Who could say no to sweets? I know I can't. Vosges (highly recommended by a friend as well as highlighted on the Food Network) is a boutique for what I like to call couture chocolate. But this isn't just any sweets shop; it offers a variety of special gift sets.
This is the Luxe Groove Collection, which is a decadent selection of 12 truffles each containing an ingredient reflective of a musical time period. Inspired by the musical influences of the African American community, the chocolate comes with a compilation CD containing artists who've influenced American music as well as a booklet explaining the impact of all 12 musical genres. And finally the $275 set is packaged in a limited edition box with a Lucite and Swarovski® crystal lid. This may be too self-indulgent. But for you do-gooders out there, 10% of the profits from this collection goes to Little Kids Rock, which promotes music education in schools.
Now for all you ballers, maybe the Hip Hop Truffle Collection is what you crave. For only $29, a box of 9 white chocolate truffles with Krug® Champagne and topped with edible gold leaf will be all yours. According to owner and chocolatier Katrina Markoff, these sweets were inspired by the transition from music to bling culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. Either way, these still sound like a satisfying treat.
With the Grammys coming in a couple of weeks, most are looking for their red-carpet-worthy outfit, drafting their acceptance speeches and perhaps even looking for a date. But for Tom Higgenson of the Plain White Ts his date for the big awards show was set when the nominees were announced. Delilah DiCrescenzo, the muse of Higgenson's Hey There Delilah, shared her side of the story with the Today Show this morning—expressing her excitement for the awards' night and sets the record straight about her relationship status.
And for those of you guitar players who absolutely love this song, Plain White Ts is just one of the many musicians who've signed on to film videos for Now Play It. This new site teaches people how to play their favorite songs by the artists who composed them. Here's a preview of Tom and Tim's lesson.
After the success of Bubbly, Colbie Caillat comes out with the new video to her inspirational track, Realize.
As a follow up to Radio Nowhere, Bruce Springsteen releases Girls in Their Summer Clothes. Pretty girls, a camera lens in soft focus and the beach—what more could you ask for right?
Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall) comes out with her second compilations of covers titled, Jukebox. In this album, released today, Cat Power revives the songs of Janis Joplin, James Brown and Hank Williams. Chan also includes two original tracks—Song to Bobby and Metal Heart. It's been given positive feedback by Men's Vogue, stereogum.com and Rolling Stone.
It looks like my fears of a Grammys cancellation can now rest and artists like Miss Latifah above can walk the red carpet with no worries of rallying. Although there will be no striking on Feb. 10, there hasn't been any promises made about writers scripting the actual awards show. If this is the case, it looks like the presenters will be on their own that night. Let's hope that, like their acceptance speeches, they'll be able to write their stage banter on cocktail napkins.
You could hate me now, but I won't stop now 'cause I can stop now.
Remember that song with Nas and Diddy (then Puff Daddy)? Well, it looks like these are going to be the lyrics he'll live by with the news of yet another name change. According to reports, his stage name will now be Sean John (reminiscent of his clothing brand). But the name game doesn't stop there. Diddy (can't help but use this alias) wants his actor self to be known as Sean Combs (his real name) , while plugging his new role in Lorraine Hansberry A Raisin in the Sun on MySpace. And still there's more. Who can forget Making the Band?
Well, the new season of that premieres on Jan. 28 on MTV.
The Oscars have always been known for the best in film over the past year. But the nominations announced this morning showed that the moving picture isn't the only thing the Academy acknowledged this year.
Cate Blanchet picks up the nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Jude Quinn(one of the Bob Dylan's many aliases) in I'm Not There. The Todd Haynes film included other actors such as Richard Gere, Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger.
Unfortunately not all good songs were given the thumbs up by the Academy this year. There's Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood's score for There Will Be Blood, which was ineligible for nomination since there was pre-written music that wasn't composed for the film. Also not included in this year's Oscars was the praised Into the Wild soundtrack by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder.
Find out who walks away with the golden statue on Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
It's one thing to know that Paramore will touring the U.S. in the spring. But it's another to find out they'll be gigging with the great American band, Jimmy Eat World. The band announced today on their MySpace page as well as talked to Billboard about the exciting news. Details (dates, venues, etc) are soon to be announced; so stay tuned.
This isn't the first time Miss Hayley has joined Jim Adkins and the boys on stage. Here's their performance.
Soulja Boy and his unforgettable tune have taken over the world, especially the digital world. Crank Dat has been named the highest selling digital song in music history with more than 3 million digi downloads. It's also been remixed by Blink's Travis Barker. CNN has done a piece on it. And people have added their own ethnic flairs to the track.
Alejandro Manzano of Florida-based Boyce Avenue gave YouTube viewers (especially the female ones) a taste of his acoustic skills and melting voice with his version of Sean Kingston's Beautiful Girls.
With staggering sales and increased internet piracy, it looks like UK big label, EMI, will be cutting 2,000 jobs as part of its restructuring plan, according to NME.com. What used to represent The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and R.E.M. is now slowly losing its clients with Radiohead's exodus last year and Paul McCartney's exit. Recently reunited The Verve, known for their '97 hit Bittersweet Symphony, has threatened to withhold their new album until EMI can actually financially support the band's distribution and marketing of the new CD.
Being a Jersey Girl, I couldn't help but be ecstatic over the buzz of potential summer music fest in my home sate. First there's Bamboozle. Then there's the buzz over Vineland. And now it looks like Coachella wants to move its concert skills and host one on the east coast. With Perez breaking it last night, news started popping up all over the place. And with Billboard's new info, it looks like there are plans to bring the fest (yet to be named) may be held at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. Liberty State Park is no concert venue virgin as it's held concerts in the past—most notably Radiohead's show before 9/11. And although the press has been saying it's the NYC-area, it's really Jersey. Yes, Jersey. With three concert fests looming over the Garden State, I wonder what's next in the cards. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
In honor of our love for each other and our growing family, I have put together a special video for the song "Save Me From Myself" off my Back to Basics album. This video is very dear to me as it includes actual footage from our personal wedding video! - from her site
With a red-carpet-less Golden Globes last night, my fear may become a reality. According to Advertising Age's Claude Brodesser-Akner, the WGA may have an affect on many stars planning to attend this year's award show. According to the article, Several top recording artists who also have Screen Actors Guild cards -- performers such as Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent and Queen Latifah, for example -- are being lobbied by the WGA to not attend the Grammy Awards telecast or present awards, in order to show solidarity with the writers, who are on strike to receive better compensation for material distributed online.
Although some say the Grammys' have lost its affect, but you've got to admit that it'd be a little weird not to see the show on this year. I mean, we don't need another press conference.
Like I mentioned in a past post, Vineland, N.J. will soon be home to a new historic music festival. C3 (of Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits fame) and Festival Republic (responsible for the Reading/Leeds festivals each year in the U.K.) has already sent in their master plan. And rumors are starting to circulate about who's on the bill (Radiohead and the Foo Fighters are possibilities) and how much tickets may be. But of course, it wouldn't be done without some obstacles in its way. Ere go, NARC aka Neighbors Against Rock Concert (very imaginative...I guess). The group supposedly held a meeting tonight to discuss ways to stop this concert from happening. But this won't come without opposition. Other Vineland locals are organizing a counterattack with their own protest to keep the concerts going.
Here are just some of their flyers...
Who would've thought that music could tear a town apart? Stay tuned for more information regarding this battle for the field.
Let's start with this video that's been getting heavy circulation on YouTube. It looks like MTV-rival Channel V has taken Guns and Roses' Sweet Child o' Mine and given it an Indian flair.
A more recent breakout from the land of tulips, Esmée Denters, performing Gnarles Barkley's Crazy and Aretha Franklin's RESPECT at JT's concert in London's O2 arena.
When MySpace wanted to film a new Artist on Artist spot, they grabbed a musical brother-and-sister team who knows their way around the DJ booth. No it's not Jack and Meg. They are the Ronson kids—DJ-turned-producer Mark and lil sis Samantha. It may be less than 6 minutes long, but you'll see that they're more than just vinyl spinners.
In honor of Kate Nash's U.S. release of Made of Bricks, she treated New Yorkers to a taste of her performing skills at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square tonight. For those who were lucky enough to get tickets to her sold out Bowery show tomorrow night had a sneak peak while the youngins' who couldn't get into the 18+ show or the ones who couldn't score tickets got a free Kate Nash concert. And who could say no to free?
In an adorable, girly ensemble, Kate took the stage only to meet with paparazzi-style flashes and high pitched screaming. Although I'm sure she should be used to the praise from fans, she did ask the cameras to take a break while she performed. Doing a 4-song set (including her single, Foundations), the ginger-haired self blew the crowd away with her expressive vocals and mastery of the keys. Closing the show Merry Happy, Kate proved that she's not a Lily Allen Part 2 and makes everyone see her talent.
The Foo Fighters are giving 20 instrumentalists the chance to play The Prentender with them live on Grammy Night. You can find the details on My Grammy Moment. This isn't for guitarists, drummers or vocalists but for those who can rock the trumpet like Louis Armstrong or play the cello as well as Yo-Yo Ma.
Now if you've got that talent, then tape that 60 second spot as the deadline is January 20.
Happy New Year, Kids! And in honor of the first day of '08. Here's my top 8 ladies to look out for in the new year.
At number 8 is 14-year-old overnight singing sensation, Charice Pempengco. Spotted by Ellen DeGeneres via YouTube, Charice was flown from the Philippines and sang on national television—showcasing the talent she is and what she will be.
Moving along to 7 is indie-pop musician Ingrid Michaelson. Gaining popularity through 2007's Old Navy sweater campaign, she's already sold out concerts (i.e. Webster Hall on December 19) and has her song peak at number 6 on Itunes.
X Factor winner Leona Lewis claims number 6. After winning the UK's huge search for the next singing talent, she burst into '07 with her hit single, Bleeding Love. Now available in the U.S. via Itunes, you'll be hearing more from this songbird.
Taking the 5 spot is singer-songwriter Alfa. Not to be confused with Alpha, Alfa is a star in the making. Taking on the college scene one campus at a time, she's on her way to bigger things in '08. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will.
Out of the Netherlands is Esmée Denters, who is at number 4. Making her debut on YouTube, she not only caught the attention of frequent viral-video-viewers but also Mr. Justin Timberlake. Now she has been signed to Justin's label, Tennman Records, and opened for him at his Amsterdam show last summer. And don't forget her appearance on Oprah. This girl is not just a pretty voice, but she's got some pipes— ones that we'll be hearing from in the future. Here's her famous video (13+ million views) with Justin himself.
R&B may be a bit too slow for Remi NIcole, but that doesn't stop her from being at the 3 spot. Although new to the music scene, that doesn't stop Remi from rocking out on her guitar and singing it like it is. Under Island Records, this newbie looks like she'll be gigging her way to bigger things in '08.
England's Kate Nash's voice may have same heavy British accent to it, and some may say she's like the next Lily Allen. But with her quirky persona and straight forward lyrics (You 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.), Kate is one to watch this year.
And last but not least is Marié Digby as the top girl to watch in 2008. Already taking number 1 in the Best Umbrella Cover category, she has had one amazing 2007 and looks like a bright 2008 is in her midst. Gaining popularity with her Umbrella rendition, she's landed spots on Carson Daly and even The Hills. She even came out with her own Christmas song, and you know you've definitely made it if you've done that. Look out in the coming months for her first full-length album, possibly featuring this song.
I hope you all are enjoying your last 30+ hours of 2007. And a nice treat to snack on before the new year, here's my top 8 UK bands of the year. (You know how I love those UK musicians)
Oasis may not have dropped a new album or went on a world tour this year. But they were honored with a BRIT Award for their contributions to music and also released the band's first-ever digital-only release, Lord Don't Slow Me Down in '07—putting Oasis at number 8.
Electro-producers Simian Mobile Disco have made some noise in '07 not only in their UK home but also in Japan and the U.S. as well. With their hits It's the Beat and Hustler, Jas Shaw and James Ford have been profiled in BPM Magazine and The FADER. After seeing them tear it up at the 2007 CMJ Music Marathon, they just had to be 7th top UK group of '07.
Brighton's-breakout-band, The Kooks, and Mercury prize winners Klaxons tie at the 6 spot. Although they're still pretty new to the U.S., the Kooks have been profiled in Men's Vogue and have been highlighted on iTunes. The Klaxons' sound has been referred to as Nu Rave or art rock. They have already made an appearance on one of my top 8's with their cover of Blackstreet's No Diggity. You'll definitely be hearing more from these two bands in the new year.
Bloc Party enters the list at number 5. Since entering the music world in 2002, they came into '07 with their sophomore release, A Weekend in the City. They helped out NME's Love Music Hate Racism as well as dropped hit singles I Still Remember and Flux.
At the 4th position is the indie Sheffield indie band, the Arctic Monkeys. 2006's Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not became an instant success not only in the UK but also in the States. The band even appeared on SNL to kick off their US tour last year. Now with Favourite Worst Nightmares, the Arctic Monkeys deliver another stellar set of tracks.
Rounding out number 3 is the McFly. These lads have been wooing crowds with their mix of old school sounds to tracks you can rock out to. They may be labeled under the pop genre, but that doesn't stop them from gaining an ever growing fan base. From their antics on and off the stage to their covers of great artists like Bruce Springsteen, these boys are just getting started—just wait and see.
Kelly Jones and his fellow Stereophonics take number 2. Their October release of Pull the Pin has hit the top spot, and their single, It Means Nothing, is partially a reaction to the London terrorist attacks. And according to the band's MySpace, “You take people for granted every day until something goes wrong. Funerals might be the only time you talk to your family all year. You give a shit about what trainers you wear to work, all the material shit, but you don’t really pay much attention to the person you love who walks out the door, and it means fuck all really without that one person.”
Is it surprising that Radiohead has taken number 1? They have become the top Billboard story of the year, heavily highlighted in SPIN and even offers to give a free online concert on New Year's Eve. Oh, and let's not forget the pay what you want album In Rainbows. It seems that giving the fans what they want really does work while still sticking it to the man. And in less that 48 hours, the official disc release of In Rainbows will drop—so watch out!
Instead of doing a nice intro, let's jump right into the top 8 bands on American soil.
Brother-sister duo, the White Stripes, never fail to please our ears. In June, they dropped Icky Thump—their sixth release and number 8 on my list.
Next up is Rooney at the 7 position. With their California-based sound, the five-man-band led by Robert Schwartzman (lil brother of Jason Schwartzman and Sofia Coppola and Nicholas Cage's cousin) released their sophomore effort, Calling the World this year and have been touring all over the country and Europe this winter. Not only can you see them live, but they have been keeping in touch with their fans by producing vlogs on their very own YouTube channel.
At number 6 is dedicated to the great comebacks of bands from the past.Spoon came out with a widely praised album; The Eagles beat out Britney Spears for the top spot the week their albums released; and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is back—enough said. Here's his video for Radio Nowhere.
Veteran indie group Rilo Kiley is at the number 5 spot. Dropping Under the Blacklight in August, the band brought back cowbell with Breakin' Up and shows the lives of real-life porn stars in Moneymaker.
Releasing Chase the Light in October, Jimmy Eat World break into the scene with an amazing album with a variety of different sounds. So if you haven't picked up your copy of this number 4 pick yet, you really should.
At number 3 is Massachusetts-based foursome Boys Like Girls who burst into popularity and TRL-status with the release of The Great Escape. And now the band has been on the road non-stop and will be hitting the stage next year with Avril Lavigne.
Taking number 2 is the Foo Fighters. Following their 2005 double disc, In Your Honor, the Foo's release, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, this year has shown the band's evolving talent. This album has a mature sound and shows piano skills from Dave and Taylor.
Not only did bands and solo acts do well on their own this year, but many of them decided to get together in the studio and drop some of the biggest hits of 2007.
Kicking off the list is the most played (whether you wanted to or not) song this year—Umbrella with Rihanna featuring former Def Jam president Jay-Z at 8.
Although SNL's Andy Samberg may not necessarily be your idea of a music maker. But with the success of Lazy Sunday, the award-winning Dick in a Box and Natalie's gangsta rap, it's no surprise that his work with Maroon 5's Adam Levine on this year's Iran So Far turned heads. A humorous homage to the Iranian president, the 7th video also features a quick shot of Jake Gyllenhaal.
Next up at number 6 is a heart song by Rihanna & Ne-Yo. The lyrics may talk about hating being in love.But let's be real—who really hates being in love?
Now moving on from romance and right into the sack. At number 5 is Clothes Off by the Gym Class Heroes featuring Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
With sold out shows every where they go, I couldn't forget about Disney starlet, Hannah Montana and brother-band-trio the Jonas Brothers. On an episode of the popular show, the Brothers paid Hannah a visit and end with a collab that'll get any kid on their feet—putting it at number4.
One of Hip Hop's greatest teams up with one of England's singing divas to create a song with a sweet beat and a message that makes you think. At the 3 spot is Common featuring Lily Allen with Drivin' Me Wild.
Fine, fine. They may not appear in the same video or perform on stage together. But there's no denying that Kanye's usage of Harder, Better, Faster, Strong by Paris'Daft Punk is a stroke of genius—taking Stronger to number 2.
Timbaland seemed to have touched every big single that's dropped this year, which is why he takes number 1. With his new album, Shock Value and bringing musicians like OneRepublic to the forefront as well as Nelly Furtado's big comeback, whatever Timbaland touches zooms to hit status instantly. Instead of just showing one video, here's his big collab and his newest one.
No, no. I'm not talking about that 90's kid show. But instead it's that song originally brought to our ears by Rihanna. Hate the song if you will, but you can't deny hearing that hook (ella, ella, hey, hey, hey) at least once. Umbrella is a pretty melodic and beautifully written song, but maybe the voice wasn't too your liking. So here are 8 other versions of the song that may make you change your mind.
At number 8, Vanilla Sky's rendition of the track has been highlighted in the past. But I couldn't help adding the Roman band to the list considering its eerie vocals and somewhat disturbing video.
Sugarland did it with a Beyonce tune; so why can't Taylor Swift? This country starlet has been covering Umbrella as a part of her set. Her southern voice mixed with her guitar strumming skills puts Taylor at the 7 spot.
Chicago's Plain White T’s may have their own summer hit. But they decided to take on another hit and put their spin on it—placing their Umbrella at 6.
We couldn't have this list without including something by the Barbados songstress. So at number 5 is Rihanna joined by Jay-Z and Chris Brown.
Scotland's Biffy Clyro definitely know how to rock. But they decided to take a bit of that raw edge off and do an acoustic version of the song, landing them at number 4. Jo Whiley introduced Rihanna to this version when she visited the Live Lounge this year.
Mandy Moore has admitted that she doesn't always listen to top 40. But when she heard Umbrella, she couldn't help but get into it. Here's Mandy at number 3 performing it for Yahoo's Pepsi Smash Presents.
Now I may be a big fan of these guys. But McFly takes number 2 because they take the song and really try to put their flair on it. Produced by the band's own Danny Jones, McFly sped up the tempo, mixed in guitar riffs and do their own version of choreography.
California-based Marié Digby had to top off this list. She posted the YouTube video in May and has gained over 3 million views. Her version was featured on MTV's The Hills, and has been signed to a major record label. A fairy tale ending for a girl that kinda looks like a Disney Princess.
This is the Luxe Groove Collection, which is a decadent selection of 12 truffles each containing an ingredient reflective of a musical time period. Inspired by the musical influences of the African American community, the chocolate comes with a compilation CD containing artists who've influenced American music as well as a booklet explaining the impact of all 12 musical genres. And finally the $275 set is packaged in a limited edition box with a Lucite and Swarovski® crystal lid. This may be too self-indulgent. But for you do-gooders out there, 10% of the profits from this collection goes to Little Kids Rock, which promotes music education in schools.
Now for all you ballers, maybe the Hip Hop Truffle Collection is what you crave. For only $29, a box of 9 white chocolate truffles with Krug® Champagne and topped with edible gold leaf will be all yours. According to owner and chocolatier Katrina Markoff, these sweets were inspired by the transition from music to bling culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. Either way, these still sound like a satisfying treat.
