Van Tango

Interpol drummer Sam Fogarino was left embarrassed when Ashlee Simpson went backstage to congratulate him after a raucous gig - because he had no idea who she was. The New York rocker is used to having famous Hollywood folk as fans, but was surprised to learn Ashlee and her older sister enjoyed his band's music as well. Fogarino said, "We did a show and Ashlee was hanging out backstage and I really didn't know who she was. I asked her what band she was in. I think I embarrassed her more than I embarrassed myself.
"She's so sweet, she's very sweet. I would openly welcome the sisters Simpson into the Interpol fold." Interpol also count Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and David Bowie among their enraptured followers. Very interesting that Ashlee l.o.v.e the dark indie rock scene. Would imagine that the first song she heard was 'Specialist' from The O.C soundtrack...

Christina Aguilera in her wedding dress walking with close friends.

Liz Mclarnon's official single 'Woman In Love' will be released on Feb 13. She performed it at the recent Birmingham Christmas Lights concert.

Some pics:
- Liz Mclarnon arrives at "A Night With The Stars... In Aid Of ChildLine", a VIP fundraising ball in aid of the major UK children's charity, at St George's Hall on Nov 17 in Liverpool - 1 2 3
- Liz Mclarnon performs on stage at the event - 1 2 3 4

Pet Shop Boys have just completed their new album in a West London studio. The album has been produced by Trevor Horn and features 10 new Tennant/Lowe songs and "Numb", a song by Diane Warren. Neil and Chris started writing songs for the album in Jan and commenced recording with Trevor Horn in May. Chris Lowe commented: "We've really enjoyed making this album with Trevor and his team and are very happy indeed with the finished result." Neil Tennant added: "We think it's a great Pet Shop Boys album and also a great Trevor Horn record." The album is expected to be released worldwide in April 2006. We shall see whether these uncles can still come out with 'absolutely fabulous' songs..


Watch a short Video Clip of G.A's Xmas single 'See The Day' - Released on Dec 19th. One of the rare ballads from the pop group. Nice cd-cover too.






Kylie will release her first ever digital only single on Parlophone on December 25th. The single, a live version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow is backed with her Christmas classic 'Santa Baby'. 8 further live tracks and 3 video tracks will be available to download from early December.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow is taken from the live DVD "Kylie - Showgirl The Greatest Hits Tour", which was recorded earlier this year at Londons Earls Court, part of Kylie's most successful UK tour ever.

Joss Stone and Beau Dozier have split, leaving the singer totally heartbroken. The couple had been going out for two years and Joss, claims she still loves Beau. The soul singer has confessed: "I don't know what happened, but what can you do? It's such a sad thing." But, ever the gracious girl, Joss insists she is still friends with her ex. Joss doesn't think it was her busy schedule that caused the split. A spokesman confirmed: "Joss and Beau have split up, but they remain good friends." Well, this beautiful lady won't have any problems finding a replacement boyfriend. But if you have the height of Jamie Cullum...then it's a pity..Jamie has signed up as youth ambassador for the Samaritans charity. He has long admired the volunteer-run service which provides confidential 24-hour telephone or online support to anyone in distress. And now he is determined to use his fame to highlight the good work carried out by the struggling charity. Cullum has supported the organisation since the start of his music career, providing Samaritans collection boxes at all his concert venues. "I'm genuinely delighted to be joining the Young Ambassadors to help the Samaritans," said the jazzmeister. This guy has just increased his cool factor. There are two songs from Catching Tales which I think are top class : 7 Days To Change Your Life and Our Day Will Come. Sinatra in sneakers indeed.

Jamie Cullum releases the second single from his new album, Catching Tales, on Nov 28. Mind Trick is one of two collaborations on the album with his older brother Ben.

The Bravery have revealed that they don't plan to release their second album until at least this time (Nov) next year. Sam Endicott has said that the band plan to take a month off after their current round of touring the UK, Europe and America but they have no plans to go into the studio as yet. (?????) Endicott added that the New Yorkers are currently working on new material while on their tour bus and prefer to work at home rather than heading to the studio to record. Maybe they are worried about 'the curse of the second album'. In Jan this year, NME claimed that they will be bigger than The Strokes... Now was that an honest mistake?

Alex Kapranos was not overly impressed by the news that he has an avid fan - in the shape of future King, Prince William. Apparently William is a huge fan of the stylish Scots, but Kapranos has firmly asserted that he won't be making a beeline to palace. He is quoted as saying: "The royals have nothing to do with music. Somebody told me that Prince William is a fan, which is great, but I don't think the royal family or politicians and musicians should mix." Could they have it so much better with royalty fanbase?

Interview with Eddie from Art Brut (15th Nov)
Q: What was it like playing with Oasis last week?
A: Liam (Gallagher) loved "Modern Art", he was at the side of the stage rocking out to it as we played, and Noel said he already had the album. "My Little Brother" is his favourite; I found that quite funny actually. I've never personally been a fan of Oasis, but they were friendly people.

Q: Any news about the next single?
A: I'm not sure, it was supposed to be "Blame It On The Trains", but maybe a new song; I've got the words written, I'm just waiting for some music. It might be "Some Fallingovers".

It's a pleasant shock that the bros actually appreciate Art Brut. The first song which caught me ears was 'my little brother' and the initial thought was "What the fooook is this all about??". Very queer type of rock&roll and the vocals sound like he is actually talking instead of singing but it has cheeky fun tunes. Class understands Class. Bring on the next single!

Tony McCarroll is suing his former lawyers for failing to win him enough compensation. This is the second time McCarroll has attempted to sue his former lawyers. It's not clear if he intends to sue the lawyers who brought the previous, failed attempt. Tony McCarroll, who was sacked from Oasis in 1995 wants to exact revenge on the legal team who failed to win his bid for $32.4 million damages from the band when they axed him. McCarroll, who worked on Definitely Maybe, claims he had a five-album contract and had been "unlawfully expelled from the partnership". The drummer was forced to settle for just $990,000 compensation. He immediately sacked and sued his lawyers, but a judge dismissed the case. McCarroll's legal spokesperson refused to comment on the progress of his second court attempt. Wow. A decade has passed and he still refuses to 'slide away' from this case. Not enough 'magic pie' being given to the shaggy-haired drummer. Whatever.

Hard-Fi's Richard Archer explained work has already begun on the follow-up to their debut, 'Stars Of CCTV'. "We've got about 30 songs written over the last year after the last album," he revealed, "But I don't know if they're any good yet. I'll have to sit down and have a look at them." Archer also revealed of all the bands joining Hard-Fi for the first night of the Wonderland (including the Kaiser Chiefs, Editors, Maximo Park and The Dead 60s), it's The Dead 60s that are the best drinking buddies. "We've met them all, but probably hung out more with the Kaisers because we toured with them back in April," he considered. "But probably The Dead 60s [would be the best drinking partners], they're dark horses - you better watch them." Not bad. Indie-ful boys on the beautiful dance floor?

The Cribs myspace site.

Stone Roses Live Concert at Blackpool 1989.

Pete Doherty has followed Kate Moss into rehab after the supermodel pleaded with him to get treatment for his drug addiction. He flew to America last Saturday and is believed to be in The Meadows clinic in Arizona, where Kate was treated last month. This dramatic step showed how much he feared not being able to see Kate again. Everyone close to her had blamed Doherty for her cocaine problems. A friend said: "Pete hates rehab, but he thinks he'll never get to be with Kate without going through it. He knows she wants him to do it and she will help him out as much as she can. He's realised that unless he take serious steps to sorting out his problems Kate simply cannot be seen around with him."
Last month Doherty openly admitted Kate wanted him in rehab. Kate has so far refused to meet Doherty and he has been left alone, feeling depressed. Several Babyshambles gigs over the past few weeks were canceled. He is understood to have been living in Bath, only being seen in London when recording an appearance on Jools Holland. Another friend said: "Pete's been really down as it's ages since he saw Kate and he genuinely fears he may never see her again. Now it looks like he's chosen her above drugs - which is a massive step for such a long-term addict." We can only hope there's a happy ending this time. Well done, dude!

Take That have been offered 1 million EACH to reform for a one-off tour. Are they gonna to do it?? You have to win Survivor four or five times to get that total amount of money*4. Mr Barlow has revealed that the boys are prepared to go ahead with the plan whether Robbie Williams wishes to take part or not. "We've been offered a million pounds each to go back on the road one last time," said Barlow. "Robbie has been included in the offer but I don't know what he thinks. But we would do it without him. I think we'd have to. I did well from Take That but this is still a very large amount of money. Financially, it's a very tempting idea and I know a lot of our fans would like it. Our live shows were what made Take That great. We're just thinking about it at the moment." Robb is somewhere in his 8 million pounds luxury 115 foot-long Athena cruiser yacht which he has just bought from Italian boat company Riva. The top of the range craft is engraved with the name "My RW". Maybe during his 'monsoon' trips he might think about the offer. But then, what's 1mil to the Rock DJ?

Anyways, Robbie is convinced the key to pop greatness is a magical ingredient which only a tiny proportion of bands and artists are blessed with. He pinpointed a special something in only a small number of acts ranging from highly credible rock groups to chart-topping manufactured bands. He said, "When I first saw Oasis I recognised a thing - I don't even know what you'd call it, just a thing - that was greatness. It's outside of pop in the way it's meant now but it's pop brilliance to me. I thought I saw it again with The Strokes, but I might've been wrong. And then I think people have seen that thing in The Libertines and Pete Doherty." Yup. Whatever he 'feel' at those moments are definitely of supreme instincts. But then, how about girl bands?? Well..."But you know that thing? I got the same feeling watching the Spice Girls. When Geri came down the stairs in the union jack dress... it was so f**king powerful seeing those girls together." The psychic thoughts has always been in good intensive care even before the ego has landed, eh?