New Jamie Lidell - "Little Bit Of Feel Good" (Son
Lux Remix)

Ryan Lott, aka multi-instrumental anticon electro-sound sculptor/singer Son Lux offers a remix of "A Little Bit Of Feel Good" that doesn't involve seducing a unicorn lady. Bummer! It also doesn't include dancing mimes or much of the instrumentation from Jim's lead track. Which is why it's more than fitting it arrived to us retitled "Just The Sound Of Your Voice." Yes, you are the "your," Jamie, and it's plenty of your voice.

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PETA Urge Prosecutors To Get Tough With DMX

Animal rights activists are calling for rapper DMX to be "vigorously prosecuted" following his animal cruelty arrest on Friday. The hitmaker, real name Earl Simmons, was charged with seven misdemeanor counts of cruelty[...] Read more!

Read The Full Article:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/05/13/peta_urge_prosecutors_to_get_t
ough_with_

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Slash Enjoying Sobriety

Rocker Slash insists he's a better guitarist now he's given up alcohol - and a better father too. The former Guns N' Roses star checked into rehab to tackle his drinking problem, and insists that was all he needed to help him realize it was time to quit boozing for good.[...] Read more!

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http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/05/13/slash_enjoying_sobriety

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Video Hangover: Spandau Ballet - "I'll Fly For
You"

Every week, we dig in the archives for videos that we find noteworthy, memorable, or just unbelievably stupid. And then, Jon McMillan breaks 'em down for you. Why Video Hangover? Because when you watch as many videos as we do, you're going to feel it afterwards.

"I'll Fly For You"
Spandau Ballet, 1984

This week: the worst courtroom video of all time.

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Boney James & American Idol Top 3 Finalist
Syesha Mercado Release Exclusive Digital Single

Post Author: On Target Media
Boney James & American Idol's Syesha Mercado Release Exclusive Internet Only Single 'Gonna Get It'.

Urban Jazz Icon and American Idol's Last Woman StandingRelease iTunes Exclusive on May 12, 2008

Los Angeles, CA- On May 12th two-time Grammy Award nominee BoneyJames and current American Idol Top 3 finalist Syesha Mercado joinforces to release the soulful uptempo groover "Gonna Get It"exclusively on iTunes. Written by James and critically acclaimedR&B singer-songwriter Rahsaan Patterson, "Gonna Get It" pairs themulti-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer James with the lastwoman standing on American Idol - seductive songstress Syesha Mercado.Says James: "The first time I saw Syesha perform, I was incrediblyimpressed. 'Gonna Get It' seemed like a perfect fit for her. I'm reallyproud of how well she's doing on American Idol." Celebrated by VibeMagazine for his "serious Grover Washington Jr.-style sexy R&Bchops," James' Concord Records album Shine debuted at the #1 spot onthe Contemporary Jazz chart, #6 on the R&B Chart and #44 on the PopChart. Special guests on Shine include jazz-guitar icon George Benson,R&B vocalists Dwele and Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire),keyboard wizard George Duke, hip-hop/soul diva Faith Evans,alternative-pop singer Esthero and Sounds of Blackness powerhouse AnnNesby.

Stream 'Gonna Get It' here:

http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/audio/asx/Boney_James_feat_Syesha_Mercado_Gonna_Get_It.asx (Windows)

http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/audio/qtl/Boney_James_feat_Syesha_Mercado_Gonna_Get_It.qtl (QuickTime)

Purchase it here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=280508834&s=143441

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The Hold Steady's First Positive Review

From old-school hardcore influences (i.e. Ride The Wohl Whip, aging rocker nostalgia) to the guest spots and beard shots, we've kept abreast of the Hold Steady's fourth album Stay Positive. Now there's a bit more available than live videos and tracklists and interviews: The reviews are coming in ... or at least one review (thanks for the tip, Jabs). Fittingly, in the words of Youth Of Today, it's a positive one. In fact, Uncut scribe John Mulvey is "bewitched," among other things. Well, that's not very hardcore, but still it's a well-done writeup: He begins by quoting Finn, of course, and then dives into some close reading/plot summary. Craig, get off that couch and pay attention.

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Grizzly Dan Is Blessed With Patrick Stewart, Paul
Simon, And Makes A Fan Out Of Groban

Earlier this year, some sad news developed for Polaroid-loving hipsters (after the requisite wrist waving and blowing, of course): Polaroid is ceasing production on all instant film, thereby obsoleting your blog. So Tumblrers and Typepadders alike will want to consume their remaining stock selectively and judiciously. If you're looking for some pointers on how to know What Time is the Right Time for Polaroid Time?, take some tips from Grizzly Bear's own Dan Rossen, who's laid out a picture perfect spread. The basic ingredients include one I Am Too Blessed 2 Be Stressed t-shirt (black), and one singer-songwriter and/or Captain Jean Luc Picard. Do this and your photos will kick ass always.

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Jay-Z Speaks Out Over Glastonbury Ruckus

Rapper Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter has defended his headline slot at legendary English music festival Glastonbury next month. The star's billing has attracted controversy because of the event's traditionally rock-orientated line-up, and was even blamed for the festival's slow ticket sales.[...] Read more!

Read The Full Article:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/05/13/jay_z_speaks_out_over_glastonb
ury_ruckus

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George Clooney & Sarah Larson Are 'Rock Of Love'
Fans

George Clooney is a closet fan of rocker Bret Michaels' trashy reality TV hit Rock of Love. The movie star's girlfriend Sarah Larson admits she and her boyfriend often curl up on a sofa to watch the raucous dating show,[...] Read more!

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http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/05/13/george_clooney_aamp_sarah_lars
on_are_roc

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Rockferry

Photo via www.iamduffy.comI had thought that after seeing Duffy twice in three days in March that I had a good handle on the Welsh soul singer. With good pipes and solid material but rather low charisma at the moment, I saw a talent that had a lot of upside that I didn't think was fully realized yet, but considering the'se sold a shit-tonne of records, what the hell did I know?

But after getting a copy of said shit-tonne-sold album Rockferry, available everywhere for some time now but officially released in the US today, I was a little amazed at how much it kept finding its way into my CD player. Going down so easy and without any overly-contrived aftertaste, it's an eminently listenable record that deftly balances pop and soul, retro and modern, and comes out as one of those rare collections that can cross over enough audiences to sell, well, hundreds of thousands of copies.

As much as I'd like to credit Bernard Butler with this - given my druthers, I'd give Bernard Butler credit for everything, ever - a read through the liner notes reveal that his influence on this record might be less than I'd presumed, with co-writing and production credits only going to him on four songs out of the ten, and not even the best ones. The rest of the record was handled by two other producers which makes the cohesiveness of Rockferry as a whole all the more impressive.

What I find most remarkable is that though Duffy's vocals are right up front throughout, she's not the overt centre of attention. Her voice is in complete service to the song and every piece of the production, be it the strings, a guitar vamp or a bass line, is as crucial to the end product as the singing. The songs are just so well-crafted as recordings that it might explain why I found the live show somewhat lacking - on stage, Duffy IS the centre of attention and that's not necessarily a role she's ready to take on. But on record, everything is exactly where it should be and it's that big picture that makes it a triumph. Time will tell if Duffy the individual will catch up with Duffy the musical entity (which is to say her, her band, her producers, her songwriting) but even if it doesn't, as long as she keeps turning out records like this (or better), I'll have no word of complaint.

The Globe & Mail talks to Duffy about her music and upcoming show at the Apollo in Harlem, which You takes a more tabloid-y approach and digs for dirt on her childhood and personal life. The Philadelphia Inquirer considers the current crop of one-named British soul singers.

Video: Duffy - "Warwick Avenue"
Video: Duffy - "Rockferry"
Video: Duffy - "Mercy" (US version)
Video: Duffy - "Mercy" (UK version)
MySpace: Duffy

So Much Silence has helpfully ripped Elbow's recent session for KEXP into MP3 form. I've never managed to be quite as won over by Elbow as many others have, but I picked up their latest The Seldom Seen Kid this weekend to see if this is the record that's going to click for me. For a while it seemed like Leaders Of The Free World would do it for me but it just missed the target. I will report back with my findings.

The Tripwire is offering one of the new tracks to be found on the reissue of Rob Dickinson's solo record Fresh Wine For The Horses. The new edition will feature redone versions of the original album tracks, this one new song and a second disc of acoustic renditions of Catherine Wheel classics. It's out June 10.

MP3: Rob Dickinson - "The End Of The World"

Also out on June 10 and accompanied by bonus material intended to entice those who've already got the record, The Charlatans' latest You Cross My Path. They're hoping those who downloaded it for free with the band's blessing will think highly enough of it to shell out for the physical goods which will be accompanied by a bonus disk of non-album and live tracks as well as some videos. Details at NME.

The release of The Futureheads' new record This Is Not The World has been pushed back a couple weeks until June 3.

Some new videos of note, starting with a clip from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' new one Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, a record which has finally gotten me to investigate Cave's back catalog beyond just his best-of. Cave and Seeds are at the Kool Haus on October 1. Yes, it's a ways off but if you're planning on going and don't get a ticket soon, you will be sorry. Yes you will.

Video: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Night Of The Lotus Eaters"

Next there's a new vid from R.E.M.'s Accelerate, a record which isn't quite living up to the "return to form" hype that preceded it but which is eminently more listenable than their last ten years' output so I'll happily take it. They're at the Molson Amphitheatre on June 8.

Video: R.E.M. - "Hollow Man"

The Kills have made a vid for the best song off of Midnight Boom while MPR has an in-studio session with the duo. And if you missed their scorching show at the Opera House last week, take note that they'll be back on August 3 at the Phoenix as support for The Black Keys. Two bands, four musicians, no basses. Rock.

Video: The Kills - "Last Day Of Magic"

There's a new video from Portishead's Third. I just got a copy of this but haven't spent much time with it as of yet.

Video: Portishead - "The Rip"

And finally, I find the fact that a Canadian band like Tokyo Police Club should choose to debut their new video for "In A Cave" at MTVu, a site not accessible to Canada, more than a little ludicrous. Americans, you can watch it via the above link. Canadians, you can stuff it. Or just read this inspection of David Monks' iPod at The AV Club.

Sad news, but totally expected and understandable - Jonathan Meiburg has formally left Okkervil River to focus on Shearwater. This move follows Will Sheff's departure from Shearwater before the recording of Palo Santo and thus dissolves what had been an amazing pairing of bands and creative talents, though inevitable given the successes and demands on both bands over the last few years. Meiburg's final contributions to Okkervil will appear on the Stage Names companion disc due out later this year and Shearwater's next opus Rook is out June 3. They will be in town on June 23 for a show at the Horseshoe.

PopMatters contemplates the musical world of Neko Case.

The Faint will release Fascination on August 5 and will follow it up with a tour that stops at the Opera House on August 21.

And one from the rumour mill - I have word that one more band will be car pooling with Cat Power, Animal Collective and Dizzee Rascal from the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago to the Rogers Picnic in Toronto on August 20. Who? Let's just say that it'll be a Vampire Weekend road trip... Well that wasn't very cryptic, was it. I will confirm when I can.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.chromewaves.net/?itemid=3023

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