Can promotional CDs be resold in the open market?  Last year, Universal Music Group sued Troy Augusto for reselling promotion... - Source

The Polyphonic Spree, Ambulance Ltd and Universal Music Group all filed papers on Friday (June 6) objecting to TVT's attempts to sell its record contracts with bands that signed to the label before it went bankrupt. - Source

Erstwhile Suede vocalist Brett Anderson has announced details of a new solo album and an upcoming London gig. - Source

One day Lindsay and Scott will arm wrestle to settle their ongoing Who Is The Bigger Mr. Show Nutcase feud they didn't know they were in until just now. Until they go over the top, though, one point goes to Lindsay for not only posting Rogue Wave's video for the previously loved "Chicago X 12" -- featuring Bob Odenkirk as a clueless director -- but also for spotting the trend and appending more music videos starring Bob and/or Dave as clueless directors. This includes the likes of YLT's "Sugarcube" and Superchunk's "Watery Hands" (but disqualifies the New Pornos' "Use It" and the Strokes' "Juicebox"). In the Rogue Wave clip, Bob is a misheard lyric specialist with a predilection for The Karate Kid. Not sure there's more you need to hear than that. Go watch at Videogum, it's a cute clip and a fun video spread. I saw the shit out of it! - Source

REM were joined onstage by Johnny Marr and the co-producers of their 1983 debut album 'Murmur' as their world tour continued in North Carolina last night (June 10). - Source

Enjoy the band's take on Viva La Vida's 'Lovers In Japan' below. - Source

Amazing! Enjoy their rendition of 'The Rip' below. Classic Radiohead MP3 at bottom.  - Source

When we saw Swervedriver at Coachella they played a very solid set in a tent that was barely 1/3 full. Lame. One way for Adam Franklin & Co. to gain new fans amongst a younger crowd is to cover a song by a band like the beloved Wolf Parade. Bingo: On a forthcoming 7," Franklin takes on Boeckner-fronted Apologies To The Queen Mary rocker "Shine A Light" and Dan's Handsome Furs are set to do a still-unannounced track by Swervedriver. It'll be available digitally and as a limited edition "Shine A Light" 7" on colored vinyl via White Whale. We're told to expect the finished platter in "early summer," though Franklin's chilled, atmospheric, and haunted (but somehow tonally sunny) take's already available via iTunes. Or, you can stream it at MySpace. Pick a good song, Dan and Alexi. The popular "Duel" would be appropriate. - Source

It's true, the Police are going out with a bit of philanthropy: The band added an extra and final show in New York City to raise money for Public Television. As The New York Times reports, the suggestion, broached by the band, arrived just as PBS was looking for ways to draw-in baby boomers. Synchronicity. And, really, this seems about as good a way as any to attract that valued age bracket unless -- hint, hint -- Public TV somehow got Eagles involved. For now, though, it's Sting, Andy, and Stewart stumping, fittingly, for Antiques Roadshow: - Source

On St. Elsewhere, Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse covered the Violent Femmes' "Gone Daddy Gone." Gordon Gano & Co. have now returned the favor, offering their take on "Crazy." (Which, yes, true, has already been covered by almost everyone, from Twilight Singers to Nelly Furtado and back.) So far less than a minute's streaming, but even from this sound clip we can see that the Femmes are staying pretty true to the original's script: Gano even does the "ha ha ha" where Cee-Lo lays his laugh. Because it's the Violent Femmes, though, it's a lot creepier (in a good way). And it sounds like the Violent Femmes. - Source