Scarlett Goes Singing

Famous actress and singer Scarlett Johansson is getting prepared to release her new album, which was recorded together with Peter Yorn. As Pitchfork says, Scarlett’s new disc “Break Up” will be out in stores with the help of Atco/Rhino record label on September 8. This talented girl is certainly not giving things up, and just keeps on moving forward with her acting and music career. This record which was produced by Sunny Levine was inspired by the 1960’s duet of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot. This artistic work includes nine songs, eight of which were written by Peter Yorn and one is a cover version of Big Star’s (Chris Bell) “I Am the Cosmos”. The first single “Relator” is already available on the project’s official website, so those who trully respect Johansson and Yorn can start getting into their new work. There is a saying that if a person is talented then he/she is talented in everything they do, maybe it’s not true sometimes, but in the case of Johansson it’s absolutely real. She began to perform as a singer in May 2008 when she released the cover album of Tom Waits’ “Anywhere I Lay My Head”. Later she has covered The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry” and Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye”. In the future Scarlett is planning to release her own album.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Two Giants... Why Not?

Sir Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan have decided to create something together, said Gigwise on Tuesday. Musicians are getting ready to co-operate in the nearest future, and it’s also rumoured that they’re planning to start studio sessions during this summer. In one of his recent interviews The Beatles’ legend has told that his wish to work together with Dylan is not new, and he is waiting to produce something absolutely fantastic with him. McCartney had also underlined the fact that such co-operation is one of the biggest artistic ambitions that ever existed in the world of music. At the same time Dylan whose new album “Together Through Life” was released last month is absolutely not against co-operating with McCartney. In other words everyone who respects these two musicians should be waiting for cool stuff to come out in the near future. Nevertheless, in the midst of April this year, while talking to Gigwise Dylan had stated that McCartney is a popular, and in many ways commercial artist who was able to acquire success due to his knowledge of new tendencies in music. In contrast, when speaking about himself Dylan did not put his music career under the shadow of “commercial umbrella”. However, these two geniuses will most likely work together, and it’s the best part about it all.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Persson Goes For Covers

Vocalist of the Swedish band The Cardigans Nina Persson had recorded the mini album which contains cover versions of numerous famous rock groups/artists, said Prefix. This work was created by her and members of her solo project A Camp. Seems like cover albums are getting more and more popular among many musicians out there in the music world. The album is now called “Covers”, pretty simple and clear and it includes three songs. Persson and her musicians have recorded all versions of “Us and Them” (Pink Floyd), “Boys Keep Swinging” (David Bowie) and “I’ve Done it Again” (Grace Jones). Why A Camp chose particularly these three songs to make their EP is not known. Basically, the following songs are extremely great and powerful in terms of history of rock music. It should be quite simple. “Covers” were produced by the Canadian label Nettwerk and should hit the stores on June 9. The album will be available only within the North America throughout iTunes service only. Why it’s being spread exclusively in Canada and U.S. is a mystery. Currently, A Camp is touring Canada and the Unites States. This tour is dedicated to the release of their album “Colonia” which came out in January this year.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Boys With The Name

American hip-hop group Beastie Boys had announced the name of their new studio album by sending emails. The following text message said, “Hot Sauce Committee,” notes Billboard. Sounds like this band still tries to be very original, even by giving cool names to their new pieces of artistic work. It would be extremely exciting to hear what they’ve prepared for their fans this time, and hopefully it’s great. Beastie Boys fans have received above mentioned emails on May 25. Also, those messages did incorporate some information about their future plans and specifically the fact that they’re going to appear on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on Tuesday, May 26. People who saw the show last night probably know more about “Hot Sauce Committee” right now. Billboard is not opening any secrets on how the band was able to send these messages particularly to their fans, for example other people did not receive anything. Most likely those who got it were registered on certain Beastie Boys fan sites. Otherwise, it would be a total mystery. It is interesting to note that previously Beastie Boys have already told everyone the name of their new album. In February they’ve said that it’s going to be called “Tadlock’s Glasses”, but later changed their minds and swtiched it to “Hot Sauce Committee”.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Oasis Rocks The Chart

A song “Live Forever” from the Oasis debut album “Definitely Maybe” (1994) was recently called to be the best British song of all times. Such results were taken by the British Xfm radiostation after surveying of many thousands of it’s listeners, said The Daily Telegraph. It is interesting to note that Oasis had also conquered second and third places as well – “Wonderall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger” from 1995 album “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?”. Another song from the same album “Champagne Supernova” took tenth place. Practically, these guys from Oasis are rocking the world or Xfm was making something in the wrong way. It’s hard to imagine that The Beatles or Led Zeppelin did not even get into the Top 10 list. The Beatles were dominating this Xfm’s survey for years, and now things just began to change. Anyway, Oasis is the great band and this chart is just showing that they’re not the last musicians in the world. Top 10 list also includes The Stone Roses, Joy Division, The Verve, The Who, Arctic Monkeys and The Clash. Here is the list itself:

1. Oasis - Live Forever
   
2. Oasis - Wonderwall
   
3. Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger
   
4. The Stone Roses - I Am the Resurrection
   
5. Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
   
6. The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony
   
7. The Who - My Generation
   
8. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
   
9. The Clash - London Calling
   
10. Oasis - Champagne Supernova

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Paul Rodgers Is About To Quit With Queen

British singer Paul Rodgers has told in his interview to VH1 that he is about to quit co-working with legendary Queen. At the same time Brian May had published Paul’s words on his official website. “We’ve carried out the world tour, later tour around Europe, Asia, Eastern Europe, we’ve released the studio album and I think it’s time to stop. Possibly we are going to give charity concerts from time to time,” said Rodgers. So far there is no information on how the rest of the band had reacted after hearing his decision. On June 20 the American city of Charlotte will be the first to see Paul Rodgers’s band Bad Company performing after it’s recent reunion. Besides Rodgers the original Bad Company’s line-up consists of drummer Simon Kirk and guitarist Mick Ralph. Lynn Sorensen is going to replace Boz Burrell who is in the better world now. Paul Rodgers had joined Queen in 2004 when the band was in need of a new vocalist to perform at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. By that time Queen was not coming together for nine years, particularly since the release of “Made In Heaven”. This album incorporated the last Freddie Mercury’s records. In September 2008 the new Queen’s line-up had released the new album “The Cosmos Rocks”, which was able to conquer number five on the British music charts.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Aerosmith + Lottery = Fun

Aerosmith had decided to run a lottery for those who wishes to get their concert tickets, notes Rolling Stone. The band had made an agreement with GTECH (this company is specializing on gambling industry) and as the result of it American fans will soon be able to get beautifully designed lottery coupons all over the U.S. Each piece shall reflect Aerosmith’s song themes, so it’s not just a lottery, but also an advertising thing too. Among those songs that will be used for such design Rolling Stone is specifically underlining their legendary “Dream On”, which was released in 1973 bringing them an incredible fame. All together Aerosmith fans are going to receive twenty lottery coupons. Lucky people will be able to get to their concert for free and also visit the band while they’re getting prepared for performance. Backstage drinking and partying is one of those things that may be the most important part of it all. Stuff like free stickers, souvenirs and even autographs don’t play any significant role in such situations. Another cool part is that winners will be able to see the band during one of their closed shows – sounds like a lot of fun right there. Backstage plus secret show, drinking, partying and of course Aerosmith.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Bravery, Farrell And Jane's Addiction

Janes Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell was hostpitalized on May 10 right after his band’s concert in Atlanta due to a leg injury, said Associated Press. This incedent took place when a musician had performed the first song, but even after that his band was able to finish the whole set and only later Farrell was sent to the Atlanta’s Medical center. An injury turned to be not so bad, but despite that he is going to stay at the hospital for at least three days. Pretty brave move on his side, lots of respect to his band, fans and everyone who likes their music. Usually artists stop performing when something like that happens to them, but not in this case. Currently, Jane’s Addiction, which had reunited in 2008 in it’s original line-up is on “Nin/ja” tour with Nine Inch Nails and Tom Morello’s (former Rage Against The Machine guitarist) new band called Street Sweeper. Jane’s Addiction was created way back in 1985. During the following five years they’ve recorded a number of albums among which are “Nothing’s Shocking” (1988) and “Ritual de lo Habitual” (1990). Despite the fact that the band had chosen alternative rock as their main music style, they’ve included elements of funk and metal here and there. In 1991 the band had fallen apart, even though they’ve been super popular at that time.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

The Stone Roses: Remastering In Process

British group The Stone Roses, which fell apart in 1996 is planning to re-issue their debut album, said New Musical Express. The original version, -“The Stone Roses”, was released on Spring 1989. Pretty lazy comeback because it would be way more interesting if they tried to record something absolutely new or least make some sort of a tour as other old bands do in such cases. The release of this innovated version is going to take place on August 11, 2009. Particularly, this re-visited album was prepared by John Leckie (he had also worked with the original “The Stone Roses” in 1989) and a former frontman Ian Brown. All of the “new” songs were re-recorded using digital remastering process. A new edition of the first album will be released in three different variations. “The Stone Roses: Special Edition” will be accompanied with the awesome and colourful booklet. Second one is representing the wide version, it will include a box-set of previously unreleased songs under the name of “The Lost Demos”, and a DVD with their live 1989 concert “Live In Blackpool”. Also the whole edition should contain the 28 page booklet as well as the first edition. Third, “Stone Roses: Collectors Edition” will be the biggest, it shall include lots of photographs, flash card with ringtones and videos. In other, words collectors should not miss this remastered release.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Gilmour Turns To Charities

Pink Floyd vocalist and legendary guitar player David Gilmour is going to participate at the ‘secret show’, which is being set up by the charity organization called Crisis. Their main focus is to help homeless people, said New Musical Express. Gilmour is about to share the stage with a duet from Mali, Amadou and Mariam. “It was a wonderful surprise when they called recently, inviting me to collaborate with them on this special one-off occasion for Crisis. I’m looking forward to breaking down a few musical boundaries in the cause of helping the homeless,” noted Gilmour. This concert will take place in London on May 25 and it’s called ‘secret’ because the exact time and location shall be announced only twenty four hours before the event. In other words those who have purchased tickets are going to get an email message. All the money will go to the mentioned above charity foundation. It’s interesting to underline the fact that this performance is a part of one big series of such ‘secret’ events which began on May 5 in London. The whole program includes numerous cool bands like The Bluetones, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Pipettes and Dodgy. For example another group called Hot Chip had performed on May 5 by showing their new material.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Screenwriting and Nick Cave

Famous Australian rock musician Nick Cave is well known for being an author of the “Gladiator” scenario, which turned to be one of his best projects outside of music business. However, his ideas that were implemented into “Gladiator” were not fully opened in the movie itself. As The Guardian says, Cave’s fans have found a text which is continuing general Maximus’s life and generally speaking gives the future to that heroic story. Following Cave’s version after Maximus had died in Colosseum he was resurrected by the Roman gods and received immortality. After he became immortal Maximus had participated in practically every war that came later in history including Crusades and even Vietnam war. Eventually his position in the modern days is to be someone big at the Pentagon. “We tried to go with Cave’s script. Russell didn’t want to let it go, obviously, because it worked very well. When I say ‘worked very well’, I don’t refer to success. I mean, as a piece it works very well”, said “Gladiator’s” director Ridley Scott. In other words, Nick Cave’s scenario appeared to be too large and not very well fitting into the “Gladiator” everyone knows right now. DreamWorks Studios also had decided not to go with such continuation and turned it away.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

The Beatles On The Screen

Developers from Harmonix Music Systems are planning to release new controllers that are specifically designed for the game The Beatles: Rock Band, said Rolling Stone. Music and games, what can be better than that? During the upcoming autumn this game’s release will correlate with the release of these controllers - Rickenbacker 325 guitars, which absolutely copy the original type that belonged to John Lennon and George Harrison. Such guitars will go for 99,99$ (or 99,99 euros for Europeans) a piece. Just imagine how expansive will be the original guitar. Probably everything what was used by these two legendary musicians is already sold out to some private collection or something of that kind. However, in this case the progress in software technologies made it available to practically everyone. Also, these controllers will not be included into the Limited Edition Premium Bundle, which goes for 250$ (or 199 euros). Previously, developers were promising to incorporate Paul McCartney’s Hofner bass guitar and Ringo’s Ludwig drums, but it may not happen. At the same time the Limited Edition Premium Bundle shall include mentioned above The Beatles: Rock Band. The official release of the Rock Band, which is totally dedicated to the legendary band is planned for September 9, 2009. Currently, it’s almost definite that it should contain 45 songs that were recorded by The Beatles between 1962 and 1969.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Coldplay: Stolen or Not Stolen?

British performer Yusuf Islam who was previously well known under the name of Cat Stevens said that Coldplay’s song “Viva La Vida” is copied after his 1973’s “Foreigner Suite”, noted NME. Coldplay is getting under such fire all the time, maybe they trully stole something? It’s the third time when Coldplay is being accused of plagiarizing this song which belongs to their 2008 “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” album. Guys who began to accuse them for the first time was a group from New York called Creaky Boards. They’ve said that “Viva La Vida” was taken from their “The Songs I Didn’t Write”. As that band believes one of the “Viva La Vida” authors Chris Martin could hear it during their concert in October 2007. Martin said that “Viva La Vida’s” demo version was recorded in March 2007 and could not be copied in any shape or form. Another famous American musician Joe Satriani proclaimed that it’s partially his 2004 “If I Could Fly” and started some strange court procedures against Coldplay. Chris Martin was forced to deny everything again, even though he admitted that songs sound similar. In Yusuf Islam’s case there will be no legal action, but just another possibility of the fact that Coldplay could steal some music.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Plastic Ono Band Comes To London

John Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono is planning to participate at the concert which was personally organized by her and Plastic Ono Band, said Yoko’s web site. Yoko is surely trying to reinvent the wheel or at least manifest her artistic talent once again – pretty cool idea. This concert is going to take place on June 14 this year at London’s Royal Festival Hall where Plastic Ono Band will perform together with Yoko and her son Sean Lennon. The rest of the band’s lineup is not known yet, but it was already rumoured that a lot of musicians will be invited. Among those is one of the avant-garde jazz pioneers Ornette Coleman who was taking some important part in recording of the 1970’s “Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band” album. “I’m really worried about the upcoming concert because it’s going to be the first Plastic Ono Band’s  performance in Britain and it will be absolutely great if Ornette joins us”, she said. This woman is obviously very powerful, and her abilities seek no end, especially when she goes out there to fulfill the world of art. As Yoko has told the press, lately she had finished working with the new album, which is about to appear in stores by the end of 2009. This record was produced by her and Sean Lennon.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Some Stories To Tell

Frontman of the legendary American rock band Aerosmith Steven Tyler had finished working with his new book in which he described his life and told about difficulties of the music career, said Undercover. A book “Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?” will be publicly presented on May 28 at fair event in Connecticut. In 2008 one of the HarperCollins’ branches – Ecco had promised to pay two million dollars for the rights to publish Tyler’s memoires. Surely, this guy has something to say about his life and music, share some precious experience by telling what not to do or what may be better if one wants to start his band nowdays. In this autobiographical work musician tells about his childhood (spent in Bronx, New York) and about his early passion with music, particularly those who have influenced him. Also, Tyler centers upon Aerosmith, it’s history and his relations with the other band members. Singer talks about those episodes of his life when he was dealing with drugs and alcohol, to many it may be the most interesting part of a book. Besides that Aerosmith’s frontman had dedicated some parts of this literary piece to his four children. Mr. Tyler is particularly famous for his turbulent personal life, wifes, kids and reunions he was making with them.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com

Charitable Page

Legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page with a help from the charity foundation created by his wife in 1998 (“Action for Brazil’s Children”) had carried out a charitable auction this week, said AFP. A Forca Da Rua sales event that was set up in London on April 29 had exposed two guitars that were painted by the British and Brazilian graffiti artists. Charity activities made by guys like Page or Bono are extremely good and show that the music is not just sounds or words, but also actions which may literally change something and help somebody. “It’s very important for me to take part in this project. Children of course need not only money, but they definitely play a huge role. We hope that stuff which is being done will help Brazilian children who don’t have a lot in their lives and from the early years they know what is the real difficulty”, said one of the artists who had participated in A Forca Da Rua auction. In March 2009 Page and some of his collegues ex-Cream bass Jack Bruce, ex-The Animals frontman Eric Burdon and Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver singer Slash have already done an auction of this kind. Practically, they’ve been selling their autographed instruments and photographs on eBay.

A Source: ThatsJustMusic.com