NEWS WRAP

* Sony Music has today revealed they'll release a physical single of Britney Spears' new single '3' in Australia on November 06. Also added to this week's Sony release schedule are physical singles for John Mayer's 'Who Says' (November 13) and Leona Lewis' Happy (also Nov 13).
* EMI Australia has announced a brand new single for British four piece Arctic Monkeys. They'll release 'Cornerstone' as the second single from the band's latest album 'Humbug' in Australia digitally on Tuesday November 17. The digital release features the single, along with three b-sides, 'Catapult', 'Sketchead' and 'Fright Lined Dining Room'. 7" and 10" vinyl releases are also slated.
* Playground Weekender has bagged the gong of 'The Best Crowd & Atmosphere' at the 2009 Faster Louder Festival Awards. The first line-up announcement for the 2010 Playground Weekender at Wisemans Ferry is due to be revealed late this month.
* Could the writing be on the wall for the Sugababes? Digital Spy in the UK is reporting that Amelle Berrabah is taking a break from the band after suffering "nervous exhaustion". The band has been forced to withdraw from public appearances and promotions in the lead up to the release of their new album 'Sweet 7' and forthcoming single 'About A Girl'. We wouldn't be surprised if the album's release was delayed.
* US outfit The Decemberists have been keeping their Aussie fans waiting for an incessantly long time, but they've finally relented and will head to Australia's shores for two shows in January. Tickets for the gigs, one each in Sydney (Metro Theatre - Jan 19) and Melbourne (Billboard - Jan 24) go on sale on Monday.
* As the furore over Ladyhawke's star turn at the upcoming ARIA Awards (at the expense of local songstresses Lisa Mitchell, Sarah Blasko and Kate Miller-Heidke) continues to grow louder, over the Tasman, Pip's celebrating after sweeping the Tuis Awards. The singer picked up Single and Album Of The Year, Best Female Artist, Breakthrough Artist, Best Dance Electronic Album and International Achievement Award.
* And finally, it's hard to believe it's taken them 50 years to get one together, but legendary label Motown will release their first ever Christmas album at the end of the year. The release (packshot below) will feature 51 seasonal classics, performed from some of the most iconic artists from the Motown stable. No word on a local release thus far, but it was released in the US this week.