Doing It for the Kiddies

*NSYNC did it. So did Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and Destiny's Child. Even the Goo Goo Dolls and Weezer have pushed aside their maturity and adult-like ways for one day and play music with puppets. And now The Shins have joined the mix and played on Nick Jr.'s Yo Gabba Gabba.

Never saw the show, but exactly what are those characters supposed to be?

Indeed They Did Make It

Looks like Busta has collaborated with Linkin Park on We Made It, the first single off his forthcoming album, Blessed.

Scarlett Johansson Gets Musical

Now available on iTunes, Scarlett Johansson's single, Falling Down, will be the first off her debut album Anywhere I Lay My Head, which releases on May 20. And here's the premiere of the music video for the track...

Did I forget to mention that David Bowie collabs with the Hollywood star on this?

Jesse McCartney's Bleeding Heart

A bit early, but all-grown Jesse McCartney decided to put his voice to Leona's smash hit.


And so did Nick Pitera. You remember him...


Although Violet Hill was officially released through Coldplay's Web site yesterday, it seems this pianist picked up the melody really well and decided to cover it already.


You may have already heard Fall Out Boy's version of MJ's Beat It, but have you seen the official music video?

Viva Coldplay

If you haven't heard yet, Coldplay is giving its first single away for free. Yep, if you visit the band's Web site, you can get Violet Hill without having to drop a dime. But time's running out so get crackin.
But for those of you who are excited for the new album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (album art above), then you can grab their new album on June 12. They've also announced news about three free shows - London (June 16), New York (June 23) and Barcelona (date TBA). The band hasn't revealed how to grab tickets, but information should be out soon.

iPod Shuts Up and Lets Go

Just like it did with Jet, CSS, The Fratellis and Feist, Apple has been using the power of music to market their latest gadgets. But if you didn't notice yet, the tech company loves to search for the not-so-known artists with their even lesser known tunes that have one addicting hook.

In Apple's new commercial, they kept the color and dancing shadows but delved into new dance-worthy music-making duo The Ting Tings with their song, Shut Up and Let Me Go.


Like them and can't get enough? Here's That's Not My Name (my fave) off their forthcoming album, We Started Nothing, out in the U.S. on May 20.


And you can catch them live when they come to the U.S. in June. Check MySpace for dates. You can also vote for their video, Great DJ, on MTV or grab it off iTunes.

Newbies From Today's Hottest

Teenage Love Affair - Alicia Keys


Closer - Ne-Yo


Like Me - Girlicious


Say (All I Need) - OneRepublic

Kung Fu: Jonas Brothers Style

Attention all Jonas Brothers fans! If you haven't heard this floating around cyberspace, here's a new song that's just "dropped" Kung Fu Grip. Enjoy!

Prince Creeps at Coachella '08

It's a bit early for covers this week, but I couldn't resist sharing Prince's sweet rendition of Radiohead's Creep at Coachella.

If you're wondering why this doesn't work anymore, read this from Billboard. Even Radiohead didn't even have a chance to catch the clip.

Kate Tears Up Webster

It seems like New Yorkers just can't get enough of this British gingersnap with sweet pipes and skills on the keys. Webster Hall was packed with fans (18 and over, sorry kids) from all over on April 23 to see what this girl can do. Opening with Pumpkin Soup, Kate Nash was comfortable dressed in a number that you know you'd find in your mama's closet and sitting at her rightful spot -- front and center sitting behind the keyboard. Her band were nicely dressed in threads that look like old school Savile Row and looked like a fashionable boy band -- in a good way, of course. From guitars to a green xylophone, the boy backup band played behind Miss Nash so casually as if they were rehearsing in their garage back home.When she performed Birds, she switched keys for strings, and the boys bust out with the toy xylophone and electric ukulele. She's so nice that she even waves hello to concertgoers including my concert partner-in-crime for the night. Whether it be ballads or poppy tracks, she captivates the crowd in her own sweet way. During Dickhead (no need to explain that song), but live it has a sensual smooth tune that can bop anyone's head and move their hips. The nice mix of the fluid melody, hard bass drum and shrilling of the haunted electric guitar.
Foundations got the crowd, especially the girls, singing their hearts out as if it's the night's theme song. Everyone completely came together during the lyricsYou said I must eat so many lemons 'cause i am so bitter. I said, "I'd rather be with your friends mate 'cause they are much fitter"... It's the only time you'll get Americans sing kahnt and not the usual can't.One of the highlights of the night was the band's performance of Model Behaviour -- Brit punk rock at its girly finest. Kate Nash proves that she's more than a girl with a catchy tune. She'll be continuing the NME U.S. tour till mid-May and then will be hopping back to the U.K. in time for the country's music festival season.

Starfield Interrupted

Canadian Christian band Starfield were rocked on Friday night when the floor of Central Heights Church (in Canada) collapsed during the band's performance. Although a bunch were injured, there were no casualties (perhaps through some divine intervention, according to one concert-goer). The band made a statement on their MySpace asking everyone to pray for everyone who's been hurt as well as those who attended on Friday night.

For more on this story, check out this out.

NIN Goes Toony

Rihanna Takes a Bow with Her New Coif

Duffy Rules Europe

It looks like the the soulful blonde from Wales and her Rockferry is sitting comfortably at #1 on the European album charts. And although Mercy has been knocked down by Madonna and JT's 4 Minutes, she's still high in the charts (and that's what matters, right?).

On top of her success, the video for her new single, Warwick Avenue, is now on YouTube.

NME Awards 2008 Tonight

Brit mag NME has branched out to the U.S. And just like their awards show at home, NME will be premiering their US awards show tonight. Live on their MySpace page, Jane's Addiction (who reunited for the night) will be crowned Godlike Geniuses while The Lemonheads will receive the NME Classic Album for It's a Shame About Ray. The Clash's Mick Jones will receive the NME Inspiration award. And of course, today's big artists like The Killers, The White Stripes and My Chemical Romance will be up for gongs (the NME USA Award). The show starts at 9 p.m.

Esmée and Marié Cover New Faves

Marié Digby just loved this song by Jordin Sparks so much that she decided to form her own version.


Dutch starlet Esmée Denters is back with a new cover, and this time its from OneRepublic and with Ryan Tedder? Pretty sweet duet if you ask me. And don't forget to check out her YouTube channel for a chance to design Esmée's new logo.

A Tune to Groove to

For some reason, this song has followed me everywhere these past few days. And finally I found out the title and who it's by; so I thought I'd share it with all of you.
Enjoy!

Calabria by Enur feat. Natasja

Weezer Whips Up Some 'Pork and Beans'

Attention Weezer fans! In case you've missed Karl Koch's posts on his corner, the new album will be out on June 24. And here's the track list kids...

Regular Edition (CD; digital):

1. Troublemaker
2. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)
3. Pork and Beans
4. Heart Songs
5. Everybody Get Dangerous
6. Dreamin’
7. Thought I Knew
8. Cold Dark World
9. Automatic
10. The Angel and the One

Deluxe Edition (CD with special packaging; iTunes):

1. Troublemaker
2. The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)
3. Pork and Beans
4. Heart Songs
5. Everybody Get Dangerous
6. Dreamin’
7. Thought I Knew
8. Cold Dark World
9. Automatic
10. The Angel and the One
11. Miss Sweeney
12. Pig
13. The Spider
14. King

And don't forget their first single, Pork and Beans is out tomorrow. But if you're the iTunes type, you'll have to wait till Thursday to grab the new song.

KC Serenades the Pope

Personally, I'm a stickler for the Latin version, but Miss Clarkson still did amazing.

High 'Spirit'-ed

(CREDIT: Getty)

Looks like it wasn't all hype (like the Chicago Trib said), Leona Lewis' Spirit has soared to number 1, making this songbird the first UK solo-act to enter at #1. Looks like Miss Lewis has crossed over pretty gracefully, congrats to her.

Punk Goes Crunk

I think the title explains it all... If you like what you hear, the compilation is out now.


California Love done by My American Heart.


Hot Rod Circuit's version of Gin and Juice.


The Devil Wears Prada covers Still Fly.


Notorious Thugs Scary Kids Scaring Kids style.

New Full-Lengths Out Tomorrow

Under a new label (Fueled by Ramen) and four years since their self-titled album, Phantom Planet is back with a new raw rock record, Raise the Dead that releases tomorrow. And you can preview the tracks (I recommend Leader...) on their MySpace now.

And don't forget about the boys from Brighton. The Kooks are back with Konk, also dropping tomorrow.

Death Cab Will Possess Your Heart

New from Death Cab for Cutie whose album, Narrow Stairs, drops on May 13.


And don't forget to catch frontman Ben Gibbard's take on the meaning of life in PASTE on newsstands now.

311's Joker and more

311 performs The Joker by The Steve Miller Band in New Orleans.


Rock vets Spoon honor The Smiths with their own version of Panic.


And in honor of Leona Lewis' album release this week, here's her cover of Roberta Flack's The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which you can find on Spirit -- out now.

NKOTB's New Single

Ask the Rolling Stones a Question

John Varvatos Gives CBGB a Makeover

The new John Varvatos flagship on the Bowery has been busy for months now, but perhaps it hasn't hit reality till these recent pictures via Kempt. Yep, say goodbye to the legendary CBGB and welcome runway fashion.

The new shop is located on 315 Bowery (between 1st and 2nd).

'4 Minutes'

Enjoy

Live Nation Snags the Jigga Man

First it was Madonna. Then just a few days ago, they locked U2. And now the ever-growing concert promoter Live Nation just signed Jay-Z to a $150 million deal -- roughly the largest so far. Stepping down as president of Def Jam and meeting lukewarm sales of American Gangster, the deal, which should be finalized this week, will include concert ticket sales, merchandise marketing, recording distribution as well as other aspects of the artist's career.

At the rate Live Nation is going, who knows what artist they'll sign next...

Kanye's 'Homecoming' with Chris Martin

Keane Gives U2 a Try and More

HSM vet Ashley Tisdale has lots of fun with this Cyndi Lauper track.


Keane's version of With or Without You.


Panic at the Disco gives Valerie a try.

Can Your Voice Break Glass?

Apparently this chick can....

U2 + Live Nation = One Long Relationship

First it was Madonna last year. And now concert promoting powerhouse Live Nation has snagged another iconic act. U2, who aren't known to these big deals (remember Apple?), have signed a 12-year agreement -- including worldwide touring, merchandise and the Web site. Being one of the bands that bring in top tour billing every year, this looks like it'll be one sweet relationship.

And don't forget to catch the band on the silver screen...