Seven Hours of Rolling Stones Concert Footage and New Music

Best Buy Brings The Biggest Bang to Life for Rolling Stones Fans

Exclusive Four-DVD Set Offers Music Lovers Seven Hours of Concert Footage and New Music

Click here to see downloadable versions The Rolling Stones and Best Buy are joining forces to release, The Biggest Bang, a four-DVD set featuring seven hours of content. The Biggest Bang will be available starting June 12 for $29.99 exclusively at all Best Buy stores in the United States and at online www.BestBuy.com. Customers can pre-order the four DVD set at www.BestBuy.com beginning today.

May 30, 2007 - MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The best selling concert tour of all time, A Bigger Bang, is coming to living rooms across the country as one of the most ambitious music DVD sets in history. The Rolling Stones and Best Buy are joining forces to release, The Biggest Bang, a four-DVD set featuring seven hours of content including two full length concerts, two behind-the-scenes documentaries and classic favorites such as, "Honky Tonk Women," "Sympathy for the Devil," and "Satisfaction."

The Biggest Bang will be available starting June 12 for $29.99 exclusively at all Best Buy stores in the United States and at online www.BestBuy.com. Customers can pre-order the four DVD set at www.BestBuy.com beginning today. It will also be available in Canada at Best Buy stores as well as Future Shop stores.

The Biggest Bang will be released internationally mid-summer.

The Biggest Bang offers fans an all access pass including a behind-the-scenes look from the Rolling Stones' recent tour, A Bigger Bang - the biggest selling concert tour of all time. Additionally, the DVD set features full length concerts from the Rolling Stones historic show on Rio de Janeiro's famed Copacabana Beach, which was attended by two million concert goers, and a concert in Austin, Texas - a highlight of the U.S. tour.

"The Biggest Bang DVD set lets fans join us as we traveled around the world," said the Rolling Stones. "They will go behind the scenes at the Super Bowl, see us play an intimate club show in Toronto and for 2 million people on the beach in Rio, as well as gigs in Shanghai, Buenos Aires and Japan. It features classics but also rarities --- songs we've never released before on DVD."

The Biggest Bang is loaded with rare songs and music. It includes exciting never-before-released duets with artists including Dave Matthews, Bonnie Raitt and Eddie Vedder. There are also rare, never-released tracks including "Get Up, Stand Up" and "Mr. Pitiful," from a 2005 performance in Toronto. The Biggest Bang features more than 55 songs and footage from around the world, including concerts in Argentina, Japan and China.

"Four Flicks was great, but practice makes perfect and The Biggest Bang is even better - it's got all the right stuff," said tour promoter Michael Cohl. "It's great to be back with Best Buy, and we're pleased that they have decided to offer fans the same low price as they did with Four Flicks three years ago."

This marks the second time that Best Buy has worked with the Rolling Stones to release an exclusive DVD set. In 2003, Best Buy released Four Flicks, a four-DVD set from the Rolling Stones that was certified 19-times platinum and is the number one selling concert (long form) DVD in U.S. history.

"We're excited to bring our customers this exclusive DVD set giving fans an up close and personal look at the Rolling Stones and showcasing some of their most dynamic performances," said Gary Arnold, Best Buy's senior vice president of entertainment. "This partnership reinforces our continued commitment to bring unique entertainment into the homes of our customers. The Biggest Bang is truly a world class entertainment experience, and we are honored to be a part of this DVD launch."

The Biggest Bang was produced, conceived and created by The Rolling Stones, Michael Cohl, and Concert Productions International.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through more than 1,150 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com) and Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.

About Concert Productions International (CPI)

Founded and led by entertainment industry visionary Michael Cohl, CPI is a world leader and innovator in full service global touring, having produced some of the largest grossing tours in history, including the Rolling Stones; Pink Floyd; U2; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; David Bowie; and Michael Jackson. CPI has also successfully created new revenue streams around the tours that it produces, such as VIP ticketing, fan clubs, merchandising and DVDs. At present, CPI is the producer of the Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang record-breaking world tour, Barbra Streisand's record-breaking concert tour, Genesis' 'Turn It On Again' North American Tour, and The
Who's world tour.

Contacts

Best Buy
Brian Lucas, 612-291-6131
brian.lucas@bestbuy.com
or
For Best Buy
Tanya Shaye, 212-468-3851
tanya.shaye@mslpr.com
or
For the Rolling Stones
Fran Curtis, 212-445-8423
fcurtis@rogersandcowan.com

At A Glance
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Source: via Business Wire
Updated  04/20/2006  by company
Headquarters:   Richfield, Minnesota
Website:        http://www.bestbuy.com
CEO:    Brad Anderson
Employees:      125,000
Ticker:         BBY  (NYSE)
Revenues:       $30.8 Billion (2006)
Net Income:     $1.14 Billion (2006)
 

American Songwriter Magazine

American Songwriter

by Larry Dobrow, Thursday, May 24, 2007
AS HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED in innumerable blog postings and after-work whines, the most challenging thing about life as a freelance writer is not always knowing what you'll be doing the day after tomorrow. I'm semi-immune to this -- come next Tuesday morning, I'll be right here as always, devising a 274th different way to say, "This magazine has lots of pictures of clogs." But it still gets a bit harrowing from time to time.

Which is why I did backflips when I received my coolest-ever assignment last week: The director of my former summer camp tapped me to write a sarcasm-free alma mater/theme song ("friendships deepen through years with thee/lasting 'til eternity," etc.) for a new camp set to open in the summer of 2008. By sheer happenstance, American Songwriter materialized in my mailbox a few hours later. Creative nourishment and a blatant column-opening bit in a single package? Sign me up.

I was gracious for the opportunity to reacquaint myself with American Songwriter, a title I studied religiously before realizing that I'm not, as they say in the music biz, "talented." Truthfully, I had little idea that it was still being published. I hadn't seen it on the newsstand or in my musician pals' bathrooms or anywhere else. I assumed it had quietly withered away, like Billy Squier.

The new American Songwriter -- it got bought and revamped a few years back -- is a distinctly different magazine from the one I remember. From a design perspective, the mag has charged into the 21st century, stuffing itself with photo-illustrations and fonts both thin and thick. For those who haven't seen the magazine in a while, American Songwriter trumpets its creative evolution on the cover of the May/June issue, which features an alluring pop-arty mockup of a Mandy Moore photo.

If you're thinking "Former teen tart Mandy Moore on the cover of a Nashville-based magazine for serious-minded practitioners of songcraft? What the...," you're not alone. That's my problem with the revitalized American Songwriter: it attempts to be two different magazines at once. One appeals to mainstream fans likely to give performers like Moore a second listen (read: people who buy stuff), while the other goes after music purists forever raging against "American Idol" (read: people who are too cool for the room, who don't).

Not surprisingly, American Songwriter struggles with its new half-identity. The first sentence of the extensive Moore piece is actually quite lovely -- "Her hair is somewhere between cordovan and claret, and falls in cascades beyond her shoulders" --but it clashes style- and subject-wise with most of the May/June content, like the sit-down with a "Dreamgirls" composer and the check-ins with roots-music mainstays like Paul Craft and Joe Ely. There's nothing that a magazine like American Songwriter can say about much-hyped newbies like Paolo Nutini that hasn't already been said hundreds of times elsewhere.

But when the mag sticks to its core mission, it positively sings. The "American Icons" piece on Jimmie Rodgers, the "Song Analyst" bit on Tom Waits' "Hold On" and the "Behind the Song" appreciation of "Once In My Life" offer wonderful insight into the songwriting process and are rendered with obvious passion. The magazine's smallest, most personal moments rank among its best, especially the wistful "Street Smarts" column about a long-ago songwriting collaboration. At the same time, the feature on "Music and Corporate Advertising" administers a booster shot of economic reality to fans quick to yelp "sellout!" whenever a band licenses one of its tunes for commercial purposes.

American Songwriter isn't always above such snobbery. The "Left Coast Lines" column, for example, revels in its extreme insiderishnessitude: "Advance copies delivered to select press members reveal a melodic song cycle coupled with extraordinary lyrical depth." Oooh, you got an ADVANCE COPY? Can I touch it? Can I smell it?

Also, American Songwriter's reviews occasionally stray into shill mode, like the strange mention of Academy of Country Music nominations at the end of a Miranda Lambert notice (I'm guessing somebody came up a little short on the ol' word count). Its guitar reviews, a rarity in a records-first music mag, have adopted a silly "jammin'" and "rockin'" rating scheme. And I wonder if it's wise to give winners of the mag's lyric contest significant real estate in the print edition. While I'm wowed by their nü-Spinal Tap moxie, couplets like "Across the River Styx a dark ferryman awaits/Pay your tariff and accept your soul's fate" don't belong within 600 pages of the aforementioned Jimmie Rodgers story.

But then, this comes from a guy who has spent the last eight days trying to come up with cogent rhymes for "sportsmanship" and "memories" and "furtive fumbling with a bra strap behind Bunk 8." It's all relative.

MAG STATS
Published by: American Songwriter Magazine, LLC
Frequency: Bimonthly
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Larry Dobrow (larry@mediapost.com) is a Contributing Writer. 

Magazine Rack for Thursday, May 24, 2007: http://publications.mediapost.com/
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Problem Gambling Mobilizes Communities

Local, State and National Leaders Convene to Mobilize Communities on Problem Gambling

The 13th Annual Problem Gambling: Everyone's Problem Conference will address the issue of problem gambling and discuss strategies at the individual, communal, and organizational levels. There will be panel discussions focusing on problem gambling in adolescents, college students, and special populations (minorities, elderly and disabled). Sessions with recovering persons will give real-life insight to the impacts of gambling addition and challenges related to recovery.

Altamonte Springs, FL (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Local, state and national leaders are convening today and tomorrow at the Grosvenor Resort in Lake Buena Vista to address the topic, "Problem Gambling: Everyone's Issue" and to devise a strategic plan of action to increase awareness at the community level across the State of Florida.

Joining the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling at its 13th Annual Conference will be Keynote Speaker Bill Janes, Director of the Florida Office of Drug Control, Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno, and leaders of prominent organizations and gaming industry members, including the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Federation of High School Associations, the U.S. Probation Office, the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, the Florida Certification Board, Seminole Casinos, Dania Jai-Alai, Derby Lane, and Isle of Capri Casinos.

Also participating will be local community based entities such as the Center for Drug Free Living in Orlando, The Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community, Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, Family and Children Faith Coalition in Dade, Gateway Community Services in Jacksonville, Broward County Human Services Department (Elder and Veterans Services Division), as well as treatment professionals, recovering persons and others.

"We are depending upon the active participation of all attendees throughout the course of the conference for their input in panel discussions and presentations leading up to the Roundtable Exchange - our Think Tank and foundation for formulating a strategic plan of action," explained Pat Fowler, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. "There are more than 500,000 Floridians struggling with the effects of a gambling problem and thousands more adversely affected. Problem gambling is treatable for those who seek help. Through the power of the collective, we can approach this problem from a community-based vantage point," advised Fowler.

The extensive two-day conference is an educational pathway featuring original work and insight into the world of problem gambling prevention, outreach and treatment. Nationally renowned trainer and clinician, Joanna Franklin, MS, NCGC-II, will be facilitating the forum, including the Roundtable Exchange. Also presenting is adolescent expert Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky of McGill University, and other highly-regarded specialists in the field. Panels will focus on problem gambling among adolescents, college students, special populations (minorities, women and elderly) and will feature recovering persons, who will share their roads to recovery.

Finally, the FCCG will announce special recognition awards of outstanding organizations and individuals for their leadership in establishing programs benefiting students, patrons, and the general public. Honorees include Thomas Hall, Director of Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming at the University of Central Florida; Orlando Sentinel reporter Mike Berry; Mardi Gras Gaming Vice-President, Daniel Adkins; the National Federation of State High School Associations; and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (FCCG) is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) educational and advocacy organization whose primary mission is to help persons adversely affected by problem and compulsive gambling. Established in 1988, the FCCG is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling and maintains a neutral stance on the issue of legalized gambling. The FCCG is funded by the State of Florida and receives additional support from membership dues, training fees and donations.

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Press Contact: LAKEITHA GREY
Company Name:
Phone: 850-321-1671
Website: www.gamblinghelp.org

Most Downloaded Music Artists for April, 2007

MPFree.com Names Akon, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Hilary Duff and Toby Keith as the Most Downloaded Artists for April, 2007

MPFree.com, a division of Gulfstream Internet Group, announced today that Akon, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Hilary Duff and Toby Keith are the most popular downloaded artists for April, 2007.

Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) May 16, 2007 -- MPFree.com members overwhelmingly chose Akon, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Hilary Duff and Toby Keith as the Most Downloaded Artists for April, 2007. The Most Downloaded Artists are the artists whose songs were downloaded by MPFree members most often during any given month.

Artists such as Gwen Stefani and Toby Keith have been recording music since before music downloads were available for purchase online. Carrie Underwood, who rose to fame after appearing on "American Idol," and the other artists named have found success in an era where music downloads are one of the most popular ways to purchase music.

www.MPFree.com provides free music downloads to its members when they take advantage of offers from their advertisers. Members also receive free music downloads when they refer their friends, family members or business associates. It is one of the only ways to get free music downloads without participating in illegal shareware Web sites.
"Consumers can pay to get legal downloads online, they can download songs illegally using peer-to-peer networks like Limewire for free, or they can get the best of both worlds -- free and legal music downloads -- from MPFree," said Philip Nadel, president of Gulfstream Internet Group.

Internet sites that employ shareware are not compliant with federal laws. Peer-to-peer web sites allow people to log on and share music without paying any copyright fees to the artists or record labels. It is a practice that has brought serious legal consequences to the people who participate in it. "Thanks to our advertisers," says Nadel, "the artists get paid their royalties, but our members pay nothing. We're the only site out there which offers a free service that is compliant with all laws."

MPFree offers its members a music catalog of more than 1 million tracks from all the major labels and artists. "These are original performance by the original artists. We don't believe in compromising when it comes to authenticity," says Nadel. "Music fans want their music to be top quality, and second-rate reproductions are not top quality."

About Gulfstream Internet Group:
Gulfstream Internet Group (GulfstreamInternet.com) is an online loyalty marketing company providing advertisers with unique internet direct marketing and advertising solutions while giving consumers a fun way to earn valuable rewards. Gulfstream reaches more than 10 million loyal members with its programs, which include 100Tunes (100Tunes.com), Cell Rewards (CellRewards.com), iPodSweepstakes (iPodSweepstakes.com), MPFree (www.MPFree.com), PhoneHog (www.PhoneHog.com) and SatelliteSweeps (SatelliteSweeps.com).

#-# #

Press Contact: Dave Goldstein
Company Name: Gullfstream
Phone: 561-852-7377
Website: www.MPFree.com

Widget Launch New Website

A New Look With New Prices -- Widget Launch New Website, widget.com

Widget announces the arrival of its fresh new website. They are celebrating the launch with new prices, including the Genesis iPod speaker dock, now at an amazing £19.99 including VAT.

London, UK (PRWEB) May 3, 2007 -- Widget UK Ltd, a leading supplier of mobile technology and accessories, today announces the arrival of its fresh new website. They are celebrating the launch with new prices, including the Genesis iPod speaker dock, now at an amazing £19.99 including VAT.                                                 

The Genesis is a 4-way stereo speaker, with 360° iPod playback, synchronisation and recharging, with up to 7 hours continuous play from four AA batteries. It is a stand-alone podium with an Apple certified docking connector. It is compatible with the iPod family, very easy to hook up to your PC, laptop, DVD, CD and other MP3 players, all at an amazing £19.99.

Mark Needham, managing director, Widget UK Ltd, commented, "In our line of business it's very important not only to maintain a distinctive online presence, but also to allow our customer a comfortable, user friendly and above all secure environment in which to carry out their transactions. All of which we hope our new website has achieved. "

Other great products from Widget UK include:
•    The highly innovative iGo Stowaway Bluetooth keyboard.
•    The FlyBook VM is an ultra-portable notebook, with a unique extendable screen mount.
•    The Flybook V33i 3G HSDPA is the world's first sub-notebook to incorporate the new High-speed Downlink Packet Access standard (HSDPA).
•    The clever Fossil Bluetooth watch
•    The super cool Nimzy Vibro Max black speaker box.

If you are interested in any of Widget's products please contact sophie.spooner @ raniericommunications.com   

About Widget UK Ltd
Widget UK is a leading supplier and distributor of mobile computing devices and accessories. Its portfolio includes satellite navigation, portable scanning devices and PDA accessories.

Specific brands which are distributed by Widget include TomTom GPS range Etymotic's ER-6i and ER-4 earphones, CardScan, iGo Stowaway keyboard and power tip range, Covertec cases, and Holbe Dialogue's Flybook

All products are listed on the company's website at http://www.widget.com

Contacts:
Agency:
Ranieri Communications
Sophie Spooner
sophie.spooner @ raniericommunications.com
Tel: 01296 468560
www.raniericommunications.com

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Press Contact: MARK NEEDHAM
Company Name: Widget UK
Phone: 0845 055 0005
Website: www.widget.com