Weekly Roundup: 15th February 2009

As another week draws to a close, we take a look back at the music news that has been hitting the headlines over the past few days!
Lily Allen (pictured top) has topped both the single and album chart this week. ‘It’s Not Me, It’s You’, the follow up to Lily’s 2006 debut album ‘Still Alright’, shot to number one this Sunday. Meanwhile hit-single ‘The Fear’ has kept it’s top spot position for the third week in a row, scoring Lily a double chart hit.
Green Day have announced that they will be releasing their 8th studio album in May. Titled ’21st Century Breakdown’, the album is said to be swinging towards a power pop vibe rather than the band’s usual punk rock. The album artwork was also released this week and has been noted for it’s unusual similarity to Blur’s ‘Think Tank’.
Rihanna‘s (pictured right) dad has confirmed that the ‘Umbrella’ star has split with her singer boyfriend, Chris Brown, following an alleged domestic assault last week. Rihanna is said to have sustained visible injuries following the attack which has lead to the pop star cancelling several appearances including a Grammy performance.
Estelle Bennett, of 60’s girl group, The Ronettes, has died this week at the age of 67. Alongside sister Ronnie Bennett and cousin Nedray Talley, Estelle signed to Phil Spector’s Philles Records in 1963. The trio went on to become world-famous thanks to their trademark beehives and hit tracks, such as ‘Be My Baby’.
Def Leppard, Slipknot, Korn, Motley Crue, The Prodigy and newly reformed Limp Bizkit are just some of the big acts confirmed this week for Download Festival 2009. The rock and heavy metal bash takes place at Donnigton Park on Friday the 12th to Sunday 14th of June. Tickets are on sale now over at Download’s official site.
Finally, it’s unlikely we shall see The Smiths following in the footsteps of so many vintage bands out there anytime soon and throw together a reunion tour. Morrissey put an end to all rumours hinting of a possible Smiths unification this week, claiming he’s “not stuck in the past”. Intriguing, since, when on Jonathon Ross Friday night, following his performance of current single ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’, Mozza went on to play nostalgic track ‘This Charming Man’ to the elated audience.
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