When Taking Back Sunday stopped by the MTV News offices on Monday (to chat with us as well as to visit with Alexa Chung), they were fresh off their latest New York City gig: Live from Macy's in Herald Square. The group played the iconic department store to plug the new clothing line D*Coded, but it also became part of some wish fulfillment for the Long Island natives. "We're trying to play as many iconic New York venues as we can," explained bass player Matt Rubano, noting that they've already got Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall (site of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards) under their collective belt. But what famous New York spot did they jokingly say they're most looking forward to?
Of course, Matthew Fazzi's giant keyboard dominance comes care of a recent incident following a concert in Dublin, Ireland, and he'll remain hobbled for the first part of their upcoming road trip with Blink-182 and Weezer, a tour leg that begins Sunday night in Toronto. Despite their clear affinity for the Big Apple, the band won't be around for this year's VMAs, as they'll be on tour in California the night of the show. In addition to endorsing the clothing line, Taking Back Sunday have a number of other irons in the fire, including a live album (featuring their performance from this year's Bamboozle festival) and a possible all-acoustic album that will channel the great "MTV Unplugged" performances of years past like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and LL Cool J. "That LL Cool J episode is old-school and awesome," said Rubano. "He's not wearing a shirt and you can see his giant deodorant cakes, but he still kills it."

Watching last night's Emmy Awards telecast was a painful experience. When I wasn't wincing at the five hosts' "banter" or questioning my sobriety during a Josh Groban medley, I was rolling my eyes every time a Z-list presenter bitched about their bit being cut for time. (Hey, crazy old lady from "Desperate Housewives," nobody doubts that you can deliver a Bruce Vilanch punch line. Get over yourself!)