ASHLEY SPEAKS OUT

It's been just over a week since Ashley MacIssac's Macleans interview -- one which quoted the Canadian fiddler as enjoying water sports (and i'm not talking aquarobics here) -- and the magazine's subsequent removal of him from their intended honor roll list. Finally, MacIsaac spoke out (or rather wrote out) his feelings about the whole recent situation. Thanks to the folks at Jam, here's the posting of his reply, in the form of a letter to Macleans.

"First and foremost let me apologize to all those in the last two weeks who have felt the embarrassment that I myself have experienced in reaction to the article printed in Macleans, most particularly my family and the community of Cape Breton.
During a long conversation with Macleans Magazine about my career, my life and a recent interview with The Advocate, it never occurred to me that Macleans would not employ the same editorial principles as, say, The Advocate or Saturday Night Magazine, instead of sensationalizing and focusing on my personal life. I have performed for four years trying to bring fiddle music to a non-traditional audience. I feel strongly that my efforst as a musician and maybe even as a spokesperson for Canadian music and culture (the reason for the original honor roll nomination) were completely ignored by Macleans.
Thank you for listening to a fiddler from Cape Breton during his fifteen minutes of fame."

GOOD BAND, KINDA SCREWED UP...

Mazzy Star frontwoman Hope Sandoval was feeling a little...vulnerable...during a show in NYC on Sunday night, so she laid down some ground rules for staff and photographers. No stagelight, no spotlight, no flashes; the reason given by their tour manager was that the talented Sandoval was "feeling very unattractive". Un-huh. Now, since no one else seems to be saying anything, let's at least make a mention of how ultra-disappointing the talented group's last time through Vancouver was, as a result of similar -- if not exact -- circumstances. And why? Gimmie a "J"! Gimmie a "U"...you guess the rest. Shame that it always screws over the paying customers.'Nuff said.

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

Former American Music Club vocalist Mark Eitzel is one of those people often referred to as a 'performer's performer'. Critical acclaim follows his every move in spite of the fact that Eitzel has eluded chart success thus far. It is a positive thing indeed then to let you in on Addicted To Noise's latest discovery; Eitzel is in the process of working on a collaborative album with R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. Seems that Buck -- an admitted fan -- called the former AMC-er up to suggest that they do some work together. They've written 13 songs together and plan to record them later this month.

STONE COLD QUICKIE

According to the folks at Allstar, Stone Roses guitarist John Squire has already put together a lineup for his new band, just weeks after the 'Roses breakup. Squire's new project Seahorses features Chris O'Helme, formerly with Dirty Monkey fronting the intended quartet. No news on recording dates, but as always, D.A.M.N. will take care of your news needs. In the words of that beautiful band Faith No More, we care a lot.

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