Warner Music Sold, Company Valued At $3 Billion

Warner Music Group Corp. has been valued at $3 billion after Russian billionaire Len Blavatnik paid $8.25 a share to acquire the company this week.

The oil tycoon is now in charge of the world’s third biggest music empire after Universal and Sony.



Warner Music is home to Disturbed, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, Green Day, Josh Groban, Linkin Park and Fleetwood Mac.

Warner’s new $3 billion makes it even more valuable than when it was sold last in 2004 for $2.6 billion, before the downturn in the music industry.

Blavatnik is betting on an upswing for the business based on digital deliver.

He may be right. Album sales in the USA for the first three months of 2011 were up 9% on the same period in 2010.

Americans spent $6.3 billion on music in 2010. That is down from the 2000 peak of $14.3 billion.

Warner Music has 3,700 employees, down from 5,100 in 2003 and the price Blavatnik paid will no doubt mean more cutbacks.

The 53-year old Russian paid $1.3 billion for the 56% share owned by Edgar Bronfman Jr, Thomas H. Lee and Bain Capital.

In a statement today, Bronfman said, “We believe this transaction is an exceptional value-maximizing opportunity that serves the best interests of stockholders as well as the best interests of music fans, our recording artists and songwriters, and the wonderful people of this company."

The deal is expected to be finalized in September.

The new Warner Blavatnik lead Warner is already talking about a takeover of EMI later in the year.

VIDEO: Watch the Undercover interview with Warner Music act Disturbed:

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Welsh teenager Jodie Marie signed to music label Decca

A TEENAGER has signed to major music label Decca after her talents were discovered at a small B&B in West Wales.

Now Jodie Marie is putting the finishing touches to her debut album with producer and Suede guitarist Bernard Butler.

The 19-year-old, who is from Narberth in Pembrokeshire, was signed to the record company – whose roster includes Robert Plant, Paul Simon and Imelda May – by Simon Gavin, the man who also snapped up Welsh chart-topper Duffy.

He said: “Jodie is the first artist I’ve signed since signing Duffy. Management came in and played me three demos which blew me away.

“Her voice is the best I’ve heard in years and is the kind of voice that’s been here before. I offered her a deal on the spot.”

But Jodie Marie, who has already been compared to American singer-songwriter Carole King, said she first thought it might be a wind-up when she received a phone call about the deal.

“I wasn’t sure it was for real,” she says. “I never really thought about making a career out of music as it’s such a difficult industry to get into. I was shocked and amazed at the same time.”

Plumber’s daughter Jodie Marie, whose real name is Jodie Warlow, grew up listening to blues music.

She started performing covers at local gigs at the age of seven, and when she was in her early teens she began writing her own material.

But it was a CD of her singing covers that helped pave the way to her record deal.

Roy Langley – father of Toby L, who runs Transgressive Management with Tim Dellow – was staying in a B&B in Pembrokeshire when the landlady overheard him talking about his son’s music label. At the time, Jodie Marie’s father, John, was doing some plumbing work at the hotel so the landlady told him to hand over his daughter’s CD of covers.

“She played it to Roy over breakfast and it went from there,” says Jodie Marie. “He then got in touch with me and I met Toby and Tim.”

Transgressive Management took Jodie Marie under their wing, even though she was just 16 years old at the time, and within a few weeks she found herself in London working with Butler.

“I’d not played my own songs to anyone else before, so to be playing them to him was crazy,” she says.

“He could see how nervous I was but he was really nice.

“I’d been writing my own songs in my spare time just for fun. I’d been scribbling stuff down from the age of 10 and then putting the notes in a box.

“I started writing properly when I was studying music in secondary school around the age of 14.”

From then on, Jodie Marie would travel up to London in between her studies to work on songs with Butler. Since then, she’s also worked on tracks with Ed Harcourt, who’s behind chart star Paloma Faith.

She found out that Decca wanted to sign her last autumn, but it is only now that the label’s launching their latest star, whose debut single, Single Blank Canvas, is due to be released on June 13.

“Simon Gavin from Decca came to see me at home in Wales with Toby and Tim. My mum made a lasagne and we all talked about it. A couple of weeks later I went to London to sign the deal. It felt so right. It was really meant to be.”

Jodie Marie, who’s now dividing her time between Narberth and London, says there will no doubt be comparisons between her and Gavin’s last signing, Duffy.

“I think she’s great. Obviously being Welsh I’m going to get compared to her although we sing completely different styles of music,” she says.

As she prepares for the release of her single and her debut album later this year, a number of concerts have been pencilled in including a gig at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay and her London debut. “That’s going to be a completely new experience,” she admits.

Jodie Marie, whose favourite singers include Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, is now preparing for a whirl of press interviews.

“I never wanted to be famous but I’ll just take it step by step and appreciate everything that comes my way,” she says.

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Band Of Horses' 'Infinite Arms' Album Deluxe Packages

BOSTON, MA. (Top40 Charts/ PAID) RCRD LBL and Topspin Media launched their first RCRD Deal flash sale today, Thursday, May 5, with Band of Horses' Grammy-nominated "Infinite Arms" deluxe box set. RCRD Deals offers a deeply discounted deal each week, available only for 7 days via www.RCRDDeals.com, with fulfillment by PAID, Inc. (OTCBB: PAYD). The band's music has been described as everything from easy listening to Southern rock or alternative country, but one thing is certain - the group's iconic harmonies create the American sound Band of Horses is known for.

This box set includes Infinite Arms in every format you could possibly want - 180 gram vinyl, slipcase CD, digital download - and includes the digital bonus track "Desperoscoe," photo prints of the band by Christopher Wilson, and an 18 x 24-inch poster. All orders include a Band of Horses t-shirt and the first 30 purchases will also get a limited edition tour poster.

About PAID, Inc.:
PAID, Inc., publicly traded under the ticker PAYD, is a one-stop brand management and marketing resource to music, entertainment and sports personalities and organizations, and offers AuctionInc online shipping calculation and shopping cart software employing its patented technology to streamline ecommerce. Known for quality and customer service, PAID offers turnkey online, mobile, social media and traditional marketing campaigns, as well as award-winning video & film production, VIP ticketing, web site design, merchandising, ecommerce and fan community management programs. More details are available at www.paid.com.

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Beyonce's Unreleased Recording Of 'God Bless The USA' Now Available On The iTunes Store

Moved by recent news events and the re-opened wounds of 9/11 families, Beyonce announced today the release of her recording of the Lee Greenwood-penned "God Bless The USA." Both artists and Columbia Records are donating their proceeds to New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund. The single is available exclusively today on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com).

Beyonce was a performer at the Answer The Call concert at Madison Square Garden on September 11, 2009, which also benefitted New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund.

"I cannot think about anything more appropriate to do to help these families," said the entertainer. "Almost ten years later, it is still so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones."

"On behalf of New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund's Board of Directors and the families of our fallen heroes, we are truly grateful for Beyonce's choice to support our charity and 'answer the call'," said Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman of the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund.

Beyonce's recording of "God Bless The USA," can be heard tonight on Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN during the 9:00 PM/EDT program. The broadcast repeats at Midnight.

ANSWER THE CALL

The New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund - founded in 1985 by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub, is a volunteer based not for profit dedicated to helping the families of fallen New York Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS and Port Authority Police killed in the line of duty. With less than 5% overhead, 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the families of New York's Bravest and Finest. In 1985 the charity provided 320 families with annual financial assistance; in 2011 the commitment has grown to approximately 700 families. This charity provides assistance to grieving families of fallen firefighters and police officers immediately after they suffer the loss of their loved one, as well as, annual support and a network of friends ready to lend a hand. The charity's goal is to raise enough funds to provide meaningful annual assistance to its beneficiaries for the remainder of their lives and NEVER FORGET the sacrifice made by their loved one.

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Beirut Confirm New Album for this Summer

The last month or so has seen an increased level of activity from sonic postcard-sender Zach Condon's Beirut project; he's hitting the road for a fairly extensive tour soon and he contributed a Caetano Veloso cover to the Red Hot Organization's forthcoming benefit compilation, Red Hot + Rio 2 (stream it above). If you guessed that this means that there's a new album in the cards as well, then give yourself a gold star, because you pretty much nailed it.

Condon recently told HitFix that the as-yet-untitled record is set for release "sometime this summer" and was recorded this past winter in upstate New York. He told HitFix that the new album is "sunny," saying, "I write sad songs when it’s nice outside. I write warm and happy songs when I'm up to my neck in snow for three months."

HitFix also points out that Condon contributed new and previously recorded music to the score for the documentary Bombay Beach, directed by music video lenser Alma Har'el. Check out the trailer below:

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The Interbeing Streaming New Album "Edge Of The Obscure"

Denmark's The Interbeing recently released the new album "Edge of the Obscure," and the album is currently available for streaming through the group's Bandcamp page at this location. The Interbeing also commented on the release of the album:

"Our debut album 'Edge of the Obscure' has now been released. Its available in Danish record stores and through iTunes Denmark. However digital download is also available for everyone else through bandcamp or only 9.99 Euro! Discs can also be ordered across the globe through targetshop.dk.

"We'd like to thank everyone for a kick ass release party last Saturday. It was great to play at Stengade again, and it was really cool to see so many people show up and support the release of our debut album.

"In addition we've also received an awesome album review by Gaffa who gave us 5/6 stars! Thanks a lot to Keld Rud and Red Devil for the reviews."

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DEVOLVED: Entire New Album Available For Streaming

"Oblivion", the new album from Australian/Los Angeles tech-metal masters DEVOLVED, can be streamed in its entirety using the ReverbNation TuneWidget below (click on "Songs" tab). Due on May 24 via Unique Leader Records, the CD will contain "10 songs of unrelenting modern metal which combines uncompromising intensity, chaotic timing signatures, insane musicianship and a futuristic soundscape blended to create an epic and totally crushing listening experience from start to stop!" according to a press release. "'Oblivion' features the furious drumming of founding member John Sankey, who has also worked with DIVINE HERESY, FEAR FACTORY and contributed to the Roadrunner all-star sessions. The album also marks the recording debut of vocalist Kyle Zemanek, who previously fronted L.A. metal heavyweights DEADSETT, and has collaborated with members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH."

Commented Sankey: "'Oblivion' is absolutely our most innovative, ambitious and intense work to date.

"Writing this CD was an excruciating and very time-consuming process, but we have created what I definitely consider a unique metal album that showcases each of us pushing the limits of our playing and songwriting. The end result is a listening experience that will speak for itself. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved!"

"Oblivion" track listing :

01. Existential Crisis
02. Into Fire
03. Awakening
04. World In Denial
05. Virus
06. Wretched Eyes Of God
07. Transcendence
08. From The Ashes
09. Legions Rise
10. Divinity (cover song; bonus track)

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Music Review: Elvin Bishop - Elvin Bishop's Raisin' Hell Revue

I’m getting old! I bought the original vinyl Raisin' Hell back in 1977. I have always preferred Elvin Bishop live than in the studio. His sense of fun and exuberance translates better in a live setting. He is a consummate musician, and the concert stage is a better place to express himself than the confines of the studio.

He began his career during 1963 when he became a part of the legendary Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He remained with the band for five years before striking out on his own. He is best remembered for his series of 1970s albums for the Capricorn label, plus the hit single “Fooled Around And Fell In Love.” He has continued to release his brand of country blues and rock for over four decades.

This brings us and him to the 2010 Legendary Blues Cruise. Take a ship full of blues aficionados, provide them with a steady diet of blues musicians, and something good is bound to happen along the way. Elvin Bishop was one of those musicians and the resultant Elvin Bishop's Raisin’ Hell Revue is a product of that cruise.

The album has a barroom feel as it is loose and raucous. He surrounds himself with a fine supporting cast. While Bishop has developed into a competent vocalist, it is his guitar expertise that has always made him a stand-out. He only takes the lead vocal on four of the thirteen tracks. Finis Tasby and John Nemeth provide most of the vocal work, which allows Elvin to concentrate on his guitar playing. Other musicians lending a hand are long time bandmate and sax player Terry Hanck, guitarist Chris Andersen, trombonist Ed Early, keyboardist Steve Willis, guitarist Bob Welsh, drummer Bobby Cochran, bassist Ruth Davies, and vocalist Lisa Leu Andersen. They all add up to a group of interchangeable parts that come together in a revue in the classic sense of the term.

The album is a career spanning retrospective of Bishop’s career. “Callin’ All Cows,” “Rock My Soul,” and his classic “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” are all updated from the first Raisin’ Hell album. The first of the three has the dueling slide guitars of Bishop and Welsh. Bishop’s slide solo on “Cryin’ Fool” is pure blues.

Songs such as “What The Hell Is Going On,” “The Night Time Is The Right Time,” “Down In Virginia,” and “Bye Bye Baby” explore such styles as blues, rock, up-tempo rhythm & blues, and even a little gospel thrown in for good measure. Throughout it all Bishop acts as the ringmaster for the circus swirling around him.

Elvin Bishop's Raisin’ Hell Revue is a fine example of the good time music Elvin Bishop has been producing for over forty years. I doubt if his new album will change the face of rock or blues music but it sure is a fun ride.

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Review: Beady Eye – ‘Millionaire’

Do not let the title of this song mislead you – it is not a pompous insight into how brilliant it is being a multi-millionaire rock star; that just wouldn’t sit right with fans of Liam Gallagher, despite the fact he’s clearly not short of a few quid. On the contrary, the inspiration behind this single is of far less materialistic substance. A trip to Spain and the paintings of Salvador Dali inspired Beady Eye guitarist Andy Bell to pen this sweet little number that’s been released at a time when the band’s stomping ground’s weather is suspiciously serene, somewhat perfect timing for your BBQ iPod shuffle playlists.

The releases from Beady Eye’s debut album, ‘Different Gear Still Speeding‘ have done well to showcase the many different sides of an album that oozes variety. ‘Bring The Light‘ introduces the 50′s rock n’ roll influence. ‘Four Letter Word‘ ticks the ‘lairy anthemic rocker’ box and ‘The Roller‘ serves its purpose as the album’s staple singalong tune, with huge nods to a certain Mr Lennon.

So what about ‘Millionaire‘? Their second official release represents a gentler side of the band’s musical pallet and finds Liam reacquainting himself with that delicate quality in his voice which we’ve not heard since the likes of Oasis‘ ‘Don’t Go Away‘. It also rings true Liam’s description of the album being more “musical” than Oasis. Its infectious melody and intriguing lyrics which Liam wraps his voice around so well all add to the song’s charm.

Beady Eye are not afraid to show off their influences and they would be the first ones to admit that – it was more or less the blueprint for their debut record. The La’s are one of the prime influences flowing throughout the album and ‘Millionaire’ is the most obvious example of how connected the band are to those scouse heroes. The song’s loose, uninhibited, stripped back sound, awash with acoustic guitars, give it a distinctly La’s feel, with shades of their track, ‘I.O.U.‘ It also reeks of that optimism found in early Oasis tracks like ‘Round Are Way‘.

Just don’t expect to nail the lyrics on your first go at pub karaoke, they’re a bit of a mouthful. “Sweet Cadaques to Figueres a 40 minute ride, you drive it and I spend it looking out my window” – yes, you read that right, and not a mention of fur coats or champagne breakfasts.

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PS I Love You Meet Me at the Muster Station

It’s taken PS I Love You a while to unleash their debut album upon us. Frontman Paul Saulnier has been performing under the name since 2005. And even though he and drummer Benjamin Nelson finally got round to releasing Meet Me At The Muster Station in North America last year, we’ve still had to wait another six months to get a sniff of it on this side of the Atlantic.

There’s no doubt about it though – it’s been worth the wait.

The first bars of the album’s opening title track might make you think otherwise. 'Sure,' you might say, 'the riff is a scuzzy, summery slice of lo-fi guitar-pop, but does my record collection really need another thirty minutes of blissfully stoned college-rock? I’ve already got all the Pavement albums.' Then, out of the haze and smoke, comes Saulnier yelping and gurning like a Seventies Bryan Ferry, but twice the size and without the grooming. This isn’t your bog-standard derivative indie.

The real PS I Love You start to emerge out of the altogether tenser ‘Breadends’. It’s far grungier, far more despairing, as Saulnier’s shrieking becomes more hysterical, until he finally gives up and lets a surreal, soppy cock-rock guitar solo do the talking. It’s bonkers, beautiful and strangely brilliant, but swiftly bettered on ‘2012’.

On ‘2012’, a searing, enigmatic guitar melody falls away into what sounds like 50 grown men weeping and howling in emotional agony. The actual lyrics are thrillingly incomprehensible, soaked in thick distortion and layered into oblivion. Saulnier’s multiple voices are panned left and right, even forwards and backwards it seems. It sounds fantastically muddled and chaotic, as a weary hook repeatedly ignites and burns out in sublime confusion. It’s a perfect pop song that has few, if any, pop characteristics.

It’s the way Meet Me At The Muster Station constantly straddles that border between charismatic composure and unhinged anarchy that makes it great. ‘CBEZ’, for example, has a tightly-wound guitar melody wrapped around firm, stomping drums, but it’s surprisingly complemented by waves of dripping feedback and shaky splutters of lyrics.

But PS I Love you aren’t just a masterclass in noise-pop (though it’s clear from pretty early on that they are certainly that). The hissing jangle of ‘Scattered’ bounces around the room, even though the minor chords give it shades of sadness, making it music to dance to as much as mosh to or sob to. The buzzing, pulsating bass of ‘Get Over’ shits on anything Pendulum have ever squeezed out, for its unexpected but irresistible pounding dancefloor-readiness, while the shredding solo on ‘Facelove’ will earn Saulnier his metalhead stripes.

On paper, there might not seem to be much to separate PS I Love You from the current crop of contemporary punk-influenced bands. What does set this duo apart, however, is that while they seem unashamedly punk rock in ideology and approach, they are distinctively human as songwriters and artists. There is an irrepressible tenderness constantly colliding with noisy experimentation, bruising grunginess and a compellingly coy, slightly shambling demeanour.

One glance at the chunky, bespectacled frame of Paul Saulnier and the lean, unassuming streak that is Benjamin Nelson tells you that PS I Love You are underdogs. Like all of the best underdogs, not only have they got something to say, they’ve gathered the confidence to say it loudly and proudly, with far more skill, excitement and emotional intelligence than any of their peers.

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