50 Records

The Sound of Cinema (Part II): Sirens of the Silver Screen

2010-01-26T12:08:00.001-08:00

In an earlier post I introduced a series based on exposing and exploring the incestuous relationships between movies and music. As noted, musicians have often made cameo appearances in movies, musical or otherwise. One of my personal favorites is (of course) Jack White's rendition of a kung-fu savvy "King of Rock 'n' Roll" in the 2007 comedy, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. A relentlessly hysterical spoof of pretty much any music bio-pic one could think of.

Watch WALK HARD clip “The King” en Yahoo! Video

But I digress...

The topic at hand speaks to the musician whose presence on the silver screen rivals that of their presence on the concert stage. There are few musicians who have claimed, or at the very least shared the lead role in a film. For this discussion, I am requiring that the acting be on par or better than, said performers musical ability, and that the film be worth the view altogether. Although I would also like to categorize these persons as musicians who later turned to acting, the most obvious and accessible blurs this distinction. Cher is a consummate performer and can't be denied success in either medium. For an homage, here is a montage of her Oscar winning role as Loretta Castorini, in the 1987 film Moonstruck:

The musical beginnings of Cher's career included, providing back-up vocals for The Righteous Brother's "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and several chart topping hits as one half of the "Sonny and Cher" duo. It was however, the coupling of her distinctive voice, provocative stage presence with a few acting lessons that earned her a Golden Globe for her shenanigans on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, in 1971. Along with two other Golden Globes later in her career, Cher's list of awards and nominations for her acting is as spectacular as the outfits she wears to receive them. It was no surprise to see Cher presenting at this years Golden Globes "shamelessly promoting" yet another movie role in the upcoming film Burlesque.

Although the acting career of Norah Jones is not quite as epic as the fore mentioned single syllabled diva, she's got time and talent tantamount to other rookies in the film industry. As the daughter of legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar and concert producer Sue Jones, and one who received training as a jazz vocalist and pianist, Jones' musical career was obviously first to take flight. Her first album Come Away With Me, earned her a Grammy for album of the year in 2003. Jones' acting debut in My Blueberry Nights may not have been award worthy, but performing alongside movie mainstays Jude Law, David Strathairn, Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman, not to mention the savory cinematography, Jones is not entirely overwhelmed. As the movie progresses, so does her comfort level as an actress.

A woman with a radiant presence, Norah Jones leaves me hungry for an acting performance that does more than just wet my appetite. Given time and opportunity, however, her film career may be able to compliment her musical main course.

After exploring how a few female musicians have been able to modify their craft to reveal cinematic charm, it is time to acknowledge the male musicians who have also produced profound performances in film. Stay tuned for, "The Sound of Cinema (Part III): Crooners With More Than Just a Cameo..."

-Emma Jeanmarie

Delicacies a la ELEVATION

2010-01-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

May we interest you in a little som'n som'n to cleanse your palate...or slit you tongue...

and for the main course may I recommend the "Man's Bread"...

-Emma Jeanmarie

SoCal Shindigs

2010-01-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

It may not yet be the year 2095, but California still knows how to party and there's nothin' old school about the cinema and sounds that'll be bustin' through southern CA in the next few months.

For all of you cinemafiles headed to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, get on the ball and catch the short Ana's Playground.

Directed by Eric Howell and accomplished through donations, it is a film with a purpose about children in the midst of armed conflict. Ana's Playground has all the real feeling of United 93 with the aesthetic brilliance of Soderbergh's Traffic wrapped in enigmatic symbolism. It is stunning indeed!

Even if you are not able to make it out to view the film, please take a peek at the online media kit and trailer which can be found at: www.anasplayground.com.

Maybe your trip to "the state that's untouchable, like Elliot Ness" has to wait until the spring, but don't make it too late, lest you miss "The Coach", otherwise known as Coachella or The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. It is a three day adventure of creative stimulus that'll keep ya jammin' until Lolla.

Many of the bands included in this year line up got a bit of a career boost by blogs and social networks, so lets keep up the talky talk...Can ya "digg" it?

Here is the list of what can be expected for each of the three days:

Friday, April 16th: Jay-Z, LCD Soundsystem, Them Crooked Vultures, Vampire Weekend, Deadmau5, Public Image Limited, The Specials, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Echo and the Bunnymen, Benny Benassi, Fever Ray, Grace Jones, She & Him, Erol Alkan, The Avett Brothers, Calle 13, The Whitest Boy Alive, The Cribs, La Roux, Yeasayer, Lucero, DJ Lance Rock, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Proxy, Ra Ra Riot, Deer Tick, Wolfgang Gartner, Aeroplane, Iglu & Hartly, Sleigh Bells, P.O.S., Baroness, Hockey, Little Dragon, White Rabbits, Wale, Kate Miller-Heidke, As Tall as Lions, Jets Overhead, Alana Grace, Pablo Hassan.

Saturday, April 17th: Muse, Faith No More, Tiësto, MGMT, David Guetta, The Dead Weather, Hot Chip, Devo, Coheed and Cambria, Kaskade, 2Many DJ’s, Major Lazer, Dirty Projectors, Gossip, Z-Trip, The xx, John Waters, Les Claypool, The Raveonettes, Mew, Sia, Camera Obscura, Tokyo Police Club, Porcupine Tree, Old Crow Medicine Show, Aterciopalados, Bassnectar, Frightened Rabbit, Dirty South, Flying Lotus, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pretty Lights, Shooter Jennings, RX Bandits, The Almighty Defenders, Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, Craze & Klever, Zoe, The Temper Trap, Portugal. The Man, Band of Skulls, Girls, Beach House, Steel Train, Frank Turner.

Sunday, April 18th: Gorillaz, Pavement, Thom Yorke????, Phoenix, Orbital, Spoon, Sly and the Family Stone, De La Soul, Julian Casablancas, Plastikman, Gary Numan, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sunny Day Real Estate, Yo La Tengo, MUTEMATH, Deerhunter, Infected Mushroom, Club 75, Matt & Kim, The Big Pink, Gil Scott-Heron, King Khan and the Shrines, Florence and the Machine, Yann Tiersen, Little Boots, Miike Snow, Talvin Singh, Ceu, B.o.B., Babasonicos, Owen Pallett, The Glitch Mob, Mayer Hawthorne, Local Natives, Rusko, The Middle East, Hadouken!, The Soft Pack, Kevin Devine, Paparazzi, Delphic, One EskimO.

"Shake it Cali"!
-Emma Jeanmarie

The Sound Of Cinema (Part I): Beyond the Bard

2010-01-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to an epic film that not only rose to #2 on my list of movies most admired, but gave rise to an idea for a series of posts that will be collectively called "The Sound of Cinema". Music and movies have a grand history together so, because of the scope of the subject each post will have a set of parameters to which it must adhere. Realizing that several artists/films may have overlap in each category, I will try not to make mention of them in more that one post. Nor will I attempt to delve into all of the examples that may fit into the space of the designated parameters, but instead provide a sampling of inspired insight and musical memories from my some of my favorite flicks.

The film that triggered my ambitious musings about music and movies was Andrew Dominik's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The film is a gorgeous portrayal of the last few months of the life of Jesse James (played by Brit Pitt in one if the most sublime roles of his career) before he is shot and killed by Robert Ford whose fanatical, yet curiously narcissistic demeanor is defined in an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck. The beauty of the dialog and character portrayal is rivaled only by the stunning cinematography juxtaposed by a haunting soundtrack complements of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

It was however Nick Cave's bit role of saloon singer mocking the follies of Robert Ford,

that gave me the idea to note some of the great cinematic performances
given to us by musicians. A few that come to mind immediately include: Tom Waits in The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Norah Jones in My Blueberry Nights, David Bowie in The Prestige and The Labyrinth, and of course Cher in Mermaids, Moonstruck, The Witches of Eastwick and Mask, just to name a few. In the next post of this series I will lay out the parameters and delve into the details of the where some of our most beloved crooners and sirens make a scene on the silver screen, with more than just a cameo.

-Emma Jeanmarie

Rock the Cause: Building a New Generation of Volunteerism

2010-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

Rock the Cause is a non-profit organization aiming to raise awareness, visibility, and membership for non-profits through Rock and Roll. Scott Herold, CEO of Rock the Cause, realized a need to involve the young generations with their community as the baby boomers retire. Rock the Cause takes a grass roots route by using Rock and Roll to engage younger generations to take notice and volunteer in their community. Rock the Cause aims to create awareness and to generate an aspiring attitude in youth.

Thus far, Rock the Cause has shown significant impact through their events: 40% of audience members gave money to causes they discovered through Rock the Cause, 33% became volunteers in their community, and 79% of the audience discovered new music.

On the 29th of this month, Rock the Cause (partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters) will be throwing an event called Glitter Ball 3: Big Hair Big Hearts, in which 80% of proceeds go to the partner non-profit. This event is a tribute to the 80’s with free big hair makeovers, cheap drinks, Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap, free beef jerky, Minnesota Roller Girls, and Vikings Cheerleaders. Furthermore, wine and chocolate truffles for the ladies. White Light Riot will be playing a tribute to Spinal Tap. The whole night will be full of 80’s fun and 80’s tunes played by The Melismatics, The Notties, The Bloodsugars, and Alison Scott. This is sure to be a rockin’ event which will end with a late night dance party hosted by Stellar Vector!

Glitter Ball 3 will be at Music Box Theater, 1407 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, and will start with Happy Hour at 6:30 pm and music beginning at 8:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at irockthecause.org for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. They also have VIP tickets for $50 which include open bar, reserved seating and swag. I wouldn’t wait too much longer, the show will sell out soon!

Check out these links to get involved:

YouTube: Videos of past events
Website: Learn what it's all about and how you can Rock the Cause!
Micro Website: Learn more and watch videos of others who Rock the Cause.
Facebook: Keep up-to-date with Rock the Cause news and events
Big Brothers Big Sisters: How to become a Big Brother or Big Sister

-Annie H.

Pandora Radio: Worth the Investment?

2010-01-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have been a paying member of Pandora for at least 5 months now. I have to say that before that I was an avid listener of the free commercial version, but I wasn’t impressed. At first I fought against listening to online radio because it was easier to listen to what I wanted by bringing my ipod to work and hooking it up to the speakers. After awhile though I started to tire of songs I have been listening to for years. I turned to Pandora through a recommendation for music that I was not originally accustomed too. I was hoping to find songs that I could later add to my iTunes to make a better variety. I turned to Pandora and half way through the month I had eclipsed their 40 hour free limit, and they offered that I pay $1 to finish the month or go for the premium version for $36 a year. It was around pay day so I felt… why not? I paid for what they said was higher quality, commercial free, and in general an easier to use version.

5 months later I believe it clearly is worth the investment. This is by far the best online radio I have used, and the premium Pandora “One” is actually playing music I am familiar with as well as fully utilizing their logarithms in giving me music that is similar. I have found over 20 new artists that I have now started following and realize that my iTunes is useless now. All I use is Pandora and I haven’t even thought of buying a cd or individual songs (except Talib Kweli and Anthony Hamilton) since that time I decided to pay for Pandora.

All in all I give it a 8/10.

I wish I could skip more than 6 tracks in in an hour, but with licensing I understand why it’s not allowed. The interface can by clunky at times, and I wish the skip and pause buttons were a little bigger. Other than that, I listen to Pandora on my iPhone like a radio everywhere I go, at work on the computer, on my ps3 to use my sound system, and on my laptop while I’m out. I love it, and would recommend the premium version for those who can’t live without music like myself. Thank you.

From the mind of
Keveeno Reeverts

"Monkey Jazz" : BEARDYMAN & mr_hopkinson™

2010-01-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

This video has been around for a while, but I thought I'd put it out there for anyone who hasn't had a chance to check it out yet. Enjoy...

-Tim

John Mellencamp’s Battle Heads to Facebook

2010-01-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Rolling Stone posted an article which explained a deal made between John Mellencamp and his son, Speck. According to RS, if Speck can get at least 1,000,000 people to join the group John Cougar will quit his habit. Apparently, the man has already cut his habit down a bit from 4 packs a day to an unspecified number less. As of now, about 300,000 people have joined the fight against John Mellencamp’s freedom to get cancer.

I’m not sure why, but this whole thing makes me laugh. I thought there were far too many Facebook groups as it is, now there’s one for the well-being of John Mellencamp’s throat. To me it’s a bit ridiculous. At fist I thought, “People need to be free to do what they want. It’s legal, so why can’t he smoke in peace without all of Facebook hassling him and giving their two cents.” But then I thought, “This guy agreed to it, he’s asking for it. Hell, he could have even planned it all with his publicist.”

And what happens if they do get a million people to join and John reneges on his promise to quit lighting up? It’s very possible. In fact, 80% of people that use stop smoking aids to quit will start smoking again in the next year. Think of the disappointment his child might feel for a father that can’t even quit smoking for him, let alone one million fans. Will all these “so-called” supporters turn their backs on him once he lets them down?

So what do you think, is it just a publicity stunt? a young boys cry for help? a waste of server space? or is that the beauty of social networking sites that YOU can have a say as to what happens to John Mellencamp’s lungs?

Post your comments below.

-Keaton

Rolling Stone's List of Meltdowns and Blowups

2010-01-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

Along with all the lists of the top songs and albums of the decade, Rolling Stone has made an entertaining list of artists' shenanigans that stood out the most over the past 10 years. The list is long (surprised? of course not), but here are my personal favorites:

• Ashley Simpson's lip syncing on Saturday Night Live and avoiding an awkward moment by doing a jig

• Madonna adopts an orphan that wasn't really orphaned

• A bald Britney Spears attacks a papa-paparazzi car with an umbrella-ella-ella

• Brett Michaels gets nailed by part of the stage set during a performance at the Tonys. I'm wondering why he'd be so upset and embarrassed by that after Rock of Love one AND two.

• Metallica sues Napster

• Mariah Carey pops in on TRL and goes a little nuts with an ice cream truck.

• Madonna and Brittney girl-on-girl and Adam Lambert's boy-on-boy award show performances

• And of course, the Kanye vs. Taylor incident. He appeared on the Jay Leno Show afterward, where Leno asks him what his mother would think if she were with us - a little harsh, even for Kanye.

What would we do without entertainers?

-Erin

Island Trip

2010-01-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

Speaking of trippy videos, check out the new music video by Islands for the song "No You Don't" featuring Michael Cera. They start the video off by text labeling it as a "zero tolerance production" for a "high school academic anti-drug supplementary." Then, we get to follow Cera as he pops some pills and wanders around tripping out for a bit. Smart move on their part, recruiting Cera for the project, which will likely bring a lot more buzz to the Canadian group's video, as well as more attention to their music.

Watch it here:

-Erin

What We Have or What We Do With What We Have?

2010-01-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

To segue from my last post, "Who needs to buy a guitar?"

After several months of being pommeled by the advertising industry telling me what I "need" this past holiday season, I seriously contemplated becoming more of a Luddite than I already am, until I came across this little set-up that transported me back to the techno-fantasy world that often prevails.

These are speakers that fit into any standard light sockets. Not only will they play music remotely from your PC, stereo or iPod, they are equipped with 5 and 6-inch light fixtures that you can even dim for a little ambiance to match the musical mood. Do I need these?...uh, ya...about as much as I need this significantly less tangible, but ever the more magical music making machine...

This is a far cry from trying to take apart my old "Speak & Spell" or is it?

All too often people, whether serious about making music or just want to have some fun with sound, are deterred by the price tags on equipment or the idea that they lack the talent to play. One of my favorite musical memories came from just that- play. A friend and I were wasting away the early morning hours eating pancakes at some suburbia hole-in-the wall, when he whipped out a pocket knife and started carving holes into and beveling the end of a straw: "Straw flute!" he declares. A few notes and we were decisively extricated from our seats. So, away we went to the nearest 24/7 convenient store, purchased a box of 100 drinking straws and proceeded until daylight with every permutation of hole configuration, length and bevel angle we could conjure. Were we making music? That's debatable. Playing? Definitely! If you've never watched a toddler get down with a set of pans and plastic bowls, do yourself a favor...or just do it yourself. You can bet there's some great, greasy grooves amidst all that clatter. Is musical success dependent on the recipe, whether or not you care that anyone likes the flavor, or with what kind of pots you're cooking...or playing, as it were?

Some of the most sublime sound has come from manipulating or simply reinventing for what a thing is "supposed" to be used. A recent "iPhone Symphony" post is a perfect illustration of how something that has become part of our everyday experience can transport us into an entirely different atmosphere of sound if we allow ourselves the creative license to transpose the thing. I have also had the joy of witnessing some of Minneapolis' finest talent brandish everything from screwdrivers to toilet-bowl scrubbers and successfully pass them off as instrumental accoutrement. I caught one of my favorite local jazz drummers, Jay Epstein (Firebell, The Dan Musselman Quartet) at a gig this summer; cooler than cool, without missing a beat, he pulled out a pair of plastic handled, nylon bristled toilet-bowl scrubbers. I was astounded! The sound was a little heavier than traditional "brushes" and perfect for the piece. Similarly simple in presence and just as innovative in thought, was guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker's (Alpha Consumer, Andrew Bird) performance at the Modern Guitar Fest, held a few weeks ago. He began by precisely finessing a screwdriver behind his strings, then after looping and building upon this beautifully humble beginning and filtering through layers of distortion, he arrived at the simple static of an out of tune radio held up to an amp.

Ylvisaker's radio became a quite echo of his masterful guitar work and a reminder that what we have may not be as important as what we do with what we have. Actually, the performance, with it's use of simple artifacts juxtaposing a modern instrument, seemed to bring full circle the ideological conflict between manual and technological manipulation, which may not be a conflict at all, but a question of how do we find harmony within that space. As for me, I don't yet have an iPhone and I'm still waiting for my "Reactable" to come in the mail, but until then I'll just keep delighting in repeatedly pressing the "on" and "say-it" buttons on my "Speak & Spell".

-Emma Jeanmarie

WARNING: Animal Collective’s New “Brother Sport” Video May Initiate Acid Flashbacks

2010-01-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

Maybe/Maybe not; but the new video for “Brother Sport” off of the Merriweather Post Pavillion album is a trip in itself. The video features crazy psychedelic visuals that seem to complement most of the band's work. The video, which appeared this morning on the My Animal Home Website, features strange children, eggs, hypnotizing Pink Floyd-esque artwork, and one of the weirdest finger-painting sessions ever. “Brother Sport” is the 3rd single off the band’s latest album following “My Girls” and “Summertime Clothes.” Check it out.

-Keaton

Happy New Year from ELEVATION

2010-01-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

For more videos from ELEVATION check out their YouTube Channel

Jack White: Artist of the Decade?

2010-01-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

Unless you've been hiding in a hermit hole during the last few weeks, you've been inundated by "best of" lists touting opinions that may or may not be agreeable. Generally, I find myself in disagreement with the idea of such lists since opinion, particularly in the arts, is often relative. I tend to disregard the categorical aspect of these lists, but from them make my own list of work I have never seen/heard of before and try to remedy that disparity. This year however, I would like to give a nod to Jack White, who is well deserving of an “Artist of the Decade” title.

The beginning of the decade was marked with several White Stripes releases, including their breakthrough album White Blood Cells and the acclaimed Elephant album... and yes, Meg, (although painful to watch) is entitled to her props as well. White has often said that her drumming style is unique in its simplicity. Meg does seem to know just when not to play and anything more would crowd the lyrics and complexity of White's guitar work.

After contributing 5 songs to the Cold Mountain soundtrack, White produced and performed on Loretta Lynn's “rebirth” album Van Lear Rose. Then, in between The White Stripes' Get Behind Me Satan and Icky Thump albums, Jack formed The Raconteurs, releasing Broken Boy Soldiers in 2006 and Consolers of the Lonely in 2008.

In 2009, as a result of Jack losing his voice during a Raconteurs tour and apparently not having enough to do already, The Dead Weather was formed. As The Kills were warming up for their turn on stage, White's voice began to fade, so Alison Mosshart stepped in. Shorty after the show and a recording that was supposed to be just 7”, White, Mosshart, Raconteurs bassist Jack Lawrence and Queen's of the Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertita, recorded their debut album Horehound. From this album also came one of my favorite videos of the year for the song “Treat Me Like Your Mother” (below). According to Jack, “The song is algebraic” and the short film by director Johnathan Glazer (Sexy Beast) equals a brilliant balance between the searing and the subtle.

Last year also saw the premier of the film Under Great White Northern Lights. The story of The White Stripes gallivanting across the great white north opened to stellar reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and is slated to release as an epic box set this March. It will supposedly include: A DVD of the film itself, a DVD of White Stripes 10th anniversary show -"The White Stripes Under Nova Scotian Lights", a 16-track White Stripes live album recorded during the Canadian tour on both vinyl and CD, a live 7" (featuring "Icky Thump" and "The Wheels on the Bus"), a 208-page book with photos, AND a silk screen print...I think I just wet myself...

Finally, as if his solid, prolific and profoundly outstanding career needed the volume cranked any further, Jack White starred in the documentary It Might Get Loud, along side the Edge and Jimmy Page, for which he released the track “Fly Farm Blues” under his own name.

Jack says he doesn't trust anyone that doesn't like Led Zeppelin...I don't trust anyone that doesn't like (or at the very least can't appreciate) Jack White. White is not only prolific, but revolutionary in inventing and reinventing how sound is processed as music. He distorts the concepts of that which is tangible, raw and real, while simultaneously maintaining a quality untouchable brilliance.

-Emma Jeanmarie

U2 360° Tour: Committed to Being Environmentally Responsible

2009-12-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

All I have to say is, "it’s about time"! Everyone needs to take part in being environmentally responsible. It’s really refreshing to see celebrities with so much money and power making a commitment to bettering our planet. The U2 360° Tour has committed to net zero emissions for their global tour. The producers of the tour, LiveNation, are in the works of producing the largest concert tour in history with an environmentally responsible policy.

The Environmental Advisor is a Minneapolis-based company Music Matters. Music Matters "...is dedicated to advancing sustainability and marketing in the music and entertainment business and working to leverage the power of music". Music Matters is a division of the consulting and marketing company, EFFECT Partners.

Music Matters is working with the production, venues, and U2 fans to reduce the environmental impact of the tour. Music Matters is setting up recycling programs, fans are encouraged to use Brita hydration stations to reduce use of plastic bottles, and the tour is offering fans a rideshare program so attendees can carpool.

Music Matters has also worked with Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson to reduce their carbon footprint during tours. I really commend these artists for their efforts. Hopefully bands like U2, Dave Matthews Band, and Jack Johnson will lead the way to a new standard of environmentally responsible touring.

The 2010 U2 360° Tour starts June 6 in Anaheim, Ca where they will play two shows at the Angels Stadium. The tour will begin in the United States and Canada then move on to Frankfurt, Moscow, Athens, Munich, Paris, Seville, and concludes in Rome on October 8, 2010.

Minneapolis will be lucky enough to have U2 at the new TCF Bank Stadium on June 27, 2010. Unfortunately, if you don’t have tickets yet you’ll have to search e-bay because they are SOLD OUT.

-Annie H.

VIDEO: Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson - "Young Forever"

2009-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

Here's the official music video for "Young Forever" off of Jay-Z's most recent album The Blueprint 3. It features Mr. Hudson of Mr. Hudson and the Library. The track samples the beat and adopts the hook from an Alphaville song of a similar name. Now, generally everything Jay-Z touches is gold, but I feel like this track is merely 1 karat. I love the original song ('80's nostalgia), but it's a bit slow for Mr. Carter and his rap style(s).

-Tim

Pandora: Add Experience to the Mix

2009-12-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

As a long-time follower of Pandora Radio, I’ve watched them start-up, almost fail and then keep on keeping on. I’ve shared a few articles about them in the past (Here).

In 2004, I was a paying member of this Internet music service. A paying member gets “special” treatment and that means – no advertisements in my way on the web page, just straight music. When I met president and founder, Tim Westergren, in 2007 he asked me, “Why are you paying? You are probably the only one who does!” I guess I didn’t care since I felt like I was supporting internet radio and what they were trying to achieve; a community of like minded people who can connect and share the music they love amongst each other.

Every three months the Gods’ of Pandora would take $12 out of my account automatically. I didn’t notice it much until my credit card expired and all of a sudden advertisements started showing up all over my experience. At that point, I became intrigued. Pandora was targeting me as a savvy consumer.

Now it looks like they are taking ad’s one step further and creating experiences around them. In an article found on “The Future of Ads”, they go about explaining Pandora’s innovating advertising by way of banner experiences. Not only will they show me an ad, they will create some personalization around that ad to get me to notice and interact with it. Since they already know me (i.e. my musical style and my demographics) they are able to widget into my Pandora station interface and get me thinking…

Ah…My favorite Christmas station reminds me of chestnuts and open fires, friends and family. Oh wait; I need a new shovel and salt for the driveway to get them in, this is Minneapolis!

-Jodi

New Year's Eve: Twin Cities Music

2009-12-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

In less than two weeks we will be stumbling our way into another year! With the holidays still left to endure it's difficult to think about where you want to be when that ball drops at Midnight. House party? On a couch w/ a loved one? Drunk outside The Drink in Uptown?

Well, the Twin Cities' music scene is giving you plenty of reasons to spend your last seconds of 2009 at a concert venue near you. Some of the best in local music are throwing killer parties throughout our little metropolitan area. Here's three that are on my radar:

*NEW YEAR'S EVE W/ MARK MALLMAN*
Veteran rocker, Mark Mallman, has put together a stellar lineup for his New Year's Eve bash in Dinkytown.

Featuring: Mark Mallman, White Light Riot, & First Communion Afterparty

Where: The Varsity Theater

Details: Doors @ 8pm
Tickets: $12
18+

*2010: THE YEAR WE MAKE CONTACT*

89.3 The Current presents this benefit for music programs at Edison High School in Minneapolis. It may be one of the more expensive events of the night (go figure, it's in Downtown...at a hotel), but what it has to offer could be well worth the admission.

Featuring: Solid Gold (above), Freddy Fresh, Heatbox, & The Histronic

Where: Marriott City Center Ballroom

Details: Doors @ 8pm
    Tickets: $25 General/$75 VIP or donate an instrument
    18+

*NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE TRIPLE ROCK*
Perhaps one of the more eclectic shows of New Year's Eve, the Triple Rock is offering a night of R&B, hip hop, reggae, and soul. Also included...champagne jello shots and Confessions of 2009.

Where: Triple Rock Social Club

Featuring: Black Blondie (above right), Toki Wright, The Prizefighters, & DJ Turtleneck (of MPLS Kids Have More Fun)

Details: Doors @ 9pm
                Tickets: $7 Advance/$10 Door
                18+

Just a little food for thought. I began 2009 with a flying-champagne-cork to the head at a house party, so I plan on starting this new year a bit more positively with some good music and friends. Hope to see you out.

Here's City Pages' list of music events for Dec. 31st 2009.

-Tim

Eddie Vedder Gets Engaged; Pays Tribute to The Boss

2009-12-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

Eddie Vedder is finally engaged to his longtime girlfriend. The Pearl Jam singer-songwriter popped the question Friday night in Washington D.C. The couple were in D.C. to attend the Kennedy Center Honors Gala where Vedder performed paying tribute to honoree Bruce Springsteen. The two already have two children together (Vedder and his fiancee, not Springsteen).

First of all, it’s awesome Vedder is engaged. Congrats. However I’m a little surprised. I never saw him as the marrying kind. He’s already been married and divorced once, but that isn’t why I see him the way I do. I always saw him as the guy who didn’t need to get married to prove he’s committed to someone. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because it’s every alternative girl’s dream to marry such an iconic musician or because he’s such an outspoken liberal and activist I just didn’t think it was his thing.

Secondly, he’s performing for one of my personal favorite artists: Bruce Springsteen. A night with three of my favorite men: Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, and Barack Obama. Even Obama recognizes the influence Springsteen has had saying, “Only a handful of people have tapped the full power of music to tell the American story... One of those is Bruce Springsteen...I’m the president, but he’s the boss.” Springsteen may be honored this year, but I know Vedder’s time will come.

-Rachel

The 11 Most Embarassing Songs of the 2000's

2009-12-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

So I gave you the top albums of the decade, but a recap would not be complete without mentioning those not-so-stellar contributions to music over the past ten years. You all can admit to jamming out to these songs (while alone in your car...or drunk) and I don’t blame you. While they are catchy songs and aren’t necessarily bad, they definitely fall into the category of "guilty pleasures".

For fun, 11points.com has posted their 11 most embarrassing songs of the 2000’s (recap listed below). Enjoy revisiting the past!

11. Miley Cyrus – “Party in the U.S.A.” (2009)

10. Pussycat Dolls – “When I Grow Up” (2008)

9. T-Pain – “Buy U a Drank” (2007)

8. Jennifer Lopez – “Jenny From the Block” (2002)

7. Paris Hilton – “Stars Are Blind” (2006)

6. James Blunt – “You’re Beautiful” (2005)

5. Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” (2005)

4. Creed – “With Arms Wide Open” (2000)

3. Lady Gaga – “Poker Face” (2009)

2. Baja Men – “Who Let the Dogs Out” (2000)

1. Black Eyed Peas – “My Humps” (2005)

-Annie H.

Rolling Stone's Best of the Decade

2009-12-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

With the end of the decade upon us, comes the recap on all the great things that happened. The Rolling Stones new issue is all about The Bests of the Decade including: 100 greatest guitar songs, 100 greatest singers, 500 greatest songs, and 500 greatest albums. Rolling Stones will be unveiling more special decade-end features in the days to come before the New Year.

For all of you who’s memory is as terrible as mine this is a must have issue. Here is a sneak peak of Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Decade:

9. M.I.A. – Kala
8. Bob Dylan – Modern Times
7. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP
6. Arcade Fire – Funeral
5. The White Stripes – Elephant
4. Jay-Z – The Blueprint
3. Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
2. The Strokes – Is This It
1. Radiohead – Kid A

And where my favorite albums showed up:

17. Beck – Sea Change
26. Cat Power – The Greatest
42. Elliott Smith – Figure 8
47. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
50. Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning
61. The Shins – Oh, Inverted World
92. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

As I read through the list I am reminded of all the great albums in the past ten years. I feel like I have re-discovered my iTunes playlist and I need to go back and listen to all of these songs again. Bands like Kings of Leon, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, and The White Stripes show up more than once in this list and I would have to agree that these bands made a significant impact on the music industry in the past decade.

-Annie H.

Emanuel and the Fear - "The Rain Become the Clouds" (Video)

2009-12-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Them Crooked Vultures

2009-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl’s new side project is one to pay attention to. Them Crooked Vultures is a new supergroup trio made up of musical heroes earning constant radio play. Grohl is back on the drums in this trio with Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme singing and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones kicking it on the bass.

Them Crooked Vultures just released their self-titled debut album in November with “New Fang” (video below) as the first single. The album is a mix of Zeppelin-inspired riffs, Grohl beating on the drums like back in his Nirvana days, and eccentric “time signatures” that is the anchor and heart of Queens of the Stone Age. Check it out. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.

-Rachel

The Nutrition Facts of a Song

2009-12-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Boston Public Health Commission announced their new tool to evaluate a songs “nutritional health” for teens called Sound Relationship Nutrition Label. Yes, song lyrics are being compared to nutritional health. The Commission states that next time you’re about to download a song, first check out how healthy it is for you. Just like you would evaluate food you were about to eat. This “tool” evaluates the relationship themes throughout the songs lyrics. They recommend consuming ‘healthy relationship’ ingredients for a balanced media diet. Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” was rated the top ten worst songs for relationship nutrition, but that’s no rocket science. The title gives that away.

So, I tried this out for myself to see how it works.

Here's the nutritional make-up for ELEVATION's “Razoreyes”:

Drama: 3
Obsession: 6
Disrespect: 0
Relationship = sex: 0
Manipulation: 0
Unhealthy score: 9
Fun: 9
Support: 7
Respect: 8
Equality: 8
Trust: 8
Healthy Score: 40

Well, according to my analysis, “Razoreyes” is a healthy relationship song. So all of you teens out there listen up! This song is full of healthy relationship lyrics!

I am not sure how valuable this approach of labeling songs “healthy” or “unhealthy” is or how using this tool will affect teens' perceptions of a healthy relationship. Personally, I feel that teens are far more influenced by the relationships they observe/experience in their families and not so much by musical lyrics. Nonetheless, this tool suggests that a teen’s impressions of romantic relationships are being negatively influenced by the drama, obsession, and disrespect in lyrics.

-Annie H.

Social Networkers Have a Responsibility as News Sources

2009-12-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Pete Cashmore of Mashable wrote an article for CNN predicting the top ten web trends to watch for in 2010. Some of them are predictable. He writes to expect several Twitter-copycats as people strive for even more real-time interaction with their world and the people in it. Cashmore also says with the widespread use of smartphones and apps to expect even more convergence in our devices - for example, Tom Tom's and other GPS devices will likely go out of style and instead they will be sold as apps on iPhones, or even become an included feature. He also says to watch for the increase in "cloud computing," like Apple's MobileMe, where data is no longer stored on one desktop, but instead stored on a server (or cloud) accessible to multiple devices at once.

Possibly Cashmore's prediction with the most interesting consequences is the continuance of our news coming to us through our social network instead of a direct news source. Practically every website, blog, and article have icons to post what you're looking at directly to your Facebook or Twitter account with one click. With the "information overload" of today's internet, people are getting to know their world more and more through their friends. This trend is extremely useful for sharing information with your entire social network instantly, but it also has interesting side effects. For example, if people are only paying attention to things that are shared with them through their social network they may be missing out on other relevant information that's not of interest to their social networking "friends". Having shared interests is a good thing, but this could create a new kind of ignorance and uniform thinking.

In the past, people were concerned with news organizations merging together to create information powerhouses. The fear was if one news organization controls too many outlets then the same information will be distributed through several channels giving people less choice and variety. The thought is that it is better to have many different organizations with different agendas and different voices. Well, now that news organizations are changing with the rapid use of social media I think the new concern in the next decade will be keeping variety in the content that people choose to share with their network. This new system could work great as long as there is a healthy balance of people participating with new content and different interests. If too many people become passive observers instead of contributors all we'll ever know about are trending Twitter topics and funny YouTube videos posted to our Facebook pages. If people participate actively and intelligently the benefits can be very exciting. In my opinion, this should be a trend to strive for in 2010.

-Erin

iPhones Replace Musical Instruments at University

2009-12-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

The University of Michigan is replacing instruments with iPhones in a course titled “Building a Mobile Phone Ensemble.” Taught by scientist and musician Georg Essl, students are learning to “design, build and play instruments on their Apple Inc. smartphones.” iPhone applications like Ocarina allow the phone to produce sounds similar to a flute-like instrument. Building an instrument on an iPhone can transform the phone to produce unique and different sounds. Students program the phone to “play back information it receives from one of its sensors as sound.”

I think it’s awesome that universities are taking a creative initiative giving traditional courses like music class a modern twist. It will appeal to students who are interested in taking a music course but have no musical training. Hopefully the school provides the phones otherwise that would be a very expensive course to take.

I don’t have an iPhone, I’m technologically illiterate, and touch phones weird me out, but I’d be extremely interested to see what these students produce. A public performance is scheduled for December 9, but for now here's a video of a practice performance.

-Rachel

“America’s Safest Cities”: Minneapolis, MN

2009-12-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Our beloved Minneapolis metropolitan area tops the Forbes.com list for the safest cities in the U.S. Minneapolis ranked in the top 10 in low crime rate, workplace fatalities, traffic-related deaths, and natural disaster risk categories.

The natural disaster risk was measure using in part The 2008 US City Rankings from SustainLane: People-Powered Sustainability Guide. They covered the greening of the 50 most-populous cities, which Minneapolis was 7th overall. Below is how Minneapolis ranked on all the criteria, including City communiting, metro transit, local food/agriculture, and green economy. Minneapolis, quoted the "midwestern jewel", is top ranked on local food and agriculture, communications, and city innovation.

Furthermore, Minneapolis is experiencing huge reductions in violent crimes due to proactive policing targeting the most violent criminals. Go Minneapolis! Check out the rest of Forbe's Safest Cities.

-Annie H.

Eye of the Tiger Sale

2009-12-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

I'm just as over the "Tiger Woods has a mistress" media swarm as the next person, but I couldn't resist taking a look at this. Spirit Airlines is offering a sale on airfare prices as low as $9 in honor of the newest sports-figure-scandal.

The Eye of the Tiger sale - watch the ad

I'm not entirely sure what golf, Tiger Woods, car accidents or anything involved in this ad have to do with flying and buying airplane tickets. I had also never heard of Spirit Airlines before today either. Clearly the ad campaign is working. At least while it lasts. I predict tomorrow's post will be something like, "Tiger Woods sues Spirit Airlines for invasion of privacy and appropriation. And loses."

Neil Young is the Prince of Bel-Air

2009-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

Watch this hilarious clip of Jimmy Fallon on his late night show performing as Neil Young singing the theme song from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air TV show.

When I first saw this clip I thought it was really Neil Young singing it and I thought it was genius, but when I watched it again it was Fallon. He not only looks like Neil Young, but he sounds ridiculously similar to him. I’ve never watched Fallon’s show, but if this is what his show entails I might be intrigued to watch it more often. I loved Fallon on SNL and it looks like he’s carrying some of his antics over to his own talk show.

-Rachel

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Turns 25

2009-12-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

For all of you who missed it, this is a must see concert. On November 29^th HBO presented a two day concert in Madison Square Garden in celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This year Jeff Beck and Metallica were inducted. Many legends including Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, U2, Metallica, and even Ozzy Osbourne made an appearance singing “Iron Man” with Metallica.

This generation of music is before my time, but I still recognize all of these artists as creating masterpieces of their time. All I can say is that I was completely captivated as I watched this:

-Annie H.

NEW: Vampire Weekend - "Cousins" (Music Video)

2009-11-30T07:31:00.001-08:00

Must Be Bob Dylan

2009-11-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

It's the time of giving, sharing, and holiday fun. This year Bob Dylan released a Christmas album titled "Christmas in the Heart." In my book, Bob Dylan can do no wrong. Is it kind of tacky and weird? Sure, but it's Bob Dylan and he can do whatever he wants and he will whether you like it or not. He's written enough hits to prove he's pure talent and a genius songwriter. He became famous during a time when talent was required unlike most "artists" you hear on the radio today.

If you're a hardcore Dylan fan I suggest seeing the legend in concert. It's a trip and a half. He remixes his classic hits and nothing sounds quite the same. That's Dylan though and it's amazing.

Here is Dylan's music video for "Must be Santa." It's one of the happier songs I've ever heard Dylan sing, but then again he didn't write it. I kind of like it. It's fun to see him hobble and dance around with an accordion player following him, very Midwestern. I just hope that isn't his real hair. I like the top hat and suit, but the hair is kind of scary and you can't stop looking at it and wondering if it's a wig or if it was straightened. Happy Holidays!

-Rachel

Buzzzzzz...

2009-11-25T08:26:00.001-08:00

The Big Pink is an electronic-rock (with a hint of Britpop) band from London. They released their debut album in September called A Brief History of Love. Their singles such as "Dominos" and "Velvet" are creating a lot of buzz after winning best new act at the Shockwaves NME Awards, an award show by the British music news magazine. Now in regular circulation on 89.3 The Current The Big Pink is a band to watch out for. They are currently on a North American Tour and they will be performing at 7^th Street Entry on November 25^th. Check out their video below and tell me what you think!

Download: "Dominoes" - The Big Pink
(Hint: Right click & save as)

-Annie H.

20 Best Live Acts of the Decade: 2000-2009

2009-11-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Paste Magazine released what they believe were the best live acts over the past decade. Included is a paragraph with why the magazine chose the artists they did along with videos of live performances.

The top 20 are:

20. TV on the Radio

19. Of Montreal

18. Pixies

17. The Decemberists

16. Ted Leo

15. Wilco

14. Sufjan Stevens

13. The Avett Brothers

12. Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings

11. The Hold Steady

10. Sigur Ros

9. U2

8. Bruce Springsteen

7. Polyphonic Spree

6. My Morning Jacket

5. Janelle Monae

4. Tom Waits

3. Radiohead

2. The Flaming Lips

1. Arcade Fire

I would have to completely agree with Paste Magazine about this list. Although I've only seen 2 out of the 20 acts live, I have listened almost religiously to all of these bands. I can only imagine what it would be like to see Of Montreal, Radiohead, or Sigur Ros live. If you can't see these bands live I would suggest listening to all of them if you haven't already. Everyone likes to listen to new music anyways so enjoy.

-Rachel

Kevin Smith Speaks Out on Twilight

2009-11-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

!Hilarioso!

-Tooth

An Unlikely Diva: Susan Boyle to Release Debut Album

2009-11-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Susan Boyle's debut album is to be released tomorrow (Nov. 24th). She has, against the odds, reached stardom in the UK and her fans seem to adore her. In fact, Boyle's “I Dreamed a Dream” album has become Amazon’s most pre-ordered CD in history!! Is there anything wrong with this picture? Sharon Osbourne told a radio station in the U.S. that Boyle “has a voice, yeah, but, boy, has she been hit by the ugly stick". This is definitely in true fashion of Sharon Osbourne, though she later apologized for her comments. The truth remains that Boyle is majorly popular in other countries, but will she ever reach this type of fame in the U.S. where image is everything?

-Annie H.

Oprah Winfrey Show to End in 2011

2009-11-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Oprah Winfrey announced on today's show that 2011 will be the last year of the Oprah Winfrey Show. It will be the 25th year of the show, but Oprah has other endeavors on her mind like a new talk show on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. I also assume that "O Magazine" will continue to produce more issues of Oprah on the cover.

It is a shock that she's somewhat retiring, but the talk show host is worth over $2 billion. I think she'll be fine and ratings have slipped seven percent from last year, so maybe it's time to close the curtains and give up-and-coming broadcasters a chance. No more Tom Cruise jumping on couches like a crazed madman, seeing her weight fluctuate month by month, watching her give a ton of badass freebies to audience members, or putting books on best seller's lists just by saying she likes it. Now maybe people will once again decide what they like based on what they like instead of what Oprah likes.

Good luck Oprah. Not that you need it. You have more money than you know what to do with and everything you touch turns to pure gold and dollar bills.

-Rachel

An American Idol Gets all S&M on us

2009-11-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Adam Lambert was spotted filming his new music video for this single, “For Your Entertainment” in downtown Los Angeles. For those of you who don’t know, Adam Lambert was a runner up on American Idol in the eighth season. He was dressed in all black leather, head to toe, and his back up dancers where wearing next to nothing. One of his dancers was captured in this picture (to the left). One word, “scary!” I can barely picture how this music video is going to look. Hearing an American Idol singer using bondage dancers just sets an alarm off in my head that something isn’t right. Good luck Adam, but I have serious doubts about this music video.

-Annie H.

Speidi is on the Prawl

2009-11-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Heidi and Spencer, also known as ‘Speidi’, are now looking for new business opportunities to sell themselves away. As of this Monday Speidi is trying to promote a new book, How to be Famous. Because they have so much valuable insight on how the average person can sell their soul to entertainment for millions. All you have to do is forget all of your morals, give up any true virtues and be as racy and controversial as possible. Be caddy, start fights with your friends, backstab every person you meet, but at the same time make the public to care. They can love you or hate you just as long as they know who you are.

Speidi, you truly are pathetic. This is just ridiculous. Have you run out of money? Are you missing the spotlight? Get the hint: No one cares about what you do! My advice to Speidi is to move on and try to enjoy each other, if that ‘s possible.

-Annie H.

Fall Out Boy's Break

2009-11-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

After releasing about an album a year since 2003, Fall Out Boy is taking a break. According to their drummer Andy Hurley, they are on "hiatus" for the next year at least. They are releasing a greatest hits album on November 17th called Believers Never Die, and then they are done for the near future. However, Pete Wentz, who can never resist making a tounge-in-cheek statement, told MTV that they would reunite right away if given the opportunity to play in Sealand. Apparently, The Principality of Sealand is an independent micronation about six miles off the coast of Great Britain, was founded in 1967, and is run by a British radio broadcaster. Never heard of it? Neither had we. Pete Wentz must spend too much time on Wikipedia, which could possibly be to blame for the band's hiatus.

Read the full interview with MTV here

-Erin

Jon Gosselin Sues TLC, Big Surprise

2009-11-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

Reality "star" Jon Gosselin is suing TLC for a cool $5 million bucks, claiming the network and its representatives have damaged his reputation and any further chances of a career in the media. First of all, Jon Gosselin is a douche and he damaged his own reputation by ditching his wife and eight kids on national TV. Gosselin also claims that TLC contacted media sources he was in touch with and convinced them not to work with the dead beat dad. As I recall Gosselin signed a contract with TLC and broke that contract. I'm pretty sure that gives network every right to prevent Gosselin from having any more fun in the media's eye than he's already having.

I feel the whole "Jon & Kate plus Eight" fiasco is like beating a dead horse. At this point, no one really cares. I like the show and still watch it, but both parents seem to take every chance they get to exploit themselves and their situation to the media. Both state that they only care about their kids and what's best for their kids, but if this was true then both parents would try to keep their situation as quiet and private as possible.

Here's a thought. TLC should ditch the kids all together and come up with a new show, "Jon & Kate: Fight to the Death." A half hour show per week can be devoted to Jon and Kate talking to their lawyers, magazines, and shows like "Good Morning America." The season finale can be Jon and Kate at their divorce trial, but instead of a trial, there's a boxing ring. Then just let them duke it out. I have a feeling Kate would win. Jon could never stand up to her nagging and bitching anyways like back in the old days when they were still a "happy family".

-Rachel

Carrie Prejean: Just Another Sex Tape Scandal

2009-11-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious! Carrie Prejean dropped her claims of libel, slander, and religious discrimination against Miss USA only after lawyers informed her they had a copy of the sex tape she made when she was 17 years-old. And when Larry King simply asks about the case she freezes and just says he is being “inappropriate.” The best part is that she even fails to leave the stage! She just sits there!

This is even better:
King: What are you going to do next?

Prejean: Oh, my gosh. I’m just so excited to be, you know, promoting this book. I’m so excited to be an author now.

Settle down there Carrie, I wouldn’t call yourself an author just yet. Did you even write this? Then she references her sex tape by saying that there is a message to spread to young women to never do anything you would never want your biggest fans to see. Wow, way to try to make your sex tape positive. I’m sorry, but there is no way to put a positive spin on a sex tape when your supposed to be involved in volunteering and saving the world. Paris Hilton can get away with this, but this is just an utter disappointment Carrie. Seriously, why is there always a sex tape involved?

-Annie H.

Facebook is Your "Get Out of Jail Free" Card

2009-11-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Your Facebook status can be an alibi to keep your butt out of jail. Rodney Bradford's status proved to be a reliable alibi when he was accused and jailed for robbery. It was the time stamp and location of where the status was updated that proved it was impossible for him to have been at the scene of the crime.

I guess it's cool that something simple like that can keep you from getting wrongly convicted of a crime, but are we losing our right to privacy in the process? I understand that yes if you put something on the internet it is basically out there forever for the world to see and use as it so pleases, but it kind of sucks too.

We use the internet for everything even though we know that it's not really safe to do so. We pay our bills online, check our bank accounts online, shop online, read up on celebrity gossip, and chat with friends on Facebook. It kind of makes you think, what did our grandparents and those before them do without advanced technology? Today, WE ARE our computers, our iPods, and our cell phones. If one breaks we feel like a part of us is missing, but if it keeps me out of jail I guess I can live with that.

-Rachel

There's a Divorce Fair?!

2009-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

I love Paris. It's beautiful, different, magical, but realistic. Here's another reason why I love Paris: They not only have a wedding fair, but a fair for divorce.

This past Sunday divorcees or soon to be divorced individuals brought their marital problems to the place known as the city of lights and love. Sixty stands were dedicated to this "New Start Trade Fair" with services offering legal advice, divorce lawyers, tarot card readers, self-esteem coaches, and makeover specialists. The two-day event included talks such as "Plastic Surgery's Role in Re-Conquering your image," "Meeting on the Web," and my personal favorite, "How to Re-Seduce Your Partner Using the Gestalt Method."

The fair's creator had the idea after the French president divorced his wife shortly after taking office, saying that divorce has lost its stigma, its effect, and is now fairly common. I think the only reason divorce has lost its "stigma" is because marriage is not looked at as a holy union anymore. People, or some people I should say, think "well if my marriage fails, I can always get a divorce". We live in a society where kids are getting pregnant and getting married before they earn a college degree, one in which a celebrity knows someone for two weeks, marries them, and divorces them within the same month.

Even if marriage and divorce isn't taken seriously anymore, I think this divorce fair is a fantastic idea. Divorce sucks, everyone knows that. So why not make it a little easier for people? I'd go to this fair now and I'm single. Tarot card readers, makeover specialists, and free legal advice, sounds pretty legit to me and oh yeah, it's in Paris!

-Rachel

Rihanna Breaks her Silence

2009-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Check out her interview with Good Morning America

about why she went back to Chris Brown after he beat her.

Welcome “worldmode” iPhone!

2009-11-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of buzz concerning Verizon’s attacks on AT&T by creating phones directly in competition of the iPhone and by attacking AT&T’s service.

Well, according to AppleInsider, Apple is in the works of creating a “worldmode” iPhone that will be available to other networks, especially Verizon. Even though Verizon’s Blackberry Storm and Droid (which was just launched last Friday) were created to combat AT&T’s iPhone sales. Verizon has reportedly been in contact with Apple about getting the iPhone. In fact, Verizon is expected to have the phone within the year.

This may have negative effects for Verizon’s Droid sales, because customers may hold off to purchase the iPhone. Furthermore, AT&T may be seeing some losses as customer’s switch to Verizon. They will lose the exclusivity with the iPhone, which will most likely lower their market share.

It will be interesting to see how the two major networks will compete when they both have the iPhone. What incentives will they give to choose their network? Will the prices drop dramatically? I think this is a good thing for us consumers. Verizon and AT&T will have to compete off prices, quality of service, and size/speed of network. Finally! The end of the AT&T’s monopoly with the iPhone!

-Annie H.

Australia Needs to Chill Out: It's Britney Bitch

2009-11-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears has arrived in Australia and already the Aussies have their knickers in a bunch. Ms. Spears is set to perform 14 shows while in Australia with tickets going for as much as $1,500. This creates a problem because Brit Brit is known for lip-synching during her shows and the Australian government wants consumers to know that's what they're paying for.

The Aussies want to pass a law that would require artists to claim whether they will be lip-synching or performing live during their performance so audience members will know exactly what they're paying for. That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

As my good friend Tyler once told me, "Honey, if you want to hear a good voice you go to a Christina Aguilera show. You go to a Britney Spears concert for the performance." I agree. Everyone knows that Britney Spears lip-synchs. We've known this since day one of her career. That's not why we like her, it's because she's the whole package. It's because she is the pop princess and she can do whatever the hell she wants. I couldn't dance around and sing for an hour and a half straight, yeah right. So Australia back off and let her do the damn thing. Her fans know exactly what they're paying for.

-Rachel

CNN Needs to Find Better "Latest News" Stories

2009-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

CNN is a pretty legit and respected news source for most of us. Although today under its "Latest News" section reads a story titled, "Jessica Simpson finds a Bosom Buddy". By bosom buddy they do mean, big boob buddy. Yes, the article is all about how Dolly Parton tweeted about going to the chiropractor because her back hurts because she has large breasts. Simpson tweeted back "Amen." That is basically the whole story a part from some pretty inappropriate quotes from her dad commenting on her boobs and being sexy, it's gross. Why CNN, why. This story isn't even under entertainment news. It's a few stories down from Obama, same-sex marriage decisions, and murder, oh and it is one story above voting for CNN's Hero of the year. Is celebrity news becoming more important than real news, things we should care about but no one really does?

-Rachel

Random Thought of the Day: Fat, American, Beef-eaters

2009-11-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is a totally random thought, but what if Americans started counting calories and eating healthier? What would happen?

Well immediately, Americans would see an increase in productivity, increased happiness, and longer lives. We could finally get away from the stereotype of fat, beef eating Americans, which stereotypes are in place for a reason. We ARE fat, beef eating Americans, and anyone that disputes this fact needs to wake up! When I think of an American diet I think about the heart of this country in the Midwest consisting of meat and potatoes. What ever happened to vegetables and fruits? They are good too, I promise.

Anyway, what sparked this thought was reading an article about The House passing a Bill that would require restaurants to post calorie counts. Now, I agree with this and the population that already regulates their calorie intake would benefit from this greatly. But then again, I doubt these people go to the chain restaurants of America like McDonalds or Chili’s regularly anyway. And for the rest of America that doesn’t count calories or care to count calories and eats out three to four times a week, I don’t think adding how many calories they are taking in is going to effect their choices. If they don’t care now, this won’t make them care either.

This is a start to a healthier American diet, but adding calorie counts alone will not change what Americans eat. We need to educate the population about healthy choices, and get Americans off the BEEF!

-Annie H.

Elevation Wins MTVU's "The Freshmen" Video Competition

2009-11-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Congrats to our boys in Elevation. Their music video for "Razoreyes" feat. Kimberly Stewart is this week's winning freshmen video on MTVU.com. They have now been added to the rotation on MTV!

And the biggest mixed message of the year goes to...U2

2009-11-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

When I heard U2's plan to perform a free concert in Berlin in front of the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I thought it was great. After spending a semester abroad in Berlin, I got a feel for the city's unique history. Celebrating with music is the most fitting way to honor the reunification. One of Berlin's distinguishing characteristics is it's music scene. There is literally something for everyone. U2's free show sounded like a great idea and a great opportunity...

Until I woke up this morning and read this:

MTV, Tear Down that Wall

Honestly? No one involved in planning that event stood up and said, "Hey, isn't this kind of the opposite statement we are trying to make here?" When U2 said they were giving a free concert, what they actually meant was they were giving away 10,000free tickets, and only those 10,000 were allowed in. The rest were kept out by a 2 meter barrier that went all the way around the performance area. Another wall surrounding the Brandenburg Gate.

Now, I understand safety concerns and crown control, but if the only solution was to build another wall I would almost prefer the concert not have happened at all rather than screw up the blatantly obvious symbolism that will be the only memorable part of the evening.

-Erin

Lindsay Lohan's eHarmony Profile

2009-11-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

Haven't seen Lindsay in the tabloids lately? Well, she's now entering the dating scene again. Check out her eHarmony profile!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6g85lp2wJc
(embedding has been disabled)

Hilarious!!!

-Annie H.

Lady Gaga Will Make You Die, Literally

2009-11-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

While the infamous Gaga showed up to the ACE Awards Gala in NYC Monday, her appearance caused a fellow photographer to pass out and fall to his "death" from a ladder. His death has not been confirmed by authorities, but an ambulance was called and the man really did fall from a ladder. She didn't talk to reporters or photographers, but instead posed uniquely and made silly faces, very Gaga-like.

I love Lady Gaga. I like her music, her style, and what she says to the press. I think she is unique, but to an extent. She's famous for being the complete opposite of pretty much every public famous entertainer. Gaga, though, is not the only person to wear some crazy shit when out and about. Go to any large city on a Saturday night and you wouldn't believe what some people choose to wear out to the club. Maybe that's why the general public likes her because she's not your average celebrity, but is more comparable to the average person. She's smart and knows how to market herself, obviously. But is she worth dying for?? Hell no.

Come on people, let's try and keep it together when we see celebs. This is exactly why celebrities are afraid of the public and paparazzi. I do feel that this incident falls fairly close to Gaga's song "Paparazzi" especially when she sings, "Promise I'll be kind, but I won't stop until that boy is mine/Baby you'll be famous chase you down until you love me." Well he did chase her down...and he DIED.

-Rachel

Is the iPhone Hype Over?

2009-11-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

With all the new smart phones hitting the market, iPhone and AT&T are feeling the pinch. Verizon has been hitting AT&T hard with commercials advertising their new smart phone Droid (available today) and advertising Verizon’s largest 3G network. Droid is supposedly the Smartphone that can do everything that the iPhone can’t. Verizon directly attacks the iPhone by referring the iPhone as iDon’t.

Verizon’s campaign is also playing commercials showing maps of AT&T’s 3G coverage compared to Verizon’s 3G coverage. Check it out:

AT&T is actually suing Verizon because they claim that this commercial does not accurately represent their coverage, leading to a loss in market share. Verizon is stating that the commercial clearly states that the maps are for only their 3G network, and it is totally accurate.

There is no doubt that Verizon is directly competing with AT&T, but will it be enough to triumph the beloved Apple iPhone?

-Annie H.

To the Moon!

2009-11-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

An architect company based out of Barcelona has begun production on the Galactic Suite Space Resort. That's right in 2012 you might be able to take a vacation in space for only a mere 4.4 million dollars. The hefty price includes a three-night stay at the hotel, which is in space, and an eight-week training course that takes place on a tropical island. Shit I'd do it just for the eight weeks on a beautiful island and it would cost me less than 4 million bucks.

While in space, by the way, it takes a day and a half to get to the hotel in space, you will orbit the earth every 80 minutes and watch the sun rise 15 times a day. You also get wear a sweet ass Velcro suit so "you can crawl around your pod rooms by sticking yourselves to the walls like Spiderman." Only in space can you become a little like Spiderman, every man's dream. Apparently 43 people have already made reservations for this one of a kind vacation. Personally, the whole thing makes me kind of laugh out loud. I just want the tropical island part of the deal and the Velcro suit. Oh, but I would go if there were some guaranteed alien sightings.

-Rachel

A Walking Breathalyzer gets a Taste of his own Medicine

2009-11-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

An eighteen-year-old man from Cincinnati dressed in a breathalyzer costume Halloween night was pulled over for reckless driving. The officer approached the car and noticed a half finished case of Bud Light and a young man dressed as a Breathalyzer. The officer in deed made him “blow here” and took him strait to jail with a DUI. Oh the irony…

-Annie H.

McDonalds is NO Fun

2009-11-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

CAUTION: Copying YouTube videos for your personal entertainment can get you in trouble with the cops.

No, seriously. Four teenagers in Utah received disorderly conduct citations for copying this YouTube video:

Sounds hilarious, right? Apparently this McDonalds doesn't agree. The teens were asked to speak plainly, and when they refused to break character, the manager called the police. McDonalds claims they were holding up the line and disturbing the peace. The kids say no one else was in line and they were just having fun.

Honestly, McDonalds, lighten up already. 80% of your clientele are far from sober most of the time anyway. I doubt this is the worst thing that's come thru their drive thru. Although I've never been to Utah.

-Erin

Vote for Elevation on MTVU's "The Freshmen"

2009-11-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

All this week Elevation's "Razoreyes" video will be on MTVU's "The Freshmen" where up-and-coming artists compete for automatic rotation on MTV (Click the image below to vote).

Voting ends this Friday the 6th @ 2pm (EST)

Tis the Hip Hop Season

2009-10-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

First Ave. brings the fire this season.

The 3 Days of Hip Hop:

Dec. 3rd
Unknown Prophets CD Release w/ Cunninlynguists, Grieves w/ Budo, Looptroop Rockers, Tunji with DJ Espada, and DJ Anton

Dec. 4th (@ Varsity Theater)
E&A, Themselves, Sector 7 G

Dec. 5th
Doomtree Blowout V

And of course you won't miss the Fresh Air Tour w/ Brother Ali, Evidence, Toki Wright, and BK One on Nov. 20th and 21st.

Enjoy,
Tooth

Britney Spears' New Music Video ("3")

2009-10-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Oh God, here we go again.

The Rise of the EP

2009-10-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you bought an actual CD? Or even an entire album from iTunes? It's interesting to note that these days, it's far more common for people to just pick and choose the songs they like from the 30 second previews or just buy their favorite new single on the radio instead of going for the entire package. This is yet another example of how iTunes and digital media have changed how the music industry operates. Instead of taking years to put together new material in the form of a complete album, artists have turned more to the EP format to get new material out there faster. EP's, or Extended Play albums, usually have four to eight new songs - just enough to be more than a single, but not enough to be a full album.

This switch can be attributed to two things: the freedom that comes with iTunes' option to buy songs individually as well as full albums, and our generation's growing lack of attention span. It is rare at a college campus gathering to hear one song in its entirety, let alone an entire album. Also, we're impatient. We can't wait for our favorite artists to come out with new material, and they have recognized that.

This change is not necessarily good or bad. In fact, it seems to have more pros than cons for everyone involved, both the fans and the artists. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins said he was never comfortable with the album format because it felt forced. "It was obviously an economic decision made by others and not an artistic decision made by creators." He also points out, "It can be draining to record 15 songs over a six-month period." And as the same article article accurately points out, "Who cares, I'm only going to put a few songs on my iPod anyway."

-Erin

Puff, Puff, Pass

2009-10-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Alright stoners put down the lighter, turn down the Bob Marley in the background and check this out. The Obama administration stayed true to their word and finally changed some out of date policies. Federal prosecutors are no longer permitted to prosecute patients who use medical marijuana or those providing it if they are complying with state law. Instead, law enforcement is going to spend their time going after more serious cases involving marijuana and violence, selling pot to minors, illegal use of firearms, money laundering, and involvement in other serious crimes. Medical marijuana is legal in 14 states; Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Some believe that this is the first step towards legalizing marijuana in the United States. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but it’s nice to see that maybe it’s going to progress the country towards a more chilled out perspective about marijuana use. Maybe parents and friends won’t get so pissed off if their child or someone that they know likes to smoke a bowl after a long day at work or school and watch “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” or “Reno 911!,” not that I would know anything about things like that. I’m just saying it shouldn’t be a crime if that’s how you choose to unwind and you’re not hurting anyone in the process. Thanks Obama, I hope you know a lot of people are burning one down for you right now.

Lil’ Wayne: The next Wayne Plus Eight?

2009-10-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

He is a baby-making machine! Lil’ Wayne confirmed during a BBC interview that he and R&B singer Nivea Hamilton are having a baby boy. This will be Wayne’s fourth child. Each kid has a different mother and his last baby momma just gave birth to his third child September 9.

I think TLC needs to drop Jon and Kate and bring a new show to the table: “Wayne and his Lil’ Eight.” I’m positive at this rate he will be having more than eight kids. I can see it now, Wayne teaching his kids to roll the perfect joint while he’s sippin’ on syrup in the background. Family trips to the MTV music awards, the Grammy’s, and his many court appearances. I wouldn’t mind being one of his kids. Lil’ Wayne, you can adopt me!

Lil Baby Wayne

-Rachel

Outrage against Jan Moir

2009-10-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

On October 16th 2009 Jan Moir published an article on Daily Mail questioning the death of Stephen Gately, a pop star singer in Boyzone. The death of Stephen Gately was announced to be from natural causes, but the following morning Jan Moir questioned the real reason behind the death, hinting towards the death being related to Gately being gay.

These statements lead to a storm of protest almost immediately after the posting. Over 1,000 complaints were made to the Press Complaints Commission. Brands including Marks & Spencer have asked for their advertisements to be removed on the Daily Mail website pages that feature this article. Today on Twitter, approximately 100 posts per minute are being tweeted in opposition of Jan Moir’s statements. Earlier today a Facebook page was set up urging users to lobby brands featured on the page.

The article was widely seen as an outspoken attack on gay lifestyles and civil partnerships. Jan Moir released a statement stating that was not her intention. But I think the damage has been done, and many people are outraged. It will take some serious work to build up her fans again.

Read the article

-Annie

Predictions for the most popular Halloween costumes this year:

2009-10-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Newsweek has posted a hilarious slide show with their predictions of what will be the most popular Halloween costumes this year, based on the top pop-culture and newsworthy events of 2009. Complete with masks to print out!

Click here for the slideshow

My personal favorite is the Balloon Boy costume. Of course, I have been planning on being Lady Gaga since April, so any other Lady Gagas are definitely copying me. Although the chances of two Lady Gaga costumes looking the same are about as low as the chances of me avoiding the swine flu this winter - another awesome costume idea. Check it out!

-Erin

Jesse McCartney: Fail

2009-10-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Singer Jesse McCartney forgot the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner at the NASCAR Pepsi 500 race in California. McCartney skipped the second line of the song.

First of all, didn’t we learn the Star Spangled Banner at a very early age? I mean it’s our national anthem! You hear it at sporting events, sing it at school, and hear it every Fourth of July. Second of all he screwed up the beginning of the song, which I feel is the easiest part to remember. I can maybe understand not remembering “ramparts” and “bombs bursting.” On a side note, isn’t it kind of weird that our national song, the song that represents our country talks about bombs and how that was our “proof that our flag was still there?” Anyways, it was McCartney’s job to know the words, as I’m sure he was getting paid for this appearance.

I think the best part of this screw up is the look on the racer’s faces when they realize he skipped some lyrics. It’s awkward and hilarious all at the same time. The CNN reporters had some comical remarks too which is surprising since I find most anchor jokes to be lame, especially when they laugh at their own jokes. Watch the video from the link below and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-KQqoTOSAM

-Rachel

Using Twitter as a Fundraiser

2009-10-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love finding new examples of how useful and multi-purpose Twitter is. And then rubbing it in my friend's faces who still refuse to believe me that it's not "just Facebook but only with status updates." Twitter's latest use: ending cancer.

Drew Olanoff is an avid tweeter and blogger, and has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. His approach to dealing with it has been with a strong sense of humor and some creative ideas to use two things that are a part of most people's daily lives - Twitter and bitching.

#BlameDrewsCancer is Olanoff's effort to give back to LIVESTRONG, which he says "has been by my side since my diagnosis," in his blog. It works like this: you can #BlameDrewsCancer for your favorite sports team losing, or for eating way too much Chinese food. Just tweet, "In a food coma because I ate way too much sweet and sour chicken. I #BlameDrewsCancer," or "I #BlameDrewsCancer for the stupid Packers losing." Pretty much anything you would usually call up your friend and bitch about, you can spare them and do it this way instead, and everyone wins. Because every tweet blaming Drew's cancer is being tallied up, and Olanoff is hoping to find a sponsor who will donate $1 per tweet. So far there have been 31,965.

But there's more. Olanoff must have jumped on the Twitter train early, because his Twitter name is just plain @Drew. So he came up with another idea that has never been done before. He is auctioning off his @Drew Twitter name, and all the money will go to LIVESTRONG. He set the bidding price at $10,000 in the hopes that some celebrity Drew would be interested. Drew Carey, who's current name is @DrewFromTV, has already bid $25,000, and took it one step further. If @DrewFromTV gets 100,000 followers by the time the auction ends on Nov. 9th, his will donate $100,000. And if he gets up to 1 million followers, he'll donate $1 million.

So take that Twitter-haters. How can you knock something that is raising awareness and money for a great cause, and is so ridiculously easy to do? If Drew Carey doesn't reach 1 million followers by Nov. 9th, I'll #BlameDrewsCancer.

-Erin B.

Lady Gaga's Alter-Ego

2009-10-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone's favorite guilty pleasure, Lady Gaga has had a ton buzz these past couple weeks. First, there was her funky-goth VMA performance, then she hosted Saturday Night Live and performed bits of a new song called "Bad Romance." Oh yeah, and she *almost* kissed Madonna, which personally I thought was not worth all the hype it received. But by far the most shocking Gaga moment I've had recently was watching this video:
Lady Gaga on Boiling Points

Halfway through the video it was still unclear to me which one was supposed to be her. Lady Gaga, four years ago, is completely unrecognizable. Which is probably exactly how she likes it. Lady Gaga, aka Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is definitely an alter-ego. Stefani Germanotta can probably walk into a dark crowded bar and make it through the whole night without being bothered by anyone. But strap on that leotard and don the blond wig, and Lady Gaga is the world-wide superstar.

After getting over the initial shock, my curiosity got the better of me and I went on a Google hunt for more. This video showed another side of the real Lady Gaga - or is Lady Gaga the real one and Stefani Germonatta the alter-ego? - either way, it shows her performing in a small venue, clearly back when she was trying to break into the business:
Lady Gaga performing

Knowing that she does have a completely different person that she hides from the public makes it all that much better. It proves that it's all for show, part of the act, and in Lady Gaga's case, that makes her a better entertainer. And even more fun to Google.

-Erin B.

Bra Gas Mask: What else do I have to say

2009-10-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize but for the rest of us there’s hope. This year Elena Bodnar, Raphael Lee, and Sandra Marijan of Chicago won the lg Nobel Prize for inventing a gas mask bra. In an emergency it can quickly be converted into a pair of gas masks, one for the bra owner and one can be given to some needy bystander.

Look at it. It’s amazing!

Okay, so you’re probably thinking “WTF!” So, let me explain. The lg Nobel Prize is a set of prizes handed out annually in different categories such as public health, which the bra gas mask won this year. The lg Nobel Prizes are a parody of the Nobel Prizes, meaning they are given out to those achievements that make people laugh and then make them think.

I would have to agree with the lg Nobel Prize committee on this one. This definitely makes me stop and ponder, “Can I turn my bra into a gas mask?”

-Annie

Did Soulja Boy Get the Superman Treatment in Jail?

2009-10-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Soulja Boy, or DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested Wednesday night for fleeing the cops in Atlanta. He’s been charged with obstruction after he continued to run from the cops after being ordered to stop.

Soulja Boy along with about 40 other people were in an abandoned house supposedly filming a video when the cops where called because of complaints from neighbors. Over half the people ran from the cops. Soulja Boy was arrested after he came back to the house to get his car. There was a second man arrested, who also returned for his car, and was found to have eight $100 counterfeit bills on him. Soulja boy was released Thursday after posting $500 bail.

Soulja Boy shouldn’t have been arrested because he fled the cops. I mean who hasn’t run from the cops during one point of their life? I know I have. If anything he should be arrested for writing and rapping the song “Crank That.” Not only was that song ridiculously overplayed, made writing on your sunglasses cool, and started a new dance craze, it made you Google what “superman dat ho” meant. You can Google it yourself if you’re curious. However, Soulja Boy has said that the song was only meant to start a new dance. Personally, I could care less either way. I’m just wondering if he got the superman treatment during his night in jail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpocrqvP2Yg

-Rachel H

New Regulations on Tweets

2009-10-07T09:22:00.001-07:00

How many times have you read something on Twitter, on Facebook, or even under the reviews for products on sites like Amazon and thought it sounded a lot like they were trying to sell you on something. Well, those days are over.

Starting December 1, 2009 bloggers are required to clearly state any connection to an advertiser. This meaning that anyone making a post anywhere in the social media world must disclose payments for an endorsement. Furthermore, they can be held accountable if the statements made about the product are false.

No longer can celebrities get paid for commenting about products and influencing our decisions without explicitly stating that they are getting paid to do so. It’s the first time that rules are being placed in the blogosphere about what can be said. Previous to Twitter and Facebook endorsements were made through the actually ad firms in forms of testimonials or television ads, but it has become increasingly popular to pay individuals to post their “personal experiences” in hopes of creating buzz.

Izea is a social media marketing company that specializes in sponsored tweets and sponsored conversations in blogs. Their purpose is to create buzz and drive traffic. Some might say this is the end of Twitter. What if every post made on twitter was for advertising? That would take away the purpose of spreading ideas and engaging in conversation that twitter holds, and turn it into an advertising frenzy.

But now with these New Guidelines bloggers must disclose that they are getting paid to make the statement. FTC regulations might have just saved twitter!

-Annie H.

Students Create Awesome One-Take Music Video

2009-10-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Students from the Université du Québec made this music video for the Black Eyed Peas' song "I Got a Feeling". Impressive, theater kids...impressive.

CNN even did a story on it.

-Tooth

Happy Birthday Gwen!

2009-10-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend on October 3, Gwen Stefani turned the big 4-0, yet to me she is still the young ska girl and lead singer of No Doubt. Not only is she one of my personal favorite musicians, she is an example of an artist that stays true to who she is.

I saw No Doubt’s reunion tour over the summer and it was one of the most exciting and fabulously fun concerts I have ever been to. Unlike most musicians today who like to shy away from playing the songs that made them famous, No Doubt relishes in it. Even when Stefani went solo releasing two albums and had amazing success with it, she returned to her friends and first love.

She is a success in every way possible. Her marriage to Gavin Rossdale seems to be going strong, she’s an attentive mother of two, her music career has lasted more than 10 years, and her fashion line L.A.M.B. is ridiculous. I wish more girls would look up to Gwen Stefani and realize what a powerhouse she is.

Gwen, I wish you more happy birthdays to come and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next! Hopefully it’s a new album.

-Rachel H.

50 Records' Director of A&R on Cities 97

2009-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Drew the A&R guy sat down w/ BT and Lee of the Cities 97 Morning Show last Friday.

Drew discussed his involvement w/ Hope Rocks! over the last two years and 50 Records' artist Elevation.

Listen to the interview HERE

Capitalize on photo sharing via Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace: Visual endorsement; the new way of advertising?

2009-09-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Much of product placement research concludes that when the product and the plot of the scene are congruent then memory is affected along with attitude change. But there is also a negative effect if the product and the plot seem to be unrelated. Then the consumer will detect the product as being out of place and discredit the product. More times than not, consumers can detect product placements leaving them thinking negatively about the product.

“It’s like people only do things because they get paid, and that’s really sad.”

Check out this clip from Wayne’s World exploiting product placement:

In this example of Wayne’s World, Wayne doesn’t want to harm the reputation of his show by adding a segment in about his sponsor. He then continues to mock product placement by showing how obvious it really is.

Marketers have been using product placement since the 80’s to reach their audience, and now consumers can endorse the products, services, and people they believe-in by putting their own credibility on the line to do so then brands can pay them for their contribution. New start-up companies such as Udorse are capitalizing on visual endorsement by connecting brands and Facebook. Here is how it works, from Facebook you click on your picture and endorse an item, a service, or a new favorite band. If your friends then take action, such as visiting the endorsed products’ website, then the brand will pay you.

Whether Udorse is exploiting social media sites or creating a web version of word of mouth advertising, it is in deed another phenomena to the social media world.

-Annie H.

50 Records' Director of A&R on Cities 97 this Friday

2009-09-23T15:57:00.001-07:00

Drew Pearson, director of A&R at 50 Records, will make an appearance on the Cities 97 Morning Show this Friday the 25th at 8AM (get up early!). He will discuss Hope Rocks! Volume II, a CD he compiled to benefit Faith's Lodge. The CD features the best in Midwest music including Soul Asylum, Atmosphere, Solid Gold, and many more...

Faith's Lodge is an organization that assists families in coping w/ the serious illness or death of a child.

*Co-founders Mark and Susan Lasek were on the Morning Show last week.

For more information on Hope Rocks! Volume II and the CD release party this Saturday CLICK HERE...And don't forget to tune in to 97.1 this Friday at 8AM.

Sacre Bleu Wine Interviews Elevation Lead Singer Nathan Smith

2009-09-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Elevation's lead singer discusses his band's future, new songs, and the "Razoreyes" music video w/ Ashley from Sacre Bleu Wine.

Read it HERE

New Elevation Music Video: "Razoreyes" (feat. Kim Stewart)

2009-09-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

For more on Elevation:
http://myspace.com/elevation

Finding a job in the music industry is...

2009-08-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Difficult!

Looking through vast postings on craigslist.com or any music career site you will sift through scams, underpaid jobs, and jobs that are only listed for legal reasons when they’re not even hiring! You consider entrepreneurship, but at what cost? You can go to Minnesota’s Secretary of State to submit your forms and all together with trademarks, your DBA forms (which include a fee to put your business in newspapers), copyrights, websites and more this could cost well over a couple hundred dollars before the investments into the actual business itself.

Either passage you take, this music industry is not a cake walk. You can not sit in your moms basement, record on pro tools, and just let your music sit in space. So you love graphic design or video? There are many postings for freelance work with restaurants and other places of business. Its just a matter of taking action. Even the most proactive people find looking for jobs difficult, but when something opens up they are the first to get it.

So in terms of waiting or entrepreneurship, my message to everybody is just don’t ever give up. Live your dream and if you can’t do it alone… find people close to help you out. Form a family in the music world like The Roots (I’ve never really seen them apart) or any group in these present economic times. DIY means "Do It Yourself" and it does not have to mean "Do It by Yourself".

When doors open, opportunities arise. Its just a matter of taking that step through the door to capture what should be yours.

From the mind of

Keveeno Reeverts
Career Services Coordinator
The Institute of Production and Recording

Elevation Releases "Razoreyes" Music Video (9/9/09)

2009-08-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Elevation will release their video for "Razoreyes" starring Kimberly Stewart on 9/9/09 (Weds).

Live in the Atlanta area? Make sure to attend a special pre-release screening and concert this Friday the 21st at the Hard Rock Velvet Underground. Doors @ 8pm.
Performances by:
•Elevation
•Hotspur
•Harrison Hudson
•Mike Lasage and the Stumbling Troubadors

(See the post below for more info)

Not in the Atlanta area? You can subscribe to Elevation's YouTube channel and still be one of the first to check the video out.

Elevation Show and Video Prescreening at the Hard Rock Cafe this Friday, August 21st.

2009-08-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

This Friday August 21st, the band Elevation will be playing at the Hard Rock Cafe in Atlanta at 8pm. This show will be the first in Atlanta since the band came back from their tour of the Middle East and they will be premiering their music video for their single, Razoreyes which features Kimberly Stewart. Elevation is really excited about sharing the experiences of Middle East with their fans, and also debuting their music video. This all ages show will also be featuring Dear Savannah, Hot Spur, and Mike LaSage & the Stumbling Troubadours. It is looking to be a really great show, so if you are in Atlanta and can check it out, you definitely should!

Yahooooooo!!!

2009-08-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know that if you click on the dot in the exclamation point on the Yahoo logo on the main page it sings the "Yahooooooo" song? do it. do it now!

If there was any question about Britney's talent level...

2009-08-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

please listen to this fantastic video displaying her singing capabilities.

Warped Tour 2009 Blog from the Pit

2009-08-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

I attended Warped Tour in Milwaukee on Thursday July 30th along with the date here in Minneapolis on Sunday August 2nd. Both days were equally great. The good thing about going to two different dates is that if some of your bands overlap at one date you can make them your priority the next time you go.

Comparing the two different dates, I enjoyed the venue in Milwaukee much more than the venue here in Minneapolis. I've attended the Minneapolis date for many years and always thought that it was a pretty good venue (Canterbury Park parking lot), but I guess I just did not know what it was like in places that had an actual fest grounds for tours like Warped. In Milwaukee it was held at the Summerfest Grounds. Two stages were located in the amphitheater that played back-to-back and all the other stages and tents were spread out throughout the grounds. The best thing about this was that there was no congestion when trying to walk from place to place, you couldn't hear the music at other stages when trying to catch another set, and there was a place to take cover from the little rain we did have inside the amphitheater. Minneapolis' date didn't have any of these amenities but I dealt with what was given because it was worth it.

In all, I caught about 15 bands including There For Tomorrow, The White Tie Affair, The Maine, All Time Low, Valencia, Hit The Lights, Forever The Sickest Kids, Every Avenue, NeverShoutNever, You Me And Everyone We Know, and 3OH!3. Many of these bands I got to see twice between the two days and it was really interesting seeing the difference in how crowds react in the two different towns. The biggest difference to me was the crowd for Valencia in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. The crowd in Minneapolis was way bigger and way more nuts for them. I thought about it a lot trying to figure out why it would be crazier here considering Valencia has hardly ever stopped here on any of their tours. It's still a mystery to me. Another general thing that I did notice is that people in Minneapolis crowd surf a lot more than Milwaukee.

While waiting for other bands to start I got to catch bits and pieces of other bands that were either interesting, a good discovery, or someone I have heard a lot about before but had never seen. I got to catch Gallows for about two songs. Most interesting thing I have ever seen. The entire band but the drummer was down in the pit with everyone crowded around them like one huge circle pit. It was nuts. I also got to catch The Devil Wears Prada and Escape The Fate, which are in a genre of music that I do not particularly enjoy but it is cool to see that side of the scene on Warped which is completely different from what I'm interested in. Streetlight Manifesto played on the stage next to one I was waiting for. They were really cool with lots of brass instruments incorporated. A completely different sound from anything I've heard and I am definitely going to check them out further when I get the chance.

The Maine

3Oh!3

-Hannah

Shatner Reads Palin's Speech.

2009-07-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

William Shatner reading Palin's speech. Highly entertaining.

You Too, Will Be Able to Enjoy True Blood

2009-07-27T08:45:00.001-07:00

I'm not just talking about the hit television show, I'm talking about the actual synthetic blood that the vampires drink on True Blood. In a panel at Comic-Con, Alan Ball, the executive producer of True Blood, let the crowd know that they soon will be able to purchase True Blood for themselves. It will be a blood-orange flavored soda that will be available September 10th. Yum! I think True Blood is a great show, and I'm not going to lie, I'm probably going try the soda.

Julie

Ryan Reynolds to be Two Superheros

2009-07-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Ryan Reynolds played Deadpool in the X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie. There has been a lot of talk about a Deadpool spinoff, starring Ryan Reynolds because Deadpool played a large role in the X-Men comics. Now however, Reynolds has been casted to play the Green Lantern in a movie that may possibly premier in the same year as the Deadpool spinoff. While starring in two large movies is very exciting for Reynolds, I think that this will only leave fans confused. I believe that seeing one actor playing two iconic superheroes will only leave fans mixing up the stories because they will have a hard time differentiating between the two superheroes. While they are both very different, I think that the average movie go-er, who is probably not a huge comic book reader, will find it strange that he is playing two different superheros.

As an avid Ryan Reynolds fan, (I loved him in Two Guys, A Girl, And a Pizza Place, Just Friends, Definitely Maybe, and The Proposal) I am happy that he is finally being casted in large blockbuster roles, I just hope that doubling up on the superheroes won't hurt him in the end. Maybe the fact that the characters are so different, Deadpool a literal dead pool of X-men powers, and the Green Lantern a pilot who received a ring of power, will make the dueling superhero roles a good career move. I guess we'll just have to wait and see to see how both the movies promote Reynolds and deal with the possibility of his role as two superheroes, but I am hoping things turn out well.

If you want to read more about his role as both Deadpool and the Green Lantern, here's an article about it.

Julie

Streaming: The Latest Way to Access Music

2009-07-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Perez Hilton claims that the music business may not be dead after all.

What does this queen of gossip know about the music business anyways? Don't worry, he based his thoughts off of this article.

A lot of websites are trying a different type of access to new music. When it comes to bands releasing new singles before their albums release, musicians are using websites like purevolume.com, myspace.com, and other outlets to get the music out to fans before they can buy it. This is called streaming. You can listen to songs in their entirety online. This article claims that streaming may be the reason behind illegal downloads going down.

The reason that streaming works well may have to do with the fact that people are spending more time sitting on their computers than doing other things. It has become extremely easy to just open up an extra window with the streaming music and listen while surfing the net. But it also may have to do with the fact that there are so many different ways to buy music outside of just iTunes and CDs now. For example, programs where you pay a monthly fee and can download an unlimited amount of songs have become popular.

MTV has a cool website called The Leak. (check it out at www.mtv.com/music/the_leak/ ) This is a special streaming site where fans can stream albums in entirety a few days before they are released. A fun fact is that All Time Low's second LP, Nothing Personal, that came out on July 7th and was streaming on The Leak a few days before its release and Nothing Personal had the largest leak in the website's history. This is another reason why streaming is a cool idea. It helps companies and people in the industry to track what fans like and what they don't.

Hannah

Jon Gosselin Moves on Quicky and Designs Children's Clothes

2009-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

By now I thought all of the Jon and Kate drama would be over with because Jon and Kate finally filed for divorce. Throughout the run of the show I cannot lie; I have been a Jon supporter. I thought Kate was crazy and super-controlling, but to her credit, when you have a lot of kids, if you are not extremely organized and on top of things everything would probably be a disaster. While watching the show I have enjoyed Jon's laid-back perspective on life, and I thought the love for his children was extremely apparent in the way he consistently took care of his kids. I completely understood Jon's point of view on the media, and the fact that he wanted to stop the production of Jon and Kate Plus 8. But even now I must admit that this is a low blow. Jon, just weeks after filing for a divorce with Kate is seen with another woman, who happens to be the daughter of the surgeon who performed Kate's tummy tuck after she had the sextuplets. Over and over again, Jon denied having an affair, but that seems a little unlikely now that he is with this woman so soon after the split. He has decided to pursue a career in creating children's clothing, a career he would have never been able to have without the exposure from the show. If he really wanted separation from the show, I think that it is completely hypocritical of him to pursue a career in children's clothing design. In the past I have been a supporter of Jon, but now I really don't care for either parent, and really have no desire to watch Jon and Kate Plus 8 any longer.

Learn more about Jon's new career choice and new love HERE.

Julie

Panic at the Disco, Possible Seperation?

2009-07-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today, at around 10:30 in the morning, Panic at the Disco posted a blog entry on their myspace saying that they would be splitting up due to creative differences. Ryan Ross, guitarist and vocalist, and Jon Walker, bassist and vocalist, will be leaving the band to persue other projects. Panic at the Disco has assured fans that the album and tour will go on as planned, but how reassuing is that? After the tour and album release, will they split for good? Are Jon and Ryan even going to be playing on the new album that is promised to come out soon? Even though their first and second album sounded completely different I loved them both equally. Some are saying the band is splitting because the the albums were so different and they members couldn't agree on a sound, but I do not think that is true. I think that their sound evolved and both albums are awesome in their down right. The pop/techno feel of the first album is fun to dance to, and the retro-pop feel of their second album demonstrates the artistic ability of the band. I hope that as Panic evolves and the possibilty of new members is eminent, that they continue to make quality music and never stop evolving their music into even better sounds.

Check out the band's myspace to learn more about the seperation.
http://www.myspace.com/panicatthedisco

I Write Sins, Not Tragedies - A single off their first album A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Nine in the Afternoon - A single off their second album Pretty.Odd

Julie

Through Life and Death, MJ Rumors Still Spread

2009-07-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Through life and Death, MJ rumors still spread
Here are the top rumors about Michael Jackson that are either just stupid, or have some shred of truth.

Michael Jackson faked his own death
Are they fuckin serious. Excuse the language but let the man have his peace. Tupac did not fake his own death. Elvis did not fake his own death. Let them all have their peace. Thank you.

Al Malnik claims he’s the father of all of MJ’s children
This guy is out here saying he’s the father of all his children. He claims he’s also the executor of MJ’s will due to the money he had lent him. I’m guessing he’s trying to get in on some of MJ’s money.

One of several molestation charges
The man is now 29, and claimed he was molested and got a 15 million dollar settlement out of it. Now a judge announces that no charges have ever been filed. Seriously, I think most of the charges against him were false, and the charges were filed as a way for the parents to make quick money by convincing their kids to see things that have never happened.
If you know of any more rumors that you see that you think are just stupid, spread the word. Maybe eventually people will allow him to finally get the rest that many people never let him get.

Overdosing
There are also growing rumors that the doctor overdosed him on morphine or Demerol. It doesn’t help that he has a song called morphine. They also say that he was addicted to it.

Michael Jackson may you finally rest in peace. Your music defined a generation, and you will always live forever within all of us. Thank you for everything. RIP

From the mind of
Keveeno Reeverts

Now here is my top 5 all time favorite MJ songs. RIP man, we love you.

5- Black or White

4-Beat It

3-Thriller

2-Billie Jean

1-Man in the Mirror

Honorable Mentions

Bad

Smooth Criminal

Introducing the 50e Summer Interns – Round Two

2009-06-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

So earlier this summer we introduced you to our elite team of interns here at 50 Entertainment. Here's a few more for you.

The Rest of the Gang:

Julie

Keveeno (the only one who gets a guest spot in his pic) Reeverts

Sonja

Let's have a fun summer!

Chris Brown, It’s Time to Grow a Pair.

2009-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

This past Monday (June 22nd 2009), Chris Brown sat silent in court while lawyers worked out a plea bargain avoiding jail time for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna. The current deal being worked out is an effort for Brown to avoid jail time for his vicious attack. This cushy deal gets Brown off the hook, all he needs to do is community labor, have 5 years probation, and attend anger management classes. In my opinion this is disgusting. Roslyn Muraskin (Director of the Long Island Women’s Institute) states, “It sets a very poor example, it sends the wrong message to young men and victims of domestic violence.” I couldn’t agree more.

Chris Brown should have lost it all, but he will likely come out on top because of his celebrity status. It won’t be hard for him to do his community service, and write some auto-biography about how he has learned from his mistake, and found a better way cope with his emotions.

So to this I ask him, “If you’re man enough to solve your problems with violence, man enough to beat up a woman you claimed to love, then why are you not man enough to go to jail?” I guess you just aren’t a man after all. So Chris, when you’re putting on that free concert for your community service to cover backside, remember that even Martha Stewart and Paris Hilton have more street-cred than you do.

Cameron

Is Being an Independent Band Better for these Trying Times?

2009-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

There is a ridiculously good band based out of Washington D.C. that is currently touring and releasing music independently. They are You, Me, And Everyone We Know. Their music has been compared to Panic at the Disco and Say Anything because of the similarities in voices between Ben Liebsch (their lead singer) with Brendon Urie and Max Bemis.

This band has the attitude of being "unsigned and just fine". They have no help from a label doing every single thing involved with the band on their own. This mentality makes everything they do revolve around their music. You Me and Everyone We Know has gotten attention from labels but has never felt right about signing. They don’t want to be blamed for doing their music for the money. They don't have a label to call when their van breaks down or to fund a hotel stay when they need some financial help. In addition, they do not have the help of a label to produce albums and release them at many different outlets.

When both of their albums first came out they gave the music out for free online. They gave away thousands of albums and realized that they were getting enough attention to start charging money for them. Now their albums "Party for the Grown and Sexy" and "So Young, So Insane" can be found on iTunes. These albums have been very successful as well.

Rico Vigil, guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist, was asked about their ‘unsigned and just fine’ attitude towards their music and how it has affected them as a band and responded by saying, "It’s proved to be the best attitude we could have adopted as a band. With the way the music industry is getting to be, putting yourself in the “once we’re signed” mindset can really slow you down." They have toured with the likes of I Am the Avalanche, The Dear Hunter, Four Year Strong, Just Surrender, Every Avenue, Sing it Loud, and The Color Fred.

In some way their “unsigned and just fine” attitude gains them more respect from fans as well as other band because they do what they do strictly to share their music and meet people across the country. In my opinion, they create amazing music and could probably sign to a label with no problem.

Check out the rest of the featured interview at:
http://changetherecord.net/2009/01/10/interview-you-me-and-everyone-we-know/

Check out the bands tunes at:
http://www.myspace.com/youmeandeveryoneweknow

Hannah

Band Name History

2009-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

For years, I have been curious about different bands’ names, origins, and why they always sounded so much cooler than anything I could ever think of myself. So after some research, I have found that most of the origins were merely nothing more than coincidence. Below is a list of five bands’ names and the history behind them.

1) Blink 182: The band was originally going after the name “Blink” which they claim has no meaning, but was threatened with a lawsuit from an Irish band named “Blink.” Thus, the band added 182 which is supposedly the number of times the f-bomb is dropped in one of the member’s favorite movie.

2) Chumbawamba: The band claims that in one of their band member’s dreams he couldn’t decipher which restroom to use. The restroom signs in this particularly odd dream said “Chumba” and “Wamba” rather than “Men” and “Women.”

3) LL Cool J: I lost a bit of respect for him after finding out what this actually means… This artist’s real name is actually James Todd Smith. LL Cool J actually stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.”

4) Goo Goo Dolls: Originally the band called themselves the “Sex Maggots,” however when they were told by a local newspaper that their name was too obscene to print; Jonny Rzenick (front man of the Goo Goo Dolls) picked up a magazine from the early 60’s with and add for a doll that cried “Goo Goo” when you turned it upside down.

5) Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan’s real name is actually Robert Zimmerman. He was apparently very fond of the poet Dylan Thomas. Thus, when putting the two names together Robert (Bob) Dylan was born.

There you have it! Hope this helps anyone and everyone out there discover what their band or stage name might be; and/or how to find it. Check back soon for more band names and their origins.

Cameron

What Makes a Good Artist (to You)

2009-06-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

One thing that I have noticed about people is their different tastes in music. I’ve been a fan of hip hop since I started listening to music, which sadly wasn’t until 2001. It took a few complications in my life that made me realize what a gift this music was. Before that, I did listen to music but I didn’t care for it as much… it was just something in the background. It wasn’t until I listened to (unfortunately) Eminem that I understood why people loved rap. His music was catchy, controversial, and at that time in my life it spoke to me. I grew, but of course Eminem stayed the same and his music didn’t speak to me anymore.

What I’m getting at is that for each person, their favorite artists/songs speak to them in a way that it doesn’t for other people. Whether it’s the beat, lyrics, artist, or just a random catch phrase in a song, there’s something different in it for every person. I grew up with my sister being very critical, always asking me “why do you like this?” and it made me actually look into it. So this is open to interpretation, I want to know people’s favorite artists or favorite song and why.

From the mind of

Keveeno Reeverts

Man Starts Spontaneous Dance Party

2009-06-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

In this video, one man begins dancing by himself and gets the other people in the crowd around him to join in a spontaneous dance party. It’s really fun to watch, and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be the person to start a giant dance party?

The Hangover Movie Review

2009-06-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

I went and saw The Hangover last friday night with some of my friends. I knew going into the movie that it was going to really funny, through the previews and celebrity tweets (Mark Hoppus). The movie was about 4 friends who went to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. From start to finish the movie was just full of laughs and I can't remember a part of the movie when the audience was not laughing. There was never a dull moment with Ed Helms (Stu Price), who we all know and love from The Office as Andy Bernard. I can see him starring in many more movies in the future. The other members of the cast were great and included Bradley Cooper (Phil Wenneck), who took charge as the group had to find thier friend Justin Bartha (Doug Billings) who went missing after the night of craziness. My favorite character hands down was Zach Galifianakis (Alan Garner), he always seemed to stir things up. There were times during the movie, where you think you had it figured out, but you would be very wrong. I say go see this movie because if you don't you would be missing one of the greatest movies this summer. I haven't laughed this hard since Superbad, I am going to be seeing this movie again to pick up on things I missed due to the fact I was laughing so hard.

Will

The Hangover. Just....wow. My stomach hurts from laughing so hard. That's the funniest thing I've seen in forever. So wrong.11:15 PM Jun 3rd from UberTwitter - Mark Hoppus Twitter.

Here's an article about Ed Helm's missing tooth.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20283408,00.html

ELEVATION to go on Armed Forces Tour in July

2009-06-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's an honor to announce that ELEVATION will be embarking on a tour to the Middle East in July to play for service men and women in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kyrgyzstan. Although some of the areas we may be visiting might be sensitive, we will try to update you as much as possible during the tour with blogs and photos. This is going to be a thrilling experience for us.

Also, we are adding some East Coast dates in late June right before we head out. So be sure to come out and send us off.

Love,
ELEVATION

Concert Review: Third Eye Blind @ First Ave.

2009-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Third Eye Blind made a stop at First Ave. in Minneapolis last Sunday, May 31st. The show was packed and my view was obstructed by a lot of tall people, but that didn't bother me because I had a real good time singing along.

It took the first few songs for the band to really get into it, but their energy level after that more than exceeded my expectations. Even though Third Eye Blind experienced a ridiculous amount of success in the 90's they have not sold out. They made it clear how much they appreciate us all sticking with them through their 6-year-no-album-break and that they would not be out on tour before their album even drops if it was not for all the fans. They played a good mix of songs from all their albums. The band did something really interesting in the middle of the set to slow it down and relax a little bit. All the members sat down on the drum risers and played acoustic instruments for a few songs and even let the crowd chose a few of the songs they would play. It really felt like there was a connection between the band and the audience. After that they bounced back to being just as energetic as they were earlier in their set closing with many of the upbeat sing-a-longs like "Jumper" and "Semi Charmed Life". They even played a song from their most recent EP Red Star, and another from their forthcoming LP, Ursa Major.

The most powerful moment of the concert for me was when they played "Motorcycle Drive By". Stephen Jenkins explained that it is a really old song and it meant a lot to him when he wrote it and that it continues to mean a lot to him now because it means a lot to so many of us. It is one of my favorite songs by the band and I couldn't help but get chills when they played it.

Everyone pick up their forthcoming LP, Ursa Major, that is coming out August 18th! Third Eye Blind is currently a completely independent band with no record label, so I am sure they would really appreciate the support.

-Hannah