Music notes: Miley Cyrus, FINNEAS, Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Ava Max and Lewis Capaldi

Music notes: Miley Cyrus, FINNEAS, Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Ava Max and Lewis Capaldi
Music notes: Miley Cyrus, FINNEAS, Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, Ava Max and Lewis Capaldi

Fans can’t get enough of Miley Cyrus‘ “Flowers” — it beat the record BTS’ “Butter” previously held for being the fastest song to clock 100 million streams. She hit the mark in the song’s first six days whereas BTS needed a week.

FINNEAS brought the big brother energy by ratting out a recent thought from Billie Eilish. He tweeted out a line that made Billie “genuinely proud of herself,” which was, “I actually thought about reading a book yesterday!” FINNEAS said he had his sister’s permission to share that.

Sam Smith is the musical guest on this week’s Saturday Night Live and they cracked a smile when filming a promo with host Aubrey Plaza. Sam also revealed they’re a fan, saying they loved her in Emily the Criminal.

Speaking of Sam, they released their album’s title track on Friday and they revealed on Instagram that “Gloria,” the song, is “one of the most important pieces of music I’ll ever make.”

Taylor Swift cannot wait for Paramore to join her Eras Tour, which starts in March. She told Billboard, “We came up alongside each other as Nashville teenagers writing our own music, so it feels insanely special to kick off the tour together nearly two decades later.” She adds teaming up with the “Ain’t It Fun” singers is “a dream come true.”

Ava Max has one week to go before releasing her new album Diamonds & Dancefloors. She shared the album’s tracklist and asked, “What songs are you claiming?” The album arrives January 27.

Lewis Capaldi showed off his improv skills when trying to bring an X-rated conversation to flow into a story about his dead aunt, who he sings about in “Before You Go.” He posted his hilarious monologue to TikTok, where he admits he strained his brain to make it work. He captioned the video, “rest in peace.”

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Björk releases remix of “Ovule,” featuring Shygirl and Sega Bodega

Björk releases remix of “Ovule,” featuring Shygirl and Sega Bodega
Björk releases remix of “Ovule,” featuring Shygirl and Sega Bodega
One Little Independent Records

Björk has shared a new take on her 2022 track “Ovule,” featuring Shygirl and remixed by Sega Bodega.

“It has been so nourishing sharing music with shy and sega …. soooo honoured to be in their hands !!” Björk shares. “and in this remix admiring sega exploring chill-bassdrum-gabba and a thrill seeing shy diving into my lyrics and taking it to a new place …”

And it sounds like we may see more collaborations with the trio in the future, as Björk notes she hopes to repay the favor soon.

The original “Ovule” is featured on Björk’s album Fossora, which was released in September. When it was initially released, she described the tune as the “definition of love.”

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Gucci Mane, wife Keyshia Ka’oir reveal baby’s gender with maternity shoot photos

Gucci Mane, wife Keyshia Ka’oir reveal baby’s gender with maternity shoot photos
Gucci Mane, wife Keyshia Ka’oir reveal baby’s gender with maternity shoot photos
Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir are expecting a baby girl. The couple announced the news Thursday with photos from their maternity shoot.

“My beautiful wife & I can’t wait to welcome our baby Girl !!” Gucci captioned an Instagram post featuring pictures of him, Keyshia and their son, Ice, all wearing some shade of pink. “The Wop bout to have a daughter!”   

“IT’s a GIRL,” Keyshia added when sharing the images to her account.

The couple tied the knot in 2017 and welcomed Ice, their first child together, three years later. Keyshia announced that they were expecting in September, sharing a video of the moment she showed Gucci her positive pregnancy, as well some images of her ultrasound and their son.

“Let’s Have Another Baby ICE Needs Somebody To Play With @laflare1017 @icedavis1017,” Keyshia wrote, quoting lyrics from Gucci’s “Mrs. Davis.” 

Gucci Mane also has a so named Keitheon. Keyshia has three children, two daughters and a son, from a previous relationship.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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John Mayer shares how fans can “honor the memory” of rock legend David Crosby

John Mayer shares how fans can “honor the memory” of rock legend David Crosby
John Mayer shares how fans can “honor the memory” of rock legend David Crosby
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for LUTB

On Thursday, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer David Crosby, solo artist and founding member of the ByrdsCrosby, Stills and Nash; and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young died at the age of 81. John Mayer, who was hugely influenced by Crosby, has shared several tributes to the late legend on Instagram.

John was not only influenced by Crosby as a guitarist, he also had Crosby and his bandmate Graham Nash sing on the title track of his album Born & Raised. On his Instagram Story, he writes, “If you want to honor the memory of David Crosby, pick up your instrument and sing the truth as you feel it. Don’t listen with anyone else’s ears but your own. Don’t concern yourself with formula or wonder what someone else might think.”

He continues, “Just sing how you feel, what you see, your pain and your joy, and sing so as to know yourself better, and so that others might know what it’s like to be you in this world.”

On his Story, John also posted an Apple Music screenshot of Crosby’s song “Music Is Love” from his first solo album, as well as a photo of Crosby holding a guitar. He captioned that one, “Acoustic guitar hero.”

On his regular feed, John posted a photo of Crosby playing acoustic guitar in the ’70s and wrote, “A life of songs, and now a life in songs. There aren’t many people who moved the world as deeply and for as long as David Crosby did. The music he made will inspire songwriters until the end of time. An absolute purist.”

In other John Mayer news, he’s got something new coming on January 26, though whether it’s a new song, album or tour announcement remains to be seen.

 

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Carly Simon drops “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard it Should Be” from upcoming ‘Live At Grand Central’ album

Carly Simon drops “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard it Should Be” from upcoming ‘Live At Grand Central’ album
Carly Simon drops “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard it Should Be” from upcoming ‘Live At Grand Central’ album
MRI/Legacy Recordings

Carly Simon will release her surprise 1995 concert, Live at Grand Central, on audio and Blu-ray for the first time later this month, and she’s giving a first taste of what to expect. The newly inducted Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is sharing her performance of “That’s The Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be.”

Live at Grand Central was a surprise performance Carly and her band put on in the middle of the main terminal of New York’s Grand Central Station; it was her first concert in 14 years. It previously aired as a Lifetime television special and was later released on VHS. 

The release, which features 15 tracks, including “Anticipation,” “Haven’t Got Time For The Pain” and “Let The River Run,” is due out January 27 on Blu-ray, CD, vinyl and digital streaming platforms.

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BMG sues toymaker for parodying Black Eyed Peas’ “My Humps” to promote a toy that poops

BMG sues toymaker for parodying Black Eyed Peas’ “My Humps” to promote a toy that poops
BMG sues toymaker for parodying Black Eyed Peas’ “My Humps” to promote a toy that poops
Interscope/ A&M Records

The Poopsie Slime Surprise toys, otherwise known as the pooping toys, are somewhat of a phenomenon with kids. But, it appears the toymaker met its match after messing with a Black Eyed Peas song.

BMG Rights Management is going after the makers of Poopsie Slime Surprise, claiming they ripped off “My Humps” for a commercial. The ad in question, which is over 2 years old, featured four unicorns in crop tops and diapers singing a song titled “My Poops.” 

Rolling Stone reports BMG filed suit against MGA Entertainment in Manhattan’s U.S. District Court and accused the company of willful copyright infringement. The lawsuit further states MGA “exploited [the song], without authorization.” 

“Defendant created a song called ‘My Poops’ that clearly copies from, and is substantially similar to, ‘My Humps,'” BMG states. The music company also outlined similarities between the two songs, claiming they use a similar bass line, lyrics and vocal inflections.

BMG also lays out reasons to believe those behind the commercial were aware of the song when creating the jingle.

“My Humps,” says BMG, “Won Best Hip Hop Video at the 2006 MTV Video Music Award.” It became a hit single and its music video has amassed over 700 million views on YouTube since it was posted in June 2009. The music label insists the toymaker “clearly had access” to the single.

The outlet notes the toymaker could defend itself under the First Amendment, should it claim the song is a parody.

In all, BMG is asking for $10 million in damages and for the toymaker to “destroy all copies” of the offending song.

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More artists pay tribute to the late David Crosby

More artists pay tribute to the late David Crosby
More artists pay tribute to the late David Crosby
Mike Windle/Getty Images for IMF

More artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to Crosby, Stills & Nash singer David Crosby, who passed away Thursday at the age of 81. 

Jefferson Airplane‘s Grace Slick revealed in a post that Crosby saved her life by helping her get clean: “25 years ago, David took me to rehab and saved my life – I wish I could have saved his this time. I will miss his humor, his intelligence, and his deep body of work.”

Hootie and the Blowfish’s Darius Rucker shared that Crosby actually sang on the band’s huge hit single “Hold My Hand,” writing, “We were recording Cracked Rearview and a friend said she knew David Crosby. Sure enough we were finishing the record and one day she walks in with him. He was so awesome to hang with. Then he sang on Hold My Hand and took it to a greater level. God rest his soul. Thank u man!”

Among the other tributes …

Ringo Starr – “God bless David Crosby and peace and love to all his family peace and love Ringo.”

James Taylor – “Missing you already, Croz. Love to Jan…”

Joan Baez – “David Crosby was among the monster group icons who continued a solo career with the kind of success reserved for great musicians. And he could sing the hell out of a harmony. He was also a friend to me. He was always, I repeat, always present for me, to defend my character and politics, and often included over the top (sometimes unwarranted) praise…He was funny, clever, and refreshing to be around…He will be missed by millions, including myself.”

E Street Band’s Nils Lofgren (who is also a member of Neil Young‘s band Crazy Horse) – “Dear Croz, Rest in Peace and Song, old friend. Much Love and Healing to Jan and Django, from Nils and Amy.”

Bruce Hornsby – “David Crosby was a friend for many years, always a warm and supportive fan with insightful comments about my work. So bright and so funny, he was always a joy to be around,” adding, “Adding, “A true musical original, his songs were unique and soulful with his interesting chord progressions and melodic content. I loved him and will truly miss him.”

Ellen DeGeneres – “David Crosby was a brilliant musician, extremely funny, and a friend. He brought so much to us. My love goes out to his wife, Jan, and his entire family.”

Rob Reiner – “So sad to hear the news about David Crosby. He was a friend. His contribution to American music will live on.”

Gov’t Mule’s Warren Haynes posted a huge tribute to Crosby, sharing in part, “David Crosby changed the landscape of music as a solo artist and as a member of the Byrds, CSN, and CSNY.” He continued, “I really loved the beautiful melodies, the three-part harmony, and the ethereal quality of this music, which somehow also had a heaviness to it. Not in the loud sense of the term but in the gravity and depth of the songs and the performances.” Finally he notes, “Thanks David, from millions of us, for your contribution to the world of music. It is a huge one.”

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Fall Out Boy promoting new album with performance at NHL All-Star game, fan scavenger hunt

Fall Out Boy promoting new album with performance at NHL All-Star game, fan scavenger hunt
Fall Out Boy promoting new album with performance at NHL All-Star game, fan scavenger hunt
ABC/Randy Holmes

Fall Out Boy has just announced a pretty cool gig. Well, actually it’s probably going to be pretty cold … at least inside. The band has been confirmed to play the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Game on February 4 in Sunrise, Florida. 

FOB will headline the game’s second intermission. They’re expected to perform new music, including new single “Love From The Other Side,” from their upcoming album, So Much (For) Stardust, dropping March 24.

The performance will be aired live as part of the game’s broadcast on ABC, which begins at 3 p.m. ET. 

Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy seems to also be promoting their new album with a sort of scavenger hunt. A post on social media shows the band left a package for fans to find, with the caption “if you build it, they will come… (tag us if found),” along with a set of coordinates.

Based on responses from fans, the package was left at the Iowa house featured in the movie Field of Dreams. It was later found by a fan named Ethan, who revealed it was a seashell that read “2 of 13.” An accompanying note said, “Heartbreak Feels So Good,” with the date January 25, 2023, suggesting it’s the second track on the album with what could possibly be the release date.

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Animal shelter names puppies after Taylor Swift songs following “generous” donation

Animal shelter names puppies after Taylor Swift songs following “generous” donation
Animal shelter names puppies after Taylor Swift songs following “generous” donation
ABC

Taylor Swift was the inspiration for the names of several adorable four-legged friends up for adoption in Tennessee. The Williamson County Animal Center received a “generous donation” from the singer, so they named four mixed-breed puppies after her music.

The Franklin, Tennessee, rescue shared photos of the four black-and-white puppies, who are 3 months old, and revealed they were named CarolinaBejeweledMidnight Rain and Willow.

“We recently received a generous donation from legendary singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. While all Swifties know Taylor loves cats, we hope she won’t mind that we named our newest adoptable puppies after her songs,” they said on Facebook

Midnight Rain and Willow have already found loving homes. The rescue believes it won’t be long before their sisters find their forever families. The shelter invited anyone interested in adopting Carolina and Bejewled to submit an application on their website.

“We are very grateful for Taylor’s support of our shelter, which serves the pets of Williamson County through adoption, spay & neuter, enforcement, microchips, rabies clinics, and paw pantry,” the post ended.

This isn’t the first time a shelter animal was named after Taylor. Last month, the Beth’s Furry Friends shelter in New York City revealed they named a special needs kitten after her because she made a “sizable donation … to help save more lives.”

The kitten’s name was Angel Taylor.

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Jethro Tull releasing new album, ‘RökFlöte,’ in April

Jethro Tull releasing new album, ‘RökFlöte,’ in April
Jethro Tull releasing new album, ‘RökFlöte,’ in April
Inside Out Records

Jethro Tull is back with new music. The band just announced that their 23rd studio album, RökFlöte, will drop April 21. The record is Ian Anderson and the band’s follow-up to 2022’s The Zealot Gene, which was their first new release in two decades.

A post on Instagram reveals that the 12-track record is “based on the characters and roles of some of the principle gods of the old Norse paganism,” noting it also explores “‘RökFlöte’ – rock flute – which Jethro Tull has made iconic.”

The album is being released in a variety of formats, including two limited deluxe editions featuring bonus material, an in-depth interview with Anderson and more. All formats are now available for preorder.

The band has also shared the first single from the album, “Ginnungagap,” which is inspired by the god Ymir, “who was born from venom that dripped from the icy rivers called the Élivágar and lived in the grassless void of Ginnungagap.”

Here’s the RökFlöte track list:

“Voluspo”
“Ginnungagap”
“Allfather”
“The Feathered Consort”
“Hammer On Hammer”
“Wolf Unchained”
“The Perfect One”
“Trickster (And The Mistletoe)”
“Cornucopia”
“The Navigators”
“Guardian’s Watch”
“Ithavoll”

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