Wildest pop stars

The Independent's list of the 'wildest pop stars' include such luminaries as Stevie Nicks, Led Zeppelin, The Winehouse, The Doherty, The Killer, Keith Moon, Grace Slick and Ozzy, but the following are my favorites:

Happy Mondays

The story goes that Tony Wilson signed the Happy Mondays to his Factory label after watching them come last in a battle of the bands competition at the Hacienda. If he'd known they would later come close to ruining him, he might have had second thoughts. Shaun Ryder, Bez (right) and their tribe's increasingly drug-addled antics during the Madchester years had a destructive effect not only on their own minds, but on the health of their management. Wilson gave the Mondays £200,000 to record their masterpiece and, he hoped, throw the near-bankrupt record company a lifeline. Instead, Ryder and co blew the lot on a drugs binge in the Caribbean and produced an album with no vocals.

And don't forget Our Kid-

Liam Gallagher

The simian, truculent, fight-picking, paparazzi-baiting lead vocalist of Oasis spent 10 years drinking, drugging, punching his brother Noel*, bragging (absurdly) about eclipsing The Beatles, and getting into scrapes with the law. The most notorious was in December 2002, when Gallagher and two other band members began fighting each other in a Munich hotel nightclub. One fell into a table where five or six large Italians were sitting. They joined in. The band's security men came to help, attacking other club guests. The police arrived and, possibly in an attempt to restore calm, Gallagher kicked one in the chest. The fight continued outside, where Gallagher lost two front teeth. He narrowly escaped a GBH charge and a two-year prison sentence. The tour was cancelled. To date, he's been banned from an airline, four hotel chains and Channel ferries.

*the interview where Our Kid and Big Brother spend the whole time cursing & insulting each other? One of the most hysterical things I've ever heard. The word 'fuck' is used as an adjective, noun and a verb. They argue over if it's "rock and roll" to be thrown off ferries. It also contains my favorite bit of an interview ever.

Liam- "And I had a few drinks, because I like drinking."

Noel- (yelling from the bathroom) "You can't drink, you dick."

Available on iTunes.

Oh, dear

In a few weeks, my new little nephew is going to be baptized, and his parents (my brother and sister-in-law) asked me to be godmother. This is hilarious for many reasons, but I'd have to say my complete lack of respect for ANYTHING The Vatican says would be the funniest.

Poor things didn't have any other candidates, obviously.

Which brings me around to the point of this post. My other brother (the godfather) lives on the East Coast, and needed the godparents eligibility statement emailed to him, which I did tonight.
What's so hysterical about that?

I forgot to unclick the box that would have left off my email signature. Which is?

"I know you like the roll of the limousine wheel."
The Libertines

I can't stop giggling. I'm going to be the best godmother, evah!

Kieren-The View

Kieren Webster from The View live in London Jan 2007, originally uploaded by bruciebonus.

He's just darling, isn't he?

Shut it. Enough with the Humbert Humbert jokes.

I just want to cry

Fucking hell, they were 18 and 20? Jesus Christ, they're not old enough to legally drink here, and now they've died for their country. D'ya suppose this had anything to do with lack of training?

Jesus. I'm no longer wanting to cry, I am fucking crying. I know they signed up and everything, but their families didn't, and well, they're still on this plane of existence. One of my co-workers's sons just completed Basic Training. He'll be Over There soon enough. I pray to whomever that she never has to deal with what these soldiers families are dealing with. But what makes us anymore special than these families?

First look

at Irina Lazareanu (former Babyshambles) wearing pieces from La Moss's TopShop collection.

Love the dress, love the jacket, love the shades, and for the love of God, someone get Irina a sandwich. And chips.

And incidentally, she has about the same haircut as I do. I was thinking of changing it up a bit, but now I might just leave it. Stay on trend and all that.

Cover albums

While I find the songs that bands cover to be quite interesting, this looks like a trainwreck to me.

A big, huge, potentially nuclear trainwreck.

Maybe as bad as the time that Duran Duran thought it'd be a good idea to cover 'White Lines (Don't Do It).'

Featuring Poison's original members, POISON'D presents the band's first new studio recordings since 2002's Hollyweird. Produced by Don Was at Hensen Recording Studios in Hollywood, POISON'D packs 13 explosive tracks, including new recordings of David Bowie's "Suffragette City," The Cars' "You're Just What I Needed," The Romantics' "What I Like About You," Sweet's "Little Willy," The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See" and The Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers."

Oh, for GOD'S sake

Hey you American visa- type people.







I know you're "acting in our best interest" (rolls eyes) but I'm telling you, by denying The View visas, AGAIN, you're only keeping us from the presence of 4 itty-bitty little Scots boys that happen to be talented musicians. Come on, they're not threats!

They had to get a makeup artist to cover their zits and hickies before opening for Big Brother at Royal Albert Hall last week. And they're wee enough that this is endearing!

They're on bikes in this picture. Bicycles, not motorcycles!

They're little hell-raising babies! But they would abide by US laws, yes siree!

Interesting

This article talks about major artists that have never had an American #1 album, such as Bowie, Tom Petty, Kiss (well, that's because they're icky), The Who, Ozzy, Neil Diamond, and The Smiths.

As for this at the end-

The Smiths/ Morrissey: Marr's former bandmates — and his former musical foil — must be hella jealous about his recent chart success, because none of them has ever gotten close to sniffing #1 on the top 200. The Smiths' final album, 1987's Strangeways, Here We Come, topped out at #55, and the Mozfather never got higher on the charts than he did with 2004's You Are the Quarry, which debuted at #11. Then again, all that could change if the Smiths would just go ahead and reunite already ... hint, hint.

I have this to say. Nah. Ganna. Happen.

The Fratellis - Henrietta

I love this song. And don't you think that the drummer looks like Bonzo with Reni's taste in hats?

Fuckery

Stupid Mother Nature.

I bought a pair of shorts and busted out the flip-flops and the fake tanner today.



(Neutrogena is this white, white, white girl's fake tan of choice)

This is totally unacceptable. It's spring, dammit.

Robbie Sinatra

For my girl, Jen, who is recovering from foot surgery. Here's 'My Way,' from "Swing While You're Winning."

(Yes, I like Robbie. He's pretty and a good singer, not just the "fat dancer from Take That." Shut it).

Dior Homme shakeup

from the horse's mouth. Hedi Slimane's account of why he left Dior.

Via his official website Hedi Slimane has spoken out for the first time about his split from Dior Homme. "I tried to make things work for about a year. However, I had the feeling it was not the right project for me. There are areas I will not compromise with at all when it comes to my work," he said. Dior announced Slimane's replacement last week as Belgian designer Kris Van Assche. Choosing to set the record straight in a lengthy statement on his website, Slimane also dispelled rumours about starting up his own label. "Perhaps in another time in my life, under other circumstances, my name and the management of a company under my own label would be considered differently." Citing unwillingness to compromise on his designs, Slimane added: "I had no other choice than to refuse the kind of proposition that was made and to decline a new Dior Homme contract. I decided to walk away from Dior and move entirely forward."

Fooking HELL

Ask and ye shall receive. The Manchester versus Cancer finale with Messers Brown, Mounfield and Cressa.

Oh My Dear Sweet Lord

Somebody BETTER get this on YouTube, STAT!

The climax of the Manchester Versus Cancer event saw former Stone Roses bandmates Ian Brown and Mani take to the stage with Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and New Order's Peter Hook to perform 'I Am The Resurrection', sparking scenes of pandemonium at the MEN Arena.

Best. Thing. Ever.

As previously mentioned, my family is in the process of cleaning out my grandparents home, and dividing up stuff. In the process of doing so, my mom found a book that she thought I'd enjoy.

The book? Published in 1951. The title?

"How To Give Sex Instructions: A Guide For Parents, Teachers and Others Responsible For the Training Of Young People."

Yes, a vintage sex book, and more specifically, a Pre-Vatican II Catholic sex book.

'Twisted' does not begin to describe this pamphlet. The author was apparently incapable of completing a sentence, and was really fond of one fragment in particular. "Mortal Sin."

In the section for boys, the author uses lots of airplane-related metaphors and has a section on 'self-abuse,' that contains the following sentence.

"Seed has life-germs and hence is sacred."

I'm telling you, this is the best present I've ever received, and I'm including when I was 7 and got a Barbie Dream House. I've been completely unable to stop myself from laughing.

Gromit!

So cute!

The world famous HMV logo is to get a new dog - in the shape of the heroic and long suffering Gromit.

The new image is based on the original 1898 His Master's Voice oil painting which features Nipper the dog listening to an early gramophone recording.

HMV will be using the image for three months to support the promotion of children's DVDs at its stores.

Speaking of crying

this is it for the downer posts. I swear.

Failed attempt at acquiring Japanese battle flag from WWII (for grandchild that actually knows where Japan is on the fucking map) aside, my mom did well today.

Apparently my grandparents bought a lot of records, and no one else wanted them, so my rock snob mommy grabbed 'em.

Y'all, I'll go through them later, but the records include "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette- unopened. Sinatra's soundtrack for "The Americanization Of Emily." I had to sit down whilst looking at them. She's going back for more tomorrow.

So here's the downer part. Dad grabbed my grandpa's dress trench coat for me. What a guy! Great condition, probably late 1950's, button-out wool liner, the whole 9 yards.

But the thing is, when I tried it on 15 minutes ago, I reached into the pockets, and found a linen hankerchief. And it smelled like Grandpa. Like stolen smokes, Old Style Light and incense. Like falling asleep during Mass, pretending to read the Missalette. Like hiding beers in the spring house.

Like calling all his grandchildren, in an affectionate way, "You old snake."

Like taking us through the timber (forest) that was on our land, and telling his budding naturalist grandkids what kinds of trees we had, and where to find the best Morel mushrooms and Bittersweet. What kind of wildflowers grew there. What animal tracks we were seeing. And most importantly, how we should keep out of the caves in the crick (creek) because there were Rattlesnakes there.

Like telling us stories about his great-grandpa, Joab, who had a lawyer on retainer at all times, because he was constantly shooting the neighbor lady's hat off of her head or running an illegal still.

How he always called my grandma, even when Alzheimers took her mind, "Mom."

And it broke my heart when it suddenly hit me that I won't see the old coot anymore. Ever. He's been gone since September, and now it's hitting me. God, it sucks when people you love leave.

Don't mind me, I'll just be the weepy mess in the corner.

Fleetwood Mac - Silver Springs

This is my fav FM song beside 'Landslide.' Stevie is a goddess.

Yeah, I know. Too adult contemporary for words. I do not care. I love the second incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.

I know all the words to this song, but it makes me cry, so I don't sing along often.

Because I hate fucking up my eye makeup.

Yuck

Warning- I'm quite whiny.

I'm having a completely shitty week. Why?

*The weather has changed to spring, and my hair has gone from its lovely fall and winter-wavy state to sticking your finger in an electric socket-frizzy. Damn humidity.

*My cat ran in front of me, causing me to stub my toes really badly and now my foot is all swollen. Damn cat.

*No news source on the Internets has up the setlist from the Manchester v. Cancer concert last night. Damn reporters.

*My parents and my aunts and uncles are going through my grandparents things, and deciding who gets what. The only thing, the only fucking thing, that I wanted was a Japanese battle flag that my grandpa acquired, I don't want to know how, in WWII. My fucking cousin, who didn't even go to either of his grandparents funerals, got it instead. Because he was in the military. (not at the time of the funerals- he's the ass, not me)

Big woo. I was a history major. I know, lame, but I really wanted it, and he's a jackass. Damn relatives.

The only bright spot is that while my dad ran distraction on the others, my mom grabbed a ruby ring of Grandma's and the picture that Grandpa took in New Guinea of a woman nursing a piglet. For reals.

Okay, that's over with.

Naptime. It's rainy, and there's very little I love more than rainy afternoon naps.

Well, maybe Carl Barat and Anthony Rossomondo, but not by much.

I Knew The Bride

I downloaded this song from iTunes last night, and it's been making me crazy. I'm not sure which song it sounds like, but I'm pretty sure that it's "You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry.

If anyone knows for sure, please let me know.

Thanks.

Since it's spring.....

springflowers, originally uploaded by Pepsii.

I wore flip-flops today! Huzzah!

Random Ten

1. About You- Teenage Fanclub
2. DARE- Gorillaz
3. Jailbreak- Thin Lizzy
4. Brimful Of Asha- Cornershop
5. Mayday- The Libertines
6. Wasted Little DJs- The View
7. Sister Golden Hair- America
8. Out Of the Sinking- Paul Weller
9. I Knew the Bride- Nick Lowe
10. Long Hot Summer- Girls Aloud

Bonus-
11. The Weight- Aretha Franklin
12. I Am the Resurrection- The Stone Roses
13. Hell's Coming Down- Primal Scream
14. She's My Man- Scissor Sisters

Moz

I'm not a huge PETA fan (objectifying women in the pursuit of eliminating cruelty to animals- not cool), but this photo of Steven Patrick Morrissey is made of awesome. Nice suit, Mozza.

via Brooklyn Vegan

What. The. Hell?

What the Sam Hell is going on here? How do you replace Hedi Freaking Slimane?

Hedi Slimane is set to leave Dior after power struggles over his trademark. This comes as a bit of a shock, especially after the success of his Pete Doherty-inspired Dior Homme collections. Slimane will be replaced by Belgian designer Kris Van Assche who worked at Dior before launching his own label in 2005. Slimane was in talks with Dior about launching his own label but these talks collapsed after Slimane refused to hand over control of his name to Dior.

Gorillaz Demon Days Live- DARE(feat. Shaun Ryder)

God Bless You, Shaun William Ryder. And you, too, Ms. Rosie Wilson.

I'll play, too

Kaz was at home today, bored, and decided to do a "shuffle- quiz thingie." In the spirit of friendship, here's mine....

1. Start up iTunes

2. How many songs in total? 791

3. Sort by Song Title; What are the first and last songs?
first- $1000 Wedding- Gram Parsons
last- Zither- Doves

4. Sort by Artist; what are the first and last artists?
first-808 State- Pacific State
last- Valerie- The Zutons

5. Sort by Time; what are the first and last songs?
shortest- L'Espirit D' Escalier- Jet 00.23
longest- Amy, Amy, Amy (Outro)- Amy Winehouse 13.16

6. Sort by Album; what are the first and last albums?
first- (What's The Story) Morning Glory- Oasis
last- XTRMNTR- Primal Scream

7. Top 5 Played Songs?
a. (Songs For My) Sugar Spun Sister- The Stone Roses (24 times)
b. Stagger Lee- Lloyd Price (19 times)
c. Chelsea Dagger- The Fratellis (14 times)
d. Listen Up!- Oasis (13 times)
e. North Country Boy- Charlatans (11 times)

8. Find “sex” - how many songs show up? 3*

9. Find “love” - how many songs show up? 63

10. Try and put as many letters as you can into the search, with spaces in between each letter, if one letter takes all the selections out, skip it, and continue, until you’ve got as many as possible. What song is left?

Swastika Eyes (Jagz Kooner mix)- Primal Scream- XTRMNTR (bonus track)

What Letters were used?
all but 'p'

*I'm including 'Pornography'- Client Feat. Carlos- in this category. Because they're not talking about Scrabble in the song. Dirty Scrabble, maybe.

Mucca on Dancing With the Stars

The woman formerly known as Lady McCartney did an admirable job this week on DWTS. However, the following comment on the YouTube made me snort Merlot through my nose:

"I hope she's forced to dance to a Beatles song and, on live television, the ghost of John Lennon comes out of heaven and rips her other leg off."

So mean, but my question is, why not George? And isn't Paul allegedly been dead since 1966?

Love

A new documentary on the seminal rock band, Love, will be premiering in select UK movie theaters at the end of April. The film follows the band from their start through 'Forever Changes.'

Quite a few musicians are interviewed in the film, including Bobby and Mani Primal Scream.

Oh My God

Gwynnie- seriously, doll, when it seems like the interview is going well, QUIT WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD!!!!!

GWYNETH Paltrow can't stand seeing women getting drunk.

The Oscar-winner, 34, says: "It's gross, such a bad look." Unless she's indoors with pal Madonna. She adds: "When our children have gone to bed, we drink a glass of wine."

For the record

Should there ever be an American counterpart to Ms. Kylie Minogue, I think it will be young Hillary Duff.

For example-

1. Began career as a beloved young actress- check
2. Started dating slightly inappropriate boys- check
3. Albums started taking on a Europop, dance-y feel- check
4. Started to realize that the gays* are her core audience- check

So, by this logic, young Hillary will have her gold hotpants or similar featured in an exhibit at the Smithsonian when she hits her 30's.

*not that there's anything wrong with that

Fratellis

Performing 'Vince, The Lovable Stoner,' which is seriously one of my favorite song titles ever.

Dirty Pretty Things @ The Forum

Dirty Pretty Things @ The Forum, originally uploaded by Guy Eppel.

Great piccie of Carlos and Stan.

Noel Gallagher - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Okay, that's it. I can't handle anything else today. It's just too much.

Roses (maybe) reunion, Noel sings my fav Smiths song.... I'm without words.

Doesn't Shaun look good?

Yes, I realize that for most people, looking like this would cause major concern. However, this is the Rev. Ryder, and he does indeed, look well. Seriously.

I'm going to need

this handbag and coat, as shown by the lovely and badass Amy Sacco.

Look at these!

I could potentially afford these flats! Yay, Steve Madden!

Hmmmm

I'm getting the impression parties involved were not, shall we say, sober.

Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland's wife was arrested after lighting his clothes on fire outside their home in Toluca Lake, California, police said today (March 26).

Just shoot me

My last hysterical music post of the day. I swear.

Look at this setlist from and article about My Beloved Noel's concert for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

'(It's Good) To Be Free'
'Talk Tonight'
'Fade Away'
'Cast No Shadow'
'Half The World Away'
'The Importance Of Being Idle'
'Butterfly Collector'
'All You Need Is Love'
'Don't Go Away'
'Listen Up'
'Sad Song'
'Wonderwall'
'Slide Away'
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'
'Don't Look Back in Anger'
'Married With Children'
'Strawberry Fields Forever'

Oh yeah, it's that The View opened for him. And yes, that's The Jam's 'Butterfly Collector.' And that Weller came out to sing it with his lil' buddy. And it's that 'All You Need Is Love.' Again.....

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!

The NME is trying to kill me, part 595

Why not just play 'Sheila, Take A Bow,' and just kill me dead? 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out?' Guh. GUH!

Noel Gallagher played his first ever gig in Russia on Friday night (March 23).

Joined by bandmate Gem Archer, the pair wowed the crowd at Club B1 in Moscow with a semi-acoustic set, reports The Sun.

The set included a cover of The Smiths' 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'.

Meanwhile, the Oasis leader begins a two-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall tonight (March 26).

For full coverage of tonight's show in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust stay tuned to NME.COM.

Meanwhile, the full set from Moscow was:

'(It's Good) To Be Free'
'Talk Tonight'
'Fade Away'
'Cast No Shadow'
'Half The World Away'
'The Importance Of Being Idle'
'Don't Go Away'
'Listen Up'
'Sad Song'
'Wonderwall'
'Slide Away'
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'
'Don't Look Back in Anger'
'Married With Children'
'Strawberry Fields Forever'

Don't mind me

I'm just going to be sitting in the corner over here, not so quietly losing my mind.

Key members of legendary eighties Manchester band The Stone Roses are to get back together this coming weekend for charity.

Ian Brown and Mani - now with Primal Scream, are to get back together for the Versus Cancer benefit gig, which takes place at the MEN Arena this Friday (30 March).

Event organiser and former Smiths Bass Player Andy Rourke has told Music Week that: "Both Mani and Hooky are going to be doing something with Echo and the Bunnymen, Mani's going to be doing something with Ian Brown, and the grand finale's going to be quite special."

Last year at the Versus Cancer gig, there was an all-star performance of 'W.F.L' by The Mondays as the finale. The statement by Andy could mean that same thing was happening again.

However, it could also mean reunion. And me actually dying of jealousy.

via The Music Slut

The Libertines - Time For Heroes

I'm too wiped out to think, let alone write anything.

So enjoy Carlos with no top on.

This is exactly what I needed

Snark from Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Novels.

Candy: Jesus/Eleanor of Aquitaine fanfic! Now I’ve seen everything!

Sarah: How much must it suck to finally find your time travel romance opportunity, where you leave the baggy fashions of the 80’s and the Aquanet behind only to find yourself… hiding behind a tree with Jesus.

Of course, Jesus himself might be in for a surprise because looks to me like she’s got man hands and an Adam’s apple.

My M.O.

I've been an Anglophile for as long as I can remember. I blame it on weekly exposure to 'Monty Python's Flying Circus' (watched every Sunday morning while the rest of my family got ready for Mass) and that my next-door neighbor, Vivienne, was from the Motherland. England.

After WWII, Vivienne came to the United States with her husband, Doc (guess what he did for a living). Despite years of living in Iowa, she retained her lovely, melodious accent.

Viv and Doc's granddaughter would come to visit them every summer, and we'd run around, thick as thieves. She was an out-of-stater, and I was a massive dork, so we got along just fine together. We read Frances Hodgson Burnett and C.S. Lewis books entirely too many times, and played with all the cool things that Doc and Viv accumulated on their world travels. Then, when we'd get tired of running around their huge old house, Viv would make us tea and serve us biscuits on her mother's Spode china.

Due to growing up, their granddaughter and I lost touch, but I tried to always check in with them when I'd come back home from college. Viv was thrilled beyond words when I did a study abroad in England. (I didn't tell her it was "The History of British Rock and Roll").

Doc and Viv have been in a nursing home for some time now, and I meant to go see them sometime this spring. Well, that wasn't to be. I was crushed today to learn that Viv passed away last night. I hope she knew how much she meant to me, and how much she helped me become the person that I am today. Well, maybe not the latter.

Isn't it amazing how others can affect our lives? I miss you already, Viv.

also at Oh, Beehave

Random Ten

1. Push The Button- Sugababes
2. Words- Doves
3. Shout To The Top- Style Council
4. Barely Legal- The Strokes
5. Portions For Foxes- Rilo Kiley
6. What You Do To Me- Teenage Fanclub
7. Accelerator- Primal Scream
8. Chelsea Dagger- The Fratellis
9. Cinnamon Girl- Neil Young
10. Sweetest Goodbye- Maroon 5

Bonus-
11. Pull Up The People- M.I.A.
12. Tears Dry On Their Own- Amy Winehouse
13. Fake Tales Of San Francisco- Arctic Monkeys
14. Neptune- Ian Brown

Oh, hell

This is just awful.

Mrs. Edwards, 57, was first diagnosed with cancer in the final weeks of the 2004 campaign. The day after Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and Edwards, his running mate, conceded the election to George W. Bush, Edwards announced that his wife had invasive ductal cancer, the most common type of breast cancer, and would undergo treatment.

Mrs. Edwards underwent several months of radiation and chemotherapy for the lump in her breast. Her husband's campaign has said she had recovered from the illness.

``I don't look sickly, I don't feel sickly. I am as ready as any person can be for that,'' she said at the news conference.

John Edwards said a biopsy of her rib had showed that the cancer had returned.

The bone is one of the most common places where breast cancer spreads, and once it does so it is not considered curable.

Mark Ronson

regarding The Winehouse:

“I think if the music wasn’t as good as it was maybe she would become maybe just tabloid fodder, but there’s no denying that talent. There’s nothing you could say.”

Manchester loves Ms. Dolly

and I do, too. There aren't too many songwriters more talented,

It's little wonder her British fans cleared the M.E.N. Arena box office of tickets for her show on Tuesday in less than a day. She's the woman who brought us THE anthem for the working classes, 9 to 5, the most poignant appeal to the other woman ever committed to song, Jolene, and the track that put Whitney Houston back on the musical map, I Will Always Love You (only, Dolly's version didn't come with a warning to protect any nearby glass objects from potential sound-related damage).

performers more witty

Take her retort to a reporter who asked whether her breasts (or as Dolly refers to them, her 'show dogs') were real: "They're real big and real expensive," she quipped. And then there's her unforgettable assertion that "it takes a lot of money to look this cheap".

But there's plenty of others; "If I have one more face lift I'll have a beard", "If I see something sagging, bagging and dragging, I'm going to nip it, tuck it and suck it", her wig confessional "wherever I hang my hair that's my home", the tale that her famous busty blonde image is based on a local prostitute, or the story of the day she lost a Dolly Parton look-alike competition that she sneaked into, unbeknown to the judges.

and more generous than Dolly Parton.

But she's been generous with the bounty. Dolly set a literacy programme - inspired by her father's illiteracy - called the Imagination Library, which mails a book each month to every child in Sevier County, where Dolly grew up, from their birth to their first day in kindergarten.

The scheme has been replicated in more than 550 counties in America and exported to Canada, and Dolly has won countless awards for it. In addition, she's opened a bald eagle sanctuary at her theme park and worked with AIDs victims and cancer patients to raise money for associated charitable groups.

I have to tell you

I think I'd rather live next door to Pete and La Moss rather than Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Seriously, who'd have the best parties? The Libertine and the libertine, er, supermodel, or a Coldplay-er and a talented but rather insufferable actress

I think we know my answer to that particular question....

Carling Weekend

Can't say that I'm particularly excited about the headliners, but the second and third stages? Oh, but those are quite good....

Razorlight, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins have been confirmed as the headliners for the Carling Weekend: Reading And Leeds Festivals 2007, NME.COM can announce tonight (March 19).

Meanwhile Ash, The View and Klaxons are set to headline the NME/Radio One Stage.

Others acts confirmed to play include Kings of Leon, Interpol, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Panic! At The Disco, Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy, CSS and LCD Soundsystem.

The three day even will take place between August 24-26.

Pop and literature

Using song titles as writing prompts, a new series of short stories is being published this summer. The Fall's book is first, with others to follow. Sounds interesting. I'm thinking that the chapter on 'This Charming Man' will be a bit slashy.

And while Mr Wild originally intended to publish the anthology himself, Serpent's Tail then took on the project. Perverted by Language: Fiction Inspired by The Fall will be launched on 1 July at the inaugural Manchester International Festival with a gig by the band.

A further five volumes along the same lines are already in the works. A clutch of American authors are among those to have contributed to the second book, The Empty Page: Fiction Inspired by Sonic Youth, the American rockers, which will be issued in April next year. Writers including Mike Gayle, Nic Kelman, Mil Millington and Kate Pullinger have contributed to Paint a Vulgar Picture, a volume based on The Smiths, and Pleasant Dreams, inspired by The Ramones, will follow.

There will be a Joy Division anthology entitled Incubation, for which The Damned Utd author David Peace has already agreed to write, and the series will conclude with What Goes On, inspired by the Velvet Underground.

The Fratellis - Chelsea Dagger (Jools)

I purchased this Cd yesterday, and I've listened to this song, oh, about 50 times. Seriously.

Cortina, Cortina

The 1974 Ford Cortina used in hit BBC police drama Life on Mars has been auctioned on eBay, raising almost £13,000 for Comic Relief.

The car, seen in two hit series of the show about a modern-day police officer who finds himself transported to the 1970s, sold for £12,800.

Lucky bastards

At SXSW

Buzzcocks played a rousing set at South by Southwest today (March 16), closing out Spin Magazine's party at Stubb's Barbeque on a high note.

The seminal punk-pop band were introduced by former Jane's Addiction frontman and Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell, who emphasised the band's longevity and tremendous influence.

Guitarist/vocalist Pete Shelley exhibited the energy of a 20-year-old, and led his band through the paces during their hour-plus set.

"Austin power, yeah baby!" he said, and the crowd erupted.

The band, which recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, played several hits from their early days including 'Orgasm Addict', 'Sick City Sometimes', 'Promises' and 'Ever Fallen In Love'.

The View- Wasted Little Dj's

Warning- I'm going to be yapping A LOT about the boys from Dundee in the near future.

Random ten

1. Baby Fratelli- The Fratellis
2. Oh My God- Kaiser Chiefs
3. Shattered- The Rolling Stones
4. Take A Chance On Me- ABBA
5. Don't Leave Me This Way- Thelma Houston
6. Shoot To Thrill- AC/DC
7. Pornography- Client feat. Carl Barat
8. Oh My Gosh- Basement Jaxx
9. Girls and Boys- Blur
10. Sin Wagon- Dixie Chicks

Bonus-
11. Overjoyed- Stevie Wonder
12. Brianstorm- Arctic Monkeys
13. Ooh La La- Goldfrapp
14. Hit The Ground Running- Doves

Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll

Director Taylor Hackford talking about the documentary he made (with Keith Richards) about Chuck Berry. The process of making this movie about drove Keef around the bend. Horse didn't do what Chuck almost did. (He was prickly and uncooperative)

This bit is unreal.

And then, finally, the thing that I thought was incredibly fascinating was the tour that he did of England in 1973, and the fact that he insisted on being paid in pounds. In the end he had something like £250,000, which disappeared, and then inevitably the American tax service caught him, and instead of just coming clean - I mean, the man had the money - and paying the fine, he went to jail. And took an accounting class.

In the process of making this film, my wife, who is English [she is Dame Helen Mirren] was along with us. One time, Chuck asked her: "If you have a lot of pounds, and you want to get them back to the US, how would you do that?" She said: "Well, Chuck, I think what I would do is buy Victorian antiques and bring them in and then sell them because there's a big market for that". And he said: "Oh, very interesting." I need say no more.

The NME is trying to kill me, part 750

Part of an ongoing series.

Following his band Primal Scream being named Godlike Geniuses at this year's Shockwaves NME Awards, the band are now set to answer your questions.

NME.COM's sister title Uncut is staging an audience with the band's legendary bass player - and former Stone Roses man - Mani next week, and they want your queries.

Ever wondered how wide those Madchester flares were? What is his favourite fashion statement: the bucket hats or the white suit? Or perhaps you want to know who the ultimate frontman is: Ian Brown or Bobby Gillespie?

If there's anything you want to ask the "World's Greatest Bass Player" then send your questions to uncutaudiencewith@ipcmedia.com with Mani in the subject line.

I know of a question that I'd like to ask Mr. Mounfield. "Fancy a....." whoops, was that out loud? Naughty Cygirl....

From the DPT website

Yes, that sign says "More cowbell." Too cool for school.

Girls Aloud - Medley Live At Wembley

Amy Winehouse-Back to Black

"All thoughts of sleep desert me, there is no time,

thirty minutes brings me round to her number nine."

This is why I'm going to hell.

Last weekend, the flower shop that I work at, was hit with a last minute funeral, necessitating my working on a Sunday (we're not usually open that day).

So, I'm designing away and singing along to a song on of my Stone Roses Cd's.

What's the problem?

Well, I was putting together several arrangements for the funeral, one from a church and the other from a Bible study group from that church. And the song I was singing?

"Going Down."

For those of you unfamiliar with the collected works of Ian, John, Mani and Reni, yes, THAT type of going down.

I'm in soooooo much trouble......

Stuff On My Mutt

Coming soon from the crazy bastards who brought you Stuff On My Cat.

La Moss's Topshop collection

I must have this outfit. Must. Have. It.

Thanks for finding the scans, QB!
via

Amy, Amy, Amy

Y'all-

I've been preaching the Winehouse gospel since last November. Her album dropped here today, and girlfriend sobered up enough to perform on Dave Letterman's show last night.

Go get the album. Now. It's fantastic. You won't regret it. Her voice is unreal. Her songwriting is better. And she even invented a new curse word- "Fuckery."

Go get it. Seriously. Why are you still reading this? You should be opening iTunes or on your way to the store!

Kisses,
Cygirl

If I were Yoko Ono

I'd be calling my financial manager and having them cut a check. Say what you will about Mrs. Lennon, but there are very few people who have guarded their dead spouse's legacy more fiercely than she. For 25+ years, even.

Pop superstar Michael Jackson is being forced to sell the remaining rights to The Beatles songs he owns in a bid to pay off outstanding debts.

The Thriller star purchased the group's back catalogue in 1985, but sold part ownership of the songs to record company Sony in 1995, using the rest as security for loans in a deal rumoured to have made the star GBP750 million.

However, under the deal, Jackson must sell the rest of the rights to Sony by 31 May next year after they helped him repay a GBP140 million loan.

Great dress

The link is to an arcticle about photographer Richard Young auctioning off some of his work. Interesting. But the reason I linked to it? I love the dress La Moss has on.

picture by Richard Young

DPT

DPT.39, originally uploaded by scottspy.

Boy love is wonderful, isn't it? Oh yeah, the Stanley Monster rears it's mop-topped head again.

Marina City Towers

Marina.Tower, originally uploaded by scottspy.

AKA the Wilco towers. From Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Oh, LORD

The following is why I love Athenae from First Draft. There are very few people who can rant as coherently as she.

The piece she's having kittens about? Said that Hillary Clinton could take some lessons from Katie Couric. Yes, it makes my head hurt, too.

Diplomacy, intelligence, and genuine leadership abilities a plus.

THEY'RE NECESSITIES. Jesus Christ with a root beer popsicle, they're fucking necessities in the presidency. Woodrow Wilson was a sexist asshole. Bill Clinton fucked around on his wife. George Washington, even by the standards of the day, was pretty fugly. Abraham Lincoln was not the dude you'd invite to your party to liven it up. Yet: smart guys. Leaders. Their "diplomacy, intelligence, and genuine leadership abilities" weren't "pluses," they were reasons they succeeded in the job. These things aren't optional in our candidates. They aren't like getting a spoiler on the back of your car. They're the fucking transmission.

Exhaustion

Since my mom is out of town and we had a wedding* this weekend, we kind of figured that all hell would break loose at the flower shop. And how! We now have a funeral visitation both tomorrow and Monday, and since funerals generally come in threes, we're due another one.

Jen and I were going to stay late today and make both the casket sprays, but when we were both incapable of forming a sentence, we decided to make a fresh start tomorrow.

But it's all good now- I've had a glass of Chardonnay and a Benadryl, and am settling in for a lovely nap. Yay!

*this was a fairly small wedding- only 10 corsages and bouts, 3 bouquets and a few church pieces, but it's never that simple. First, you have to make the arrangements, then on the day of the wedding, double check to make sure that everything is done, then get it to the church on time and set up. It takes time and skill- even for a small wedding.

New obsessions, late nite edition

So as previously mentioned, The Bees have turned me into a Dirty Pretty Things fan. Especially Anthony "Stanley" Rossamondo. And, obviously, Carl "Carlos" Barat. The appeal of the former cannot be more clearly stated than in this post of Odd Bee's. Isn't he darling?

And let me give a "Laurel and Hardy handshake" to the boy-love thing. Mmmm.....

Why we love Stanley so....

This is why we started to love Stanley immediately after the concert where we had full intentions to just worship Mr. Barat. (The first photo where Miss Odd Bee said hmmm, I'm glad I stood on the right side of the stage!)

1. With those curls, he totally fits into our whole Dogs In Space era Michael Hutchence thing.


2. Those curls.

3. He and Carlos love each other and we love Boy Love.


4. Kate was after him and he did hang with her one night and then later admitted he had spent a little too long in her company. HA HA

5. Those curls.

6. He's a Connecticut Yankee and part of the Boston scene (where I lived for five years) so he's our boy.

7. Want a sandwich?


This concludes our ode to Anthony "Stanley" Rossomando.

As you were.

Dirty Pretty Things - Bang Bang You're Dead

The Bees have made a believer of me. Thanks, ladies. Like I need another band to be obsessed with. Oh well, there's always room for more.....

Random Ten

1. Out Of the Sinking- Paul Weller
2. I Hope You're Happy Now- Elvis Costello
3. Tired Of Hanging Around- The Zutons
4. Addicted- Amy Winehouse
5. Pounding- Doves
6. Levon- Elton John
7. Atomic Dog- George Clinton
8. Hard To Beat- Hard-Fi
9. Girlfriend In a Coma- The Smiths
10. Love Bites- Def Leppard

Bonus-
11. Going Down- The Stone Roses
12. Bang Bang You're Dead- Dirty Pretty Things
13. Wasted Little DJ's- The View
14. What Became Of the Likely Lads- The Libertines

Billboard is trying to kill me

First in the series.

New Order bassist Peter Hook is gathering some famous friends to collaborate on his "supergroup" project, Freebase.

The trio -- which comprises Hook, Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and Primal Scream bassist Mani (formerly of Stone Roses) -- will turn the mic over to some of Manchester, England's best-known frontmen.

"We've been working with some great singers," Hook tells Billboard. "(The Charlatan's) Tim Burgess has done a vocal for us. (Oasis') Liam Gallagher, I believe, is doing one [song], (Stone Roses') Ian Brown and (Primal Scream's) Bobby Gillespie."

I am telling you now. The versuscancer concert? Two of the Roses are going to be there. (Ian and my darling Mani)

John? Reni? Whatcha doin' at the end of March?

The NME is trying to kill me

Part of a ongoing series.

Noel Gallagher has joined pal Paul Weller in confirming that he will play at the gig at the Versus CancerMEN Arena, Manchester on March 30.

The Oasis star also joins the likes of Ian Brown, The Charlatans and Echo & The Bunnymen at the charity bash organised by former member of The Smiths, Andy Rourke.

After a number of collaborations at last year's event, including Andy Rourke and Johnny Marr playing together, there is speculation that Weller may join up with Gallagher, as he did in London late last year, and Tim Burgess.

I have no money

Yet I just found 15 bucks to purchase this book. The Stone Roses by Alex Green. All about the Roses first album. SQQQUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

A bow in the general direction of Kazza....

Digital

Yes, this is New Order playing "Digital," the Joy Division song they haven't done in years. Yes, that is my favorite actor, John "24 Hour Party People; Life On Mars" singing alongside Bernard. The person he portrayed in 'Party People.' And my first crush, Peter Hook. I need to lay down now.

Doves - Caught by the river

Fantastic song.

backstreet in the neighborhood

backstreet in the neighborhood, originally uploaded by motocchio.

Such a cool picture. The street lights seem to extend to infinity.

Interview with Alex Arctic at the NME Awards

If you've forgotten what loopily drunk looks like, let me direct you towards this interview with young Mr. Turner at the Shockwave awards. Absolutely adorable. And regarding the potential Monkeys/ Girls Aloud collaboration, well, you can't blame the boys for trying. Look at them! They're obviously attempting to not burst into laughter at their good fortune. Bless them.

Amy & the Arctics

The Winehouse to open for the Sheffield lads at Old Trafford.

Arctic Monkeys have named the groups that will support them at their upcoming summer stadium shows.

Supergrass, The Coral and Amy Winehouse will play warm-up to the Sheffield indie sensation at the Lancashire County Cricket Ground shows.

Speaking about the acts, The Monkeys said: "When we decided to do our own event, we wanted to play with people whose music we love and just make it a really fun day out for the fans.

"Supergrass, The Coral and Amy Winehouse are all amazing live acts and three of our favourite artists. We're really looking forward to playing together. It's going to be two days of great music."

The shows, which support the new Arctic Monkeys album, "Favourite Worst Nightmares", take place on July 28 and 29.

Do-doo-doo-doo-doooh-DAH!

Please excuse the conga line. My current bout with stomach flu be damned, IT'S FITZMAS!

Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was convicted Tuesday of lying and obstructing a leak investigation that reached into the highest levels of the Bush administration.

Libby is the highest-ranking White House official to be convicted of a felony since the Iran-Contra scandal of the mid-1980s. The case brought new attention to the Bush administration's much-criticized handling of weapons of mass destruction intelligence in the run-up to the Iraq war.

The verdict culminated a nearly four-year investigation into how CIA official Valerie Plame's name was leaked to reporters in 2003. The trial revealed how top members of the administration were eager to discredit Plame's husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who accused the administration of doctoring prewar intelligence on Iraq.

Dior Homme

Gee, I'm thinking that Hedi Slimane has been listening to a lot of Joy Division.


His collection circa 2007-






















Ian Curtis circa late 1970's-













picture via

Hermes

When I first saw the pics from Jean-Paul Gaultier's collection for Hermes, I thought, "My God, that's too Francoise Hardy for words." Yep, I nailed the cultural reference. And I want that jacket. And hat.

The Libertines - Boys In The Band

For my friends who have never understood what all the fuss was about Messrs. Doherty and Barat.

More Fashion Week

Well, now I've started looking at all the shows. Loved, loved, LOVED the fitted jackets at Balenciaga. I'm quite curvy, so fitted jackets are my best defense against looking, uh, chubby, rather than va-va-voom.

Paris fashion week

I've not quite caught up on the happenings from Paris fashion week, but this coat from Vionnet is my favorite look thus far. It looks soft, warm and cuddly yet extremely chic.

Hysterical

From The Onion

GWYNEDD, WALES—Calling it the planet's last, best hope for saving rock music, the Guardians of the Protectorate of Rock announced Monday that they would take the extraordinary step of unleashing a never-before-heard Jimmy Page riff, hidden for decades in a mythic, impenetrable vault.

....

"Citizens of Rock, we refuse to stand idly by any longer," ZZ Top founder and Protectorate High Elder Billy Gibbons said. "When a puss like James Blunt is allowed to rule the airwaves, we must respond by exposing this monster riff, and blowing minds into the stratosphere."

....

However, after piecing together clues hidden in Yes album covers and Pink Floyd liner notes, rock historians now believe the riff is locked away deep beneath the Welsh countryside house known as Bron-Yr-Aur, at rock-grid coordinates SH735026. British weather satellites have also photographed an enormous cloud, shaped like a hybrid of an upside-down question mark and cross, forming above these exact coordinates.

Primal Scream - Burning Wheel

On Jools Holland's show.

Sisters are doing it for themselves

This article mentions many of the things about Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse that made me develop mad straight-girly crushes on them. As much as I enjoy the whole celebrity red-carpet thing, it's nice to see women who aren't primped, waxed, styled and starved to within an inch of their lives. Behaving themselves.

Amy has been very honest about her issues with bulimia, alcohol, drugs and men. No apologies, it's just who she is. When Diamond Lil didn't win at the Brit Awards, did she smile pretty for the camera and tell reporters that she was honored to be nominated? HELL NO! She went and got knee-walking drunk with the Brothers Gallagher. (lucky)

It's just refreshing, the lack of apologizing for being young.

cross-posted at Oh, Bee-Have

Doves - Pounding

Live on Jools. I could not love this song more. Doves are a regular on my playlist at the flowershop on Saturday mornings, along with The Smiths, The Mondays, New Order, Oasis and The Roses. Manchester bands feel like Saturday to me. Especially rainy Saturdays. And I mean that in the Goldfrapp sort of way. "You're my Saturday."

I hope that doesn't sound too insane. Oh well.

Boy, Liz Hurley knows how to throw weddings

I can hardly wait to see the piccies in Hello!

Although the invitation given to guests said they would be going to the pair's 'marriage' it emerged yesterday that they had actually wed the day before in a private civil ceremony at the castle.

That did not stop 41-year-old Hurley from throwing an extravagant affair to celebrate her nuptials. She arrived in the morning and had a team of four hairdressers, three make-up artists and a dresser to help her prepare. Nayar, 42, arrived at 3.15pm in a blue Bentley.

The perimeter of the castle was protected by security guards who stopped passers-by walking along footpaths that were too close to the walls.

The couple were determined to protect their lucrative Hello! magazine, rumoured to be worth £2m, that gives the publication exclusive rights to photographs inside the party, set in a white marquee on the castle's grounds.

Afterwards Hurley and Nayar will take guests to Mumbai where there will be a week of events, including a traditional Hindu ceremony and cricket match.