http://www.sonymusic.ca/ en-ca Copyright 2005-2009 Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. All rights reserved. Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. Publishing Engine 20 http://www.sonybmg.ca/images/rss_logo.gif http://www.sonymusic.ca/ 88 31 'JUNO Awards 2010' nominee compilation album is set for release on Tuesday, March 30, 2010! The compilation album is a non-profit package with proceeds going to MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS. MusiCounts is dedicated to keeping music alive in schools through Band Aid musical instrument grants, scholarships and by honouring extraordinary music teachers.

'JUNO Awards 2010' Track Listing:
01. Michael Bublé - Haven't Met You Yet
02. K'Naan - Wavin' Flag
03. Nickelback - Burn It To The Ground
04. Three Days Grace - Break
05. Billy Talent - Rusted From The Rain
06. Arkells - Oh, The Boss Is Coming!
07. Metric - Gimme Sympathy
08. The New Cities - Dead End Countdown
09. Hedley - Cha-Ching
10. Classified - Anybody Listening
11. Justin Bieber - One Time
12. Down With Webster - Rich Girl$
13. Drake - Best I Ever Had
14. Stereos - Summer Girl
15. Shiloh - Operator (A Girl Like Me)
16. The Tragically Hip - Love Is A First
17. Jann Arden - A Million Miles Away
18. Blue Rodeo - Arizona Dust
19. Johnny Reid - A Woman Like You
20. Diana Krall - Walk On By ]]> 'Congratulations', MGMT are giving fans a free download of "Flash Delirium" at www.whoismgmt.com.

"Flash Delirium" is a track from MGMT's new album, 'Congratulations', out Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

Download it here!

]]> Exclaim.ca until March 15! Head over to hear 'Broken Bells' now! ]]>
Winners will be announced at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday, April 17 to be held at the St. John's Convention Centre, as well as at THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV on Sunday, April 18 at Mile One Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Please join us in congratulating all of our Nominees! ]]>
Ke$ha credits her love for story-songs to spending her formative years to hanging out with veteran songwriters in Nashville. Drawing inspiration from country greats like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash, Ke$ha adds her own eclectic mix of dance beats and acrobatics to "Blah Blah Blah," turning it into an anthem for non-stop dancing and a solid follow-up to "Tik Tok."

For up to date news on Ke$ha, visit www.keshasparty.com. ]]> Canadian Music Week March 10-14, the pop-punk-reggae-rock band will be performing an all-ages show at the Sound Academy on Friday, March 12. Special limited "2 for 1" tickets will be available online tomorrow only, Tuesday, February 23, between 10am-10pm through www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.ca!

Regular priced tickets are also available through tickemaster.ca, Rotate This and Soundscapes.

Official website: www.illscarlett.com
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Produced by Don Gilmore, who has worked with artists including Good Charlotte and Linkin Park, 'Fever' will be following the band's previous album 'Scream Aim Fire' which sold 1 million copies and debuted at No. 4 in the Billboard Top 200.

In anticipation of their new release, BFMV is offering a free download of "Begging For Mercy,"available at BulletForMyValentine.com for a limited time. The band will start touring the U.S. on Friday, April 30. Stops include New Jersey's Bamboozle Festival and Columbus, Ohio's Rock on the Range. Upcoming international festival highlights include the Download Festival in the United Kingdom, Germany's massive Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, Sweden's Metal Town, Belgium's Graspop, Austria's Nova Rock and Italy's famed Gods Of Metal. Visit BulletForMyValentine.com a complete list of tour dates.

Official website: www.bulletformyvalentine1.com/
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"Our 2010 inductees are truly representational of the heart and soul of the world's Popular Music soundtrack," commented Chairman/CEO Hal David. "We are looking forward to another memorable evening where we honor their extraordinary accomplishments."

The full press release can be viewed at www.songhall.org.

Official website: www.leonardcohen.com
]]> 'Soldier Of Love' secures the #1 album spot worldwide today taking its place among the collection of iconic Sade albums. The album also marks Sade's first album to officially debut at #1 in Canada! 'Soldier Of Love' is the first album release from Sade since 2000's multi-platinum 'Lovers Rock'.

After almost 10 years, Sade has been welcomed back with open arms around the world and 'Soldier Of Love' has proven to be a global smash. So far the album has debuted at #1 in territories including the U.S.A., Japan, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Switzerland.

The Globe and Mail remarked "the new record is school-of-Sade sophisticated pop," while Rolling Stone wrote, "it's unimpeachably excellent," and The Boston Globe calls it, "a rich and rewarding album."

For more Sade news and updates, visit www.sade.com. ]]> www.courtyardhounds.com.

In anticipation of the release, Emily and Martie will be performing at SXSW for their first live concert as Court Yard Hounds. The sisters will also take the stage at the American Music Association showcase at Antone's on Thursday, March 18 before they go on to do a string of intimate shows across North America this summer. All pre-orders will receive 4 album tracks instantly and get the first chance to purchase tickets for their upcoming tour.

"It was time," said Emily Robison. "We had been on hiatus from The Dixie Chicks for about a year; I was getting very restless and needed to be creative for my own sanity. And at the same time I was going through my divorce so it was very fertile ground for writing."

"Emily was just writing and writing all of these deeply personal and truly beautiful songs," added Martie Maguire. "She was initially going to pitch them to other artists and I kept telling her no, no, you have to save that for you. It's too good and too personal."

Court Yard Hounds' debut album will be released Tuesday, May 4, 2010. ]]>
"I'm coming back home to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and I'm very excited about it," said Celine. "With the orchestra and the band we're going to be able to perform our songs like never before. The repertoire is going to be extraordinary...a mix of timeless Hollywood classics, along with all the favorites that my fans like to hear me sing. It's going to be a very beautiful show, and I think we'll be raising the bar higher than we've ever done before. There'll be some truly wonderful moments......I can't wait!"

After five consecutive years of sold-out shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Celine embarked on a year-long worldwide tour in 2008-2009, visiting five continents, 25 countries and playing to more than 3 million fans. Following the conclusion of the tour, and after taking a year off to enjoy some valuable family time, Celine is preparing for her triumphant return to Las Vegas in 2011.

Tickets for Celine Dion's new Las Vegas show can be purchased by calling 877-4CELINE (423-5463), or by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $55 - $250 and VIP ticket packages will also be available through Ticketmaster. For groups of 20 or more, call 702-731-7208.

For additional information, visit www.celineinvegas.com or follow updates from The Colosseum (@ColosseumatCP) on Twitter.

Official website: www.celinedion.com
]]> Sony make.believe (prounounced "make dot believe")!

The "Live Sets" performance with Wyclef Jean is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Canal Room in New York City, and will be streamed live to online audiences right here at myplay.com.

Wyclef will perform songs from his body of work as a solo artist as well as hits from his former group, the Fugees. Two more Sony make.believe "Live Sets" are anticipated for spring 2010 with artists to be named. ]]>
While exercising recently, Leonard Cohen suffered a compression injury in his lower back. He has been advised by physicians to follow the typical four to six month regime of physical therapy prescribed for athletes with similar injuries.

"Doctors have confirmed that Mr. Cohen is otherwise in terrific shape, thanks to years of exercise and careful diet, and simply needs appropriate time to recover from the lower back injury," stated Cohen's manager, Robert Kory.

The rescheduled dates below will be amended shortly to reflect all thirteen rescheduled dates:

July 25 - ZAGREB - ARENA
September 15 - CAEN - ZENITH
September 17 - GRENOBLE - PALAIS DES SPORTS
September 19 - STRASBOURG - ZENITH
September 21 - MARSEILLE - LE DOME
September 23 - TOURS - PARC DES EXPOSITIONS
September 25 - LILLE - ZENITH GRAND PALAIS
October 04 - KATOWICE - SPODEK
October 07 - MOSCOW - KREMLIN PALACE
October 13 - BRATISLAVA - INCHEBA EXPO ARENA

Official website: www.leonardcohen.com
]]> 'AC/DC: Iron Man 2' is set to be released on Monday, April 19, 2010 and will feature 15 classic AC/DC songs selected from ten of the band's studio albums, ranging from 1976 to 2008.

The debut video from 'AC/DC: Iron Man 2' is the band's classic album cut "Shoot To Thrill", which was filmed live last month in Buenos Aires during the band's highly acclaimed Black Ice World Tour, the second highest grossing world tour of 2009. The video also incorporates exclusive footage from "IRON MAN 2" which is now out worldwide. Visit www.acdc.com now to watch the video for "Shoot To Thrill" now!

Jon Favreau returns to direct "IRON MAN 2", with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his starring role as the larger-than-life leading character, along with Gweneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rouke and Samuel L. Jackson. "IRON MAN 2" opens in theatres on May 7, 2010 in the U.S. and Canada.

'AC/DC: Iron Man 2' Track Listing:
01. Shoot To Thrill
02. Rock 'N' Roll Damnation
03. Guns For Hire
04. Cold Hearted Man
05. Back In Black
06. Thunderstruck
07. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
08. Evil Walks
09. T.N.T.
10. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be
11. Have A Drink On Me
12. The Razor's Edge
13. Let There Be Rock
14. War Machine
15. Highway To Hell

Official website: www.acdcrocks.com
]]> 'Valleys Of Neptune', 12 fully realized studio recordings by Jimi Hendrix, on March 9, 2010!

In time for the launch of the monumental 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project, 'Valleys Of Neptune' contains more than 60 minutes of music that has never before been available on a Jimi Hendrix album. Centered around a turbulent four-month period in 1969, 'Valleys Of Neptune' is the final studio recordings of the 'Jimi Hendrix Experience.' This collection of songs was originally recorded and newly mixed for this historic release by Jimi Hendrix's longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, who first worked with the guitarist on 'Are You Experienced?' in 1967.

Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, the Hendrix family-owned company entrusted with preserving and protecting the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, noted, "My brother Jimi was at home in the studio. Valleys of Neptune offers deep insight into his mastery of the recording process and demonstrates the fact that he was as unparalleled a recording innovator as he was a guitarist. His brilliance shines through on every one of these precious tracks."

The 'Valleys Of Neptune' single has been one of the most highly sought after singles of Jimi Hendrix's recordings and will be released globally on February 2, 2010, almost 40 years after he finished recording the track at New York's Record Plant in May of 1970.

As part of the release of the 'Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project,' Legacy Recordings will also be releasing new deluxe CD/DVD editions of 'Are You Experienced?'

"No artist has ever transformed the pop music landscape as profoundly or as permanently as Jimi Hendrix," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "We are proud to be partnering with Experience Hendrix in releasing Valleys of Neptune, a treasure for Hendrix fans both new and experienced. It's an auspicious start in fulfilling a shared vision for the Jimi Hendrix catalog going forward." ]]> 'Almost Alice,' a 16-song compilation from Tim Burton's motion picture, 'Alice In Wonderland' on March 2, 2010!

Featuring the 'Alice In Wonderland' end track, "Alice (Underground)" written by Avril Lavigne, this two-album soundtrack's score was composed by Danny Elfman who has composed close to 50 films including, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Milk, Batman, and Edward Scissorhands.

Staring big-names such as Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway, 'Almost Alice' includes original songs by Mark Hoppus, Pete Wentz, Franz Ferdinand and The All-American Rejects. "Very Good Advice" performed by Robert Smith, is the only song from the original 1951 animated Disney classic'Alice In Wonderland' featured on the current soundtrack.

Coming to theatres in Disney Digital 3D on March 5, 2010 'Alice In Wonderland' includes all of the original characters, including a 19-year-old Alice who is played by Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

The track list for 'Almost Alice' is as follows:

1. Alice (Underground) Performed by Avril Lavigne
2. The Poison Performed by The All-American Rejects
3. The Technicolor Phase Performed by Owl City (previously released)
4. Her Name Is Alice Performed by Shinedown
5. Painting Flowers Performed by All Time Low
6. Where's My Angel Performed by Metro Station
7. Strange Performed by Tokio Hotel and Kerli
8. Follow Me Down Performed by 3OH!3 featuring Neon Hitch
9. Very Good Advice Performed by Robert Smith
10. In Transit Performed by Mark Hoppus with Pete Wentz
11. Welcome to Mystery Performed by Plain White T's
12. Tea Party Performed by Kerli
13. The Lobster Quadrille Performed by Franz Ferdinand
14. Running Out of Time Performed by Motion City Soundtrack
15. Fell Down a Hole Performed by Wolfmother
16. White Rabbit Performed by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

'Almost Alice' and the 'Alice In Wonderland' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be available March 2, 2010 wherever music is sold. ]]>
"Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake - and several very strong aftershocks - struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.

President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands 'ready to assist' the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible."

Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested Canadians to please visit www.Yele.org and click on DONATE.

Official website: sakpaserecords.net
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This difficult decision made by the band's bassist/vocalist Tom Araya means the cancellation of Slayer's immediate tour plans that include the American and Canadian Carnage Tour dates that were set to kick off on January 18, as well as the band's UK/European headline tour scheduled for March and April. Booking agents for both Slayer and Megadeth are already hard at work rescheduling the tour dates; tickets already purchased for these shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates.

The headbanging Araya, known for aggressively swinging his long mane of hair while performing, began experiencing back problems while on the band's Australian/New Zealand/Japanese tour last October. In spite of his rapidly increasing pain and discomfort, he carried on with the tour, but immediately upon returning home saw an orthopedic specialist who diagnosed a Cervical Radiculopathy. The rocker initially did not want to take the major surgery route, so the specialist recommended a series of minimally-invasive procedures. While those procedures have resulted in some improvement, Araya continues to deal with intermittent bouts of severe pain, numbness and muscle spasms. The surgical procedure that Araya will undergo, called an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion, is a relatively routine practice and the recovery rate is excellent.

Sales added, "As unfortunate as this is for so many people - the Megadeth and Testament camps, the concerts' promoters, and, of course, the fans - Tom's health is the number one priority, and this has to happen."

Official site: www.slayer.net ]]> 'Animal' on Tuesday, January 5, 2010! Known for her smash hit single "Tik Tok" - which has been topping the Billboard and iTunes charts - Ke$ha co-wrote every track on 'Animal' and describes her album as "electro pop magic."

Since its release in early October, "TiK ToK" is the No. 1 airplay gainer at Top 40, beating out smash singles by Jay-Z and entering into the Top 5 on the Canadian and American Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track has sold more than 89,000 downloads in Canada (making it double platinum), and over 850,000 in the United States. So far in Canada it has reached #1 on the SoundScan Digital Song Chart, along with the iTunes Singles Chart where it stayed in the Top 5 for six weeks.

"Ke$ha is a natural superstar with tons of artistry and personality. She is unique and unlike any of the myriad of other female pop stars in the world. We're so excited that Rani Hancock was able to get her into the building here," says Barry Weiss, Chairman and CEO, RCA/JIVE Label Group.

'Animal' was co-produced by Dr. Luke and features collaborations with veteran hit maker Max Martin, who has worked with mega-stars like P!nk, Kelly Clarkson and Britney Spears.

Visit www.keshasparty.com for updates on 'Animal' and more! ]]>
The album features 10 songs co-written and performed by Mercer and Burton. Titles include "The High Road," "Vaporize," "Your Head Is On Fire," "The Ghost Inside," "Sailing to Nowhere," "Trap Doors," "Citizen," "The Mall and Misery" and more.

Broken Bells features Mercer on vocals, guitars and bass while Burton plays organ, drums, piano, synths and bass. The pair play all the instruments on the album with the exception of a full string section arranged by Daniele Luppi.

Each a long-time fan of the other's work, Burton and Mercer first met face-to-face backstage at the 2004 Roskilde Festival in Copenhagen. The pair immediately hit it off and kept in touch over the prevailing half decade and in May 2008 seized the opportunity to finally collaborate on original music together. Once in the studio, the musical floodgates opened, an intuitive ease and seemingly ego-less telepathy producing an astonishing flow of new material over the course of a year.

Mercer and Burton previously worked together on the track, "Insane Lullaby," a song appearing on the 'Dark Night of the Soul' multi-artist collaboration with David Lynch.

The self-titled album 'Broken Bells' will be released by Columbia Records March 9, 2010.

Official website: www.brokenbells.com ]]>
Carrie Underwood has recently launched her third album, 'Play On' and it has hit the #1 spot on both country and pop album sales charts, selling over 700,000 copies in 5 weeks in the U.S. alone.

Winning four Grammies as well as ACM Entertainer of the Year and a three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner, Carrier Underwood's album sales now exceed 11 million. "I am getting so excited about next year as we are currently working through all the big plans for the tour," says Underwood. "I cannot wait to perform new music and see familiar faces across the U.S. and Canada!"

Canadian Dates:
March 23 Hamilton, Ontario Copps Coliseum
March 24 Kanata, Ontario Scotiabank Place

Visit carrieunderwoodofficial.com for a full list of tour dates.

Official website: www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com
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Regrettably, the performance and autograph event on Dec 21st at First Canadian Place in Toronto is cancelled. ]]> 'Clumsy' and 'Spiritual Machines' records in their entirety on 2 separate nights. We have chosen some of the country's most historic and majestic theaters to insure the sound and lights will be of the highest quality during what will undoubtedly be our most adventurous, entertaining and intense live performance ever. Be prepared for the most comprehensive OLP show to date as we'll also be playing a full 2nd set of songs from all our other records at both shows. See you there!!"

That's right, Our Lady Peace is scheduled to make a triumphant live return to Canada! The band will perform their classic album from start to finish, which included hits "Superman's Dead", "4AM", "Automatic Flowers" and "Clumsy", the first night and for select cities, the second night will feature the band's iconic concept album 'Spiritual Machines' with familiar songs including "Life", "In Repair" and "Right Behind You". Both full album performances will then be followed by a set of all of your favourite Our Lady Peace hits derived from their seven album catalogue, all in an intimate "evening with" theatre setting!

A limited number of and 'Spiritual Machines' special VIP Packages went on sale Monday, December 7, 2009 at www.ourladypeace.net. Bundles will feature Premiere Seating in the first 5 rows, an Exclusive Tour Memorabilia Book, a Limited Edition Poster and Laminate featuring artwork from the albums performed that night, and finally a Meet and Greet with Our Lady Peace after the show! ]]> 'Soldier of Love' has just been announced! 'Soldier of Love' - which will be released worldwide on February 8, 2010, is Sade's first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of 'Lovers Rock' in 2000.

Sade has seen phenomenal success both stateside and internationally since the release of their debut album, 'Diamond Life' in 1984. The band has seen all five of their albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart, with more than 50 million albums sold worldwide to date.

Recorded in England and produced by longtime collaborator Mike Pela, 'Soldier of Love' will be added to the band's legacy on February 8, 2010.

Official website: www.sadeonline.com
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Both Theo Tams and Ali Slaight are enthusiastic supporters of War Child Canada. Ali visited Ugranda this summer with the organization and Theo took part in their charity event earlier this year in Toronto, Busking For Change.

War Child Canada is an award-winning Canadian charity dedicated to providing opportunities and long-term solutions for war-effected children, focusing on education, strengthening children's rights, reducing poverty and fostering self reliance. For more information about War Child Canada, please visit www.warchild.ca.

Official website: www.theotams.com

]]> website has been launched revealing the first round of cities for the 2010 tour of Lilith Fair! This website offers a new-look at Lilith a decade later, as well as the first set of cities that the festival is scheduled to hit, including New York, Vancouver, Toronto, London and more!

Nettwerk CEO and Lilith Fair co-founder, Terry McBride, announced October 27, 2009 on twitter that the all female festival will return in the 2010! "I can't reveal anything further now," says McBride, "but I can assure fans that we have some exciting announcements over the course of the following weeks, from confirmed artists to additional cities to innovative social initiatives. Lilith 2010 is very much upon us."

Promising to be much bigger than what it once was, Lilith will be traveling for the first time across seas to mix music and creativity with new and old talents. This energy is captured on the newly designed site with help from Vancouver's Traction Creative, and truly expresses the new Lilith image.

From 1997 through 1999, Lilith Fair was one of the highest grossing touring festivals in the world, with over 1.5 million fans in attendance and raising over $10 million dollars for national and local charities. Founded by Grammy-award winning artist Sarah McLachlan along with Dan Fraser, Marty Diamond and Terry McBride, Lilith Fair was the only tour of its kind—a celebration of women in music featuring artists like Sheryl Crow, Christina Aguilera, Erykah Badu, The Dixie Chicks, Missy Elliot, The Pretenders, Nelly Furtado, Jewel, Queen Latifah, Indigo Girls, Tegan and Sara and of course, Sarah McLachlan.

For a full list of cities and artists performing at Lilith Fair click here! ]]> '1UP!'.

After opening for the Blink 182 Reunion Tour this past summer, illScarlett has been crisscrossing the US, supporting Pepper and Big D and the Kids Table.

Lead singer Alex Norman comments, "The U.S. tour was an eye opener. It has been a long, long time since we have gone into a room full of people who have never seen us perform. Maybe Japan last fall, but we blew the roof off at every show!!!!!"

With a Canadian tour hiatus while playing the U.S., illScarlett has left their Canadian following waiting in anticipation. Playing a special show on Saturday, December 5 alongside Weezer at Toronto's Air Canada Centre, illScarlett is bound to not disappoint. With more than 60,000 albums sold, illScarlett has set the stage for a great Canadian tour!

illScarlett w/US Canadian Tour dates:
Thursday, November 26 - Gotcha Niteclub, Kelowna
Friday, November 27 - Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
Sunday, November 29 - Queens, Nanaimo
Monday, November 30 - Element, Victoria
Wednesday, December 2 - The Gateway, SAIT, Calgary
Thursday, December 3 - Starlite Room, Edmonton
Friday, December 4 - Starlite Room, Edmonton
Saturday, December 5 - Air Canada Center, Toronto w/ Weezer
Monday, December 7 - Better Than Freds, Grand Prairie
Wednesday, December 9 - Louis, Saskatoon
Friday, December 11 - Garrick, Winnipeg
Saturday, December 12 - The Roxy, Thunder Bay
Wednesday December 16 - Foundation, Barr

Official website: www.illscarlett.com
]]> 'Funhouse' that has sold over five million copies worldwide.

Filmed entirely in HD, the DVD is set in Australia where P!nk performed a record-breaking 60 sold-out concerts! The bonus CD, which is limited to the DVD set, features P!nk's handpicked tour favorites and a previously unreleased recording of "Push You Away."

The Chicago Tribune comments on P!nk's ability to put on a jaw-dropping show that is featured on the new DVD, "...Pink knows how to challenge, titillate, lure and wow the crowd...Pink combines showmanship with her powerhouse vocals, for an evening worth the price of admission."

'Funhouse Tour Live In Australia', also be available in Blue-ray, is set for release on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

Official website: www.pinkspage.com
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With the entire album written and musically orchestrated by Casablancas himself, it is no wonder why Spin magazine is heralding his first single "11th Dimension" as "quite possibly the catchiest song any Stroke has ever recorded" while Billboard declares it as "pop-rock gem."

Written and recorded within the last 18 months in New York City, Nebraska and Los Angeles, the album was produced by Jason Lader and with additional production by Mike Mogis.

Track listing:

01. Out of the Blue
02. Left & Right in the Dark
03. 11th Dimension
04. 4 Chords of the Apocalypse
05. Ludlow St.
06. River of Brake Lights
07. Glass
08. Tourist

Official website: www.juliancasablancas.com ]]>
The first single, "Who Says" is the first of numerous tracks off this relaxed and liberated album that was recorded in a private home in California where John Mayer lived and worked. "Who Says" is one of the many songs that challenges society's conventional norms of what people can accomplish and over take. Other tracks include, "Heartbreak Warfare," "Assassin," "War of My Life," "Rock Song," and a reinterpretation of "Crossroads."

The John Mayer Trio (John Mayer, Steve Jordan, and Pino Palladino), will be playing two rare shows. First, on December 29 in San Diego, California at the Copley Symphony Hall, and the second on New Years Eve, December 31, at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The proceeds from both shows will go towards two children charities - Military Outreach Ministry Camp Pendleton and NCIRE Veterans Health Research Institute.

John Mayer's explains the different methods he took with 'Battle Studies', "I approach music like a director doing a period piece," says Mayer. "Where CONTINUUM was R&B and Soul, 'Battle Studies' was written with the timelessness of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young in mind. The melodies and message are concise and from-the-gut with the efficiency of simplicity."

Official website: www.johnmayer.com
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With only 50,000 manufactured, the deluxe collector's edition of Backtracks includes two CDs of live realities, the 'Family Jewels Disc 3' DVD, the 'Live At The Circus' DVD, a chance to re-visit the famous 2003 show in Munich, Germany with a front-row view, and a 12" long playing album!

Also included in the deluxe collectors edition is a 164 page coffee book and an Original Memorabilia Reproductions Envelope containing a number original designs, including a "I DO IT FOR AC/DC" button from their first tour, original tour posters, recording track sheets, an AC/DC logo guitar pick, which is all housed in a fully operational AC/DC guitar amplifier!

This limited number of deluxe editions is available exclusively through the official website, www.acdcbacktracks.com, where full details on pre-ordering are available.
Also available, the standard collectors edition, which condenses the experience of the deluxe edition into two CDs, one of studio rarities and one of original live tracks, and the Family Jewels Disc 3 DVD. Order it at amazon.ca.

Official website: www.acdcrocks.com
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"This is something that's very important to me," says Brian. "I'm from a very loving family, and I realize I've been very fortunate. I want to help make a difference for kids who haven't had it so good. I'm looking forward to making a contribution here in Hamilton. If I can inspire one kid to dream, to achieve, to know they are not alone...what more could I ask?"

The Council provides comprehensive assessment and treatment services for child and youth victims of sexual abuse and for their non-offending parents/caregivers, trauma services for children and youth from immigrant and refugee families, and a range of prevention and education programs that focus on keeping kids safe. For more information visit www.childabusecouncil.on.ca.

Official website: www.brianmelo.com
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Usher's newest single, "Love In This Club," features Young Jeezy, and is co-written by Usher and produced by Polow Da Don. The smash hit currently sits in top three on both the CHR Radio Charts and the Telus and Rogers Ringtone Download Charts and holds the #1 spot for full track downloads at Rogers. The song is the lead single from his forthcoming, fifth studio album, Here I Stand. The video for "Love In This Club" was directed by the rising directing tandem of the Brothers Strause and will have its worldwide debut on April 7th.

Slated for global release on May 27th, Here I Stand is Usher's follow-up to his history-making, 9x platinum-selling (6x platinum in Canada) Confessions. Within the first week of the release of Confessions, Usher sold more than any other R&B artist in the history of SoundScan. In Canada the album spawned five top 5 hits at radio (including two #1s Yeah and Caught up) and four #1 hits at video. Usher spent 40 weeks in the No. 1 position on The Billboard Hot 100- which is more than any other male artist in the nearly 50 year history of the chart. Worldwide, the multi-talented, five-time Grammy-winner, musician and actor has sold nearly 14 million copies of Confessions and it earned a multitude of honors including MTV, BET, and People's Choice awards.

Over the span of his 14-year career, Usher has sold close to 26 million albums worldwide and combining all of his single, album and DVD sales, he's sold in excess of 36 million units globally. With four studio albums, the eponymous first release, Usher (1994) and multi-platinum albums, the 2x-platinum My Way (1997),the 2x-platinum 8701 (2001), and the 6x-platinum Confessions (2004) and one gold-certified live album simply titled Live (1999), and a string of #1 hit singles including "U Remind Me," "U Got It Bad," "Yeah," "Burn," and "My Boo" Usher's return to the top of the charts is inevitable. The Tennessee-born, Atlanta raised performer, songwriter, producer, dancer, actor started his multi-faceted career at the age of 15-years old.

Usher Raymond IV has achieved what few other contemporary entertainers have ever accomplished. He most recently launched a successful line of signature fragrances, actively heads up his own charity, New Look Foundation, a camp for teens that teaches them about the entertainment business, and he is part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.

Official website: www.usherworld.com
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