SoundBytes
Robert J. Ricci
On July 2nd, more than one million fans jammed into ten venues across four continents for Live 8. The music marathon–aimed at pressuring world leaders into eradicating African poverty–included free concerts held in London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, Rome, Philadelphia, Tokyo, Johannesburg and Toronto. The centerpiece show (held in London’s Hyde Park) saw prog-rock legends Roger Waters and David Gilmour set aside their differences to perform together as Pink Floyd for the first time in 24 years. Also appearing before the estimated crowd of 200,000 were Paul McCartney, U2, Elton John, Coldplay, REM, the Who, Robbie Williams and Madonna. "We’re not asking you to put your hand in your pockets but we are asking people to put their fist in the air," said U2’s Bono. "This is your moment. Make history by making poverty history." For the latest news on future events or to learn more about this global initiative, visit http://www.one.org/. Don’t forget to add your signature to The One Declaration.
In a case of too much too soon (or too little too late), surviving members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain of the once legendary New York Dolls secured a deal with Roadrunner Records. A new NYD album (cringe) is expected in the Spring.
Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, Hard-Fi and Coldplay are among this year’s nominees for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Limited to artists from the UK (and voted on by a panel of industry experts, journalists and artists), the award honors the best albums regardless of genre or sales. Recent recipients include Franz Ferdinand, Dizzee Rascal, Ms. Dynamite, PJ Harvey and Badly Drawn Boy. This year’s winner (announced September 6th) will take home a cool ?20,000. That’s roughly $35,000 to you and me.
With their third (and as yet untitled) album in the can, keep ‘em peeled for the imminent return of The Strokes. "There will be a lot more touring on this next album than on Room on Fire," promises manager Ryan Gentles, "so we’ll be seeing you all later this year."
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, the ever-ooky Marilyn Manson declared his disinterest in making art that other people–particularly record companies–are producing. "I just want to make art," says the rocker, and to that point, revealed his plans to release a series of film shorts, open an art gallery in LA, publish a book of his paintings and–get this!–record a new album before transforming his wine cellar to an opium den. Maybe he should just buy himself a l’il red Corvette and be done with it already.
The lineup for the 25th annual CMJ Music Marathon was recently announced. The three-day event (kicking off at Lincoln Center on September 14th) is expected to lure more than 90,000 music professionals, artists and fans. In addition to keynote speakers, a live performance stage and a lifestyle lounge, the event features dozens of panels covering topics impacting all corners of the music industry. The Arcade Fire, !!!, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Wolf Mother, the Constantines, Kinski, the Wrens and Nashville Pussy are among the hundreds of acts scheduled to appear. For more info, visit http://www.cmj.com/.
Need some new tunes to help ease the passing of Summer 05? John Cale, the Dandy Warhols, Sigur Ros, American Analog Set, Skinny Puppy, the Fall, Jamiroquai, H.I.M. and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club may just have the cure for what ails you. Others slated for new releases before snowfall include Portishead, Roxy Music, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Andy Bell, Stellastar, Depeche Mode and–don’t hold your breath–Kate Bush.
Image gallery
Brian Jonestown Massacre. From www.brianjonestownmassacre.com
David Johansen. Reuters Photo
Kaiser Chiefs. AP Photo
Beth Gibbons of Portishead. Photo: Robert J. Ricci
