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. The Day in Rock - antiMUSIC.com's look at Today's Top Rock News Stories From Across the Web

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OutKast Ballet

Contact Music reports: OUTKAST rapper BIG BOI will star in a ballet production choreographed to his hit records.

The Hey Ya hitmaker - real name Antwan Andre Patton - has teamed up with dance troupe Atlanta Ballet to create Big, which will see Big Boi himself and a younger dancer called Little Big move through a series of routines set to Outkast hits and material from the hip-hop star's upcoming solo record.

Patton, 32, says, "I've dated a couple of ballerinas. But I was like, 'That sounds kind of dope - let's crank it up'." - more on this story

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Intimate Kooks

Filter reports: The Kooks will be getting cozy on both coasts next month in anticipation for their second album, Konk.

The UK rockers have announced two intimate shows in LA and Brooklyn. No supporting acts have been confirmed.

Their sophomore disc will be released on April 15th courtesy of Astralwerks. - Details on the shows

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EMI Bloodbath Coming

Reuters reports: Music company EMI, home to Robbie Williams and Coldplay, will cut up to 2,000 jobs as part of a restructuring being planned by its private equity boss Guy Hands, Sunday newspapers reported.

Hands plans to cut the marketing budget to 12 percent of projected sales, from 20 percent, but raise spending on A&R (artist and repertoire), which looks for new talent, The Sunday Telegraph said.

The Sunday Times said EMI would also ditch thousands of artists when he announces his plans on Tuesday. - more on this story

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Baby Charlotte

BBC reports: US reality TV star Nicole Richie and her [pop] star boyfriend Joel Madden [of Good Charlotte] have had a baby girl, according to People magazine.

Richie, the daughter of soul singer Lionel Richie has named her daughter Harlow Winter Kate Madden. [where does celebs get these names? You just know on the playground Harlow will become harlot. Better than Apple though.]

Speaking to the publication, Madden said: "We are very blessed she's healthy and beautiful." - more on this story

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Def Leppard and Whitesnake Arena Tour

SleazeRoxx.com reports: Def Leppard and Whitesnake, Two of the World's greatest arena rock bands, are set to play a series of co-headline shows across the UK in summer of 2008.

This is the ultimate line up for many a rock fan and be sure this tour is going to sell fast, so get your skates on.

Special Guests on the tour are the great 'Black Stone Cherry' who hail from the USA and have just won Best New Band at the Classic Rock awards.

Whitesnake and Def Leppard UK Tour 2008 confirmed dates.

JUNE 2008
Tue 17 GLASGOW SECC
Wed 18 BIRMINGHAM NEC
Fri 20 MANCHESTER MEN ARENA
Mon 23 SHEFFIELD ARENA
Tue 24 NEWCASTLE ARENA
Thu 26 WEMBLEY ARENA
- more on this story

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Junkie XL Sets Release

PR reports: With the arrival of his fifth proper studio album, Dutch-born musician, producer and remixer JUNKIE XL (Tom Holkenborg) has crafted a disc that not only builds on his beloved back catalog but also builds a bridge with today's vibrant new school of dance-rock music. Due out March 11, 2008, Booming Back At You will be released as the first offering from Artwerk Music-the record label started by Electronic Arts (EA) in conjunction with Nettwerk Music Group. "In the past, I always made conceptual records or tried to find a theme. But I'm such an energetic performer, very upbeat, and I wanted to capture that," states Junkie XL. "This album throws that vibe right back at the fans."

The album's first single is "More," the lead track from the EA game Need For Speed Pro Street TM featuring Lauren Rocket, front-woman for emerging LA all-girl rock outfit Rocket which has been dazzling dance floors around the world. Other songs on the album include: "Cities In Dust," a cover of Siouxsie & the Banshees modern rock classic also with vocals by Lauren Rocket; "Booming Right At You" which features Tommy Vext (who sings in Divine Heresy with ex-Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares) and utilizes a snippet of Stetsasonic's 1988 hip-hop classic "DBC Let The Music Play" to make the track uplifting and soulful as it is inventive; and "1967 Poem," a hard-slamming dance floor burner produced in collaboration with Hollywood superstar DJ and Dim Mak label maverick Steve Aoki. - more on this story

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Sundance Horrors

PR reports: Breakout British group The Horrors (Stolen Transmission Records) and director Marvin Scott Jarrett (Nylon Magazine) will attend the 2008 Sundance Film Festival with the documentary film "Counting in Fives". The documentary follows the group through the streets of London and the US, in the studio writing their second record, and throughout concerts in the UK and the US, ultimately exploring how these dynamic personalities came to form The Horrors. The inspirations, the dress, and the explosive live performances of the band are all showcased in the feature. The Horrors have released a self-titled EP and full length Strange House on Stolen Transmission, and have toured the U.S. with label mates Schoolyard Heroes.

The band will be in Park City, Utah starting Friday, January 18th at the Marquee Lounge, where they will kick off the Sundance Film Festival with a huge bash, sponsored by Hugo Boss. THE HORRORS will be hosting and DJ'ing with PEACHES GELDOFF guest DJ'ing as well.

"It's weird, because when we do gigs we just set out to play our songs and not annoy or wind up anyone - but we often cause loads of trouble in the process", explains keyboardist Rhys 'Spider' Webb evenly. "Still, we're not interested in pleasing everybody. And we certainly don't have a problem with pissing people off in the process. We don't care what people think of us. If we upset people we're not bothered in the slightest." - documentary trailer can be viewed at www.stolentransmission.com

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Fight Like Hell Surrender

Metal Underground reports: Colorado hardcore band Fight Like Hell (Double Or Nothing Records) will be disbanding in March. Here's a statement from the band: "In the past two years, Fight Like Hell has gone above and beyond any of our expectations. What started out as a fun side project turned into an amazing thing that fulfilled every dream a kid who wanted to be in a DIY band could ever have.

"But unfortunately, it is time to move on. Yes we are breaking up after one last tour, but we are parting on good terms, and we will resurface from time to time. Some of us are leaving Denver, and we are all going to pursue individual endeavors, musical and otherwise, so don't worry, we're still going to be around.

"To everybody across the country who supported us and believed in what we said, what we did and how we lived- you guys are the reason that every show, every song we played will always ring out as amazing moments in our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. And to all you Denver kids, what can we say? It's been a blast, start to finish. We did it all for you, and we couldn't have burned as bright as we did without your support. Keep doing what you do, making Denver the best city in this whole nation.

"We are going on one last tour to the West Coast (sorry, Texas), starting mid-February with Steel Nation. - more on this story

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Bamboozle Left

Lambgoat reports: Details have been announced for Bamboozle Left, the second West Coast edition of the New Jersey festival.

The [emo-centric] event will take place on Saturday, April 5th and Sunday April 6th at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, California.

Two-day passes are $75 while single-day passes are $39.50. The following bands are scheduled to appear: A Day To Remember, All-American Rejects, Anti-Flag, Armor For Sleep, Bayside, The Bouncing Souls, Chiodos, Finch, My Chemical Romance, New Found Glory. - See more here

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Christina Aguilera's Baby in a Bottle

Jam! reports: Christina Aguilera has given birth to a boy.

The pop singer announced it on her website today.

A brief message says Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman are proud to announce the birth of their son, Max Liron Bratman. [FYI: Liron means "my song" or "my joy" in Hebrew.] - more on this story

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Sugababe Arrested

Contact Music reports: SUGABABES star AMELLE BERRABAH was arrested on Thursday morning (10Jan08) for allegedly causing damage to a neighbour's car following a row with the vehicle's owner.

The British singer was taken to a police station in Aldershot, Hampshire - 55 kilometres (35 miles) south west of London - after the incident, which took place at her sister Laila's home.

A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "There's been needle between the two families and on Thursday it hit boiling point. There was shouting and a girl called police, who got there about 10.45am. Amelle was shaking as officers carted her off." - more on this story

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Stars To Pay Respect to Aretha

Contact Music reports: Country star FAITH HILL has joined an all star line-up to pay tribute to ARETHA FRANKLIN in concert next month (Feb08).

The Respect hitmaker has been named the Recording Academy's person of the year and will be honoured at a special concert on 8 February (08) at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Other acts slated to appear include American Idol winner Fantasia, John Legend, Herbie Hancock and the Blues Brothers - more on this story

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EkoTren Set Release and Ill Nino Tour

PR reports: Melodic metalers, EkoTren are set to release their debut album, Light the Fire, on February 19th through Blind Prophecy Records. The band will also be hitting the road with Ill Nino in late January. EkoTren's debut album mixes assonance and dissonance, assuring that this release will appeal voluminous group of music fans.

After the international release of the album, EkoTren aims to bring their unique breed of metal to the masses with extensive touring. Catch EkoTren on tour with Ill Nino late January! - dates and info here

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Hillary Dies

Contact Music reports: This isn't music related but a true legend has passed. Contact Music has the story: SIR EDMUND HILLARY, the New Zealand adventurer who became the first man to conquer Mount Everest, has died of a heart attack in Auckland City.

The humble former beekeeper, who sparked the globe's interest in mountaineering by reaching the world's tallest peak with Nepalese Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the sad news to the world on Friday (11Jan08). - more on this story

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Mason Proper Tour

PR reports: Experimental art rockers Mason Proper will give fans a sneak peak into their expanding repertoire when they debut a handful of new songs on tour this winter. The three-week run, which kicked off last week in Dayton, Ohio, will take the Michigan band through the Midwest and East Coast, stopping by the illustrious Daytrotter and WOXY.com studios to record live sessions. Following this jaunt, the band will head to Austin for the SXSW Music Festival in March for several shows including the Dovecote Records showcase.

Mason Proper will perform tracks from their debut full-length, 'There Is a Moth In Your Chest,' released last March, as well as songs from their forthcoming EP, 'Short Hand,' due March 4 on Dovecote. The EP, comprised of live favorites, will be bundled with a DVD featuring a video for each track, directed by Mike Berlucci and the band. - more on this story

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And Now For Something Completely Different

PR reports: Lili Haydn singer, songwriter and violinist extraordinaire returns March 25 with PLACE BETWEEN PLACES, her debut album for Nettwerk Music and third album overall.

Her words and melodies cover a wide musical territory, as rooted in modern rock and avant-pop as in her early studies of Brahms and Tchaikovsky. Highlights include the transcendent "Strawberry Street" (the album's hook-laden first single), the dreamy, modern noir of "I Give Up" and the stunning opening track "Memory One."

Haydn has played with, sung and opened for everyone from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (soloing on Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" before joining them again across the U.S. as the duo's opening act) to Sting, Josh Groban and Herbie Hancock (playing and singing one of her own songs as part of his jazz quintet last summer). And as a sometime member of Parliament- Funkadelic, leader George Clinton has often called her "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin." - more on this story

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Shelby Lynne Takes on Dusty Springfield

PR reports: Accomplished artist Shelby Lynne is back with her 10th studio album, Just A Little Lovin', to be released January 29th on Lost Highway Records (Ryan Adams, Fionn Regan). Nine of the ten tracks are newly arranged versions of songs from the Dusty Springfield songbook, all produced by Phil Ramone, recorded live on two-inch tape at legendary Capital Studio A in Los Angeles.

Just A Little Lovin' Track Listing: 1. Just A Little Lovin' 2. Anyone Who Had A Heart 3. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 4. I Only Want To Be With You 5. The Look Of Love 6. Breakfast In Bed 7. Willie And Laura Mae Jones 8. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore 9. Pretend (Written by Shelby Lynne) 10. How Can I Be Sure

Los Angeles fans can look forward to an Amoeba Records in-store to celebrate the record's release on January 29th at 7pm. Head over to Shelby's MySpace to sample a few new tracks - http://myspace.com/shelbylynne

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Dropkick Murphys Resale

PR reports: On March 11th, just in time for St. Patrick's Day and their March tour dates the Dropkick Murphys have repackaged The Meanest Of Times to include extra tracks and a bonus DVD and will release a limited edition deluxe CD/DVD package.

The CD will contain all 15 tracks from the original TMOT release plus five bonus cuts. The DVD contains a mini-movie on the band's St. Patrick's Day charity breakfast in Boston, the music video for "The State Of Massachusetts," behind the scenes making the music video of "The State Of Massachusetts" and a celebration of the band's trip to victory with the Boston Red Sox. - track list and dates

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Hot Chip Made In The Dark

PR reports: The music making partnership of Alexis Taylor, Joe Goddard, Owen Clarke, Al Doyle and Felix Martin came into existence in gradual stages, and has culminated in their third album Made In The Dark the follow up to the UK gold selling, Mercury Music Prize nominated album The Warning. Made in the Dark will be out February 5th.

The nuclei of the band is Taylor and Goddard, school friends who found common ground and began to make home recordings using an odd assortment of cheap synthesizers, guitars and percussion. Clarke, another school friend, joined the duo soon after, impressing them with his quick-witted playing and rather devious musical experiments. The end product of this era was the first full Hot Chip album Coming on Strong.

The Warning represented a great step forward in terms of songwriting and production, though the album was still recorded exclusively at home and without recourse to a professional studio (though they were grateful to DFA for the offer).Al Doyle and Felix Martin, already members of the band as well at work on their own musical projects, now joined the band full time as Hot Chip took off as a live entity, performing in the United States, the UK and Europe. The sound of the band evolved towards wilder, heavier electronics, though still coupled with a signature pop aesthetic. - Check out the new video for "Ready For the Floor"

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No. 3 Ain't Too Bad

antiMusic reports: We're on record making a little fun of the plethora of "awards" out there. A lot of them are redundant and pointless. So how do we handle the dilemma when our name comes up as a nominee for an award? Since it comes from a source we respect, we're only a little bit hypocritical. We're talking about the MusicPressReport.com's Music Press Awards, which were announced on Sunday. For those not in the music press, MPR is music site that's pretty much required reading for any on the music press that wants to know what in the hell is going on in the industry.

Now back to the Music Press Awards. Here is the crux of what they are about: "Over the past month, we asked our readers - several thousand music journalists and photojournalists from around the world - to nominate and vote for the best in music journalism in 2007."

Now with a Kanye like fit we are sad to announce that we didn't win, which honestly would have been like the biggest stoner in school being elected student body president. But according to the editor of the Music Press Report we did come in 3rd in the best music news site category, which is honestly a bit shocking considering we actually beat some of the biggest corporate music news sources out there. Guess this shows that this web thing really does work, where a little indie pub like ours can be recognized among a field of well funded pubs run by corporations. But any and all credit really goes to our incredible sources who make the Day in Rock possible. We nominated our favorite (Gigwise) who didn't win, but they get the credit here at least. (We like them because of their broad coverage. Not to discount our other sources, we love them too or they wouldn't be featured here.)

Check out the awards list and see if your favorites made the list! And thanks to those that nominated and voted for us. While we didn't seek the recognition, we are grateful for it (in our own twisted--let's try not to be hypocritical--way. And we were kidding about the fit part.) - MusicPressReport.com's Music Press Awards

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.... MorleyView: Blackmore's Night<

Read Morley's exclusive interview with Candice Night where they discuss a variety of topics ranging from the new Paris Moon DVD, their recording plans, how live music has changed through the years and a tip on how to get Ritchie Blackmore to smile on stage! - Read the full Blackmore's Night MorleyView

.... Anders Parker - 14th & Division

It's doubtful that fans of Anders Parker will ever get a greatest hits album, considering he occupies a niche few of us are fortunate to recognize, so this CD is much more valuable than a bootleg of a more well-known act. (3.5 stars) - Read the full Anders Parker - 14th & Division review

.... Swallow the Sun - Hope

Stirring and grand in scope, Hope is the rare album that conveys all manner of bipolar emotions while still blasting out strong, memorable music. To be blunt, this is one of the best causes of seasonal affective disorder one is likely to encounter all winter long. - Read the full Swallow the Sun - Hope review

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