Justin Timberlake and Tennman Records

Judtin Timberlake, has done it again. As one of the former, and by far the most popular N'Sync boy band members, he has come to the decision to open up his very own record label: Tennman Records. The record label will be a joint venture with Interscope Records, and Mr. Timberlake, as he shall now be known, will serve as Chairman and CEO.

According to JT - "We are all excited about the talent we have to offer already on our roster and I cannot wait to introduce the world to my new discoveries". No word yet on who he has lined up to get a piece of the action.

In my own opinion, the news of Tennman Records is not surprising. Although Mr. Timberlake has a massive fan base, sells lots of records, and makes tons of money, I can't quite call myself a fan. Not to discredit the amount of creativity and talent he has, just not my style. I also question his ability to lead an entire organization as monumental as a record label.

UPDATE: Justin has signed his first act - "Internet phenomenon and singer/songwriter Esmee Denters" from Oosterbeek, Holland. The young singer / songwriter gained a large following by posting her singing exploits to the popular video sharing site - you tube.

We will continue to update you with the latest on signings at the new record label.

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Simon and Garfunkel Reunite

There is much rejoicing amongst the baby boomers today, as following suit to the Police, and possibly even the Smashing Pumpkins, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkle reunited in concert yesterday in Washington DC. Possibly two of the most influential voices in American Music, these two must have put on quite a show.

Paul also joined up with the Zulu choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo for the first time since 1999. The concert was in honor of Paul's recent reception of the Gershwin Award as reported earlier on this blog.

Other performances of the evening included were bluegrass star Alison Krauss, reggae singer Stephen Marley and Latin vocalist Marc Anthony, who all performed songs from Paul's repertoire.

For all those interested, and you know who you are, the concert will be aired on June 27 on PBS.

American Idol, Jordin Sparks pulls it off.

It has finally come to a close, and now America can move on to the drab and boring summer programming line-up. With the week of show finale's behind us, it has finally come time to surf the net and find out who won American Idol: the show for people with no apparent talent/marketability.

And it doesn't take long to find out that the winner is of course: Jordin Sparks, America's favorite Arizona Native.

So what of this beautiful win: will this wanna-be diva dive right into the pop scene and bust out a top selling album? Or will she fall by the wayside of Rueben Studdard, who is no-where to be seen.

Personally, I have been very disappointed in the artists produced by American Idol, save of course Carrie Underwood. It is not the career maker that everyone wants it to be. And this year is certainly no different. The show had it's moments, such as Paula dancing to all the pretty boys, Sanjaya finally getting sent home, and Blake Lewis (the first time he did the beat box thing, then it just got old). But as I sit and ponder the last few weeks, I keep thinking to myself, "I would never buy any of their albums".

I guess Simon really has his work cut out for him.

Smashing Pumpkins: First Concert Update

I know that we've all been waiting patiently, and the moment has finally arrived. For the first time in seven years the newly revived Smashing Pumpkins took the stage in Paris to promote their upcoming album. The three hour show included 29 songs, with a nice mix of old and new, including an acoustic show sandwiched in the middle, featuring tracks such as "33," "Winterlong" and "To Sheila."

The revised band included the originals Billy Corgan, and Jimmy Chamberlin as well as newcomers guitarist Jeff Schroeder, bassist Ginger Reyes and keyboardist Lisa Harriton.

The Pumpkins will continue their tour through the summer to promote their new album "Zeitgeist", due out July 10.

The entire set list:

"United States"
"Today"
"Stand Inside Your Love"
"Orchid"
"Doomsday Clock"
"Home"
"Hummer"
"Starz"
"Tarantula"
"Bullet"
"Gossamer"
"God and Country"
"33"
"Rocket"
"Winterlong"
"To Sheila"
"Glass and the Ghost"
"Cherub Rock"
"1979"
"Tonight"
"Neverlost"
"That's the Way"
"Disarm"
"Zero"
"Untitled"

Encore 1:
"Shame"
"Silverf*ck"

Encore 2:
"Annie Dog"
"Muzzle"

Jessica Simpson - Joins the Army

Now what is the world coming to. In the most recent news from the mystical land they call Hollywood, Jessica Simpson the former flame of Mr. Nick Lachey, and current ex-bounce of the all to well known John Mayer, has penned a deal to start in an upcoming movie about a Blonde Bombshell who joins the Army. The movie - called "Major Movie Star" (ha ha - we're all laughing our freakin heads off) is supposed to be a comedy, and is due to start shooting in June.

Now for the Commentary - I only have one thing to say: "What the frick were/are they thinking." I would like to meet the writer who diligently spent hours and hours hunched over a dark desk, draining all his/her thoughts onto a blank sheet of paper to write this epic bard. Then - what producer in his right mind would throw millions into making a movie like this. And lastly, I want to know - WHO PICKED JESSICA! Haven't we all learned from the last movie endeavor that there is not a much in the way of anything goin on upstairs there.

The deal, apparently negotiated by all star manager/dad/creepy fella Joe Simpson is one of three movie deals Jessica is looking into right now. And if you can believe it - at least one other movie actually had the word "Blonde" in the title. I know I never would have thought of it.

Jessica has also said that she is taking a break from doing any major recording, as her heart is still heavy over the "recent" breakup between her and Nick.

Enough said.

NEWS: Courtney Love to sell Kurt's Belonging's

In an effort to rid herself of the memories of her late husband, and to finally move on from his death 13 years ago, Courtney Love is holding an auction at Christie's where she will sell off all of Kurt's old things.

"My daughter doesn't need to inherit a giant... bag full of flannel... shirts," Love quoted the AOL website Spinner.com. She plans to leave her daughter with a sweater, a guitar, and the [presumed original] lyrics to "Smells Like Teen Spirit", as a memory of the father she never really knew.

There is no date set for the auction, but we'll keep you posted.

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