The Scenestar

Jarvis Cocker Reads Tales for Halloween

If you want to your Halloween to get a little spookier, head over to Jarvis Cocker’s MySpace page, where you can hear him read A.M. Burrage’s short story “Playmates,” one of the stories found in Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories. The story has been uploaded in three parts and runs 54 minutes long.

And that’s not all of Jarvis’ ghoulish readings. The former Pulp frontman also took some time to read “Rats” by M.R. James for British music site Drowned in Sound. To hear the 14-minute clip, click here.

This treat might just be better than candy!

Coldplay Nearly Done with Fourth Album

According to a recent entry on their Web site’s blog, Coldplay is nearly done completing their follow-up to 2005’s X&Y.

URB Celebrates 150th Issue w/Peaches

Yes, Peaches! No, not the canned variety. URB Magazine is celebrating its 150th issue this Friday, Nov. 2, at the Avalon in Hollywood, and you’re invited! The party goes from 10pm to 2am with DJ sets by Peaches and Mr. Wild Thing himself, Tone Loc. The night also promises a performance of the two singing “Wild Thing.” To see it all, simply RSVP at losangeles.going.com/deliciousurb.

Saul Williams’ Digital Album Release

In another case of digital download experimentation, Saul Williams is offering his new album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!, for either a $5 donation to his Web site ... or for free. The $5 will get you either the DRM-free 192kbps MP3s, 320kbps MP3s or FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) lossless audio. For $0, you get the 192kbps MP3s. All versions include a PDF with lyrics and artwork. Downloads will be made available Nov. 1, but you can preorder now.

Patrick Wolf Launches Own Record Label

Ever dream of becoming a musician with a recording contract? Well, Patrick Wolf can help! According to a post on his MySpace, the fancy-dressing singer is looking for artists who would be interested in releasing records via his label, Bloody Chamber Music.

The label also will serve to release some of Patrick Wolf’s back catalog, and some time in 2008, digital versions of albums Wind in the Wires and Lycanthropy will be released with new digital booklets and videoscapes.

Contest: Sigur Ros MySpace Secret Show

UPDATE: For those of you who aren’t too keen on the idea of driving to Amoeba Records and getting a wristband for MySpace’s Secret Show (details below), The Scenestar wants to make it easier for you.

We have a pair of tickets to giveaway for the *10:30pm screening* at Vista Theatre!

Simply answer the trivia question below by Oct. 30 at 5pm. Please email us your answers at thescenestarwebzine@gmail.com in order to enter the drawing.

Question: How did Sigur Ros get their name?

Kristeen Young Asked to Leave Moz Tour

Kristeen Young, the opener for Morrissey’s current tour, has been asked to leave after she made an offensive statement last Tuesday, Oct. 23, during her performance at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom. According to message boards, she said: Morrissey gives great head, oops I mean cunnilingus.

Rumors had suggested she was off the tour because of vocal problems, but Kristeen Young clarified the real reason in a recent post on her MySpace blog:

Neon Neon Displays Stainless Style

Following Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys’ recent solo tour and performance at the Echo, he will release the debut album of his side project Neon Neon, a collaboration between him and Los Angeles’ very own Boom Bip. Entitled Stainless Style, the new album will be released next year and features guest appearances by Fab Moretti (of The Strokes), Har Mar Superstar and The Magic Numbers, among others.