
- The Killers and the Arctic Monkeys have cleaned up at the Brit Awards - the U.K.’s version of the Grammys. The Arctic Monkeys won Best British Group and Best British Album, while the Killers won Best International Act and Best International Album. In typical Brit Award fashion, Best International Breakthrough Act went to an American band few Americans have heard of. Hollywood’s Orson took home that prize.
- Legendary Factory Records boss and consummate Manchester scenester Tony Wilson has been diagnosed with cancer and has undergone emergency surgery to remove a kidney, he reportedly announced yesterday. The 56-year-old rocker — who was portrayed by purported Courtney Love consort Steve Coogan in the awesome 2002 movie 24 Hour Party People — had the surgery last month but is only discussing it now, as he’s about to begin chemotherapy at the Christie hospital in Withington next week.
- According to a new survey, nearly two-thirds of music industry execs think that removing DRM — the digital locks — from downloadable music files would improve sales, yet few believe it will actually happen.
- The Coal Miner’s daughter is getting a college degree. Loretta Lynn is scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music. The degree will be given to the legend during her forthcoming March 17th performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Congrats, Loretta!
- Queens of the Stone Age apparently announced yesterday on their MySpace page that you should go get laid on Valentine’s Day and that they will be releasing their new record, Era Vulgaris, in June.
- The All Tomorrow’s Parties lineup is complete. The first weekend of the festival will take place April 27–29 and will be organized by the Dirty Three. The second weekend will take place May 18–20 and headliners will be determined partially by festival organizers, partially by fans. For the first weekend, Nick Cave will headline and other performers include Bill Callahan (the artist formerly known as Smog), Cat Power (legend in training and Bill Callahan’s ex-girlfriend,) and woodland nymph/harpist Joanna Newsom (rumored to be Bill Callahan’s current girlfriend). Interesting.
- And from our political news desk:During a performance in Puerto Rico, Ricky Martin gave Bush the middle finger.

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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.