Counting Crows announce new album

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Multi-platinum American rock band, Counting Crows have announced they will be releasing their first new album in over 4 years on April 10, 2012 on Collective Sounds. Underwater Sunshine (or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation) is a collection of songs, both familiar and obscure, interpreted by one of the most soulful and recognizable bands of the past two decades.

Underwater Sunshine is a testament of a band geek-obsessed with music. 'There's a million great songs written every day that you discover, and wish your friends could appreciate as much as you do,' says singer/songwriter Adam Duritz. 'These songs come from bands young and old, stretching from the early 60s to last year. They're all great and will hopefully be heard by a few more people now.'

Produced by Counting Crows and Shawn Dealey, Underwater Sunshine features tracks written by artists such as Big Star, Gram Parsons, Tender Mercies, Kasey Anderson and The Faces. Each rendition offers an entire spectrum of human emotion, delivered with the conviction and intense honesty the band is known for.

As their first independent release, it was the right time for the Crows to make this album. 'If you wonder why we didn't just write our own record, it's simply because we wanted to do THIS one,' says Duritz, We now have the creative freedom to release albums like this and offer our fans more music than ever.'

In the spirit of becoming an independent band, the Crows will stream the new album, on demand in its entirety prior to release on radio station websites and other digital partners. They are also giving away a free download of their new song, 'Mercy' on http://www.countingcrows.com/

The Crows also gave their fans the opportunity to design their new album package.

Just as the band is interpreting songs from others, fans became a part of this unique album by visually interpreting the Crows. The winning designer is working with the band's creative director to develop the rest of the album layout. The contest was ran by Creative Allies, and is proving to be their most successful contest to date. To find out more, go to: http://creativeallies.com/contests/314-Design-an-Album-Cover-for-Counting-Crows

Counting Crows will also partner with Indaba Music and Guitar Center to launch a contest in search of the best Counting Crows covers. After listening to all submissions, the band will select 3 winning tracks to be awarded various prizes.

For further info go to: http://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/counting-crows-cover-song-contest

Underwater Sunshine track listing:

1. Untitled (Love Song) by Romany Rye
2. Start Again by Teenage Fanclub
3. Hospital by Coby Brown
4. Mercy by Tender Mercies
5. Meet On The Ledge by Fairport Convention
6. Like Teenage Gravity by Kasey Anderson & The Honkies
7. Amie by Pure Prairie League
8. Coming Around by Travis
9. Ooh La La by The Faces
10. All My Failures by Dawes
11. Return of the Grevious Angel by Gram Parsons
12. Four White Stallions by Tender Mercies
13. Jumping Jesus by Sordid Humor
14. You Ain't Going Nowhere by Bob Dylan
15. The Ballad of El Goodo by Big Star

Counting Crows hail from the San Francisco Bay area and consist of Adam Duritz
(vocals), David Bryson (guitar), Charles Gillingham (keyboards), Dan Vickrey
(guitar), Jim Bogios (drums), David Immergluck (guitar) and touring bassist Millard
Powers. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, Eight Top 5 singles, and three
records having broken the Top 5 on the Billboard 200, Counting Crows success dates
back to their 1993 debut release August And Everything After and the hit single 'Mr.
Jones.' The band's most recent accomplishments include a # 1 hit with the song
'Accidentally In Love,' which was featured on the Shrek 2 soundtrack, as well as
nominations in 2005 for a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award
for the track. In 2004 the band released their first ever 'Best Of' set Films About
Ghosts which featured songs from every phase of the Counting Crow's recording career
and in 2006 a live record was released, *New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken Music Hall
2003, while the band ventured out on a summer tour. Their most recent album,
Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings was released to critical and popular acclaim in
March 2008.

www.countingcrows.com

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Beyonce debuts post-baby body

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added: 7 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Beyoncé Knowles has shown off her impressive post-pregnancy body in her first public appearance since having a baby.
The 30-year-old singer ' who gave birth to daughter Blue Ivy on January 7 ' was out in New York City last night to support her husband Jay-Z.
She looked stunning in a tight-fitting red Alice by Temperley dress teamed with oversized gold hoop earrings and Christian Louboutin platform heels.
The new mom beamed with happiness as she arrived at Carnegie Hall to watch her husband Jay-Z perform with a full orchestra.
Jay-Z was thrilled to have his wife in the audience and looked visibly choked up when he performed Glory ' the song he wrote for his new baby girl.
"You could tell Jay is over the moon," a source told Us Weekly. "He asked the crowd if there are any proud parents out there. Then after he said, 'I didn't think I was gonna make it through that one - that was tough.'"
During the concert, Jay-Z was joined on stage by Alicia Keys and the pair thrilled the crowd by performing their hit duet Empire State of Mind.
Nas also performed with Jay-Z during the benefit concert.
After the show, a host of stars attended the official after-party at Jay-Z's 40/40 club. Beyoncé was clearly enjoying herself and spent time chatting to the other guests.
"She made a much bigger effort to say hello to nearly everyone, making rounds around the whole club before joining Jay-Z and guests in the VIP room," an onlooker revealed.
Beyoncé arrived at the bash just before midnight and greeted her rapper spouse by throwing her arms around him in the middle of the club. Jay-Z relaxed after his impressive performance by sipping champagne and snacking on celery in the VIP area.
Jay-Z performed for the first time at Carnegie Hall to raise money for his Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and The United Way of New York City, which gives talented students financial assistance to attend college.
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Russell Brand �doesn�t want Katy�s money�

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Russell Brand filed final divorce papers yesterday and reportedly doesn't want any of estranged wife Katy Perry's earnings.

The British comedian announced he and Katy were splitting up at the end of last year. According to US website TMZ, the pair didn't sign a pre nuptial agreement and as a result, Russell is entitled to approximately $20 million of Katy's fortune.

However, sources say the star will not take any of her cash.

"This divorce is as amicable as it gets, and Russell was a mensch [Yiddish for a good person]," the insider told TMZ.

Russell's lawyer filed final papers to officially end the former couple's marriage on Tuesday. However, the divorce won't be finalised until June 30, because of the required six month waiting period.

Katy and Russell's union lasted for just 14 months after they tied the knot in October 2010. Because of the absent pre-nup the pair are entitled to 50 per cent of each other's earnings as a result of community property rights.

Katy made $44 million between May 2010 and May 2011 according to Forbes. The songstress has just been on the road for a year with her California Dreams tour.

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M.I.A. may face crippling fines for Super Bowl finger

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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There are reports that London born rapper and singer M.I.A. could end up paying potentially huge fines handed out to the TV network NBC following her unscripted Super Bowl half-time performance on Sunday.

The Paper Planes singers swore during her comeo in Madonna's half time show enraging tha material girl.

In an unusual turn of events Madonna was upstaged in front of the hundred and eleven million people watching around the world as M.I.A. stuck up her middle finger as they played Madonna's latest single.

NBC staff tried to blur the moment but missed it. The network was quick to offer an apology and dismiss responsibility saying it was not in the act during rehearsals.

TV Network CBS was almost fined over half a million dollars for the Janet Jackson 'wardrobe malfunction' back in 2004, when part of her top was ripped off... revealing more than it should have done.

M.I.A. will have to wait and see if the stunt backfires on her financially.

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Adam Levine denies break-up rumours

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Adam Levine has denied splitting from his girlfriend.

The Maroon 5 rocker has been dating Victoria's Secret model Anne V ' full name Anne Vyalitsyna ' for around two years.

The pair are usually inseparable, but Adam attended a pre-Super Bowl party on Saturday night alone. It sparked speculation he is now a single man, after he and Anne reportedly parted ways last month.

'100 per cent not true,' the musician's representative told New York Post.

Despite the stern denial, it's thought the pair might be going through a rocky patch.

At the weekend bash hosted by model Erin Heatherton and singer John Legend in Indianapolis Adam struggled to have fun.

'He wasn't hitting on any girls, he was just really heartbroken,' an onlooker told the publication.

Adam and Anne have always seemed very close.

Last year they stripped off for a sexy photoshoot with Russian Vogue, which saw both of them posing topless.

In November, Adam performed his band's song Moves Like Jagger at the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Anne walked in the presentation, with Adam dancing down the catwalk while he serenaded her and even planting a kiss on her cheek.

The following month the pair sparked engagement rumours after Anne was spotted with a band on her ring finger.

'I think we just found each other's other half,' Anne admitted.

'He's just a normal dude. He's like the most non-rock-star rock star ever. And he is very caring and very loving and very goofy and funny.

'I'm Russian. We wear [wedding rings] on the right hand so wearing it on the left doesn't really matter.'

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Chicane 'Thousand Mile Stare' new album

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Although some tracks have appeared at shows over the last couple of months Chicane at Koko 27th April heralds the first Thousand Mile Stare show. The new album release date will be announced in the next few days.

This album will update but recapture the essence of what Chicane are about. It's been nearly two years since Chicane have played the capital and this show look to herald an exciting new phase.

Chicane will be coming to London Koko on Friday 27th April. Buy sold out tickets at our partners here and check out all other tickets here.

Tickets are £16.00 and are on sale Friday 10 February.

The new album will consist of 12 tracks and a full tracklist and information will be up on the www.chicanemusic.com website later this week.

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Girls announce tour dates

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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San Francisco band Girls - aka Christopher Owens and JR - announce their return to the UK and Europe with a string of dates.

Kicking off in the UK with their biggest headline show to date at Forum in London on Monday May 28th, the band will also play three shows in France and at Primavera Festival in Spain.

MAY
28 - London, Forum
29 - Lille, Le Grand Mix
30 - Paris, Cite De La Musique Festival
31 - Marseille, Cabaret Aletoire

JUNE
1 - Primavera Festival, Barcelona

This marks the first set of UK/ EU dates since a sold-out tour for their eponymous second full length album 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost'- released on Fantasytrashcan / Turnstile in September last year.

This critically acclaimed record was soon followed up with a limited 7" release of 'Lawrence'- a tribute from Girls frontman and songwriter Christopher Owens to Felt, Denim and Go Kart Mozart frontman and songwriter, Lawrence.

Watch Girls perform 'Jamie Marie' live:

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Carole King to release reissues of four classic albums

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Carole King will release reissues of four classic albums - Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King (1980), Touch the Sky (1979), Welcome Home (1978), and Simple Things (1977) - on February 28 via her own Rockingale Records label and Concord Music Group. Each includes the original photography and album notes and, aside from Pearls, has never been previously released on CD in the United States.

Carole King is one of the primary architects of the singer-songwriter movement of the early 1970s, thanks in large part to the hugely influential body of work she had already established by the time she released her first solo album. King wrote hit songs for other artists for nearly a decade before stepping into the spotlight with her landmark 1971 release Tapestry, which received a Diamond Award from the RIAA for sales of more than 10 million units in the U.S., with more than 25 million units sold worldwide.

These subsequent releases brim with the unprecedented honesty and intimacy of the singer-songwriter era and helped solidify her status as one of the most successful and revered female songwriter in pop music history.

Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King (1980)
Next to Tapestry, which was released nearly a decade earlier, Pearls is considered one of King's finest recordings. Just as the title suggests, it's a retrospective of classic songs written by the powerhouse creative team of King and former husband Gerry Goffin. Included among the ten tracks are many of the songs that put other artists on the map before King launched her solo career: 'The Loco-Motion' (Little Eva, Grand Funk Railroad), 'One Fine Day' (The Chiffons, Rita Coolidge), 'Chains' (The Beatles), 'Hey Girl' (Bobby Vee, The Righteous Brothers, Donnie Osmond, George Benson), and more.

Simple Things (1977)
Simple Things marked King's transition from Epic Records to the Capitol label, and also introduced songwriter/husband Rick Evers as her collaborative partner (the marital and creative partnership was short lived, as Evers died within a year after the release of the ten-song set). The King-Evers songwriting is fleshed out by King's six-piece band, Navarro: guitarists Rob McEntee and Mark Hallman, bassist Rob Galloway, drummer Michael Wooten, percussionist Miguel Rivera, and flutist/saxophonist/clarinetist Richard Hardy.

Welcome Home (1978)
Welcome Home is an eclectic and exploratory outing, with songs ranging from the Beatle-esque ('Venusian Diamond') to the dance beat ('Disco Tech'). But the album is also marked by tragedy. It's King's second recording to showcase the collaborative songwriting partnership with her husband Rick Evers, who died in the months between the completion of the recording sessions in January 1978 and the release in May (Evers appears prominently in the album photos). Welcome Home - with backing by her band Navarro - provides a snapshot of an artist willing to take risks by stepping beyond preconceptions to embrace a range of styles.

Touch the Sky (1979)
Touch the Sky was recorded in Austin, Texas, with a team of musicians that included some members of Navarro - Hallman, Hardy, and Rivera - along with musicians from Jerry Jeff Walker's band. King plays acoustic guitar on 'Walk With Me' and 'Passing of the Days,' and acoustic piano on 'Time Gone By,' 'Crazy,' and 'You Still Want Her.' The result of this diverse collection of musicianship is a unique blend of folk and country, all of which is held together by King's deft songcraft.

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EXCLUSIVE: Duncan Bannatyne to take on reality heavyweights

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added: 7 Feb 2012 // by: Dean Midas Maynard

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Music-News.com are the first to reveal that Dragon's Den star and owner of RKA Records, Duncan Bannatyne is rumoured to be making a TV show to rival the likes of the X Factor, The Voice and Britain's Got Talent, and Music-News.com's very own reality TV guru, Dean Midas Maynard is involved.

It was only last week, that Rupert Adams at William Hill, said Dean was 66/1 to join the judges X Factor panel. Even though Dean openly says it is his 'dream job' to work alongside Simon Cowell, he also has the ambition, if you can't join them, beat them.

Ryan Ashmore, the co-founder of RKA Records, contacted Dean and advised that Duncan (Bannatyne) was looking for innovative ideas for a new reality show format. So the team locked themselves away together and put their brilliant minds to work. They emerged full of excitement. An idea was born.

Dean said, "We can't give anything away at this stage but the idea is fresh, new and will certainly get people interested".

Ryan Ashmore commented "I am working closely with Dean Maynard and I believe we have come up with a TV concept to find the next world star".

Who will be involved? The main judges will be Ryan, Duncan and Dean. But they also need some female influence. Selena Gomez, Rachel Stevens and Holly Valance are rumoured to be high on their list.

As we speak the finishing touches are being put to the project with more news to follow..very soon.

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Paul McCartney, Elton John, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and JLS line-up for Queen Elizabeth

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added: 8 Feb 2012 // by: VVN Music 

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth is coming up on her Diamond Jubilee, celebrating sixty years as the Queen of England and Gary Barlow of Take That is putting together a superstar heavy concert set for June 4 in front of Buckingham Palace.

The current lineup includes Paul McCartney, Elton John, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Annie Lennox, Cliff Richard, Madness, JLS, Ed Sheeran and Jessie J. Additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Barlow spoke of the event, saying "The Diamond Jubilee concert will celebrate the 60 years of the Queen's reign with an amazing line-up of world class artists coming together to play at one of the biggest and most exciting live music shows in recent years.

"With Buckingham Palace as a backdrop, it's going to be a fantastic event which transcends multiple decades of music. It'll be a great, unique, experience for the thousands attending, watching on TV and listening on Radio. I can't wait."

An audience of 10,000 is expected which will include the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Prince William & Cathrine), the Prince of Wales (aka Prince Charles) and Prince Harry. According to Barlow, William and Harry had input in the selection of artists.

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Gotye and Kimbra perform on Jimmy Kimmel show

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added: 4 Feb 2012 // by: Noise11 

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Gotye and Kimbra made their American television debut performing 'Somebody That I Used To Know' on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Kimbra flew to Los Angeles in time for this performance right after playing at the Big Day Out in Melbourne on Sunday. She is now on Gotye's US tour and will showcase at SXSW in Austin next month.

Combined views of 'Somebody That I Used To Know' by Gotye and Walk Off The Earth yesterday topped 100 million on YouTube.

Gotye and Kimbra played at the El Rey in La last night. There next show is Monday, February 6 at The Bowery Ballroom in New York.

Gotye's 'Making Mirrors' album was released in America this week.

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Groove Fest takes shape in the Dominican Republic

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added: 5 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Never mind muddy fields and unpredictable European weather, Groove Fest is re-designing the way dance music fans spend their summers with an all new and bespoke dance music festival set over 7 days in the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic at Puerto Plata's premier vacation resort.

Taking place between 5th and 12th September 2012, Groove Fest will pair the best house music talents, live artists and bands with the most luxurious beaches and finest facilities for an all-inclusive week in the unparalleled Caribbean sun. Taking over the clubs, bars, outdoor spaces and glistening swimming pools that make up the dreamy resort, Groove Fest will be the festival experience you never forget.

The first wave of artists and labels to be announced (expect many more in phase two) include the best from the worlds of deep house, soul and disco with names like Jamie Jones and his Hot Natured crew, Defected, Horse Meat Disco, Kenny Dope, Krank Brothers London's infamous Creche all confirmed.

Line-up so far: Jamie Jones, Kenny Dope, Defected, Horse Meat Disco, Hot Creations, Bobby & Steve, Alex Raphael, Creche, Krankbrothers, No Artificial Colours, Sam Divine, SY Sez & Loads More to be Announced

For those that can a Party in Paradise
www.groovefestevents.com
www.Facebook.com/GrooveFestEvents

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Blackchords and Frames guitarist recording

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added: 5 Feb 2012 // by: Noise11 

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Blackchords have started work on their second album with former Frames guitarist David Odlum behind the desk.

Grammy and Mercury Prize nominee Odlum has produced The Frames, Gemma Hayes, Luka Bloom and Josh Ritter.

Blackchords are recording the album in a studio transformed from a country shed in regional Victoria.

Fans funded half the recording costs for the album after Blackchords put the call out via website Pozible. Money earned from local and international sync deals will cover remaining costs for the album.

When the album is done, the Blackchords tapes will head back to France with David to be mix at the Black Box Studios in Gravoyere.

Blackchords will showcase some of the new music at the Fuse Festival in Adelaide on February 13.

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Heidi Klum �struggled with marriage for months�

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added: 4 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Heidi Klum has allegedly confided in friends that her marriage problems began a year ago.

The German supermodel and her British musician spouse Seal have confirmed they are separating after almost seven years of marriage.

They haven't given a reason for the split, although Seal admitted in a recent interview that they did sometimes disagree.

A source has told British magazine Look than things have not been right between the couple for some time.

'They're both devastated. But regardless of how sad they are, there must be a part of them that feel relieved, because Heidi says their marriage hasn't been working for at least a year,' the insider claimed. 'I think Seal can be difficult and has a lot of mood swings. One minute he's the most fun guy in the world, and the nest he's angry over some little thing. I'm sure Heidi's struggled with that and recently I think it's become harder to deal with.'

Following their break-up announcement, gossip website TMZ alleged Seal's bad temper was part of the reason the couple are no longer together.

It's also been suggested his wild partying while on holiday with Heidi and the four children their raise last year caused issues between them.

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Flo Rida and Paris Hilton in the studio

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added: 3 Feb 2012 // by: Noise11 

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Paris Hilton has posted pics of her in the studio working on new song with Flo Rida and Afrojack.

Hilton released her self-titled album in 2006, and has been working here and there on new music since 2007, songs being recorded but subsequently shelved.

Now she's teamed up with the big guns for her second album, spending time in the studio with hitmaker Flo Rida and DJ buddy Afrojack.

She just posted on twitter: '@Official_Flo, what up! #YES! So much fun the other night, I love our new songs! Killed it! #YES!'

And Flo Rida replied with a pic of him beavering away on a track, which may well be titled 'Good Feeling' or 'Yes' if those incessant hashtags is any indication: 'In the studio working! #GoodFeeling S/O to @ParisHilton #Yes'.

She has also said that she's been working with RedFoo of LMFAO and Snoop Dogg. Word is that the album will be out in the middle of the year.

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Blake Shelton: Country making a comeback

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added: 6 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Blake Shelton believes a country singer could win the second series of The Voice US.

The singer is a judge on the reality TV show which returns to NBC for its second series tonight.

Having excelled as a country singer himself, the Honey Bee crooner was pleased to see several strong musicians representing the genre in the auditions stages of the programme.

'There are some country singers that are really good,' Blake told American publication People. 'We had a few last year but we didn't end up with a country singer in the final four.'

Blake was so impressed with the strong showing he predicts that a performer of the much-loved genre could go on to triumph in the new series.

He takes his place on the judging panel alongside Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera.

'I know anything can happen,' he said. 'But I really believe in my heart that one of several country singers that we have on our show this year have a shot at winning the whole thing.'

Last year the first series of The Voice US saw Javier Colon crowned the winner. Mentored by Adam, his prize included $100,000 and a coveted recording contract.

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Avril Lavigne: I don�t like reading

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added: 6 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Avril Lavigne is 'way too A.D.D.' to read books.

The Canadian singer has joked that she struggles to sit in one place and concentrate, laughing it's almost as if she has attention deficit disorder (A.D.D.).

Her love of keeping busy means that Avril rarely makes time for literature, although that might change if she penned an autobiography.

'I don't like reading. I'm way too A.D.D. for that. Maybe I'll write my own book. I'd like to do that. I've been jotting things down along the way,' she explained.

Although she isn't that interested in reading, Avril does like history. She dreams of what it would be like to have been born years ago.

'Somewhere in France or England, and I'd be royalty,' she told WWD, when asked what past era she'd like to experience.

Avril has a clothing line and has teamed up with another company on a range of nail polish strips, but still has time to work on her music.

She's reminisced about her favourite time in the industry, which was when she teamed up with one of her idols on stage. The 27-year-old was thrilled to perform with Alanis Morissette in 2005.

'She's a Canadian rocker, so she was always very inspiring to me,' Avril explained.

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The Great Escape reveal initial line-up

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added: 4 Feb 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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The Great Escape is thrilled to be announcing an initial line-up of acts to play across its 30 venues in Brighton this May. Crossing genres from Catalan garage to Australian Electro-chant, UK Surf to Canadian Blues, a staggering host of remarkable sounds are on show already. Old or young, jaded or woefully naïve, TGE 2012 will have something to surprise you.

The initial line-up includes rockers DRY THE RIVER, Danish electro-poppers WHEN SAINTS GO MACHINE, Catalan garage supremos MUJERES, Afrotronic super group AFRICA EXPRESS SOUND SYSTEM**, hard-core Aussie duo DZ DEATHRAYS, Dalston outfit SPECTOR, piping-hot new US bands HOWLER from Minneapolis and FRIENDS from Brooklyn, deranged electro idealist GRIMES, tribal pop Londoners ZULU WINTER, instrumental/electronic four-piece DJANGO DJANGO and Berlin-based pianist NILS FRAHM.

The festival is world famous for the massive acts who've cut their teeth on its stages: highlights include Bon Iver, Adele, Tinie Tempah, Mumford and Sons and Ed Sheeran. This year, with more raw talent on display than is strictly fair on other festivals, the pressure will be on to spot the next big thing amongst the noise.

The line up so far is as follows:
Africa Express Sound System**/ Dry The River / Spector / We Are the Ocean / Friends / Howler / Zulu Winter / Grimes / DZ Deathrays / Nils Frahm / A Winged Victory For The Sullen / Jamie N Commons / Django Django / Eagulls / Perfume Genius / Com Truise / ? (Alt-J) / When Saints Go Machine / Sonic Boom Six / François And The Atlas Mountains / Bos Angeles / Young Dreams / Doldrums / Weird Dreams / Young Magic / The British Expeditionary Force / Max Cooper / Jinja Safari / College, Graphics / Slow Down, Molasses / Mojo Fury / Mallory Knox / Hawk Eyes / Peace / Yukon Blonde / Emma Louise / Juveniles / Binary / Sing Tank / The Soft / Karlmarx / Inland Sea / Half Moon Run / Owlle / Princess Chelsea / Mesparrow / Stranded Horse / Avalanche City / Trust / The Darcys / Jordan Cook, and many more to be announced soon.

TGE is also especially delighted to welcome to the festival Mujeres / Me And The Bees / Seward and Furguson, as part of the lead International partnership with the Institut Ramon Llull, presenting Catalan Sounds ' music from Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. More Catalan and Balearic artist confirmations to follow soon.

The Great Escape will return to the bustling British seaside city of Brighton from 10th-12th May 2012, presenting festival-goers with over 300 new local and international artists across 30 different venues throughout the city. Running alongside this is the Great Escape convention programme which hosts a variety of insightful industry talks, panel debates, targeted networking sessions and key note interviews for industry professionals and music business fans.

THE GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL
BRIGHTON, WEST SUSSEX, UK
THURSDAY 10 ' SATURDAY 12 MAY 2012

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Black Sabbath to play without Ward

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added: 6 Feb 2012 // by: VVN Music 

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It wouldn't be the full reunion of the original lineup but three-out-of-four isn't that bad. After Bill Ward announced that his participation in the Black Sabbath reunion was in jeopardy over an "unsignable" contract, the rest of the band responded by saying they would carry on without him.

Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi posted the following statement on Facebook:

We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans. We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open...We are still in the UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll...See you at Download!!!"

In his original statement, Ward did acknowledge the possibility that negotiations would end without his participation. "If I'm replaced, I have to face you, the beloved Sabbath fans. I hope you will not hold me responsible for the failure of an original Black Sabbath lineup as promoted. Without fault finding, I want to assure everyone that my loyalty to Sabbath is intact."

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Adam Lambert confirms Queen position then retracts statement

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added: 4 Feb 2012 // by: VVN Music 

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There has been speculation over the last few months that Queen was ready to bring American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert in as their lead singer, but its questionable whether a deal is in place.

The singer has performed with Brian May and Roger Taylor in the past, most notably on the AI finale in 2009 and at MTV's EMAs back in November in Belfast, so the partnership is not that far fetched. Lambert has now talked with Britain's Daily Star confirming the deal.

The intention is to pay tribute to Freddie and the band by singing some f*****g great songs. It's to keep the music alive for the fans and give it an energy that Freddie would have been proud of.

After the EMAs, I heard faint little slithers of a backlash from people saying: 'You can't replace Freddie Mercury.' But I already knew that.

There's no intention in my mind of replacing Freddie. That's impossible.

The way I'm choosing to view it is that it's a great honour and one I'm in no way going to shirk.

Being asked to front Queen is the best thing that can possibly happen.

Later, Lambert went on Twitter and tried to backpedal on his comments, claiming that "Them clever reporters takin my quotes outta context ... I haven't confirmed any guest appearances. I was talking about the EMAs...That being said, I'm truly flattered by your jump to such glorious conclusions mr journalist!! :)."

Hollywood Records, Queen's label, is not as positive about the deal. "The Daily Star item only mentions that Adam may perform with Queen at Sonisphere. This is not confirmed. Nothing has been signed. However, if this were to happen, Queen would be returning to the setting of their final concert with Freddie Mercury, which took place in 1986."

If it all comes together, it will be a busy year for Lambert. His second album, Trespassing, is scheduled for a March 20 release.

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