no doubt

Music News You Can Use: DepMod Gets Apple Savvy, T-Pain Gets Threats

Friday, February 27th, 2009

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DepMod and Apple in business love … Depeche Mode are debuting their comeback album Sounds of the Universe with an Apple twist – they’ll be testing out the new iTunes Pass, which allows buyers to receive “extended singles, remixes, videos, and more,” in addition to the regular album. What’s the cost? While the actual album is priced at the regular $9.99, the deluxe iTunes Pass edition will be bumped up to $18.99. However, the perks, which extend until June 16, are never explained in detail, nor does it guarantee any exclusive material. Ha, there is a catch! Sounds of the Universe is expected to be released April 21.

The Beastie Boys and “weird” sound about right … In an interview with Entertainment Weekly last weekend, Beastie Boy rapper Adam Yauch (MCA) described their upcoming album as a “pretty weird record.” Unlike their 2007 record The Mix-Up, their upcoming and eighth release will feature rhymes, among other aspects like “playing” and sampling. The rappers will also be performing at this year’s Bonnaroo festival.

No Doubtamore dates … As promised, No Doubt will be headlining a summer reunion tour, releasing dates that begin May 3 at the Bamboozle Festival and ending August 1 in their native area of Southern California (Irvine). Other acts supporting them throughout the tour include Paramore, Janelle Monae, Bedouin Soundclash, and the Sounds. While fan club pre-sales begin today, tickets will be available to the public on March 7 through Live Nation.

Nappy Boy cancels gig (gulp) … Everyone’s favorite Autotune/Vocoder user, T-Pain, has canceled a South American show due to what his promoter says are “credible death and kidnapping threats.” The performance, which was part of a festival celebrating Guyana’s independence from Great Britain, was called when the singer received unidentified phone and e-mail messages. The threats are currently being investigated by the local authorities of Guyana.

Music News You Can Use: Pop Tarts and Humiliating Music Hilarity

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

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Doubt no longer … After weeks of rumors and hints, Gwen Stefani and the dudes from No Doubt have officially announced that they are reuniting with a summer tour, with Paramore as their “Special Guests,” if they can call them that. While most fans think of the pop-punkers as noobs to the scene, some No Doubt diehards aren’t afraid to say that the kids will probably garner more sales than Gwen and company. Tickets to be on sale soon.

I’ll give you something ridiculous to ponder over … Katy Perry and celibacy? Well, at least that what she says. After a surprisingly short-lived relationship with Gym Class Heroes’ frontman Travis McCoy, the pseudo girl-kisser says that the only lip-locking this year will be with her cat, Kitty Purry (clever one). When MTV asked about her breakup with Travie, she took the opportunity to talk about her tour instead. Looks like homeboy got the short end of the stick this time around.

50 beefs it up … 50 Cent is giving Weezy and West a verbal run for their money, hitting them with disses on interviews and live performances. While promoting his new album Before I Self Destruct, 50 called into a radio station, dissing Lil’ Wayne as a “junkie” and calling Kanye’s latest an “R&B album.” Cough, publicity feud, cough.

Let’s talk about a real rapper … Actor Joaquin Phoenix is “embarking on a new path as a rapper,” as part of a documentary whipped up by Casey Affleck. The film will be focused on Phoenix’s new career, along with another actor and friend who, too, have decided to drop their day jobs for a more…street credible one? The album, according to Billboard, will be produced by Sean Combs.

No, really, where’s the real music? … In other, more substantial music news, Metallica, Run-DMC, and Jeff Beck are a few musicians who will be inducted into the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other notable artists include Fifties R&B vocal group Little Anthony and Sixties soul singer Bobby Womack. Run-DMC will be performing at the April 4th ceremony for the first time since Jam Master Jay’s death seven years ago.

Music News You Can Use: I’m Thankful For…

Friday, November 28th, 2008

I’m thankful for a No Doubt reunion… The awesome ska-pop quartet released the good news via IM transcript on their Web site, as lead singer Gwen Stefani tells her bandmates to “pack up the babies” and “get a bunch of nannies” while on tour. Despite Stefani recently giving birth to her second child in August, the claim seems legit – they are headlining this year’s Bamboozle in New Jersey and have been working in the studio.

I’m thankful for iTunes gift cards… And it seems to show. Atlantic Records announced this week that their digital sales have surpassed physical sales of music (gasp, like we didn’t know this was going to happen). But despite the recent switcharoo, there are still doubts that the digital purchases will fully compensate for CDs. Maybe a digital music magazine sponsored by U2, Coldplay, and the Killers will help?

I’m thankful for more Obama news in music news… And you thought it was over? MTV plans to celebrate the Prez-Elect’s inauguration January 20, which will be taking place at the Ronald Reagan Center and International Trade Center. Though no names have been dropped, you can bet on “leading artists, celebrities, and government officials” to show up.

I’m thankful for good, free music… My favorite Bay Area Hip Hop duo Zion I has released a hot mixtape that features artists like Del the Funky Homosapien, Talib Kweli, the Grouch, and more. Mixes with MGMT and Muse are also included. Don’t sleep on this one, go get it!

I’m thankful to see they’re thankful…. Check here to see what you’re favorite artists and celebs are thankful for, and check here for a quick list of “thankful” songs.