News Bits: Damon Albarn Backing English Opera Initiative + More

-- Damon Albarn is following up last year's English National Opera production of his 'Dr. Dee' opera by backing an ENO initiative called "Undress for the Opera," which is meant to help attract new opera fans. "I'm trying to bring in people like myself who didn't go to opera when they were younger," says Albarn. [Reuters/Chicago Tribune]

-- Actress Gwenyth Paltrow has signed on to co-produce a musical based on the career of influential '80s girl group the Go-Go's, and rumor has it that Belinda Carlisle and her former bandmates may be involved in project as well. [The Hollywood Reporter]

-- Willis Earl Beal has moved on from his onstage arrest earlier this year for kicking an audience member and has posted online 'Principles of a Protagonist,' an EP that doubles as the soundtrack to his forthcoming animated film of the same name. A trailer for the flick, which is expected to premiere online this fall, is also now available now for your viewing pleasure. [exclaim.ca]

-- Rap trio Death Grips totally want you to make bank off their new album, 'No Love Deep Web.' Not only has the band bypassed their label, Epic Records, to leak the platter online before its official release, but it's also made the record available under a very generous Creative Commons license that allows anybody to use it commercially in any way desired -- which basically means you can make money off the album with any scheme you dream up. [Consequences of Sound]

-- You may remember that rapper Big Boi recorded a tune called 'Mama Told Me' for his new album with Little Dragon, but it's singer Kelly Rowland and not the up-and-coming Swedish band that guests on the cut. "Business terms out of our control got in the way, and an agreement couldn't be reached in time for our version of the track to be released," reads a statement from a LD rep. Big bummer! [Pitchfork]

-- "I'm a little more of a lead instrument in the Meatbats," Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith says of his role in his funky side project Bombastic Meatbats, who just released a double live album called 'Live Meat and Potatoes.' "Lead drums!" [Spinner]

-- Bat for Lashes ran through a seven-song set that included three cuts from their forthcoming 'The Haunted Man' album during a recent BBC performance, which you can (and should!) watch online now. What are you waiting for? [Death + Taxes]

-- The indie world has been gaga for Fleetwood Mac recently, but Mac songs are ultimately the property of -- and best performed by -- the classic rockers themselves. Here's a list of the 10 best Mac jams. [Ultimate Classic Rock]