Summertime is meant for outdoor music festivals all over the U.S. Some are better than others and some just get more hype than others. Personally, the time I look forward to most is when the Pitchfork Music Festival sets up in Chicago's Union Park. A group of my friends and I have gone every year and grab a spot in the shade now known as "Lazy Town". This is where we can rest between sets, eat various deliciousness from the vendors (shout out to Chicago Diner for their amazing vegan options) and stash our bags filled with extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Every year I come away with a list of new bands to love and a greater appreciation for bands I'm already a fan of.

This year I'll have to keep my beer drinking to a minimum in order to bring you some coherent festival coverage. The lineup looks great and there are a few bands I haven't seen yet that I'm really excited to check out live. There are too many amazing bands to put into one small blog entry so I'll bring them to you in stages starting with Friday night's lineup which includes:

At 5:00 the Connector Stage will play host to Tortoise whose new album, "Beacons of Ancestorship" was released June 23rd.

Beautiful Love - Tortoise

Catch The Jesus Lizard 7:20 at the Connector Stage. Check out their hard rocking "Nub" off of their upcoming Goat reissue.

Postcoital Glow - The Jesus Li...

Hoboken's finest, Yo La Tengo will be taking over the Aluminum Stage at 6:10. If anyone tries to get in the way of you getting to the front of the stage, just tell them, "I am not afraid of you and I will beat your ass". If they don't get the reference, they have no use for the front of the stage anyway. Download "Periodically Double or Triple" off of their Popular Songs LP.

From A Motel 6 - Yo La Tengo

Headlining Friday's festivities is the always awesome, sometimes hairy, Built to Spill. They'll be hitting up the Aluminum Stage at 8:40.

Randy Described Eternity - Bui...

Tickets were picked up quickly but some are still available for Friday and Saturday. Sunday, Two-day and Three-day passes are all gone so act quickly.

Usher's got a new protégé and he is absolutely adorable. Justin Bieber is about to take the tweeny bop world by storm and pick up where Zac Efron left off. First of all, he's from Canada (which in my mind, can do no wrong). Secondly, for a 15-year-old, he's awfully cute. No, he won't be replacing V-Factory's Nathaniel for my affection, but if he were about ten years older...

Thirdly, the boy can sing. Like the real kind. He is undoubtedly the next big thing - eventhough his watch is bigger than his head.

I have a close friend who is absolutely obsessed with Bjork. He and I used to take our lunch breaks to walk over to Virgin Megastore (back when those were still around) and it seemed as though every other week there was a "new" album to purchase with the image of the Icelandic sprite on the cover. Between her first-run albums, remixes, remixes of remixes, soundtracks, live performances and box sets (oh the box sets!) there was no money for rent.

He can now add "Voltaic" to his impressive collection but luckily he'll be able to stream it first. The album is a fantastic live performance filled with songs from Homogenic, Post, Vespertine, Medulla and Volta. It just so happens that most of the songs are some of my favorite from her entire repertoire; it's as though I created a mix tape of my favorite Bjork songs.

Tracklist
"Wanderlust"
"Hunter"
"Pleasure is All Mine"
"Innocence"
"I Miss You"
"Earth Intruders"
"All is Full of Love" (one of the best videos ever)
"Pagan Poetry"
"Vertebrae by Vertebrae"
"Army of Me"
"Declare Independence" (which is actually the ring tone I have for when my Mom calls)

In the last year or two, MGMT has taken the world by storm with their music. "Oracular Spectacular" made it onto almost every big Best of 2008 list and rightfully so. I was stoked to finally see that their music video for "Kids" finally made it to the light of day - expecting something similar to "The Youth". Yay more videos of kids dancing! I mean, HELLO, the name of the song is "Kids"!!! But no - the video is basically a terrifying nightmare for children and I can only hope that the baby actor in the video was just a really convincing little person. Maybe someone from the Roloff family. Check it out for yourself and please tell me I won't have nightmares and there are no boogie men under the bed.

If ever there was a musician made for covering The Velvet Underground's "Sunday Morning" it is Beck ("Sea Change" proved that). The artist has taken on a new project entitled, Record Club, for his website, and it has really started off with a bang. Well, a slow-paced bang, but a loud one!

He says, "We've been working on changes to the website for the last few months. We'll be adding new sections as they're ready. The first one to be added is called Record Club, an informal meeting of various people to record an album in a day. An album will be chosen to be reinterpreted and used as a framework. Nothing rehearsed or arranged ahead of time. A track will be uploaded once a week on beck.com as well as through the web sites of those involved with the project.

For this first edition, after lengthy deliberation and coming close to covering Digital Underground's Sex Packets, all present voted in favor of the 'other' Underground's The Velvet Underground & Nico. Participants included this time around are Nigel Godrich, Joey Waronker, Brian Lebarton, Bram Inscore, Yo, Giovanni Ribisi, Chris Holmes, and from Iceland, special guest Thorunn Magnusdottir, and myself. Thanks to everyone who helped put this together, and to all of you for indulging in this experiment. More soon."

I'm hoping there will be an opportunity to take requests at some point. I'll go ahead and get mine in there now: Luscious Jackson's "Natural Ingredients".

This is by far one of the sickest, most visually interesting music videos I've ever seen. It doesn't hurt that the song "You Came Out" is a fun electro-disco tune. With lyrics like, "You came out, and you were wasted. You went home, and turkey basted," there's not much to not love.

I can't imagine how much time and energy was put into the making of this. This was the blurb that accompanies the video, "We Have Band - You Came Out (Official Music Video). Directed by David Wilson in very special collaboration with Fabian Berglund and Ida Gronblom from Wieden + Kennedy. Produced by Blinkink. Shot over 2 days and stop frame animated from 4,816 still images without a single moment of video footage! Take a look at our Flickr page to see every single frame uploaded in high res - flickr.com/photos/39167181@N06/. For more info about us come and visit as myspace.com/wehaveband"

What a great year it's been for music so far. A bunch of my old favorites like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gossip and The Heartless Bastards have put out albums that rival their best works.

Moby has done the same and now thanks to NPR you can stream it in its entirety here:

You may not know the name...yet...but chances are you've heard the voice of Francesca Battistelli while watching TV. To look at her, you may just expect another pretty girl who works in the marketing department at Abercrombie and Fitch, but this girl has chops. In fact, after my little interview with this rising star, my coworker and I watched with mouths gaping wide as she played in our studio.

Francesca's album "My Paper Heart" is in stores and online now.

For those of you wondering, I'll be getting some new jeans with my next paycheck.

These past few years, Chan Marshall (Cat Power) has done an incredible job of turning her career around. Long gone are the days when the painfully shy musician would stand with her back to the audience through some of her shows and sometimes not show up to the stage at all. Girl got herself some rehab and then had a successful tour for (in many opinions including my own) her best album to date "The Greatest".

Now that she's gotten herself clean and back on track (or really, on track for the first time) it's kind of weird to hear she is one of a handful of celebs teaming up with a vodka company to make a short film.

42 Below has recruited Chan along with James Franco, Sean Lennon, David Lynch, Larry Clark (KIDS) and Harmony Korine to direct short films about their dreams (I think). Check out either the trailer or the full short film (I'm not sure which) here:

I haven't always "gotten" the magic of Sonic Youth's music. In fact, I tended to like versions of other bands covering their music more than them playing their tunes themselves. Their latest album "The Eternal" has changed everything for me. Maybe I've just gotten ripe enough to finally appreciate their sound, or maybe this album is just so much better than everything in the past.

Don't take my word for it though, stream it it its entirety now (link only good until June 14, 2009)

Also, check out the L.A. Times album review.

If you go to iTunes you'll notice that they've got some new "essential" mixes to celebrate Gay Pride Month (yes it's June, they're here, they're queer, GET USED TO IT). So, yay for them. The thing is, to the average straight on-looker, it would appear as though lesbians have really bad taste in music. Are they really still listening to those old Melissa Etheridge tunes? Do they really like Katy Perry? Most often, no. If it's not the Lilith Fair crowd it's the saddest music you've ever heard. Forget iTunes, listen to these songs instead:

Perfect for Pride

The madness needs to end. What planet has Joe Jonas been living on that he doesn't know even the easiest lyrics to Beyonce's "Single Ladies"? His parody has got to be the worst thing I've seen on YouTube maybe ever. I've seen a lot of crap - I've even made some of it! He flails about, acting like he was impersonating an elderly woman at a Baptist revival. Do. Not. Want.

Can we please put an end to the "Single Ladies" parodies? The fun died a few parodies ago, let's close the casket and put it into the ground before it turns into a zombie.

There's something fantastically unique about the band Miike Snow. Perhaps that's what happens with you mix Swedish producers with an NYC songwriter. They've taken hold of a subtle weirdness that combines the flamboyance of the Scissor Sisters, a little Motownish throwback (one of my favorite tracks, "Song for No One") and some Sufjan Stevens if his songs were covered by The Boy Least Likely To. So, yes, hard to describe but in a way that makes you curious to listen to more. There's a blending of styles that gels seamlessly throughout the self-titled album's eleven songs.

"Miike Snow" comes out June 9th on Downtown and is well worth putting down your allowance money for. For a little taste, check out the band's song "Animal" which has been getting tons of love on these here internets.

Catch them when they make it to your neck of the woods:

Jun 5 2009 8:00P Supermarket Toronto, Ontario
Jun 6 2009 8:00P Studio B Brooklyn, New York
Jun 7 2009 8:00P Subterranean Chicago, Illinois
Jun 9 2009 8:00P KCRW - Morning Becomes Eclectic Los Angeles, California
Jun 12 2009 8:00P Mississippi Studios Portland, Oregon
Jun 13 2009 8:00P Neumos Seattle, Washington
Jun 15 2009 8:00P Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, British Columbia
Jun 16 2009 8:00P Spaceland Los Angeles, California
Jun 18 2009 8:00P Popscene San Francisco, California
Jun 20 2009 8:00P Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York
Jun 22 2009 8:00P Mercury Lounge New York, New York
Aug 2 2009 8:00P Osheaga Festival Montreal, Quebec
Aug 8 2009 8:00P Lollapalooza Chicago, Illinois

When Ashley Tisdale stopped by our studio I knew I was in the presence of greatness but I had no clue just how great she is. There I was, sitting eerily close (for camera purposes I assure you) to the girl who would win the MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Female Performance. That's right, she beat out Vanessa Hudgens, Freida Pinto, Miley Cyrus and a couple of other talented broads for this prestigious title. The best part is that when they announced her as the winner, they played Lady Gaga's "Poker Face", which she had been singing here at the studio just before our interview began.

We spoke about painful breakups soothed by a good Kelly Clarkson song, where to eat in Chicago and the release of her upcoming album. Oh, and for a minute I totally had her thinking I am Europe's next Hasselhoff.

Download her hit single, "It's Alright, It's Ok" right here:

The sophomore album from indie dreamers, Great Northern, is just what the doctor ordered on a rainy Chicago day. Rachel Stolte's ethereal lead vocals are nurtured by Solon Bixler's accompaniment.

As was the case with their first album, "Trading Twilight For Daylight", each song has a tinge of sadness that is all-encompassing as a listener - but without going completely overboard thanks to a hopeful guitar riff or mandolin strum.

The band had this to say about their album, "We took a lot more risks by entering uncomfortable territory that wasn't touched on the last record. We dug deeper into the unpleasant, which helped us to find the beauty." Mission accomplished! It's kind of like an enjoyable Todd Solondz film but without the outwardly disturbing imagery.

One of my favorites on this album is the song "Houses" (not to be confused with "Home" from their previous album). If you're looking for a song that reflects the sound of Great Northern, this is it.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to be an older woman surrounded by a group of really good-looking younger guys without being creepy? Oh and to top it all off, they are funny, can sing and dance. The world is cruel - dangling the hottest new boy band in front of me. Truth be told, when I was given the opportunity to interview V Factory, I wasn't exactly expecting to turn into a little school girl. I like to take pride in my music snobbery and being "underground" but damn it if they didn't charm the hell out of me. They're a really fun group of guys whose single, "Lovestruck", has been stuck in my head for the last week. The video for the single dropped today and it is just as hot as they said it would be. Nathaniel, call me.

Part 1

Part 2

There is nothing quite like a co-ed hard rockin' sound to get me through the day (lies, a footlong veggie sub with extra hot peppers from Subway and a pint glass of whiskey plus the hard rockin' sound makes life much better). The UK has brought us Band of Skulls whose "I Know What I Am" should totally be in the background of a Harley Davidson commercial - well, that or a Converse commecial, take your pick. The trio's debut album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey was released on April 21st and the band itself is just plain rad.

Check out "I Know What I Am":

Before you even think about buying a tiny coffee or a donut this morning, please consider taking your $1.99 over to Amazon to purchase the insanely cheap Heartless Bastards album "The Mountain".

Now, let me tell you a little something about the Heartless Bastards - they are a force to be reckoned with. I had the privilege of interviewing them about three years ago before they blew minds completely to bits at Lollapalooza. If you saw singer/guitarist Erika Wennerstrom on the street, you'd never guess in a million years that her growl could fill a giant space. In fact, just speaking to her off-stage, she's a bit shy and appears meek. Get a guitar in her hands and a mic in front of her mouth and she will own you. Their second album, "All This Time" was my personal anthem of 2007. I picked up "Stairs and Elevators" at one of their live shows and the love just continued to grow.

Long story short, you are a fool if you do not purchase this album for $1.99. You will thank me later - as per usual.

Make way for the S-O-V's new album, Jigsaw, to slip quite nicely into your music collection. It's a bit of a departure from her braggadocios Vertically Challenged EP. Lady Sovereign has grown up a lot in the four years since her last release and she still hits hard while being more reflective. She's a little more electro, which smoothes out some of the roughness of this foul-mouthed talented shorty aka "The biggest midget in the game." It took me a while, but after finally being able to dial outside the country I got to speak to Sov about the album. Keep in mind when you read the transcription she has a much cooler accent than I could transliterate.

Chubby Jones: You were just on the SXSW circuit, what was that like for you?

Lady Sovereign: It was amazing. That's the second time I've done it now and it was good times. I mean I only did two out of four shows in the end - but it was great.

CJ: I got to see you a few years ago at the Pitchfork Music Festival where you headlined and saw you in the crowd. I asked to take my picture with you and afterwards you got swarmed by a bunch of other kids - sorry about that!

LS: That's fine! I don't mind stuff like that, otherwise I wouldn't walk around in crowds.

CJ: You've got the new album out, Jigsaw, how is this different or how has it evolved from Vertically Challenged?

LS: I'm always evolving so that's kind of a hard question to answer. I tried out some singing on this album and this album is a bit less aggressive than my first album. It's more personal but then, everything is personal. This one goes in all directions, but I'm always doing that anyway.

CJ: This album, particularly your single "So Human" resonates with me like a Mike Skinner (The Streets) record with all its storytelling and being a bit more emotional.

LS: (laughs) Oh I'm so emotional! Some of the tracks on there are more light-hearted I guess. The stories all come from experience.

CJ: Was it your idea to sample The Cure's "Close to Me" for that song?

LS: Yeah, I love that song! With the original, there's a good chunk of instrumental at the beginning of it so I was always rapping over it and I figured I really liked it for the new song and then, yeah...you know!

CJ: You started your own record label, Midget Records, have you signed any other artists to it yet?

LS: No, not yet. I'm not going to sign someone just for the sake of signing someone. When I hear something and I really like it, then I will. I haven't heard anything that I'm really in love with. I'm still looking. It's kind of hard to find someone that's a free agent.

CJ: Who have you been listening to these days that have gotten you going?

LS: Geez, I listen to so much, I don't have any favorite artists, I'm not fanatical about anyone, I litrally do listen to everything.

CJ: Has anything been particularly good for your mood?

LS: I really like a band called Metronome. There's a lot going on on my iTunes...yeah.

CJ: Have you seen the show Bad Girls Club that uses your song "Love Me Or Hate Me" as their theme song? What do you think of it?

LS: Yeah, I've seen it a few years ago, I watched a bit of it. I don't mind, it works.

CJ: What else have you got in store for the near future? Are you already thinking about the next album?

LS: Not necessarily, I've been meaning to get back into the studio and do some new stuff but things are getting a bit hectic right now. I can't take too long of a break though.

CJ: I like the video for "So Human", I just caught it the other night.

LS: Oh I reaaaaally hate the jacket I wore in the first scene. I didn't realize how awful it was until after the video was done. I was like, sh*t why did I wear that!

CJ: Well, hindsight is 20/20 so I guess the next video you'll choose something else.

LS: Yeah, I was tired, I was like, eff it, I'll wear this. So it was fine at the time but I kind of regret it now. But, whatever.

And with that, I bring you the hideous jacket, great song and otherwise sweet music video for "So Human":

Despite the fact that Esser's rockabilly neo-Nazi look scares me to no end, the 23-year old from the UK has got some serious talent. After putting together an album Braveface in his bedroom, he was somehow able to get the Kaiser Chiefs' attention and was asked to go on their sold-out tour with them. His song, "Headlock" reminds me of a male Lily Allen. The Alright, Still Lily that made me go bananas and walk everywhere with "LDN" on my headphones for an entire summer. There's something about this video that just makes me smile, hopefully it'll do the same for you:

The newest batch of dopeness from Gossip band members Beth Ditto, Hannah Billie and Brace Payne is "Heavy Cross".

The VHS or Beta remix of My Morning Jacket's "Highly Suspicious" makes for an even more pleasurable listening experience.

This should bring you into the weekend quite nicely. (Thanks Stereogum)

The following music video was filmed in one, yes ONE take and the audio was recorded simultaneously. This is unheard of, especially since it turns out so well. It's a fantastic blend of vocals, horns, strings, and rhythms - the only "blah" aspect is the unnecessary homeboy choir - I'm fairly certain they don't even sing. Homeboy choir aside, it's truly an impressive collaborative project. Skip seeing the Fame remake when it comes to theaters and just watch this video a few times instead.

A friend sent along a link to a video for Playing for Change with a note saying, "This is really cool, I think you'll like it. Something to make you feel good on a Monday" and he was totally right. Creator Mark Johnson uses music to bring people together to spread the word of peace and collaboration across nations. What he and his crew have done is pretty spectacular. They've gone to various locations all around the world, filmed musicians separately and then put their footage together into one beautiful song.

St. Vincent's (Annie Clark) latest album, "Actor", is a tour de force. Her previous release didn't strike a chord with me and I was someone who wanted so badly to get into this fair-skinned beauty because all the cool kids were doing it. Alas, it just didn't happen. The folks at NPR's All Songs Considered kept talking her up on their SXSW recap and made it sound like I should give it another go. Hot damn I am so glad I did. "Actor" is already starting out as one of my favorite albums of 2009 (you can put the Yeah Yeah Yeah's "It's Blitz" on that list as well).

From the very start, Clark's sweet voice is propelled forward with an equally sweet bass drum beat. She sings, "Desperate doesn't look good on you, neither does your virtue. Paint the black hole blacker," and yet somehow its disposition is sunny. At the 2:44 mark it gets raw, gritty and nasty. She told Entertainment Weekly, "I'm happy with how the orchestrated and beautiful parts on the album came out, I'm also happy about how disgusting and gnarly the guitar parts came out." She has crafted a beautifully contradictory album - which you can stream in its entirety on NPR's website.

Ok, so I will be the first to admit I'm not too fond of Chris Cornell's newest solo album, "Scream". He got together with uber-producer Timbaland to work out a mostly poppy-danceable album that sounds as though it were pieced together with lost samples of old Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado songs.

That being said, Cornell brought tears to my eyes when I found out he collaborated with a fan on one of his tracks. Rory De La Rosa just lost his 6-year-old daughter, Ainslee, to cancer. If that wasn't heartbreaking enough, Rory was given the same diagnosis just a short time later. He wrote a poem and got in touch with Cornell, who put the poem to music and the result is beautiful. "I Promise It's Not Goodbye" is available for free download on Cornell's site but there is also a pay pal link to donate money going to Rory's hospital bills. This is when being famous really means something.

Cincinnati has brought us a great group of bands in the last twenty years, you've got Nine Inch Nails, Devo, Filter and The Black Keys to name a few. Soon, you'll be able to add Pomegranates to the list of Cincinnati-folk whose tunes should be on your music player of choice. They've got a great whispy rock sound that will be opening for Wye Oak and a set with Ted Leo at a venue near you sometime soon.

Check out and download their song Corriander(mp3) now.

Apr 15 2009 8:00P
Brillobox w/ Wye Oak Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Apr 16 2009 8:00P
Southgate House w/ Wye Oak Newport, Kentucky

Apr 17 2009 8:00P
The Hideout w/ Wye Oak Chicago, Illinois

Apr 18 2009 8:00P
The Basement w/ Wye Oak Carleton, Minnesota

Apr 19 2009 8:00P
7th Street Entry w/ Wye Oak Minneapolis, Minnesota

Apr 20 2009 8:00P
Public Space One w/ Wye Oak Iowa City, Iowa

Apr 21 2009 8:00P
The Waiting Room w/ Wye Oak Omaha, Nebraska

Apr 22 2009 8:00P
The Hi-Dive w/ Wye Oak Denver, Colorado

Apr 23 2009 8:00P
Kilby Court w/ Wye Oak Salt Lake City, Utah

Apr 24 2009 8:00P
Neurolux w/ Wye Oak Boise, Idaho

Apr 25 2009 8:00P
The Red Room w/ Wye Oak Kennewick, Washington

Apr 26 2009 8:00P
Sunset Tavern w/ Wye Oak Seattle

Apr 27 2009 8:00P
Doug Fir Lounge w/ Wye Oak Portland, Oregon

Apr 29 2009 8:00P
The Rickshaw Stop w/ Wye Oak San Francisco, California

Apr 30 2009 8:00P
Silverlake Lounge w/ Wye Oak Los Angeles, California

May 1 2009 8:00P
Trunk Space w/ Wye Oak Phoenix, Arizona

May 4 2009 8:00P
Opolis w/ Wye Oak Norman, Oklahoma

May 6 2009 8:00P
Mohawk w/ Wye Oak Austin, Texas

May 9 2009 8:00P
The Drunken Unicorn w/ Wye Oak Atlanta, Georgia

May 10 2009 8:00P
Local 506 w/ Wye Oak Chapel Hill, North Carolina

May 11 2009 8:00P
The Black Cat w/ Wye Oak Washington DC, Washington DC

May 12 2009 8:00P
Kung Fu Necktie w/ Wye Oak Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 13 2009 8:00P
Mercury Lounge w/ Wye Oak New York City, New York

May 14 2009 8:00P
TT The Bears w/ Wye Oak Cambridge, Massachusetts

May 15 2009 8:00P
Cafe Nine w/ Wye Oak New Haven, Connecticut

May 16 2009 8:00P
Metro Gallery w/ Wye Oak Baltimore, Maryland

Jun 15 2009 7:30P
The Southgate House w/ Ted Leo

True story: I once named my favorite plant "Karen O" after the lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Once the plant died, the new bed I purchased took on the name since it would be much easier to take care of. Did I overshare? Perhaps. But seriously, if I could bathe in Karen O, I would.

The band has a new album out called It's Blitz! and it is so majorly hot I want to make out with it and ask it to the prom. Karen, Nick and Brian have put together one hell of a tasty treat.

For those of you who still watch Saturday Night Live you'll be able to experience the group in all its glory this Saturday, April 11th. For those of you, like me, who prefer to just see the best parts of it put together by Monday morning, you can skip the show altogether and just take in the magic that was shown on the Jools Holland show:

As if the semi-recent Gossip Girl ad campaigns didn't put Brit Brit's "Womanizer" in my head too many times, it has increasingly become the go-to cover song for bands across different genres.

We've got Lily Allen's inspired concert performance:

Patrick Stump and Ellen Degeneres (with Pete Wentz as backup dancer)

Ladyhawke

and now Franz Ferdinand

I am officially done with this song. Put a fork in it.

No Doubt is back, FINALLY! I'm down with Gwen Stefani and her solo act but her days with No Doubt were always my favorite. I think maybe I didn't understand the whole Harajuku Girls thing.

Ryan Seacrest has a leaked copy of their Adam and The Ants cover, "Stand and Deliver which is pretty damn good. To add a cherry to the top of my happiness sundae, the band will be performing together on Gossip Girl May 11th! Mmm Chuck Bass and Gwen Stefanie - things couldn't get much better.

Leave it to the French to drop the musical sex bombs. Sébastien Tellier's electro-loungey sound is perfect for drinking wine while subtly seducing the person next to you. Tellier's voice, combined with the down-tempo beats are like a long massage after a rough day - happy ending included.

The 33-year-old Parisian is currently touring with his 2008 album, Sexuality, and spreading the word of bow-chicka-wow across our great nation. You can catch him tonight at The Empty Bottle in Chicago or later in the month at the Coachella festival. Get an extra ticket and bring the Trojan Man.

Apr 9 2009
8:00P
Empty Bottle
Chicago, Illinois

Apr 10 2009
8:00P
Grinnell College Gardner Lounge
Grinnell, Iowa

Apr 13 2009
8:00P
Chop Suey
Seattle, Washington

Apr 14 2009
8:00P
Richards on Richards
British Columbia

Apr 15 2009
8:00P
Doug Fir Lounge
Portland, Oregon

Apr 17 2009
8:00P
The Independent
San Francisco, California

Apr 19 2009
8:00P
COACHELLA FESTIVAL
PALM SPRINGS

Divine - Sebastien Tellier

Have you ever gotten so carried away at a concert that you've ended up having sex on top of the lead singer's bare feet? Me neither. Of course, I haven't had the chance to see Chicago natives, The Locals, perform live before. Yvonne (guitar/vocals), Christy (bass) and Kirk (drums/backup vocals) don't put out typical baby-making-music, but Yvonne's feet have had more action than a movie starring Jackie Chan.

Unfortunately, my computer is still hungover from this weekend and won't allow for the video footage I got of the band to make its way into this post. Last week I was greeted by The Locals in their rehearsal space and got a private two-song concert as well as some quality time on their futon.

Some interesting facts:

- Kirk has run over a glazed ham in his car. It wasn't Thanksgiving or Christmas, just a regular old day and a good ham gave its life for this story.

- Christy can fold her tongue so that it looks like a piece of deli meat. It's not as nasty as it sounds and is purely genetic.

- As was alluded to above, Yvonne's feet were used as a love mattress during one of the band's shows. I forgot to ask if she had just had a pedicure - but either way it's not something I want to picture.

- Kentucky is apparently a great (if not the best) place to play a gig.

If there was only one take-away from this meet-up, it's that this band cares for each other deeply. You can tell just from the looks on their faces that they have a lot of fun spending time in the same room. It's funny how two small women and one tall guy can make such big noise.

They'll be making the rounds across the Midwest this summer but the first stop is this Thursday in Chicago - opening for queer-core faves (and Logo's 2008 winner for Brink of Fame at the New Now Next awards) The Cliks.

As if they didn't have enough going on, they've also started a really interesting project aptly called the "Big Picture Project" which you can contribute to all with the click of your cell phone camera.

Oh, and there's also this little (huge) thing Yvonne started called Sleepy Urbanite which was featured on The Today Show.

If there is any part of you that enjoys rock and pop, it's in your best interest to check out The Locals. As soon as my copy of Final Cut Pro enters a rehab clinic, I'll put the interview up here. Until then, check out the video below.

Some thoughts upon hearing the new release, and second collaborative album from PJ Harvey and John Parish:

Thank the LORD for this album. I was getting worried there for a bit. Polly Jean's last two albums (White Chalk and Uh Huh Her) didn't quite make my hit list. I was afraid that nothing could ever compare to the way Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea or my all-time favorite Is This Desire made me feel. Those albums were life-changing for me, and pulled at my heart-strings like almost no other albums had before.

A Woman a Man Walked By reminds me of that old PJ - bare bones, poetic, growls, whispers, harsh and tender (hate that word, but totally appropriate). The songs that make me smile, laugh (watch out for the title track, it's like Peaches meets Satan meets Polly Jean - maybe not meant for the LOLs but they're there anyway), and close my eyes and cry ("Cracks In the Canvas").

The music video for Black Hearted Love is the epitome of what PJ means to me. Here's this skinny, fragile-looking woman, jumping on a children's bouncy gym, absolutely wailing. Black Hearted Love is my new Angelene. I'm excited to play the hell out of this until I do the inevitable - pull out all of my old albums and live in a PJ Harvey land for an entire month.

The Raphael Saadiq concert was a while ago but it would be a damn shame to not give this man some love on the blog. Let it be known - there is no excuse to miss one of his shows. The man has been killing it for over 20 years and has only gotten more polished and perfected. The man who was a bit soft-spoken in person (with a solid handshake and dressed to the nines) was just the opposite on stage. He noted during our interview that he ate, slept and breathed music and it was evident.

The show was set in a two-level venue with seating and an open space for the brave to stand at the front of the stage. My friend and I made our way equidistant to the bar and stage (genius) and as the lights dimmed the energy of the room was filled with excitement and...sex. Yes, sex. Saadiq has got the baby-making-music down to a science. The man is smooth like whipped butter and cool like a sex popsicle on a hot summer day. Wearing the same golden jacket he sports on the cover of his album and backed up by some equally-smooth looking singers, dancers and musicans, the show was an original act you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else these days.

While Raphael would probably hate for me to equate his performance to anything in the past (50's, 60's Motown-era) as if his music were something that ever went away, it's hard not to. For many of us, Saadiq's music is one of the only links back to the age of Stax Records, Berry Gordy, Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye. And man did he throw it down. The entire stage was lit up with energy and the entire ensemble looked like they were having the time of their lives. Couples were holding on to each other singing the lyrics to "Anniversary" right along with Saadiq, jumping up and down with excitement when their jam came up. It was easily one of the best live shows I've seen in a while.

If you haven't picked up one of 2008's best albums, The Way I See It, get it now.

When I first got word of Rhymesayers golden boy P.O.S.'s cover of Pearl Jam's "Why Go Home" all I could think was, "Aw hell no, there's no way that'll work!" But damn me! This is bananas - the kid has a Vedder growl and the beats are delicious. My tail is between my legs but the headphones are on my ears. Enjoy:

Some days are perfect for songs without lyrics - the cold days when your commute seems to come with its own violins and the percussion of raindrops hitting the window beside you. The next time that happens to you (most likely later tonight for myself and other Chicagoans), arm yourself with the gorgeous arrangements brought to us by Loop 4.2.3.

After listening to their title track, "Zodiac Dust", it should come as no surprise that the duo has worked with artists Sufjan Stevens, The Books and Belle Orchestre (to name a few). If it's anything like their title track, I'll be super psyched when the full-length album comes out June 16th.

01. Prologue: Rebirth

02. Dark Matter

03. Underground

04. The Existentialist

05. Zodiac Dust (MP3)

06. Clouds

07. I Remember

08. The Return of Chickchi

09. Epilogue: Ashes to Ashes

Loop 2.4.3 Live

03/27 Cambridge, MA Lily Pad

04/02-04/09 Alma, MI Alma College (Residency)

The weekend totally could not have come soon enough. Last night I got to experience Raphael Saadiq live and I think all of my energy got sucked into watching him in awe. More on that soon. Today is the kind of day where the ears need something perky enough to keep you awake but soft enough so as to not disturb the sleeping gremlin hangover inside your head. Matthew Dear's electro-pop seems to have hit the perfect note. Check out and download these three songs just in time for your weekend.

Matthew Dear
"Don and Sherri" (mp3)
from "Asa Breed"
(Ghostly International)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

Matthew Dear
"But for You" (mp3)
from "Leave Luck to Heaven"
(Spectral Sound)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

Matthew Dear
"Neighborhoods" (mp3)
from "Asa Breed Black Edition"
(Ghostly International)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

Major news has hit the airwaves regarding Jack White's new band, The Dead Weather. Comprised of White, Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs) and Dean Ferita (Queens of the Stone Age) - this obviously falls into "supergroup" category - but will it fall on its face like so many other before it (*cough* Audioslave)?

The guitars are unmistakably Ferita's - and Mosshart sounds like a female Jack White. I'm totally digging it though. See for yourself:

Well let me warn you that if you were planning on doing anything today you should probably step away from this blog post right now. Someone who knows how bad my attention span is and my love of shiny things has come up with a fun game to play. All you need is spare time, a computer with keyboard, speakers and a love of pressing buttons. Check, check check and check.

iDaft lets you remix the Daft Punk song, "Harder Better Faster Stronger" all from the comfort of your chair. Press "q" and hear "Work It", press "k" and you've got "Never"...oh yes, you can waste hours and hours of your life and enjoy it. Enjoy.

The amazing people over at IODA Promonet have put together a SXSW music sampler to download for free! For anyone living in or traveling to Austin March 18-22, this is a must-do.

Y La Bamba
"Fasting in San Francisco" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Theresa Andersson
"The Waltz" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Marching Band
"Don't Go" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Deastro
"Parallelogram" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album


The Phenomenal Handclap Band
"You'll Disappear" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Maus Haus
"We Used Technology (But Technology Let Us Down) [Courtesy of Pretty Blue Presents]" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Blind Pilot
"Go On, Say It" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




We Were Promised Jetpacks
"Ships With Holes Will Sink" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




J. Tillman
"Steel on Steel" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Deer Tick
"Art Isn't Real (City of Sin) [Courtesy of Partisan Records]" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album




Easy Star All-Stars
"Bed of Rose" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

This mashup is blowing me away. Not only is it a music mashup - it was built completely from YouTube clips that are entirely unrelated. Kutiman mixes YouTube is the next step in the incredible things we can do with technology today. Everything you hear is everything you see (look ma, no hands!). Nicely done Kutiman, well played.

You know what gets me out of bed sometimes? Breakfast. Yes, that's right, sometimes the only thing I have to look forward to when I get out of bed in the morning is the fact that I'm going to have a bloody mary (that counts as breakfast right?). It is known for being the most important meal of the day, which is why there are ready-to-go products like Bagelfuls that we can grab on our way out the door. Sometimes though, for some people at least, breakfast is not enough. They've got God to satiate their hunger even if the Lord and Saviour didn't help find them a better (more enthusiastic at least?) singing partner. These two are totally the new Dolly and Kenny.

Is it just me or are these two pushing it with their definition of "breakfast". Sugar and rice? Beef steaks? I need to ask the question too, why the light bread if you're gonna have bacon, sausage, Captain Crunch and Lucky Charms? What's so wrong with Lipton tea? Also - at the 3:26 mark, do they have a picture of Luke Perry and Shannon Doherty up on the wall? I'm going to have this stuck in my head for the rest of the day now, aren't I?

The Swedes have officially taken what is left of my cold black heart and breathed life and blood back into it. You may recall the obsession I had for First Aid Kit's cover of Fleet Foxes last September. They are back, singing in lovely 6-part harmony led by fellow Swede Anna Ternheim. This completely a cappella version of "Summer Rain" makes me want to lay on a blanket by the lake with my eyes closed and nothing else but their voices to concentrate on. Enjoy.

The little red-headed songstress that could, Neko Case, has a new album coming out March 3rd. The follow-up to 2006's incredible Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, the Middle Cyclone is a slight departure from her usual brand of eerie angst. While her unmistakable voice remains the same, she has added some new production arrangements and perhaps even some love.

You can stream the album in its entirety on the NPR website. It's a beautiful album with some incredibly lovely string arrangements.

Who knew India wasn't the best place to take your clothes off and make out with your bandmate on stage? Apparently Hotlanta punk rockers the Black Lips weren't made aware of this ahead of time and their six-city tour of the east was cut a bit short. If you aren't afraid of a little nudity and the like - check out the trailer for their upcoming doc.

When life hands these boys lemons, they make spectacles. Expect to be seeing their brand of naked southern punk stateside as they promote their infectious new album, "200 Million Thousand". This is truly music to get drunk and sweaty to.

If you're ready to party with the boys your mom warned you about - check them out here:

Feb 26 2009 BottleTree Birmingham, Alabama

Feb 27 2009 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia

Mar 4 2009 Cat’s Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina

Mar 5 2009 Black Cat Washington DC, Washington DC

Mar 6 2009 Johnny Brenda’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mar 7 2009 Middle East Cambridge, Massachusetts

Mar 9 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York

Mar 10 2009 Music Hall Of Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York

Mar 12 2009 Beachland Ballroom Clevedon, Ohio

Mar 13 2009 Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan

Mar 14 2009 Logan Sqaure Auditorium Chicago, Illinois

Mar 15 2009 Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mar 16 2009 Turf Club St. Paul, Minnesota

Mar 17 2009 Waiting Room Omaha, Nebraska

Mar 18 2009 Bottleneck Lawrence, Kansas

Mar 20 2009 SXSW Austin, Texas

Mar 21 2009 SXSW Austin, Texas

Mar 23 2009 One Eyed Jacks New Orleans, Louisiana

Mar 25 2009 Club Downunder Tallahassee, Florida

Mar 26 2009 Orpheum Tampa, Florida

Mar 27 2009 Churchill’s Miami, Florida

Mar 28 2009 Common Grounds Gainesville, Florida

Mar 29 2009 jack Rabbits Jacksonville, Florida

Mar 30 2009 The Social Orlando, Florida

Apr 15 2009 The Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California

Apr 16 2009 The Casbah San Diego, California

Apr 17 2009 The Clubhouse Tempe, Arizona

Apr 18 2009 Plush Tuscon, Arizona

Apr 20 2009 The Black Sheep Colorado Springs, Colorado

Apr 21 2009 Bluebird Theater Denver, Colorado

Apr 22 2009 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, Utah

Apr 23 2009 Neurolux Boise, Idaho

Apr 24 2009 Berbati’s Pan Portland, Oregon

Apr 25 2009 Neumos Seattle, Washington

Apr 27 2009 WOW Hall Eugene, Oregon

Apr 28 2009 The Blue Lamp Sacramento, California

Apr 29 2009 The Blue Lagoon Santa Cruz, California

Apr 30 2009 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, California

May 1 2009 El Rey Theater Los Angeles, California

May 2 2009 Glasshouse Pomona, California

This cover is just way too cute to pass up. I think I might L-O-V-E love Julia Nunes.

Zooey Deschanel is too cute for words and Alison Krauss is seducing me through me television screen right now. Robert Plant and Alison's performance of "Rich Woman" with T. Bone Burnett is strong and smoth. Voices like velvet and finally the mics are turned up above the instrumentals.

Ooh they're speeding it up and going into a fun rendition of "Gone Gone Gone". If you ever have a chance to see them live, do it.

Rich Woman - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) - ROBERT PLANT AND ALISON KRAUSS

Producer of the Year goes to Rick Ruben, which is nice to see.

FINAL AWARD!!!

Album of the Year goes to Raising Sand Robert Plant and Alison Krauss's tour de force. While I would have probably chosen Radiohead on this one, I'm totally happy with this choice, the album is fantastic.

The crowd seems restless and I can't tell if they're booing or what is going on - there's a smell of evil in the air.

Can't dwell on that, it's been a great evening and Robert Plant is getting cut off, so happy day!

Bo Diddley, Keith Urban, John Mayer and Buddy Guy do a nice rendition of "Hummbingbird" and prove even white guys can get the blues.

Lil Wayne is joined by Robin Thicke to perform a tribute to Louisianna and the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe from a few years ago. I've never heard this song but I'm enjoying it. I've been missing out on some Lil Wayne apparently. Also loving the marching band and singers doing a little zydeco march. Nicely done.

will.i.am and T-Pain take the stage and make me want to go hat shopping. will gives a shout out to Obama. Jay-Z has apparently taken sister-in-law Solange as his date tonight. Lil Wayne actually is really little but his teeth look really big. The award for Best Rap Album goes to...Lil Wayne for Tha Carter III. He is the cutest Grammy accepter ever. He needs to pull up those pants but I'm willing to let that slip just because you could see how happy he was about getting this award. The other nominees seemed to agree with this decision as well. Nas got up to give him some respect.

I wonder what a Neil Diamond sings at a booze-fueled karaoke bar? Everyone else sings "Sweet Caroline" - do you think he is a Journey man? He is probably the only person who has ever performed at the Grammys or any other stage where every single person in the audience sang along with him. Great performance, even greater sparkly top and eyebrows.

And yet another awkward transition to celebrating legends. Instead of introducing the montage for those we've lost this year - they just went ahead into the slideshow.

Does anyone else find it weird to hear the President of whatever association this is talk about protecting artists' rights and making sure there is copy-write protection for them as he completely steals "Yes We Can" and completely over-uses it for his own speech. Just sayin.

Smokey Robinson , Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx and the sole surviving member of The Four Tops, Abdul "Duke" Fakir perform a medley together. They sound great but once again it's the newbies stealing the thunder of the oldies who originally performed the song. It's kind of sad to watch.

Samuel L. Jackson is so smooth, I could listen to him read the phone book. He introduces T.I. and Justin Timberlake performing "Dead and Gone". I can't understand what T.I. is saying, especially since the CBS feed of the program keeps going in and out. Justin does sound pretty good, I'll give him credit where it's due. I also love the use of the orchestra in this song.

T.I. - Dead and Gone - T.I.

Gwyneth Paltrow has as big of a crush on Thom Yorke and Radiohead as I do. He is such a cute little hobbit. The group's performance of "15 Steps" shows why this band has been at the forefront of music and live shows for years. For the first time in probably - ever - the entire school marching band, whoever's this is, is likely to get some action tonight. "Hey what did you do tonight?" "Oh, I played backup for Radiohead at the Grammys,". If that isn't Funky Cold Medina I don't know what is.

Jack Black and Charlie Hayden (his father-in-law) are like a new form of The Blues Brothers. Isn't that cute when you can play dress-up with your wife's dad? The in-laws gave a very quick award to Hayden's friend, Jazz legend...oh what's his name? I don't even know because they blew past it so quickly. Either give a real tribute and award or save it for an honorable mention on your website, k Grammy people? Good. Their second chance to give an award is for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance which goes to John Mayer for "Say" and my TV is so upset about this is decides to turn off for a good five seconds.

Jay Cox Mohr (hahahaha, dork) and the very sexy LL Cool J. uncomfortably introduce Sugarland performing their hit, "Stay" and Adele performing her song, "Chasing Pavements". Sugarland is not my favorite, but they seem sweet like pecan pie. Adele got a little pitchy in parts but for the most part it was a very nice performance and is joined by the fairer half of Sugarland.

Queen Latifah looks wonderful, Jenny Craig is really putting a kick in her step. She awards Dean Martin with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She introduces the incredibly pregnant and lip-synching M.I.A. along with Kanye West, T.I., Lil Wayne and Jay-Z "The Rap Pack". How great would it really be if all of a sudden M.I.A.'s water broke on Kanye West's foot right now. My best friend just texted and said, "Really that's the outfit you pick to wear when you're preggo?" To that I say, "Of course." If my belly was big because I'm preggers and that's the only big part of me, that's exactly what I wear. The ladybug bun in the oven outfit is going to be so hot in '09.

Ok, the performance as a whole...I'll give a 6.5. There was no water-breakage and that was the most exciting part of watching them.

Kate Beckinsdale looks gorgeous and introduces Sir Paul McCartney. Dave Grohl is backing him up on the drums. Sometimes I forget Dave Grohl was the drummer for Nirvana - he is so talented and seems like such a genuine guy. Sir Paul has still got it going on, this was a great performance of "I Saw Her Standing There". If anyone knows what is going on with the stuffed animal wolf going on behind Sir Paul and his band, please let us know.

Morgan Freeman is a really good-looking older man. I had no clue he was such close friends with the next performer, Kenny Chesney. What a sad sad cowboy song he is singing. I don't know much about country music, but my friend is having a nice slow dance with her dog right now - which I take as a good sign for Chesney's performance.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, Herbie Hancock and Natalie Cole take it to the stage. It's hard to believe Natalie Cole is so sick - she looks better than I do on my best day. The Grammy for Record of the Year goes to "Please Read the Letter" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Fantastic choice by the academy. T-Bone Burnett is probably my favorite weirdo of the night.

Late Late Show host Craig Fergeson looks like he has been hanging with Whitney Houston back in the green room. He introduces Katy Perry for her performance of "I Kissed A Girl". She gets dropped down from a giant elevated banana and is wearing a Chiquita banana-inspired outfit. I'm not gonna lie, her rack looks incredible. her backup dancers are wearing something similar to outfits I've seen Britney Spears and Madonna wear. Oh wait, her Asian dancer just made Miley Cyrus making Asian face eyes. What is the world coming to? I am hoping Katy will actually kiss a girl and even like it tonight. Isn't that the greatest let-down of the song? She hasn't actually kissed a girl in real life. Come on Grammys don't disappoint tonight - Katy get your kiss on. Nope, ok, thumbs down to this performance.

Kanye West with Estelle singing "American Boy" me gusta. Their coordinating outfits are cute and his 80's hair has put a large smile on my face. So far - it's a rather toned-down performance and I'm hoping they kick it into high-gear soon. It's a shame they turned Estelle's backup vocals up so high, she sounded great without any help. The pair gives the award for Best New Artist to Adele - who I LOVE. I was going to throw my computer into the TV screen if The Jonas Brothers won and then you'd have to rely on more reputable sources to get your information. Adele is charming, representing the full-figured ladies with talent, showing that video didn't kill the radio star this year.

The Grammy for Best Rock Album goes to, Coldplay. Who's hand did they have to shake to get these awards? Right now I care more about Blink 182's announcement that they are getting back together. This brings up a good question: Did we miss them together? Did this all start because of Travis Barker's plane injury?

Justin Timberlake gets to perform with Al Green and The Jonas Brothers take the stage getting backed up by Stevie Wonder? What the heck is going on around here? Stevie is singing a Jonas Brothers song. There goes that pig flying over my head.

Maybe Nick, Joe and the other one finally brought their A-game to an awards show performance. This is actually the only performance I've enjoyed by the heartthrobs. Unfortunately I've seen a lot of them to compare it to. Stevie's performance of "Superstitious" is fantastic and the cute Jonas brother has no soul and shouldn't attempt to sing a Stevie Wonder song. Aw but it's so cute, he's growing some chest hair that is sprouting over his pink shirt. The boys are growing up but their pant sizes are staying the same.

While I have a minute, can I just say how much I HATE the Chevy Traverse commercial with the little big girl and Howie Long?

Taylor Swift's song, "15" is super cute and she sings it so sweetly it's a shame she decided to sing it with Miley Cyrus. Cyrus's voice is so shrill whereas Swift's seems smooth and kind of shy. I'm sure the Jonas Brothers ran to the bathroom and did a few shots during this duet.

The teen poptarts announce the winner for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, which Chris Brown and Rihanna are both nominated for. Luckily (and I mean luckily because I worship this album) Robert Plant and Alison Krauss's "Rich Woman" won so there wasn't an awkward, "Chris couldn't make it tonight, he's being held in jail for a battery charge," speech.

Jennifer Hudson makes a triumphant comeback with her performance and with her outfit change. It's hard to ignore what an emotional comeback this is for the singer. The gospel choir behind her is a nice addition - everything is better with a gospel choir. Wow, this was - and I hate to use this term but it fits - a courageous performance. A standing ovation in the crowd and one from us at home is well deserved. She got choked up at the end, and I'm a little choked up myself. Where's Justin Timberlake's "Single Ladies" performance when you need it?

Duffy and Reverend Al Green (with his Jeri Curl sheen shining brightly on his head) get to introduce the Grammy for Song of the Year. Coldplay wins, which is a gigantic let-down. Adele's "Chasing Pavements" and even Estelle's "American Boy" were better contenders. Just as they apologize to Paul McCartney for stealing the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper uniforms, the boys of Coldplay are being sued for copywrite infringement for "Viva La Vida".

Kid Rock gives a nice performance as a picture of one of his mugshots takes over the screen behind the stage. It's fun to think about how Kid Rock got his start as a DJ and now he's a country-rocker. What he lacks in vocal talents, he makes up for in bravado. John Mayer enjoyed the performance very much - either that or he just likes the lyrics to "Rock and Roll Jesus".

Chris Martin gets introduced as being "Coldplay" which I'm sure his bandmates are excited about. He sings a solo to "I Got Lost" and does a nice job while getting a little help from Jay-Z who joins him onstage. "Viva La Vida" gets the rest of the Coldplay boys on stage which is actually better t watch than the AMA performance with the confetti and running around. Have you noticed Chris Martin dances like he has to pee all the time. He is also wearing what appears to be a cut-off tee that shows his midriff. The Coldplay boys get a standing ovation from the rest of the artists in the room including Sean Diddy Combs.

Keith Urban introduces Carrie Underwood who seems to be wearing a Princess Leiea-inspired outfit. I am not a country music fan but I can get down with Carrie Underwood. How hot is her chick guitarist who looks like Taylor Swift doing a Bonnie Raitt impersonation. I swear, even Carrie seems a bit turned on. That woman WILL be written up in major magazines soon. This I guarantee.

Sheryl Crow and Leanne Rimes introduce the award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Vocals and now I am realizing they've only given one award so far and we are thirty minutes in. It's gonna be a long night. Sugarland wins the award for their performance of "Stay".

Bono, The Edge and the other members who make up U2 open up the show with a great, almost lip-synched, version of their song "Get On Your Boots". These guys seem to have drunk from the fountain of youth. The entire audience gets up for a standing-o.

Omg crack is whack but Whitney Houston is AWESOME (if not under the influence). Her dress is fab even if it is cutting into her left breast. Ok, so tomorrow you're going to be seeing lots of Whitney Houston posts because she has gone way off the deep end. I'm not sure what she's on, but DO NOT WANT. Ms. Houston is announcing the award for Best R&B album which goes to Jennifer Hudson. Sure, Jennifer has gone through a lot this year, but that doesn't mean I won't bust on her for wearing a dress that looks like she's still wearing a napkin from Joe's Crab Shack tucked into her skirt.

Some take-aways from the show so far:

-Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is surprisingly great at delivering his lines. He should probably be in charge of hosting The Oscars this year.

-Katy Perry is really great at crossing her eyes eventhough it is a terrible look for her.

-Justin Timberlake loves Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson about as much as I do. He introduces The Reverend Al Green, who is performing with Keith Urban, Boyz 2 Men, JT and with any luck Whitney Houston who would make anything she touches turn to a line of white tonight. Unfortunately, JT totally outshines The Reverend when it comes to sining, "Let's Stay Together". The tabloids will probably be starting an Etta James/Beyonce fued between these two tomorrow. I'm sorry but this is embarrassing - having Justin singing lead with Al Green basically doing accompaniment and Boyz 2 Men doing backup.

Quincy Jones to Ryan Seacrest, "Get your hands off of me you dillweed. I have more important stuff to do like hang out with T.I." Where is Quincy's gorgeous daughter, Rashida Jones? That's what enquiring minds want to know.

You know what's cool? They keep playing The Veronica's "Untouched" before each commercial break.

The men have been impressing me with their suit choices tonight. Even Jamie Foxx, who I cannot stand, is looking good to me.

Ok, for anyone wondering, the girl T.I. is walking the red carpet with IS NOT my friend from college. I wish I could post a picture of her up right now, she looks like she got her outfit out of Lil Kim's closet back in 1997.

Alright, time for the awards to start!

For once, when someone asks one of the starlets who they're wearing, I'd like someone to say, "Oh I picked this up at TJ Max."

Wow, the guys from Boyz To Men are up in the hizzy! That's exciting. Next year I hope the kids from Another Bad Creation are on the red carpet for the Grammys. Remember them? They were such cuties, I'll have to try to find them this week.

Jennifer Hudson stops to chat with Ryan Seacrest and he asks about her engagement to former Reality TV personality, David Otunga, from I Love New York 2.

Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters is too cool for words. He will be playing with Paul McCartney tonight, which is pretty awesome.

Coldplay is apparently getting ready for Easter early this year. Their brightly-colored jackets will probably still not make up for their American Music Awards performance. M.I.A. is about ready to have her water break on the red carpet. Honestly, that would make this THE BEST GRAMMY SHOW EVER!!!

T.I. is up for 4 Grammy nominations and won either one or two already. He hasn't been paying attention apparently. Oooh, L.A. Times mention - how nice is that. Shout out to the Tribune. Another true story for the evening, T.I. took a friend of mine from college to a party at Quincy Jones's place recently. She said he gave a really touching speech. Oh, T.I. is going to jail very soon. Alright, well I guess they might have to wait a while to go on another date.

Paris Hilton is a lot like sucking down a bottle of ipecac. The dress, her buzz words, her STDs...

Interesting fact, singer Sara Bareilles used to work for Hot Dog on a Stick. I prefer pretty much anything on a stick, or in a wrap. Ok, ok, I prefer anything I can eat no matter what form it comes in.

Julianna has got Jack Black on the carpet, who does a nice job with his suit, tie and hat choice tonight. She has decided to go with a themed question of the evening, "What is your favorite karaoke song?". Hers is apparently "Hotel California". Snoozefest. Jack's is predictably a Black Sabbath song.

John Mayer is nominated for 5 Grammys, has already won twice this evening! 1st a Grammy and 2nd not needing to bring Jennifer Aniston as his date. He has a great suit on. As much as I dislike John's personality, he does have pretty nice taste in clothing. Still, when I look at him, I feel like throwing up a bit in my mouth when I think of him and Perez Hilton making out. Apparently true story.

More breaking news from another boring white guy. Rihanna and Chris Brown are both not coming to the Grammys tonight due to the altercations that took place last night. That means no performance by either of them. Good thing Justin Timberlake is in the house and loves being in the spotlight as much as possible. Word is, he may step in and take the stage instead.

OMG Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard are like two turtle doves under my pear tree. Absolutely adorable.

In some breaking news, Chris Brown is apparently in custody for alleged battery. Oopsie. He might not make it to perform tonight, all the children will cry. Apparently he left Clive Davis's party last night with an unidentified woman (I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he and Rihanna are donezo) and his limo got into a fight with another limo. The woman he was with had some bruising which she alleges came from him. Chris Brown seems like a lover not a fighter to me.

Fantasia Barrino has one of the most bizarre speaking voices I've ever heard. I thinks she's got a great look for voice-overs. Seriously though, she should sign a deal with Disney to do the voice for any frog they might need in their upcoming pictures.

Jay Cox Mohr and the love of his life, Nikki Cox share a very special kiss on the red carpet. Nikki's lips are so badly injected with something she wasn't actually able to move them. I'm wondering if Jay has been gaining weight in order to give her some of that bloat for her lips.

Ryan gets to speak to Duffy whose album, Rockferry is really great, one of my favorites of the year. Duffy is kind of a cutie, she's got an older look, a bit 60's doo-wop style that goes well with her voice.

Julianna is speaking to Adele, another Brit with a great voice who is up for Record of the Year. Wow, the Brits are all really pale. Good for them! It's a great year to be pale since Twilight was such a hit.

Sheryl Crow is probably too old to get interviewed by Ryan but she looks wonderful. Wow! Upt, I am wrong, Julianna grabs her and they get to talk about her 14 Grammys. Mr. Jay from America's Next Top Model is looking on from the back and looks incredibly jealous of Sheryl's dress. He also was able to quickly give Katy Perry a nice comment about her dress.

Jordin Sparks TOWERS over Ryan Seacrest, who continues to ask uncomfortable questions of whoever is in front of him on the carpet. He does stop to ask about Jordin's dress, which much like most of the other dresses tonight is a full-length gown.

T-Pain looks to be rocking a large brown suede hat and jacket with a grill in his mouth worth $14,000. What's this recession?

Carrie Underwood won a Grammy at the pre-show. Thank goodness they got some of this out of the way ahead of time. It sounds like Ryan and Carrie talk on the phone like two giggling girls about what she's was going to wear this evening. She chose a gold sparkly number. Nicely done.

Katy Perry has her pin-up thing going on and her pink dress is really cute. Her purse has a lock of Miley Cyrus's hair in it along with a lock of Taylor Swift's. What happened to the good old days of you and your friends cutting yourself and becoming blood sisters? In a turn for the worse, Ryan is talking about phallic things and protein shakes. I am getting incredibly uncomfortable, the next thing you know he'll be asking to borrow a pearl necklace.

Miley Cyrus looks really nice when she isn't pulling her eyes apart and offending certain ethnicities. Taylor Swift looks glamorous and is apparently a giant. Ryan offends Taylor Swift by telling her she acts like she's 28. Gee thanks dude, and you seem like a creepy old dude with too much fake tan. Taylor explains that she and Miley are actual honest-to-goodness friendsies. Ryan tells Taylor that Miley will dump her as a friend soon enough. Sounds like Seacrest took some truth serum along with his crazy pills today.

Leann Rimes looks pretty much exactly the same as she did when she was 14. Her dress is kind of a blue and brown Grecian thing. It's pretty bland, much like her interviews. She has overcome the heartbreak of psoriasis though, which is great but not all that appealing to me as I'm trying to eat my Thai food before the show begins.

Bai Ling seems like she doesn't even know who Ryan Seacrest is, which is great because I don't even know who she is.

We're live-blogging the Grammys this evening and E!'s red carpet coverage is already starting with a bang. When Ryan Seacrest speaks to Flo-Rida about how he grew up with 7 sisters and has a profound respect for women - in the background they show Eric Benet - the sex addict who cheated on Halle Barry. ZING!

Mr. Seacrest has put on layers and layers of chapstick so he can firmly plant his lips on every celebrity's backside throughout the evening. He actually looks a bit starstruck when he talks to Ne-Yo, and asks his date if they kiss. Ne-Yo and his daaate, sittin in a tree, S-H-U-T U-P Ryan! Even Leona Lewis doesn't seem to be enjoying his conversation. Speaking of Leona - her dress gives her a bit of boob sausage, it's not a good look honey.

Estelle, who is up for two Grammy nominations, has got a futuristic dress going on and talks Crystal Lite sponsorships with Julianna Rancic. That's something I can get behind - Crystal Lite. It will certainly be my friend tomorrow when I'm hungover and trying to get through the day. Audrina Patridge, MTV's loveable space cadet from The Hills, looks like she's had some work done. Maybe she isn't wearing as much makeup as usual, but her eyes don't look like they're looking upwards constantly.

So far, the outfits have been a bit weird, which I think it better than the boring red carpet looks we saw for the Golden Globes. L.L. Cool J. is wearing a great suit with a trademark cap and might be one of the most gorgeous men to have graced this planet. Ladies do love Cool James.

Glitter and Gold look like they came from The Greatest Show on Earth. I don't know why they are singing to a bunch of puppets, but I do know that I love them.

Lisa and Jess Orgiliasso are the voices and faces of electro-pop rock band The Veronicas. Making the rounds on the press circuit to promote their new album, "Hook Me Up," the twin powerhouse of adorableness stopped by our Chicago studio for a little chat.

Their second full-length album, "Hook Me Up" is available in stores and on iTunes now. Check out the video for their hit single, "Untouched" here.

Sometimes a band catches you off-guard - they're exactly what you're needing at the moment but you had no idea they existed. That's how it was for Thunderheist and me. I actually vividly remember where I was and what I was doing at the time I first pressed play and the synthesized beats from "Suenos Dulces" pulsated through my ears. I was going through my daily blogs and Hate Something Beautiful had a post on this hiptronic duo along with a few links to their songs. What started off as a boring day trying to find a Myspace survey I hadn't already done turned into a booty-shaking-in-your-Aeron-chair festival of productivity. Yeah that's right, I got my stuff DONE. In style.

Thunderheist is: Isis (MC and foul-mouthed fashionista) and Graham Zilla (beat and taste maker). The two met via happy-accident made possible by the internet. Since their first show in 2006, the pair have been making crowds get sweaty all over the globe. In fact, while touring in London, the pair threw together an impromptu concert in the streets. Mmhmm, go guerilla and you get bananas.

I got to sit down with Isis and Graham to chat, play with our beer bottles and give Isis an opportunity to vent about her Showtime at the Apollo experience.

Why are the Brits so freaking cool? It's not just tea and crumpets anymore - they've got bands playing in the back of their cabs for no other reason than it's somewhere totally different than a studio. I was surprised to find the acoustics in the back of a London (I'm assuming) cab are pretty darn good. When I was in college my friends and I had a cab driver play his guitar while taking us to the bars. I don't recommend it, he apparently thought we'd be instant groupies because he also tried to make a pass at my friend sitting in the front seat. Anywho - it's much better to have the likes of Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket playing in the back seat. Enjoy:

Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand have done a great job making danceable rock music. Their 2004 debut, Franz Ferdinand was a hot album whose singles made it into many of my mix tapes that year. I also was able to see them live in one of the best venues in Chicago/ever. I literally was spit on by Alex Kapranos, that's how close I was...and it was awesome. Their follow-up album, You Could Have It So Much Better gave us the great (possibly homo-erotic?), "Do You Want To?" and "I'm Your Villain".

Well, the boys are back with a new album and you can stream the entire thing on their myspace page. So far I'm liking what I'm hearing - it's a darker, sexier Franz Ferdinand with a hint of disco. Don't judge me for my love of the disco - it still fluffs my Fritos.

Mark your calendars for February 17th - that's when the two-disc compilation Dark Was The Night comes out. Contributing to this charity-driven album are some of the best musicians of the past ten years. Seriously, take a gander and you'll see an all-star lineup that is to me what unicorns are to humanity and PBR is to hipsters. If you've never been to Pitchfork Music Festival but wanted to - buy this album, close your eyes, put yourself under a sun lamp, drink good local beer and make yourself wait in a self-imposed bathroom line for a good twenty minutes. Ooala, you're there.

The album celebrates the 20th year and 20th release for the Red Hot Organization. RHO uses music as a vehicle to raise money to promote HIV/AIDS awareness internationally. In addition to putting out music, benefit concerts are being put together all over the map - so be sure to sign up for their mailing list to get news on what's happening in your neck of the woods.

THIS DISC
1 Knotty Pine - Dirty Projectors + David Byrne
2 Cello Song (Nick Drake) - The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez
3 Train Song (Vashti Bunyan recorded, written by Alasdair Clayre) - Feist + Ben Gibbard
4 Brackett, WI - Bon Iver
5 Deep Blue Sea - Grizzly Bear
6 So Far Around the Bend - The National (arrangement by Nico Muhly)
7 Tightrope - Yeasayer
8 Feeling Good (popularized by Nina Simone) - My Brightest Diamond
9 Dark Was the Night (Blind Willie Johnson) - Kronos Quartet
10 I Was Young When I Left Home (Bob Dylan) - Antony + Bryce Dessner
11 Big Red Machine - Justin Vernon + Aaron Dessner
12 Sleepless - The Decemberists
13 Stolen Houses (Die) - Iron and Wine
14 Service Bell - Grizzly Bear + Feist
15 You Are The Blood - Sufjan Stevens

THAT DISC
1 Well-Alright - Spoon
2 Lenin - Arcade Fire
3 Mimizan - Beirut
4 El Caporal - My Morning Jacket
5 Inspiration Information (Shuggie Otis) - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
6 With A Girl Like You (The Troggs) - Dave Sitek
7 Blood Pt 2 (based on original song “You are the Blood” by the Castanets) - Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
8 Hey, Snow White (Destroyer) - The New Pornographers
9 Gentle Hour (Snapper) - Yo La Tengo
10 Another Saturday (traditional song) - Stuart Murdoch
11 Happiness - Riceboy Sleeps
12 Amazing Grace (traditional song) - Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues
13 The Giant Of Illinois (Handsome Family) - Andrew Bird
14 Lua - Conor Oberst + Gillian Welch
15 When the Road Runs Out - Blonde Redhead + Devastations
16 Love vs. Porn - Kevin Drew

Punk? Played out. Rap-rock? So over. According to Duran Duran’s John Taylor, it’s time to stop shouting and start dancing. 

“I feel like rap and hip hop are a bit tired,” Taylor says. “The aggressive post-grunge rap-rock isn’t as fresh. Maybe it doesn’t feel like the right time for too much shouting.”

Instead, Taylor is bopping to electropop and other dance music: “I was making party mixes over Christmas, so that’s what I’m into now. I like the Ting Tings, MGMT, Duffy, Crystal Castles, the Norwegian dance scene.”

A new favorite band is Midnight Juggernauts: “They’re like a cross between MGMT and Justice,” John says.

Mostly, John is just grateful that the specter of the 70s seems to be loosening its grip on music. “For a long time I felt like we were stuck in Groundhog’s Day, where music was just going back to the 70s, 70s, 70s. Nobody could get past that. I feel like if I see one more magazine cover about punk rock I’m going to scream.”

The dance of decades is moving on, and the 80s is getting its due. “It’s just happening now, that kids forming bands are drawing on 80s music,” John says. “Young kids now don’t have the sense that people used to have, that synthesizers and dance beats were not authentic.”

One 80s trend that probably won’t make a comeback is the sort of blockbuster music video that made Duran Duran famous: “The trick now is to make a video that looks great for 50 grand.” And that’s just as well, John says. “One thing I’ve learned is that a great video won’t sell bad music. You can have a great track and do just about anything behind it, and people will say ‘Hey, cool video.’ But a crap track, even with the most exciting video, no one will listen to it.”

The world may not be ready for my love of Kelly Clarkson. I cried tears of joy when this former-waitress kicked Justin Guarini's butt in the first season of American Idol. I sang along to "A Moment Like This". For Hanukkah I bought myself a copy of the American Idol Christmas album and only listened to the bonus CD featuring Kelly all by herself. She wasn't just America's sweetheart, she was mine.

Her first album out of the box was a smash hit. She was an amazingly good sport at the Metal Skool show where the foul-mouthed cover-banders hazed her in front of the entire audience. Kelly stepped up to the plate, trashed as all get out, drank Chivas straight out of a bottle; and sang "Sweet Child of Mine". She is the woman of my drinking friend dreams - that is Kelly Clarkson.

Her last album was a huge departure from her previous successes. She wanted creative control - and apparently it wasn't poppy enough for the masses. She raged against the machine and the machine didn't give a damn. The limelight has missed her and apparently the feeling is mutual. It is with hope and a little trepidation that I bring you a leak of the first single from her new album, "My Life Would Suck Without You".

It's as though she wrote this song specifically to the music industry. Just look at the lyrics:

Hellooooooo, it couldn't be more obvious. I'm crossing my fingers that there will be more songs akin to "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Since U Been Gone" which showcase her incredible singing voice. Save the electronic production messes for Brit Brit and Lady GaGa.

Since we have just finished another year (and a year in which I think music had a really great year) it's appropriate to have a mash-up dedicated to the top 25 pop songs on the Billboard music chart. DJ Earworm came through with a powerful jam that makes me not hate Coldplay so much anymore. Viva La Vida is the bed upon which the pop stylings of P!nk, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey and others rest their weary heads. You can download the tune for FREE on DJ Earworm's site.

Holy shiz! The life and times of a rapper used to mean battling it out on the streets. These days, you never know when danger is going to land in your lap. Rapper Asher Roth and his bandmates were on a flight from LAX to be on the Carson Daly show tonight (sidenote: I didn't know Carson Daly still had a show) when a man started acting like a fool telling fellow passengers that he had a bomb. Don't mess with a white rapper or with Samuel L. Jackson when you're on a plane. Asher and his bandmates tackled the dude and were able to detain him. If this doesn't win them some kind of MTV award, I don't know what will.

UPDATE: Here's a picture taken by Asher's bassist Chris Llewlyn on the plane as they were detaining the obvious crackhead:

The Greenhouse Effect

If you're a mash-up fan like myself (which apparently is so 2002 but no one told me) DJ Minty Fresh Beats has put together an interesting mix of Radiohead versus Jay-Z. There are plenty of music fans out there who hate the resulting mix but to those people I say, IT IS FREE YOU DON'T HAVE TO DOWNLOAD IT. For the rest of you who would like to check it out and see for yourself, you can do so at Jaydiohead dot com.

The talents of one Mr. Ryan Gosling seem to go far beyond acting. Actually, I hate to admit this since I am not usually one to gravitate towards such movies, but I watched The Notebook over the break (along with 27 Dresses and I'm not proud of it) and liked it more than I thought I would. Hell, I even cried a little. Anywho, Ryan's got a musical side project called Dead Man's Bones. I've only heard one song but I have to say I like it a lot. It's a live collaboration with a children's choir, which provides a gleeful accompaniment to Gosling's eerie vocals. There's one kid in the choir who I'm convinced is only in there due to nepotism. He's gotta go, but the others all sound pretty good. You won't have to strain to hear which kid I am referring to.

Here's the video of the band performing with the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir:

Download the In The Room Where You Sleep from Dead Man's Bones and the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir.

What do you think? Should Gosling keep making music or should he stick to acting and being Rachel McAdam's on-again off-again boyfriend?

There's something about Killola that puts a smile on my face. I'm not sure if it's the lyrics or the fact that their music reminds me a bit of some of my favorite girl punk groups of the past (Bikini Kill, L7, Bratmobile) mixed with the Clueless soundtrack. I know I'm not the only one who finds them infectious, their fans have gone as far as freaking tattooing themselves. No, I'm not kidding, they have inked themselves for life with either the band's logo or likeness. Sure, it's a pretty dope design but I barely like myself enough to tattoo myself with Chubby Jones (however if you want to do it to yourself, I'll put the pics on my Facebook page...I kid, kind of). Thanks to the marketing pros at Skull Candy, you can download the entire Killola album for FREE - what a nice holiday present to yourself. I suggest listening to the entire album WITH the band's commentary - because eventhough it's a giant commercial for Skull Candy, it's all pretty funny. The Bill Cosby impersonation is probably my favorite.

You can be sure the next time they're in Chicago I'll be stalking them for an interview. Who knows, maybe I'll end up with another tat.

Here's a single for those of you who would prefer to keep their email address to themselves: Killola - Cracks in the Armor

* Hell on Heels Tour w/ Semi-Precious Weapons, Von Iva

01/17 San Diego, CA @ Bar Pink

01/20 Mesa, AZ @ Hollywood Alley

01/21 El Paso, TX @ Uncle Paulie's w/The Action Design

01/22 San Antonio, TX @ Rock Bottom w/The Action Design

01/23 Houston, TX @ Chance's

01/24 Dallas, TX @ Sue Ellen's

01/25 Austin, TX @ Emo's w/ The Action Design

01/27 Albuquerque, NM @ Amped Performance Space

01/29 Long Beach, CA @ Alex’s Bar

01/30 Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt Cafe

01/31 Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar

03/09 Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar*

03/10 San Diego, CA @ Bar Pink*

03/11 Hollywood, CA @ Knitting Factory*

03/12 San Francisco, CA @ Red Devil Lounge*

03/13 San Jose, CA @ Voodoo Lounge*

03/14 Citrus Heights, CA @ Fire Escape Bar*

Elizabeth Willis's path to the music scene was unlike most stories you've ever heard. While I was watching Thundercats and Fat Albert she was playing the piano and violin. While I was learning how to apply eyeliner before my hot 6th grade dance, she was composing her first song. And now, at just 21 years of age she is an accomplished musician whose debut album is getting everyone from Ludacris to Newsweek excited.

Willis's voice shares some of the sadness sometimes found in Tracy Chapman's but relies mostly on the instrumentals for the impressive melodiousness. This is perhaps what makes her music so wonderful; it combines perfectly polished instrumentation with an inexperienced voice - giving her classically trained strings some grit and personality.

This album puts a lump in my throat; I love it.

Download two of Willis's songs here and be prepared for her to get big:

One(mp3)

In Your Eyes(mp3)

Between Helena Costas's hauntingly child-like vocals, the gorgeous and vibrant string arrangements and the Midas touch of Danger Mouse's production there's a lot to love about the Joker's Daughter track, "Worm's Head".

If you're a fan of Mazzy Star, Cowboy Junkies and CocRosie you'll dig this.

Click here for more info on Joker's Daughter or to purchase the album.

Sebastien Grainger is like no one I've met before and he certainly wasn't what I expected. In my mind, he was a free-spirited hipster who would probably dance his way through our interview. What I got was more along the lines of a darkly-comedic, highly-artistic, PBR-swigging foodie. There's something mysterious about him - but at the same time you feel like you could ask him anything and get an honest (if not kind of bizarre) answer. Grainger was one half of former punk-dance band Death From Above 1979 and you can tell that that ship has sailed. Sebastien isn't all that thrilled to be talking about that former life - one in which there was a lot of artistic compromise and accountability to a partner. Now he has the freedom to make all of the decisions and takes full advantage of this fact. He has gone out and made not one but two names for himself. Grainger's got his electronic project, The Rhythm Method, and his punk rock outfit, Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains whose self-titled album kicks ten thousand asses and has been getting a lot of great press. When we sat down in the narrow stairwell leading to a much larger green room (he thought we might have more privacy there) I was about five whiskeys into the night and unsure of how much he would even want to answer my questions. After all, he had been traveling, still needed to soundcheck, was running a bit late and knew that his seared tuna salad was waiting for him just a few feet away. Still, with PBR in hand and questions to be answered - he indulged me with some clever anecdotes and interesting ways to deal with an animal's death.

Download American Names(mp3)
Get a copy of Sebastien's album here:

The two bands featured today, Quitzow and Setting Sun, are currently hitting the UK with a one-two punch of their co-headlined tour.

My take on Setting Sun's tune is a fun, poppy synth-infused rock song with a dark little secret. I'm picturing the Muppets meet Labyrinth (mostly because it's the holiday season and I want to see The Muppet Christmas Carol and I need a little more Bowie in my life these days.

Take a listen for yourself and let me know what you think of Setting Sun's single - They're Calling(mp3).

Quitzow's album, "Art College", made for some highly amusing music-listening experiences this summer. She's got a very distinctive voice with a lot of intelligent things to say. Her use of strings with a heavy backbeat on What Time is It?(mp3) is unexpected but totally called for. She's not as crass as Peaches or Princess Superstar but is easy to throw into whatever category you might clump them in.

Do you like? Do you hate? Lemme know.

When I caught wind of what the Heroes of The Dancefloor are doing this holiday season I knew I had to write about it. Not only is the group filled with a great roster of musicians plucked from Scissor Sisters and Pee Wee Ellis's sidekicks, they also really are heroes. They've put together an album, Torch, whose proceeds are ALL going to benefit homeless organizations in NYC. The artists who put this album together won't see a cent of the money.

The great news for the folks who purchase the album is that the tunes are worth paying for. It's got a jazzy soul vibe that you can dance to similar to maybe Crystal Waters but with Mamazu leading the vocal charge. To get a taste of what you should be getting everyone this Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Wiccan/fill-in-the-blank season, here's their track, Same Scandal. Full press release after the jump.

For some reason I've been having a lot of problems finding quiet spaces to conduct interviews lately. It is because of this that my time spent with Seattle dream-pop band Barcelona wasn't best put on video. I was able to salvage a chunk of the footage we got but truth be told, Brian, Chris and Rhett were more fun off-camera anyway. To say they are adorable is an understatement - as was evidenced by the fangirls standing around waiting to take pictures with the band after the show. I wonder how many Facebook pages were updated with photos of Barcelona the next day.

For as young of a band as they are, their sound is quite mature. Lead singer and keyboardist Brian Fennell's keen ability to story-tell helps fill his songs with passion. With Chris Bristol playing guitar and Rhett Stonelake on drums the energy on stage is hard to ignore. An added bonus on the band's first album, absolutes, and to their live show in Chicago was the presence of their producer/violinist Brian Eichelberger. I am a sucker for string instruments so this only added bonus points to an already enjoyable concert experience.

For those of you who need me to compare them to another band, their sound was very much like the love-child of Radiohead and Coldplay. In a few years time, I'd expect at least one of their songs to be featured on a higher-budget indie movie soundtrack. To get a sneak peak for yourself, have a listen on their website. I'm expecting big things.

Overachievers, The Safes, deliver a pop-punk explosion with their new tune "Troublemaker". The O'Malley brothers offer up a hard-hitting and gloriously haunting tune that would surely make David Archuletta shake in his boots.

Download: The Safes - Troublemaker(mp3)

Full press release below:

“Hometown heroes: The Safes freight-train delivery and thoughtful arrangements - all delivered with a sneer - will remind you why garage rock is indeed an art form.” – Chicago Tribune

Holy wha wha wha! Chris Brown takes home the award. He should give the award back to Steven Tyler for wearing those women's pants on stage.

Alicia Keys is closing out our night with her song "Superwoman". Let's do this Linda! She said there would be some surprise singers joining her which is exciting as long as Jessica Simpson isn't a part of it.

YES! Queen Latifah - they forgot to turn her mic on but she is still bringing back the U-N-I-T-Y! Kathleen Battle is opera singing her way onto the stage and bringing the house down!

Nicely done ladies. Time for this girl to go nigh nigh and have dreams of David Hasselhoff singing "More Than a Feelin'".

The winner is...Daughtry. Sure, why not? Motley Crue presented the award and Mick Mars doesn't seem to be holding up too well. The rest of them looked like they walked out with the Grim Reaper.

Kanye West and Beyonce got some kind of magic camera filter treatment that the other performers didn't. I am a fan of Kanye's rap/sing technique, it's his blogging that needs a little work.

Sarah McLachlan and Pink duet - yesplease! I was one of the thousands of women who flocked to the Lilith Fair concerts for the three years they were in existence and she sounds just as incredible. I'm so happy I can hear her doing something other than those sad animal rescue commercials. They get me every time.

When I'm downloading some of Pink's music tomorrow I think I'll have to add Natasha Bedingfield to the list as well. Not everyone can rock a bright red lipstick but she does it.

Rihanna is on and she's dressed kind of like a pirate out of Mad Max and the Thunderdome. I like the pirate bling better than her aforementioned video with JT for "Rehab". One of these days I'm going to need to do a giant post about my love for Rihanna, tonight just can't be the night.

Justin Timberlake is IN THE BUILDING. Where was he for the "Single Ladies" performance? I feel gypped now that I know he was just a spectator. He has the honor of presenting a special award to Annie Lennox (or Lenn-OX as Taylor Swift pronounced it). I have to assume the only way to get such an amazing performer to come to a show dominated by the Disney Channel is to give her this award.

I hope all those children are taking notes in the audience because Annie Lennox is the real deal. Her rendition of "Why" for the show is filled with the kind of passion the Jonas Brothers would probably have to take their purity rings off for.

The award goes to Alicia Keys. Again with the purse on stage.

Demi Lovato gets to introduce the Jonas Brothers to the stage and she is as cute as a button. The Jonas Brothers...I only have to wait about ten years before their E! True Hollywood Story comes out and I can't wait!

The Pussycat Dolls need to give it up already. It's Nicole Scherzinger's world the rest just live in it. It's painfully obvious the other dolls aren't even singing. Who needs to sing when you can ride a stripper pole? I think those were the same polls the Girlicious girls slid down. Scherzinger is no Mimi ans she certainly isn't a Beyonce - I'd suggest retiring the long-held high note.

Kate Walsh just introduced the snore-inducing band The Fray. Seriously, Beyonce better take over the show soon and bump it around with that bootylicious butt of hers. Maybe it was just the cut of the dress but Kate Walsh kind of looked preggers. Oddly enough she also seemed as though she may be under-the-influence of something stronger than a delicious Shirley Temple.

Favorite Male Rap/Hip-Hop act is announced by Jordin Sparks and Enrique Iglesias. Kanye West is recycling the speech he gave at another awards show recently when he won. Something about not deserving it this year and giving it to Lil Wayne. I'm sure Lil appreciates it, but cut the crap.

The T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist of the Year award goes to the Jonas Brothers and the stage hand lady who was caught on the camera in the background.

FINALLY BEYONCE! The song is TIGHT and the Justin Timberlake SNL skit is fresh in my mind. I wish JT was actually performing tonight. Nicely done but I could do without the constant up-the-crotch camera shots. AMAZING shot of Queen Latifah dancing and smiling. Jay-Z is a lucky lucky man, at least at performance time.

I'd like to put a request in to Barack Obama to declare a Mariah Carey federal holiday. That lady can sing. Oh wait, I take that back - she's letting the wind machine effect her singing and her lame attempt at doing something with her boy-husband Nick Cannon was a FAIL.

I need some dancers with my Mimi performance otherwise my dogs aren't happy. And when my dogs aren't happy, I'm not happy either. We all want an upbeat danceable Mariah song.

Favorite Country Female Artist Award goes to...

Taylor Swift! Aw, hon, easy there with the hooker heels! Congrats - I like her simply because she likes Sarah Silverman.

Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist goes to...*crossing fingers for Rihanna*...

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! Haha she just made Chris Brown hold her purse. Love her long time.

Not too long ago Chris Brown knocked my sox off with his dancing and singing routine but right now my boy-crush is Ne-Yo.

Favorite Hip-Hop or Rap Album goes to...Ew, they had Nickelback host that? Do people like Nickelback?

Kanye won, surprise surprise. Where's that inner filter that tells you when you should just say thank you and walk away?

Leona Lewis sounds good live but I have to say, as the years have gone on, the amount of nasally voices has gone up. It's like whenever anyone has to sing a high note they automatically go nasal.

Wow, I might still be drunk from last night because I am forcing myself to watch this David Hasselhoff cover of "Hooked on a Feeling". I don't understand the concept for this video - there seems to be a mix of African dance and Alaskan glaciers mixed with some flying nun. This is for sure making it into my "Best of the Worst Music Videos" playlist!

Today's song of the day comes from a band out of Ann Arbor, Michigan called My Dear Disco. Regardless of the name they're more electro-trance with subtle hints of disco.

Download White Lies here. (mp3)

Full press release below:

With music featuring electrified Irish Bagpipes, and a line-up including a two-time International Acoustic Music Award winning composer, a three-time Ireland’s World Champion instrumentalist, a first place Michigan Idol winning singer, and two first place M-Block Records “New Music on the Block” winning recording artists, My Dear Disco’s live show has been hailed as “…one of the must see acts in Detroit and Ann Arbor.” (The Detroit Fashion Pages).

Coming off of a fully-stocked summer schedule -- including BlissFest, Hoxeyville, Dunegrass, Feel Good Festival, The Jazz Aspen Snow Mass, and Nelson Ledges, alongside artists such as Lotus, Moe, Buckethead, and Bela Fleck -- My Dear Disco is in full-flight, following their “Dancethink Music,” wherever it takes them.

My Dear Disco Live:

11/22 Geneva, NY @ Sigma Phi Epsilon

12/04 Buffalo, NY @ Nietzsche's

12/05 Ithaca, NY @ Castaways

12/07 Somerville, MA @ Johnny D's

12/09 Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live

12/10 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge

12/13 South Haven, MI @ Foundry Hall

12/19 Chicago, IL @ Martyrs'

12/26 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe

12/27 Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrews Hall

12/31 Traverse City, MI @ City Opera House

Quotes From The Press:

“...one of the new ‘it’ bands of Ann Arbor.” – Real Detroit Weekly

“One of Ann Arbor’s hottest bands brings its own signature brand of dance-rock... for yet another night of sweat-soaked, techno-meets-funk, party-all-night grooves that would make even ABBA blush. Seven wild folks on a mission to make Donna Summer proud, oh dear - Disco is back.” – Toledo City Paper

“It’s like sitting next to an electrical storm.” – The Current

“...traversing musical territory thus far unexplored” – The Michigan Daily

“With shreds of Devo, Gloria Gaynor, The Cranberries, and Men At Work, My Dear Disco’s compositions aren’t just for the dance floor. But if you’re looking for exuberant house in the mold of Roger Sanchez, they have you covered.” – The Lansing State Journal

“Brains and Booty.” – The Ann Arbor News

Artist: My Dear Disco

Title: Dancethink LP

Label: Dancethink Records

Release Date: January 13th, 2009

You know, you can find lots of great stuff on the internet. Of course there's a lot of crud to sift through but sometimes you stumble upon something that almost makes those countless hours you've wasted in your life worth it. Today I found the following video (below) for a band called Wild Beasts and it was like a light shone down on me from above and got me off the ledge.

At first glance the video actually made me feel a little crazy. All of that picture in picture in a picture stuff hurts the brain - good thing I'm not hungover today otherwise it would've created a scene. Luckily I was able to appreciate the visuals (known as the "Droste Effect" based on, as I'm sure you'll guess, an Escher work). To top it all off, the song is hella good so let's just keep on dancin'.

You've heard it here - the band has a sound that crosses barriers. Feminine and gruff. Danceable balladry. Overall yum. Check out their Myspace page and listen to some of the other goods. You will find a cross between Elbow, Elvis Costello, Scissor Sisters and the Darkness.

Chicago trio Caw! Caw! isn't revolutionizing rock music but they do a great job with the familiar sound they bring. The band's new EP, "Wait Outside" is deceptively catchy. I've found myself humming parts of their song, "Organisms" throughout the week without having listened to it for at least a few days. I'd call it a mix between Cold War Kids and Vampire Weekend.

If you're in the neighborhood, check the boys out here:
11/19 Austin, TX @ Beauty Bar

12/12 Iowa City, IA @ The Mill

12/13 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Fugue

Download here:
Caw! Caw!:Rotten Ghost(mp3)
Organisms(mp3)

While I suppose I can't argue with Aretha Franklin taking the number one spot atop Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list there are more than a few "singers" listed that blow my mind. Putting Elvis in at number 3 and John Lennon at number 5 is tragic. Don't get me wrong - they were both incredibly talented musicians and performers, but top 5-worthy singers?

The panel of 179 "experts" did the ranking and the only thing weirder than the arbitrary number of people in their panel is the fact that Bob Dylan was listed as the number 7 greatest singer of all time.

There is no way on earth that there is only one woman in the top ten regardless of whether or not she is placed in the number one spot. Where is Mariah Carey? Whitney Houston? Janice Joplin? Rufus Wainwright (not a woman - but where is he)? Hell, where is Kelly Clarkson?

Obviously the Rolling Stone definition of "singer" is vastly different than my own. Jonathan Lethem's accompanying RS article, "What Makes a Great Singer?", baffles the mind. He says, "Contrary to anything you've heard, the ability to actually carry a tune is in no regard a disability in becoming a rock & roll singer, only a mild disadvantage." Wait, what? Contrary to what I've heard? Was I busy huffing glue when the world decided Lou Reed's voice is like the sound of angel wings fluttering? The man sounds like he's been gargling lava for forty years. There is a time and place for that kind of gruff story-telling. When I think of the greatest singers of all time I think of voices that make my tummy go in knots; the ones that can tell a story even without intelligent lyrics to take you to a space outside of your immediate world.

Putting together my own list of 100 or even 10 of the greatest singers of all time is something I wouldn't want to task myself with. Still, I'd be interested in hearing what some of your picks would be (in no particular order).

The only thing that will get me through the countdown to tonight's election might be listening to this guy singing Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body". It is so deliciously terrible (particularly towards the end) that my spirits have been lifted to the point where I won't mind standing in the terribly long voting line. Enjoy.