the official American spelling of 'whiskey' is 'whisky', but no one uses it, none of which is especially relevant to this story) is staging a series of music events at the Vibe bar on London's Brick Lane over the next few weeks, mainly on a Sunday afternoon, though one takes place on a Thursday evening. The musical theme is "alt-country" and "nu-folk", and alongside the bands and DJs we've been promised 'frontier cabaret' including lassoing and rope tricks, whip cracking and card tricksters. Dates and line ups as follows:
19 Nov: Treecreeper, John George Cooper, Heavenly Recordings DJs, Deejay Wheelie Bag
26 Nov: Absentee, The Tailors, Rough Trade DJs, Deejay Wheelie Bag
30 Nov: Alabama 3 Unplugged, The Occasional String Band, Ross Allen, Deejay Wheelie Bag
3 Dec: The Occasional String Band, Mr David Viner, Heavenly Recordings v Rough Trade DJs, Deejay Wheelie Bag
Sunday events run from 1-5pm, the Thursday one from 7.30-11pm. Press info from Splendid Communications.
--------------------------------------------------
GIRLS ALOUD TOUR
Girls Aloud have announced a 2007 UK tour. The band, who released their greatest hits album on Monday, have again been refuting allegations that they're about to split. Here's what Nadine says: "The papers have been saying we are going to split since we released our first single so we don't give a shit what they say now".
18 May: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
19 May: Glasgow SECC
20 May: Manchester MEN Arena
22 May: Sheffield Hallam FM Arena
23 May: Cardiff CIA
25 May: Birmingham NIA
26 May: Wembley Arena
27 May: Nottingham Arena
29 May: Brighton Centre
30 May: Bournemouth BIC
--------------------------------------------------
BOY KILL BOY ANNOUNCE IN-STORES
Boy Kill Boy have announced that they're doing a handful of in-store appearances next week to coincide with the release of their previously reported new single 'Shoot Me Down', out 13 Nov - you'll remember that the proceeds of that are going to War Child, so make sure and buy a copy.
Here are the in-store dates:
14 Nov: Camden FOPP
15 Nov: HMV Birmingham
16 Nov: Romford Music Zone
17 Nov: HMV Brighton
And here are the band's upcoming tour dates:
2 Dec: Brunel University
3 Dec: Gloucester Guild Hall
4 Dec: Leicester Charlotte
5 Dec: Warwick University
6 Dec: Bolton Soundhouse
9 Dec: Exeter Phoenix
11 Dec: Wrexham Central Station
12 Dec: Stoke Sugarmill
13 Dec: York Fibbers
14 Dec: Greenock Lava Lounge
15 Dec: Dundee Fat Sam's
17 Dec: Orkney Fusion
--------------------------------------------------
GUILLEMOTS TOUR
Guillemots have announced a new year tour, which is nice. Here are the dates:
4 Feb: Norwich UEA
5 Feb: Newcastle Academy
6 Feb: Aberdeen Music Hall
8 Feb: Glasgow Academy
9 Feb: Manchester Academy
11 Feb: Bristol Academy
12 Feb: Nottingham Rock City
14 Feb: Birmingham Academy
15 Feb: Sheffield Octagon
16 Feb: Brixton Academy
--------------------------------------------------
NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB DATES
My sister's friends sister is in this band (or it was something like that, I wasn't really listening when she told me), so we should be plugging their upcoming gigs (not that they need any nepotistic assistance to get themselves reported, they're kinda buzzing quite a bit at the moment). Anyway, here's where New Young Pony Club will be playing later this month, press info from Bang On PR.
17 Nov: Liverpool EVOL @ Korova
18 Nov: London Modular Warehouse Party with MSTRKRFT @ Canvas
24 Nov: London (2 shows) All ages & Popstarz @ Scala
25 Nov: Manchester The Warehouse Project @ Boddingtons
--------------------------------------------------
NME ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF NEW COMPILATION
Talking of New Young Pony Club, they're on this compilation. And talking of my sister, this album would make a great Christmas present for her. So, if anyone at IPC is reading, the mailing address is at the bottom of the Daily. I'll need two copies, one for me, one for her. Actually, Caro might want one too, better make it three. Mmm, bit of a tall order perhaps. Ah well...
This just in, the wonderful NME has announced details of their new compilation album, 'NME Presents: The Essential Bands 2006', a simply storming collection of great music put together by those very clever and, more importantly, very generous people at NME and IPC. Here's what's on it...
CD1
The Killers - When You Were Young
Razorlight - America
The Automatic - Monster
The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger
Arctic Monkeys - When The Sun Goes Down (live)
Dirty Pretty Things - Bang Bang, You're Dead
The Ordinary Boys - Lonely At The Top
Boy Kill Boy - Suzie
Kaiser Chiefs - You Can Have It All (Ian Brodie Remix)
Franz Ferdinand - The Fallen
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Gold Lion
Feeder - Lost And Found
The Rakes - 22 Grand Job
The Maccabees - X-Ray
The Marshals - Make Her Cry
The Rapture - Get Myself Into It
New Young Pony Club - Ice Cream
Dogs - London Bridge
Wolfmother - Woman
Little Man Tate - House Party At Boothy's
CD2
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Keane - Is It Any Wonder
Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way
Guillemots - Trains To Brazil
Thom Yorke - Harrowdown Hill
The Charlatans - Blackened Blue Eyes
Babyshambles - Albion
Embrace - Nature's Law
Bloc Party - So Here We Are
Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song
Patrick Wolf - Accident & Emergency
Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks
The Dears - Ticket To Immortality
Bell X1 - Rocky Took A Lover
Joyzipper - 1
Just Jack - Writer's Block
The Cribs - You're Gonna Lose Us
Milburn - Send In The Boys
Cord - Sea Of Trouble
Scott Matthews - Elusive
Commenting on the album, the always giving NME publisher Emily Hutchings told CMU: "'The Essential Bands' represents the very best music around, selected by the most authoritative music magazine in the world. Last year's CD was a huge hit and we're sure this year's will be just as popular as NME continues to deliver the music that fans love."
Simon King of Universal's TV division, who actually release the album (and who is, I heard, one of the most generous men on the planet) added: "2006 has been another great year for indie/rock music, with new acts such as The Automatic, The Kooks and The Fratellis joining established acts such as The Killers, Razorlight and Snow Patrol in releasing superb hit albums. A good year for music means a good year for the nation's best known music publication, NME. Once again the NME brand and influence has allowed us to put together a definitive collection of the year's biggest indie hits, along with some new and emerging acts, and to construct a marketing campaign that not only is perfectly targeted to the audience, but also is instantly recognisable."
Actually, better make it four copies, then I've got one to sell at Music Exchange. Only joking. The album's out 13 Nov.
--------------------------------------------------
RAPSTER KINGS OF EXHIBITION LAUNCHES NEXT WEEK
Now, we've mentioned this before but I'm going to mention it again, damn it. Berlin's !K7 is 21 years old this year, and there are some events taking place in London next week to celebrate that fact. One of those events is an exhibition of photography by Michael Joseph all related to the 'Kings Of' compo series released by !K7 imprint Rapster. We hear it's going to be rather good. It will run at London's Phonica Records (51 Poland Street) from 14 to 28 Nov, with a launch party on 14 Nov with DJ duties fulfilled by Mr Thing (who compiled the 'Kings Of Hip Hop' compilation) and Peter Adarkwah (from BBE Records - !K7's collaborators on all things Rapster). The launch party is, I think, invite only - if you reckon you're important enough to be invited email [email protected] or speak to Motion Group or Outpost.
--------------------------------------------------
COXON, ETC, EXHIBIT ARTWORKS
Graham Coxon, John Squire and Holly Johnson are amongst the artists, musicians, illustrators, fashion designers, photographers and architects who have contributed postcard sized artworks to a special exhibition at the Royal College Of Art. The annual show, which this year runs from 17 - 24 Nov, will sell the cards, which are displayed anonymously, for £35 each, with all proceeds going to the Royal College of Art Fine Art Student Award Fund. You can see all the postcards online on the first day of the show, at http://www.rca.ac.uk.
--------------------------------------------------
RESFEST CELEBRATE RADIOHEAD VIDS
Showing my commitment to the cause, I'm reporting on this story even though the press release came as a PDF attachment and, for reasons best know to the IT gods, at the moment whenever I open a PDF attachment it crashes Outlook in a spectacular fashion, and then it takes four and half hours to get Outlook to reload. Anyway, the previously reported Resfest event at the National Film Theatre (previously reported in the context of that Coldcut Sound Mirrors screening) will be staging a retrospective of Radiohead videos, celebrating the band's knack for finding and breaking new video making talent through their choice of pop promo directors. The screening takes place on 19 Nov at the NFT at 8.45pm. More info from http://www.resfest.co.uk .
--------------------------------------------------
NTL CONSIDER ITV MERGER
This is potentially big news in the world of media. NTL:Telewest, soon to become Virgin Media, of course, have told the city that they have advised ITV that they are interested in a "combination transaction" and that as a result they have set up an "initial conversation" with ITV bosses.
To translate, NTL are considering making a merger proposal to ITV. Given that NTL already own pretty much the whole cable TV market in the UK, not to mention Virgin's mobile and internet operations, combining all of that with the ITV empire would make for mighty media power - though NTL stress talks are at a "very preliminary stage", and ITV called NTL's approach "highly tentative".
It seems most city types were quite surprised by NTL's proposals, though many suspect the cable company have made a move at this time because ITV is still without a new chief executive and therefore possibly more susceptible to takeover bids. A merger between NTL and ITV could be problematic on all sorts of levels but, then again, might be a logical move given that industry insiders still seem to assume that the main players in the sector will soon have to compete much more proactively on a global level.
Elsewhere in ITV news, insiders say the slightly drawn out search for a new chief executive might be nearing completion - with former OfCom boss Stephen Carter still seemingly first choice (in fact some say the recruitment process has been deliberately drawn out because Carter is still working through his gardening leave having left OfCom). And elsewhere still, word has it ITV is planning on launching a movie channel on Freeview.
--------------------------------------------------
LIVE NATION POST LOSS FOR THIRD QUARTER
Live entertainment conglomerate Live Nation this week posted a loss for the third quarter. Despite a 35.7% rise in revenues, a rise in operating costs and depreciation and amortization charges (whatever they are) meant that, against expectations, the group made a $9.1 million loss in its last quarter, compared with a $26.1 million profit in the same period last year.
However, the company says that it is planning to sell off some of its smaller US venues and that, coupled with savings expected to be made from its recent acquisition of the House Of Blues empire, the company should soon turn its fortunes around.
Meanwhile, at the Billboard Touring Conference in New York (which preceded the aforementioned Touring Awards), Live Nation bosses were asked by independent players whether they had plans to launch their own ticketing company following their recent takeover of House Of Blues network of clubs and arenas, and recent comments made by senior execs there regarding their long term relationship with Ticketmaster. Reports from the event described Live Nation's response to the questioning as "vague".
--------------------------------------------------
IFPI RESPOND TO EUROPEAN PIRACY RULINGS
The International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry has welcomed a ruling in Finland that will see a man who sold pirated karaoke records over the internet face a suspended custodial sentence and significant fine. The Swedish man who sold the pirated material has been given a 30 day suspended prison sentence by the Finnish courts for copyright offences. He will also have to pay 70,000 euros in compensation, damages and expenses to the rights holders. Although based in Sweden, the man sold the pirated material via a website and magazine adverts in Finland, and was caught via an operation led by Finnish authorities with the support of the Swedish police.
The ruling comes a week after that other European court ruling that seemingly went against the recording industry in their fight against piracy. As previously reported, in that case a Spanish man who downloaded music via P2P networks and then offered to mail CDR copies to people via various message boards was acquitted because the judge ruled the defendant was not profiting from the distribution of the music and therefore was covered by Spanish copyright laws that allow the making of 'private copies'. Although the IFPI disagree with that ruling, a spokesman for the trade association has said that the ruling is not, as some media suggested, a landmark case regarding the legal battle against the unapproved sharing of music online.
IFPI's Adrian Strain told Digital Music News that while "the judge, wrongly in our view, defined the distribution of the music CD-Rs as 'private copying' on the grounds there was no profit involved", this judgement is very much concerned with the specifics of the case - ie the burning and distributing, of CD-Rs - and as a result: "The case had absolutely nothing to do with internet file-sharing".
--------------------------------------------------
WORLD ADOPTS DIFFERENT DAB FORMAT TO UK
Worrying developments everybody - the World Digital Audio Broadcasting Forum in South Korea has adopted the AAC+ codec as its standard for DAB digital radio broadcasting, but the UK DAB system uses the MP2 codec. Aaaaargh, what are we going to do? Our resident tech expert says that adopting AAC+ as a standard would enable UK radio firms to broadcast higher quality output at a cheaper lower bitrate, which is a good thing, except that most of the people who have bought DAB radio receivers in this country wouldn't be able to pick them up. Which is why the UK industry intends to stick with MP2 despite quality and cost implications. So, there, now you know.
--------------------------------------------------
IMPERIAL WIN GOOD AT STUDENT MEDIA AWARDS
Imperial College took the top two prizes at the previously reported Guardian Student Media Awards this week - their paper Felix won Newspaper Of The Year while Imperial student Rupert Neate was named Student Journalist Of The Year. Judges noted that Felix was "remorselessly campaigning with a sense of humour and significant news values".
Elsewhere, Felicity Hay from Sheffield University's Steel Press was named Reporter Of The Year and Warwick University's David O'Kelly won the Sports Reporter prize. Rohin Frances of St Georges, University of London, was named Diversity Writer Of The Year and Ben Lafferty of Oxford University's Cherwell won Critic Of The Year. Warwick Boar won Website Of The Year, Cardiff University's Quench won Magazine Of The Year, Goldsmith's Smiths won Design Of The Year and UCL's magazine Cheese Grater won the Small-budget Publication Of The Year gong.
All the winners were presented with their prizes by Xfm's Lauren Laverne at an awards bash in London on Wednesday night. As previously reported, the NUS's student media awards take place on 24 Nov. The Student Radio Association presented their annual student radio awards last night - we should have a winners list for you next week.
--------------------------------------------------
LIVERPOOL LICENCE GOES TO EMAP TALK STATION
OfCom has awarded the new Liverpool FM radio licence to a talk station put forward by EMAP - City Talk. The new station will be a third output for EMAP on Merseyside - they already own Liverpool's flagship commercial station Radio City and there's a Magic AM outpost there too. All talk radio often ends up being 24 hour phone in shows but EMAP have assured OfCom that "CityTalk will not be dominated with what is often seen as cheap phone-in programmes. Its structure will not rely on the whims of callers. CityTalk will [also] carefully avoid the ambulance-chasing, 'we were first on the scene' approach". Will be interesting to see how it turns out.
--------------------------------------------------
ALL SAINTS TO TURN ON LIGHTS
Oh, I want to turn on the lights. I mean, I know I'm not a celebrity, but I'd do it really well. Anyway, yet again, I've not been chosen, and this year it is recently reformed girl band All Saints who will switch on the Christmas lights on Oxford Street. They'll appear alongside faded-from-my-memory former X Factor contestants Andy Abrahams and G4, plus that Jamie Theakston, at the event, which also celebrates the 'Light Up London' campaign - in which people sponsor single bulbs from the lights in order to raise cash for Centrepoint and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.
All Saint Mel Blatt said: "I was so excited to find out we'd been chosen to do the Oxford Street Lights Switch On and we're also the first four people to sponsor a bulb for the Oxford Street Lights, as part of the Light Up London campaign".
To donate see http://www.heart1062.co.uk/lightuplondon.
--------------------------------------------------
LENNON HAD AFFAIR WITH COGAN
According to new allegations, John Lennon had an affair with tragic sixties pop star Alma Cogan, who died from cancer at the age of 34, whilst he was married to first wife Cynthia. Cogan's sister, Sandra Cohen told the Daily Mail: "I knew about Alma and John, of course, but it was something no one admitted because John was married. We had a very strict Jewish upbringing and my mother would never have approved of a relationship between Alma and a married man".
Of course, it's not a huge surprise - it's claimed Lennon was unfaithful to Cynthia many times during the course of their six year marriage.
--------------------------------------------------
BEATLES CORRUPT FINANCIAL DEALINGS
Elsewhere in Beatles scandal news, secret documents published yesterday reportedly reveal that the Bank Of England discovered that the band were committing financial offences, but never attempted to prosecute them. Shocking.
According to the documents, the Bank investigated how the band were moving large sums in and out of the UK, and came to the conclusion that they were in fact breaking the law. In 1974, it was decided "technical offences... had been committed" but no prosecution followed due to their minor nature. The bank also concluded that the money brought into Britain had benefited the country.
--------------------------------------------------
WALKEN TO PLAY OSBOURNE?
According to reports, actor Christopher Walken is to cameo as Ozzy Osbourne in that previously reported new film based on Motley Crue's autobiography 'The Dirt'. The news was revealed by band member Vince Neil, who is reported as saying: "How funny is that going to be? We're doing big, giant cameos with those people".
Elsewhere, Val Kilmer has been cast as David Lee Roth in the film. It's thought that the Motley Crue members will be played by unknowns, however.
--------------------------------------------------
DOHETY AND MOSS NONSENSE
Not that we're obsessed with the private lives of pop celebrities, but following reports in last night's press that Pete Doherty and Kate Moss shunned this week's Vogue 90th birthday party after ten minutes after finding out they couldn't smoke at the venue where it was being held, we can report the glamour couple of pop nonsense subsequently stumbled on over to 93 Feet East to watch the rather good I Am Kloot play. The Manchester band have known Doherty for a while and band member Johnny Bramwell is rumoured to be collaborating with him. Either way, Moss seemed to approve of their music, and was seen "spending a small fortune" at their merchandise stall and, quite possibly, at 93 Feet East's cigarette machine.
--------------------------------------------------
DIDDY MOCKS WEST AND HILL
More on P Diddy Puff Daddy Sean Diddy Combs, or Diddy, as I believe he likes to be known these days. The hip hop mogul has appeared in a comedy skit mocking fellow music stars Kanye West and Faith Hill over their controversial behaviour at recent music award ceremonies - you remember, West thought he ought to have won Best Video at MTV Europe and whined about it, and Faith Hill jokingly expressed outrage at not winning Female Vocalist Of The Year at the Country Music Awards and got far too much stick for it.
So, in this skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live, footage of Diddy was inserted into the split frame shot from the Country Music Awards, and following the announcement of the winner, Diddy said: "Hell, no. I know y'all ain't saying what I think you just said. Put the camera on me, man, I am country music. When the Country Music Awards does not give Diddy an award, the Country Music Awards loses all credibility. There would be no Brooks or Dunn or Toby Keith or nobody if it wasn't for me, Diddy. I am country music! You better give me my motherfucking award, you country motherfuckers."
By the way, I'm not the only one coming out in support of the very much maligned Ms Hill. Kenny Chesney is being quoted as saying: "To think Faith would be disrespectful in that way is a joke, which is what it was in the first place; a joke."
--------------------------------------------------
DEICIDE'S ROOM VANDALISED BY FELLOW BAND
Deicide are a bit cross, because at a recent gig at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California, a member of opening band Amon Isis went into their room backstage and vandalised it, damaging property belonging to the band as well as the venue. The group, currently on tour in support of 2006 album 'The Stench Of Redemption', intend to bring a legal action against the individual. Which just shows you how times have changed. Time was, Deicide would have just joined in.