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Fray Frontman Isaac Slade Wants To Punch The Killers' Brandon Flowers 'In The Mouth'

Posted 3/12/12 10:49 am EST by in Fighting, Music, The Killers


The Fray

By Zachary Swickey

The Fray may be known for their relaxed music and its frequent use on “Grey’s Anatomy,” but frontman Isaac Slade isn’t keen on anyone pointing that out exactly.

Slade – who just released The Fray’s third album, Scars and Stories, earlier this month – has got his sights set on The Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers for derogatory comments the singer made about Slade’s group.

Slade talked to the Daily Star about this beef, saying, “When we started making the album, I saw footage on YouTube of Brandon getting mad at a Killers crowd who were a little sedate. Brandon was yelling, ‘Come on, stand up and dance. This isn’t a f**king Fray show.’”

Well, that little comment hasn’t sat too well with Slade. While he surprisingly admitted that his shows can be a bit on the chill side, he doesn't necessarily see that as a bad thing and wants Flowers to know it.

“All I could do was laugh because that’s true – we do have a very thoughtful, sensitive crowd who don’t get to dance much. Still, I’ll pay Brandon back for picking on our fans. Next time I see him I’ll have to punch him in the mouth,” Slade vowed.

The Fray’s Scars and Stories debuted at number four on the Billboard charts last month with 87,000 copies sold. The Killers are in the midst of recording their fourth studio album and are expected to make their live return with a headlining slot at the UK’s V Festival this summer.

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Jack White Works His Way Through Back Catalog And New Tracks At First-Ever Solo Show

Posted 3/9/12 4:09 pm EST by in Music


Jack White

By Zachary Swickey

Musical Renaissance man Jack White has already had the honor of performing on “Saturday Night Live” but it wasn’t until last night that he performed his first full live solo set at the third birthday celebration for his self-owned label, Third Man Records (via Jam Canoe).

The multi-instrumentalist showcased 19 tracks spanning his career nicely, which included songs by The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather (never realized how much he likes “The” before his band names), as well as six new cuts off his forthcoming debut album Blunderbuss.

Keeping it low-key at his label’s headquarters in Nashville for the gig, White’s audience consisted of a couple hundred critics, music industry insiders, fellow bandmates and contest winners. In true White fashion, invites were found on cardboard volvelle wheels. The reception area for VIPs took place in the Third Man complex’s lounge, which was decorated with giant stuffed animals and dinosaur skulls strewn around White’s old-school office door, which strangely reads “John A White III, DDS: Family Dentistry." (Not the craziest thing to hear considering his appearance on “American Pickers.”)

White kicked his set off with the Stripes' classic ’01 track “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” followed by three Blunderbuss cuts – “Missing Pieces,” “Sixteen Saltines” “and “Love Interruption," his new single that he rocked on “SNL.”

He then went on to cover Raconteurs territory with “Top Yourself” before changing it up with a Dead Weather track, “Blue Blood Blues.” However, plenty of fan favorite hits were also covered, including “Seven Nation Army,” “My Doorbell,” Dead Weather’s “Cut Like a Buffalo” and Raconteurs’ “Steady as She Goes.”

Singer for The Dead Weather (and The Kills, of course) Allison Mosshart was spotted in the audience as well as The Raconteurs bassist Jack Lawrence, cheering their bandmate on. Read More...

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Kelly Clarkson To Judge On Newest Reality Singing Competition

Posted 3/9/12 11:47 am EST by in American Idol, kelly-clarkson, Television, The Voice


Kelly Clarkson

By Zachary Swickey

You can add ABC to the list of stations attempting a vocal competition show. The new program, “Duets,” will premiere this summer and boasts Kelly Clarkson, Robin Thicke, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and living legend Lionel Richie as its judging panel.

We know what you’re thinking… seriously? Another singing reality show? However, to set themselves apart from the bunch – which now includes “American Idol,” “The Voice,” “The X Factor” and The CW’s upcoming “Star Next Door,” which has Queen Latifah and Gloria Estefan as judges – “Duets” will have the judges choosing two singers to be their duet partners each night. They will perform in front of a live studio audience each week on the show.

Of course, eventually one duet contestant will remain and the top prize is a coveted contract with Hollywood Records.

Clarkson said in a statement, "The simple fact that I get to go out and find two people that I believe in, sing with them every week, and help them accomplish their dream is an amazing thing that I can't wait to be a part of!"

The ratings for “American Idol” have been suffering more than ever, “The X Factor” has received lukewarm attention and “The Voice” is becoming the new favorite, so who knows what ABC is thinking getting into the singing reality show game. “America’s Got Talent” will also be returning this summer, and while not a predominantly singing competition, the addition of Howard Stern as guest judges is bound to give ratings one heck of a boost.

Be on the lookout for “Duets” to premiere on ABC sometime this summer.

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Christina Aguilera Revisits Spanish-Language Singing With Track For Will Ferrell's New Flick

Posted 3/8/12 2:00 pm EST by in Christina Aguilera


Christina Aguilera

By Zachary Swickey

Fans of Christina Aguilera’s Spanish-language work from the early aughts can rest easy as the diva is getting back to her roots by singing the title track, “Casa de Mi Padre,” on the soundtrack to Will Ferrell’s newest comedy film (via Billboard).

Ferrell’s latest comic experiment is an independently-produced comedy that is entirely in Spanish (with English subtitles of course) and is a satirical ode to telenovelas (Spanish soap operas) – quite the interesting flick to get Aguilera back to her Latin heritage.

The new tune boats no synthesizers or AutoTune, rather swooning mariachi sounds with dramatic trumpets, strings and Spanish guitars giving the atmosphere an authentic flamenco flavor. Aguilera slays the song with her insane range – showcasing her powerful vocal skills nicely.

The singer notably released a Latin Grammy-winning Spanish album, Mi Reflejo, back in 2000. The disc contained Spanish renditions of her hits “Genie In A Bottle,” “What A Girl Wants,” “Come On Over, Baby (All I Want Is You)” as well as several original Latin tracks.

The singer has only dabbled in the genre since. She released “Dame Lo Que Yo Te Doy” way back in ’02, which was a Spanish version of Stripped track “Get Mine, Get Yours,” and recorded “El Beso Del Final” for the 2004 “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” soundtrack.

You can find Aguilera’s new Spanish single on the “Casa de Mi Padre” soundtrack, which was released digitally on Tuesday. The film is set to hit theaters on Friday, March 17, with the new song being used as its grand intro.

Check it out below! Read More...

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Metallica Recruit 'Predators' Director For Mysterious 3D Film Project

Posted 3/8/12 12:00 pm EST by in Metallica, Movies


Metallica

By Zachary Swickey

Metal juggernauts Metallica have been quietly planning a mysterious 3D feature film project and now the group has found the director for the task: Hungarian filmmaker Nimród Antal.

Described as a “marriage of narrative and concert,” the film will include all five Metallica band members with Antal aiming for a summer 2013 release. The group has been hush of any more details, but considering their ’04 documentary “Some Kind of Monster,” which showcased the members in group therapy – it’s bound to be interesting.

Antal, while born in Los Angeles, headed back to his heritage in Hungary in 1991 – attending film school there and completing his award-winning debut film “Kontroll” in 1997. In 2005, Antal moved back to California and has been working in Hollywood ever since. His directing credits include ‘07’s “Vacancy” with Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale. His most recent effort, “Predators,” was a (financially successful) reboot of the Schwarzenegger classic that starred Adrian Brody.

However, it was Antal’s debut that generated interest from Metallica. “I’ve been a fan of Nimród’s since his first Hungarian film, ‘Kontroll,’ showed up at Cannes in 2004 and blew everybody away,” said drummer Lars Ulrich. “I’ve watched with excitement his career in Hollywood blossom over the last few years. Within five minutes of meeting him I was addicted to his enthusiasm, his take on the creative process and his 'thinking outside of the box' personality. Let's get on with it!"

There’s no telling what Metallica has up their sleeves. After releasing a candid documentary and a scrapped video game project in 2003, the group seems up for anything.

Antal will begin shooting the untitled Metallica 3D film in August.

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Ghosts Reportedly Haunting Adele's Fairy Tale Mansion

Posted 3/7/12 3:00 pm EST by in Adele


By Zachary Swickey

BOO!

We recently told you about Adele’s new jaw-dropping digs – a 10 bedroom mansion in West Sussex, England – but all is not well with the singer, who now believes the home is haunted!

The British chart-topper had been living it up in her multi-million dollar mansion that rents at the pricey tag of $24,000 a month, but now she fears staying there alone due to possible paranormal activity – reportedly telling her friend that the house “gives me the creeps” after hearing one too many peculiar sounds in the night.

The security industry is getting a boost from Adele being so spooked – she’s moved her female bodyguard into the house for 24/7, monitoring at the low annual rate of £100,000. Additionally, she’s hired two new security guards to add to her task force and protect the 25-acre property. The creepy estate used to a be convent and even has a private chapel on the grounds – adding to the possible haunt factor.

“Adele was so excited to be renting such a lavish property, but it has not turned out as happily as it should have,” a source told The Sun. “She is convinced it is haunted. She knows about its religious history – and it’s a big place to be in on your own in the dead of night.” Read More...

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Miguel Talks Karaoke Songs And Art On First Date With MTV Newser

Posted 3/7/12 1:29 pm EST by in First Date


By Rya Backer

There was definitely a moment during my First Date with Miguel when I felt like the cameras weren't there.

No, no, not in the "sparks were flying and everything around us was a blur" way, but rather it was the comfort and engagement in our conversation that made me feel like we really were just a pair heading out for some Japanese BBQ in the middle of the workweek. You know, as one often does.

Miguel, who hails from San Pedro, Calif. (which also claims his musical polar opposite, Mike Watt, as one of its citizens), first gained traction when he dropped the single, "All I Want is You," featuring J. Cole. Smooth, sexy and downright infectious, it solidified his talents as a crooner and he was recently featured on Wale's smash, "Lotus Flower Bomb."

But of course, we didn't discuss any of that.

Instead, the duration of our time at Gyu-Kaku was spent discussing music that's not his – more specifically, our favorite karaoke songs (his is "We Will Rock You"). We also talked about his opinion on eating on an actual first date (he endorses it) and his obsession with art. Miguel longs for a career comparable to that of Jean-Michel Basquiat because of his honesty, and his favorite hobby outside of music is photography (he idolizes the work of David LaChapelle).

The last of which may very well have inspired the title of his latest EP, Art Dealer Chic, Vol. 1, but like I said, we were too busy having fun grilling to talk shop.

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Best Coast Announces Release Of Sophomore Effort, The Only Place

Posted 3/6/12 1:55 pm EST by in Music


By Zachary Swickey

It hasn’t even been two years since Best Coast released their critical favorite debut, Crazy for You, and the band is already prepared to unleash their sophomore effort. The Only Place, on May 15.

The title track of the album is an ode to frontwoman Bethany Cosentino’s home state of California, as is the cover art, which was apparently inspired by a piece of sheet music from 1913.

The disc was helmed by eclectic producer Jon Brion, who has worked with everyone from Kanye West to Of Montreal and most recently produced an acoustic version of Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” (which seems to be favored over the original version).

Best Coast’s new set includes some fresh recording of many previously released songs from the group, among them: “Up All Night” appeared on a limited edition 7” two years ago, “Dreaming My Life” was an online B-side from ’09 and “How They Want Me to Be” was posted on the band’s blog last summer to show the direction of the new album.

“That was the direction I wanted to move in, as far as writing more ballads,” she told the LA Times of "Be." “I wanted people to hear that we weren’t going to write ‘Boyfriend’ 14 times again.”

Cosentino elaborated further, saying, “We didn’t want to make a record that was like, ‘Whoa, what happened to Best Coast? This isn’t Beast Coast.’ We wanted to do something a little bit more mature and grown up.”

Check out the album tracklist below. Read More...

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Michael Jackson's Entire Back Catalog Stolen By Hackers

Posted 3/5/12 1:51 pm EST by in Michael Jackson


Michael Jackson

By Zachary Swickey

While the Internet is burning up with risqué leaked images allegedly of Olivia Munn and Christina Hendricks, it appears that some other computer hackers were after something much more lucrative – Michael Jackson’s entire back catalog.

Fox reports that more than 50,000 music were ripped from Sony Music in what is being called the "biggest ever cyberattack on a music company."

The hackers were able to steal a payload of MJ’s music, including unreleased material from his sessions for Bad, Off the Wall and Thriller, in addition to unreleased duets with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and late Queen late singer Freddie Mercury.

Nine months after Jackson’s passing, Sony Music paid the late singer’s estate a whopping $253 million for the back catalog – all of which was compromised by the hackers. Sony released some of the music they purchased with the posthumous Jackson effort Michael. Read More...

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Skrillex Opens Up About Dating Ellie Goulding

Posted 3/5/12 12:43 pm EST by in dance


Skrillex

Zachary Swickey

We were admittedly a little shocked last month when we discovered that dubstep king Skrillex (aka Sonny Moore) is dating British songbird Ellie Goulding – who seemed a tad innocent for the rambunctious producer – but it appears that Moore is quite taken.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, conducted just before he cleaned up at the Grammys with three wins, Skrillex talked about his budding relationship with the singer, which at the time wasn’t publicly unknown.
“She’s made me more secure,” he told the magazine. “It’s hard to explain, but I try to be less and do more.”

Well, that’s a pretty sweet thing to say about one’s new lady friend. When asked how long ago he met Goulding, he replied, “Months and months ago. I sent her an e-mail like, ‘I’m Skillex. I don’t know if you know who I am, but I love your s**t.’ We started texting and talking on the phone.”

“Just randomly, she was in New York, she flew out to Memphis for a couple days to see me," he continued. "We’re not a public thing, but I want to take her to the Grammys and have a seat for her.”

He even asked the interviewer, “What do you think about s**t like that? Is that cheesy?”

He eventually continued, “I love her. She’s my f**king girl. I definitely want to take her, but the red carpet can be weird.”

Moore seems to be quite taken with Goulding so it’s anyone’s guess why ended up not taking his new love to the awards show, but as Skrillex himself just pointed out, “The red carpet can be weird.”

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