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Thursday, April 29, 2004

Michael Jackson's Legal Team Undergoes Shake-Up

In a statement released on Monday, April 26, Jackson said that the decision was one that he "personally made" and that he "terminated" the two attorneys. "It is imperative that I have the full attention of those who are representing me," Jackson said. "My life is at stake. Therefore, I must feel confident that my interests are of the highest priority. I am innocent of these false charges, and will aggressively seek to clear my name. I feel very confident that when I am able to defend myself, I will be exonerated by a jury of my peers."

Reported by VH I

Six and seven years ago teenage girls all over the world cried, sang, smiled and screamed for that band who made their hearts flutter. No, the band you're thinking of is not N'SYNC or the Backstreet Boys. It's those long, blond-haired boys who barely have any hair now, Hanson.

At ages 18, 21 and 23, Zac, Taylor and Isaac are hittin the e Around", entitled "Underneath."

The difference between their debut hit album, "Middle of Nowhere" and "This Time Around" is that their new album was produced under Hanson's own record label called 3CG Records, with the help of Michelle Branch, Gregg Alexander and Matthew Sweet.

During the past three years, the three brothers have been hard at work with this new album adding new instruments, diversifying their sound, and of course, getting married and having children. Yes, the middle brother, Taylor, decided to tie the knot at age 19 and have a child with wife, Natalie Anne Bryant. Fans were shocked by these events, but it did not stop them from supporting the band or their new album.

New and old fans will not be disappointed with "Underneath," that is unless you're looking for a new "MMMBop," which is virtually impossible to find on this album. Their first single, "Penny and Me," debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200 chart in the first week of April. The song is, iof course, catchy, energetic, and talks about a girl who drowns her pain in lemonade. How creative!

Favorites among fans are the album opener, "Strong Enough To Break," which brings 20-yearold fans back to their early teen days, "Lost Without Each Other," which was co-written by Gregg Alexander, the musician who makes up all of the band New Radicals. Also a neo-'60s tune called "Get Up and Go" that makes you immediately want to roll down the windows and blast called "Crazy Beautiful."

Ballads that seem to be the most popular are "Underneath," which singer/songwriter Matthew Sweet co-wrote, "Broken Angel," Zac's song that could no doubt make both men and women cry, and "Deeper," the one of two songs you can hear Isaac's voice.

Taylor is the fan favorite, and it's obvious that if it wasn't for him, the songs would not sound as eclectic and soulful like they do on "Underneath."

Everyone knows Hanson has lost their overwhelming popularity they had years ago, but it doesn't seem to be stopping them from doing what they do best. Their loyal fans are what have kept them going, and it's obvious from this album that they have what it takes to be here for when our children are putting on their headphones.

This summer, Hanson will be touring the U.S. in support of their new album, "Underneath," which is in stores now. For more information on Hanson and where you can find them this summer, go to www.hanson.net.

Student suffers heart attack at Slipknot show

According to VHl, a 21 year old senior suffered a heart attack at a Slipknot concert and died four days later. Alecia Holst had no history of heart trouble and experienced a arrhythmia at the show during the Jagermeister Music Tour.

Holst was eventually revived but her condition worsened while she was in the hospital. Slipknot's label had no comment at the time and Holst's mother said that the concert conditions played no part in her daughter's death.

College Downloaders get a student discount

Ctrax is similar to Napster and iTunes but is excusively for college students, according to VHI. A test version was launched at Yale University and they expect as many as 20 colleges touse the service as well. Ctrax users will have access to 700,000 songs with a $2 monthly subscription or a package of 10 downloads for $8 or 20 downloads for $15.

Russell Simmons To Greet GOP Convention With HipHop March

According to VHl, Russell Simmons is expecting "the biggest hip-hop gathering ever" to take place this summer in New York.

On August 30, the same day the Republican National Convention commences in the Big Apple, Simmons and his Hip~mmnit Action etwork.

Lindsay Bizkit? Loban Solo Album Combines 'Hip-Hop And Rock'

According to VH 1, after recording several songs for the soundtrack to her "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" (and one for "Freaky Friday" before that), Lindsay Lohan is preparing for a full-fledged second career as a pop singer.

She's currently recording her debut album, and although Diane Warren (Christina Aguilera, 'NSYNC) and "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson are contributing songs and production, Lohan is handling most of the music herself.

She can also see her in the upcoming film "Gossip Girl" and also now in "Mean Girls" which is in theaters now.