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Former Byrds Member Chris Hillman Ponders Teaching Career

Chris HillmanAfter lecturing at the Library of Congress last month, former Byrds member Chris Hillman says he could envision himself one day teaching a college class. Having been a member of three successful bands, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer seems uniquely qualified.

"I could do it," he tells Spinner, noting that his friend, Mark Volman, formerly of the Turtles, taught music at Loyola Marymount. "I would probably -- depending on the circumstances."

Preparing an hour speech wasn't easy for Hillman, who didn't keep a journal or scrapbooks during his 47-year career, which included stints with the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Desert Rose Band. To put himself at ease, he created a comfortable environment.
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Julian Plenti Covers Pixies and America in Chicago

Saturday night at Chicago's Metro, Julian Plenti, the alter ego of Interpol lead singer Paul Banks, introduced his first solo record, 'Julian Plenti Is...Skyscraper.' Since the record itself clocks in at 37 minutes, Plenti bolstered his 45-minute set with a couple of covers and extra goodies.

With a four-piece backing band that included a cellist, Plenti performed all 11 tracks from his album but interspersed them with songs originated by the Pixies and America.

Oddly enough, the Pixies were simultaneously doing a gig across town, something Plenti may or may not have been aware of. The cover wasn't specific just to Chicago -- apparently he's been playing the cover in other cities -- but it was still a rather timely coincidence.
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Jason Boesel, 'Hand of God' -- Free MP3 of the Day


Artist: Jason Boesel
Song: 'Hand of God'
Album: 'Hustler's Son'
Sounds Like: Ryan Adams, M. Ward

Download: 'Hand of God' (MP3)

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Steven Tyler Opens Up About Aerosmith Hiatus

Following his impromptu white-flag appearance at Joe Perry's solo show in New York last week, Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler says he is taking time off from the band, but insists it's no big deal.

A rep for Tyler tells the press that the lead singer's hiatus from Aerosmith won't be substantial.

According to the rep, Tyler is merely recovering from a shoulder injury and is also using the time to work on his autobiography.

Tyler suggested several weeks ago that he would be focusing on his solo career and "Brand Tyler" more in the future, but since then, he has tried to quell rumors that Aerosmith is splitting up or replacing him.
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Roger Daltrey Yells At Disruptive Fan At Solo New York Show

At New York's Nokia Theater Friday night, the Who lead singer Roger Daltrey was royally ticked off by a heckling fan for shouting over the personal storytelling interludes of his 'Use It Or Lose It' show.

The 65-year-old rocker was enjoying the intimate setting of his solo outing, using the opportunity to share childhood working-class tales of toiling in a steel factory. But he was forced to stopped mid-story to berate an annoying fan.

"There are people here who are interested in hearing what I have to say," Daltrey scolded, "so shut the f--- up already. Come up here and we'll see who shouts louder!"
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Camera Obscura Keeps Calm At Atlanta Gig

When the house lights dropped at Camera Obscura's show at Atlanta's Variety Playhouse Friday night, an eerie hush fell over the crowd. There was no deafening here-they-come applause; just silence, as if the band needed quiet in order to come onstage.

It was an odd feeling, but appropriate. The Scottish sextet, currently on a U.S. tour, to be followed by several dates in Australia, entered the muted, blue-lit stage to play a short and tight set of warm, delicate twee pop that seemed like it could have emerged from a sophisticated music box.
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'New Moon' Music Supervisor Reveals Soundtrack Process

Alexandra Patsavas, the music supervisor for the 'Twilight' films, doesn't want to pick a favorite when it comes to the 15 tracks on the 'New Moon' soundtrack. "Oh gosh, that's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child," Patsavas tells Spinner. After a long pause, she admits, "I'm especially proud that Thom Yorke agreed to be on the soundtrack." For his part, the Radiohead frontman submitted the unreleased, exclusive solo track, 'Hearing Damage.' "The track is physically transcendent, gorgeous and used at a key moment, almost in its entirety, in the movie," Patsavas reveals.

Novelist Stephanie Meyer has sold more than 70 million copies of the 'Twilight,' series, her vampire-tinged, 21st century remake of the quintessential 'Romeo and Juliet' love story. The second film of the series is in movie theaters across the US now and its accompanying soundtrack, which also includes new music from Death Cab for Cutie, Grizzly Bear, the Killers, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Muse, Lykke Li and the Editors, has been riding strong on the Billboard Hot 200 for the last five weeks, at one point reaching No. 1.