Amy Winehouse's Third Album To Be Even Blacker

Amy Winehouse hasn't had it easy these past few months. Her husband's in jail, she's been back and forth to rehab and basically looks like a hot mess.

Then again, pain makes for a great record and thats just what Winehouse is doing...making a third record with Mark Ronson.

Sources say, “It is very, very dark but she produces some of her best music when she’s in pain — and the past few months have been hell for her."

This record is going to be genius...if she was in pain for "Back To Black" then the best has yet to come.

Likely Looks: Duffy - Mercy

My dear friend at Popbytes tipped me off to the latest Duffy video in the US for "Mercy".

I missed Duffy in New York and at SXSW (shame!) but I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of her on US shores.

Here is the video:

Pete Doherty Turns To Planet Xenu

This can't be happening...

Apparently Pete Doherty is the next celeb to fall victim to the wonderful cult we all know and love, Scientology! Since dating DJ Nadine Ruddy, a Scientologist, Pete has been caught purchasing books abut the subject and spending time at Ruddy's flat once a week.

Hopefully he doesn't fall into the trap but this could mean he could be clean for the rest of his life?! To be clean and join a cult or not to be clean...that is the question.

Barcardi Breaks The Music Business

Its all about sex, drugs and rock and roll..but what about rum? You can now count Barcardi as a record label by testing the waters signing a 360 with legendary dance music makers Groove Armada.

The one year partnership gives Groove Armada the ability to record a 4 track EP and Barcardi to consider lusing their music throughout their commercials for upcoming global campaigns. It also will see the band playing Barcardi events around the world starting with an appearance on April 19 at Miami's Bayfront Park Amphitheater.

This is definitely a step in the right direction...whose next?

Likely Looks: The Black Keys - Strange Times

How The Black Keys managed to think up the concept for their latest video "Strange Times" is a bit well, strange...bt anyone that mixes laser tag and a good tune get an A in my books.

Check out the video for the track:



Also, be sure to check out the laser tag game on their official website

Mystery Jets Put A Twist On "Hideaway"

Mystery Jets just added a twist on their track "Hideaway" and called on Erol Alkan and Switch to help them out

Apparently "this is just the beginning"

The Research + The Cribs = A New Song

Wakefield trio The Research have teamed up with that other Wakefield trio The Cribs to make beautiful music together.

Actually, its just one Crib (Gary Jarman) and one song called "I Would Like To Be Forgiven". You can listen to the track currently on their MySpace page...and its quite a lovely track I must say.

Currently the band have disbanded with EMI in the UK but are still going for a round of tour dates that if you are in the UK should not be missed

April
02 - This is Fake DIY Live @ The Fly, London
03 - 229, London
09 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
17 - New Slang at the Works, Kington Upon Thames
20 - Borderline, London
24 - The Windmill, London

May
03 - The Faversham, Leeds
13 - The Junction, York

She & Him Announce Live Dates

She & Him (aka Zooey Deschanel and M Ward) have announced a handful of live dates after their performances at SXSW.

Although I heard the SXSW performances weren't the best of the bunch, you can't deny what a brilliant record Volume One is.

Here are the dates:

Apr 21 - Hiro Ballroom New York, New York
Apr 29 - Vista Theatre Los Angeles, California
May 18 - San Francisco Oysterfest San Francisco, California


Photo credit: Nathan Malone

Franz Ferdinand Goes Pop

Franz Ferdinand have always been known as a band that makes a catchy tune...but would you define it as pop music?

In their bid to go pop, the band relied on Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud's producer, to make them a little more teenybopper friendly. Unfortunately, it wasn't everything they thought.

“The sessions didn’t pan out as expected,” says a source close to the band.

Next up is Dan Carey, who wrote Kylie Minogue's smash, "Slow". Let's see how this goes down...could Franz be adding a little dance music into their lives? Time will only tell.

Virgin Festival Toronto Announced!

This line up is too good to be true! Foo Fighters headline the first night and Oasis the secnd night!

Here is the lineup in full:

September 6:
Foo Fighers
Bloc party
Spiritualized
Wintersleep
Constantines

September 7:
Oasis
Paul Weller
Stereophonics
The Weakerthans
The Pigeon Detectives

For more information check out the official website for the festival.

George Michael Announces First U.S. Tour In Almost 20 Years

My mouth literally dropped when I saw the news that George Michael would FINALLY be doing his U.S. tour...

He had us thinking it would be last year and then let us down. Yes, I am a George Michael fan. No, I don't give a shit if you make fun of me.

Here are the dates (woooooooooooo):

June 17: San Diego/San Diego Sports Arena
June 19: San Jose, Calif./HP Pavilion
June 21: Las Vegas/MGM Grand
June 22: Phoenix/US Airways Center
June 25: Los Angeles/Great Western Forum
July 2: Seattle/Key Arena
July 4: Vancouver/General Motors Place
July 7: St. Paul/Xcel Energy Center
July 9: Chicago/United Center
July 13: Dallas/American Airlines Center
July 14: Houston/Toyota Center
July 17: Toronto/Air Canada Centre
July 18: Montreal/Bell Centre
July 21 and 23: New York/Madison Square Garden
July 26: Philadelphia/Wachovia Center
July 27: Boston/TD Banknorth Garden
July 29: Washington, D.C./Verizon Center
July 31: Atlanta/Philips Arena
Aug. 2: Tampa/St. Pete Times Forum
Aug. 3: Sunrise, Fla./Bank Atlantic Center

Madison Square Garden! Woooooooooo!!!!!

Likely Listens: Fanfarlo

Its a lovely combination; 5 boys, 1 girl and a little bit of a Talking Heads influence have created the band that is known to be Fanfarlo!

After seeing them at the Fader Fort during SXSW I fell in love with their quirky tracks, adorable stage presence and overall lovely band.

Here is the video for their track "Fire Escape":



Ahhhh they are just darling!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Stipe Has An Important Announcement...

Everyone...Michael Stipe has spoken.

Likely Looks: Dizzee Rascal - Where Da G's

So Dizzee Rascal joins the Definitive Jux family and gets all hood on us. Shooting his latest video in Houston, Dizzee gets all chopped and screwed with Bun B for his single "Where Da G's".

Wonder what a Londoner thought of Houston?!

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Peter Moren Gears Up For Wichita Release

Peter Moren, 1/3 of Peter, Bjorn and John has a few tricks up his sleeve...one of them being a solo album. On May 5th, the release of Moren's album "The Last Tycoon" will be released for the world to hear.

If you can't wait that long, April 21st is the release of the single "Reel to Real" so sit tight till then.

If you missed any of his performances at SXSW (like me!) there are plenty of times to catch Peter on the road (so no ore excuses!)

26 Mar 2008 Pet Sounds Bar Stockholm
9 Apr 2008 Molotov Hamburg
10 Apr 2008 Privatclub Berlin
11 Apr 2008 Paradiso (upstairs) Amsterdam
12 Apr 2008 Stadtgarten Cologne (Köln)
13 Apr 2008 La Fléche D’or Paris
14 Apr 2008 Belle Vue Club Brussels
15 Apr 2008 Water Rats London
16 Apr 2008 Junction Theatre Cambridge
17 Apr 2008 Roadhouse Manchester
18 Apr 2008 Captains Rest Glasgow
19 Apr 2008 Crawdaddy Dublin
21 Apr 2008 Mercury Lounge New York, New York
22 Apr 2008 Middle East Upstairs Boston, Massachusetts
23 Apr 2008 Cabaret Musee Juste Pour Rire Montreal, Quebec
24 Apr 2008 The Mod Club Toronto, Ontario
25 Apr 2008 Wexner Center Columbus, Ohio
26 Apr 2008 Schubas Chicago, Illinois
28 Apr 2008 Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, British Columbia
29 Apr 2008 The Triple Door Seattle, Washington
30 Apr 2008 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
1 May 2008 Swedish American Hall San Francisco, California
2 May 2008 Hotel Café Los Angeles, California
3 May 2008 Troubador Los Angeles, California

Sansa Playground Slaughters SXSW

There are way too many parties to choose from in the madness we call SXSW but where could you have celebrated Danny Masterson's birthday, Hanson's only unofficial SXSW performance and rode a mechanical bull while listening to Neon Neon? Ahh yes...its The Sansa Playground!

While party goers sipped on free Redbull and SVEDKA, things got crazy with brilliant DJ sets, great live acts and a party you shouldn't have missed! There is always next year...


Photo credit: Nate "Igor" Smith

Likely Looks: R.E.M. - Living Well Is The Best Revenge

R.E.M. has a new album, played a killer show at SXSW and a new video for their track "Living Well Is The Best Revenge".

The nice little freebies just keep coming as the video is available for free download on iTunes HERE

If you are feeling too lazy to download, here is the video from YouTube



Also, for all you NYers...R.E.M. will be playing Madison Square Garden on June 19th!!!!!!!!

Portishead Premiere New Video

Its been a long time since Portishead have released an album (10 years to be exact) and have made a new video for their first single, "Machine Gun".

The single will be out on April 14th in the UK and its as gorgeous as ever.

UPDATE: Here is the video!!!!



Hauntingly beautiful. Can Portishead do anything wrong???????

Likely Looks: New Adventures - How I Got My Devil Back (Part One)

4 guys who love vintage clothes + 1 girl that loves vintage clothes=New Adventures. Sounds like an odd thing to bond over and form a band from..but these days anything can happen.

They've got a bit of Embrace thrown into their music...but overall its a great pop tune that is worth digging.

The single is released on April 7th (physically) and April 17th (digitally).

Also, if you want to catch the band in the UK they've got some live dates coming up

March:
22 - The Beat Club, Glasgow
23 - Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh
28 - The Aftershow @ Moho, Manchester
31 - The Luminaire, London

April:
05 - Trash, Leeds
12 - The Cellar Bar, Blackburn

and now...for the video!!!!!

Likely Looks: Blood Red Shoes - Say Something, Say Anything

Blood Red Shoes as always deliver another killer video...this time around for their single "Say Something, Say Anything".

The band unfortunately didn't play SXSW, but you get the chance to see them in their glory live on stage in the video. Ah, they are just lovely...

The single is release on Apil 7th in the UK...import section please!

The Madness Is Over

SXSW has officially come to a close and this year was bigger than ever. Stay tuned for some new bands to check out and a recap of everything that went on!

Dandy Warhols Joins The Worlds Fair Family

The Dandy Warhols got smart after being dropped by Capitol Records and took the indie route with World's Fair.

With the upcoming release of their album "Earth To The Dandy Warhols" on May 5th, the band are very happy to leave the major label world. "We've been functioning on our own as a band for a long time," says band member Peter Holmstrom. "...With World's Fair, they can provide all the business stuff that we need without any of the nonsense of a major. It's great, although it's a little scary, because if we screw this up, we have no one to blame but ourselves."

Another one bites the dust...

Reverend and the Makers Announce U.S. Debut Show

My dear friend and fellow blogger Music Snobbery has broken the news that Reverend and the Makers will be doing a small show in NYC before their stop off to the fabulous desert in Indio, CA for Coachella.


The debut show will be April 24th at Mercury Lounge!

Get Well Soon Is In The Spirit Of Giving

Oh how we love free music! In the spirit of giving, Get Well Soon are giving away an MP3 of the opening track from their debut album "Rest Now, Weary Head! You Will Get Well Soon!" which is released in the UK on May 26th.

They were a likely listen of ours...so you know we dig 'em.

Get Well Soon - Prelude

Phantom Planet Goes Emo?!

Well, thats pushing it but they did join the Fueled By Ramen family! The boys in Phantom Planet have a new album out entitled "Raise The Dead", an upcoming tour with Panic At The Disco (no more exclamation after Panic! FYI) and will be playing SXSW.

Here's a cute little teaser featuring a track called "Leader" from their new record:

Likely Looks: Duffy - Rockferry

Duffy has been on my radar for some time but I never got around to posting about her :( Now that she has the #1 single and album in the UK I think its time!

Duffy has the voice and the look of Dusty Springfield with a 21st century twist. Her voice is soulful and mysterious yet very warm and inviting at the same time.

Here is the video for her single "Rockferry". I think it will be instant love!

Sunday Video Rewind: Bjork - Human Behavior

I remember seeing this video for the first time and thinking WHAT IS THIS? After no more than 30 seconds I finally got it...and realized this was genius.

Plus, does Michel Gondry do anything wrong?

Last FM Take On SXSW With Band Aid

SXSW is always the biggest nightmare. You want to see all the bands you like but also discover new bands that you can fall in love with. How do you figure out what to see though???????

Enter Last FM's Band Aid. If you use Last FM (and if you don't...start!) then based on what you listen to, they've taken the time to inform you on what what new bands to see. Could it be any easier?!

All the information is at www.last.fm/group/SXSW+Music so you can find your schedule! Now get cracking...

Likely Looks: Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes

Music videos seem to be a bit boring these days...but an unlikely candidate might be here to save the day. Enter Santogold and their amazing video for "L.E.S. Artistes".

You'll just have to watch for yourself...



Is it me or does the beginning remind you a bit of that photo shoot Madonna did with the horses in W Magazine a few years back?

Calvin Harris Announces U.S. Tour

He claims "he created disco" (or so his album title says!) and now he's back with a handful of U.S. dates to support his debut album.

If you missed him the last time around, now there are no excuses.

Here are the dates:

March 28 - Miami, FL Raleigh Hotel
March 29 - Miami, FL Ultra Music Festival
Miami, FL White Room
April 23 - Los Angeles, CA Henry Fonda Theatre
April 24 - San Francisco, CA Popscene
April 26 - Indio, CA Coachella Festival
April 28 - New York, NY Bowery Ballroom

Semifinalists Return With 2

If you were missing your fill of shoegazer electro then miss no more! Semifinalists are about to release their sophomore album "2"in June.

The band took their record company advance money, got all fancy and built themselves a mobile studio. Therefore the outcome of "2" was that is was recorded anywhere from a lake in Wisconsin to the streets of San Francisco. How worldy of them...

Lightspeed Champion adores them...you should adore them too.

Lightspeed Champion Charms Mercury Lounge

There is something about Dev Hynes (aka Lightspeed Champion) that even before he opens his mouth he can char the pants off of you. In a bushy fur hat and a light brown fair isle sweater, he takes the stage with an acoustic guitar and the support of one violinist to sing tracks from his debut album Falling Off The Lavender Bridge.

His nervousness throughout the set only made the crowd embrace him throughout the performance. He stumbled a bit on his words, tried to make a bit of small talk and even claimed he was going to tell us a joke (we never did hear that joke!) but it only made the show that much better. Opening with "Happy Fucking Birthday" into "Galaxy of the Lost" got the crowd to sing along and even slightly bop along to the tunes.

Playing a short set of approximately 45 minutes there were even a few surprises thrown into the mix. Playing a cover of the Strokes' "Heart In A Cage" midway through the set as well as an encore of "Xanadu" were complete curve balls that everyone loved.

Hands down, Lightspeed Champion was one of the most enjoyable shows of the year...if you have the urge to see him at SXSW make the effort to.


Photo credit: mediaeater

Pavement To Reunite?

To celebrate Matador's 20th anniversary next year there could be a very special reunion happening that took 10 years in the making...Pavement!

Speaking to EW.com, Scott Kannberg (guitarist of Pavement) said, "Matador is having a 20th anniversary party soon, so maybe we'll try to do something for that. The only hurdle might be getting everyone to drop what they're doing, but I'm sure the excitement of playing again will make it OK."

I love reunions!

Simian Mobile Disco Announce U.S Dates

DJ superstar duo Simian Mobile Disco are back in the U.S. for a few select gigs starting with SXSW in Austin.

Here are the dates:

March 12 - Austin, TX Domino @ Antones (DJ Set)
March 14 - Austin, TX Iheartcomix vs Mad Decent –(DJ set)
March 15 - Austin, TX Mess w/ Texas, Waterloo Park
April 24 - Seattle Neumo's
April 25 - Portland Holocene
April 26 - San Francisco Mezzanine
April 27 - Indio, CA Coachella

Likely Looks: Justice - DVNO

Justice really really want you to know that DVNO are 4 capital letters. If you didn't know already...

Justice take a little bit of light brite style with what seems to be logos from forgotten 80's products and mashes them together to create the video for their latest single "DVNO". Of course, its Justice so the final product is brilliant.

Bonde Do Role Change Their Lineup

After the departing of founding member Marina Ribatski in late 2007, the band have added not one but TWO new members to the group.

Holding auditions a la the Pussycat Dolls or TLC, the band decided to take the "we found you on TV" route and hold a contest through MTV Brasil. Emerging with Laura Taylor and Ana Bernardino that band will now continue on as a 4 piece.

It will be interesting to see if these two girls can actually take Marina's place...she was the life of the party whenever she was on stage.

You can catch the band with their new members at the following locations:

4/24/08 MIAMI, FL STUDIO A
4/26/08 INDIO, CA COACHELLA FESTIVAL
4/28/08 TUCSON, AZ PLUSH
4/30/08 AUSTIN, TX EMOS JR.
5/1/08 DALLAS, TX PALLADIUM LOFT
5/2/08 BATON ROUGE, LA SPANISH MOON
5/3/08 TALLAHASSEE, FL THE BETA BAR
5/5/08 GAINESVILLE, FL COMMON GROUNDS
5/7/08 JACKSONVILLE, FL TSI
5/8/08 ORLANDO, FL THE CLUB AT FIRESTONE
5/9/08 ATLANTA, GA DRUNKEN UNICORN
5/10/08 CHAPEL HILL, NC LOCAL 506
5/12/08 BALTIMORE, MD SONAR
5/13/08 PHILADELPHIA, PA JOHNNY BRENDAS
5/14/08 BROOKLYN, NY EUROPA NIGHTCLUB
5/15/08 NEW YORK, NY BOWERY BALLROOM
5/16/08 MONTREAL, QC LES SAINTS
5/18/08 TORONTO, ON THE SOCIAL

Likely Looks: Gnarls Barkley - Run

Gnarls Barkley was the breakout act of 2006. Can they do it again in 2008? Believe it or not; yes! Their new video for "Run" is everything you would want from Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse...and it seems like their upcoming album "The Odd Couple" is going to be a winner.

The question is, how many more costume ideas can they come up with for this album???!!!

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The Cribs Put A Little Postal Service Into Their Songs

Everyone's favorite Wakefield trio, The Cribs seem to really make the most of their remixes. First it was CSS putting some lovely touches on to "Men's Needs" and now its the fantastic Postal Service throwing some nice signature songs onto "I'm A Realist"

Listen here and dig it:

Quicktime:
The Cribs - I'm A Realist (Postal Service Remix)

Windows Media:
The Cribs - I'm A Realist (Postal Service Remix)

Sunday Video Rewind: Ash - Kung Fu

I remember the day this video showed up on 120 Minutes and I found a new love...Ash. The video quality is crap but it still brings me back to the good old days when MTV actually played music videos that mattered

Winehouse Gets Let Off The Hook

Amy Winehouse has finally had good luck come her way lately. After winning 5 Grammys (not luck...just a brilliant album to be quite honest), she also is not going to be facing charges for being connected wth her husband's alleged attempt to pervert the course of justice.

In a statement issued by Winehouse's camp on Friday, February 29, Amy is "pleased to be discounted from the investigation and thanks the police for their professionalism in their dealings with her."

Hopefully things will continue to go uphill for Wino...

SXSW Fever Begins With...Rachael Ray

I know it sounds like weirdo combination, but famous chefs can like good music too! There has been a lot of talk about the Rachael Ray hosted showcase in Austin and t be quite honest I think it *could* work. Honestly, who doesn't love the Food Network and secretly tunes in to 30 Minute Meals at LEAST twice a week.

The deal with the showcase is that its open to all badgeholders and will feature sets from Autovaughn, The Ravonettes, The Cringe, Scissors For Lefty, The Stills, and Holy *&%$. DJ Efren "Pedro" Ramirez from Napoleon Dynamite will be DJ-ing inside as well.

There is even drinks and food courtesy of Rachael Ray. If you are sick of BBQ you know where to go...