Fall Out Boy's <I>Infinity on High</I>
Photo: Island Def Jam

It's been a slow year so far for rock fans, with a best-of Unwritten Law CD and new Shins effort among the most prominent releases so far in 2007. Now it's finally time to strap on the guitars: With nary a rapper in sight — save Jay-Z, who drops a verse on the new Fall Out Boy album — this week is all about the rock.

Doing It Up Right: Say what you will about Fall Out Boy, but they sure do know how to sweeten a deal. In the wake of their Infinity on High being leaked online, the band promised to reward fans who actually buy the set with online access to a live EP, Leaked in London, that was just recorded January 29. But the pop-punk princes aren't stopping there: A limited-edition deluxe digipak comes with five tarot cards and an exclusive booklet cover, while fans who preordered have been treated with an exclusive pack of five buttons.

Party On: Believe it or not, there's actually a second-degree connection between FOB and this week's other heavyweights, Bloc Party. Infinity on High features guest guitar licks by Ryan Ross of Panic! at the Disco — last year, Bloc bailed from a tour with that same band. The sophomore hipsters are feeling less generous than FOB, though: Fans who preordered A Weekend in the City have received only a bonus remix of the song "The Prayer," and the CD itself is frill-free. The album — which lead singer Kele Okereke has called "the living noise of a metropolis" — includes "Song for Clay (Disappear Here)," "Hunting for Witches" and "Waiting for the 7.18."

Get Used To It: One of the most annoying ways record labels try to make an extra buck is by releasing a band's live CD and DVD separately — sometimes at different intervals and sometimes without warning. On that count, fans of the Used have nothing to worry about: The pop-punk group's Berth contains both the CD and DVD versions of its 2005 headlining show in Vancouver, British Columbia. Better yet, the Used have stuffed the package with videos, making-of features and clips of them answering fan questions — and if you order Berth through TheUsed.net, you'll get a T-shirt too.

Snoop Dogg piped up a month ago with a new cut on the "Arthur and the Invisibles" soundtrack, and now he's contributing a fresh slice to another musical companion disc — albeit to a slightly different type of movie. The alternately funny and gory "Hood of Horror" — its tagline is "It ain't all good in da 'hood" — stars the rapper alongside choice B-actors Ernie Hudson and Danny Trejo. Snoop chipped in "Welcome to the Hood" for the soundtrack, which also includes his "Shake That Sh--" (featuring Young Walt, Terrace Martin and Tiffany Foxx), plus selections from Cool & Dre, Al Kapone and, bizarrely, blues-rock fiends the North Mississippi Allstars.

They Do Not Rock: But if your ears are ringing from all the rock and roll this week, don't worry: There are some lower-volume alternatives, as always. "High School Musical" darling Ashley Tisdale — who made history as the first female artist to debut two songs simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 — proves how Headstrong she is with her new LP. Fans who got a head start and ordered through AshleyMusic.com have been gifted with an autographed copy of the disc and a sticker pack.

Someone else who is decidedly not rocking is Jessica Simpson hero Patty Griffin, whose Children Running Through trots out R&B- and gospel-inflected tracks including "Up to the Mountains (MLK Song)," "Burgundy Shoes" and "Someone Else's Tomorrow." Griffin gets a boost from Emmylou Harris on "Trapeze."

Also toning things down is ex-Gus Gus lead singer Daníel Ágúst, whose Swallowed a Star was crafted with Madonna remixer Bix and features mild, bleep-y tunes. U.K. trio Fujiya & Miyagi take it one step further with Transparent Things, which is heavy on kraut and other electronic sounds, and was named after a Vladimir Nabokov novel.

Comp'd: This week also sees the release of a litany of compilation CDs, some slightly more freakish than others. While you're likely to find Yes, I'm a Witch filed in the CD bins under "O," the Yoko Ono collection was largely crafted by other artists. Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, Cat Power and Antony scooped up chunks of previous Ono recordings — mostly her vocals — and spliced them with new musical tracks. Also participating are the Apples in Stereo, who drop their own New Magnetic Wonder LP this week — the album is the first one distributed through Elijah Wood's Simian Records.

The long-winded but self-explanatory 8-Bit Operators: The Music of Kraftwerk Performed on Vintage 8-Bit Video Game Systems is another odd tribute of sorts, blipping and bleeping its way through 15 chestnuts by the electro-kraut pioneers. The roster involves an array of international artists who have delved deep into the genre also known as "chiptune" or "bitpop."

Unlike those tributes, Brian Wilson actually participated directly in a salute to himself that was staged by MusiCares, a group that helps people in the music industry with financial and medical assistance. Everyone and their mother turned up for the 2005 event, and their renditions of classic Wilson/ Beach Boys cuts are captured here: the Red Hot Chili Peppers tackle "I Get Around," John Legend re-creates "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times," the Backstreet Boys reinterpret "When I Grow Up to Be a Man," and more. Wilson helps cap the show by running through "Pet Sounds," "Heroes and Villains" and three more numbers.

Polishing off this week's batch of bizarre comps is A Date With John Waters, a set of 14 love songs handpicked by Mr. "Pink Flamingos" himself. Claiming to go "back to the first record Waters ever shoplifted, 'Tonight You Belong to Me' by Patience and Prudence," the album also encompasses selections by Ike & Tina Turner and Ray Charles, as well as the more obscure Elton Motello and Eileen Barton, the latter of whom appeared in a long list of Waters flicks. And no, the disc doesn't come with a chicken.

Song Title of the Week:

"They're Not Horses, They're Unicorns" from Bayside's The Walking Wounded

Other Notables:

Aereogramme's My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go: The fourth album by the Scottish ensemble doesn't sound all that much like the band's previous releases — instead of alternating big blasts of distorted guitar with introverted, mellow passages, this effort is much more even-tempered. That's largely because a nasty throat infection left singer Craig B mute for a portion of the recording session, which took place in Glasgow. The band can't take credit for the powerful album title, though: It's a line from William Peter Blatty's book "The Exorcist" that didn't make it to William Friedkin's big-screen version.

Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter's Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul: Jesse Sykes's career has an enormous span, what with her having once been a member of alt-country commandos Whiskeytown but more recently collaborating with the likes of doom-noise metallers Boris and Sunn0))). Her latest with backing band the Sweet Hereafter is their third outing, and it continues the minimalist approach forged with 2002's Reckless Burning and 2004's Oh, My Girl. Scandinavian singer/songwriter Nicolai Dunger lends a hand, but the entire effort was produced by Decemberists collaborator Tucker Martine.

The Makes Nice's Candy Wrapper & Twelve Other Songs: In yet another example of a musician doing the unexpected this week, Josh Smith of Bay Area stoner-metal faves the F---ing Champs and Drunk Horse has come up with ... an R&B album? Recalling the Zombies and Small Faces, Smith gangs up with Aaron Burnham — who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a music degree — and software engineer Jack Matthew for the 13-track opus. Trans Am's Phil Manley, who is also a member of the F---ing Champs, helped the band record Candy Wrapper.

New Releases:

· Aereogramme - My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go (Sonic Unyon) [Buy Now] · Daníel Ágúst - Swallowed a Star (One Little Indian) · Angels & Agony - Unison (Metropolis) · Animal Collective - People (EP; Fat Cat) [Buy Now] · The Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder (digipak; Simian/ Yep Roc/ Elephant 6) [Buy Now] · Backyard Tire Fire - Vagabonds and Hooligans (digipak; O.L.E.) [Buy Now] · Bayside - The Walking Wounded (Victory) [Buy Now] · Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block (with bonus CD; Almost Gold) · Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City (Vice/Atlantic) [Buy Now] Read: "After Failed Panic! At The Disco Tour, Bloc Party Look Ahead To New LP" · Stefano Bollani - Piano Solo (ECM) · Belinda Carlisle - Voila (with bonus CD; Rykodisc) · Car Bomb - Centralia (Relapse) [Buy Now] · Jason Michael Carroll - Waitin' in the Country (Arista Nashville) · The Cat Empire - Two Shoes (Velour) [Buy Now] · Clouds - Legendary Demo (Hydra Head) · Danny Cohen - Shades of Dorian Gray (Anti-) · The Colour - Between Earth & Sky (Rethink) · Dead Child - Dead Child (EP; Cold Sweat) · Dear and the Headlights - Small Steps, Heavy Hooves (Equal Vision) · The Dexateens - Hardware Healing (Skybucket) · Elliott Brood - Ambassador (Six Shooter) · The End - Elementary (Relapse) · Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High (limited-edition digipak with tarot cards due same day; Island) [Buy Now] Read: "Jigga What? Fall Out Boy Get A Hand From Jay-Z On Infinity" · Fat Freddy's Drop - Based on a True Story (Quango) · Ruthie Foster - The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster (Blue Corn) · Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things (Deaf Dumb & Blind) · Goldfrapp - Ride a White Horse EP (enhanced; Mute) [Buy Now] · Patty Griffin - Children Running Through (ATO) Read: "Kelly Clarkson's 'Favorite Person' Is On Jessica Simpson's Playlist Too" · Ernie Halter - Congress Hotel (Rock Ridge) · Rickie Lee Jones - The Sermon on Exposition Boulevard (digipak; limited deluxe edition with bonus CD due same day; New West) · Sondre Lerche - Phantom Punch (Astralwerks) · Little Brazil - Tighten the Noose (Mt. Fuji) · Lonely, Dear - Lonely Noir (Sub Pop) · Love Arcade - Love Arcade (enhanced; Atlantic) [Buy Now] · The Makes Nice - Candy Wrapper & Twelve Other Songs (Frenetic) · Eleni Mandell - Miracle of Five (digipak; Zedtone) · David Martin - Something in Your Eyes (Astonish) · Mnemic - Passenger (digipak; Nuclear Blast) · Phonograph - Phonograph (Arclight) · Pornopop - And the Slow Songs About the Dead Calm in Your Arms (Dynamophone) · The Postmarks - The Postmarks (Unfiltered) · Jordan Pruitt - No Ordinary Girl (with DVD; Hollywood) · John Reuben - Word of Mouth (Gotee) · Secret Mommy - Plays (Ache) [Buy Now] · The Tierney Sutton Band - On the Other Side (Telarc) · Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter - Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul (Barsuk) · Ashley Tisdale - Headstrong (Warner Bros.) · Titan - A Raining Sun of Light and Love for You & You & You (Tee Pee) · The Used - Berth (live CD with DVD; Reprise) [Buy Now] Read: "The Used Hate Los Angeles But Love To Write About It" · Tyrone Wells - Hold On (Republic) · Keller Williams - Dream (digipak; Sci Fidelity) · Winning - This Is an Ad for Cigarettes (Ache) · Various artists - 8-Bit Operators: The Music of Kraftwerk Performed on Vintage 8-Bit Video Game Systems (Astralwerks) · Various artists - "Hood of Horror" soundtrack (Chime Entertainment) · Various artists - Ono: Yes, I'm a Witch (Astralwerks) · Various artists - Take Action! Volume 6 (digipak with DVD; Hopeless/ Sub City)

Notable Reissues and Archival Material:

· Arab Strap - Ten Years of Tears! (Chemikal Underground) · Barenaked Ladies - Barenaked Ladies Are Men (enhanced; Desperation) [Buy Now] · Freddie Jackson - Greatest Hits (Capitol/EMI) · Monty Python - Another Monty Python Album, Monty Python's Life Of Brian, Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life and Monty Python's Previous Record (Virgin/EMI) · Public Enemy - Fight the Power! Greatest Hits Live! (with DVD; Pyramid) [Buy Now] · Rhino Bucket - No Song Left Behind and Pain & Suffering (Acetate) · The Sleeping - Believe What We Tell You (with bonus DVD; Victory) · Sun Kil Moon - Ghosts of the Great Highway (with bonus CD; Caldo Verde) · Teddybears - Soft Machine (Big Beat) · Various artists - A Date With John Waters (New Line) · Various artists - Celebrate! Songs of Praise (Sony Urban/Legacy) · Various artists - "Romeo+Juliet" soundtrack (Capitol/EMI)

Music DVDs:

· Apocalyptica - "The Life Burns Tour" (Red Ink) · Crowbar - "Live: With Full Force" (Candlelight) · Deep Purple - "Deep Purple's In Rock: The Essential Albums of All Time" (Classic Rock Legends) · Bob Marley - "Music in Review" (Classic Rock Legends) · Pink Floyd - "Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother: The Essential Albums of All Time" (Classic Rock Legends) · Paul Weller - "Hit Parade" (Yep Roc) · Various artists - "Liberation: The Songs of the New Cuban Underground" (Petrol) · Various artists - "MusiCares: A Tribute to Brian Wilson" (Eagle Vision) · Various artists - "Romeo+Juliet: Music Edition" (Capitol/EMI)

Coming Attractions:

February 13: · Gerald LeVert - In My Songs (Atlantic) · Bobby Valentino - Special Occasion (Def Jam) Read: "Bobby Valentino Asks Sean Garrett, Rodney Jerkins To Attend Special Occasion" · Lucinda Williams - West (digipak; Lost Highway)

February 20: · Calla - Strength in Numbers (Beggars Banquet) · Kittie - Funeral for Yesterday (X of Infamy) · Various artists - Kidz Bop 11 (Razor & Tie)

February 27: · Beck - The Information (deluxe-edition reissue; Geffen) · Fabolous - From Nothing to Something (Def Jam) [Preorder] Read: "Fabolous Opens Up About Shooting Incident; Hooks Up With Jeezy, Ne-Yo" · Slim Thug & Tha Boss Hogg Outlawz - Serve & Collect (Koch)

• Fall Out Boy: Behind The 'Scene' Clip

• Fall Out Boy
• Bloc Party
• The Used
• The Apples in Stereo
• Bayside

Britney Spears and Matt Lauer
Photo: NBC

Britney Spears has a plan to combat reports in the tabloid media: "I need to come up with my own magazine and say the real deal," the singer told Matt Lauer in an interview that aired on "Today" and "Dateline NBC" Thursday. With Sean Preston, a baby on the way and her music career to stay on top of, a foray into publishing is unlikely to happen, but Spears is venting about the press anyway. "I can't go anywhere without someone judging me," the tearful singer said, adding that the February incident in which she was photographed driving with then-4-month-old son Sean Preston on her lap was not a big deal. "I did it with my dad. I'd sit on his lap and I'd drive. We're country." And the time she tripped with Sean in her arms and ended up on the cover of the New York Post? "Accidents happen!" she responded. "There will be plenty more oopses. I'm not perfect. I'm human." Despite reports that her marriage is in trouble, the singer called Kevin Federline an "amazing" husband. "He cares so much and his heart is awesome." Spears said. She also credited Federline with helping her cope while she deals with the pressures of being in the public eye. "I'm an emotional wreck right now." ...

Look out, Beyoncé: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have their eyes on you. The animal-rights group secretly placed a winning bid to an eBay auction that granted the victor a dinner with the singer, according to The Associated Press. At the dinner Wednesday in New York, members of PETA approached a reportedly shocked Knowles about using fur coats in her clothing line, although they were eventually booted from the restaurant. ...

Snow Patrol have realigned their 2006 tour schedule after it was put on hold due to singer Gary Lightbody's severe throat problems. The band will play Boston's Bank of America Pavilion on August 15, after which it'll kick off a full-fledged jaunt September 6 in Atlanta. The fun ends September 28 at San Diego's House of Blues. ... Prince surprised outdoor music lovers in Brooklyn, New York, Thursday night, showing up for a cameo at Maceo Parker's show at the Prospect Park Bandshell. Even Parker — a saxophonist and longtime James Brown collaborator who joined Prince on his Musicology tour — wasn't expecting the very special guest, The New York Times reports. ...

John Mayer and Sheryl Crow are joining forces for a tour that kicks off August 24 in Pittsburgh. The 27-date tour will make stops in cities including Boston, Cincinnati, Seattle, Denver, San Diego and Houston before wrapping up October 12 in Tampa, Florida. ... The July 14 date on this summer's Ozzfest, which was scheduled to take place at the Float-Rite Park in Somerset, Wisconsin, has been canceled. The Ozzfest camp didn't give a reason for nixing the date. ... Heavens, the side project of Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba and F-Minus bassist Joe Steinbrick, will release their LP, Patent Pending, September 12. The Epitaph release will feature "Counting," "Dead End Girl" and "True Hate." ...

Pixies frontman Frank Black has lined up a handful of solo dates for August, giving him a chance to headline his own shows in between opening for the Foo Fighters on their acoustic trek. Black will hit the road August 9 in Salt Lake City and swing through Indianapolis; Omaha, Nebraska; Santa Cruz, California; and Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The tour wraps up August 31 in Sacramento, California. Black's Fast Man/ Raider Man double-disc drops Tuesday. ... Sensitive rockers Rainer Maria have announced plans for an extensive U.S. tour in support of their fifth studio album, Catastrophe Keeps Us Together. The 36-date trek kicks off July 14 in Phoenix and runs until September 1 in San Diego. The Format will headline all dates, except for an August 5 gig at Lollapalooza. Catastrophe hit stores in April. ...

On Friday (June 16), a Manhattan judge issued an arrest warrant for Boy George after the troubled singer didn't show up in court, AP reports. George, whose real name is George O'Dowd, was supposed to explain why he wants to change his sentence for falsely reporting to the police that his apartment had been burglarized. After O'Dowd made the false claim in March, police discovered cocaine in his apartment. ... Just how New Year's Eve 1998 finally brought an end to questions about what it'd be like to party in 1999, Sunday should resolve any lingering concerns among Beatles fans over what would happen to Paul McCartney when he's 64. Macca hasn't revealed his birthday plans yet, but AP reports that the Beatles Story Exhibition in McCartney's Liverpool hometown is throwing down with a karaoke contest, balloons, cake and more. ...

If Dinosaur Jr. have reunited, then why is J Mascis excavating Dino bones with another set of backing musicians? Well, for a good cause, of course. To benefit the far-reaching humanitarian organization Amma, Mascis is ganging up with members of Broken Social Scene, including frontman Kevin Drew, for a one-off gig in Toronto. The show goes down at the Mod Club on June 23. ... Selling 14 millions albums worldwide isn't enough to satisfy the Barenaked Ladies, apparently. The Toronto band has a new LP, Barenaked Ladies Are Me, slated for release September 12 through its own Desperation Records imprint. The Ladies are planning to release two digital versions of the set that same day: one with two additional tracks not on the standard CD, and another 27-track deluxe edition. ...

Philadelphia's Mewithoutyou have completed work on their third album, Brother, Sister. The record was produced by Brad Wood (who helmed their breakout 2004 LP, Catch for Us the Foxes) and features guest vocals by Jeremy Enigk (Sunny Day Real Estate, the Fire Theft) on two tracks. Sister is due in stores September 26. ... The Reverend Horton Heat will stage a traveling musical revival with his long-running psychobilly band this summer. The tour launches June 30 in Tempe, Arizona, with 45 gigs scheduled through late September. The band is also slated to appear December 1 in Irving, Texas. Danish rockers Horrorpops will open on most dates, along with California's Throw Rag. ...

EMI North America agreed Thursday to pay $3.75 million to settle a pay-for-play investigation by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, The New York Times reports. The gubernatorial candidate had been probing radio air time traded to benefit artists including Gorillaz, Coldplay and Beenie Man. Spitzer announced settlements with Sony BMG Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group last year. Investigators are now expected to focus on the conduct of radio corporations, including Clear Channel Communications and CBS Radio. The Federal Communications Commission is also investigating payola claims in radio broadcasting.

06.15.2006

Red alert: Jessica Simpson sports a fiery new 'do on the July cover of Maxim magazine, which hits stands Thursday (June 15). In the issue, the singer/actress makes a promise that has been uttered by others before her: "I will never do another reality-TV show. Been there, done that." In addition to revealing that guys with vivid imaginations send her "through the rafters" and that she likes kissing with her eyes open, Simpson also let fly her admiration of Ashlee: "My sister has the most perfect [breasts] and skinniest legs," she said. ...

Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, AC/DC, Chamillionaire, T-Pain, Cyndi Lauper and D4L are among the artists who were honored with the Recording Industry Association of America's inaugural Master Ringtone Sales Awards. In a ceremony on Wednesday, 84 gold (500,000 downloads), 40 platinum (1 million downloads) and four multi-platinum certifications were awarded for the music people hold dearest to their hearts — the tracks they don't mind hearing every time someone calls them. The RIAA has been certifying albums gold and platinum for 47 years, and added ringtones to the mix with Wednesday's announcements. ...

Tom Cruise has topped Forbes magazine's celebrity power list, beating out the Rolling Stones, Oprah and U2. Cruise, who the magazine says is "Hollywood's most bankable actor" after having made $67 million last year, previously held the spot five years ago. ... Ruben Studdard was awarded $2 million Thursday (June 15) after suing his ex-manager for misappropriating Studdard's money and credit cards, according to The Associated Press. A judge in a Birmingham, Alabama, court awarded the "American Idol" winner $1.5 million in punitive damages and $500,000 for his actual losses. ...

If you'd planned to secure a table at one of Jay-Z's 40/40 Clubs with a bottle of Cristal, better consult the drink menu. Jay will no longer serve the pricey champagne name-checked in many hip-hop songs — including Hov's own "Hard Knock Life" and "Dead Presidents II" — following statements made by the managing director of Louis Roederer, the company that produces Cristal, in a recent interview with The Economist. "It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frédéric Rouzaud, views the hip-hop culture as 'unwelcome attention,' " Jay said in a statement. "I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including the 40/40 Club, nor in my personal life." ... Having wrapped production on their second album in Las Vegas, the Killers have headed to London to mix the record. Co-producers Flood and Alan Moulder are overseeing the mixing for the still-untitled sophomore LP, which is tentatively due later this year. ...

After a one-day hearing that was closed to the public, a Vietnamese court upheld child molestation charges and a three-year jail sentence for British former glam rock star Gary Glitter on Thursday, according to a Reuters report. The sentence against Glitter, 62, born Paul Francis Gadd, will be imposed from the November 19, 2005, date the disgraced rocker was arrested while trying to leave Vietnam and will require him to be deported upon release. Glitter reportedly shook his head as the judge read the evidence against him — he was convicted on March 3 of sexually molesting two 11-year-old girls — and screamed, "No justice here in Vietnam. ... They did not listen to the defense at all," as he was lead out of the courtroom. Meanwhile, The Boston Globe reports that the National Football League has asked teams to stop playing Glitter's popular game-day anthem, "Rock and Roll Part 2," to pump up crowds. ...

Los Angeles County prosecutors have declined to file charges against Eric Wright Jr. — a.k.a. Lil' Eazy-E — in connection with his arrest Saturday on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, L.A. CBS affiliate KCAL reports. According to the district attorney's office, there was not enough evidence to prosecute Wright, who was released from jail Sunday. The 22-year-old rapper is the son of late N.W.A member Eazy-E. ... After dueling lawsuits failed to resolve the matter, the U.S. International Trade Commission has launched a probe into whether Apple's iPod infringes on Creative Technology's patent for its Zen MP3 player, according to Reuters. The world's #2 MP3 player maker's complaint alleges that Apple imported into the U.S. and sold iPods that infringe on Creative's "Zen" patent, which covers the user interface on its Nomad and Zen models. Creative said it has asked the ITC for a permanent cease-and-desist order against Apple. A ruling is not expected before next year. In June, Apple filed a second patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. against Creative, which earlier had filed patent complaints against Apple in a federal court.

Just when you thought Ozzfest couldn't get any freakier, the festival's organizers have added the Bros. Grim Sideshow, billed as "the world's greatest collection of human oddities, strange people and novel entertainers," to the tour's Village of the Damned for nine of the trek's stops. The Bros. Grim Sideshow will be part of the festivities in San Antonio (July 11); Chicago (July 16); Detroit (July 19); Columbus, Ohio (July 21); Indianapolis (July 23); Buffalo, New York (July 27); New York (July 29); Boston (August 1); Raleigh, North Carolina (August 9); and the festival's final stop, West Palm Beach, Florida (August 13). ... "Gabba Gabba Hey! — A Punk-Rock Musical," inspired by the songs of the Ramones, will open in London on July 31 for a one-week run of shows set to conclude August 5. Described as "a postmodern fairy tale about the redeeming power of love," the musical will feature 18 classic Ramones tracks, including "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Beat on the Brat" and "Blitzkrieg Bop." Tommy Ramone, the production's musical director, will be appearing each night during the brief run. ...

Dredg vocalist Gavin Hayes will take the stage with Dan "The Automator" Nakamura at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California, on Sunday. The duo will be performing selections from Nakamura's Lovage and Handsome Boy Modeling School projects. Hayes will also join Dredg to perform at a benefit to help Day One Symphony pay medical bills following a car accident. The show is set for July 7 in San Francisco. ... Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue has announced plans for a 10-date club tour in support of his forthcoming self-titled solo acoustic debut, which took two years to complete. Ben Nichols of Lucero and Yellow Red Sparks will open on the trek, which kicks off July 27 in Philadelphia with dates scheduled through August 6 in San Francisco. ...

Primus frontman Les Claypool will be touring this summer in support of his solo LP, Of Whales and Woe, with several gigs sprinkled on off-nights throughout a run with his revived Oysterhead side project. The next stop on the trek, which is already in full swing, is set for Sunday in St. Louis, Missouri, following two appearances at this weekend's Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. The tour runs through July 22 in Cleveland. ... After months of rumors, Poison the Well have confirmed their split with Atlantic Records. The band continues to work on new material and plans to release an album early next year.

The reunited Germs — with actor Shane West filling the shoes of deceased frontman Darby Crash — are adding more shows to their plate. The band will play three Warped Tour dates, including July 4 in Phoenix. Other cities on the docket include Chula Vista (July 6) and Pomona (July 7), both in California; Detroit (July 25); Chicago (July 26-27); New York (July 29); Boston (July 30); and Washington, D.C. (August 5). ... The Ataris have parted ways with Columbia Records, according to frontman Kris Roe. In a post on the band's MySpace page, Roe said the Ataris made their decision after several people they originally worked with at the label left and, according to Roe, rumors have been circulating about a merger between Columbia and Epic. "Our newfound freedom might cause a slight delay in the release of Welcome the Night," the band's forthcoming LP, he wrote. "We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to release our next album under the best possible circumstances."

[This story was originally published at 8:40 a.m. ET on 06.16.2006]

• Britney Spears
• Prince
• John Mayer
• Sheryl Crow
• Dinosaur Jr.

Coldplay (file)
Photo: Capitol Records

Coldplay will kick off their "biggest-ever world tour" on June 27 with a series of outdoor stadium shows in the U.K. According to a message sent out to subscribers at Coldplay.com, the band will be announcing further details of its tour in the coming weeks. For the first time, the group also publicly mentioned a release date — or at least a release month — for its still-untitled third album, writing that it would be released in June. ...

In day two of the Michael Jackson trial, journalist Martin Bashir tried to be excused from testifying, but his attempt failed when the judge decided he could choose which questions to answer or not. The prosecution played his documentary "Living With Michael Jackson," which the judge instructed the jurors to consider some parts of as evidence, other parts as hearsay. Jackson dabbed at his eyes during the playing of the documentary, and he threw up his hands seemingly in frustration during Bashir's testimony. Jackson's attorney also told jurors that Jackson would take the stand. ...

In a reunion slightly less likely than last year's Pixies capitulation, indie rock heroes Dinosaur Jr. will get together for the first time in 15 years to play the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan (July 29-31). Singer/guitarist J Mascis has reportedly ended his decade-plus feud with bassist Lou Barlow, and the pair are expected to rejoin drummer Murph for a string of summer theater and festival shows in Europe, tentatively followed by North American dates, according to a spokesperson at Merge Records, which is reissuing the band's first three albums on March 22. ... Red Hot Chili Peppers have written 35 songs for their next album and will hit the studio this month to record them. "We're so in love with the songs we wrote," singer Anthony Kiedis said. "We're working really hard." ...

Jennifer Lopez is now "enemy number one" for PETA, which plans to target the singer in a new campaign since her clothing line Sweetface uses so much fur. Animal-rights activists plan to storm her Times Square record singing at Virgin Records on Tuesday (March 1) by showing film footage of animals being skinned alive juxtaposed with images of J. Lo dressed in fur in her latest video. The footage was shot during an investigation of fur farms in China. "There is nothing remotely 'sweet' about the torture deaths of animals killed for fur," PETA's Dan Mathews said in a statement. ... Mötley Crüe will ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday at 4 p.m. The rockers will arrive via choppers. ...

The upcoming flick "Batman Begins," which explains the origins of the elusive Bruce Wayne and other aspects of the iconic superhero, will hit screens on June 17 in both regular theaters and IMAX theaters. ... Singer/pianist John Legend will head to Miami this month to headline one of the three Sunset Sessions for the M3 Music Summit, a gathering that merges music, technology, art, fashion and multimedia. Legend will perform on March 24 at the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel. ... The Recording Industry Association of America filed its latest round of copyright-infringement lawsuits on Monday, targeting 753 people it suspects of illegally distributing songs online. Since September 2003, the RIAA has sued 9,100 individuals and settled with more than 1,900, according to an RIAA spokesperson. ...

The estate of late Damageplan/ Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott will most likely be split right down the middle between his brother, Damageplan/ Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, and his father, country and western songwriter Jerry Abbott, according to the Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The Abbott family's lawyer, Steve McClure, told the paper Dimebag had no formal written will at the time of his death. This, however, has not fueled familial bickering over his assets, which were estimated at $700,000, McClure said; that total does not reflect Dimebag's music-publishing rights, a value yet to be determined. Paul will more than likely serve as the administrator of his slain brother's estate. Meanwhile, Paul appeared onstage with Disturbed and Anthrax during a benefit concert honoring Dimebag's memory in Chicago on February 23 — the first time he performed since the onstage murder of his brother on December 8, 2004. ...

Alter Bridge, the band that's made up of old Creed boys plus singer Myles Kennedy, are set to headline the fifth Jägermeister Music Tour, kicking off in New York on March 29. The group will be joined by Chevelle tour alums Future Leaders of the World and Texas newcomers Submersed. ... Post-punk legends Gang of Four are heading out on a reunion tour of North America in May. The band — singer Jon King, guitarist Andy Gill, bassist Dave Allen and drummer Hugo Burnham — recently played a string of U.K. shows, the group's first since 1981. Following their May 1 date at the Coachella Festival in Indio, California, Gang of Four will play a pair of dates at the Fillmore in San Francisco May 2-3, then trek across the continent before winding down in Philadelphia on May 21. ...

Barenaked Ladies have finished the pilot for their sketch-comedy series for FOX. "It's us getting into strange situations, hijinks, we slap the stick occasionally," singer Steven Page said recently. The Ladies are also writing their next album as well as music for a production of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada. ... The Wonder Stuff are about to strut some new stuff — the U.K. band, known for such bouncy alt rock hits as "The Size of a Cow," "Cartoon Boyfriend" and "Don't Let Me Down, Gently," is back with its first new studio album in 12 years, Escape From Rubbish Island, due out March 22. The group is also heading out on the road, starting April 4 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The 23-date trek winds up May 8 in New York. ...

2.28.2005

Apparently Britney Spears doesn't want any beef with Paris Hilton — or her lapdog, Tinkerbell, either. In the wake of her boast, "I think my dogs are so much cuter than Tinkerbell," Spears has now released a statement on her Web site saying, "I was just being silly and of course I think that Tinkerbell is very cute." The pop diva even hopes to set up a play date for their miniscule canines. ...

Jury selection continued on Monday (February 28) in the perjury, obstruction and false-statements trial of rapper Lil' Kim. On Friday, several potential jurors who had voiced critical opinions about the musician's lifestyle (one responded in a juror survey that "crime seem[ed] to be part of the hip-hop culture") were ousted from consideration by U.S. District Judge Gerald Lynch, according to New York Newsday. Lil' Kim is accused of lying to a grand jury about a February 21, 2001, shooting she allegedly witnessed outside New York radio station Hot 97, which involved her two bodyguards. ... R&B singer/producer Gerald Levert was arrested Friday in Cleveland after confronting police at a downtown intersection, according to The Associated Press. Levert was cited on charges of driving under the influence and impeding the flow of traffic, then arrested on charges of obstructing official business, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer after he stopped his vehicle near where another motorist had been pulled over by police. Levert and the driver of another vehicle approached the officer and demanded to know why the other vehicle had been pulled over. They were told to leave but refused, and Levert became agitated and allegedly shoved an officer, who used pepper spray to subdue him. ...

Sum 41 might be taking the mature route on their new album, Chuck, and the video for their new single, "Pieces," may feature lead singer Deryck Whibley wandering the streets of Los Angeles all by his lonesome, but that doesn't mean they're above a good old dirty play on words: hence, the Go Chuck Yourself Tour. The first few dates of the North American trek have been announced, and the first two — April 7 and 8 in Toronto — are actually makeup shows from the gigs Sum canceled when Whibley fell ill with blistered vocal cords. The first U.S. date is April 12 in Buffalo, New York, with other shows scheduled for Philadelphia; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; and Kansas City, Missouri. Unwritten Law and Hawthorne Heights will open. ... Handsome Boy Modeling School are taking their curriculum on the road beginning March 28. The hip-hop duo will kick things off in Los Angeles and will tour from April 1-8 with Buck 65, and from April 9-20 with k-os, with the trek ending in New York. ...

Missed Morrissey on his tour? Don't get depressed — Morrissey feels your pain, so he's releasing a live CD and DVD from the tour behind his recent release, You Are the Quarry. The DVD, "Who Put the 'M' in Manchester," was filmed on May 22, 2004, at the singer's homecoming/birthday show in Manchester, England; while the CD, Live at Earls Court, was recorded at the end of the tour. Both will hit stores on March 29. ... Tiffany, the flame-haired 1980s teen pop sensation, is back ... again. This time, she's teamed up with new electronic dance act Second Sun for a duet, "He Said She Said," on their album Inside Out. The LP is set to drop on April 19. ...

Black Sabbath tributes by metal bands are a dime a dozen, so the newest disc of musical homages, Everything Comes & Goes: A Tribute to Black Sabbath, is definitely a change of pace. Due April 5, the nine-track disc will feature reinventions of Sabbath songs by a collection of unusual suspects including electronic laptop artist Four Tet, Japanese noise group Ruins and beatmaking Björk collaborators Matmos. ... Meanwhile, Kieran Hebden will release his fourth Four Tet album, Everything Ecstatic, on May 31. ... Los Angeles alt-rock club Spaceland — at the heart of the Silver Lake scene — is about to turn 10 years old, and to celebrate, a missing-in-action Silver Lake band is reuniting, and possibly for more than one night only. Lutefisk, who last played five years ago for Pop Defect's farewell gig, "return with fresh skills, new guitars, and a love of loudness that has never wavered," guitarist Beale Dabbs said. The show, on March 5, also includes local bands Sissybar, Velouria, Buck, Longstocking and a few "surprises." Just remember who else is from Silver Lake — and you might have an idea of who could swing by. ...

The Eagles are preparing to release their entire original vinyl Asylum Records catalog in one box set. Eagles Box, a limited-edition, nine-disc set, will include their seven chart-topping albums released between 1972 and 1980, featuring such singles as "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Desperado." The set, which will hit stores on March 15, will also feature the debut of the band's "Please Come Home for Christmas/ Funky New Year" single on CD. ... Dan Snaith may have lost his moniker Manitoba in a lawsuit from Handsome Dick Manitoba, but it won't stop him from making music. His debut under the name Caribou, The Milk of Human Kindness, will hit shelves April 19. ...

• Coldplay
• Dinosaur Jr.
• Jennifer Lopez
• John Legend
• Red Hot Chili Peppers

Anthony Kiedis at the MusiCares tribute to Brian Wilson
Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

HOLLYWOOD — It was all good vibrations at Friday's MusiCares Person of the Year dinner, where the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Backstreet Boys and ?uestlove of the Roots honored Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson with kind words and musical tributes.

"He's a modern day Stravinsky,"
?uestlove said outside the Palladium before joining Wilson's band and John Legend for "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times." "The way he constructs his music, he's a madman. ... He was doing stuff [40 years ago] that modern people do now, looping his work and stuff. There's a track on Smile with a whole bunch of tubas having a conversation with trumpets. It's great."

(Click for photos from the concert.)

The Chili Peppers opened the concert portion of the event with a rendition of "I Get Around" featuring Anthony Kiedis half-singing/half-rapping the verses and guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea harmonizing the chorus.

"God only knows how much we love Brian Wilson," Kiedis told the crowd, referencing one of the Beach Boys' many popular tunes, "God Only Knows," which Wilson performed later with India.Arie.

"I knew someone else much more important would be doing 'God Only Knows,' so my next choice was 'Sail on Sailor,' " British crooner Jamie

	Photos: Chili Peppers, Backstreet Salute Brian Wilson

Other performers included veterans Richie Sambora; Earth, Wind & Fire; Darlene Love; Jeff Beck; Michael McDonald; Billy Preston; and Neil Young, who dedicated his moving version of "In My Room" to Brian as well as his late brothers, Dennis and Carl.

The only band to perform its own song was the Barenaked Ladies, who treated the full house to an acoustic version of "Brian Wilson."

"We're a band that focuses on harmonies, and [the Beach Boys] were the harmony rock and roll band," singer Steven Page explained of his band's longtime admiration for Wilson.

The Barenaked Ladies were one of the many acts who returned to the stage at night's end to perform with Wilson. After quickly thanking MusiCares (reading from a prompter) and singing "Heroes and Villains," "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations" with his band, Wilson welcomed the other performers for "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Love and Mercy."

"I'm leaving you with a littler prayer," Wilson said before the final tune. And his apostles fittingly followed along.

Brian Wilson Presents Smile is nominated in two categories at Sunday's Grammy Awards.

As this year's Grammys approach, you can get all the latest news on the show, the scene and the nominees in our Grammy news archive. On the big night, February 8, be sure to tune in to MTV at 7 p.m. for our "All up in the Grammys" preshow. Plus check out videos of the nominees and more right here on mtv.com.

For more sights and stories from concerts around the country, check out MTV News Tour Reports.

• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Backstreet Boys
• Brian Wilson
• John Legend
• Jamie Cullum

Avril Lavigne
Photo: George Pimentel / Wire Image

While some bands continue to cancel Toronto dates over SARS fears, Canada's music elite, including Avril Lavigne, Sum 41 and Sarah McLachlan, are joining forces to battle the city's tourism troubles, which began when the disease broke out there earlier this year.

The acts will headline a June 21 concert that will also feature Barenaked Ladies, Our Lady Peace, Glenn Lewis, Remy Shand and the Tragically Hip, according to a spokesperson for the event.

Lavigne and the others will perform at either Toronto's Skydome or the adjacent Air Canada Centre, with all performances being broadcast on giant screens in both venues, which hold a combined 70,000 people.

"We rely on concerts to bring in a lot of tourists to Toronto in the summer, so the reason this was put together by various levels of government and promoters was [because] we saw an opportunity to give back to the city using Canadian acts, showing the world that Toronto is open for business," said Brett Gallagher, vice president of concerts for the Skydome. "[Those of us] living here are going [on with] our normal work days. We have to be smart about it, but we're still living life."

Since Toronto's outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in March, the disease has caused 27 deaths in the area and the tourism industry has lost approximately $763 million (see "SARS Continues To Affect Concerts, Promo Dates Worldwide").

The World Health Organization revoked a travel advisory to Toronto earlier this month, although the city has returned to a list of "areas with recent local transmission of SARS."

The announcement of the June concert comes on the heels of Kelly Clarkson, Lisa Marie Presley and others canceling Toronto appearances. Just this week, Staind called off an autograph session and concert with Cold over fears of the reemergence of the disease.

• Avril Lavigne
• Sum 41
• Sarah McLachlan
• Barenaked Ladies
• Our Lady Peace

Paul McCartney
Photo: Capitol

Paul McCartney, No Doubt and Barenaked Ladies have been added to the Super Bowl pre-game show at the Louisiana Superdome on February 3.

McCartney will headline the event and lead what is being called a "Tribute to Everyday Heroes" to honor the acts of kindness and heroism that people contributed in the wake of September 11. The Beatles bassist will perform his song "Freedom" with 500 young people who will symbolically represent the 180 countries broadcasting the football game across the globe.

  The pre-show party will begin hours earlier with a performance by Barenaked Ladies at the Fox Tailgate Party in the parking lot of the stadium. They'll be followed by a set from No Doubt. Then Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony will perform "America the Beautiful" along with the Boston Pops and America's Heroes Chorus. (see "Mary J. Blige, Marc Anthony Score Super Bowl Pre-Game Gig" ). The Pops will also back up Mariah Carey's singing of the national anthem right before kickoff, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. (see "Mariah To Sing National Anthem At Super Bowl XXXVI" ).

Additional pre-show performers may be announced at a later date.

Grammy nomination-gobblers U2 will provide halftime entertainment for the event (see "U2 To Elevate Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show" ). The band has yet to announce what its short set will consist of or who may join the group onstage.

Last year, Aerosmith and 'NSYNC performed the halftime show along with a host of guests including Britney Spears, Run-D.M.C., Nelly and Mary J. Blige (see "Britney, Nelly Joining Aerosmith At Super Bowl" ). Last year's pre-show entertainment included Bon Jovi, Sting, Styx and Backstreet Boys (see "Bon Jovi, Sting, Styx In Super Bowl Pregame Show" ).

• Paul McCartney
• No Doubt
• Barenaked Ladies

Creed's Scott Stapp
Photo: Wind-Up

'NSYNC, Creed, Dave Matthews Band, Marc Anthony and Foo Fighters are among the artists scheduled to perform during a series of 16 nightly concerts at the Olympic Winter Games in February.

The Hallmark Olympic Celebration Series will also feature Stone Temple Pilots, Sheryl Crow, Barenaked Ladies, Smash Mouth and Train, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 (SLOC) announced Tuesday (December 18).

The concerts will be held at Olympic Medals Plaza in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the games will be held. With an estimated capacity of 20,000, the plaza will host the largest medal celebrations in Olympic history, the SLOC said.

Aside from the rock and pop artists mentioned above, the Hallmark Olympic Celebration Series will also include country favorites Martina McBride and Brooks & Dunn and Motown legends the Temptations. Headlining artists for four of the nights and opening acts for all of the dates will be announced in January, according to the SLOC.

Olympic Medals Plaza will be open nightly from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. and admission is free, though tickets are required to attend. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

NBC, who will broadcast the Olympic events, will televise one song from each musical performance as part of the network's coverage.

Dave Matthews Band will kick off the series on February 9, and the Temptations will wrap it up on February 25.   The Olympic Medals Plaza concerts are separate from the extravagant opening and closing ceremonies, which will feature 'NSYNC, Christina Aguilera and Bon Jovi (see ). Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster ("The Bodyguard" soundtrack), film composer Michael Kamen ("Die Hard," "Lethal Weapon") and songwriter Robbie Robertson (The Band) will compose the music for the ceremonies.

In other Olympics music news, Neil Diamond and Melissa Etheridge recently recorded a new version of "America," Diamond's hit from his 1980 movie, "The Jazz Singer," to serve as theme music for NBC's promotion of the Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, soul legend Aretha Franklin has recorded a new song called "Carry the Flame" which is the official song for the carrying of the Olympic Torch.

Academy Award-winning composer John Williams ("Star Wars," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") is composing the official theme of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

The Hallmark Olympic Celebration Series schedule, according to the SLOC (additional headliners to be announced):

• 2/9 - Dave Matthews Band
• 2/11 - Foo Fighters
• 2/13 - Barenaked Ladies
• 2/14 - Sheryl Crow
• 2/15 - Smash Mouth
• 2/16 - Brooks & Dunn
• 2/17 - Train
• 2/19 - Creed
• 2/20 - Marc Anthony
• 2/23 - 'NSYNC
• 2/24 - Martina McBride
• 2/25 - The Temptations

• Creed
• *NSYNC
• Dave Matthews Band
• Dave Matthews
• Foo Fighters

Dr. Dre
Photo: MTV News

Dr. Dre has ponied up $1 million, Britney Spears and Busta Rhymes are joining Sister Sledge's new "Family" and Mariah Carey is coming out of seclusion as musicians of all stripes seek ways to pitch in to the worldwide relief effort for victims of last week's terrorist attacks.

A wide range of artists has been lined up by famed producer, Chic member and disco icon Nile Rodgers to remake Sister Sledge's 1979 hit "We Are Family," which he co-wrote and co-produced.

The New York native said on Tuesday that Britney Spears, Busta Rhymes, 'NSYNC, Run-D.M.C., Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Vanessa Williams, Joan Rivers, Macaulay Culkin, Kevin Bacon and Sister Sledge themselves have all joined the project. The cover tune will be recorded in two sessions — one on Saturday in New York and the other on Sunday in L.A. Rodgers said he's still trying to decide which charities should benefit, though he made it clear he wants the money to help the survivors and families of those killed in the WTC disaster.

"I let my heart reach out, and it pointed me in the right direction," Rodgers said. "Everybody I reached out to really just came through."

Rodgers, who said he's working on a different beat for the song and that the all-stars will be singing "a new interpretation," said he has no worries about making harmony between established singers and celebrities who aren't exactly known for carrying a tune.

"There's something I've noticed all my life," he said. "When you walk in a room full of people, and people start singing 'Happy Birthday,' something is really beautiful about that because of the spirit. The vibe is right. We can fix pitch [with studio equipment], but there is no button in the studio to add vibe."

To help do his part, Dr. Dre anted up $1 million to L.A. radio station KPWR-FM (Power 106)'s Power of a Dollar Relief Fund, which benefits the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Tyrese, Fat Joe and Russell Simmons are among those who have pledged funds to New York radio powerhouse WQHT (Hot 97)'s Hip Hop Has Heart Foundation. Both those efforts are part of a joint venture with the stations' parent company, Emmis Communications (see "Musicians From Madonna To Godsmack Pledge Aid").

Mariah Carey will emerge from seclusion to join the cause on the televised event "America: A Tribute to Heroes" (see "Mariah Carey To Resurface For 'America' TV Tribute"). Hollywood A-listers such as Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Jim Carrey, Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro will be on hand to help solicit charitable donations for victims of the attacks, as will musicians such as Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Enrique Iglesias, Limp Bizkit, Sting, U2 and Wyclef Jean. The telethon will be broadcast simultaneously on ABC, CBS, NBC and dozens of other network, public television, cable, radio and Internet outlets on Friday at 9 p.m. ET.

Toronto TV station MuchMusic announced Thursday (September 20) that it is organizing a similar, smaller-scale effort. Acts such as Sum 41, Shaggy, Sarah McLachlan and Barenaked Ladies will take the stage for "Music Without Borders." That benefit concert will be broadcast live and commercial-free on MuchMusic and its affiliate outlets as well as on Toronto radio stations CHUM-FM, Edge 102 and Kiss 92 on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. ET. A spokesperson for MuchMusic said they are still trying to finalize the details of which organizations they will be helping.

Jermaine Dupri and Bono have already gathered performers such as Destiny's Child, P. Diddy, Ja Rule, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Nelly to record a Dupri-produced remake of Marvin Gaye's classic "What's Going On" (see "Fred Durst, P. Diddy, Aaron Lewis, More Join In On Gaye Remake"). Proceeds from that single were originally destined to help AIDS research in Africa; on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Dupri said that 50 percent of the money from the song will go to the United Way's September 11th Fund, with the other half to be used as originally intended.

Whitney Houston and Arista have already put forth plans to re-release her decade-old rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Houston originally performed it at Super Bowl XXV, in 1991; the single's profits will go to the New York Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund and the New York Fraternal Order of Police Fund (see "Whitney Houston's 'Star-Spangled Banner' To Wave Again").

Meanwhile, Michael Jackson is making progress on his all-star benefit single, "What More Can I Do." Usher, Aaron Carter and country star Reba McEntire have joined the likes of Destiny's Child and Backstreet Boy Nick Carter on Jackson's list of guest artists. A Jackson representative said Britney Spears and 'NSYNC's Justin Timberlake have committed verbally to the song (see "Jackson Taps Britney, More For Song To Help Terrorism Victims"), though a spokesperson for the star couple said their participation is not confirmed.

The Black Crowes, who will kick off the first of three New York performances at the Beacon Theatre on Thursday (September 20), announced they will donate all profits from ticket sales as well as all of the merchandising revenue from the shows. Those funds will be distributed to the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund and the New York City Public/Private Initiative Inc. The latter helps families of the lost rescuers at the WTC.

On Tuesday, Britney Spears pledged to donate $1 from each ticket she sells during her fall tour of the U.S., as well as profits from merchandising and other tour endeavors, to help the children of police and firefighters lost in the incident at the World Trade Center (see "Britney Spears To Raise Money For Children Of WTC Disaster").

Madonna, Janet Jackson, Maxwell, Incubus and Backstreet Boys are among the entertainers who have already donated proceeds from concert performances to various relief charities (see "Madonna Closes Drowned World Tour With Prayer, Donation").

For more information on and audience reaction to the attacks, including tips on how you can help, see "9.11.01: Moving Forward."

• Dr. Dre
• Britney Spears
• Sister Sledge
• Busta Rhymes
• Mariah Carey

Paul McCartney
Photo: Kevin Mazur

The first-ever tribute to Paul McCartney's post-Beatles career is taking off.

Listen to What the Man Said: Popular Artists Pay Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney, scheduled for an October 9 release, focuses on McCartney's work since leaving the Beatles, both in Wings and as a solo artist. The compilation includes interpretations by artists such as Robyn Hitchcock, Matthew Sweet, Sloan and They Might Be Giants of the former Fab Four bassist's popular hits, as well as little-known gems, according to the album's publicist.

Singer/songwriter Owsley covers the classic "Band on the Run," the title track from Wings' 1973 third album, while pop-punkers SR-71 offer their take on "My Brave Face," a tune McCartney wrote with Elvis Costello for Paul's 1989 solo album, Flowers in the Dirt. Semisonic take "Jet" for a spin, and rockers Virgos, fronted by temporary Creed bassist Brett Hestla, deliver their rendition of the heart-wrenching "Maybe I'm Amazed," from Sir Paul's 1970 solo debut, McCartney.

A companion disc of McCartney covers by lesser-known artists arrives October 23. The 15-track Coming Up: Independent Artists Pay Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney features a few Mac nuggets, like the Andersons' version of "Temporary Secretary" (from 1980's McCartney II) and Band on the Run's "Helen Wheels" interpreted by the Shazam, alongside a trio of tunes — "Every Night" (Mark Bacino), "My Brave Face" (Star Collector) and "Maybe I'm Amazed" (Gadget White Band) — that are also covered on Listen to What the Man Said.

The LP also marks the return, after a 28-year absence, of Emitt Rhodes, who duets with Ray Paul on "Oh Woman, Oh Why." Rhodes was the frontman of late-'60s Brit-pop sound-alikes the Merry-Go-Round, whose "Pardon Me" closely resembles McCartney's Beatles composition "Fool on the Hill." He hasn't released an album since his 1973 solo LP Farewell to Paradise.

A portion of the proceeds from both albums will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Paul's late wife Linda lost her battle with the disease in 1998.

Track list for Listen to What the Man Said: Popular Artists Pay Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney, according to the album's publicist:

• Owsley - "Band on the Run"
• SR-71 - "My Brave Face"
• Barenaked Ladies' Steven Page and Kevin Hearn with the Lilac Time's Stephen Duffy - "Junk"
• Semisonic - "Jet"
• The Merrymakers - "No More Lonely Nights"
• Robyn Hitchcock - "Let Me Roll It"
• Finn Brothers - "Too Many People"
• The Minus 5 - "Dear Friend"
• Matthew Sweet - "Every Night"
• Sloan - "Waterfalls"
• World Party - "Man We Was Lonely"
• The John Faye Power Trip - "Coming Up"
• Virgos - "Maybe I'm Amazed"
• Judybats - "Love in Song"
• Linus of Hollywood - "Warm and Beautiful"
• They Might Be Giants - "Ram On"

Track list for Coming Up: Independent Artists Pay Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney:

• Starbelly - "Let 'Em In"
• The Jellybricks - "Take It Away"
• Mark Bacino - "Every Night"
• Cliff Hillis - "This One"
• Star Collector - "My Brave Face"
• The Andersons - "Temporary Secretary"
• Kyf Brewer - "Mull of Kintyre"
• The Masticators - "With a Little Luck"
• Phil Keaggy - "Somedays"
• Michael Carpenter - "Getting Closer"
• Gadget White Band - "Maybe I'm Amazed"
• The Shazam - "Helen Wheels"
• Ray Paul with Emitt Rhodes - "Oh Woman, Oh Why"
• Cherry Twister - "Another Day"
• Cockeyed Ghost - "Back on My Feet"

• Paul McCartney
• Matthew Sweet
• Semisonic
• Robyn Hitchcock
• Owsley

Barenaked Ladies' Steven Page
Photo: Vh1

The Barenaked Ladies have stripped the hits from their five studio albums for a best of collection.

The comical Canadian quintet behind such classics as "If I Had $1,000,000," "One Week" and "Brian Wilson" will also include new material on the greatest hits record, bassist Jim Creeggan said Friday. The album has a tentative release date of November 13.

"We just recorded four new songs, and boiled it down to two for the album," Creeggan said. "It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)" and "Thanks That Was Fun" will make the record, and "I Don't Get It Anymore" and "I Can, I Will, I Do" will be saved for future releases.

While 17 tracks have been selected, Barenaked Ladies have called on their followers to help choose the final song. Fans can vote for either "Alternative Girlfriend" or "Be My Yoko Ono" exclusively at VH1.com through September. (MTVi's parent company, Viacom, also owns VH1.)

Tentatively titled Greatest Hits, the record includes favorites like "The Old Apartment," "It's All Been Done" and "Pinch Me," their most recent hit from 2000's Maroon.

Ladies fans who don't want to wait for the album to rediscover the history of the band can check out the new tell-all book, "Barenaked Ladies: Public Stunts, Private Stories."

Written by longtime friend of the group, Paul Myers, brother of comedian Mike Myers, the book will hit U.S. shelves later this year, but is currently available in Canada and on the Internet (www.werkshop.com).

"He was playing in a band along with us when we were starting out in Toronto," Creeggan said of Myers. "We asked him if he would like to write something for us. He came out on tour with us and hung out and came up with a good history of where we're coming from."

Road warriors since their inception a decade ago, the Barenaked Ladies, who also include singer/guitarists Ed Robertson and Steven Page, drummer Tyler Stewart and keyboardist Kevin Hearn, have been touring behind Maroon for more than a year.

With their current single, "Falling for the First Time," picking up steam on radio, they will continue on the road for the rest of the summer (see "Barenaked Ladies Add U.S. Tour Dates").

The band will showcase some new covers during its now traditional Top 40 medley, including hits by Eminem, Uncle Kracker and Destiny's Child.

"It's likely you'll see us dancing up a storm, as well," Creeggan promised.

Tentative track list for the greatest hits album, according to Warner Bros.:

• "Old Apartment"
• "Falling for the First Time"
• "Brian Wilson"
• "One Week"
• "It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)"
• "If I Had $1,000,000"
• "Call and Answer"
• "Get in Line"
• "It's All Been Done"
• "Jane"
• "Lovers in a Dangerous Time"
• "Pinch Me"
• "Shoebox"
• "What a Good Boy"
• "Too Little Too Late"
• "Enid"
• "Thanks That Was Fun"

• 7/27 - Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach Amphitheatre
• 7/28 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
• 7/29 - Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Amphitheatre
• 7/30 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre
• 8/1 - Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Charlotte Amphitheatre
• 8/3 - Atlanta, GA @ HiFi Buys Amphitheatre
• 8/6 - Maryland Heights, MO @ Riverport Amphitheatre
• 8/10 - Englewood, CO @ Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
• 8/11 - Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion
• 8/13 - Chula Vista, CA @ Coors Amphitheatre
• 8/14 - Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
• 8/15 - Marysville, CA @ Sacramento Valley Amphitheatre
• 8/16 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
• 8/18 - George, WA @ The Gorge
• 8/19 - Bozeman, MT @ Brick Breeden Fieldhouse
• 8/21 ñ St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
• 8/22 - Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheatre
• 8/24 - Tinley Park, IL @ Tweeter Center
• 8/25 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
• 8/26 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
• 8/28 - Winnipeg, MB @ Winnipeg Arena

• Barenaked Ladies

MusiCares 2005 Person Of The Year Ceremony 02.11.2005

• India.Arie
• Backstreet Boys
• Neil Young
• John Legend
• Red Hot Chili Peppers