Future leaders lie dormant in apathy

Imagine if people started living for today. Imagine a country where people unite to make a change in the world, to bring peace, to fight for our rights to live freely. That was after all the dream of our forefathers, as they united to create a system in which we could have freedom. But that dream is lost. What have we done to the dreams of our recent revolutionists? What has become of our will to stand together and make our voice heard?Where have all our leaders gone? more

Drama writes missing "Chapter" of Lennon's murder

Where were you when you heard John Lennon was killed? I remember it vividly, angling at the curve on Sunset Boulevard by the Hamburger Hamlet on the Strip and heading for work at the old Hollywood Reporter offices. Ever since then, the question for all us early Beatles fans: Why? "Chapter 27" is a smart attempt to distill the twisted psychology and motivation of Mark David Chapman, which we've all superficially gleaned through mass-media reports and intermittent updates on Chapman's incarceration. A fictional depiction of the three days leading up to the murder, "Chapter 27" presents the maddening confluence of fact, fiction and mania that swirled through Chapman's inner and outer worlds. more

Love by the Beatles

Two years ago the famous performing troupe, The Cirque du Soleil decided to come up with a show using the music of the Beatles. Fine. Might make something interesting on stage with Lucy sailing through the sky with diamonds and dancers traipsing through an octopus garden. But no great shakes really. Everybody uses Beatles these days and we have the authentic, the bootleg and the horrendous like The Beatles Go Reggae available in the market. But the Cirque, in keeping with its top-notch reputation, wanted something truly special and called in George Martin to work on the old recorded tracks of the Beatles and come up with a soundtrack. Now Martin is no ordinary producer. Way back in the mod ’60s, he was the guy who helped John, Paul, George and Ringo put together their famous albums. Martin helped shape Beatles music and we all know nothing was ever the same again. I do not know how long it has been since he tinkered with Beatles tracks in the studio. Probably 40 years or more. But it must have felt like Christmas morning when he got the offer from the Cirque du Soleil. He was given access to all the original Beatles tracks and clearance to do what he wanted with them. Wow! more

It's Official! Police To Reunite At Grammys

The worst-kept secret in the music world was officially confirmed today, as The Police will be reuniting and performing to kick off the 2007 Grammy Awards on February 11. Rumors of the Police reunion have been growing in recent weeks, with the band expected to announce a lucrative, worldwide reunion tour the day after the Grammys. It has also been heavily rumored that the Bonnaroo Festival will be one of the band's stops on the reunion tour. Last week, Classic Rock CFMI/Vancouver reported that the trio is planning to rehearse in the Canadian city for their tour. The Recording Academy also added a few more presenters to the Grammy broadcast, with Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Baez, Chris Rock and the legendary Stevie Wonder all part of the lineup. The Police won five Grammys in their heyday and the announcement of their Grammy appearance all but confirms the ongoing speculation of their return. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS on February 11 at 8 p.m. ET.


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Henley says new Eagles album in the works

Fans of Southern California's classic rock group the Eagles may soon be getting that peaceful, easy feeling all over again. Don Henley, one of the group's founding members, said during a private weekend concert appearance he and his old bandmates were nearing completion of their first album of all-new music in nearly 30 years, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Tuesday. "It's coming out in 60 to 90 days, if we don't kill each other first," Henley was quoted as telling his audience on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Neither Henley's publicist nor his manager had any immediate comment on the report. The group's last collection of all-new studio material was 1979's "The Long Run," which produced the Grammy-winning No. 1 hit single "Heartache Tonight." more

BEACH BOY BRIAN CALLS ON SIR GEORGE MARTIN

THE BEACH BOYS songwriter BRIAN WILSON has reportedly asked THE BEATLES producer SIR GEORGE MARTIN to remix some of his former band's classic songs. Martin and his son GILES recently re-worked a number of Beatles hits for Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil stage show LOVE. The 81-year-old claimed it would be his final job, but Wilson was impressed and wants the veteran to collaborate with him on a similar project. A source tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "Brian attended the American premiere of Love last year and is a big fan. He now wants to convince George and Giles to remix some of his old Beach Boys songs fir a new album. "As far as Brian's concerned it would be a dream to work with George. "While it's unclear if George will agree, it's known he's a big admirer if Brian Wilson as a songwriter so he might well persuaded to put off his retirement one last time."


THE BEACH BOYS - BEACH BOY BRIAN CALLS ON SIR GEORGE MARTIN

Target stitches up McCartney

FASHION designer Stella McCartney has stitched up a deal to design a cut-price range exclusively for Australian women. In a rare collaboration, the daughter of ex-Beatle Sir Paul has created a limited-edition, 42-piece collection for Target. Award-winning designer McCartney, 35, is famous for dressing A-list style queens, including close friends Kate Moss and Madonna. Aussie women were bloody lucky she had agreed to the highly unusual deal with Target, she said. more

EASTWEST Delivers Sounds Inspired by the Beatles with 'Fab Four Virtual Instruments'

After more than a year of research, equipment acquisition and recording, soundware developer EASTWEST (www.soundsonline.com) introduces a virtual (software) instrument collection inspired by the sounds of the Beatles with their Fab Four Virtual Instruments collection. The Fab Four Virtual Instruments -unaffiliated with or endorsed by the Beatles or Apple Corps. Ltd. - presents a faithfully executed, incredibly accurate and comprehensive collection featuring the same kind of instruments and recording equipment used by the Beatles. ''The Beatles had a profound impact on me musically,” said EASTWEST founder and Fab Four producer Doug Rogers, “and were the influence for my fascination with sounds. They were musical geniuses that never rested on their laurels, always producing exciting new music and sounds with each new record, much of it groundbreaking! Putting this project together took well over a year of research, equipment procurement (much of it from collectors), and gathering a team that could pull off such a feat,'' Rogers adds. “But it was a labor of love for us all, and the result is truly worth it.''

No expense was spared in acquiring the equipment used to produce the Fab Four Virtual Instruments collection. Well over one million dollars’ worth of rare period instruments - including authentic guitars, basses, drums, and keyboards, as well as amplifiers, microphones, recording consoles, outboard equipment and tape recorders - were used in this production. Without the correct equipment, most of the sounds would be impossible to create. For example, the “revostortion” guitar sound was created by feeding an Epiphone Casino into one EMI REDD 47 preamp, and the output into a second EMI REDD 47 preamp, exactly as originally created by the EMI/Abbey Road engineers. The Fab Four Virtual Instruments project also involved several people intimately involved with the Beatles. Engineer Ken Scott, who worked on Beatles albums including A Hard Days Night, Help, Rubber Soul, Magical Mystery Tour, and The Beatles, engineered the recordings. Guitarist Laurence Juber and drummer Denny Seiwell, both of whom were members of Paul McCartney and Wings, played the same kind of instruments as those used by the Beatles. All instruments are newly recorded multi-samples for this collection; no sounds came from any Beatles recordings. Other new EASTWEST products include Quantum Leap Pianos, Gypsy, Ministry of Rock, Voices of Passion and StormDrum 2.


© EASTWEST Delivers Sounds Inspired by the Beatles with 'Fab Four Virtual Instruments'

Yoko Ono Collaborations

Three Yoko One singles to be released; Cambridge 1969/2007, Kiss Kiss Kiss and Walking On Thin Ice. Three 12" vinyl singles featuring Yoko Ono collaborations with The Flaming Lips, Antony (of Antony & The Johnsons), Jason Pierce of Spiritualized, Peaches, Blow Up and The Polyphonic Spree will be released on February 12th. These bands have crafted their own take on the original queen of punk in three singles which come in a set of picture disc/split colour heavy weight vinyl. All tracks are taken from the forthcoming album 'Yes, I’m A Witch', which is a totally different kind of collaboration with some of today’s most exciting and diverse musicians. more

Heather Mills To Star On Desperate Housewives And New US Show

Paul McCartney;s estranged wife Heather Mills is in the runninig for a new ‘Footballers Wives’ TV show in the US. At present, she is linked to the proposed show which would be loosely based on ‘Footballers Wives’ and will depict the glamorous life of the WAG. The former model, who lost her leg in an accident, is also considering playing a part in hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’. Bosses at US TV station ABC have come up with the proposed televsion show and theme, thanks to the Beckham-mania which has hit the States following August move to LA Galaxy. more

Stella McCartney to Design Limited Edition Travel Collections for LeSportsac

Stella McCartney announces she will partner with LeSportsac, a leading manufacturer of functional and iconic handbags to design a series of limited edition lifestyle collections focusing on travel bags, luggage and baby accessories. The first Stella McCartney for LeSportsac collection is set to launch in Spring 2008. The collections will incorporate innovative elements of design and will focus on travel accessories with an emphasis on baby. Ideal for the modern woman that does not want to sacrifice style and luxury for function, the collections will be lightweight and multi-purposeful. The Stella McCartney for LeSportsac collection will embody the same ethics as the designer's current luxury non-leather accessories collection that was launched in Fall 2006. "LeSportsac has a strong history in making iconic non-leather goods and this is a unique opportunity for Stella McCartney to address a new category of accessories for the busy woman of today," commented Marco Bizzarri, CEO and President of Stella McCartney.

"The collaboration with Stella McCartney marks the continuance of LeSportsac's evolution into the designer accessory market," said Steve Jacaruso, COO and President of LeSportsac. "We are able to tap into Stella McCartney's creative vision and take the brand to the next level of high-end design and style."

The Stella McCartney for LeSportsac collection will be available in high-end department stores and specialty stores including Stella McCartney boutiques and LeSportsac stores nationwide in Spring 2008. The collection will also available online.


CONTACT: Jill Snowden
Tracy Paul & Co
212.741.5459 ex31

PRESS RELEASE

Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp to open in UK

UK fans are to get the chance to jam with the likes of Cream and Procul Harum when the The Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp opens in May. The event, which takes place at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, will see 'Campers' be transformed them from budding amateur musicians to rock stars. On May 29, campers will also have the opportunity to perform at the world famous birthplace of The Beatles, The Cavern Club in Liverpool. Among the rock legends taking part are Jack Bruce (Cream), Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) and Spencer Davis. more

The Beatles Singles: "Do You Want To Know A Secret"

It's one of Beatles' fans least favorite songs -- yet somehow this Please Please Me track, rescued by an American label desperate to issue a single, somehow made it to Number 2. Check out my latest dossier on the Fab Four's greatest singles to see how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, George fans, a flushing toilet, a secret marriage, and a dirty joke all figure into the song's legacy! more

No bail for Yoko Ono‘s former driver

NEW YORK - Yoko Ono ‘s former driver, accused of trying to blackmail the widow of John Lennon for $2 million, was denied bail again Friday. Prosecutors oppose Karsan‘s release on bail. They have said they believe that once he is out of jail, he will probably flee to his native Turkey. "You don‘t see anything but you hear everything loud and clear," the lawyer said. He said the tape prompted him to file papers Friday saying "we are ready for trial." He would not say how the tape would be helpful to Karsan‘s case. Gottlieb said he asked the judge for the earliest possible trial date, possibly in the beginning of February. © 2006 The Associated Press.

Lindsay Lohan blacklisted by stars, friends and fellow rehabbers

Lindsay Lohan is losing friends, colleagues and her professional reputation left, right and centre at the moment according to different reports. In addition to being uninsurable, she has reportedly been blacklisted by some top Hollywood stars because after being accused of unprofessional behaviour on set and disrupting filming schedules over the past year. According to the Sun, a number of Hollywood old hands, including Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, have told their agents to automatically turn down any film that already has Lindsay attached to it and are hoping that if enough people join the embargo that Lindsay will shape up or ship out of the Hollywood sphere more

Brian Wilson says he only plays Paul McCartney and Phil Spector records at home

Brian Wilson says that his main musical influences haven't changed much since the '60s. Wilson told the San Francisco Gate that he only plays select artist around the house these days, explaining that, "I only play Phil Spector's records, really. Sometimes I play Paul McCartney. But I listen to Phil Spector's. When I first heard Phil Spector's records, it opened up a door for me, a door to creativity." Wilson said that he quickly made the move from being a fan of Spector's recording technique into becoming his chief competitor: "At first, I felt like I loved what I was doing, and then I said, 'No. I'm going to try to whip Spector. I'm going to try to beat Spector at his records.' And I kept trying." more

Copyrighted material overwhelms YouTube.com

When YouTube.com was born in February of 2005 it was intended to be a place for users to share videos and pictures in an online community setting. In less than a year, YouTube.com boasts that their audience is watching more than 70 million videos daily with more information being added to the site every minute. The draw of companies like YouTube.com is that users can watch videos of their favorite shows and possibly many other copyrighted works, uploaded by users like themselves, any time they have a free second. But luxuries like these are sometimes too good to be true. Companies that own the copyrighted works are outraged by the fact that they have no control over their product. This is where E. Michael Harrington comes in. MORE

'THAT MUSIC GOES STRAIGHT TO MY HEART'

James Taylor first heard Joni Mitchell's music while sitting in the Beatles' Apple offices in London. You can imagine the scene. The man who most epitomizes the image of a singer-songwriter was with Derek Taylor, press officer for the Beatles, as they put on her album. Paul McCartney and George Harrison listened, too. It was rock royalty listening to a young singer about to join their ranks. He then met Ms. Mitchell at the 1969 Mariposa Folk Festival on Toronto Island. (Or was it 1970 or '71, he later wondered. "Things were hazy for me in those days," he said). more

Misunderstanding claimed behind Ono case

Yoko Ono's former chauffeur, Koral Karsan, claims in a New York hearing that charges he attempted to blackmail her were all the result of a misunderstanding. The New York Daily News said Karsan Friday claimed he did not threaten the widow of Beatles great John Lennon, but rather was informing her of others' concepts of revenge. Karsan allegedly told Ono people "were out to get her," and threatened to file a sexual harassment suit if he did not get $2 million. His lawyer now says his client meant the 73-year-old singer's dentist, psychiatrist and lawyer were not happy with her and would defend or testify for Karsan's side in his upcoming sexual harassment trial. more

What if the Beatles landed today?

Hillary Clinton's webcam announcement of her presidential bid got me to thinking about news conferences, or the lack thereof. Politicians love making pronouncements on the Internet. They can look you right in the eye through the computer screen and talk directly to you and approximately 200 million other viewers. The Net allows them to bypass those nettlesome news conferences with all those pesky reporters asking their silly questions about Iraq, abortion, favorite ball teams, etc. Thinking about news conferences got me to thinking about, naturally, the Beatles. Even if you weren't around 43 years ago when they landed in New York, you have probably seen footage of their famous news conference at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Fresh from their trip over the pond, they stood behind a cluster of microphones from every news organization on the planet (there were six back then) and faced a phalanx of crusty reporters who had gotten their training by covering the Okinawa invasion. In other words, it was a tough room. more

Appalled at Sir Paul

"You can't put the phone down on me - I'm Paul McCartney." According to the Enquirer - so it must be true - this is the last thing Paul McCartney ever said to his stepsister, Ruth McCartney. The Enquirer claims that Ruth McCartney and Paul's stepmother, Angie McCartney, gave a lengthy interview in 1994 to Beatles' book writer Geoffrey Giuliano in which they talked about how cheap and mean the ex-Beatle is and what an arrogant jerk he really is. Quelle surprise. SPHINCTER ALERT: 1) "I can't see it happening somehow - we don't airbrush to that extent." Hugh Hefner suggests that Kelly Osbourne will not be posing for Playboy magazine anytime soon. One assumes that when Kelly's mother, Sharon Osbourne, is finished with him, Hefner will be very, very sorry. And perhaps dead. more

This fest will celebrate The Beatles

If I don't see you at tonight's Peter Frampton concert at the Clemens Center in Elmira, maybe it's because you bundled up and headed south to Montgomery, Pa., today for a different taste of British rock. BeatlesFest 2007 will be held at the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company, 2311 Route 54 in Montgomery. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music starting at 8 p.m. This will be the ninth edition of the event, which features dozens of vendors displaying Beatles memorabilia, a large display of Beatle instrument replicas, food and live music from the band Rubber Soul, which has four core members and a three-piece horn section. Cost is $10, or $6 for children under age 10. More information: www.billtownlive.com/rubbersoul or call the fire department at 570/547-1000.

Star-Gazette.COM - Best Bets

A BRAND NEW NORAH FIRST PERSON

''I'm very much not like my records in person. They expect me to be very girly, very romantic, very melancholy, and I’m not any of those things. So it's funny. I don’t know where this side of me came from, this ballad-loving, quiet, simplistic, all that stuff. That's very much from me, and I'm not sure where I got that or why I held onto it so tightly. I don't think I'm that boring, but I think, to an outsider, 'OK, she's in a stable relationship, she's not a drug addict. She wears clothes, she wears underwear.' There's no façade. I wish there was sometimes. I didn't really grow up with much of a relationship with him (her father, Ravi Shankar). Now that we're in a good place, I think, 'Wow, he's 86. I should ask him all these questions about music.' I was just interested in having a dad for a long time, and I was almost annoyed that he was a famous musician. And now I’m like, 'Oh, my, John Coltrane came to him for a lesson. Forget George Harrison. I want to know about his afternoon with John Coltrane.' '' more

Heather Mills' Sister: Paul McCartney Endangered Beatrice

Heather Mills' sister has accused Paul McCartney of endangering the life of his daughter, by refusing to pay for security for Heather. Fiona Mills, who works as her sibling's personal assistant, has slammed the former Beatle for ignoring death threats sent to Heather, who he has a three-year-old daughter, Beatrice, with. Fiona ranted on her sister's personal website: "My sister and her daughter are receiving death threats. But they no longer receive the protection that would be afforded to any other member of the McCartney family." Paul, 64, and Heather, 39, are due in court next month to resolve the row over security.

Tittle-Tattle Too: Heather Mills' Sister: Paul McCartney Endangered Beatrice - The Post Chronicle

Brian Wilson

One of the most accomplished composers and arrangers to ever emerge from the world of pop music, Brian Wilson was the mastermind responsible for the Beach Boys' amazing string of hits during the '60s but eventually crumbled in the face of drug and psychological problems just as his symphonic songs were achieving a sophistication that rivaled the Beatles' best music. Wilson's withdrawl from reality happened just as he was in the midst of recording 'SMiLE,' the highly anticipated follow-up to the classic 'Pet Sounds' album. The ambitious project led his fellow Beach Boys to question the path the band was taking and ultimately ended Brian's leadership. Wilson's subsequent psychological troubles have been well documented, but his return to music as a solo artist in the late '80s began a healing process that in some ways have been concluded with the songwriter finally completing and releasing his lost masterpiece in 2004 to great reviews. This tour presenting a 40th anniversary live performance of 'Pet Sounds' in its entirety is purported to be the last ever show to spotlight the album. Wilson and his ten-piece band backed by additional string and horn players will be joined by original Beach Boy vocalist Al Jardine to tackle the songs from 'Pet Sounds' and other classic Beach Boys tunes.


KTVU.com - Events

John Lennon tour bus promotes music education during library stop

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a non profit, mobile recording studio outfitted with traditional musical instruments as well as current technological advances, will be open for free tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. The Lennon bus crew will be video taping an educational series featuring two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Vincent LaForet. LaForet will present an artist lecture from 2-3 p.m. at the Library's Connections Café. The Lennon bus offers tours, demonstrations, booths and information about music education opportunities, production, careers and the latest technology. Information on the acclaimed John Lennon Song Writing Contest also will be available. more

Judge denies bail again for Ono's driver

Yoko Ono's former driver, accused of trying to blackmail the widow of Beatle John Lennon for $2 million (€1.55 million), was denied bail again Friday. State Supreme Court Justice Daniel FitzGerald said there was nothing new in the extortion case of Karol Karsan, 50, to justify setting bail and releasing him. Prosecutors oppose Karsan's release on bail, arguing he could flee to his native Turkey if released. Karsan's lawyer, Robert Gottlieb, said outside court that he has seen the 30-minute videotape in which his client allegedly says he will embarrass and humiliate Ono — and possibly have her killed — unless she pays him $2 million. "You don't see anything but you hear everything loud and clear," the lawyer said. He said the tape prompted him to file papers Friday saying "we are ready for trial." He would not say how the tape would be helpful to Karsan's case. more

Open Letter to The Beatles' Kids

Can one be born into mega-fame and make a living from being famous? Certainly children of the famous are curious beings, and we gawk. But it's rather unfair to be honest. John Lennon really paid his dues to be a Beatle, as did the other three. They worked for nothing, pruning their skills by playing almost non-stop in Hamburg. No one can redo what the Beatle have done. No one! Why do we expect their children to carry the torch? It's not possible. Being born into fame might get your foot in the door, like royalty, but if you don't prove yourself worthy, you're gone. But how can any of the Beatle kids prove themselves while they are always compared to their fathers? In fact, just the opposite is true, and maybe James Paul McCartney Jr had figured this out and didn't even bother trying. They were all born with a silver spoon in their mouths, how can they write songs that identify with the average person from an Ivory Tower? Actors' offspring do it all the time. But it's different playing a role than it is playing yourself. Why subject yourself to the criticism? I'm not my dad. You're not your parents. Children of the rich are no different. They're a curiosity. What a life! My ultimate dream has been to have the Beatle kids get together and play together. Zak on drums, James on bass, Dhani on guitar, Julian and Sean on rhythm guitars. It would be interesting wouldn't it? Hey fellas, think about it will ya? 4 or 5 is better than 1, and I think it would just right out rock. I beg you to think about it. Seriously think about it. Strength in numbers...

(c) davidholmes

The Lennon effect

Authorities and locals in a remote Scottish village are bracing themselves for a huge influx of visitors. It is after pictures of John Lennon enjoying a holiday in Durness were published on the North Highland Tourism Operator's (NHT's) website. Initially, the NHT had hoped that the photographs of Lennon, along with wife Yoko Ono and their children, would give the region a small boost in tourism. However, if hits on the website are anything to go by, Durness could be about to experience a massive influx of visitors. The site usually attracts around 3,000 visitors a day, but since the photographs have been posted on it, that number has rocketed to over 150,000. 'We are absolutely delighted by the response and hope that many of the web visitors actually come to the north Highlands and see why it inspired and touched John Lennon in such a profound way,' said Durrant Macleod from NHT. It is thought that many fans will be keen to learn a little more about their idol's personal life by visiting Durness. © Adfero Ltd

(c) Opodo news stories - The Lennon effect

McCartney with daughter Mary at Burns Night entertainment

Paul McCartney singer was joined by his photographer daughter Mary for a traditional Burns Night knees-up in London's St Martin's Lane hotel. As Hello magazine reports they were among a host of stars gathering to celebrate Scotland's most famous bard.
“Perthshire” actor Ewan McGregor, who delighted spectators by donning his kilt, and singer Sharleen Spiteri co-hosted the charity event, where amusement was provided by bagpipe troupe the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Sharleen had to keep socializing with other guests, as Lady Helen Taylor and Ronan Keating, down to a minimum, however. She was told by doctors to rest her voice after developing nodules on her vocal chords, a problem also experienced by Julie Andrews and Joss more

Sean Lennon Not Happy With Pal Lindsay Lohan's New Film

Sean Lennon and Lindsay Lohan's friendship is at risk after the musician's decision to go public with his feelings about her "tacky" new film. The son of late Beatle John Lennon hates the idea of Lohan's new movie Chapter 27, in which she plays a friend of his father's killer Mark David Chapman, played by Jared Leto. In one scene the young Sean meets Chapman in Central Park, New York - less than a mile from where the deranged fan shot his father dead outside the Dakota Building. And Lennon is far from impressed with the film's premise, stating, "It's a tacky thing to make a film about. "Lindsay was my friend, so I don't want to hurt her feelings... I think she felt that she understood but she'd already agreed to do it." more

Sir Paul McCartney Lawyers: "No Settlement With Heather Mills"

Sir Paul McCartney has not reached a divorce settlement with estranged wife Heather Mills, her lawyers have claimed. It was reported yesterday (23.01.07) that the former model had accepted a £32 million pay-off from the Beatles legend in order to keep details of their split out of court and away from the public eye. Legal firm Mishcon de Reya, who are representing Heather, has now issued a statement denying their client has accepted the offer and insist Paul, 64, has not even made an offer to Heather, 39. A spokeswoman said: "No offer has been made whatsoever at any time."


© The Post Chronicle

Sympathy for the Devil: Dead Rock Stars Sell Their Souls

In the booming energy drink business, one newcomer promises to help clear the purple haze around your brain: "Liquid Experience" will carry the iconic image of Jimi Hendrix, who died of a drug overdose after a short-lived, rock-studded career. The non-alcoholic drink — produced by New-Zealand based Beverage Concepts and due to hit the market in April — is just one of many products from cars to baby clothing that are capitalizing on the star power of aging or dead rockers. Celebrity and estate sales accounted for $3.5 billion in licensing ventures in the U.S. and Canada this year, according to Licensing Letter, a tip sheet that provides industry data for executives. more

Beatles fans set to swamp Lennon's holiday home

A tiny village looks set to be swamped by John Lennon fans following the launch of a website detailing the ex-Beatle's childhood links with the place. The site, promoting Durness in the Scottish Highlands, has received more than 150,000 hits a day since Monday, tourist bosses said. Lennon's childhood trips to the Sutherland village - population 351 - are being officially promoted for the first time to attract tourists to the Highlands. Between the ages of nine and 14 the musician spent summer holidays at Durness in Sutherland. He returned in 1969 with his wife Yoko Ono and their children, during which the he survived a car accident at Loch Eriboll. more

Wear your Beatles memorabilia

One day, a little over five years ago, Russ Lease decided that what the world needed was historically accurate, reasonably priced reproductions of Beatles clothing: Stitch-for-stitch copies of the distinctive outfits the famous musicians wore in concert. Luckily, Russ was in the position to provide them. With his brother, he had owned the Pants Plus clothing store in a suburban Maryland mall from 1976 until the mall closed in 2001. Russ knew the clothing industry. And he knew the Beatles. A fan since childhood, he's a leading collector of high-end Beatles memorabilia: Signed letters, rare albums, old performance contracts, one of "The Beatles" drumheads from the front of Ringo's bass drum. At a Sotheby's auction in 1994, Russ had paid about $5,000 for a tailored tan jacket, size 39 regular, with epaulets, pleated breast pockets and Nehru collar. It was the so-called "Shea jacket," the very jacket Paul McCartney wore when the Beatles performed at Shea Stadium on Aug. 15, 1965. more

Ringo Starr fans petitioning to make him a Knight

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair is being "flooded" with online requests for him to recommend Ringo Starr for a knighthood. The Liverpool Daily Post reported that nearly 1,500 UK fans have signed an "e-petition" on the official number10.gov.uk website, urging Blair to make Starr "Sir Ringo." The new online e-petition has replaced the traditional paper petitions presented to the Prime Minister's London home at 10 Downing Street. The petition reads: "We, the under-signed, petition the Prime Minister to recommend to the Queen to confer a knighthood on Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey MBE)." British supporters have until February 13th to add their names to the petition at petitions. pm.gov.uk/ringostarr. People are also able to "sign against" Starr receiving the knighthood, but there have been no names listed so far. more

Let it be... John

Of course I loved Paul the best. He was the cutest, the dreamiest and more approachable than John -- as if I could ever approach any of the Beatles. As it happened, I did approach Paul once, fulfilling a pre-teen vow to meet him one day. I met him by finagling an assignment to cover a news conference where Paul spoke in support of Greenpeace before appearing with Wings at RFK Stadium. Afterward, I handed him my ticket from a 1964 Beatles concert in Atlantic City, N.J., which he duly signed. Then I swiped his discarded bottled water, under the spell of the same sympathetic magic that compelled fans to buy shreds of sheets, pool water and other Beatle-blessed materials. more

1964...THE TRIBUTE #1 Beatles Act To Play Area Date

"1964...THE TRIBUTE," the #1 Beatles show in the world, returns to the area on Friday, March 9th to the Theodore Roosevelt High School auditorium for one concert to benefit the Rough Rider All-Sports Boosters. This world-touring band is comprised of four former residents of the Cleveland/Akron area and has quite a following. They have played at Playhouse Square in Cleveland; Tangier Restaraunt in Akron; Carnegie Hall in New York; and the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, England. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 330-677-6665. or 330-676-8770! Seats are $20 presale or $25 at the door. Show begins @ 8 PM (doors open at 6:15).

FURY AT HEATHER SIS RANT

HEATHER Mills' sister may have jeopardised divorce talks with Paul McCartney in an astonishing rant. Fiona Mills' outburst on Heather's website stunned lawyers for both sides as the couple were ordered to stay silent. Heather's legal team Mishcon de Reya and its publicity arm The PR Office were said to be "furious". A source said: "This could upset the applecart." Fiona claimed the couple's daughter Beatrice, three, has had death threats as well as her mother. But they "no longer receive the protection that would be afforded any other member of the family". She denied Heather is a gold-digger and branded claims she would give up custody of Beatrice for millions "absolutely disgusting". Macca's spokesman refused to comment.

© mirror.co.uk

How Heather's website went soft on Sir Paul

Heather Mills sanctioned an astonishing internet attack on her estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney. But within hours, the onslaught was softened on the advice of her lawyers. On her official website, Miss Mills allowed her sister Fiona to accuse Sir Paul of putting both Heather and their daughter Beatrice's lives at risk by refusing to pay for bodyguards to counter death threats she had received. But the words were later redrafted for fear they might damage Miss Mills's divorce settlement. more

Beatle's birthplace: The Cavern Club is 50 years old

It seems appropriate that a rock and roll band named The Beatles started its rise to fame in a stuffy cave-like nightspot -- that once was a fruit warehouse celler -- named The Cavern Club. The Beatles broke up in the spring of 1970 when Paul McCartney left the band; John Lennon was shot to death in the winter of 1980; George Harrison succumbed to cancer in late 2001; and, Ringo Starr has faded from the music scene. But The Cavern -- an air raid shelter during World War II -- remains and celebrated its 50th anniversary Tuesday. The Cavern Club opened as a jazz venue in 1957 with the Merseysippi Jazz Band, but it was the advent of rock and roll that popularized the club where music producer Brian Epstein eventually discovered the Fab Four. John Lennon's sister works at the club today and says those early performances were important for her brother. more

Heather Mills at it Again, This Time Her Lawyers Reel Her In

Heather Mills will apparently stop at nothing to defame her soon-to-be ex-husband Paul McCartney. This time, she sanctioned an all-out attack against Paul by allowing her sister to post slanderous remarks on her website, heathermills.org. On her site, Mill's sister Fionna accused Paul of putting both Heather and their daughter Beatrice's lives at risk by refusing to pay for bodyguards to counter death threats she had received. She posted on the site: 'Heather and Beatrice no longer receive the protection that would be afforded to any other member of the McCartney family facing such threats.' Then, for a few hours, the posting was removed completely from the website. When the post finally resurfaced on the site, the part above was mysteriously missing. The posting also denies reports about cash settlements Heather has been offered by Sir Paul. Soon after the attack was posted, Heather Mills' lawyers apparently talked a little sense into her, and the post was redrafted for fear that it could damage her divorce settlement. Judges may not look very kindly upon either party airing their dirty laundry in such a manner, and such public attacks and accusations could damage Heather's credibility and ultimately the pay-out she gets from Paul.


(c) The Cleveland Leader

McCARTNEY SETTLES DIVORCE

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY has reportedly agreed to a GBP32 million ($63 million) divorce settlement with his estranged wife HEATHER MILLS, after a bitter six month battle over the former BEATLE's vast fortune. MCCartney split from his second wife Mills in May last year (06) after four years of marriage, and began divorce proceedings in July (06). The 64-year-old has allegedly agreed to hand over his GBP4 million ($7.8 million) home in St John's Wood, London to the former model, as well as his GBP6 million ($11.8 million) mansion in Beverly Hills, California, according to British newspaper News Of The World. The out-of-court settlement means MCCartney will never have to publicly defend himself against Mills' claims of physical abuse while she was pregnant with their daughter BEATRICE in 2003, as stated in court papers filed by the 39-year-old's legal team. © contactmusic.com

Heather Mills' camp slams Paul McCartney over death threats

Heather Mills' sister has accused Sir Paul McCartney of endangering the life of his daughter, by refusing to pay for security for Heather. Fiona Mills, who works as her sibling's personal assistant, has slammed the former Beatle for ignoring death threats sent to Heather, who he has a three-year-old daughter, Beatrice, with. Fiona ranted on her sister's personal website: "My sister and her daughter are receiving death threats. But they no longer receive the protection that would be afforded to any other member of the McCartney family." Paul, 64, and Heather, 39, are due in court next month to resolve the row over security. more

Mills’ sister assault on McCartney removed from website

An assault on Sir Paul McCartney authored by Heather Mills' sister was removed from the ex- model's website, allegedly following advice of divorce lawyers, according to Contactmusic. In a stinging attack on the British media, Fiona Mills accuses McCartney of putting his ex-wife and their daughter Beatrice in danger by refusing to pay for bodyguards, despite reported death threats against Heather. "Heather and Beatrice no longer receive the protection that would be afforded to any other member of the MCCartney family facing such threats. It is extremely stressful to be informed by the police of a serious risk to your life and then to be followed by strange cars and people that may or may not be paparazzi", wrote Fiona. But these paragraphs were deleted from the post now viewable on Heather's website, at the request of her divorce lawyers, as reports British newspaper the Daily Mail.

Mills’ sister assault on McCartney removed from website

Mills McCartney Sis Takes Swat at Beatle - Paul McCartney

So much for taking it to court—the Mills sisters apparently prefer to take it to the Internet. Fiona Mills, the younger sister of Heather Mills McCartney, has lashed out at her estranged brother-in-law, accusing Paul McCartney of refusing protection for his soon-to-be ex-wife and their three-year-old daughter, even in the wake of increasing numbers of death threats leveled against the family. And as for the death threats themselves, she blames those on the media. Mills expressed her dismay over the lack of security detail—a perk she hints is readily available to other members of the McCartney clan—in a posting on her sister's official Website late Monday. more

Craig Crawford’s Trail Mix: Give War A Chance

What would John Lennon think? The ultimate anti-war activist wrote the definitive anthem for peaceniks when he penned those immortal lyrics opposing the Vietnam War: ''All we are saying, is give peace a chance.'' And yet there was President George W. Bush last night in his State of the Union address defending an escalation of war with a haunting evocation of Lennon’s words: ''I ask you to give it a chance." For the same reason that Lennon's song appealed to hope and reason to stop a war, Bush's plea might well do the trick to prolong a war. Asking others to give you a chance tends to buy time. It is just human nature to give others another chance. But this could be Bush's last chance before Congress starts defiantly singing the original words of Lennon's tune.


CQPolitics.com - Craig Crawford’s Trail Mix: Give War A Chance

Mills' Sister Slams Media

Heather Mills-McCartney's sister has appealed for an end to media "harassment" of her family. Fiona Mills said she was "deeply concerned" for the safety of Miss Mills-McCartney and her daughter Beatrice, claiming they were receiving death threats. In a letter, posted on the internet, she attacked the media for its treatment of her sister since her marriage to former Beatles bassist Sir Paul McCartney broke down. The letter said she wanted to "set the record straight" after eight months of reading "disgusting, untrue and hurtful stories" about her sister. more

LETO'S LOONEY AT SUNDANCE

JARED Leto was in a foul mood at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on Saturday night. Leto, who was promoting "Chapter 27" (in which he plays John Lennon's assassin) picked fights with photographers and clubgoers in the VIP section of Tao at Harry O's. When a photographer from WireImage attempted to snap Leto's picture, the eyeliner- clad cad shouted, "No! No more, bro!" Leto walked out - but not before a "big guy" yanked at his long tresses. Leto "whipped off his hat with earflaps on and stepped up to the guy," said a spy. "They were yelling at each other." But no punches were thrown. And though Leto left, he came back a couple hours later to look for the guy. (Leto's rep didn't return calls.) Elsewhere: Sienna Miller kept the rumor mill churning by showing up at Tao with her new best friend Sean Combs one night and hitting the Heineken Lounge with Josh Hartnett the next. Miller's reps put wagging tongues on ice, however, saying that she's absolutely just a single girl having a good time with friends. Sunday night, the stars celebrated the premiere of her new flick, "Interview," at Delta Sky Lounge.

© Pagesix - New York Post

Beatles to Celebrate Sgt. Peppers Anniversary

June 1 2007 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ groundbreaking Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album, and to celebrate it’s birthday - all 11 of the fab four’s UK albums will be re-released. The albums were originally released on CD in the late 80’s and the new versions are expected to feature each track re-mastered in a state-of-the art 24-bit sound as well as it’s original mono recording. Exact details are to be confirmed but Rock Radio reports that the discs could be available as early as March and that iTunes, who are negotiating the digital rights, are to make a special announcement during the Super Bowl on February 4th. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band is the UK’s biggest selling album of all time; it has shifted nearly 5 million copies and spent a staggering 23 weeks at number one.

LENNON TO BE USED AS TOURIST TRAP

JOHN LENNON's childhood holidays in Scotland are being officially promoted to attract tourists to the Scottish Highlands. The late BEATLE was making plans to buy a Highland estate when he was shot dead aged 40 in December 1980 by deranged fan MARK CHAPMAN. Now North Highland Tourism (NHT), which is headed by British royal PRINCE CHARLES, is attempting to strengthen the link between the area and Lennon by launching a website which features photographs of the star enjoying a holiday there. Lennon's cousin STANLEY PARKES says, "John really loved hill walking, shooting and fishing. He would have been quite a laird!" © contactmusic.com

Sir Paul McCartney's divorce settlement news was fake

Sir Paul McCartney has not reached a divorce settlement with estranged wife Heather Mills, her lawyers have claimed. It was reported yesterday (23.01.07) that the former model had accepted a UKP32 million pay-off from the Beatles legend in order to keep details of their split out of court and away from the public eye. Legal firm Mishcon de Reya, who are representing Heather, has now issued a statement denying their client has accepted the offer and insist Paul, 64, has not even made an offer to Heather, 39. A spokeswoman said: "No offer has been made whatsoever at any time." The now discredited settlement reportedly included Heather receiving the UKP4 million mansion in St John's Wood, London, the couple shared and Paul's UKP6 million Beverly Hills property. The estranged couple, who have a three-year-old daughter, Beatrice, are due in court next month to resolve a row over security. Heather insists she is entitled to a professional bodyguard after receiving death threats, but Paul is refusing to pay for one.


LondonNet : Sir Paul McCartney's divorce settlement news was fake

All you need is love: The John Lennon story

Rejected by his mother, raised by a loving aunt. That's the official John Lennon story. In fact,a new book by his own sister paints a very different picture: They were the biggest pop success of all time. They sold more records, made more money and changed the face of stuffy Britain. With the success came all the trappings: the luxury homes, the groupies, the drugs, the divorces and the in-fighting. The Beatles experienced it all, and the most iconic and inventive of them, John Lennon, paid the ultimate price when he was gunned down by a deranged fan in New York in 1980. more

Paul McCartney’s daughters angered over private divorce settlement

Paul McCartney's daughters Mary and Stella McCartney are reportedly livid that their dad wants to keep his divorce from Heather Mills as private as possible. A source told the News of the World that the women are still angry over abuse allegations revealed in legal documents that were leaked in October: ''Stella and Mary are baying for blood. Their poor dad has been dragged through the mire by this woman, and all they wanted was to see his name cleared on the record, in public. Stella used to joke about looking forward to the day when Heather didn’t even have one leg to stand on in court. But now that day will never come.'' more

Lennon artwork returns to Old School Square in Delray Beach

In honor of Saint Valentine’s Day, Yoko Ono is pleased to showcase the Artwork of John Lennon in the exhibit’s return to Old School Square in Delray Beach Feb. 9, 10 and 11. Legacy Fine Art is excited to kick off the 2007 Artwork of John Lennon Tour in South Florida, with Delray Beach being the first stop. The exhibition will be held under tent in front of the Cornell Museum of Art & History, along Atlantic Avenue, on the Old School Square grounds. In the spirit of John & Yoko’s benevolence, Legacy will be raising money to help benefit the Old School Square’s Kickin’ Arts program for elementary students and a new interactive gallery concept in the Cornell Museum to be called the Kickin’ Arts Club. more

HEATHER SUES ON SECURITY

SIR Paul McCartney and Heather Mills will thrash out their row over security in court next month. Heather, 39, believes she is entitled to a professional bodyguard after receiving death threats from gangsters but Macca believes he shouldn't have to pay. Lawyers are now ready to settle the issue in court while moves for a final divorce deal continue. Heather was overheard confiding in pals during a recent skitrip to Slovenia. A fellow skier said: "They are due to go to court next month. She is furious with his attitude, and very upset." Sir Paul, 64, has already agreed to pay £2,000-a-week rent for a new London home for Heather and their three-year-old daughter Beatrice.


© Mirror.co.uk

Collector Can Keep You Looking Fab

One day, a little over five years ago, Howard County's Russ Lease decided that what the world needed was historically accurate, reasonably priced reproductions of Beatles clothing: stitch-for-stitch copies of the distinctive outfits the famous musicians wore in concert. Luckily, Russ was in the position to provide them. With his brother, he had owned the Pants Plus clothing store in Landover Mall, from 1976 until the mall closed in 2001. Russ knew the clothing industry. And he knew the Beatles. A fan since childhood, he's a leading collector of high-end Beatles memorabilia: signed letters, rare albums, old performance contracts, one of "The Beatles" drumheads from the front of Ringo's bass drum. more

Another Beatles Love CD?

Singer/songwriter and pianist Lisa Lauren's 4th CD is a compilation of Beatles tunes, endearingly titled, "Lisa Lauren Loves the Beatles". A mix of pop, jazz, folk, and world music, the CD's understated, acoustic arrangements bring new life to these classic favorites. What would initially seem like an exercise in bad judgment, Lisa's affectionate re-working of Beatles songs has received an enormously positive response, and is frequently featured on WXRT Chicago's (her hometown) "Breakfast With the Beatles" show as well as other radio shows nationally. Special appearances by Grammy award-winning sax player David Sanborn, singer/songwriter Willy Porter, and high-profile Chicagoans like Fareed Haque, Howard Levy, Steve Rodby and Neal Alger give the compilation an added cachet and is already garnering rave reviews. © PRESS RELEASE

Lennon's Scottish links celebrated

John Lennon's childhood trips to Scotland are being officially promoted for the first time to attract tourists to the Highlands. Between the ages of nine and 14 Lennon spent summer holidays at Durness in Sutherland. The ex-Beatle even returned in 1969 with his wife Yoko Ono and their children, during which he survived a car accident at Loch Eriboll. (c) icLanarkshirecelebrated

BEATLES FANS CAMPAIGN FOR STARR KNIGHTHOOD

Fans of RINGO STARR have launched an internet campaign calling for the former BEATLES drummer to receive a knighthood. An e-petition containing 1,500 names has been sent to the 10 Downing Street website of British Prime Minister TONY BLAIR, who recommends recipients of the prestigious honour to British monarch QUEEN ELIZABETH II. Fans are shocked Starr is yet to receive the royal accolade, because his former BEATLES bandmate SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY was knighted in 1996 and Blair's wife CHERIE has admitted to being a fan of the band. A source tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "Downing Street has been surprised by the strong feeling this issue has aroused since Ringo was left off the New Year's Honours list (07). It's proving one of the most popular petitions on the website. "Considering Cherie is such a well-known Beatles fan, campaigners are hoping Tony will finally give it his approval." RINGO STARR

Heather Mills denies report of divorce settlement

Lawyers for Heather Mills McCartney said Monday that she has not agreed to a financial settlement in her pending divorce from Paul McCartney. Mishcon de Reya Solicitors, which is representing Mills McCartney in the bitter split, denied a report in Sunday's News of the World that McCartney had offered a settlement worth $63 million. "With regard to the article in yesterday's News of the World, we would like to state that there has been no offer made whatsoever at any time to our client and therefore no settlement has been agreed," the law firm said. McCartney, 64, and his 38-year-old second wife announced their separation in May and began divorce proceedings in July. They have a 3-year-old daughter, Beatrice. more

John Lennon Living On In The Hearts, Minds ... and Computers of Millions

On December 8, 1980, a man was gunned down in front of his home. After a hard day's night, recording his comeback album and starting over. A peacemaker, shot down and by a 'fan' asking for an autograph. Few of us that were around on that fateful night can forget what we were doing the moment we heard the horrible news. John Lennon was gone. Millions of fans worldwide were stunned to silence, held candlelight vigils, played his music, sat together, weeped and mourned. His message of peace, his words reminding us that all we need is love, ring as true this day as they ever did. On that same day, there was another Lennon fan, also an immigrant to the United States, also an artist and also starting his life over, who had been frozen with depression for months and unable to paint. On December 8, 1980, with tears in his eyes, hearing the radio play "Imagine" over and over, he felt renewed inspiration to paint. The portrait he created shows John in the clouds giving us the peace sign, John walking on thin ice and going Home. It shows John in the early days and the reflections from his solo rock and roll album. Looking closer, you'll see John in white on his wedding day, the days when he let it be and the kiss with his wife, Yoko Ono from their "Double Fantasy" album "Just Like Starting Over" on his lips, closest to his heart.

In 2006, this portrait has found homes online in the form of a video interpretation. The "12 Faces and Phases of John in Spirit" as painted on that day 26 years ago by Dutch-born American artist Peter Teekamp, is a moment frozen in time, adorned on canvas, the passing of a legend that inspired the will of another to continue. The video interpretation of "12 Faces and Phases of John in Spirit" is a technological example of everlasting life promoting peace through the digital eternity of cyberspace. It is being shared, emailed, copied, downloaded, replicated, cloned and otherwise multiplied. Though the original recording of "Imagine" has been substituted for a beautiful version by singer Jordis Unga performing with INXS, there is no more classic ballad for peace, no song more appropriate for this tribute and no words more fitting for our time. When one surfs the thousands of tributes and posts to John's memory, he is as popular as ... ever. Fans that were born long after his death attest to his growing popularity. It would be amazing to see what John Lennon's 'Peace-in' would have looked like with the technology at sites like YouTube, MetaCafe, MySpace, MotionBox, Google and Yahoo at his fingertips.

One can only imagine...

For a look at Teekamp's portrait of John, go to YouTube and search "Teekamp".


PRESS RELEASE

Famous for being in the family

What do Keith Richards, Ozzy Osbourne, Richard Branson and Camilla Parker Bowles have in common? They are the latest additions to a burgeoning new category of celebrity: those whose children threaten to be more famous than they are. There was a time when people largely became famous because they had a special talent or a unique ability. George Best was the most brilliant footballer of his generation. Lenny Kravitz was a genius rock star. The Hiltons ran some successful hotels. But their children were born famous. To dazzle they had merely to exist. Which Paris Hilton does decadently, Zoe Kravitz does with breathtaking beauty and Calum Best does, just. more

Heather to pocket $80m

HEATHER Mills appears set to pocket a divorce settlement from estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney worth the equivalent of about $2500 for each hour of their four-year marriage. Former Beatle Sir Paul is reported to have offered the $80 million cash and property deal in an effort to keep the bitter matter out of court. The settlement has been thrashed out by the same divorce lawyers used by Prince Charles and wife Diana when they split. But the $80 million figure would be double what the princess was awarded in 1986. more

Mamas and Papas singer Denny Doherty dies at 66

Denny Doherty, a founding member of the 1960s folk-pop band the Mamas and the Papas, died Friday at his home in Mississauga, Ontario. He was 66. The cause was not immediately known, his daughter Emberly said. But she said her father had recently suffered kidney failure after surgery for a stomach aneurysm. With chiming guitars and rich, meticulous harmonies that could be tinged with darkness, the Mamas and the Papas became one of the most popular and influential American bands of the era between the Beatles' arrival and Woodstock. Their enduring hits, like "California Dreamin'," "Monday, Monday" and "Dedicated to the One I Love," mixed the gentle jangle of folk with a rock backbeat and sweet, layered pop vocals. Though John Phillips was the group's principal songwriter, Doherty sang most of the male leads, in a clear, friendly tenor that he occasionally punctuated with rock `n' roll growls. In "California Dreamin'," the group's first hit, the group harmonizes about being stuck among the brown leaves and cold gray skies of winter, and pining for sunny respite. But Doherty's lead on the verse suggests that his wishes may go unfulfilled: more

Professor takes students on 'Magical Mystery Tour'

This is the third installment in a four-part series exploring January interim courses at Converse and Wofford colleges. The four-week term is designed to give students opportunities to pursue nontraditional learning through innovative course design, studying abroad and internships. By LYNNE P. SHACKLEFORD Staff Writer Converse College professor David Berry is adamant that The Beatles hit, "She Loves You," isn't your average teeny bopper song. The tune, which lasts exactly two minutes and 21 seconds, includes the kind of innovative techniques -- like mixing blues, folk, a bit of jazz and a guitar sound bite just to keep the listener guessing -- that made The Beatles famous. more

Macca and Mills reach secret #32 million divorce settlement deal

Sir Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills have reportedly reached an out-of-court divorce settlement that will see her get a 32 million pound cash and property chunk out of the former 'Beatles' singer's fortune. Among the properties that Mills will get to keep includes Macca's luxury Georgian house in St John's Wood, north-west London worth 4 million pounds, as well as his home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles that is now worth 6 million pounds. However, not everyone in the McCartney family is happy with the deal, for Macca's daughter Stella, 35, and Mary, 37, are furious that their father will now never be able to publicly denounce Mills' claims that he was verbally and physically abusive during the couple's four-year old marriage. more

'PET' PROJECT

Every time a list comes out of the best albums of all time, at the top or near it -- No. 3 on VH1, No. 2 in Rolling Stone, No. 1 in prestigious U.K. music magazine Mojo -- will be the Beach Boys' 1966 classic, "Pet Sounds." Paul McCartney has said that without "Pet Sounds" there would be no "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," and Eric Clapton, Elton John and Flaming Lips are among the artists who have declared the record one of their favorites. The tall, sturdy-looking Brian Wilson, 64, with a slightly worried expression and a thick thatch of salt-and-pepper hair brushed back from what could be the palest face in Southern California, is really rather fond of it himself. Wilson was 23 when he made what he describes as "chapel rock" and what critics call his symphonic masterpiece; at least they did until they transferred the description to his recently completed album "Smile." more

PURCHASE: Pet Sounds

McCartney can keep pavilion, planners say

Paul McCartney can keep a wildlife viewing pavilion built without planning permission on his British estate, but not a lodge, district planners ruled. The former Beatle was told last year to remove the pavilion and a wooden lodge, but he appealed to the Rother District Council to let him keep the buildings, the BBC said. Planners recently granted a new application that allows the pavilion to remain if the lodge is demolished. The 64-year-old McCartney said he originally built the lodge on the 933-acre country estate at Woodlands Farm for extra privacy. The lakeside pavilion was built near a conservation pond for recreational use. more

Rumor Mill Heats Up Over Beatles/Apple Deal

The music industry has been waiting for The Beatles' camp to enter the 21st century with the Fab Four's catalog, which is unavailable digitally. While the Beatles' Apple Corp. has famously feuded in court on-and-off over the years with Apple Computers (now Apple Inc.), last year it was rumored that the entire Beatles catalog was being remastered for a re-release in 2007. Now the rumor mill is turning again, with release dates being thrown around this time. The Toronto Sun is reporting that the entire remastered Beatles catalog could be in stores by this June, and that their music could make its way onto the iTunes Music Store as early as February. more

Many Days in the Life of The Beatles

In 1996, New York Times Magazine writer Bob Spitz interviewed Paul McCartney on the occasion of his knighthood. The former Beatle casually mentioned that only half of The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies was true. The rest had been made up, in part to spare the Beatles' families, wives and girlfriends from hearing the grittier reality. Since its publication in 1968, those tales had become legend. And those false facts were repeated so often, in over a thousand books and many more magazine and newspaper articles, that even The Beatles had a hard time separating myth from truth. "I was flabbergasted," said Spitz, a local resident who had worked in the music industry as Bruce Springsteen's manager and Elton John's representative, and published books on Bob Dylan and Woodstock. "McCartney was pushing 60, George Harrison was dying, and I knew the Beatles' story was slipping out of their hands." more

McCARTNEY TO KEEP ILLEGAL CABIN

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY has been allowed to keep a wildlife-watching pavilion in the grounds of his East Sussex home, despite flouting strict planning permission laws. Officials on England's Rother District Council yesterday (18JAN06) gave their retrospective consent for the $1.9 million (GBP1 million) hut, which was built by the former BEATLE three years ago in the grounds of his 933-acre Peasmarsh estate and was often used as a hideaway by estranged wife HEATHER MILLS. MCCartney offered to remove the cabin - set on stone piers and featuring an outdoor observation deck - but councillors in Rother were keen to save the building, which officials have now deemed as "an acceptable design within the area of natural outstanding beauty". Woodlands Farm, where MCCartney built the cabin, has been his family home for more than 25 years.

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY - McCARTNEY TO KEEP ILLEGAL CABIN

BABYSHAMBLES TIE UP LONGTERM PARLOPHONE DEAL

PETE DOHERTY's band BABYSHAMBLES have landed a longterm deal with the Parlophone record label following the success of their THE BLINDING EP last year (06). Bosses at the British record company, which signed THE BEATLES in 1962, dismissed reports of a multi-album deal last year - but the two parties finally tied up a contract earlier this week (begs15JAN06). A Babyshambles statement reads, "Both management and the band are thrilled to have signed this deal and look forward to a long, fruitful, and creative relationship with Parlophone." Parlophone Managing Director MILES LEONARD says, "We're extremely pleased to be welcoming such a vibrant and talented band into the Parlophone label. "Babyshambles, justifiably, have a great reputation for crafting some of the most exciting music around today, and in Peter Doherty they have one of the best songwriters of his generation. "Parlophone have a long history of working with the best British bands, from RADIOHEAD to BLUR to COLDPLAY, and we see Babyshambles very much as continuing this tradition."

PETE DOHERTY - BABYSHAMBLES TIE UP LONGTERM PARLOPHONE DEAL

The Beatles on YouTube

A while back I turned on the tele late one weekend night and saw that they were replaying old videoclips of the Beatles. I watched mesmerised for about 45 minutes after which they went onto something else. I think I would have stayed a fair while longer if they’d kept playing them. Why the attraction? I think a lot of people are nostalgic about bands that played “the soundtrack of their lives” when they were in high school and uni. The Beatles and my years in primary school co-incide almost exactly. I think I was in year 7 when it all came crashing down and the Beatles were no more. I vaguely remember sitting on Dandenong railway platform thinking stupidly “I guess this is it” and wondering if they’d ever regroup. What was so special about them? Well, forgive me for this is just my take, but visiting You-Tube the other day I watched a clip of the retropsective faux Beatles song the (then) three survivors released in 1995 Free as a Bird. It was full of Beatles memorabilia. And, though it was far from one of their great songs, it was nevertheless a genuine Beatles song and a genuine Beatles videoclip - so it seemed to me. more

House where George Harrison stayed has new owner

BENTON, Ill. - Money may not buy Sarah Morrison love, but it could give her a renewed sense of purpose and an outlet for her creativity. With her recent purchase of the Hard Day's Nite Bed and Breakfast, the 23-year-old Morrison is now the proud proprietor of one of Benton's claims to fame: the former home of Louise Harrison, sister of the late Beatle George Harrison. Harrison himself was a resident of Benton back in pre-Beatlemania 1963. He spent about three weeks in the home that fall, just a few months before the Beatles made their debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show." By all accounts, the first Beatle ever to set foot on American soil enjoyed his stay in the Franklin County city, playing with area musicians and hanging at the local hotspots. more

Beatles tribute band aims to re-create feel of '1964'

Fans who attend "1964 ... The Tribute" will see that the mop-top hairdos look like the ones the Beatles sported when they invaded America 43 years ago. They'll notice the same thing about the suits the group wears and the instruments its members play. Sometimes during the course of the show, which will come to LaPorte on Saturday and South Bend on Sunday, fans might realize something else -- the tribute band has been together longer than the Fab Four was. "We make a joke about that," Mark Benson, who plays John Lennon, says. "We've been The Beatles longer than The Beatles were The Beatles. more

Sir Paul can keep estate pavilion

Sir Paul McCartney is to be allowed to retain a wildlife viewing pavilion that he originally built without planning permission on his East Sussex estate. The ex-Beatle was told a year ago to remove the pavilion and a wooden lodge, but he has been asking Rother District Council to let him keep the buildings. Planners have now granted a new application which means the pavilion can stay if the lodge is demolished. Sir Paul's 933-acre country estate is situated at Woodlands Farm, Peasmarsh. more

Beatles to finally arrive on iTunes in February. Maybe.

Yes, yes, we know that this rumor has been floating around for some time now. The Beatles showing up on iTunes is almost as old a rumor as the iPhone (almost). The buzz, however, has been growing lately (especially with Steve Jobs' inclusion of some Beatles music at the recent keynote at Macworld), and I've received enough requests to write this that I've finally broken down. A Beatles fan site was among the first this week to post unconfirmed claims that Apple and Apple (get it?) had come to an agreement. The announcement that Apple will receive a 3-month exclusive agreement to the remastered Beatles albums, according to their sources, would come on Valentine's Day, which is February 14 for those of you who are bitter about love don't follow abstract holidays. The site says that they're unclear on when the non-iTunes albums are expected to come out. more

Buy it: Paul McCartney Signature Edition Lexus Hybrid SUV

You, too, can have the Paul McCartney Signature Edition RX 400h Lexus Hybrid SUV. I’m actually a bit confused about this one. Lexus made the car and promoted it together with Sir Paul McCartney as part of his US tour (presented by Lexus). Lexus then donated the car to one of Paul’s favorite charities, Adopt-a-Minefield as a fundraiser. Now, from what I’ve gathered, the organization did use it as a fundraiser. Now the car is up for auction. So all that I can assume is that the winner of the car from Adopt-a-Minefield is now selling the vehicle. I wonder if they’ll use the money for personal or charity use. pic/more

DVD chronicles George Harrison's 1963 visit

BENTON, Ill. A D-V-D about George Harrison's visit to a small community in southern Illinois in 1963 is winning acclaim from Beatles fans. The documentary tells the story of Harrison's visit to Benton a year before all four of the Beatles arrived in the United States and took the country by storm. When he came to Illinois, the band was still largely unknown on this side of the Atlantic. The D-V-D -- titled "George Harrison: A Beatle in Benton, Illinois" -- includes interviews with Benton residents who remember the visit. It also includes an interview with Harrison's older sister, Louise Harrison, who was living in Benton at the time. more
BUY THIS DVD NOW: A Beatle in Benton, Il

Beatles songs on iTunes? Rumours mount of Superbowl announcement

You can't buy any Beatles songs on iTunes at the moment: they're the last big band to hold out, mainly due to their Apple label's lawsuit with, er, Apple. However, that could be about to change, with strong rumours that Apple may be planning a Beatley announcement at next month's Superbowl. Reports say it could be a three-month deal initially to put the Fab Four on iTunes, and the rumours were fuelled by last week's Macworld keynote, when Steve Jobs played a track off Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the iPhone. more

Lennon art a hit at rock auction

Beatle John Lennon's art was a hit with bidders at Barrett-Jackson's first night of the Rock on the Block Memorabilia Auction at WestWorld. Sales on Monday night totaled more than $400,000 for close to 100 items. That included a Lennon watercolor that went for $60,375 and a whimsical drawing he created that sold for $19,550. The rock auction, in its first year with the collector-car auction, resumes at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Garage portion of the Barrett-Jackson venue. Guitars, gold records, stage costumes, posters and other items will be sold through Sunday. more

A doorway into Cavern's glorious past

LIVERPOOL'S immortal Cavern Club celebrated its 50th birthday in style yesterday by announcing a string of similar clubs will open across the globe. Buenos Aires, Adelaide and Tokyo already have their own versions of the Cavern Club. But the influence of the Mathew Street venue will spread even further after owners confirmed they had inquiries from 42 countries about opening Cavern Clubs in exotic destinations, including Dubai and Shanghai. The new venues were just part of a raft of plans designed to move the Cavern business model forward in the 21st century. more

Sir Paul McCartney pens new songs about Heather Mills

Sir Paul McCartney's new album will focus on his split from Heather Mills.The Beatles legend, who is currently involved in a bitter divorce battle with the former model, is set to reveal his heartbreak on a new record to be released next year. A source told the Daily Express: "Paul never stops writing songs and they often reflect what's going on in his life at the time. It's now understood that tracks on his next album will include some direct
references to his recent difficulties. "He's also said to have written a song to his three-year-old daughter Beatrice, explaining to her how things turned out the way they did." Paul's 2005 album Chaos and Creation In The Backyard is also said to have contained references to his troubled marriage to Heather. Friends To Go includes lyrics about Paul feeling alone, while in Riding To Vanity Fair Paul sings "the feelings have gone/you don't fool anyone". Paul once said he finds music is "great therapy", adding: "Inevitably moods, feelings and emotions find their way into your music, whether you like it or not. You can't help it." The 64-year-old dedicated his 2006 classical album Ecce Cor Meum to his first wife Linda who died of breast cancer in 1998.

LondonNet : Sir Paul McCartney pens new songs about Heather Mills

McCARTNEY TO REVEAL ALL ON NEW ALBUM

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY is planning to lay bare his feelings about his bitter divorce battle with HEATHER MILLS on his next studio album. The former BEATLE split from his second wife Mills in May last year (06) after four years of marriage, and began divorce proceedings in July (06). Now the 64-year-old is set to reveal all to his fans in the follow up to 2005 release CHAOS AND CREATION IN THE BACKYARD, which is scheduled for next year (08). Speaking to British newspaper the Daily Express, a source says, "Paul never stops writing songs and they often reflect what's going on in his life at the time, even during his days as a Beatle. "It's now understood that tracks on his next album will include some direct references to his recent difficulties. He's also said to have written a song to his three-year-old daughter BEATRICE, explaining to her how things turned out the way they did. "Paul has been through a lot in his life and songwriting has long been a cathartic process."

SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY - McCARTNEY TO REVEAL ALL ON NEW ALBUM

Beatles stamps a huge success in the UK

Britain's newly-issued Beatles stamps are a runaway success. The international demand for the stamps, which feature such iconic Beatles album covers as Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road, may break records set by stamps related to the royal weddings, and have already smashed the record for Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday stamp last year. The Royal Mail's Julietta Edgar said that, "Judging by the unprecedented response we have already received from collectors and the public, the Beatles' (stamps) is on course to be the best selling issue internationally. We chose to celebrate the Beatles because of their contribution to the world -- and that popularity has been demonstrated by the interest this stamp issue has received across the globe." Also: more

The U.S. Vs John Lennon

In Lionsgate's critically-acclaimed theatrical release, The U.S. vs. John Lennon, which makes its DVD debut on February 13, filmmakers David Leaf and John Scheinfeld trace Lennon's metamorphosis from lovable "Moptop" to anti-war activist to inspirational icon as they reveal the true story of how and why the U.S. government tried to silence him. Providing unparalleled insight into the legendary musician and political figure, the documentary features appearances by a slew of influential figures from the time including Carl Bernstein, Noam Chomsky, Walter Cronkite, Mario Cuomo, John Dean, G. Gordon Liddy, George McGovern and more. In addition, a one-of-a-kind soundtrack features more than three dozen songs by John Lennon, Yoko Ono Lennon, and The Beatles while compelling DVD extras include over 50 minutes of additional documentary footage.

The U.S. Vs John Lennon - antiMUSIC News

Beatles iTunes deal is reached, report claims

With the iPhone announced, the Mac news and rumour machine is taking new steps to get ahead of the curve. This week's leading rumour relates to The Beatles, with a report claiming the act will release music through iTunes, perhaps as soon as 14 February — Valentine's Day. A popular Beatles fan website, Abbeyrd, reports an "unnamed source" who said that a deal between the two Apple's has been struck, and it seems likely that the latest album, Love, will be made available through iTunes. It's not clear if back catalogue material will be released. One trait both Apple Corp and Apple Inc share is a penchant for maintaining a tight hold of copyright and control. The rumour began last year, when Beatles drummer Ringo Starr hinted that tracks from the band — the last major act to refuse to release music online — would be made available "at some point". more

HARRISON LYRICS FETCH 300000

Lyrics handwritten by GEORGE HARRISON for his BEATLES hit WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS sold for $300,000 (GBP152,000) at an auction in Arizona yesterday (15JAN06). The song, written and recorded in 1968, reveals the deep rift that had developed within the band at the time - and the lyrics come complete with corrections made by Harrison and a verse omitted from the completed track. The reverse side of the sheet of paper features the lyrics to HEY JUDE handwritten by Beatles road manager MAL EVANS (c) contactmusic.com

Beatles-themed performance possible this season on 'American Idol'

Do you want to know a secret? "American Idol'' is likely to put on its first Beatles-themed performance week this season. Producers are keeping the singing contest's winning format intact going into the sixth season, which begins Tuesday night on Fox, but they hope a few twists will maintain and add interest. They include: 1. The possible Beatles-themed week. For the first time, "Idol" has permission to use parts of the famed songbook of The Beatles, executive producer Ken Warwick says. "We've got the permission'' from Sony, which owns the publishing rights, Warwick says. Certain songs still are off limits, but "they said, 'Tell us what songs you want and we will do our best.' '' A couple of Beatles songs have been performed on "Idol,'' he says, but the show has never had access to enough for a themed week. more

Heather Mills never wants to see Paul McCartney again

Heather Mills has reportedly told friends that she never wants to see estranged husband Paul McCartney again after he refused to pay for security in the wake of threats against her. According to the Mirror, Heather told friends during her birthday ski trip to Slovenia: ''I never want to see him again. I can't even bring myself to speak to him.'' A friend then added: ''She is absolutely furious and for her, it's the final straw. She said she never, ever wants anything to do with him again. When it comes to handing Bea over, the nanny or other members of staff take care of that.'' The newspaper reported that there is at least some good news for Heather - it's been agreed that Paul will cover her £2,000 a week rent on her new home near Regent's Park in London. A source revealed that the agreement was ''negotiated in court'' but that Heather sees it as the first step to victory: ''She thinks the divorce will be settled within the year.''

Fametastic » Heather Mills never wants to see Paul McCartney again

"Rain:" A Beatle Show That Shines

When Joseph Gargano invited us to see, "Rain: The Beatles Experience," I could tell from his enthusiasm that it would be mind blowing. "YES" was our immediate answer! SID BERNSTEIN, the legendary Beatle promoter and his Business Manager and Partner, Joseph Gargano, are truly onto something special, promoting one of the most exciting Beatle multimedia shows currently on tour. I've seen many of the top Beatle cover bands and shows, but this one stands out. We ultimately saw "RAIN" at The American Academy of Music in Philadelphia on January 6. Today, I am still mentally digesting that evening. My husband Steve and I were fortunate to be the personal guests of Mr. Bernstein and Mr. Gargano. We would be wowed from start to finish!
A packed crowd stood up and cheered Bernstein, who introduced "Rain" from the stage. Bernstein's appearance lent a measure of credibility and familiarity because he's straight from the days of Beatle pandemonium. As all die-hard Beatle fans KNOW, Bernstein was the first to bring the Fab Four to the United States more than 40 years ago.

The video on multiple screens prepares us initially for the arrival of The Beatles in the United States. For example, vintage video is shown from the '60s of rock and roll icons Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and The Comets and Elvis Presley. There are also actual news clips on the assassinations of Martin Luther King and President John F. Kennedy as well as archival footage of "Woodstock," TV Commercials from the 60's and historical 60's music accompanying all of this in the background throughout the set changes. Finally, there is an explosive moment when The Beatles get off the plane in America and "Ed Sullivan" announces "Rain." This show effectively gives the audience a powerful sense that America was ready to be Rocked and Rolled by a tremendous force…..The Beatles.

The excitement explodes when "Rain" appears onstage, looking and sounding just like the Beatles. For the first scene, they don custom tailored suits, winkle picker boots and exquisite mop top wigs It is uncanny! They wear authentic costumes during all five scenes with costume changes that go in sequence with the Beatles story from "Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road."

Favorite songs, included: "Penny Lane," "Strawberry Fields," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" "Here Comes the Sun," and "I Saw Her Standing There." "Imagine" and "Hey Jude" were among the fabulous encores.

Throughout the evening, I felt overcome by great joy because the show felt so real to me. I also witnessed some dramatic responses from those surrounding me. One woman was crying throughout the entire program. A man next to me said that he had once seen The Beatles and this is just how they appeared in the '60's. He found the resemblance visually and audibly incredible.

"Rain" is occasionally interactive with the audience and this leads to moments that are great fun. For example, "Paul" asked us to dance during, "I Saw Her Standing There" and we were also asked to sing "Yesterday" and "Blackbird." I felt happy inside when "McCartney" held my hand from the stage and "Lennon" actually flashed me the peace sign. It was a magical evening.

"Rain" consists of the following talented members: Steve Landes as John Lennon, Joey Curatolo as Paul McCartney, Joe Bithorn as George Harrison, Ralph Castelli as Ringo Starr and Mark Lewis as an additional musician who plays keyboards and percussion. With the exception of Landes, the remainder of the band has previously all performed in Beatlemania.

And in the end…I thanked Gargano and Bernstein for a tremendous gift. I felt like this is the closest I'll ever come to seeing The Beatles. It was meaningful to receive this from people who are connected to my all-time favorite group in the world! It doesn't matter if you have seen The Beatles or not. Anyone who misses The Beatles should experience "Rain." Don't run and hide your head, bring your Beatle friends instead! A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

For more inform:
"Rain the Beatles Experience."
Toronto, Ontario Canada.
Jan 18 - 21 and 25 - 28 2007
Hummingbird Center
Show times: 8:00pm (21st and 28th at 2:00pm)
The Hummingbird Center
Hamilton, Ontario Canada
January 30 2007
Hamilton Place Theatre
Tickets available at Ticketmaster, charge by phone 604.280.4444
Tickets available on line at www.ticketmaster.ca



© by Maureen Shames special to beatlesnumber9

Beatles memorabilia fetch premium prices in US auction

Handwritten lyrics by the late Beatle George Harrison to his song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" sold for $300,000 at a rock and roll memorabilia auction here late Monday. The auction features items from rock legends including The Who, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin, all authenticated by the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Beatles memorabilia fetched the highest prices: John Lennon's 1966 military band tunic, which he was photographed wearing hundreds of times, went for $350,000. A signed Lennon watercolor of a bird painted when the musician was 11 sold for $52,500; a rare album cover signed by the Fab Four in 1963 sold for $25,000; and a set of four 1964 grey and black Beatles suits sold for $30,000. more

13-hour party for Cavern's birthday

CAVERN dwellers were returning to the best of cellars today to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Celebrities, musicians, sportsmen and a dozen previous owners were among 500 invited guests at the Cavern Club’s birthday bash. But neither of the surviving Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr, were expected to attend. Thirty-two bands were on the bill for the 13-hour extravaganza, which kicked off at 1pm. Bill Heckle, of Cavern City Tours, said: “It’s a celebration of the club and its history. The bands will cover everything from jazz and skiffle to pop, rock, blues and a smattering of Beatles. ''But Paul and Ringo won’t be coming. We did invite them, but our understanding is that there is an annual Apple board meeting today.'' more

Here comes the son

Not many people can release albums whenever they feel the time is right. But not many people are the son of Beatle John Lennon and artist Yoko Ono either. In Sean Lennon’s case, the wait was well worth it. His last album, 1998's "Into the Sun," showed a young Lennon experimenting with bossa nova. On his latest release, "Friendly Fire," named one of Rolling Stone's top 50 albums of the year, shows a matured musician dealing with the issues of heartbreak and loss over gorgeous melancholy pop songs, recalling some of his father’s most intimate work. Lennon seems to have more of Paul McCartney’s meticulous control over every aspect of the album, as opposed to his father sitting in bed recording "Give Peace a Chance. I wanted to have it be connected thematically, to be about the demise of relationships. I modeled it after like, in terms of how long it was, after Revolver in terms of the number of songs and feel. A couple other records, they all come in around 37 to 43 minutes, Pet Sounds, Revolver, Joni Mitchell, the best records do. So I wanted to make something that was conceivable in its length, because I feel like the problem with CD's is your brain’s attention span tends to wane after 45 minutes. But I did intentionally make it that long, or short rather. I intentionally recorded with one band. We did all the basic tracks in 10 days so that it had a consistency." more