IN THE 'THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM' DEP'T...

The folks at Addicted To Noise have reported -- with a straight typeface -- that Wierd Al Yankovic has produced the next video for the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Apparently Al got the gig the old fashioned way; he liked the band and submitted a non-goofy treatment for the video. Watch for the song "Wail" to make it's debut on a tv near you anyday now.

NEW JAMES ALBUM IN FEBRUARY

U.K. band James are finally about to release a new disc, the first one in two years. Whiplash, which comes out the third week of February, was produced by Brian Eno and Stephen Hague; it's release will also kick off a tour that takes the band on the road for the first time in four years. On an op:ed rant, now's the time to suggest that if the group comes anywhere near your town, even if you don't know their music but are intruigued by the sounds of 'ambient white soul', see them live. They're amazing.

GETCHER BILLBOARD AWARD WINNERS HERE

The Billboard Awards happened last night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rather than most other awards which are given after a vote from folk's peers, this one is strictly decided by record sales and radio play. So, surprise, surprise, Mariah Carey and Alanis did their share of sweeping. To see the most bizarre list of awards in the 'Biz (like Top Pop Catalog Album: Kenny G "Miracles - The Holiday Album"), click here --->Billboard

*SIGH*...MAKES ME MISS GOOD OL' ALICE...

According to the folks at Allstar, Marilyn Manson's upcoming tour of the U.K. is already receiving it's share of backlash...and they haven't even arrived yet! Apparently a collection of religious groups have planned to picket the group's entire tour, starting with a show in Nottingham next week. That show's promoter Andy Copping said "People should realize all the tabloid stuff is hype - there is no torturing of animals onstage or sexual deviancy during the show." [No, that's true, Andy, they just sing about it....] "If anyone has a problem with Marilyn Manson then they should come along and see the band themselves before making up their minds

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