Timabaland: Shock Value II

SUPER-PRODUCER TIMBALAND TO RELEASE TIMBALAND PRESENTS SHOCK VALUE II ON DECEMBER 8, 2009, ON Mosley Music Group/Blackground Records/Interscope Records

FOLLOW-UP TO 2007’S MULTI-PLATINUM SHOCK VALUE FEATURES SPECIAL GUESTS JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, NELLY FURTADO, KATY PERRY, MILEY CYRUS, THE FRAY, CHAD KROEGER OF NICKELBACK, DRAKE, CHRIS DAUGHTRY, AND MANY OTHERS

DIGITAL SINGLE “MORNING AFTER DARK” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH VERIZON V CAST
BEGINNING OCTOBER 23RD AND ITUNES OCTOBER 27TH

Multi-platinum producer, prolific hit-maker, and sonic innovator Timbaland will release his third solo album, entitled Timbaland Presents Shock Value II, on December 8 , 2009, on Mosley Music Group/Blackground Records/Interscope Records. The album is the follow-up to the super-producer’s multi-platinum 2007 album Timbaland Presents Shock Value, which spawned three No. 1 pop singles, the Grammy-nominated “Give It To Me” (featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake), “The Way I Are,” (featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.), and a remix of OneRepublic’s multi-platinum blockbuster “Apologize” (one of the best-selling singles of the decade).

On Shock Value II, Timbaland re-maps the pop/R&B landscape by batting away genre boundaries once again. His prodigious influence and ability to stay ahead of the curve have meant that a wide range of today’s most popular artists are eager to participate in the Shock Value series. This second iteration features guest appearances from Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, The Fray, Chris Daughtry, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, Brandy, Drake, and Keri Hilson. In addition, Timbaland asserts the wide-screen sonic adventurousness that has led the Virginia Beach native to dominate the pop charts for more than a decade.

“I’m so fortunate and blessed to be able to create a Shock Value II,” Timbaland says. “I’m really proud of the caliber of artists on this album and all the work they put into making it a success. I can promise that no one has ever heard Katy Perry, The Fray, or Brandy sound like this before. It’s exciting because not only am I giving fans the best of me on each track, I’m giving them a glimpse of their favorite artist in a completely different light. This is an album that can be listened to from start to finish every single time because each song is so unique and the range of artists so diverse. I can’t wait for my fans to hear the collaborations.”

Over the course of his career, Timbaland has made an indelible imprint on the music scene. His production has helped create career-defining hits for artists such as Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Destiny’s Child, Madonna, Fall Out Boy, and Jay-Z, among many others. Respected beyond the genres of urban and hip-hop music, Timbaland, whose musical influences cross cultural lines, has also been sought by diverse superstars whose music similarly knows no boundaries, from pop star Justin Timberlake to avant-singer Björk. So prolific a hit-maker is he that in the span of a single year — 2006 to 2007 — Timbaland produced more than 10 international chart-toppers, including Furtado’s “Promiscuous,” Timberlake’s “Sexy Back,” and 50 Cent’s “Ayo Technology.”

Shock Value II’s first single, “Morning After Dark” premiered on KIIS FM’s “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” on October 16th and available for purchase through Verizon V CAST and iTunes. The single features Nelly Furtado and French singer-songwriter SoShy, a new artist on Timbaland’s label Mosley Music Group.


www.timbalandmusic.com

Click onto link below to sample "MORNING AFTER DARK" feat. Nelly Furtado and SoShy

http://interscope.edgeboss.net/wmedia/interscope/timbaland/audio/morningafterdark/hi.wax

George Michael DVD: LIVE IN LONDON

GEORGE MICHAEL’S
“LIVE IN LONDON” DVD
TO BE RELEASED ON DECEMBER 8TH

George Michael is to release ‘Live in London’ a special 23 song full concert DVD on December 8th through Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment. This is the first live DVD of George’s career. Recorded and filmed at The Final Two concerts in London’s Earls Court arena on August 24th and 25th these highly anticipated shows marked the end of George Michael’s triumphant 25 Live Tour and were the last chance to catch George performing on a stage of this magnitude.

‘Live in London’ features tracks from George’s historic career including ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Faith’, ‘Everything She Wants’ and ‘Amazing’. A special behind the scenes bonus documentary, ‘I’d Know him a Mile Off,’ offers a glimpse behind the magic of these sold out shows even shadowing the man himself before and after his performances on stage. ‘Live in London’ will be available worldwide in two formats, double disc DVD and a single Blu-Ray disc.

When George first announced his 25 Live Tour tickets were snapped up in minutes. The critically acclaimed tour saw George perform in front of over 2 million people worldwide with a 49 date 25 Live Arena Tour and a 30 date 25 Live Stadium Tour. In Summer 2008 Michael took his 25 Live Tour to arenas across North America touring North America for the first time in 20 years. In London alone, 350,000 people collectively watched him performing in Earls Court, Wembley Arena, The Roundhouse and the newly renovated Wembley Stadium, where he made musical history as the first artist to perform at the momentous venue in June 2007.

His exceptional performances in the UK, Europe and North America received unprecedented praise from both critics and fans across the globe.

“George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced.” - The Sun

“King George still reigns supreme” - Mail on Sunday

“A masterclass in pop genius” - The Observer

“A tremendous singer, a complete showman. All George Michael needs is a mic, his songs, and the magic on stage is instaneous” - La Parisien

“As he closed with the still stirring ‘Freedom’, his hands raised high, testifying like an evangelist for self determination. Then he was on his knees, giving the ‘I’m not worthy’ bow several times towards his fans. His crowds roared back, still dancing to the music, suggesting that maybe he was’. - Rolling Stone

George Michael is one of the world’s most successful male artists, selling over 100 million records world wide and encompassing 11 British No.1 singles, eight British No.1 albums and six US No.1 singles. The Multi talented artist also proved to be a big hit on the small screen as he parodied himself in Christmas specials of the hit UK television shows ‘Catherine Tate Show’ and ‘Extras’.

Last year George participated in US sitcom Eli Stone, where each episode was titled after a George Michael song and George made several appearances throughout the series.

DISC ONE

1. Waiting (Reprise)
Written by Dennis Morgan, Simon Climie

2. Fastlove
Written by George Michael, Patrice Rushen, Teresa McFadden, Freddie Washington

3. I’m Your Man
Written by George Michael

4. Flawless (Go To The City)
Written by George Michael, Paul Alexander, Nashom Wooden, Gary Turnier, Eric Matthew, Oliver Stumm

5. Father Figure
Written by George Michael

6. You Have Been Loved
Written By George Michael, David Austin

7. An Easier Affair
Written by George Michael, Ruadhri Cushnan, Kevin Ambrose, Niall Flynn

8. Everything She Wants
Written by George Michael

9. One More Try
Written by George Michael

10. Different Corner
Written by George Michael

11. Too Funky
Written by George Michael

12. Shoot The Dog
Written by George Michael, Niall Flynn, James Jackman, Phil Oakey, Ian Burton

13. John and Elvis Are Dead
Written By George Michael, David Austin

14. Faith
Written by George Michael

15. Spinning The Wheel
Written by George Michael, Johnny Douglas

16. Feeling Good
Written by Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley

17. Roxanne
Written by Sting

18. My Mother Had a Brother
Written by George Michael

19. Amazing
Written by George Michael, Johnny Douglas

20. Fantasy
Written by George Michael

21. Outside
Written by George Michael

22. Careless Whisper
Written by George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley

23. Freedom ’90
Written by George Michael

DISC TWO (BONUS TRACKS)

“I’d Know Him a Mile Off!” Documentary
Produced by Lisa Johnson, Filmed and directed by David Austin.
Made by G K Panayioutou

1. Precious Box
Written by George Michael

2. Jesus To A Child
Written by George Michael

3. First Time Ever
Written by Ewan McCall

Angie Stone - New Album: UNEXPECTED

ANGIE STONE EXPECTS THE ‘UNEXPECTED’ ON NOVEMBER 23rd

R&B Star’s New Album is 2nd for Legendary Soul Label Stax Records

R&B/soul luminary Angie Stone has never shied away from pushing her own limits and the limits of her music. With each new recording, with each next step in her career, she has consistently hit the world with something it didn’t see coming. Her new album, Unexpected, set for release on November 24th from Stax Records (a division of Concord Music Group), encompasses a diversity of styles and influences that Stone has distilled over the years – rap, R&B, soul, funk and more – and weaves them together in a narrative that addresses life’s ups and downs, but ultimately strikes a redemptive chord.

“I wanted this album to be something different,” says Stone, whose 2007 Stax debut, The Art of Love & War, was her first album to top Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop chart. “I didn’t want to make the kind of neo-soul record I had made in the past. That would have been repetitive.”

But in the midst of mapping this new direction, Stone encountered a shock that even she didn’t see coming. Mid-way through the recording process, her father – Stone’s spiritual anchor and creative mentor since her childhood in South Carolina – passed away very suddenly. “It was totally unexpected,” she says, “and that’s where I came up with the title of the album. I really didn’t think I could finish the project, because I was so grief stricken…I had to do a lot of the vocals a second time. I had to lean on my dad’s wisdom and energy, and try to be open to what he would have wanted me to do in order to finish the songs. I can say that his spirit was literally there in the studio with me, and I’m grateful for that.”

Out of this tragedy comes Unexpected, the next step forward for Stone, a stretch beyond whatever limits – real or perceived – she might have been facing when the project began. From the get-go, the quick and funky title track – with its backbeat inspired by Sly Stone’s 1971 hit, “Family Affair” – warns the listener to “Prepare yourself for just about anything.” Equally energetic is the album’s first single, “I Ain’t Hearin’ U,” a song that decries rumor and gossip. The track is co-written by vocalist and songwriter Juanita Wynn, Stone’s collaborative partner for several years.

“I Don’t Care” is a proclamation of self-acceptance and self-assurance, based on sound spiritual advice that Stone received early on: “My dad always used to tell me, ‘Don’t worry about what people say. They can’t change anything. Whatever God wants for you is most important.” “Tell Me” settles into a techno groove wherein the dual vocals by Stone and Wynn – artfully co-produced by Kerrim “Ikon” King and Fitzroy “Art Teacher” Reid – create a wall of sound that’s augmented by an edgy delivery from rapper Dose.

“Think Sometimes” is a poignant ballad inspired in large part by Stone’s late father. “It’s funny how people can slip away so fast, and suddenly they’re in your past,” she says. “You wonder about what you could have – or should have – done differently. It’ll make you think sometimes.”

Unexpected represents a turning point for Angie Stone – not just in her career, but in her life and her world view. And while the losses that triggered the transformation may be painful, the artist and her work are stronger because of them. “This album is something that no one would have anticipated coming from me. My father always encouraged me and everyone else he knew to reach out and make a leap of faith, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

angiestoneonline.net

Click onto the links below to launch the first single, "I Ain't Hearin U" taken from UNEXPECTED
Quicktime
Windows Media

Leona Lewis - New Album - ECHO

ECHO, NEW STUDIO ALBUM CO- PRODUCED BY CLIVE DAVIS AND SIMON COWELL
IN STORES NOVEMBER 17TH
(J RECORDS/SYCO MUSIC )

ECHO is the follow up to her 6 million plus seller, 3x Grammy-nominated debut album Spirit

Leona Lewis who took the music world by storm with the release of her 2008 debut album Spirit with the first single from her forthcoming album ECHO entitled “Happy.” “Happy” is available via iTunes. “Happy” was co-written by Leona Lewis with writer/producer Ryan Tedder, the co-writer and producer of Leona’s mega smash, record-breaking hit single “Bleeding Love.” “Happy,” a soaring ballad featuring an anthemic, life-affirming chorus, showcases Leona’s stunning vocal prowess and introduces what’s to come on Leona’s second album ECHO.

ECHO, set for release on November 17th, is the follow up to Leona’s debut Spirit, which has sold over 6 million albums worldwide, earned three Grammy award nominations, and resulted in her becoming the best selling new artist of 2008. ECHO sees Leona working with superstar talent Ne-Yo, John Shanks, Max Martin and Ryan Tedder, as well as with new collaborators Xenomania and Julian Bennetta. Clive Davis and Simon Cowell, who teamed up to sign Leona Lewis to a record deal with J Records/Syco Music, co-produced ECHO.

Leona, who co-wrote the lead single “Happy,” is currently putting the finishing touches on her new album and states: “I’m actually more confident with this album than the last. I’ve taken more control this time, and I feel more at ease with everything. To me, it’s all about great songs and I hope the songs move people as much as they move me.”

Visit www.leonalewismusic.com for news, updates and more.

Agnes: New video for Release Me

Get to know Agnes

Growing up in the small town of Vänersborg, Sweden, music was always an integral part of Agnes Carlsson’s life. Her career took off at the tender age of 17 as the youngest-ever Pop Idol winner (Sweden’s “American Idol” counterpart), triggering a string of chart successes in Sweden. As she grew up, her style evolved. She was introduced to songwriter and producer Anders Hansson in 2008 and the creative sparks began to fly as Hansson’s dance-flavored production allowed Agnes to express her drive, energy and attitude…and of course, let loose with her incredible vocals. “Release Me” is the result of this studio alchemy and announces the arrival of a major new talent.

“Release Me” was released earlier this summer, and became a pan-European smash before spreading to airwaves around the world, from South Africa to Israel to Australia. The video for “Release Me” has already hit well over 5 million views on YouTube.

The album Dance Love Pop is soon to be released internationally and contains smashes like “On And On” and “Love Love Love”, both already proven hits in Sweden. Through beats and ballads, the album showcases Agnes at her best.

With her infectious enthusiasm, sparkling energy and stunning vocal ability, Agnes is on the way to becoming one of music’s biggest new names.



www.agnesmusic.com

Nellie McKay: Normal As Blueberry Pie (A Tribute To Doris Day)

Nellie McKay gives Doris her due with Normal As Blueberry Pie - A Tribute To Doris Day (October 13th / Verve)

For Nellie, producing, arranging, and performing Normal As Blueberry Pie was the natural outcome of all the years she has spent listening enraptured to Ms. Day’s music. “She was - and still is - ahead of her time,” says Nellie, who received the Doris Day Music Award in 2005 for “The Dog Song” in recognition of her dedication to animal rights.

Nellie reviewed a recent biography of Day for The New York Times, and is one of the few people in 30 years to be granted an interview with Ms. Day (The Bark magazine, 2007). “What she possessed - beyond her beauty, physical grace, and natural acting ability - was a resplendent voice that conveyed enormous warmth and feeling,” writes Nellie (The New York Times, 2007).

Normal As Blueberry Pie features 12 songs handpicked from over 600 recordings by Ms. Day, with an original by McKay. Hailed as an “old pop soul in her ability to draw so effortlessly on a remarkable range of styles” (LA Times) who is “supremely gifted, charming and darkly funny” (Washington Post), McKay bridges the big band era of the ‘40s into Day’s later film career.

“From time capsule to timeless, her humanity always shines through. Her canon combines modern freshness with reassurance,” adds Nellie, who plays several instruments on the album, and uses four different old-time mics to evoke various moods (all lovingly engineered and mixed by recording maestro James Farber).

Exasperating, exhilarating, and altogether uncategorizable, this fourth album again showcases Nellie’s fresh take on music and life with a curtsy to Doris, a nod to convention, and a unique twist all her own.

=======================================

Doris Day is the # 1 female box-office star of all time, and one of the most prolific recording artists in history. In 1977, she became a leader in the animal welfare movement, an important cause for McKay. “She’s pursuing a change in the mind-set that allows human beings to treat other species as objects,” says Nellie. The Doris Day Animal League has more than 180,000 members and focuses on lobbying Washington for pro-animal legislation.

Nellie McKay has released three critically acclaimed albums: Get Away From Me, Pretty Little Head and Obligatory Villagers, and won a Theater World Award for her portrayal of Polly Peachum in the Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, as well as contributing to The Onion, Interview Magazine, and The New York Times Book Review. Her music has been heard on Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS and Privileged, and she has dueted with Eartha Kitt, Trey Anastasio, Taj Mahal, and shared the stage with Odetta, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello and other notables in aid of various progressive pursuits.

Normal As Blueberry Pie - A Tribute To Doris Day Tracklist

“The Very Thought of You” (Ray Noble)
“Do Do Do” (George & Ira Gershwin)
“Wonderful Guy” (Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II)
“Meditation” (Antonio Carlos Jobim / Norman Gimbel)
“Mean to Me” (Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk)
“Crazy Rhythm” (Joseph Meyer & Roger Wolfe Kahn / Irving Cesear)
“Sentimental Journey” (Les Brown & Ben Homer / Bud Green)
“If I Ever Had a Dream” (Nellie McKay)
“Black Hills of Dakota” (Sammy Fain / Paul Francis Webster)
“Dig It” (Hal Bourne, Johnny Mercer)
“Send Me No Flowers” (Burt Bacharach / Hal David)
“Close Your Eyes” (Bernice Petkere)
“I Remember You” (Victor Schertzinger / Johnny Mercer)

www.nelliemckay.com

Watch the video-
In the studio with Nellie McKay

Critical praise

“Doris Day is an emblem of sunshine, communion with nature and animals, and common civility… In a time when cynicism rules, her eager humanity is ever more precious…”
- Nellie McKay, The New York Times Book Review

“Ms. McKay has picked up not just antique musical styles, but also a tone that’s even more elusive: arch but amiable, with teeth behind the giggles.”
- Jon Pareles, The New York Times

“ Thanks to (McKay), the Great American Songbook has a living, breathing present as well as a glorious past.”
- Joan Anderman, The Boston Globe