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For anyone wanting to get deep into the discussion of today’s Grokster decision, here is a good list of blogs to checkout today.

UPDATE: Ruling has been announced. Supreme Court votes against Grokster.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that developers of software violate federal copyright law when they provide computer users with the means to share music and movie files downloaded from the Internet, at least when the software companies take “affirmative steps to foster infringement.”

In a decision announced by Justice David H. Souter, the Court said: “We hold that one who distributes a device with the object of promoting its use to infringe copyright, as shown by clear expression or other affirmative steps taken to foster infringement, is liable for the resulting acts of infringement by third parties” — that is, computer users using free downloading software.

A sweeping victory for music recording companies and movie studios, the ruling set the stage for a major legal assault on rampant file-sharing of copyrighted works by attacking the software designers — a much more promising legal avenue than suing infringing users directly.

link

A look at some of the writing on our website that you might have missed:

// Live reviews of Govt. Mule w/ Ekoostik Hookah and Spoon.

// Stephen reviews the new Black Hollies demo. Remember, the Black Hollies feature members of Rye Coalition.

// Craig loves the Mountain Goats and so do I.

// Han has information on the ArthurFest in Los Angeles.

// David interviews The Karma Manifesto, who have an interesting take on the Houston music scene.

Moo hoo ha ha.

I sorta want to go to this. I ain’t never been to New Orleans.

Bands confirmed include Decemberists, NIN, The Flaming Lips, Queens of the Stone Age, and many more.

[credz]

More waiting.

What will happen first? This ruling, or “Chinese Democracy?”

I posted a link to a new Flaming Lips MP3 the other day, but I did not post up some Flaming Lips news that I found on their website:

– the band has covered Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, for a tribute album slated to come out at some point this year. The Lips’ track has been produced in 5.1 surround sound as well as stereo…

– a Lips video compilation, ‘VOID’, is to be released on WBR in August. Once again, surround sound version of the video tunes will be on board.

– filming and production continue apace on the band’s feature film ‘Christmas On Mars’, which is still set to premiere at Christmas 2005.

– the band are also continuing work on their next full album release, which is expected to be titled ‘At War With The Mystics’ and hit stores early in 2006. You can pick up a sneak preview track from the record when the soundtrack to forthcoming Hollywood flick ‘The Wedding Crashers’ is released on 12 July. Said track, ‘Mr. Ambulance Driver’, will also appear on ‘VOID’.

– the band are playing a handful of live dates over the coming months, including the All Good Festival, the Street Scene festival, and cruise-ship extravangza ‘Xingolati’. The latter will feature a Zaireeka playback, as well as the full-on Lips live experience…

In addition to the Grokster decision tomorrow, there’s a “hubbub” arising around proposed radical reforms to music licensing in the US. Ernest Miller has the legal angle, as well as Cathy Kirkman at The Silicon Valley Media Law Blog. This would have a profound effect on collecting societies like ASCAP/BMI, and includes repealing entirely the compulsory mechanical license. The “digital part”:

The proposed legislation provides that if an MRO (Music Rights Organization) grants a public performance license for digital audio transmissions, the grant also includes a mechanical license:

?to the extent that the exercise of such rights facilitates the public performance of the musical work?.

The MRO is required to grant this license for its entire repertoire. This does not mean, however, that an MRO or the copyright owner is required to grant a mechanical license for ?cover songs? on CDs and other non-Internet media.

CD Baby are one of the good guys. This is a great interview, especially for all y’all bands out there.

There are different reasons for making music. For some people the album is a starting point ? once the album is out, they?re gonna promote the hell out of it, they?re gonna tour, they?re gonna work it, they?re gonna try to make something happen. The album comes out, and it?s like a gun going off at the start of a race. But for other people, the album coming out is a finish line. They wanted their whole life to make a record. And you know what, it?s been a few years with some friends and some favors, but they did it, they made a record. And that?s the end of it, they don?t even really care if people buy it ? they are happy that they fulfilled this dream of making a record. It?s a very different mentality. (full interview)

[credz]

A new video for Jill’s “Underdog Victorious” song can be seen here.

Billy wants his Pumpkin back and he doesn’t care who knows it.

DUFFY ADDS: WOOOOOOOOOT! The Smashing Pumpkins are one of my favorite bands, ever. And while I’ve supported all of Corgan’s other projects, it warms my heart to read this news.

TANKBOY ADDS: Since reports have surfaced that Corgan’s wishes are news to his other former bandmates, I’m going to say that the announcement may have had more to do with making a “news event” the same day his new album came out than it did with any solid plans to re-up the Pumpkins. I hope I’m wrong, but it sure don’t look good…