After teaser upon teaser here it finally is! MADONNA's video for CELEBRATION has just premiered! I miss the days when Madonna used to have videos on a SET instead of 99% of the video being filmed in front of a screen.
Do you love it or hate it? (I know one thing I hate is those sunglasses LOL) Not sure what I make of all the grabbing her vadge and floor humping LOL. I love Lourdes in it though! that girl has the moves!
EDIT
I have now downloaded the high quality version on iTunes. Get yours free now! Considering she's on tour this is a pretty decent video and I guess having Jesus around would make anyone dry hump anything! LOL
LOL you goMADONNA!! Here is the latest preview of the CELEBRATION video showing Madonna undressing her boyfriend Jesus and making out with him. Wow, a shirtless Jesus? suddenly this video got better!
Check the other new teaser for some funky dancing by M!
The video premieres tomorrow and Itunes is offering it for free download for two days starting tomorrow so get in quick!!
Well sorry to blow my own horn but I think this is a quality flashback! Somehow I managed to hear this very faintly in RITE AID this weekend, so random! I then proceeded to hear it out at a club so I think its a sign I needed to post this awesome track, PUSH THE FEELING by THE NIGHTCRAWLERS.
If anyone has ANY idea what this guy says please clue me in, for over 15 years I've just been mumbling along with random grunts any time it comes on!
I am eagerly awaiting the new NATALIE IMBRUGLIA album COME TO LIFE being released on October 5th. While we wait her is an interesting interview from NME in which she discusses working with Chris Martin from Coldplay on the album.
Those of you who can't wait to hear what the album sounds like can watch some videos of Natalie performing some of the tracks (Scars, Lukas, Fun, My God) live in London here. I will leave you with WANT again cause I just can't get enough!
Earlier this week I went to the AMANDA BLANKperformance at Urban Outfitters (Kind of random eh? but it worked well) and she was amazing she blew up the 'stage' with an amazing performance. I love her creative lyrics, delivery and energy, I definatley think she is someone to watch out for in the coming year. She was joined by SPANKROCK for a couple of numbers who also rocked my world!
Unbelievably this is my first post about Amanda, so here is one of my favorite cuts MIGHT LIKE YOU BETTER... if we slept together (genius lyric!) from the stellar album 'I Love You' which is out now!
As you may have heard in our interview with Nathan from Gossip, Matt mentioned that we have been loving the SIMIAN MOBILE DISCOtrack CRUEL INTENTIONS that features Gossip's BETH DITTO on vocals. I'm just love in love with her voice! So rather being a total tease, mentioning but not sharing, here is the track for you to enjoy also!
Isn't this shot of JULIETTE LEWIS doing her best MIKE JAGGER just amazing?! This shot is one of several impersonations that Juliette did for a photoshoot with Blackbook Magazine alongside a great interview!
In other JULIETTE AND THE NEW ROMANTIQUES news, the band will be doing their own headlining tour once they finish on the road with The Pretenders and Cat Power. Their debut album Terra Incognita comes out on Tuesday and you can get it at a bunch or retailers including Amazon and Itunes!
Juliette HEADLINING US & CANADA dates
Sep 11 2009 8:00P The Opera House Toronto, Ontario Sep 15 2009 8:00P Il Motore Montreal, Quebec Sep 17 2009 8:00P Middle East Downstairs Boston, Massachusetts Sep 18 2009 8:00P Iron Horse Northhampton, Massachusetts Sep 19 2009 8:00P The Fillmore Ney York @ Irving Palaza Ney York, New York Sep 21 2009 8:00P The Note Westchester, Pennsylvania Sep 22 2009 8:00P The Rock n Roll Hotel Washington DC, Washington DC Sep 24 2009 8:00P The Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia Sep 25 2009 8:00P Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, Florida Sep 26 2009 8:00P The Social Orlando, Florida Sep 27 2009 8:00P The Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, Florida Oct 2 2009 8:00P The Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois Oct 3 2009 8:00P Station 4 Minneapolis, Minnesota Oct 4 2009 8:00P High Noon Saloon Madison, Wisconsin Oct 13 2009 8:00P
Today would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday. It's still difficult to believe that he is gone, but his music lives on forever! Earlier today a birthday party was hosted by Spike Lee in Prospect Park Brooklyn. Check Brooklyn Vegan if you are in NYC for lots of other MJ stuff happening tonight!
Check out the new video for the BASEMENT JAXX new single FEELINGS GONE featuring SAM SPARRO. It's a fun little video and for some reason my first thought was Button Moon, random I know, but if nothing else it reminded you of a classic British 80's TV program!
Just came across the EMPIRE OF THE SUN track WALKING ON A DREAM covered by KATE MILLER-HEIDKE. I do prefer the original, but this cover is a whole new interpretation of the track that makes the song a little deeper and maybe even a little darker. I do enjoy this version as well, what do you all think?
Just an underrated MADONNA track from years ago.... Here MADONNA cover's the MARVIN GAYE track I WANT YOU. I always loved the original version with Massive Attack and this is a pretty great remix. Hope you enjoy this flashback in time and appreciate this track all over again. Also check out the video below!
Loving this stomping new remix of NO-ONE SLEEPS WHEN I'M AWAKE byTHE SOUNDS done by the Chicago duoLA DOLCE VITA who are behind remixes for Passion Pit, The Faint, and Shiny Toy Gun!
The Sounds are also hitting the road this fall! I'm so excited to check out a show!
North America - with Foxy Shazam 09/11 - Quebec City, QC @ Ilot Fleurie Park 09/12 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis 09/13 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Theatre 09/14 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Small's * 09/16 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues 09/17 - New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom 09/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts 09/20 - Baltimore, MD @ The Rams Head 09/21 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club 09/22 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva 09/23 - Lexington, KY @ Buster's * 09/25 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues 09/26 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse 09/27 - Ashville, NC @ Orange Peel 09/30 - Tampa, FL @ Ritz 09/30 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution 10/02 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues 10/05 - New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks 10/07 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues 10/09 - Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa 10/10 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit 10/11 - Dallas, TX @ HOB 10/12 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom 10/14 - El Paso, TX @ Club 101 10/15 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre * 10/16 - Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee 10/20 - Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theatre 10/21 - Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre 10/23 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 10/24 - San Francisco, CA @ Warfield 10/26 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ball 10/27 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox 10/28 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre 10/30 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue 10/31 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater 11/02 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues * 11/03 - Cincinnati, OH @ Madison Theatre * 11/05 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave 11/06 - Madison, WI @ TBA 11/07 - Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
As you know we're currently enjoying PHONAT the brilliant Italian producer! We thought sharing these hot mixes of SET ME FREE with you was long overdue! I'm particularly liking the Louis La Rouche remix! I eagerly await the new album due next month!
Another teaser video from MADONNA for CELEBRATION, and who does it feature but JESUS LUZ. I guess he is firmly in the camp! Love PAUL OAKENFOLD's dancing here LOL
In other M news the DVD tracklist has been revealed! I'm appalled by the fact that BAD GIRL and OH FATHER are missing! Those are two of her best videos in my opinion. They are however available on the Immaculate Collection DVD and all in all this is not a bad list! It is said that JUSTIFY MY LOVE will feature unseen footage, can't wait!
Madonna Celebration DVD Track Listing: 1) Burning Up 2) Lucky Star 3) Borderline 4) Like A Virgin 5) Material Girl 6) Crazy For You 7) Into The Groove 8) Live To Tell 9) Papa Don’t Preach 10) True Blue 11) Open Your Heart 12) La Isla Bonita 13) Who’s That Girl 14) Like A Prayer 15) Express Yourself 16) Cherish 17) Vogue 18) Justify My Love 19) Erotica 20) Deeper and Deeper 21) Rain 22) I’ll Remember 23) Secret 24) Take A Bow 25) Bedtime Story 26) Human Nature 27) I Want You 28) You’ll See 29) Frozen 30) Ray Of Light 31) The Power Of Good-Bye 32) Beautiful Stranger 33) American Pie 34) Music 35) Don’t Tell Me 36) What It Feels Like For A Girl 37) Die Another Day 38) Hollywood 39) Love Profusion 40) Hung Up 41) Sorry 42) Get Together 43) Jump 44) 4 Minutes 45) Give It 2 Me 46) Miles Away 47) Celebration
Camille and I had a short chat with Nathan, guitarist for the Gossip this afternoon about their upcoming tour and new album Music for Men. Check out what he had to say...
(The Gossip) are often described as a 'post-punk' band, if you had to be in any classic punk band back in the day, who would you be in and why?
I would totally be the bassist of Joy Division because they are so good.
You are preparing to hit the road, what can we expect to see from the show?
Hopefully it will be energetic and sweaty!
You've played the U.S. in the past, do you enjoy it? Is it any different to U.K audiences?
I'm excited to play the U.S. We haven't played the U.S. in a while, the audiences (in the UK) are bigger but in America there are people who have been coming to see us play for years. We started touring in 2000 and the same people from those shows are still coming to see us. It's kinda cool.
Tell us about the new album Music for Men, you worked with Rick Rubin, what was that experience like?
It was great, he was really amazing. He's super metaphysical, a new age producer. He only works with bands he likes so he goes in knowing he'll like it already. He helps us put some of the puzzle pieces together.
How does Music for Mendiffer from your previous albums?
Our first record was recorded in two days, Standing in the Way of Control in ten days and this record took two and a half months. Usually I just play guitar on the albums but on this one I played guitar, bass, piano and synth - there's a lot more going on.
Did that make a difference in the sound of this record?
I think so, our other records were sort of lo-fi garage records and this ones a pretty hi-fi record with some dance-y stuff on it that we were in the mood to do. I think it definitely changes the mood but it still feels like us.
How does the process work in the studio together?
On the last record we didn't have a lot of time, so a lot of improv happens. We are pretty democratic as a band - the drummer makes up the drums and I make up the guitar/bass and Beth does the vocals/melodies.
We are really loving Cruel Intentions by Simian Mobile Disco, how did that come about?
Oh yeah that's a great track. I think they just asked her, she said yes and made up a part.
Are there any other side projects from members of the band that we can look forward to?
Not really right now, we are all a little too busy with Gossip.
I wanted to ask you about the Fred Falke remix of Heavy Cross, do you have any other plans for remixes off any other tracks on the album?
I always curate our remixes, there is a lot of great indie dance stuff out there. I want to work with Aeroplane, Trevor Jackson - they are great. I think DFA are going to do a remix for us. Burns, who is really great did one for us as well.
Where do you see the Gossip going in the next few years?
Hopefully in a direction that nobody expects. We probably will be doing everything from french house to country music. It will be all over the place.
Who are your current favorite artists/influences?
The band MEN is cool, we are taking them on tour this year. The XX are great right now as well.
Wanted to take some time to remember an outstanding artist that left us way too soon... AALIYAH. It was eight years ago today that Aaliyah left us, but left behind a treasure of music, video and film. Today we would like to honor you for all you have given us and cherish your memory.
ZOOT WOMAN is a British alternative pop band comprised of Johnny Blake, Adam Blake, Stuart Price and Jasmin O’Meara. They back on the scene with a brand new album THINGS ARE WHAT THEY USED TO BE just released this week! As I've mentioned before its brilliant and you definitely need it in your life! Check my review! ( You can grab the album at Amazon, Itunes or Zootwoman.com)
The band is busy on the road in Europe but Johnny took some time to answer a couple questions for us... check it out!
How was Zoot Woman formed?
(Johnny Blake) "Adam and Stuart formed Zoot Woman in the 90's, and I joined them later. We started working together on a few songs, one of which was 'It's Automatic', and then we had our first album, 'Living In A Magazine'."
Tell us about your new record ‘Things Are What They Used To Be”
JB) "This album had been a long time in the making and as it was coming together, a lot of inspiration was coming back. The title seemed to sum up that feeling of doing something new, but also returning to a familiar formula and working relationship. But as far as the music goes, I think we've taken the song writing and song structure to a new place with this record."
How have you all developed as artists since the first record ‘Living in a Magazine’
JB) "I think our individual roles within the band are more defined, and the music has evolved quite naturally. We are less young and naive as both people and musicians, and I think as an artist of any kind, you can't avoid that process. Often, you want to revisit your first experience, but it’s rarely something you can repeat. You develop, and now we're doing new things."
You burst onto the scene when the electroclash movement was just starting but shortly after it declined. How have you managed to survive in the genre, staying true to your sound?
JB) "I think, by doing literally that, "staying true to your sound". We've always tried to do our own thing, and never intended to write for a genre. I guess we've survived it by either luck or having a strong fan base, or both."
The songs on the new album have a lot more thoughtful lyrics than many electro ‘synth pop’ songs how have you managed to work that combination?
JB) "I approach songs as a vocalist, and possibly distance myself from the production side. The lyrics and the production of the songs both begin very isolated from each other, and then later we bring them together."
Zoot Woman is highly regarded for live shows. What is the experience of playing live like?
JB) "I have always enjoyed it. I think firstly, it's all about the songs, but then to take it the performing level is a whole new thing. We've put a lot of emphasis on playing live over the last few years, so the more work we've put into that along with the loyalty we get back from our fans is a great feeling."
I know you have been playing a lot of shows in Europe. Any plans for any U.S dates?
JB) "In the future, certainly."
The band has such a strong look, it seems like you all really enjoy playing around with fashion. Where do you get you the inspiration?
JB) "I've always been inspired by artists like David Bowie and Depeche Mode, and the element of style has always been important in Zoot Woman. You can't have the sound without the look, and when you go to gigs, and you see that done to an extreme, it really hits you in the face in a good way."
What are some of your favorite records of all time?
Steely Dan ‘Aja’. Underworld ‘dubnobasswithmyheadman’. The Kinks ‘Are The Village Green Preservation Society’. Bill Withers ‘Menagerie’. Kraftwerk ‘Computer World’
You guys have done a lot of remix and production work for huge artists like Madonna, Scissor Sisters and Seal. What is the experience of working with another artist like as opposed to working on your own projects as part of Zoot Woman?
It’s always an honour working with other artists, whether it’s remixing or collaborating. What you learn from being in a band can be enhanced by working on your own and with outside artists and vice versa.
Thanks Johnny!
Check out this hot new remix ofLIVE IN MY HEADthat will be included with the release of the MEMORY video on September 19th complete with new remixes ofWE WONT BREAK Live In My Head (Dyebox Remix)
Forget the pricey NYC dance club cover charges, instead try dancing your pants off in the park for free! Yes, Free! Brooklyn's Williamsburg Park is feeding our need for sick beats at the ongoing "Pool Party" concert series for the very reasonable price of nothing.
On Sunday August 23, the master masher himself, GIRL TALK, worked his craft to audience of maximum occupancy. It was a summer party like no other. Beach balls, confetti, giant balloons, even doughnut holes were thrown out to the densely packed and dancing crowd while Girl Talk mashed together the latest hits and classics by artist such as Beyonce, Phoenix, Outkast, Journey, Black Sabbath, and Elton John. Arguably Gregg Gillis aka Girl Talk is one of the most in demand DJ's out now, but don't call him that because he swears he's not a DJ. Once a biomedical engineer now "history of pop collage artist," he brought the party. The party also broke the stage when fans swarmed the scaffolding and put the jams on hold for five minutes... and then the swarming resumed once more. It was a beautifully orchestrated chaos, much like Girl Talk's work.
The openers weren't half bad either with MAX TUNDRA doing his post-modern synth electro sing-song... err.. thing. Think about Tundra as The Dirty Projectors without lush orchestral intricacies but with the somewhat uncomfortable rhythm changes, synthesizers and falsetto singing... all packaged in one 5 foot tall englishman.
WIZ KHALIFA is a treat for hip-hop fans who want something to rock too. Already receiving praise from Rolling Stone and Fuse TV, Kalifha is bringing fresh energy, tight rhymes, and good vibes to the stage, which the crowd noticed. Kalifha was a gracious performer, asking the audience to sing along, making sure they knew the parts and the crowd held up their end eating up his every word. At one point he asked how many people never heard of him before and if they recognized his songs anyway. "Maybe you didn't know that was me, but it's me!," said Khalifa with a modest voice and chuckle. He's quite an endearing artist and when Girl Talk mashes Khalifa's "Say Yea" into his set, you know all the attention is well deserved.
There is one more week for the FREE Williamsburg Pool Party concert series. If you're in the area, check it out. This is the kind of thing that makes summer sooo worth it.
This weekend in England (my lovely homeland ♥) V Festival took place. Here are my favorite performances!
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA killed it with WANT. She's back looking and sounding great I think this song is gonna do so brilliantly! She's less Sophie Ellis Bextor in this live performance!
The crowd got a surprise when AMY WINEHOUSE came out and did a surprise performance withTHE SPECIALS(I need some new Wino material!)
THE NOISETTES got the crowd moving with DON'T UPSET THE RHYTHM (check the interview I did with Shingia here!)
LADY GAGA took it to another level with PAPARAZZI. I enjoy the fact that she really puts on a show with drama and theatrics!
A great unofficial remix of the latest MADONNA single CELEBRATION! This mix is almost a mash-up of Celebration, Holiday and Get Into The Groove! A bit more of a uptempo mix that will get any Madonna fan on the dancefloor ready to shake their ass! What the hell, even a non Madonna fan may strut to the dancefloor for a little boogie! Thanks Saint Ken! Great Work! And don't forget to check out the Saint Ken Mix of the Stay!
Feelin' a little JANET JACKSON at the moment and always feelin' some BLACK CAT. Here is the video for the track that gets you ready to rock & ready to roll! Black Cat is featured on Janet's Rhythm Nation 1814 album, a classic Janet album in music history!
Oh, I do love a good teaser spot! This is another marvelous one forMADONNA's upcoming Greatest Hits package Celebration. The orgasmic moment comes when we see a couple seconds of the video for Celebration!
Why all the fabulous promotion from Warner now? Right as she is out the door LOL
Always amazing! Always a great show! CYNDI LAUPER has had it going on for years and has still got! I have been fortunate enough to see Cyndi live on several occasions and without fail her consistency to treat her fans to a breathtaking performance holds true each and every time!
As one of the most underrated artist out there Cyndi shares her love, personality and dedication to her fans and music. Always a crowd pleaser, Cyndi dazzles her audience with her charms as she runs through not only her songs, but often each venue sharing her outstanding talent!
SETLIST & QUICK THOUGHTS
(As I remember It)
When You Were Mine: Written by Prince and performed by Cyndi, you really cannot go wrong with this one! From the start Cyndi let us know this was going to be a great show! Dare I say A night To Remember....
She Bop: Always loved this song! Super fun Cyndi danced her sidewards sway belting out this 80's dance classic! Rock & Pop and the jaws of the audience dropped!
Goonies "R" Good Enough: I think this was the first time I have seen her perform this song and of course absolutely amazing!
All Through The Night: Cyndi's first slow ballad of the night swooning the crowd with her wide vocal range making each and everyone present fall in love with her all over again!
Carey: Going back to some of her folk music roots Cyndi covered this track originally recored by Joni Mitchell holding the attention of all on every note!
Can't Blame Me: Staying in tune with her old school heritage Cyndi performs a track from the band in which see started getting much of her recognition as an artist in Blue Angel!
Hole In My Heart: The crowd goes wild for this song always! This is from the 1988 movie Vibes and is always a treat! A kick ass song and performance... of course!
Change Of Heart: The vocals on this song are always a WOW moment! Cyndi belts out this classic hit like its nobody's business!
Ballad Of Cleo & Joe: A favorite of mine from the album Sisters of Avalon! Think this was another first timer for me live and Cyndi proved this is not only a great track for the dancefloor but flawless performs it live too! Great!
Fearless/Time After Time: The audience is captivated! The audience and I melt!
Into The Nightlife: One of Cyndi's recent dancefloor phenomenon's... Cyndi comes in the crowd and rocks it out! Oh yeah... two rows in front me! Amazing! (See Video Below)
I Drove All Night: Love this song and another killer performance!
Sing It One More Time Like That: Didn't know this one, but yeah I loved it!
Iko Iko: Wash board strapped to her chest treating us all to a good time! Absolutely love this song... so glad I finally go to see it live :) Thank you Cyndi!
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: The crowd has been out of their seats most of the night and of course goes wild for one Cyndi's biggest hits!
True Colors: This song seems to seems to always be the closer and ends the night perfectly wrapping up a night of classics and hot tracks of an always impressive performance!
Thank you Cyndi for always giving a great show! I highly recommend anyone going to see her when Cyndi comes to your area! A talented artist that holds your attention, has fun and humorous onstage banter with her band and audience, as well you may even get to catch Rosie O'Donnell singing back up and drums! A great show!
Enjoying this duo of DJ's from Germany known as LEXY & K-PAUL. Here is a track from their album ABRAKADABRA that you should also check out in its entirety! This song is titled IF I GAVE YOU MY DIGITS and I must say I find it quite delightful, catchy and slick with a neontastic video too! Yup, Love it!
As we continue to hear new great tracks from WHITNEY HOUSTON, here is a little tidbit of the old! This is the video for Whitney's hit track HOW WILL I KNOW. Here is some interesting info about this song and video. How Will I Know was actually originally written for Janet Jackson and Whitney also feature's Aretha Franklin in the video for this track too... can you find her???
Here is a pretty good mash-up created by DJ DAN MEI of tracks by Freemasons, Michael Jackson and Madonna! It features the music of Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer, and vocals from Dirty Diana and Music! All favorites and all mashed together for quite the great track!
Just a cute little video of CHARO and her pet bull MANOLO which she decided to adopt and love after her video for Espana Cani! We have posted previously about this great song and act of kindness for animals by Charo... Want an update... Check out the video! Manolo has gotten so big!
Perfect for a summer drive and reminiscent of a cross between Calvin Harris and Anoraak, Glastnost hits us with the synth-pop stomper No Survivor. Full album is due early in '10.
You know that I love me some BLONDIE so I was super excited to hear they were playing a FREE show in Coney Island. We headed down there after work on Thursday night to the park that was busting at the seams with people, many of whom were SEATED on lawn chairs. Me sit at a Blondie show? never!!
I'd seen Blondie once before front row in London, and they were amazing then, but I felt their show had gotten better since then, the band was just incredibly! Clem as usually went to town on the drums (fabulous drummer and a real showman to boot) Chris on guitar fabulous as always and so was Paul! (greatly enjoyed their extended playing at the end of songs) and last but not least, Debbie! She sounded truly amazing and you could see she was excited to be playing in her home city, NYC again! She danced around the stage in her trademark, almost awkward looking manner and laughed and joked with the audience who were, as always, enthralled by her.
The setlist was pretty decent I was surprised to see the inclusion of 'Two Times Blue and more so 'Your Too Hot', a couple of Debbie's solo songs from her last album, but they worked well and the crowd loved them (I think I was the only one singing long to the NA NA NA NA parts in 'Your Too Hot' though!) The Tide is High was a highlight for me, loved the slightly different arrangement.'Call Me' was another favorite, as was the extended version of Rapture (I always wonder how she doesn't mess up that rap!) Hearing 'The Hardest Part' for the first time live was amazing!
For an encore they came back to do 'Heart of Glass' which is always a show stealer. As the song became to fade out there was a cool instrumental, and all of a sudden I hear 'Don't Stop Till You Get Enough' being worked in! I flipped out! It was a truly outstanding performance, perhaps the best of the night. I am totally still obsessed with her version days later! That my friends, is how you pay tribute to Michael Jackson!
Blondie and Pat Benatar together was quite the combination. Check the show out if you get the chance! There are a few dates left see here
Happy 51st Birthday to MADONNA! As you know the whole Hard Candy team are big fans! I am constantly amazed at the body of work that she has, and how after 25 + years in the business she is still going strong making music and being actively involved in trying to make the world a better place. We love you M! Thank you for constantly inspiring us!!
Check out the Polish fans wishing M Happy Birthday last night in Poland
All the MADONNA official remixes have now premiered! Here is one by Johnny Vicious but we encourage you to buy the rest on itunes! (Help her out eh?) I think the Benny Benassi one is still my favorite. I still prefer it to the original, love that pounding bassline!
According To Madonna Tribe this is the final Celebration tracklist! I'm actually pretty damn happy with that! What a career, all these songs and they just scratch the surface!
Random Note: I'd love a 'B-sides Rare and Unreleased' album one day!
CD 1: 01) Hung Up 02) Music 03) Vogue 04) 4 Minutes 05) Holiday 06) Like A Virgin 07) Into The Groove 08) Everybody 09) Like A Prayer 10) Ray Of Light 11) Sorry 12) Express Yourself 13) Open Your Heart 14) Borderline 15) Secret 16) Erotica 17) Justify My Love 18) Celebration
CD 2: 01) Dress You Up 02) Material Girl 03) La Isla Bonita 04) Papa Don’t Preach 05) Lucky Star 06) Burning Up 07) Crazy For You 08) Who’s That Girl 09) Frozen 10) Miles Away 11) Take A Bow 12) Beautiful Stranger 13) Hollywood 14) Die Another Day 15) Don’t Tell Me 16) Live To Tell 17) Cherish 18) Revolver
Forgive the back to back MADONNA posts, but it's her birthday weekend and there is plenty of good stuff to share! Check this hot video in HQ of Frozen from the Sticky and Sweet Tour, I wish I could have seen this version live. I'm not usually a huge fan of Frozen but love the funked up track!
Some other cute Madonna videos are her (and 10,000 plus fans) singing Happy Birthday to Rocco and her walking to the stage in Sweden, filmed by Guy O (again, all this backstage footage is very Truth or Dare) and lastly Lola Vogue-ing at the back of the stage at a show, too cute for words... you know they practice at home "Mom I think I've got it!"
Another day, another interview! This time I spoke with TIGA about everything from why he hates his Pet Shop Boys remix, to his love for Soulwax and the classic songs he wishes he'd written himself! Check it out here!
For anyone still wondering, no that is not Madonna featured on Shoes LOL
Oh how I have been enjoying La Roux's track Bulletproof which is stripped of it's bubbly Eurythmics style synths and taken into deep Massive Attack-inspired territory by Nacey. Love the piano and string breakdown in the middle. This time I will be Bulletproof. Still trying to figure out how to get my hair to stick up like that...
The only thing better than Felix Da Housecat paying homage to Prince would be a real collaboration between the two! I will still keep wishing, but in the meantime we've got the album cut and a great remix of Felix's new single We All Wanna Be Prince by theAmplid for ya.
Amateur and professional DJ's alike get excited! There is a remix contest going on right now for this single, and you can download the stems for free here. Don't forget to send us your mix when your finished! Thanks to theAmplid for getting there first! Felix Da Housecat US Tour Dates
08/22: Atlanta, GA @ MJQ * 09/04: San Diego, CA @ Vouyer * 09/05: Los Angeles, CA @ Avalon * 09/06: Las Vegas, NV @ The Palms * 09/10: Boston, MA @ Underbar * 09/12: Brooklyn, NY @ 213 North 8th Street * 09/14: Chicago, IL @ Boom Boom Room * 10/30: Phoeniz, AZ @ Myst 10/31: Los Angeles, CA @ Monster Massive Release Party = *
Tonight some of the Hard Candy crew is off too see BLONDIE and PAT BENATAR in Brooklyn. I'm all prepared wearing my Blondie shirt and listening to their tracks, as you probably know they are one of my favorite bands ever. Here is the awesome video for Good Boys, featuring the Blow Up Mix of the song. Love it!
My love for Peter, Bjorn & John runs deep. Check out this remix of Nothing To Worry About by fellow Canadian's Woodhands.
“…remixing Peter, Bjorn and John was a thrill for us and we wanted to make sure that we didn’t just try to ape what they were doing. The vocal lines are so strong that it was easy to build a dance track around them, and the acoustic piano in the back end was our way of bringing out the sadness in the voice while still keeping the track bouncing. And somehow, even though we sped everything up, our version comes out twice as long. Dance music: go figure.”
They vocoded all over the chorus, aah! Oh wait, there it is!
A lighter version of MGMT, French Horn Rebellion hit the Brooklyn scene withUp All Night. These guys produced MGMT's debut EP, fans will hear the similarities straight off.
Video was filmed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. If you've been even once, you'll recognize exactly where they are. I'm not sure why it makes me a bit uncomfortable. Probably because he's got my sunglasses on!
I'm a little late on this one.. but I think you'll forgive me! The new video for the GOSSIP's new single Love Long Distance has premiered! I'm a little scared by the balloon heads! but love the roller skating theme a la Madonna's Sorry! This is one of my favorite tracks from the new album Music For Men!
In other Gossip news you can win tickets to their U.S. tour that starts in October check here for more info!
Gossip U.S. tour dates
October 7 Washington, DC 9:30 Club October 8 Philadelphia, PA TLA October 9 New York, NY Terminal 5 October 11 Boston, MA Paradise October 15 Detroit, MI Majestic Theater October 16 Chicago, IL Metro October 17 Madison, WO Orpheum October 19 Denver, CO Bluebird October 20 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge October 23 Seattle, WA Showbox October 24 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom October 25 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom October 26 Los Angeles, CA Henry Fonda Theater October 29 Austin, TX Emo’s October 30 Little Rock, AR Vino’s
Who isn'tNervous In New York? This new track from Music For Animals is taking me somewhere back in time, where The Whispers could still Rock Steady and Martin Fry was shooting Poison Arrow's through our hearts. Remixed by wallpaper., I feel instant nostalgia when I hear it.
I recently got the chance to chat with Shingai from the NOISETTES, she told me all about her influences and why she's out there doing her own thing and not biting anyone's style. The Noisettes are currently on tour in the U.S and will soon be heading to Europe, so catch em while you can! Check it out the interview over at PRO MOTION.
This sexy DFA-inspired remix of I Am Not A Robot by Marina and the Diamonds slowly takes me into a more 'chill' mood this evening. Penguin Prison is the remixer...what exactly would 'prison' for penguins be? I suppose Morgan Freeman knows all too much about them after he droned us out in March of the Penguins...but I digress. Now on to the important stuff,
Yesterday afternoon I skipped out of work early and headed down to central park on the hottest day of the year here in NYC. I soaked up the sun for a while, then before I knew it there was movement and a race was on to front row! There was JULIETTE LEWIS in an incredible costume, rocking out from the very first song! She only had thirty minutes (far to short) but she made the best of it singing several new songs including 'Suicide Dive Bombers' and 'Hard Loving Woman' from her new album Terra Incognita. She delighted me with a couple old ones from her Licks days 'Pray For The Band Latoya' and 'Sticky Honey.' I was left dying for a bit of 'Hot Kiss' and 'You're Speaking My Language' though!
Just a couple songs in and Juliette was over the barrier and into the audience! Just as I was deciding whether to give up my spot at the front and run over to where she was, low and behold there she was heading towards me! She charged through the audience grabbed a random guy and danced for a second, headed back the other way and leaped back onto the stage! I loved it all, she has an amazing stage presence and rocks hard, I cannot wait to see more from her! (HellooooNYC show Sept 17th at the Fillmore!)
Next up was CAT POWER. She has a wonderful voice which I greatly enjoy, but after the energy that was Juliette Lewis and knowing the energy that was coming next, I felt her set could have been shorter. In fact I think she should have been on first, we could have sat and lounged then leapt up and started dancing for Juliette followed by the Pretenders!
It seemed to me that Cat was not entirely comfortable being on stage, she had a no photo rule and she tugged at her Tshirt and played around with her pocket incessantly. I found her endearing but I felt she would have been better suited to a lounge type atmosphere.
(Thanks Brooklyn Vegan for this pic)
Then it was time for a quick set change and THE PRETENDERS I swear this band gets better and better, It's just insane! Chrissie tore through classics and new stuff from Break Up The Concrete ( which went down well due to the fact that its quality stuff, people were there for the hits but the new stuff got a great recepetion.
Some of the stand out performances for me were Night In My Veins, during which this wind came out of nowhere and started blowing the stage apart and it threatened to rain, at which point everyone roared with delight due to it still being sooo hot at past 9 because we were dancing up a storm.... The night really was in my veins at that moment! 'I'll Stand By You' which is one of my favorite songs ever was another stand out, as was 'Precious' which I'm not all that familiar with but loved in this live context, 'Mystery Achievement' and my old favorites 'Brass in Pocket' and 'Don't Get Me Wrong.'
Chrissie is still on top form, brilliant guitarist, remarkable voice and some awesome high kicks and she had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand. I was once again amazed at how her voice still sounds the same after all these years. Truly one of the best performers ever.
Pretenders Set List
Break Up the Concrete Message of Love Love's a Mystery Kid/The Nothing Maker/Rosalee My City Was Gone Angel of the Morning Back on the Chain Gang Almost Perfect The Last Ride Don't Get Me Wrong Thumbelina Don't Cut Your Hair Night in My Veins Precious Boots of Chinese Plastic Encore: I'll Stand By You Brass in Pocket Mystery Achievement
Check the HCM YouTube Channel for all the videos and see more pictures on Facebookand become a fan while you're there for more exclusives!
Sheena Beaston alerted us to this new NATALIE IMBRUGLIA track Want this morning What a good start to the morning it was! Finally Natalie Imbruglia has come out with a full on dance track! I think she is channeling her inner Sophie Ellis Bextor, from the photos to her pronunciation of 'Can't aka Con't' on the track (English accent Nats??) anyway I'm loving this much more than the taster song! You go Natalie!
Here is the MICHAEL JACKSON tribute that is performed by MADONNA on her Sticky & Sweet Tour. Found this floating about the web... This is said the be the Studio Version or perhaps someone just created the small mix. Either way it's a great add for those who have the Studio Mixes of this tour! Enjoy :)
While browsing the blogs I discovered this discovery on Electroqueer.com for STEVE APPLETON which has a great interview with the artist! In the interview was a video for his track CITY WON'T SLEEP which I have been finding particularly catchy and enjoyable so now it time to share with you!
City Won't Sleep is set for release August 16th and the full album titled When The Sun Comes Up is set for release on August 31st. ...And don't forget to check out the interview on Electroqueer!
Just a flashback performance from the one and only CYNDI LAUPER who is always a crowd pleaser every time she takes the stage! Here Cyndi is performing her classic track ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT way back when! Cyndi is playing tonight in Red Bank NJ and if her setlist is the same as that in her recent performance in Staten Island NY... I am rather excited! See you soon Cyndi!
I loved this quote from ROISIN MURPHY about LADY GAGA "She has copied my style, she took my shoulder pads and all that. Mind you she doesn't wear the bottom half...... I met her about a year ago before she got really big and I had no clue that this was all going to happen. She wasn't wearing shoulder pads at the time, and I was. Lady Gaga is just a poor imitation of me"
So true! Roisin is fashion, she's offbeat but she does it with class. I don't think you'd catch her looking like an ass in a kermit the frog outfit ;)
JULIETTE LEWIS is not your average actress turned singer.... she's really good! On Monday I'm going to see her live in concert for the first time at Summerstage in NYC. I have heard she puts on a fantastic show so I'm excited!!
In preparation for the show I'm on Juliette overload. Check out Juliette-Lewis.com for some great interviews with her in which she discusses her past relationship with Brad Pitt, her new project Juliette and the New Romantiques, the new album Terra Incognitaand why she had to move on from "Juliette and the Licks" ( sob sob GREAT band!)
Well, well, well... Look who is turning 29 today! Yup, thats right on August 8th 1980 the world was introduced to a place where nobody dared to go... they call it XANADU! This is a kick ass movie that will make you wanna put on your roller-skates and dance till you pass out! If you by any chance have not yet seen this movie (or the play for that matter) make plans to do so today!
From XANADU came some great tracks by Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Richard and Electric Light Orchestra! Tracks include Magic, Xanadu, I'm Alive, Suspended In Time, and Suddenly! Not only does XANADU have great music but terrific dancing too by legend Gene Kelly and animation by Don Bluth! Really... how can you go wrong!
CALVIN HARRIS knows how to make a slick 80's throwback tune. 'Flashback' is no exception and will be the 3rd single from Ready For The Weekend which drops on August 13.
Just when we thought The Asteroids Galaxy Tour had retired their spaceships and laser-beams, they return with a video for The Golden Age...a funky track off their debut album Fruit. Not the strongest or a favorite track off the album for me - still heaps of fun. Remember the retro Bond-esque (what!) Sun Aint Shinin No More?. Love that. Fruit is out in September.
I enjoy myself a nice healthy dose of Robbie Williams from time to time, and who wouldn't with the upcoming disco-strings-dancefloor-Trevor Horn produced single Bodies. A new album will be out November 9, titled Reality Killed The Video Star. An instrumental clip of the track is available on Robbie's blog, along with a nifty 'behind the scenes' clip shot during the filming of Bodies.
Guy Oseary, Madonna's manager is currently on tour with her and has been filming behind the scenes stuff at the shows. You can check out all his stuff on Madonna.com or his YouTube Channel. This video is Madonna performing Give It To Me in Helsinki, if you look in the back you can see Lola in the background doing the steps, soooo cute! That kid is gonna be a star! The other one I like is Madonna in the car after the August 4th show in Estonia, so Truth Or Dare LOL (View that at Madonna.com)
A great song from a great band! TUSK is a hit from way back when in 1979 by the band FLEETWOOD MAC! This song was recorded with some help from the USC Spirit of Troy Marching Band! Tusk was the 1st single released from the Fleetwood Mac album sharing the same name. Enjoy a video of the awesome song and a remix that I randomly found of the track too!
PALOMA FAITH is coming up quickly on the tails of pop diva's all over the world. I've been loving Stone Cold Sober for awhile now, and now the second single from upcoming full length, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful? is rolling in!
Enjoy New York, which has been given a remixed treatment by Tom Middleton.
Just a little DONNA SUMMER for you all and her video for the hit song THIS TIME I KNOW IT'S FOR REAL. This was a huge hit for the star in 1989 and then a huge hit again in Australia by a the girl group from Australia called Young Divas in 2006!
We greatly enjoy THECOCKNBULLKID. She just released her debut EP 'Querelle' this week that fans can pick up in stores or on itunes. To celebrate its release we give the Esser remix of Kiss Kiss Kill and if you missed the fabulous Clean Apart you can grab that here also. DOWNLOAD MP3
Today is Miss GERI HALLIWELL aka Ginger Spice's birthday. She was always one of my favorite Spice Girls, and I actually liked some of her solo singles like this one Mi Chico Latino! Happy Birthday Geri!
I dedicate this to my own personal Chico Latino (Inside joke!) ;)
WHITNEY HOUSTON has answered our prayers of returning to the more up-beat style that we loved so much in the 80's and 90's. Million Dollar Bill is written by Alicia Keys and produced by Swizz Beatz. Sounds like they were playing Stevie Wonder in the studio for inspiration. Loving it, check it out below! MILLION DOLLAR BILL (FULL)
The official single cover (see below) is so lackluster, I much prefer my photoshopped image above.
Much to our delight the DEPECHE MODE team hooked us up with tickets to their first show at NYC's Madison Square Garden. After twenty seven years in the business these groundbreaking artists still have it, putting on a superb show and selling out multiple nights at the Garden. It was packed.
The energy these guys still have is amazing! Dave Gahan twirled around the stage gyrating his hips, at times looking he was dancing to La Isla Bonita rather than Depeche's Synth-pop hits, but it worked! He owned the audience, delighting them with every move, either with or without his trusty mic stand which he spun around with (loved that! very Freddie Mercury) Martin rocked out on multiple guitars, each shiny-er than the last. All of their voices were still incredible; as a result the crowd was pumped the whole way through the show.
In a bold move, they opened with three songs from the new album, Sounds of the Universe instead of starting with some older hits, but the crowd loved it. I thought the show had a good mix of stuff from their new album and older hits such as the classics ‘ Personal Jesus’ and ‘Enjoy The Silence.’ It has to be said that all the sets were also fantastic and really complimented the show. All in all the show was fantastic, even for just a casual fan like myself, who found herself surrounded by die-hards!
SETLIST In Chains Wrong Hole To Feed Walking It’s No Good Question Of Time Precious Fly On The Windscreen Little Soul Home Come Back Policy Of Truth In Your Room I Feel You Enjoy The Silence Never Let Me Down
When I was fifteen, driving with my older 'bro, a hard core metal dude, (I used to hear him plucking away until five in the am from the basement), I first heard Blood Brothers by IRON MAIDEN. Years past and I could never figure out what song it was that had made me happy in those frustrating years. Recently I was listening to the radio, driving with a friend of mine and the song began to play. We both looked at each other and said, 'Blood Brothers'. The night suddenly came to life. Listen to the tune, and tell me it doesn't hit a chord! - Jake
I do enjoy this video retrospective of Madonna's career featuring the Paul Oakenfold remix of Celebration. I'm not sure if it is official but I think its great regardless! I love seeing her entire career put together like this!
Watch a cute video of the making of the Sticky and Sweet concert here
Unfortunately I did not attend the ERYKAH BADU show opened by JANELLE MONAE on Governors Island NYC last night but it looks like quite an amazing night was had! My girl Erykah ALWAYS gives one hell of a show! I would loved to have been there to see this little MJ tribute Off The Wall/I Want You.
If anyone listened to the 24-hr thunderstorm forecast the last day of All Points West could have been an epic fail, but New Yorkers/ New Jersians tend to be stubborn. A little rain, a little mud isn’t keeping them away from the music. Due to the morning storm and already saturated grounds, Liberty State Swamp (errr, I mean Park) opened four hours late and many of the opening bands did not get a chance to perform. I can only imagine the disappointment these bands must have felt and the scene backstage. My heart goes out to the dejected musicians.
However when the clouds broke, the crowd gathered. I arrived at 6 pm, with everyone else in the tri-state area. It didn’t take long for the audiences around the 3 stages to multiply. At the Queen of the Valley Tent, where most of the dance/electro acts performed, I saw LA ROUX. I recently just starting diving into this electronic-pop dance sound. The lead singer has a great voice and the backing band had a slightly coy and contained giddiness to their performance. The audience ate it up and when the front-women asked graciously “It’s been a long day for all of us and you, but if it’s not to much to ask, can you a rave a bit for this one?” Rave they did. I particularly like their song “Quicksand” which sounds like “When Doves Cry” by Prince. If you ever have a Euro-themed dance party – put La Roux on your playlist.
Armed with combat boots this go-around, I b-lined right through the mud and puddles confidently to stake my claim for the BLACK KEYSset at the Bullet Stage as Mogwai finished up. I’ll be honest, I don’t get Mogwai, it seemed like a lot of distorted droning guitar strums and drums, but I won’t knock the mass of fans they drew.
The Black Keys landed a great set time in between sets of Echo and the Bunnymen and Coldplay who were on the Blue Comet Stage. This guitar - drummer duo had a solid majority of the APW attendees’ attention. It was great to see a solid Blues Rock band hold its own among the Indies. They played a balance of new and old material that kept me grooving throughout. Unfortunately, the Bullet Stage encountered some technical difficulties and the mic cut out during the second verse of their big hit “10 AM Automatic.” It didn’t seem to matter since the crowd had the lyrics anyway… That’s rock n’ roll.
After The Black Keys there were a handful of people who opted to move on to see Coldplay headline, but the fans with the glow sticks and face-paint remained for The Management a.k.a. MGMT. I saw them at Bonnaroo (well from my spot I couldn’t actually see, but I definitely heard and danced!) I was a bit disappointed in their sound at Roo but the energy of the crowd made the performance enjoyable. At APW, It was the same. MGMT’s stage presence is a flat-line compared the pulse of the audience. Regardless, they at least played their songs with accuracy, unlike the Arctic Monkeys (sorry, I’m still frustrated by them). They teased the crowd by leaving out “Kids” until the encore, as if the “one more song” chant convinced them. Strangely, the duo sang “Kids” in a Karaoke style. They grabbed the mics, moved a bit on stage and sang the song to a track. Again, the technical difficulties returned when the guitar player came out for his solo, but his guitar was amplified through the speakers as he tuned up. (WOOOPS!) MGMT just laughed it off and took to the edge of the stage to soak up the love from the fans.
Thanks ALL POINTS WEST & HARD CANDY for a great weekend. It was living proof that mud can’t stop the music.
An advance of Things Are What They Used To Be , the third ZOOT WOMAN album landed in my mailbox on my birthday last month and what a brilliant birthday present it was! This album is every bit as fabulous as its predecessors. Although they have been gone five years, this is thankfully still the Zoot Woman we are familiar with.
This album is electro pop with a soul. There are greatly written, thoughtful and passionate songs that you can dance to, a rare combination in music today if you ask me. As is customary with Zoot Woman, there are also a couple of those glorious mellow tracks where Johnny's voice takes on a delightful melancholic tone . My favorite tracks on the album are 'Just A Friend Of Mine,' 'Saturation,' 'More Than Ever' and 'Live In My Head'
Pick up this album when its released on August 21st you'll love it. Also check out the band on tour! :)
Keep your eyes on Hard Candy for an interview with the band coming soon!
Don't you love a good teaser spot? Well it seems WHITNEY HOUSTON does! Here are two for the new album I Look To Youcoming August 31st! God I hope it lives up to the hype, these spots have me excited LOL
Imagine my delight when I logged into twitter this am and saw that Sheena Beaston had posted that NATALIE IMBRUGLIA is back! She will release her new album Come To Life on October 5th in the U.K. The first single Want will be out on September 25th. Here is the video for Wild About It one of the songs from the album to wet our appetites!
Check out the stylish new video for Drummingby one of our favorite new acts FLORENCE & THE MACHINE. It kinda reminds me a little of Feist's 1234. This is one of my favorite tracks from the album. Sidenote: I love her style!
THE RAVEONETTES return to the scene this week with Suicide, a classic lo-fi track with a bit of a more mainstream/pop edge to it. The track will appear on the new LP, In And Out Of Control which is released in the fall. DOWNLOAD MP3 Suicide
Sign up at Vice Records to download new demos from the band!
Woohoo! More newDRAGONETTE! Check out the new video for Gone Too Far featuring vintage footage of John Travolta. It makes me wanna go find a hot cowboy!
This new song is quite the departure from the sound of Galore in my opinion. I'm excited they are a band who takes risks and I can't wait to hear more! We recently interviewed the band so be sure to check it out here!
In other great news the band are hitting the road in North America this fall! They will be joined i Canada by Ruby Jean & the Thoughtful Bees and solo in the U.S. Tickets are on sale now or will be on Friday for all locations.
Canadian Tour Dates: Friday, October 2nd - PETERBOROUGH, ON @ Red Dog Saturday, October 3rd - MONTREAL, PQ @ POP MONTREAL / LE Cabaret Monday, October 5th - HAMILTON, ON @ casbah Tuesday, October 6th - LONDON, ON @ Call the Office Wednesday, October 7th - WATERLOO, ON @ The Starlight Thursday, October 8th - TORONTO, ON @ The Mod Club Monday, October 12th - WINNIPEG, MB @ West End Cultural Centre Wednesday, October 14th - CALGARY, AB @ The Whisky Thursday, October 15th - EDMONTON, AB @ Starlite Saturday, October 17th - VANCOUVER, BC @ Venue Sunday, October 18th - VICTORIA, BC @ Sugar
U.S. Tour dates: Monday, October 19th - SEATTLE, WA @ Vera Project Tuesday, October 20th - PORTLAND, OR @ Doug fir Thursday, October 22nd - SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ Popscene / 330 Friday, October 23rd - LOS ANGELES, CA @ The Echo Saturday, October 24th - COSTA MESA, CA @ Detroit Bar Monday, October 26th - DENVER, CO @ Larimer Lounge Wednesday, October 28th - KANSAS CITY, MO @ Czar Bar Friday, October 30th - SPRINGFIELD, MO @ Outland Saturday, October 31st - CHICAGO, IL @ Sonotheque Wednesday, November 4th - BOSTON, MA @ Great Scott Thursday, November 5th - NEW YORK CITY, NY @ Santos Friday, November 6th - WASHINGTON DC @ DC9
Ah, i've been waiting for the new video release from BAT FOR LASHES. Here it is, the video for Sleep Alone, the single of which is released on September 7th. Congratulations to Natasha for her nomination for the 2009 Mercury Prize.
Our favorite Sheena Beaston has beat us to a remix of the track, by Dave Sitek, of TV On The Radio. Go get it!
U.S. fans can enter to win a chance to see Natasha performing live on Jimmy Fallon, enter here!
Check out this WHITNEY HOUSTON interview she recently gave with Clive Davis about what we can expect from her new record and how she came to work with Alicia Keys and Akon. It's nice to see her speaking with poise like she used to... the Diva has returned!
What can i say! It was nothing less than absolutely amazing. We got there with six people and by the time the opening of Jambi roarer through Liberty State park, it was just two. We didn't bother avoiding the mud from the previous days rain, all geared up with commando boots [which i had to decontaminate and is still sitting in my foyer smelling like a pile of shit]. We trekked those muddy fields, past an amazing electro performance (which I assume was Crystal Castles) and made a bee-line to Tool.
Upon deciding we were too far away from the magic on stage we began to maneuver the crowds. I steed over this huge dude and suddenly, smak! We were thrown from one end to another end of a circle, my first Tool mosh pit! We kept on going in, mud falling all over us...who could ask for more! It was fucking amazing.
What a beautiful flashback this is, even if I do say so myself. Anyone worth their salt remembers the CORONA classic RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT from 1994. This song is guranteed to get a round of high fives in my circle I don't know about yours!
Day two of our concert winner Lindsay's adventures at All Points West....
The sun was shining Saturday over Liberty State Park. The cool dry weather was perfect for a summer concert. It was nothing like the downpours from the day before but the after effects were apparent: MUD MUD MUD.Like a fool that I am I thought. ‘Oh it’s so sunny and dry the grounds should be fine by now’ WRONG! The flip-flops I sported were getting stuck in the soggy grass even before making it through the entrance. By the time I was half way into the festival, I ditched the flops and embraced the mud barefoot.
The mud squished between my toes as I plowed forward to see the WHITE RABBITS. A great indie-rock band whose music, for me, sounds like a soundtrack to a 1920’s haunted mansion. I love the passion they played with, especially when band members would ditch their instrumentation to join the two other drummers in the beat down of their (not one but two!) percussion kits. Intense!
I was greatly disappointed in one of my favorite bands, the ARTIC MONKEYS, who I have been waiting years to see live. Unlike most other bands that performed, the Monkeys seemed uninterested in the beautiful weather, the enormous crowd they played to, and the all-around positive vibes of a festival concert. Maybe they partied a bit too much before hand, but they struggled through the few up-tempo songs they performed. They lost beat completely in the staccato pre-chorus in “View From the Afternoon,” and also opted to play a lot of their mid to slow tempo songs as if it were a chore.
In my opinion, when you’re a band playing to a crowd who’s been out standing in the sun all day and you’re giving a condensed set time - Play to the audience! Give them back the energy they need! The Arctic Monkeys really dropped the ball for me because they were the number-one act on the line-up for me, and I wound up missing two other acts that deserved a larger audience: The Postelles and Kool Keith.
From the abridged set I did catch of THE POSTELLES, I saw a fun, retro-rock sing-a-long band that looked like they truly enjoyed being where they were.
I saw KOOL KEITH on my trudge to the Arctic Monkeys set and noticed their unique hip-hop sound: a great blend of danceable beats, catchy hook lines, and skilled rapping.
On the upside, the APW festival is well organized. Security is tight, but not to the point where you can’t sneak your own fun in (whatever that may be ;) Plus there was a lot of free stuff available. I scored a drawstring bag, a bandana, sunscreen, and chap stick from different vendors. There were also free samples of Twix and Acai Smoothies by their respective vendors. Let me give a shout to the Honest Tea for being the most generous brand at the concert. Located on the walk way back to the Light Rail were angels who gave out entire bottles of their tea to every dehydrated person passing through. Angels, I swear. I’m not affiliated but I think it’s good Karma to buy from them.
This is a cute little short new song from KYLIE MINOGUE called CHIGGY WIGGY taken from the Bollywood movie Blue. Watch out for her facial expression when she sings "Baby" at 48 seconds hahaha. Love her!
Also, check out Blackbook Magazine for an interview with our Kyles promoting the new U.S tour! Roll On October 11th!
View the 'CELEBRATION' album teaser here, it's a great one!
It's been MADONNA madness this week as versions of the new single Celebration begin to spider-web themselves across the net. Here is the BENNY BENASSI radio remix . Which we are all pretty sure dubs as the version that will be used in the official video.
I'm not sure what is floating my boat more at the moment, this version or the album version. This is pretty hot! I enjoy that pounding bass line he did a great job!
In other Celebration news it is being reported that Lourdes will make an appearance in the video... not sure about that!
Our lucky winner for the three day pass was Lindsay Sanchez! She has just enjoyed her first day at the festival despite the terrible rain.. Here is her account of the day's festivities:
All Points West is a metropolitan kind of festival. With the NYC skyline, Hudson River and even t Lady Liberty’s ass as the backdrop, hipster swarmed over New Jersey’s Light Rail and Ferries to arrive at Liberty State Park.
Unfortunately I didn’t allow myself enough time for the commute, which included a half-mile walk to the train, a transfer stop, and a shuttle bus to the entrance. I ended up missing the first opening band The Knux, a vibrant dance-inducing hip-hop group.
There were many bands on the line-up. Including lush rock sounds of Shearwater and Ra Ra Riot. I can’t call myself a fan of this kind of sound. I prefer a good pop hook to a xylophone solo, but that’s just me.
However, The FLEET FOXES impressed me greatly. I only heard them before from my friends’ ipods who consistently said things like “Have you heard this band!? They’re amazing!” I replied with lukewarm reactions, which they couldn’t understand. “How could you not like the beautiful harmonies, orchestral compositions, and complex song structures.” Plainly, It didn’t make me dance. But in a live setting it was completely different. The drummer’s deep driving pulse on his toms and bass drums kept such a live intense beat that I was enthralled.
FLEET FOXES
It seemed, as the music got more intense during the Fleet Foxes set, as did the clouds. It was soon after that the light drizzle turned into a consistent heavy rain by the time VAMPIRE WEEKEND hit the stage. I was in the midst of many avid fans pushing forward to get a glimpse of the hipster darlings (despite the umbrellas in the crowd, which are not allowed in the festival). It was a fun set I enjoyed even though I wasn’t familiar with all of their work and I was drenched. So that’s saying something for a band. If I ever get a chance to see them live (and dry) again, I would consider it.
After that it was all attitude at APW. The YEAH YEAH YEAHS’s dove straight into their piercing dance rock sounds, as the lead singer owned the stage with her jumpy, twisty, thrashing moves. They only took down the energy maybe once or twice with an acoustic version of their hit “Maps.” YEAH YEAH YEAHS
Then finally Jay-Z made it to the stage about 25 minutes later than scheduled. But when he came, he saw - he conquered. Opening up with “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” to pay respects to the Beastie Boys, who unfortunately had to cancel. He played plenty from the Blue Print 3 and some of his first singles like “Can I Live.” He also paid homage to the King of Pop rapping IZZO over “I Want You Back.” Anytime someone brings in J5, I’m a supporter. JAY Z
As I walked (rather trudged) over the mud and out of the concert, dirt splatter on my leg, my shoes squishing with water. My legs were cramping and I couldn’t bring myself to join MSTRKRFT’s dance party, I regret that.
All and all it was a fun show and I feel accomplished that I made it through the rain and mud with resilience. I’m back again for more in a few hours. This time I won’t miss the first band WHITE RABBITS!
Those of you not lucky enough to win the three day pass we gave away, and didn't buy tickets can watch a live broadcast of All Points West here. Check out the times by looking at this schedule! I look forward to seeing Gogol Bordello who end their US tour today! Should be nuts!
