MTV News Round-Up 19/07/2004

*** Mike Skinner, aka The Streets, has been accused of ripping off someone else's song in his new single 'Dry Your Eyes'. Songwriter Michael Gagliano, who currently plays in The Counterfeit Beatles, claims that the distinctive string part in 'Dry Your Eyes' has been lifted from 'Yesterday And Today Pt1', which he released last year under the name EPIC. As yet, legal action hasn't been taken.

*** Morrissey has released a statement following the death of New York Dolls bass player Arthur Kane. The vocalist " a huge fan of the Dolls said: "I am personally very grateful to Arthur for his essential contribution to the Dolls and their music. He has left us with some great musical memories " especially 'Private World' and 'It's Too Late'".

*** Beyonce is said to massively keen on a house in Chelsea. Reports claim that the vocalist has viewed the five-storey London property and offered 2.6million for it. "Beyonce has fallen in love with the property," a source told a weekend paper. "She thinks it's been beautifully restored and has told friends she's desperate to make it her London home."

*** Jamiroquai's Jay Kay faces a possible driving ban after pleading guilty to speeding. Jay did not appear in court with his solicitor due to recording commitments, but he has been ordered to be in attendance for the sentencing on September 6. The vocalist was clocked doing 105mph in Perthshire on February 26.

*** The Thrills have announced a one-off gig in Cambridge. The Irish band, whose new album 'Let's Bottle Bohemia' is due on September 13, will perform at Cambridge Corn Exchange on October 6. The band are expected to announce more UK dates shortly. Meanwhile, they will play V Festival on August 21 and 22.

DL