Coldplay new album may surprise

Coldplay are moving in a direction that is set to surprise people claim frontman Chris Martin, even suggesting that they may alienate fans.

The album, the follow-up to "X&Y" produced by Brian Eno, is almost complete.

Speaking in a new interview, Chris Martin and Johnny Buckland said the group decided to explore their freedom with the currently untitled LP.Guitarist Buckland explained: "We felt like the first three albums were a trilogy, and we finished that. So we wanted to do something different."

Martin continued: "Whether or not it's good, we certainly started to use more colours. It's impossible to please everybody, and it took us a while to learn that. "It's just the freedom to say, 'Everyone might not like this. We're into it at the moment, so let's just get it done.'"

There is currently no fixed release date for the album, although it is due for release in 2008.

www.coldplay.com

Radiohead WON'T be at Glastonbury 2008

Yorke says they are doing as much as they possibly can, short of not going on tour at all.

He says they are only flying when they have no choice and they have "crazy solar-powered generators that cost us a fortune."

The biggest contributor of carbon emissions, however, are the fans who travel to the shows. Yorke says Radiohead has chosen to play in places that have public transportation systems or where they could talk the promoter into helping with transportation. “What we’re trying to do is only play in areas that have a public transport infrastructure in place. So that rules out Glastonbury for this year.”

Radiohead is taking measures to lessen its own carbon footprint on tour. "The band has two lots of equipment and we are keeping one in Europe and one in America, so we never have to fly our kit around the world again," Yorke says.

He says he's not preaching that fans have to share cars or walk to shows, nor will he use the stage to push the global warming issue.

In his words, "I think the band might eventually whack me around the head if I did it too many times."

http://www.thesun.co.uk/
www.radiohead.com

The Kooks 'Always Where I Need To Be' single released

First single 'Always Where I Need To Be’ is a tumbling rocker with a 'do-do-do, do-do-do-do’ refrain that might just be the catchiest thing they’ve ever done.

The eagerly awaited new album 'Konk’ from The Kooks is released on the 14th April.

It is their second album, and the follow-up to their hugely successful 2006 debut 'Inside In/Inside Out’ which sold some two million copies worldwide.

Explaining how he came to suggest the new album title, guitarist Hugh says, 'I just started thinking how cool the studio is, and how much of a part of our sound it is.’

'Always Where I Need To Be’ Release date: 31st March 2008

www.kooks.co.uk

Pete Doherty headlines Glastonbury

Pete Doherty will headline one of the stages at the Glastonbury Festival this summer, it has been claimed.

The Babyshambles star and former Libertine will be the main draw on the new Park Stage, which was first introduced last year.

CSS will also top the bill on the same stage during the course of the 2008 gathering, according to the NME.

As previously reported, Doherty plays a solo show at the Royal Albert Hall in London on April 26.

Glastonbury 2008 takes place on June 27+28+29 and will be headlined by Kings Of Leon, Jay-Z and The Verve.

http://www.nme.com/

Midnight Juggernauts sell out Melbourne

Good news for the Midnight Juggernauts. Their farewell show on Wednesday March 12 at The Forum in Melbourne has sold out!

This will be the last chance for their hometown fans to say goodbye and good luck before the band relocates to Europe for extensive touring across the UK, France, USA and Japan, following the international release of their debut album 'Dystopia'.

Wednesday March 12 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne SOLD OUT!
with special Guests M83 (France) and Damn Arms DJs

www.midnightjuggernauts.com

Snoop Dogg is 'Ego Tripin'' on March 17th

My shiznit people.

The one and only Doggfather is back with his ninth studio album 'Ego Trippin’', set for release on March 17th.

'Sensual Seduction' (or 'Sexual Eruption' for those over 18) is set to be the first single release from the album and with its smooth, disco groove is a mere taster of what we can expect from the album.

Although still under wraps, it’s rumoured to include some 80’s influenced pop tracks; drawing inspiration from Prince, Rick James & George Clinton as well as groove-influenced R&B, and of course a good measure of the gangsta rap cuts that have made Snoop a hip hop icon.

'Sensual Seduction' is released on Polydor Records on March 24th with the album 'Ego Trippin’' out March 17th.

http://www.snoopdogg.com/

Bada Bing Bada Boom Festival 2008 - VOTE NOW!!!

Myspace vs iTunes

MySpace, the top social networking site owned by News Corp, is in talks to create an online music joint venture with the four biggest record companies, sources familiar with the discussion said on Wednesday.

The talks are part of Rupert Murdoch's plans to distinguish MySpace, born as a haven for new music fans, from fast-moving rival Facebook as the premiere destination for digital media.

One source familiar with the matter said MySpace has held talks with companies over the past few weeks to gauge interest in such a service, which would compete with Apple Inc's popular iTunes.

Below is 'New Soul' by Yael Naim. It's the latest song running on the new Apple Macbook Air commercials.

Brit Awards 2008 Winners

Arctic Monkeys and Foo Fighters were the major winners at the Brit Awards this week. Both scored two awards.

Kylie Minogue won best international female and Kanye West scored best international male.

The complete list of awards were:

Full British Male Solo Artist - Mark Ronson

British Female Solo Artist - Kate Nash

British Group - Arctic Monkeys

British Album - Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare

British Breakthrough Act - Mika

British Live Act - Take That

British Single - Take That - 'Shine'

International Male Solo Artist - Kanye West

International Female Solo Artist - Kylie Minogue

International Group - Foo Fighters

International Album - Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Critics' Choice Award - Adele

Outstanding Contribution Award - Sir Paul McCartney

Below is footage from the Brit Awards where The Klaxons performed with Rihanna

Air Australian tour 2008

French electronic act AIR will break their Australian tour cherry when they land here this March to play at V festival, good news for AIR fans – the outfit will also be delivering a series of their own headlining gigs.

With their sublime live show impressing fans around the world, AIR, live, is an unparallelled experience. Showcasing hits from their massive back catalogue, fans will be left gobsmacked no doubt.

Michael Coppel presents AIR
Perth, Kings Park & Botanic Garden – March 27
Brisbane, The Tivoli – March 31
Melbourne, Palais Theatre – April 2
Adelaide, Thebarton Theatre – April 3
Sydney, Opera House – April 6

http://www.intairnet.org/

Modest Mouse and Hot Hot Heat Australian tour 2008

The sensational Johnny Marr will be coming to town with Modest Mouse for this year’s V Festival. The Washington based alt rockers will also be delivering a series of sideshows whilst in town.

Since receiving international acclaim for Good News For People Who Love Bad News Modest Mouse have grown in the collective psyche of music aficionados as a band of enormous talent and unpredictability. Their latest album We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank increased the band’s reputation as inspirational songwriters. Undoubtedly then, fans will be keen to see the latest tracks in a live situation as Modest Mouse bring their live show downunder for the first time in three years…

Joining them for the ride will be Vancouver rockers, Hot Hot Heat, who are hear to broadcast their latest album Happiness Ltd.

Don’t miss your tix to this double act show of the year!

Michael Coppel Presents Modest Mouse
with very special guests
Hot Hot Heat

Brisbane, The Arena – March 31
Melbourne, Palace Theatre – April 2
Sydney, Big Top Luna Park – April 3

Tickets on sale next Friday February 29

www.modestmousemusic.com

www.hothotheat.com

Smashing Pumpkins tour Australia 2008

The very fact that Smashing Pumpkins have reformed brings a tear to the eyes of most music lovers – so the notion of seeing them live is enough to cause hysterical crying from the average punter. Now news that the Pumpkins are serving up sideshows to their V Festival appearance will be enough to get most of us running into the streets crying in sheer jubilation. Expect pandemonium.

Ever since the Chicago band first landed on the scene back in 1988 with their best selling album Gish, Smashing Pumpkins have been at the fore of the alt rock scene. With albums such as Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness, the Smashing Pumpkins are already set in music history for timeless albums. When the band took an extended hiatus from the year 2000, tears were shed – with many thinking this was the end of Smashing Pumpkins. When the band reemerged in 2007 with a new album Zeitgeist it debuted in the top ten in the US and Australia and heralded the return of one of alt rock’s most beloved acts.

The Smashing Pumpkins undertook an extensive worldwide tour throughout 2007 to introduce fans to the live experience of Zeitgeist and reacquaint them with why this band are held in such high regard as a live force. Now Aussie fans will finally get a taste of the new Smashing Pumpkins live experience.

Michael Coppel presents The Smashing Pumpkins

Sydney, Hordern Pavilion – March 27
Brisbane, Convention Centre – March 31
Melbourne, Festival Hall – April 4

Tickets on sale next Friday February 29

www.smashingpumpkins.com

V Festival sideshows 2008

The upcoming V Festival has music geeks excited, and with good reason. There are some fine fine acts on the bill. Michael Coppel Promotions has just announced that most of the line up are doing sideshows too.

Im only going to name the ones worth seeing. So, Smashing Pumpkins, Air, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Queens of the Stoneage, Modest Mouse + Hot Hot Heat and CSS will all play headline shows.

Tickets to all shows go on sale Friday February 29 (unless you have signed up to enjoy the presale tix)

Sideshow dates are:

SMASHING PUMPKINS

MARCH
27 – Horden Pavillion, Sydney
31 – Convention Centre, Brisbane

APRIL
4 – Festival Hall, Melbourne

QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE

MARCH
27 – The Arena, Brisbane
28 – Big Top Luna Park, Sydney

APRIL
1 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN

APRIL
1 – The Arena, Brisbane
2 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
3 – Palace Theatre, Melbourne

AIR

MARCH
27 – Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth
31 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

APRIL
2 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
3 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
6 – Opera House, Sydney

MODEST MOUSE + HOT HOT HEAT

MARCH
31 – The Arena, Brisbane

APRIL
2 – The Palace Theatre, Melbourne
3 – Big Top Luna Park, Sydney

C.S.S

APRIL
4 - Prince Bandroom, Melbourne
6 - The Esplanade, Perth

www.vfestival.com.au

Bada Bing Bada Boom Festival - VOTE NOW!!!

British India 'Teenage Mother' Australian tour

Having spent most of the summer doing the festival circuit, British India are ready to hit the road once more to play headlining gigs for their fans.

With their J Award nominated album, Guillotine getting a repackage with a limited edition tour DVD – what better time to re-embrace your love for all things British India?

The band are about to release their third single 'Teenage Mother' and to celebrate, they're hitting the road again.

British India 'Teenage Mother' Tour:

Friday 22 February - REPUBLIC BAR, HOBART
Saturday 23 February - JAMES HOTEL, LAUNCESTON
Friday 29 February - CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE
Saturday 1 March - THE NASH, GEELONG
Friday 7 March - PENINSULA LOUNGE, MOORODUC
Saturday 8 Marhc - GOLDEN PLAINS FESTIVAL, MEREDITH
Monday 10 March - PUSHOVER FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE
Friday 14 March - JIVE BAR, ADELAIDE
Saturday 15 March - ADELAIDE UNI BAR, ADELAIDE
Friday 28 March - CHILLI LOUNGE, WYONG
Saturday 29 March - MANLY FISHO’S, SYDNEY

www.myspace.com/britishindia

Alex Turner's 'Last Shadow Puppets' releases EP

Arctic Monkeys frontguy Alex Turner has teamed up with old friend Miles Kane, formerly of onetime Monkeys tourmates the Little Flames and presently of The Rascals, for a forthcoming LP.

Calling themselves The Last Shadow Puppets , Turner and Kane will release their debut, 'The Age of the Understatement', via Domino on April 21 in the UK and May 6 in the U.S.

The disc features production from Simian Mobile Disco's James Ford and packs in 12 tracks. Orchestration was provided by another young talent: Owen Pallett of Final Fantasy, who conducted the 22-piece London Metropolitan Orchestra for the recording.

The world will get a glimpse of the Last Shadow Puppets on April 15, when Domino unleashes a single for title track "The Age of the Understatement" in 7" and digital formats.

First the first time in some time, there's not a whole lot else going on with those Arctic Monkeys at the moment, though their own Matt Hedlers did recently remix The Hives, so that's something.

'The Age of the Understatement':

01 The Age of the Understatement

02 Standing Next to Me

03 Calm Like You

04 Separate and Ever Deadly

05 The Chamber

06 Only the Truth

07 My Mistakes Were Made for You

08 Black Plant

09 I Don't Like You Any More

10 In My Room

11 Meeting Place

12 The Time Has Come Again

Peter goes solo from Bjorn and John

Peter Moren - better known as one third of international pop sensations Peter, Bjorn and John has announced his new solo album which will be released through Wichita Recordings.

Despite spending the best part of 2 years touring the world with his band and that song, Peter hasn’t stopped writing, and the fruits of his labours are ready to see daylight.'

The Last Tycoon’ will be released on the 5th of May.

Musically, the album is filled with classic songwriting - think Cat Stevens, James Taylor, and of course Peter, Bjorn and John.

The first single from the album is 'Reel to Real’ which will be released in April.

www.peterbjornandjohn.com

Michael Jackson dropped from Grammy Awards

Michael Jackson was dropped from the Grammy Awards last week after making a series of ridiculous demands.

The star was due to appear on the show to mark the 25th anniversary of the biggest selling album of all time, 'Thriller', but according to the New York Post, his ridiculous demands caused him to be dropped.

He wanted an award to be created for him, and presented to him (an award that nobody will ever get again), he wanted to be introduced by a special honouree and he wanted to be referred to as "The King of Pop" at least thirty times throughout the course of the show.

Jackson, who once won eight Grammys in one night in 1984, has not won an award at the ceremony since 1996 when 'Scream' won best video.

The 25th anniversary version of 'Thriller' was released on February 11 and features remixes by will.i.am, Kanye West and Fergie, as well as a previous unreleased song from the 'Thriller' sessions.

The Vines To Play Aussie BBQ

The Vines have been added to the Aussie BBQ at SxSW.

The Aussie BBQ, put on by the Australian Music Collective, will take place between midday and 7pm at Brush Square Park in Austin, Texas.

The BBQ line-up this year also features Paul Kelly, The Chevelles, The Stems, Mink, Ash Grunwald, Whitley, The Panics, Something With Numbers, Old Man River, Yves Klien Blue and Kate Bradley.

The night before the SxSW Music Conference officially starts, the Australian Music Collective will also have a preview showcase at Emo's on Sixth St in Austin.

The preview will feature performances from Chad Mason, Whitley, Chris Pickering, Kate Bradley, Dan Kelly, Ash Grunwald and The Chevelle.

http://www.sxsw.com/

Jack Johnson goes number 1 in US, UK and Australia!

Jack Johnson's Sleep Through The Static has debuted at number one in the USA with sales of 374,000 units. The album also debuted at number one in Australia and the UK this week.

'Sleep Through The Static' is Johnson's forth studio album.

As a digital release, it has also clocked up the best ever first week sales for an album on iTunes, selling more than 100,000 digital albums.

'Sleep Through The Static' was produced by JP Plunier who last worked with Jack on the 'Brushfire Fairytales' album.

The album cover for 'Sleep Through The Static' has been designed as environmentally friendly. The album was recorded using 100% solar energy; printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper, and carries the 1% For The Planet logo.

Further for the environment, Johnson is using waste management services to fuel tour vehicles and generators with biodiesel, eco-friendly tour merchandise and materials to CO2 offsets on his 2008 world tour.

Jack is about to embark on an Australian tour:

MARCH
13 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
15 – Centennial Park, Sydney
16 – Avica Resort, Gold Coast SOLD OUT
25 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne SOLD OUT
26 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
27 – Memorial Drive, Adelaide
29 – Members Equity Stadium, Perth

Liam Gallagher and Nicole Appleton marry

Oasis singer Liam Gallagher and Nicole Appleton got married in London yesterday morning (February 14) in a secret ceremony.

The ceremony was so secret even Gallagher’s brother and band-mate, Noel Gallagher, was not present at the ceremony as he his currently working in the US.

Appleton's sister Natalie and her husband, The Prodigy's Liam Howlett were at the ceremony.

The wedding took place at Westminster Register Office, the same venue where the singer married first wife, Patsy Kensit, in 1997.

The couple had been together for eight years and have a seven year-old son, Gene.

Congratulations to Liam and Nicole from everyone at Music Universe.

T in the Park 2008 festival announced

The Verve, Rage Against The Machine and REM will headline this summer’s T In The Park festival, set to take place on July 11, 12 and 13 in Balado, Kinross.

Kings of Leon will also play on the bill, performing on the Main Stage on the Sunday (July 13).

The Verve will headline the Friday night (July 11), Rage Against The Machine will headline on the Saturday (July 12) with REM playing on the Sunday (July 13).

Festival organisers have also revealed that Kaiser Chiefs will headline the NME/Radio 1 Stage on the Saturday, with The Prodigy headlining on the Sunday. The Pigeon Detectives and The Raconteurs will also play on the stage over the weekend.

Other highlights on the bill include The Enemy, Interpol, Ian Brown, Primal Scream and The Fratellis

The acts confirmed to play the festival so far are (we highlighted those that we cried over):

REM
Rage Against The Machine
The Verve
Kings Of Leon
Kaiser Chiefs
The Prodigy
Pigeon Detectives
The Raconteurs
The Fratellis
Stereophonics
The Kooks
Primal Scream
The Chemical Brothers
Interpol
Ian Brown
Biffy Clyro
Counting Crows
KT Tunstall
Feeder
The Enemy
The Feeling
Amy MacDonald
Panic At The Disco
Hot Chip
Aphex Twin
The Charlatans
The Pogues
Ben Folds
The Wombats
Reverend and The Makers
Pendulum
Justice
DJ Hell
Erol Alkan
The National
Band of Horses
Seasick Steve
Eddy Grant
Alabama 3
Sons and Daughters
The Courteeners
Slam
Paul Heaton
Lightspeed Champion
The Ting Tings
Black Kids
Sergeant
The Law
Gabriella Cilmi
Sons of Albion
The Script

http://www.tinthepark.com/

You aint cool if you aint listening to these....

The Presets - My People (new album 'Apocalypso' out April 08')



Radiohead - Faustz (Amplive remix from 'Rainydayz' album)



Gnarls Barkley - Run (new album 'The Odd Couple' out April 08')



Santogold - You Will Find A Way (debut single, produced by M.I.A.'s producer, Diplo)



Cajun Dance Party - Amylase (new band out of the UK)



These New Puritans - Numerology (debut album 'Beat Pyramid' just released)



Lightspeed Champion (former member of now defunct Test Icicles)

Massive Attack, Hot Chip and Fatboy Slim announced for Glastonbury

Massive Attack will appear at the Glastonbury Festival this summer, according to reports.

Scheduled to release their long-awaited new album later this year, Robert del Naja and co are set to headline the second stage. They become the latest act to confirm an appearance at the Somerset gathering, after it was announced that Kings Of Leon, Jay-Z and The Verve will headline.

Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim, Elbow, Neil Diamond, CSS, British Sea Power and Leonard Cohen are also said to be on the fill for the three-day event.Ticket registration for Glastonbury, which takes place on June 27+28+29, is now open.

Visit http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/ for more information.

Jimmy Eat World release 'Always Be' as next single

Jimmy Eat World will release 'Always Be’ on March 3rd, on Polydor Records.

It’s the second single from their latest album 'Chase This Light’.

Coinciding with the release, the band are heading out on a twelve date UK tour. As to when we expect them in Australia is still unknown. However, because the staff at Music Universe love JEW, we are happy to let those in the UK know the dates they'll be playing in their home country.

We're envious.

The full list of tour dates are:

February 17th - Southampton - Guildhall
February 18th - London - Brixton Academy
February 19th - Birmingham - Academy
February 20th - Manchester - Academy
February 22nd - Leeds - University
February 24th - Newcastle - Academy
February 25th - Glasgow - Barrowlands
February 26th - Belfast – St. Georges Market
February 27th - Dublin – Olympia
February 29th - Liverpool University
March 1st - Bristol Academy
March 3rd - London, The Roundhouse

www.jimmyeatworld.com

Find 'Carry You' on their latest album, 'Chase This Light'

The Constantines 'Kensington Heights'

'Kensington Heights' is the new album from Canada's The Constantines. Their new label 'Arts & Crafts' will issue the disc April 15 in the band's homeland, and it'll make its way to the States April 29.

The band aren't exactly lighting up the live circuit at the moment, though they've got a couple dates lined up for March. The first is a stop at New York's Mercury Lounge, and the second is an appearance down at the South by Southwest festival.

'Kensington Heights'

01 Hard Feelings

02 Million Star Hotel

03 Trans Canada

04 Shower of Stones

05 Our Age

06 Time Can Be Overcome

07 Brother Run Them Down

08 Credit River

09 I Will Not Sing a Hateful Song

10 New King

11 Life Or Death

12 Do What You Can Do

www.constantines.ca

SPOTLIGHT: The Living End

Ten and a bit years later, The Living End have racked up a quintuple-platinum album, two platinum and five gold records, won three ARIA awards, countless other accolades and gathered fans all over the world. What’s more important, while some bands seem old and outdated only two or three years after they start, guitarist Chris Cheney, bass player Scott Owen and “new” drummer Andy Strachan are every bit as exciting a prospect as they were way back when – if you need any convincing, just check out a show the next time they come your way.

But, as mentioned earlier, it was more than a decade ago that a Melbourne rockabilly covers outfit called the Runaway Boys wrote a bunch of original tunes and changed their name to The Living End. Early releases such as the 'Hellbound', It's For Your Own Good' and the ever impressive 'Prisoner of Society/Second Solution' EPs began a mini-cult following. It quickly became a national hit, the double A-side becoming the highest selling Australian single of the 1990s, peaking for several weeks at No.4 and receiving the 1998 ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single. It lasted a record-breaking 47 weeks on the ARIA Top 50 singles charts. Coupled with their unbelievably frenzied and energetic live performances, The Living End were clearly making a name for themselves.

The release of their self-titled debut in 1999 was considered one of the best Australian debut releases of all time. Hits to come off that album included 'Prisoner of Society' and 'Second Solution', both of which sold thousands of copies. An exhaustive tour followed and by the start of the new century, the whole nation were screaming for The Living End. The Living End were awarded two more ARIA awards in 1999 for Best Group, and Best New Artist.

They responded with a debut follow-up, 'Roll On'. This sophmore effort was unfortunately not as successful as their debut. Again, it had some solid singles such as 'Roll On' and 'Pictures In The Mirror', however, it was always going to be compared to 'The Living End' LP and it never lived up to the hype. To this day, it would have to be considered The Living End's least impressive album. Being such a fan killed me to say that last line.

In 2001, the band hit a quiet period due to Chris Cheney's near-fatal car accident on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, rendering him unable to play for a significant period of time.

In 2003, The Living End released their third album 'Modern ARTillery' and was marked as a 'change in direction'. Drummer Trav Dempsey had left the band and new boy, Andy Strachan, was the man in charge at the back. The Modern ARTillery album was a return to musical simplicity in most tracks (the rock anthem "The Room" being an exception), yet contained a number of different styles throughout the album. Due to the quiet period, their return was initially received with much hype and to their fans delight, The Living End went back on tour again.

In 2006, the boys turned to an old cohort to help them in a new direction for album number four, State of Emergency. Deciding it really is better the devil you know, the band once again enlisted the talents of legendary producer Nick Launay, who worked on their platinum selling second album Roll On (not to mention a whole host of other influential titles, including some of the finest records of the last couple of decades).

Coming off the back a very successful 2004 (including huge tours of the US, first with Jet and the Vines and later with Blink 182 and No Doubt) the lads were in high spirits. Andy was well and truly settled in the role he had inherited from former drummer Travis Dempsy just prior to the making of the band’s last record, Modern Artillery, and Chris had, thankfully, avoided any near death experiences.

The record highlights something that crowds the world over already know – The Living End play hard, fast rock & roll. So while 'State of Emergency' dishes out some of the best punk rock energy of The Living End’s career – tracks like first single “What’s On Your Radio” – it also gives fans a better look at that other side they have always known is there. Songs like the Midnight Oil flavoured anthem “Wake Up”, the shimmering Phil Spector-like psychedelia of “Order Of The Day” or the jazzy edge of “Nowhere Town” all show The Living End flexing their musical muscles and minds. This album was quite successful and continued to prove that The Living End are one of the best aussie rock bands of all time.

The Living End are currently touring as 'The Longnecks'. These shows allow them to showcase new material, which hopefully some will show up on their up-n-coming 5th studio album sometime in the middle of 2008.

The Living End are without a doubt one of the best live acts to see. Get their back catalogue, buy a ticket to their gig and fall in love with Melbourne's own rocking band, The Living End.

www.thelivingend.com.au

The following video is Prisoner of Society (live)

Radiohead 'Greatest Hits' album out soon

It's a shame, but it was only a matter of time and give them credit too - they've held out longer than most. But come spring, Radiohead will join the Eagles, Van Halen, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Joni Mitchell, Journey, and Mandy Moore in the annuls of acts who have foisted "Greatest Hits" albums upon us. Now you may be thinking: wait a minute, isn't every Radiohead album since The Bends pretty much a greatest hits collection unto itself? Indeed, but don't blame the band for this one.

According to a recent interview with guitarist Ed O'Brien on Canadian radio, not unlike that recent catalogue box set, this was all the doing of Radiohead's former label EMI. "They're planning to do a greatest hits for April, May to coincide with our tour," said O'Brien. "That's an interesting one. We won't be doing any promotion for that, obviously."

Radiohead's European tour kicks off June 6, while the surrounding two-pronged North American jaunt is, for the moment still without dates and venues. Unless the guys plan to stick strictly to B-sides, covers, and 'In Rainbows' disc two material, chances are they'll end up inadvertently promoting the greatest hits set anyway.

Drummer Phil Selway also commented on the matter in an interview with Trinity College Dublin student magazine 'Analogue'. "It's well within [EMI's] rights to do it [sigh]. So we'll have to see."

One thing's for sure, though. This thing damn well better have "Pyramid Song" on it.

Radiohead:

06-06 Dublin, Ireland - Malahide
06-07 Dublin, Ireland - Malahide
06-09 Paris, France - Bercy
06-10 Paris, France - Bercy
06-12 Barcelona, Spain - Parc del Fòrum
06-14 Nimes, France - Arenes
06-15 Nimes, France - Arenes
06-17 Milan, Italy - Civica Arena
06-18 Milan, Italy - Civica Arena
06-20 Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany - Southside Festival
06-22 Scheeßel, Germany - Hurricane Festival
06-24 London, England - Victoria Park
06-25 London, England - Victoria Park
06-27 Glasgow, Scotland - Glasgow Green
06-29 Manchester, England - Lancashire County Cricket Club
07-01 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Westerpark
07-03 Roskilde, Denmark - Roskilde Festival
07-04-05 Werchter, Belgium - Rock Werchter Festival
07-06 Arras, France - Main Square Festival
07-08 Berlin, Germany - Wuhlheide

www.radiohead.com

Amy Winehouse wins at 50th Annual Grammy Awards

In a ceremony dominated by the absent Amy Winehouse, the 50th Annual Grammy Awards also heralded wins for the White Stripes, Foo Fighters, Slayer and Robert Plant.

Winehouse received nods for Pop Vocal Album, Female Pop Vocal Performance and – weirdly given her two-album status – Best New Artist. Having been denied a visa to enter the USA, the singer got to watch the ceremony from the less boozy environs of rehab. Clutching her mother, Amy thanked her parents from a seemingly London studio looking semi-not really with it.

Best Alternative Music Album went to the White Stripes for Icky Thump, while the Foos took out Hard Rock Performance. Elsewhere, Slayer won Metal Performance, and Pop Collaboration With Vocals went to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’s Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On).

Having delivered a knockout show at Melbourne’s Good Vibrations festival, Kanye West bypassed Brisbane to be back in America for the ceremony. He took the stage at LA’s Staples Centre for a jet lag-defying run-through of Hey Mama and Stronger, the latter of which won Best Rap Solo Performance.

Here’s an abridged list of the winners from the 50th Grammy Awards. Sorry to anyone waiting to hear the winner of Spoken Word Album for Children…

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Mark Ronson
Pop Vocal Album: “Back to Black,” Amy Winehouse
Female Pop Vocal Performance: “Rehab,” Amy Winehouse
Male Pop Vocal Performance: “What Goes Around…Comes Around,” Justin Timberlake
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: “Makes Me Wonder,” Maroon 5
Pop Collaboration With Vocals: “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On),” Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Pop Instrumental Album: “The Mix-Up,” Beastie Boys
Pop Instrumental Performance: “One Week Last Summer,” Joni Mitchell
Alternative Music Album: “Icky Thump,” The White Stripes
Rock Song: “Radio Nowhere,” Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)
Solo Rock Vocal Performance: “Radio Nowhere,” Bruce Springsteen
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: “Icky Thump,” The White Stripes
Hard Rock Performance: “The Pretender,” Foo Fighters
Rap Solo Performance: “Stronger,” Kanye West
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: “Southside,” Common, featuring Kanye West
Rap Song: “Good Life,” Aldrin Davis, Mike Dean, Faheem Najm & Kanye West, songwriters (J. Ingram & Q. Jones, songwriters) (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain)
Bluegrass Album: “The Bluegrass Diaries,” Jim Lauderdale
Traditional Blues Album: “Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live In Dallas,” Henry James
Contemporary Blues Album: “The Road to Escondido,” JJ Cale & Eric Clapton
Contemporary Jazz Album: “River: The Joni Letters,” Herbie Hancock
Latin Jazz Album: “Funk Tango,” Paquito D’Rivera Quintet
Urban/Alternative Performance: “Daydreamin’,” Lupe Fiasco, featuring Jill Scott
Dance Recording: “LoveStoned/I Think She Knows,” Justin Timberlake, Nate (Danja) Hills, Timbaland & Justin Timberlake, producers; Jimmy Douglass & Timbaland, mixers
Electronic/Dance Album: “We Are the Night,” The Chemical Brothers
Reggae: “Mind Control,” Stephen Marley

Van She and Ghostwood tour Australia

Sydney’s Van She will embark on a run of headline dates throughout February and March in support of their new single Cat & The Eye, – fellow Modular label mates Ghostwood will jump on board as support.

Van She Cat and the Eye tour dates:

Thu 21 Feb – The Corner, Melbourne VICFri

22 Feb – Karova Lounge, Ballarat VIC

Sat 23 Feb – Barwon Club, Geelong VIC

Thu 28 Feb – Wollongong University, Wollongong NSW

Fri 29 Feb – Manly Fishos, Northern Beaches NSW

Fri 7 Mar – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay NSW

Sat 8 Mar – Sands Tavern, Maroochydore QLD

Sun 9 Mar – The Troubadour, Brisbane QLD

Thu 13 Mar – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney NSW

Fri 14 Mar – The Bakery, Perth WA

Sat 15 Mar – Mojo’s, North Fremantle WA

Sun 16 Mar – Ed Castle, Adelaide SA

Van She’s debut album 'V' is due to drop in June 2008 stay tuned to Music Universe for more details.

www.vanshe.com

Modest Mouse and Hot Hot Heat added to V Festival

Modest Mouse and Hot Hot Heat lead the round two announcement of V Festival acts.

The festival, which will take place at the end of summer in Australia, also now has Roison Murphy, The Rakes, Cut Copy and Glass Candy on the line-up.

They join the previously announced Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age, Jesus & Mary Chain, Air and The Presets.

This shapes up to be a formidable lineup and no doubt should be an excellent festival.

V Festival Dates are:

March 29th, Sydney, Centennial Park

March 30th, Gold Coast, Avica Resort

April 5th, Melbourne, Showgrounds

April 6th, Perth, The Esplanade

www.vfestival.com.au

Scorsese set to make Bob Marley movie

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese is lining up another documentary about a music legend - the Oscar winner has announced plans to make a movie about Bob Marley.

Scorsese has previously explored the '60s heyday of Bob Dylan's career in No Direction Home and his new Rolling Stones concert film Shine A Light premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in Germany on Thursday.

Now the director has signed up to shoot a documentary on reggae legend Marley, who died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36.

Marley's son Ziggy Marley will act as executive producer on the currently-untitled film, which is set for release on 6 February 2010, the 65th anniversary of the Exodus star's birth.

http://www.bobmarley.com/

Glastonbury announces first headliners

The Verve, Kings of Leon, Hot Chip, British Sea Power, Jay-Z have all just been announced as the first headliners of this years Glastonbury festival.

But even though we knew Leonard Cohen would be touring this year, we're a little surprised to hear that the legendarily reclusive singer-songwriter's first announced gig is an appearance at England's rather gigantic Glastonbury Festival.

Surprised, and way more jealous of all Glastonbury attendees than we were before, according to the BBC, Leonard Cohen will join the aforementioned lot-- and Neil bloody Diamond!-- in pummeling the hills at Glastonbury June 27-29.

No word on any other acts yet, but this is just the calm before the storm............

www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Kanye West leaves Australia for Grammy Awards

Imagine Kanye West's frequent flyer point count this week.

West is in Australia today (February 9) for the Good Vibrations Festival and will play the first show in Melbourne tonight but not Brisbane tomorrow.

West is flying back to LA on Sunday (February 10) for the Grammy Awards and will then fly back to Australia to continue with Good Vibrations in Sydney next Saturday. He will then perform at the Perth show the next day.

It is expected that West is making the journey to perform as a tribute to his mother, Donda, who passed away on November 10 last year.

West is nominated for Album of the Year for Graduation; Best Rap Solo Performance for 'Stronger'; Best Rap Performance for a Duo or Group for 'Southside' (with Common) and for 'Better Than I've Ever Known' (with NAS and KRS-One); for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'Good Life' with T-Pain; Best Rap Song for 'Can't Tell Me Nothing' and 'Good Life'; and for Best Rap Album for 'Graduation'.

The 50th Grammy Awards show is on Sunday, February 10th.

www.kanyewest.com

Amy Winehouse gets US visa rejection

Amy Winehouse will not perform at the Grammy Awards because her US visa application has been rejected.

The Back To Black star - currently in rehab for drug addiction - had been invited to sing at the event this Sunday. She has been nominated for six awards.

But the US Embassy in London turned down her application.

A spokesman for the star said: "Amy Winehouse will not be performing at this year's Grammy Awards ceremony. Unfortunately, her application for a visa to enter the United States of America has been rejected at this time by the American Embassy in London".

"Amy has been progressing well since entering a rehabilitation clinic two weeks ago and although disappointed with the decision has accepted the ruling and will be concentrating on her recovery. Amy has been treated well and fairly by the Embassy staff and thanks everyone for their support in trying to make this happen. There will of course be other opportunities and she very much looks forward to visiting America in the near future."

The 24-year-old singer attended a meeting with embassy officials on Monday, accompanied by her lawyer.

In addition to her current well-documented addiction problems - she entered rehab on January 24 after a video emerged of her apparently smoking crack cocaine - she was arrested and fined in Norway last October for possession of cannabis.

Winehouse's six Grammy nominations include Record of the Year for Rehab and Album of the Year for Back To Black.

Modest Mouse working on new EP

American indie rockers Modest Mouse are reported to be working on new material ahead of their forthcoming tour with R.E.M.

According to frontman Isaac Brock, the band, including former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, will go into the studio to write together in March. Brock also told Rolling Stone that he is currently putting the finishing touches to a new Modest Mouse EP which will consist of outtakes from the band's previous two albums.

www.modestmousemusic.com

Peter, Bjorn and John name 4th album

Remember that awesome whistle-blowing song from 2006 - Young Folks? Well, nevertheless, those sophisticated Swedish indie poppers Peter, Bjorn and John have come up with a name for their still-being-recorded fourth album.

'Once We Were Cheese' appears to be the final title the band have chosen, after previously announcing 'Gorgosaurus Road', 'Whats The Story, Happy Birthday', 'Requiem' and 'The Genius Of Dan Backman'.

In the meantime, Peter Moren (the "Peter" part of the trio) is gearing up for a solo tour of America, in support of his debut solo record 'The Last Tycoon', which will be released over there on April 8. The boys look like they're going to be pretty busy in the coming months.

www.peterbjornandjohn.com

Bonnaroo Festival announces Led Zeppelin?

Why don't we get festivals like these? When I see the lineups for European and US festivals every year, I realise one thing only. Australia is lucky to be on the map of the Earth.

It breaks my heart everytime I read about yet another fantastic festival lineup overseas!

Anyway, now that I got that off my chest, The Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee, USA has announced its first acts. Want to see? Take a deep breath......

Paerl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, My Morning Jacket, The Raconteurs, Death Cab For Cutie, Sigur Ros, Ben Folds, M.I.A., Iron & Wine, Broken Social Scene, Rilo Kiley, Mastodon, Lupe Fiasco, Ozomatli, Tegan & Sara, Drive-By Truckers, Solomon Burke, !!!, Aimee Mann, Ladytron, The Fiery Furnaces, Jose Gonzalez, Donavon Frankenreiter, Battles, Two Gallants, Vampire Weekend and...........Lez Zeppelin.

Robert Plant will be in attendance, but will not be performing with Led Zeppelin. Instead, he will be playing hits of his latest album 'Raising sand' with Alison Krauss. Lez Zeppelin is actually an all-female covers band. Sorry to dissapoint you this small little bit.

Say I if you would like to be at this festival? I I I I I I I I I I I I

Glastonbury fans don't want Jay-Z

When Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis booked American rapper Jay-Z to headline one night of the festival, he wanted something totally different, but has now been hit with a fan backlash.

Eavis told BBC Somerset, "He (Jay-Z) will appeal to the young people and under-25s for sure, so that's a big pull for them. It's not like the traditional one we do, like Radiohead, Coldplay and Muse and Oasis."

But fans have referred to it as "a disaster" and claimed it will "ruin the festival" on the NME website.

It's a hark back to 50 Cent's 2004 appearance at Reading, when he was showered with thousands of bottles as soon as he hit the stage.

You should've gone with Kanye Mr Eavis.

www.jayzonline.com
www.nme.com
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

Muse Wembley DVD

Muse will commemorate their historic shows at Wembley Stadium last summer with a live DVD and CD, they have announced. The dual release will include a concert film recorded on the band's second night at the stadium on June 17. The CD comprises Matt Bellamy and co's performance on the first night, June 16, which saw Muse become only the second act to play the reopened venue. Amongst the extras on the DVD are behind-the-scenes footage and photo gallery.

Both come out on March 17.

The DVD tracklisting is as follows:

"Knights Of Cydonia", "Hysteria", "Supermassive Black Hole", "Map Of The Problematique", "Butterflies And Hurricanes", "Hoodoo", "Apocalypse Please", "Feeling Good", "Invincible", "Starlight", "Time Is Running Out", "New Born", "Soldier's Poem", "Unintended", "Blackout", "Plug In Baby", "Stockholm Syndrome", "Take A Bow"

The CD tracklisting is as follows:

"Knights Of Cydonia", "Hysteria", "Supermassive Black Hole", "Map Of The Problematique", "Butterflies", "Invincible", "Starlight", "Time Is Running Out", "New Born", "Unintended", "Microcuts", "Stockholm Syndrome", "Take A Bow"

www.muse.mu

Jack Penate Australian tour soon

UK pop rocker Jack Penate will be arriving in Australia next week – and no doubt all the cool kids have already secured tickets to one of his gigs. We here at Music Universe certainly have.

If you have yet to discover the charms of Mr Penate then think glorious upbeat pop rock marked by intelligent lyrics and killer hooks. Think Lily Allen with balls or Cajun Dance Party without the cajun.

At just 22 years of age the South Londoner is on top of the world with his debut album 'Matinee' (produced bu Jim Abbiss of Arctic Monkeys’ fame) reaching the UK Top 10 and making many critics Top 10 lists. Add to this a swag of successful festival gigs and you’ve got an equation that definitely adds up to Penate being a performer to watch.

Don’t miss your chance to see the UK pop darling in action.

Wednesday 13th February – The Factory, Sydney

Friday 15th February – The Hi Fi, Melbourne

www.jackpenate.com

The Mountain Goats tour Autralia

With three sell out Australian tours already under their belt The Mountain Goats are no strangers to Australian shores.

Their blend of quirky lyrics and a good old fashioned pop hook have earned them plenty of fans and they plan on adding to their army of converts when they land downunder this April.

With a new album in tow ('Heretic Pride'), The Mountain Goats are ready to regale audiences with more of their upbeat pop and a few of their old faves.

Tickets on sale Friday February 15.

Handsome Tours presents The Mountain Goats:

Saturday April 5 – The Rosemount, Perth

Sunday April 6 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide All Ages/Licensed

Tuesday April 8 – Billboard, Melbourne

Wednesday April 9 The Republic Bar, Hobart

Friday April 11 – The Cambridge, Newcastle

Saturday April 12 – Manning Bar, Sydney

Tuesday April 15 -The Zoo, Brisbane

Thursday April 17 – Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sunshine Coast All Ages/Licensed

http://www.themountain-goats.com/

Korn tours Australia

Nu-metal survivors Korn are visiting Australia in April on their 'Bitch We Have A Problem' tour.

The veterans of nu-metal have sold more than 25 million records over their career, and they’re not slowing down. A new, untitled album is on its way, which the press speel promises is “a barb-wired, bastard son of blinding musical fury, dark and twisted lyrical candor, and searing, sociopathic tendencies.” So, the Korn you know and love then.

Dates are as follows:

Tuesday 15 April – Perth, Robinson Pavilion – All Ages With Licensed Areas

Thursday 17 April – Adelaide, Entertainment Centre – Licensed All Ages

Friday 18 April – Melbourne, Vodafone Arena – Licensed All Ages

Sunday 20 April – Sydney, Entertainment Centre – Licensed All Ages

Tuesday 22 April – Brisbane, The Riverstage – Licensed All Ages

http://www.korn.com/

Coldplay deny 'Prospekt' as new album title

Coldplay have denied claims that their long-awaited new album will be called "Prospekt".
In a new online posting, the band revealed they are just a month away from completing the follow-up to 2005's "X&Y".

However, they have insisted the widely-reported title is incorrect but have declined to announce the real one.

Describing recent sessions as "the most productive and exciting week we've ever had in the studio", the statement confirmed the album is nearly done.

It reads: "Mixing has been slow and painstaking but that's just the nature of the beast. So... give us another month or so and we might just have an album worthy of your patience."

Coldplay's fourth album, which has been produced by Brian Eno, is tentatively scheduled for release in May.

www.coldplay.com

Gotye to play Prince of Wales in Melbourne

The great man himself, Wally De Backer- or Gotye- is treating Melbournians to a special one-off solo show following the success of his work both solo and with awesome pop-and-roll outfit The Basics. I don't even need to say 'get your tickets now!' because you probably all are already.

Gotye is playing The Prince Bandroom, Melbourne on Thursday 21 February and tickets are already selling very fast from the venue.

www.princebandroom.com.au/

www.gotye.com

U2 sign and stay with EMI

While Radiohead, The Stones, Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Paul McCartney have all either left or in the process of leaving EMI, U2's manager Paul McGuiness has confirmed that his band will not be leaving Universal Music.

McGuiness has stated that the relationship between U2 and Universal is an "excellent relationship" and that last year, the band resigned for another four albums.

Comments by McGuiness were misinterpreted by a tabloid journalist for Fox News last week causing Fox to incorrectly headline the departure of the band from the label.

McGuiness was critical of the major labels saying that "through lack of foresight and planning allowed a range of industries to arise that let people steal music." It was not a statement that U2 were departing the label they started with 28 years ago.

U2 released launched their new concert movie U2-3D at the Sundance Film Festival. All four members of the band attended the premiere.

The movie was shot during the South American leg of the Vertigo tour.