Apple locks out your ability to move your iPod’s music to any other place. They of course allow you to purchase and download music from iTunes to your computer, and then move it to an iPod (or as many iPods as you care to buy). Apple’s goal: keep the artists who made the music happy by making it hard for you to illegally give away or sell music you bought for your own use.
So the answer to your question depends partly on your morals, and partly on the kind of music you bought. But if you want to put your iPod-based music on another person’s iPod, well… yes, you could, but you would almost certainly be violating the copyright of the artist who created the song and sold it to you under the assumption you’d be the only one using it.
That said, here are some legal or at least morally upright solutions to nightmare scenarios (I invite all visitors to submit their own, LEGAL suggestions):
1) Nightmare: Your computer dies with all your legally-purchased songs on it. You have your music backed up on your iPod, but now you have no way to connect your iPod’s music to a new computer you buy, without erasing your old iPod’s music (Apple forces that step). SOLUTION: MacWorld’s editor-at-large John Dalrymple likes Podworks software. For 8 bucks, and, without stripping the music of its legal DRM protection, Podworks lets you move the library on your iPod to your new computer.
2) Nightmare: You have tons of DRM-protected songs from iTunes. You have kids. They want your music. Bad, right? You either “steal” the music and give it to them (although some would understandably say you should be able to include them in your license); or you tell them they have to buy their own songs. SOLUTION: Apple now sells non-DRM-protected music. You can upgrade any or all DRM-protected songs in your library to non-DRM songs for .30 each and transfer those newly-liberated songs to your kids’ iPod, Zune, Creative Zen, or whatever they own.
And yes, there are other, quasi-legal software remedies out there for sharing (its initials are “Requiem”) that I’ve heard of but do not endorse, but you’re on your own there.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Singing sensation Susan Boyle gets makeover [2]
Max Clifford, Britain most publicist, said makeover is risky because it could jeopardize her emotional connection with her audience.
"Keep it as natural, as far as possible for as long as possible," was his advice. "This is more than on the protection of the promotion. She got to vote. It must ensure that those people all over the world love remains unchanged."
Discussion crossed the Atlantic Ocean, in The Washington Post fashion writer Robin Givhan calling Boyle print to take this opportunity to transform her appearance.
"The Tale of Susan Boyle will not be finalized until the shy virgin flowers", Givhan wrote before the makeover. "Those who were entranced her story so far should enable Boyle in fairy godmother to finish its work."
But warned that Givhan Boyle counterfeiting can be a success: "Boyle is not mesmerizing, if not ugly duckling," she wrote.
Londoners seem to be split over the new look.
Dean Elliott, a young drama student in London, said Boyle lost what made it special by altering its appearance.
"Part of the charm is that it is not done," he said.
But Helen Gledhill, a photographer in London, said that she understood the decision and Boyle might have done the same if it was in the same position.
"If I had a little more money, and was exposed, I might do something too," said Gledhill.
She said that talent is often more important than looks and physical attractiveness is a sad commentary on modern society, accusing Madonna wholesale change in attitudes.
"Before Madonna, you just had to have talent," she said. "Now the whole package."
The success of the mini-makeover may depend on how much progress Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent." The judge will decide on May 23 that it gets to the next round.
"Keep it as natural, as far as possible for as long as possible," was his advice. "This is more than on the protection of the promotion. She got to vote. It must ensure that those people all over the world love remains unchanged."
Discussion crossed the Atlantic Ocean, in The Washington Post fashion writer Robin Givhan calling Boyle print to take this opportunity to transform her appearance.
"The Tale of Susan Boyle will not be finalized until the shy virgin flowers", Givhan wrote before the makeover. "Those who were entranced her story so far should enable Boyle in fairy godmother to finish its work."
But warned that Givhan Boyle counterfeiting can be a success: "Boyle is not mesmerizing, if not ugly duckling," she wrote.
Londoners seem to be split over the new look.
Dean Elliott, a young drama student in London, said Boyle lost what made it special by altering its appearance.
"Part of the charm is that it is not done," he said.
But Helen Gledhill, a photographer in London, said that she understood the decision and Boyle might have done the same if it was in the same position.
"If I had a little more money, and was exposed, I might do something too," said Gledhill.
She said that talent is often more important than looks and physical attractiveness is a sad commentary on modern society, accusing Madonna wholesale change in attitudes.
"Before Madonna, you just had to have talent," she said. "Now the whole package."
The success of the mini-makeover may depend on how much progress Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent." The judge will decide on May 23 that it gets to the next round.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Singing sensation Susan Boyle gets makeover [1]
LONDON - The economy is terrible, disappearing jobs, and taxes are going up. But Britain buzzing over something else - Susan Boyle, a new hairdo.
Some say that on the night singing sensation, who has to glory after a phenomenal performance on "Britain's Got talent" has every right to raise her dowdy appearance. Others fear it could lose its authenticity - and its surprising connection to a television audience - if it goes too far in the image makeover department.
This change is startling. Gone is the stale woman with greying, curly hair and jowly face, who joked on air that she had never kissed, replace stylish, freshly coiffed lady in a fashionable leather jacket and what looks like a Burberry scarf. In the dark, unkempt eyebrows were shapes and colors.
Fashion experts say it has taken years to leave her looks, but should think twice about more improvements, especially if they go beyond the styling and involve artificial accessories.
"She looks younger than 10 years," said Tony Jones, associate editor of fashion in the tabloid Sun, which dealt a fresh look Boyle for Friday.
"Compared to what it is 200 per cent increase. But our readers, I think that is how it should go. We want it to remain one of us."
John Boyle said the decision to paint the hair brown to some confusion among the authorities, it would be "Britain's Got talent" fueling fears that it may no longer seems real.
"This was a massive impact on its people, because they want it above her look normal," said Jones, who praised Boyle spent 35 pounds in the cabin near his home in Scotland, instead of trips to London for 200 pounds reduced by celebrity salon.
Jones said she was amazed at the interest in Boyle, the new do, and warned the singer against going too far by adding, for example, hair extensions and fake tan was in England, as pampered wives and girlfriends of Great Britain's elite professional athletes are known.
Some say that on the night singing sensation, who has to glory after a phenomenal performance on "Britain's Got talent" has every right to raise her dowdy appearance. Others fear it could lose its authenticity - and its surprising connection to a television audience - if it goes too far in the image makeover department.
This change is startling. Gone is the stale woman with greying, curly hair and jowly face, who joked on air that she had never kissed, replace stylish, freshly coiffed lady in a fashionable leather jacket and what looks like a Burberry scarf. In the dark, unkempt eyebrows were shapes and colors.
Fashion experts say it has taken years to leave her looks, but should think twice about more improvements, especially if they go beyond the styling and involve artificial accessories.
"She looks younger than 10 years," said Tony Jones, associate editor of fashion in the tabloid Sun, which dealt a fresh look Boyle for Friday.
"Compared to what it is 200 per cent increase. But our readers, I think that is how it should go. We want it to remain one of us."
John Boyle said the decision to paint the hair brown to some confusion among the authorities, it would be "Britain's Got talent" fueling fears that it may no longer seems real.
"This was a massive impact on its people, because they want it above her look normal," said Jones, who praised Boyle spent 35 pounds in the cabin near his home in Scotland, instead of trips to London for 200 pounds reduced by celebrity salon.
Jones said she was amazed at the interest in Boyle, the new do, and warned the singer against going too far by adding, for example, hair extensions and fake tan was in England, as pampered wives and girlfriends of Great Britain's elite professional athletes are known.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Gossip Girl star signs record deal
Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester has signed a contract with Universal Republic.
Billboard.com has learned that the record company, Universal Republic, sealed a deal with Leighton Meester, best known for her role as Blair Waldorf in the television series Gossip Girl.
The 23-year-old actress has already begun working in the studio to record material that's been described as electro-pop.
For the project with a fall deadline, Meester teamed with producers Polow Da Don (Usher, Fergie), Harvey Mason Jr. (Justin Timberlake, Pink) and Spencer Nezey (Jupiter Rising).
"I'm thrilled to be welcomed into the Universal Republic fold. Their reputation for nurturing artists combined with a willingness to break new ground makes it the ultimate environment for me to enjoy making music and explore my own creative boundaries," said Meester during the announcement of her record deal.
Billboard.com has learned that the record company, Universal Republic, sealed a deal with Leighton Meester, best known for her role as Blair Waldorf in the television series Gossip Girl.
The 23-year-old actress has already begun working in the studio to record material that's been described as electro-pop.
For the project with a fall deadline, Meester teamed with producers Polow Da Don (Usher, Fergie), Harvey Mason Jr. (Justin Timberlake, Pink) and Spencer Nezey (Jupiter Rising).
"I'm thrilled to be welcomed into the Universal Republic fold. Their reputation for nurturing artists combined with a willingness to break new ground makes it the ultimate environment for me to enjoy making music and explore my own creative boundaries," said Meester during the announcement of her record deal.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Dakota & Kristen's all-girl band?
Entertainment Tonight -- Dakota Fanning could be exploring her musical talents in a new project. The 15-year-old actress is currently negotiating with River Road Entertainment to star in "Runaways," a film about the all-girl band from the '70s, Variety reports.
If Fanning signs on she would play Cheri Currie, who became a music star at age 15 as the Runaways lead singer, the trade paper writes. "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart has been cast as Runaways band member Joan Jett. Coincidentally, Fanning previously expressed her interest in working with Stewart and her "Twilight" co-stars in the sequel "New Moon."
If Fanning signs on she would play Cheri Currie, who became a music star at age 15 as the Runaways lead singer, the trade paper writes. "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart has been cast as Runaways band member Joan Jett. Coincidentally, Fanning previously expressed her interest in working with Stewart and her "Twilight" co-stars in the sequel "New Moon."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Music can take the pain away - continued
One of the studies compared the effects of music to the effects of looking at a favorite work of art subject was asked to choose a painting to look out of the 15 most popular paintings.
Art helped, as compared to staring at a blank wall, but the music is much more effective, she said.
Mitchell believes her research will make a difference in many medical situations - for example, in dealing with chronic pain or for people facing painful medical tests.
"We want to give doctors and health professionals, resources to make it more convenient for patients. Take their minds from the scariness of stay in hospital, and noise and people rushing about what can make you feel worse," she said.
Pain management only recently being given the importance it deserves, said Mitchell.
"This is something that really only the last five years, it has become really very important," she said.
"In Europe, currently about one in five people suffers from chronic pain, and they have an average of seven years, and two-thirds of them consider their drugs simply are not enough to really give them the assistance they need."
Art helped, as compared to staring at a blank wall, but the music is much more effective, she said.
Mitchell believes her research will make a difference in many medical situations - for example, in dealing with chronic pain or for people facing painful medical tests.
"We want to give doctors and health professionals, resources to make it more convenient for patients. Take their minds from the scariness of stay in hospital, and noise and people rushing about what can make you feel worse," she said.
Pain management only recently being given the importance it deserves, said Mitchell.
"This is something that really only the last five years, it has become really very important," she said.
"In Europe, currently about one in five people suffers from chronic pain, and they have an average of seven years, and two-thirds of them consider their drugs simply are not enough to really give them the assistance they need."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Music can take the pain away very easy
A recent study by the University of Glasgow Caledonia found that people listening to your favorite music felt less pain and can stand for a longer period.
Pain researcher Laura Mitchell is measured by how people react to pain with various forms of madness, including relaxing music to listen to audio with a sense of humor, doing math puzzles, and looking at art.
As she told the CBC in the Q cultural affairs show, the music stimulus, the majority as to keep the minds of people in pain.
"My favorite music came out constantly, even to the extent that I was very surprised at the development of these studies is extremely efficient in how people can tolerate pain, and in fact, reduce the pain, how they feel," said Mitchell.
But not just any music - this is not the relaxing jazz playing in the dentist's office or the classic pipeline in the clinic waiting room, which makes a good man, but their personal favorite.
"I did it at the present time about 400 people ... and do not seem to be anything in common between the pieces, which they bring," said Mitchell.
"I was Smashing pumpkins on Kylie Minogue in the fate of the child pop up, old-fashioned rock right on the techno-dance music that most people will find themselves really quite painful."
In January, Mitchell published a study in the journal Psychology of aesthetics, creativity and art, showing a significant effect of music on pain.
It is used by the test assumes that people are asked to moisten your hands to the wrist in cold water, and keep it there as long as they can tolerate it. The test is done only in healthy people, and there is an upper limit on the time they keep their hands in the cold bath.
"We are looking for whether the music will have an impact on human tolerance of pain - how long they can tolerate a painful stimulus, and will reduce the actual sense, the actual perception of pain for them and whether this will lead to a reduction in anxiety human pain and whether it helps them feel a little bit to control the pain they are experiencing, "she said.
People have reported their ability to distract themselves from pain, two times more than if they were to listen to your favorite music, and their perception of worth more than they think, fell significantly.
Mitchell, who studies the art of governance and for eight years, believes that the emotional associations, which have reduced music to human perception of pain.
"This is a distraction from the music that you love, and you have a relationship with. And you're so emotionally tied to it, you're so emotionally involved that it can actually take the pain away," she said.
continued on next post
Pain researcher Laura Mitchell is measured by how people react to pain with various forms of madness, including relaxing music to listen to audio with a sense of humor, doing math puzzles, and looking at art.
As she told the CBC in the Q cultural affairs show, the music stimulus, the majority as to keep the minds of people in pain.
"My favorite music came out constantly, even to the extent that I was very surprised at the development of these studies is extremely efficient in how people can tolerate pain, and in fact, reduce the pain, how they feel," said Mitchell.
But not just any music - this is not the relaxing jazz playing in the dentist's office or the classic pipeline in the clinic waiting room, which makes a good man, but their personal favorite.
"I did it at the present time about 400 people ... and do not seem to be anything in common between the pieces, which they bring," said Mitchell.
"I was Smashing pumpkins on Kylie Minogue in the fate of the child pop up, old-fashioned rock right on the techno-dance music that most people will find themselves really quite painful."
In January, Mitchell published a study in the journal Psychology of aesthetics, creativity and art, showing a significant effect of music on pain.
It is used by the test assumes that people are asked to moisten your hands to the wrist in cold water, and keep it there as long as they can tolerate it. The test is done only in healthy people, and there is an upper limit on the time they keep their hands in the cold bath.
"We are looking for whether the music will have an impact on human tolerance of pain - how long they can tolerate a painful stimulus, and will reduce the actual sense, the actual perception of pain for them and whether this will lead to a reduction in anxiety human pain and whether it helps them feel a little bit to control the pain they are experiencing, "she said.
People have reported their ability to distract themselves from pain, two times more than if they were to listen to your favorite music, and their perception of worth more than they think, fell significantly.
Mitchell, who studies the art of governance and for eight years, believes that the emotional associations, which have reduced music to human perception of pain.
"This is a distraction from the music that you love, and you have a relationship with. And you're so emotionally tied to it, you're so emotionally involved that it can actually take the pain away," she said.
continued on next post
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Music Guide Feb 2009
Calle 13
"Los de Atras Vienen Conmigo"
(Norte)
Grade: B+
You don't have to speak Spanish to conclude that this arty, political San Juan rap duo deserve their rocketing reputation -- I sure can't, though when I squint at the booklet my puny recognition vocabulary helps. But you do have to immerse and concentrate -- and accept that you'll miss most of what's going on even then. They're reggaeton only by association, a lot further from Daddy Yankee's hey-mami dancehall than the Roots were from Dr. Dre's jeep-pimping funk. By all accounts and the little I can work out, their lyrics are playfully associative and outrageously filthy. But for gringos, their humor resides almost entirely in Visitante's out-there arrangements and Residente's overt vocal comedy, as on the Balkanized "Fiesta de Locos." If some promotional visionary were to provide trots, that might change. But as it is, big guests Café Tacuba and Ruben Blades are too mainstream to launch Calle's 2008 model into the surrealist stratosphere.
Calle 13
"Residente o Visitante"
(Norte)
Grade: A-
Start here, partly to benefit from the online discussion this album has inspired over two years -- cf. allthelyrics.com's takeout on the Rabelaisian "Uiyi Guaye" -- but mostly to delve into sardonic sonics that hint at what Tom Zé might have gone for if he'd come up on OutKast and Eminem instead of the Beatles and the Stones. From mock-operatic intro to mock-rock finale, the music is disruptive fun throughout. Latin-flavored yet light on salsa clavé and reggaeton dembow, it sharpens the lyrics so that sometimes a single word can make you nod or smile while its context remains a mystery.
Glasvegas
"Glasvegas"
(Columbia)
Grade: A
Not a brother band -- a cousin band, possibly inbred. For sure there's something hillbilly insular about their ties to Glasgow's Dalmarnock hood. But like Dolly Parton bringing her mountain home to Nashville, they churn out big, corny, mass-appeal heart songs, with subjects including knife fights, fatherless children, and -- really -- how your social worker won't let you down. Where you'd think ex-footballer James Allan would propel this material with Mick Hucknall soul or maybe Proclaimers purism, his musical ideal is elegiac Jesus and Mary Chain noise-punk, which cleansed of the Reid brothers' junkie dissolution approaches Righteous Brothers grandeur. Innocent and confident, this is one of those bands that could fall on its face or take over the world. They're too good to be true and plain as the nose on your face.
Guns N' Roses
"Chinese Democracy"
(Geffen)
Grade: B+
Hopeless eccentric spends most of his adult life and a large chunk of his ill-gotten fortune trying to make the perfect album. Succeeds, kind of, on his own totally irrelevant terms. Nobody cares. Since he's no longer capable of leading young white males astray, this effort isn't just pleasurable artistically. It's touching on a human level. Noble, even. I didn't think he had it in him.
"Los de Atras Vienen Conmigo"
(Norte)
Grade: B+
You don't have to speak Spanish to conclude that this arty, political San Juan rap duo deserve their rocketing reputation -- I sure can't, though when I squint at the booklet my puny recognition vocabulary helps. But you do have to immerse and concentrate -- and accept that you'll miss most of what's going on even then. They're reggaeton only by association, a lot further from Daddy Yankee's hey-mami dancehall than the Roots were from Dr. Dre's jeep-pimping funk. By all accounts and the little I can work out, their lyrics are playfully associative and outrageously filthy. But for gringos, their humor resides almost entirely in Visitante's out-there arrangements and Residente's overt vocal comedy, as on the Balkanized "Fiesta de Locos." If some promotional visionary were to provide trots, that might change. But as it is, big guests Café Tacuba and Ruben Blades are too mainstream to launch Calle's 2008 model into the surrealist stratosphere.
Calle 13
"Residente o Visitante"
(Norte)
Grade: A-
Start here, partly to benefit from the online discussion this album has inspired over two years -- cf. allthelyrics.com's takeout on the Rabelaisian "Uiyi Guaye" -- but mostly to delve into sardonic sonics that hint at what Tom Zé might have gone for if he'd come up on OutKast and Eminem instead of the Beatles and the Stones. From mock-operatic intro to mock-rock finale, the music is disruptive fun throughout. Latin-flavored yet light on salsa clavé and reggaeton dembow, it sharpens the lyrics so that sometimes a single word can make you nod or smile while its context remains a mystery.
Glasvegas
"Glasvegas"
(Columbia)
Grade: A
Not a brother band -- a cousin band, possibly inbred. For sure there's something hillbilly insular about their ties to Glasgow's Dalmarnock hood. But like Dolly Parton bringing her mountain home to Nashville, they churn out big, corny, mass-appeal heart songs, with subjects including knife fights, fatherless children, and -- really -- how your social worker won't let you down. Where you'd think ex-footballer James Allan would propel this material with Mick Hucknall soul or maybe Proclaimers purism, his musical ideal is elegiac Jesus and Mary Chain noise-punk, which cleansed of the Reid brothers' junkie dissolution approaches Righteous Brothers grandeur. Innocent and confident, this is one of those bands that could fall on its face or take over the world. They're too good to be true and plain as the nose on your face.
Guns N' Roses
"Chinese Democracy"
(Geffen)
Grade: B+
Hopeless eccentric spends most of his adult life and a large chunk of his ill-gotten fortune trying to make the perfect album. Succeeds, kind of, on his own totally irrelevant terms. Nobody cares. Since he's no longer capable of leading young white males astray, this effort isn't just pleasurable artistically. It's touching on a human level. Noble, even. I didn't think he had it in him.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
ABBA tribute band says it played for Putin
MOSCOW (AP) - British based ABBA tribute band said on Friday the Kremlin quickly away to perform a private concert for Vladimir Putin - offering rare insight into the private life of secretive prime minister of Russia.
Four members of Bjorn Again, the band said that traveled 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Moscow on January 22 concert by the Lake Valday perform before an exclusive audience of eight people - Putin unidentified blonde woman and six other men in tuxedoes.
Putin representative denied that the Prime Minister attended any concert, but group members have sufficient information and stated that they recognized Putin shows.
ABBA is one of the most loved foreign bands in the Soviet times, and the Swedish quartet, even traveled to Moscow to serve in the Kremlin.
But the revelation that Putin may be a closet ABBA fans run counter to its traditional strong image. The Prime Minister is better known for the courageous display of judo mat and jet fighter cockpits, as well as for reliable outbursts against the West.
Rod Steven, the founder of Bjorn Again, at first it was a hoax when he received a phone call requesting that his team travel to Russia to perform at the Lake Valdai.
"It was a classic" Hello ... The Kremlin ... Russia ... we want to Bjorn Again "," Stephen recalled. "I thought he was one of the group by sending me."
But they soon realized it was serious.
Aileen McLaughlin, one of four team members who traveled to Russia, said the group found the whole experience "strange" since the beginning. After flying to Moscow, they boarded a bus for nine hours journey from "very bad" Roads and learned they had to perform before Putin.
"We arrived at five in the morning at the large metal security gate, where we had to go and looking for", she said by telephone from London. "We are just tired and want to get to the hotel. And my - we were wrong again!"
McLaughlin said that they were in places like military installations, with the most basic accommodation and tight security. Panel members are protected by machine gun-toting, and protecting cells, and when any of them have ventured on the street, they were prevented from moving away to men with Kalishnikovs.
But she said that the audience - seated comfortably on a sofa, three - appeared to enjoy the concert.
"They were clapping and swaying, and make their fingers in the air, this kind of thing," said McLaughlin. "He (Putin) was a good rhythm. He was shouting 'Bravo, Bravo!" After the song. "
The audience especially enjoyed "Great Actor" and "Mamma Mia", she added.
Lace curtain separated the band from the elite audience for the hour, high-security show, but McLaughlin said at one point Spotlight flashed from the audience and the band members saw Putin.
McLaughlin described the woman as a lonely blonde, who was "wearing long, cream, really pretty dress." Putin's wife, Lyudmila, has blonde hair, but they are rarely seen together anymore.
The band was paid 20,000 pounds ($ 30000) for their work, which was organized in Moscow on the basis of agents SAV Entertainment, said Steven, speaking in London.
The woman at the SAV Entertainment denied that anything to do with this event.
"We are told that each concert and did not take place. We deny it," she said, refusing to give her name.
The representative of Putin, Dmitry Peskov denied that Putin has taken part of any such party, or about 22 January, adding "Neither Putin nor his office has ordered a band of this kind."
"I have no doubt that he loves the music of Abba," said Peskov. "But it just was not there."
Four members of Bjorn Again, the band said that traveled 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Moscow on January 22 concert by the Lake Valday perform before an exclusive audience of eight people - Putin unidentified blonde woman and six other men in tuxedoes.
Putin representative denied that the Prime Minister attended any concert, but group members have sufficient information and stated that they recognized Putin shows.
ABBA is one of the most loved foreign bands in the Soviet times, and the Swedish quartet, even traveled to Moscow to serve in the Kremlin.
But the revelation that Putin may be a closet ABBA fans run counter to its traditional strong image. The Prime Minister is better known for the courageous display of judo mat and jet fighter cockpits, as well as for reliable outbursts against the West.
Rod Steven, the founder of Bjorn Again, at first it was a hoax when he received a phone call requesting that his team travel to Russia to perform at the Lake Valdai.
"It was a classic" Hello ... The Kremlin ... Russia ... we want to Bjorn Again "," Stephen recalled. "I thought he was one of the group by sending me."
But they soon realized it was serious.
Aileen McLaughlin, one of four team members who traveled to Russia, said the group found the whole experience "strange" since the beginning. After flying to Moscow, they boarded a bus for nine hours journey from "very bad" Roads and learned they had to perform before Putin.
"We arrived at five in the morning at the large metal security gate, where we had to go and looking for", she said by telephone from London. "We are just tired and want to get to the hotel. And my - we were wrong again!"
McLaughlin said that they were in places like military installations, with the most basic accommodation and tight security. Panel members are protected by machine gun-toting, and protecting cells, and when any of them have ventured on the street, they were prevented from moving away to men with Kalishnikovs.
But she said that the audience - seated comfortably on a sofa, three - appeared to enjoy the concert.
"They were clapping and swaying, and make their fingers in the air, this kind of thing," said McLaughlin. "He (Putin) was a good rhythm. He was shouting 'Bravo, Bravo!" After the song. "
The audience especially enjoyed "Great Actor" and "Mamma Mia", she added.
Lace curtain separated the band from the elite audience for the hour, high-security show, but McLaughlin said at one point Spotlight flashed from the audience and the band members saw Putin.
McLaughlin described the woman as a lonely blonde, who was "wearing long, cream, really pretty dress." Putin's wife, Lyudmila, has blonde hair, but they are rarely seen together anymore.
The band was paid 20,000 pounds ($ 30000) for their work, which was organized in Moscow on the basis of agents SAV Entertainment, said Steven, speaking in London.
The woman at the SAV Entertainment denied that anything to do with this event.
"We are told that each concert and did not take place. We deny it," she said, refusing to give her name.
The representative of Putin, Dmitry Peskov denied that Putin has taken part of any such party, or about 22 January, adding "Neither Putin nor his office has ordered a band of this kind."
"I have no doubt that he loves the music of Abba," said Peskov. "But it just was not there."
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Guns 'n' Roses – Chinese Democracy :review
by Kerry Gold
Rating: 4/5
Download: Better, There Was a Time, Catcher In the Rye, Scraped
For all the talk around this album, for the 15 or so years it's taken for Axl Rose to get it together to nail down these 14 tracks, you'd think he'd torn up the rock ‘n' roll blueprint and rewritten it.
It turns out, of course, that he hasn't, but the result is mercifully kind to Rose, who went through what has to be one of the most perfectionist-driven creative rolls to make a record that will beat out any self-torture even Lucinda Williams might have inflicted upon herself. Dudes will rejoice for the preposterously big and pretentiously guitar-fuelled sound that dominates this release, with featured rolls for the likes of Brian May for intensely wiry licks and soft rock atmosphere of Catcher In the Rye (a great, bust-the-roof-off song). He does better on Better, with its skittering beats and beefy hooks. There Was a Time opens with a children's choir then slides into Rose's serviceable rock vocal for a and anvil-heavy guitar chords, making for one of the more interesting songs. And then Scraped is a fascinating rock-god tribute to weirdness that is what heavy hitting rock is all about – eccentricity. And Rose possesses it in spades.
Rating: 4/5
Download: Better, There Was a Time, Catcher In the Rye, Scraped
For all the talk around this album, for the 15 or so years it's taken for Axl Rose to get it together to nail down these 14 tracks, you'd think he'd torn up the rock ‘n' roll blueprint and rewritten it.
It turns out, of course, that he hasn't, but the result is mercifully kind to Rose, who went through what has to be one of the most perfectionist-driven creative rolls to make a record that will beat out any self-torture even Lucinda Williams might have inflicted upon herself. Dudes will rejoice for the preposterously big and pretentiously guitar-fuelled sound that dominates this release, with featured rolls for the likes of Brian May for intensely wiry licks and soft rock atmosphere of Catcher In the Rye (a great, bust-the-roof-off song). He does better on Better, with its skittering beats and beefy hooks. There Was a Time opens with a children's choir then slides into Rose's serviceable rock vocal for a and anvil-heavy guitar chords, making for one of the more interesting songs. And then Scraped is a fascinating rock-god tribute to weirdness that is what heavy hitting rock is all about – eccentricity. And Rose possesses it in spades.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)