Articles Tagged 'POP'
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Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from a quarterback's ex making it to the Super Bowl, to someone associated with New Zealand's biggest band working with the Muppets, to the Jersey Shore cast going far, far away from the boardwalk, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Former American Idol and current country superstar Carrie Underwood will be singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl this Sunday. Underwood is a fantastic choice for the job, but I wonder how the Cowboys feel about the fact that people their quarterback used to date are getting to the Super Bowl before he is. Ah, well, at least it's not Jessica Simpson, right Tony?
* The Grammys happened this weekend and I didn't watch. I am not a fan of award shows, much less award shows that are run by people who don't seem to know very much about music. Eminem and Jay-Z taking home multiple Grammys proves how little their voters know about good hip-hop, but the bigge Read More ...
* Former American Idol and current country superstar Carrie Underwood will be singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl this Sunday. Underwood is a fantastic choice for the job, but I wonder how the Cowboys feel about the fact that people their quarterback used to date are getting to the Super Bowl before he is. Ah, well, at least it's not Jessica Simpson, right Tony?* The Grammys happened this weekend and I didn't watch. I am not a fan of award shows, much less award shows that are run by people who don't seem to know very much about music. Eminem and Jay-Z taking home multiple Grammys proves how little their voters know about good hip-hop, but the bigge Read More ...
Fueled By Ramen recording group Paramore has unveiled details of its upcoming headline tour. The tour is set to kick off on April 26th with a home state show at Tennessee's Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Dates will then continue through mid-May (see attached itinerary). Support will come from Relient K and fun.Pre-sale tickets will be available to members of the Official Paramore Fan Club beginning on Monday, February 1st – for complete details, please visit www.paramorefanclub.com. All remaining tickets will then go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th.
The tour comes hot on the heels of Paramore's recent European itinerary, a blockbuster trek that saw the Grammy Award-nominated band blowing the roof off of sold-out arenas across the continent, including London's 12,500-capacity Wembley Arena. Next month will see Paramore venturing across the Pacific for a long-awaited tour of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, which already includes sold-out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
In addition, Paramore is set to headline the f Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Snookie getting her own dating show, to Simon Cowell's new deal with Sony Music Entertainment, to Aerosmith's search for a new member, and since it's Pop Shots, you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Jersey Shore's first season may be over, but we haven't seen the last of at least one of the roommates from the show. Snookie, she of the multiple punches to the face and lifetime supply of Bumpits, is reportedly going to be getting her own dating show, tentatively titled Snookin for Love. With the way the final episode of Shore was edited, they made it obvious she's looking for a boyfriend, even using the phrase Snookin for Love at one point. Here's hoping she gets to bring along JWOWW to help her sort out which guys are good and which guys aren't. An appearance by The Situation would be nice, as well. Who thinks I should audition?
* A bajillion entertainers made appearances at the Hope for Haiti Now Read More ...
* Jersey Shore's first season may be over, but we haven't seen the last of at least one of the roommates from the show. Snookie, she of the multiple punches to the face and lifetime supply of Bumpits, is reportedly going to be getting her own dating show, tentatively titled Snookin for Love. With the way the final episode of Shore was edited, they made it obvious she's looking for a boyfriend, even using the phrase Snookin for Love at one point. Here's hoping she gets to bring along JWOWW to help her sort out which guys are good and which guys aren't. An appearance by The Situation would be nice, as well. Who thinks I should audition?* A bajillion entertainers made appearances at the Hope for Haiti Now Read More ...
[Tags] POP
The 2010 Lilith Tour is pleased to announce exciting line-up additions to the summer touring festival: Loretta Lynn, Heart, Norah Jones, Cat Power, Sia, Gossip, La Roux, Beth Orton, Ceci Bastida, Erin McCarley, Frazey Ford, Julia Othmer, Kate Nash, Lights, Missy Higgins, Lissie, Marina & The Diamonds, Priscilla Renea, Rosie Thomas, Melissa McClelland, Toby Lightman and Elizaveta. More major artists will be announced in the coming weeks.Additionally, 15 more cities have been revealed, with more to come in the next few weeks: Edmonton, San Diego, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Hartford, Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Houston and Austin.
More artist thoughts on joining the 2010 Lilith Tour:
Country legend Loretta Lynn:
"I'm happy they wanted me on this Lilith tour. I have never done shows just with other girl singers before. When I first started out, they said girl singers couldn't sell records or concert tickets. We've come a long way since then and we're gonna have a big time out there!"
R Read More ...
Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and Vancouver native Sarah McLachlan has written and recorded a new song, "One Dream," to be used as a unique part of NBC's marketing campaign for the Vancouver Winter Olympics beginning February 12. See the broadcast television premiere of Sarah McLachlan's video for "One Dream" this Sunday, January 24 at 9/8c during the 2010 AT& T U.S. Figure Skating Championships on NBC. Written in the spirit of the Olympics, "One Dream" is inspired by the athletes of the world as they strive to reach their Olympic goals. Reflecting on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Games, McLachlan remarks, "I am thrilled to be a part of the Olympics celebration. The games will provide the perfect opportunity to share with the world the hometown I love!"
"One Dream" is now available for sale at all digital retailers.
About Sarah McLachlan:
Since joining Arista two decades ago, every one of Sarah McLachlan's studio and live albums and videos have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA, starting with Touch (1988) and So Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Beyonce fighting with common sense, to record labels fighting with reason, to Jimmy Kimmel jumping into the fight between Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Wonder where Beyonce was on New Year's Eve? Singing and dancing for the son of a mass murdering dictator, of course! Yes, that's right, while the rest of us were ringing in 2010 with some lighthearted revelry, Jay-Z's wifey was taking home a cool two mil for a performance for Muatsim Gaddafi, who is the third son of the Libyan leader Muammar-al Gaddafi. For those who need a primer, the elder Gaddafi is the dictator is Libya who has financed and run terrorist attacks that have killed thousands over the years. Hearing the news of Beyonce performing for the son of such a tyrant has prompted numerous old high school classmates of hers to say "man, had I known back then she'd say yes to anyo Read More ...
* Wonder where Beyonce was on New Year's Eve? Singing and dancing for the son of a mass murdering dictator, of course! Yes, that's right, while the rest of us were ringing in 2010 with some lighthearted revelry, Jay-Z's wifey was taking home a cool two mil for a performance for Muatsim Gaddafi, who is the third son of the Libyan leader Muammar-al Gaddafi. For those who need a primer, the elder Gaddafi is the dictator is Libya who has financed and run terrorist attacks that have killed thousands over the years. Hearing the news of Beyonce performing for the son of such a tyrant has prompted numerous old high school classmates of hers to say "man, had I known back then she'd say yes to anyo Read More ... Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Miley moving on, to Katy Perry becoming marriage minded, to Ashley Greene and Amanda Bynes' magnificent modeling moments, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Brace yourselves. Are you sitting down? If not, why are you at the computer standing up? Regardless... Hannah Montana will soon be coming to an end. Yes, it has been announced that the upcoming fourth season (has it really only been around for four seasons?) will be the show's last. Something tells me Miley will still be able to get along OK, but the race is on for which of Disney's teen stars will break out next. Demi Lovato? Selena Gomez? Someone I'm totally unaware of because I only tune in to Disney when I sit on the remote control and it changes the channel?
* In news about big breasted women that disappoints me greatly, it is being reported that Katy Perry is now engaged to not even passably funny British comedian Read More ...
* Brace yourselves. Are you sitting down? If not, why are you at the computer standing up? Regardless... Hannah Montana will soon be coming to an end. Yes, it has been announced that the upcoming fourth season (has it really only been around for four seasons?) will be the show's last. Something tells me Miley will still be able to get along OK, but the race is on for which of Disney's teen stars will break out next. Demi Lovato? Selena Gomez? Someone I'm totally unaware of because I only tune in to Disney when I sit on the remote control and it changes the channel?* In news about big breasted women that disappoints me greatly, it is being reported that Katy Perry is now engaged to not even passably funny British comedian Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this first full week of 2010 Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Ke$ha's impressive sales numbers, to Taylor Swift's impressive staying power, to an impressive posthumous honor for Michael Jackson, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* If you live anywhere near a radio, a nightclub, or basically any English speaking human life, you're probably familiar with Ke$ha's breakout hit "TiK ToK." No matter how you feel about the song, get used to it. For the week ending Dec 27th Ke$ha set a sales record moving 610,000 units of the song digitally, which is the highest one week total ever for a female artist, and second highest one week total overall. "TiK ToK's" lyrics may be the definition of vapid, but when discussing the song with a prominent DJ (whaddup Halo) we both noted that despite its content "TiK ToK's" verses and hooks are put together really well musically and the song is a DJs best friend when it comes to getting people on a dance floor. Ke$ha actually ha Read More ...
* If you live anywhere near a radio, a nightclub, or basically any English speaking human life, you're probably familiar with Ke$ha's breakout hit "TiK ToK." No matter how you feel about the song, get used to it. For the week ending Dec 27th Ke$ha set a sales record moving 610,000 units of the song digitally, which is the highest one week total ever for a female artist, and second highest one week total overall. "TiK ToK's" lyrics may be the definition of vapid, but when discussing the song with a prominent DJ (whaddup Halo) we both noted that despite its content "TiK ToK's" verses and hooks are put together really well musically and the song is a DJs best friend when it comes to getting people on a dance floor. Ke$ha actually ha Read More ... After last week's first half of Pop Shots' Top 10 Pop Songs of the Decade I know how much you've been eagerly awaiting the next installment, which is why this week's Pop Shots is coming to you a day early. So without further adieu, here are Pop Shots' picks as the top five pop songs of the decade.
5) Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River (2002)
"Sexyback" may have launched Timberlake to new heights as an adult artist, but it was "Cry Me a River" that set him up for such a launch. The tale of betrayal, complete with a creepy operatic sample that helped to make the beat one of Timbaland's best, wasn't subtle when it came to who it was about, and the personal nature of it made it that much more hard hitting. "Cry Me a River" was also that rare song that took advantage of Timberlake's full range as a singer. This was his most mature work up to that point, and, in my opinion, is still his best song. The video was also fantast Read More ...
5) Justin Timberlake - Cry Me a River (2002)"Sexyback" may have launched Timberlake to new heights as an adult artist, but it was "Cry Me a River" that set him up for such a launch. The tale of betrayal, complete with a creepy operatic sample that helped to make the beat one of Timbaland's best, wasn't subtle when it came to who it was about, and the personal nature of it made it that much more hard hitting. "Cry Me a River" was also that rare song that took advantage of Timberlake's full range as a singer. This was his most mature work up to that point, and, in my opinion, is still his best song. The video was also fantast Read More ...
It's here, the list you've waited ten years for (which was difficult being that this column hasn't existed that long) - Pop Shots' Top 10 Pop Songs of the Decade! Before getting to the list, however, I want to really quickly go over the standards for it. Anyone could simply list the ten most popular songs based on their time on the charts, or album/single sales, and although those things should obviously play a factor in any list of this kind, I don't think they should be the only factors. For this list, in addition to being a big hit, I wanted to make sure the songs were actually good songs, either lyric-wise, or production-wise. I also wanted to make sure the songs had some real staying power and could easily be played 5-10 years after they were first released and still have their intended impact. My feeling is, if they're the top ten songs of the decade, they should have some staying power in our collective pop consciousness. That being said, here are songs 10-6 of Pop Shots' Top 10 Pop Songs of the Decade.
10) Pink - S Read More ...
10) Pink - S Read More ... [Tags] POP
Among the many highlights on Black Gives Way To Blue, the highly anticipated new album from ALICE IN CHAINS, is a special guest performance by Elton John. The two rock legends collaborated on the album's stunning title track, "Black Gives Way To Blue," a heart-stirring tribute to Alice In Chains' late lead singer Layne Staley. The album arrives in stores September 29."We were thinking about adding piano to the track and a friend suggested we call Elton," recalls guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell. "I remember laughing and saying, ‘Yeah, I'll get right on that.' But I decided it was worth trying and wrote Elton an email explaining what that song means to us—that it's a real, raw openhearted song for Layne. We sent him the track and got a call shortly after saying he thought it was beautiful and that he wanted to play on it. We were blown away. Elton John is a huge influence on me as a songwriter and having him on that song is an amazing honor for us."
"I've long been an admirer of Jerry Cantrell and when he asked me to play on ‘Black Gives Way To Blue,' I was very flatte Read More ...
Out of the dozen finalists announced for the 25th anniversary of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame; only The Stooges, ABBA, Jimmy Cliff, Genesis and the Hollies make up the 2010 class.The induction ceremony takes place March 15 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, and will be broadcast live on the Fuse network.
Other nominees included KISS, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer, Darlene Love and LL Cool J. Record mogul David Geffen and songwriters Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Jesse Stone, Mort Shuman and Otis Blackwell were also inducted in non-performing categories.
Talking to Rolling Stone, Iggy Pop of the Stooges said, "We've been rejected seven times, and we would have set a record, I think, if it happened again. It started to feel like Charlie Brown and the football. I had about two hours of a strong emotional reaction after hearing the news. It felt like vindication. Then I kind of scratched my head and thought, 'Am I still cool? Or is that over now?'"
Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks told Billboard.com that the induction is "nice to happen" and that it' Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from the makeover the Grammy's have given themselves, to Selena Gomez and Usher helping out on Extreme Home Makeover, to Carrie Underwood's hopes of making over a TV network's lineup, and since it's Pop Shots, you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Good news Grammy watchers, there should be no more heavy metal awards going to Jethro Tull. The Grammy nominations committee finally seems to have figured out what people are actually listening to, giving plenty of 2010 nominations to Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Lady Gaga and Jay-Z. The only minor surprise was that Maxwell's comeback earned him six nods, but that's a welcome surprise (some of us still utilize Urban Hang Suite on dates. Thanks Maxwell!). Ten bucks says Kanye stays in line this time when Taylor Swift takes home damn near every award. I hear they're going to serve him fish sticks... because he likes them.
* If you ever wanted to see a Disney star and Read More ... 
"I never imagined we would get to the point of releasing a 10 Year Anniversary edition…When we were recording this record, we were still all pretty much living at home with our parents," vocalist Jordan Pundik explains. "We were just five kids from the suburbs that knew some power chords, had a love for playing music, and a love for playing live shows."For pop-punk, New Found Glory's self-titled album from 2000 helped define the genre, inspire the formation of bands everywhere, and pave the way for the success of groups such as Fall Out Boy. Now, a decade later, the CD+DVD New Found Glory (10th Anniversary Edition) (Geffen/UMe), released January 26, 2010, brings together that original album, seven previously unreleased or rare bonus tracks, and the 2002 DVD documentary The Story So Far, which featured all of the band's music videos to that date plus concert footage, interviews, and more. The package also includes revealing new liner notes from each band member and the album's producer Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, Everclear, Good Charlotte, Yellowcard).
Read More ...
George Michael is to release 'Live in London’ a special 23 song full concert plus 3 bonus tracks, DVD on December 8th through Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment. This is the first live DVD of George’s 30 plus year career. Recorded and filmed at the final two concerts in London’s Earls Court arena on August 24th and 25th 2008, these highly anticipated shows marked the end of George Michael’s triumphant 25 Live Tour and were the last chance to catch George performing on a stage of this magnitude. 'Live in London’ will premiere for a special one night only showing in digital cinemas in cities throughout North America on December 3, 2009.'Live in London’ directed by award winning director Andy Morahan, features tracks from George’s celebrated career including 'Careless Whisper’, 'Freedom’, 'Faith’, 'Everything She Wants’ and 'Amazing’. A special behind the scenes bonus documentary, 'I’d Know Him A Mile Off,’ offers a glimpse behind the magic of these sold out shows even shadowing the man himself before and after his performances on stage. 'Live in L Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Adam Lambert's genius gay kiss, to Toni Braxton's moronic heterosexual kiss, to the kiss Jason Segal was looking to plant on quite a few Swell Season fans, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Adam Lambert, and the person who booked him for the American Music Awards, are geniuses. The AMA people had to have known Lambert was going to do something shocking, which would make the AMAs a talking point for days after it aired, and at the same time, Lambert had to know the AMAs would be the perfect venue to officially shed his "American Idol contestant" tag and become a star on his own. Why mention Idol when you can now mention Lambert's gay kiss and fully-clothed simulated oral sex? Some foolish commentators are calling the decrying of Lambert's gay kiss a double standard as there was little offense taken when Madonna, Britney and Christina locked lips on TV a handful of years ago. Those criti Read More ...
* Adam Lambert, and the person who booked him for the American Music Awards, are geniuses. The AMA people had to have known Lambert was going to do something shocking, which would make the AMAs a talking point for days after it aired, and at the same time, Lambert had to know the AMAs would be the perfect venue to officially shed his "American Idol contestant" tag and become a star on his own. Why mention Idol when you can now mention Lambert's gay kiss and fully-clothed simulated oral sex? Some foolish commentators are calling the decrying of Lambert's gay kiss a double standard as there was little offense taken when Madonna, Britney and Christina locked lips on TV a handful of years ago. Those criti Read More ... Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Norah Jones has announced U.S. tour dates in support of her critically-acclaimed new album The Fall, which was released by EMI's Blue Note Records on November 17. The 36-city tour will kick off March 5, 2010. Please find all tour dates listed below. A select number of shows will go on sale beginning December 4, 2009. Full venue and ticketing information is available at http://www.norahjones.com/tour/.Jones will also be premiering several remixes from The Fall this week. The three tracks will be featured on three different websites throughout the week. On December 1, RCRD LBL (http://rcrdlbl.com/) will present "That's What I Said (The NYC Remix by Adrock and Mike D)." On December 2, Stereogum (http://stereogum.com/) will present "Chasing Pirates (Santigold and Snotty Remix)." On December 3, Artist Direct (http://www.artistdirect.com/) will present "Chasing Pirates (Droogs Remix)," which was created by a remix collective that included Beck. The remixes will be released digitally and on vinyl on January 12, 2010.
"We d Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from New Moon and Susan Boyle crushing records, to Justin Bieber's fans crushing each other, to Lady Gaga crushing the idea to that all pop stars need computerized vocal assistance, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* New Moon owns the universe. Everyone knew the film would do well, but I don't think anyone could have predicted its $72.7 million dollar opening day. $72.7 million is a nice chunk of change for an opening day. Actually, it's the nicest chunk of change ever for an opening day. I don't know where Harry Potter is right now, but someone needs to let him know that his time is up. The vamps from Twilight have a stranglehold on pop culture until further notice... or until someone gives Buffy Summers a call. That's one girl Edward Cullen does not want to see!
* Justin Bieber is the 15 year old singer that has all the tween girls going crazy. Unfortunately, Read More ...
* New Moon owns the universe. Everyone knew the film would do well, but I don't think anyone could have predicted its $72.7 million dollar opening day. $72.7 million is a nice chunk of change for an opening day. Actually, it's the nicest chunk of change ever for an opening day. I don't know where Harry Potter is right now, but someone needs to let him know that his time is up. The vamps from Twilight have a stranglehold on pop culture until further notice... or until someone gives Buffy Summers a call. That's one girl Edward Cullen does not want to see!* Justin Bieber is the 15 year old singer that has all the tween girls going crazy. Unfortunately, Read More ...
Keytar-wielding synth-pop sensation LIGHTS will be releasing Ice Pack, an exclusive remix EP today, November 24, 2009. The EP features six unique versions of “Ice”, an 80's influenced, irresistibly catchy track off LIGHTS’ debut full-length release The Listening. The Ice Pack will be available exclusively online at www.iamlights.com.The EP features a diverse group of highly respected artists and producers. Rancid front man Tim Armstrong works his magic on “Ice”, as does Nine Inch Nails/A Perfect Circle’s Danny Lohner. Underground UK remixers Modernaire (La Roux, MGMT) and world-renowned producer and engineer Mark ‘Spike’ Stent, who has worked with Bjork, Muse, No Doubt and more, also contribute. Toronto-based LIGHTS enlisted her Canadian peers as well: award-winning Vancouver hip-hop artist K-OS and up & coming songwriter and producer Colin Munroe each personalize a version of “Ice”.
Twenty two year-old singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist LIGHTS crafts sparkling, otherworldly electro-pop that has already garnered her over 19 million plays on MySpace, a #1 h Read More ...
On December 15th, Warner Bros. Records will release Sounds Like This Live 2, an EP featuring stripped-down versions of five songs from Eric Hutchinson's full-length debut, Sounds Like This, which entered Billboard's Heatseekers chart at No. 1 in September of 2007. More than two years later, Sounds Like This is the second best-selling album on the Heatseekers chart. Sounds Like This Live 2 follows Hutchinson's Sounds Like This Live EP, which features live versions of five different songs and was released in April of 2009."I wanted to continue the approach I had on the first EP, getting the songs back to their purest form – the way they were when I wrote them," he explains. "We had a day off in Minneapolis so I went into a studio and played through the songs in one take."
"OK, It's Alright With Me," a Top 5 hit at Triple A radio earlier this year, is now climbing the charts at the Hot AC format, where it's already #31* after only a month. Hutchinson joins Gavin Rossdale, David Cook and Lady GaGa in the short list of new artists to have a second single ch Read More ...
Michael Bublé, riding high with the enormous global success of his chart topping "Crazy Love" CD will be hitting the road beginning March 10th in Orlando, Florida, it was confirmed today by Reprise Records and the tour's national promoter, Beaver Productions. Twenty shows are being announced (see below) with stops in New York (March 20), Chicago (March 27) and Los Angeles (April 9). Additional tour dates for the Crazy Love Tour which will run throughout 2010 will be announced early next year. "I'm an entertainer…It's what I live for...The show will be bombastic, cinematic and at the same time a very intimate experience. I can't wait to get back out on the road and of course – to see my fans. I've missed them," said Bublé about returning to performing. Bublé's previous tour had sold out dates in 90 US cities where he performed for over 650,000 fans.
Bublé, a Grammy winner, is also scheduled to perform on December 2nd at the NBC Christmas Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Plaza as well as the Regis and Kelly Show the same day. His "Crazy Love" CD has remaine Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Britney Spears giving herself to Satan, to New Kid on the Block Joey McIntyre giving a solo career another try, to Bruce Springsteen giving some geographically incorrect shout outs, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* It looks as though Britney Spears is finally being open about her close affiliation with Satan. It really makes sense; I mean, how else could her career have lasted this long? Is there any other way she could have gone through all the train wreck situations she's gone through and still be in the position she's in? This is why the following tweets from her came as no surprise to me:
I hope that the new world order will arrive as soon as possible! -Britney
I give myself to Lucifer every day for it to arrive as quickly as possible. Glory to Satan!
OK, so MAYBE her Twitter account was hacked (in fact, it was), but I would still love to do a sit down Read More ...
* It looks as though Britney Spears is finally being open about her close affiliation with Satan. It really makes sense; I mean, how else could her career have lasted this long? Is there any other way she could have gone through all the train wreck situations she's gone through and still be in the position she's in? This is why the following tweets from her came as no surprise to me:
I hope that the new world order will arrive as soon as possible! -Britney
I give myself to Lucifer every day for it to arrive as quickly as possible. Glory to Satan!
OK, so MAYBE her Twitter account was hacked (in fact, it was), but I would still love to do a sit down Read More ...
Drummer of Fall Out Boy Andy Hurley has announced through his Twitter page that the band is officially on hiatus.Hurley announced via Twitter on Sunday that he was recording new material. That probably misled fans because Hurley later felt compelled to write that he meant he was recording with Burning Empires, his side project, not Fall Out Boy.
"Everyone, when i say I'm recording, it's with Burning Empires. FOB is on hiatus. For real," he stated.
Burning Empires is Andy's side project which features members from Misery Signals, 7 Angels 7 Plagues and Fall Out Boy.
Bassist Pete Wentz told British magazine Kerrang!, "My biggest personal reason for taking a break is that I feel my name has become a hindrance for the band. (Frontman Patrick Stump) is a musical genius and it's unfortunate that he gets reviewed based on whatever's going on in my personal life or how my hair looks. I think the world needs a little less Pete Wentz. A lot of people think Fall Out Boy is me. But it's the four of us. I want to f**king vomit when I read intros that say, 'Pete Wentz: acci Read More ...
MySpace Music is “almost certainly” going to severely restrict free streaming to users, say multiple sources, and move to a paid model. “They are spending $20 million/month on streaming royalties, and that just isn’t sustainable,” said one source with knowledge of MySpace’s relationships with the labels. Other sources have said that MySpace’s royalty payments are much lower, but don’t deny that the service is a cash hole.
It was commonly assumed that MySpace was an exception because of the fact that it was co-owned with major label groups. Within the past couple of years, MySpace has already suffered falling visitor counts to social network giant Facebook.
MySpace has yet to comment on this story, but reports by MySpace parent NewsCorp Chairman Richard Murdoch has included statements that a free website is unsustainable.
The Google search deal is up next year, and $300 million/year in revenue will evaporate. The last payment of $75 million is due on Jun Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from No Doubt losing control of their image, to Sublime losing their name, to MAE losing all their stuff, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Video game creator Activision is finding themselves in hot water again for the way they're using musicians' likenesses in their "Hero" games. First they were called out by the surviving members of Nirvana and Courtney Love for making Kurt Cobain a playable character in Guitar Hero 5 for ANY song, and now No Doubt is suing the video game company for the same issue, this time with Band Hero making Gwen Stefani available for ANY song. According to an interview with the LA Times, No Doubt's manager Jim Guerinot said the band "agreed to play three No Doubt songs as a band. Activision then went and put them in 62 other songs and broke the band up (and) never even asked." I'm sorry, I like No Doubt a lot, but if you're THAT concerned about your image, don't sign away you Read More ...
* Video game creator Activision is finding themselves in hot water again for the way they're using musicians' likenesses in their "Hero" games. First they were called out by the surviving members of Nirvana and Courtney Love for making Kurt Cobain a playable character in Guitar Hero 5 for ANY song, and now No Doubt is suing the video game company for the same issue, this time with Band Hero making Gwen Stefani available for ANY song. According to an interview with the LA Times, No Doubt's manager Jim Guerinot said the band "agreed to play three No Doubt songs as a band. Activision then went and put them in 62 other songs and broke the band up (and) never even asked." I'm sorry, I like No Doubt a lot, but if you're THAT concerned about your image, don't sign away you Read More ... Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Owl City's impressive ascent, to two veteran groups reaching milestones, to a storied festival looking to launch a few more careers, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* In a huge win for synth-pop, Owl City claimed the top spot on the Billboard singles chart this past week with "Fireflies." What I really dig about this is that "Fireflies" had a slow build. It's almost as if, for the first time in what seems like forever, a major label put a song out there and just let people discover it. "Fireflies" wasn't shoved down our throats. I remember getting the single in the mail in mid-July. I'm glad they gave it time and let the fan base build for it. I'm also glad Owl City is teaming up with Lights for a tour in 2010. That should be an amazing show and I can't wait to check it out.
* Nick Jonas, heartthrob to pre-teen girls everywhere, is planning a solo album, because, ya know, in recent his Read More ...
* In a huge win for synth-pop, Owl City claimed the top spot on the Billboard singles chart this past week with "Fireflies." What I really dig about this is that "Fireflies" had a slow build. It's almost as if, for the first time in what seems like forever, a major label put a song out there and just let people discover it. "Fireflies" wasn't shoved down our throats. I remember getting the single in the mail in mid-July. I'm glad they gave it time and let the fan base build for it. I'm also glad Owl City is teaming up with Lights for a tour in 2010. That should be an amazing show and I can't wait to check it out.* Nick Jonas, heartthrob to pre-teen girls everywhere, is planning a solo album, because, ya know, in recent his Read More ...
Jason Derulo, pop singer, songwriter, and highly anticipated Beluga Heights artist is taking the music world by storm. His debut single "Whatcha Say," quickly reached #2 on The BILLBOARD Top 100 and # 3 on ITUNES and has sold over 1.4 million singles thus far. He is set to hit the road with Lady Gaga and Kid Cudi in December. After being discovered by super producer J.R. Rotem, American Idol judge, and Warner Bros. Senior Vice President of A&R Kara DioGuardi signed Derulo as the flagship artist for the new Beluga Heights /Warner Bros joint venture.Jason joins Lady Gaga's North American tour "Monster Ball" starting December 27th. The tour, which also features Kid Cudi, is the perfect union for two pop stars who both got their start as songwriters. Jason is thrilled to be part of a tour that is expected to be one of the hottest of the year. He told MTV news, "I am a big Gaga fan, I was talking about being on that tour for a pretty long time, and it's amazing that it actually fell in my lap like that. I can't wait, I'm super excited I'm amped."
The Miami-born D Read More ...
Based in the City of Brotherly Love, this group has been trudging away on the independent circuit, up and down the East Coast, drawing upon the previous era's mark on alternative music to inspire the creation of their own special brand.
Formed shortly after the birth of the new millennium, the band known as Title Fight had every intention of making music that appealed to a specific demographic – one charmed by the infectious melodies and rebellious lyrics purveyed by bands like Blink-182, Sum 41 and so many more.
Although they have no plan of remaining pigeonholed by any particular genre limitations, singer/bassist Ned says their formula was certainly honed by the band members' collective influences. "When we first started out we definitely just wanted to be a pop punk band," he explains. "We were 13 and strictly listening to Blink-182 so it just made perfect sense to start a band just like that Through Blink we got into bands like Lifetime, Saves the Day, and The Movielife and I still love those bands."
The four piece unit, that took its name from an HBO sports advertisement Ned spotted at age Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from the battle Rihanna's new single sets up, to the battles with the law Lil' Wayne and Kanye West recently lost, to the battle over tickets to Taylor Swift's 2010 tour, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Rihanna made her fans giddy and her detractors even more detracting this past week with the release of "Russian Roulette," a single that was clearly made in order to create controversy. Before I get to the meat and potatoes of the song, you can bet on at least one family suing her, her label, and anyone associated with her, if a kid shoots themselves anytime in the next six months and happens to have it on their hard drive. Vocally, Rihanna actually sounds decent on "Russian Roulette." Maybe she wanted to make up for her voice cracking really terribly at the end of "Run This Town" (and we have to assume that was the best of all the takes). When it comes to the actual content of the song, however, I'm just Read More ...
* Rihanna made her fans giddy and her detractors even more detracting this past week with the release of "Russian Roulette," a single that was clearly made in order to create controversy. Before I get to the meat and potatoes of the song, you can bet on at least one family suing her, her label, and anyone associated with her, if a kid shoots themselves anytime in the next six months and happens to have it on their hard drive. Vocally, Rihanna actually sounds decent on "Russian Roulette." Maybe she wanted to make up for her voice cracking really terribly at the end of "Run This Town" (and we have to assume that was the best of all the takes). When it comes to the actual content of the song, however, I'm just Read More ... [Tags] POP
Every week, 101D.com will highlight two new artists in our exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present Sterling Heart and As Yet Unbroken; two talented bands who are looking to make some noise in the music industry!
Sterling Heart
Representin' Lake Forest, California
Background Check: Dani Poppitt seems like a clever, witty, philosophical kind of gal - for a high school student, that is. In fact she tries proving it by elaborately describing how her band, Sterling Heart, came into existence. "In 1893, the sun found its place in the sky on a Wednesday," she begins. "Zeus struck us down from the heavens. We landed in a meadow surrounded by flowers and caterpillars. This meadow was located at the heart of Lake Forest." While this meeting appears more like an introduction for the Greek rendition of Lord Of The Rings, Poppitt launched Sterling Heart in 2008 and finalized the lineup this past April (also consisting of Read More ...
With a year's worth of continuous praise from her home base U.K, now enthusiastically echoed by leading-edge Stateside cognoscenti and media tastemakers, the debut American EP by the warm-voiced, strikingly visual and greatly gifted singer-songwriter V V BROWN will be released digitally October 20, 2009. Titled, The Attic EP, the four-track digital tracklisting is: "Game Over," "Quick Fix," along with "Crying Blood (Andrew Weatherall Remix)," and an acoustic performance of "Shark in the Water." – all key tracks from her forthcoming album. The first U.S. physical release, a 7-inch single, is scheduled for November 17th - "LEAVE! (Little Boots Mix)" coupled with "Crying Blood (Andrew Weatherall Remix)." The full album TRAVELLING LIKE THE LIGHT, described in the U.K. press as "a perfect pop cocktail" (The Sun) and "Spector-ish pop as slick as her black pompadour…her vocal shines through every track" (Elle), is set for U.S. release on February 9, 2010.
But lest that seem too far off, V V's album tracks have enjoyed sneak previews in several high-profile television shows around th Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from the physical assault on Leona Lewis, to Britney Spears' assault on the Billboard singles chart, to Rammstein's assault on decency, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Last week a man allegedly punched the world's most boring pop singer, Leona Lewis, in the face during one of her book signings. Apparently he wanted to see if a stiff shot would cause her to start "Bleeding Love." Seriously, though, who knew Chris Brown was such a big Leona Lewis fan? All joking aside (at least temporarily), how mad is Lewis that the most interesting thing to ever happen to her isn't actually in her book, but rather, happened to her at a signing for it?
* In news that proves America loves a twice divorced single mother of two singing about sexual acts, Britney Spears' latest single, "3," debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. I know what you're thinking and no, I don't Read More ...
* Last week a man allegedly punched the world's most boring pop singer, Leona Lewis, in the face during one of her book signings. Apparently he wanted to see if a stiff shot would cause her to start "Bleeding Love." Seriously, though, who knew Chris Brown was such a big Leona Lewis fan? All joking aside (at least temporarily), how mad is Lewis that the most interesting thing to ever happen to her isn't actually in her book, but rather, happened to her at a signing for it?
* In news that proves America loves a twice divorced single mother of two singing about sexual acts, Britney Spears' latest single, "3," debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. I know what you're thinking and no, I don't Read More ...
[Tags] POP
Wasting no time following up its acclaimed second album, Bomb in a Birdcage, A FINE FRENZY—led by Alison Sudol—has announced a special treat for the holidays. On November 3, 2009, the band will be releasing the six-song EP Oh Blue Christmas, available exclusively at Target, Target.com and the Target area on iTunes. The whimsical collection contains three holiday classics ("Blue Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," and "Christmas Time is Here," from the beloved Charlie Brown Christmas) alongside three seasonal Sudol originals ("Redribbon Foxes," "Winter White," and "Wish You Well")."It was the most wonderful thing," says the singer of the recording sessions for Oh Blue Christmas, which saw the band expanding its sound with accents from horns, mandolins, and pedal-steel guitars. "We all holed up in (producer) David Bianco's lovely studio, which was built in the '70s and hasn't changed much since then—and though it was the sticky, hot LA summer outside, inside, it was snowy, delightful Christmastime."
The EP is coming out while A Fine Frenzy is in the midst of Read More ...
British singer-songwriter-producer Imogen Heap announced today her first US tour in support of her third solo album, Ellipse. Beginning in Santa Barbara, CA on November 8, the two-time Grammy nominee will crisscross the country for 4 weeks ending in Philadelphia, PA on December 2.Heap released the critically acclaimed Ellipse (RCA Records) in late August. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Internet Album Chart and #2 on the Digital Album chart. The release is Heap's first Top 5 record and marks her highest-ever chart position.
Heap performed "First Train Home," the first single from Ellipse, on The Late Show With David Letterman in August. This summer, the single was named "Pick of the Week" by USA Today, saying: "...Heap offers a shimmering, percolating electro-pop soundscape that is grounded by her warm, breathy vocals." Wired Magazine called it "...her densest, richest work yet" with The Wall Street Journal adding: "Ellipse is modern pop full of invention."
Heap began writing the 13 tracks featured on Ellipse the same day she finish Read More ...
Pop vocal group V Factory have been nominated for two 2009 StarShine Magazine Music Awards, including a nod for "Favorite Band/Group." The group's first single, "Love Struck," has also been nominated for "Best Dance Song."StarShine Magazine's nominees were chosen by president and editor Sandy Lo and assistant editor Sa'iyda Shabazz. Established in 2001, StarShine is an online entertainment publication that brings its readers closer to their favorite stars of today and future stars of tomorrow and has been known to feature many artists before they become famous, like Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers. V Factory has been featured on the site www.starshinemag.com.
"Love Struck," the lead-off track from V Factory's upcoming self-titled debut album, aired for the first time on Radio Disney and cruised straight to Top 40 radio stations nationwide. After impacting more than 45 pop radio stations in a month, "Love Struck" has sold upwards of 107,000 digital tracks and was downloaded 150,000 times after being featured as a free "Discover and Download" on iTunes in March. V Fa Read More ...
Weezer continues to break loyal fan's hearts with their abrupt dive into the world of teen pop. Their upcoming release, 'Raditude' features a recorded song with Lil Wayne and includes other tracks with titles like 'The Girl Got Hot' and 'I'mYour Daddy' Those titles alone should let you know how bizarre this album this will be.
Now in a recent interview on Buzznet, Rivers Cuomo revealed that he has set plan to work with popstar Katy Perry. He said the two have arranged to meet up in the studio next week to possibly record material for her new album.
Probably the only thing Weezer has done recently that's worth talking about is their 'wuggie', which is just like a snuggie, only with the name Weezer on it. While this is a bit humorous, they have gone to the extent of actually teaming up with the company that manufactures the blanket clothing.
Sadly, the wuggie is the only decision the band has made in the past couple years that hasn't resulted in cringing from fans.
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Miley's reasons for abandoning Twitter, to Kanye's abandoning of an awards show, to Canada's indie scene's abandoning of insignificance in the US, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Forget the Nobel Peace Prize, forget the bombing of the moon, the biggest news in the world this past week was that Miley Cyrus decided to leave Twitter. OK, so perhaps it wasn't the biggest news in the world, but in her rap song ... yes, you read that right, and yes, you were totally right to sigh when you did ... she discussed the many reasons why she decided to give it up (he he, I said "give it up"). One reason in particular is something I feel deserves to be mentioned – gossip sites using celebrity tweets as quotes for articles and basing stories around them. I've discussed this with a number of my p Read More ...
* Forget the Nobel Peace Prize, forget the bombing of the moon, the biggest news in the world this past week was that Miley Cyrus decided to leave Twitter. OK, so perhaps it wasn't the biggest news in the world, but in her rap song ... yes, you read that right, and yes, you were totally right to sigh when you did ... she discussed the many reasons why she decided to give it up (he he, I said "give it up"). One reason in particular is something I feel deserves to be mentioned – gossip sites using celebrity tweets as quotes for articles and basing stories around them. I've discussed this with a number of my p Read More ... 
Beloved Canadian pop-rock icons Tegan and Sara have announced that they will launch their first extensive tour of the U.S. in nearly two years in February 2010. The tour kicks off February 12th in Northampton, MA, and criss-crosses the country before finishing up on April 6th in Salt Lake City, UT. The ticket pre-sale begins this Wednesday, October 14th, at 10 a.m. The password for all pre-sales is "Sainthood." Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, October 16th, at 10 a.m.Twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin are hitting the road in support of their eagerly awaited sixth studio album SAINTHOOD, which is due from Sire/Vapor Records on October 27th. SAINTHOOD was produced by Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla (who also produced 2007's critically applauded THE CON) and Howard Redekopp (who produced 2004's groundbreaking effort SO JEALOUS) and mixed by Grammy Award winner Dave Sardy (Oasis, Primal Scream, Marilyn Manson). Tegan and Sara began recording SAINTHOOD in May at the legendary Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, CA, where Tom Petty, Nirvana, and Fleetwood Read More ...
img src="http://assets.101distribution.com/build/9.09.01//site/en_101/images/news_assets/Gabrielle Wortman + RW Bivins Colossus.jpg" style="padding:3px;" title="Gabrielle%20Wortman%20RW%20Bivins">
Every week, 101D.com will highlight two new artists in our exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present the luscious Gabrielle Wortman and bad ass RW Bivins; two talented artists from Cali who are making a ton of noise in their local scenes and the music industry as a whole!
Gabrielle Wortman
Representin' Los Angeles, California
Background Check: Constantly on the run between in New York City and Los Angeles, Gabrielle Wortman began crafting songs in an amateur fashion with her Macbook's GarageBand in 7th grade. After writing thousands of songs, Miss Wortman saw that time was running out in her first year of college. She decided to dive into the industry with an internship at Warner Brothers while taking music courses at UCLA. "I realized all the glitz and glamour is sort of like a smoke in mirrors kind of thing," she said. "Warner showed me that they aren't doing anything special that I couldn't do myself."
Read More ...
Every week, 101D.com will highlight two new artists in our exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present the luscious Gabrielle Wortman and bad ass RW Bivins; two talented artists from Cali who are making a ton of noise in their local scenes and the music industry as a whole!
Gabrielle Wortman
Representin' Los Angeles, California
Background Check: Constantly on the run between in New York City and Los Angeles, Gabrielle Wortman began crafting songs in an amateur fashion with her Macbook's GarageBand in 7th grade. After writing thousands of songs, Miss Wortman saw that time was running out in her first year of college. She decided to dive into the industry with an internship at Warner Brothers while taking music courses at UCLA. "I realized all the glitz and glamour is sort of like a smoke in mirrors kind of thing," she said. "Warner showed me that they aren't doing anything special that I couldn't do myself."
Read More ...
Justin Bieber, the soulful and precocious 15-year-old worldwide sensation whose first two single releases are currently both in the iTunes Top 20 full-song download chart, will perform three songs live on the open-air Rockefeller Plaza stage of NBC's Today Show this morning between 7 and 9 a.m.In Bieber's three-song set list: the tough-and-tender, gold-certified "One Time;" the newly-released breezy singalong "One Less Lonely Girl," which rocketed to No. 2 on the iTunes song download chart, selling over 32,000 copies in one day; and "Favorite Girl," one more track featured on the upcoming Island Records debut MY WORLD. The Today Show appearance brings Ontario-born Bieber back to the scene of a fan-fueled mob happening just four weeks ago, when a planned intimate acoustic performance for 300 in the Rockefeller Center Nintendo store was overrun with 2,000 feverish followers.
In the holiday weekend run-up to the Monday morning appearance, fan frenzy has also been fanned by the posting of cover art for MY WORLD, scheduled for November 17, 2009 release, on Ryan Se Read More ...
On October 13, EMI's Blue Note Records will release "Chasing Pirates," the lead single from Norah Jones's upcoming album The Fall. The track will be made available digitally at all online digital retailers. The singer-songwriter's highly anticipated fourth studio album, The Fall, will be released in North America on November 17, and on November 16 internationally. In the UK, the single will be released on November 15."Chasing Pirates"—which is currently featured on Rolling Stone's "Hot List"—immediately announces a new direction for Jones. "For this record, I just had a sound in my head," she says. "I wanted the grooves to be more present and heavy. And I also just wanted to do something different."
That new sound began to present itself on one of the first songs Jones wrote for the project. "About a year ago, I did some demos in my home studio," she says. "I had some friends come in and we figured out a cool arrangement for 'Chasing Pirates,' with a cool drum part. It went somewhere I didn't expect it to go, and that became a direction to look in."
"Norah Read More ...
"REPLAY," the debut smash single from rising island pop star Iyaz, who was discovered by super producer J.R. Rotem and international pop star Sean Kingston, is number 6 on iTunes Top 100 and number 6 on iTunes Pop Chart and is quickly climbing up the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The infectious melodic single has fans across the country already claiming it an instant hit. "Replay" is now in rotation on two of the most influential stations in the country, Los Angeles' KIIS FM and New York's Z100. With an explosive week at radio the Top 40 / Mainstream chart has him up 422 spins making him one of the top gainers. He has gone from *38 -*32 on the chart. New adds include Y100/ Miami, WIHT/Washington, WKSC – KIIS / Chicago, WIOQ/ Philly among numerous other markets. At just 22 years old, Iyaz is by no means a new face in popular music. He is part of the thriving new genre, "Island Pop," coined by his mentors, Sean Kingston and JR Rotem – a fusion of rap, reggae, pop, and a perfect blend of island sounds. While his hit new single "Replay" jumps up the charts and takes over top 40 radio stations across the Read More ...
Bremerton, WA's punk trio MxPx will be embarking on an International tour to Japan and Malaysia, but with a slight twist. An MxPx All-Star line-up has been announced featuring MxPx lead vocalist and bassist Mike Herrera along with Kris Roe of The Ataris on guitar and Chris Wilson of The Summer Obsession on drums. The MxPx All-Stars will perform four dates in Japan with friends, Zebrahead starting on December 4 in Tokyo and ending in Osaka on December 8. The All-Stars will then head off to KualaLumpur, Malaysia for a solo date on December 11."We decided to change things up a little for some International dates, due to Yuri having another baby recently and Tom wanting to be home through the holidays," said MxPx lead vocalist and bassist Mike Herrera. "Chris [Wilson] has been our fourth member for awhile covering on select dates, so he was an easy selection. I asked Kris [Roe] to join in because he's another close friend of ours that plays his own music and I knew he would be a fun addition to the line-up."
For the past decade, MxPx have had a relentless touring schedule. Having traveled t Read More ...
"brand new eyes," the just-released third studio album from Fueled By Ramen recording group Paramore, has entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 album chart at #2. With sales in excess of 175,000, the success of "brand new eyes" marks the biggest first-week sales in Fueled By Ramen's history.The stunning sales success of "brand new eyes" began last month with unprecedented pre-order numbers. Over 34,000 albums were sold in advance of its official release – the most successful album pre-order campaign in Fueled By Ramen label history.
"brand new eyes" is also proving a massive international hit, entering the album charts at #1 in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK as well as #2 in Mexico and #3 in Canada. The album's chart-topping success isn't the only evidence of Paramore's increasing superstardom in the UK – over 40,000 tickets for their upcoming tour were sold in just one day, with the band's first-ever headline date at London's 12,500-capacity Wembley Arena, slated for December 18th, selling out in little more than eight hours.
"Ignorance," the first singl Read More ...
Welcome to a special edition of Pop Shots, the one column you can always count on to give you your weekly dose of pop world musings. This week the entire focus of Pop Shots is going to be on tour combinations that failed. Sure, plenty of superstars have successfully teamed for tours, but it's the train wrecks, some of which never even got off the ground, that are really fun to talk about. Some of the following combinations seemed like good ideas at the time, while others were obviously doomed to fail from the get go. Let's start with the most recent tour fail, that of Lady Gaga and Kanye West.
* Lady Gaga and Kanye West - Fame Kills was going to be the name of the tour, but the only killing it did was of itself. Apparently ticket sales were poor, although that should really come as no surprise as, despite both being pop radio faves, Gaga and Kanye's fan bases don't exactly crossover. So in essence, this was a tour where fans of each artist were asked to pony up a healthy increase in the amount they would normally have to pay for a ticket just because an artist they have little to no interest Read More ...
* Lady Gaga and Kanye West - Fame Kills was going to be the name of the tour, but the only killing it did was of itself. Apparently ticket sales were poor, although that should really come as no surprise as, despite both being pop radio faves, Gaga and Kanye's fan bases don't exactly crossover. So in essence, this was a tour where fans of each artist were asked to pony up a healthy increase in the amount they would normally have to pay for a ticket just because an artist they have little to no interest Read More ... 
The spectacular debut album that launched Sheryl Crow into rock music consciousness has been expanded both musically and visually for the 2CD/1DVD Tuesday Night Music Club – Deluxe Edition (A&M/UMe), released November 17, 2009. Along with the original 1993 album, the package adds a second CD containing B-sides, rarities and out-takes, as well as a bonus DVD featuring the album's videos ("Leaving Las Vegas," "All I Wanna Do," "Strong Enough," "Can't Cry Anymore," "Run, Baby, Run" and "What I Can Do For You," plus a rare alternate version of "All I Wanna Do" directed by Roman Coppola) and a newly produced documentary comprised of on-the-road, backstage, soundcheck and live footage from the original album tour.Highlighting the bonus CD for Tuesday Night Music Club – Deluxe Edition are four previously unreleased recordings from 1995 that were intended for the follow-up album--"Coffee Shop," "Killer Life," "Essential Trip Of Hereness" and "You Want More" --each only now mixed by original Tuesday Night Music Club producer Bill Bottrell. In addition, Bottrell remixed the albu Read More ...
Every week, 101D.com will highlight two new artists in our exclusive Diamonds In The Rough Series. This week, we proudly present Alyssa Jacey and Damn Handsome And The Birthday Suits, two talented groups from Cali that are looking to bring the pain and good vibes to the music industry!
Damn Handsome And The Birthday Suits
Representin' San Francisco, California
Background Check: A politically outspoken trio from Northern California, Damn Handsome And The Birthday Suits are often told they resemble mega-punk group Green Day, who originate from the same area. "It's an honor," said vocalist Rob Barrett. "We're not afraid to say what we think." Drummer Jonathan Rodgers met Rob two years ago after his casual in-store playing at Guitar Center caught Rob's attention. "It was a weird ironic thing because I grew up in a rock background," Rob said. "I'd heard of Led Zeppelin but couldn't name a single song, whereas Johnathan staked his life on rhythm and blues." Read More ...
Seldom has an album twisted so thrillingly through so many styles, nor over-flowed with so much melody and feeling. Little wonder that Black is being tipped by the world's critics and bloggers as one of 2010's most promising break through artists. If his name already rings a bell, that's perhaps because you've heard everyone from Zane Lowe to Perez Hilton raving about HYPNTZ, the Notorious BIG cover which first brought Black to the world's attention when unsigned in 2008.During this time, Black was mainly hunched over his laptop writing, tinkering, writing, recording and then writing some more. "I knew that unless I had great songs, it was all a bit pointless," he says. "I think I wrote 70 songs in that time." By his own admission, many of them were rubbish. But it quickly became clear that quite a few weren't. Tracks like the shimmering, lysergic lullaby Life Slash Dreams, the wistful, New Order-esque WonderU + Me = began to spill out of him; sonically contrasting, but all driven by Black's obvious knack for a catchy melody and a sharp, meaningful lyric. and the strident, big Read More ...
After rocketing to #1 on the iTunes Overall Album chart and #1 on Amazon.com with their debut album LOSING SLEEP, featuring the top 15 Hot AC hit "She Is Love,” Mercury Records group Parachute will release their long-awaited second single when "Under Control” impacts at Hot AC on September 28th. "Under Control” is shaping up as one of the biggest-ever Single Of The Week releases ever to emerge from an iTunes #1 album debut. And for the first time ever, the official iTunes Facebook fan page will stream the entire video premiere for "Under Control” tomorrow, October 2nd.Meanwhile, the Virginia-based band performed live on FOX’s Good Day New York this week, in advance of their New York City date at the Gramercy Theatre. Parachute is in the final two weeks of its month-long 23-city tour of North America with Secondhand Serenade, wrapping up Oct. 4th at The Cabooze in Minneapolis. An even bigger 28-city tour will follow with two-time Grammy winning mega-platinum artist Kelly Clarkson, opening Oct. 6th at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, and concluding Dec. 13th at Hard Rock Read More ...
For Lady Gaga, it's easier to re-release your debut album rather than facing fears of sophomore slump syndrome.Due out November 24th, 'The Fame Monster' is set to include more than just a few new tracks. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer attempted to defend herself stating that she thought re-issued albums to be unfair.
“It’s artists sneaking singles onto an already finished piece of work in an effort to keep the album afloat," she said. "Originally [my label] only wanted e to put out three songs and now it’s much more than that. It’s a new album’s worth of material.”
A pair of headphones has been designed by both Dr. Dre and Lady Gaga called 'Heartbeats'. They announced at a press conference about a collaboration, confirming that they have plans to share tracks and discuss a course of action.
It seems strange to me that Lady Gaga is touring with Kanye West and spending time in the studio with Dr. Dre. Maybe they haven't found out yet that she was that strange girl they used to pick on in high school?
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from the trials and tribulations of Lily Allen, to pathetic exits for Diddy and Ashton Kutcher, to a Baywatch babe gone big, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* The internet can be a great way for artists to communicate with their fans. Unfortunately, it can also be a haven for negativity. Lily Allen found this out the hard way last week when she posted a blog about her thoughts on illegal downloading and the resulting conflagration turned into such a huge mess that she ended up taking down the blog and then announcing she has no plans to extend her recording contract once it's up. Does this mean that Lily Allen could be done making music? Personally, I hope not, and I hope that she keeps voicing her opinions on music industry related topics, as well. Even if people think she says the wrong thing at times isn't that better than the artists who say nothing at all, or the artists who simply say what Read More ...
* The internet can be a great way for artists to communicate with their fans. Unfortunately, it can also be a haven for negativity. Lily Allen found this out the hard way last week when she posted a blog about her thoughts on illegal downloading and the resulting conflagration turned into such a huge mess that she ended up taking down the blog and then announcing she has no plans to extend her recording contract once it's up. Does this mean that Lily Allen could be done making music? Personally, I hope not, and I hope that she keeps voicing her opinions on music industry related topics, as well. Even if people think she says the wrong thing at times isn't that better than the artists who say nothing at all, or the artists who simply say what Read More ... 
Fueled By Ramen Records has announced the release of Flint, Michigan-based band The Swellers' new album. The acclaimed group, known for their merging of melodic hooks and hard-edged punk power, have released "UPS AND DOWNSIZING," their Fueled By Ramen debut, which is available in stores and online today, September 29th.The Swellers will join labelmates Paramore on their fall tour, which kicks off tonight in Pomona, CA at the Fox Theatre. The trek continues through October (see attached dates).
Brothers Nick and Jonathan Diener started The Swellers as a trio in 2002. The group molded its sound—a cross between classic punk and '90s rock—at the Vehicle City's local music incubator, the legendary Flint Local 432, an all-ages, volunteer-supported club. After cutting their teeth at "The Local" for a few years, the band hit the road to support their first release, a 2005 EP entitled "Beginning of The End Again" on Ann Arbor, MI label Search and Rescue Records. In 2007, the band released the critically acclaimed "My Everest," their first full-length album. To record "UP Read More ...
Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart will be releasing SOULBOOK on October 27th (J Records), a collection of classic Sixties/Seventies-era soul favorites, all newly recorded by the quintessential "blue eyed soul" singer of our generation. Rod Stewart possesses one of the most distinctive and interpretive voices in music -- his Grammy-Award winning recordings of the Great American Songbook have sold over 19 million albums and is the biggest selling ongoing series of new music recordings in history. With the same passion, Rod approaches some of the greatest soul songs ever written. Rod recently said in Rolling Stone's "Greatest Singers of All Time" issue that at the age of 15, he used to listen to soul singers on the radio like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, and blues singers like Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, and knew that is how he wanted to sing. Elton John said "Bar none, Rod's the best singer I've heard in rock 'n' roll. He's also the greatest white soul singer" and in 2006, James Brown called Stewart "the best white soul singer." Comments Rod St Read More ...
After 'If U Seek Amy' was released and goblets were thrown by pro-censorship parents, Britney Spears decided to push more buttons with her new single, '3', that leaves no mystery as to its subject matter.The pop princess still thinks its vital to make music and is releasing a greatest hits album to accompany her latest song. To be released on November 24th, her 'Singles Collection' will include '3' as the only new track. Isn't this greatest hits album number two for the tabloid resident? The same songs must be included on both, how could she possibly generate content for two hits albums?
To give an idea without forcing you to endure a few minutes of fluff, the song repeats barely clever verses that center around...you guessed it...a threesome. “Three is a charm, two is not the same. I don’t see the harm, so are you game?” and “If you don’t like the company, let’s just do it you and me. You and me… Or three… Or four…” satisfy the creative peak of the track.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of her debut on the music scene, Jive Records is releasing Britney Spears The Singles Collection on November 24. To launch the special package a brand new single entitled "3," which Britney recently recorded with hitmaker Max Martin, will go to radio Tuesday, September 29.There will be two configurations of The Singles Collection; an ultimate fan box set and a standard version.
The ultimate fan box set version of The Singles Collection will contain all 29 of her singles, including the new song "3." Each disc will be packaged in its own slip sleeve case with original artwork, and will include an additional b-side or a remix of the track. The collection will include a DVD featuring all of Britney's videos in chronological order. The ultimate fan box set will also include a special booklet featuring iconic images and fun facts about each track.
The standard version of The Singles Collection will contain 17 of her chart topping favorites along with the new song "3," all on one CD.
During her 10 year career, B Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Avril Lavigne's split from Deryck Whibley, to Fall Out Boy's latest project, to a Jonas Brothers nightmare, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* Avril Lavigne, who hasn't been in the public eye since threatening world sanity with her "hey hey, you you, I don't like your girlfriend" atrocity of a song, has broken up with her husband of three years, Sum41 lead singer (does that group even still exist?) Deryck Whibley. Whibley is reportedly "crushed" over the whole thing, although to be fair, it isn't hard to crush a leprechaun. Lavigne plans on celebrating her newfound single-hood by wreaking havoc in malls while bemoaning how "Complicated" life is.
* In frivolous lawsuit news, Abercrombie & Fitch, the store best known for making the clothing worn by the kind of girls LFO likes and curiously homo-erotic advertising, has sued Beyonce Knowles for something she isn't Read More ...
* Avril Lavigne, who hasn't been in the public eye since threatening world sanity with her "hey hey, you you, I don't like your girlfriend" atrocity of a song, has broken up with her husband of three years, Sum41 lead singer (does that group even still exist?) Deryck Whibley. Whibley is reportedly "crushed" over the whole thing, although to be fair, it isn't hard to crush a leprechaun. Lavigne plans on celebrating her newfound single-hood by wreaking havoc in malls while bemoaning how "Complicated" life is.
* In frivolous lawsuit news, Abercrombie & Fitch, the store best known for making the clothing worn by the kind of girls LFO likes and curiously homo-erotic advertising, has sued Beyonce Knowles for something she isn't Read More ...
This tour will be good, but I'm gonna be honest: Beyonce's will be better.Kanye West and Lady Gaga today officially announced dates for one of the most anticipated tours of the year ? "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga." After months of planning, the multiplatinum artists will unite for 34 shows in 34 cities that will stretch musical boundaries with their distinctive performance styles and production. "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga" will be produced by Live Nation. Tickets go on sale to the general public in select markets beginning September 25th at www.LiveNation.com.
"Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga" kicks-off at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ on November 10 and runs through January 24 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Kanye West fan club members will have the first opportunity to buy tickets in select markets, beginning Tuesday, September 22nd. Citi is the official credit card of "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West and Lady Gaga." Citi cardmembers will have special access to purchase presale ticket Read More ...
U2's fourth album, The Unforgettable Fire has been remastered and will be released by Mercury Records on October 27, 2009.This special edition marks 25 years since the album's original release in October 1984. Recorded at Slane Castle, Ireland, The Unforgettable Fire was the first U2 album to be produced by Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, and spawned two top 10 UK singles – "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" and "The Unforgettable Fire."
Special formats of The Unforgettable Fire will also feature bonus audio material, including two previously unheard tracks from the Slane Castle sessions: "Yoshino Blossom", and "Disappearing Act" (a track which the band recently completed), and a DVD including music videos, a documentary and unreleased live footage from the Amnesty International Conspiracy of Hope Tour in 1986. The Unforgettable Fire has been remastered from the original audio tapes, with direction from The Edge.
The album will be available in four formats:
· Limited Edition Box Set: containing 2 CDs (remastered album and bonus audio CD), a DVD with live footage, documentary and vi Read More ...
Essential pop punk band New Found Glory has just announced a remarkable live pairing with Chris Carrabba's influential outfit Dashboard Confessional for a one of a kind North America tour with a proceeding headlining run of warm-up dates to kick off the tour in support of their new video & single "Don't Let Her Pull You Down." New Found Glory's recent Epitaph release "Not Without A Fight" is a triumphant return to form by the much beloved melodic punk band. The Onion AV Club remarked of their Mark Hoppus (Blink 182) produced album, "New Found Glory still hits hard enough to matter" while the Houston Press said, "these guys have distilled their sound wisely, tightening every aspect and embracing their ultra-catchy core."In a time of ever changing lineups and near constant band breakups, New Found Glory is a refreshing anomaly, having maintained the same hilarious hard rocking roster for over ten years. As the band explains, "You fight with your mom. You don't hang out with her all the time. But you love her! You're never going to hate her. We're family Read More ...
Christofer Drew, the 18-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist who records under the alias Never Shout Never, is putting the finishing touches on his first Sire Records full-length album with noted producer Butch Walker (Weezer, Katy Perry, Pete Yorn). Recorded in both Los Angeles and London (at the world-famous Abbey Road Studio), the as-yet-untitled album will be released by Sire / Loveway Records in 2010.Drew will hit the road this fall for a series of headlining dates, culling tunes for his set from his upcoming album, as well as from the three EP's he released on his own Loveway Records, including his latest, The Summer EP, which broke into the iTunes Top 10 Album chart in June. Carter Hulsey and Now Now Every Children will provide support on the bill. In November, Drew will hit the road with Dashboard Confessional for a nationwide support tour. Please see below for all dates.
Never Shout Never is the brainchild of Drew, who was born in San Diego but spent most of his life in Joplin, MO, where he resides when not touring. In 2008, he Read More ...
Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording group The Academy Is… have unveiled details of their new five-song EP. "LOST IN PACIFIC TIME – THE AP/EP" will be available digitally at all DSP on September 22nd, with physical copies available exclusively for purchase at any of the AP Tour stops as well as the Fueled By Ramen webstore (located at store.fueledbyramen.com)."LOST IN PACIFIC TIME – THE AP/EP" celebrates TAI's co-headline role on Alternative Press' hugely anticipated "AP Tour." Dubbed "The Fall Ball '09 Tour, Presented By AP" the trek launches at Clutch Cargo's in Pontiac, Michigan on September 25th and then traverses North America through mid-November (see attached itinerary). TAI will be joined on the tour by fellow co-headliners Mayday Parade, as well as Set Your Goals, The Secret Handshake, and You Me At Six.
As is "AP Tour" tradition, The Academy Is… will be featured on the cover of the next issue of Alternative Press. The magazine's November 2009 issue hits newsstands everywhere on October 6th.
"LOST IN PACFIC TIME – THE AP/EP" gathers f Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Kanye West's "outburst" at the VMA's, to American Idol's newest addition, to VH1's interesting definition of diva, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* A lot of people have been asking me about my thoughts regarding Kanye West's "outburst" at the VMAs on Sunday. Honestly, I think the entire "incident" was staged. Here are some of the reasons why – 1) MTV not only plans out the order of when each award will be given out, but they also know who is winning which awards. It's seems more than just convenient that Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift to talk about Beyonce only to then have Beyonce win later on in the night and ask Swift to come on stage with her. 2) The fact that Swift changed into a dress to match Beyonce's for the "moment." 3) Kanye always rants about the greatness of himself, or something he did, not about the greatness of others. 4) Of all the artists Read More ...
* A lot of people have been asking me about my thoughts regarding Kanye West's "outburst" at the VMAs on Sunday. Honestly, I think the entire "incident" was staged. Here are some of the reasons why – 1) MTV not only plans out the order of when each award will be given out, but they also know who is winning which awards. It's seems more than just convenient that Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift to talk about Beyonce only to then have Beyonce win later on in the night and ask Swift to come on stage with her. 2) The fact that Swift changed into a dress to match Beyonce's for the "moment." 3) Kanye always rants about the greatness of himself, or something he did, not about the greatness of others. 4) Of all the artists Read More ... [Tags] POP
2008 saw the Queen of Rock 'N Roll, Tina Turner return to the live circuit and announce the 'Tina Turner's 50th Anniversary Concert Tour' much to the delight of her fans. The tour kicked off in Kansas in October 2008 and continued for six months visiting over ten countries in two continents.Tina performed an astounding ninety shows, repeatedly selling out, with nightly standing ovations. Millions of fans and critics alike were blown away by Tina's age defying high-octane performances showing that the star has no sign of slowing down at nearly 70 years young. The megastar delivered an energetic, powerful, uncompromised two hour set performing classic hits with incredible musicians, vocalists, dancers and ninjas, supported by stunning production, innovative choreography, spectacular lighting, pyrotechnics and much more.
As Tina finished the final show in Sheffield in May 2009 she said, "I have been overwhelmed, astounded and taken to new heights by the reaction of the thousands of fans who came to see me every night. This has been a tour to remember, to hold dear in my hea Read More ...
Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Norah Jones has announced the title and release date of her upcoming album, The Fall, her fourth studio album which will be released by EMI's Blue Note Records on November 17. Jones has also revealed the cover artwork for the album, which features a portrait by photographer Autumn de Wilde.Jones was the surprise guest performer at Apple's "It's Only Rock n' Roll" press conference yesterday in San Francisco. Her breakout album Come Away With Me is one of the first albums to be released in the iTunes LP format, a new feature of iTunes 9 that reinvents the visual experience of the record album through live performance videos, lyrics, artwork, liner notes, interviews, photos, album credits and more. After being introduced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Jones performed "Come Away With Me" and also debuted "Young Blood," a new song from The Fall.
Jones has taken a new direction on the The Fall, experimenting with different sounds and a new set of collaborators, including Jacquire King, a noted producer and engineer who has worked with Kings of Read More ...
Oftentimes when an artist creates a great debut album they have a hard time following it up with their sophomore effort, so nobody would have blamed Alison Sudol, aka A Fine Frenzy, if Bomb In A Birdcage wasn't quite on the level of One Cell In The Sea. Truthfully, it's not on the same level. It's even better.
Sudol has one of the most emotive voices around and the way she combines it with her poetic songwriting style and mood setting music makes for a fantastic listening experience. On Bomb In A Birdcage Sudol not only recreates some of the vibes from One Cell In The Sea, but also plays with a few new ones, most notably on the intense "Stood Up" and decidedly pop "Electric Twist." On the latter Sudol even takes aim at those who scoff at her very non-pop star sensibilities with the opening lines:
"You should be wilder
You're no fun at all
Yeah thanks for the input
Thanks for the call"
There's some playful irony with "Electric Twist" in that it's the most fast paced song on the album, yet it's also the song on which she admits to, and even makes f Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Michael Franti's happy new ditty, to two bands hitting the stage that you probably never imagined you'd see perform again, to the new greatest video ever made, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* With so many terrible things going on in the world I think it's great to hear Michael Franti's "Say Hey (I Love You)" getting major airplay. Franti and his band, Spearhead, have always been one of the most politically active groups in music, but with the fun and beautiful "Say Hey" they may be making their greatest statement yet - it's cool to be happy and say how much you love someone. It may sound pretty basic, but it's said so rarely nowadays that when someone finally does sing about it again it brings about a really refreshing vibe. Heck, every time I hear the song I just want to grab the first cute girl I see and start dancing with her. In fact ... you, over there ... let's make it happen lit Read More ...
* With so many terrible things going on in the world I think it's great to hear Michael Franti's "Say Hey (I Love You)" getting major airplay. Franti and his band, Spearhead, have always been one of the most politically active groups in music, but with the fun and beautiful "Say Hey" they may be making their greatest statement yet - it's cool to be happy and say how much you love someone. It may sound pretty basic, but it's said so rarely nowadays that when someone finally does sing about it again it brings about a really refreshing vibe. Heck, every time I hear the song I just want to grab the first cute girl I see and start dancing with her. In fact ... you, over there ... let's make it happen lit Read More ... 
Sultry pop-soul newcomers Nikki & Rich have signed a recording deal with Warner Bros. Records, which will release their debut album in 2010. This marks Lenny Waronker's first signing since his return to the Warner fold under the helm of Chairman and CEO Tom Whalley. The Los Angeles-based duo's first single, the playful, doo-wop-inspired "Cat and Mouse," can be heard in the upcoming season premiere of the CW network's 90210 on Tuesday, September 8th. The song will also be made available for purchase on iTunes that day.Nikki & Rich are Nikki Leonti, a California-born pastor's daughter who grew up singing in church, and Rich Velonskis, a Queens, NY-born former DJ and established hip-hop/R&B producer who got his start spinning in New York City clubs as a teenager. These two seemingly opposite characters first met in 2007. Nikki was based in Nashville working as a background singer for Carrie Underwood and Rich was in Los Angeles producing tracks for Eve, Robin Thicke, Mario, and Ludacris, under his moniker Rich Skillz. (A track he produced on Ludacris' No. 1 album Rele Read More ...
In 2007, after seven years together as a band, OneRepublic took the world by storm with their debut release Dreaming Out Loud. The album included the smash first single "Apologize" which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide, and along with second single "Stop And Stare" propelled the album to platinum plus sales. Now the boys from Denver are back with a new set and a fall tour! Waking Up will be released November 17th on Mosley/Interscope Records. First single "All The Right Moves" will go for adds at radio September 22nd.In support of their new release OneRepublic will join Rob Thomas on tour beginning September 23rd at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL (see below for complete itinerary).
OneRepublic recorded Waking Up in their home town of Denver, CO. Tedder, an accomplished producer in his own right, and one of the most sought after songwriters of today, has penned and produced hit singles for the likes of Leona Lewis, Beyonce, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez and Natasha Bedingfield and is currently working with Carrie Underwood, Rhia Read More ...
When your roommate drinks all your beer, usually all you get out of it is a trip to the store. When Dude Offline found his roommate had committed this heinous crime against him, he skipped the store and instead made a song that became one of the longest running hits in college radio history.
The song, titled "You Suck You Drank My Beer," was a punk rock gem that stayed in college radio's top ten for over a full year. After recording music for over two decades with various different bands and under an equal amount of monikers, however, Dude Offline was starting to feel a little burned out. He needed some new inspiration.
Sometimes inspiration can be found at home, but in Dude Offline's case it took going from his native west coast, where he has lived in Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix, to the Ukraine. "I had an apartment in the Urkaine," he explains, "because my fiancé is in Moldova, so we would stay in Odessa, Ukraine, and commute back and forth."
It was during his trips to see his fiancé that Dude Offline made a musical discovery. "I noticed that when I was in Europe, they play mostly dance beats with the Read More ...
Welcome to your weekly dose of pop world musings. Covering all things pop culture, this week Pop Shots is hitting you with thoughts on everything from Chris Brown's almost instantaneous probation violation, to Britney Spears' songwriters' insane concept of rhyming words, to the strangest new pairing in all of music, and since it's Pop Shots you know everything is seasoned with a little bit of attitude.
* This past week Chris Brown was finally sentenced for his assaulting of Rihanna. He ended up with no actual jail time, but five years probation, an order to stay away from Rihanna until 2014, fines, counseling, community service, and strict orders to "abstain from the use of all alcoholic beverages and stay out of places where they are the chief item of sale." So how did Brown celebrate staying out of the slammer? By immediately violating the terms of his probation, of course! Just one day, ONE DAY, after having his sentence handed down to him Brown was seen living it up at a 21+ nightclub where, you guessed it, alcoholic beverages were the chief item of sale. Is this a case of a celebrity scoffing the law Read More ...
* This past week Chris Brown was finally sentenced for his assaulting of Rihanna. He ended up with no actual jail time, but five years probation, an order to stay away from Rihanna until 2014, fines, counseling, community service, and strict orders to "abstain from the use of all alcoholic beverages and stay out of places where they are the chief item of sale." So how did Brown celebrate staying out of the slammer? By immediately violating the terms of his probation, of course! Just one day, ONE DAY, after having his sentence handed down to him Brown was seen living it up at a 21+ nightclub where, you guessed it, alcoholic beverages were the chief item of sale. Is this a case of a celebrity scoffing the law Read More ... 
In 1969, Karen and Richard Carpenter signed to A&M Records and released their debut album. Forty years later, the Carpenters are recognized not only as the most successful brother-sister act in music history and one of the best-selling acts of all-time but also as a pop culture phenomenon that continues to resonate today. Celebrating that legacy, the two-CD 40/40 (A&M/UMe), released October 20, 2009, produced by Richard Carpenter, brings together 40 of the duo's greatest hits and best-loved recordings, each digitally remastered.40/40 includes all of the Carpenters' dozen Top 10 Pop hits, 19 of their 20 Top 40s and 23 of their 28 Top 75 Pop singles, from 1969's cover of the Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" to 1981's "Those Good Old Dreams." Among the 17 other tracks are covers of Leon Russell's classic "This Masquerade," Hank Williams' "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" and Tim Hardin's "Reason To Believe," and a pair of recordings originally released in 1983, following Karen's passing earlier that year, "Now" and "Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore."
The Carpenters' hit streak began wit Read More ...
[Tags] POP
Black Feelings are the essence of a power trio: each member of the three-piece exhibiting a great deal of power while the whole remains balanced. Consisting of two former members of Montreal's Les Angles Morts, the band has developed a unique a hybrid of the British post punk and experimental scenes that spawned the likes of This Heat, Gang of Four and the Pop Group with heavy traces of psychedelic-goth and cold wave. Like American band The Liars, Black Feelings' penchant for combining a variety of influences to conjure up a sound that is both retro and vitally fresh at the same time. The band's main vocalist and drummer Owain Lawson is kept busy as he sings and holds down the rhythm section alongside fellow founding member and bassist Brian Mitchell, while the sound is rounded out with shimmering guitar and synth flourishes provided by Kyle Fostner.Listening to Black Feelings self-titled debut is never dull, as moody vibes ebb and flow throughout the long player carried by propulsive bass and drums. For a small band these guys have a huge sound. The drums have an almost war son Read More ...
[Tags] POP
Legendary trip-hop duo Massive Attack have announced the release of their first new material in three years - an EP of four new tracks due for release on October 6th from Virgin Records. The lead song "Splitting The Atom" features Robert Del Naja (3D), Grant Marshall (Daddy G) and Horace Andy, while TV On The Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe guests on "Pray For Rain". The EP also has remixes of two new tracks; "Psyche" featuring Martina Topley-Bird is given the re-rub by Van Rivers & The Subliminal Kid who have recently remixed Bat For Lashes and The Big Pink, while the Guy Garvey fronted "Bulletproof Love" is stripped back to a minimalist reworking by Christoff Berg, who alongside Van Rivers & The Subliminal Kid produced the Fever Ray eponymous album.Massive Attack will release their much anticipated fifth studio album In February, 2010. This time around sees collaborations with Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, Martina Topley-Bird, Guy Garvey and Tunde Adebimpe.
Over the last three years Robert Del Naja has written and produced soundtracks for a number of films and documentaries, including Read More ...
A Sunshower can be a rare occurrence, but when these opposing forces meet, magic and allure is in the air. This is exactly why the NYC-based rockers, Jupiter One, chose the title (inspired by the Japanese short film Dreams by Akira Kurosawa) for their upcoming Ryko album available September 15, 2009. Their far-out freshness mixed with timeless musical inspirations mesh together in a bittersweet indie-pop rock concoction—produced by the group and noted engineer Chris Ribando (Diamond Nights, The Black Crowes, The Fever).This young quartet—all in their twenties—consisting of K Ishibashi (lead vocals), Zac Colwell (lead guitar), Dave Heilman (drums) and Pat Dougherty (bass), has a knack for unifying their contemporary style with a range of musical influences. Sunshower is the result of Jupiter One's experienced ear. For instance, the dancefloor-friendly "Simple Stones," filled with handclaps and soulful riffs, boasts a bass line for all ages while blending ‘80s Rolling Stones and MGMT. The epic opener "Volcano" resurrects the youthful spirit of the Beach Boys with The Flaming Lips, while delivering one Read More ...
On September 22, music fans will finally be able to hear Love Travels, the record that critics everywhere are talking about. Billboard magazine has hailed 21-year-old singing/songwriting sensation Angel Taylor as one of their "15 Artists to Watch in 2009," and The New York Post agrees, ranking her amongst their "6 Who'll Sizzle" this year.Love Travels has been called "one of the top debuts of the year" by the Associated Press, and received three-out-of-four stars in People magazine, who gushed, "fresh and honeydew-sweet… her glowing pop tunes will win over fans of both Corinne Bailey Rae and Colbie Caillat." Essence magazine raves that Taylor is "heaven sent" and that her "graceful piano driven songs about finding, losing and yearning for love are sure to resonate with audiences of all ages."
The first single from Love Travels will be "Like You Do," which will be accompanied by a video that Taylor will be filming in Nashville, TN.
Prior to the album's widespread release, "Make Me Believe" was chosen as an iTunes Single of the Week and has already been downloaded more than a half-mill Read More ...
Their lyrics might be too mature for some scene kids to handle and their sound is a little heavier than the flavor spewed by most pop-punk bands, but Down For The Count doesn't care. This piercing collective has their own identity - one that has won the hearts of many fans who can handle their sincere style.
Last night for instance, the band headlined a packed show at in Nashville, Tennessee at The Anchor – a venue that is attached to a church. Although they aren't the pop-punk version of Creed or a Christian band by any means, Down For The Count doesn't mind rocking out in God's House. In fact, they kinda prefer it to a regular concert hall.
"A lot of the time, church shows make for really good shows because the youth group kids are really supportive and kids usually buy merch," front man Nate Sirotta explains. "The kids are usually more receptive and it's a cooler vibe sometimes because when you play just normal clubs or venues, those typical scenester kids are kinda tough to win over. But if you play in churches, the kids are just happy to have bands, so they're just happy and receptive. Churches have defi Read More ...
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Grant Harris formed electro-pop outfit Breathe Electric in 2007 and soon after released the debut self-produced EP Honestly. Harris quickly gained momentum with extensive touring playing alongside bands such as Never Shout Never, The Secret Handshake and Automatic Loveletter to name a few, as well as dates on this past summer's Vans Warped Tour transforming each show into a non-stop dance party. Within a year, Honestly would sell over 20,000 single downloads from iTunes and 5,000 physical copies independently through touring, online retailers including Smartpunk.com, and Hot Topic locations across the country.After garnering recognition from various established music webzines including Absolutepunk.net and being noted as a "Buzz Seeker" artist on The Daily Chorus, Harris entered into the studio with Producer Ian Kirkpatrick to record the latest installment of infectious pop that would become the Emotion EP.
The album opens with the title track that immediately grasps the listener with an upbeat anthem that sets the tone for the record. Read More ...
Refusing to label their new project as a musical, U2 has explained that their music will accompany a Spider-Man themed production set to debut on Broadway in New York during 2010. Characters in the show, Turn Off The Dark, will not resemble those in the Marvel comic books, nor the high grossing motion picture. While U2 is confirmed to write all the music and lyrics, they will not appear in the production themselves. Actress Evan Rachel Wood of Thirteen and The Wrestler, will be starring as MJ. Turn Off The Dark will feature a new female villain and a different spin on Peter Parker. Frontman Bono described the character as a sly slacker who isn't similar to Kurt Cobain.
The show is directed by Julie Taymor and is expected to leak more information in the next couple of months.
The BBC interviewed both U2 members Bono and The Edge:
"The guitarist was keen not to describe the production, directed by Julie Taymor, as a musical, but rather an "opera." It is a new challenge. The thing is we don't really like musicals. Most musicals are really pants. They're really not very cool," said The Edge. "It is much more like op Read More ...
Danielle Siren doesn't need four other chicks with cool synchronized dance moves to deliver a message of girl empowerment to the world. The beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado native can do that on her own with her music. While mainstream listeners are being introduced to her first single, the seductive pop smash "Bring It To Me," she offers more than just a polished radio-friendly anthem. They'll get a better sense of that by the time she drops her full-length studio album at the end of '09.
Yes, girls will have a new role model to look up to and even single teenage boys will be inclined to hang her posters on the wall. Siren possess that appeal and charisma to become a superstar. But again, she is more than just a pretty face with a killer tune. Siren is multi-talented.
The 23-year-old has roughed it out all her life, moving all over the Midwest as an adolescent, living in Colorado, Texas and Wyoming. After attending Western State College, she acted in several plays and embarked in a modeling career. Hell, that was the initial reason she re-located to Phoenix, Arizona in March of 2008, but fate took a surprising, pleasan Read More ...
As Boys Like Girls continue to gain momentum for the Sept. 8 release of their sophomore album Love Drunk, the Boston band are gearing up for a busy fall.After appearing on ABC television's Jimmy Kimmel Live on the night of the album's release, Boys Like Girls will help the New England Patriots kick off their 2009 season with a free concert Sept. 13, outside Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The following night, frontman Martin Johnson will open the 40th season of Monday Night Football by singing the National Anthem live before his hometown Patriots host the Buffalo Bills.
Billboard magazine calls "Love Drunk" "an unstoppable hit," and the album's title track has already sold more than 400,000 units. It is a smash at Pop radio, where it just cracked the top 20 on the Top 40 chart and is currently in rotation at more than 100 pop stations. "Love Drunk" is also a Top 20 overall single at iTunes.
Love Drunk will be released Sept. 8, but is now available for pre-order on www.boyslikegirls.com, where fans can select from three different exclusive packages, an Read More ...
Warner Bros Records is proud to announce the October 6, 2009 release of The Listening, the debut full-length album from LIGHTS. The Toronto singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist crafts her own brand of sparkling, otherworldly electro-pop that is, in her words "soft, but not pussy-soft, you know?" LIGHTS' songs have already garnered almost 16 million plays on MySpace, and she has racked up a #1 hit on MuchMusic, inclusion in a series of Old Navy commercials, and airtime on The Hills. On the strength of her self-titled EP alone, LIGHTS won the 2009 Juno (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy Award) for New Artist of the Year, joining the ranks of Feist and Nelly Furtado. During her stint on this summer's Van's Warped Tour Rolling Stone selected LIGHTS as one of four Warped Tour Buzz Bands, calling her a "retro new wave...keytar-rocking pixie."
LIGHTS' first full collection of music, The Listening, expands on her sound, which she calls "inter-galactic electro" and describes as "simple lyrics juxtaposed with sounds harvested from the far reaches of my alternate universe." The album i Read More ...
Eisley will go back on the road this October for an extensive nationwide tour as very special guests of Say Anything. The tour begins October 14th in Anaheim, CA, and runs through November 22nd where it concludes at the famed Troubadour in Los Angeles. Joining Say Anything and Eisley will be Vagrant Records' Moneen. Miniature Tigers and Moving Mountains will also split duties as the support act.The band - which is sisters Chauntelle DuPree (guitar), Sherri DuPree (vocals/guitar) and Stacy DuPree (vocals/piano), brother Weston DuPree (drums), and cousin Garron DuPree (bass) - will perform songs from their two Reprise Records releases, 2005's Room Noises and 2007's Combinations, as well as preview songs from the album they are currently recording at Rosewood Studios in their hometown of Tyler, Texas. The new album, due this winter, is Eisley's debut for Sire Records, which the band signed with earlier this year.
Fans who attend the fall shows will be able to purchase a "tour-only" exclusive EP, entitled Fire Kites, which will feature selects of studio tracks from Eisley's upcoming new album, as well as a cover of Ei Read More ...
Safari So Good has so much fun that they almost forget to plug their EP debut Every Fight Is A Food Fight When You're A Cannibal. As a matter of fact, they originally sidestepped this interview, but to be fair that was only because their guitarist broke his clavicle bone in a skateboarding accident. It was a good excuse to say the least.
While the band has been busy schooling a temporary guitarist on their set list, fulltime guitarist Tony Bavaria and drummer Dan Heatherly snuck away to holler at 101D.com. And what's one of the first things they talk about? Acting like high school cheerleaders to raise awareness about their cause. In their case, it's spreading the Safari So Good name and the mental picture is just not good.
"I think the Bikini car washes we've been doing have been a great success," Heatherly says. Bavaria adds, "I just hate all the waxing we have to do to look good in those bikinis."
Of course they're only joking, we think, but that's how these guys roll.
Based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the land where Poison came from, Safari So Good (also comprised of injured guitarist Tom M Read More ...
On the heels of the release of her acclaimed debut full-length album HIGH HOPES & HEARTBREAK, singer/songwriter/musician BROOKE WHITE has announced her first-ever nationwide tour. She will team-up with fellow "American Idol" alum Michael Johns for a co-headlining run beginning September 17 in Pomona, CA. HIGH HOPES & HEARTBREAK--released July 21 via June Baby Records, a new indie label formed by BROOKE, Randy Jackson and Carl Stubner (head of Sanctuary Artist Management)—debuted as an iTunes pre-release at #47 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart, #7 on the Independent Albums chart and #6 on the Digital albums chart. The disc has initially sold over 20,000 copies and spawned 130,000 in single sales."I don't have any barriers," explains BROOKE of the songwriting process on her first full-length since she was a Top 5 finalist on "American Idol" in 2008. "It's important I remain unguarded, open and vulnerable as an artist; it's the only way I know how to be." BROOKE's diversity as an artist was cited in a Houston Chronicle album review which noted: "Shades of Carly Simon, the Carp Read More ...
Acclaimed Irish singer Lisa Hannigan, whose debut album, Sea Sew, was recently nominated for the prestigious Barclaycard Mercury Prize, will support David Gray on his upcoming North American tour, which launches on October 23rd in Boston. (See below for itinerary and on sale dates.) Released by ATO Records in the U.S. and on Hannigan's own Hoop Recordings in Ireland and the U.K., Sea Sew was hailed as "exquisitely ethereal" by The New York Times and "charmingly idiosyncratic" by the Los Angeles Times. Earlier this year, Hannigan played sold-out shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and numerous other cities on her first headlining tour of the States, which culminated with three appearances at SXSW. She also performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Colbert Report."
Sea Sew was recorded in 14 days at a Dublin studio by Hannigan and a talented group of friends - Tom Osander (drums), Shane Fitzsimons (double bass), Donagh Molloy (trumpet, melodica and glockenspiel), Gavin Glass (piano), Lucy Wilkins (violin) and Vyvienne Long (cello). An album of e Read More ...
Weezer seems to be running out of colors to devote their albums to, which is perhaps why they haven't released the title yet for their seventh album, due out October 27th.The band recently debuted their first two singles at a Tokyo show earlier last month. I didn't read a single positive review in sight after they surfaced the internet. All you need to know is in the titles, 'The Girl Got Hot' and 'I'm Your Daddy'. How an alternative rock band like Weezer could put out these songs without thinking they're terrible is beyond me. Doesn't Rivers Cuomo's Harvard degree prevent him from producing awful song like this? I guess he got his degree in English, not Music. I still think a Harvard English grad could come up with better quality lyrics than this.
An avid Weezer fan myself, I normally don't get excited when I hear the news of a new Weezer rel