Smashing Pumpkins smash profits

The Smashing Pumpkins are suing Virgin Records.

The band claims that the record label is using their name illegally in advertising and promotions with Amazon.com and Pepsi, and that these marketing attempts are detrimental to the band's credibility.

According to the Associated Press, the lawsuit demands the profits of the promotions and an injunction against any further use of the band's name or music in cross-advertising.

Virgin Records has owned the rights to the band's songs and released them for the past 17 years. The Smashing Pumpkins have an agreement with Virgin to release digital copies of their records, but claim in the suit that there is no permission granted to tie the band's music with any other merchandise.

The band would "never grant such authority to Virgin, or any other entity."

Essentially, the Smashing Pumpkins feel they're being sold out, and they don't like it. This is a refreshing change from the insane cross-promotional deals of so many acts. Remember when the Spice Girls had their own bubble gum? While tasty, it really did nothing to further the arts.


*By Jess, who has an unhealthy obsession with Medieval Times.

It's a Bitch, Brit

The new Britney Spears is so bad! Poor girl. My whole office is listening to an illegal stream of the album now (ironic as we are a music company) and are just cringing! However, we just put on Spice Girls "Now Return," (unofficial release due 12/07) that got leaked and the first song is cool. Deff. add it to your guilty pleasure list. The rest of the songs are just Xmas, live, not that good, etc. But let's hear it for the long awaited comeback of cheesy pop anyway! I'll tell you my Backstreet Boys verdict soon.



*Joelle, who loves the movie Spiceworld