Well, the Rapture has come and gone and we're all still here blinking and breathing -- and so is a band that we gladly welcome back to the scene, theRapture. The New York-based dance rockers return toJames Murphy'sDFAlabel -- the label behind their breakout record 'Echos' -- for 'In the Grace of Your Love.'
According toPitchfork, the band are gearing up to release 'In the Grace of Your Love' September 6 in the US and September 5 in Europe via DFA, while Modular will pick up distribution duties in Australia and New Zealand.
"It's hard to guess what songs will make the record at {this} point, but I'd say this album is gonna be a lot more like 'Echoes' than 'Pieces' -- it'll be a broader album,"drummer Vito Roccofortetold Pitchforkback in February of last year.
"It won't be all dance songs. So far the recordings sound to me like the band playing live. We haven't done a lot of editing; we're trying to keep it organic."
The band have been busy working in the studio withPhoenixcollaborator and producer Philippe Zdar in Paris. This will be the Rapture's first album since 2006's 'Pieces of the People We Love.'
Thanks toConsequence of Sound, you can check out a live version of the Rapture's newest song 'Sail Away.'
Joseph Brooks, the Oscar-winning songwriter of 'You Light Up My Life' who was accused of multiple counts of rape, was found dead in New York of an apparent suicide.
According to theAssociated Press, the 73-year-old's body was discovered on a couch in his Upper East Side apartment by a friend on Sunday afternoon. Brooks had a plastic laundry bag tied around his head and a towel wrapped around his neck, and a hose attached to a helium tank was connected to the bag. Police reportedly found a suicide note but the contents have not been made public.
In the 1977, Brooks found fame after penning theDebby Booneballad 'You Light Up My Life' for the film of the same name, which he also wrote, directed and produced. He would go on to win an Academy Award and a Grammy for the song.
In 2009, Brooks reentered the public eye when he was accused of the rape and sexual abuse of 13 women. He allegedly lured them to his New York City apartment under the pretense of a movie audition, drugged them and molested them. He pled not guilty and the case had yet to go to trial.
The Brooks family came under even more scrutiny in 2010 when Brooks' 26-year-old son, Nicholas, was accused of murdering his girlfriend, swimsuit designer Sylvie Cachay, in New York's posh Soho House club and hotel. His trial is pending.
Currently in talks with major labels about a possible deal, the lineup believed to be labouring under the moniker 'Super Heavy', features an eclectic array of artists. A source was quoted by theNew York Post:"They just finished a record and their first video and are talking to major labels about a deal. The name for the band at the moment is Super Heavy."
Another source told the Post,"Each member has a very distinct and different style, but it works. Mick has been recording with Dave for a while, and both worked with Joss in the past." Alongside soul singer Stone, formerEurythmicsstar Stewart andBob Marley's youngest son, Sir Mick is also joined by A.R. Rahman. Known as"The Mozart of Madras,"Rahman was responsible for the double Oscar-winning music for 'Slumdog Millionaire.'
In response to the Super Heavy claims, a representative for Sir Mick said,"They all thought it would be interesting and great fun to go into the studio and play some music. No video has been shot, no label in place. All a bit premature."
For it's more than 20-year history,Jane's Addictionhas had a steady core of frontmanPerry Farrell, guitaristDave Navarroand drummerStephen Perkins. The role of bassist, on the other hand, has been a revolving door sinceEric Averysplit several years ago only to return for one tour and leave again. On their new album, 'The Great Escape Artist,' Jane's Addiction has had three bassists involved:Duff McKagan, who started writing with the band,TV on the Radio'sDave Sitek, now playing on the record, and Chris Chaney, who's been playing the live shows.
After all of this, the band may have ended up with the best situation, with Sitek on the album and Chaney, who played on 'Strays' and toured with the band multiple times, playing live. It is a win-win, as they can utilize both bassists, with Farrell telling Spinner he hopes to do at least three special shows with Sitek playing the new album live while Chaney will handle the remainder of the tour.
But there is a catch."I have to keep {Chris} away fromQueen, who want him and they're not gonna get him unless we're not doing anything. Then they can have him,"Farrell tells Spinner. How is he going to keep Chaney from playing with one of the greatest rock bands of all time?"I'm getting him on the record and then he's gonna come out with us for eight months."
That all sounds great, but we have a better idea: let Chaney play with Queen, as long as they share the bill with Jane's. Farrell, for his part, takes the idea one step further."Queen, TV on the Radio and Jane's Addiction,"he says."Would you see that?"
Farrell, who has a pretty good track record of putting acts together with his work withLollapalooza, also has a pick for Queen's next lead singer:"George Michael. I love George Michael. How about this, next year for Lolla, Queen, Jane's, George Michael, 2012."
Before that 2012 bonanza, Lollapalooza will have a pretty great lineup this year withEminemheadlining. Farrell has never met the hip-hop superstar, but they do share a common acquaintance: Farrell's wife, Etty."Etty, during the era of video, was his principal actress in one of the songs he did withDr. Dre,"Farrell says."They did a video and Etty was the girl that he hypnotized on a bed and took advantage of her."
Obviously, being a headliner for the 20th anniversary of Lolla is a huge deal and Farrell believes Eminem's appearance will be great for everyone involved."It's going to be a really special experience for everybody, including him."
Watch Jane's Addiction Perform 'Been Caught Stealin'' Live
Atlanta punk bandBlack Lipsare known for embracing their hard-partying ways, but even they would probably balk at being remembered for accidentally killing super-producerMark Ronson.
But that's almost what happened when their group hooked up with the mixing desk maestro to make their latest album, the NME reports (viaContactmusic)
Ronson teamed up with the garage rockers last year to work on the band's sixth album, 'Arabia Mountain,' but was apparently struck down with potentially deadly food poisoning after some ill-advised thematic catering decisions.
"To get in the mood to record {album track} 'Raw Meat' we started eating all this liver sashimi,"Lips singer Cole Alexander explained."Then we all started getting sick from it. Mark had to go to hospital because his fever was so high. His brain was cooking, man."
"I thought maybe I was hungover or something,"Ronson reported."Then I started shivering uncontrollably. The next thing, the band are putting all these blankets over me. I wake up an hour later , just f---ing moaning and groaning.
"One of them touched my skin and they were like, 'Listen dude, we've got to get you to a hospital,'"the producer continued."When I was there I was diagnosed with something with a lot of syllables in it. I almost died. But I don't think it was intentional on their part."
The Ronson-helmed 'Arabia Mountain' LP is out in June.
Mark Ronson and MNDR Perform 'Bang Bang Bang' on the Interface
It's time to throw on 'Call Me'Blondiefans and do a little jig for joy. 'Panic of the Girls,' the forthcoming record from the iconic New York City rockers will be out as of September, and to drum up some fanfare (as if you need to, Blondie hasn't released an album in eight years and this one features a guest from none other thanBeirut's Zach Condon), the band has released a video for new track 'Mother.'
The slick video pays homage to New York's storied West 14th Street nightclub 'Mother,' which was a late-night playground for A-listers during the '90s. As you'd expect, frontwomanDebbie Harrylooks as ravishing as ever perched atop the stage in her black patent leather boots.
The suped up pop track offers a sneak peek at Blondie's ninth studio album, which comes courtesy of the legendary group's own imprint and features not only a collab with Condon but also sees the band tackle a Beirut cover with 'Sunday Smile.'
Largely recorded in Woodstock, New York, 'Panic of the Girls' was produced by Jeff Saltzman (theKillers,Fischerspooner) and Kato Khandwala (Paramore,Papa Roach). According to a press release, the disc"glances backward but resolutely moves forward, remaining keenly observant of street-level pop culture and continuing to find inspiration in the roiling musical melting pot of New York City."
On deck are the usual suspects, Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, drummer Clem Burke and bassist Leigh Fox (who joined Blondie back in '97 upon their reunion). The outfit also features new recruits guitarist Tommy Kessler and keyboardist Katz-Bohen.
The band's last record, 'Curse of the Blondie,' was released back in 2003. Needless to say, some fans were, uh, starting to panic about when the next disc would arrive.
Canada is known for its majestic scenery, so it was hardly a feat to convince some of the country's most celebrated filmmakers and musicians to sign on for theNational Parks Project. Artists likeGreat Lake Swimmers' Tony Dekker,Woodhands' Dan Werb andDFA 1979'sSebastien Graingertrekked deep into the wilderness to explore the National Parks scattered throughout the Great White North.Their adventures (complete with intimate jam sessions) were captured by respected filmmakers and will be posted on the National Parks Projectsitefrom May 19 onward, with the theatrical release kicking off in Toronto the following day. On May 24, the soundtrack from the ambitious project will be released as both a 20-track CD and a 26-track double-LP.
In honour of the disc, Spinner recruited various musicians who participated in the expedition to share their experiences making music in the depths of Canada's wilderness. Our third report comes courtesy of Quebec nativeMelissa Auf der Maur(formerly ofHoleand theSmashing Pumpkins) who visited Gros Morne National Park.
When i was contacted to participate in a Canadian film and music project in Newfoundland, I thought I was dreaming. It was a perfect opportunity to commune with a landscape I've always felt connected to in my distant Celtic roots, collaborate with new musicians and filmmakers and support the celebration of our country's most valuable asset: mother nature.
The additional appeal was that the director attached to the project, Sturla Gunnarsson, was very familiar with Newfoundland, as he had shot a viking film there once. Yes, you heard me right, a viking film. Whether you know me as a bass player or a Montrealer, you should know I LOVE VIKINGS. You should also know by now, that Newfoundland was discovered and even settled by vikings, before any others. We did not get a chance to go up to L'anse aux Meadows to see the unearthed viking ruins, but i felt it near.
The trip was phenomenal and a highlight in my creative adventures in recent years. I had not been camping in a very long time, so was in much need to be in nature and it was a bonus to sleep on the dramatic coast of Newfoundland with the sound of waves just over the hill.
It was an interesting filmic creative dynamic between the film directed by Sturla, which was pretty much an experimental art film, and the"making of"the music film conducted by theDiscovery Channelfor the TV version of the National Parks Project.
On one side, we were supposed to connect with nature and our instruments, and on the other side, we needed to intellectualize the experience to the TV cameras. Very split down the middle as far as creative mood, but rather entertaining because all the different crews and teams were great to work with.
Musically speaking, I was very curious how it would turn out, as the three of us musicians are very different stylistically from the other. I was the bass player and"heavy"rock component of the trio -- while {Montreal improv impresario} Sam {Shalabi} represented the eastern"ancient instrument"element and Jamie {Fleming of Toronto band Catl} was the Americana blues roots of it. So you have an electric bass plugged into a solar battery-powered mini Vox amp, an acoustic guitar with slide and a lute! That is a unique combination for any collaboration, especially between people who are playing together for the first time on cold windy cliffs, sand dunes and remote volcanic islands in an unknown land.
I am very happy with the results, it was incredibly easy in fact to connect and blend with each other, possibly because we are so different. The result is a slightly psychedelic piece of music.
In between playing our instruments, we were brought on expeditions to be"screeched in"by the natives, a ritual involving a drunken fisherman shouting at you, making you do shots of Maritime rum and resulting in a diploma-type document. We took two extremely bumpy and precarious boat rides into deep waters. One involved running out of gas and the other needing to board a deflating dingy boat to bring us into shore because the reefs would scratch the big boat.
Part of Sturla's vision, was DAWN and DUSK shoots only -- which was hard on the system but easy on the eyes. It was incredible to see these epic coastal, stormy skies turn purple, black and gold. This further enhanced the fact that we were sitting on and laying eyes on the most ancient rock formations on this continent. It was an honor to experience Newfoundland and a Canadian National Park in this way. I can say with certainty that I will be back there soon.
Bob Flanigan, a tenor and multi-instrumentalist in the jazz vocal group the Four Freshmen, died Sunday, May 15. The 84-year-old passed away at his Las Vegas home due to congestive heart failure, theAPreports.
The Four Freshmen began in 1948 when Flanigan, his cousins Ross and Don Barbour, and Hal Kratzsch were students at Indiana's Butler University. Best known for hits such as 'It's a Blue World' and 'Mood Indigo,' the jazz harmony group was nominated for six Grammys and released over 50 albums. Aside from his vocal duties, Flanigan played bass and trombone in the band.
"Flanigan's voice was indestructible,"Ross Barbour told the AP."He could drive all day and all night without stopping between gigs, and when our voices were on the edge Bob was still in full form."
Ross is now the only surviving original member of the Four Freshmen, as his brother died in 1961 and Kratzsch passed away in 1970. Flanigan retired from performing in 1992, but remained involved in the current incarnations of the group.
Flanigan is survived by his wife, Mary, six children and 15 grandchildren.
During his current 21-night stand at the L.A. Forum,Princehas had an array of guests, fromAlicia KeystoGwen Stefani. But on Friday night, during an epic two-hour-and-45 minute performance, the Purple One raised the bar by bringing out living legendStevie Wonderfor a rendition of 'Superstition.'
Opening actJanelle Monaehinted something might be up when she dedicated the Charlie Chaplin-penned 'Smile' to"Our friend, Stevie Wonder."And early in his set Prince called out"love and respect to Stevie Wonder."After the show was seemingly over following a glorious 'Purple Rain,' Prince's stellar band came back out and kicked into 'Superstition,' to be followed moments later by Prince rising from underneath the stage holding Wonder by the arm. It wasn't a total surprise but that didn't keep the place from going justifiably crazy at the sight of Wonder playing his harmonica while facing Prince, who rocked out on his guitar.
Energized by sharing the stage with one of his musical heroes, Prince then led the crowd in singing,"Oh, Stevie Wonder,"as Wonder's smiling face absorbed the love. To reiterate the greatness of what had just occurred, Prince reminded everybody,"You've just seen Stevie Wonder."
Coming after a hits-laden set that ranged from 'Let's Go Crazy' to 'Cream,' 'Rasberry Beret' and a duet with Monae on 'Take Me With U,' the guest appearance of Wonder and subsequent onstage dance party was more than enough of a show. But still, Prince wasn't done. At nearly 1AM, he said,"I can't go home"-- and he wasn't kidding.
Musically, Prince and his gifted band are always going to deliver. He remains the peak of musicianship, a hybrid of decades of pop music who incorporates everyone fromJames BrownandLittle RichardtoElvis PresleyandJimi Hendrix. But on Friday, Prince was also feeling particularly playful, and when the showmanship matches the music he is almost without peer.
During the fourth or fifth encore -- we honestly lost count -- he quipped,"I've got too many hits."And then before the 1989 ballad 'Scandalous,' Prince warned the audience,"Oh, we can't do this. Do you know what's gonna happen if we do this?"The place would once again erupt, as they had all night long.
Watch Prince and Stevie Wonder Perform 'Superstition'
When he first announced his current 'Welcome 2 America Live' tour,Princefans knew that he was up to something unusual because, at the time, he only announced a handful of dates in the New York area. Since then, he's launched stealth attacks in which he announces a run of shows at a particular venue just days -- sometimes, just hours -- before the doors open. Prince has always been one to do things his own way but even his truck drivers have said that they don't know where to drive the stage until the very last minute. And, so far, it's a strategy that's worked -- every show has been packed not only with people, but also with excitement.
Now in the midst of a 21-date residency in Los Angeles, in which he has rolled out dates at the Forum in small increments, Prince plans to disrupt the run with a little diversion to Northern California. The Purple One will perform one night in Fresno on May 18, followed by two nights at the HP Pavilion in San Jose --Shark territory-- on May 19 and 21. In the meantime, Prince performs two of his projected 21 shows in L.A. this weekend and he'll return there on May 27, following this mid-residency field trip up the California coast next week.
Tickets for Fresno and San Jose go on sale Saturday, May 14, at 12PM PT but, of course, probably won't remain for very long.
Etta Jameshas been hospitalized after a urinary tract infection led to sepsis, her son Sametto told theRiverside Press-Enterprise. The 73-year-old singer has been in an undisclosed California hospital since earlier this week.
As of now, her prognosis for the condition -- a widespread infection that is known as blood poisoning in some cases -- is unclear. Her son revealed she will remain in the hospital"as long as it takes to clear her infections."
The iconic blues singer has been ailing in recent years. She sought treatment for substance abuse several times, and in January 2010, her husband of over 40 years revealed that she wasbattling leukemia and suffering from dementia. Her husband, Artis Mills, and other son, Donto, have been fighting for the right to control her finances.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, James has recorded hit singles such as 'At Last' and 'All I Could Do Is Cry' and won four Grammys.
Are you up for a cinematic heartbreak scored byGrizzly Bear? Then enter our giveaway with just a Tweet. Four winners will receive a copy of the 'Blue Valentine' DVD and a copy of the Motion Picture Soundtrack CD each. Read on and how you can win the critically acclaimed,controversy-stirringromantic drama starringMichelle WilliamsandRyan Goslingand previously unreleased music from Brooklyn indie wunderkinds.
Listen to a Preview of the 'Blue Valentine' Soundtrack
The soundtrack also features original music byRyan Goslinghimself, cuts from Grizzly Bear singer, songwriter and guitarist Daniel Rossen's side projectDepartment of Eaglesand an obscure '70s cut, 'You and Me,' from"lost"soul bandPenny and the Quarters.
To enter the giveaway, follow@Spinneron Twitter and retweetthis @Spinner giveaway announcement tweet.The giveaway begins at 10AM Eastern Time ("ET") on May 11, 2011 and ends at 3PM ET on May 16, 2011. A winner will be chosen at random and notified on or about May 17, 2011. Be sure to readthe official contest rules.
It was one of those only-at-Jazz-Fest phenomena. The annual New Orleans extravaganza was having arguably the biggest concentration of star power in its history, with nearly all of its 10 stages featuring headlining stars in one or the other genres spotlighted in the wide-ranging"heritage"berth of its title.
John Mellencampwas at the big stage on one end of the Louisiana Fairgrounds horse-race track whileTom Jones(yes, that Tom Jones) was doing a set loaded with gospel and blues at the other. In between, there wasJohn Legendwith theRoots, theDecemberistsand even, gulp,Kenny Gin the Jazz Tent (to the delight of smooth jazz fans and revulsion of many others). Each drew a big, enthusiastic crowd numbering in the thousands.
At the tiny Jazz and Heritage stage -- home to the neighborhood brass bands and Mardi Gras Indian troupes that anchor the city's essential parade and party life -- it was a different scene. Only a few dozen people milled around as the headliner stepped up. It looked like another New Orleans brass band and sounded pretty much like one too, with horns anchored by a booming sousaphone and percussion pumping out a steady stream of backbeat-heavy brass funk. But what's with that trumpet player in a turban and long beard? And that guy in front playing some kind of strange drum, not the usual bass or snare that you'd see with Rebirth or the Soul Rebels? And that rap, by the turban guy, is that Hindi?
It seems many people wanted to know. A lot of interesting things can happen in this spot -- it was here, just two days before, that the sounds of all-star brass band the Midnite Disturbers blended with a passing parade of DJA Rara, a voodoo parade band from Haiti, one of many Haitian acts featured at this year's Jazz Festin an effort to support the earthquake-ravaged Caribbean nation. Just about everyone who walked by stopped to take a look, necks craning curiously. And a lot of them stayed. By set's end, the crowd had swelled to more than 500, dancing away just as if it were a New Orleans brass band.
But it wasn't. This wasRed Baraat, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., plying a bhangra beat under the exuberant leadership of first-generation Punjabi-American percussionist Sunny Jain, the guy playing that strange drum called a dhol. The sound, especially in this setting, could be described as New Orleans New York New Delhi. Truth is, though, this was both Jain's and the group's first visit to the Crescent City. Given the circumstances, he was not sure how it would go.
"I was definitely a little nervous given that there were these big-name artists, people I'd like to check out,"he admits to Spinner."'I'm gonna miss the Roots, and would have liked to see the Decemberists.' There was that aspect. These folks were the draws. Definitely a light crowd when we started."
And there was also the coals-to-Newcastle aspect to it, or brass to New Orleans. Bands that don't have that certain something just don't get people to notice, let alone dance.
"It built and built, and interaction between us and the crowd was inspiring,"Jain says.
You can hear the excitement on 'Chaal Baby,' a live track the band is making available for free download viaBandcamp.
Listen to 'Chaal Baby'
Despite the non-New Orleans elements, many dancing along seemed surprised to learn that the band was from Brooklyn and not here, so well did the sound mesh with local vibes. That, insists Jain, is a fortuitous coincidence. When he conceived Red Baraat and first put a lineup together in 2008, New Orleans was not part of the mix. Jain was established as a veteran jazz drummer, educator and composer with credits ranging from Dewey Redman and Roy Hargrove to Norah Jones to a performance with Sufi-rock band Junoon at the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. But he wanted to find a way to explore and personalize the sounds he remembered hearing as a child on visits back to his parents' native India. Being raised in Rochester, N.Y., the brass bands he heard on those trips -- a tradition that reaches back to the start of the English Raj in the 1700s -- made a lasting impression.
"When I put the band together I had a clear idea of how I wanted it to sound, but wanted to leave room for the sound to develop with the musicians in the group."he says.
To that end, he recruited a crew that included players from rock, ska, jazz and even classical backgrounds. Latin music figured in it from the start, he says, and go-go, the highly rhythmic dance music that spread out of the Washington, D.C. scene in the '80s. That all figures in the 2010 debut Red Baraat album 'Chaal Baby,' available both in stores and as a download on the group's Bandcamp site, that captured the vibrancy that has made the band a rising force in the jazz and world-music festival scene. But he wasn't even familiar with the New Orleans brass sounds until people started bringing it up after hearing his band.
Red Baraat Perform at Jazz Fest
"To be honest, it was my ignorance,"he says."I didn't know the Soul Rebels, Hot 8, Stooges brass bands from New Orleans. It was coming from the Indian brass tradition. The only thing I did was add the drum set and incorporate the dhol."
It's not just New Orleans where the sort of thing witnessed at Jazz Fest happens. There seems to be some universal quality to this sound.
"There's a Brazilian community that comes to shows in New York and swears it's samba fused with Punjabi,"he says."And people come up and say it sounds like West Indies music or Jamaican music or go-go. Everyone hears something different."
Now that he knows the NOLA brass world, though, he's eager to learn more. Out on the town during the band's stay, he saw ubiquitous sousaphonester Matt Perrine playing in the Tin Men ("America's premiere washboard, sousaphone and guitar trio,"as the group's guitarist-singer Alex McMurray describes it) at the d.b.a. on the hot Frenchmen St. stretch of clubs and then sauntered across the way to the Spotted Cat to catch the neo-old-timey New Orleans Jazz Vipers. Later in the week, he got onstage to jam with friend Derrick Freeman, a drummer who helped pioneer New Orleans' hip-hop brass movement and has toured playing with Spearhead,Wyclef Jeanand many others. Red Baraat also played its own night-time gig at the House of Blues' Parish Room, generating another level of buzz around town.
And, with a new album in the works for early 2010, that's the goal."When we play festivals, the majority of people are not familiar, and people like to hear songs their familiar with,"he says."It's fascinating to us how people are intrigued by what we are doing and stay and really enjoy the music and maybe start delving into it and learn about it. We just have fun playing and want to continue that."
Another goal sure to be met: More visits to New Orleans.
David Mason, the man who performed the famous piccolo trumpet solo on theBeatles' 'Penny Lane,' died on April 29. According toAllMusic, the 85-year-old classical musician passed away after a battle with Leukemia.
The London native was awarded the prestigious Beatles gig in 1967 afterPaul McCartneysaw him performing Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major with the New Philharmonia on the BBC. Nearly a week later, Mason came to the studio to record his rapid solo, which he always swore wasn't sped up as some Beatles historians claimed. Before the session, the musician didn't know who the Beatles were and he was paid around $45 for his work.
"The actual recording was done quite quickly,"Mason said in 1989's 'The Beatles Recording Sessions,' as the Los Angeles Times reports."They were jolly high notes, quite taxing, but with the tapes rolling we did two takes as overdubs on top of the existing song."
In addition to his contributions to 'Penny Lane,' Mason also performed on the Beatles' tracks 'A Day in the Life,' 'Magical Mystery Tour' and 'All You Need Is Love,' for which he used the same trumpet. Prior to his work in the New Philharmonia, he was a member of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Mason was also a professor at London's Royal College of Music, where he studied as a young man.
Ellie Gouldingscored a few more American fans as she graced the 'Saturday Night Live' stage in New York City last night (May 7), showing off the ethereal vocals that have impressed her supporters both stateside and overseas.
Hosted by former cast member Tina Fey, the show was fittingly centered on Mother's Day, with the six-months-pregnant funny girl bringing out Maya Rudolph, also expecting, to sing a duet dedicated to their unborn babies.
Before Goulding performed, skits included a parody of Bravo's TV show, 'Pregnant In Heels,' Rudolph starring in a birth-class sketch that poked fun at old home-birthing films and Fey acting as 'SNL' character Bedelia's mother and the expected Sarah Palin appearance, of course played by Fey again.
When the British songstress had her time to shine, she showcased her slim figure in a black leather dress. Ellie, fittingly draped in a cascade of lights, moved into herRichard StannardandAsh Howes-produced slice of indie pop goodness, 'Lights.' Her tender vocals commenced the song with,"I had a way then losing it all on my own/ I had a heart then but the queen has been overthrown/ And I'm not sleeping now, the dark is too hard to beat/ And I'm not keeping now, the strength I need to push me."
On the new music front, the 24-year-old talent has her sights set on working with folk-rockersMumford and Sonson a new tour."I'm friends with them and I know that they are fun on tour,"Goulding told Spinner."We've bumped into each other a couple of times in the UK ... It would be nice to see a band that I'm a really big fan of every night."
Over his illustrious career,Depeche ModefrontmanDave Gahanhas won a lot of awards, but the latest, which he was presented with last night at L.A.'s Club Nokia at the annual MAP/Musicares event, left the singer a bit perplexed."They said they were going to honor me with some kind of award, which I'm still confused about,"Gahan told Spinner on the red carpet.
Gahan was given the Stevie Ray Vaughan award, which has been given in the past to Chris Cornell and James Hetfield among others, and while Gahan was modest about it beforehand, the honor, for both sobriety and help to the music community, is a big one. And that was reflected in the night's festivities, which began with Ozomatli, who threw a raucous rendition of Depeche Mode's 'Just Can't get Enough' into their set andParamore, performing two scaled down songs, both on-hand to pay tribute to the night's other honoree -- Warped tour founderKevin Lyman, who was cited for his charity work and help to other musicians.
During Paramore's set, frontwomanHayley Williamssaid,"Kevin has been kind of a godfather to us."Though Lyman joked in his acceptance speech that Paramore's presence was probably the only thing that kept his older daughter from blowing off the family this night for a Ke$ha show, the night held special significance for him because of his own relationship with Gahan.
"I almost went to work for him once,"Lyman told Spinner."After Lollapalooza I almost went to work for Depeche Mode, but decided to keep doing what I was doing at that point."
After Lyman's presentation the focus turned to Gahan, who had hand selectedJane's Addictionto perform."They were a big part of my life in Los Angeles musically,"Gahan said."I went out on quite a few shows on the first Lollapalooza tour when Jane's were headlining and I saw them quite a few times in Los Angeles when they were just coming up."
Jane's Addiction were up to the honor, delivering a three-song set highlighted by a gloriously extended, trippy and forceful 'Three Days' that had Steven Tyler shaking his head in admiration and the place on the verge of exploding in rock fury. After the song, Jane's frontmanPerry Farrelldedicated the song to Dave, who had requested that one.
Following Jane's,Linkin ParkfrontmanChester Bennington, a longtime Depeche fan, took the stage for an impressive acoustic version of 'The Messenger,' a song he said was about his oldest child, now 15, nearing the point of going off on their own, but one he thought could also apply to recovery, the theme of the night.
It is a testament to the longevity and influence of Depeche, the wide array of people on hand to pay their respects to Gahan, from Jane's and Bennington to Tyler, who presented Gahan the award. In his brief speech, he paid tribute to the band calling them"one of the most electrifying live bands ever."Gahan, who beforehand told Spinner he was excited to get up and play with some of his L.A. friends, put all his best rock star moves forward during an electrifying 35-minute set that featured the glorious moment of his covering Joy Division's seminal 'Love Will tear Us Apart.' And yes, the frontman of Depeche Mode covering maybe the greatest synth song of all time was as spectactular as it sounds.
Gahan had another surprise though, bringing up Martin L. Gore as a surprise for the fans. The two teamed up for the final 'Personal Jesus.'
Most British bands approach playing London's Shepherd's Bush Empire with a certain sense of trepidation. The stately theatre is one of the English capital's most respected venues -- an allegedly haunted Victorian gem with an enviable roll call of musical highlights. Everyone from theRolling Stonesto theArctic Monkeys, theWhotoOasis,Radioheadto Page and Plant have trod its boards at some point. But forEverything Everything, the show's plain sailing compared to what they embarked on before Christmas.
The Manchester quartet's show at London's Union Chapel saw them join forces with a 16-piece string and brass section to transform their debut album 'Man Alive' into a symphonic event. And if that wasn't enough of a challenge, it was streamed in real-time to iPad and iPhone-clutching fans.
"We could sit here and say, 'Yeah, it was a huge job,'"the band's singer Jonathan Higgs tells Spinner."But the truth is we had a lot of help. And the really hard bit we didn't have to do -- we gave the record to these two guys and they slaved away picking it apart and putting it back together."
The band tried their hand at scoring their own strings-and-brass version of their complex composition earlier in the year for a charity gig in aid of mental health charity Mencap; but this was only five of the album's 12 songs."We thought, 'We've got the whole album here, this is going to take us about two months solid, no sleeping to do this.'"
The band's guitarist Jeremy Pritchard adds,"The rehearsal time was the absolute bare minimum, getting that number of people in a room at the same time was difficult. They're all working musicians or students, so there was a high element of risk, which actually kept everyone on their toes. The soundchecks were rehearsals."
Higgs admits,"I cried."Pritchard too is unafraid to reveal his own emotions."We all welled up at least."
Higgs adds, 'It felt like it was our year, this is the end of it now, and here's what we did during it -- check it out."
Pritchard says,"We wanted the record to be the thing we were celebrating, not us. Hopefully that's how it came across."
The three gigs they play across the UK next week -- Manchester and Birmingham as well as London -- are followed by an appearance at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend. Whether Higgs and company end up teary-eyed, it's too soon to tell.
Watch Everything Everything Perform 'NASA is on Your Side' at the Union Chapel
Don't expectMichael Stipeto write his memoir anytime in the near future. At last night's (May 4) TimesTalks event, in which he was the featured guest, theR.E.M.singer indicated that he is not interested in telling his own story in a book.
"I love my life very much,"he told the audience."But I don't think it would make a very good read."He added:"I'm not a kiss-and-tell kind of guy; I'm a fairly private person."
Stipe spoke about his life, including R.E.M., to interviewer Hugo Lindgren, the editor of The New York Times Magazine. At the event, the singer talked about the 'Collapse Into Now Film Project' -- short films made to accompany each of the songs on R.E.M.'s most recent album, 'Collapse Into Now.' Several of the films were presented at the TimesTalks discussion in New York City.
About the 'Collapse Into Now Film Project,' Stipe explained that he didn't want to tour."So I wanted to use the available technology ... to pull people onto not a single song,"he said,"but a body of work."He added:"This feels distinctly 2011, and that's what I like about it."
Stipe is featured prominently in two of the films that were shown Wednesday evening. One of them was for the song"Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter,"in which the singer isdressedin Isabel Mastache outfits. He explained that the film embodied what it's like to be a teenager in a mall who feels a sense of immortality. Stipe also starred in the film for"Mine Smell Like Honey,"in which he is rolled upwards over stairs with the help of a group of people; as he put it,"Why not fall up the stairs instead?"
Michael Stipe Talks About 'Collapse Into Now Film Project'
Among the other pieces presented at the event were"Oh My Heart";"Everyday is Yours to Win,"featuring different people found on YouTube; and"Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I"-- directed by Albert Maysles and Bradley Kaplan -- that usedfilm footageof the actor taken by the Maysles Brothers back in 1965.
The film for the track 'Discoverer' was a collaboration between Stipe and his sister Lynda and employed theAutoCADprogram to create the shapes and lines."We just bastardized the hell out of it,"Stipe recalled about that film."When she showed it to me, my head exploded."He also spoke of the song 'Discoverer' in personal terms as his valentine to New York and recalled feeling like a country bumpkin in his early visits to the Big Apple.
In the Q&A with the audience that followed, one person asked the singer about a moving song that he would like to sing, to which Stipe replied 'Candy Says' by theVelvet Underground. Another audience member mentioned about the band's show in Chile in November 2008 when the news broke about Barack Obama winning the US presidency."I actually cried on stage,"Stipe said."What a great triumphant step."
During the Q&A, a person asked Stipe about an accomplishment that he is most proud of. The singer mentioned hiscorner art project, which can be viewed on his web site 'Confessions of Michael Stipe.'"I'm so excited about them,"he said."I wake up with solutions to problems. I'm trying to be in the present at the moment."
One of the world's most unique music festivals --Jam Cruise-- has announced that it will celebrate its tenth voyage by setting sail for port stops in both Haiti and Jamaica, with more artists than ever on board. Anchored (no pun intended) by such festival-friendly"fun-in-the-sun"bands asToots& the Maytals(pictured),Umphrey's McGee,Galactic,Soulive,Ozomatliand even psy-trance favoriteShpongle, this year's ship is on a slightly different course than in past years, where passengers were treated to port stops in such idyllic spots as the Bahamas, Belize and Turks& Caicos.
Mark Brown, president ofCloud 9 Adventures, who produces Jam Cruise, explains to Spinner just why he chose Labadee, Haiti as the ship's next destination."We are all lovers of music and travel, stretching the boundaries and evolving as a company,"he says."Labadee offers a unique opportunity in a safe and remote area for cruisers to enjoy themselves at a beach party with live music, while also making wise use of the ship and port as a channel to supply goods and services to humanitarian organizations in support of their relief efforts all across Haiti."
To that end, the company's charitable arm, Positive Legacy, will no doubt be a major focus during the day in Haiti. Positive Legacy enlists many of the festival's top artists to join side-by-side with passengers in doing local outreach during port stops and frequently features special performances for the local communities. Of course, passengers are also welcome to use their time on shore doing whatever other excursions and activities they desire -- or to just simply lounge with umbrella drinks on the beachfront. It's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of adventure.
Other band's on Jam Cruise 10's lineup include:Bruce Hornsby& the Noisemakers,Dirty Dozen Brass Band,Paper Diamond,Karl Denson's Tiny Universe,Toubab Krewe, and 7 Walkers, a group featuring theGrateful Dead'sBill Kreutzmann-- oh, and each band performs at least twice. Not counting appearances in the all-night, every-night Jam Room. The voyage begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. from January 9 - 14, 2012. But if you're even remotely interested in going,get on it-- cabins usually sell out fast.
Watch Toots& the Maytals Get Down With Ivan Neville on Jam Cruise 6
Last night (May 2), Canadians watched the results of the country's federal election with the Conservatives achieving a majority government. An array of Canadian acts have weighed in on the outcome, some offering more pointed barbs than others:
"When you are forced to choose between foolish men, sometimes you must believe in the power of the MAGICAL MOUSTACHE,"Broken Social ScenesingerKevin Drewsaidvia Twitter, a reference to New Democrat Party leader Jack Layton.
Hip-hop artistK'naanhad his own unique take on the proceedings."Politics are like awkward fashion trends,"he wrote viaTwitter."If u jump in the bandwagon just as something happens, u may end up laughin at how u looked someday."
Stars' lead vocalist Torquil Campbell didn't seem very impressed by the results judging from hisTwitteraccount May 3."Everyone done feeling smug about being Canadian?"Campbell wrote."It's time to take those flags off your backpacks and start being embarrassed. We f----ed up."
Hollerado was also quick topipe invia Twitter:"This is actually really depressing. Let's all work to watch this Gov't like hawks and speak up if they attempt to cut Arts funding. Again."
FormerBarenaked Ladiessinger and now solo artistSteven Pageshared his thoughts regarding the results."A CPC majority sure dampens my celebration of the NDP's awesome showing,"hesaidvia Twitter May 2."The Canadian electoral system needs repair."
Barenaked Ladies' drummer Tyler Stewart noticed the musical possibilities with some candidates elected, including Cash Brothers' singer Andrew Cash."Cash, Nash and the Stache all make it to Parliament Hill,"hewrotevia Twitter."Congrats to Andrew, Peggy and Jack. Let the jamming begin."
"Well, looks like a Blue day in Canada,"Bedouin Soundclashwroteon Twitter referring to the Conservative party win.
"In sports or in politics, it always makes me sad to see someone get defeated,"Simple Plandrummer Chuck Comeauwroteon Twitter."Heartbreaking."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, you are truly lovely,"Bif Nakedwrote."I am proud of you for embracing democracy, and embracing Canada. We will make it what we want."
Nelly Furtadonotedvia Twitter that there was a two percent increase in the number of voters in 2011 versus 2008 and also congratulated Green Party member Elizabeth May who won in her riding. Last week Furtado also posted two YouTube clips encouraging young people to vote.
Watch Nelly Furtado's 'Votes for Dummies'
Others had a bit more humour in their thoughts, withOwen Pallettsayingvia Twitter,"Yes, I voted today for Hubristic Party On The left #1."
Meanwhile, Our Lady Peace singer Raine Maidasaidvia Twitter that Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff didn't seem to be the right fit for his party."Noble as it is for Ignatieff to want to continue to lead the Liberals, Canada needs someone ASPIRATIONAL, enough settling for the status quo!"
Sum 41bassist Cone McCaslinsaidon his Twitter account,"Election polls are in...........I see that it's supposed to rain tomorrow. I'm not surprised."
Finally, Stars singerAmy Millanperhaps summed up the thoughts of many people with asimple responseon her Twitter account."Yikes."
Famed but incarcerated producerPhil Spector, who created the influential Wall of Sound style so crucial to a slew of mainstream pop hits from the 1960s, will remain behind bars, at least for now.Reuters reportsthat, on Monday, a California appeals court upheld Spector's conviction for second-degree murder, after his attorneys unsuccessfully argued that the trial leading to that conviction was prejudiced.
The appeal was based on Spector's attorneys' objection to the testimony of five women that Spector knew years before he was accused of shooting actress Lana Clarkson to death, in his home in 2003. The women each individually testified that Spector had previously threatened them with a gun in separate incidents during emotional outbursts.
The court found that such testimony was, in fact, relevant to the case."The evidence showed that, when fueled by alcohol and faced with a lack or loss of control over a woman who was alone with him and in whom he had a romantic or sexual interest, Spector underwent a sharp mood swing, exhibited extreme anger and threatened the women,"reads part of the ruling by Justice Joan Klein.
In 2009, Spector, now age 71, was found guilty for the murder of Clarkson, two years after jurors deadlocked in a 2007 mistrial.
A Grammy and Academy Award winning producer who helped shaped the girl group sound of the early '60s, through his work with such artists asDarlene Loveand theRonettes, Spector also produced unforgettable material for theBeatles,Ike& Tina Turner, theRamonesandLeonard Cohen, among many others. In 1989, Spector was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and, to this day, modern rock bands such as theDodosacknowledge his massive influence. BMI lists 'You've Lost That Loving Feelin' -- which Spector produced and co-wrote for theRighteous Brothersin 1965 -- as the most played radio song of the 20th Century. Of that last point, there's sure to be more than one ironic pun.
Watch This Revealing Look at Phil Spector's Wall of Sound
Beaches' Austin Psych Fest 4 set on April 30 was brought to you by the Australian government.
"I know it sounds crazy to you Americans, but we got a grant, which made it possible really,"says guitarist Antonia Sellbach of the sonically explosive Melbourne five-piece."It's money to travel and tour, basically. When we got asked to do Psych Fest were were like, 'well, we can't not do this,' so we booked a few shows around it. It's like we're exporting {Australia's} cultural identity."
The all-female band, which released the Eternal Sphere EP on New York indie Mexican Summer late last year, actually came to Austin with an uexpected"Y"chromosome. A few months before the tour began, one of Beaches' other guitarists, Alison Bolger, found out she was pregnant - with twins, no less.
"She was ordered by her doctor to stay at home,"says Sellbach.
Replacing her was Justin Fuller, a longtime friend and peer from deafening Aussie post-rockers Zond.
"He was the first person we all thought of,"says drummer Karla Way."It was like, who could play Al's parts? Who would we want to be on tour with for three weeks?"
"Who could play a whammy bar?,"adds Sellbach."We're lucky to have him."
Beaches finish up its tour this week with two New York stops: Cake Shop in Manhattan on May 5 and Death by Audio in Brooklyn on May 6.
DFA Records
