| CMU Daily - on the inside 16 Dec 2003 |
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In today's CMU Daily:
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Canadian copyright people say downloading ok
- Jacko could be charged this week
- Aaron dumps his mother's management
- American radio research put listening devices in cars
- Single Review: The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Mister Mental
- Duran Duran add extra UK dates
- Coke's hope deal will win artist support
- Snoop dog sued over TV show
- Dancestar plan magazine
- BMG ordered to pay former execs over AOLl deal
- Ozzy breathing unaided
- Muse added to T bill
- Album Review: Various - Abstract Afro Journey
- Darkness might just get the Christmas number one
- Scottish tax payers have to put more in the pot for MTV awards
- Jack White in bust up with Von Bondies Stollsteimer
- Edinburgh police seize £millions of counterfeit CDs
- Loudeye launch template download service
- Pink campaigns to have illusitonists' elephant freed
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CANADIAN COPYRIGHT PEOPLE SAY DOWNLOADING OK
The Copyright Board of Canada struck a blow against the global anti-downloading campaign yesterday by proclaiming the downloading of music - copyright or otherwise - as legal. While it recognises the uploading of copyright material is illegal, it reckons current Canadian law, unlike American law, doesn't give any right for authorities to prosecute consumers for downloading non-approved MP3s, or for having non-legit MP3s on their hard drives.
Announcing the decision Copyright Board Secretary General Claude Majeau told reporters, "In reaching its decision, the Board took into consideration the substantial amount of detailed evidence brought forward by participants to the proceeding, which included comments on the proposed levies from over 1,500 parties and individuals...As far as computer hard drives are concerned, we say that for the time being, it is still legal."
But Richard Pfohl of the Canadian Recording Industry Association said he disagreed with the Copyright Board's interpretation of the law, adding he now expected the country's courts to rule on the matter. He told reporters: "Our position is that under Canadian law, downloading is also prohibited. This is the opinion of the Copyright Board, but Canadian courts will decide this issue."
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JACKO COULD BE CHARGED THIS WEEK
Reports from America yesterday suggested Michael Jackson will be formally charged with child abuse this week. Jim Thomas, a former Santa Barbara County sheriff who has reportedly discussed the case with Santa Barbara County District Attorney Thomas Sneddon, has told reporters he expects the charges to allege that Jackson molested one child repeatedly, probably over a period of more than a month. He said: "You will see allegations of multiple counts of child molestation on this particular child."
The general assumption is that child with be cancer sufferer Gavin Arvizo. As previously reported, various news stories have questioned the credibility of the Arvizo family's case against Jackson. Firstly, there is the previous investigation into Jackson's relationship with Gavin during which his family went on record as officially denying any molestation had taken place. Secondly, there are the comments made by Gavin's father, now separated from the boy's mother, that his ex-wife had a "Svengali-like ability" to make her children lie in testimony.
But Thomas Sneddon has told reporters he was aware of the previous investigation before arresting Jackson. Leonard Levine, a defense attorney who specialises in sexual assault cases, yesterday said he expected Sneddon had more than just the child's testimony as evidence against Jackson: "I would be very surprised if the sole evidence that they had is simply the complaint of the alleged victim."
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AARON DUMPS HIS MOTHER'S MANAGEMENT
Aaron Carter, the popstar brother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, has taken that standard teen star move of cutting off all contact with his mother - who has managed his career to date. Word is the pop star wants to cut off both personal and professional links after she allegedly withdrew $100,000 from his bank account without his permission. Word is he is in the process of filing for legal emancipation from his parents in the California courts.
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AMERICAN RADIO RESEARCH PUT LISTENING DEVICES IN CARS
American research firm IQStat has announced its intentions to start a new radio listening research programme in the US that measures what stations people listen to while on the road. The research will use a bit of kit that tracks where the car is and what radio station is being listened at any one time.
The announcement comes as the debate continues to rage in the British radio industry over whether the main radio ratings body RAJAR should introduce electronic measures rather than the 'hand written diary' system currently used. The strongest advocate for an electronic system is Talk Sport owners the Wireless Group, whose boss, Kelvin MacKenzie, is threatening to sue RAJAR over their alleged apathy towards electronic measuring techniques.
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SINGLE REVIEW: The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Mister Mental (Universal/No Death)
Fresh from being the next big thing, the Eighties etc have buggered off to LA to record that difficult second album. Although this is more Las Vegas than anywhere else. And Las Vegas is the best place in the World, as any fule kno. This is absolutely brilliant. It lasts for less than three minutes, it never slows down and the refrain "Do you suffer from mental?" is destined to be shouted by sweaty bastards on dancefloors everywhere for the next decade. Getting in early for 2004's record of the year. MB
Release date: 12 Jan
Press contact: Wild [CP, CR] Island IH [RP, RR, NP, NR]
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DURAN DURAN ADD EXTRA UK DATES
Duran Duran have added two extra dates to their upcoming UK reunion tour. They have added second performances in London and Birmingham. Full dates now as follows:
13 & 14 Apr: Wembley Arena
15 Apr: Glasgow SECC
17 Apr: Manchester Evening News Arena
18 & 19 Apr: Birmingham NEC
The six dates should coincide with the release of a new album, the first with the original line-up since 1983's 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger'.
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COKE'S HOPE DEAL WILL WIN ARTIST SUPPORT
More details about Coke's sponsorship deal with the Official Chart Company have been revealed. As previously reported the Coke deal has proved controversial on two levels - firstly because it secures Coke namechecks on the BBC when it broadcasts the charts, and secondly because it suggests Coke are specifically targeting the teen market just as a number of other sugary food brands have promised not to specifically target children in their marketing.
The Official Chart Company have revealed as part of the deal they will facilitate meetings between Coke and record label marketing managers in a bid to get artist endorsement for the drink brand's new download service, also announced earlier this month. Word is Coke hope to get artist endorsement for their legit download service to give the operation credibility.
Official Chart Company's Darren Haynes told reporters: "We are going to set up marketing committees to facilitate meetings between Coca-Cola and the marketing directors of the big music companies. Access to artists is key because they need to get endorsement and it is one of the key drivers for legitimate downloads."
How big Coke's purses will be at such meetings remains to be seen - but some insiders reckon key artists will be unwilling to endorse a global brand, even in its music endeavours, without a suitable pay cheque.
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SNOOP DOG SUED OVER TV SHOW
An actress who appeared on Snopp Dogg's American MTV show Doggy Fizzle Televizzle is suing because she reckons some clever camera work made it look like she was involved in a sexual act on camera. Word is actress Doris Burns refused to have "nude sexual relations" with an actor when she appeared on the show in August. However she did agree to join the actor on a bed dressed in her underwear. The show's producers subsequently blurred that image thus, Burns argues, giving the impression she had participated in lewd acts. She is now suing Snoop Dog and MTV for an undisclosed sum on the grounds of breach of contract, fraud, invasion of privacy and defamation. Neither Snoop nor MTV have commented on the lawsuit.
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DANCESTAR PLAN MAGAZINE
Organisers of the DanceStar Awards in America will next year publish a one off 100 page magazine to coincide with the event. Being produced by DanceStar's Ben Turner the magazine will "showcase all that's good in American dance music". It will be distributed across the US by the Borders book shop chain throughout March.
Border's Bob Reamer told reporters: "We are delighted to be the exclusive partner for the first DanceStar USA magazine, and also to be hosting the Best New Artist album category. It's recognition that Borders has grown into a destination for dance music."
The 2004 awards take place on 9 Mar in Miami. Nominations will be announced on 16 Jan.
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BMG ORDERED TO PAY FORMER EXECS OVER AOL DEAL
A Californian jury last week ruled that BMG's parent company Bertlesmann owed two former execs in excess of $244 million in relation to a deal between the German media group and AOL. For a period Bertlessmann had a 50% stake in AOL, which it sold to Time Warner in 2000 for $6.75 billion. Former BMG execs Jan Henric Buettner and Andreas von Blottnitz claimed they were pivotal in the BMG / AOL venture and had been promised a share in revenues by former BMG boss Thomas Middelhoff, but as yet have received nowt. BMG, who deny any such agreement existed, are now expected to appeal the court's ruling.
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OZZY BREATHING UNAIDED
Ozzy Osbourne was yesterday breathing unaided. He had been on a ventilator ever since his quad bike accident last week. A spokesman for the family yesterday confirmed Ozzy was breathing again fine and was now able to speak to his family.
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MUSE ADDED TO T BILL
Another addition to the T in the Park bill - DF Concerts yesterday confirmed Muse are on the bill.
DF's Geoff Ellis: "T in the Park has really scored an early hat-trick with the addition of Muse to the bill alongside David Bowie and The Darkness. To have announced three acts of this calibre while we are still in 2003 is a great achievement for the festival and we are certain that 2004 is going to be the best year of T in the Park yet."
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ALBUM REVIEW: Various - Abstract Afro Journey - mixed by Ron Trent(Nite Grooves / King Street Records)
Chicagan Deep House maestro Ron Trent steps up for this new US mix series. And an Abstract Afro Journey it really is - the Afro element intrinsically fused to house, but never clumsily. Stand outs include 'Ebony Angel' by Trent as USG (8 minutes of minimal vocal deepness), Alton Miller's chilled jazz 'Love Inside' and 'Congo Deep' by Mateo and Matos. Some Femi Kuti styled beats resonate in 'Nigerian Travels' by Kerri Chandler, and also with the Afrotastic 'Ye Yo Ma' - and Trent's own 90 second beats moulage does well too. Ananda Project's 'I Hear You Dreaming' is overly sweet, Romatt's 'Lets be Free' OD's on guitar, and the pace drops off precipitously with 'Cascades of Colour' by Wamdue Project. Things do get back up to speed, but Blaze's Season of Love doesn't get enough time to take off before close. All in all, a sophisticated ride into an afro-electronic beatscape. PV
Release date: 25 Jan
Press contact: Rude Awakening on 020 7450 3139
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DARKNESS MIGHT JUST GET THE CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE
As all those festive records went on sale yesterday the Darkness seemed to take the lead in the race for Christmas number one.
As we go to press Ladbrokes are giving 4-7 on The Darkness' 'Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)', with former favourite, the Pop Idol's version of 'Merry Xmas (War Is Over)', at 5-2. William Hill are offering 8-11 on The Darkness, and 9-4 on the Pop Idols. We've no idea what all that means, but a spokesman for William Hill says things are looking good for the Darkness: "Nobody seems interested in backing the Pop Idol 12 - we didn't take a single bet on them yesterday."
Whether the betters have insider knowledge or are going on gut feeling we're not sure. But indications are it is no longer a foregone conclusion that the Pop Idols will be at number one on Sunday - though you would expect The Darkness to get more early week sales before the kids and mums go shopping later in the week.
Gary Jule's 'Mad World' is also moving up the favourites list - odds are now 2-1. Current number one - Ozzy and Kelly's 'Changes' is at 25-1.
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SCOTTISH TAX PAYERS HAVE TO PUT MORE IN THE POT FOR MTV AWARDS
Despite its seeming success, Scottish MSPs and Edinburgh councillors may come under more criticism over their keenness to host the MTV Europe Music Awards in Edinburgh after it was revealed yesterday that the extra policing and council staffing required by the event, plus the costs of cleaning the city after the awards, will cost the local tax payers £75,000, in addition to the £155,000 of government money already thrown at the event. That initial grant caused controversy when it was announced earlier in the year - especially when the Edinburgh Fringe Society pointed out it receives a substantially smaller grant to manage the city's annual arts and comedy festival each year.
Keen to get in before the critics a spokeswoman for the City Council told reporters: "There is no doubt that Edinburgh and Scotland benefitted hugely from hosting the MTV awards. The worldwide publicity for the city and Scotland was immense and should attract visitors, investors and other events to come here. Thousands of local people also reaped the benefits, either by securing contracts, attending the concert in Princes Street Gardens and the actual awards or by participating in other creative industry-related initiatives."
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JACK WHITE IN BUST UP WITH VON BONDIES STOLLSTEIMER
Jack White was yesterday facing a misdemeanor assault charge after an altercation with Jason Stollsteimer of the Von Bondies. Word is the White Stripes frontman pulled Stollsteimer to the floor of Detroit's Magic Stick club on Saturday night, before punching him in the face several times. However White denies the charges, and has filed his own complaint against Strollsteimer claiming he was pulled to the floor and was only defending himself when he punched Stollsteimer in the face.
Meanwhile, and assuming Jack isn't in jail, the White Stripes have announced a series of UK dates in the New Year:
19 Jan: The Royal Court, Liverpool
20 & 21 Jan: Alexandra Palace, London
23 Jan: Ice Arena, Nottingham
24 & 25 Jan: Glasgow SECC
27 & 28 Jan: Empress Ballroom, Blackpool
29 Jan: Spa Hall, Bridlington
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EDINBURGH POLICE SEIZE £MILLIONS OF COUNTERFEIT CDS
It's been a well known fact for years in Edinburgh that the local Ingilston Market was the place to go for cheap music, DVD and software - providing you didn't ask too many questions. Well, that supply of cheap entertainment may have dried up because police seized over £10 million worth of counterfeit goods there this weekend. The raid, involving more than 100 officers and officials from the Federation Against Copyright Theft, seized thousands of pirated DVDs, CDs and computer software. Officials will now investigate the goods before pressing charges.
Commenting on the raid Detective Inspector Gavin Barry told the BBC: "We were able to target key individuals whom we believe are making massive profits dealing illegally in counterfeit goods. It's important we make a stand against this type of activity although some members of the public may believe it to be a relatively inoffensive crime. People who buy these items need to stop and think where these huge profits go. The quality of these items is usually very poor and the massive illegal trade has a very detrimental impact on genuine Edinburgh retailers who can't compete with the knock-down prices."
John McGowan, senior investigator in the Scottish division of FACT added: "The raid will have saved millions of pounds to the music, film and software industry. There is so much money to be made in this business that we regularly see traders working with total disregard for the law. Many of them were caught out this weekend and have lost out as a result."
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LOUDEYE LAUNCH TEMPLATE DOWNLOAD SERVICE
Digital-music company Loudeye has teamed up with Microsoft to launch a template online music store which can be used by media companies and record labels who want to sell digital music. AT&T Wireless and Gibson Audio, a division of Gibson Guitars, have both confirmed they are using Loudeye Media Framework as the back end to their proposed digital download services.
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PINK CAMPAIGNS TO HAVE ILLUSITONISTS' ELEPHANT FREED
Pink has written an open letter to illusionists Siegfried & Roy asking them to let their elephant, Gildah, leave its pen at the Las Vegas' Mirage Hotel and Casino and live the rest of its life at a wildlife sanctuary.
The singer, supported by People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals, argue Gildah's case has become particularly acute since the illusionists' show was cancelled after Roy Horn was attacked by a tiger during his act back in October.
In the letter Pink writes: "Gildah is being screwed out of an elephant's most basic need, the companionship of other elephants. Today we know that elephants are intelligent, social animals who form complex relationships... Those relationships mean even more for captive elephants who have already suffered the loss of family, freedom and habitat and have nothing left. In a sanctuary, Gildah could forage through hundreds of acres of lush vegetation, play in the pond and at least have some life as nature intended. ... Sure beats life in a tiny tourist trap."