NIN’s Trent Reznor is known for battling against the recording industry powers that be. Now it’s over price-gouging his fans. And he’s none too happy about it. In an interview Trent had a few words to say about discovering his latest release Year Zero priced almost $10 more than other new releases:

“I created a little issue down here because the first thing I did when I got to Sydney is I walk into HMV, the week the record’s out, and I see it on the rack with a bunch of other releases. And every release I see: $21.99, $22.99, $24.99. And ours doesn’t have a sticker on it. I look close and ‘Oh, it’s $34.99′. So I walk over to see our live DVD Beside You in Time, and I see that it’s also priced six, seven, eight dollars more than every other disc on there. And I can’t figure out why that would be.”

Tren,t not one to sit back and take it, went a few steps further:

Well, in Brisbane I end up meeting and greeting some record label people, who are pleasant enough, and one of them is a sales guy, so I say “Why is this the case?” He goes “Because your packaging is a lot more expensive”. I know how much the packaging costs — it costs me, not them, it costs me 83 cents more to have a CD with the colour-changing ink on it. I’m taking the hit on that, not them. So I said “Well, it doesn’t cost $10 more”. “Ah, well, you’re right, it doesn’t. Basically it’s because we know you’ve got a core audience that’s gonna buy whatever we put out, so we can charge more for that. It’s the pop stuff we have to discount to get people to buy it. True fans will pay whatever”. And I just said “That’s the most insulting thing I’ve heard. I’ve garnered a core audience that you feel it’s OK to rip off? F— you’. That’s also why you don’t see any label people here, ‘cos I said ‘F— you people. Stay out of my f—ing show. If you wanna come, pay the ticket like anyone else. F— you guys”. They’re thieves. I don’t blame people for stealing music if this is the kind of s— that they pull off.

Back in the early 90’s, Trent, then an up-and-coming artist, was forced to legally retract himself from his recording contract with TVT records when the label became overly intrusive in the creative process. He eventually started his own label Nothing Records with backing and distribution overseen by major label Interscope Records. Under this seemingly protective umbrella of artistic freedom, Trent recorded his second album Broken to only minor commercial success. Much of that material was created while he was still battling TVT and the tracks are bleak even by NIN standards. His next major release was The Downward Spiral which succeeded in making him a household name and an iconic figure in not just the music industry, but also popular culture. Trent’s brooding nature and sincere angst were the backdrop to the 25th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival, for which he was the star feature.

Like the out-of-control crowd and the dismantling of authority at that venue — which spiraled into a dangerous riot — Trent has always railed against those who would take advantage of their position of power. And while some artists talk crap about how unfair the music industry is to their fans, Trent’s the kind of person to put his money where his mouth is. So what’s Trent’s response to the label’s price-gouging his fans?

“I’ve have one record left that I owe a major label, then I will never be seen in a situation like this again. If I could do what I want right now, I would put out my next album, you could download it from my site at as high a bit-rate as you want, pay $4 through PayPal. Come see the show and buy a T-shirt if you like it. I would put out a nicely packaged merchandise piece, if you want to own a physical thing. And it would come out the day that it’s done in the studio, not this “Let’s wait three months” bulls—.”

I like the sound of that. Trent is one of those rare figures who can still remember what it’s like to be a fan, despite being far removed from that aspect. He has always seemed a person of high principles and that is something I can respect and appreciate!

Trent, I would happily pay $10 to $20 for your music, as long as you release it on your terms. Oh, and I will cheerfully bear your children should you need that as well!

Photo source: Rolling Stone.com

Rosie got into a nasty fight with her co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck yesterday, in case you missed it. Rosie’s a liberal, Elisabeth is the resident conservative. There was some issue regarding Rosie’s “implication” that American troops are terrorists, and when Rosie was called out on it by media pundits she feels that Elisabeth didn’t appropriately defend her — much lamenting and gnashing of teeth ensued. Then that hippie-vegan Alicia Silverstone came on and dissed Elisabeth and Rosie wrote some haikus on her website. Rosie won’t be on today because her wife is celebrating her 40th birthday and they will be living it up like only (certain types of) lesbians know how: eating lots of cake.

Here’s all you need to see to get caught up.

The Fight:

The Diss:

My Response:

I don’t watch The View. A bunch of yentas yapping and squawking sounds about as appealing as have an icepick shoved in my frontal lobe. Shrill women arguing about politics based on news sound-bites is the equivalent of my kid coming home and attempting to explain the origins of man after hearing another kid say “dinosaurs used to eat man” on the playground. It’s uninformed and irritating. As is arguing with my child about why this information is inaccurate. Both groups are childish and have nary a clue, but at least my kid has the excuse of being a kid. Which if you think about it, is a pretty good excuse.

Oh, and Alicia Silverstone has no manners.

Anyway, Rosie’s a large and unappealing loud mouth who seems to fight with anyone whose opinion differs from her own. Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a pint-sized pipsqueak, who when confronted by someone as overwhelmingly oppressive as Rosie, gets completely flustered and loses her composure. Never fun to see. Now with that fight causing a rift between them, and based on Rosie’s haikus, there’s now speculation that Rosie will not finish out the remaining three weeks on her contract before she departs from the show.

I know gays love Rosie, and liberals and probably androgynous women, but whenever I see her she makes me want to run in the opposite director and shut down all of my sense receptors. She was much more palatable before she ate her way out of the closet. She is at best, anti-peristaltic.

So what is my point? I’m really not sure except less Rosie is probably a good thing. And it’s not ‘cuz she’s gay. Gay is fine, vomitus not so much.

TMZ is reporting that not only will each of the previous year’s winners of American Idol (minus Fantasia) be performing, but a whole host of celebrities will be performing as well - which may include punk-rockers Green Day.

Here’s who scheduled to be there: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks. Gladys Knight is set to perform “Midnight Train To Georgia” with the final six female contestants (oh great more Haley “lotta legs” Scarnato, *burp*) and Smokey Robinson will be performing his smooth classic “Ohh, Baby, Baby” with the final six male contestants. Melinda, who was voted off last week will perform with BeBe and Cece Winans, and Sangina will rock out with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, reviving his “electric” performance of the “Girl You Really Got Me Now” by the Kinks. Blake will be rocking the microphone up against Doug E. Fresh (Will Smith’s old partner, oops that was DJ Jazzy Jeff, what do I know I was like ten!) and a duet with Jordin on the Beatles, “I Saw Her Standing There.” Why? Who the hell knows.

And then, the weirdos at TMZ quipped something about Green Day being sell-outs, and a highly placed source telling them that they will be performing on the show. Er, just because they are appearing on the biggest show among all the major networks hardly make them sell-outs. They are like 40 years-old for crissakes, I think they are allowed to do some major appearances at this stage in their careers. Who writes for TMZ anyway? Total doofuses.

Everyone is expecting Jordin to win. Most likely, but really, I don’t care. I stopped caring about four weeks ago.

Babies are the most grounding creatures in the world.  Above is Sheryl with her newly adopted son Wyatt Steven, named after her father and brother. He was born April 29 and Sheryl is truly blessed to have him in her life.  Congrats Sheryl.  Please don’t let him anywhere near Hollywood.  Or Eric Clapton.  Or Lance Armstrong.  Thanks!

Image and source :  I’m Not Obsessed!

Angelina Jolie has been talking to the press more lately than she has in some time, all part of her and partner Brad Pitt’s media blitz for their new film A Mighty Heart, which opens in theaters on June 22.

The film was produced by Brad’s production company Plan B, and features Angelina in the starring role as Mariane Pearl, a journalist and slain wife of fellow journalist Daniel Pearl. Daniel Pearl, who worked for the Wall Street Journal, was investigating “shoe-bomber” Richard Reid in Pakistan, when he was kidnapped and killed in 2002. His story was riveting, and made all the more tragic as his murder was captured on film and made public while his wife was pregnant with their first child.

Angelina was handpicked by Mariane Pearl to play her in the film. Pearl had to be convinced by studio heads to adapt the memoir she wrote (also title A Mighty Heart) which detailed happier times with Daniel and the events leading up to his horrific death. Mariane has stated that while she was approached by several Hollywood types about her book, only Brad Pitt had actually read it - and having Jolie’s involvement most certainly sealed the deal.

Pearl and Jolie became friends (prior to any plans for the film) after Mariane read an interview with Jolie where she spoke about adopting her son Maddox and how that had changed her perspective on life. The two have been close since.

Now, with the film’s premier in Cannes, and the world premier in just weeks, Jolie has been prompted to speak to the press not only about the film, but about her life with Brad, her kids and their life through the eye of the paparazzi.

On NBC’s Today, Angie sat down with Ann Curry to discuss ii all. Much of the interview, which can be seen here, focuses on the film and Jolie playing a person who isn’t just a “real” individual, but also a friend of hers. Curry attempts to make some side-by-side comparisons between Jolie and Pearl and their life in the media, but Jolie is quick to point out that while there are flashbulbs to contend with, her life has not been marked with tragedy — and in fact — she is quite lucky to have a loving family that she can enjoy during her private times away from the spotlight.

What struck me as “intriguing” in this interview, which was mostly predictable, was Angie’s summation of the difference between journalists like Daniel Pearl and celebrity journalists. Jolie readily admits that journalism as a profession (and as is portrayed in the film) can be a heroic quest, but that when the media focuses only on “silly stories” about her, that’s what truly bothers her.
But wait, there’s more…

All the world was a buzz yesterday as word spread that Oprah’s father, Vernon Winfrey was working on a book about his relationship with his famous daughter, talk-show mogul Oprah Winfrey. What was so surprising about this story was that Oprah was completely unaware a book was being written, which was said to have the working title of “Things Unspoken.”

Now, there seems to be either a change of heart, or perhaps some intervening words on the part of Team Oprah. According to an exclusive interview with TV Guide Magazine, Vernon Winfrey is quoted on the matter:

“There is no book. We might think about it later on.”

Asked whether he would be working with his famous daughter on a book, Vernon said:

“Well, I don’t know. We have to decide.”

And more to the point, had he spoken to Oprah about the book and did she talk him out of the idea?

“No,” Vernon insists. “It’s just on hold right now, OK?”

Oh, I am SO NOT buying that last one. There’s two things I know about in life. Don’t cross the mafia and don’t cross Oprah. Doing either will get you the same result: cement shoes!!! Hey, I ain’t trying to start any blasphemous rumors, I’m just saying is all. I bet Vernon slept with one eye open last night. It’ll be several moons before that old man let’s his guard down.

Oprah is scarier than al Qaeda.

A star basketball player on a world champion NBA team. A model slash actress on trashy prime time drama. Even eHarmony would have to agree that’s a perfect match. But even though the actress portrays a bride-to-be who threatens to call off her wedding, there’s no way her actual wedding, would … no … oh no!

Could it be? Oh no, the wedding of San Antonio Spurs’ point guard Tony Parker and Desperate Housewives minx Eva Longoria isn’t going to … wait, never mind.
But wait, there’s more…

The second installment in the Marvel Comics Fantastic Four series is set to be released in theaters on Jun 15, The Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer.

This is the summer for blockbusters with several big movies coming out over the course of the summer including Pirates of The Caribbean: At World’s End set for release this Thursday, May 24th just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix July 13th (the world premier is set for Jun 28th in Tokyo) and the new Fantastic Four nestled in the middle of these likely box office blockbusters.

The first FF was ok by “comic book” to “big screen” standards. It filled all the requirements of setting up the origin of how our superheroes Mr. Fantastic aka Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd), The Thing aka Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis), The Human Torch aka Johnny Storm (Chris Evans) and of course, The Invisible Woman aka Susan Storm (Jessica Alba) get their powers - as well as their arch-nemesis - Dr. Doom aka Dr. Victor von Doom (Julian McMahon).

A “cosmic storm” (a full blast of intense radiation - it’s Marvel, what’d you expect) is the catalyst for the genetic mutations that transform the team of scientists and pilots. The original comic series, the four of them minus Dr. Doom, attempt a risky space trip to test our Reed’s latest invention, a space exploration starship. Faced with bankruptcy after spending all his inheritance working on his aeronautical inventions, Reed made a last ditch effort and asked two pilots, the quiet and gentle Ben Grimm, and the hotshot Johnny Storm to help him pilot his craft, along with his former flame (and older sister to Johnny) genetic scientist Susan Storm to accompany him on a mission in an attempt to keep his government backing for the project (gee that sounds familiar, see Green Goblin/Harry Osborn).

As we know, the cosmic storm bombards them with radiation and instead of dying a ghastly death, they are instead transformed into supercool superheroes: with the power to stretch, there’s Mr. Fantastic, the power to be really strong and durable, The Thing, the power to fly and create supernova strength heat, Human Torch and the power to turn invisible and create otherworldly force fields, Invisible Woman.

But wait, there’s more…

More Lindsay Lohan gossip.

Hard to say if this is true, but considering the subject matter is Lindsay Lohan, let’s just assume that it is.

The Bosh has some interesting quotes up about Lindsay’s latest relationship with British playboy Calum Best. It seems she’s a firecrotch in the sack, as well as, a pain in the a** on the set of her films. Here are the quotes that a source claims Calum said:

“[Calum] told me Lindsay’s really insatiable when it comes to sex. [He said] ‘she’s dynamite between the sheets…No girl I’ve ever slept with comes close.’…Calum was knocked out by her body. He said she’s got one of the best he’s ever seen with all the curves in the right places. He joked Lindsay loved being on top during sex and controlling the pace but sometimes he felt he needed ear muffs because she screamed so much during sex.”

“Calum explained that because Lindsay was so fit he would often find it hard to keep up with her demands. Lindsay likes her sex rough and passionate and Calum says he has the bruises and bumps to prove it. He joked their hotel room would often look like a whirlwind had run through it with sheets torn away from the mattress by the force of their bodies rolling across the bed.”

“Calum treats her no different to any other conquest even though she is a big Hollywood star. Lindsay’s used to men doing everything she asks and getting her own way but Calum is the exact opposite.”

Obviously these young women (Evan Rachel Wood, Jessica Simpson) got their sexual know-how from low-rent porn films. Screaming is so totally cliched. As is tearing up the joint, and giving bumps and bruises. If you know what you are doing, you don’t really need all the theatrics. It’s sex people, not “Die Hard 4″ - let’s keep the explosions, screaming and violence on the big screen. You can be passionate without making a mess and putting someone in the hospital.

Lindsay’s need for attention is pathological. She makes all red-heads look bad, and honestly, we can do that all our own, thank you very much!

Tonight is the beginning of the American Idol Finale Week and the final two contestants, Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks, will be facing off against one another to win the 2007 American Idol title.

Oh, and AI judge Paula Abdul broke a fall over the weekend with her face, as she tried to avoid stepping on her pet chihuahua Tulip. Abdul spoke to TV’s Extra about the incident, which ended up tearing cartilage in her nose and fracturing her toe:

”I took a nasty fall … trying not to hurt my dog. I bruised myself on my arm … my chest, my waist all the way down to my hip. All from my little chubby Tulip.”

Not very graceful for a former Laker’s girl and professional dancer, but then again this Paula Abdul we’re talking about here, she’s well known for wandering around half-tilted and full-loaded — on joy.

The good news: tonight when she’s slurring her speech and acting weird, we’ll know that she has a reason for popping prescription meds.

I joke…I love Paula. She’s the sweetest!!! And proof that being mentally incapacitated doesn’t have to keep you from living a full life!