It seems Sony BMG’s rootkit debacle is finally coming to an end. As recently reported on Michael Geist’s web site (www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/1400/125/), Sony has taken steps to settle a class action filed against them after the Digital Rights Management (DRM) copy protection software imbedded on some of its CDs (including Our Lady Peace and Canadian Idol albums, among others) caused an uproar with consumers who found the dangers of the surveillance software far outweighed its potential benefits.

Consequently, Sony will no longer manufacture CDs containing the "Mediamax" and "XCP" software used for tracking copyright infringement and personal information, and will offer disgruntled music fans various forms of compensation. If you have purchased a DRM-protected album, you can get more info and file a claim through Sony’s Canadian settlement web site before December at cdtechsettlement.sonybmg.ca.

THE BUZZ

PunkTV.ca’s Dixon Christie writes:

"My pick for Buzz Band of the Week goes to the hard working punk as hell Edmonton band, the Wednesday Night Heroes. They’re out on the road again touring North America, this time with none other than NYC hardcore punk artists The Casualties. The Heroes just released their third album, have toured Canada six times and are one of the most vicious punk bands that Alberta has spawned. If you just missed their show last Monday (Sept 11) at the Starlite, you’ll have to wait ‘til next time around to witness the spectacle. If you like old school punk with tremendous energy and great tunes, check them out at www.wnheroes.com or www.myspace.com/wnheroes."

BACK IN BLACK

While awaiting for NYC garage rockers Mooney Suzuki’s forthcoming album, Have Mercy (set for release in 2007), feast yourself on a snap-tacular re-issue of 1999’s Black EP (V2, hhhkk), now with the added Maximum tag and re-packaged with five previously unavailable dirt-rock ditties. It’ll make you forget about 2004’s slick, Matrix-produced Alive & Amplified, and make you long for the days when they weren’t sleazy sell-outs.

Also, some punk rock visual radness from a cool dude-doo-doot might brighten up your walls or make a pretty sweet Christmas present (aaaaah, already?). So get your hands on Nardwuar and legendary photog Bev Davies’ new 2007 calendar (from Mint Records). An absoultely essential nugget of punk history with superb B&W photography.