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David Lynch Invades The Music World Again With Electro-Pop Single 'Good Day Today'

Posted 11/30/10 4:00 pm EST by in Music


Over the course of his long and fruitful career, David Lynch has made some of the most striking, memorable contributions to the world of cinema, including strange, beloved classics like "Eraserhead," "The Elephant Man," "Blue Velvet" and "Mulholland Drive" (not to mention the incredible television series "Twin Peaks"). But what many people don't know is that Lynch has made incredible contributions to the world of music, and he has recently released his latest foray into the music world in a strange electro-pop single called "Good Day Today."

After an initial blast of noise, the track settles into a minimalist electro groove that propels and pulsates while Lynch's digitally-manipulated voice intones lyrics like "So tired of fire/ So tired of smoke" before arriving at the chorus: "I want to have a good day today." Considering the source, it's actually a pretty straightforward little pop song whose beat wouldn't necessarily be out of place on one of Robyn's albums.

This is the first time Lynch has wandered this deep into the musical waters by himself, though he has a number of great musical projects to his name. He has often collaborated with composer Angelo Badalamenti (who has scored many of Lynch's best films), wrote lyrics for ethereal chanteuse Julee Cruise, dropped a rock album called BlueBob with John Neff (Lynch played guitar on that one) and also collaborated with DJ Danger Mouse on a well-received dark pop album called Dark Night of the Soul. Though he has a second song (another electro-pop ditty called "I Know," which is quite similar), this probably won't end up being a new career shift for Lynch. In fact, like many of his ideas, it appears to have come from an unknowable place. "I was just sitting and these notes came and then I went down and started working with Dean [Hurley, his engineer] and then these few notes, 'I want to have a good day, today' came and the song was built around that," he told The Guardian.

What do you think of David Lynch's single "Good Day Today"? Let us know in the comments!

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30 Seconds To Mars' Jared Leto Is Not Out To Shock: The MTV News Quote Of The Day

Posted 11/30/10 3:00 pm EST by in Music


"I had always planned on having an explicit version and then a version that was not so explicit. The version that we were trying to get on broadcast is not the explicit version, and that's still having a really difficult time. I'm not interested in provocation for provocation's sake. I just think it's interesting that when you turn on the news or whatever else catches your interest, how much violence and negativity is available out there. As soon as it comes time for sexuality, it's a big shock that people are sexual beings. It's an interesting double standard to me."

-30 Seconds to Mars frontman and video director Jared Leto, talking about the roadblocks being put up in front of him regarding the release of "Hurricane," Leto's latest short film. The controversial short film premiered on Monday night (November 29) in a 13-minute version, and it featured a great deal of nudity and violence, much of which was censored. But according to Leto, there is a much longer version that contains completely unadulterated scenes.

"We always knew there would be some images that would have a tough time getting through," Leto told Entertainment Weekly about the controversy surrounding the video. "But we didn't expect this kind of pushback that we're getting now."

Leto also addressed the issue on his personal Web site, posting a letter he received about cuts that had to be made to "Hurricane." "Overall the bondage theme will warrant a POST 10 p.m. restriction as the film is in its current form," read the letter. "There is one shot that will have to be removed completely for a POST 10 p.m. restriction. 09:17 — WOMAN RUNS FINGER OVER OTHER WOMAN'S G-STRING-CLAD BOTTOM AND TOUCHES HER ANUS — This shot makes the video completely restricted. There are other bondage shots towards the end of the film that [C]ompliance were unclear about, they would have to view frame by frame on tape to gauge whether they would need to be cut too for POST 10PM. The violence in the film is not graphic and would warrant a POST 7 p.m. restriction. But the overall sexual content does push the restriction up."

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Black Eyed Peas' The Beginning: The Reviews Are In!

Posted 11/30/10 2:00 pm EST by in Music


With all the buzz surrounding the big name releases last week from the likes of Kanye West, My Chemical Romance, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, it would be easy to overlook the Black Eyed Peas' newest opus The Beginning, which hits store shelves today (November 30). But the Peas, who absolutely ruled the Billboard charts last year with "I Gotta Feeling," "Boom Boom Pow" and "Imma Be" from their 2009 album The E.N.D., are back with a new collection of soon-to-be-massive tracks featuring will.i.am's forward-thinking production style and Fergie's knack for selling a melody.

The reviews are in, and critics seem to be positive about the results of the Peas' sixth album. While many writers seem to think it doesn't quite match the highs of their previous release, it's still a collection you won't be able to escape in the coming months. "The Peas may not have dramatically outdone themselves this time, but they've succeeded at keeping the good times rolling yet again," wrote Simon Vozick-Levinson of Entertainment Weekly in a B+ review.

The New York Times concurred. "[The Beginning a much lesser record than The E.N.D., and yet it isn't boring, even when the echoes of old songs are more than echoes," wrote critic Ben Ratliff. "[Will.i.am]'s just rocking his club, and not badly."

Some people were not as enthralled. Though he fully admits that The Beginning is essentially critic-proof, Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot was disappointed with the album. "Yes, the Peas throw a great check-your-brain-at-the-door party, as Oprah Winfrey and arenas full of madly dancing fans will attest," he wrote. "But those let's-get-crazy moments are largely lacking on The Beginning, the quartet's tamest, most hook-deprived album in the Fergie era."

The Boston Globe seemed to have the most universally accepted take on the album. "In some cases here it's easier to cry uncle than others, like on the Slick Rick-sampling 'Light Up the Night.' More obvious, and oblivious, is the sure-fire hit single 'The Time (Dirty Bit).' It's going to be the biggest song of the year, guaranteed, and you're going to like it — whether you like it or not."

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My Chemical Romance's Danger Days Dominates Sales Poll

Posted 11/30/10 1:00 pm EST by in Music


It's a great time to be a music fan, as there are huge releases hitting store shelves that cater to just about every taste out there. Into mind-bending hip-hop? Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday are waiting for you. Down with envelope-pushing dance pop? Ke$ha just dropped Cannibal and Black Eyed Peas are bringing out The Beginning. Do you love Justin Bieber? Justin Beiber's My Worlds Acoustic is out now. There are also digging-in-the-crate reissues from Bruce Springsteen, Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, Bob Dylan and a host of others, which should make for a fantastically lively holiday shopping season in the music world (something it could use, quite frankly).

But which album among last week's gigantic releases made the most impact on the readers of the MTV Newsroom Blog? We asked just such a question yesterday and demanded that people vote for the album they bought (or bought first) among the five big ones from last week: Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Justin Bieber's My Worlds Acoustic, Ke$ha's Cannibal, Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday and My Chemical Romance's Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.

The results are in, and though West's album is expected to debut at the top of the Billboard album chart with over a half million copies sold, the devotion of the MTV Newsroom readers belongs to My Chemical Romance. Danger Days took the top spot with 57 percent of the total vote (after thousands of entries over the past 12 hours). West came in second with 36 percent, with Minaj finishing in third with five percent. The other two entries barely made a dent, but it's clear that no matter how many albums they end up selling, My Chemical Romance certainly have the most fervent, devoted fan base of anybody putting out an album this holiday season.

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Spotted: Justin Bieber Signs His Name In Madrid

Posted 11/30/10 12:00 pm EST by in Music


Every day a multitude of stars wander through the halls of MTV News to talk about their latest projects and goof around with our intrepid correspondents. But sometimes we catch stars elsewhere, and that's why we put together Spotted!, a daily compendium of stars in the wild.

As the appearance of his visage on a wall in a Brazilian favela proved, Justin Bieber is indeed an international superstar. He has come a long way from his small town in Canada, and the 16-year-old singer is such a jet-setter that it sometimes must be confusing for him to know what time it is. He keeps up an incredible pace, which is an amazing feat considering his age. No matter where he goes in the world, he is always greeted by excited fans. On Monday (November 29), Bieber found himself in Madrid, Spain, signing copies of his just-released album My Worlds Acoustic for thrilled followers at a store called El Corte Ingles. He'll be headed back to Los Angeles for the "Grammy Nominations Concert Live!" show, which airs live on CBS on Wednesday (December 1). He'll share the stage with fellow performers Katy Perry, B.o.B, Bruno Mars and host LL Cool J.

Bieber wasn't the only star circling the globe, as Madonna held a party to celebrate the opening of the first of her Hard Candy Fitness Global Gyms in Mexico City and "Dancing With the Stars" champion Jennifer Grey and runner-up Kyle Massey came to New York to celebrate the release of "Epic Mickey" for the Nintendo Wii. Click here for these photos as well as the entire "Spotted" archive, which features over 500 candid shots of stars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Eminem, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers and Shakira!

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Insane Clown Posse Announce Christmas Toy Drive With Another Excellent Video

Posted 11/30/10 11:00 am EST by in Music


The men from 30 Seconds to Mars weren't the only group dropping a huge video on Monday (November 29). Underground rap legends, viral superstars and friends of MTV News Insane Clown Posse dropped a new video explaining a few big projects for the month of December. Not only is the group headed out on the road for their Old S--- Tour, but they are also hosting a toy drive. All throughout the month, the duo will be collecting toys and kids' hats, gloves and scarves from Juggalos at shows and via the good old-fashioned postal service. In return, those donating will receive a free compilation CD called Holiday Heat, which collects a handful of Christmas-themed tracks from ICP, Twiztid and the rest of the Psychopathic label roster (including tracks like "Murdercity Christmas," "Ryda Holiday" and "Santa's a Fat B----").

Of course, it wouldn't be an ICP announcement without a fantastically low-fi video full of some of their extended family's signature personalities. The clip is hosted by Sweet Sugar Slam (who has hosted the last two announcements about the Gathering; the whole thing is called Sugar Slam's Super Live Toy Drive) and features drop-ins by Corporal Robinson (complete with JCW Championship belt), Lay Low (dubbed the "Holiday Hatchet Man") and Mike E. Clark (who handles much of the production for ICP and also dresses as Santa Claus).

The nine-minute video features all the great things that have made past ICP videos so lovable, including the casual use of coarse language (especially care of the announcer, who bellows things like "Don't be a d---!" and "Thanks for giving a f---!"), colorful minimalist graphics and some fantastic performances (Mike E. Clark as Mike E. Claus is especially manic and wonderful). On top of all that, it's a good cause. So catch up with ICP on the road, bring your toys along, claim your free CD (autographed by Shaggy and J!) and remember that Christmas is a time for sharing, caring and getting drunk as f---.

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'Skating With The Stars' Recap: Mess On Ice

Posted 11/30/10 10:00 am EST by in Television


It's tempting to think that "Skating With the Stars" will be just like "Dancing With the Stars," except even better. After all, it's basically the same show, except it adds an infinitely more difficult physical activity and tosses in ice (which, of course, ups the potential for danger). If we were to create a professional wrestling metaphor, "Skating With the Stars" would be like Extreme Championship Wrestling, with less polish but more potential for mayhem.

Unfortunately, "Skating With the Stars" — which had its season premiere last Monday night (November 22) and continued last night (Monday, November 29) — is not quite the entertainment explosion that it should be. Though the lineup doesn't quite have the same pop as your average "Dancing With the Stars" season, it's still pretty dynamic: Professional skier (and former MTV's "The Challenge" host) Jonny Moseley, Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil, reality TV staple Bethenny Frankel, Disney actor Brandon Mychal Smith, soap star Rebecca Budig and "Blade Runner" actress Sean Young. (The latter was eliminated last night in a moment that was relatively non-controversial.)

Of the five remaining stars, Smith actually seems to have it together, followed closely behind by Moseley (perhaps backing up a theory that if you're good at one winter sport, you're good at all winter sports). The competition seems a bit skewed towards the men, as they have to do little more than perform lifts and look graceful (the demands on the women are much greater and probably more than a little unfair). And though there are plenty of scenes of famous people falling down on ice (Neil was especially prone to tumbles), the whole thing seemed a little airless (it doesn't help that they keep playing up the fact that they are constantly falling — moderation is everything).

Who do you think should win "Skating With the Stars"? Let us know in the comments!

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30 Seconds To Mars' 'Hurricane' Video: The Key Scene

Posted 11/30/10 9:00 am EST by in Music


If you're a fan of epic, mind-bending music videos, 2010 has been an exceptionally good year for you. Lady Gaga kicked things off with the kinetic "Telephone" clip, and Kanye West upped the ante with his sprawling fever dream "Runaway." But 30 Seconds to Mars may have both of those pop titans beat at their own game with "Hurricane," the just-released clip for the latest single from their 2009 album This Is War. "Hurricane" had been built up over a number of months by frontman Jared Leto (who directed the clip under his alternate name Bartholomew Cubbins), and the anticipation for the clip has been extremely high. The question leading up to its premiere on Monday night (November 29) was whether or not it would live up to Leto's considerable hype and cryptic clues about its content.

Based on the final product, it more than delivered. "Hurricane" is a jaw-dropping 13-minute romp through the outer edges of Leto's psyche, full of haunting images, jarring violence, winking sex and confusing dream logic. The loose narrative follows the three members of 30 Seconds to Mars through a surreal, mostly-empty version of New York City. They encounter a number of masked individuals and women in bondage gear, some of whom seem threatening and others who provide some sort of assistance. In the clip's climactic key scene, Leto comes upon a courtyard full of coffins covered in American flags and is attacked by a large man wearing a leather mask and carrying a sledgehammer. The assailant gets the drop on Leto, and he ends up trapped in the only empty casket.

"Hurricane" is an incredible accomplishment that seems to borrow from a number of excellent sources (most notably Stanley Kubrick's underrated final masterpiece "Eyes Wide Shut"). Leto has been hinting that there is an even more elaborate, uncensored cut out there, but the version of "Hurricane" that exists out there is already pretty amazing.

What is your favorite scene in the new 30 Seconds to Mars video? Let us know in the comments!

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T.I. Becomes A Legend: Wake-Up Video

Posted 11/30/10 8:00 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


Before he earned the reputation as "the Jay-Z of the south" (a well-earned title bestowed upon him by Neptunes and N.E.R.D. mastermind Pharrell Williams) and long before legal troubles threatened to derail his career, Clifford Harris (better known to the hip-hop world as T.I.) was merely a hungry rapper from Atlanta with a serious flow and a knack for wordplay. His first two albums — 2001's I'm Serious and 2003's Trap Muzik — were spotty but inspiring, clearly the work of an artist learning how to master his craft. He finally found the groove with 2004's Urban Legend, which found its way to the streets on this day in 2004.

Though T.I. had scored some buzz from his first two albums, he was mostly a well-kept secret in the hip-hop community for the first few years of his career. The first time most of the general population heard his unique voice and signature flow was when "Bring Em Out" found its way into heavy rotation on radio and on MTV. Produced by Swizz Beatz, "Bring Em Out" is a spectacular contrast in styles, marrying low-fi keyboards, brassy horns and a killer disco whistle to a stream of boastful (and frequently violent) lyrics. Consider the lyric that kicks off the song: "Bring 'em out/ It's hard to yell with the barrel in your mouth." That's a pretty savage (and often censored) line for a song that was as big as "Bring Em Out" was.

In fact, it was the first of many big hits for T.I., who would later pile on success on the back of singles like "Big Things Poppin' (Do It)," "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life." But it all began with "Bring Em Out" and its fun, almost manic video.


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Dee Snider Reflects On His Time In Hartford On 'Dee Snider Radio'

Posted 11/29/10 5:00 pm EST by in Music


During any given week, the MTV News staff gets a lot of interview opportunities. While most of them are excellent, there are usually only a few that really excite the staff in ways that cannot fully be explained.

Such was the case a few weeks ago when I was offered the opportunity to sit down with former Twisted Sister frontman and free speech activist Dee Snider, who can currently be seen in the hit Broadway musical "Rock of Ages." I jumped at the chance to go visit with Snider in his dressing room at the Brooks Atkinson Theater (where "Rock of Ages" runs eight shows a week) not necessarily because I love the musical (though it's excellent) or because I'm a huge Twisted Sister fan (though I am).

No, the real reason why I wanted to talk to Dee was because I used to listen to him every morning while I drove myself to school at the turn of the century. Snider was the host of "Dee Snider Radio," a morning talk show on Hartford, Connecticut's alternative rock radio station. For three years or so, Snider sat down with newswoman Beth Lockwood, producer Nick Lentino, engineer Darkside Dave, assistant producer Sean and a rotating cast of supporting characters (including Psycho Dan and Mudbone) and talked about the news of the day, Snider's war stories of life on the road and seemingly everybody's most embarrassing moments.

The show had some great moments, including one morning that saw the crew eat a human placenta. "I'm technically a cannibal," Snider admitted. "That was on a dare, and that went horribly wrong. When you walk in in the morning, and the marketing director is cleaning a placenta to be eaten, you know it's going to be a weird day at the office."

Snider also said that some of his favorite moments were some of the most horrible, including the day they discovered Lentino had put a beer bottle into an inappropriate place in his body and the morning of September 11, 2001.

Sadly, "Dee Snider Radio" disappeared off the face of the planet in a mess of downsizing and contractual disputes. But Snider has stuck to the radio (he has a syndicated show called "The House of Hair" that focuses on metal) and has recently opened up a Dee Snider Radio web portal, which is slowly archiving every one of the shows Snider ran in Hartford (which you can stream or download for free). He always looks back fondly on his experience behind the microphone in Hartford. "I had a tremendous time during that show," Snider said. "I run into Peeps — that's what I called my fans, the Peeps — all the time. The minute they say 'Hartford,' I know we have a bond because I know you know me now. When you're on the air for five hours a day every day, pretty much everything comes out."

Do you have any "Dee Snider Radio" memories? Let us know in the comments!

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