From Soundgenerator:
Reports this week are talking up a 'devastated' Michael Jackson, after the pop superstar's invitation to Prince for a joint tour was turned down flatly.
"There would be so much hype surrounding (his) first gig, it would end up turning into the Michael Jackson show. Prince had his own plans. He is a legend in his own right. He doesn't need to be supported by anyone."
Read the rest of the article here.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Eminem Recording For New Album
From The Star Online:Eminem is in the midst of recording a new album, after allegedly considering retirement last year.
"He's got a new album coming. He's not gonna tell people that, but he's making new music,” fellow rapper 50 Cent said. "I've heard a few songs, and it's hot. He won't tell nobody he's working on a new album, but I'll tell you: he's working on new music."
Friday, May 25, 2007
Dr. Martens Apologizes for Cobain Ad
The company has apologised to Kurt's widow Courtney Love - who was outraged by the image of Kurt wearing black Dr. Martens boots, draped in an angelic robe and sitting on a cloud - and admitted they made a "mistake".Read the rest of the article here.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Listen To New Velvet Revolver Here!
First single from Velvet Revolver's forthcoming Libertad is available for your streaming pleasure. Enjoy 'She Builds Quick Machines' below.
Velvet Revolver - 'She Builds Quick Machines'
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
RollingStone.com Compiles List of Best Road Trip Songs
'Tis springtime, and though gas prices are continually rising across the country (driving many a pocketbook to ruin) there is no better part the of year to take hold of the wheel and steer into uncharted territory.Yes, the all-famous road trip, an American staple, finds its travelers most at home on the black tar of the superhighways and backroads that connect the coasts.
And in the spirit of gas-guzzling tradition, RollingStone.com has recently collected a list of the 25 Best Road Trip Songs Ever.
The list features several classic choices. Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" tells of lonesome highways, while The Eagles' "Take it Easy" advises the listener, "Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive ya crazy."
Check out the full list to argue which great songs you feel got left out of the mix. Judging by their selections, most of the songs were chosen based on song titles and lyrics related to road travel.
So, by that account, I hereby nominate The Cars' "Drive" as an ultimate night-driving anthem.
Also, how about "Take the long way home" by Supertramp, or "Highwayman" by the Highwaymen?? If you're feeling particularly angsty, why not tune in to some "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" by the Deftones, or "Bad Habit" by the Offspring?
Below, I've included audio for another personal nomination; Sniff and the Tears' 1978 hit, "Driver's Seat."
The list could go on and on... proving that life in the fastlane is an important topic to the artists who spend most of their days riding on tour buses.
Sniff & the Tears - 'Driver's Seat'
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Envy Corps - 'Rhinemaidens'
The Envy Corps hail from Ames, Iowa and recently opened up for The Killers during their Val Air Show last week. The band definitely channels the same indie vibe that put Modest Mouse on the map, and they were recently signed to Mercury Records imprint Vertigo.
Check out the video to their single 'Rhinemaidens' below:
Check out the video to their single 'Rhinemaidens' below:
Friday, May 18, 2007
Steve's Concert Review: The Killers @ The Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines, Iowa
*This review is dedicated to number one Lonely Note fan, Rockinjock, whose generousity made my attendance of this show possible.
It's easy to see why Brandon Flowers has made his enemies. Whether it's his slew of criticisms of other bands or his aloof mannerisms, Flowers has a track record of exuding a certain degree of elitism. And such haughtiness was on display last Monday night when The Killers came to a sold-out Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. Between donning the typical formal wear and the contrived prancing on stage, the reputation that had preceded the lead singer was quite evident.
But that's showmanship.
After all, The Killers are a synth-rock band who hail from the City of Sin. It is only fitting that a group arising out of that musical context would be expected to perform with spunk and overconfidence. The ladies loved it: whether getting groovy on the ballroom floor or screaming sweet nothings at the stage while straddling the shoulders of their boyfriends of reality.
The band began the first half of their set by exhausting a good portion of the singles off latest album Sam's Town. Under normal conditions, such a choice may have seemed ill conceived, but considering the venue's air temperature was well over 100 degrees, it served as subtle gratitude for the fans' dedication at putting up with the preceeding hour and a half's worth of heat. (Nobody wants to put up with deep-track filler after spending 90 minutes melting away). 'When You Were Young' was belted with almost studio-like precision and 'Read My Mind' was performed with brilliant passion. Local Iowa native Dave Keuning strummed the axe with a stunning presence reminiscent of a 70s stadium rocker and drummer Ronnie Vannucci slammed the skins with an eruption of energy Every. Single. Time.
After taking a 15 minute intermission to cool off, The Killers returned with a renewed stage presence, digging into tracks from debut long player Hot Fuss. 'Mr. Brightside' was met with intense celebration from the crowd, while the defining line from 'All These Things That I've Done:'---"I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier"--held unspoken significance given America's current geopolitical situation. 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine' retained its dramatic kick. 'Smile Like You Mean It' evoked its signature feelings of emptiness. All in all, the defining qualities that made Hot Fuss a modern classic were effectively brought to the final half of the show.
With a true encore, the band turned the amps up to 11, performing 'When You Were Young' once again, but with more fervor than they had only two hours previously. By this time, having perspired into one lukewarm mass, everybody in the crowd was singing their heart out in unison with Flowers, desperately holding on to every last moment before the show inevitably came to an end:
"We’re burning down the highway skyline on the back of a hurricane that started turning when you were young."
The Killers were in great form on Monday, May 14th, 2007. An Iowa native was welcomed home, and this fan went back to the ranch singing every song.
Now that's showmanship.
The Killers - 'Read My Mind'
The Killers - 'When You Were Young'
It's easy to see why Brandon Flowers has made his enemies. Whether it's his slew of criticisms of other bands or his aloof mannerisms, Flowers has a track record of exuding a certain degree of elitism. And such haughtiness was on display last Monday night when The Killers came to a sold-out Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. Between donning the typical formal wear and the contrived prancing on stage, the reputation that had preceded the lead singer was quite evident.
But that's showmanship.
After all, The Killers are a synth-rock band who hail from the City of Sin. It is only fitting that a group arising out of that musical context would be expected to perform with spunk and overconfidence. The ladies loved it: whether getting groovy on the ballroom floor or screaming sweet nothings at the stage while straddling the shoulders of their boyfriends of reality.
The band began the first half of their set by exhausting a good portion of the singles off latest album Sam's Town. Under normal conditions, such a choice may have seemed ill conceived, but considering the venue's air temperature was well over 100 degrees, it served as subtle gratitude for the fans' dedication at putting up with the preceeding hour and a half's worth of heat. (Nobody wants to put up with deep-track filler after spending 90 minutes melting away). 'When You Were Young' was belted with almost studio-like precision and 'Read My Mind' was performed with brilliant passion. Local Iowa native Dave Keuning strummed the axe with a stunning presence reminiscent of a 70s stadium rocker and drummer Ronnie Vannucci slammed the skins with an eruption of energy Every. Single. Time.
After taking a 15 minute intermission to cool off, The Killers returned with a renewed stage presence, digging into tracks from debut long player Hot Fuss. 'Mr. Brightside' was met with intense celebration from the crowd, while the defining line from 'All These Things That I've Done:'---"I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier"--held unspoken significance given America's current geopolitical situation. 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine' retained its dramatic kick. 'Smile Like You Mean It' evoked its signature feelings of emptiness. All in all, the defining qualities that made Hot Fuss a modern classic were effectively brought to the final half of the show.
With a true encore, the band turned the amps up to 11, performing 'When You Were Young' once again, but with more fervor than they had only two hours previously. By this time, having perspired into one lukewarm mass, everybody in the crowd was singing their heart out in unison with Flowers, desperately holding on to every last moment before the show inevitably came to an end:
"We’re burning down the highway skyline on the back of a hurricane that started turning when you were young."
The Killers were in great form on Monday, May 14th, 2007. An Iowa native was welcomed home, and this fan went back to the ranch singing every song.
Now that's showmanship.
The Killers - 'Read My Mind'
The Killers - 'When You Were Young'
Thursday, May 17, 2007
White Stripes - 'Icky Thump'
Well, Americans:
What, nothin' better to do?
Why don't you kick yourself out?
You're an immigrant too.
Who's usin' who?
What should we do?
Well you can't be a pimp
And a prostitute too.
Jack White continues to impress with The White Stripes' latest single and title track 'Icky Thump.' Featuring dramatic tempo changes, acerbic lyrics, and a healthy dose of instrumental experimentation (enough to make Zappa proud), White and his companion trade their signature minimalist sound for a dazzling foray into prog rock.
The unconventional song structure may sound foreign, at first, on the FM radio dial, but the contagious drone of its dynamic rhythm injects just enough momentum for me to proclaim the track a strong candidate for best rock song of the summer.
White Stripes - 'Icky Thump'
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
'American Idol' Finale Soon Approaches; Keep the Beatbox Alive Blake!
In a solid bid to make it to next week's finale, Blake Lewis performed three hot numbers on tonight's 'American Idol.' With Paula and the producers choosing his first two songs, the performance I was most impressed with was the track Blake picked for himself: Robin Thicke's 'When I Get You Alone.'Yes, Robin Thicke is indeed the son of esteemed Canadian and favorite sitcom dad, Alan Thicke, the much-loved patriarch on 'Growing Pains.' And while Robin has since shortened his long-haired image of last summer, the video for 'When I Get You Alone' provides a great first-look at a rising star.
Tune into the video below:
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The Artistic Value of Pete Doherty's Blood
From NME:Pete Doherty is to stage an exhibition of his artworks - painted in his own blood.
The Babyshambles singer will exhibit the 'Bloodworks' collection at London's Bankrobber Gallery for a month from May 15.
The show will feature 14 original paintings and prints that Doherty created using pen, pencil, and his own blood, according to The Observer.
The Babyshambles singer will exhibit the 'Bloodworks' collection at London's Bankrobber Gallery for a month from May 15.
The show will feature 14 original paintings and prints that Doherty created using pen, pencil, and his own blood, according to The Observer.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Justin Timberlake Talks About New Music Direction
"I want to write country music, because I grew up in Tennessee..."
Read the rest of the Soundgenerator article here.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Sharpton Leads March for "Decency" in Music
From Reuters:Black activist Al Sharpton led a march against racist and sexist language in music on Thursday, targeting the big record companies three weeks after he pushed for the firing of radio host Don Imus because of an on-air racial slur.
A crowd estimated at about 400 turned out for the midtown Manhattan march past Universal Music Group and other record company buildings, shouting phrases such as "Decency Now" and "Enough is Enough."
A crowd estimated at about 400 turned out for the midtown Manhattan march past Universal Music Group and other record company buildings, shouting phrases such as "Decency Now" and "Enough is Enough."
Read the rest of the article here.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Maroon 5 - 'Makes Me Wonder'
Hey! Is that the bass line from 'You Dropped a Bomb On Me' by The Gap Band? No, but the beginning of the song sure sounds like it. Only recently dropping their new single, entitled 'Makes Me Wonder,' Maroon 5 wields the seventies flavored funk that made their debut Songs About Jane such a sensation only a few years ago.Singer Adam Levine, in this particular song at least, sounds less like Stevie than he has in previous tracks, and leans more toward the verbal flava of Jamiroquai's J.K. With the band's jazzy meter as the back beat, combined with a contagious chorus, 'Makes Me Wonder' surely provides 2007 with a great summer dance song.
Stream 'Makes Me Wonder' below:
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