SATURDAY NEWS WRAP #21

• Sony Music Australia will release the fifth volume in Rod Stewart’s ‘Great American Songbook’ series in October. The new compile, called ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ will feature 12 classic songs including ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That Old Black Magic’, and ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’. It’s released locally on October 22.
• Inertia has announced the star-studded new compilation album from international DJ Gilles Peterson. Entitled ‘Worldwide’, the two disc release will feature tracks from M.I.A., Erykah Badu, Dizzee Rascal, Amy Winehouse and many more. It’s released on Friday October 08.
• It’s all systems Ready Freddie Go on Friday September 03 as the world celebrates Freddie Mercury Day. Fans are encouraged to dress up as the late Queen frontman for the day in order to raise much needed funds for research into and education of HIV/AIDS.
To find out more or to lend your support, head to www.freddieforaday.com.au.
• We mentioned last week about Sydney dance/pop artist Damien Mansell and his new single ‘Shine’ (which we provided a link to a free download of). The singer has now released the official video for the track – and you can watch it by clicking HERE.
• The gang from Perth outfit Birds Of Tokyo are celebrating this week, with news through from EMI that their eponymous album has been certified GOLD after sales of more than 35,000 copies. Their September tour is also reportedly selling fast.
• Frontier Touring Company has announced the support acts for Leonard Cohen’s forthcoming Australian tour. Clare Bowditch will play the support role for the first Melbourne date, as well as the gigs in the other capitals, while Deborah Conway will play at the second Melbourne show. No support has been locked in yet for Perth.
• While we’re on the subject of supports, Muse has announced that their support acts for their tour in December. Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro are locked in for the support role in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while Brisbane fans will have their back teeth rattled by the sounds of Dead Letter Circus.
• Washington is breaking records at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, with an incredible fifth show being announced at the iconic venue. The fifth show, on Tuesday September 21, will break the all-time ticket sales record for the venue when it goes on sale this Tuesday. Meanwhile demand for tickets in Sydney has forced the band to add two more shows to the schedule there – at the Oxford Art Factory on Sunday September 12.
• On the US Billboard Hot 100 this week, Eminem again remains steady in the No.1 position, but Katy Perry is gaining fast with new single ‘Teenage Dream’ – it’s now into the top five. There’s also a monster debut for Lil’ Wayne at No.6 with his new single ‘Right Above It’.
• And on the US albums chart, US soul singer Kem can’t quite knock Eminem off his No.1 perch, but he came damned close, having to settle for the No.2 spot for his new album ‘Intimacy : Album III’. Debuts too at Nos.3, 4, 5, 9 and 10.

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