Melvins/Totimoshi (Double Door - June 25, 2010)

On a warm Friday night in June, a nearly sold-out audience packed into the Double Door to watch cult legends, Melvins, perform a double set of songs spanning their nearly 30 year career. Coming off a Bonnaroo performance earlier this month and the release of their new album, The Bride Screamed Murder, Melvins showed no signs of lightening up on their musical assault as each note gave way to the one behind it in a way that would make most heavy bands jealous.

Rated R Celebrates A Decade With A Reissue

Has it really been 10 years since I first heard the line "Nicotine, Valium, Vicodin, Marijuana, Ecstasy and Alcohol"? I suppose it has been that long since discovering the band that provided some of the greatest songs to the soundtrack of my 20's thanks to one small blurb in Spin. With that said, on August 3, Queens of the Stone Age's sophomore album, Rated R, will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a special edition, two-disc set. In addition to the album, the reissue will feature a second disc of b-sides, including the Romeo Void and Kinks covers, and a live performance from the 2000 Reading Festival. Check out the tentative tracklist (via The PRP) after the jump as well as videos for the album's singles

Interview: Katy Young of Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue is a British band who combines folk music with a variety of other influences and sounds through a multitude of instruments. Their debut album, Fossils and Other Phantoms, was released stateside earlier this month to critical acclaim and the band recently wrapped up a U.S. tour. I recently spoke to vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Katy Young via e-mail to discuss the band's origins, recording with members of Blood Red Shoes and Mumford and Sons and the band's sound. Thanks to Marni at Sneak Attack and Yep Roc for setting up the interview.

Hear The Roots' How I Got Over

Tomorrow, The Roots' newest album, How I Got Over, will arrive in stores. The follow-up to 2008's Rising Down features such guests as John Legend, Joanna Newsom, Monsters of Folk, longtime collaborator Dice Raw and members of Dirty Projectors. The only thing better than those guest spots and waiting less than a day for their new album is hearing the stream of it on their MySpace page. After the jump, check out The Roots performing Dear God 2.0 with Yim Yames of Monsters of Folk from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this past Friday as well as the video for it and the album's title track.

Interview: Buzz Osbourne (King Buzzo) of Melvins

For almost 30 years, Melvins have been one of the most distinctly original bands around. Their sound is as recognizable as vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osbourne's giant afro and their influence can be heard in bands like Mastodon, Isis, Big Business (who, now, make up half of Melvins' lineup) and many other bands. It was with great honor that I, recently, had a chance to speak with King Buzzo about the band's new album, The Bride Screamed Murder, as well as their current tour with Isis and Totimoshi and the very elaborate, limited edition 13 CD boxset being sold on the tour. This interview was recorded on June 17, 2010. Thanks to Monica from Speakeasy for setting this up.

Peggy Sue (Schubas - June 14, 2010)

The true test of a collection of songs lies within the live performance. The same can be said about a band as some bands tend to excel more in a live setting that in a studio. In their second Chicago appearance, Peggy Sue proved that their songs are just as impressive live as they are in the studio, probably more so after witnessing how the pieces, band and instrumentation, come together.

Rock Band...Now With Keyboards & Real Guitars

I am sure that you have heard any and, possibly, all criticism from older musicians about how music games are "the devil" and how kids, these days, should be playing real guitars and learning how to play real music. Harmonix agrees and Rock Band 3 will do just that as well as add keyboards, three-part harmonies and Huey Lewis and the News. In addition to these elements, there will be 83 new songs to perform, new scoring features, a pro mode that will essentially teach you the song and, did I mention, keyboards. This means my dream of rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody will finally come to fruition just like on the season finale of Glee. Yes, there will childbirth, dancers and Sue Sylvester as a judge. After the jump, check out a list of a few of the new songs featured in Rock Band 3 as well a couple of videos explaining some of the new elements to this edition.

Wendy Peppercorn Is My Lifeguard (June 2010)

Side A: The Picnic Starts At 12 Sharp
01. June by Pete Yorn
02. Hot House by X
03. Cool Places by Sparks
04. Carnival by The Cardigans
05. Surf Wax America by Weezer
06. The Cruise by The Rentals
07. Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
08. The Fourth of July by The Incredible Moses Leroy

Side B: The Last Hurrah For Fireworks
01. August by Rilo Kiley
02. Kim's Watermelon Gun by The Flaming Lips
03. Sunshinin' by The Vines
04. Possessed to Skate by Suicidal Tendencies
05. Brooklyn Zoo by Ol' Dirty Bastard
06. Ice Cream Man by Tom Waits
07. Swimming Song by Kate and Anna McGarrigle
08. Lemonade by Blind Melon

Once Gone, Donnis Is Now Fashionably Late.

(courtesy of myspace.com/donnismusic)

One name that you will definitely hear this summer is that of Atlanta rapper Donnis. After being named as a member of XXL's Freshmen 10 for '10, a major label bidding war and a single on Fools Gold, the MC is set to release Fashionably Late on June 22. The up-and-coming rapper made his name with last year's Diary of an ATL Brave mixtape and has found his way onto various hip hop blogs. From there, Donnis continues to build his following with each video, single and mixtape he releases. Furthermore, he references things like Carl Winslow from Family Matters to Star Trek's USS Enterprise over some of the slickest, layered beats. He's a rapper that you will definitely hear about this year and is worth checking out. Check out a couple of his videos and a recent interview with DJ Reflex after the jump.

The Big Four Of Thrash Are Coming To A Theater Near You

Definitely one of the biggest music stories in recent months was the first ever tour of the big four of thrash. For the uninitiated, the big four consists of Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer, all of whom have helped shaped metal for almost 30 years and have, in some capacity, have played with each other in various pairs and at different festivals. This, however, makes the first time that all four bands would actually tour with each other as they will tour Europe from June to August.

The Shins Squeeze Levi's

Yeah, that was bad. The Shins covering Squeeze's "Goodbye Girl" for Levi's Pioneer Sessions, however, is far from bad. As a fan of the song, it is great to hear the band give it their own spin which, to a degree, shows a bit of a Squeeze influence when you listen it. It is a very cool cover of a very cool band by another very cool band. I realize that I sound like Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder being "a dude portraying a dude disguised as another dude" and I do not care one bit. Download the song here and check out a video of James Mercer (also of Broken Bells) discussing "Goodbye Girl" after the jump.

My Morning Jacket Performs First Five Albums In Entirety For Charity

   (photo by Aaron Fish/mymorningjacket.com)

If you plan to be in New York between October 18-23, might I suggest you purchase a ticket to see My Morning Jacket. In late October, MMJ will perform their five studio albums in chronological order beginning with 1999's The Tennessee Fire to 2008's Evil Urges with one album performed each night in addition to a variety of other numbers from the band's career. Best of all, a dollar from each ticket sold will be donated toward a local charity. Tickets for the event will have a pre-sale on June 14, which includes a package to all five performances, and to the public on June 18.

New 7-inch Releases From Japandroids And The Coathangers

On July 20th, Canadian duo Japandroids will release the second installment of their limited edition 7-inch series. Like each of the 7" in the collection, it includes an unreleased recording from their full-length debut, Post-Nothing, on one side and a cover on the other side. The newest outtake is called "Younger Us" and is accompanied by a cover of X's "Sex and Dying in High Society. You can order the 7" for Younger Us/Sex and Dying in High Society here and listen to "Younger Us" at Pitchfork.

2010 Lollapalooza Schedule Released

Do you have a ticket to Lollapalooza? Are you planning to attend the event? If the answer is yes to either one of those questions, then start planning your day now. The performance schedule for the 2010 Lollapalooza was released today and provides the concert attendee with some interesting decisions to make. For example, would you rather end the weekend by watching Soundgarden or Arcade Fire on Sunday night. Better yet, it's a Friday afternoon, are you more into Devo or The New Pornographers? Make your decision by viewing the performance schedule after the jump.

The (Free) Sounds Of Summer

Summer is here and that means bikinis, speedos, tanning, grilling, late nights with friends and a wide variety of summer activties. Of course, for every great summer activity, the music should be equally as great. While there are plenty of new releases to choose from and plenty of concerts and festivals to attend, there is also a nice variety of free mixtapes and samplers to choose from.

June...She Is A Mighty Good Month.

A new month brings new releases from hard rock veterans (Melvins, Ozzy Osbourne), imported acts (Oasis, the Futureheads), the return of big name acts (Sarah McLachlan, Christina Aguilera, Eminem, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and new acts destined to make a big impact throughout the year (Drake, Peggy Sue). Here are just a few of the artists releasing new albums this month.

Trent Reznor Offers Free Download of How to Destroy Angels' Debut EP

How to Destroy Angels is the name of the collaboration between Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen Maandig and Nine Inch Nails collaborator and producer Atticus Ross. The group's self-titled debut EP is now available as a free, 320 kbps MP3 download by clicking on the widget below. The band is also offering the EP in a higher quality FLAC format for $2 or as part of a package deal with a poster, sticker or t-shirt. A physical edition of the EP will be released on CD on July 6 while, as of this post, there is not a release date set for a vinyl edition. Download How to Destroy Angels by using the widget and watch the video for "The Space in Between" after the jump.

Miracles Are All Around Us

About a month or two ago, I was introduced to the video for Insane Clown Posse's "Miracles." To say the very least,  I was greatly amused by the song and the clip that accompanied it if only for the fact that you have clown rappers who normally rap about running around with hatchets and calling themselves wicked are now rapping about the wonders of the universe. As bizarre as that sounds, it is something everyone should experience at least once.

Video Graveyard

Hightower and Jones wishes to express condolences to the families of Gary Coleman and Dennis Hopper, both whom passed away this Memorial Day weekend. In their honor, I would like to dedicate this edition of Video Graveyard to both actors and their contributions to the music world in both music video and live performance.

One Hit Wonder Or One Hit Blunder

Today's Subject: "Barbie Girl" by Aqua

Man, oh, man, this is dirtiest song ever reviewed for this piece and I debated the merit of "Afternoon Delight." Perhaps, I am wrong and it is a song about artificial people living in their artificial world and how easy it is to  manipulate them. Simpler than that, it could just be a song about a plastic doll from Mattel and her lavish dream world. Nevertheless, it is one of the catchiest and cheesiest one hit wonders about plastic ever recorded.

Failure's Fantastic Planet Reissued On Vinyl

One of the best and most under-appreciated albums of the 90's, for me anyway, was Failure's final album, Fantastic Planet. From the amazing instrumentation and performances to the well crafted songwriting, it is an album that truly grabs the listener's attention and provides you with a collection of songs unlike any other on the radio. Also, it happens to be their best known album thanks to the infectiously catchy, "Stuck On You," which provided the band with a minor hit, an amazing video and a spot on 1997's Lollapalooza. Still, it was a album that many people missed out on at the time of its release.

Levi's Pioneer Sessions

Levi's, as in the denim company, has created a new project entitled Levi's Pioneer Sessions. Levi's Pioneer Sessions consists of contemporary artists cover songs by one of their favorite artists who helped influence their sound. Some of the artists included in this six-week series are John Legend featuring the Roots, the Swell Season, the Shins, She & Him, Jason Mraz, Raphael Saddiq, and the Kills.

Getting Over With The Roots

After a couple of delays, The Roots' new full-length, How I Got Over, is finally set to see release on June 22. The follow-up to 2008's Rising Down and first release from the group since becoming the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon features guest appearances from John Legend, Joanna Newsom, members of Dirty Projectors and alt-folk supergroup, Monsters of Folk, whose track, "Dear God" is revamped as "Dear God 2.0." Check out the new version at Pitchfork.

In Case You Missed It: Janelle Monae on Late Night with David Letterman

Thanks to Pitchfork (via Prefix) for this one. Janelle Monae visited Late Night with David Letterman last night promote her single, "Tightrope" from her recently released album, The ArchAndroid. It is definitely a memorable performance from a truly original artist. After the video, head over to Pitchfork to check out a recent interview with her.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Something Good Coming"

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers premiered the video for "Something Good Coming" today on Spinner. It's the second official video from the group's forthcoming album, Mojo (in stores June 15). Judging by this single, "I Should Have Known It" and "Good Enough" as well as their recent appearance on the season finale of Saturday Night Live, Mojo is going to be another fine addition to their already stellar catalog and live show.

Lena Horne (1917-2010) & Ronnie James Dio (1942-2010)

This week, the world lost two pioneering artists. On Monday, world renowned and highly respected vocalist, Lena Horne passed away at 92 and today, legendary hard rock and metal vocalist, Ronnie James Dio passed away at 67. Instead of writing some sort of eulogy or obituary for the artists, I would rather thank their families for allowing us to spend time with these incredible people through their songs and performances. We'll never know what the world would have been without them nor should we ever wonder. The art they left behind will stand as a testament to the beauty and amazement that is the human voice. To their families and friends, thank you.

Shake Your Hair, Girl, With Your Ponytail (May 2010)

Shake Your Hair, Girl, With Your Ponytail (May 2010)

Side A

01. Your Number Or Your Name by The Knack

02. 777-9311 by The Time

03. I Wanna Be Loved by The Heartbreakers

04. If There Is Something by Roxy Music

05. When I'm Thinking About You by The Sundays

06. The Way I Feel Inside (Mono Version) by The Zombies

Side B

01. Lay Some Happiness On Me by Nancy Sinatra

02. I Found A Reason (Demo Version) by The Velvet Underground

03. Everybody Here Wants You by Jeff Buckley

04. I Thank You by Sam & Dave

05. Hypotize by The White Stripes

06. Last Person by Jenny Owen Youngs

This Is Not What I Asked For...

BlackDiamondSkye Tour Dates

Once rumored, it is now confirmed that Deftones, Alice In Chains and Mastodon will perform together for a month-long fall tour entitled BlackDiamondSkye, named after each of their current releases (Alice In Chains' Black Gives Way To Blue, Deftones' Diamond Eyes and Mastodon's Crack The Skye). The tour begins September 16 in Chicago and ends October 16 in Las Vegas. This might be the one occasion where it really does not matter who opens because there is a zero percent you will be disappointed by this concert. Check out the dates and venues after the jump. 


September 16: Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion at Northernly Island
September 17: Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
September 18: Toronto, ON - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre 
September 20: Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
September 22: Boston, MA - Agannis Arena
September 24: New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
September 25: Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Theatre
September 26: Fairfax, VA - Patriot Center
September 28: Atlanta, GA - Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
October 1: St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
October 4: Denver, CO - Red Rock Amphitheatre
October 7: Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place
October 8: Seattle, WA - Key Arena
October 9: Portland, OR - Rose Quarter Memorial Coliseum
October 12: Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre
October 15: San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
October 16: Las Vegas, NV - The Joint

AC/DC - Iron Man 2 Soundtrack

(note: this was a review that was rejected for an online publication.)

What best sounds the arrival of Summer better than a big budget, explosion filled action film? An action film with a soundtrack with just as much kick as the film it accompanies. When you think of Iron Man, images of explosions, metal, good versus evil and epic battles are instantly conjured in your brain, It is only fitting that AC/DC provides the tunes for the highly anticipated sequel. 

May You Enjoy This Month Of New Releases

Yeah, that was a bit cheesy but you what is not cheesy...this month's new releases. This month is filled soon to be classics and old favorites with either something extra or completely re-imagined by a current artist. There is something for everyone and here are a few of the new releases waiting to reach you ears this month

In Case You Missed It: The Dead Weather MySpace Concert

As many of you know, The Dead Weather performed their new album, Sea Of Cowards, live in its entirety on MySpace yesterday afternoon. It was a great set to showcase one of the most anticipated albums of the month. Check out the performance after the jump.

The Dead Weather Perform Sea Of Cowards Live And More...

The Dead Weather's sophomore album, Sea Of Cowards, is set to be released next Tuesday but you do not have to wait to hear the new album. The band, featuring members of The White Stripes, The Kills, Queens Of The Stone Age and The Greenhornes, are hosting a live webcast performance of the album in its entirety from Third Man Records in Nashville, TN. The performance is set to take place today, Monday, May 3, at 6 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Central time on both, MySpace Music and their own MySpace page.

On a semi-related note, The Dead Weather will being touring this summer. Check for dates and venues after the jump.

Ozzy And Crue Take Ozzfest On The Road

After taking a summer off last year and playing a one-off show two years ago, Ozzfest is set for a six-date, North American amphitheater tour. Headlining this year's festivities are Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue who are touring together for the first time in 26 years. The artists will be joined on the main stage by Rob Halford, Devildriver and Nonpoint. The second stage features Goatwhore, Skeletonwitch, Saviours, Kataklysm, Drowning Pool and headliners, Black Label Society. Check for dates and venues after the jump.

GZA Set To Unsheathe Liquid Swords 2

According to Pitchfork, Wu-Tang Clan member, GZA, is working on the sequel to his 1995 classic, Liquid Swords with with cousin and fellow Wu-Tang member, RZA, producing. According to RZA's twitter, the sequel is set to be released this Fall. Liquid Swords stands as one of the best Wu-Tang albums (solo or group) and spawned from the impressive first wave of Wu-Tang solo albums recorded between their debut, Enter The Wu-Tang, and their sophomore album, Wu-Tang Forever.

Roger Ebert Wrote A Sex Pistols Film? What?

Yes, the legendary film critic wrote a film for the Pistols entitled Anarchy In The U.K. which was going to be produced by the late Malcolm McLaren and directed by the late Russ Meyer (Ebert also wrote Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls, Up! and Beneath The Valley Of The Ultra-Vixens for Meyer prior to this). According to Spinner, the film would change its title to Who Killed Bambi?. Who Killed Bambi? resulted in only two days of filming due to financial issues and the band's breakup. 

The Creative Genius Of Scott Stapp

Just because Eddie Vedder wrote and performed a song about the Chicago Cubs does not give the right to any of his clones to do the same thing. Apparently, no one gave Creed's Scott Stapp this memo as he, yet again, shamelessly rips off Vedder by writing a theme song for the Florida Marlins. Normally, this would be the part where I would rip Stapp to shreds by laughing hysterically at his attempts at oversinging every note that comes from his mouth and question his musical existence but instead I will post the video that accompanies his song for the Marlins. Believe me, it says everything that I want to say and, at the same time, makes me care about Baseball even less than I do already. What is next on the Scott Stapp Kills American Tradition tour...apple pie perhaps?

In Case You Missed It: Devo On Jimmy Kimmel Live

After performing at this weekend's Coachella festival, Devo stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform their new single, "Fresh," from their forthcoming album, Something For Everybody." The band also performed their classic hit, "Whip It," from the recently reissued 1980 classic. Freedom Of Choice. Check out the return of Devo after the jump.

A Moment Of Remembrance

Although I have not mention these tragedies lately, it is not to say that they have not been noted. This post is more of a tribute to the contributions these artists and innovators have provided not just to our own lives and ears but to people throughout the world. Thanks to Alex Chilton, Malcolm McLaren, Type O Negative's Peter Steele, You Say Party! We Say Die!'s Devon Clifford and, today, to Gangstarr's Guru for making the world a better place one note at a time.

Mayer Hawthorne: The New Sound Of The 60's

There is cool and there is super cool. Mayer Hawthorne definitely falls under the latter. Much like Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, he is a revivalist of a musical sound and era long gone and now relegated to oldies stations across America. It is refreshing to hear that particular sound come back without any of negativity or wasted potential surrounding it.  Also, Hawthorne's videos are worth your viewing time and can be viewed after the jump. Definitely check him and his album, A Strange Arrangement, out as well as pick up the works of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

The Last Grasp At Relevancy Or How I Learned To Love The Camera And Started Getting Real

I am not sure who is to blame for this but I think I shall blame Ozzy Osbourne for the abundance of musicians having "reality" shows. Granted, he still had Ozzfest, world tours and platinum selling albums but had his show not been successful, there would be a fundamental difference in reality television from the musician's standpoint as in they, probably, would not exist. That, my friends, would be excellent.

In Case You Missed It: Them Crooked Vultures On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Them Crooked Vultures returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live for a second night of performances on April 13. This time, the band performed "New Fang" and "Dead End Friends." Both songs are taken from their self-titled debut which I believe you own at this point. Check out the performances after the jump.

In Case You Missed It: The Specials On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Legendary 2-Tone ska band, The Specials, stopped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night for their first U.S. televised appearance in 30 years (coincidentally, both appearances were in the same building). Check out The Specials as they perform their classic single, "A Message For You, Rudy," and a Internet exclusive performance of "Little Bitch" after the jump.

In Case You Missed It: Them Crooked Vultures On Jimmy Kimmel Live

Them Crooked Vultures returned to late night television last night to perform "Mind Eraser, No Chaser" on Jimmy Kimmel Live. For the closing credits, the band performed "Gunman." Both songs come from last year's highly recommended, self-titled debut. Check out the performances after the jump.

Green Day: Rock Band! What A Load Of Dookie!

Sorry, I could not resist the horrible title pun. You would have to be an American Idiot not to make that joke. Okay, that was one too many album title puns. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly and Kotaku, the track list for Green Day: Rock Band has been released. To the surprise of, well, no one, the game is loaded with songs from Dookie, American Idiot and, their most recent album, 21st Century Breakdown with bits of Nimrod, Insomniac and Warning sprinkled in for some good measure. 

Ain't Seen The Sun In 66 Days (April Mixtape)

Ain't Seen The Sun In 66 Days (April 2010)

Side A
01. Galaxie by Blind Melon
02. I Trust You To Kill Me by Rocco DeLuca And The Burden
03. Led To The Sea by Jenny Owen Youngs
04. These Days by Nico
05. Honest by Band Of Skulls
06. For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music

Side B
01. Tek Dat by Hepcat
02. The Ways Of The Wind by P.M. Dawn
03. Sand by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood
04. I'm Set Free by The Velvet Underground
05. Brand New Colony by The Postal Service
06. Choke by The Cardigans

Nico. Milla. Now There's Karen...Elson!

Yes, there is a new contender to the model/singer throne previously held in the 70's by Nico and the 90's by Milla (yes, as in Milla Jovovich of Resident Evil and The Fifth Element). She is Karen Elson and is also the wife of Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather), who is producing her debut album, The Ghost Who Walks. Before one cries foul at either the model/singer aspect or the fact that Jack White is putting out his wife's album, I suggest you check out her first single, the album's title track, which is really good. In fact, if the album is as enjoyable as the first single, I would say that Nico and Milla could have strong competition in the world of models turned singers. Points off, however, for using your full name instead of just calling yourself Karen.

The Runaways

"You know how many bands think they're going to make it," asks Marie Currie (Riley Keough) to her twin sister and frontwoman for The Runaways, Cherrie (Dakota Fanning), after questioning her new attitude and rock star status. Oh, it was like she could see the writing on the wall with that one question shared over a cigerette and TV dinners. For five years, The Runaways were either a novelty act or the West Coast, XX answer to bands like New York Dolls and The Stooges, depending on how you, personally, viewed 4-5 teenage girls playing a Punk-ish, Hard Rock sound in the mid-to-late 70's. This film dwells upon neither and is less about the band and more about the band's frontwomen, Cherrie Currie and Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart), and, to a degree, their relationship with their manager, Kim Fowley.

It's Chicago, 2010 & Summer, Where Will You Be?

I know I am late on to the party with this bit of information but the 2010 Lollapalooza lineup was revealed this week. I have to say, I am excited about the lineup because I barely know the majority of the bands. Normally, I would have a problem with this but I see this as an opportunity to find out what the kids are listening to these days. Well, that and Soundgarden, Devo and Cypress Hill are playing. Also, with Matt & Kim and Erykah Badu performing, there is bound to some tragic form of nudity or at least two really good performances.

Add Me To The List

I have no clue who Sam Adams is but I know I do not like this. Since, he is thanking all of his haters, I might be eligible for thanks, I suppose. Anyway, Adams covered Sublime's 1996 hit, "What I Got," and yeah, I do not like this cover one bit. Why am I writing about this? This cover reminds me of the reason I dislike so many of the big budget Hollywood remakes, it is bland, uninspired and totally unnecessary. The moral to this story is just because you can do something does not mean you should it, just look at the cover of "We Are The World."

April Showers? Let It Rain In Your Local Record Store!

Another round of new releases including one incredible day of limited edition releases. Wait, why are you reading this? Print it out and get to a store now!

Oh My God, She's Naked! Call The Cops!

Erykah Badu gets naked and not only is she shot for it, it looks like she will face a disorderly conduct charge for it as well. According to Associated Press, Badu is being charged with with the misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 dollars. This charges come after a 32-year-woman provided a sworn statement to the police after witnessing more of Badu than she expected.

Not All Glitter Sparkles And Shines, Look At Mariah Carey

Yeah, I went there because I had to go there and by there, I mean the 110-plus minutes it took to watch Glitter. Am I bitter for watching Glitter? Damn right, I am and through my frustration, I made a rhyme. I guess watching Mariah Carey act her way through this disaster is bound to give you some set of skills.

The 8 Bit Dark Side Of Pink Floyd

I wish this was something that I made up for April Fool's Day but not even I could come up with something, prank or real, that would be this awesome. Brad Smith, however, did and brought the world an 8-bit, Nintendo sounding version of Pink Floyd's 1973 classic Dark Side Of The Moon entitled Moon8 . It is definitely one of the most ambitious projects ever recorded and Smith more than captures the sound of a video game era long gone. I seriously could imagine playing this alongside games like Clash At Demonhead or Metal Gear unless there is a version of The Wizard Of Oz on Nintendo which would be much better.

Erykah Badu Says Adieu To Clothing In "Window Seat"

By now, you have probably bought the new Erykah Badu album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), which was released today. With that said, I can only imagine that you have seen her video for the single "Window Seat." If not, you should because it is a really good video filled with allusions to John F. Kennedy's assassination, a nude Badu walking on the street, a message and a guy scrambling to pick up her clothing. Check out the Matt and Kim inspired video for "Window Seat" after the jump.

Prep Your Wallets For Record Store Day

With another year comes another set of reasons to be broke on the third Saturday in April. Prepare your wallet for the greatness that is Record Store Day. In its third year, Record Store Day is a day when independent record stores across the country are honored by distributing and selling a wide assortment of re-issues, special edition releases on vinyl and CD, limited edition 7" and so on.

Phoenix Live Album...For Free...What The French Are You Talking About?

Yes, everyone's favorite French band, Phoenix, has released a free live album. The album consists of eight songs and is entitled Live In Sydney. The live album is made up of songs from their amazing 2009 release, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The best part is that it is free.

Interview: P.O.S

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with rapper and Building Better Bombs frontman P.O.S to discuss his current album, Never Better, his upcoming performance at Coachella and the versatility that helps to make him, in my opinion, one of the best rappers today. Thanks to P.O.S for his time, his tour manager, Stacey, for being so sweet despite me being so late and Thomas from Biz 3 for setting it all up. Also, as with the Angelo Moore interview, the new feature, hopefully, to every interview is to have the artist playing a stylophone. P.O.S definitely did not disappoint with the stylophone which adds more to his awesomeness. This interview took place at Bottom Lounge on March 18, 2010.

One Hit Wonder Or One Hit Blunder (St. Patrick's Day Edition)

Today's Subject: "I Don't Like Mondays" by The Boomtown Rats

It is definitely one of the strangest songs to ever chart. A quirky, almost symphonic song about murder featuring harmonies, piano and handclaps and sung by the guy who shaved his nipples in The Wall. I can see no reason as there are no reasons not talk about this song. Yeah, I know that was bad.

Duran Duran Reissues? Hooray For New Wave Hairdos Everywhere!

Looking back, the title seems a bit sarcastic but I assure you that it is not. Yes, according to fine folks at Pitchfork, Duran Duran's self-titled debut and Seven And The Ragged Tiger are being reissued as two CD, one DVD sets. Each of the disc contains the original versions of the albums, a bonus disc of b-sides, singles, demos, live material and remixes, and a DVD containing live performances and music videos.

...And Her Name Was... (March Mixtape)

Side A
01. Wilma's Rainbow by Helmet
02. Tunic (Song For Karen) by Sonic Youth
03. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle by Nirvana
04. Prescilla by Bat For Lashes
05. Virginia Plain by Roxy Music
06. Ramona by Ramones
07. Oh Tara by The Knack
08. Aisle 10 (Hello Allison) by Scapegoat Wax

Side B
09. Kim Wilde by Charlotte Hatherley
10. Tonya Harding by The Coathangers
11. Wendy by Cake Like
12. Mono Lisa by Butter 08
13. Lilywhite Lilith by Genesis
14. Lily by Kate Bush
15. Rachel by She Wants Revenge
16. Archie And Veronica by Lovage

Bad Religion Wants To Celebrate 30 Years Of Music With You

Most bands, these days, barely make it to 10 years. So, how does one that makes it to 30 years celebrate? By offering you a free live album, that's how.

Start The Riot Again!

Seriously, I'm starting to believe that someone or something is raiding my record collection. In fact, I believe it is the bands I listened to that are doing the raiding. Case, in point, Atari Teenage Riot is reuniting for a few shows this Summer and releasing a new single, their first in about nine years.

Think About Life Creates Video Of The Year

To be honest, I am not familiar with Think About Life or their music but from what I gather, it is Indie Dance Rock or something like that. I do know that I am familiar with puppets, awesome music videos and awesome music videos that have puppets in it. This is that video. Today, Stereogum premiered the Canadian group's newest video, "Havin' My Baby," and I love this video. Seriously, how can you not love this video.  Check out the video after the jump.

It's Time To March To Your Local Music Store

Sorry for the bad pun but a new month brings new music as some incredible box sets, import reissues and a movie about about a pioneering teenage Rock band.

Cheyenne Cinnamon And The Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge

What, you are probably asking, is that? It is a new Adult Swim pilot by Williams Street and Aqua Teen Hunger Force co-creator Dave Willis. The pilot features the voices of Neko Case as the title character, T-Pain, Doom and MC Chris and music by Butch Walker. Imagine a pop star fueled by cocaine who breaks out into song and tells a pregnant teenager to stay a virgin by only performing oral and anal sex. Also, the pop star lives in a fantasy land near Detroit. That actually sums up both the humor and bizarreness of this show.

Rock Band Network

The Rock Band Network is finally here and it is off to a very promising start. Labels like Sub Pop, Century Media and Side One Dummy have already shown their support by releasing tracks from The Shins, Lacuna Coil and Flogging Molly. Well respected and known artists such as KMFDM, Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses, Breeders), The Hold Steady and Steve Vai are releasing singles alongside many up and coming, unsigned artists. This, my friends, is truly the beginning of the way we are exposed to newer artists. According to Harmonix, tracks from Smashing Pumpkins, Clutch, Prong and Flight Of The Conchords are expected soon. Check out the promising list of tracks already available for download after the jump.

Interview: Angelo Moore Of Fishbone

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Angelo Moore of the legendary band, Fishbone to discuss the band, their new release, Live In Bordeaux, his solo projects and the band's legacy. Thanks to Angelo for his time and to Will, Bill, Rey, Jess, Eddie and the people at Silverback Management for setting up the interview. Note: For some reason, the video is missing the first 10 seconds.

Hear Gorillaz' Plastic Beach And Broken Bells' Self Titled Debut

Two of the biggest and most talked about albums of the year (so far, anyway) will be in stores next week: Gorillaz's anticipated follow-up to their successful 2005 release, Demon Days, entitled Plastic Beach and the long awaited collaboration between James Mercer of The Shins and Danger Mouse entitled Broken Bells. A week is a long time to hear these albums so NPR is streaming both of them. Stream Gorillaz's Plastic Beach here and Broken Bells' self-titled debut here.

Snoop Dogg Returns Home...To Llanview

Every so often, you hear about or see something that totally makes you day. This is one of those moments. Apparently, Snoop Dogg made a stop to visit his One Life To Live home, Llanview, last year and has returned home again to hang out with old friends, talk about Blair's curves and tell Bo Buchanan that he should have kept it real with Nora. Also, there was a concert. Enjoy Snoop Dogg's appearance on the February 24, 2010 episode of One Life To Live.

Chunky A? Who Remembers This?

Seriously, who really remembers this? I seriously doubt Arsenio Hall wants to remember this. Nonetheless, in the late 80's, Hall adopted an rapping alter-ego named Chunky A and presented the world with an album rooted in 80's Rap, parodies of Cameo and Fine Young Cannibals' songs and, best of all, cameos from Ice-T, Paula Abdul and Wil Wheaton. Sadly, describing this album so far seems funnier than the album itself.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Wow, has it been one year already? Who ever thought that one year ago, I would move from talking about Run DMC's Tougher Than Leather and debating if "Macarena" was a wonder or blunder that I would be watching From Justin To Kelly and debating the one hit wonder status of "You Get What You Give." Boy, times have changed.

Who Needs Music Television When You Have Jersey Shore?

Thank you MTV for doing something that should have been done ages ago. Finally, the phrase "music television" is being dropped from your logo. It is like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders, officially.

Hasn't Haiti Suffered Enough Already?

There are now only two things that I will agree with Jay-Z about: 1) Beyonce is hot and 2) "We Are The World" should have not been remade. Seriously, you did not help Haiti by doing this. Instead, you raped an iconic song and proceeded to crap it and the country you wish to help. If the world can be a brighter day by giving, why then, did you give us this horrid cover.

Where's The Musical Beef?

Throughout history, people have always caught on to popular catchphrases. They are easy to remember and can be applied to all walks of life and a mutlitude of situations. After all, how many times have you said "what you talkin' bout, Willis" to a friend. As funny and popular as that phrase is, music has produced a few catchphrases and most of them are bad. By bad, I mean if one were to be caught using one today, it is a license to be beaten on sight. Let us have a look at these horrendously awful catchphrases, their meanings and and what it says about you if you were to use one these days.

Cursed For Their Will To Dream (February Mixtape)

 

Cursed For Their Will To Dream (February 2010)

Side A:
01. Other Side by Sound Barrier
02. Rock-N-Roll Victim by Death
03. Time's Up by Living Colour
04. You'll Like It "Hear" by Mother's Finest
05. Cosmic Slop by Funkadelic
06. Bowels Of The Devil by Body Count
07. Lookout by Building Better Bombs
08. Banned In D.C. by Bad Brains

Side B
09. Information Inspiration by Shuggie Otis
10. Picture In A Frame by Ben Harper
11. Everybody's Getting Down by The Incredible Moses Leroy
12. Baptized In Blacklight by Kenna
13. Pills by Bo Diddley
14. I Get Out by Lauryn Hill
15. If We Don't Disagree by Cody Chesnutt
16. Change by Fishbone

One Hit Wonder Or One Hit Blunder

Today's Subject: "You Get What You Give" by New Radicals

"Wake up kids, we've got the dreamer's disease." There is something be said about a revolution fueled by pop music. One thing is that it is not much of a revolution at all. For years, we have learned to revolt by using loud guitars, booming basslines and vocals that scream urgency. Somehow, New Radicals bypassed these tools and brought you a four and a half minute pop song that complains about fake people, the world, chroncles the plight of the late 90's suburban teenager and, most importantly, tells you that "you only get what you give." To think, all N.W.A. had to say was "fuck the police."

Video Graveyard

I like to think of this video as Dawn Of The Dead but with angsty, suburban teenagers taking over a mall and caging adults instead of zombies raiding the food court. Thanks, New Radicals and director Evan Bernard for this truly horrifying world of teenagers running amok while they harass people serving them food and acting crazy to music better suited for shopping at The Gap instead of comandeering a whole mall. Then again, for terrorism on such a juvenile, suburban level, I guess New Radicals would be the soundtrack for the armageddon.

The Who Plays CSI's Greatest Hits Or The Who By Numbers

Yeah, I went there and so did they. Last night's Super Bowl Halftime Show seemed more like an ad for Jerry Bruckheimer and CBS than the great performance it should have been. All it needed was "My Generation" and it could have been like watching CSI complete with a Pepsi ad.

Can We Give This Oscar Back Now?

I have already questioned the need/purpose of the biopic (read Biopics: Documentaries With Actors?) so I'm not going to address this. Instead, I now question the need for one on Milli Vanilli. Really, Milli Vanilli? This is something that can not be blamed on the rain.

A Musical Box Of Chocolates For February

These new releases may not edible but they will be just as tasty and melt in your brain and ears.

My Friends Call Me Kelly For Short

Every once in a while, a film comes along that is so brilliant that its genius is never fully appreciated by the general public. From Justin To Kelly is far from that film. Instead, you get a film in the tradition of the Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello beach films but with a little more sexual undertones, two American Idol contestants and all the humor of a Carrot Top movie. In fact, I'd like to call this movie Bleach Blanket Oh No.

Go Away Pete Doherty!

Pete Doherty, I've never listened to your music nor do I care to. Based off of your need for publicity, I have to say that you seem like a massive douchebag. There I said what the public probably knows and are possibly thinking. Your latest maneuver for publicity was bringing cocaine into a courtroom. Either you are the most brazen person in the world or seriously stupid but whatever works for you is fine, I suppose.

The Specials' First US TV Appearance In 30 Years

There's no other way to phrase that besides throwing the words "awesome" and "hell yeah" after that said. Yes, the recently reformed 2-Tone legends will be making their first US televised in 30 years on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. That's right Jimmy Fallon continues to get some amazing musical guests especially those of the legendary variety (ex. Jawbox, Megadeth, Living Colour). This US appearance for The Specials is one of a few limited US appearances, for now, which include a couple of shows at Terminal 5 in New York and an appearance at Coachella. The Specials make their televised return on April 13 on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Check out clips from their return last year here and their first US televised appearance on Saturday Night Live from April 1980 after the jump.

Indie Ghetto

Every so often, you come across something online that amuses you. At the same time, it also impresses you and you can not stop watching it. Indie Ghetto is one of those things that just does it for me.

Elect The Dead Symphony Screening Dates

Last year, Serj Tankian, along with New Zealand's Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performed a symphonic version of his 2008 release, Elect The Dead. Instead of just having an orchestra back up his songs, Tankian reworked his material for the use of orchestral instruments, alone, and titled the project Elect The Dead Symphony. This performance was captured for a CD/DVD release that will be availiable this March. Before that, Elect The Dead Symphony, will see a small theatrical release in February and early March. Screening dates and information on CD/DVD are posted after the jump.

New Faces, Familiar Feelings Vol. 2 (January 2010 Mixtape)

Side A
01 - "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Cat Power (Rolling Stones)
02 - Let's Spend The Night Together" by David Bowie (Rolling Stones)
03 - "So Alive" by Black Light Burns (Love And Rockets)
04 - "Wish" by Dillinger Escape Plan (Nine Inch Nails)
05 - "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" by Neko Case (Sparks)
06 - "Back In N.Y.C." by Jeff Buckley (Genesis)
07 - "I Can See For Miles" by Petra Haden (The Who)
08 - "Mr. Crowley" by The Cardigans (Ozzy Osbourne)

Side B
09 - "Atlantic City" by Hank Williams III (Bruce Springsteen)
10 - "Cornflake Girl" by Jawbox (Tori Amos)
11 - "I Just Wanna Have Something To Do" by Garbage (Ramones)
12 - "Darling Nikki" - Foo Fighters (Prince And The Revolution)
13 - "Cold Blooded" by Ol' Dirty Bastard (Rick James)
14 - "Police Story" by Rollins Band feat. Ice-T (Black Flag)
15 - "Tippi-Toes" by Primus (The Meters)
16 - "The Goose" by Fishbone (Parliament)

Pick Of The Week: Transference by Spoon

In what is already the front-runner for deal of the year, Spoon's new album Transference (out today), can be downloaded from Amazon for $3.99. No, this is not a mistake. It is just a good album for a very affordable price.

Coachella: You Wonderful Concert, You

Never before have I ever wanted to travel to California for one weekend as bad as I do at this very moment. The 3-day lineup for the 2010 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is, without a doubt, one of the best weekend concert lineups I have ever seen. It's as if someone raided the better half, more like third, of my music collection and put them in a show together. This is excellent.

A Week Of Loss

I haven't posted much lately but felt it would be irresponsible to move forward without acknowledging three losses to the musical community. Hightower And Jones wishes to send condolences to the family, friends and lives affected and influenced by Kate McGarrigle, Teddy Pendergrass and Jay Reatard. Their contributions to life and music will always be remembered and loved for years to come. Thank you for your time and art.

January: New Year...New Sounds!

Let us begin the new year with some new sounds and old classics that will hopefully stay in head all year long.

Nine Inch Nails Fans Offer Two New Nine Inch Nails DVDs

Last year, Trent Reznor released hundreds of gigabytes of concert footage taken from their 2008 tour, Lights In The Sky, for public usage. Due to legalities, the footage that would have been compiled for the next Nine Inch Nails was turned over to the fans. Footage in hand (or on computer) and months later, the fans have responded with Another Version Of The Truth: The Gift, a fan edited, downloadable DVD/Blu-ray compiled from three nights of the aforementioned tour. You can find out more on Another Version Of The Truth: The Gift and the various downloadable formats here. As the title of this post says, there is more  downloadable Nine Inch Nails available.

Hear Spoon's Transference

NPR is giving you a chance to listen to a stream of Spoon's forthcoming release, Transference, on their site. Transference is the followup to 2007's critically acclaimed, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and will be in stores Tuesday, January 19th. Listen to Transference at NPR.

In Case You Missed It: Nellie McKay Performing On Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Nellie McKay stopped by the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson to perform "The Very Thought Of You" from her Doris Day tribute album, Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day. Check out the video after the jump.

One Hit Wonder Or One Hit Blunder

Today Subject: "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega


Oh, the summer of 1999. Carson Daly and Total Request Live (TRL) continued day after day to aim for coolness but continued missing the mark. Limp Bizkit dominated the charts with a song about cookies and where they could be placed called "Nookie." Most importantly, Lou Bega scored a Top 10 hit with his ode to good times and good women called "Mambo No. 5" (insert jazz hands here).

The Return Of The Rusty Caged Spoonman

If the last six years have proven anything, reunions are profitable for both artists (financially) and fans (visually and musically). Within these years, everyone from Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. to Digable Planets and A Tribe Called Quest have reunited with some resulting in new albums (Dinosaur Jr, Alice In Chains) while others have reunited for nostalgia and the promotion of catalog reissues (Pixies, The Jesus Lizard). While I'm all for the reunions (depending on my interest in the band the first time they existed), one reunion has me as excited as I am leery about their return. That band is Soundgarden.