CheekyChicago

Lemonheads singer/founder, Evan Dando, is suing the newly bankrupt General Motors, claiming the auto company produced a copycat song for a commercial. Suing GM plus ad and licensing firms in federal court, Dando said GM violated his copyright to the Lemonheads hit song, “It’s a Shame About Ray” in one of their ads. He alleges that the song was re-recorded and used in a 2008 Chevy/Buick ad. The songwriter, who was integral in the 90’s music scene and still tours today, seeks damages and a portion of the ad’s profits. Having sought federal bankruptcy protection this very week, it will be interesting to see how GM responds to Dando’s lawsuit.

Female forces unite in this summer’s touring outfit of The Pretenders, Cat Power and Juliette Lewis. The songstress trifecta stops through Chicago on August 18^th when they play the Aragon Ballroom.

, is destined for indie-greatness. The movie, which stars singer/actress Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, includes a soundtrack packed with artists such as Feist, The Smiths, The Black Lips, Regina Spektor, as well as Deschnanel’s musical collaboration with M. Ward, She & Him. (Move aside, Garden State.) The soundtrack hits stores (let’s be honest—hits iTunes) July 14^th.

Legendary Blues singer, Koko Taylor (A.K.A. the “Queen of the Blues) died this week in Chicago, due to complications from gastrointestinal surgery. The Grammy-winning singer was signed to Chicago’s renowned Chess Records and performed with everyone from Muddy Waters to Led Zeppelin.

For those who may have missed Bjork’s ’07-’08 Volta tour, don’t fret – a concert film from the tour is slated for release this summer. Opening in conjunction with the release of her Voltaic box-set, a series of screenings from the tour are scheduled at U.S. theaters throughout June and July.

It seems April’s successful Record Store Day won’t be the last ‘musical holiday’ of the year. Creators of the event plan to hold the first annual Vinyl Saturday on June 20^th. The day will include the release of exclusive material from artists like Modest Mouse, Wilco, Green Day and the brand new musical union of Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn.

80’s favorites, Love & Rockets, will be honored in the form of a covers record entitled New Tales to Tell: A Tribute to Love and Rockets. The soundtrack includes covers by The Dandy Warhols, Film School, Black Francis (A.K.A. Frank Black) and Better Than Ezra.