Super Furry Animals to release instrumental album

The future Super Furry Animals album will be an instrumental affair, frontman Gruff Rhys revealed this weekend. And they already have rafts of material.

"We've been working on an instrumental record for most two days now," Rhys told BBC 6 Music. "So we're ploughing out front with that and we've got 24 hours of recorded music."

A whole day's worth of music! SFA could handout a 24-disc set, with an album for every hour of the day � or they could just cut it down into something normal. "It's a casing of redaction it and getting it to under an time of day, or some palatable size of it," Rhys admitted.

The as-yet-untitled album will be the one-eighth from SFA. Although 2000's Mwng was sung exclusively in Welsh, this volition be their first book to feature film no lyrics at all.

"We don't real want to re-record the same album over and over over again," Rhys aforementioned. "I think in the Super Furry Animals were always into melody, demur this time we lav mess about with the texture if we haven't got whatsoever lyrics to get in the way."

They started by recording with a subsection of the BBC concert orchestra, using six or seven musicians "to develop ideas [to] use and then adapt to a larger orchestra in future".

"We work instinctively so we like being able to whistle ideas at each other, and by working with a small group of orchestral musicians we can blackguard ideas at them and whistle stuff as we go on. Then we can format the stuff we've made by whistle and humming ideas for a larger group of musicians."

Next up from the Furries: a 24-hour-long album of them whistling.

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Associations, Trade Groups Offer Members Group-Like Health Insurance

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An increasing number of small-business owners that do not provide health insurance to their employees and individuals without employer-based health coverage are looking to professional organizations and trade groups that offer "group-like" coverage to their members, the Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the Journal, organizations such as state medical associations, bar associations, william Chambers of commerce Department and other associations oft offer dues-paying members the option of purchasing insurance through them. The Journal reports that coverage purchased through these groups mirrors employer-based coverage, and even with membership fees is often less expensive than purchasing single coverage in the secret market.

However, because purchasing insurance through a professional group is "more loosely regulated" than the individual or employer-based coverage market, the monetary value, quality of coverage and remedies for "consumers world Health Organization feel they have been wronged" tin can differ substantially, according to the Journal. In increase, fraudulent indemnity can be sold through and through both legitimate and sham associations. According to a 2004 report by congressional investigators, gross such scams occurred from 2000 to 2002 that left more than 200,000 policyholders responsible for medical bills of more than $252 million.

In addition, many people confuse association plans with employer-sponsored or mathematical group coverage. Employer-sponsored plans ar mandated by federal police to accept all applicants and lodge all beneficiaries equal premiums. However, association coverage is regulated by state law -- if it is regulated at all -- allowing insurers in association plans to choose their policyholders, according to Kevin Lucia, an assistant enquiry professor at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute. While younger, healthier policyholders world Health Organization often have fewer pre-existing health conditions can benefit from these plans, others could be charged more than for the same insurance coverage (Knight, Wall Street Journal, 8/12).


Reprinted with kind permit from hTTP://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can view the intact Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email obstetrical delivery at hTTP://www.kaisernetwork.

Profanatica, Prosanctus Inferi, More Bring Blood And Black Metal To Sacrifice Of The Nazarene Child Fest

Usually, when someone sneezes and you mutter a polite "God bless you," you get an automatic, usually meaningless "Thank you" in return. But say as much at the Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child Festival, and you'll be met with a menacing scowl — if not worse.

That's because the Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child — the ninth installment of which unfolded this past weekend in San Antonio, Texas, at the Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar (motto: "When life hits you hard, hit Rock Bottom") — is a bestial, booze-filled gathering of some of the blackest, most Satanic metal bands on the planet.

The SOTNC Festival has become an annual destination for dozens of dedicated disciples of this sinister, underground genre, who — donning their M60 bullet belts, black Doc Marten boots, billy-goat beards, pentagram necklaces, and Corpse Molestation and Anal Vomit T-shirts — have traveled from as far away as France for an entire day of blasphemous, face-melting noise.

It's the impressive bill — boasting obscure acts like Gospel of the Horns, Nosvrolok, Devastator, Prosanctus Inferi and Nuclear Desecration — that summoned most of these tatted hellions to the home of the Alamo. This year's biggest draw is Profanatica, which was formed during the late-1980s in New York by frontman Paul Ledney and guitarist John Gelso. Saturday's gig was the influential band's first since 2001, and will, in all likelihood, be its last for some time. Why? Well, as one devoted fan reasoned, "It wouldn't be special, otherwise."

"Special" is an interesting, yet apropos, description of Profanatica's live shows, which have become the thing of legend within the black metal underground. Leading up to this weekend's festival, fans recounted tales of Profanatica concerts of old. "I heard one time, [Ledney] drank his own piss out of a wine glass and spit it onto a Bible," said one festival attendee during the SOTNC pre-party, hosted the night before at the local Alamo Lodge. His friend was quick to correct him: "No, man — he just used the Bible to smash worms onstage."

During Friday night's shindig — where conversations ranged from how much the black-metal scene has changed ("Back in '91, there were maybe 20 chicks into black metal, and only five of them were bangable") to the merits of Hatebreed ("It's police-cadet rock, man"), and the drink of choice was the 40 ounce (preferably chugged, and then smashed against the nearest wall) — Ledney revealed that Profanatica had something "special" planned for Saturday night. This led to much speculation amongst those gathered for the bash. In one of the hotel's dingy rooms, where the rug bore countless cigarette burns and the imprint of an iron someone forgot about, one fan surmised that it would involve blood. And he was right.

Long before Profanatica took the tiny stage at the Rock Bottom — a venue so dirty, it made CBGB's look like Radio City Music Hall — the bandmembers hit the streets, on the hunt for authentic animal blood. That's not something you can just go to a store and purchase, not even in Texas. So, the boys headed for the grocery store, where they picked up some fresh chicken livers. Back at their hotel room, they spent an hour in a bathtub, wringing blood out of the meat into a plastic pitcher. According to Ledney, the blood was make or break; without it, his band wouldn't have performed.

Inside the club, it was sweltering. There was no air-conditioning, and a little more than 200 people — none of whom was wearing earplugs — were all huddled together, in denim jackets covered with patches from bands like Nazarene Whore, Satanic Funeral and Corpse F---ing Art. It was so hot, ice-cold drinks turned lukewarm within minutes, and by the end of the evening, everyone's arms were coated in sweat and other people's hair. All that was missing from this unholy event was the smell of sulfur and the screams of tortured sinners.

"The only reason why I am doing this is because there's nothing quite like it," explained festival founder Alex Macias, the drummer/vocalist for Thornspawn, San Antonio's preeminent black-metal outfit. "These festivals are not in big venues with big-name bands. It's more of a personal thing. And I think the scene is probably at its greatest. It's always existed, but it is by far at its strongest, because I think there's a lot of unity in this scene. These festivals, they never max 500, and I don't book them in big venues. The people you see here, you see every year. It's an event that's almost like a family reunion."

After unforgiving sets by Rituals of a Blasphemer, Father Befouled and Nuclear Desecration, Macias' two-man band — wearing corpse paint — took the stage, delivering a snarling, machine-gun-paced performance that had every person in the joint throwing the horns. Prosanctus Inferi were one of the day's other favorites — the Columbus, Ohio, two-piece's technically proficient set was grim, with guttural vocals that sounded like demonic belches. Aussie act Cemetery Urn crushed the collective eardrums of the entire audience, as their drummer pummeled the skins like they'd just touched his sister inappropriately. Black thrashers Devastator, made up entirely of skinheads, had the muscular masses banging their heads and set the mood for headliners Profanatica.

Decked in corpse paint and nun habits, Profanatica took the stage, doused in the chicken blood they'd laboriously extracted just hours before. It was a blasphemous display that would have made any Bible-hugging Christian sick to his core. The band is the embodiment of a genre that embraces anti-Christianity, misanthropy, nihilism and individualism. Though wrought with technical issues, Profanatica's return to the stage was chilling. The band was tight, and the bass lines were thick, while Ledney's shrieking, gut-spewing vocals inspired chants of "Hail Satan" from the crowd.

This was the moment everybody had come to see, and Profanatica didn't disappoint. One fan marveled at the experience, knowing it was "special," knowing that it would perhaps never happen again. "I've been listening to this band since I was 12, and I never got to see them live," he said. "I love these gathering, because I can't ever find anyone who likes this sh--. This sh-- is my life."






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Arthur Rubinstein - Piano

   
Artist: Arthur Rubinstein - Piano

   Genre(s): 
Classical
   

---

Discography:


   
 Mazurkas

   Year: 1965   
Tracks: 51


   
 Trois Nouvelles Etudes, Op.Pos

   Year: 1962   
Tracks: 3


   
 Piano Sonata No.3, Op.58 In B

   Year: 1961   
Tracks: 4


   
 Piano Sonata No.2, Op.35 (Fun

   Year: 1961   
Tracks: 4


   
 Waltzes

   Year: 1953   
Tracks: 14


   
 Arthur Rubinstein - Piano - (1950) Polonaises

   Year: 1950   
Tracks: 9


   
 Scherzos

   Year: 1949   
Tracks: 4


   
 Fantasiestuecke, Op.12

   Year: 1949   
Tracks: 8

---

 

Nick Cannon - Ebanks Not Bitter About Cannoncarey Marriage

NICK CANNON's former fiancee SELITA EBANKS insists she's "truly happy" for her ex after he wed MARIAH CAREY in April (08).

The actor/rapper split from the actress last year (07) after insisting they took their whirlwind romance more slowly.

The model, who has been romantically linked with Kanye West and New York Giants American football star Osi Umenyiora since splitting from Cannon, says, "I have not spoken to Nick in such a long time, but I am truly happy for him.

"I think it's amazing when two people find love, and they just know. It's a very blissful thing, and they are blessed. You can't hate on love."

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Kate Moss - Moss Loses Lingerie Contract

British model KATE MOSS has reportedly lost her $1 million (GBP500,000) with a lingerie giant - and replaced by a 20-year-old woman.

The catwalk queen has been axed as the spokesmodel for Agent Provocateur and will be replaced by an unknown model 14-years her junior, Alice Dellal.

A source tells British newspaper The Sun, "Everyone is stunned. Kate's shots were really well received, but bosses thought it time to move on.

"They want a fresh new face and think they've found just the candidate in Alice."

It is the second time the lingerie firm has cut ties with Moss. Her contract was not renewed last year (07) amid rumours of a strained relationship with co-owner Serena Rees. But she returned for the company's bridal advertising campaign.

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Get an All Access Pass to Summer's Hottest Event 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' on ABC

Artists Performing at the Festival Include Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins,
Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Kellie
Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Dwight
Yoakam
Filming June 5-8 in Nashville, Special Airs Sept. 8

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 19 -- Summer heats up when ABC heads
to Nashville to take you to the hottest music event of the year: "CMA Music
Festival: Country's Night to Rock."

Filming Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, today's most exciting
Country Music sensations will hit the stage during a four-day party and
music celebration for a special that will air Monday, Sept. 8 (9:00-11:00
PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Some of the artists already announced to appear at the Nightly Concerts
on the VAULT(TM) Concert Stage at LP Field include Trace Adkins, Rodney
Atkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Miranda Lambert,
Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood,
Dwight Yoakam, and surprise appearances by Country superstars - a hallmark
of the Festival.

"Our announced lineup this year is very strong and exciting with a
depth and variety of performers that will certainly appeal to anyone who
loves Country Music," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. "But
what makes this Festival really thrilling is the energy charge created when
an artist the fans weren't expecting to see steps onto that stage. The
eruption of applause and screams lets us know that we delivered a Festival
highlight."

The annual event is unlike any other: four days, 30 hours of autograph
signings, 100 hours of live music, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and
a party list of thousands of avid, singing and dancing-till-dawn fans. This
is the fourth time ABC will broadcast this special - which invites the
whole country to America's biggest Country Music bash. Originally started
as Fan Fair(R) in 1972, last year the event experienced its biggest
attendance to date - 191,000.

In addition to exciting, never-before-televised music performances,
viewers will also enjoy the ultimate, Country Music fan experience. In
exclusively shot segments for the special, the cameras will capture
behind-the-scenes moments between the artist and their fans and follow the
stories of several passionate Country Music enthusiasts.

"CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" is executive-produced by
Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson. The 2008 CMA Music Festival
is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. "CMA Music
Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will be shot in high definition and
broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1
channel surround sound.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are still available. To order
tickets call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit http://www.CMAfest.com to download
an order form to fax or mail; visit http://www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or
charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable
handling fees.

Four-day ticket package categories correspond to different levels of
seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE.
Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert
Stages at LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning(R) Daytime
Stage; daily admittance to the truTV(TM) Fan Fair Hall, featuring the
Acoustic Corner; McDonald's(R)-Dr Pepper(R) Family Zone; Fun Zone;
Chevy(TM) Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town
shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and
more. Ticket prices and artist appearances are subject to change without
notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information,
schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit http://www.CMAfest.com and sign up
for the CMA Exclusive e-news.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music
Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA
Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster.
Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Borders(R) Books & Music: The
Exclusive Music & Book retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Wrangler(R): The
Exclusive Jean of the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners
include, CMT(TM), Dr Pepper(R), Greased Lightning(R) Cleaning Products,
Mary Kay(R), McDonald's(R), Music City Rising Star, Tetley(R) Iced Tea,
truTV(TM), and VAULT(TM). Fan Fair(R) is a registered trademark of CMA.




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