Rhythms Del Mundo – ‘Cuba’ and ‘Classics’ Tops The Million Sales Mark

RDM featuring The Killers’ version of Hotel California available on iTunes

APE allocates $50,000 to be sent directly to organisations working in devastated areas of Global South

Artists Project Earth are pleased to announce that the combined sales of their two albums, ‘Rhythms Del Mundo – Cuba’ and ‘Rhythms Del Mundo – Classics’ have now topped the one million unit sales mark.

“This is brilliant news,” says APE founder, Kenny Young. “These albums have topped the charts in many countries and continue to sell really well. Artists Project Earth would like to thank the great artists and musicians who have so generously supported our cause, and all those people who have bought the albums. Now we are working hard to ensure that in turn, we support some of the best projects in the world, that are working to fight dangerous climate change.”

To celebrate the success of the albums, APE will be launching a hot new radio-mix of RDM ft. The Killers’ version of “Hotel California” – available on i-Tunes and through selected outlets.

APE will be promoting the new RDM Classics album and the work of the charity leading up to and during the United Nations COP15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Herbert Girardet, Trustee of APE and climate change expert says, “When concerned individuals work together in creative ways, great things can happen. The simple act of downloading a track of wonderful music or buying the RDM CDs really can make the world of difference to those people suffering on the frontline of climate change.”

In light of the natural disasters that have occurred recently in the global South, APE has allocated $50,000 which will be sent directly to organisations working on the ground in these devastated areas.

APE founder Kenny Young explains, “Artists Project Earth was started in response to The Tsunami in ‘04, and has a founding-principle to support those suffering in the aftermath of natural disasters. We will be sending these funds via small NGOs that are working effectively towards rebuilding the needs of local communities. Thanks to all those who have bought the album – your money is being well spent.”

Buy Music:

Rhythms Del Mundo on amazon.com

Rhythms Del Mundo on amazon.co.uk

For more information, go to:

Rhythms Del Mundo MySpace
Rhythms Del Mundo Official Website

Artists Project Earth Official Website

Soundtrack Album In Stores 10.20.09

The Resistance may have just hit the stores, but British arena-rockers Muse are ready to release new material.

The only returning artists from last year’s Twilight Soundtrack, the band is back with a new remix for the soundtrack to the latest installment in Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight saga, Twilight: New Moon.

Indie rock outfit Sea Wolf, whose sophomore album ‘White Water, White Bloom’ contributes the previously unreleased “The Violet Hour”.

The soundtrack, out October 20, 2009 via Atlantic/Chop Shop Records, also features Death Cab For Cutie, Thom Yorke, and The Killers.

Likely to be a box office smash, the film has a soundtrack that is sure to please any vampire-loving music fan.

Buy Music, DVDs, more:

Twilight on amazon.com

Twilight on amazon.co.uk

Twilight Saga: New Moon Original Motion Picture Soundtrack tracklisting:

1. Death Cab for Cutie – Meet Me On the Equinox
2. Band of Skulls – Friends
3. Thom Yorke – Hearing Damage
4. Lykke Li – Possibility
5. The Killers – A White Demon Love Song
6. Anya Marina – Satellite Heart
7. Muse- I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)
8. Bon Iver & St. Vincent – Rosyln
9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Done All Wrong
10. Hurricane Bells – Monsters
11. Sea Wolf – The Violet Hour
12. OK GO – Shooting the Moon
13. Grizzly Bear – Slow Life
14. Editors – No Sound But the Wind
15. Alexandre Desplat – New Moon (The Meadow)

Sea Wolf
Sea Wolf MySpace

Muse MySpace
Muse Official Website

Download and in shops 19th October 2009 on Island Records

Award-winning charity War Child has teamed up with Island Records and the very best in young urban talent to release an epic new single in support of children ravaged by war around the world.

The cream of Britain’s young urban artists, known collectively as Young Soul Rebels came together on July 6th to record “I Got Soul”, a new, re-written version of the stirring Killers track “All These Things That I’ve Done,” at Metropolis Studios in London.

Watch “I Got Soul” video:

Featured artists include:

N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, Pixie Lott, Frankmusik, Chipmunk, V.V. Brown, Ironik, Bashy, Mpho, McLean, Kid British, Egypt, Domino Go, London Community Gospel Choir

“I Got Soul” has been produced under the expert stewardship of Fraser T Smith, who has already achieved phenomenal success with two number one records for Tinchy Stryer and hits for James Morrison this year.

The track, based around the hook line “I Got Soul, But I’m Not A Soldier,” will undoubtedly become an anthem this autumn, and will throw the spotlight on the vital work War Child does with ex-child soldiers and those who suffer from the tragic effects of war around the world.

A defining moment for the UK’s music scene, which is currently ablaze with world class talent, the song is the perfect way to educate British youth on the plight of thousands of children across the globe. UK urban and soul music has never been bigger; the artists here have featured on five number one singles already this year.

The artists involved are all honoured to be a part of such a prestigious, event record;

Tinchy Stryder says: “As soon as I was asked to be involved with War Child I immediately said yes as I believe forcing children to fight in wars with no choice is completely wrong. I really hope the single is a huge success and it raises lots of money and awareness for the charity.”

Dappy of N-Dubz says: “We’ve been fans of War Child’s work for a long time and we’re so pleased to be involved in their first ever single. It’s such a crime that kids are being forced to fight for causes they are too young to understand. It blows our minds that by lending our voices to a track we can help make the lives of some of these children better.”

Frankmusik says: “Warchild is a voice for those who didn’t know they needed one”

To help spread the word, slogan bearing T-Shirts for the single release have been designed by über cool fashion designer Henry Holland, famed for his alternative fashion and work with supermodel Agyness Deyn. The T-Shirts will go on sale in Autumn at top fashion retailers.

The Young Soul Rebels project was ignited just hours after the close of the Brit Awards in February, at the War Child after-party. The biggest pop acts in the world; Coldplay, U2 and Take That joined The Killers on stage for a celebratory chorus, chanting ‘I got soul, but I’m not a solider’ to an audience of just 2,000. The next day, Bono told Radio One: “That chant, ‘I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier’, has a whole new meaning when there is a War Child banner behind your head…”

Ben Knowles, Music Director of War Child says: “This brilliant track is an incredible coming together of the UK’s brightest, best young soul and urban music talent in 2009. A snapshot of the most dynamic youth music scene for years, assembled to do something for young people in war zones around the world. There are more than 300,000 children currently actively deployed in conflicts, 40% are girls. It’s an outrage but it’s an issue that seldom gets reported. This track can make a huge difference. War Child is indebted to all of the amazing acts and our brilliant producer Fraser, and The Killers for allowing us to rework their track.”

War Child is an international children’s charity working in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It has an already impressive and proud history of brilliant projects in music. The amazing support of artists including U2, Paul McCartney, Oasis, David Bowie and the Killers, has enabled War Child to carry out its vital work in the world’s most brutal war zones. 300,000 children are currently involved in wars around the world as soldiers, cooks, porters, spies and sex slaves. War Child and its music projects work to do something about this.

Buy Music:

War Child on amazon.co.uk

I Got Soul Official Website

War Child UK
War Child UK on Twitter

Fans to get an early earful of new songs during six Killer North American Dates

New album, ‘Cosmic Egg’, coming October 13th

Wolfmother is back with sharpened chops, and the band will preview new material on the road this summer, including a run of shows with The Killers.

The Sydney, Australia, rockers have joined on as the main support for six shows in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada, where they’ll unveil the songs they’ve spent months recording in L.A.

Buy Music:

Wolfmother on amazon.com

Wolfmother on amazon.co.uk

Tickets are now on sale for the following dates

August/September 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Mon-Aug-31 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
Tue-Sep-01 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach
Wed-Sep-02 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Fri-Sep-04 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
Sat-Sep-05 Montreal, QC Quai Jacques Cartier
Sun-Sep-06 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheater

Fans in L.A. can experience the whole album set to mind-blowing visuals on July 27th at the Laserium Cyber Theater at the historic Vine Theater in Hollywood. Wolfmother also plays August 22nd at KROQ’s Epicenter ‘09 festival at the Fairplex at Pomona in California.

The Grammy-winning four-piece recently dropped teaser track “Back Round” on iTunes, MySpace.com/wolfmother and wolfmother.com. And the foot-stomping, fuzz-drenched song will soon challenge players of Activision’s Guitar Hero 5.

Wolfmother is also opening for AC/DC on its “Black Ice Tour,” beginning in February 2010.

The down-under tour, featuring two groups of Sydney’s finest sons, sold out faster than any in the Australia’s history.

Led by hirsute shredder Andrew Stockdale, the band cooked ‘Cosmic Egg’ for three years, taking time to lock in a permanent lineup and build on the self-titled album that gave the world the insta-classic track “Woman.”

They recorded over the course of two months with heralded UK producer Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers, My Bloody Valentine). His sweeping and storied career as an iconic record-maker coupled with Wolfmother’s immortal song craft add up to nothing short of a rip in the time-space continuum. But each one of these face-melting tunes was written to be played live and loud.

Wolfmother plans to headline a U.S. tour after the album’s release later this year.

MySpace
Wolfmother Official Website
Wolfmother on Twitter

To celebrate their 50th Anniversary, Island Records is teaming up with Band Weblogs to give you a chance to win a pair of tickets to the annual Lollapalooza festival, 2009 in Grant Park, Chicago and a $100 gas card to help get you there!

Enter to win tickets: Lollapalooza Giveaway!

If a weekend full of live music with mega-stars The Killers, Beasties Boys and Tool (to name a few) wasn’t quite enough then you’re in luck because Island Records is also hooking up the Grand Prize winner with the entire Killers’ catalog, as well as albums from Noisettes, Airborne Toxic Event, and Ida Maria.

The prizing isn’t over yet… Island Records is also giving away custom Zippo lighters and music download cards with the top 50 Island songs from the past 50 years to 25 runners up!

Don’t pass up your chance to get in on the action!

Lollapalooza festival – August 7 – 9, 2009

For more information on the festival lineup and stage locations visit the Official Lollapalooza Website.

Island Records Official Website

To sign-up, for contest rules and terms, go to:

Lollapalooza Giveaway!

Pixie Lott, N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder and Frankmusik head up an astounding line up for new War Child single

Award-winning charity War Child has teamed up with the very best in young urban talent to release an epic new single in support of children ravaged by war around the world.

A plethora of the hottest young British urban acts have formed the Young Soul Rebels. As an urban soul super-group, they recorded “I Got Soul”, a new, re-written version of the stirring Killers track “All These Things I Have Done,” on Monday July 6th in London.

Watch War Child “I Got Soul” video teaser:

Artists reported to have attended the recording include (+ more):

Pixie Lott
N-Dubz
Tinchy Stryder
Frankmusik
V.V. Brown
Kid British
Chipmunk
Mpho
McLean
Ironik
Domino Go
Bashy
Egypt

The track, based around the hook line ‘I Got Soul, But I’m Not A Soldier,’ will undoubtedly become an anthem among the young this summer, and will throw the spotlight on the vital work War Child does with ex-child soldiers and those who suffer from the tragic effects of war around the world.

Without doubt a defining moment for the UK’s music scene, which is currently ablaze with world class talent, the song is the perfect way to educate British youth on the plight of thousands of children across the globe. UK urban and soul music has never been bigger; the artists involved here have featured on four number one singles already this year.

“I Got Soul,” to be released in August 2009, will be produced under the expert stewardship of Fraser T Smith (who has already achieved phenomenal success with Tinchy Stryer and James Morrison this year.)

To help spread the word, slogan bearing T-Shirts for the single release have been designed by über cool fashion designer Henry Holland, famed for his alternative fashion and work with supermodel Agyness Deyn. Radio One/1Xtra’s Ras Kwame was also on hand at the recording, Twittering the latest from the studio.

The Young Soul Rebels project was ignited just hours after the close of the Brit Awards in February, at the War Child after-party. The biggest pop acts in the world; Coldplay, U2 and Take That joined The Killers on stage for a celebratory chorus, chanting ‘I got soul, but I’m not a solider’ to an audience of just 2,000.The next day, Bono told Radio One: “That chant, ‘I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier’, has a whole new meaning when there is a War Child banner behind your head…”

War Child is an international children’s charity working in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It has an already impressive and proud history of brilliant projects in music. The amazing support of artists including U2, Paul McCartney, Oasis, David Bowie and the Killers, has enabled War Child to carry out its vital work in the world’s most brutal war zones. 300,000 children are currently involved in wars around the world as soldiers, cooks, porters, spies and sex slaves. War Child and its music projects work to do something about this.

As Sir Paul McCartney comments:

“Imagine an army – if you can call it that – made up mostly of kids aged 13 or even younger. They face atrocities so bad that you can just about comprehend them but your brain cannot cope with them emotionally. This is happening all over the world right now. War Child help rescue children from fighting in these brutal wars. Rescuing a lot of these kids and reuniting them with their parents. Basically, they try to give these kids a chance of having a childhood like you and I are familiar with.”

I Got Soul Official Website

Partner:
London’s recording session is supported by DJ Hero

War Child UK
War Child UK on Twitter

A reunited Faith No More will headline this year’s Hove Festival in Norway.

It is eleven years since the band initially split up, and Hove is one of the few hand-picked festivals in Europe which can add the band to their line-up. The legendary rock band will headline on Thursday the 25th June, 2009. So far Hove is the bands’ only confirmed gig in Scandinavia.

Watch Faith No More “Stripsearch” video from ‘Album of the Year’:

Faith No More on amazon.com

Faith No More on amazon.co.uk

“Their headline performance at Pheonix in 1993 is still ringing in my ears. This is a hell of a coup for Hove! Faith No More’s music remains relevant today and their influence over today’s younger bands is huge.” commented Melvin Benn, who in addition to Norway’s Hove Festival is one of the main organisers for Glastonbury, Latitude, Reading and Leeds.

Situated on an island close to the southern city of Arendal, the Hove Festival site is surrounded by deep woods and a mirror-like ocean. This is the most natural location for a festival that prides itself in being the first carbon neutral festival in Scandinavia.

The line up so far includes among others: The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Slipknot, The Ting Tings, Q-Tip, Fleet Foxes, Crookers, Disturbed, Metronomy, Eagles of Death Metal and many more.

Hove 2009 will take place between the 22nd and 25th of June. For tickets and more info about the festival, see www.hovefestival.com:

Hove Festival Official Website

Faith No More

Introducing Operahouse, one of the finest bright lights on the UK indie scene.

Having already caused a storm in ‘08 with their sensational live shows and the storming ‘Change In Nature’ EP, it looks like 2009 is going to be massive for them!

Watch “Genius Child” video:

Operahouse on amazon.co.uk

Operahouse on amazon.com

Under the wing of Marrakech Records, a label set up by the people who discovered The Killers, they are set to release a new single, “Genius Child”, on 30th March 2009.

The album, ‘Escape From The Sun’, is released 6th April.

‘With an addictively wobbly synth line in the chorus and the best bit of glockenspiel since Radiohead’s No Surprises, Change In Nature somehow manages to jam far too many bars into every verse but pulls it off with aplomb’. – Q

‘Several shades darker, this is moody insightfull rock’ – The Sun 4/5

Operahouse Official Website

Operahouse MySpace

Mute Records is proud to announce that M83 will be performing “Kim and Jessie,” on Late Night With Conan O’Brien January 27, 2009. This performance marks another giant leap forward in what has been an exciting 10 months for the Antibes, France-based Anthony Gonzalez.

Watch “Kim and Jessie” video:

M83 on amazon.com

M83 on amazon.co.uk

In addition to playing Madison Square Garden with The Killers on January 25th, M83 will play a solo show in New York at Irving Plaza on January 24th. This will be a rare and exclusive event with M83 playing an opening set of ambient music followed by the intense set M83 has been rocking in support of ‘Saturdays=Youth’. Full tour schedule below.

Released in April 2008, M83’s fifth album, ‘Saturdays = Youth’, has taken them to new heights, performing well at radio, receiving accolades from all corners of the media and selling more than the band has ever sold before. The year culminated in a sold-out fall tour, and 2009 promises to pick up where the band left off in December. “Kim and Jesse” is the album’s new single.

‘Saturdays = Youth’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top New Artist Heatseekers Chart, went to #1 on the CMJ Top 200, is the #1 record of 2008 at Urban Outfitters and received an NPR nomination for Album of the Year. The record also met with additional critical praise including an 8.5/10 review ranking from Pitchfork, and an 8/10 review ranking from Wired. It closed 2008 with multiple top album and top track nominations.

The video for “Kim and Jesse” ranked in the top-20 at MTV2 Subterranean/Paste Magazine’s Top 25 Videos of 2008.

Mute is currently holding a video contest for the album’s upcoming single “We Own The Sky.” Entries must be submitted by January 20th, 2009. The winner will have their video debuted on Pitchfork TV. To submit an entry visit: http://www.youtube.com/group/m83

M83 2009 Tour Dates supporting The Killers:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

January 2009

17 Denver, CO Magness Arena – Ritchie Center
18 Omaha, NE The Slowdown (solo show)
19 Minneapolis, MN Northrop Auditorium
20 Chicago, IL UIC Pavilion
22 Detroit, MI EMU Convocation Center
23 Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre
24 New York, NY Irving Plaza (solo show)
25 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
26 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
28 Washington, DC George Mason University Patriot Center
29 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
30 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Civic Center
31 Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry House

February 2009

2 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
3 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
4 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre

M83 Official Website
M83 MySpace

Following a sold-out US tour throughout North America that continued through the end of November, Mute Records and M83 are proud to announce that the band is confirmed to open for The Killers during their arena tour in January and February 2009.

M83 on amazon.com

M83 amazon.co.uk

The tour is still in support of M83’s fifth album ‘Saturdays = Youth’ released April 2008 on Mute. ‘Saturdays = Youth’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top New Artist Heatseekers Chart, went to #1 on the CMJ Top 200, and is the #1 record of 2008 at Urban Outfitters.

In December, M83 will be opening for the Kings of Leon during their entire UK arena tour. The videos for the singles, “Graveyard Girl,” and “Kim and Jessie,” were nominated for MTV2’s “Video of the Year” award.

The record also met with widespread critical acclaim including an 8.5/10 review ranking from Pitchfork, an 8/10 review ranking from Wired, and a Remix magazine cover story. Rolling Stone hailed that ‘Saturdays = Youth’ is full of “70mm songs for John Hughes movies yet to be filmed,” while Black Book said the album evokes “the spiritual atmospherics of Sigur Ros and My Bloody Valentine’s epic shoegaze sprawl…the results stun in glorious slow motion.” NPR nominated the record for its “Album of the Year” award.

The M83 live setup includes Gonzalez on vocals, guitars and keyboards, Loic Maurin on Drums, Pierre-Marie Maulini on bass and guitar and featured album vocalist Morgan Kibby (of LA-based band The Romanovs) on vocals and keyboards.

M83 tour dates in support of The Killers are below:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

January 2009

17 Denver, CO Magness Arena – Ritchie Center
19 Minneapolis, MN Northrop Auditorium
20 Chicago, IL UIC Pavilion
22 Detroit, MI EMU Convocation Center
23 Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre
25 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
26 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
28 Washington, DC George Mason University Patriot Center
29 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
30 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Civic Center
31 Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry House

February 2009

2 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
3 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
4 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre

M83 Official Website
M83 MySpace

With the first two albums selling over 350k copies between them, UMTV have put together another brilliant album of the best songs of the year – ‘Essential Songs 2008′, set for release in the UK on 3rd December 2007.

Now that the end of the year is in sight, it’s time to sit back and reminisce about the good times of 2007 and get ready to see in the New Year. What better way to do this than by listening to the biggest essential songs of the year?

The track list reads like a who’s who of pop royalty. From the shiny new, to the classic greats. Starting with the come back kings Take That and their massive new hit “Rule The World” (from the hit movie Stardust), moving onto the collaboration between modern day diva Amy Winehouse and superstar producer Mark Ronson with the track “Valerie”. With new blood from the Coronation Street heartthrob Richard Fleeshman, and classics from legends Oasis, The Cranberries and Paul Weller, CD 1 really does have something for everyone.

The second CD opens with the exclusive of pop prince Mika’s new track “Happy Ending” and carries on with an eclectic mix of songs from artists old and new, with girl power being added by Feist and her catchy “1234″ and Mutya Buena with “Real Girl”.

If that isn’t enough to entice you, ‘Essential Songs – 2008′ also includes tracks from some of the finest artists in the world including The Killers, Nelly Furtado, Embrace and Pop royalty Elton John.

Track List – Provisional:

CD1

Take That – Rule The World
Amy Winehouse – Valerie
Kate Nash – Foundations
Maroon 5 – Makes Me Wonder
Nelly Furtado – Say It Right
James Morrison – The Pieces Don’t Fit Any More
Richard Fleeshman – Coming Down
New Radicals – You Get What You Give
Hoobastank – The Reason
Razorlight – Somewhere Else
The Feeling – Sewn
Train – Drops Of Jupiter
Paul Weller – Changingman
Lighthouse Family – High
Cast – Walk Away
Cardigans – Erase/Rewind
Jamie Scott & The Town – When Will I See Your Face Again
Ocean Colour Scene – The Day We Caught The Train
Stereophonics – Dakota
Oasis – Stand By Me

CD2

Mika – Happy Ending
Keane – Somewhere Only We Know
Timbaland – Apologize
Paolo Nutini – New Shoes
Amy McDonald – Mr Rock & Roll
Mutya Buena – Real Girl
The Twang – Either Way
Travis – Sing
Feeder – Just The Way I’m Feeling
The Killers – Somebody Told Me
Embrace – Ashes
Gabrielle Feat. Paul Weller – Why
Nick Drake – Northern Sky
Cure – Just Heaven
Ian Brown – FEAR
Cranberries – Dreams
Dodgy – Good Enough
James – Sit Down
Aztec Camera – Somewhere In My Heart
Shed 7 – Chasing Rainbows
Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Essential Songs 2008 on amazon.co.uk

The Killers’ latest single release, “Tranquilize” features Lou Reed on guitar and he’s provided his gravelly, speak-sing vocals to the track.

“Tranquilize” is off of ‘Sawdust’, a compilation of B-sides, rarities and remixes by the Las Vegas band. The collection is set for release on November 12, 2007 on CD in the UK (Nov. 13th in the US).

The video for “Tranquilize” was directed by Anthony Mandler (“When We Were Young”). The clip features Lou Reed, his face in the shadows alongside The Killers’ Brandon Flowers. It’s a dark, almost haunting video that complements the song’s raw lyrics and lurid, emotional melodies.

Watch The Killers and Lou Reed video for “Tranquilize”:

We also have a little behind the scenes action for you as well, with Matt Pinfield interviewing Lou Reed and Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers about the collaboration:

Watch the video interview here

“Tranquilize” single is available for download on iTunes and there’s a limited edition etched “Tranquilize” vinyl 7″.

Lou Reed Official Website

The Killers Official UK Website
The Killers on Myspace

Paul Anka is one of this century’s most successful entertainers and songwriters, with awards and accomplishments that are unsurpassed. 2007 marks the icon’s 50th anniversary in music; to commemorate the occasion he has recorded one of his most heartfelt and personal albums to date, ‘Classic Songs, My Way’, which is set for release on October 15, 2007 in the UK through Universal Music TV. The album is a collection of Anka’s hand-picked favourite songs, covering the gamut of his own greatest hits, to elite singer-songwriters, ballads, pop and adult contemporary classics.

Arranged for big band in the vein of his last critically acclaimed release, ‘Rock Swings’, the new album showcases Anka’s unmistakable vocals, and his uncanny ability to make any song his own with style and panache. Teaming with special guests including Michael Buble, the record boasts musical offerings for longtime fans and new devotees alike. Listeners will enjoy a new, special duet version of the classic, “My Way,” arguably one of Paul Anka’s most beloved songs famous the world over. Anka was actually instrumental in discovering fellow Canadian Michael Buble, who was ecstatic to join the legendary singer on their rendition of “(You Are My) Destiny,” also pairing the two crooners together for the first time on disc.

Other memorable moments on ‘Classic Songs, My Way’ include his version of the Joni Mitchell treasure, “Both Sides Now,” “I Go To Extremes,” a Billy Joel original, the Cyndi Lauper staple, “Time After Time,” and remarkable renditions of The Killers “Mr. Brightside” and Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day.”

Paul Anka has a staggering 900 songs to his credit and over one hundred recorded by other artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Robbie Williams among others. His US Billboard chart statistics include three #1 songs: “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and “You’re Having My Baby,” as well as twenty-two Top 20 hits. Having been nominated for an Academy Award for “The Longest Day,” Paul Anka is also recognized for penning signature songs for Buddy Holly – “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore”, Tom Jones – “She’s a Lady”, Donny Osmond – “Puppy Love” and the aforementioned “My Way” for Frank Sinatra, as well as the legendary US nightly chat show, The Tonight Show. He performed at the Tower Of London Music Festival on 11 July, 2007.

For more information on Paul Anka and ‘Classic Songs, My Way’, please go to Paul Anka Official Website.

There are quite a few bands included in the V Festival lineup that have been making the rounds during the 2007 UK festival circuit like The Killers, Kasabian, Snow Patrol, The Fratellis, Babyshambles and The Kooks. Even with all of their appearances, though, the festivals keep selling out. It’s good to see that live music is still selling tickets during these days of low CD sales.

Iggy and The Stooges are even going to be there – which should be one to watch after what happened at Glastonbury. I wonder if people will be invited on the stage for some chaos at the V Festival?

As always, it’s great to see Guillemots included on the lineup. They’re scheduled to play on the Channel 4 stage and The Coral – one of my new “bands to watch” is also playing on that stage but on opposite days. Foo Fighters I’m sure will put on a great show. Jet would be a cool band to see and Primal Scream and Happy Mondays fans will be treated as well.

Interesting to see Sinead O’Connor sandwiched in between Dizzee Rascal and Beverley Knight.

Following is the UK V Festival 2007 lineup:

Lineup and bands could change! Go to the Official V Festival Website for the latest news and information.

V Stage

Saturday Weston Park
Sunday Hylands Park

The Killers
Kasabian
James
The Fratellis
KT Tunstall
James Morrison
The Goo Goo Dolls
Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Saturday Hylands Park
Sunday Weston Park

Foo Fighters
Snow Patrol
Pink
Kanye West
Paolo Nutini
Editors
The Proclaimers
Just Jack

——

Channel 4 Stage

Saturday Weston Park
Sunday Hylands Park

The Kooks
Manic Street Preachers
Lily Allen
Mika
Guillemots
The Cribs
Mark Ronson
Captain
The Hours

Saturday Hylands Park
Sunday Weston Park

Basement Jaxx
Amy Winehouse
The Coral
Babyshambles
Jet
The Fray
Juliette and The Licks
The Thrills

——–

JJB / Puma Arena

Saturday Weston Park
Sunday Hylands Park

Damien Rice
Corinne Bailey Rae
Iggy and the Stooges
Lemar
Willy Mason
Rilo Kiley
McFLY
Sophie Ellis Bextor
Mutya Buena
Seth Lakeman

Saturday Hylands Park
Sunday Weston Park

Primal Scream
Happy Mondays
Jarvis Cocker
Ocean Colour Scene
Dizzee Rascal
Sinead O’Connor
Beverley Knight
Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers
Jesse Malin
Chungking

——

Virgin Mobile Union

Saturday Weston Park
Sunday Hylands Park

Graham Coxon
The Bravery
Stephen Fretwell
Bedouine Soundclash
Air Traffic
The Rumble Strips
Remi Nicole
Cherry Ghost
Tiny Dancers
UnkleJam
Passenger
Dodgems

Saturday Hylands Park
Sunday Weston Park

Bright Eyes
Boy Kill Boy
Plan B
The Holloways
Mr. Hudson and The Library
Mumm-Ra
Switches
The Wombats
Ghosts
Hoosiers
Pop Levi
Rebbeca

For more information go to the UK V Festival Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

The ultimate UK summer compilation CDs have been released this month, capturing the sounds that have been buzzing around UK radio stations over the last few weeks: NME Presents The Essential Bands – Festival Edition.

The NME Essential Bands – Festival Edition compilation includes two discs with bands that will be all over the UK festival circuit this summer. NME has chosen some of the hottest bands today for the compilation discs, which feature songs by Muse, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Snow Patrol, The Killers, Klaxons, Kasabian, Gossip, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, CSS and more.

“2007 is going to be a bumper year for festivals. There are more events than ever before, meaning every music fan will have the chance to catch some of their favourite bands in the great outdoors. I’m predicting one of the greatest summers on record, and this CD is the ultimate soundtrack to it.” – NME editor, Conor McNicholas

Disc One:

Kaiser Chiefs – Everything Is Average Nowadays
The Killers – Bones
Gossip – Standing In The Way Of Control
Razorlight – Before I Fall To Pieces
Kasabian – Shoot The Runner
Muse – Starlight
The Twang – Wide Awake
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Weapon Of Choice
Fall Out Boy – Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
Jet – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
The Rumble Strips – Alarm Clock
The Automatic - Raoul
The Rapture – Pieces Of The People We Love
CSS – Off The Hook
Noisettes - Scratch Your Name
1990s – See You At The Lights
The Maccabees – Precious Times
Pull Tiger Tail – Let’s Lightning
Cold War Kids – Hang Me Up To Dry
Jarvis Running The World

Disc Two:

The View – Same Jeans
Klaxons – Gravity’s Rainbow
Maximo Park – Our Velocity
Bloc Party – The Prayer
Low vs Diamond – Heart Attack
The Hours – Back When You Were Good
Keane – A Bad Dream
Thirteen Senses - All The Love In Your Hands
Patrick Wolf – The Magic Position
Little Man Tate – This Must Be Love
Gruff Rhys – Candylion
Bright Eyes – Four Winds
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. – War Of The Worlds
Alterkicks – Good Luck
Long Blondes – Giddy Stratospheres
The Wombats – Backfire At The Disco
The Rakes – We Danced Together
Enter Shikari – Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour…
!!! – Must Be The Moon
The Cribs – Men’s Needs

For a taste of the new NME Presents The Essential Bands – Festival Edition compilation CDs, listen to samplers:

Kaiser Chiefs – Everything Is Average Nowadays

Kasabian – Shoot The Runner

Razorlight – Before I Fall To Pieces

The Gossip – Standing In The Way Of Control

The Killers – Bones

Buy NME Presents The Essential Bands – Festival Edition on Amazon.com

Buy NME Presents The Essential Bands – Festival Edition on Amazon.co.uk

By: Jenny May