Jo Bros Slate New Album for Late Summer

Jonas Brothers fans need to wait a few months for A Little Bit Longer (the band's follow-up album), which drops on Aug. 12. But if you've been to any of the shows recently you've probably heard Burnin' Up, Little Bit Longer and Pushing Me Away. And be sure to catch their movie, Camp Rock premiering on June 20 on the Disney Channel and their series, Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream.

NKOTB Return with Reunion Record

Sometimes reunions fail as soon as they start, but that's not the case for New Kids on the Block. Already playing sold out shows, they guys have decided to record a reunion album due out on Sept. 8, according to Billboard. Hopefully they'll revamp some of their old stuff like they did at West Hollywood's House of Blues on May 13. Personally I'm all for a re-recorded version of Please Don't Go Girl. I mean Joey McIntyre has grown up with a voice that'd heat up that track.


Because of the demand for tickets, NKOTB has added more shows to the tour, and tickets are available this weekend.

Grohl and McCartney Make Beautiful Music

Announced to on the band's Web site, Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl will be performing alongside Paul McCartney during The Liverpool Sound Concert. The show honors Liverpool's title of "European Capital of Culture" for 2008. The show will also feature Kaiser Chiefs and The Zutons and will take place on June 1 at Anfield Stadium. This will be the first and last concert to be played before the Liverpool Football (aka soccer) Club moves to the its new digs.

The Kooks 'Shine On'

Breaking into the American scene in a big way last year, the Kooks are back with their new album, Konk. Here's the band's new video for their single, Shine On, and you can catch them on tour on now.

New Live Nation App on Facebook

It's already a musical powerhouse — grabbing big names like Madonna and Jay-Z and sponsoring some of the summer's top tours. But now they have tapped one of the largest online communities in the world.

Even though people could already link up with Live Nation on Facebook, they just gave the go on a new application that Facebook users can add to their profiles. After registering for an account, you can use this application to customize your concert searches and share your gig calendar with your FB friends (a nice way to market the bands). Aside from doing all the registering, this is a pretty helpful tool to plan your summer concert schedule, especially if you're frequent gig goer like me.

New Edition Will Receive ASCAP Golden Note

Besides celebrating 25 years of being together as a musical act, 80s pop/R&B group New Edition will be receiving the Golden Note at ASCAP's 21st annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 23 in LA. Kudos to them on such a big achievement.

Birdmonster's Stellar NYC Gig

Last night I was lucky enough to see Birdmonster at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. And although I was expecting one good show, I definitely got more. These four guys really love to rock out onstage. Opposed to a forced rockstar-styled leap into the air or mindless guitar thrashing, you could really feel the music that they played. With each song, Pete, Zach, Justin and David put their all (literally...there was so much sweat to prove it) into the show. What makes Birdmonster interesting is the fact that no matter how hard these guys rock there's still a softness to the music. Perhaps it's the lead singer's voice or maybe it's the addition of instruments like the keys or mandolin. Whatever it is, Birdmonster is a group to look out for.

Here's some pics from the show taken by yours truly.






The band's new album, From The Mountain To The Sea is set to drop on Aug. 5. In the meantime, you can catch up with the guys on their blog.

Music Legends Graduate with Honors

Congratulations to Sir Paul McCartney and Bono for being honored this week with honorary degrees. The knighted ex-Beatle received an honorary Doctor of Music from Yale at the university's graduation on May 26. Meanwhile across the globe, Keio University gave U2 frontman Bono an honorary degree for humanitarian efforts and contributions to music. And not that these two are new to the accolades, but these are definitely honors to celebrate.

One 'Sweet and Low' Cover Contest

San Diego's own Augustana is hosting a YouTube contest -- upload your best cover of their new single, Sweet and Low, and you'll win a chance to chill with them.

You know how much I love an awesome cover. I'll definitely post my fave picks soon, but in the meantime, join the contest!

Reaching for the Inner Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode is just one of those classic pop songs that get stuck in your head and never leave. But you'd never think these people would actually cover it.


AC/DC's Bon Scott with Cheap Trick (Updated: Thanks to AC/DC News.)


Jimi Hendrix


Green Day

New Idol Thanks the Fans

Don't forget to catch him and David Archuleta on the Today Show on Thursday morning. And if you still can't get enough him or are going through Idol withdrawal, you can check out the interview clips from Larry King Live as well as his own afterthoughts following that night with the Season 7 cast.

Entertainment lawyer and record company consultant Bob Lefsetz praises Cook, too; here's his spiel on the rocker.

Check Out 'Heavy Metal in Baghdad'

Screened at the Seattle International Film Festival as well as showing on limited release in NY and LA, Heavy Metal in Baghdad is a documentary looking at Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda from 2003 to now and how they have remained to play the music they love amidst the fighting in their home.

If you're moved by Acrassicauda's story or are just a heavy metal-er at heart, you can pre-order the DVD (out on June 10) now.

Gavin Rossdale Spreads the 'Wanderlust'

Now in a post-Bush (the band not the president) period, Gavin Rossdale has been working on a solo record, Wanderlust, which will be out on June 3. This is his first single from that album, Love Remains the Same.

Scarlett and Debbie Dish on MySpace

Hearts and Kisses by Marié

Here's the official video for her first single, Say It Again.

Weezer Taps YouTube Talent for Pork and Beans

Remember the Weezer Red Album is out on June 3!

Guitar Hero Amps It Up

Seeing some competition with Rock Band? I wonder how this musical video game battle pans out...Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

And even though David Archuleta took the runner-spot, that didn't stop the big wigs at Guitar Hero from giving him a Risky Business-esque TV spot.

Viva Coldplay

The date has been locked. Coldplay will be at the Espacio Movistar on June 17, and like the Brixton and MSG shows, this one will also be free.

But if you can't make it to Barcelona, Brixton or New York on those dates, you can also catch them on the Today Show on June 27 (date has been confirmed today) and on June 1 for the 2008 MTV Movie Awards.

And don't forget to pre-order their album on iTunes, which drops on June 17.

Death Cab at #1 for First Time

For the first time in the band's career, Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs has entered the Billboard 200 at #1. This beats their 2005 album, Plans, which debuted at #4. Frank Sinatra's Nothing But the Best took the runner-spot and We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things at #3 — Jason Mraz's follow-up to 2005's Mr. A-Z.

A Day in the Life of a Jonas

Summer's usually a time of some R&R unless you're one of the Jonas Brothers, but then again the boys can't complain too much. With a sold out tour, endless invites to the White House and even a feature in the new issue of Teen Vogue, these guys are really living the dream and Disney has taped it in a new series. Titled Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream, each 10-minute episode is on the Disney Channel every Friday at 7:55 p.m. Here's the first episode, which premiered last week.

Madonna Follows in Hubby's Footsteps

Like her other half, Guy Ritchie, Madonna recently produced/narrated a new documentary titled I Am Because We Are. Premiering at Tribeca and Cannes, the film takes a look at children in Africa who have been orphaned because of AIDS.

Not too sure when it'll be in theaters for the public, but you should still check out the site to find out how you can help the cause.

And the doc isn't the only way the celebs have been helping Malawi, Men's Vogue's Hudson Morgan hit up a party at the UN in honor of helping the African country.

Cook Takes the Idol Cake

Oh how sweet it is...Everyone's called it throughout the season, but it's now official! David Cook is our 2008 American Idol, and this is my favorite performance....

And if you're still wondering what Cook meant when he blamed all his Idol fame on his brother, check this out...

Ryan did say that the new season will start in January, but will it step up to season 7?

Alanis Gets Underneath

Katy Kissed a Girl and Here's the Proof

And if you think this isn't headbanging enough for you, here's the rock mix.

YouTube Today, Record Deal Tomorrow

You may haven't really heard of Kina Grannis, but just wait and see and you will. Winning the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl contest and being signed to Interscope, I'm sure you'll be hearing more from this one. Here's her upbeat version of New Soul by Yael Naim.


Already featured on Ellen and the Paul O'Grady Show in London, Charice Pempengco has been taking the world by storm and even made it on my top 8 girls on the rise in '08. On May 12, her dreams came true — performing Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing for Oprah.


This German import known by Urban put his soft acoustic skills on Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love. And although I did highlight this a few weeks ago, this is a version worth spotlighting.

Mraz Gets Intimate at London's Royal Opera House

If you can't enough of Jason Mraz's vocals, here's his latest video, I'm Yours. Such a chill video for a super-sweet song from an adorable singer.

Mousefiles with Amy and Pete

Not too sure what's going on here exactly, but it looks like Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse have witnessed a miracle — the birth of mice. Apparently this was her message to hubby Blake (who's still in the pen) hoping these baby mice could convince him not to divorce Mummy Winehouse. Let the awkwardness begin...

In case you didn't get enough, here's part two of that video.

A Jab at Hillary

Idle Warship (composed of Talib Kweli and Res) teamed up with breakout producers Chester French to create a video pushing Sen. Clinton to drop out of the race. A gutsy move on the musicians' parts considering the Post just announced that she just officially picked up Kentucky. But still, it's one sick track, but imagining any of the candidates bust-a-movin' to this tune would be a bit weird...

Who's Ready for Some N.E.R.D.?

Who's ready for them? I know I am. Seeing Sounds is out on June 10.

Janet's on the Road Again

Janet Jackson is back and ready to hit the stage. Her first show will be in Vancouver on Sept. 10 and will schedule shows in NYC and DC. Although the 42-year-old will be headlining for the first time in seven years, she's ready to get her groove on. Tickets are on sale on June; so mark your calendars.

The Boys Get Back in the Game

Here are the New Kids back in the studio shaking what their mamas gave them.

On 'Violet Hill'

Summer Music Fest for One Sweet Price

Dubbed "the most rocking block party of the summer" by Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis, he and clothing brand American Eagle are putting together one hot show in Pittsburgh on Aug. 8 & 9. The two-day show features big names like The Roots, Gnarles Barkley, Spoon and The Raconteurs. Bob Dylan is making a big appearance, and young brother-sister team Tiny Masters of Today are also performing. What's even cooler about the music fest is that 14 of the country's best college bands are performing. Tickets are on sale now. For all you students out there, it'll only cost you $25 to rock out.

Katy Perry: The Girl With a Sugarcoated Edge

The first time I heard about Katy Perry was on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, where her song Simple, which is a pretty cool tune. But now with I Kissed a Girl hitting the airwaves pretty hard, it's obvious that this chick isn't afraid tell it like it is.

“I think people appreciate a songwriter who shows different sides. The whole angst thing is cool, but if that’s all you’ve got, it's just boring. Everything I write, whether it’s happy or sad, has a sense of humor to it," the Santa Barbara-based singer-songwriter said on her MySpace.

Her debut album, One of the Boys, will be out on June 17, while I Kissed a Girl and EP, UR So Gay is available on iTunes.

Here's the video for the title track on her EP...

A Message to the 'Ladies of the World'

From the Flight of the Conchords‚the band not the show.

You know you love them...

The Battle of David

In case you didn't catch Idol tonight, Miss Syesha didn't make the cut, which places the two Davids in a head-to-head competition on the show's finale. Although ratings have been slipping, I must say this season had some prime talent, especially coming from these two gentlemen.

Since Idol is all about the covers, I decided to pick my faves from last night's performances. (Props to IdolsAroundTheWorld for the videos, and props to the producers for a some nice songs—no matter what Simon says.)


Dan Fogelberg's Longer performed by David Archuleta


Aerosmith's I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing performed by David Cook


Now it's up to you...which David is your American Idol?

'Going On'

New from Odd Couple Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse aka Gnarles Barkley. Filmed in Jamaica, there's some sweet dancing to the the soulful Cee-lo vox.

Another Rihanna Collab

Rihanna just knows how to work those collaborations. Here's the new one with Maroon 5, which will be on the re-release versions of their albums due out later this year.

Sporty Talks on 'The Hour'

More than Just 'Lip Gloss'

New from Lil Mama

Coldplay North American Dates Are Out

(Note: Confused about the dates? It's day/month/year.)
29/06/08: Philadelphia, PA - USA Wachovia Center on sale 16/05/08
02/07/08: Washington, DC - USA Verizon Center on sale 17/05/08
03/07/08: Hartford, CT - USA XL Center on sale 17/05/08
05/07/08: Detroit, MI - USA Palace of Auburn Hills on sale 17/05/08
06/07/08: Cleveland, OH - USA Quicken Loans Arena on sale 17/05/08
08/07/08: St. Paul, MN - USA Xcel Energy Center on sale 17/05/08
09/07/08: Kansas City, MO - USA Spring Center on sale 17/05/08
10/07/08: Oklahoma City, OK - USA Ford Center on sale 16/05/08
12/07/08: Phoenix, AZ - USA Jobing.com Arena on sale 17/05/08
19/07/08: Las Vegas, NV - USA MGM Grand Garden Arena on sale 17/05/08
21/07/08: Sacramento, CA - USA ARCO Arena on sale 14/06/08
24/07/08: San Jose, CA - USA HP Pavilion on sale 14/06/08
27/07/08: Pemberton, BC - Canada Pemberton Festival on sale 01/04/08
29/07/08: Edmonton, AB - Canada Rexall Place on sale 13/06/08
30/07/08: Calgary, AB - Canada Pengrowth Saddledome on sale 14/06/08
01/08/08: Winnepeg, MB - Canada MTS Centre on sale 14/06/08
03/08/08: Omaha, NE - USA Qwest Center on sale 14/06/08
04/08/08: Chicago, IL - USA United Center on sale 14/06/08
20/10/08: Montreal, QC - Canada Bell Centre on sale 14/06/08
21/10/08: Ottawa, ON - Canada Scotiabank Place on sale 14/06/08
26/10/08: East Rutherford, NJ - USA IZOD Center on sale 14/06/08
29/10/08: Toronto, ON - Canada Air Canada Centre on sale 14/06/08
30/10/08: Toronto, ON - Canada Air Canada Centre on sale 14/06/08
03/11/08: Boston, MA - USA TD Banknorth Garden on sale 14/06/08
11/11/08: Atlanta, GA - USA Philips Arena on sale 14/06/08
18/11/08: Houston, TX - USA Toyota Center on sale 14/06/08
19/11/08: Dallas, TX - USA American Airlines Center on sale 14/06/08
21/11/08: Denver, CO - USA Pepsi Center on sale 14/06/08
22/11/08: Salt Lake City, UT - USA Energy Solutions Arena on sale 14/06/08

And remember the info on how to get the free tix to the NYC and London shows is out now.

Tila Strips Down

Besides another round of looking for love, Tila Tequila in one fitted corset hits the strip club with a new single, Stripper Friends, now available on iTunes. Enjoy!

Lindsay Gets Bossy

Is it just me but haven't these pop girl comebacks all been catchy dance tracks?

John Mayer Shows Us The Light

On July 1, you can bring John Mayer home and enjoy his sweet sounds anytime you want with Where is the Light— the new live concert DVD. Here's a sneak peak...

Amy Comes Out with a New Frank

Ok, well not new, but this one has rare mixes and demos, b-sides and BBC performances. So if you're big on Amy Winehouse, grab the album, out on May 12, available at Tower Records.



And if you're wondering about her latest meetings with the police, here you go.

Jason is Sent Packing

It's the final stretch, and unfortunately tonight's results on Idol crushed my hopes for an all-male top 3. No offense to Sysheha (I'm all about the girl power), but Jason Castro was definitely one of my favorites. Now if he didn't fumble flat on his face last night...Oh well. I'm sure this won't be the end of the bright-eyed dred-head. At least there's still the Idol tour...

Bands Go Old School at Bamboozle '08

At last weekend's (May 3 - May 4) Bamboozle, 100 bands blew thousands away at the Giants Stadium parking lot. And there were a few who honored their fave songs with some sweet covers.


The D-O-double-G drove the crowd wild with House of Pain's Jump Around.


Here's a backstage view of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' version of My Hero by the Foo Fighters.


The Maine got everyone singing along with Akon's I Wanna Love You.


Third Eye Blind made an appearance on the Bamboozle stage through Holiday Parade, who performed Graduate.

Mariah's 'Bye Bye'

At first I wasn't too sure about this video for Bye Bye. It seemed like the song didn't go with the video. But after watching it a bit more, it's a sincere and heartfelt letter to the loved one she's lost and a bit of a doc to show them how she's doing. Sweet...and of course, nice touch with the footage with new hubby Nick Cannon. And if you saw the shoot with Mariah sporting a teeny black bikini, well that's for Vibe's June cover.

The Police's Last Gig in NYC

The Police have been on their reunion tour since last year, and they've just announced that their hitting the Big Apple for their last show. They started their first American tour at CBGB's in 1978, and it looks like they want to finish in the city where they started.

The band will donate proceeds from the NYC show to arts programs on public TV on top a separate donation to MillionTreesNYC.

Date and venue are still TBA, but it would be pretty sweet if they got to play CBGB's yet again. But perhaps a bigger venue like MSG will have to do, right?

The Panic Childhood

Happy Birthday Chris Brown

And to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo/Brown's birthday, here's his new video for the single, Forever. (Sweet something to dance to, but then again it's Chris Brown...no surprise there.)


And some other new visual goodies.


Donk by Soulja Boy

On a serious note...

Radiohead's new video/PSA about child slavery really gives you something to think about.