2005

A long-delayed cell phone from Apple Computer and Motorola that can play iTunes music downloads is finally set to debut through Cingular Wireless, a research analyst said.

The new phone will be equipped with software that would allow it to play songs purchased at Apple’s iTunes Web site, according to Roger Entner, an analyst for research firm Ovum who said he learned of the plans from an industry executive.

Representatives from Apple, Cingular and Motorola declined to comment, but the three companies are expected to roll out the device at a Sept. 7 event in San Francisco.

It was unclear whether the new phone will allow users to download music directly over a cellular Internet connection or if they would have to download songs to a computer and then transfer them to the handset.

Just about every major cell phone maker has been working to launch a music phone that could compete with the iPod, Apple’s popular digital music player.

Motorola originally planned to unveil the iTunes phone at a trade show in February but the debut was scrubbed at the last minute with no explanation. Some observers speculated that the event was blocked by Apple’s famously secretive management. Others postulated that one or more wireless operators objected to the possibility that such a device would undercut their efforts to sell music to cell users.

Analysts have predicted that music-playing phones could threaten iPod’s grip on the market for digital music players.

Although battery life is a major impediment, tech companies have long vied to create an all-in-one product that would encompass all the utility of cell phones, handheld computers, music players, cameras and videogame machines.

The move into cell phones is seen by industry experts as a way for Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple to hedge its bets. “It’s a win for all three companies,” Entner said. “Apple gets into the wireless space, Motorola associates itself with a wow brand and Cingular aligns itself with an iconic music-device company.”

Source billboard.com.

Since the release of his debut album, Tapestry, in 1970, Don McLean has had a singular career of incredible breadth and scope. He has over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, including the number one hit, “American Pie,” which has become a bedrock recording in the history of American popular music. This was recently affirmed when it was voted the fifth greatest song of the 20th century in a joint poll done by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment For The Arts. “American Pie” along with other McLean hits, “Vincent,” “Empty Chairs” and “And I Love You So” have been played more than three million times on American radio over the last 35 years, while his songs have been recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Madonna, George Michael, Guns & Roses, Josh Groban, Perry Como and Fred Astaire to name but a few.

In 2005, Don McLean continues to steadily tour and record. This Fall will be no exception. In September, he’ll launch a string of U.S. tour dates that will stretch through the year’s end. And on October 11th, almost to the day of his 60th birthday on October 2nd, HYENA Records will release, Rearview Mirror, the first ever Don McLean retrospective of its kind. A stunning collection of Don’s timeless body of work, the album is comprised primarily of rarities and never before released recordings from his own personal archive. The 18 tracks on Rearview Mirror feature the original hit recording of “American Pie,” a previously unreleased “live” version of “Vincent,” studio tracks from Don’s self-produced “cowboy” albums, a duet with Nanci Griffith on “And I Love You So” and Don’s brand new song, “Run Diana Run.” Rearview Mirror is produced by Don along with Grammy Award-winning producer Joel Dorn, who previously worked with McLean on his 1974 album, Homeless Brother. Rearview Mirror will also include a bonus DVD that provides never before seen home video footage of McLean rehearsing with the legendary vocal group, The Jordanaires, for their annual Christmas Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1984. Also included on the DVD is the video for “Headroom,” the only video Don has ever made.

Don McLean’s concert appearances in Fall 2005 include:

September 9 / Utah State Fair / Salt Lake City, UT
September 10 / The Bosque River Stage / Waco, TX
September 24 / Central Missouri State University / Warrensburg, MO
October 1 / Lackawanna Junior College / Scranton, PA
October 6 / Ameristar Casino / Saint Charles, MO
October 14 / St. George Theater / Staten Island, NY
October 15 / Biggs Theater / Ada, OH
October 27 / Arcada Theater / St. Charles, IL
October 28 / Weill Center / Sheboygan, WI
October 29 / Edison College Lee Campus / Ft. Myers, FL
November 12 / Freemont Street Experience / Las Vegas, NV
December 3 / Paramount Theater / Peekskill, NY
December 16 / The State Theater / Falls Church, VA
December 17 / Bergen Performing Arts Center / Englewood, NJ

They’ve already been out on two tours this year, but don’t expect the five young men of O.A.R. to take much of a break.

They’ve recorded a new album, Stories Of A Stranger, and will support it with a 30-date outing beginning October 14 at Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre.

The trek hits most of the country’s major markets and includes a couple Canadian dates, with most shows taking place at arenas and large theatres. It will wrap November 26 at Camden, N.J.’s Tweeter Center.

O.A.R. (the name stands for “Of A Revolution”) proved long ago that it could sell out thousands of seats, and this year’s tours have been no exception. This past April, for example, the band sold out Boston University’s 7,291-seat Agganis Arena and both the next two nights at Upper Darby, Pa.’s 3,000-capacity Tower Theatre.

The group is living up to its name and embracing the digital revolution through partnerships with MySpace and iTunes. The latter will offer the band’s new single exclusively starting August 30.

Stories Of A Stranger, the band’s seventh studio album, was recorded in Virginia, California and New York City and produced by former Talking Head Jerry Harrison. It’s set for an October 4 release on Everfine/Lava.

Source pollstar.com.

Guster has announced a two city four night run at Higher Ground in South Burlington, VT and the Nokia Theater in New York City November 15, 16, 18 and 19. Both New York Shows are sold out and the Higher Ground shows have just gone on sale through a presale.

For more information, please visit the band’s website.

Fresh off a summer tour, where they played to sell-out crowds across the nation., including their 11th year as the headliner of the 4th of July show at Red Rocks in Colorado, Blues Traveler will head back on the road for a 40-city U. S. tour this fall. Touring in support of their eighth studio album and Vanguard Records debut,

In anticipation of their new album Z, My Morning Jacket has announced a series of tour dates in support of the new album. Returning with their fourth full-length, My Morning Jacket has created a dazzling centerpiece with Z.

Spoon is going worldwide this fall with shows on three continents, including a recently announced North American tour.

Starting October 27 in Louisville, Ky., Britt Daniel & Co. will travel the continent for three weeks, making room for the Vegoose Music Festival in Las Vegas October 30 and a date with Bright Eyes in the latter’s hometown of Omaha, Neb., November 11.

The tour closes in San Diego at Canes November 18.

Spoon has been touring steadily since Gimme Fiction was released in May. Their June tour with The Clientele opening was almost completely sold out.

In September, Spoon plays Arthur magazine’s ArthurFest in Los Angeles before heading downunder for an eight-date Australian run.

They’ll head home to Texas for the Austin City Limits Music Festival September 23 before their three-week tour of Europe. Shows in the U.K., Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France and Spain are included on the Euro run, which wraps less than two weeks before the U.S. trek begins.

Source pollstar.com.