MTV News Round-Up 24/09/2004

*** Kylie Minogue is to release a new greatest hits album. 'Ultimate Kylie' will feature her collaboration with the Scissor Sisters, 'I Believe in You', which was co-written with Jake Shears and Babydaddy. The song will also be released as her next single on November 29, while the double-CD compilation is due out two weeks earlier.

*** REM's Peter Buck and Mike Mills have reportedly launched a public attack on the Bush presidency. While interviewed to their local paper, 'Athens Weekly News', Buck said that the band would probably not have played 'Vote For Change' if it wasn't for the invasion of Iraq. He then said: "I think the Bush presidency is a disaster in every way".

*** Ronan Keating is to record a duet with Cat Stevens. The former Boyzone singer will get together with the former rock legend to record 'Father And Son', originally a Stevens hit. Stevens, who changed his name to Yusuf Islam, was refused entry to the United States earlier this week after being branded a terrorist supporter.

*** Robert Downey Jr is to embark on a new career as a singer. Downey has already signed a recording contract with Sony Classical and his first album is scheduled for release in November. The album includes eight of Downey's own compositions and two covers, Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile' and Yes's 'Your Move'.

*** Damon Albarn is reportedly working on the second Gorillaz album. Blur's ex-frontman is said to work on the project with DJ Danger Mouse, in what will once again include a visual component. He said: "We're both very excited about what's happening musically. I think it'll surprise a lot of people".

HK