Pete Doherty has had more than his share of bad publicity in recent years. Now, Pete is in the news for something non-Kate Moss and non-drug related. Reports have Doherty and his Babyshambles band mates coming to the rescue of a car crash victim.

WENN says that Doherty and crew witnessed an accident and quickly moved in to help a man from an overturned car. The car was reportedly pouring smoke from the crash, but that didn't deter the lads who had just been at the V Festival in Essex on Saturday. I say good for Pete for getting some positive press. The next step for Doherty is to once again make headlines for his music. Fans can only hope.

Labels: Pete Doherty

Carl Barat reportedly shot down any hopes of a long term Libertines reunion. After his appearance with former band mate Pete Doherty raised hopes of further collaboration, Barat appears to be set on continuing with his current band Dirty Pretty Things. Barat is quoted as saying "Are they any plans for any more reunions? Not really. I'm really into the new stuff I'm writing."

Perhaps Barat realizes that Doherty, while showing signs of getting his act together, is not completely out of the woods. Reports show Doherty's touring has actually lost money during the last year. In fairness to Pete, some of that, if the reports are accurate, is due to gig cancellations of the past and not necessarily indicative of things to come. Of course, having a millionaire supermodel girlfriend like Kate Moss isn't a bad fall back position in the event things don't pick up.

Labels: Pete Doherty, The Libertines

Lily Allen took a page out of the Amy Winehouse playbook and pulled out of a show at the last minute last night. Concert goers in Brooklyn were already in the venue when they learned that Allen wouldn't perform. Luckily, the heavily hyped Klaxons were there as guest DJs and filled in the suddenly awol Brit.

Pete Doherty apparently confirmed his engagement to Kate Moss at a London gig Wednesday night. During "An Evening With Pete Doherty" show he reportedly dedicated the tune "What Katie Did Next" to "my beautiful fiancee Kate." Awww how sweet. A more interesting union to report, however, is that Doherty was joined onstage by Carl Barat and the pair ran through a dozen or so Libertines songs. I'd like to see more of that. Maybe Pete has turned a corner?

Mp3 offerings:
Elvis Perkins: While You Were Sleeping
Dr. Dog: Worst Trip
Backyard Tire Fire: Downtime
Fields: If You Fail, We All Fail
Assembly of Dust: Telling Sue

Adam Duritz is releasing an album he made back in 1989 with his former group The Himalayans. The group had recorded the record, but then Duritz's side project, the Counting Crows, took off and the record never came out - until now. It even includes the original version of "Round Here", which was such a big hit for Counting Crows.

Are Nickelback stealing from themselves? BuzzSugar is buzzing about the Canadian rockers' song similarity and managed to listen to two Nickelback songs at the same time. Check out what they heard here.

Guns 'N Roses postponed some Japanese shows due to bassist Tommy Stinson sustaining a hand injury. Stinson apparently fell down a flight of stairs. While there is a setback, the overall world tour will continue as shows set for South Africa at the end of the month are expected to go off as planned. Maybe Axl Rose can take advantage of this break in touring to do some work on Chinese Democracy?

Labels: Guns N' Roses, Lily Allen, Mp3s, Pete Doherty

Kele Okereke of Bloc Party seems to have taken a page out of the Lily Allen book of self promotion. Just weeks after proclaiming Oasis is overrated, Okereke has apparently picked a public feud with the "bad boy rocker" image of Pete Doherty (ok, he's more idiot than bad, but some people depend on these cliche's so who am I to disappoint?).

Okereke slammed Doherty for drug use and hits out at the genius tag some have placed on Kate Moss' flame. He's quoted as saying "it's easier to be a misfit or a dropout than be a genius and actually create something." Taking the rant directly to the Babyshamble singer he quipped "Someone like Pete Doherty, with his drug taking and refusal to adhere to a traditional lifestyle, makes people think that his art is more relevant because he's a f**k up."

No doubt Okereke will later claim the pair are buds.

Labels: Bloc Party, Pete Doherty

Pete Doherty and Kate Moss are reportedly filming a documentary of themselves that will be pieced together from video diaries like this one floating around YouTube. Kate does her part to draw interest by wearing a see through dress and Pete plays a little diddy with Kate chiming in here and there.

In the middle of the tune, Kate adds "Sonny and Cher we're not." True, but as I've said before they may be the new Sid and Nancy. Although, it appears they'll document their own adventure. These guys are clearly just one crazy night away from Tommy Lee and Pam Anderson territory. Bring it on!

Labels: Pete Doherty

The Libertines showed flashes of greatness even during some wild days for Pete Doherty. The off stage problems doomed the band from reaching their full potential, but there is still a glimmer of hope for future collaboration among the principals Pete Doherty and Carl Barat.

Barat is quoted as saying he'd be up for a reunion: "We're not doing very different things but at some point I'd be happy to work with Pete. Our relationship hasn't really faded away." Of course, Doherty has Babyshambles and Barat has Dirty Pretty Things. Who knows, maybe they'll be the wedding band for Doherty's nuptials with Kate Moss?

Labels: Pete Doherty, The Libertines

American Idol watchers will be looking to see if there is any fall out from the latest Idol "scandal." Contestant Antonella Barba gained some unwanted publicity over last several days when half naked pictures of her surfaced on the internet. The Jersey girl is seen topless on the beach, but using her hands to cover sensitive areas. There are even shots that purport to show the Idol wannabe participating in a sex act. But, her friends say those photos are not her. The Top 10 Idol females left in the 2007 race perform on tomorrow night's show.

In tour news, Rage Against the Machine are doing some dates with the Wu Tang Clan this summer. What could go wrong there? Speaking of cops, the Police have already sold out several stadium shows in minutes. They've also added stops in Montreal, Phoenix, Arizona and Vancouver to their reunion tour.

MP3s, Video & Streaming Offerings:

Cute Is What We Aim For - "The Curse Of Curves" (Stream): Real Player / Windows Media.
Blue October (Video): Into the Ocean
Iggy Pop & the Stooges: My Idea of Fun
The Morning Benders: Damnit Anna, Last Today
Low Stars: Calling All Friends
Blonde Redhead: 23
Bright Eyes: Four Winds

Kate Moss is up for NME's "Sexiest Female" award. At least one singer doesn't like the model being included in the competition. The Gossip's Beth Ditto is quoted as saying: "It should be about music. For Kate to be up for anything to do with music is absurd." Hey, Pete Doherty did let her join his band, that makers her a musician, right? Flashback: Kate Moss pole dancing for the White Stripes.

Labels: American Idol, Mp3s, Pete Doherty, Rage Against The Machine, The Police

Can a week go by without Noel Gallagher insulting someone? The "I'll say anything to get more press while pretending I don't need it" rock star is quoted as calling Robbie Williams' latest effort dog shit. Speaking of Oasis, one of the few acts to receive praise from Noel is the Arctic Monkeys. They've been preparing a new record, but claim a ghost visited them in the studio. It is claimed the ghost is a young girl. Perhaps it's simply Alex Turner's ex rattling some chains.

And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead have a new video for their latest single called "Naked Sun." You can stream it here: Windows Media / Real Audio.

North Carolina indie rockers the Annuals are hitting the road with the Dears and will perform on Conan O'Brien this Thursday night. You can download their single "Brother" here.

Norah Jones is taking her act to the big screen. The songstress is appearing in My BlueBerry Nights along side Jude Law, Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz. No doubt Jude isn't unhappy with that cast of ladies.

Rose Hill Drive, who are touring in support of their debut record, will join the Who on tour again this year. The band will join friend and fan Pete Townsend on select US dates in February and March.

Keegan DeWitt is finished with his new record and it is available via his website. You can sample two tracks here: "Bed of Mercy" and "So High So Low."

The Metermaids combine their own brands of hip-hop and indie rock on these tracks: "Let it Rain" and "Don't Sleep."

Perry Farrell is apparently ready to record some new music. Reports have Farrell working on tracks with old pals from New Order and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as the Black Eyed Peas leading lady Fergie and DC's Thievery Corporation. In other guys-recording-before-it's-too-late news, My Bloody Valentine is also reportedly ready to put out new material as well. If they do, it'll be their first record since 1991's Loveless.

Pete Doherty released without charges after his latest brush with the law. Pete apparently quickly put the incident behind him because reports had him joining his band Babyshambles for a surprise gig last night in a London pub.

Labels: Arctic Monkeys, Mp3s, Oasis, Perry Farrell, Pete Doherty, Rose Hill Drive

There have been a handful of standout bands in the last four years, but this decade still lacks a defining sound. The newsmakers of 2004 were veterans -- U2, Morrissey, Tom Waits, and the Pixies. But if you take the time to look a little closer, you'll see the beginnings of a new evolution in music. Geographically, Glasgow and Montreal emerged as new music hot spots while New York became as interesting as it has been since the days of Velvet Undergound and the Ramones. Collectively, we have seen a number of talented newcomers break through. While the music of 2004's newcomers seems to borrow heavily from past movements such as new wave and post-punk, it signals a change of course that will hopefully bring about a new great hybrid.

1. Elliott Smith From a Basement On the Hill (Anti) Released: 10/19/04
Listening to Elliott Smith is like watching a beautiful cherub-faced child laugh and play while reciting Sylvia Plath's darkest poetry. His music is at once heart-breaking and fulfilling. From a Basement on the Hill is every bit as orchestrated and full as his earlier works such as XO and Figure 8, but with an undercurrent of deliberate chaos. Guitars are bigger, sometimes untuned, sometimes competing with the melody. Pianos are less vaudevillian and more mysterious. Drums echo and pop in and out unexpectedly. It all fits together to encase Smith's delicate vocals. While it is impossible to listen to this album absent the context of his life and death, it should be recognized as more than a sad farewell from a troubled musician.
2. Muse Absolution (Warner Brothers) Released: 3/23/04
Many have been quick to write off Muse as another Radiohead clone. I'm still trying to figure out why it would be so terrible to have another Radiohead in the world, but the point is moot. While Matt Bellamy and Thom Yorke both follow the Jeff Buckley school of vocals, the blanket comparison ignores the vast musical differences between the bands. Where Radiohead is subtle, Muse is belligerent but also more melodic. On Absolution, the band ventures dangerously close to arrogant over-production, but instead delivers a well orchestrated and hook filled album that is magnificent from beginning to end.
3. Drive-By Truckers The Dirty South (New West Records) Released: 8/24/04
Drive-By Truckers are probably the only band with narratives about the rural South that don't make me wince. The band has three singer-songwriters and three guitars and still manages to pull together well-crafted, cohesive songs. The Dirty South is the best rock album to come out of the South in years.
4. Iron & Wine Our Endless Numbered Days (Sub Pop) Released: 3/23/04
Our Endless Numbered Days is the lullaby album I love to fall asleep to, as Sam Beam's soft acoustic ballads stretch before you like a fluffy cloud. The move to the studio thankfully did not destroy any of the stripped down intimacy we grew to love him by.

5. Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand (Epic) Released: 5/20/04
Despite the overexposure, this album still puts a smile on my face. These spunky Scots managed to release a fantastic danceable debut with no disappointing filler songs.



6. Interpol Antics (Matador) Released: 9/28/04
Turn on the Bright Lights was so derivative of Joy Division and Sisters of Mercy that most didn't take Interpol seriously. With Antics they seem to finally be comfortable with their own sound.



7. U2 How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (Interscope) Released: 11/23/04
U2 delivers the raw emotion and loose production which defined their early work with a new, fresh spin. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is a guitar-heavy and bluesy reminder of why they have managed to stay on top for so long. No, this is not U2's greatest album, but it is nonetheless important.
8. Arcade Fire Funeral (Merge Records) Released: 9/14/04
On Funeral, Arcade Fire blends beautiful alt-folk music -- lavish strings, airy piano, and chunky guitars -- with sentimental lyrics telling stories of death and the loss of youthful naivete. The quirky eccentricity of this album doesn't distract from its strong emotional core.

9. The Walkmen Bows & Arrows (Record Collection) Released: 2/3/04
With Bows & Arrows the Walkmen lead a movement in New York that is closing the door on the Strokes dominated sound of the last couple of years and moving on to something more interesting and original. "The Rat" is easily a contender for the best song of the year.

10. Madvillain Madvillainy (Stones Throw) Released: 3/23/04
The underground rap collaboration made in heaven. Madlib lays down some muddy jazz beats while MF Doom contributes gritty rhymes with loads more wit than those watered down pretenders who have taken over the mainstream with played-out references to booty and bling.

11. Tom Waits Real Gone (Epitaph) Released: 10/5/04
Closing Time will always be my sentimental favorite. When I heard that Waits was to release a new album I was excited; when I heard his signature piano would be absent I was scared. Silly me to doubt such a brilliant songwriter.


12. Sonic Youth Sonic Nurse (Geffen Records) Released: 6/8/04
Sonic Youth reasserts their relevance with Sonic Nurse, their best since Daydream Nation. With this album, they have scaled back the experimentation without abandoning their unique garage rock sound altogether.


13. The Libertines Libertines (Sanctuary Records) Released: 8/31/04
Pete Doherty's crack and heroin driven escapades have kept the writers at the NME busy all year. This fragile band with all of its problems could never last, but at least they have left behind this hint at the greatness they might have achieved.


14. Patty Griffin Impossible Dream (ATO Records) Released: 4/20/04
I've always been a fan of Patty Griffin's, but wasn't prepared for the religious experience of Impossible Dream. She comes into her own as a songwriter on this album by incorporating more layers, including horns, synthesizers and moving gospel harmonies.

15. Graham Coxon Happiness in Magazines (EMI) Released: 5/17/04 (UK)
Coxon's solo work while with Blur seemed to be a reaction to the melodic pop produced by the band. It was almost laboriously lo-fi. In Happiness in Magazines, he embraces his ability to write great guitar-driven pop songs. It was released in the UK in May, but for some silly reason will not see the light of day in the US until January 25, 2005.
16. Morrissey You Are the Quarry (Sanctuary Records) Released: 5/18/04
The Moz is back and as wonderfully self-absorbed as ever. After a seven year hiatus and a couple of disappointments before that, Morrissey came back swinging with his best since Bona Drag. His non-apologetic lyrics are wordplay at its finest since Cole Porter.

17. Carina Round Disconnection (Interscope Records) Released: 3/9/04
With Disconnection, Carina Round proves that a woman's voice doesn't have to be pretty to be compelling. Don't misunderstand me, hers is as good as any of the Lillith Fair alumnae, but more visceral and energetic.

18. Ambulance LTD Ambulance LTD (TVT Records) Released: 3/9/04
Ambulance LTD is Brooklyn's answer to Oasis. They don't break any ground with this album, but they pack their songs with catchy riffs and sweet vocals. This album is one of the more accessible coming out of the New York scene this year.


19. Modest Mouse Good News for People Who Love Bad News (Sony) Released: 4/6/04
"Float On" makes this album worthy. We just wish the rest of the album was as good.



20. The Tragically Hip In Between Evolution (Zoe Records) Released: 6/29/04
Gordon Downie is the best vocalist/lyricist most of you don't know. In Between Evolution was produced by Adam Kasper (Pearl Jam, Queens of the Stone Age), who gives this release a more organic vibe. It's a little less radio friendly than what we're used to with the Hip, but only because it rocks more.

Best Reissue: Pavement, Crooked Rain. They made it more than worth your while to rebuy this classic by adding a ton of previously unreleased material including a cool REM cover. Stephen Malkmus seems to be hinting at a possible reunion or at least not ruling out the idea so cross your fingers.

Labels: Arcade Fire, Drive By Truckers, Elliot Smith, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, Iron and Wine, Modest Mouse, Muse, Pete Doherty, Sonic Youth, The Libertines, U2