Reuters - Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has ambitions to produce original Arab content to serve the Arab world's 335 million people in the region and abroad, helped by its partnership with Saudi-based media group Rotana.
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AP - The executive director of the film academy said Tuesday that Farrah Fawcett wasn't included in the Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment because the actress was better known as a TV star.
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You’ve already feasted your eyes on MGMT’s WTF album cover for their upcoming album Congratulations, and now you can hear what the band’s been cooking up for their April 13th LP with “Flash Delirium.” MGMT unveiled the track a free download on their Who Is MGMT? site today. The adventurous song — MGMT seem to pack four distinct parts into four minutes — is a bit of departure from the band’s Oracular Spectacular songs, scaling back on its predecessor’s electro-bop for a song that sounds similar to Deerhunter in its first half and Zombies in its second.
“Some will love it, some will hate it,” Andrew VanWyngarden told Rolling Stone of Congratulations‘ stylistic shift in our Spring Music Preview. “We want to freak people out.” This first song does just that, and it takes multiple listens to grapple with the track’s constant curveballs. “Flash Delirium” ultimately keeps building until it explodes into a rapturous harmony, breaking into full-out thrash in its waning seconds. The song’s message: “Dance until the heart explodes and we’ll make this place ignite.”
For more on Congratulations and all the huge releases due out this season, check out Rolling Stone’s Spring Music Preview.
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• MGMT Reveal Eye-Popping “Congratulations” Cover Art
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• MGMT Cast Joanna Newsom, Kid, Monsters in “Kids” Video
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Photo: Waisman/FilmMagic
Has it been your lifelong wish to become a member of the Smashing Pumpkins? Billy Corgan is back in the business of making dreams come true, announcing the band will hold auditions to find a new bassist and keyboardist for his ever-changing lineup. Last year Corgan held auditions to replace drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and ultimately hired young musician Mike Byrne. Musicians interested in the two new open slots are being asked to e-mail a resume and performance clips to either [email>pumpkinsbass@gmail.com[/email> or [email>pumpkinskeys@gmail.com[/email>. A note to perspective keyboardists: Corgan says he’s looking for someone with a prog-rock background, a la Yes’ Rick Wakeman, so maybe familiarize yourself with Tales from Topographic Oceans.
Though Corgan and Chamberlain offer differing accounts of the latter’s exit — Corgan tells Rolling Stone he axed the drummer in our new issue — no drama led to this new round of lineup changes. Current bassist Ginger Pooley is a new mom and wants to raise her baby off the road, while Electric Prunes bassist Mark Tulin, who has been playing with Corgan since their Spirits in the Sky project, will stay onboard until a new permanent member is found. “We were lucky enough to find drummer Mike Byrne through an open audition process,” Corgan said in a press release, “so why not open the doors again to anyone who might be interested for the bass or keyboard position. As you can see from our past and present, age, race, or a person’s background is not an issue. Everyone is truly welcome to audition.”
In addition to the casting call, the Smashing Pumpkins promise to announce a brand new world tour in the near future. As evidenced by Rolling Stone’s new interview with Billy Corgan, the frontman will have no shortage of things to talk about on the road. Plus, with only three of the planned 44 songs off Teargarden by Kaleidyscope released, prospective applicants can leave a sizable imprint on Corgan’s massive undertaking. All submissions are due March 31st.
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Photo: Flanigan/FilmMagic
Stone Temple Pilots are giving fans a first listen to their upcoming self-titled album — the band’s first in nine years — at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas next week, at a show presented by StubHub. And Rolling Stone, StubHub, and Hotels.com are giving away the ultimate STP at SXSW getaway package.
One lucky winner and a guest will score two VIP tickets to STP’s gig at Austin Music Hall on March 18th and round-trip airfare from their hometown to Austin from StubHub, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, plus SXSW transportation and two nights at the Westin at The Domain courtesy of Hotels.com, home of thousands of last-minute deals every day and the guaranteed lowest price.
The SXSW 2010 Sweepstakes is open to residents of the 50 United States and Washington, DC who are 18 years of age or older as of March 8, 2010. To enter, fill out the form after the jump. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 p.m. EST on March 9, 2010 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on March 11, 2010. Number of Winners: 1. ARV: $2500. Certain restrictions may apply. Complete Official Rules are available after the jump.
Official Rules for the “SXSW 2010″ Sweepstakes
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington DC (EXCLUDING RESIDENTS OF OVERSEAS MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, PUERTO RICO, AND OTHER U.S. TERRITORIES) who as of March 8, 2010 are 18 years of age or older.
Sponsors: Rolling Stone LLC (”Rolling Stone”), StubHub (”StubHub”), and Hotels.com (”Hotels.com”)
1. How to Enter:
a. To enter the “SXSW” Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”), visit the [url>www.RollingStone.com website at [url>www.RollingStone.com/sxswsweepstakes and follow the registration and entering directions provided therein. Limit one entry per person. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on March 8, 2010. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on March 11, 2010. For privacy policy, visit http://www.rollingstone.com/privacypolicy-update
b. No mechanically reproduced or computer generated entries permitted. Not responsible for lost, late or misdirected entries, or entries containing incorrect or incomplete information. Not responsible for any problems or technical malfunctions of any telephone network or lines, computer, on-line, or Internet systems or services, servers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email or entry or confirmation or winners notice on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, problems with RollingStone.com website or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer resulting from downloading any materials in connection with the Sweepstakes. Entries become the property of Rolling Stone and will not be acknowledged or returned.
2. Winner(s):
a. Selection of Winner. One (1) winner will be selected from a random drawing held on or about March 11, 2010 from among all eligible entries received by a panel of judges selected by Sponsors. The winners will be notified by e-mail or telephone. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received.
b. Decisions of Sponsors are final on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.
3. Prize(s):
a. One (1) winner will receive the following prize (the “Prize”):
• Roundtrip Air Fare for Two (2) People;
• Two (2) Nights Stay at the Westin at The Domain;
• Transportation between the hotel and SXSW grounds; and
• Two (2) VIP Tickets for The Stone Temple Pilots.
b. Approximate Retail Value (”ARV”) of Prize: $2500.00. Actual retail value of the Prize may vary. If the prize includes travel and winner cannot travel on the dates required to attend the Event, winner will forfeit the Prize in its entirety and Sponsors may, at their option, either select a second place winner in his or her place or be relieved of liability for fulfillment of the Prize. Winner is responsible for any expenses not expressly included in the Prize description, such as additional ground transportation expenses, incidentals, meals, beverages and any other expenses.
c. Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
4. General:
a. Employees, directors and officers of Sponsors, their parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies, and their immediate family members and/or those living in same household are not eligible.
b. No substitution or transfer of prize permitted except as provided herein. Prizes are non-redeemable for cash. In the event of unavailability, Sponsor may substitute a prize of greater or equal value.
c. All federal, state, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner, who will receive an IRS Form 1099 reflecting the final actual value of any prize valued at $600 or more. Consult with your tax professional regarding potential tax implications.
d. Potential finalists must execute Affidavit of Eligibility/Release of Liability Form(s) within 10 days of notification. Noncompliance, or return of prize notification as undeliverable or inability to locate finalist within 5 days after notification will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate finalist. Winner’s travel companion must execute a Release of Liability Form.
e. By participating in the Sweepstakes and accepting any prize, entrants and winners agree to release and hold harmless Sponsors, their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates and related companies, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, “Released Parties“) from and against any and all liability whatsoever for any loss, harm, damage, injury, cause of action, claim, cost or expense (including without limitation any property damage, personal injury and/or death) arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes, including without limitation participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and/or possession, acceptance, use or misuse of any prize.
Released Parties shall not be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitutions or any act or omissions whatsoever by any performer(s)/event(s), air carrier(s), hotel(s), or other transportation companies or any other persons providing any of these services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by same. The passenger contracts in use by the airlines or other transportation companies shall constitute the sole contracts with respect to the winner’s and his/her travel companion’s transportation and such contracts shall be solely between the winner, his/her travel companion and such transportation companies. Released Parties shall not be parties to such contracts and shall assume no responsibility in this connection. Released Parties shall not be liable for any loss, theft or damage of cash, cameras, jewelry, securities, heirlooms, negotiable papers or other valuables.
Released Parties are not responsible if Sweepstakes cannot take place or if prize cannot be awarded due to travel cancellations, delays or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather or acts of terrorism.
Sponsors’ failure to enforce any term of these rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. By participating in the Sweepstakes, you waive the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
f. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes consent to use entrant’s name, biographical information, image and likeness for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. Entrant releases and holds harmless the Released Parties for any liability, claims and causes of action based on defamation or violation of rights of publicity or privacy.
g. Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of [url>www.RollingStone.com or who is otherwise in violation of the Official Rules. Sponsors further reserve the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes in the event the Sweepstakes is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, or technical failures of any kind. In the event of a dispute as to entries submitted by multiple users having the same email account, the authorized subscriber of the email account used to enter the Sweepstakes at the actual time of entry will be deemed to be the entrant and must comply with these Official Rules. Authorized account subscriber is deemed to be the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider or other organization which is responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PARTICIPANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR TAMPER WITH OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT(S) TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
h. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the judges, which shall be final and binding with regard to all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.
i. Any dispute arising from this Sweepstakes will be determined according to the laws of the State of New York, without reference to its conflict of laws principles, and the entrants consent to the personal jurisdiction of the State and Federal Court located in New York County and agree that such courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all such disputes.
5. The Sponsors of the Sweepstakes are Rolling Stone LLC, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, StubHub 199 Freemont Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105 and Hotels.com 10440 North Central Expressway Suit 400, Dallas, Texas, 75231.
6. Winner’s List:
For name of prize winner, after 3/15/10, send a separate, stamped, self-addressed, No.10 envelope to: “Rolling Stone SXSW Sweeps,” Attention Rolling Stone Online, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104.
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A new LCD Soundsystem track hit the Internet last night, but “Oh You (Christmas Blues)” isn’t off James Murphy’s upcoming LCD album. Instead, the bluesy number is one of dozen or so songs Murphy penned for the Ben Stiller film Greenberg, and the one song on the soundtrack to appear under the LCD Soundsystem name. Listen to a radio rip of the song over at We All Want Someone to Shout For. Despite being credited to LCD, “Oh You (Christmas Blues)” sounds nothing like Sound of Silver, with Murphy instead unveiling a stark song that combines Pink Floyd’s Animals with John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band.
Given the tone and the title, we can already picture Stiller’s character sitting alone and despondent on a Christmas morning on the big screen. The Greenberg soundtrack is due out March 23rd and should definitely help kill the time before LCD Soundsystem’s “crazy” Sound of Silver follow-up is released on May 15th. You can preorder the Greenberg soundtrack now over at Amazon and other digital retailers.
Get the scoop on 40 more of the spring’s biggest releases in our special preview.
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Next week when hundreds of bands head to Texas for the annual South By Southwest Music Festival, Rolling Stone will be on the ground in Austin bringing you incredible photos, interviews, our first-ever SXSW showcases and a special treat: 100 tweeted show reviews @RollingStone by contributor Christopher R. Weingarten, who recently completed his 1000TimesYes project — 1,000 140-character album reviews in a year.
On Thursday, March 18th, RS will feature Dawes, the Whigs, the Low Anthem, Titus Andronicus, Free Energy and Deer Tick at the Palm Door. The following night, Band of Skulls, Jimmie Dale and Colin Gilmore, Court Yard Hounds, John Doe, Rye Rye and Nneka will take the stage at the same venue.
We’ll be charting all the festival’s action with one goal: to get a feel for the biggest sets, the smallest parties, the guerilla shows on restaurant patios, the formidable lineups of metal and hip-hop. “By attending 100 shows, big and small, I’m hoping to capture the breadth and depth of Austin and the music industry circa 2010 ̬ all in tweet-sized gulps,” Weingarten says. As for how he’ll survive, Weingarten has a plan. “I figure my tee-totaling ways might put me at an advantage, providing me with the boundless energy I will need. However I do expect my undying love of Salt Lick BBQ and weakness for sweet tea to severely hinder my movements. But I feel truly blessed that RollingStone.com has asked me to do this, since there will be nothing to separate me or distract from experiencing music. It should be every critic’s duty and passion to experience as much music as humanly possible.”
We’ll be posting daily recaps of Weingarten’s Twitter coverage here on Rock Daily, along with video documenting his journeys and recaps of the festival’s other major events. Get ready for the action by looking back at photos from SXSW ‘09 and entering our sweepstakes to win a trip to the fest to check out Stone Temple Pilots.
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