THE SILVERS LINING

In 2006, a custodian working for Sony Music Publishing found an old notebook containing unfinished lyrics of country legend Hank Williams in the bottom of a dumpster. In 2008, big name artists such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello and Norah Jones completed the songs and "The Lost Notebooks Of Hank Williams" was released. Now, 7 years later, diaries of late English singer Nick Drake were discovered behind a crate of Andy Boy broccoli in the produce aisle of a Waldbaums in Old Bridge, New Jersey. But unlike the Hank Williams notebooks, Drake's diaries did not contain unfinished lyrics, but pages and pages dedicated to his obsession with the 50's T.V. sitcom, "Sgt. Bilko."

Some of music's finest glumlords have gotten hold of the diaries and are writing songs inspired by Drake's musings. Conor Oberst, Devendra Banhart, the Fleet Foxes and Jonathan Wilson have all signed on for "The Silvers Lining," which will feature new songs about Bilko himself, Phil Silvers, as well a song cycle about Allen Melvin and Harvey Lembeck.







INSPIRED AGAIN

When actor and rock & roll enthusiast Johnny Depp revealed that his Captain Jack Sparrow character was heavily influenced by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, few were surprised. Wanting to recreate the success of the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" film franchise, Johnny Depp went back to that inspirational well for his upcoming role as Tonto in his new film "The Lone Ranger." For Depp's new role, he says all inspiration came from Redbone drummer, Butch Rillera.





 BECK CONTINUES GROUNDBREAKING MARKETING

Big news about Jeff Beck returning to his jazz rock heyday of "Blow By Blow" and "Wired"-- the guitar legend is set to release "Beck To The Future," 9 songs featuring the funk and fusion grooves Beck last explored in the 70s. This time around though, Beck will not be heard anywhere on the release. "Think of it as 'guitar minus one,' it's one less," he sort of explains. The record will be released with no rhythm guitar and no solos, but will come with the guitar tablature for the solos he recorded for the songs. Fans are encouraged to play the solos and upload them to YouTube. Deluxe Versions of the CD will have no bass or synthesizer backing tracks.




THIS JUST IN....

POPE FRANCIS I ASKED TO STEP DOWN AFTER CALLING MIKE LOVE AN ASSHOLE






FOLLOW THAT DAME

It doesn't get any hotter!

The long-awaited return of David Bowie is already causing an impact across the music world. Releasing his first collection of new music in ten years, Bowie has turned the industry on its ear, with across-the-board critical acclaim for "The Next Day." Possibly causing even more of a stir is its provocative album art.

Bowie has always been an innovator, and in just a week after its release, the cover of "The Next Day" has already inspired the change in art for three major releases due next month.
 
Here are the updated covers for the albums on deck by Willie Nelson, New Kids On The Block and Rod Stewart.

READERS POLL - 5 LEAST POPULAR TRIBUTE BANDS


BLOOD, SWEAT & BOLTON
(Playing the best of Michael Bolton and David Clayton-Thomas)

LABELLE & SEBASTIAN
(Twee versions of the Labelle catalogue)

REDDY! SET! BLOW!
(All brass tribute to Helen Reddy)

QUEEN LATIFAH
(The music of Queen interpreted by Phil Latifah)

TEENY TRINI LOPEZ
(All midget tribute to Trini Lopez)