A divorce decree for Madonna and Guy Ritchie divorce has been granted and may become final in six weeks and a day. Guy gets props for not taking Madonna to the cleaners.

Of Madonna’s $300 million fortune, Guy walks away with a paltry $10 million.

But he got what he wanted which was joint custody of his sons, David and Rocco, who he’s seen with attending a movie premiere in London last night.

The boys will split their time between London where daddy resides, and NYC with Madonna.

Lourdes is not part of the deal since she’s not his biological, so she stays in NY with mommy.

A British judge just a few hours ago, granted divorce decrees to 17 couples, including a “Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S.”

The decree said the divorce was granted on the basis of Guy’s “unreasonable behavior,” but did not elaborate. Rumors have it that Ritchie objected to Madonna adopted a Malawi girl.  Source

The Grateful Dead were known to bust out a cover song at most of their live shows. Many of them wrapped The Dead’s signature sound around an already popular composition. Today, I thought I would pull some favorites and new discoveries from the Live Music Archive. While there is a plethora of covers, dates, and versions to choose from, we’ll start you out with the ones below. Due to the large number and variety, it’s likely we’ll do several rounds of posts like these.

MP3: Grateful Dead - “Johnny B. Goode”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Day Tripper”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “The Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo)”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Gloria”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “All Along The Watchtower”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Hey Jude”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Bobby McGee”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Big River”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Mama Tried”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Wake Up Little Susie”
MP3: Grateful Dead - “Werewolves of London”

The Kills: Tape Song

‘Time ain’t gonna cure you honey, time don’t give a shit’ sings Alison Mosshart on the new single Tape Song by The Kills, released on the 24th of November. The bitter rock song is back, and The Kills are doing it in their dirty, sexy way.

Taken from The Kills‘ third album (Midnight Boom) released back in March, Tape Song features Mosshart’s American vocals over British guitarist Jamie Hince’s spurting guitars.

Mosshart’s voice is double layered and breathy in the verse (almost like Madonna) whilst it cracks in the more wild chorus (more like Duke Spirit’s Leila Moss). Hince’s guitars, meanwhile, are sparse and the bass simple, before becoming Franz Ferdinand-esque in the chorus.

All of this is set over laptop drums, which finally break out into resonating snares as the other instruments explode.

The contrast in The Kills‘ Tape Song is fascinating, yet even more interesting is the way that despite the burgeoning  expression that the chorus promises, the mechanical drums and vocals never fully disappear, and always appear to be repressing full out emotion.

This all creates a resignation, echoed in Mosshart’s insightful lyrics and her poetic way of playing around with her own phrases  - ‘Tape ain’t gonna fix it honey, it ain’t gonna stick’.

Tape Song is backed by London Hates You, where the lyrics are less insightful, but where another, softer side of The Kills is shown, with the strong influence of The Velvet Underground becoming apparent.

Visit their MySpace. Tape Song is released on Domino Records on 7″ and digital download.

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Darren Hayes just can't still and give himself a break. Such a busy bee. Even though he hasn't been recording any new music lately (sorry peeps) or playing any shows, the singer has been releasing and promoting some other very exciting new things.

He invited me to send him some questions about his DVD release and I figured this concerned his concert DVD that was released a few months ago. It is a perfect stocking stuffer, so with the holidays around the corner great timing to talk about it again.

But who knew that he is releasing a whole new DVD in the next couple of months? A very, very special one actually. Directed by his partner Richard Cullen (who's such a sweetheart in person),  This Delicate FILM We've Made is a compilation of high-end animations and "glorious" surround-sound remixes from songs off "This Delicate Thing We've Made" that will be in stores in February 2009. However, a limited edition super dooper version is available in December. Hayes explains it all in this very special video interview I did with him.

On a more serious note, Darren also talks extensively about the Prop 8 mess in California. Everybody should have a look and see how Hayes makes sense of the situation by just going back to the basics. "Prop 8 was a huge blow to me personally, but also to the world in terms of civil rights. I'm not angry as much as determined (. . . ) I truly think that as a culture we will be embarrassed in twenty years time that we actually tried to legislate discrimination," he says.

I told him I'm active with GLAAD as I believe accurate and fair portrayal of gays and lesbians in the media can make a huge difference in people's perceptions and thinking. Darren encourages people to read  M.L. King's writings, because "passive resistance is the way to go" to accomplish change.

He ends the video with some very nice word about Kanye West.

Thanks for doing this video,  Mr. Hayes. You're brill, kind and witty as always. See you soon London!

From New York’s RUCMA:

RUCMA Series 2008 @ the Yippie Cafe

Monday, December 1, 7:30 pm
Brad Farberman’s Music for Ears
Jam Session at 9 pm
David Rothenberg (clarinets)
Darius Jones (alto sax)
Dave Sewelson (bari sax)
Brad Farberman (guitar)
Andrew Drury (drums)

Wednesday, December 3, 8:00 pm
Cristian Amigo & Kingdom of Jones
Cristian Amigo (electric guitars)
Izzi Ramkissoon (bass & laptop)
Gonzalo Martinez (drums)
Rami El Asser (percussion)

Place: Yippie Cafe, 9 Bleecker Street
between Bowery and Elizabeth

Cost: General ($10), Students & Seniors ($7), Jam Session ($5)

Full Info: www.rucma.org , www.yippiemuseum.org
tel: 212.254.5420
Brad Farberman’s Music for Ears
Brad Farberman is a tireless performer and organizer on the innovative music scene in New York. Formative experiences like seeing Sunny Murray play, meeting Evan Parker in London and hanging out at Tonic have lead Farberman to a life in music from which, of course, there is no escape. Following some time in Massachusetts under the tutelage of Nick McBride, Glenn Siegel and the flautist Margo Edwards, Farberman relocated to New York City in 2007. As a guitarist, he has performed with Daniel Carter, Sabir Mateen, Steve Dalachinsky, Jason Kao Hwang’s Spontaneous River and William Parker’s Introscopic Orchestra. He is a founding member of Knucklebean, helped book the 2008 RUCMA series, and curates the monthly This Is Our Music series. He holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts, and is in pursuit of his M.A. in Jazz History and Research from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ.

Cristian Amigo & Kingdom of Jones
Guitarist-composer Cristian Amigo straddles the contemporary-classical, improv and rock worlds; no wonder he calls his Kingdom of Jones a “new music jam-band.” During any given performance, Messiaen grapples with Led Zeppelin while Perez Prado teaches Stravinsky to mambo.

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Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas, along with 50 children from his Zer0 Two Her0 Foundation, unveiled his wax figure today at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. Arenas posed side-by-side with his wax double and the children, who all donned Washington Wizards’ jerseys for the occasion.  The figure sports his signature #0 Washington Wizards home uniform, which was donated by Arenas. The wax figure will be a part of the attraction’s sports area alongside figures of other legendary athletes, including Evander Holyfield, Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.

“Gilbert Arenas is one of today’s most beloved basketball players — both in Washington D.C. and on a national stage,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York and Washington D.C. “As we move into our second year in the nation’s capital, we are thrilled to have a figure of the Washington Wizards’ fan favorite in our attraction.”

“It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” said Arenas.  “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.”

In order to create the incredibly lifelike figure, a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew in from London, UK to conduct a figure sitting with Arenas at the Verizon Center earlier this year.  Arenas was an enthusiastic participant in the creation of his wax figure – the sitting alone took more than two hours as the studio artists took hundreds of measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure. The figure creation process is incredibly intricate.  Artists insert each strand of hair individually; the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete. 

Since joining the NBA, Arenas has been a popular figure in the league.  Nicknamed The Hibachi and Agent Zero, he has transformed himself from a relative unknown to an NBA All-Star and a bona fide fan favorite.  His Agent Zero Blog on NBA.com, in which he offers fans an inside look into his whirlwind life with witty insights, is widely considered the top blog of any professional athlete today. 

Off the court, Arenas is passionate about several charities, including his own Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation, which helps promote the safety and well being of children by raising funds to support organizations that aid in the preservation of families through foster care, adoption and child welfare services.  

Fifty 7th and 8th grade students from James Madison Middle School in Prince George’s County, Maryland were part of the figure unveiling.  The students were recipients of Arenas’ Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation Christmas Dream program, and James Madison Middle School was a recipient of his Scores for Schools program last season.  Through Scores for Schools, Arenas donates $150 for every point he scores during Washington Wizards’ home games.

Washington Wizards’ fans will get to see Arenas’ wax figure again tomorrow when it makes its appearance at center court during the Wizards game against Houston at the Verizon Center.

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House with its entrance on the corner of F and 10th Streets.  With a limited time offer of $10 tickets for adults and seniors and $8 for kids ages 12 and under, now is the time to visit D.C.’s interactive “must do” attraction.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.:
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction.  Recent additions to the attraction include the beloved Jonas Brothers exhibit, where guests can snuggle up to figures of the famed trio and rock out with them on a pair of Gibson Guitars and a drum set.  Wax figures of superstars Penelope Cruz, Tyra Banks and Denzel Washington were recently introduced as well.  The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House.  The entrance is on the corner of 10th and F Streets.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

###

“Gilbert Arenas is one of today’s most beloved basketball players -- both in Washington D.C. and on a national stage,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York and Washington D.C. “As we move into our second year in the nation’s capital, we are thrilled to have a figure of the Washington Wizards’ fan favorite in our attraction.”

“It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” said Arenas.  “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.”

In order to create the incredibly lifelike figure, a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew in from London, UK to conduct a figure sitting with Arenas at the Verizon Center earlier this year.  Arenas was an enthusiastic participant in the creation of his wax figure – the sitting alone took more than two hours as the studio artists took hundreds of measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure. The figure creation process is incredibly intricate.  Artists insert each strand of hair individually; the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete. 

Since joining the NBA, Arenas has been a popular figure in the league.  Nicknamed The Hibachi and Agent Zero, he has transformed himself from a relative unknown to an NBA All-Star and a bona fide fan favorite.  His Agent Zero Blog on NBA.com, in which he offers fans an inside look into his whirlwind life with witty insights, is widely considered the top blog of any professional athlete today. 

Off the court, Arenas is passionate about several charities, including his own Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation, which helps promote the safety and well being of children by raising funds to support organizations that aid in the preservation of families through foster care, adoption and child welfare services.  

Fifty 7th and 8th grade students from James Madison Middle School in Prince George’s County, Maryland were part of the figure unveiling.  The students were recipients of Arenas’ Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation Christmas Dream program, and James Madison Middle School was a recipient of his Scores for Schools program last season.  Through Scores for Schools, Arenas donates $150 for every point he scores during Washington Wizards’ home games.

Washington Wizards’ fans will get to see Arenas’ wax figure again tomorrow when it makes its appearance at center court during the Wizards game against Houston at the Verizon Center.

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House with its entrance on the corner of F and 10th Streets.  With a limited time offer of $10 tickets for adults and seniors and $8 for kids ages 12 and under, now is the time to visit D.C.’s interactive “must do” attraction.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.:

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction.  Recent additions to the attraction include the beloved Jonas Brothers exhibit, where guests can snuggle up to figures of the famed trio and rock out with them on a pair of Gibson Guitars and a drum set.  Wax figures of superstars Penelope Cruz, Tyra Banks and Denzel Washington were recently introduced as well.  The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House.  The entrance is on the corner of 10th and F Streets.  For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

###

Lauren Harris, daughter of Iron Maiden founder member Steve Harris, will be releasing her new single, “Your Turn”, worldwide at one second past midnight as the first OFFICIAL release of 2009.

Lauren Harris on amazon.com

Lauren Harris on amazon.co.uk

This groundbreaking event, in conjunction with worldwide music distribution giants, The Orchard is the brainchild of Quite Great Communications’ marketing team, Redlands, and is the first of its type.

The single will be released at 00:00:01 in every major territory across the planet and it’s already creating considerable industry buzz worldwide.

Joe Arditti, Redlands chief marketing consultant, said of the venture:

“The recent global success of American female rock/pop artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Pink has opened up the rock genre to a far more mainstream market. More importantly, there is a gap in the British market for our very own Rock Goddess. We are proud to be working alongside Demolition Records and The Orchard with a British artist who can rival these American acts. What better way to bring in 2009, than with a new star born at midnight!”

Taken from her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Calm Before The Storm’, which features performances from her father, Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris on a number of tracks - the first time he has played on anything besides a Maiden track, ever!

An original rock chick, Lauren is no stranger to touring around the world. She has already performed in front of millions worldwide and will again be wowing audiences with her energetic stage presence on her upcoming world tour.

‘Calm Before The Storm’ is an eclectic mix of high-energy pop-rock tracks and has already received rave reviews in the alternative press. Lauren is now launching a full on assault on the British public.

Her catchy power-pop songs draw comparisons to American acts such as The Donnas and Paramore as well as more mainstream artists such as Avril Lavigne and Pink but with a distinctly British attitude and sound.

“She has the lungpower and poise to roam the heartland of American rock radio” - Kerrang!

“Watch out - there’s a new rock chick in town!” - Rock Sound Magazine

“Lauren’s star is on the rise… There’s definitely a storm brewing.” - Big Cheese Magazine

Lauren Harris 2008/2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

NOVEMBER 27th 2008 Zurich, Ohstoflager Switzerland
NOVEMBER 28th 2008 Zoe Club, Milan Italy
DECEMBER 2nd 2008 Barcelona, Mephisto Spain
DECEMBER 3rd 2008 Madrid, Heineken Spain
DECEMBER 5th 2008 Uden Nieuwe Pul Holland
DECEMBER 6th 2008 Kerkrade Rocktempel Holland
DECEMBER 8th 2008 London, The Underworld UK
DECEMBER 9th 2008 Leeds, Rios UK
DECEMBER 10th 2008 Glasgow, Cathouse UK
DECEMBER 11th 2008 Peterborough, The Park UK
JANUARY 19th 2009 Halsinki, Tavista Finland
JANUARY 21st 2009 Stockholm, Mosebacke Sweden
JANUARY 22nd 2009 Oslo, John Dee Norway
JANUARY 23rd 2009 Copenhagen, The Rock Denmark

Lauren Harris MySpace

• Alicia Keys and John Legend will perform at “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre on November 27th. Keys will perform her “Superwoman” and Legend will play “If You’re Out There.”
• Paris Hilton and her Good Charlotte boyfriend Benji Madden have split up after a nine-month relationship. “Benji was overprotective and controlling. He doesn’t get along with any of her friends,” a source tells Us.
• Michael Jackson is expected in London this weekend after being medically cleared to travel. Jackson will then testify Monday regarding a breach of contract trial after Jacko allegedly ripped off the son of the king of Bahrain for $7 million.