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IGGY'S INSURANCE NOT AVAILABLE TO POP PEOPLE Which means that Iggy, who tells the viewing audience how much better his life is thanks to the convenience of a Swiftcover insurance policy, wouldn't actually get an insurance policy from the company if he actually used one of their convenient (or 'swift if you like') methods of application. The inconsistency between the ads and real life was discovered by one Tim Soong, a musician whose loss of injury claim, in the case of an accident, would presumably be for a lot less than Iggy's. He's the bass player in a newish band called Roguetune who are possibly most notable to date for their musical ode to Heathrow Terminal 5. He told the Evening Standard: "The customer services operator told me that they don't insure musicians. When I mentioned Iggy Pop, she said his case was different because he is American. I'm reporting Swiftcover to the Advertising Standards Authority". Part time music producer Felix Wright had the same problem, and told the paper: "When I asked what Iggy Pop did for a living if I was being rejected as a musician, they said they did not know his personal life and he was not one of their policyholders". I trust the next Iggy ad for the company will see him being swiftly rejected after applying for a policy. I pity the customer service rep who has to say "I'm afraid you don't qualify, Mr Pop", that could be even scarier than the ads themselves. -------------------------------------------------- LAST.FM HIT BACK AT CLAIMS THEY HANDED USER DATA TO RIAA Said data, which tracks the music being listened to by Last.fm subscribers, could be used by the RIAA to see who had been listening to pre-release music that is only currently available from non-legit sources on the internet. The TechCrunch article suggested the trade body were interested in who had been listening to leaks of the new U2 album, which has been doing the rounds on the net for a couple of weeks now even though it's not actually released until next week (though there are legit streams of it available via MySpace and Spotify). CBS-owned Last.fm quickly issued an official denial of the story, and shortly afterwards one of the founders of the service, Richard Jones, posted a short rant online, writing: "I'm rather pissed off this article was published, except to say that this is utter nonsense and totally untrue. As far as I can tell, the author of this article got a 'tip' from one person and decided to make a story out of it. TechCrunch is full of shit, film at 11". With Jones and his colleagues, obviously aware of the damage the story could do to their company's reputation, posting other rebuttals on both TechCrunch's message boards and their own blogs, another Last.fm-er, Russ Garrett, wrote on the service's own forum: "I'd like to issue a full and categorical denial of this. We've never had any request for such data by anyone, and if we did we wouldn't consent to it. Of course we work with the major labels and provide them with broad statistics, as we would with any other label, but we'd never personally identify our users to a third party - that goes against everything we stand for. As far as I'm concerned Techcrunch have made this whole story up". Given that the RIAA has now come out and confirmed it never even asked Last.fm for user data, it seems that Techcrunch did get it wrong on this one. As previously reported, one of the reasons U2's new album is available in so many illegal places on the net is because the Australian branch of their record company, Universal, put it live on a legit download platform by mistake last week. -------------------------------------------------- INDEPENDENT ADJUDICATOR PROPOSED TO MAKE NEW ZEALAND THREE STRIKE SYSTEM WORK As previously reported, the three-strike rule will mean net users who continue to access illegal sources of content online despite receiving two (or in New Zealand's case, I think, three) warnings that what they are doing is against the law will have their internet connections cut off. And in theory cut off infringers will not be able to buy the services of a rival ISP. The system is being introduced in France, and has been discussed elsewhere, including here in the UK, though it is not part of our government's current proposals regarding policing online piracy, and IP Minister David Lammy has gone on record as saying he doesn't see such a system working. But the New Zealand government has sneaked the measure passed its parliament, and the new laws that introduce the three-strike system are due to go into effect next month. Unlike in France, where a new government agency will police the three-strike system, it seems that in New Zealand it's been left to the ISPs to sort out how it will all work. Their trade body has put together a draft code for their members to follow in order for them to be in line with the new laws. The big issue is what happens if and when those accused of file sharing deny they have, in fact, accessed illegal sources of content. In reality, when record labels have in the past targeted individuals over their file sharing, the vast majority fess up straight away, though the process for monitoring file sharing is not an exact science and mistakes have occurred. Plus there's the grey area of what happens when the file sharing isn't actually done by the owner of an internet connection (ie it's done by a family member, flat mate or someone stealing their WiFi connection). Those who oppose the new laws in New Zealand argue that because the three strike system in theory allows disconnection without an individual's case actually going to court (the whole point of the system, of course, is to provide copyright owners protection without them having to go to court), users could lose their internet connection without having the opportunity to properly dispute the allegations made against them - ie it's a system which potentially assumes guilt rather than innocence by default. Of course the scale of that problem depends on how those who receive warning letters are able to dispute file sharing allegations made against them. In the original draft of their code, the NZ Telecommunication Carriers Forum, possibly in a bid to placate the aforementioned protestors, though more likely keen to create a system which results in minimum disconnections, recommended that disconnection notices would only be issued after "three undisputed warnings" had been issued. But the content companies weren't happy with that proposal, because they said it completely watered down the power of the new laws, because all someone has to do to avoid disconnection is deny they file share. Assuming the average file sharer is willing to lie, no one would be disconnected. To that end, it looks like the TCF will now propose the creation of an independent mediation service which will get involved whenever an accused filesharer denies the allegations made against them. Said mediation service will then make a decision as to whether the filesharer is or is not guilty of file sharing and therefore whether they deserve disconnection. It seems likely the content companies, including the record labels and music publishers, will back those proposals. Whether those campaigning against the new laws will be placated by the introduction of an independent third party to police the three-strike system remains to be seen. I'm not sure who will fund the independent body, but if the net firms and record companies (reluctantly, probably) agree to fund it, some campaigners are sure to question its independence. Though the existence of such a body - which would presumably be similar to the government body that will police the system in France - should, in theory, reduce the risk of innocent web users falsely accused of file sharing from being cut off without being given a fair hearing. -------------------------------------------------- BROWN SHOWERS RIHANNA WITH GIFTS Amazingly, the source adds that she: "so wanted Chris with her on her big day, but obviously realises why they can't be together right now. But it's becoming more and more clear that she can't be without him". Of course, we still don't know, because no-one is commenting on it, exactly what happened. A statement released by Rihanna's spokesperson over the weekend explained that the police had asked her not to talk about the incident, saying: "At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown". -------------------------------------------------- SEEMINGLY NEW VERSION OF BEATLES' REVOLUTION SURFACES ONLINE The track, which has appeared on YouTube among other places, is called 'Revolution 1 Take 20', and is seemingly another alternative version of the Fab Four's 1968 track 'Revolution', which originally appeared on the b-side to 'Hey Jude', and two alternative versions of which - 'Revolution 1' and 'Revolution 9' - appeared on 'The White Album'. The new version is quite a bit longer than anything that has gone before and could be seen, musically speaking, as the missing link between the rather disparate 'Revolution 1' and 'Revolution 9'. That said, it's hard to know if the new version is a before now unheard 'take 20' of the song unearthed from the Abbey Road studios, or an elaborate rework made by a modern day producer. Still, it's worth checking out either way really... www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDvzHqytwp8 INGENIOUS REFUTE CLAIMS OF THE TRINITY TWO As previously reported, Robson and Murray, who acquired Trinity Street back in 2004 and who formed an alliance with Ingenious in 2007, were fired from the company and pushed off its board at the end of last year. They announced last month that they planned to sue the e-commerce firm's parent company, Trinity Universal Holdings, claiming they were unlawfully removed as directors in what they describe as a "boardroom coup". When it became clear last week that that board planned to put Trinity Street into administration, Robson and Murray issued another statement saying they were expanding their litigation to name Ingenious as defendants, adding that the demise of their former company was caused because the new management installed by Ingenious "failed to secure new business and allowed loyal, long-term clients to take their business elsewhere". Ingenious insiders, though, claim Trinity Street's demise began long before Robson and Murray were kicked out, adding that the two directors' removal was a result of the company's disappointing performance. Calling the plaintiffs' version of events a "grotesque distortion", one insider told CMU that after the "boardroom coup" an investigation found the company was in an even worse state than originally believed - there are rumours the company's debts topped £5 million, the majority of which would have been owed to the investment firm - and that that discovery led to the decision to close the company down. It remains to be seen if Robson and Murray's lawsuit proceeds to court, though Ingenious seem certain to fight it if it does. -------------------------------------------------- LUTFI RESTRAINING ORDER EXTENDED Elsewhere in Britney news, it's been revealed that Mel Gibson saved her career. Father Jamie reckons she owes her comeback to him, but Gibson, who invited the singer around for dinner in March last year, thinks it's Jamie who put her back on track. "She pulled herself out, and her dad... he's the real hero. She's a nice kid, y'know", he told reporters. "She was just going through a rough patch. You see kids that you know in the industry... I just felt like this poor kid is lining up to be stoned. I just thought, 'I wonder if anyone is reaching out to her,' so I just called her and she's doing great now." Gosh. He turned her around with just a phonecall and dinner? He must be a god or something. Bono should get him on the case re: world poverty and all that. -------------------------------------------------- RAPPER ARRESTED AT MIAMI RESTAURANT Santiago was charged with misdemeanour battery and disorderly conduct and taken to the Miami-Dade county jail. He was released soon after. No comment from the rapper's management, who reportedly claimed not to know about the incident. INXS SAY THEY DIDN'T FIRE FORTUNE As previously reported, Fortune, who won his place at the front of the Aussie rock band via the 'Rock Star' TV show, claimed on Canadian TV last week that he has been dropped from the band during a brief conversation at Hong Kong airport. He added that he was currently broke and homeless, and had so far kept his axing from the band a secret from even close friends and family, but that he hoped to get his life back on track with a new solo album project. But the band's former manager, Chris Murphy, has denied Fortune was dropped from the band. And he should know because, while he no longer manages the band, he recently signed them to his new record label venture Petrol Records. He says that, having taken a break after touring, the band were planning to regroup - with Fortune - to begin work on a new album. But Fortune's TV outburst has seemingly lost him that opportunity. The Daily Telegraph quote Murphy thus: "Not only are we shocked by the claims, even the place the supposed incident was to have taken place is a mystery to the band. The band has a new recording deal with my label and Fortune was about to be called. I guess I have no reason to call him now". SOUTHERN SIGN TARTUFI Confirming their new record deal, the band issued this statement: "After months of searching for just the right home for their new album, Lynne [Angel] and Brian [Gorman] saw a light on in the far off cabin at Southern Records. A kind maiden at Southern welcomed them in, sat them beside the hearth, and fed them delicious English soup and beer. Well worn from their travels the two musicians listened intently as the label maiden told them tales of battles fought, won, and lost in the kingdom of Indierocklandia. Her eyes were true and her words sure. Their amulet - the one the wizard of the glenn gave them to reveal trickery - confirmed that she was pure of heart. She invited them to stay. They accepted and and together Lynne and Brian placed the only copy of 'Nests Of Waves And Wire' on the great oak table. This is where our story begins... Tartufi is thrilled to announce that they have just signed to Southern Records". Make of that what you will. You can check out the band at www.myspace.com/tartufi DATAROCK RETURN Commenting on the new material, Datarock's Fredrik Saroea told CMU: "We've dug ourselves into the data about the rock of the late seventies and early eighties: the art, the music, the films, the subversive and popular culture, the new theory, the new technology and all that new equipment. The years between 76 and 83 are in all ways the peak of cultural evolution. The zenith, the rise and the fall". With that in mind, 'Red' was apparently made using only equipment that was around in 1983. Apart from the CD pressing machine, presumably. If you want to know what all that sounds like, you can download the Kissy Sell Out remix of 'Give It Up' at this here URL: www.zshare.net/audio/5519898897e231e7 DOVES PLAY IN TREES -------------------------------------------------- SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS ANNOUNCE HEADLINE SHOWS Headline tour dates: 23 Feb: Dublin, Whelens THE BOSS TAKES CONTROL OF GLASTONBURY Eavis' daughter and co-organiser Emily added: "I'm knocked out that we've managed to get Bruce to play. It's the icing on the cake of this year's bill, which I'm sure will take everyone's breath away when we announce the full details". -------------------------------------------------- HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED FOR SUMMER SUNDAE ALBUM REVIEW: Sunn O))) - Monoliths & Dimensions (Southern Lord) TICKETMASTER CHANGE TICKETSNOW LINKS POLICY POST-SPRINGSTEEN As previously reported, Ticketmaster has come under increased criticism in North America in recent weeks for directing customers who visit its main primary ticket selling website to TicketsNow - the secondary ticketing re-sale site which Ticketmaster acquired last year - when it is unable, for one reason or another, to sell tickets to an event via its primary ticketing service. Tickets are sold on TicketsNow by touts who buy tickets for in-demand events with the aim of selling them on for profit. While the tout makes most of the profit, Ticketmaster gets a commission on each sale. The business logic, presumably, is that it they can't make any money on a primary ticket sale, it's better to make a lesser commission on a secondary sale than make nothing at all. Plus there's always the chance they can make a commission on the same ticket twice. But some consumer rights groups have expressed concerns at the close ties between Ticketmaster's primary and secondary ticketing services, saying that many Ticketmaster customers directed to TicketsNow won't realise the latter site is not an official suppler of tickets, and that the tickets there may be sold at vastly hiked up prices. As previously reported, when the Consumers' Association Of Canada said Ticketmaster's promotion of its resale website was "a conflict, a monopoly, unconscionable" and that "while it may not be illegal, it sure is immoral and unethical", a spokesman for the ticketing giant said that by linking to TicketsNow they were simply providing "an added value service" for their customers, explaining: "we're trying to bring a much higher level of consumer protection to the whole resale space". But then Bruce Springsteen found out his fans were being redirected from his official tickets page on the Ticketmaster website to TicketsNow. He ranted about it a little on his website, and the Chief Executive of the ticketing giant, Irving Azoff, quickly issued a full apology and announced a review of the promotion of TicketsNow via Ticketmaster. The whole matter then went legal when the New Jersey Attorney General stepped in to object about the promotional links. Presumably keen not to rock any boats as its proposals to merge with Live Nation go before US regulators, Ticketmaster quickly began negotiations with the AG and a settlement was announced yesterday which will see co-promotions between the two websites essentially cease. According to the settlement, Ticketmaster will stop linking to TicketsNow for at least a year, and even then not without the AG's permission. It will ensure secondary tickets (or the promise of) do not go on sale on TicketsNow before primary tickets are on sale via the main Ticketmaster site. It will also commit to not use any clever search engine tricks so that a Google search for Ticketmaster takes punters to TicketsNow. There's also a one off deal to the benefit of those Springsteen fans who lost out by being directed to TicketsNow from Ticketmaster. Confirming the deal, New Jersey AG Anne Milgram told reporters: "This settlement swiftly and fairly resolves a significant issue for thousands of loyal Springsteen fans in the Garden State who believe that Ticketmaster tilted the playing field against their efforts to purchase tickets to the May concerts. Everyone deserves an equal chance to buy tickets on a primary ticket selling website and shouldn't be steered to a re-selling website where the prices can be substantially higher". The agreement with Milgram will only apply in New Jersey, of course, though presumably the measures it is introducing there will be at least considered by Azoff's more general review of the Ticketmaster and TicketsNow relationship. You never know, they might even address some of the concerns expressed by the Consumers' Association Of Canada too. It will also be interesting to see how Azoff's review impacts on Ticketmaster UK's relationship with its sister secondary ticketing website Get Me In. Those two websites are not currently integrated, though the info page on the latter promises "we also plan to create integrated systems across the two websites which will allow consumers to compare ticket pricing and availability in the primary and resale categories, offering them greater choice and flexibility when purchasing their tickets". Developments in the US and Canada might hinder those plans. -------------------------------------------------- HANDS BUYS THREE INVESTORS OUT OF HIS TERRA FIRMA FUND -------------------------------------------------- !K7 GET THEIR DISTRIBUTION FROM RED Confirming the deal, !K7 top man Horst Weidenmuller told reporters: "Its refreshing to meet people like Alan Becker and Bob Morelli [from RED] who have such a fresh and open approach to our current music market. With their great team behind them we feel we have the knowledge and ability to be in a pole position for our exciting 2009 release schedule". Becker added: "As someone who has followed the music of the !K7 Label Group both as a fan and in my role at RED, I am very pleased and excited as we begin work with Horst and the incredible team he has assembled. We all believe the next chapter in the evolution of this great and enduring company will be full of wonderful music and savvy marketing". -------------------------------------------------- ALCHEMY LAUNCH NEW DIGITAL DIVISION NOW EIRCOM AGREE TO BLOCK THE PIRATE BAY It's part of a new deal between the Irish Recorded Music Association and the net firm under which Eircom has agreed to block access to any website that the record labels can prove is aiding illegal file sharing. As part of the deal, IRMA has agreed to try and force Eircom's rivals to also block offending websites through legal action. It's not clear what happens to the Eircom agreement if said legal action fails. IRMA's decision to make The Pirate Bay the first site that is blocked is timely, of course, given the people behind the rogue BitTorrent tracker are currently facing criminal infringement charges in the Swedish courts. -------------------------------------------------- WE7 TO PROVIDE STREAMS TO NME.COM FORMER HOLLYOAKS STARS TO FRONT NEW 4MUSIC SHOW The Versus Chart will ask who's better, Britney or Christina, Girls Aloud or Sugababes, Eminem or Kanye, that kind of thing. Each edition will feature videos from the two competing artists complete with commentary from Littler and Jeffries. The new show, one of a number of new programmes due to air on 4Music, will launch next month. Confirming the new programme, Dave Young of Box TV, the joint venture between C4 and Bauer Media, who will make the new show, told reporters: "4Music is all about taking a new perspective with music and using this to deliver fresh programming. Music is at the heart of everything we do and what better way to tap into that that to pit head to head some of the best and brightest pop artists that are out there? These artists each have a major following in their own right - and we wanted to find a way to bring this showcase to bear for our audiences". -------------------------------------------------- MTV PARTNER WITH CAMDEN CRAWL Confirming their involvement in this year's Crawl, MTV Senior VP Richard Godfrey told CMU: "MTV is all about live music and we are thrilled to be the official TV broadcast partner of this year's Crawl. MTV has always championed both emerging and established musical talent and the debut gigs at the Roundhouse will bring some of the freshest acts to North London". As previously reported, this year's Crawl takes place in various Camden venues on 24 and 25 Apr. -------------------------------------------------- GTN'S ACQUISITION OF UBC'S NEWS SERVICES APPROVED -------------------------------------------------- ITV MIGHT SELL ITS FREEVIEW MULTIPLEX That won't affect ITV's own channel presence on the terrestrial digital TV network, because ironically ITV's own channels don't air via the SDN Freeview multiplex that ITV owns. It could, though, raise up to £200 million, which would be a useful winfall. While, unlike Friends Reunited, SDN is in itself a profitable business, it is not central to ITV's ambitions so is an obvious asset to sell. As previously reported, ITV chiefs are expected to slash programme budgets and axe more staff as well as selling off non-core assets in a bid to overcome the impact of the advertising slump. ITV top man Michael Grade is expected to announce his cost-saving plans next week. There is still speculation that might include cutting dividend payments to shareholders, something which has, needless to say, led to quite a wobble in the ITV share price. TOTAL ROCK WORLD ALBUM CHART 1. Bruce Springsteen - Working On A Dream (Sony/Columbia) MEL C GIVES BIRTH -------------------------------------------------- COWELL TO BE FROZEN AFTER DEATH It's claimed he told fellow guests at a dinner held by PM Gordon Brown: "I have decided to freeze myself when I die. You know, cryonics. You pay a lot of money and you get stuck in a deep freeze once you've been declared dead. Medical science is bound to work out a way of bringing us back to life in the next century or so, and I want to be available when they do. I would be doing the nation an invaluable service". |
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