Here’s the Deal with Saint Alvia
Quick bit of news about Saint Alvia, a band from west of Toronto we really like. Our Mike Sullivan spoke to Ben Rispin from the band about a new album.
If you’re anywhere in the Burlington or Hamilton area, Saint Alvia will play a charity show for Big Brothers on the 19th.
Here’s the Deal with U2
The rumours about another U2 album are started to ramp up. There was a leak out of Spain that suggested we might hear more about a release date for Songs of Ascent—that’s the title—in about a month. This makes sense since they’ll want to have something else to promote when the 360 Tour starts up again. And let’s not forget that DVD they shot in Pasadena and streamed live on YouTube last year.
Some people are betting on a June 1st release. That would be two days before the tour re-starts in Salt Lake City. And if that’s correct, I’d expect a first single sometime in April.
Here’s the Deal with EMI
Troubles continue for EMI, the smallest of the four major labels. This week, they lost their chief executive two weeks after he professed dedication to the company. Pink Floyd won a court battle to prevent EMI from unbundling their albums to sell as individual tracks through digital downloads. They’re now thinking of moving their catalogue to a different label. The people in charge of Queen’s catalogue are thinking the same thing.
The company has until June 14 to figure out a financial plan that will stop the bleeding. Meanwhile, Warner Music—which has been dying to buy EMI for years, if for nothing more than to get their hands of all those Beatles assets—is hanging back, waiting for another opportunity. It’s a fascinating business story.
Meanwhile, EMI has to keep bands like Gorillaz and Coldplay happy. They can’t afford to lose any more superstar acts.
Here’s the Deal with Coldplay
And speaking of Coldplay, they finally finished all the touring behind the Viva La Vida with a stop in Monterey, Mexico. This is a record that came out June 17, 2008. Now it’s some time off and then back into the studio to figure out what’s next—not only with music but with what they’re going to do about their record label.
ExploreMusic Playlist: The songs featured on the radio show today were:
“I Should Be Born” by Jets Overhead
“Viva La Vida” (Live) by Coldplay
“The World Is Calling” by Jeff Martin
“Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” by Cage The Elephant