Timbaland took the honours for the biggest selling singles artist of 2007 with combined sales of “The Way I Are”, “Apologize”, “Give It To Me” and “Ayo Technology” (which he had a writing credit on) exceeding 1 million units. So what better way to kick off 2008 than with another smash hit single from his double-platinum selling album ‘Shock Value’.

“Scream” is another killer R&B pop track from Timbaland that blends laid back beats with crunchy rock guitar riffs. The track features vocals from emerging artist Keri Hilson – a member of writing and production group The Clutch who have worked with artists including Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Ciara and Pussycat Doll – and solo artist Nicole Scherzinger.

Watch the making of Timbaland’s new “Scream” video with Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger:

The seductive track is matched by an equally steamy video complete with ladies clad in spandex and balaclavas plus fast cars and bank heists.

Timbaland has been nominated for Best International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards this year as well as five Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Best Dance Recording, Best Rap Song and Producer of the Year. He has had two UK #1 singles with “Give It To Me” and “The Way I Are”, three #1 TV airplay singles with “Give It To Me”, “The Way I Are” and “Apologise” and three top 10 national radio airplay singles.

There is no doubt that 2007 was a huge year for this immensely talented artist, producer and performer but it’s looking like 2008 could be even bigger.

Scream featuring Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger is set for UK release on Polydor Records on March 10th, 2008.

Timbaland Presents Shock Value on amazon.com

Shock Value on amazon.co.uk

Watch “Scream” video

Timbaland on Myspace

Timbaland Official Website

Having spent most of 2007 writing and recording in a converted East London synagogue, Guillemots return on March 24th, with possibly the first truly great British pop album of 2008. A masterclass in dynamic, exhilarating pop music, the eleven-song ‘Red’ adds a distinct edge to their Mercury-nominated sound and follows three must-see taster live shows in Manchester (March 9th, 2008), Oxford (March 10th) and London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire (March 11th).

Harder, fatter and more disciplined than their critically acclaimed, gold-selling debut LP ‘Through the Windowpane’, but equally ambitious, ‘Red’ sounds like nothing else. It’s darker and angrier, but also more beautiful, and the band’s knack for melody is matched this time round by an endless cavalcade of inspired beats, bass and loops.

Written by all four members of the band – Fyfe Dangerfield, Magrao, Aristazabal Hawkes and Greig Stewart, it was co-produced by the visionary four-piece alongside their longstanding engineer Adam Noble (George Michael, U2 and Paul McCartney).

From the jagged string stabs that unleash mutant disco-glam opener “Kriss Kross”, to the desolate late-night pulse of final track “Take Me Home”, it’s a tour-de-force that marries Guillemots’ natural melodic flair with a sense of dancefloor abandonment, not heard since Prince’s ’80s wild pop adventures. Other stand out tracks include the sleazy R’n'B raunch of “Big Dog”, the gorgeous perfection of “Falling Out Of Reach”, cyber-electro club-classic-in-waiting “Last Kiss” (featuring Arista and Magrao on vocals), the haunting simplicity of “Words” and the tribal electro stomp of first single “Get Over It”, released March 17th, 2008 on Polydor.

“We didn’t want to make Through The Windowpane 2,” says lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield. “That was a softer record. This time around we just wanted to make a bunch of pop songs that punched, instantly.”

“To make pop songs that demand your attention, that make you stop in your tracks when they come on the radio, that’s our ultimate ambition.” One play of ‘Red’ suggests that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Guillemots on amazon.co.uk

Guillemots on Myspace
Guillemots Official Website

Related: Exclusive interview with Guillemots drummer Greig Stewart!

Morrissey has announced the track listing for the forthcoming ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation to be released on CD and double vinyl on Polydor/Decca on 11th February, 2008.

The collection spans Morrissey’s stellar 20-year career as a true original, and one of the UK’s greatest musical talents. Every song on ‘Greatest Hits’ is a UK Top 20 single. Nine of these are Top 10 hits. Two new songs are included – forthcoming single “That’s How People Grow Up” and “All You Need Is Me” – recorded with Jerry Finn, producer of 2004’s widely acclaimed No. 2 album ‘You Are The Quarry’.

Morrissey is currently working with Finn on his new studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s No. 1 ‘Ringleader Of The Tormentors’. The new LP is scheduled for an Autumn ‘08 release.

A special, limited edition run of CDs will feature a ‘Live At The Hollywood Bowl’ bonus CD, featuring eight tracks recorded live in California on June 8th 2007.

Morrissey – ‘Greatest Hits’ track listing:

1. First Of The Gang To Die (from You Are The Quarry – UK No. 6)
2. In The Future When All’s Well (from Ringleader of the Tormentors – UK No .17)
3. I Just Want To See The Boy Happy (from Ringleader Of The Tormentors – UK No. 16)
4. Irish Blood, English Heart (from You Are The Quarry – UK No. 3)
5. You Have Killed Me (from Ringleader Of The Tormentors – UK No. 3)
6. That’s How People Grow Up (new)
7. Everyday Is Like Sunday (from Viva Hate – UK No. 9)
8. Redondo Beach (from Live From Earls Court – UK No. 11)
9. Suedehead (from Viva Hate – UK No. 5)
10. The Youngest Was The Most Loved (from Ringleader of the Tormentors – UK no. 14)
11. The Last Of The Famous International Playboys (from Bona Drag – UK no. 6)
12. The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get – from Vauxhall & I – UK no. 8
13. All You Need Is Me (new)
14. Let Me Kiss You – from You Are The Quarry – UK no. 8
15. I Have Forgiven Jesus (from You Are The Quarry – UK no. 10)

‘Live At The Hollywood Bowl’ bonus CD track listing:

1. The Last of the Famous International Playboys
2. The National Front Disco
3. Let Me Kiss You
4. Irish Blood, English Heart
5. I Will See You in Far-off Places
6. First of the Gang to Die
7. I Just Want to See the Boy Happy
8. Life is a Pigsty

“That’s How People Grow Up” UK single release set for 4th February, 2008.

Morrissey – Greatest Hits on amazon.co.uk

Morrissey on Myspace
Morrissey Official Website

Swedish rockers The Hives will release the infectious, funky anthem that is “We Rule The World (T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S)” as a single on 25th February, 2008 (Polydor).

Recorded with hop-hop producer Pharrell Williams in Miami for ‘The Black and White Album’ it is an electrifying collaboration, a meeting of great minds and big ideas, taking The Hives into new sonic terrain.

The single will be released digitally and as a Limited 10″ Vinyl backed with exclusive remixes: Matt Helder from Arctic Monkeys shakes up “We Rule The World (T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S)” while Nick Zinner from Yeah Yeah Yeahs gets his magic fingers on previous single “Tick Tick Boom” with his Post Colonization Mix.

Competition:

The Hives are inviting submissions for the sleeve artwork for the new single from their fanbase. Anyone can enter the competition and the winning design will adorn the 10″ single sleeve and accompany the digital release when it hits stores in February 2008.

Competition details:
Entries must be submitted by 21st January 2008
Keep it (mostly) Black and White!
Submissions should work to a square format, be delivered at 300DPI, to: thehivescoverart@googlemail.com

For more information about the competition and for inspiration go to:

The Hives on Myspace
The Hives Official Website

One of two new songs to be included on the Greatest Hits collection, “That’s How People Grow Up” was recorded in Houston, Texas with Jerry Finn, producer of 2004’s widely acclaimed No. 2 album ‘You Are The Quarry’. Morrissey is currently working with Finn on his new studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s No. 1 ‘Ringleader Of The Tormentors’. The new LP is scheduled for an Autumn 2008 release.

“That’s How People Grow Up” will be made available on CD and two 7″ vinyls, backed with live versions of “The Last Of The Famous International Playboys” (Morrissey’s 3rd single), “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side” (by The Smiths) and “Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself” all recorded on the recent North American tour. A live version of “That’s How People Grow Up” will be available as a digital exclusive.

Morrissey tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Morrissey’s Official Website for the latest tour dates.
SOLD OUT SHOWS – check listings for the latest information.
21st January 2008 London, Roundhouse
22nd January 2008 London, Roundhouse
23rd January 2008 London, Roundhouse
25th January 2008 London, Roundhouse
26th January 2008 London, Roundhouse
27th January 2008 London, Roundhouse
30th January 2008 Doncaster, Dome
1st February 2008 Sunderland, Empire
2nd February 2008 Edinburgh Playhouse

CD Single backed with “The Last Of The Famous International Playboys” (Recorded Live At The Orpheum Theater, Omaha, Nebraska, 11th May, 2007)

7″ single number 1 backed with “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side” (Recorded Live At Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City, 27th October, 2007)

7″ single number 2 backed with “Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself” (Recorded Live At Thanksgiving Point, Salt Lake City, UT 15th October, 2007)

Greatest Hits set for release on 11th February 2008 on Polydor/Decca

“That’s How People Grow Up” set for release on 4th February 2008

New studio album scheduled for Autumn 2008

Morrissey Website
Morrissey on Myspace – Official