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Music News Roundup: Forbidden Fruit Line-Up and Lana Del Rey does Shirley Bassey
Some juicy music scoop on upcoming festival line-ups, a new Lana Del Rey tune, the return of Queen and much more
The music world has been going a mile a minute the last week and here is our round up of some of the key stories, videos and tidbits for your reading pleasure.
Forbidden Fruit and Trinity Ball Line-ups
Last year's inaugural Forbidden Fruit festival was quite the success (horrific bar queues on day one not withstanding) and today the line up for the second run was announced, again taking place on the June Bank Holiday in the grounds of The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin. Now extended to a three day event performers include New Order, Beirut, The Bloody Beetroots, Death Cab for Cutie, The Rapture, James Vincent McMorrow and Mazzy Star. More info is here and tickets will be on sale from the 22nd of February.
On a more poptastic student friendly note the Trinity Ball line up has also unveiled. More catered towards those still attending TCD the list of performers is as impressive as ever. Marina and the Diamonds, Friendly Fires, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Fake Blood, Erol Alkan and Professor Green are just some of the names slated to play the one day event on the 20th of April. More info here.
Rihanna and Chris Brown Rumours Are True
We don't want to dwell on this too long but sadly after much rumours and hype it does seem that Rihanna and Chris Brown are working together. Many fans are up in arms about Rihanna returning to work with the man who so brutally assaulted her only 3 years ago but if you must check out her full version of Birthday Cake with Chris Brown here and her returning the favour on Chris' track Turn Up The Music here. Neither of them are an easy listen.
Brazilian Madonna Fans Pay Tribute
We all know that Madonna has a fairly large gay following (I was just as shocked when I found out, honestly) but it's still a pleasant surprise to see this drag tribute to her Superbowl performance and just how detailed it is. Filmed in an Brazilian gay hotspot, the recording has gone viral amongst Madonna impressed with it's accuracy. We love the main queen who nails Madonna's sassy moves, the guy drafted into be Cee-Lo who is in fact a total ride, the queen doing Nicki's bit who clearly doesn't know the words (tut tut) and the spot on Vogue routine. Well done everyone. Take the rest of the week off.
Queen and Adam Lambert Confirm Performance Together
Adam Lambert and Queen have confirmed that they will perform together again. The openly gay popstar had worked with the band on the finale of American Idol in 2009 and again at the end of last year's MTV Europe Music Awards. Lambert confirmed this week that after much speculation he will join the remaining members of the band for their Sonisphere gig at Knebworth on the 7th of July. Lambert's second album Trespassing recently had it's release date delayed but is expected to hit shop later this year.
Lana Del Rey Tackles A Shirley Bassey Classic
Finally, Lana Del Rey has lent her pipes to a newly surfaced hip-hop track where she does her own take on Big Spender (best known as one of Shirley Bassey's biggest hits). The track, All I Know with UK rapper Smiler was recorded in 2010 when the pair were reportedly working in opposite studios. It chops up a knowing, upbeat take on the famous chorus admist some fast-paced rhymes and tumbling R&B snyths. The track will feature on a mixtape from Smiler released on the 29th of February. Take a listen below.
- Written by Conor Behan, follow him on Twitter.