Morning Music Notes – Florence: On Ice!
Damon Albarn To Release Dr Dee Opera Studio Album
Yes, Blur/Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn is into opera; in fact, he’s written a few. The next logical step is to release the music as a studio album, which is what Mr. Albarn is proposing to do. The Dr Dee opera studio album will be released on May 7 and will consist of 18 tracks (via NME). Damon says that the album has “strange pastoral folk” songs, which means it’s really pretentious or oddly awesome. Damon will be performing the opera with singers and musicians featured on the album at Wiltshire even OneFest on April 14.
John Frusciante Won’t Be Going to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The amazing guitar force that is John Frusciante has said that he won’t be attending his former band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (via Gigwise). Somewhere, John’s replacement, Josh Klinghoffer, is secretly rejoicing. The Chili Peppers were rejuvenated by Frusciante’s guitar riffs in their 1999 album, Californication, leading to them re-emerging as a main force in the music scene. He departed before the band recorded last year’s I’m With You.
“He didn’t feel comfortable coming, which we totally respect”, drummer Chad Smith told Billboard. “We asked him… He said, ‘I’m just not really comfortable with that, but good luck and thanks for inviting me.’ It was all good.
“He’s the kind of guy, I think, that once he’s finished with something he’s just on to the next phase of his life. The Chili Peppers are not really on his radar right now.”
Unfortunately after Frusciante left, I think they are not on as many people’s radar anymore, either.
Jay-Z to Appear at South by Southwest, Will Stream Live Concert
American Express continues to put on live music shows on YouTube. Hmmm, maybe it’s time I get a credit card – seems like American Express are doing all the right things. There is now a new event at South by Southwest, called Amex Sync Show Presenting Jay-Z. Jay-Z’s SXSW performance will be streamed live on YouTube.com on Monday at 8 p.m. ET (you gotta really like Jay-Z to stay up for that). For those Brits/Europeans who like their sleep, the concert will be rebroadcast on-demand starting Tuesday, March 13 until Monday, March 19, on YouTube, Twitter, and Xbox LIVE. If you don’t have an internet connection, how are you reading this then head down to your local library – I’m sure the librarians will dig the latest Jay-Z tracks.
Watch! Florence + the Machine – Never Let Me Go
We leave you with a new video from Florence + the Machine for the song Never Let Me Go, from last year’s Ceremonials album. The video is a typical video from Florence, meaning it’s a bit abstract and dark. The video could also be called Florence: On Ice, as she skates her way through part of the song…until the tragic ending, of course. Watch it below.
Florence + the Machine – Never Let Me Go
