Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Review: Incredibad by The Lonely Island



The Lonely Island
Incredibad
Universal Records
Release Date: February 10, 2009




On the December 17, 2005 episode of the ageless sketch comedy show that is Saturday Night Live, Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell unleashed a force to be reckoned with onto the unsuspecting audience that night: The SNL Digital Short known as “Lazy Sunday.”At this point, the SNL Digital Short was a new, unproven commodity, with “Lazy Sunday” being just the second short premiered. However, there would be many, many more to come, partially because of the unprecedented success of “Lazy Sunday,” with its mammoth amount of YouTube views and iTunes downloads. The success is well-deserved: The clip was a breath of hilarious fresh air for SNL, which, in general, had been flat and underwhelming for several seasons. Unbeknownst to many at the time, the creative powerhouse behind the nerdcore hip-hop was none other than the triforce of The Lonely Island, who finally released a full album of truly hysterical pseudo-hip-hop joints.

Aided by the likes of Justin Timberlake, T-Pain, Norah Jones, Natalie Portman, Julian Casablancas from The Strokes and Jack Black, The Lonely Island master the synthesis of comedy and hip-hop on almost every track of their debut album, Incredibad. It is not just parody but also homage, as each song showcases a different, well-known aspect of many popular hip-hop and rap songs. The T-Pain collaboration of “I’m on a Boat” is a perfect example, as it parodies the ongoing abuse of AutoTune in many rap and R&B songs, all the while repeating the simple fact that they are, indeed, on a boat. Like many of the songs on the album, the beats are surprisingly legitimate. In fact, if any rapper utilized them and put out a “real” rap song, it would not be discordant at all. The hilarity ensues, therefore, with the contrast of beat and lyrics. On the surface, “Lazy Sunday” sounds like a brutal gangster rap song. Additionally, the delivery of the rhymes is fittingly fierce and intense. However, in actuality, it’s just about two guys going to see The Chronicles of Narnia on an otherwise uneventful Sunday afternoon. The Lonely Island effectively use stark contrasts like this on the entire album. “Natalie’s Rap” showcases the “true” side of actress Natalie Portman, as she vulgarly and hilariously details who she really is.

The Lonely Island use popular hip-hop and comedic motifs and meld them together with great success. Simple things like repetition elicit many laughs without getting old. Case in point: “Like A Boss” details an average day in the life of “the boss” Andy Samberg, which starts out typical, but soon gets more and more exaggerated and, thus, funny. The repetition sets in because every single thing that is listed is followed by the descriptor “like a boss:” “Micromanage / Like a boss! / Promote synergy / Like a boss!” Hip-hop mainstays like product placement are emphasized in “Dreamgirl,” whereas the popular inclusion of space-filling skits and interludes are also present and, like their hip-hop counterparts, are not very funny.

Alas, the album as a whole does its job of making hip-hop songs with side-splitting lyrics and atypical topics. The closing title track has the trio asking a thankful alien (yeah, you’re going to have to hear that one on your own to find out why) to be “the greatest fake MCs on earth.” The Lonely Island know better than to take themselves seriously, yet they finely filter the basic tenets of comedy and hip-hop music, and the end result is Incredibad, a highly replayable, surprisingly infectious and of course hilarious album from beginning to end.

The Lonely Island - I'm on a Boat (feat. T-Pain)


Rating:

Heavy Metal?

It is notably ironic when death metal bands mix Christianity into their music.
This takes the cake though.
Fratello Metallo, an Italian band formed in 1990 is a heavy metal band with a Capuchin Friar at its head.
Yes, to make things weirder, they opened for 2008's Gods of Metal, Italy's largest concert (held annually), above "metal gods" such as Iron Maiden, Apocalyptica, Slayer, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Judas Priest, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
To be honest, I don't like heavy metal for the most part, nor do I wish to praise any of the previously mentioned bands (except Fratello Metallo, of course). Opening for such high name bands, whether I like them or not, is pretty badass.
The reason why I think this takes the cake over Christian Death Metal is because, not only is it fronted by a monk (AWESOME), I like a few of the songs. Ask anyone who knows me about how much I like heavy music and you will understand the feat they accomplished.
The monk dude, Cesare Bonizzi, is really passionate about this stuff. He became a priest, and shortly after tried to exercise his passion for music. After playing a wide range of things, he discovered his love for metal at a Metallica concert. Now he's pwns noobs.

Yeah, what?!
Check out some music @ some fans myspace!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Conan, White Stripes' Wistful Au Revoir


It seems ludicrous to imagine that Late Night with Conan O'Brien is no longer. After successfully hosting the show since 1993, Conan and his iconic wavy red hair have been a staple of late night, making anyone who stayed up past midnight not regret it, with the assurance of guaranteed laughs night after night. Fortunately, it is not the end of the late night for Conan, who will take over the humbling role of host of The Tonight Show on June 1 upon Jay Leno's departure to his new 10pm show.

In the indie community, Conan garnered additional respect for breaking and showcasing some interesting bands throughout the years. Fun fact: Radiohead was the first ever musical guest on the show. The last? None other than one of Conan's personal favorites (and mine), The White Stripes. The Stripes have not played live since truncating their tour in 2007, so this is not only a touching gesture for them to play the last episode of Conan, but promising that maybe, just maybe, a new White Stripes album will drop this year (there has not been a year without a Jack White album since 2004).

Here is Jack the Third and Meg, awkwardly playing another instrument poorly, playing an alternate take on the gentle "We're Going To Be Friends":

The White Stripes - We're Going To Be Friends (on Late Night with Conan O'Brien)


Sure, not the best performance ever, but the song was performed under Conan's request, and since there is no drums in the first place, what else do you do with Meg? A soft, heartfelt concluding performance for the show.

Also, in case you missed it, here is Conan's touching ten-minute goodbye, where he thanks everyone who made the show possible and successful over the years. Most encouragingly, he promises not to grow up despite the move to The Tonight Show. Very promising. The only disappointing thing in this whole thing is the fact that Jimmy Fallon is replacing Conan on Late Night. I feel like there could have been many other better replacements, but we shall see. It is awesome that The Roots will be the in-house band for Fallon, though, so there's one positive.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien has always been my late night show of choice, and hopefully from June onward, it will be The Tonight Show. In the downtime in between the transition, you could do worse than to relive one of the show's more famous jokes by visiting here.

Update: Here is the link to the entire episode on Hulu. Gotta love Hulu and its free, legal, high-quality videos.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Review: Dark Was The Night

Fight AIDs!
Help stop it's spread! Despite what Team America soundtracks claim, everyone does not have it. Since abstinence is unrealistic, according to Sarah Palin's daughter, I propose to you a "more realistic" option. The best way to keep yourself from getting it (while still having fun) is to buy the new album sponsored by Red Hot, "Dark Was The Night."

Now you can sit in your room and isolate yourself for hours listening to some of the coolest indie songs ever. Until you wear off the awesomeness of legally buying 31 of some of the greatest songs all on one album (two CDs) for only $9.99 you will be completely cut off from the world, in a good way. You can't have unprotected sex if you are in your room alone. You can, of course, listen to this music with other people (so dynamic!), just no exchanging of bodily fluids (hugging is still O.K.!).

Yeah, check it out. It's ~$15 on iTunes, ~$11 on Amazon for the disc set, and only $9.99 for the MP3's (which is the way you want to go since you can get your hands on them infinitely faster)! It also just came out on February 17th so if you hurry up you can be that super-trendy person with an awesome musical taste who has the "cool" albums before everyone else. Do it, you won't!

I'd post the track list, but it's too epic. Seriously, check out Amazon.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

It's Zero!

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' have released the first single off of It's Blitz! !!! If you love '80s dance-pop then you are going to love it. The synth-riddled track goes by the simple title of "Zero" and will take its place as the opener on the YYYs' forthcoming third LP. Karen O's always impressive vocals once again shine through as she sexily whimpers every word over a steady beat provided by Zinner and Chase ... oh, and did I mention the synth? According to YYYs, listeners will be getting a lot of them with It's Blitz!. "Zero" is definitely a departure from the band's usual raw sound but is a pretty good sign of things to come on April 14th.

WANNA HEAR IT!?!?! GOOD!!!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Morgan Kibby what up!

So I surfin' around the interweb and noticed some people concerned that Morgan Kibby might peace out of M83.  It isn't really logical, but that being said it is my firm belief that she compliments M83 very well and it would suck if she left.  It is her (and a bit of encouragement) that finally brought the band into my library even after enjoying them around for a few years.
I feel as though M83's expansive music is incredible, but not necessarily easy to follow for new listeners (like me a while ago).  This is where Kibby comes in.  Her singing leads, seats, and straps you in to the most interesting musical ride this generation has to offer.  She is the siren, so to speak, dashing peeps upon the metaphorical rocks that are Anthony Gonzalez's music.
Yeah so anyway I dropped her a message and told her that I thought she should stick with it.  She said "I love playing with M83 and would love nothing more than to continue!  We'll see... :)"
So yeah, other blog person who was concerned about her possible exodus; IN YOUR FACE!

Peace from yo' local interweb blogger.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

2009 Grammy Wrap-Up


It’s Tuesday and by now everyone has forgotten about the Grammys, which is good because they were a bit underwhelming and predictable in a good and bad way. On the plus side, Radiohead and the confirmed-at-the-last-moment USC marching band performed “15 Step” and it was predictably one of the best things all night. The “Rap Pack,” while still an impressive combination, were no match for the ever-eccentric M.I.A. yet overshadowed, literally flaunting her nine-month-pregnant body like a legit bad-ass. If Stevie Wonder actually saw who he was performing with (The Jonas Brothers, Stevie?!), I’m sure he would have second thoughts. Dave Grohl flailed away on drums behind Sir Paul on “Saw Her Standing There,” rendering Ringo even more dispensable than before. JT and T.I. teamed up, and it was pretty good. Lil Wayne was good too, but a bit underwhelming. I guess they couldn’t let him be too crazy. Damn syrup-addled sillyhead. Oh, Blink 182 is back together somehow! I don’t care how or why (money) but thank God we don’t have to endure another Angels & Airwaves album. Also, new Green Day album this year, too?! IT HAS A NAME?! 21st Century Breakdown? Please be good.
BONUS POST-GRAMMY COVERAGE: HERE’S THE AWESOME MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE-INSPIRED ALBUM COVER!!!








It’s like the fucking 1990s all over again. Blur has an album cooking, too. Who’s next? Semisonic? Fastball? Deep Blue Something? Who? Okay, that’s about all that mattered from the fifty-first Grammys. All of the YouTube videos of the live performances are gone forever, but here’s the one that matters that I could find elsewhere:

Radiohead w/ USC Marching Band – “15 Step” (Live at the 2009 Grammys)

ANOTHER AMAZING BONUS! Here is my graded scorecard of predictions from a few hours before the show. Let's see how I fared:

BEST NEW ARTIST
Prediction: Adele
Winner: Adele
YES. 1/1. I didn’t even realize who Adele was until I watched the damn show, but it seemed like a solid pick at the time.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Prediction: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Raising Sand
Winner: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Raising Sand
Well, yay for 2/2, but fuck the Grammys for being uber-predictable and taking the safest album of the bunch. I might have even been okay with Coldplay winning, but not really. Not over Radiohead. Yes, I am a fan boy.

POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
Prediction: Alicia Keys and John Mayer, “No One”
Winner: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Rich Woman"
2/3. I picked this one completely randomly. I knew that Robert Plant and Alison Krauss would definitely win a shitload of awards just because it’s them and the Grammys are retarded. I dunno why I didn’t pick them.

COUNTRY PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
Prediction: Rascal Flatts
Winner: Sugarland, “Stay”
2/4. My extensive country knowledge has failed me.

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
Prediction: Jay-Z and T.I. Featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne, "Swagga Like Us"
Winner: Jay-Z and T.I. Featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne, "Swagga Like Us"
3/5. Over .500 again, nice. How could they not pick this song?

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Prediction: M.I.A., “Paper Planes”
Winner: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Please Read This Letter”
4/6. Almost-mother Maya obviously should have won (especially for just being there that prego and still bad-ass) but I didn’t realize Rule #1 for the Grammys: Take the obvious route every fucking time. I voted with my heart that time.

SONG OF THE YEAR
Prediction: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”
Winner: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”
5/7. Pretty much expected.

BEST ROCK SONG
Prediction: Radiohead, “House of Cards”
Winner: Bruce Springsteen, "Girls in Their Summer Clothes"
5/8. Of course Radiohead doesn’t win, but “Girls in Their Summer Clothes”? Oh yeah, it’s the Grammys.

BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
Prediction: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”
Winner: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”
6/9. Nice. 6 and a 9.

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Prediction: Coldplay, Viva la Vida
Winner: Coldplay, Viva la Vida
7/10. If Coldplay or Robert Plant & Alison Krauss were nominated for anything, they basically won it.

BEST RAP ALBUM
Prediction: Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III
Winner: Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III
8/11. YEAH BOI. Weezy’s speech was unpredictably sedated, though.

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Prediction: Radiohead, In Rainbows
Winner: Radiohead, In Rainbows
9/12. If they won one award, I knew it’d be this one. Congrats, too bad it wasn’t like even during the show, though.

BEST DANCE RECORDING
Prediction: Hot Chip, “Ready For The Floor”
Winner: Daft Punk, “Harder Better Faster Stronger” (from Alive 2007)
9/13. I don’t know what I had against Daft Punk when I picked this and the next one. I like Hot Chip and it would have been cool to see them win, but I should have known better. I think it was just because it’s a 2007 live album or something that I had a problem with it.

BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM
Prediction: Moby, Last Night
Winner: Daft Punk, Alive 2007
9/14. A joke pick, but really hurting my average.

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
Prediction: Kings of Leon, "Sex on Fire"
Winner: Kings of Leon, "Sex on Fire"
10/15. Sweet.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Prediction: Nigel Godrich
Winner: Rick Rubin
10/16. Again, I knew he’d win because of Metallica and Weezer. So who do I pick?

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION OR OTHER VISUAL MEDIA
Prediction: Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, "Down to Earth" (From Wall-E)
Winner: Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, "Down to Earth" (From Wall-E)
11/17. Awesome.

BEST RECORDING PACKAGE
Prediction: Metallica, Death Magnetic
Winner: Metallica, Death Magnetic
12/18. OMG NO NO AGE?! Metallica’s vagina-aping packaging isn’t that cool. I admittedly have no idea what No Age’s, ahem, package looks like.

BEST REMIXED RECORDING, NON-CLASSICAL
Prediction: MGMT - "Electric Feel" (Justice Remix)
Winner: MGMT - "Electric Feel" (Justice Remix)
13/19. Cool to see MGMT & Justice get some love.

BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
Prediction: Radiohead - "House Of Cards" (James Frost, video director)
Winner:
Weezer - "Pork And Beans" (Mathew Cullen, video director)
13/20. Aw, c’mon!

Prediction Percentage: 13/20 = 65%. If I wasn’t biased or retarded, I might have jacked up my percentage a bit more, but whatever. I’ll get over it.

Here is a few categories that I didn’t realize existed or something as I put together my predictions hastily:

Best Metal Performance: Metallica, "My Apocalypse"

Best Hard Rock Performance: The Mars Volta, "Wax Simulacra"

Best Rap Solo Performance: Lil Wayne, "A Milli"

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package: In Rainbows

Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer, The Dark Knight

In all seriousness, I probably would have picked most of these, for what it’s worth (nothing.)

Here is the entire list of nominees and winners, if you really need to know who won Best Norteño Album (don't fret, Los Tigres del Norte locked up that shit.) That's really all that needs to be said. Let's just forget about the Grammys for the next 360-some-odd days, shall we? Can't wait to see Working On A Dream win every fucking award next year!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Grammy Noms Pick'empalooza

Usually an afterthought and unimportant, the 51st Annual Grammy Awards has the potential to be slightly relevant and entertaining. Of course there will be plenty of nauseating moments as per usual, but the nominees in some of the categories prove to be a bit more "with it" and the jam-packed list of performers slated to play could lead to some unforgettable combinations. I mean, Radiohead is gonna be fucking playing for the first time, potentially with the USC marching band, or God help me, Lil Wayne? M.I.A. is due for her baby at any moment and she still plans to strut her eccentric self anyway. Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl could have promise. Either way, it will be the first time in a long time that the Grammys deserve to be on in the background on my TV. A summation of the record industry's sploogefest will follow shortly thereafter, but in the meantime, here is a last-minute, extremely random, no effort or thought required whatsoever list of predictions of winners in some of the major categories.

BEST NEW ARTIST
Adele
Duffy
The Jonas Brothers
Lady Antebellum
Jazmine Sullivan
Prediction: Adele. God help me if The Jonas Brothers win.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Ne-Yo - Year Of The Gentleman
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Prediction: This one is tough. Do I vote with my heart or my gut? Knowing The Grammys, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss will win it, but I'm really pulling for Radiohead to win it despite their widely publicized "fuck you" to the record industry that is In Rainbows.

POP COLLABORATION WITH VOCALS
Alicia Keys and John Mayer - "Lessons Learned"
Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland - "4 Minutes"
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - "Rich Woman"
Rihanna and Maroon 5 - "If I Never See Your Face Again"
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown - "No Air"
Prediction: Interesting mix. Let's go with Alicia Keys and John Mayer.

COUNTRY PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
Brooks & Dunn - "God Must Be Busy"
Lady Antebellum - "Love Don't Love Here"
Rascal Flatts - "Every Day"
The Steel Drivers - "Blue Side Of The Mountain"
Sugarland - "Stay"
Prediction: Since country is such a strong point of knowledge for me personally, I'd have to go with *blindly points at screen* Rascal Flatts.

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP
Big Boi feat. Raekwon & Andre 3000 - "Royal Flush"
T.I. feat. Kanye West & Lil Wayne - "Swagga Like Us"
Lil Wayne feat. Jay-Z - "Mr Carter"
Ludacris feat. T.I. - "Wish You Would"
Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West - "Put On"
Prediction: The ridiculous 1-2-3-4 (and sort of 5 if you count the M.I.A. sample) punch of "Swagga Like Us" is hard to ignore.

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Adele - "Chasing Pavements"
Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"
Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love"
M.I.A. - "Paper Planes"
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - "Please Read The Letter"
Prediction: I really, really want M.I.A. to win. It could induce labor. Plus, she deserves it.

SONG OF THE YEAR
Estelle Feat. Kanye West - "American Boy"
Adele - "Chasing Pavements"
Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"
Sara Bareilles - "Love Song"
Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"
Prediction: As much as it is ridiculous how many nods that Coldplay got, "Viva La Vida" seems poised to win at least one major award. Why not let it be this one?

BEST ROCK SONG
Bruce Springsteen - "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"
Radiohead - "House Of Cards"
Death Cab For Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart"
Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
Prediction: Anytime I see Radiohead, I'm automatically compelled to vote for them. *Crosses fingers.*

BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"
The Eagles - "Waiting In The Weeds"
Gnarls Barkley - "Going On"
Maroon 5 - "Won't Go Home Without You"
OneRepublic - "Apologize"
Prediction: Coldplay.

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus
Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
Metallica - Death Magnetic
The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Prediction: It'd be sweet to see Jack White & Co. win, it'll probs be Coldplay. As long as Kid Rock or Metallica don't win.

BEST RAP ALBUM
Jay-Z - American Gangster
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
Nas - Nas
T.I. - Paper Trail
Prediction: C3. Please. I need to hear a Weezy thank you speech at some point in the night.

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Beck - Modern Guilt
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Prediction: 3 of these were in my Top 20 for 2008, the other two weren't too shabby either. Radiohead has won/been nominated in this category before, so of all of my reflex Radiohead selections, this one seems the most legit.

BEST DANCE RECORDING
Daft Punk - "Harder Better Faster Stronger"
Hot Chip - "Ready For The Floor"
Lady Gaga - "Just Dance"
Madonna - "Give It 2 Me"
Rihanna - "Disturbia"
Sam Sparro - "Black & Gold"
Prediction: OH PLEASE LET HOT CHIP WIN! I would love to see how Daft Punk would accept an award, though.

BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM
Brazilian Girls - New York City
Daft Punk - Alive 2007
Cyndi Lauper - Bring Ya To The Brink
Kylie Minogue - X
Moby - Last Night
Robyn - Robyn
Prediction: Hmm. Moby?

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
AC/DC - "Rock N Roll Train"
Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
The Eagles - "Long Road Out Of Eden"
Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
Radiohead - "House Of Cards"
Prediction: Let "Sex On Fire" win this one. I have a renewed interest in that song after passionately singing it drunk over the weekend.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Danger Mouse
Nigel Godrich
Johnny Karkazis
Rick Rubin
will.i.am
Prediction: NIGEL!

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION OR OTHER VISUAL MEDIA
Peter Gabriel - "Down To Earth" (From Wall-E)
Carrie Underwood - "Ever Ever After" (From Enchanted)
John Mayer - "Say" (From The Bucket List)
Amy Adams - "That's How You Know" (From Enchanted)
John C. Reilly - "Walk Hard" (From Walk Hard -- The Dewey Cox Story)
Prediction: Wall-E! Although I'm sure John C. would be funny.

BEST RECORDING PACKAGE
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Hawk Nelson - Hawk Nelson...Is My Friend!
No Age - Nouns
Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation
The Ditty Bops - Summer Rains
Prediction: Metallica, but OMG imagine the indie world's reaction if a band like No Age won a Grammy.

BEST REMIXED RECORDING, NON-CLASSICAL
Ne-Yo - "Closer" (StoneBridge Radio Edit)
MGMT - "Electric Feel" (Justice Remix)
Madonna Feat. Justin Timberlake - "4 Minutes" (Junkie XL Remix)
Mary J. Blige - "Just Fine" (Moto Blanco Remix)
Morgan Page Feat. Lissie - "The Longest Road" (Deadmau5 Remix)
Prediction: I think MGMT has a good shot at nabbing this one. They were, like, uber-popular last year. Moreso than I thought.

BEST SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO
Erykah Badu - "Honey" (Erykah Badu & Mr. Roboto, video directors)
Gnarls Barkley - "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" (Christopher Milk, video director)
Alicia Keys & Jack White - "Another Way To Die" (PR Brown & MK12, video directors)
Radiohead - "House Of Cards" (James Frost, video director)
Weezer - "Pork And Beans" (Mathew Cullen, video director)
Prediction: Completely unbiased, the "House of Cards" video is fucking ridiculous. It uses like lasers. Once again, Radiohead being different and somewhat revolutionary. Will they get the Gramophone?

Take or leave 'em, that's what I got. Solely a typing exercise more than anything, but it'll be cool to see how well or bad it turns out. Tune in to CBS at 8pm tonight to watch it all unfold.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Decisions, Decisions

With the Summer months approaching, those without access to an obnoxious amount of cash-money must ask themselves a very important question ... Which festival would I rather drop hundreds of dollars on? As I'm sure most of you have heard by now, the billings for this year's Bonnaroo and Coachella have been announced, both sporting a wide variety of stellar musical acts. Whether you're in the mood to meet "The Boss" or a Beatle, these consistently immaculate gatherings have something to offer every rock-ophile. So, to help you along in your travels, here are the lineups for Bonnaroo and Coachella.

Bonnaroo '09

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Phish, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, David Byrne, Wilco, Al Green, Snoop Dogg, Elvis Costello, Erykah Badu, Paul Oakenfold, Ben Harper and Relentless7, The Mars Volta, TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gov't Mule, Andrew Bird, Merle Haggard, MGMT, moe., The Decemberists, Girl Talk, Bon Iver, Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabate, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Galactic, Band of Horses, The Del McCoury Band, of Montreal, Allen Toussaint, Coheed and Cambria, Booker T & the DBTs, David Grisman Quintet, Lucinda Williams, Animal Collective, Gomez, Neko Case, Down, Jenny Lewis, Santogold, Robert Earl Keen, Citizen Cope, Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, The Ting Tings, Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Kaki King, Grizzly Bear, King Sunny Adé, Okkervil River, St. Vincent Zac Brown Band, Raphael Saadiq, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Crystal Castles, Tift Merritt, Brett Dennen, Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue, Toubab Krewe, People Under the Stairs, Alejandro Escovedo, Vieux Farka Touré, Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Cherryholmes, Yeasayer, Todd Snider, Chairlift, Portugal. The Man., Midnite,
The SteelDrivers, The Knux, The Low Anthem, Delta Spirit, A.A. Bondy, The Lovell Sisters, Alberta Cross

Coachella '09

Paul McCartney, The Killers, The Cure, Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand, Leonard Cohen, Conor Oberst, Beirut, Girl Talk, M. Ward, Crystal Castles, Buraka Som Sistema, the Hold Steady, TV On The Radio, Band Of Horses, Fleet Foxes, Superchunk, Liars, Blitzen Trapper, Gang Gang Dance, Tinariwen, Ida Maria, Mastodon, Hercules & Love Affair, My Bloody Valentine, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Throbbing Gristle, PB&J, Antony, Lykke Li, Okkervil, Fucked Up, No Age, Vivan Girls, Gaslight Anthem, Silversun Pickups, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Connor Oberst, the Black Keys, the Crystal Method, We Are Scientists, M. Ward, Henry Rollins, Turbonegro, Peter Bjorn and John, Lupe Fiasco, Anthony & the Johnsons, Public Enemy, The Kills, and some others which can be seen here

So, which will you be buying? An airline ticket to Tennessee or California. Either way, you're guaranteed an ill-tastic show and a pretty decent hit to your bank account. Personally, I think I'll start digging in the couch cushions for that spot at Bonnaroo.

Bonnaroo tickets go on sale this Saturday, February 7th, for $225. Coachella tickets are on sale now, 3-day passes are priced at $270 while a single day is marked at $100.

Click here for a little Bonnaroo incentive