New N*E*R*D track "Spazz" features on Microsoft Zune commercial

I'll be honest, the new "business models" surrounding paid-for music confuse me a fair bit. The salient details of how to pay for, and get music onto, this Zune doo-dah pretty much passed me by as I watched this new ad.

BUT! It has a clip of a new N*E*R*D track soundtracking it, which is a crafty way of getting people to check out the commercial, if not the actual gadget. The track's called "Spazz" and features rather pleasing rat-a-tat-tat percussion with a typically bangalicious bass backing it up. Give it a listen over the page.

The Hype Machine goes up for sale, attracts rumoured bid from Viacom

Strictly speaking, this isn't music news as such. But, if true, it'll have an impact on a fair number of music fans. Rumours are floating about that music aggregator The Hype Machine is to be sold for in the region of $10m to - depending on who you believe - Viacom or, er, someone else.

The Hype Machine aggregates MP3s posted by innumerable music blogs and collects them together so that you, the reader/listener, can enjoy them from one place. You can create and constantly update your own list of favourites (you can seen mine over there on the right), and keep track of what your favourite blogs are posting.

So what would happen to the site if it was bought out by a fairly sizable media conglomeration?

Bomb The Bass, Midnight Juggernauts to appear at City Showcase 2008

Remember 1987, kids? Oh. Well anyway, one of the biggest tunes of that year was "Beat Dis" by Bomb The Bass - it reached number 2 in the charts and helped pave the way for acid house and rave/DJ culture's journey to mainstream success. Twenty years since BTB's last live performance, they've been booked to appear at this year's City Showcase on 4th June at London's Astoria. Should you be curious you can see a picture of them to the left, cleverly arranged to disguise how old they are.

Can You Gig It?: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds @ Hammersmith Apollo, London, 7.5.08

Susi Weaser, editor of Shiny Shiny, went to check out cheery old moustached lizard Nick Cave the other night. I wonder, was he as good as the number of times his album's been played in our office would suggest? Let's find out.

How did you rate the venue?

Um, can I just copy and paste what I wrote when I saw Gogol Bordello? OK, so this is what I think/thought: I quite like the Hammersmith Apollo. I've never had a bad night there. It's sloped towards the stage so it's easy to get a good view, and it's not so big you lose any atmosphere.

What were the crowd like?

Less gothic-looking than I expected. I suppose everyone has grown up. It was mostly an older crowd, a side effect of which is that they were also a very tall crowd.

Sad Kermit covers Elliott Smith's "Needle In The Hay"

I'll tell ya, that bloody Sad Kermit will get you every time. He's done Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt", among others, and now he's covering Elliott Smith, who passed away a few years back.

This is "Needle In The Hay", which you might recognise from The Royal Tenenbaums. Truly, a meditation on heroin addiction only comes into its own when tackled by a green felt frog. A lot of YouTube commenters have got predictably hot under the collar over this cover, but I'm a huge Elliott Smith fan and found it funny. I mean come on, it's a muppet playing a sad song on the guitar.

This is the last of today's Muppet-related posts, honest...

Interpol's "Rest My Chemistry" video: perfect for stoners

Does MTV still have that rule - and it may just have been in the States - where they'll only play music videos that contain like 60% performance-based imagery? I was just pondering that because, in these YouTube-mungous days, surely MTV's influence has declined a hell of a lot; and therefore artists can go and release innovative videos without worrying about lack of exposure.

Take the lastest Interpol vid. It's basically just a load of swirling shapes and stuff, rather like South Park's Planetarium, only a bit prettier and less likely to brainwash you. Ten years ago it would have gone more or less unseen. Today you can watch it over and over and over and over and over and over, and for free. Right here.

I wouldn't watch it that many times though, or that brainwashing thing might actually *CLICK*ON*THE*GAYMERS*ADS* come true.

See if you can withstand any subliminal messages after the click.

Win tickets to Glastonbury with our delicious and refreshing friends at Gaymers

Festival season is officially upon us, folks. If you're any kind of music fan you'll probably be getting yourself along to some kind of outdoor music experience at some point during the next few months.

The daddy of them all, of course, remains Glastonbury. And despite all the debate about this year's line-up and clientèle, it's still sure to be the definitive British festival experience.

Our new friends at GaymersMusic.com have three pairs of tickets for Glastonbury up for grabs, so if you want to save yourself a packet of dosh - all the more to spend on crisp, delicious cider, see? - head to GaymersMusic.com to enter the easy-peasy competition. You have until the end of 26th May.

Can You Gig It?: The Wombats/I Was A Cub Scout @ Bristol Academy, 05.05.08

Clare Joslin, My Chemical Toilet's resident Hoosiers defender, went to see The Wombats the other night. Here she shares what she thought of the perky Anglo-Norwegian Liverpudlians...

How did you rate the venue?

Great. It's big enough to fit everyone in and put on big artists, but open enough for everyone to see - unless you choose to stand behind the barriers by the bar. But if you do that's up to you, isn't it.

Barry Cox as Gok Pak-Wing: the Liverpudlian Canto-Pop star

How far would you go to be a popstar? Would you put yourself through X Factor auditions? Would you star in, and subtly release to the tabloids, your own sex tape? Would you learn Chinese, move to China, and become a Canto-Pop singer?

That's what this guy, Barry Cox, from Liverpool, has done. It's a pretty big commitment, and this mini-doc from Current.com doesn't really tell us how successful he's been as "Gok Pak-Wing", but when you see someone make this much effort to chase their dream you can't help but wish them good luck. Keep an ear out next time you go out for a Chinese - that might be Bazza crooning away as you sip your green tea...

Check out his story over the page.

Chromeo's "Fancy Footwork" video: they've got legs and they know how to use them

I've never been afraid of declaring my luuurve for Chromeo. If you've seen them live, or indeed just glimpsed their most recent album cover, you'll know that a recurring visual motif of theirs is the whole "women's legs chopped off and propped up for decoration" vibe.

They've taken the concept to that tricky next level in their new video, for Fancy Footwork's title track, with lots of legs dancing about sans any pesky torsos to weigh them down. And before you start saying it's sexist, there are male legs on display as well. Sure, they're not in tights and high-heels, but would you really want to see that?

Croissant Neuf Summer Party 2008

Have you developed a social conscience? Worried about your Carbon footprint? Not sure how to do your bit whilst still having a ruddy good time? Then worry no more, because those lovely people who brought you the Croissant Neuf Summer Party 2007 are coming back for more.

This eco-friendly festival features entirely solar powered stages and showers, organic food stands and more family fun than you could shake a brightly coloured stick at. Plus, with a sports day, poetry slam, lantern procession and masquerade ball there'll be plenty to keep even the most absent of minds occupied.

Continue after the jump for this week's winning lottery numbers...

Justice's "Stress" video deserves a f*cking ASBO

There is something about this video that makes it more disturbing than deliberately shocking clips like The Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up". The verité style is very effective, and you can recognise many of the actions from recent news stories about feral youth and all that. There aren't many music videos that makes me want to lock my door and never go out again, but this joins every Westlife video ever in that rarefied category.

Click over and prepare to whimper "mummy!".

Nine Inch Nails release The Slip online for free

If you're a fan of NIN you'll know about this already; and if you're a bit indifferent to them it's a perfect way to see if they can win you over. Nine Inch Nails have made a new album, The Slip, available for free on that there world wide web.

If you head to the official Nine Inch Nails website you'll be able to download the new album in a variety of digital formats. Coming just a couple of months after the online release of their last album, Ghosts I-IV, you might think Trent the Reznor is being a bit previous with this new release. Well, if you think you can improve on the tracks contained on The Slip, you can also remix them all.

Spiritualized's "Soul On Fire" song/video combination is neither unpleasant nor surprising

They've done many good things, Spiritualized - but does it not say something about them that I kind of knew exactly what their new single would sound like before I'd even pressed play?

It builds and builds. It has strings. It employs the word "baby" repeatedly, in a blissed-out manner. It would sound brilliant over the end credits of a completely inappropriate romantic comedy. The video features Jason lying down, then getting up, then lying down again.

Fin.

Oh yeah - see it over the page.

Fin. Again.

Tapes 'N Tapes' "Hang Them All" video features brutal (cardboard) gun crime

"Hang Them All" has been a regular on the office stereo recently, but if you'd told me that the video would feature a war between the owners of two 98 cent stores, I would have slapped you. With your own hand.

But sure enough, that's the vignette they've gone with. It is rather amusing, and works strangely well with ver Tapes' new tune. Click over to avoid any more of that slapping stuff I mentioned earlier.

The Ting Tings' iPod + iTunes ad probably won't do their career too much harm

They were already doing pretty well Stateside, but getting the nod from the ad folk at Apple to appear in one of their era-defining commercials should mean The Ting Tings can sell out venues of a slightly larger size before too long. They will also be able to buy as much fizzy pop as they like, which may make their next "product" even more jumpyshouty.

See the ad over the page. Although you can probably guess more or less how it goes...

Snoop Dogg and Lindsay Lohan to collaborate on some drug-related crime her new album

Well this is a teaming we've been waiting a while for, isn't it? Ex-jailbird Snoop Dogg and ex-jailbird Lindsay Lohan are apparently going to make some beautiful/excruciating music on her second album.

Yes, second. What, you don't remember her first attempt at music stardom, A Little More Personal? Well don't sweat it, neither does she (badoom-tish). Snoop isn't the only one drawn to the challenge of parlaying La Lohan's ubiquitous profile into pop perfection, either - other stars on her new project will include Timbaland and Pharrell Williams and Calum Best.

Alice Cooper on the Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock widget - putting the rock into RSI

There's a reason I don't write for any of our neighbouring games sites -- I have the hand-eye co-ordination of someone with no eyes. Or hands. This assessment of my gaming skillz was confirmed when I tried out the Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock widget, which was kindly forwarded to me by Dan on Tech Digest.

Really it's just a case of pressing buttons, but it was still beyond me. However, if you fancy having a go at songs by Alice Cooper, Living Color or, er, Lions, be my guest and have a bash over the page. Don't come to me when you get rock-related carpal tunnel syndrome, though.

Pop Heaven: Annie - "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me"

So has Robyn stolen the space Annie was hoping to take in the charts, or has she just opened the doors for another Scandi-pop marvel?

Popjustice don't seem too impressed with this as a comeback single, but I think it's irresistible... until the ning-ning-ning bit, when it goes a bit wrong. But then it goes right again, so that's OK. In other news, Annie's forthcoming new album Don't Stop is supposed to be 'mazing.

Of note in the video: eye shadow that makes Annie look like Dame Barbara Cartland. Not a whole lot else, tbh. Check it out after the click.

Can You Gig It?: Jamie Lidell @ KOKO, London, 29.4.08

Jamie Lidell's Jim album came out recently to acclaim and/or disappointment, depending on how much of a hardcore fan you are of his - oh yes - "earlier stuff".

Yup, Lidell's one of those former underground types who now appears to be - BASTARD - looking to sell a few records. My esteemed colleague, and editor of terrific men's fashion blog Brandish, Isabelle O'Carroll, is a long-time fan. She went along to his long sold-out show at Koko t'other night. What thunk she?

- How did you rate the venue?

I've never been to KOKO before, but it's really sumptuous. I like the multiple balconies, and the actual floor space isn't too big.

Five copies of Angus And Julia Stone's double EP up for grabs

While we're on the subject of our friends at Nollie, if you're a fan of delicate-but-not-mopey, chilled-out acoustic goodness, you might want to check out their latest comp.

They're giving away 5 copies of the double EP from Angus and Julia Stone, Heart Full of Wine / Chocolate and Cigarettes. Er, does a double EP equal one album? Not sure of the current exchange rate regarding formats.

Anyway, go here to enter the competition - and if you're not sure whether it's worth it, the delightful "Just A Boy", which you can hear/see over the page, should convince you.

Give Peace A Chance - For sale

The handwritten lyrics from John Lennon's (you may remember him from such bands as The Beatles and The Dirty Mac) 'Give Peace a Chance' are to be sold at Christies pop memorabilia auction this July.

Coldplay to give away music, performances in exchange for your love

Clearly SHAKEN by the recent finding that they're the dullest band on the planet, Coldplay are launching an all-out offensive aimed at winning/retaining the love of you, the illegally downloading record-buying public.

Good news for anyone who actually likes scrawly-handed Martin and his mates, then. They'll be playing a free show at Brixton Academy on 16th June, and another at Madison Square Garden on 23rd June. If you head over to Coldplay.com now-ish you should be able to find details of how to obtain tickets.

And that's not all.

Rufus Wainwright to compose opera

I know little about Rufus Wainwright, but I know enough that the news that he's to compose an opera isn't the biggest shock in the world. He's set to compose an opera for the Metropolitan Opera. So what will it be about? Well, Rufus' new production will look at a day in the life of an opera singer.

We7.com and Sony BMG bring free (ad-supported) music to your ears

As the scrum for a piece of the digital music pie (hmm, pie) continues, it's become clear in the last couple of weeks that Sony BMG are keen to steal a march on their major label rivals.

Last week came the announcement of their deal with Nokia, which will provide subscription-based music to mobile phone users. And today it's been revealed that they've signed up with We7.com to provide over 500,000 tracks to listen to for free.

What's the catch? Well, this is a streamed service, so while you will be able to download content from the site, there won't be quite as many to choose from. What's the other catch? Advertising.

Mystery Jets' "Two Doors Down" video probably has shuttlecocks down its pants

It's amazing that music video pastiches of 80s fashions can still entertain. There have been LOADS of them. But this attempt by Mystery Jets still works for me. Possibly that's because I'm a sucker for The Wedding Singer, but it could also be because the song's as catchy as all get out. I was resisting Mystery Jets, but there's no point trying not to enjoy this song. NO POINT. It's going to be huge.

"Design me a t-shirt at Threadless.com" demands a swearing-festooned Moby

UN

BE

LIEVABLE.

So this year we've had pop stars asking you to write them songs. We've had them asking you to name their "product". Any other odd-jobs the pop firmament needs a hand with?

Yes. How about MAKING THEIR BLOODY CLOTHES? OK, not making exactly. Nobody's asking you to sit there stitching together some home-made underwear for the Pussycat Dolls (I know, shame - you can have a go and send it to them anyway, that's what I do).

If, however, you're feeling artistically inclined and are a fan of Threadless t-shirts and/or Moby, you're encouraged to submit designs for beanhead's new t-shirt along the theme of Last Night (the title of his new album).

Paul McCartney to play huge independence gig

Paul McCartney has announced that he's going to headline a special free concert in Independence Square in Kiev on June 14. The 'Independence Concert' is the brainchild of philanthropist Victor Pinchuk and the huge event in the Ukraine will be the first 'independent social initiative that aims to strengthen the confidence and understanding in the Ukrainian society' of its kind. Phew. Heavy.

Former Beatle Macca says in a statement this morning: "I'm very excited because on the 14th of June I've been invited to play a concert in Independence Square, Kiev. Me and the band are going to be there and we're going to have to a great evening and we hope to see you there. So come along, it's going to be great evening hopefully for the Ukraine. Pull together, groove, rock and roll - all together"

Soulwax Part Of The Weekend Never Dies tour documentary trailer

As The Lipster put it, "tour movies are generally as dull as James Blunt". This offering from Soulwax really does look like something a little more interesting though.

Of course trailers are designed to make films look as good as possible, but this looks like an exciting, frenetic portrait of life playing in front of thousands of party-mad insaniacs every damn week. You can see the film at selected UK cinemas this month, or pick up the DVD in August.

Check it out and consider jacking in the day job over the page.

New Shortwave Set single - 'No Social' - video here

Do you like quirky pop with a brain? Of course, I'm not talking about pop that you get in a can... a brain in some Tizer would just ming. Nope, I'm talking about good ol' pop music with sass and sleaze. Then you probably like the Shortwave Set. If you don't really know, then here's your chance to find out. They've got a new single coming out called 'No Social' and you can watch the exclusive video here... if you click over the jump.

The Shortwave Set are also playing the following some live dates, which I advise you catch 'em at. They are: 3 May - London - Clash Club at 93 Feet East, 17 May - Brighton - The Great Escape, 31May - Leeds - Wax:On @ Lotherton Hall

The Maccabees, Foals, The Rascals among acts at 2008's Underage Festival line-up

As if having all their hair and no mortgages to fret over wasn't enough for the youth, they now have their own burgeoning underage gig scene. The daddy of the underage scene is, naturally enough, the Underage Festival, which is just for those not yet legally old enough to obliterate their livers with alcohol.

The Underage Festival's first outing, in 2007, was a huge success. I'm told. I wasn't there, obviously, because I was born before 2005. This year they have what looks to be an even better line-up. Click over for a frankly overwhelming list of impressive acts set to perform.

T4 On The Beach acts announced. The good: Robyn. The bad: Scouting For Girls

Further proof that the spheres of pop and "alternative" music are merging together in some kind of musical Venn diagram comes with the announcement of the line-up for this year's T4 On The Beach.

This year's event will take place in Weston-super-Mare on 20th July, and will feature performances from - on pop's good side - Robyn, The Feeling and Lightspeed Champion. Representing the side of evil guitar pop, we have two of the most irritating acts out there today, The Hoosiers and Scouting For Girls.

Do you care whether Elvis Presley visited London in 1958?

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Most pointless news story ever: Elvis visited England once

Every paper, rag, mag, website and blog has reported with glee about Elvis and his visit to England. For years, it's been thought that The King only stepped foot on British soil once, as part of a stop-off with the army or something. He set his rock 'n' roll tootsies down in South Ayrshire at Prestwick Airport and presumably had a fag, stretched his legs and thought of sunny America. Well now, a football chairman (to be trusted of course), Bill Kenwright, has claimed that contrary to popular belief, Elvis Presley did visit England properly once.

Wu-Tang head honcho, the RZA, to play Futuresonic

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