University of Surrey (UK) had granted the honourable doctorate degree to the legendary Led Zeppelin’s guitar player Jimmy Page, says NME.
This title was given to him for his contribution in music. A solemn ceremony dedicated to this event took place on June 20 in Guildford Catherdral.
In 2005 Page had received the Order of the British Empire for his charity activities in helping Brazilian orphans. At the same time he became an honourable citizen of Rio De Janeiro.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Moby had asked his fans to make their own video for his new song “Ooh Yeah”. Later he is planning to choose the best one and give it the official status. An author of that chosen video is going to receive ten thousand dollars. A song “Ooh Yeah” is the first track on Moby’s recent release “Last Night”. As The Rolling Stone says, amateur directors should act immediately because the deadline for applications is set for July 14.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Smashing Pumpkins’ leader Billy Corgan had developed his own guitar model specifically designed for Fender. Practically, Corgan’s guitar represents another version of the legendary Fender Stratocaster, and includes unsignificant differences from the original type, says Aversion.
This guitar is made for “the modern powerful sounds”, incorporating three DiMarzio sound receivers (two of them were made for this guitar only), and special bridge which lets strings go through itself, not on top of it like everywhere else. This guitar should look exclusively black or white.
The original Fender Stratocaster was first designed back in 1954. An instrument “saw” almost every rock musician in the history of music since mid-1950’s, and still remains to be very popular.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
On September 1 The Chemical Brothers shall release the double album “Brotherhood” with their best hits, says NME.
The first disk will contain the most famous fourteen songs from the previous releases including “Block Rockin’ Beats,” “Out of Control,” “Star Guitar,” “Let Forever Be,” “Setting Sun,” and “Galvanize”, and their joint work with The Flaming Lips called “The Golden Path”. Besides that, this album shall incorporate a new song – “Keep My Composure”, which was done together with musicians from the band Spank Rock.
The second disk contains nine tracks, which were recorded under the name Electronic Battle Weapons designed to be performed exclusively by the club DJ’s. This part of the album will be opened by a song called “Midnight Madness”, and it should become available on the Internet starting with September 4.
The Chemical Brothers were founded in 1992 under the name The Dust Brothers by Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons. This original band’s title had to be changed because there was another one under the same name.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
The British band The Verve is going to release the new album called “Four” right before the end of this summer - the first CD since their reunion, says Billboard. Possible release date is August 18.
The Verve’s new song - “Love is Noise” (from the following release) was already heard at BBC Radio One on June 23. Right now it’s available on their official website.
The news about this band’s reunion after eight years of staying apart was first announced one year ago. The Verve was founded in 1989 lasting until 1999 (with some interruptions in the mid-90’s).
They’ve made three full studio albums in these ten years, and it’s widely considered that their last one, “Urban Hymns” is the best. It managed to reach the top on British music charts in 1997. After their breaking the band’s frontman Richard Ashcroft had recorded three solo projects.
This summer they’re planning to arrange a few performances in the UK.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
American band Mercury Rev had announced that they will release two new albums at the same time, notes Billboard.
On September 29 the world should see the album called “Snowflake Midnight” produced by B2/Cooperative label, and it may incorporate nine new tracks. At the same day there will be another album available for free on the band’s official website – “Strange Attractor” containing eleven tracks. The second album is going to be free to those who are constant subscribers of http://www.mercuryrev.com/.
During the following autumn the band is planning to make a tour around the UK, and also perform in New York at the “All Tomorrow’s Parties” music festival coordinated by My Bloody Valentine.
Mercury Rev which’s music is usually considered to be a dream-pop were founded back in the mid-1980’s in Buffalo, NY. By the current moment they’ve released six studio albums – the last one called “The Secret Migration” was produced in 2005.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
American musician Gregg Gillis better known as DJ Girl Talk began to spread his music through the Internet using Radiohead’s example, says Rolling Stone.
His new album “Feed the Animals” Gillis has posted on the Illegal Art’s website proposing any desired price for the album. Given tracks are available in the MP3 format with a bit rate of 320 kpbs. If users are ready to pay five dollars then they can purchase the FLAC format, ten bucks or more and the real CD is going to appear in your mail box. Also, that’s possible to download it for free, but anyone who will do it must answer one question on why you’re hesitating to pay.
By the end of last year Radiohead was spreading it’s new album “In Rainbows”, (which costed from zero to 99,99 pounds) using the same pattern. “Feed the Animals” is a fourth album made by Gregg Gillis. Primarily he is working with the mash-up style, composing tracks out of other melodies and sounds.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Nine tracks from the Guns N’ Roses’ “Chinese Democracy” album had been stolen. On June 18 they’ve appeared on the Antiquiet.com website. Six of these tracks were previously seen in demo versions, but their current appearence is way better in quality.
Almost right away these tracks were deleted from the mentioned above website, and it’s authors are saying that they had to remove them over the huge turmoil surrounding it. However, all nine songs had enough time to go into the Internet’s wilderness, and it’s secrecy is no more existing.
Nine tracks contain already known songs, and those are IRS, Better, Chinese Democracy, Madagascar, The Blues, There Was A Time, and three more without names.
Musicians have begun their work with “Chinese Democracy” back in 1994, but it’s release was postponed for numerous times. In March 2008 Dr Pepper had announced that if this album is going to be released before the end of this year they shall grant a free drink to every American.
In April it became known that Geffen Records had already received “Chinese Democracy” from Guns N’ Roses and soon it should be heard all around the world.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
One of the oldest computer made music record was recently demonstrated in dedication to the 60th anniversary of Baby Machine, a predecessor of modern computers.
The record was made by BBC in autumn of 1951 using the Manchester University built Ferranti Mark I which played Baa Baa Black Sheep and a short version of In the Mood. Before it was believed that the earliest record was produced by IBM machine, based in Bell Labs, USA.
Ferranti Mark I was not the primary computer to produce and record music sounds. Few months prior to the mentioned above record there existed another one that was compiled on SCIRAC, the first Australian digital computer. This record (Colonel Bogie) was not preserved.
Ferranti Mark I is considered to be the foremost commercially available computer. This model was originally created in February of 1951.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Popular British magazine Mojo had presented it’s own 2008 music awards. The Mojo Awards ceremony took place in London on June 16.
A song of the year went to a singer Duffy with her heartbraking “Mercy” (from the album “Rockferry”). In the ‘debut of the year’ nomination Duffy was replaced by The Last Shadow Puppets – the Arctic Monkey’s leader Alex Turner’s side project.
The album of the year went to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – “Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!”, which could overcome Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, Duffy and Robert Plant. Also, the best compilation now belongs to a “Juno” soundtrack.
Led Zeppelin took special fame for the coolest concert were they’ve performed in December 2007 (O2 Arena, London). The best songwriter is Neil Diamond.
Surprise, surprise – Sex Pistols who managed to reunite last year have received the biggest “Icon Award”!
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Metallica had announced the name of their new album (finally!). As Reuters says, the band’s ninth album is going to be called “Death Magnetic”. During the previous week they were adding a new letter each day on their web site bringing out this powerful title.
The release is planned on September 2008 with the help of Metallica’s traditional partners Warner Bros. Records. Most likely it will include ten new songs, and as everyone hopes “Death Magnetic” will not sound like their last three releases (good albums as well). Rick Rubin as a sound producer and a new bassist Robert Trujillo are expected to bring these innovations.
Their previous studio album “St. Anger” was released in 2003.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Coldplay’s new fourth album sold 300 thousand copies only after three days since it came out on June 12, says NME. It means that “Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends” is standing on top of the British music charts, and makes it up to the Platinum status in Britain.
Besides that, this album became the best selling in the band’s history. Their previous three albums sold 10 million copies each.
The album’s first single “Violent Hill” was available for free on a band’s website in the beginning of May. This track was downloaded by two million people worldwide.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Ex-Suede vocalist (the Brit-pop band) Bratt Anderson has announced the release of his solo album “Wilderness”.
As notes New Musical Express, the exact date of the release in not known yet, but Anderson’s fans who will attend his concert on July 7 in Mermaid Theatre (London) will receive a free copy of this CD on USB-flash cards.
This album was recorded by Anderson himself playing guitar and piano. Violoncellist Amy Langley and back-vocalist Emmanuel Senoue have also participated in the process.
The first Anderson’s solo work – the album “Bratt Anderson” was released in 2007.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Duran Duran’ bassist John Taylor has accused Madonna of stealing his ideas, says Gigwise.
He insists on the fact that she stole his idea on asking Justin Timberlake and Timbaland to participate in making of the Duran Duran’s album. Taylor said that “it wouldn’t be the first time Madonna’s copied us. She’s been doing it for years”, but not specifying where and when she was doing it.
Justin Timberlake and Timbaland were producing Madonna’s new album “Hard Candy” that was released this spring. The album had conquered number one on the British hits-chart. In contrast, the same two singers have participated in the Duran Duran’s production of their “Red Carpet Massacre” in 2007 which received 44th place.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
American and British associations of independent music had announced their wish to make a holiday dedicated to independent musicians. They’ve decided to carry out this event on fourth of July – during the American independence day.
As Pitchfork says, associations are planning to release two compilations where popular musicians will make covers of the famous hits made by indie-bands of the past. Following artists will take part in recording of an American compilation – Prodigy, Editors, Maximo Park, British Sea Power, Feeder, Futureheads, Slipknot, Jarvis Cocker, Devendra Banhart etc. British compilation may include independent young artists that will be recommended by musicians who participate in the first compilation.
Besides that, the day of an independent musician is going to be marked by a massive sale on eBay represented by Radiohead, Interpol, New Pornographers, Arctic Monkeys, Vampire Weekend, Cat Power and others. Sale’s profit will go to the associations mentioned above.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Nine Inch Nails leader Trent Reznor has announced some changes in the band’s lineup.
As Reuters notes, Rich Fownes (bassist) is going to be replaced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen who was previously co-working with Beck and Garbage.
A new musician shall join Reznor, and the rest of the band (Robin Finck, Josh Freese, and Alessandro Cortini) during their North American tour that will start on June 25. Following the words said by the leader of Nine Inch Nails, the current lineup is ‘now the strongest than ever in it’s history’.
Just for a reminder – in the beginning of May Nine Inch Nails had released the new album “The Slip” which is available on their official website absolutely for free.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Lily Allen has participated in the recording of the new Kaiser Chiefs’ album.
Allen sang one of the songs together with the group’s leader Ricky Wilson. A song shall appear on this new release. Kaiser Chiefs are recording their third album, and some experts are predicting it to be their best so far. The last one – Yours Truly, Angry Mob was released in 2007. Kaiser’s new work is still staying without a name, and the release date is unknown.
Popular British DJ Mark Ronson who had received Brit Awards this year for being ‘the best performer’ is producing the new Kaiser Chiefs’ album. Also, he used to produce Lily Allen’s solo projects. In the meantime, she is finishing recording of her second album.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Ozzy Osbourne has won the court case against a newspaper which was saying that a recent Brit Awards ceremony was almost cancelled because of his health problems, notes Sky News.
An article called ‘Ozzy Freak Show’ was published by the British tabloid Daily Star in February (2008) soon after Ozzy together with his wife Sharon and his two children took part in mentioned above ceremony as a presenter.
This article said that right before the show Osbourne fell twice and organizers were looking forward to hospitalize him without allowing his participation.
Besides that, Daily Star wrote that Ozzy was moving on a wheelchair, asking managers to find him a good seat, so when he gets tired during the ceremony he may take some rest.
Ozzy’s suit against a publishing company Express Newspapers was tried by the High Court of England and Wales in London. Following the results of this case trial Daily Star was forced to admit that their material about Ozzy was ‘totally false’, and a newspaper’s lawyer Kate Wilson brought some excuses to a musician.
A sum of indemnity that will be payed by Express Newspapers will go to the charity organization led by Sharon Osbourne – Colon Cancer Program. Also, Express Newspapers should cover Ozzy’s court expanses.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Popular Iceland’ musicians – singer Bjork and the post-rock band Sigur Rose – have announced their joint concert in that country’s capital – Reykjavík.
As Pitchfork says, this show will take place on June 28, but it’s exact venue is not known yet. Besides Bjork and Sigur Ros this concert is welcoming various foreign groups, and Olof Arnalds who is famous for his cooperation with the band Mum. Musicians are trying to attract public’s attention to the Iceland’s environmental problems.
New Musical Express is adding that Sigur Ros are planning to make another very special concert in New York. This performance shall occur in the Museum of Modern Art and may accompany Olafur Eliasson’s exposition (Iceland’s artist).
On June 23 Sigur Ros are going to release their new (fifth) album.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Tori Amos has stopped her cooperation with Epic Records label in order to become an independent musician, says Billboard.
As Tori’s manager John Witherspoon notes, she wants to be like many current musicians who carry their creative work to their listeners without any borders set by record labels.
Before Epic Records Amos was working with Atlantic Records for nine years – since 1992 to 2001. The last album (“American Doll Posse”) produced by Epic was released in 2007. A new release (this time totally independent) is planned for the next year.
In the meantime, Tori Amos is writing music for the British National Theater, and in July she is going to present a book, Comic Book Tattoo.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
Legendary David Gilmour (of Pink Floyd) is going to perform an instrumental suite from the album “Atom Heart Mother”, released in 1970.
As notes New Musical Express, this concert will be incorporated into the Chelsea Festival in London on June 15. It shall include performances by violencellist Carolyn Dale, tribue-band Mun Floyd, Ron Geesin (co-author of “Atom Heart Mother”), and a choir from the Royal musical college, called Canticum. All together they should help Gilmour to perform a 24–minutes suite, which contains six parts: “Father’s Shout, “Breat Milky”, “Mother Fore”, “Funky Dung,” “Mind Your Throats, Please”, “Remergence”.
As The Guardian says, David Gilmour was also preparing to take part in “Glastonbury”, the biggest open-air British music festival. However, the festival’s organizers had welcomed the American rapper Jay-Z instead of the Pink Floyd’s legendary musician. They’re explaining this decision by their wish to attract younger audience. Nevertheless, this year’s “Glastonbury” could not sell all the tickets for the first time in it’s history. A festival will take place in the Somerset county on 27–29 of June.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
The Scottish post-punk band Mogwai had recorded a new (sixth) album, notes Drowned In Sound. The release of a disk called “The Hawk Is Howling”, is arranged for September 22.
There will be the mini pre-release album “The Batcat” which should contain three new songs: “Batcat”, “Stupid Prick Gets Chased By The Police And Loses His Slut Girlfriend” and “Devil Rides”. Possibly that all of these songs will go into the new album.
It is well know that one of the psychodelic rock pioneers Roky Erickson has participated in the recording of “Devil Rides”. The mini-album will be available on September 8 in MP3 format, CD and even vinyl. After the release musicians shall start touring around Britain, and maybe other European countries.
A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com
