Beatles climb iTunes charts after catalog debuts

The Beatles soared up the iTunes record charts on Tuesday, with five of their classic albums entering the Top 20 less than 24 hours after the band's catalog was released for the first time on the world's No.1 digital retailer.

"Abbey Road" was leading the pack on Tuesday evening, with "The White Album" and "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" also proving the most popular Beatles album downloads on Apple's iTunes store. The special digital "Beatles Box Set", priced at $149 was also climbing up Top 20 along with the "Blue Album" of greatest hits.

On the U.S. iTunes singles charts, "Here Comes the Sun", "Let it Be" and "Blackbird" were among six Beatles singles moving steadily up the top 100 downloads, according to real-time data on the iTunes website.

Detailed figures on the numbers of U.S. downloads will be available next week from chart tracker Nielsen Soundscan.

Apple's iTunes store on Tuesday released 13 of the albums made famous more than 40 years ago by the Fab Four, ending years of fruitless negotiations between Apple founder Steve Jobs, the Beatles management company Apple Corps, and record label EMI.

Paul McCartney said he it was "fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around."

Drummer Ringo Starr said he was "particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes" and John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono said it was an appropriate move in what would have been Lennon's 70th birthday year.

In London, the Official Charts Company said it was certain that "their music will make a big impact" on the official UK singles charts, starting on Sunday when weekly sales and download figures are released.

According to Apple Corps, the band had sold more than 600 million records, tapes and CDs of its 1960s songs before Tuesday's iTunes releases.

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Apple Finally Snares Beatles

Steve Jobs is nearing the end of his long and winding pursuit of the Beatles catalog.

Apple Inc. is preparing to disclose that its iTunes store will soon start carrying music by the Beatles, according to people familiar with the situation, a move that would fill a glaring gap in the collection of the world's largest music retailer.

The deal resulted from talks that were taking place as recently as last week among executives of Apple, representatives of the Beatles and their record label, EMI Group Ltd,, according to these people. These people cautioned that Apple could change plans at the last minute.

Spokesmen for Apple and EMI declined to comment.

Apple on Monday posted a notice on the home page of its iTunes store that it would make "an exciting announcement" Tuesday morning.

Terms of the deal that brought the Beatles music to iTunes couldn't be learned, and it was unclear whether other online music services would gain access to the catalog too. However, Apple maintains a roughly 90% market share in the digital-music business.

EMI has been under financial strain following an ill-timed leveraged buyout by Terra Firma Capital Partners LP in 2007. If the iTunes tie-up generates significant cash advances or sales, it could delay breaches in the company's loan covenants. Terra Firma borrowed £3 billion ($4.9 billion) from Citigroup Inc. to finance the deal, but has fallen into breach of those covenants, forcing it to add millions more to its equity position last year.

Even as recorded-music sales have plummeted, the Beatles have remained one of the most reliable franchises in the business. In 2009, 39 years after breaking up, they sold the third-highest number of albums of any act in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, with 3.3 million copies sold.

The Beatles aren't the only big iTunes holdout. AC/DC, Bob Seger and Kid Rock all have witheld their music from the online store. Other longtime digital wallflowers such as Metallica and Led Zeppelin have relented in recent years.

The Beatles' arrival on iTunes was delayed in part by ongoing trademark litigation, the most recent round of which was resolved in 2007.

The Fab Four's arrival in the digital age comes very late compared to most other major acts'. The group also was a latecomer to the CD era, waiting until 1987 to issue their main body of work on a medium that the industry had embraced in the early to mid part of the decade.

People who have done business with the group and its corporate entity, Apple Corps, describe a very slow-moving process in which the two surviving bandmembers, and the heirs of the other two, can take a long time to reach consensus.

The group started moving with a bit more alacrity following the 2007 death of Neil Aspinall, the long time Beatles confidant who ran the band's company, Apple Corps Ltd., for many years. Founded in 1968, Apple Corps controls certain rights related to the Beatles recordings, although the recordings themselves are owned by EMI. Mr. Aspinall was replaced as Apple Corps' CEO by Jeff Jones, a former executive of Sony Music's well-respected Legacy division, which handles back-catalog releases for Sony Corp.'s various record labels.

After the arrival of Mr. Jones, the Beatles started modernizing their affairs more quickly than they had previously. In 2009 the group issued remastered CD versions of their studio albums with improved sound quality, something for which fans had been clamoring for years. The band struck a deal to release a videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band, last September. That title has seen mixed sales.

Even the solo catalogs of the members of the Beatles have become available via iTunes and other online music services for varying lengths of time, prompting headscratching in the music and technology worlds about why the Beatles albums proper still weren't available.

The Beatles-iTunes agreement represents a watershed in a fraught, decades-long relationship between two of the biggest icons in their respective fields.

The two sides have traded lawsuits since 1978, when the Beatles alleged that the computer maker, incorporated as Apple Computer in 1977, infringed on the band's trademark in the name and logo of Apple Corps.

The lawsuit was settled in 1981 for an undisclosed sum, plus an agreement that the Cupertino, Calif., computer maker wouldn't compete in the music business.

Then in 1989 Apple Corps sued again, charging that Apple Computer had violated the terms of the earlier settlement by giving its computers increasingly powerful musical abilities, such as hardware that enabled its computers to control synthesizers.

The two sides announced a settlement in 1991, after 100 days in court, with Apple Computer paying roughly $29 million to the band.

Then in April 2003, Apple Computer again raised the band's hackles by launching the iTunes music store. Two months later, Apple Corps sued Apple Computer in High Court in London, alleging that the online music store violated the 1991 agreement.

In 2006, after a one-week trial, the court handed the computer maker a rare victory in the long-running legal saga, dismissing the claims of the musical entity. Judge Edward Mann ruled that the Apple logo on the iTunes Store doesn't appear "in connection with" any particular music being sold, and instead is simply an icon for the store itself.

The two sides announced a settlement in early 2007 under which the computer maker, then known by its current name, Apple Inc., took control of the trademarks at issue and licensed them back to Apple Corps Ltd. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

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My Chemical Romance Plot Spring Tour

My Chemical Romance will hit the road for a 24-date tour next April in support of their new album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (out next week). The trek — dubbed the World Contamination Tour — kicks off April 1 in Portland, OR and wraps on May 24 in Phoenix, AZ. Check out dates below.

When SPIN.com caught up with guitarist Ray Toro to preview the album, he offered an early peek at the production for the tour. Expect bold visuals and bright costumes — a stark contrast to their last Black Parade Tour.

"It's going to be a celebration of color," says Toro. "The costumes for Black Parade were a restrictive military look. But what's cool about the Killjoys [the main characters of the new album] is that there's a lot more freedom and life, even in the way we dress. It looks cobbled together from different styles and it's really open and free."

Starting November 17, My Chem will offer a ticket pre-sale through their fan club; general on-sales kick off November 20.

In the meantime, check out SPIN's history of the band in photos here.

4/1, Portland, OR (Roseland Theatre)
4/2, Vancouver, BC (Center for Performing Arts)
4/3, Seattle, WA (Showbox Sodo)
4/5, Edmonton, AB (Edmonton Event Centre)
4/6, Calgary, AB (MacEwan Hall)
4/8, Salt Lake City (In the Venue)
4/9, Denver, CO (Fillmore)
4/10, Des Moines, IA (Val Air Ballroom)
4/12, Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)
4/13, Milwaukee, WI (Eagles Ballroom)
4/15, Chicago, IL (Aragon)
4/17, Cleveland, OH (House Of Blues)
4/20, Montreal, QC (Metropolis)
4/22, New York, (Terminal 5)
5/5, Boston, MA (House Of Blues)
5/6, Philadelphia, PA (Tower Theater)
5/7, Sayreville, NJ (Starland Ballroom)
5/10, Washington, D.C. (9:30 Club)
5/11, Atlanta, GA (The Tabernacle) 5/17, West Palm Beach, FL (Revolution) 5/18, Orlando, FL (House Of Blues)
5/20, Houston, TX (House Of Blues)
5/21, Dallas, TX (House Of Blues)
5/24, Phoenix, AZ (Marquee)

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New Michael Jackson single - "Hold My Hand"

The song can be heard here.

Tracklisting: Ciara – ‘Basic Instinct’

Ciara follows her Basic Instinct on the tracklisting for her fourth album, hitting stores December 14. The 11-track set features the Ludacris-assisted single “Ride,” sensual “Speechless,” and dance floor-ready “Gimmie Dat,” plus a collaboration with her labelmate Usher (“Turn It Up”). Tricky Stewart and The-Dream serve as executive producers.

“Now it’s time to go back, it’s time to throw on my sneakers, it’s time to just really get bossy for a couple of seconds,” CiCi previously told Rap-Up.com of Instinct, which marks a return to her roots.

The tracklisting is below per Amazon.com.

1. “Basic Instinct (U Got Me)”
2. “Ride” feat. Ludacris
3. “Gimmie Dat”
4. “Heavy Rotation”
5. “Girls Get Your Money”
6. “Yeah I Know”
7. “Speechless”
8. “You Can Get It”
9. “Turn It Up” feat. Usher
10. “Wants for Dinner”
11. “I Run It”

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New Michael Jackson Tracklisting and Single Confirmation

The first official single from the forthcoming Michael Jackson album MICHAEL will be released globally on Monday, November 15th at 12:01am EST. The song entitled “Hold My Hand” will be unveiled on www.michaeljackson.com and for sale digitally thereafter.

“Hold My Hand”, a duet with Akon, is a song they recorded in 2007. A handwritten note from Michael belonging to his Estate indicated his desire that “Hold My Hand” be the first single on his next project. However, in its unfinished state, the song leaked out in 2008. Akon recently completed the new and final production of “Hold My Hand.”

Akon comments, “The world was not ready to hear ‘Hold My Hand’ when it leaked a couple years ago. We were devastated about it. But its time has definitely come; now in its final state, it has become an incredible, beautiful, anthemic song. I’m so proud to have had the chance to work with Michael, one of my all time idols.”

On December 14th, Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release the much-anticipated new album MICHAEL. The album contains ten tracks, produced by an esteemed group of producers along with Michael Jackson. While primarily focused on songs that Michael worked on recently, there are also earlier compelling tracks.

MICHAEL is the first release in nine years of new material by one of music’s most beloved icons whose artistry continues to touch new generations of fans. The album marks another release under the new agreement between the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music announced in March that continues the label’s 35-year relationship with Michael and his music. During that time, Michael sold hundreds of millions of records, had 13 #1 singles and released the pop culture phenomenon “Thriller,” which remains music’s all-time bestselling album with more than 100 million copies sold worldwide.

MICHAEL ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

1. Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon)
2. Hollywood Tonight
3. Keep Your Head Up
4. (I Like) The Way You Love Me
5. Monster (Featuring 50 Cent)
6. Best Of Joy
7. Breaking News
8. (I Can’t Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)
9. Behind The Mask
10. Much Too Soon

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Preview for 30 Seconds to Mars' "Hurricane" Video

HURRICANE PREVIEW from Thirty Seconds to Mars on Vimeo.

Nicki Minaj, Will.I.Am, and Cheryl Cole - "Check It Out" Music Video

Higher quality link at CherylCole.com

Rihanna's 'What's My Name?' Rockets to No. 1 on Hot 100

Rihanna rockets to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 to be released tomorrow (Nov. 11), as "What's My Name?," featuring Drake, vaults 60-1.

The song debuts at No. 1 on Digital Songs with sales of 235,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It claims Airplay Gainer honors on Radio Songs, charging 24-16 (48.6 million in audience, up 30%, according to Nielsen BDS).

"What's My Name?" supplants Ke$ha's "We R Who We R," which dips to No. 5 after launching atop the survey last week. The song falls 1-2 on Digital Songs (220,000, down 21%), though it advances 49-29 (35.3 million, up 45%) on Radio Songs.

Nos. 2 through 4 remain static on the Hot 100 from last week: Far*East Movement's "Like a G6," featuring Cataracs & Dev (No. 2), Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" (No. 3) and Rihanna's second track in the top five, "Only Girl (In the World)" (No.4)

"What's My Name?" marks Rihanna's eighth career Hot 100 No. 1 and third this year. She previously reigned in 2010 with "Rude Boy" (five weeks, beginning in March) and as a guest on Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" (seven weeks, starting in July).

Rihanna is the first artist to score a trio of Hot 100 leaders in a year since she achieved the feat in 2008, when she ruled with her own "Take a Bow" and "Disturbia" and added vocals to T.I.'s "Live Your Life."

"What's My Name?" is Drake's first Hot 100 No. 1 among 23 chart visits.

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Avril Lavigne confirms fourth album

Hey Everyone!

How’s it going?? So… I just wanted to fill you guys in…I’m done with my 4th record!!! Well, actually I have been done for a year… and now my record company have finally decided to release it. OMG..How nice! Thanks guys.

I have been dying to get back out on the road and do what I love the most… PLAY MUSIC. I know you guys have been waiting for a long time…..and so have I, but not by choice. I have been sitting with this record for a year now. It’s really special to me. I have produced a couple tracks alone for the first time, written solo, with friends, I have pushed myself and I feel proud.

In saying all that, this has been a really difficult record for me to create and to release. Not only is this the most meaningful and special record I have written, it is sincere, honest and close to my heart. But for the first time I experienced a bunch of bureaucratic BS. People do their best work when they are doing what they want, love and is natural for them, not when you are forcing them to be something that they are not.

From the beginning of my career my message has always been to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in. Follow your heart.

My first single off this record is called: “What The Hell”. This song is the least personal song to me off this album. It’s a fun and funny anthem. It has a broad message about personal freedom. It is the most pop track on the record.

I am shooting the video in 2 weeks and it will be out in January. I have been extremely busy designing Abbey Dawn and taking the line internationally for the first time, establishing “The Avril Lavigne Foundation” and focusing on my personal happiness and health. Balance!

Love you guys!

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Taylor Swift named BMI songwriter of the year

Taylor Swift was named country songwriter of the year at the BMI Awards on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest person to win the award at age 20.

The pop sensation also won country song of the year with co-writer Liz Rose for "You Belong To Me." She's the first songwriter to win that award three years in a row.

"It's been a really emotional week for me," Swift told the crowd.

Her new album, "Speak Now," had the biggest opening of any record since 2005. But she also attended the funeral of a close friend on Monday.

"He was 21, and I used to play my songs for him first," Swift said.

Bill Anderson previously was the youngest winner of songwriter of the year, taking the honor in 1960 at 23. Johnny Cash was next with a win in 1956 at 24. Earlier this year, Swift became the youngest winner of the performing rights organization's pop song of the year award.

Swift won the songwriter award based on her own recordings of "Fifteen," "White Horse," "You Belong To Me" and "Best Days Of Your Life," recorded by Kellie Pickler.

Country songwriter of the year is one of the few awards the pop star had yet to win. She's the Country Music Association's reigning entertainer of the year and could win female vocalist of the year for the second straight time during the awards show Wednesday night.

BMI honored dozens of songwriters, including Miranda Lambert, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Toby Keith and Keith Urban.

In one of the night's most poignant moments, Ronnie Dunn, George Strait, Martina McBride and Faith Hill serenaded Billy Sherill, who was named a BMI icon. Hill became emotional during her rendition of Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man."

Sherill was named BMI's country songwriter of the 20th century in 1999 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year.

The producer and songwriter is widely credited as the founder of the so-called "countrypolitan" movement that opened the doors for pop-leaning singers like Swift, Carrie Underwood and many of the night's other award winners.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Sherill was typically dismissive about his pivotal role in country music history.

"I don't think I changed anything," Sherill said. "I think I jumped on the bandwagon."

The 74-year-old Sherill said even now after all the awards, he still has trouble with the attention. He said he would rather be at home watching "The Twilight Zone" than the center of attention Tuesday night.

"It's very humbling," Sherill said. "It's kind of scary. It's so wonderful, it's unreal. It's really hard to talk about. It's easy to do, it's hard to talk about."

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New Robyn songs from Body Talk Part 3