What Our Readers Are Digging: Pork Pollution and One Huge Penis

5/5/09, 5:13 pm EST

photo by doveimaging.com

The beauty of the digital domain is that you, the user, hold all the power — you decide which stories thrive, and which wither on the vine.

We put our new music related content front and center, but all it takes is one random referral to turn a forgotten archival piece into our hottest offering of the day. Last week, it was Jeff Tietz’s 2006 piece “Pork’s Dirty Secret,” a
feces-and-all look at pork production. We can only presume that the story generated renewed interest as panicked readers searched for anything that could shed light on the current swine flu epidemic, but we’d recommend reading our eerie 1998 report “Killer Flu,” in which experts suggest that an outbreak like the one we’re currently struggling to contain was inevitable.

This week, however, you’re onto another topic entirely, it seems. You’ve uncovered our 2003 profile of Jonah Falcon, a man with, by many accounts, the world’s largest penis. (more…)

Cat Stevens Considers Lawsuit Over Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”

5/5/09, 4:57 pm EST

Photo: Kim/Getty(Yusuf), Hogan/Getty(Martin)

The courtroom battle of “Joe Satriani vs. Coldplay” might be getting a little more crowded. Yusuf, formerly Cat Stevens, says he noticed a similarity between his 1973 song “Foreigner Suite” and Coldplay’s Grammy-winning “Viva La Vida” as well. Satriani first accused Chris Martin and Co. off ripping off his song “If I Could Fly” for “Vida,” which resulted in a lawsuit.

“My son brought it to my attention and said, ‘Doesn’t that sound like ‘Foreigner Suite?’ ” Yusuf told Reuters. “The song definitely sounds like it. It has such logical chords and the melody has to be what it is.” While he hasn’t filed any legal papers, he hasn’t ruled out a possible future lawsuit either, adding that “it depends on how well Satriani does.” Satriani is seeking damages from the supposed plagiarism plus any royalties the song accrued which, considering it won a Grammy and soundtracked an Apple ad, is probably a lot of royalties. Conveniently, Yusuf chose the same week to both accuse Coldplay of aping his song and release his new album Roadsinger, which is released today. (more…)

Eminem Battles the Punisher in Special-Edition Comic Book

5/5/09, 2:57 pm EST

Photo: Marvel.com/

Eminem has primed audiences for his long-awaited Relapse with a bloody video for the single “3 A.M.,” a first look at a bloody iPhone game and now a bloody Marvel comic book featuring Shady squaring off against gun-wielding antihero the Punisher. You can read the edited comic — the cuss words are just “####” — on the Marvel site now. Eminem’s love of the Marvel Universe’s skull-shirted vigilante is no secret, as the rapper recently appeared on two different covers of XXL’s June issue, dressed as the Punisher.

Eminem/Punisher: Kill You was written by Fred Van Lente and drawn by Salvador Larroca, both comic-book vets. The first half of the comic comes with the June XXL as a special collectors edition; the second half can be nabbed at Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited for free starting today.

The plot (spoiler alert!): After a concert, Eminem’s posse is gunned down by the Punisher. Slim Shady manages to escape with his old convict friend Barracuda and take refuge in a safe house. (more…)

Radiohead Advised to “Split Up” Prior to “In Rainbows”

5/5/09, 1:14 pm EST

Photo: Shearer/WireImage

Buried deep inside an Irish Times story about musicians surviving in the Internet age is a revelation that thankfully never became reality: Radiohead’s own managers recommended the band “split up” as the group struggled to record what eventually became In Rainbows. That’s what Brian Message, whose Courtyard Management helps oversee the band, admitted, saying that though the songs were written, the band had spent the better part of two years unable to capture the songs in the studio.

“Radiohead are a once in a generation act,” Message said. “But you have to be honest if it’s not working. You have to have passion about what you do.” The band ignored their managers’ recommendations and instead completed work on In Rainbows, which was not only critically acclaimed immediately after its surprise release, but also helped revolutionized how music is distributed in the Internet age thanks to its “pay-what-you-want” scheme, which Message reiterates was “the best thing for that band at that time.” (more…)

Paula Abdul Debuts “Here for the Music,” Preps “Idol” Performance

5/5/09, 12:21 pm EST

Photo: Harrison/WireImage

In February 2008, Paula Abdul told Rolling Stone she was working on her first album since 1995’s Head Over Heels when she premiered the video for “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” and promised a second new track would drop in June. Nearly a year later, that second single has finally arrived: Abdul appeared on fellow American Idol personality Ryan Seacrest’s KIIS FM radio show in Los Angeles this morning to debut “Here for the Music” and talk about performing the song on tomorrow’s Idol.

“Here for the Music” (check out the track at the Kiis site), a bass-heavy dance track reminiscent of “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow,” was produced by Oliver Lieber, who worked on “Dance” as well as Abdul hits like “Forever Your Girl” and “Opposites Attract.” According to a press release, the song will appear on Abdul’s new album, which is now slated for release on Filament Entertainment Group in the Fall. The single will be up for sale on paulaabdul.com later this month. (more…)

“The Beatles: Rock Band” Reveals Vintage Guitars, Opens Pre-Order

5/5/09, 11:45 am EST

The makers of The Beatles: Rock Band have revealed the two vintage replica guitars that will be available for purchase when the game hits stores September 9th, 2009: John Lennon’s Rickenbacker 325 and George Harrison’s Gretsch Duo Jet. According to an official press release, the plastic six-strings will be available as “standalone music peripheral controllers,” meaning they won’t be included as part of the Special Edition package that features the vintage bass, drums and microphone. The guitars will carry a price tag of $99. A press release didn’t specify whether that price was for one guitar or both; if it is indeed the cost of one guitar, the price is approximately $30 more than a standard Rock Band guitar.

As Rock Daily previously reported, Paul McCartney’s Höfner bass and Ringo Starr’s Ludwig-branded drums will be replicated for the game. And according to video game blog Kotaku, there might be even more hardware: In an effort to recapture the band’s timeless harmonies, the game will reportedly feature the ability to hook up three microphones at one time to sing together. The news came from an “official description” that was sent to the site that read “The Beatles: Rock Band is the music game experience that allows players to follow the legendary career of The Beatles from Liverpool, to Shea Stadium to Abbey Road. Featuring the ability to play drums, lead guitar, bass guitar or sing three-part harmony with up to three microphones.” This would be the first time any of the Rock Band or Guitar Hero games allowed for dual vocalists, let alone a trio of singers. (more…)

News Ticker: Christina Aguilera, Wilco, Clutch and Iron Maiden

5/5/09, 10:13 am EST

Photo: Dowling/Getty

  • Christina Aguilera has signed on to make her big screen debut in the upcoming film Burlesque. According to Variety, the singer “will play an ambitious small-town girl with a big voice who finds love, family and success in a Los Angeles neo-burlesque club.” The film will begin shooting later this year. While Xtina has never appeared in a film, she did lend her voice to the animated Shark Tale.

  • Former Wilco member Jay Bennett is suing his old bandmate Jeff Tweedy, claiming Tweedy owes him royalties from Bennett’s seven year tenure in the group plus money from their 2002 documentary I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, the Chicago Tribune reports. Bennett is seeking at least $50,000.
  • Groove-heavy stoner rock mainstays Clutch are wrapping up work on their ninth album, Strange Cousins From the West. The album, produced by the band with the aid of J. Robbins, will arrive on July 7th. The first single and video, “50,000 Unstoppable Watts,” should surface before Memorial Day. The band hits the road with Wino and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster on May 6th.
  • Iron Maiden is suing the comic book Iron and the Maiden because the names are “confusing similar.” According to TMZ, the band wants the comic to stop using the name on all merchandising, plus some cash.

“Rock of Ages” Metal Musical Scores Fives Tony Nominations, “Next to Normal” Gets 11

5/5/09, 9:48 am EST

Photo: Bedder/Getty

Rock on Broadway has officially arrived: the hair-metal musical Rock of Ages received five Tony nominations this morning, including a nod for the prestigious Best Musical (beating out Dolly Parton’s new 9 to 5). The show also scored nominations for Leading Actor in a Musical (for Constantine Maroulis), Best Direction of a Musical (for Kristin Hanggi), Best Costume Design for a Musical (for Gregory Gale) and Best Sound Design for a Musical (for Peter Hylenski). Dysfunctional family musical Next to Normal, the show that proves “rock is still thriving on Broadway,” per Rolling Stone’s own Peter Travers, received nods for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Leading Actor in a Musical, Leading Actress in a Musical, Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Orchestrations, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Lighting Design and Sound Design for a total of 11 nominations. The Tony Awards will be handed out June 7th at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

(Check out photos from Broadway’s most metal show, Rock of Ages.)

Rock of Ages stars onetime American Idol hopeful Maroulis as Drew, an aspiring hard rocker who moves to L.A. to make it big and winds up working as a bar-back in a famous dive called the Bourbon, where he meets the girl of his dreams and gets the opportunity of a lifetime: opening up for local legends Arsenal, who are playing their last-ever show before German developers take over the Strip and demolish the bar. (more…)

Rihanna Makes Surprise Appearance at Costume Gala

5/5/09, 9:11 am EST

Photo: Mazur/WireImage

Rihanna made a surprise appearance at the annual Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum gala in New York City last night, marking the first time the “Umbrella” singer has hit a red carpet since her alleged altercation with Chris Brown in February, the AP reports. The singer donned a Dolce & Gabbana suit and bowtie, and was the last celebrity to walk the red carpet; she did not speak to reporters as she entered the museum. Madonna, Kanye West and Justin Timberlake also attended the annual fashion event.

(Check out photos of Rihanna, Madonna, Kanye West, Jack White and the other stars who hit the Met costume gala red carpet.)

While Rihanna made her official return to the red carpet, her return to the stage has been delayed. According to E! Online, Rihanna has postponed her planned show in the United Arab Emirates that was scheduled for May 28th, incidentally the same day of Chris Brown’s next hearing; Brown has pleaded not guilty to two felonies stemming from the February 8th incident that led to both stars canceling their Grammy appearances. “We want to share with you that Rihanna and her management will not be accepting to hold a public concert at this time as it is not appropriate timing for her,” concert organizer Yassin Matbouly said, adding that he hopes to reschedule the singer for the fall. (more…)

Tour Tracker: Pearl Jam, Coheed & Cambria and Matisyahu

5/4/09, 6:35 pm EST

Photo: Mazur/WireImage

Pearl Jam announce the first two non-festival dates of what could end up being a North American tour, adding shows in Toronto and Chicago to headlining slots at the Outside Lands and Austin City Limits festivals. Plus, Coheed & Cambria rock out with their prog out this August and Matisyahu hits the road with Les Claypool and then Umphrey’s McGee. Full dates for all three treks, after the jump. (more…)

Bamboozle 2009: Six Breakout Bands to Watch

5/4/09, 6:19 pm EST

This year’s Bamboozle crammed more than 70 bands a day into the most pop-friendly lineup the fest has seen in its four-year history. No Doubt and Fall Out Boy claimed the biggest headlines, but a six-pack of up-and-coming acts were making noise on the smaller stages. Here’s a rundown:

Name: All the Day Holiday
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Sounds Like: Dreamily ambient rock, like Sigur Ros or Explosions in the Sky
Their Story: Born from the remains of a screamo act featuring singer Daniel Simmons and drummer Mark Ventura, All the Day Holiday’s current sound blends layered arrangements into gorgeous, atmospheric tracks. The band released its debut album, The Things We’ve Grown to Love on indie label Linc Star records last month.

Name: Danger Radio
From: Seattle, Washington
Sounds Like: Jonas Brothers fronted by Justin Timberlake (more…)

Readers’ Rock List: Bob Dylan Albums

5/4/09, 5:58 pm EST

Today’s Rock List is devoted to Rolling Stone cover star Bob Dylan, whose new Together Through Life hit stores last week. With 33 studio albums to choose from, readers had a plethora of picks for Best Bob Dylan Album, but the majority of the votes put the rock poet laureate’s 1965 classic Highway 61 Revisited at Number One. Check out the full list:

1. Highway 61 Revisited
2. Blood on the Tracks
3. Blonde on Blonde
4. The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
5. Bringing It All Back Home (more…)

Levon Helm, Jefferson Starship, Country Joe to Play Woodstock 40th Anniversary Show

5/4/09, 5:37 pm EST


Levon Helm Band, Jefferson Starship and Country Joe McDonald are among the acts that will descend on Bethel, New York, on August 15th to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, Billboard.biz reports. Mountain, Ten Years After, Canned Heat and Big Brother and the Holding Co. will also play the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a venue built on the site of the original Woodstock, which ran from August 15th-17th, 1969.

Helm appeared at the 1969 fest with the Band, while Jefferson Starship took the Woodstock stage as Jefferson Airplane. With the exception of Big Brother & the Holding Co. — Janis Joplin performed at the ‘69 concert with the Kozmic Blues Band — the rest of the acts performing on August 15th all had a set at the original Woodstock festival. As Rock Daily previously reported, Richie Havens will also play a Woodstock-related event on August 14th, returning to Bethel to perform “Freedom,” the song that opened up the ‘69 festival, at a media-only event. (more…)

Janet Jackson “Wardrobe Malfunction” Case Back in Court

5/4/09, 5:13 pm EST


More than five years after Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” shocked millions of Americans watching Super Bowl XXXVIII with a flash of nudity, Nipplegate continues to live on, in the courts. After an appeals court last year threw out the $550,000 fine CBS owed the FCC, the Supreme Court announced today that the case will be reviewed again to see if CBS is indeed responsible for the incident. The Supreme Court’s ruling comes just one week after they upheld FCC policy that levies fines for any and all curses on live television, even if it’s just a one-time outburst, the AP reports.

CBS’s fine was tossed by a lower court last year, which found that the Super Bowl incident was “fleeting” as it lasted a mere 9/16ths of a second. Per the BBC, 90 million viewers were watching the halftime show when Justin Timberlake tore off a piece of Jackson’s bra near the end of his “Rock Your Body”; CBS received 542,000 complaints. (more…)


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