Franz Ferdinand play 'Glastonbury party' drummer-less

Franz Ferdinand played a semi-acoustic set at the Glastonbury festival site last night (September 19), after their drummer Paul Thomson missed the gig to be with his wife as she gave birth.

The band were due to headline the Equinox Pilton Party, put on by the festival organisers to thank local residents for their help with the annual event.

The Ting Tings played:

'We Walk'
'Great DJ'
'Fruit Machine'
'Keep Your Head'
'We Started Nothing'
'Traffic Light'
'Be The One'
'Shut Up And Let Me Go'
'That's Not My Name'

Vampire Weekend debut new song at San Diego Street Scene

Vampire Weekend performed a new track for the huge crowd that gathered for their late-night set at San Diego Street Scene tonight (September 19).

The band fed off the crowd's tremendous energy and appeared far more self-assured than they did when they played their first Southern California gig just last summer.

"This is our first show ever in San Diego that wasn’t at the Casbah and it's great to play in another part of town," frontman Ezra Koenig said.

The band tore through tracks from their self-titled debut, and the audience sang along to nearly to every word of their hits including 'Mansard Roof' and 'Campus'.

"This is a new gem, dance if you want to," Koenig said before the band launched into an unfamiliar track. The crowd obliged, dancing to the upbeat number.

Several people came out onto their balconies from nearby apartment buildings in downtown San Diego to catch a glimpse of the Ivy Leaguers perform.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
Find out more about NME.

Rhymes quits record label

(Sunday September 21, 2008 08:20 AM)

Rapper Busta Rhymes has left his record label in order to release his latest album Blessed through another music industry giant.

The hip-hop star - real name Trevor George Smith Jr. - decided to quit Aftermath/Interscope after four years in favour of Universal Motown records because of a reportedly acrimonious relationship with Aftermath boss Jimmy Iovine.

The label - which is also home to hip-hop heavyweights Dr Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent - reportedly pushed back the release of Rhymes' eighth studio LP Blessed, and clashed with the star over certain track samples.

The album was never released, despite the star making videos for two tracks from the LP - We Made It and Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water On 'Em).

Now, the rapper has signed an agreement to release his next project through Universal Motown, according to hip-hop site SOHH

Singer arrested over drugs - report

(Saturday September 20, 2008 08:26 PM)

George Michael was arrested in public toilets for possession of drugs, the Sunday People has reported.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: "I can confirm that a 45-year-old man was arrested on September 19 on suspicion of possession of drugs in the Hampstead Heath area.

"He was taken to a north London police station where he received a caution for possession of class A and class C drugs."

Spears comeback track leaked online

(Saturday September 20, 2008 09:30 AM)

Britney Spears' comeback track Womanizer has leaked on to the Internet.

The eagerly anticipated song was set to hit the airwaves in the US next week, but has been partly uploaded online and can be heard through Nashville radio station 107.5 The River's website.

According to Usweekly.com, the tune features sexy lyrics, with Spears' singing, "Boy don't try to front/I know just what gets you off".

The song is taken from Spears' forthcoming LP Circus, which she has hailed as her best work yet, and is slated for a December release to coincide with her 27th birthday.

The album is said to mark a return to form for the pop superstar after a year of erratic behaviour, which came to a shocking end earlier this year as she entered a psychiatric ward and lost custody of her two young sons.

Star Natalie Cole fights hepatitis

(Saturday September 20, 2008 06:38 AM)

Singer Natalie Cole, who recently revealed she had hepatitis C, is in hospital suffering from side-effects of her medication and a heavy promotional schedule, her representative has said.

The Grammy-winning daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole has been in a New York City hospital since September 12 and is expected to remain there for at least a few days, according to publicist Maureen O'Connor of the firm Rogers & Cowan.

Cole, 58, announced in July that she was suffering from hepatitis C, a liver disease spread through contact with infected blood. She said at the time that the disease was revealed during a routine examination and was probably caused by her drug use years ago.

Ms O'Connor said Cole had been responding well to treatment, but blamed the medicine she has been taking and a busy publicity schedule to promote her new album, Still Unforgettable, with causing her problems.

Cole had recorded several TV appearances and had appeared live on NBC's Today show on September 11, a day before her admission to hospital.

Love defends Brand

(Monday September 15, 2008 02:50 PM)

Rocker Courtney Love has spoken out in defence of her friend Russell Brand - after the comic was criticised for his risque gags at the recent MTV Video Music Awards.

Brand - who hosted the ceremony last week (07Sep08) - came under fire for mocking The Jonas Brothers' sexual morals and ridiculing the trio's decision not to have sex before marriage.

The star was subsequently forced to apologise for his jokes.

But Love insists that Brand was a great choice to host the awards - calling him her "darkling prince".

She writes on her MySpace internet page, "He looked very not nervous (sic). I love Russell. Viva you motherf**ker. I love you an (sic) damn proud of you baby!"

The former Hole singer went on to launch her own scathing attack on The Jonas Brothers, branding them "assholes with chastity rings"

Happy returns for new Britney album

(Monday September 15, 2008 04:15 PM)

Britney Spears' second comeback is in full swing with plans to unveil a new album on her 27th birthday.

Circus is set for release on December 2, a little over a year after she released last November's Blackout, which was perhaps her most critically acclaimed CD, but came during her infamous year of erratic behaviour, rehab, custody battles and at least one trip to hospital.

She barely promoted it, and the album - although it was certified platinum - was one of her least successful.

But these days Spears has been in the spotlight for all the right reasons. She won three MTV Video Music Awards for her Piece of Me video and appeared on the awards show looking fit and healthy, a reversal of her dishevelled, widely panned appearance in 2007.

Spears' life seems to have rebounded after her father James went to court and took legal control of her personal and professional life.

She also resolved her custody battle with former husband Kevin Federline, with Federline retaining custody of their two young sons and Spears receiving visitation rights.

Among the producers on Spears' new CD are Nate "Danja" Hills and Max Martin, who produced some of her biggest hits, including her first, Baby One More Time.

The first single, Womaniser, will be released to radio in the US on September 22.

Metallica's fury at download reviewer

(Monday September 15, 2008 12:55 AM)

Rock band Metallica cancelled an interview with a Swedish newspaper after discovering a journalist had illegally downloaded their new album.

The Seek and Destroy hitmakers - who are famously opposed to file-sharing websites - pulled out of a chat with reporters from Sydsvenskan in protest at the publication's review of their new LP, Death Magnetic.

In the article, a journalist admitted downloading a different version of the album - and described it as better than the official cut.

Bosses at the rock band's record company cancelled a scheduled interview with the newspaper - and slammed the reviewer's behaviour as "totally unacceptable".

Spears' Circus gets early release

(Monday September 15, 2008 12:00 AM)

Britney Spears has confirmed her new album Circus is finished and will be released in December.

The LP - a follow-up to 2007's Blackout - was originally scheduled to hit shops later next year.

But rumours suggested that bosses at Spears' music label, Jive Records, were keen to push the release date forward to take advantage of her current popularity.

The Toxic hitmaker has won favour with the public, as well as three coveted MTV Video Music Awards, after bouncing back from her public breakdown earlier this year.

And now label chiefs have confirmed that the record will be released on 1 December, to coincide with the star's 27th birthday the next day.

The first single to be taken from the album is titled Womanizer

Amy 'skips birthday bash'

(Monday September 15, 2008 10:31 AM)

Amy Winehouse was absent from her own birthday party at the weekend, according to reports.

The beleaguered star turned 25 on Sunday and was due to mark the occasion with a bash at Jazz After Dark in London.

However she apparently refused to attend Saturday's party, turning down three taxis which arrived at her Camden home.

A 'friend' told a UK tabloid Amy was too depressed to attend. "She was standing in front of the mirror telling everyone how rough she looked.

"Unfortunately her lifestyle has had a major affect on her appearance and it's only just started to sink in.

"She kept saying she was ugly and was in an awful state. They couldn't get her out", the 'friend' explained.

Amy Winehouse played a poorly received set at Bestival on the Isle of Wight earlier this month, in what is expected to be her final live date of 2008.

The Quilt

Wrap yourself in 'The Quilt' of Gym Class Heroes' love. A patchwork of hip-hop, rock, soul and punk, the album includes contributions from Cool & Dre, Hall & Oates and everyone in between, proving that Gym Class Heroes can do absolutely everything. The rest of the world has to wait until September 9 to witness this feat of diversity, but we've got the whole thing streaming live on 'The Leak' right now! Listen up.

To be Released
09.02.2008

01 Guilty As Charged featuring Estelle (4:01)

02 Drnk Txt Rmeo (3:25)

03 Peace Sign/Index Down featuring Busta Rhymes (4:03)

04 Like Father, Like Son (Papa's Song) (4:17)

05 Blinded By the Sun (3:01)

06 Catch Me If You Can (5:07)

07 Cookie Jar (3:36)

08 Live a Little (3:43)

09 Don't Tell Me It's Over (5:23)

10 Live Forever (Fly With Me) (7:09)

11 Kissin' Ears (3:42)

12 Home (5:09)

13 No Place to Run (3:45)

14 Coming Clean (3:00)

Don't Make Me Wait

If Ed Sullivan were still around, he'd have Locksley on every other night. Their soon to be re-released debut, 'Don't Make Me Wait,' which combines Beatlesy melodies with Ramonesy energy, would be right at home in his line-up of heroes of the British invasion. As the title suggests, it's really not something you can afford to put off. That's why we're streaming 'Don't Make Me Wait' in full (including 2 bonus tracks!), right now, only on 'The Leak.'

To be Released
09.09.2008

01 Don't Make Me Wait (2:38)

02 Let Me Know (2:30)

03 All Over Again (3:22)

04 All Of The Time (3:06)

05 She Does (1:54)

06 Why Can't I Be You (Why Not Me) (2:36)

07 My Kind Of Lover (2:29)

08 The Past And The Present (3:37)

09 Into The Sun (2:51)

10 Up The Stairs (2:54)

11 It Won't Be For Long (2:27)

12 For You (Part I) (0:51)

13 For You (Part II) (2:06)

14 Only A Girl (Bonus Track) (2:23)

15 Safely From The City (Bonus Track) (3:21)

Americana, The Beautiful Americana, a different kind of country -- Fed up with FM country, "Gavin"'s created a new music genre

By Tony Scherman

''If it doesn't sound like a Dodge truck commercial, it ain't gonna make it on FM country,'' grouses Pete Anderson, Dwight Yoakam's longtime producer. Anderson isn't alone; among artists, producers, and A&R folk, the monotony of mainstream country radio has become the gripe du jour. Next month, they might find some relief. Gavin, the influential San Francisco-based music-biz weekly, whose 11 charts monitor airplay in radio formats from Top 40 to jazz, will add a 12th: Americana.

Gavin is credited with championing the two-year-old adult album alternative format (''Triple A''), which helped pump new blood into mainstream pop (Counting Crows and Sheryl Crow). Now it wants to do the same for country, with a chart aimed at raising the profiles of younger innovators (like Jim Lauderdale and Alison Krauss) while reviving the careers of erstwhile hitmakers (George Jones, Merle Haggard). The former, says Gavin's Rob Bleetstein, ''are too left field for Nashville, too twangy for Triple A''; the latter are written off as old hat. As of Jan. 1, Gavin had signed up 48 reporting stations, each of which plays at least 12 hours a week of alternative country. So the new chart, says Bleetstein, merely legitimizes a groundswell.

''This is a breath of fresh air,'' says MCA/ Nashville president Tony Brown. ''I love my Vince (Gill) and Reba (McEntire) hits, but I'm frustrated by my lack of success with Mac McAnally and Joe Ely.'' Not to mention some of his legends: ''I'm in the studio now with George Jones and Tammy Wynette,'' says Brown. ''I told them, 'Radio don't give a s--- anyway, so just go ahead and do what you do best.' Then I heard about this chart and thought, 'Maybe there's a place that might actually play it!'''

Posted Jan 20, 1995 | Published in issue #258 Jan 20, 1995

A Different Kind of Album Coming to the iPhone?

Digital album downloads deliver the music, but the trimmings are usually slim. That has given some advantage to fuller formats like the CD and vinyl, often a draw for more die-hard fans.

Now, that picture could begin to change. On Tuesday, MusicWeek reported that Apple is partnering with Snow Patrol on a new, interactive album format. The more involved download will be presented as an application for the iPhone or iPod touch, one that allows fans to access lyrics, artwork, and other extras. "It will be an interactive element; a digital booklet that will take you into the videos and content," Polydor product manager Liz Goodwin said.

The album, A Hundred Million Suns, is slated to hit iPhones next month, according to the report. Snow Patrol is expected to be the first of several artists to tap into the interactive format.

MusicWeek, "Snow Patrol and Apple aim for the skies"

Fender announces two new California Series acoustic guitars

Fender crests a new wave of coolness with the fall 2008 introduction of two sweet new California Series acoustic guitars designed by legendary surf artist and Surfer magazine publisher John Severson.

Both John Severson Sonoran SCE models are righteous from stem to stern—dreadnought-cutaway acoustic instruments bearing Severson’s own artistic take on Southern California’s favorite pastime. His “Surf Fever” model is inspired by the surf posters of yesteryear, and the “Woody” model elegantly evokes total surf nirvana.

Both feature a spruce top, scalloped bracing, mahogany back and sides, 20-fret maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge (with compensated saddle), Stratocaster guitar headstock shape, die-cast machine heads, Fender FTE-3 preamp for easy amplification, John Severson hang tag and signature on the back of the headstock.

For more information, please visit www.fender.com

This is a Press Release

For more info, please go to http://www.guitarsite.com/

Gibson and Epiphone announce the new Slash Les Paul Goldtop

Gibson Guitar and Epiphone has announced the new Slash Les Paul Goldtop guitar models. In keeping with the Olympic theme of instilling a spirit into every element, Gibson and Epiphone goes for the “Gold” with the special limited edition guitar inspired by Slash, the modern-day legend and most recognizable guitarist in the world today.

The new Slash Epiphone Les Paul Goldtop is limited to just 2,000 guitars worldwide and are built using many of the same traditional guitar building processes and techniques that have made Gibson’s family of stringed instruments the absolute finest in the world. Each Epiphone Les Paul Slash Goldtop is built to the meticulous standards by skilled craftsman who create and assemble the various parts of each individual guitar. The Epiphone model starts with the traditional Les Paul body consisting of a hand-selected premium solid mahogany back based on historically correct specifications and topped with A-grade maple. Using a traditional roller-type carving machine, Epiphone has tediously carved each body creating the sexy curves and subtle “dish” along the outer edge of the top that transforms it into an authentic Les Paul.

For more info, please go to http://www.guitarsite.com/

Akon caught 'fan-throwing' again

(Saturday September 06, 2008 12:25 AM)

R+B singer Akon has been caught on camera pushing two female fans into the audience at a recent gig just days before hearing he could stand trial for a similar incident last year.

The Smack That hitmaker has been charged with one misdemeanour count of endangering the welfare of a minor and one count of second-degree harassment, after allegedly throwing a fan into the crowd during a concert in Fishkill, New York in June 2007.

The unnamed 15-year-old landed on another teenager, who later claimed she had been diagnosed with a concussion.

Akon - real name Aliaune Thiam - maintains he is innocent and appeared for a brief hearing at Fishkill Town Court on Wednesday to ask a judge to grant his request for a jury trial.

However, videographers caught the singer on camera performing a similar stunt at a packed show in Guayana, South America on Saturday.

Problems at home prompt Adele to pull tour dates

(Saturday September 06, 2008 11:20 AM)

Pop star Adele has scrapped a string of shows in Germany, Japan and America so she can fly home and deal with "some problems at home".

In an apologetic blog post to fans, the singer explains she'll honour commitments she has made in New York this weekend, but then she has to fly home.

She writes, "There's some problems at home... and, at the moment, there (sic) stopping me from being away for any long period of time. I was really looking forward to touring again and throwing myself back into it all. But my home life needs more attention right now.

"I apologise from the bottom of my heart for disappointing you all, im truly gutted!

"Ive come to new york for a week to do some tv and radio, plus I will be playing my show at webster hall... But that's all I can commit to right now. I hope I can make it up to you in the future!!

Simpson feared she'd vomit at her country showcase

(Saturday September 06, 2008 10:20 AM)

Jessica Simpson was so nervous at a listening party for her new country music album, she warned guests she might vomit.

The singer performed all the tracks from new LP Do You Know for 200 record industry figures at Nashville, Tennessee's Shermerhorn Symphony Center on Thursday.

After stepping onstage with a backing band comprising of three acoustic guitars, a bongo player and a fiddler, Simpson said, "Thank you so much for coming and for giving me a chance. I hope you get to experience what my heart's been going through the last few years.

"I'm a little nervous. If I throw up, I'm sorry."

When she made it through the gig, a relieved Simpson exclaimed, "I didn't throw up!"

Simpson's country debut Do You Know will hit stores in the US next week

Elton John's awards row with Lily Allen was 'a joke'

(Saturday September 06, 2008 08:25 AM)

Lily Allen has laughed off her onstage row with Sir Elton John at a London awards show on Tuesday, insisting they were joking and are still friends.

The pair made headlines by bickering throughout their gig as co-hosts of the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

She told the music legend to "f**k off" on several occasions after John had made sneering remarks about her alcohol consumption on the night.

But the Smile singer insists the acid-tongued barbs between the pair were in good humour.

She writes on her MySpace blog, "Elton John and I are still friends... Trying to make me out as being some rude little girl with a drink problem is just unfair. Elton and I exchanged jokes and there were no hard feelings at all, in fact neither of us gave it a second thought.

Liam wants Lennon house

(Friday September 05, 2008 12:37 AM)

Liam Gallagher wants to move into the former home of John Lennon, according to reports.

The Oasis star revealed plans to leave the UK for America earlier this week, explaining he can't get enough of the "buzz" of New York City.

It has now been claimed that the rocker actually plans to snap up a home in the Dakota Building, which was the scene of Lennon's death in 1980.

An Oasis 'source' explained: "He loves that part of New York and feels he'd be very much at home there. He would also feel close to Lennon's spirit".

Gallagher's band release their new album, "Dig Out Your Soul", on October 6.

Morrissey backs Courteeners

(Friday September 05, 2008 10:36 AM)

Morrissey has spoken of his passion for fellow Mancunian rockers The Courteeners.

The former Smiths idol, who recently attended one of the band's shows in Camden, is a known fan.

In a new interview on US radio, the singer said the performance left him believing they could make it in America.

He explained: "Every song was very strong and full of hooks and full of dynamics. I thought, 'This is great'.

"Because so many groups in England, they're hyped and they're huge and they're all over the press and they don't really actually have anything on offer…but it's different with The Courteeners, they actually do have very good, strong songs."

"I think they will make it here and I think you'll come across them", said Morrissey, who is expected to release a new album, "Years Of Refusal", in 2009.

The Courteeners issue their new single, "That Kiss", on September 29.

Slash soundtrack

(Friday September 05, 2008 11:19 AM)

Slash is recording the "cutting-edge" soundtrack to an upcoming film, he has confirmed.

The former Guns N' Roses guitarist is understood to have put together the music for "This Is Not A Movie", produced by Olallo Rubio.

The English-language, Mexican production is set in Las Vegas and features a "very eclectic psychedelic score", according to the film-maker.

Rubio explained: "I was looking for a guitarist with the ability to create very emotional music, but at the same time, the freedom to use any type of effects to explore different sounds.

"Slash was interested in the project, and so far he has composed the music for six segments, we`re very excited with his work."

Meanwhile, current Velvet Revolver member Slash said: "It's very cutting-edge, very artistic, and a little bit trippy. It's dark, and jagged and a bit surreal, in and out of reality, you know."

There is no current release date for "This Is Not A Movie".

West returns to VMA stage a year after boycott threat

(Friday September 05, 2008 08:50 AM)

Kanye West has confirmed he'll be closing the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night a year after announcing he would never perform at the event again.

The disgruntled rapper stormed off from the 2007 ceremony, claiming he had been mistreated by organisers and swearing he'd never return.

West, who left without an award, also accused the music cable network bosses of exploiting Britney Spears, whose terrible performance stole the show.

But the rap star was present at a pre-awards photo conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, where he joined fellow performers T.I. and Christina Aguilera and show host Russell Brand.

The VMAs at Paramount Pictures will also mark Aguilera's first televised performance since becoming a mum in January

Christina to perform at MTV awards

(Friday September 05, 2008 04:52 AM)

Britney Spears may not sing at this weekend's MTV's Video Music Awards, but Christina Aguilera will.

Aguilera will join other top-name performers, including the Jonas Brothers, TI, Pink, and Kid Rock, awards host, British comedian Russell Brand announced.

Speaking on the backlot of the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Brand bantered with Aguilera, who emerged from a limousine, and rapper TI, who shimmied down a fire escape on a street made to look like New York.

"It's going to be, actually, bloody exciting," Brand said of the awards show, which will celebrate its 25th year on Sunday.

Brand, largely unknown to US audiences, displayed his brand of humour best described with one British word: cheeky.

During the presentation, he described the Jonas Brothers as "God's favourite virgins" and racily commented on Aguilera's physique.

Aguilera touted her upcoming appearance as her first televised performance since giving birth to son Max in January.

Beyonce: 'I'm so over being a pop star'

(Friday September 05, 2008 06:25 AM)

Beyonce Knowles is set to shock fans by revealing she's "over" life as a pop superstar in a new interview.

The Survivor singer tells the upcoming issue of Marie Claire magazine she's sick of being little more than the "hot girl" and she wants to aim higher than bubblegum pop hits and blockbuster film roles in movies like Austin Powers in Goldmember and Dreamgirls.

She says, "I'm over being a pop star. I don't wanna be a hot girl. I feel like I've accomplished a lot (and) I feel like I'm highly respected, which is more important than any award or any amount of records.

"I feel like there comes a point when being a pop star is not enough."

And the usually humble singer, who tells the publication she's determined to become "a legend, an icon," feels sure her next movie role - as jazz great Etta James in Cadillac Records - will be the part that will help her really show off her talents.

She explains, "I've been saying for a long time that I wanted to do something dark. People are going to be very shocked. It's the complete opposite of me. It was very emotionally draining. I was exhausted.

Led Zep for 2012?

(Thursday September 04, 2008 06:27 PM)

Led Zeppelin are being linked with an unlikely reformation at the 2012 Olympics in London.

The rock legends played an acclaimed one-off show at the O2 Arena last year and rumours of a full comeback continue.

Last month, guitarist Jimmy Page was amongst the performers who ushered in the changeover from China to England, at the Beijing games.

He has now said it would be "an honour" to perform again in four years time, even though his display with Leona Lewis prompted a mixed response.

Speaking about their duet, he commented: "People just need to be less cynical. You know we went out there, we only had ten minutes - what did people expect?"

Discussing the possibility of a repeat in 2012, Page responded: "If they asked, it would be an honour".

Christina: The greatest

(Thursday September 04, 2008 03:36 PM)

Christina Aguilera has announced plans to release a greatest hits album later this year.

"Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade Of Hits" is out in November and spans the pop star's decade-long career to date.

The collection will feature a pair of new songs, "Keeps Gettin' Better" and "Dynamite", one of which will be released as a single.

Four number ones, "Genie In A Bottle", "Dirrty", "Beautiful" and "Lady Marmalade", are also amongst the tracklisting.

"I can't believe it's been over 10 years since my first album and it was really exciting to put all of my favourite songs in one collection for my fans", said Aguilera today.

"Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade Of Hits" is scheduled for release on November 10.

Sir Cliff 'sick' of speculation

(Thursday September 04, 2008 02:11 PM)

British pop star Sir Cliff Richard is "sick" of media speculation about his sexuality, according to excerpts from his autobiography.

A British newspaper has printed details on his friendship with a US former Roman Catholic priest, which he says has been a blessing.

Sir Cliff shares his home with John McElynn, identified in media reports as a native of New York City. That was not news; the relationship has not been secret.

However, the 67-year-old singer comments on the relationship in his new autobiography entitled My Life, My Way but also insists that his sexuality -- a topic of enduring interest to some -- is no one's business.

Excerpts from the book were carried in the Daily Express.

In the book, Sir Cliff says that Mr McElynn looks after the singer's properties.

"He has also become a companion, which is great because I don't like living alone, even now," the star said.

He added: "As for my sexuality I am sick to death of the media's speculation about it. What business is it of anyone else's what any of us are as individuals? I don't think my fans would care either way."