INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

National Scene 10/17/07

• Music industry execs have estimated Radiohead’s In Rainbows album was downloaded 1.2 million times during its first week.

• Universal Music Group is attempting to team up with Sony and Warner to create a new subscription download service to compete against iTunes.

• Madonna is rumored to be leaving her label when the current contract expires and teaming up with concert promoter Live Nation. Live Nation would release three studio albums, promote her tours and handle the merchandise sales and licensing agreements.

• The Police had to cancel two gigs in Europe because of Sting’s throat infection.

• Blender magazine named Sting the worst lyricist on their list of the 40 worst lyricists.

• The Eagles are rumored to be the half-time entertainment for the 2008 Super Bowl.

• Britney Spears has confirmed her upcoming record is called Blackout.

• The BBC has reported that Coldplay has wrapped up recording and is now mixing their new record.

• The Arcade Fire joined Bruce Springsteen on stage and performed three songs, including his classic, “Born to Run,” and Arcade Fire’s single, “Keep the Car Running.”

• Rapper T.I. got busted over the weekend. He had his bodyguard attempt to buy machine guns and silencers. Unfortunately, the weapons’ dealer was an undercover federal agent.