Search Results for: GOLD

Tower Records Argentina is refusing to sell albums by Epic artist Shakira, in protest of the appearance of her boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, in her latest video, “Underneath Your Clothes,” Billboard Bulletin reports. De la Rua is the son of former Argentine president Fernando de la Rua, who resigned in December in the midst of profound economic and political turmoil in the country. Antonio de la Rua was his father’s closest advisor; his inclusion in Shakira’s video has caused a stir in the local media. Tower Records marketing manager Maroa Ferrero says the decision to ban Shakira’s albums was… Read more »

Sony Music moved swiftly Tuesday to stamp out a swirl of speculation that it was maneuvering to acquire the remaining half of ATV Music Publishing – which includes more than 250 songs from the Beatles’ back-catalog – from waning superstar Michael Jackson. “We are not in discussions with Mr. Jackson over the sale of his share of the ATV catalog,” a Sony rep insisted. “These rumors are completely baseless.” But the insider chatter over a possible deal nevertheless put a spotlight on the Gloved One’s financial situation, which has reportedly deteriorated steadily amid declining record sales, legal expenses and superstar-level… Read more »

Silverchair has completed work on their eagerly anticipated label debut. The album – titled “DIORAMA” – is currently slated to be released in North America on July 9th. Their first new album in three years, “DIORAMA” is unquestionably Silverchair’s most multi-dimensional work to date. The Newcastle, Australia-based trio – singer/guitarist Daniel Johns, bassist Chris Joannou, and drummer Ben Gillies – recorded the collection in the fall of 2001 at Sydney’s Studio 301 with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson). “DIORAMA” features guest appearances from Midnight Oil guitarist Jim Moginie and Australian electronica producer Paul Mac. In addition, the… Read more »

British punk legends the Sex Pistols are to reissue their anarchic song “God Save the Queen” to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 50 years on the throne, their record company said Thursday. “(The record) is to be reissued around the Golden Jubilee celebrations on May 27,” Virgin Records said in a statement. “It will feature the original artwork.” The single’s anti-royal lyrics and cover image of the queen with a safety pin through her nose caused outrage on its first release in 1977. The song includes the verse: “God save the Queen/She ain’t no human being/There is no future/In England’s dreaming.” While… Read more »

Sting, Elton John, James Taylor and Ravi Shankar have been confirmed as the first round of performers for the tenth annual Carnegie Hall benefit for the Rainforest Foundation. The event is set for April 13th in New York City. Various special package tickets are already available: the Platinum Package offers First Tier Box seats for $50,000 ($46,000 of which can be deducted as a charitable donation), which includes a sixteen-seat block of seats, two backstage passes, a table at the post-show party and Rainforest Foundation membership. Gold Package seats include eight tickets, concert mementos, a table at the post-show party… Read more »

When they first came on the scene, Southern California quintet Phantom Planet were best, if incorrectly, known as the side project of Jonathan Schwartzman, the teen actor who played smug genius Max Fischer in 1998’s “Rushmore.” But Schwartzman formed Phantom Planet with his buddies in 1994, four years before the group released their debut, Phantom Planet Is Missing. So chronologically, Schwartzman has really been moonlighting as an actor for the past several years. Still, because of the band’s movie star drummer and the debut album’s penchant for juvenile lovelorn anthems, Phantom Planet were often given the same knee-jerk dismissal bestowed… Read more »

Universal South, the recently-formed joint venture between Tony Brown, Tim DuBois, and Universal Records, has appointed Bryan Switzer to SVP of Promotion. Based in Nashville, Switzer will develop and implement extensive radio promotional campaigns for such artists as Allison Moorer, Dean Miller, Bering Strait, and Holly Lamar. “We’re thrilled to have someone with Bryan’s experience, knowledge, and passion joining Universal South’s senior management team,” stated Brown. “He has a proven track record in working with and developing the careers of artists, and we are looking forward to his immediate contributions.” “When you combine Bryan’s extensive background in the record business… Read more »

Three weeks after winning a Golden Globe Award for his song “Until…,” Sting has learned that his song from the film Kate & Leopold is now also an Academy Award-nominated composition in the category of original song. In a statement, the singer-songwriter said he was “thrilled and delighted by this honor.” “I was sent this film to watch shortly after September 11th at a time when we all felt numb,” Sting says. “The movie was filled with love and optimism and inspired me to write a song that would be as romantic and positive as the film itself. I’m pleased… Read more »

3LW’s Kiely Williams has a big smile on her face as she sits in Manhattan’s Battery Studios listening to “I Think I Wanna Leave With You,” off the trio’s upcoming second LP, A Girl Can Mack. “I wanna leave with you/ Do you wanna leave with me?” she asks with her groupmates Adrienne Bailon and Naturi Naughton on the chorus. But the girls’ frankness as they sing about scooping up guys in the club isn’t why Kiely has a look of mischief on her grill. It’s her rhyme “I hang with big dogs/ So what’s a Lil’ Bow Wow?” “I’m… Read more »

Creed’s latest Wind-Up album, “Weathered,” has been certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for U.S. sales of 5 million copies. The set debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 after its release last November, and logged eight weeks on top of the chart. “Weathered” continues to show its staying power, and currently holds at No. 2 on the chart for a second week after being knocked back by Alan Jackson’s Arista Nashville set “Drive.” “Weathered” reached the five times platinum mark faster than any previous Creed release. It was a little more than nine… Read more »