Jay-Z Buys B-Ball Team
NMC reports: Yesterday (August 12), Jay-Z became part-owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team. 

An ownership group that includes Jay-Z purchased the NBA franchise for an estimated $300 million. The group is led by Bruce Ratner, a real estate developer. Jay-Z has a minority share in the team. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Velvet Revolver Rocktober Tour
NMC reports: Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum says plans are underway for a second Velvet Revolver US tour. 

In a journal entry posted on the band's web site, Sorum writes that the band is "working on a big tour of the States in October." He says Velvet Revolver's first American tour earlier this year "was amazing." [more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NMC also has news on Lavigne Rules the Yule at Jingle Ball 04, Alicia Keys to Play MTV VMAs, Incubus Drums for Sparta, New Switchfoot Shows, OutKast's Andre Best Dressed and more click here to check it out

Kittie Drummer Hospitalized
press release reports: Kittie drummer Mercedes Lander was hospitalized Wednesday in Cleveland, where the band was scheduled to perform on its current tour, due to severe dehydration and exhaustion. 

The band was forced to cancel its planned performance that night at Cleveland's Odeon and tonight's performance at Bogart's in Cincinnati. 

Lander has been released from the hospital and the tour will continue as planned. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Clinton Sentenced
liveDaily reports: George Clinton was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and two years of probation after pleading no contest to two misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges in Florida. 

The charges stemmed from December, when Clinton was approached by a police officer who thought he saw a man smoking marijuana in a parked car. Clinton allegedly admitted that he had "a little cocaine," as well as ownership of a glass crack pipe the officer saw on the seat beside him. - Click Here for the Full Story 

NIN 5.1 Remaster
liveDaily reports: While "Bleedthrough" is still months away, NIN fans can look forward to the fall release of the double DVD "Closure." Originally released on VHS format in 1997, the set documents Nine Inch Nails' tour in support of 1994's "Downward Spiral," and also features the group's music videos. The DVD version will feature 90 minutes of additional footage not included on the original release. A streaming-video trailer is posted at the group's website. 

Also on tap for this fall is "The Downward Spiral - Deluxe Edition," a remastered version of the 1994 set remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound. 

[This was just a small piece of the article which details the new CD, so NIN fans best click the full story to read it all]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Built To Spill Club Tour
liveDaily reports: Alt-rockers Built to Spill, who haven't issued an album of new material since 2001, take to the club circuit this month to road-test some new songs and to play some old favorites. 

According to the trio's label publicist, Built to Spill "is considering hitting the studio" to record a new album, but nothing specific has been set.\ [see full story for more including dates]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: liveDaily also has news on Briefly: Bjork, Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, plus Revamped Social Distortion returns with new album, tour, Metallica adds more dates as tour kick-off nears, Switchfoot steps out with more U.S. tour dates, Ashlee Simpson, Galactic, Hilary Duff and more click here to check it out

KISS Idol Judge, Cartoon Plans
Blabbermouth reports: KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has posted the following message on his web site: 

"And, I'll be the fourth judge on 'American Idol' September 4th and 5th in New Orleans. But, in case you think that means you turn on your television sets then, don't. That simply means on those days we shoot. Broadcast dates are announced later. 

"We are very close to finally seeing a KISS cartoon series. I've been trying to do this for over a decade...." [this is just a snippet of Gene announcements. (he didn't make a peep about raiding the KISS Expo though. Anyway, to read it all, click that full story link]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Priest World Tour 05
Blabbermouth reports: JUDAS PRIEST have no plans for further live dates in 2004 following their final Ozzfest 2004 performance on September 4, according to an online posting by the band's management co-ordinator, Jayne Andrews. "The guys will be finishing off the [new studio] album so we can deliver it in time for 28th December, 2004 release!" she writes. "We are working on a world tour starting early in 2005 (this will include the U.K.!!) and will announce the dates as soon as we finalize them." [more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Stone Sour Hatebreed Collab?
Blabbermouth reports: SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor has posted the following message at the STONE SOUR message board StoneSourBoard.tk: 

"I'd like to give you a little update on the STONE SOUR front as we haven't done that in a long time. 

1. We have 30 full and partial songs brewing at the moment.
2. Jamey from HATEBREED has expressed his interest in doing a song with us and most definitely will.
3. Plans are being made to start work in September of 2005, or perhaps even earlier, depending on the schedule.
[more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Blabbermouth also has news on THE GREAT DECEIVER: 'Lake Of Sulphur' Video Posted Online, MELIAH RAGE To Release New Album This Month, DAVID VINCENT Rejoins MORBID ANGEL, JANI LANE Off 'Bad Boys Of Metal' Tour?, ANVIL: 'Back To Basics' Gets A U.S. Release Date and more click here to check it out

QOTSA & Friends
NME reports: QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's JOSH HOMME has roped in THE DISTILLERS BRODY DALLE and GARBAGE star SHIRLEY MANSON for the band's new album. 

Queens are currently working on their new album, the follow-up to 2002's 'Songs For The Deaf'. 

As well as a collaboration with ZZ Top legend Billy F Gibbons, Dalle, who is currently dating Homme, and Manson sang backing vocals on a currently untitled new track. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: NME also has news on Scissor Sisters just can't stop touring!, Black Eyed Peas studio blaze, Strokes - live album details confirmed, Kurt Cobain death movie on the way, The Subways play secret London show tonight! and more click here to check it out

Bjork's Biggest Opening Yet
MuchMusic reports: Iceland will be well represented at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. Native Icelander Bjork will perform before 70,000 spectators and an estimated audience of four billion TV viewers when the games open in Athens on Friday night. Bjork's highly anticipated follow-up to 2001's "Vespertine" is due out at the end of the month. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MuchMusic also has news on J.Lo, Hilary and Fallon Join MTV VMAs, Justin and Cam Not Engaged, BEP Studio Blaze, Snoop Dogg Settles, Method & Red Cancelled? and more click here to check it out

Godsmack DVD
Digital Noise reports: More information has been released about the upcoming Godsmack DVD, titled "Changes", which is due for a release on September 14th through Zoe. 

The track listing for "Changes" is as follows:
Straight Out Of Line- Awake- Faceless- Bad Religion- Moon Baby- Serenity- Re-Align- Changes- Keep- Voodoo- Batalla De Los Tambores- Stand Alone [see full story for more details]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Chevelle Tracks 
Digital Noise reports: The finalized track listing for Chevelle's upcoming new album, "This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In", has been revealed and is as follows: 

The Clincher- Get Some- Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)- Still Running- Breach Birth- Panic Prone- Another Know It All- Tug-O-War- To Return- Emotional Drought- Bend The Bracket 

As previously reported, the album will be released on September 21st through Epic Records. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Digital Noise also has news on A Perfect Murder to Shoot Video for "Time Bomb", Amen Drummer Quits the Band, Dope, Twisted Method and Motograted Announce U.S. Tour, Moments In Grace Video Posted Online, New Fear Before The March Of Flames Track Posted Online and more click here to check it out

Frank Black Double CD
MTV reports: While Frank Black is making the rounds with the reunited Pixies, the singer is also working on dropping albums of his own. The two-CD Frank Black Francis, due this fall, compiles both pre-Pixies demos and new versions of Pixies tunes; while an album of new Black solo material that was recorded in Nashville is planned for the spring.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Kravitz Kills Tour
MTV reports: Lenny Kravitz, who earlier this month announced a fall tour to promote his album Baptism, is canceling the outing � for now � citing family matters as the reason. "I was really looking forward to getting out there to meet and play for my fans," Kravitz said in a statement Thursday (August 12). "Unfortunately, things come up in life that you cannot control. [more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: MTV also has news on J. Lo, Hilary, Gwyneth, Nelly, Christina, Alicia, Will Smith To Appear At VMAs, It's Official: Jay-Z Is A Part-Owner Of New Jersey Nets, New Jersey Governor Resigns, Saying 'I Am A Gay American', Linkin Park Cook Up Collaborations, New Album On Tour, California Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Marriages Null And Void and more click here to check it out

Amen & My Chemical Romance Drummerless?
IAYM reports: Amen have amicably parted ways with their drummer Luke Johnson. [Also from I Ate Your Microphone]My Chemical Romance have reportedly parted ways with their drummer Matt Pelissier- Click Here for the Full Story 

Maybe Luck left to join MCR and Matt left to drum for Amen? 

Mastodon Slayer
IAYM reports: Mastodon have now been added onto the bill for the forthcoming fall installment of the Jägermeister Music Tour, which also features Slayer and Killswitch Engage. [see full story for a link to the flyer]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: IAYM also has news on Oceansize EP / UK Tour, The Joy Circuit update, Carnal Forge obtain new vocalist/European tour , Sinch album update, Nonpoint/Skindred tour update, Blood Brothers tour dates, and more click here to check it out

Tucker Leaves Morbid Angel
Metal-Rules reports: World Management would like to announce that the shows for Morbid Angel in South America ( Mexico, Chile and Columbia ) have been moved to September 4-11. Bass and Vocals will be handled by David Vincent. The guys looks forward to their shows in South America. Morbid Angel and World Management would also like to thank Steve Tucker for his contribution on several Morbid Angel records as well as multiple great tours. We all wish him well and are sure he will succeed in his new endeavors. [see full story for Steve's statement to fans] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Gorerotted Lose Singer
Metal-Rules reports: Gorerotted have parted ways with Mr Gore. They will continue as a five piece until a sutible replacement is found. Remaining vocalist Goreskin and Bass player Wilson will handle the high vocals between them for all upcoming festival shows and club gigs. [see full story for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Metal-Rules also has news on NIGHTWISH Release Statement About Cancelled Shows, CARNAL FORGE--New Vocalist Announced, Ex-MARDUK & DARK ANGEL Members Join Forces, CHILDREN OF BODOM: EP details revealed, HELLOWEEN Sign with SPV and more click here to check it out

Oasis DVD Screenings
Ananova reports: Oasis will release Definitely Maybe on DVD on September 6 to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of its release. To coincide with the release, the band are doing five exclusive screenings in Glasgow, Sheffield, Exeter, Birmingham and their hometown of Manchester. 

The screenings will give fans a sneak preview of the DVD before it hits the shops. In addition, there will be competitions at each event for promo items, a DVD player and signed artwork reports NME.com. [see full story for more details... yes, including the dates!] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Beatles (Grammy) For Sale
Ananova reports: Two Grammy Award trophies won by the Beatles and singer Sir Paul McCartney are to be auctioned in California. 

According to BBC Online the Beatles picked up the award for A Hard Day's Night, while Sir Paul's was for the Wings' track Band on the Run. 

The award is estimated to fetch up to $60,000 (£32,760), and Sir Paul's about half that sum. 

They form part of a memorabilia sale taking place in Monterey on Saturday, which also includes the Golden Globe won for the 1959 film Ben Hur. [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Ananova also has news on Jamie to find top music stars, The Strokes announce album release date, Kurt Cobain film finished, The Black Eyed Peas instruments destroyed in fire, Moby 'made love all night' after cocaine binge and more click here to check it out

Ash Comment on Fan's Death
Xfm reports: Ash have paid tribute to missing fan Sean Kennedy following the discovery of the young man's body this week. Backpacker Kennedy went missing following an Ash gig in Australia. 

Sean Kennedy's body was found in Cockle Bay, Sydney earlier this week (August 10) and in a statement from the band, Ash have expressed their condolences to the family of the 22-year-old. It reads: 

"We are all deeply saddened by the news of Sean Kennedy's death. We would like to pass on our condolences to Sean's family and friends and let them know that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time." [see full story for more] - Click Here for the Full Story 

New Strokes
Xfm reports: The Strokes have revealed that the new album will be entitled simply �Live In London' and is rumoured to be released at mid-price on October 11, however the band's [UK]record company Rough Trade have confirmed that there is no set release date as yet. The record will feature 12 tracks including the band's cover of The Clash track �Clampdown'. 

The album tracklisting will included: 

'Reptilia', 'Under Control', 'What Ever Happened?', 'Alone Together', 'The Modern Age', '12:51', 'New York City Cops', 'You Talk Way Too Much', 'Someday', 'Hard to Explain', 'The End Has No End', 'Automatic Stop', 'Soma', 'Take It or Leave It', 'I Can't Win', �Clampdown' [see full story for more details and related news] - Click Here for the Full Story 

Source: Xfm also has news on Brian Wilson Reveals Official �Smile' Tracklist, Barfly Stages Kill Bill 2 UK Tour, Andre 3000 Voted World's Best Dressed Man, Green Day "Idiot � Its Just A Great Word", Nirvana Inspired Film Recreates Suicide and more click here to check it out

Ike Reilly Returns!
Day in Rock reports: The long wait for a new Ike Reilly CD is almost over. "Sparkle in the Finish" the new CD from The Ike Reilly Assassination will hits stores on October 12th. 

This is the follow up to Ike's critically acclaimed Universal / Republic debut "Salesmen and Racists" (2001). 

That album earned Ike critical praise, a fiercely loyal fanbase and even antiMUSIC's artist of the month nod in December of 2001 (not to mention inclusion in our Best of 2001 list). Fans and critics alike waited with baited breath for the past three years for the follow up, it is finally here. I got an advance today and let me tell you, the wait it well worth it. 

Since we here at antiMUSIC really care about you, the reader we'll let you in on a little secret-You don't have to wait until October to get a taste of "Sparkle in the Finish". We have two brand new videos that just posted in our Mandatory Media section and you can click the full story link to visit the Ike Reilly Assassination website and hear two tracks from the CD (plus two from the debut if you missed it). What are you waiting for? Click the damn the link and please don't tell us rock is dead. - Click Here for the Full Story 

Dry Kill Logic Returns
press release reports: Three years after the release of their punishing disc "The Darker Side of Nonsense," Dry Kill Logic (formerly known as Hinge) are back with a new album and a new approach. "The Dead and Dreaming," the band's most cohesive and dynamic offering to date, is set to be unleashed October 5 on Psychodrama Records through Repossession. A follow-up to the highly acclaimed "Darker Side," which topped 100,000 in sales.- Click Here for the Full Story 

Dio CD Coming At Month's End.
press release reports: DIO. The name is legend; the voice an archetype in the annals of hard rock; the music unmistakably enchanting and riveting. Lauded by both Jack Black's Tenacious D outfit and pro wrestler Chris Jericho of the WWE (via Fozzy, his musical alter ego), Ronnie James Dio is more than a memorable entertainer; he is a force of nature. Continuing his grand tradition of composing imaginative and thought-provoking rock music, DIO is proud to release its latest opus, Master Of The Moon through Sanctuary Records on August 31st. 

Assisting Ronnie on this journey of passion and tragedy are guitarist Craig Goldy, drummer Simon Wright, keyboardist Scott Warren, and bassist Rudy Sarzo (a legend in his own right, having previously worked with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, and Quiet Riot). Sarzo replaces Jeff Pilson, who departed the band following the recording of Master Of The Moon. 

Master Of The Moon, with a ten-song tracklisting consisting of "One More For The Road", "Master Of The Moon", "End of the World", "Shivers", "The Man Who Would Be King", "The Eyes", "Living The Life", "I Am", "Death By Love", and "In Dreams" transcends DIO's previous efforts, adding a more contemporary and, at times, brutal edge to the classic DIO mythos.- Click Here for the Full Story 

AOD Soph
press release reports: In less than two years, Reid Genauer and his band Assembly of Dust are on the fast track to becoming one of the country's most promising up-and-coming acts. The Honest Hour is the band's second release and represents, in Genauer's words, "�the realization of the band's sound and a successful attempt at capturing the live energy in a concise and polished way." 

Over the last year, AOD has joined or been joined on stage by members of Phish, The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, The Talking Heads and Chuck Berry. Reid Genauer supported David Crosby and CPR on the Northeast leg of their national tour. Most recently, the band enjoyed a breakthrough performance during "The Jammys" award ceremony at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, performing with Dickey Betts and Edie Brickell on Dickey's hits "Blue Sky" and "Ramblin' Man." 

The Honest Hour is due in stores September 7th- Click Here for the Full Story 

Victory Goes To The Movies
press release reports: Los Angeles, CA based AEI's (Atchity Entertainment International) DVD products will now be exclusively distributed by Victory Records in North America. AEI Chairman Dr. Kenneth Atchity said, "We're thrilled to open this new vista of business for AEI. Through AEI Home Entertainment, we're looking forward to a long and prosperous future of releasing a diversity of excellent titles through Victory." "The AEI team is very connected in Hollywood and throughout the film and programming industry. I am excited about helping them develop this new division along with increasing Victory's growing foothold in the DVD world. These are very exciting times for everyone in the independent entertainment sector," said Victory's Tony Brummel. - Click Here for the Full Story 

New (hed)
press release reports: New (hed)p.e. Album 'Raise Hell' Set To Street On October 19, 2004 

(hed) pe's re-tooled line-up is currently comprised of band leader/vocalist Jahred (vocals), Jackson (guitar), Mawk (bass), Moke (formerly of Otep, drums) and DJ Product 1969© (turntables, samples). The band is clearly excited about being signed to KOCH Records. As Jahred states, "It's nice to be at a label that supports my vision, and my f***ing rights under the first amendment!" 

Songs set to be included on the new effort include: "Born to ride-foreplay intro," "Represent Yourself," "The Truth," "Wake Up," "War," "Stepping Stone," "Voices," "The Box," "C.B.C.," "Raise Hell," "American Beauty," "Rain," "Day Dream," "Caught-Up," and "Girlfriend." A sequence is not available as of yet. [see full story to visit the official site for more]- Click Here for the Full Story 

2 Cents: The No-New-Material Girl
[It's Friday time for Chuck DiMaria to give us his 2 cents. This week Chuck takes on one of pop music's biggest icons (no, not Jacko), that's right, that other strange pop sister-- Madonna.] 

Ticket sales are slumping a bit for Madonna. 

Maybe she should take Britney on tour with her. 

I was over Madonna a while ago, but now it seems like everyone else is catching up. The shtick is getting a bit old, and so is she to be doing the shtick in the first place. 

Madonna is as much a product of MTV as anyone is. I remember when they spent an entire day playing her song "True Blue". An entire freakin' day. One video after another of the same song, all done by her fans (no matter how poorly) for the "Make My Video" contest. 

Now that's power. 

And let's face it; the woman had power. Did she sleep her way to the top? Who cares? (I tried to sleep my way to the top, but no one would let me.) No matter how she got it, the chick with the so-so voice was at the top of the charts and stayed there for years. 

It was pretty nauseating, to be honest with you. 

First of all, since she was (and to a large extent still is) such a dominant force in the entertainment industry, we are constantly subjected to the rest of the mutants in her life. (Most notably Sandra Bernhardt - ech.) And because she was/is so freakin' famous, she, like so many other famous people, seems to think that a) her opinion matters and b) she's actually as talented as her press release says she is. 

That would be a resounding "NO" on both counts. 

When people get famous, they seem to think that they're smart enough to comment on everything, even stuff they don't know anything about. (Kinda like me, just with better lighting.) 

But the problem is celebrity doesn't equal wisdom, just like wealth doesn't equal wisdom. Just because you're rich and famous doesn't arbitrarily mean you're smart. 

The big problem with a celebrity shooting off their mouth on hot topics is that you never really know if they're trying to make an important statement or just trying to get a little publicity by latching onto a controversial subject. 

In other words, I didn't need to see the sex book. Now, I'm not even gonna take the moral high road here, but some things should stay in your own bedroom. 

But the strangest thing, at least for me, is to see the Material Girl now talking about spirituality, something that, at its core, is pretty much the antithesis of materialism. It's like she did whatever she did to get all that she got and now is dabbling in a little mysticism to give it all a little meaning. 

So does that mean she's the non-materialistic material girl? 

Regardless of what or whom she's talking about, I ain't interested in hearing it, although droves of people are. 

But I do know one thing: If it's trendy, she's all over it like Ashton Kutcher on a trucker hat. 

[That's 1 cent, click the full story link to get the other cent!] - Click Here for the Full Story