Flashlight of the Week

The Go! Team goes from 0 to 60 in a blink and they never pull off the redline. Their new video for "T.O.R.N.A.D.O." looks and feels like the schoolyard throwdown you've dream about, wherein you face your childhood nemesis head to head and reign victorious.

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'Bohemian Rhapsody' On The Uke 

I often delete these 'song of the day' emails with a fleeting moment of guilt. But Jake Shimabukuro's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' caught my attention and I'm glad I spent 5 zen like minutes recalling Queen's larger than life ballad reduced to 4 modest strings. (It's the first full song I've listen to in a while without a heavy bass pulse, making it blog post-worthy.)  Listen Here.

Free Download: Foster the People 'Helena Beat'

The L.A. band swept up summer buzz with their fuzzy laid back rock hit "Pumped Up Kicks." Then they promptly fell off the face of the earth, while the blogs (including this one) waited for the hype to pay off. Finally, Foster the People returns with a 'Helena Beat.' More dancey, less fuzzy, but still ever so catchy. Stream and Download here.

Watch 'Oprah Presents Master Class: Jay-Z'

In Oprah Winfrey's new show, Master Class, she profiles people who are almost as accomplished and powerful as her. The premiere focuses on Jay-Z in probably one of the most intimate portraits of the hip-hop mogul. Watch him discuss his childhood in the projects, realization of his talent, and staying grounded through trendsetting and success.

2010 In Mash Up Pop

DJ Earworm's United States of Pop releases continue with "Don't Stop The Pop"-- a somewhat sloppy dance floor cat fight with the year's hit songs including Katy Perry, Rihanna, Tiao Cruz and more. This isn't a criticism of of 2010's Billboard Charts; it's a testament to the difficulties of mash-ups, especially if you have to use certain songs.

MJ's Producer Explains Questionable Vocals On Posthumous Album

Tedd Riley, a main producer on 'Michael,' addressed doubts on the vocal's authenticity and the real motivation is behind the controversy.

Playlist: Top 10 Songs of 2010

Enjoy a playlist of personal favorites from the year including Cee-Lo, The Black Keys, Miniboone, and even Justin Bieber. This may also be one of the few year end wraps ups free of Arcade Fire.

2011 Grammy Nominations

A list of nominees, pithy remarks, and conspiracy theories on how Katy Perry earns an album of the year nod along side Arcade Fire, Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum, and Eminem. I think Gaga takes this category and a cage match. 

 

Listen To Google Beatbox

No, it's not an official Google service... yet. But by inputting this key phrase into Google Translate, the robotic voice suddenly earns street cred.

 

Review: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday

While balancing pop princess and schitzo bitch, she stands up to her debut album's hype.

Hyped: Pink Friday

UK's Purple Revolver explains how the buzz grew so loud.

American Music Awards 2010 Performances: Videos and 10 Word Reviews

Justin Bieber swept the American Music Awards, winning all four of his nominations. See his performance and others including Usher, Rhianna, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and more.

Decemberists New Song, Album, Tour

"Down by the Water" is the first single from their sixth studio album The King Is Dead, said to be a return to rootsy folk-pop. Listen here and watch them perform on Conan tonight.

 

 

New Girl Talk 'All Day' Released on Illegal Art

The internet is sluggish lately thanks to Gregg Gillis's (a.k.a Girl Talk) latest engineered party drug. His album "All Day" is a cage match of pop music that fans are clamoring to download. (FO' FREE)

 

Kanye Tweets A Rant For Matt Lauer

After an uncomfortable, drama-filled interview on the Today Show, West tweets how he really feels about Matt Lauer and the media. Tweeting tantrums never get old.

'Breaking News' Michael Jackson's Posthumous Track

Just in time for the Christmas stocking, an album of previously unreleased songs by the Michael Jackson will be available December 14, but the first single has the Jackson family questioning it's authenticity. Listen to "Breaking Bad" and leave your thoughts. Is it really The King?

 

Playlist: Time Keeps On Slippin'

   Daylight Savings Time is officially over and soon the long winter nights will tempt us to hibernate. Here's a playlist scoring the night season, the epic battle of you vs. passing time, and a reminder that the sun will rise again. And yes, you better believe Huey Lewis and The News' "Back In Time" get the privilege of closing out the jams.

Bird Whips Hair (Feathers) To Willow

Waste two minutes of your time watching a bird dance better than most people to 'Whip My Hair' by Willow Smith

Kanye West Causes Low Point of Bush Presidency

In an upcoming interview with Matt Lauer, the former president responds to one hot-headed rapper's tirade. I couldn't make this up if I tried.

Review: Cee-Lo Green 'Lady Killer'

Cee-lo Green is like a retro soul man from the future and his latest album, Lady Killer, reawakens throwback sounds with superhuman strength.

 

 

CMJ Wrap Up: (More) Festival Favorites

Emmy Black is an A&R rep for an independent record label, her CMJ mission was to see as many unsigned acts as possible. And after spending 5 days in sweaty venues without sunlight, she emerged with a list of bands you’ll be hearing about in the future (certainly if she has any say in it). Check out her picks and enjoy the playlist.

CMJ Wrap Up: Festival Favorites

Though I was initially cynical of the NYC music marathon, I had a great time discovering new bands in the dizzying city atmosphere. Check out my favorites including folk trio Pearl and The Beard, electro-pop of Zowie and more.