Discourse & Dischord

posted in: Music News

The Good

Phoenix releases live record for free download

Phoenix

Didja miss Phoenix when they came to Sydney? That’s too bad, mate. The show was great. But don’t get bummed out! The band has released a live recording of their Sydney performance for free on their Web site. Redemption! Download it here, and be sure to tell the band merci.

Rihanna gets drum lessons from Travis Barker

Rihanna and Barker

While you were slaving away in your parent’s garage on a second-hand drum kit held together by duct tape, Rihanna had her person call Travis Barker’s person and arrange for some private drum lessons. Well, kinda private ” Barker’s reps did release a photo to the press after the session. The training is in preparation for Rihanna’s European tour kicking off next month. Though we’re sure Barker is an excellent teacher, don’t expect Ri-Ri to come out sticks-a-wailin’ like John Bonham. Then again, she probably won’t have to do much to get the crowd to go wild. Famous people get everything.

The Bad

Photographer Jim Marshall dies

One of Marshall's iconic photos

You may not recognize the name Jim Marshall, but you’ll almost certainly recognize his work. Marshall rose to fame during the ’60s, shooting iconic portraits of Miles Davis, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison. Widely acknowledged as the preeminent rock ‘n’ roll photographer, Marshall had just published a book of his work (Match Prints) and was scheduled to promote the release with various appearances. He died on Tuesday in New York City at the age of 74.

The Ugly

Justin Bieber’s manager arrested

Justin Bieber

Scott Scooter Braun, manager to rapper Asher Roth and teen heartthrob Justin Bieber, was arrested on Wednesday by Nassau County police in Long Island for reckless endangerment and criminal nuisance. No he didn’t let Bieber drive his car or help him shoplift a tube of Clearasil. The truth is a lot less cool. Braun was arrested for not alerting Bieber fans via Twitter that an event at Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island had been canceled. When the teens heard that Bieber was M.I.A., they stampeded that place like a herd of buffalo in skinny jeans and hightops. At least one fan was injured. Though Braun did eventually tweet that the appearance had been canceled, the police didn’t think his Twitter fingers were fast enough. If convicted, he faces one year in prison. Check out the aftermath on Twitter with the hashtag #FreeScooter.

Miscellany