| CMU Daily - on the inside Monday 25th February |
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In today's (rather long) CMU Daily:
- Industry welcomes government report putting pressure on ISPs over P2P
- Canadian songwriter society push for ISP levy
- Private members bill on copyright term officially launches this week
- Britney reunited with her boys
- Aaron Carter done for possession
- Snoop gets ticket for possession
- Teo Macero dies
- Alicia Keys postpones dates
- Will Nickelback re-sign to Roadrunner?
- Single review: Menomena - Rotten Hell
- McCartney sales up five-fold after Brits
- Macca working on new material
- Art Brut say EMI didn't tell them about single release
- Robyn to appear on Snoop track
- Robin Gibb works with Russian star
- Paramore frontlady denies split
- Guitarist quits The Higher
- Black Crowes hit out at made up review
- Fergie speaks for Calvin
- Rihanna is cultural ambassador
- Timberlake speaks for Givenchy
- Camden Crawl line up out
- Davies says no Kinks reunion without new tracks
- UNKLE announce one off show
- Waters and Mason deny pub reunion
- I Was A Cub Scout singer glassed on stage
- Album review: Billy Bragg - Mr Love & Justice
- Indie mobile sign up VP
- Musicbrigade shuts up shop
- Universal France launch blog for digital ideas
- Last.fm sees users rise after preview service launch
- Global expected to make new GCap offer
- Sky to appeal commission ruling over ITV stake
- Chart update
- Sub.tv playlist
- Total Rock world album chart
- Student radio chart
- J-Lo's babies born
- Alice Cooper on Hall of Fame
- Gary Barlow crits Brits
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TOP BIT
So, as expected, that government of ours published a report on Friday which outlined, amongst other stuff, its opinions on the role the internet service providers should take in policing the illegal distribution of content online. Crucially, it is of the opinion the ISPs should have a role. Political types want the ISPs to reach agreement with the content companies as to how it will do the policing by the end of the year and, if they don't, they say they'll introduce new laws dictating how it should work themselves.
Much of the reporting on this story over the weekend, as with the reporting that followed the Times revelation earlier in the month that such government plans were upcoming, centered on the music industry's thoughts on this issue - record industry chiefs generally being quite vocal on the matter, and generally welcoming this government report. But what do the ISPs think?
We know the ISPs don't want to police P2P file sharing, and we know they often cite privacy laws as a reason why they can't. But they have generally been quite quiet on the matter to date, though as the pressure mounts for them to do something to combat online piracy they are starting to talk, albeit primarily off the record.
Despite all the talk of privacy concerns, the big issue for the ISPs really seems to be cost. As previously reported, there is technology out there that can monitor internet traffic and can, in theory, be used to spot illegal file sharing (albeit with limited success) - and, indeed, such technology is already used by those who monitor file sharing for the content owners.
The issue, however, is that introducing such monitoring technology across all ISP services, and keeping such technology up to date so to overcome inevitable hacks by the pirates, not to mention the administration costs of sending out warnings and delivering on threats to suspend services, will cost money. The big issue here really is who should pay for it.
The record labels and their like argue that without their content no one would buy an internet service provider's services, certainly broadband, so the ISPs should cover the costs. The ISPs, who are operating on ever tighter margins, argue that the content companies are building whole new revenue streams out of the internet, without having to invest in the infrastructure that enables the delivery of content - if they want systems that safe guard copyrights they should pay for them.
If a policing system was, in the end, introduced by legislation it would be interesting to see who the politicians decided should foot the bill. If the ISPs do end up paying completely, the record industry will probably find itself suffering from yet more bad press, with the ISPs sure to pass the costs onto their customers, explaining that the multi-national record companies and movie studios are forcing them to do so.
All of which means, while in the UK the content owners seem to have got the political upper ground on this one, much diplomacy is still needed in cracking this bit of the long running P2P battle.
PS: Well done to Jessica Joy Magill of the Reason 2 Be Agency who won the final of five copies of the AIM e-guide to sync rights which we were giving away last week by telling us that the 'Trainspotting' soundtrack made Underworld's 'Born Slippy' the big mainstream hit it was. Thanks to everyone who entered, and to AIM for giving us the guides. More info on it at this URL:
http://www.musicindie.com/306.asp?sub=General%20Resources
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JOBS N STUFF
OUTPOST PLUGGER
Outpost is a successful music and events PR agency based in London. We currently have a vacancy for a radio plugger with a minimum of 1 year's experience. A varied role, the successful candidate will be looking after key radio projects, while assisting in the area of TV plugging.
You will be hardworking, motivated and intelligent with first-class writing skills and computer literate. An outstanding knowledge of cutting edge music is fundamental to this role, and you will have a bulging book of contacts. With a flexible attitude in terms of out of normal hours work, and an eye for detail, you will be a confident, team-player who would relish an opportunity to grow and develop with a young, dynamic and fast moving company.
Please apply via e-mail with CV and cover letter to [email protected] explaining why we're right for each other. Salary dependent on experience. Please put 'Outpost Job Vacancy' in the subject line.
DIGITAL MARKETING INTERN
Live Nation is looking for a Digital Marketing intern to assist the Digital Marketing Manager in the promotion of all of Live Nation's tours and festivals including O2 Wireless Festival, Download Festival and Hard Rock Calling. This post will look to start late March/early April 2008 for around 9 months.
We're looking for someone with a real interest in the digital arena who knows their way around MySpace, Facebook and Bebo etc and keen to learn about online PR and marketing. You'll be taking direction from the Digital Marketing Manager, helping to maximise as much online coverage and exposure as possible.
We're looking for a team player with a passion for music and all things digital, with great organisational and communication skills and attention to detail. This role has the possibility to lead to further opportunities at the end of the placement period.
Please send cv and covering letter to [email protected] Only successful applicants will be contacted. Closing date for applications is Friday 29 Feb 08.
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CMU CLASSIFIEDS
DESK SPACE IN CAMDEN
Backstreet International Merchandise have desk space available for creative/music/media types looking for affordable workspace in central Camden. For enquiries please contact Steve Faye on 020 7428 1107 or email [email protected]
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GO ONLINE WITH CMU...
K-bomb from Trash Fashion on how he got into music: "On those little Playskool baby instruments when i was about three. That was some of my best work".
K-bomb answers CMU's Same Six Questions online this week - www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk
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CMU RECOMMENDED
REMIX ALL-NIGHTER - PLUS SPECIAL OFFER FOR STUDENTS
The next CMU recommended Remix All-Nighter takes over the seOne Club at London Bridge next month for a brilliant pre-Easter party.
There'll be three rooms of fun. In the Remix room you'll get live sets from The Whip and Vitalic, plus Remix chief Eddy TM on the decks and VJ Fay Buzzard doing visual stuff. Next up will be a room hosted by Orbital co-founder and general dance music pioneer Phil Hartnoll, named for and showcasing his new venture Long Range. And then, to top off all that, there will be a whole room of all things Ninja Tune, featuring no less than DJ Food & DK, Coldcut (Jon Moore DJ Set), Bonobo, Daedelus, The Qemists and VJ Mox. Oh, and they've just added Busy P (Ed Banger) to the bill too. This night is going to be storming.
It all takes place on 20 Mar. Full info from: http://www.myspace.com/theremix
SPREAD THE WORD! SPECIAL STUDENT DISCOUNT FROM CMU
CMU and Remix All-nighter promoters have teamed up to offer students a special price for the night of just £7. To get the discount you need a special code for when you order your tickets, and you can get the code by emailing your name and university name to [email protected] But do it quick - there are a limited number of discounted tickets available.
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SNAP OF THE DAY: MR NO HANDS
An interesting proposition today with probably our first video artist in the SNAP column as London-based musician Mr No Hands is put up for appraisal. With a simple, childlike animation style backed by lo-fi electronica in the style of Mr Scruff, Mr No Hands is already well set-up for the digital age, with even his press release offered in video form, informing us that he's already been featured in Mixmag and DJ magazine, as well as taking a regular slot on the front page of MySpace video. Moving forward with his project, he's now set-up an mp3 video label, No Handed Music, and is set to release a new single, 'Boingy Boingy Zappy Wap', a bleeping spectacle of 80s Nintendo noises that comes prepped with a video documenting a night out to a gig in Camden (or Candem as the video suggests). Get your critical hat on at the YouTube link below.
http://www.youtube.com/mrnohandsmusic
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INDUSTRY WELCOMES GOVERNMENT REPORT PUTTING PRESSURE ON ISPS OVER P2P
As expected, the government set out its current thinking on the role internet service providers should take in battling online piracy in a report published on Friday. The document, called 'Creative Britain: New Talents For The New Economy', set out 26 government commitments regarding the creative industries, and among them was a pledge that if the content industries and ISPs can't reach a voluntary agreement regarding policing illegal file sharing by this time next year then political types will legislate.
As much previously reported, the content owners, and the record labels and movie studios in particular, have long argued that the ISPs should take a more proactive role in policing the sharing of unlicensed content online, most commonly via P2P systems. One proposal has included making the ISPs monitor file sharing, and to issue warnings to any customers who share illegal content, with the threat of cutting off their internet access if they continue to file share. The ISPs, however, have been very resistant to taking on such a role, normally citing privacy concerns, and arguing that current privacy laws prevent them from monitoring customer activity in non-criminal cases.
Talks have been ongoing between the content owners and the ISPs for some time, with the former lobbying politicians for support in making the latter take more responsibility for online content piracy. Government has indicated in the past that they would prefer a voluntary solution, but that they might legislate if one couldn't be reached. Friday's report was a formalisation of that intent which, the record companies will hope, may persuade the ISPs to shift on the issue on the basis self-regulation is better than legislation. If no voluntary agreement is reached (and assuming the ISP lobby doesn't get to them in the meantime) the government could begin the legislation process as soon as April 2009.
Needless to say, the report, though expected, was welcomed by the record industry. The boss of UK record label trade body the BPI, Geoff Taylor, told CMU: "It's great to see the government taking an holistic view of the creative economy and recognising its importance to Britain's future global success. Specifically, the prospect of legislation to ensure ISPs deal with illegal filesharing, and the proposals to beef up IP enforcement show that the government fully understands the importance of copyright to creators. The clear timetable of legislation means that it is now or never for ISPs to negotiate effective and viable agreements with us. We still believe that co-operating with ISPs to educate their consumers on the impact of copyright infringement and to develop new commercial partnerships is the best way to address the problem".
The boss of global record label body the IFPI John Kennedy added: "I welcome the UK government's change of tone and serious legislative intent. Within the space of only four months, two governments, in France and Britain, have now embraced the simple idea that internet service providers are uniquely positioned to help in the fight against digital piracy. This is a sea-change in attitude and I believe it is now up to governments elsewhere in Europe and further afield to follow their example. Today's UK proposals show there is a growing acceptance that ISP cooperation, and specifically a system of disconnection of repeat infringers, is the most practical, proportionate and efficient way of tackling [the illegal file sharing] problem. ISPs are in a unique position to make a difference, and in doing so to reverse a culture of creation-without-reward that has proved so damaging to the whole music community over the last few years".
On the music publishing side of the equation, the recently appointed boss of that only slighty strange British Music Rights thing, Feargal Sharkey, welcomed the government report in general, but aired caution over rushing in legislation regarding the ISPs. He said: "There is no doubt that illegal file sharing has caused huge damage to the music industry, and it is heartening that government recognises this. However, from personal experience as a regulator, both the music industry and ISPs need to understand that regulatory intervention does not always provide a sound commercial solution. We should all think on that very carefully. For our community, legislative measures against ISPs would be an option of last resort. We look forward to working with internet service providers - and any other users of music - to build viable, mutually-beneficial businesses that pay back revenues to those songwriters, composers and artists who can provide them with such a valuable commodity".
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CANADIAN SONGWRITER SOCIETY PUSH FOR ISP LEVY
Of course another solution to this whole thing is, rather than getting the internet service providers to stop file sharing, to officially allow file sharing and instead charge a levy which compensates rights owners. It's a system that has been discussed in various parts of the music industry in recent years, though more so in indie circles, with the major record companies generally less keen on a system that completely legitimises file sharing, even in return for an ISP levy. But that proposal is formally on the agenda in Canada where the Songwriters Association Of Canada has issued a proposal suggesting all internet users be charged a five dollars a month levy in return for the right to file share. The group says on its website: "We believe that implementing a fair way of compensating Canada's music creators for the online sharing of their music will usher in a new Golden Age of creativity". The move is unlikely to mean an adoption of the proposals in Canada anytime soon given how many issues there would be to address first - not least the opposition of the ISPs and the major labels, the lobby who will argue it penalises the majority who don't file share, and the question of how the levy is distributed to the content owners.
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PRIVATE MEMBERS BILL ON COPYRIGHT TERM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THIS WEEK
On to that other hot government related topic in music-ville, and Peter Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, and a former Runrigger, as you may remember, has announced he will formally launch his Private Member's Bill proposing an extension of the sound recording copyright for performers and producers from fifty to seventy years at the Houses Of Parliament on 27 Feb. The bill has already had its 'first reading' in the House Of Commons, but Wishart will be publishing a more detailed outline of his proposals this week, ahead of a second reading on 7 Mar.
Wishart's bill goes against government policy on the matter, of course, they have backed the Gowers Report conclusion on the issue that the current fifty year term is adequate, even when compared to the US sound recording term of 95 years, and the music publishing copyright term of life plus seventy years. Wishart, an SNP MP, hopes to show the cross parliamentary support for his bill at the event on Wednesday, with Tories, Liberal Democrats and Labour types all supporting the proposals. He is inviting music industry types to also attend to demonstrate support for the proposals in the music world.
As also previously reported, despite the UK government's view on the matter, the European Union's Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, recently spoke in favour of extending the sound recording term to 95 years - an EC move on the matter could supersede the UK government's policy.
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BRITNEY REUNITED WITH HER BOYS
Britney Spears has spent several hours with her two sons, after being granted access on Saturday. The singer, as previously reported, had not been permitted to see her children for two months, after ex-husband Kevin Federline was granted sole custody on 4 Jan.
Federline's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan told reporters that an agreement had been reached between both parties, saying "the process of reinstating the children's mother as a participant in their lives can commence". Federline's spokesman, Elliot Mintz has said that it was Britney's father James who had been instrumental in bringing about the reunion.
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AARON CARTER DONE FOR POSSESSION
American pop boy and brother of Backstreet Boy Nick, Aaron Carter, was done for marijuana possession last week after being pulled over by cops for speeding. He was found to be in possession of two ounces of the drug after police stopped him for driving 5mph above the speed limit.
A spokesman for the popster told reporters: "On his way to Florida bringing his two dogs to live on a large ranch, Aaron Carter was detained today in Texas by a trooper for exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph. A search revealed a small amount of marijuana, a misdemeanour in this state. He is posting bail and will return to Los Angeles. He sincerely regrets any embarrassment this caused to his family, friends and fans".
Carter's father, meanwhile, said the drugs charge, while relatively minor, had "floored" him. Speaking to People magazine, Bob Carter said: "I'm just totally floored by this. Other people suspected he had a problem, but I denied it and didn't believe it. Now I feel hurt and betrayed, because I see that everything wasn't what I thought it was. Aaron has always thought he was invincible and sometimes it takes a knock in the head to get people back on track. I hope that's what happens here".
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SNOOP GETS TICKET FOR POSSESSION
Also receiving a charge for marijuana possession last week was Snoop Dogg, though his lawyer says he will contest the charge, possibly because getting the same charges as Aaron Carter is bad for his rep. He was given a ticket by police for the alleged possession outside a club in New York last Wednesday. He wasn't arrested, but is believed to be obligated to report to local police about the matter in due course. NYPD haven't commented on the ticket, but the hip hopper's lawyer Donald Etra told the New York Post: "We are contesting the ticket", though it isn't entirely clear on what grounds.
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TEO MACERO DIES
Jazz saxophonist, composer and producer Teo Macero has died at the age of 82 following a long illness.
Born and raised in New York state, he served in the US Navy before moving to New York City in 1948 to attend the Julliard School of Music. Following graduation, he co-founded Charles Mingus' Jazz Composers Workshop and became active in NY's avant garde jazz scene. It was as a producer, however, that he became most renowned, working for Columbia with hosts of artists, including the likes of Duke Ellington, Johnny Mathis, Simon & Garfunkel, Count Basie and Thelonius Monk. Most famous, though, are his many collaborations with Miles Davis. His technique, developed through his associations with avant garde composer Edgard Varese, is said to have impacted significantly on later generations of producers.
Macero also continued to compose music, for artists, TV and film, and also composed, performed and conducted with the likes of the New York Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic and the Kansas City Symphony. He also wrote ballets for companies such as the American Ballet Theatre.
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ALICIA KEYS POSTPONES DATES
Alicia Keys has been forced to cancel two UK tour dates as her doctor has told her she must rest her voice. The singer, who is suffering from laryngitis was supposed to appear on Monday in Glasgow and Tuesday in Manchester. Publicist Patti Webster says the dates will be rescheduled.
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WILL NICKELBACK RE-SIGN TO ROADRUNNER?
There is much speculation regarding the future of strangely-huge Nickelback at Warner's Roadrunner imprint.
Word has it the rockers have just one album to go on their current Roadrunner deal and that they will be very much in demand when it comes to picking a new record label to work with. The band are a hot target for one of those 360 degree deals that everyone is talking about these days (ie one covering touring, merchandise and brand partnerships as well as recordings) though the advance required to score such a deal with a band so big would be high, and many are speculating that Warner simply won' be able to afford to keep them.
No one else has said this yet, but it's only a matter of time, so I'm getting in there first - perhaps they'll be the next big target for a major deal with Live Nation's new artist division, the bit of the live music conglom looking to sign artists to deals outside the live music domain, and the bit that signed that multi-revenue stream deal with Warner signed Madonna last year.
All that said, the band enjoy a good relationship with the independently minded Roadrunner Records, which some say will help them to a certain degree in fighting off other deals which are sure to come the band's way in the coming year.
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SINGLE REVIEW: Menomena - Rotten Hell (City Slang)
It's difficult to say this band's name without singing the 'Mah Na Mah Na' song from the Muppets. I'm not sure if this is intentional or not. A trio from Portland, Oregon, Menomena have been championed by Pitchfork from the beginning and their third album 'Friend And Foe', from which the single is taken, similarly received rave reviews. The band are known for their experimental recording methods and have previously recorded an album of 17 minute songs. 'Rotten Hell', fortunately, is a more conventional length. It starts very quietly and unassumingly, then halfway through it explodes into life with a choir chorus joining in, and it ends up in an Arcade Fire style joyful free for all. This is certainly not an immediate kind of song and I fear this is one for the chin strokers rather than myself. JW
Release date: 25 Feb
Press contact: Radarmaker [all]
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MCCARTNEY SALES UP FIVE-FOLD AFTER BRITS
So, we now have the post-Brits sales reports to add to the TV ratings we reported on on Friday. And an award is definitely worth having in terms of shifting units - certainly if your name is Paul McCartney. Following his greatest hits set at the Brits last Wednesday sales of his most recent album 'Memory Almost Full' were up 515% on Thursday according to HMV.
Best Male winner Mark Ronson saw his album sales go up by 271%, Best International Female Kylie Minogue got a 242% boost, while double winners Take That and Arctic Monkeys saw sales of their recent albums rise by 159% and 151% respectively. Of course those figures only really make sense in the context of sales pre-Brits (ie if an album has been out a long time and had relatively low sales last week, the post-Brits uplift will come out higher in percentage terms), but nevertheless HMV's spokesman said the Brits boost was bigger this year than last year.
Gennaro Castaldo said the Brits effect on sales was becoming "more pronounced each year", adding: "The Brits can also remind us of our musical heritage, allowing younger fans in particular to discover the brilliance of established stars, as appears to be the case this year with Paul McCartney, Take That and Kylie".
As previously reported, the recent surprise Grammy win for Herbie Hancock's 'River: The Joni Letters' helped take that album from 159 to 5 in the US's Billboard albums chart.
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MACCA WORKING ON NEW MATERIAL
On the back of all the Macca hype post-Brits, news that McCartney is already working on a follow up to last year's 'Memory Almost Full'. A spokesman says: "Paul started recording last week, but he has been writing for a while. It should be ready by the summer". Quite interestingly, word has it he is currently working with producer Youth on that new material which could prove, well, quite interesting.
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ART BRUT SAY EMI DIDN'T TELL THEM ABOUT SINGLE RELEASE
CMU favourites Art Brut have claimed that their label, EMI, have digitally released their single 'Pump Up The Volume' without telling them. Which seems a bit odd, but there you go.
The editor of the band's official website, http://www.artbrut.org.uk, writes: "Attention, the Internet!! It seems Art Brut have accidentally released a single. Yes, the rumours are true. But how could this happen, you may ask? Why were we not informed? Why was it not available in my local record shack, thrust pride of place along side the latest View recording? Well, my friends, pick up any thread of incompetence and it will usually lead you to a record company. That's right, it seems EMI have decided to release 'Pump Up The Volume' without informing either the band or myself, making any kind of wide scale promotion rather difficult. Adding to this curious new marketing stratagem of discouraging sales, EMI have chosen to make the song available via download only. So no luck in the record shacks either".
No word from EMI on the whole matter yet. Though to be fair I haven't asked them for one. I should do that.
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ROBYN TO APPEAR ON SNOOP TRACK
Swedish pop type Robyn is to be featured on a Fyre Department remix of Snoop Dogg's upcoming single 'Sensual Seduction', which, as previously reported, includes an 'adult version' named 'Sexual Eruption'. Snoop's new album 'Ego Trippin' is out on 17 Mar, and Robyn releases a single, 'Who's That Girl' on 14 Apr.
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ROBIN GIBB WORKS WITH RUSSIAN STAR
Onto a different kind of Robin now. Bee Gee Robin Gibb has been working on a re-record of his band's disco classic 'Stayin Alive' with Russian pop star Valerieya. It came about because Valerieya wrote to Gibb last year enclosing her cover of the track, and he was rather impressed by it, and made it his mission to raise her profile in the west - she doesn't need much help at home, she's sold in excess of 100 million albums in eastern Europe.
Valerieya says: "I sent Robin a letter explaining how hard it was for us to get Western music growing up behind the iron curtain. But I loved the Bee Gees".
Gibb says: "She's Russia's top artist and really good".
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PARAMORE FRONTLADY DENIES SPLIT
Hayley Williams of Grammy nominated US pop rockers Paramore has denied suggestions of a split, talk of which seems to have come about because the band cancelled the remaining dates of their European tour, citing internal issues and personal problems as the cause.
Williams says in an update on her blog: "Since we posted the last entry, we've gotten tons of phone calls and people posting things on web sites saying that we are breaking up. I just want to make it clear, though... we weren't saying the band was over. We posted because we are going through hard times and we felt that because we have a really good support system in you guys, our fans, it would be better for us to just be honest about what's going on - even though it was a pretty vague explanation".
She goes on to deny rumours that she is pregnant, saying "man, some of the rumors that I've heard going around are insane! It's weird how out of hand things can get even when you just try to tell a simple truth (for the record, my eggo is not preggo). Anyway, we just need to take time to make this band the best it can be... and we are doing that now".
According to an Atlantic Records spokes-type, the band are still expect to tour the US with Jimmy Eat World in April.
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GUITARIST QUITS THE HIGHER
The Higher (more US pop rockers) have released a statement saying that founder member and guitarist Tom Oakes is leaving the band due to that old chestnut 'personal and creative issues'. The band will continue on as normal, and will visit the UK in April for their debut tour with Elliot Minor.
Tom Oakes says this: "To all of you, I want to thank all of you for what you have done for this band. I am personally shaken about this, but not destroyed. The band is very adamant about continuing on and I have nothing but the most faith in the world that they will not only continue, but succeed".
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BLACK CROWES HIT OUT AT MADE UP REVIEW
The management of Black Crowes have hit out at men's mag Maxim who have reportedly published a review of the band's new album 'Warpaint' before copies of the album have been even sent out to the media.
A posting on the band's website reads: "How is it that a magazine can review an entire album - and assign a star rating to it - without actually hearing the album? Case in point: the "review" of 'Warpaint' - the new album by The Black Crowes - in the March issue of Maxim magazine. The writer - who has not heard the album since advance CDs were not made available - wrote what appears to be a disparaging assessment anyway, citing "it hasn't left Chris Robinson and the gang much room for growth". Incredulously, the magazine gave the album a two and a half star rating - although neither the writer nor the editor could have heard more than one song (the single 'Goodbye Daughters Of The Revolution'). When approached for an explanation, the magazine described the review as 'an educated guess preview'. Huh?"
The band's manager Pete Angelus told reporters: "Maxim's actions seem to completely lack journalistic integrity and intentionally mislead their readership. When confronted with the fact that they never heard the album they are claiming to 'review' in their music section - with a star rating, no less - they attempt to explain that it was an 'educated guess'. In an email correspondence, Maxim went on to state: 'Of course, we always prefer to (sic) hearing music, but sometimes there are big albums that we don't want to ignore that aren't available to hear, which is what happened with the Crowes. It's either an educated guess preview or no coverage at all, so in this case we chose the former.' It speaks directly to the lack of the publication's credibility. In my opinion, it's a disgrace to the arts, journalism, critics, the publication itself and the public. What's next - Maxim's concert reviews of shows they never attended, book reviews of books never read and film reviews of films never seen?"
'Warpaint', Black Crowes first album in seven years, is released next month on Silver Arrow Records. I'm giving it four out of five. Not that I've heard it.
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FERGIE SPEAKS FOR CALVIN
Black Eyed Pea Fergie is the new spokesperson for Calvin Klein, according to reports. A company insider says of the singer, who wore a yellow Calvin Klein gown to the Grammys last week: "Fergie is a perfect fit. She loves Calvin, and he thinks she is beautiful and fun and brings a lot to the brand".
The 'insider' continued: "Fergie loves the classic Calvin look, and he is one of the designers she's considering for her wedding dress. She says she hasn't had much time to really think about her wedding, but is having a lot of fun figuring it all out as she goes along".
No comment on the matter from Calvin Klein.
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RIHANNA IS CULTURAL AMBASSADOR
Rihanna has been made an honorary cultural ambassador to her native island of Barbados. A rally was held a few days ago to honour the singer and Prime Minister David Thompson announced the honorary appointment, as well as saying that his government were also planning to recognise the singer's achievements by awarding her a "piece of the rock" - a plot of real estate in the exclusive Apes Hill area of St James.
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TIMBERLAKE SPEAKS FOR GIVENCHY
Justin Timberlake, it has been announced, is to be the new spokesmodel for French perfume house Givenchy. The company say they chose him because he 'redefined modern elegance'. Fhhhpppp.
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CAMDEN CRAWL LINE UP OUT
The line up is out for this year's Camden Crawl which takes place from 18-19 Apr and runs as follows:
Both days: The Answering Machine, Bobby Cook, Bombay Bicycle Club, Boy Kill Boy, Cage The Elephant, Cat The Dog, Cock N Bull Kid, The Creepy Morons, Crystal Castles, Does It Offend You Yeah?, Elle S'Appelle, Fanfarlo, Florence And The Machine, Future Of The Left, The Haunts, Ida Maria, Ipso Facto, Johnny Flynn, Johnny Foreigner, Let's Wrestle, Los Campesinos!, Lykke Li, Make Model, Noah And The Whale, One Night Only, Operator Please, Royworld, Slow Club, Sam Isaac, Sam Sparro, Tellison and This City.
Friday only: Agaskodo Teliverek, Blackhole, Cheap Hotel, Cutting Pink With Knives, Eugene McGuinness, Figure 5, The Ghost Frequency, Hatcham Social, In Case Of Fire, JME, The King Blues, Pete Molinari, Post War Years, Rolo Tomassi, The Rushes, Sergeant, Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames, Simone White, SixNationState, Soko, Vinny Vinny, William, Yoav and Youthmovies.
Saturday only: Acoustic Ladyland, The Brute Chorus, Circulus, Cheeky Cheeky And The Nosebleeds, Damn Shames, The Dirty Feel, Duels, Innerpartysystem, Invasion, Jay Jay Pistolet, Kode 9, Lucy And The Caterpillar, Nic Dawson Kelly, Pacific!, Reuben, Rosie Oddie And The Odd Squad, Skepta, Sky Larkin, Slagsmalsklubben, Stricken City, Team Waterpolo, Tronic Youth and White Lies.
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DAVIES SAYS NO KINKS REUNION WITHOUT NEW TRACKS
Ray Davies has said that there's no way he's bringing back The Kinks just to trot out the old favourites (which I wouldn't mind actually, I love all the old favourites), and insists that if they do ever reform, they'd have to have some new material to play.
He told Billboard, "I can't get a band together just to play the old hits. They'd have to be able to do, like, 10 per cent new material. I think that will be the determining factor in the long run".
Davies also says that fellow Kink, brother David has now recovered from his 2004 stroke, and is "playing again" and "getting well enough to shout at me".
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UNKLE ANNOUNCE ONE OFF SHOW
UNKLE have announced a one-off London gig featuring guest appearances from the likes of Ian Brown and Badly Drawn Boy. The concert, which will take place at Brixton Academy on 1 Mar, follows tour dates in Bristol, Sheffield and Portsmouth, and sees UNKLE's James Lavelle perform with a featured vocalist from each of the outfit's three albums to date.
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WATERS AND MASON DENY PUB REUNION
Rumour has been rife (well, it's not, really, but I like the phrase) that Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and Nick Mason were to reunite for a one off pub gig at the weekend as a favour to a friend. And it was rife enough for the BBC to have reported that it was actually happening, so there you go.
Anyway, the pair's management have denied that an appearance was ever set to take place at the The Winkfield pub in Berkshire saying: "We've been contacted this afternoon by Roger's manager to confirm, as we expected upon reading it on the BBC, that there is absolutely no truth to the rumoured appearance this coming Saturday at The Winkfield pub of Roger Waters and Nick Mason. The BBC have retracted their previous story about the event".
When I think of all those poor, disappointed Floyd fans, it makes me want to smile. I mean, cry, obviously.
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I WAS A CUB SCOUT SINGER GLASSED ON STAGE
I Was A Cub Scout have had to cancel a gig because their singer Todd Marriot was injured on stage at Southampton's Joiners on Saturday when he was hit in the face by a glass thrown by a member of the audience. Idiot.
Anyway, the band's next gig, due to take place at the Leicester Charlotte last night, was cancelled. A band spokesperson told NME.com: "Todd got a glass thrown in his face last night in Southampton, so tonight's show is cancelled. He's ok, though, thankfully".
The group's remaining tour dates are as follows, and presumably they will still go ahead:
25 Feb: Southend Chinnery's
26 Feb: Wolverhampton Little Civic
27 Feb: London Underworld
28 Feb: Cambridge Barfly
29 Feb: Dublin Voodoo
1 Mar: Galway Roisin Dubh
2 Mar: Belfast Auntie Annie's
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ALBUM REVIEW: Billy Bragg - Mr Love & Justice (Cooking Vinyl)
When the new Billy Bragg album dropped through the letterbox at CMU HQ last week, I couldn't have been more delighted. I know it's all about new music and the little guy these days but given Bragg's status as a political folk-punk hero with a history of having principles, I don't think you can be negative towards the fella. Indeed, everyone who is anyone in music these days seems to be citing him as an influence, so what more does the album show us about this cherished singer songwriter? Well, from its very title it takes in his favourite themes of relationships and politics with the likes of 'The Beach Is Free', a paean to the important things in life which money can't stop you having. 'Sing Their Souls Back Home' is a sing-along organ tinged stomper, while opener, whilst first single, 'I Keep Faith' features guest vocals from Robert Wyatt. The style is country-tinged, and on the whole works wonderfully, juxtaposed with a richer and more rounded sound from the veteran singer. As good as you hope it will be, and that should, of course, be very good. IM
Release Date: 3 Mar
Press Contact: Cooking Vinyl IH [all]
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INDIE MOBILE SIGN UP VP
PIAS owned mobile music outfit Indie Mobile have announced an partnership with leading reggae label VP Records which will give the mobile music platform access to music from the VP catalogue - including music from the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy, Morgan Heritage, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, Beenie Man, and Elephant Man - in all territories outside of Japan, US and the Caribbean.
Indie Mobile MD Seth Jackson says this: "VP Records has the world's largest and best reggae music catalogue and this new agreement allows us to work with some of biggest names in the genre. The depth and quality of this wonderful catalogue is astonishing and we are delighted to be able to add it to our existing offering".
VP of VP (which is a great job title) Oliver Chastan told CMU: "We are excited to work with Indie Mobile. The partnership of Indie Mobile's dedication to independent music with the solid infrastructure provided by The [PIAS] Entertainment Group offers us the best of both worlds".
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MUSICBRIGADE SHUTS UP SHOP
Another aggregator who specialised in gathering music, and especially music video, for online and mobile services - Swedish based Musicbrigade - has reportedly closed down, despite deals with both high profile content owners and distribution partners like Channel 4, Telenor and Vodafone. A statement on the company's website says simply: "Musicbrigade has ceased to exist, at least in its current form". The company's assets, including its domain names, are now expected to be sold off.
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UNIVERSAL FRANCE LAUNCH BLOG FOR DIGITAL IDEAS
The French bit of Universal Music has set up a blog aimed at attracting the next generation of web entrepreneurs who might just be sitting on the next big thing in digital music. Following that Wired interview with Universal Music chief Doug Morris last Autumn, in which the major label top man said of problems the record companies faced in the early days of the internet "I wouldn't [have been] able to recognise a good technology person - anyone with a good bullshit story would have gotten past me", the major now says anyone (Bullshitters included, presumably) with a good idea for new online or mobile based digital music propositions can get direct access with their development team via the blog. Outsiders can post on the blog, but their posts will only be readable by Universal insiders. What the digital innovators get out of it I'm not sure. Money, investment or work you'd assume. Or the warm glow of knowing they helped little old Universal Music survive in the digital age.
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LAST.FM SEES USERS RISE AFTER PREVIEW SERVICE LAUNCH
Last.fm say that their social-networking music-recommending whatnot service has become even busier since the launch of that previously reported streaming music preview service. Unique listens are up 92% and unique users of the service are up 59% - with particular growth in the US, where the London based CBS owned service is not so well known. As previously reported, the music preview service lets users access music on demand for a limit number of plays, after which they are invited to buy tracks from download partners like 7Digital and Amazon. Last.fm co-founder Martin Stiksel says this: "We've created a new model that works for everyone - listeners, artists and copyright holders - and the user response proves that it is working. Free is the future, and this is signaled not only by the industry's growing acceptance of what we're doing, but more importantly, by the incredibly fast increase of users accessing music on Last.fm since we launched free-on-demand".
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GLOBAL EXPECTED TO MAKE NEW GCAP OFFER
Global Radio are expected to make a second offer for rival GCap. As previously reported, the GCap board turned down Global's previous offer, preferring to wait for their new CEO Fru Hazlitt to outline how she proposes to sort out the company as a stand alone concern. As also previously reported, just before Hazlitt outlined her proposals Global committed to the City's Takeover Panel that it would make any new offer before 5 Mar, or wait until the Autumn to make another approach. According to the Sunday Express, the Heart/LBC/Galaxy owner is now preparing a much more generous offer for its competitor, valuing the firm at £350 million, up £50 million on the original offer.
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SKY TO APPEAL COMMISSION RULING OVER ITV STAKE
Sky last week confirmed it would appeal that previously reported Competition Commission ruling that ordered it to sell over half of its stake in ITV. As much previously reported, the Commission investigated Sky's acquisition of 17.9% of ITV after concerns it gave them too much influence over their competitors in the TV industry. The Commission ordered them to reduce their holding in ITV to 7.5%. But the Rupert Murdoch owned broadcaster says it will challenge that ruling, arguing the Commission made several mistakes in its review of the share purchase and that its remedy is too severe. Sky's Jeremy Darroch told reporters that the Commission had "built its case on a series of implausible hypotheses and has recommended an arbitrary remedy for a non-existent problem", adding: "The reality is that competition in this marketplace is as vigorous as ever. A merger has not taken place, Sky and ITV are distinct entities with independent strategies and Sky could not block a shareholder resolution without voting rights".
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CHART UPDATE
So, the also strangely popular The Feeling go straight in at the top of the albums chart this week with 'Join With Us', so, erm, well done them. Nickelback are at number two, while Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson and Mika all move back up the charts post-Brits to take positions 3, 4 and 5 respectively (begging the question who the hell is it who only got round to thinking "Hmm, perhaps I'll buy that Amy Winehouse's album" this week).
Other new entries on the albums chart come from Jonathan Ansell with 'Tenor At The Movies' at 9, Joe Brown with a 50th Anniversary best of at 16, Sheryl Crow with 'Detours' at 20, Andrea Bocelli with 'Vivre - One Night In Tuscany' at 30 and Simple Plan with 'Simple Plan' at 31.
Singles wise, Duffy is still top with 'Mercy', followed by H Two O with 'What's It Gonna Be' at 2 and Nickelback with 'Rockstar' at 3. The chart is new entry light this week, though you do get Taio Cruz and Luciana with 'Come On Girl' at 23, Mark Ronson and Phantom Planet's 'Just' at 31, Chris Brown with 'With You' at 35, Yael Naim with 'New Soul' at 36, and Brits hater Craig David only going in at 39 with '6 Of 1 Thing' despite getting tabloid coverage for his Brits bitching.
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SUB.TV PLAYLIST
Here they are again, the videos being played this week on the Sub.tv video screen network in students' unions all over the UK. New entries marked with a *.
A-List
Alphabeat - Fascination (Charisma)
The Cribs - I'm A Realist (Wichita)
Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We are Rockstars (EMI/Virgin)
Editors - Push Your Head Towards The Air (SonyBMG/Kitchenware)
The Futureheads - The Beginning of the Twist (Nul)
Goldfrapp - A&E (EMI/Mute)
KT Tunstall - If Only (EMI/Relentless)*
Kylie - Wow (EMI/Parlophone)
Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald - Just (SonyBMG/Columbia)
Operator Please - Get What You Want (Brille)
The Rascals - Suspicious Wit (Deltasonic)
Simple Plan - When I'm Gone (Warner/Atlantic)
The Ting Tings - Great DJ (SonyBMG/Columbia)
Vampire Weekend - A Punk (Beggars/XL)
We Are Scientists - After Hours (EMI/Virgin)
The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Modular)
B-List
Amy MacDonald - Run (Universal/Mercury)
Boy Kill Boy - Promises (Universal/Vertigo)
Cazals - Life Is Boring (Kitsuné) *
Doug Walker - The Mystery (Warner)
Fightstar - Floods (Institute)
Flo Rida feat. T-Pain - Low (Warner/Atlantic)*
Gallows - Just Because You Sleep Next To Me Doesn't Mean You're Safe (Warner)
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly - Find The Time (Warner/Atlantic)
Guillemots - Get Over It (Universal/Polydor)
Hercules and Love Affair - Blind (EMI/DFA)*
Johnny Flynn - Leftovers (Universal/Vertigo)*
Kids In Glass Houses - Easy Tiger (Warner/Roadrunner)*
The Metros - Education Part 2 (SonyBMG/1965)
Silvery - Horrors (Blow Up)*
Vincent Vincent & The Villians - Pretty Girl (EMI)
XX Teens - How To Reduce Your Chances Of Becoming A Terror Victim (EMI/Mute)
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TOTAL ROCK WORLD ALBUM CHART
It's this week's Total Rock World Album Chart, as counted down on Total Rock over the weekend - http://www.totalrock.com. New entries and re-entries marked with a *.
1. Bullet For My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire (SonyBMG)
2. Led Zeppelin - Mothership (Swan Song)
3. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (SonyBMG)
4. Linkin Park - Minutes To Midnight (Warner Bros)
5. Nickelback - All The Right Reasons (Warner/Roadrunner)
6. The Mars Volta - The Bedlam In Goliath (Universal)
7. Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden (Universal)
8. Daughtry - Daughtry (SonyBMG)
9. Bon Jovi - Lost Highway (Universal/Mercury)
10. Paramore - Riot! (Warner/Atlantic)
11. Bruce Springsteen - Magic (SonyBMG/Columbia)
12. Airbourne - Runnin Wild (Warner/Roadrunner)
13. Buckcherry - 15 (Eleven Seven Music)
14. Queen - Greatest Hits Vols. 1, 2, 3 (EMI)
15. Kid Rock - Rock - N Roll Jesus (Warner/Atlantic)
16. Avenged Sevenfold - Avenged Sevenfold (Warner Bros)
17. Godsmack - Good Times, Bad Times - Ten Years Of Godsmack (Republic)
18. Serj Tankian - Elect The Dead (Serjical Strike)
19. Guns n Roses - Greatest Hits (Universal/Geffen)
20. Fall Out Boy - Infinity On High (Universal/Mercury)
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STUDENT RADIO CHART
As played out live on air on 11 student radio stations every Sunday at 3pm, it's the official Student Radio Chart from the Student Radio Association. Check http://www.studentradiochart.com for details of how you can listen to the chart show online each Sunday.
1. [1] Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor
2. [13] The Futureheads - The Beginning of the Twist
3. [7] The Wombats - Moving to New York
4. [New] The Feeling - I Thought it was Over
5. [2] Blood Red Shoes - You Bring me Down
6. [New] We Are Scientists - After Hours
7. [4] Kanye West ft. Chris Martin - Homecoming
8. [3] Mystery Jets ft. Laura Marling - Young Love
9. [New] The Ting Tings - Great DJ
10. [New] Alphabeat - Fascination
11. [11] Los Campensinos! - Death to Los Campensinos!
12. [8] Foals - Cassius
13. [12] Guillemots - Get Over It
14. [9] Art Brut - Pump Up The Volume
15. [New] Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly - Find the Time
16. [New] Kate Nash - Merry Happy
17. [10] Goldfrapp - A&E
18. [New] Does if Offend you, Yeah? - We are Rock Stars
19. [New] Kylie Minogue - Wow
20. [19] Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig Lazarus Dig!
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J-LO'S BABIES BORN
Jennifer Lopez' previously reported twins have been born in a hospital in Long Isand. The singer, who is married to fellow music star Marc Anthony, gave birth to a 5lb7oz girl and a 6lb boy, and as far as I can tell, no names have been announced. Rep Simon Fields said of the couple: "They are healthy, happy and thrilled".
US reports have suggested that People magazine have paid up to £3million for the first pictures of the twins.
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ALICE COOPER ON HALL OF FAME
Alice Cooper wonders why he's never been included in the US Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame. So do I. Perhaps it's because he's got a girls' name. He suggests that he might have offended one of the people who decide who goes in it. He says "I must have stepped on someone's glasses or something. Apparently I did something bad to somebody. I can't imagine what. I've been a model citizen in rock and roll".
I'm gonna start a campaign.
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GARY BARLOW CRITS BRITS
Gary Barlow thinks the Brits are a bit rubbish because his band Take That only get audience voted awards and get ignored by the Awards' own judging academy, who give all their awards to indie kids like Arctic Monkeys. He possibly has something of a point. Though it was Academy votes that got Take That on the short lists in the first place. We didn't vote for Take That or Arctic Monkeys, though we love both.
Anyway, as you know, Take That won two awards at the ceremony last week, for public voted British Single and British Live Act, but failed to win British Group and British Album (they went to those Arctic Monkeys). Barlow responds: "It's amazing that when the public get to vote we always do well. It's brilliant. But it gets to me that whenever we have been nominated for other awards we always get overlooked. It's a disgrace. I think we were in with a shout this year but it just goes to show we don't fit the mould".