Year's Best Musical Coverage

To keep with the new weekly section, Cover Wednesdays, let's see what 2007 has brought to the table.

Starting off the countdown is Bono 's version of The Beatles' classic—I Am the Walrus at number 8. Although this isn't one of my favorite Beatles tunes, but the U2 frontman's rendition made me take another listen and give it a chance.


In September, pop-punkers Boys Like Girls recorded their version of Let Go by Frou Frou. With Martin Johnson's soothing voice and raw pairing of the acoustic guitars, the song enters the list at number 7.


The 1968 hit Helter Skelter by The Beatles has been covered by so many times throughout the years. But on Nov. 11, 2007, the Killers, the Vines, Howling Bells and Louis XIV did an unforgettable performance of the song in Sydney—so memorable it's at 6


At the 5 spot, there's a tie between teen R&B singer Chris Brown's Try a Little Tenderness (by Otis Redding) and Jay Legaspi's rendition of Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars using his beatboxing skills, soulful voice and a loop pedal.



In 1986, rockstars Aerosmith and hip hop godfathers Run DMC joined forces to produce a song that will forever rock the world. And in February 2007, British gal groups Girls Aloud and Sugababes remade the song to raise money for Comic Relief. Featuring some of the UK's superstars, the video and song not only hit number one on the UK singles chart but also was in the top ten for Poland, Croatia and Greece—and now 4 on my list.


Mark Ronson has been on the music scene since the 90's, producing and DJ-ing in the clubs around London and NYC. In '07, Ronson released his own album titled, Versions featuring many of today's big artists—two of which made the top three.

At number 3 is his work with Lily Allen on Oh My God originally by the Kaiser Chiefs. Lily may have only appeared in the video in animated form but still does a great job on the cover.


The list's number 2 spot goes to the collab between Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, Valerie. Like Lily, Amy didn't make it to her video shoot, but that didn't stop this Zutons original from going to number one in the UK R&B Chart.


And this year's number 1 cover is Brit band the Klaxons' version of No Diggity (originally by Blackstreet). This topped my list not only because it brought back a good throwback track, but the Klaxons sound strikingly similar to the 90's R&B group (with a hint of the Brit accent). This cover was part of the the Radio 1 Established 1967 compilation album, released in October.

Popular Songs Make = Good TV Spots

You may have had your fair share of egg nog and fruit cake, unwrapped loads of presents and sang enough carols to make you hoarse. And to end the Christmas evening, here's my top 8 songs used in the year's interesting commercials.

Verizon may have decided to open it's network, but that's not the only thing the cellphone powerhouse opened the public to. Meet California's HardNox—better known as the masterminds behind the song for the new Verizon Juke commercial. Not only does the song get your head bopping, but the dancing in this spot is pretty incredible, which is why it's 8 on my list.


At number 7 is the glam-brand Dolce & Gabbana. The soundtrack behind its jewels and watch commercial not only shows beautiful people accessorized in D&G but also makes you want get up and dance along with them.


Let's keep the beat up with another dance-inspired TV spot at 6—the Dancing with the Stars promo featuring Let's Dance by HSM vet Vanessa Hudgens. In this song, she sheds her oh-so-sweet poppy ways to add some spice to already hot salsa dancing.


Now we couldn't ignore the holiday ads (especially on Christmas Day). Although I don't know who sang this song or its title, there's no denying that this year's Target Christmas spots put people in the jolly mood (besides making you want to take a trip to your local Target store). So here's number 5.



Feist's Teletubbies-like, whimsical song 1,2,3,4 adds a fun touch to the already colorful commercials for the new generation of iPod Nanos, which is why it's 4 on the list this year.


Let's slow things down a bit with the new but always romantic De Beers commercial with Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Nashville's own Landon Pigg. Not only will it entice you with beautiful ice but Landon's soothing voice will definitely melt your heart.


This year's number 2 spot is CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy meaning tired of being sexy in Portuguese). Breaking out of Brazil, this sultry group brings up the beat in the iPod Touch commercial with their tune, Music is My Hot, Hot Sex. Now, of course, it's been edited for kid-friendly viewing. But even with the touch up, it's still a hot track for another hot gadget by Apple.


And at number 1 is NYC's Ingrid Michaelson's The Way I Am—featured in Old Navy's sweater commercials. Not only did this song put Ingrid on Carson Daly's show but also has made her a household name. (Her recent concert at New York's Webster Hall was a successful sold out gig.)

The Best Music Visuals of the Year

Since everyone's been busting out with their end of year wrap-up lists, I figured I'd get on the bandwagon and whip up a bunch of my own. Instead of doing a top 10, I decided to give the new year a good welcome by creating my 8 top 8 lists to ring in 2008.

Soo...let's kick things off with the top 8 music-(related) videos of the year.

Now we know that former teen pop queen Britney and soulful songstress Amy have been the center of Perez talk and gossip glossies for their public flops. And yes at number 8 is Britney and Amy's not-so-stellar MTV performances.




7 Ok Go may have made the homemade YouTube music video popular, but Alanis took the idea and ran with it. In her rendition of Black Eyed Peas' My Humps, she took it to another level.


Dwight Howard, LeBron James and Shaq dancing it out on the court at the NBA All-Star game makes for some good viral video, and this is why it's at number 6.


At 5 is an interesting take on a learning is fun kid's show. Puppets + Beatboxing = Jolly good fun


For all of you classical fans, here's a video that will surely to please. At number 4 is ex-cellphone salesman Paul Potts with his amazing-literally-brought-me-to-tears voice.


Bringing in the top 3 is the cute little kids that get groovy for Mastercard. They really got the funk.


Rounding out number 2 is the unforgettable Chris Crocker who defended Britney like no other fan could ever do. With over 14 million views, there's no way this couldn't make my top 8.



And finally my pick for the top viral music video of 2007 is...

Little kids crankin' dat with some ballet flair, I just couldn't resist.

Miley Starts Over, Britney Body Doubles and Ashlee's 80's Vibe

Miley Cyrus sheds her blond Hannah Montana locks to show off her style with this new single


Britney Spears' melodic statement to the media with Piece of Me


Ashlee Simpson seems to be digging into her 80's pop/punk vibe on this track. The video, her first single off Bittersweet World out in March 2008, reminds me of a darker version of Gwen Stefani.

Cover Wednesdays

Since I love listening to covers, I wanted to start a new weekly section that introduces you to our favorite artists are listening to and how they try to add their own flavor to an already popular song.

Here's the Foo Fighters on Radio 1's Live Lounge performing Arcade Fire's Keep the Car Running


R&B artist Joe taking on Carrie Underwood's Before He Cheats


And here's Britain's 2007 X Factor winner, Leon Jackson with his rendition of When You Believe, originally performed by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey for the Prince of Egypt soundtrack.

Joss Stone is the New Flake Girl

If you haven't tried Cadbury's Flake chocolate yet, then you're totally missing out on some cocoa goodness! Because I absolutely love this sweet piece, of course I needed to let you all know that it's just been announced that Joss Stone will be the new spokesperson for Flake in 2008. The new campaign is set to start in the upcoming spring.

The Flake campaigns have been around since the '50s, and here's a clip from 1969. (Yep, I'm going old school with this one.)

Good Girls Are Cool, Too

When Miley Cyrus makes an appearance on Canada's MuchMusic MOD, she gets a surprise phone call from fellow good girl, Hilary Duff. Not only does shed her star skin and revert into fan mode, but she also thanks the former Lizzie McGuire for putting angels on the cool list.

Paper Planes

Here's M.I.A.'s new joint, Paper Planes.

Giving You Everything

Keeping the Spice Girl coverage going, a documentary staring the girls has just dropped on YouTube. Lucky for us, leopoldbastard has posted the entire doc online.

Here's part one. Enjoy!

Vote for This Year's Sweetest Things

Daily Candy is asking its readers to vote for this year's Sweetest Things. Although the sight is known more for its fashion tips than for its music POV, the site also has a sounds section for music lovers like you and I. Starting tomorrow (Dec. 18) you can vote here for Daily Candy's major cities (including NYC, London, San Francisco and Seattle) as well as the best music around for 2007.

So if you want to have your voices heard, then vote!

Ben Lee Brings Mixtapes Back

pic cred

Only releasing Ripe in September, Ben Lee ran back into the studio to work on his new album, Mixtape from Ben Lee. Just like Ripe (where he teamed up with Good Charlotte's Benji Madden, Mandy Moore and Rooney), he'll be working with fellow Aussie Kylie Minogue, California band, the Eels, and actress Zooey Deschanel. Yep! She can sing.

Not too sure exactly when it'll drop in '08 but definitely keep your eyes peeled for it.

Bring in some Good Tidings with The Enemy

Last week on Jo Whiley's Live Lounge, she hopped from home to home visiting some of today's big music makers. On day four of the Live Lounge's tour, Whiley paid Coventry's own The Enemy a visit. After chatting about the holidays, band history and the Spice Girls comeback (and yes, they're excited as well), the trio brought in the holidays with this lovely ditty by Wham!.



You can catch more of The Enemy as well as the other stops on the tour (including the Stereophonics, McFly, Jack Penate and Mika) on the Live Lounge site.

The Boys are Back in Town

...Or should I say Chipmunks. Old school toon, Alvin & the Chipmunks is back and look realer than ever. Voiced by Justin Long as Alvin, Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon, and Jesse McCartney as Theodore, the trio not only bring to the screen their adorable cuteness and higher-than-any-soprano voices, but they also bust out with a bunch of new tracks for their old and new fans.

Here's Alvin, Simon & Theodore with their rendition of Daniel Powter's Bad Day. (So cute!)


And of course who could forget this memorable track...

Walk Hard

Another Judd Apatrow piece of genius with Walk Hard, which releases on Dec. 21. This clip shows the movie's protagonist, Dewey Cox, meeting with the Beatles. Hilarious!

Brit Awards Will Honor Sir Paul

For his impact to the music scene and a career that's spanned five decades, former Beatle, Paul McCartney will receive the outstanding contribution to music honor at the Brit Awards 2008. Held at Earl's Court in London on Feb. 20, the awards will show live on UK network ITV.

Other honorees include U2, Paul Weller, Tom Jones, Sting, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Eurythmics, the Who, and Oasis.

And in honor of Sir Paul's new award, here's his new video from his own YouTube channel.

Stairway to Zeppelin

Not too sure if this is just only the beginning, but for one night at the O2 Arena Led Zepplin rocked it out.

2008 Grammy Nominations Announced

Nominations this time around seem to have come from left field with Kanye West leading with 8 nods, and Amy Winehouse following with 6. Considering the downs in their lives right now, let's hope that these nominations will be a little pick-me-up.

Here are the lists of the top four nominee lists...

Record of the Year


Irreplaceable by Beyonce


The Pretender by Foo Fighters


Umbrella by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z


What Goes Around ... Comes Around by Justin Timberlake


Rehab by Amy Winehouse


Song of the Year

Before He Cheats by Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins (Carrie Underwood)


Hey There Delilah by Tom Higgenson (Plain White T's)


Like a Star by Corinne Bailey Rae


Rehab by Amy Winehouse


Umbrella by Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius "Dream" Nash & Christopher Stewart (Rihanna featuring Jay-Z)


Best Album

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace by Foo Fighters

These Days by Vince Gill

River: The Joni Letters by Herbie Hancock

Graduation by Kanye West

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse


Now onto something no one expected. An all girl category? 2008's new artist nominees are all of the female persuasion (Remember Hayley Williams is Paramore's frontgirl). Do we see a little cat fight in the making?

Best New Artist

Feist


Ledisi


Paramore


Taylor Swift


Amy Winehouse


For a complete list of all the nominees, you can visit the grammys.com.

The 2008 Grammy Awards will be on February 10 in Los Angeles. But if you can't make the trip, you can catch it on CBS.

2008 Grammy Nominations

In only a matter of hours, the Recording Academy will be announcing the nominations for next year's Grammys, which will be at the Staple Center on Feb. 10. Kanye West, Bruce Springstein and Amy Winehouse are among some of the hopefuls to be nominated. Tune in to see if your favorites may be well on their way toward that golden phonograph.

This may be one of the records of the year...

Unplugged 2.0

MySpace has embarked on a new endeavor. Welcome Transmissions. With James Blunt as its first featured artist, the section strips the artist down to its acoustic bones and includes exclusive interview content and videos of the performances. It definitely reminds me of MTV Unplugged of the '90s and Sundance Channel's recent creation, Live from Abbey Road. But for all web surfers, this will be their way of getting their acoustic fixes.

Here's James Blunt's rendition of Peter Bjorn and John's Young Folks

There's No Stopping Ben Lee

Releasing his follow up to Awake is the New Sleep--Ripe--in September, Ben Lee didn't waste any time getting back into the studio. He's been working with Aussie pop diva Kylie Minogue on a new album called Mixtape From Ben Lee. Other guests on the album include Tim Wheeler from Ash, E from the Eels, Ian Ball from Gomez and actress/singer Zooey Deschanel (yes, she can sing).

Hot Hot Heat & Amy Winehouse Drop Their New Videos

NME has just exclusively released Amy Winehouse's new video, Love is a Losing Game. Click here!

Meanwhile, on Spinner you can catch Hot Hot Heat's new video or you can just click play here. An ode to a throwback kareoke video, you can sing along with the band.

To Take Clothes Off or Not To Take Clothes Off

Just like the conversation about Beautiful Girls between Sean Kingston and Jojo. And then there's the Walk This Way cover by Brit girl groups Sugarbabes and Girls Aloud for Comic Relief's charity event, Red Nose Day 2007. It looks like 17-year-old Lil Chris (think a British Aaron Carter before the tattoos and reality show) has honed in on this trend and has assured the Gym Class Heroes that there's no need to undress.



But of course, we can't ignore the original.


Now you can be the judge on who makes the cut.

Travis Barker Cranks Dat and Rihanna Drops by the Live Lounge

With Soulja Boy Tellem's huge succes, it looks like Travis Barker wants to get in on the action and add his own flair to the track. Here's the Blink 182 drummer boy doing what he does best to Crank Dat.





Last month, BBC Radio 1's very own Jo Whiley even got into this dance craze that she decided to take some time while on the air.


Speaking of the Live Lounge host, Ms. Whiley aired her interview with the Umbrella girl herself, Rihanna, today. Now I know the song has been out since the summer, but with so many covers of the song created each day, I just had to highlight it. During the interview, Whiley revealed that Umbrella was so popular that it was on top of the UK charts for 10 weeks straight and also shared Biffy Clyro's cover of the song.

And make sure to tune into Whiley's radio show next week when, she takes the Live Lounge on the road. Here's more info on who she'll be visiting.

School Girls Return to Their Homeland

No, Britney's not revisiting her Hit Me Baby days. The duo known for underage lesbian image, t.A.T.u., has just released a new video in Russia. Called Beliy Plashchik, the video was filmed in L.A. and is pretty reminiscent of the days of Hitler.

This edited version premiered on MTV Russia on Nov. 29.

Tesco Brings More Spicy Cheer in 2007

Perhaps Tesco has been doing better since the start of its Spice Girl Christmas campaign because only a few days ago did its second Spice Girl commercial premiere.



Meanwhile, it's only a a matter of hours till the Spice Girls officially kick off their reunion tour in Vancouver. Unfortunately, Ginger's baby, Bluebell, has gotten the chicken pox and will have to stay home. But of course, the show must go on...so here's a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the tour.

Bring in Some Holiday Cheer With the Fat Budgie

What's a budgie you ask?



That is a fat budgie. Originally designed by the Mr. Lennon himself in 1965. And if you're interested in getting a copy of this limited edition doodle, Oxfam is one of the few places you can get it...unless you head across the Atlantic.

New Music Festival on Jersey Soil

It looks like Melvin Benn's plans of expanding on American soil will become reality. Partnering with C3 Presents (famous for Austin City Limits), Benn's Festival Republic will be presenting the Vineland (New Jersey) Music Festival on August 8-10. Yep, you heard it right. Unlike Bamboozle -- located at the Giants Stadium parking lot in Meadowlands, Vineland is halfway between Atlantic City and Philly.

It'll definitely be a rock fest, but planners promise to a variety of artists on the bill. Guess we'll have to see who makes the cut to play.

Hawthorne Heights Loses One of Its Own

Hawthorne Heights Guitarist Casey Calvert was pronounced dead on Saturday afternoon after police came to the band's tour bus outside DC's 9:30 Club where he was found unconscious. He was 26.

According to the Washington Post, this was one day before Wintour 2007 that started in Detroit on Friday. Casey's cause of death is still to be determined by an autopsy.

Friends of the band, Paramore's thoughts:

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

The band has written a message on their website urging fans to respect the band as well as Casey's family and not to believe any rumors. More information will come as it becomes available, but our thoughts are with Casey's loved ones.

Movies to Look Out For

Despite what reviews say, I thought August Rush was so beautifully done. Following the chronology of an opus and musical performances that just strike the heart, this modern-day fairy tale (complete with a little love story) shows us that there are still some people out silver lining even in the worst of situations.


This Christmas is another family-friendly-film where music is quite central. Chris Brown takes a breather from dancing up a storm in this movie to show everyone his singing skills. Of course, that is only one of the many twists and turns in this holiday film. Here's Chris showing he isn't just all moves but voice, too.

Kanye Breaks Down

Kanye West couldn't hold back the tears while performing Hey Mama this weekend in Paris.

Our hearts go out to him.

2007 AMA Highlights

(courtesy of the AP)

*will.i.am's dance skills reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin

*Jimmy Kimmel Cranks Dat

*Although Akon took away the year's soul/R&B male category, he was more than willing to hand the award over to T-Pain.

*Avril's hot pink microphone

*Maroon 5 hot in their formal wear

*Pop boy bands are back! The Jonas Brothers' SOS performance had screaming girls running down the aisle, only to tug at the Brothers' clothing. And two (fans) even managed to get on stage at the end of the song -- only to be dragged out by security. (And of course Joe's little spill, which didn't stop him from rocking out and jumping over his mic stand.)

*Ne-Yo & Rihanna decked in Hollywood glamour and a beautiful rendition of Hate That I Love You

*Sugarland's rendition of Beyonce's Irreplaceable only to be joined by Miss Knowles herself during the second verse.


*Celine's comeback performance followed by Lenny Kravitz' piano ballad I'll Be Waiting

*Chris Brown's glow in the dark upside down choreography and T-Pain's Zack Morris phone

*No One Reggae Remix complete with Junior Reid, Beanie Man, Chaka Demus & Pilars and Alicia Keys Dance Routine (Oh yeah, it's official As I Am debuts at #1 this week)



*Duran Duran performs new JT-produced-single Falling Down and viewer's-voted Hungry Like the Wolf

*Beyonce's is the 1st female (and 6th person) to receive the International Artist Award

*Mary J. Blige's rocks out just fine

*Night's fashion trend - it's all about the short, tight and metallic or black for girls and the dashing, dapper gentlemen who can rock the kicks

*Queen Latifah belts out a jazzy performance

*Daughtry's acoustic (and still very heartfelt) version of Home

*Lastly, the American Idol vets were the one to take the night with Daughtry and Carrie Underwood winning three awards each. Looks like no matter how long you last on that show, you can still hit it big on the charts.

Here's the complete list of the night's winners.

Play Music Without Touching an Instrument

That instrument in the top left corner is a theremin. Pretty much wave your hand near the sensors, and you can rock out. A little weird, if you ask me.

Here's a more technical explanation of the instrument.

Helter Skelter

Even with Dana Fuch's version in Across the Universe, The Killers collab-ed with The Vines, Howling Belles, and Louis XIV and did took their spin on the Beatles' classic.

Lily Allen on Your Tube

Or should I say telly? Word's spreading pretty quickly around cyberspace that Lily Allen will be putting down the mic for a bit to pick up a script. Yep, Ms. Allen, with that smile of hers, and become the new assistant of Doctor Who. Like singer-turned-actress, Billie Piper (known for UK 1998 hit Because We Want To), some say this may be Miss Allen's way of transitioning into the world of acting. The new season of the science fiction series will start in 2008.

This isn't the only Lily-Allen-acting-news floating around. According to Wired, she'll have her own show called Lily and Friends where her MySpace and Facebook get to pick her show topics, guests and musical performers. That should make for an interesting series, right? We'll see.

Kate Nash: Not Just Another Member British Import

Kate Nash may be part of the new wave Brit Chick Invasion, but this girl's got some spunk. Her melodies prove Pop, and her voice can be compared to Lily Allen (it's that London accent). But again, it's that spunk... or maybe the her humorous and honest lyrics. Either way, she's already been given props by her peers and received the 2007 Q Award for Breakthrough Artist. On the States-side, she's signed on with Geffen, did an acoustic set with SPIN and Merry Happy has played on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

Here's her UK debut and my favorite track (Caroline's a Victim):

Rivers for Christmas & New Weezer Material

You heard it right! It's just been confirmed the new Weezer album will drop on April 22. Simply called, Album Six, the new material is "getting ready for mixing and I have never been so excited about a project in my life," bassist Scott Shriner said in Oct.

Meanwhile front man Rivers Cuomo has been working on his demo collection Alone. Rivers said, "This is a CD of my favorite home demos from ’92 to ’07 featuring a lot of never heard before songs, a few covers, a few songs from my unfinished rock musical Songs From The Black Hole and my original demo for Buddy Holly." According to the the band's site, this will release on Dec. 18.

Leona Lewis and Her 2007 Hit

The numbers are in, and Leona Lewis has her feet planted at number one for the third straight week. And it looks like she'll be walking out of '07 with the UK's top selling single, according to the Official Charts Company. Not bad for the X Factor winner (UK's search for talent with none other than Simon Cowell). Her album, Spirit, dropped today (yep, a day earlier than in the U.S.), and there are reports that it'll probably do better than the Spice Girls. And at this rate, she may be at the Arctic Monkey's heels and beat their record for top UK debut.

Still have no idea who I'm talking about? Check out this video and get to know this rising star.

Let the Christmas Cheer Begin

Tesco (think the UK's version of Wal-Mart) has kicked off the Christmas shopping season by enlisting who else but the Spice Girls to be in the first of this year's holiday ads.

Beyonce + Bikini + Billboard = Big No No

It looks like a larger than life bikini-clad Beyonce is just not as pretty than the mountains, according to Reno Residents. According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno-ites think the clear channel billboard isn't only degrading but inappropriate. One even said that it was making a good area ghetto.

(photo courtesy of Reno Gazette-Journal)

College Kids Give It Up for Good Music

Roseland Ballroom was the spot to see what undergrads find big on their campuses. Gym Class Heroes, Boys Like Girls and veteran rockers Spoon were just some of the night's winners at this year's award show. Lupe Fiasco and Matthew Santos opened the show with a special guest appearance by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump while The Academy is... (who picked up the Viral Woodie) wowed their fans with a two-song set including Everything We Had.

Not only were the famous acts honored last night, but people could vote for their favorite in The Best Music on Campus category. And after loads of votes, the Woodie went to Duke U's Stella by Starlight. I have a feeling they may have been signed last night or are well on their way to a deal. Definitely check them out!

According to many reports, Amy Winehouse was headlining the show. Not too sure about what happened to that, but Spank Rock's neon booty shakers and Tokyo Police Club's rockstar performance made up for it. And of course, I can't forget to mention Rilo Kiley's acoustic version of Moneymaker. And to top off their set, Jenny Lewis rocked the cowbell for Breakin' Up.

For all of you who couldn't make it out to the show, mtvU will be airing the show on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. or on live stream on mtvU. You can the complete list of winners here.

One of this year's winners who I was rooting for was Boys Like Girls, who were honored with the Breaking Woodie. Now I definitely fell for this band when their video Hero/Heroine splashed across the screens at Nordstrom. Who would've thought I'd discover a band there? Anyway, since then, they've landed on the music scene and have gained popularity through their catchy track, The Great Escape. Even though they've just released the 2nd version of their Hero/Heroine video, I think I'll share the one that got me hooked on them. Enjoy!



But...if you want to see the new version, check out MTV Overdrive.

Only a Matter of Time

If there's any British band that I adore as much as The Beatles and Oasis, it's McFly. Fine fine, they look like just another pop rock band out there that appeals to countless numbers of teen girls around the world screaming that they want to have their children. But for me, they're a bit different. Look, they've already had at least 13 top ten singles out, played sold out tours around the UK and have just released a greatest hits album. So be forewarned I like to talk about them a lot. =P Anyway, here's where they've joined forces with another love -- ballroom.



And here's the latest video (Thank goodness for YouTube.)

Cellphone Salesman Turned Opera Singer

If you haven't heard of Paul Potts yet, then you should definitely take a listen. He hit the scene in the summer on Britain's Got Talent. Here's a clip of his first audition back in June before all the glitz, glamour, Today Show and Oprah.

When Music and Sweets Collide

I already love this show. It just gets even better when he plays music and makes cakes, too.

The Faces of Bob

Here's the trailer for a new docudrama/biopic about Bob Dylan releasing to limited theaters on Nov. 21.

And Now the Video's Out

No plot just skin. Thoughts?

Gallaghers Hit Abbey Road

Looks like Oasis will be back in the studio starting Monday (Nov. 5), reported NME. The band will record the album at the famed Abbey Road studios and will record till the Christmas break. Here's the whole NME article.

All I can say is exciting!

Band in a Bus

Hmmmm doesn't this sound familiar? Probably because Georgia-pop-punk band, Cartel, took this idea, along with Dr. Pepper, into a bubble. This time the sweet-and-super-cute band Jonas Brothers will be taking it to a bus decked out by Gibson Guitars. And you can catch each step of the way on Band in a Bus.



Now let's hope that this recording effort does a bit better than the other band.

Watch Them Roll

Here's the new Sean Paul video. It still has the same dancehall sound with a harder vibe to it. The hook sounds a bit like Rick Ross, but you can be the judge.

UK Music Fights For a Cause

With Live 8 and Live Earth, music is being used as a weapon against today's global problems. Of course, we all know that this isn't an old concept. I mean, remember the 60's and 70's? But it looks like it's gaining speed once again. In NME (released 10.15.07), the mag highlighted the Love Music Hate Racism campaign that's fighting the efforts of the British Nazi Party (BNP). Just like its predecessor, Rock Against Racism, the org has been offering a bunch of music fests to celebrate multiculturalism and diversity and has been doing it since 2002. To highlight its efforts, NME honored the issue to them by offering readers with a limited edition double disc of artists who've contributed to the cause like Bloc Party, Pete Doherty's Babyshambles, Maximo Park and MIA. Here's some footage of the glossy's photoshoot.



A free download of the 2nd CD is available here, and if you want a copy of the issue, back issues are available on NME.com.

One band (on our side of the Atlantic) who's been supporting this cause is Tiny Masters of Today. The Brooklyn-based-brother-sister band has made waves in the UK and breaking out here in the U.S. The recently released their LP, Bang Bang Boom Cake and played the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC last week. But they're not another sibling band like the White Stripes or Eisely, these two play venues that they can't even get into. Ivan is only 13 while his sister Ada is 11, but that doesn't mean they can't rock out like the best of them. Be sure to check them out!

The Hills Goes Musical

Looks like Miss Heidi Montag isn't just climbing the work ladder or duking it out with Lauren. It looks like she's tapping into her inner songstress.



I don't know about you, but the beat sounds like doctored sample of this track. What do you think?

Headline Leakage

They may have announced that any new Spice Girl material will be dropping next month. But with the power of the Internet, of course there had to be a leak somewhere. And I couldn't resist but share it with all of you.



Enjoy!

Monkey Disco Ain't Bad and Starlight Soothes My Soul

I was never really a big fan music that doesn't really come from actual instruments better known as electronica. Actually I just tried to avoid it all together. That was until I was slotted to photograph Simian Mobile Disco on Oct. 18.


It could've been all the people getting the Music Hall of Williamsburg bumping or the bright lights and hard beats. Or it could be everything combined. All I know is that night got me hooked on this Brit duo.

Here's a clip of from their CMJ performance filmed by supmag. Warning: You may see stars for hours or days after watching this.


Thanks to a friend, I recently got hooked on Straylight Run. Based out of Long Island's Nassau County, the band is a combination of a number of veteran musicians, including former Taking Back Sunday members John Nolan and Shaun Cooper. Releasing their self-titled album in 2004, Straylight Run dropped The Needles The Space in June 2007. Carrying an indie rock sound, their lyrics are thoughtful while the vocals are soothing. Soon We'll Be Living in the Future may be their newest single, but Existentialism on Prom Night is still an oldie but goodie for me.


Straylight is scheduled to hit up New York's Irving Plaza on Dec. 14. Be sure to check them out!

Spice Girls' New Single

Gerri "Ginger" Halliwell broke news of the new Spice Girl single on Brit show GMTV, Headlines, will drop on Nov. 19 in the U.K. while 15-track greatest hits album releases on Nov. 12.
Don't believe me? Watch the clip.


Meanwhile Mel C bka Sporty Spice spills the beans on the radio.

Double the Fun

So there's a lot of music groups that like start their names off with "The." I mean there's The Vines, The Strokes, The Beatles, The Who and the list goes on. And the punk pop duo from down under, The Veronicas, is one of the few female groups to add the article to their band name. But aliases aside, most people have heard their 2005 track 4ever -- most recently used in last year's She's The Man. Named one of Blender's Hottest Women in Music in 2005, the girls have just dropped a new single, Hook Me Up.



The album is slated to drop in Australia in November. There's still no word of a U.S. release. But of course with the magic of the Internet, I'm sure you'll find a way to get your hands on it.

Remember this track? Well, it seems Georgia cuties, Evan and Jaron, are back and armed with a ton of new material. According to their blog, they'll be delving into their musical vaults and releasing exclusive material every week for 52 Sundays OK, fine I'm a bit late. But better late than never right? Wanna take a listen? Just hop onto their MySpace.

Gimme More: Good? Bad? Ugly?

You be the judge...



Although we all saw exclusive pics of what the video may look like for weeks, Brit's Gimme More video finally dropped/leaked yesterday. And yes, we were excited for a Britney comeback. But yet again, she disappoints fans with a mediocre music video that looks more like a homemade project than a professionally done video. Going with the stripper theme, Gimme More makes fellow mouseketeer Christina Aguilera's Dirrty a bit squeaky clean. But even with a bad video, it doesn't mean that people will stop listening to the song. It's still catchy even for me.

Is this offensive?

And if you say what? Then it probably didn't offend you.

Starting the Season Right

SNL has had its ups and downs in the past few years with some not-so-funny moments. But with Andy Samberg joining the team, it's definitely been looking up.

Let's take a look at his addition of the SNL Digital Short. Starting with Lazy Sunday, it's really sparked some new laughs. Besides being hilarious, it shows how music and comedy fuse to make an strong effect. Remember Samberg's collabo with Natalie Portman and Justin Timberlake? Here's the new one he did about controversial political head, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Not only did he enlist the president, but Maroon 5's Adam Levine and even Jake Gyllenhaal (who does have a striking resemblance to Ahmadinejad) make a cameo. And who could miss Samberg's piano playing Vanessa-Carlton-A-Thousand-Miles-Style?


And not that it was that original to come up with a skit for High School Musical 3 (since there will be another one), but of course SNL had to take Vanessa's story, Lebron's hosting appearance and Samberg's singing skills(?) to make an entertaining 2.5ish minutes of your life.