First Blu-ray record, Divertimenti, released

Engadget:

“Fans of high-def audio rejoice: The first Blu-ray recording has been
released. Fans of anything other than Divertimento, hold your horses:
The first release is from Thondheimsolistene, an orchestra from Norway.
“Divertimenti”, as it is called, will be released by the 2L label in
full HD audio glory along with a SACD track for those not on the
Blu-ray bandwagon just yet. Formats include 2.0 LPCM, 5.1 LPCM, 5.1 DTS
HD Master Audio, 5.1 Dolby True HD, 5.1 Dolby Digital at 48KHz, and it
has been confirmed to work just fine on the PS3.”

[Via MiC]

RIAA Drops Allofmp3 Lawsuit Pretends Mp3Sparks Doesn’t Exist

Digg: “The entertainment industry had US diplomats lean on Russia, claiming
that if it didn’t shut down the site, the US would block Russia’s
admittance into the WTO. So, eventually, Russia did shut down the site
through somewhat questionable means. Of course, within minutes of it
being shutdown, the company reappeared under the name Mp3Sparks.”

Best music video ever

Weezer made a better music video than Buddy Holly? Oh yes…..

Digg: “The new single off Weezer’s latest album featuring a long list of internet
clips and personalities including Chris Crocker, Tay Zonday, Numa Numa
Guy, Peanut Butter Jelly Time, the list goes on and on. A must see!”

Update: new url since youtube killed the other one.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WanLLnVixC4]

Napster launches DRM-free MP3 store

iLounge: “Napster has launched the world’s biggest DRM-free MP3 download store
with a catalog of more than 6 million songs. Most of the songs
available on the store sell for $0.99 each, with most albums selling
for $9.95. “We’re now moving from under the DRM cloud,” said Chris
Gorog, Napster chief executive. “Now consumers can use Napster with any
device.” The move makes Napster the latest high-profile DRM-free music
download service…

Guitar Hero IV drum kit gets pictured, “cymbals” and all

Engadget:

“Game Informer is at it once more: after securing the first snapshots
of Rock Band’s prototype drum set and microphone last summer, the
gaming mag has now produced the first image of Guitar Hero IV’s kit.
Apparently designers wanted this one to resemble an actual electric kit
a bit more than the one bundled with RB, most evidenced by the pair of
“cymbals” perched atop the trio of circular pads. Upon banging on a
“first-run prototype” in the Neversoft offices, Game Informer
was fairly impressed with the layout, but we’re still left to wonder if
these will be compatible with Rock Band (or vice-versa). Another faux
drum kit in the den and we’ll be struggling to maintain sanity (and a
functional relationship).”

[Via Joystiq]

Again and Again: The OS X desktop as music video

Boing Boing: “Digital filmmaker Dennis Liu has produced a video for the The Bird and the Bee’s
lovely single “Again and Again,” in which the lyrics, melody and vocals
unspool in surprising ways across his Mac’s desktop in a beautiful
visual harmony… ending in an artfully delightful pimping of the band
in question that makes buying the track on iTunes almost hypnotically
compulsory.

This is the sort of video that would drive you mad if you had to
experience it endlessly looped on the big screen of your local Apple
store, yet Liu’s film is far, far more brilliant and joyful and
effective than any ad campaign Apple’s ever done… a wonderful zen
fusion between one filmmaker’s uncynical enthusiasm for his platform of
choice and an adorable little pop song.”

Jero, the First Black Enka Singer in Japan

Neatorama: “Twenty six year old Jero looks like he’s trying to break into the
music industry. With his decidedly urban, hip-hop look, you’d be
forgiven if you think that he’s a wannabe rapper… That is, until he
starts singing!

Jero, as you’ll see in the clip below, is going to be the first professional black enka [wiki] singer in Japan.”

PandoraBoy Brings Streaming Radio to Your Desktop

Lifehacker:

“Mac OS X only: Free, open source application PandoraBoy pulls the
popular streaming internet radio site Pandora out of your browser and
integrates it with your Mac desktop. With features like global hotkeys,
support for your Apple Remote, and even integration with Growl,
PandoraBoy looks to be the ultimate Pandora companion for OS X.
PandoraBoy is free, Mac OS X only. Windows users looking for a similar
solution, check out PandoraBrowse or our bevy of other ways to get more from Pandora.

PandoraBoy [Google Code via TidBITS]“

Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker now available for $30

Engadget:

“Brace yourself — the moment you’ve been waiting all year for has
finally arrived. Yes, rock star wannabes, the Guitar Hero Air Guitar
Rocker is finally in major retailers. The Jada Toys’ device, which was showcased at CES,
consists of a miniature guitar amplifier, a sensor-laden belt buckle,
an assortment of pics and an Air Cartridge, which packs “ten signature
guitar riffs” ranging in skill from one to five. Once you rock the wind
out of the $29.99 base unit, you can look forward to “encore packs” –
which will include themed belt buckles and new Air Cartridges –
arriving later this summer for $14.99 each. Oddly enough, we think a
“gnarly” is order here.”

NIN Gives Away New Full Length Album - the slip

Digg: “…as a thank you to our fans for your continued support, we are giving
away the new nine inch nails album one hundred percent free,
exclusively via nin.com.the music is available in a variety of formats
including high-quality MP3, FLAC or M4A lossless at CD quality and even
higher-than-CD quality 24/96 WAVE.”