General - News

Now that the Brooke Burk hour is over, and JD Fortune is the new lead singer of INXS, one can only wait for the new season of American Idol to come online to fill the gap between tv music talent shows. Nothing new is happening in the world of Paris Hilton.. I havent heared her single on the Radio, so I assume that is not happening any time soon, thank goodness. The only way Paris will sell albums is if Paris Hilton is nude on the cover of her album.. But then again, Lindsay Lohan managed to sell a few albums. Well, there are other things going on in the music world. For example Our Lady Peace is touring in support of their new album, Healthy in Paranoid Times. Simple Plan has released a new live CD called Hard Rock Live. Greenday is working on a new DVD. Kayne West is hosing Saturday Night Live this weekend with the 40 year old virgin. I see a Mike Meyers reaction to his comments at the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert parody. So what else is happening in music. Rumor has it Madonna is releading a new CD soon. Cynthia Lennon, John Lennon's Ex wife (they were going before the beatles existed) has a new book out about John and her son Julian. The book delves into the physical abuse she suffered, and the realationship between John and his son Julian. Well, if you are a music fan and hate the rest of the bands/singers mentioned in this news flash, you should know the following epitaph bands are touring. So check them out for some good music: Bad Religion Blackalicious Bouncing Souls Converge Daniel Lanois Day Of Contempt Death By Stereo Dropkick Murphys From First To Last Guttermouth Heideroosjes HorrorPops I Am Ghost Left Alone Lyrics Born Matchbook Romance Motion City Soundtrack Orange Pennywise Pete Philly & Perquisite Pulley Roger Miret and the Disasters Sage Francis Slackers Some Girls Suicide Girls DVD The Coup The Frames The Locust The Matches The Robocop Kraus The Unseen Tim Fite Youth Group

A few months ago we reported that the Crazy Frog ringtone had topped Coldplay on the UK single charts. Well as a little side note CNN is reporting that a ringtone of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is selling buckwild in that area of the world. The president may be struggling with record-low popularity, but a simple two-word greeting attributed to her has shot to the top of the charts in the cell phone-mad country. A Web site offering a mobile phone ringtone featuring the words "Hello Garci" briefly crashed late last week as thousands of Filipinos clamored to download it. Ringtone crazyness.

One of our editors, Joe, is looking for people to email him comments on the site. If you have some time, and would like to say something to our editorial staff, like how much you love how they did this, or hate how they did that, please drop Joe a line. Joe isnt the most technically savvy guy, so he doesnt check his email daily, but he will hopefully have time to get back to you or at least review your comments. So feel free to send comments, suggestions.. hey you missed this band, or dude get some tabs up already to gnuix2004@yahoo.com. Rock on.

Two of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the season come from across the pond -- new studio releases from Oasis and Coldplay. The first out of the gate is by Oasis, whose new studio album Don't Believe the Truth hits stores Tuesday. Will Oasis still be a force in the record industry. It is hard to say as their last few albums have pretty much fell on deaf ears. Hopefully this album will return them to a better standing in the industry. Coldplay hits the stores a week later with X&Y, the follow-up to their 2002 breakout release A Rush of Blood to the Head. Released on June 7 is Monkey Business, the new album from hip hop act Black Eyed Peas. The reviews have been mixed. Some see it as another rip off of all things hip-hop, by an overhyped band. Others are amazed by its fresh new vibes... Take it as you wish, I think Fergie is the reason they are successful. Also released on June 7 is the new White Stripes album, and the new Kelly Osborne album. Perhaps her rehab is a marketing tool? Probably not. June 14 is the release of the new Backstreet Boys record, Foo Fighters cd and 54*40 is back at last. So it should be a hot summer for Music. Santana is coming out with a new offering, Neil Diamond, Our Lady Peace, Chantal Kreviazuk, DMX, Jon Bon Jovi, Jessica Simpson and more are also hitting the streets. Wonder why they are all releasing in the summer this year?

Tonight, NBC debuts its new show, Hit Me Baby One More Time. Veteran hitmakers perform and compete! Based on the popular UK show of the same name, "Hit Me Baby One More Time" tracks down hitmakers from the past and they take the stage in a new competition in which you're the judge! Former Top Ten artists return to perform their trademark hit song along with one of today's current hits. At the end of the night, the live audience votes for their favorites! Performers playing on the show include: Wang Chung, The Knack, Irene Cara, Sophie B. Hawkins, Cameo, Tommy Tutone, Vanilla Ice, The Motels and more!

Live 8 organizers hope the massive turnout will help pressure G8 leaders to take immediate action to forgive Third World debt and establish programs to eradicate poverty and injustice in developing countries. Organizers are also hoping to stage concerts in the three other G8 countries: Canada, Russia and Japan. Here's a complete rundown of the acts and venues confirmed thus far. LONDON: Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Dido, Keane, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney, Muse, Razorlight, REM, Scissor Sisters, Snow Patrol, Stereophonics, Sting , Joss Stone,Robbie Williams, U2, Velvet Revolver, Bob Geldof, the Killers, Madonna, The Cure BERLIN: A-ha, Bap, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Die Toten Hosen, Peter Maffay, Brian Wilson PHILADELPHIA: Will Smith, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, Sarah McLachlan, Rob Thomas, Keith Urban, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, 50 Cent, Kaiser Chiefs, P. Diddy PARIS: Andrea Bocelli, Craig David, Calo Gero, Jamiroqaui, Kyo, Yannick Noah, Youssou N'Dour, Placebo,Axelle Red, Johnny Halliday, Manu Chao, Renaud ROME: Irene Grandi, Faith Hill, Jovanotti, Tim McGraw, Nek,Laura Pausini, Duran Duran, Vasco Rossi, Zucchero Source: Yahoo

I tried out this crazy frog thing.. Its pretty funny. I dont see why it topped the charts, but my friends definately love it. Its kinda like a frog on crack thing, haha, its ringing as I type this. Ok thats my editorial for today.. I suggest you try this thing out, its worth a laugh.

Editorial: Ok, I know this is offbeat, and the bosses here might have a cow. But sometimes music can be used to influence opinion. Bands such as the Beastie Boys, Our Lady Peace, and U2 have used their fame and celeberty spotlight to reflect positive change on the world. Anyhow, as I read the story of Schapelle Corby, 27, I cant help but lash out at a government so stubborn that they would scentence a young woman to spend the better part of her life locked in a dingy cell, for simply smuggling a small amount of marijuana. Now I am by no means an addvocate for illegal drugs, and infact, I suspect she should face some penalty. But this is insane. She was handed the sentence on Thursday in Bali, Throughout her trial, the beautician student has insisted she is innocent. Corby claims her luggage was tampered with after she was arrested last October with 4.1 kg of marijuana. Before you rush to judgement, think about how it would feel to spend the best part of your life locked away for something so trivial. Life is short and precious, and sometimes the human race can be so cruel. Anyhow, thats my editorial for today, i'll let you get back to reading lighter stuff now. Peace.

Carrier Underwood is the new American Idol. After a 2 hour show packed with performances by Kenny G, Lynard Skynard and others, the suspense ended tonight with Carrie edging out Bo Bice by a narrow margin. Underwood from Oklahoma was younger and had less experience but showed her powerful voice and country stylings were what america wanted. Bo Bice from Alabama had performed in a band for many years, and had an edgy southern rock style which many enjoyed. Bo and Carrier both can be proud to have edged out the hot young R&B talent of Vonzell Solomon, a favorite of judge Randy Jackson. The top three this year have been the strongest ever.. you should expect to see CD's from Vonzell, Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood in a store near you soon. Carrie Underwood was extreamly happy to have won and became very emotional as she sang her first song as the American Idol champ, infact she stopped half way though to say thank you to America. What should we expect of Carrier Underwoods first CD, perhaps some blues, country, ballads and maybe some spicy rock? Time will tell.

Editorial Time Here: I love American Idol, and am very sad to see this amazing year come to and end. Between the on screen drama that unfolds everynight to the tv sets of millions of Americans to the off screen scandals like the Paula Abdul scandle, American idol earns its ranking as the #1 watched tv show in america. This years finalists Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood are probably the most entertaining since the first season. Although Clay and Rueben were quite good, they didnt have the same ability to mimic todays artists. Bo Bice has a very southern rock style, Carrie has a great modern country western style.. I would compare her to Faith Hill, Bo to Lynard Skynard or maybe even a bit of a raspy Ray Charles. Whom ever the winner, I think the fans win this year. I know I have loved every minute of it. Too bad Vonzell Solomon couldnt also be in the running still, she was amazing.

Vonzell Solomon is voted off American Idol. With tears, she gracefully left the stage, and became the second last contestant to be voted off the show. She leaves behind Carrie Underwood, a country crooner from Oklahoma, and Bo Bice, a rocker from Alabama. Judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell were not overly surprised.. you got the sense they knew no matter which contestant was voted off it would be sad and a shame. All three are amazing performers and it Vonzell will more than likely release a CD some day along with her fellow last 3 contestants.

American Idol is down to 3 amazing contestants. Carrie Underwood, Vonzell Solomon, and Bo Bice. Bo made a daring move and opted to sing without band accompaniement. The song was still very solid and the judges Simon, Paula Abdul and Randy loved it. Carrie was strong, but did not get the same praise as usual from the judges. Vonzell Solomon was also quite strong and impressed Randy Jackson as per usual. Perhaps there will be a Vonzell Solomon Randy affair scandal. Probably not though, Vonzell Solomon is a very smart, charming and strong singing young lady. When Vonzell Solomon will release her first CD is the real mystery. Bo Bice will likely also release a smash hit CD. Carrie will likely deliver a strong country CD. All the remaining contestants are worthy of being chart'ed artists.

Fedorov is out of American Idol Lack of conviction and soul cost Anthony Fedorov on "American Idol" Wednesday, as he was sent home leaving just three contestants to descide the next american idol. The 19-year-old Fedorov was given props by judge randy and abdul, but drew snide remarks from Simon Cowell. After Fedorov sang "If You Don't Know Me By Now," Cowell said, "I think you need soul for that song. It's like trying to have Woody Allen play the lead in `Shaft."' "On a positive note, you did sing that well, but the show tonight with all the film clips and the lyrics feels like Miss Universe," said Cowell. The Idols sang one tune out of Nashville and one from Philadelphia, specifically the music of Gamble and Huff.

With only 4 contestants left in the American Idol competition, the heat was on tuesday night. Anthony Fedorov had one of his best nights of the competition and drew little criticism from the judges. Bo Bice gained praise for his stylings, including the song used as the apprentice theme song (money). Carrie Underwood took a hit from the judges after a less than ideal performance of If You Dont Know Me. Vonzell also took a bit of criticism for begin a little off key. All 4 were outstanding however, and the compeition is really heating up. It is anyone's guess who will get the boot tonight. Meanwhile the Paula Abdul scandal seems to have subsided this week, and the show drew a large audience.

Releases coming soon to a CD player near you May 17 System of a Down -- "Mezmerize" Toby Keith -- "Honkytonk University" May 24 Audioslave -- "Out of Exile" Gorillaz -- "Demon Days" May 31 Oasis -- "Don't Believe the Truth" Better Than Ezra -- "Before the Robots"

A group representing Canadian indie bands is asking the CRTC (canadian regulator of radio and television) to change its content regulations for radio to promote lesser-known artists. Current regulations insist that radio stations play 35 per cent Canadian content between 6 a.m. and midnight. However under these rules there is no difference between playing music by well known superstars like Avril Lavigne and playing a song by a lessern known artist like The Weakerthans. Critics of the group suggest that people prefer well known artists, and they should not pay the price for one special interest groups ideas. However, many DJ's agree that their hands are tied when trying to play new lesser known Canadian artist. Many would agree that pushing for change would be a good thing.

Corey Clark, the 2003 "American Idol" contestant who claims he had an affair with "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul has stated that he won't help Fox investigate his charges. Fox issued a statement saying they contacted Clark in order to investigate his claims further, but that Clark has not yet cooperated. By not co-operating Clark may be showing signs that the allegations are not infact real. Clark claims that Paula Abdul coached him on song selection, helped buy him clothes to wear on television and eventually initiated a sexual relationship. He appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America." Thursday, and told an ABC reporter that "I don't have any interest in helping 'American Idol' out whatsoever, because they haven't helped me out whatsoever," "They made it very hard for me to do what I'm doing, which is my career."

American Idol - Scott Savol is no more. The 28 year old contestant who had been seen as sneaking through week after week has finally been voted off. When talking to judges after his performance he was cocky to the point of when asked by host Ryan Seacrest what he would be doing after tomorrow, he said picking a song for next week. Savol was also involved in a controversy while on the show. News leaked that he had a past that involved troubles with the law. Now four remain, Anthony Fedorov, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice and Vonzell Solomon. Meanwhile the other scandal involving judge Paula Abduls' apparent affair with a former contestant heated up, with reports of taped phone calls by Abdul to the contestant. The phone calls were made just prior to the breaking of the scandle, and featured Abdul asking the contestant to not say anything. Former runner up Clay Akin was on the early shows today to support Abdul, saying the claims against her were completely false, and that Abduls’ phone calls were merely to prevent any sort of negative publicity before it started.

American Idol Tonight - Tuesday, May 04, 2005 With only 5 contestants left, American Idol is heating up. Who will be in the final four? Many were left feeling uneasy after last weeks shocking result. Constantine Maroulis, was the latest contestant voted off. Constantine was considered one of the stronger performers, and had a definite shot at winning, but America decided to send him packing after a weak rendition of Nickleback's hit song How You Remind Me. Performers still in the competition are Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood, Vonzell Solomon, Scott Savol and Anthony Fedorov. Last week Vonzell Solomon and Anthony Fedorov were in the bottom three. Whether America will send them there again is yet to be seen. However Scott Savol is considered by many, including the judges, to be the weakest performer, but he has continued to escape the axe by captivating the attention of American voters. Whatever the result, this years American Idol has marked a departure from past years. More male singers, Less guest judges, A foul up in the voting that caused an entire re-vote, And of course some scandals: A former contestant made claims that Paula Abdule and him had a fling in exchange for his continued success on the show. That contestant was later removed from the show because it was revealed he had trouble with the law. Oddly, 2 contestants this year have a past with the law. Scott Savol and Bo Bice both have a record, and have been allowed to stay on the show because they revealed their past up-front before trying out for the show. Despite the departures, this year’s group of American Idol contestants is arguably one of the strongest. So stay tuned folks, it will be a very exciting conclusion to this years American Idol.

Pop singer Justin Timberlake has been cast to provide the voice for a new character in "Shrek 3." The recording artist-turned actor will play a young King Arthur, King Harold's rebellious nephew. Timberlake will join returning cast Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and girlfriend Cameron Diaz in the DreamWorks film due in 2007.

The producers who worked on the hit Ray Charles biopic "Ray" are bringing the story to Broadway. The team has acquired dramatico-musical rights for a stage project from the Ray Charles estate and Ray Charles Enterprises.