ISP goes head to head with major record labels

Ireland's ISP giant UPC is up against the titans of the entertainment world. EMI, Sony, Universal, Warner and WEA are seeking to have websites blocked that allow the illegal download of music.

The labels claim that this act infringes on copyright and is in contraband of Irish and European legislation.

It has been reported by the Irish independent that Similar proceedings were brought previously by the companies against Eircom, which settled on terms including the companies providing Eircom with the IP addresses of all persons detected as illegal file-sharing copyrighted works.

Eircom also agreed to operate a “three strikes and you’re out” policy against subscribers who ignored warnings to cease infringements.

Under that system, subscribers get three warnings they have been found sharing music owned by members of the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). If they are caught a fourth time, their broadband connection will be cut off for a year.

The record companies have also initiated proceedings against O2 and 3 Ireland aimed at securing their agreement to implement a similar system to that agreed with Eircom.

US announce strategy to combat copyright infringement

This is the first step for the Obama administration to protect intellectual property and the creative industry.

The plan involves trying to crack down on websites as well as suspect software that permits the illegal consumption of copyrighted material.

The new initiative was developed by a several U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Justice, State, Commerce, Agriculture, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services in conjunction with the White House and the U.S. Trade Representative's office, the AFP reported.

But when it comes to music downloads, statistics show that those who contribute the most to the industry tend to be the greatest of downloaders so perhaps like the digital economy act, Government although having the best intentions are maybe building a rod for the industry's back?

If you really want to crack down on piracy, marketing strategies need to be further developed whilst upholding existing laws, and, make it more appealing for the consumer to pay for content.

Surely its a case of either adapt of die?

A new initiative by fairsharemusic is a great way to encourage people to 'make the purchase' and feel good in the process because they are donating to a charitable cause.

FlyLo

I NEED this!!!

Pantha Du Prince - Black Noise (Rough Trade)

Black Noise seamlessly blends organic synthesized sounds with subtle acoustics whilst exploring the realms of shoegaze and contemporary guitar work.

This third instalment by German producer Hendrik Weber (Pantha Du Prince) maintains a lustrous string of clicks, sticks and beats forever evolving into an orgasmic amalgamation of techno and minimal house.

Unlike his the previous album The Bliss, this latest record is far less channelled, allowing for greater variance, making it more tolerable as an album. There is a strong presence of highly emotionally charged ambience in Im Bann, but A Nomads Retreat is considerably more club friendly.

Black Noise does not flow in the conventional sense; it offers irregularity, where tracks divert and blossom with great vividness and dexterity, occasionally running in juxtaposition to the original idea.

Attracting listeners from a wider spectrum are contributions from Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennonx) and Tyler Pope of LCD Soundsystem. They add to the integrity of Hendrik’s work, and place high value on his own abilities as artist.

Pantha Du Prince is at the forefront of modern techno, with a break from his former style and signing to Rough Trade, he has created more anticipation upon the release of Black Noise than he has ever done.

The Morning Benders - Big Echo (Rough Trade)

A pop record that brings summer that little bit closer.

With a humble yet home grown back catalogue to their name, The Morning Benders have delivered in Big Echo a consistently delightful explosion of pop gems.

With the aid of Chris Taylor’s production talents, you can expect a spattering of Grizzly Bear’s disjointed beat patterns, dynamics and enriching harmonies throughout. Though the merits also rest within the craft of melodic song writing. Coupled with these elements, many tracks are supplemented with an orchestrated backing track with the added texture of meandering soundscape.

Big Echo pays testimony to the greats of 60’s psychedelia, and certainly has the West-Coast feel. Rich looping samples are commonplace but contemporary synthesis is woven in for good measure. I can comfortably and with conviction say without cliché, that Excuses was born out of Sgt. Peppers. It has The Beatles written all over it.

Though despite the narratives being all too familiar, falling in love for the first time, having that first kiss or that first… The listener can feel compelled to have this album gracefully set the tone for those long summery days ahead.

Freelance Whales

Due out in April on Frenchkiss Records, this is a band to watch this year. The Freelance Whales compose truly blissful music with, five-part harmonies, all from the heart. The group, formed in Brooklyn, after only been playing together for about a year and a half, but they've already completed an astonishing album debut, called Weathervanes.

Panda Bear - Heaven

Pivotal member of Animal Collective, and one man band Panda Bear aka Noah Lennox became adored by the critics upon the release of his 2007 album Person Pitch. Last year A/C continued their success with the release of their astonishing Merriweather Post Pavilion LP. In a high demand for collaborations, Deerhunter's byline Atlas Sound saw Noah feature on one of my favourite tracks (Walkabout) on the album Logos.

London's Heaven was Panda's only UK show, as part of a short european tour. On the bill saw a rich mix of psychedelia and beats such as the likes of Kurt Vile and Kode9. That latter of the two i'd expect to see at a Brainfeeder night rather than an evening of psych. I didn't feel it set the tone for Panda who as succeeding.

Panda announced his apologies when dedicating time to tuning up. Donning an electric guitar and standing behind a whole host of electronic goodies, Panda leapt into an explosive drown of acid trip psych, a set dominated by new tracks.

There were moments I enjoyed the new material, but they were short lived, there was rarely a melody his voice wasn't sharp or flat. I'm not sure if it was familiarity but the only track I loved was "Comfy in Nautica," which reminded me of the sheer brilliance he is capable of, serenading the audience with a voice similar to Brian Wilson.

On the whole, it was not the best advert his new record. But no doubt, like a duck to water i'll rush to the record store and buy the new LP on the day of release and love it!

The Digital Economy Bill heads for the House of Commons

Having been signed by members in the House or Lords, The Digital Economy Bill has now been sent to the House of Commons for its first reading.

Largely supported by the Government, the integrity of the Lib Dems section 120A still remains in tact, where the proposed amendment to clause 17 which aimed at "further proofing" the Bill attacking non-peer to peer piracy.

Additional proposals saw by the Lib Dems, included courts deciding on who should cough up in legal proceedings, as apposed to internet service providers automatically being requested to do so. And also site owners to be informed when an injunction was to be implemented or applied for. Though at this moment members were unable to cast a vote.

Lib Dems think that 120A is an improvement on clause 17 but are disappointed that further further measures to tighten up the amendment were not able to be pushed through.

BPI CEO Geoff Taylor said: “It is vital for the future of the UK's creative sector that the Digital Economy Bill is adopted. We are pleased that it has passed through detailed scrutiny in the Lords and will continue to work closely with all parties as it progresses.”

The Lib Dems were also unsuccessful in getting their Live Music Bill debated on Friday, but the spokeswoman adds it is not the end for that with the Bill’s sponsor Lord Clement-Jones committed to re-introducing the Bill in the next parliament if it is unable to get more debating time in April.

Wild Beasts

Live Review - 60 Million Postcards Bournemouth

Leeds band Wild Beasts graced Bournemouth’s stage last night with a glorious self-defining showcase of sonic eccentricity.

Hotly tipped by critics for their album Two Dancers, it was no wonder the show was a sell-out. I managed to catch up with Benny [guitar] and Tom [bass & tenor] sharing their thoughts on touring, new material, merch, favourite artists and the demise of BBC 6 Music:

Wild Beasts Interview Part1 by Rupert Hellings

Wild Beasts Interview Part2 by Rupert Hellings

The playful wordplay, captivating the sexuality of human nature in many of the lyrics adds to their charm. Coupled with the haunting guitar work form Benny and the spider-like patterns of percussion from Bert left the audience immersed in the music, leaving a prolonged sense still dancing in their ears.

The band were able to relay live (with great conviction) what has been recorded in the studio, reinforcing the talent within the group. A strikingly prominent feature of the band is [front man] Hayden’s howling falsetto voice. Provoking a sense of 19th century duke revelling in romanticism, it is soon brought down to earth, and complimented by the harmonics of the other band members. Wild Beasts are iconically British.

Present at the show was wildlife photographer and presenter Chris Packham (who in despair, managed to buy a spare ticket from a fan) commented: “I think they are fantastic, absolutely fantastic, and not cos of the name, [laughs]. Amazing at the beginning, levelled out, and picked up at the end.”