You may have heard the tiff going on between Guitar World cover boy and the idol of pot-bellied prog-rock-loving Indonesian Harley -Davidson enthusiasts Joe Satriani had filed suit against UK rock gods Coldplay, claiming that Coldplay's vivacious "Viva La Vida" song of the eponymous album contains "substantial original portions" of Satriani's own song "If I Could Fly".
And while it's not really easy to imagine that this champion of endless screeching guitar solos (an act I consider to be a form of musical masturbation) could be in any way responsible for one of 2008's most ass-kicking rock singles, the two songs do share remarkably similar riffs, evidence of which can be found in many a Youtube video.
Not long after Satriani filed suit, Coldplay released the following statement claiming that Satriani didn't have anything to do with "Viva La Vida": "Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write the song *Viva la Vida'. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavors." Satriani did not accept those assurances, of course. I mean, come on! That was kind of lame. The Associated Press reports that lawyers for Coldplay have once again insisted that Satriani didn't write the song, this time in court.
Yesterday, they filed a response in a Los Angeles federal court, claiming that "If I Could Fly" "lacks originality" and doesn't warrant copyright protection. According to Billboard, Satriani's lawyer believed the matter could've been resolved out of court, which is usually where cases like this end. Coldplay are sticking to their guns, though, and they stand to lose all kinds of money if the court rules against them. In the meantime, the members of Coldplay don't appear to be losing any sleep. They've been busy recording their Viva La Vida follow-up with uber-producer Brian Eno.
British-Sri Lankan hip-hop queen M.I.A. (born: Mathangi Arulpragasam named her first album after her father, a controversial Sri Lankan revolutionary figure, and she often uses revolutionary slogans and imagery in her music and presentation. Her politics have ruffled many feathers of those government types in Colombo. In recent months, her ladyship's statements about Sri Lanka's ongoing civil war have manage to irk people once more.
In late March, M.I.A. apparently lent her support to the Mercy Mission to Vanni (http://vannimission.org) , a British campaign to send supplies to civilians trapped in the fighting between the Tamil Tigers, who seek independence from the country at large, and the Sri Lankan Army. Now, a representative for the Sri Lankan Navy has made statements to a Sri Lankan newspaper about how these supplies may in fact be intended for the Tigers themselves and how the country's Navy will fire on any unauthorized vessel entering the country's waters.
Alt-country rockers and good ol' Kentucky boys My Morning Jacket are prepping a new seven-song live EP recorded in their native Louisville to be released exclusively in America's finest indie music shops on April 18. The EP, dubbed Celebraci*n De La Ciudad Natal, was recorded in 2008 at Louisville's own indie music haven, Ear-X-Tacy, as well as the city's picturesque Waterfront Park; it'll be available as a CD and in limited edition 10" double vinyl form.
In a very non-mainstream minded statement about the release, the band wrote, "It is so important that we realize that it is our local businesses and people (and natural landscapes, but that's a different letter) that are what make different towns worth coming to." Don't expect a Wal-Mart-only DVD from the boys.
Westlife captivates Jakarta fans in Face to Face tour
The show was delayed for an hour but the crowd did not lose enthusiasm when Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Bryne and Shane Filan finally appeared during their Westlife Face to Face Asian Tour concert in Jakarta.
During the event on Sept. 12 at Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium, Central Jakarta, the boy band, founded seven years ago, performed 17 songs, ranging from songs from their first album, Swear it Again to the newborn Face to Face, which was released in November 2005.
Indonesian Idol 2006 finalists Ihsan and Dirly appeared as guest singers during the opening of the concert.
Jakarta was the final destination in their Asian tour with previous stops in the Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The band and entourage were obviously not deterred by discouraging reports of terrorism, pollution and natural disasters from making a third visit to Indonesia after previous visits in 2000 and 2001.
""We are never reluctant to visit Indonesia. Amid the rumors, it is a great pleasure for us to contribute a day of happiness for our Indonesian fans,"" said Westlife.
Westlife put on a captivating show with a performance blended with energetic dances, to the fans' delight.
""After the experiences we've had since our first album, we are now wiser about performing,"" Westlife earlier had told a press conference.
Westlife is no less without Bryan McFadden, who decided to leave the band in 2004 for family reasons.
""His decision was a shock for us. But we took no offense. Now, Westlife is more closely knit. The solidarity is even stronger,"" said the boy band.
When Bryan announced his decision he said that he needed to devote more of his time to his family life with former Atomic Kitten member, Kerry Katona and their children.
Bryan then started a solo career, entering the charts at number one with his first solo single, Real To Me.
In Face to Face, Westlife gave second wind to some old songs--You Raise Me Up, Desperado (The Eagles), In This Life (Collin Raye) and When You Tell Me That You Love Me, a song produced in collaboration with Diana Ross.
""We are not recycling old songs in this new album. Nowadays, it is hard to find good songwriters. But if there are any good songs, we will not hesitate to accept them,"" said Westlife.
""It was a golden opportunity for us to collaborate with Diana Ross because she is a living legend. She was very energetic during the shooting of the music video, and that was really surprising,"" told the band.
Besides Diana Ross, Westlife has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry -- Mariah Carey, Donny Osmond, Lulu and Donna Summer.
To them, having the opportunity to collaborate with other singers, especially the seniors, is a blessing.
""There will be another collaboration with another singer, but it is still a secret. We will announce it soon,"" said Westlife.
Westlife has become more popular ever to fans, as shown by its strengthening position in the music industry.
The Jakarta concert, organized by Java Musikindo, attracted an audience of almost 3,000.
""The performance was amazing. But I was disappointed because the stage setting was not what most of us expected. It should have been better for a renowned band like Westlife,"" Silvia, a fan, told The Jakarta Post.
According to Silvia, with the high price of the tickets, fans had high expectations about the concert.
""Indonesian Idol's stage was better ... although the spectators paid nothing for the show,"" said Silvia, who said she had come to Westlife's previous two concerts.
However, she said that the venue chosen for this year's concert was much more comfortable compared with that for the first two, which were held at the Istora Senayan and Soemantri Brodjonegoro Sports Center.
""During the first concert in 2001 at Istora Senayan, many spectators fainted and it caused chaos that night. The place was too small, given the huge crowd,"" Silvia said.
During the event on Sept. 12 at Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium, Central Jakarta, the boy band, founded seven years ago, performed 17 songs, ranging from songs from their first album, Swear it Again to the newborn Face to Face, which was released in November 2005.
Indonesian Idol 2006 finalists Ihsan and Dirly appeared as guest singers during the opening of the concert.
Jakarta was the final destination in their Asian tour with previous stops in the Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The band and entourage were obviously not deterred by discouraging reports of terrorism, pollution and natural disasters from making a third visit to Indonesia after previous visits in 2000 and 2001.
""We are never reluctant to visit Indonesia. Amid the rumors, it is a great pleasure for us to contribute a day of happiness for our Indonesian fans,"" said Westlife.
Westlife put on a captivating show with a performance blended with energetic dances, to the fans' delight.
""After the experiences we've had since our first album, we are now wiser about performing,"" Westlife earlier had told a press conference.
Westlife is no less without Bryan McFadden, who decided to leave the band in 2004 for family reasons.
""His decision was a shock for us. But we took no offense. Now, Westlife is more closely knit. The solidarity is even stronger,"" said the boy band.
When Bryan announced his decision he said that he needed to devote more of his time to his family life with former Atomic Kitten member, Kerry Katona and their children.
Bryan then started a solo career, entering the charts at number one with his first solo single, Real To Me.
In Face to Face, Westlife gave second wind to some old songs--You Raise Me Up, Desperado (The Eagles), In This Life (Collin Raye) and When You Tell Me That You Love Me, a song produced in collaboration with Diana Ross.
""We are not recycling old songs in this new album. Nowadays, it is hard to find good songwriters. But if there are any good songs, we will not hesitate to accept them,"" said Westlife.
""It was a golden opportunity for us to collaborate with Diana Ross because she is a living legend. She was very energetic during the shooting of the music video, and that was really surprising,"" told the band.
Besides Diana Ross, Westlife has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry -- Mariah Carey, Donny Osmond, Lulu and Donna Summer.
To them, having the opportunity to collaborate with other singers, especially the seniors, is a blessing.
""There will be another collaboration with another singer, but it is still a secret. We will announce it soon,"" said Westlife.
Westlife has become more popular ever to fans, as shown by its strengthening position in the music industry.
The Jakarta concert, organized by Java Musikindo, attracted an audience of almost 3,000.
""The performance was amazing. But I was disappointed because the stage setting was not what most of us expected. It should have been better for a renowned band like Westlife,"" Silvia, a fan, told The Jakarta Post.
According to Silvia, with the high price of the tickets, fans had high expectations about the concert.
""Indonesian Idol's stage was better ... although the spectators paid nothing for the show,"" said Silvia, who said she had come to Westlife's previous two concerts.
However, she said that the venue chosen for this year's concert was much more comfortable compared with that for the first two, which were held at the Istora Senayan and Soemantri Brodjonegoro Sports Center.
""During the first concert in 2001 at Istora Senayan, many spectators fainted and it caused chaos that night. The place was too small, given the huge crowd,"" Silvia said.
'Rock Parade' set to rock Jakarta
The Java Jazz Festival has gained its foothold as the biggest musical event in the capital. Now rockers will get the chance to "regain" their glory with the Jakarta Rock Parade, a three-day rock festival that will gather rock stars from different generations.
The festival, which, like the Java Jazz, will involve multiple stages, will be held on July 11-13 at the Senayan Tennis Indoor stadium.
"It is part of our appreciation of Indonesian rock music, which once dominated the country's music scene. This is also to promote Indonesia as one of the biggest rock centers in Asia," the event's organizer, Jimmy Johansyah, said.
More than 60 local rock bands from various rock sub-genres, ranging from classic acts like Roxx, Flowers, Voodoo and Gang Pegangsaan to alternative acts like Rumah Sakit, The Upstairs and Efek Rumah Kaca, have confirmed their participation. Metal bands such as Getah and Koil are also on the list.
Andy Tielman, a member of the Indonesian legendary rock band Tielman Brothers, who made their recordings and gained popularity in Europe in the 1960s, will make a special appearance at the event.
"The rock community will have a nostalgic moment with the Tielman Brothers, one of the world's legendary bands from Indonesia. Andy Tielman was one of the world's best guitarists," Jimmy said.
A number of international rock bands, such as Yeah Yeah Yeah, BMX Bandits and many others, he added, would also take part in the parade.
"We are still waiting for confirmation from some other bands," he said.
The parade will also present a new local band, Rock Chamber, which will perform rock tracks accompanied by a classical music ensemble. Jimmy said he was trying to get Discus, one of the country's most progressive rock bands, to join the festival.
He said that even though it was a rock festival, the organizer would try to make the atmosphere as comfortable as possible.
"Our targeted visitors vary from seniors to teenagers, as we will present bands from the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s and the 2000s," he said.
Besides concerts, there will also be exhibitions and a "rock clinic", where top musicians will share their skills and knowledge with visitors.
Jimmy said it would be the biggest rock festival ever held in the country.
"We hope to hold this (festival) annually," he said, adding it would serve as an alternative to the more prevalent jazz festivals in the capital.
The festival, which, like the Java Jazz, will involve multiple stages, will be held on July 11-13 at the Senayan Tennis Indoor stadium.
"It is part of our appreciation of Indonesian rock music, which once dominated the country's music scene. This is also to promote Indonesia as one of the biggest rock centers in Asia," the event's organizer, Jimmy Johansyah, said.
More than 60 local rock bands from various rock sub-genres, ranging from classic acts like Roxx, Flowers, Voodoo and Gang Pegangsaan to alternative acts like Rumah Sakit, The Upstairs and Efek Rumah Kaca, have confirmed their participation. Metal bands such as Getah and Koil are also on the list.
Andy Tielman, a member of the Indonesian legendary rock band Tielman Brothers, who made their recordings and gained popularity in Europe in the 1960s, will make a special appearance at the event.
"The rock community will have a nostalgic moment with the Tielman Brothers, one of the world's legendary bands from Indonesia. Andy Tielman was one of the world's best guitarists," Jimmy said.
A number of international rock bands, such as Yeah Yeah Yeah, BMX Bandits and many others, he added, would also take part in the parade.
"We are still waiting for confirmation from some other bands," he said.
The parade will also present a new local band, Rock Chamber, which will perform rock tracks accompanied by a classical music ensemble. Jimmy said he was trying to get Discus, one of the country's most progressive rock bands, to join the festival.
He said that even though it was a rock festival, the organizer would try to make the atmosphere as comfortable as possible.
"Our targeted visitors vary from seniors to teenagers, as we will present bands from the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s and the 2000s," he said.
Besides concerts, there will also be exhibitions and a "rock clinic", where top musicians will share their skills and knowledge with visitors.
Jimmy said it would be the biggest rock festival ever held in the country.
"We hope to hold this (festival) annually," he said, adding it would serve as an alternative to the more prevalent jazz festivals in the capital.
Jamiroquai and Jakarta boogie down amid rumors of future show
It may have been 12 years since concert promoters first tried to get legendary English acid-jazz band Jamiroquai to play in Indonesia, but there was certainly no love lost for the hundreds of fans who turned out for Wednesday night's long-awaited performance.
As soon as the band launched into their opening track "The Kids", and notorious front man Jason Kay (Jay Kay) leapt on stage in flares and trilby hat, the crowd exploded into cheers of hysteria reserved specially for musicians of truly superstar status.
"Jakarta, are you reading for some boogie?" asked Jay Kay as he broke out into a funky 2-step dance across the stage. His charisma and energy appeared as fresh now as he approaches 40 as it was in 1993 when Jamiroquai's debut album, Emergency on Planet Earth, was first released to critical acclaim.
Since those early days at the forefront of England's acid-jazz scene until Wednesday's show at the recently-completed Sentul City Convention Center, Jamiroquai have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and developed stylistically to include rock, house, and electronic influences into their iconic funk-based sound.
The band line up has changed several times since its conception, but long-serving members Derrick McKenzie (drums) and singer Jay Kay (the "face" of the band, often incorrectly labeled a solo artist) still perform together. Along with six other musicians, including two fantastic backup vocalists, Kay and McKenzie took the audience on a voyage through the almost two-decade spectrum of their unique sound.
This concert was the first ever at Sentul, located inconveniently on the toll way heading toward Bogor. Intense peak hour traffic jams (both getting there AND leaving the venue), and the exorbitant ticket prices (Rp 750,000 for the nosebleeds, Rp 2.5 million for front row) were not enough to deter fans or quell the pre-show excitement. Punters queued up to get a photo with a large poster of the silhouetted "Buffalo Man", the icon depicted on the cover of all Jamiroquai's earlier albums which eventually became something of a cult symbol for the band.
The show opened with a support performance from Indonesian singer Dima and her 6-piece band, whose slick, up-tempo vibe got the crowd suitably prepared for the main act. The girls in the audience went wild when Dima announced that Afgan, a local star, would be joining her for a duet on a number called "Together", and congratulated her when she announced she was 6 * months pregnant and sang a love song for her soon-to-be child.
The sound quality at Sentul is phenomenal and on par with top international venues, but a significant number of empty seats (most likely due to prices) made the interior feel inappropriately empty. The lighting was great, but a large blacked-out section in the screen behind the stage spoiled the projected images.
Following a rowdy rendition of the Indonesian national anthem, the excitement could not be contained and once the lights went down the crowd screamed until the "The Kids" from The Return of the Space Cowboy heralded the arrival of funk superstars Jamiroquai. From the opener into "High Times" from their third album Traveling Without Moving, it was clear this was going to be a very special show. The group gelled as if under instruction from one mind, keeping the groove tight even as they experimented with open, improvised sections in the middle of tracks. If a track veered off tangent, it would suddenly be snapped right back into a familiar riff or chorus in a flash, grounding the audience after the soulful diversion.
"It's taken too long to get here, but now we're here and we're very happy for that," Jay Kay said of Jamiroquai's long absence from Indonesia before their third track, "Seven Days in Sunny June", (combined in a medley with "Alright").
Jamiroquai have clearly established a solid fan base in Indonesia. The audience, ranging from teenagers to middle-aged, knew all the words, the right moments to clap and even dance moves from film clips to songs both old and new. Whether banging out "Little L", "Black Capricorn Day", "Canned Heat" or "Love Foolosophy", the crowd was right into it the whole way.
The show reached a particular high during the hit track "Cosmic Girl", when the crowd, tired of trying to dance in cramped seats, jumped the barriers enclosing the front-row seats to boogie in the open area directly below the stage. Suddenly the party vibe was electric, and everybody was singing, spinning and having a great time, with Jay Kay yelling out, "That's better, that's more like it! What happened there?"
The only notable absence from the show was Jay Kay's legendary wardrobe changes, particularly his penchant for bizarre, hand-designed head wear. The futuristic American-Indian feathered headdress, which appeared in its mirror-adorned glory in past show and on album covers, did not make an appearance this time around. Some punters also lamented not seeing a performance of the hit single "Virtual Insanity" or the inclusion of the didgeridoo, which featured in the track "Journey to Arnhemland", but all round reviews post-gig were flowing in praise.
Of course, with the concert the night before the legislative elections, and with Jay Kay a strong supporter for democracy in Burma, politics had to have a mention.
"I hope everybody is going to vote tomorrow," Jay Kay said, echoing comments earlier by Dima as well. "It is very important, many people around the world wish they could vote but can't."
A blistering encore performance of "Deeper Underground" had the grandiose and power of an opening track and left the audience euphoric and begging for more. While for Jamiroquai fans of the early 90s this performance was literally years in the making, rumors are circulating about their return for the Java Jazz Festival in 2010, rumors helped along by none other than Jay Kay himself.
"Thank you Jakarta, you have been fantastic! And we will probably see you," he paused, with a cheeky grin, "early next year. Good night!"
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