REM is expected to be announced soon as one of the showcase bands for SxSW 2008.

Universal Music had a convincing lead over the other three major labels in 2007 to maintain its dominance as the largest music company in the USA.

Digital music accounted for 60% of sales in the USA in 2007. Of the 1.4 billion units of music sold last year, 840 million were digital tracks.

Josh Groban's 'Noel' ended up selling 3,699,000 units last year, which earned him the top spot as the biggest selling album of 2007 in the USA, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Wyclef Jean has gone to all corners of the music world to bring in new sounds for his forthcoming 'Carnival Vol. II' album. The new record features guest appearances from Paul Simon, Serj Tankian and Norah Jones.

The Fifth Court of Appeals in the USA has dismissed a case by an unknown songwriter claiming Beyonce stole her song and turned it into her global hit 'Baby Boy'.

Morrissey fans will have two new songs to salivate over soon.

R&B star R. Kelly has been quick to react to a lawsuit brought against him by fellow performer Ne-Yo.

Radiohead's entire performance of the 'In Rainbows' album is online for the world to see at Current TV.

Rapper Nate Dogg is reported to have suffered a stroke over the holiday period.

Part 2 of the 90 part video that is the teaser for REM's 14th album 'Accelerate' is online today at ninetynights.com

News of Paul McCartney undergoing heart surgery last year has started a wave of fears for the health of the former Beatle but the procedure is quite common.

Madonna has an Indian New Year. The singer spent New Years Eve with her family and friends in the Indian region of Rajasthan.

EMI Australia is offering a free download of the new Hot Chip song 'I Became A Volunteer'.

Former rapper turned preacher M.C. Hammer is about to become a dotcom entrepreneur.

Country star Mindy McCready is a free woman after spending three months in jail.

Mickey Mouse loves Paul McCartney. That is certainly the conclusion you should reach after Disney named McCartney's 'Memory Almost Full' as the Best Adult Rock Album of 2007.

As first reported by Undercover on December 22, REM has started the countdown to the 14th studio album 'Accelerate' with a new web presence at www.ninetynights.com

The first three artists to release in the US in 2008 are Radiohead, Sia and Kate Nash.

"Never let the truth get in the way of a good story" a wise man once told me. That wise man was Beatles spin-doctor, the late Derek Taylor. Taylor was a master at pushing the envelope when it came to getting press. If the great man were alive today, I am sure he would be chuckling at the way the internet can push that envelope so much further than he could in his day. I am sure also sure Led Zeppelin are chuckling too over their constant barrage of unsubstantiated press.