... Singer-songwriter Carly Simon has led a tumultuous life that has included several high-profile romantic engagements, which most notably included a ten-year marriage to James Taylor, as well as a battle with breast cancer in the late '90s. Publishers have long wanted to sign Simon to a book deal, and now Random House and Simon have reportedly agreed to terms. Simon, who is the daughter of Simon & Schuster co-founder Richard Simon, will write the book herself (she has also penned several children's books). Simon's agent was originally asking publishers for $3 million for the rights to her story, and a deal was reportedly reached for an undisclosed seven-figure sum. "After years of keeping journals and writing lyrics for my tunes, I have developed a strong interest in seeing how my life might just string together in a longer form," said Simon. "I know I'll be looking for a strong chorus, like a repeating dream or theme." Simon has said that she plans to finish the book by the end of 2012, but Random House has not announced a publication date. Random House to Publish Carly Simon Memoir ... [ read more ]

... Human rights organisation Amnesty International have released a star-studded, Band Aid style song dedicated to human rights activism around the world. Titled 'Toast to Freedom', it coincides with both Amnesty's 50th anniversary and World Press Freedom Day, and stars 'Why' singer Carly Simon, late Band member Levon Helm, Ewan McGregor, Kris Kristofferson and more. The song was penned by Carl Carlton (known for his work with Robert Palmer, Eric Burdon and more) and Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello), and according to Amnesty, represents "the brainchild of Carlton, and longtime music industry executive, activist, and entrepreneur Jochen Wilms in collaboration with Art for Amnesty founder Bill Shipsey". The track is available to purchase today, and more information on it can be found here. You can stream the video below. Amnesty International release Band Aid style posse cut: Carly Simon, Levon Helm and more feature ... [ read more ]

... London. Thesun.co.uk Watch The Rapture's new video for How Deep is Your Love. A box set of unreleased Can material, The Lost Tapes, is being released on 18 June. After The Stone Roses made nice, there are now claims The Smiths have made up and reuniting... or is it a hoax?Music-news.com Today's Track Of The Day is Rustie - Surph featuring Nightwave That's it for today. More Hot List tomorrow at noon. Blur & Gorrillaz repreved by Damon Albarn, TLC to tour with holographic 'Left-Eye', Obama joins The Roots, new Kasabian video, listen to Marilyn Manson & Johnny Depp covering Carly Simon... Daily Hot List ... [ read more ]