Van Tango

Pete Doherty will release a solo album and he is planning a move to the country in a bid to clean up his act. In an interview with the NME, he said: "There'll be a solo acoustic album released this year. It differs from Babyshambles because it will just be me." Asked if he had ever thought of escaping his troubles by leaving London, he replied: "That's so strange you say that, I've just been talking about getting a cottage ... a little pond and my guitar." He plans to use his country pad as a place to write new material. Pete is currently in rehab where he is believed to be having an opiate-suppressing implant fitted. He has called the forthcoming Babyshambles album 'The Implant Sessions'. Now that is a very interesting name for an album title.


Scarlett Johansson has joined forces with Reebok. She has signed a deal that will see her deigning her own retro inspired sportswear range called Scarlett 'Hearts' Reebok. Scarlett has said that her range will feature "sophisticated detailing and unexpected twists" and will be designed "to take today's multi-dimensional woman from the studio to the street in style"; she will be modelling the range in a global advertising campaign. Paul Harrington, Reebok's company president said: "Reebok is thrilled to partner with Scarlett because she is a world-renowned style icon and truly an inspiration for today's young women. Scarlett embodies the pulse points of our brand - individuality, authenticity and a life lived to the fullest in perpetual motion." The new range will be in stores as of next spring. This business deal should be very lucrative. Nike & Adidas now need to come up with something better.


Ginger Spice on the track back to fame? After giving birth to her first child Bluebell two months ago - Geri was photographed walking to a high-powered meeting with potential new representatives at London's Portland House at the weekend. Journalists from the Daily Mirror spotted a piece of paper in Geri's bag with the headline, "Strategy - game plan", while her list of targets included: "USA? Europe? Films?... how many can we get? TV Productions?" Fasten your seatbelts, people, we're in for a new bumpy ride. Scream if you wanna go faster?


The Futureheads (AOL Session)
Along with fellow bands Franz Ferdinand and the Bloc Party, The Futureheads are part of UK's 'angular movement,' a loose confederation of musicians inspired by '80s-era post-punk and new wave bands. [link]

We Are Scientist - (early mp3s galore) [Nebulize-My-Mind]

Robbie Williams performing his new single 'Rudebox' during an unspecified show in Europe has been posted online. 'Rudebox' is Robbie's first single off his forthcoming album '1974'. [youtube]

Boy Kill Boy - Civil Sin [new version vid]

Details of the new Kasabian album have emerged. The indie dance band will release their second album Empire on September 4th. [amazon]
Track Listing:
1. Empire
2. Shoot The Runner
3. Last Trip (In Flight)
4. Me Plus One
5. Sun/rise/light/flies
6. Apnoea
7. By My Side
8. Stuntman
9. Seek & Destroy
10. British Legion
11. The Doberman

Been listening to their latest single 'Empire' [audio] and it clearly shows they are back in business. It has the usual K-vibe, weird instrumentals and all that jingles. I'm addicted to that particular "star trek-ish" violin backdrop sound which blends quite well with the song. Don't be surprised if the phrase "We're all wasted away" becomes a mega stadium anthem in months/years to come. This fookin' brilliant track is just the beginning of a beautiful journey.


Arctic Monkeys are favourites to win the 2006 Mercury Music Prize after the shortlist was revealed in London. Albums by Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, Muse and Editors are also up for the award for the best UK or Irish album of the past year. The other nominated albums are by Guillemots, Sway, Richard Hawley, Hot Chip, Isobel Campbell, Scritti Politti and Lou Rhodes. The winner will receive a 20,000 pounds cheque at a ceremony on 5 September. The Arctic Monkeys are 7/2 favourites to win, according to bookmakers William Hill. The judges described it as "essential", saying it contained "great songs astonishingly performed". I think they will win that Mercury award.

YouTube's Balancing Act: Making Money, Not Enemies [link]

Ready for a new Jet album? The Aussie band have announced the details of their second album and the first single to be taken from it. Chris Chester compared the album to their debut, saying: "The first album was written for pubs. This one is written for stadiums!" The record entitled 'Shine On' will be released on Oct 2nd and will be preceded by the single 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' on Sept 18. Tracks set to feature on the album include the title track plus 'Stand Up', 'Holiday' and 'Eleanor'. It will be the follow up to 2003's Get Born. Somehow their second offering should be much better than what killers/bravery have in store. Can't see another iPod advert song though.


Oasis will issue a new, two-disc retrospective dubbed "Stop the Clocks" on Nov 21. According to the label, the tracks on the album were selected by the band, and are "the songs they believe encapsulate their remarkable career to date." The 18-track set includes a mix of the
group's well-known songs as well as B-sides such as "Acquiesce" and "Half the World Away." The group have slammed reports they are to disband following the release this album, insisting it's merely their "dream set list." They say: "This is not a full stop, but merely a time out and a chance for the world to review the immense contribution Oasis have made to rock 'n' roll." A spokeswoman for the band adds: "(There's) absolutely no truth in these rumours. "They've been touring for nearly two years and finished in May, and then they said they were going to take some time out." Don't think it is their idea to produce this album but due to pressure by the label. But then, there are quite a lot of unheard tracks begging to be exposed to the millions out there. Hopeful they will include 'Let's All Make Believe' & 'Stay Young'.


New mum Jennifer Garner may now be having her second child! Jenn is leaving tantalizing clues that she's ready for baby no. 2. After being seen leaving a Beverly Hills medical office with a fuller look and a big smile on her face while bouncing around on the phone, onlookers have speculated a second pregnancy. Friends of the couple, tell Star that the two have made no secret that they want a big family with a lot of kids. Jennifer's rep denies the pregnancy rumors, as usual. In that case, she needs to hire a maid. I remembered she once set the kitchen into a smoke screen room last time out. Maybe Jennifer has now learned to hide some private details of her new kid during future talk shows.








Check out some dudes who dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow! [link]









Lost Season 3 Scoops From Comic-Con! [link]