Does Friday the 13th equal a freaky news day in the music world? Find out here.

The Who are scheduled to perform at Super Bowl XLIV, which will be held Feb. 7, 2010, in Miami. This will be the band’s first North American performance since 2008. The biggest night in pro football and the Who? My dad (and probably yours, too) can now die happy. (But let’s hope they don’t! Die now, that is.)

Don’t forget about your homework for the weekend — keeping up on the latest music news.

Jay-Z announced the second leg of his tour for his new album, Blueprint 3. (No Florida stops are included.) The record may just be a “blueprint,” but no doubt it’s a plan to lay the foundation of yet another successful project for Jigga.

A fresh batch of music links to start the weekend off right.

• The Flaming Lips plan to cover Pink Floyd’s classic 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon, a collaborative effort with Stardeath and White Dwarfs. Let’s just state the obvious, here: It takes some serious balls to redo Dark Side of the Moon. Don’t mess this up, Lips.
• Garth Brooks will be performing at Las Vegas’ Wynn resort on Oct. 24, but promises the show will be completely antithetical to the typical, flashy Sin City show. In fact, it will be reminiscent of his original Stillwater, Okla., shows in 1983. Because people visiting Vegas really wish they could feel like they’re living it up in Oklahoma circa 1983.
• John Mayer’s new album, Battle Studies, drops Nov. 17. Mayer will also perform a concert that night airing live on Fuse. Reasons as to why Battle Studies was not titled Songs About Jennifer Aniston have yet to be announced.
• Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo is writing a song with Katy Perry that will possibly be featured on her follow-up to One of the Boys. It’s like Cuomo knew this collaboration was written in the stars: He looks just like Buddy Holly, and (oh oh) Perry bears resemblance to Mary Tyler Moore.
• Bon Jovi is now the “artist in residence” for NBC to promote their new album, The Circle, which lands in stores Nov. 12. I wouldn’t mind if Jon Bon Jovi pulled a Rick Springfield and bared some of his finer assets to the world.
• The Arctic Monkeys released a video for “Cornerstone,” the second single off of Humbug. The video looks like it was inspired by a homemade YouTube video — Arctic Monkey see, Arctic Monkey do — but its simplicity complements the loveliness of the tune. Watch the video and get more music links after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

A helping of music links to get you through the weekend.

• Despite Thom Yorke’s ongoing solo project, Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien says the band will be releasing a physical album sometime next year. I don’t care if you give me something online or on vinyl — just keep on playing, Radiohead.
• Amy Winehouse is “hopefully” going to be releasing an album in 2010, according to Island Records co-president Darcus Beese. She’ll also “hopefully” be sober next year. And “hopefully” eat a cookie or two. And “hopefully” wash her hair.
• Ozzy Osbourne promises to answer fan questions in an upcoming issue of Uncut magazine, and inquiries are now being accepted online. Whether or not anyone will be able to understand the answers he supplies remains to be seen.
• Method Man was arrested for tax evasion in New York and now faces four years in prison. Dude, didn’t you learn anything about the legal system from your days on The Wire?
• French electronic musician Alan Braxe has re-mixed Beyonce’s new single, “Broken-Hearted Girl.” It doesn’t matter how good it is, Braxe: Kanye’s comin’ after you.
• The Pixies are releasing limited-edition CDs and digital downloads from their current tour, where they’re playing Doolittle in its entirety. Even the indie rock crowd is jumping on the digital bandwagon. Are you taking note, Killers?
• If you can’t wait for Beck to release a new album, listening to Charlotte Gainsbourg’s IRM ought to curb your appetite.  Beck wrote the album’s music, co-wrote the lyrics, produced and mixed it, but it’s still Gainsbourg’s record. Really.
• Soulja Boy was arrested in Georgia for obstruction after telling police officers that people gathered at an abandoned home were there shooting a music video.  This is seriously the uncoolest thing a rapper has ever been arrested for. Read the rest of this entry »

Enjoy a dose of music news and videos to kick off the weekend.

• Surprise! Kanye’s all talk and no show and cancels his American tour with Lady GaGa.  But maybe you can catch him at Taylor Swift’s next concert.
• Radiohead’s Thom Yorke announces his solo band will be making an early debut tonight in L.A. The still-unnamed project also includes bassist Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
• New Jersey-based fans of The Boss will be treated to complete performances of some of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s classic albums at a series of concerts being played at Giants Stadium. Hungry hearts, consider yourselves fed.
• Social Distortion is currently “road testing” new tracks on their U.S. tour from their upcoming album, tentatively slated for release in 2010.
• Madonna’s latest album, Celebration, takes the top spot on Billboard’s Top 100 European Albums. Does this mean she’s going to bring back the faux British accent? Let’s hope not.
• A biopic on the Ramones is in the works, and is based on a book by Joey Ramone’s brother. If you see this flick, feel free to beat the brat in the theater who refuses to turn off her cell phone.
• Kylie Minogue kicked off her first American tour this week in Oakland, Calif. And you thought Beyonce and Lady GaGa were the only pop singers who could pull off a shiny leotard.
• Michael Buble released his video for “Haven’t Met You Yet” from his upcoming Crazy Love album, which drops Oct. 9. What are you waiting for, Michael? You’ll never meet me if you’re shopping at the wrong grocery store. (The vid and more in music news after the jump.) Read the rest of this entry »

Paula Abdul and regret. Ellen DeGeneres and opportunity. Kanye West and unwarranted opinion. Beyonce and PR. Peanut butter and jelly. Jelly and John Goodman.

Spider-Man: art lover.

Some things just go together – like vintage clothing and artwork. Don’t believe me? Just ask those in attendance at St. Pete’s ARTpool’s monthly gallery opening, Heroes & Heroines — or any of the locals who frequent the shop for a must-have creation in fabric or frame.

ARTpool opened in April of 2008 and has been making waves ever since.

Its mission statement is to “partner with the community to form an organic, evolving cooperative of artists that will work together to build a sustainable and a mutually beneficial artistic environment that promotes creativity, originality, and forward thought.” It’s done just that, holding events ranging from fashion shows to children’s installation events.

The latest opening was last Saturday, and, inspired by decades of comic book art, owner Marina Williams and local artists banded together to celebrate the finest fashions and fantasies. Live entertainment and artistry complemented the creation-lined walls as superhero and civilian alike answered the bat signal to enjoy St. Pete’s finest fusion. Read the rest of this entry »

With the Loafies on Tuesday, I am getting ready for a little awards show action. What better way to prepare for my acceptance speech (I’m winning a Loafie for something, right?) than to watch the MTV VMAs?

My favorite part of any awards show is the red carpet, generally…but this is the VMAs so I know the best is yet to come, so briefly, here are my thoughts on the red carpet arrivals:
• Lady Gaga is Phantoming it up in that mask. And I have to say I feel that Kermit has actually downgraded from Miss Piggy, as we are not certain that Gaga ( right) is technically a Lady.

• Shakira and Pink are in the same dress. This is a disaster, seriously, whose dress is that? Who let that happen? Some poor assistant at a New York fashion house is about to join the unemployment line.

• Alicia Keys looks adorable!  I am in love with that dress. That woman is the picture of sophistication lately.

• Now, onto the show where we will discuss Kanye’s diss, Gaga’s bleeding, Pink’s Boob and more…. Read the rest of this entry »

So, admittedly, I’ve been slacking in bringing you updates about my week up in D.C., which I promised to do as recently as this past Monday. Been too busy standing around in uncomfortable shoes, I guess. I don’t have great photos from either “An Evening with Jay-Z,” a one-off unofficial celebration show Jay put on at an intimate theater Monday night — no cameras allowed, d’oh! — or from the swearing-in ceremony itself, which turned out to be a total shitshow for our ticketed section. We just barely made it inside the Capitol grounds, and even though could hardly see much except for a video screen (partially obscured by a couple trees to boot).

But Tuesday night, we made it to the Neighborhood Ball, which was televised live on ABC and featured performances by Jay-Z (again), Mariah Carey, Will.i.am, Mary J Blige, etc., and appearances by Diddy, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jamie Foxx, etc. The highlight of the entire night, though, had to be the First Couple, and the First Dance, a romantic twirl to a special live performance of “At Last” by Beyoncé. You can scope tons of photos from Monday and Tuesday here, thanks to my wife, Rachel.

And then, there was last night: a private ball for ex-Obama staffers only, with speeches by the President and Vice President, and hour-long shows from both The Arcade Fire and Jay-Z (again, again). To say this event was sweet would be a drastic understatement.

Read the rest of this entry »

Michele got some undeserved flak for the rhinestone-y yellow outfit (too 5 p.m., said one wag on CNN), but  – what’s with the gown? Is that chenille?

First dance: “At Last,” by Beyonce – simultaneously hyping her performance as Etta James in Cadillac Records – way to multi-task, Miss B!

One thing’s for sure – the new prez is smooth on the dance floor – and they’re one bee-too-tee-ful couple.

This just in: Designer of bedspread gown is Jason Wu

Update on Obama cool factor: Conversing with the Chicago National Guard troop beamed in from Afghanistan, he gauges who’s a Cubs and who’s a Sox fan (like him) – funny, relaxed

Bob Woodruff interviewing Michelle on ABC (recorded prior to the balls): She tells him tomorrow’s going to be a White House open house

And prior to Bob and Michelle: A disarmingingly touching interview with Beyonce about what it meant to sing for the Obamas (OK, so I was a little snarky about the Cadillac tie-in, but still…_

More from ABC: Interview with black descendant of white slaveowners — ancestors of John McCain.

The Youth Ball: Promised to be the “noisest” ball, and it doesn’t disappoint (oh those noisy youth). Obama thanks youth: “What started out as an improbable journey, where nobody gave us a chance, was inspired by, energized by young people across America” [prompts mass 'Yes we can' chants]

Obama’s speeches at the balls are considerably more upbeat and crowd-rousing than the inaugural address

Classic sign-off: “That’s what ’s called old school” after finishing his Youth Ball dance with Michelle

CNN fashion mavens: Michelle is “shining the light on young designers” (Jason Wu is in his 20s) – and fun fact – Mary Todd Lincoln also wore white (how do fashion mavens know these things?)

And “Anderson,” asks Campbell Brown, baiting her co-anchor, “your views on the dress?” Anderson demurs, though you know he has an opinion.

From Brian Williams on NBC: Malia and Sasha are having a sleepover tonight, having friends over to watch Bolt and High School Musical 3 – like that wasn’t the knock-down, drag-out, “Mom you better get me invited over to the White House for the inaugural sleepover or I will never talk to you again!”

“It was a catharis for the country,” says one of the attendees at the local Dem inaugural ball at the Casino at Gulfport, interviewed on WFLA’s 11 o’clock newscast. ‘”But tomorrow is another day.”

Apt sign-off, that. Good night, and good luck.

Watch more YouTube videos on AOL Video

“We Are One” was the concert’s optimistic theme, but — inadvertently or not — the performances and speeches in yesterday’s pre-inaugural bash featured more than a little oneupsmanship, and even a little upstaging. Favorite faceoffs:

Steve Carell vs. Jamie Foxx: How could Carell not come off as the whitest man in America when paired with Jamie Foxx, who roused everyone to stand up for Chi-town, then capped it off with an imitation of the prez-elect that even had the man himself laughing?

Shakira vs. Stevie Wonder vs. Usher: Wonder and Usher grooved together joyfully. Shakira played catch-up.

James Taylor vs. John Legend vs. Jennifer Nettles: James, wake up! There are people around you who are actually singing!

The Eagles vs. Obama: What a wondrous display of American freedom: Two big birds trying to fly, but tethered to their masters’ wrists. And what a lousy lead-in for the president-elect’s speech.

Garth Brooks vs. our patience: OK, he got the crowd going with “Shout” — but several switches back and forth to the football game later, and he’s still on?

There were other awkward faceoffs, too (Tom Hanks vs. Aaron Copland, a draw) but also plenty of teamwork that paid off (Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi, who woulda thunk). And a shout-out to the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington — I didn’t see them credited on screen, but that was them singing with “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” with Josh Groban and Heather Headley (who lost that faceoff, by the way), and their presence was a heartening sign of inclusion.

Plus Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé (both giving impassioned performances), and Bruce, Bono, Pete Seeger… No matter the occasional glitches and ponderousness, this was a pretty damn cool concert. And nice of HBO to broadcast it for free.

As the inauguration craziness gets into full swing this weekend, here’s some video from Obama’s 137-mile train journey from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Here are some shots from the trip, below the jump: Read the rest of this entry »

Eat me, baby! Megan Fox to star as a flesh-munching cheerleader in Diablo Cody’s Jennifer’s Body. Which is great news, because that means I get to post a gratuitous pic of Megan Fox. (For the last time, she’s the hot girl from Transformers.)

Four more critics’ picks: Slumdog Millionaire (now playing in the Tampa Bay area) tops two more best-of lists (including Florida), while The Dark Knight and Frost/Nixon each get the number one spot by other tastemakers.

Tim-mah! Tim Robbins reported to play Iron Man’s dad. Discuss.

Hot stuff: David Fincher is cooking up something with Keanu Reeves. Seriously, the title is Chef.

Dredd-ful: A new Judge Dredd film is on the way. I wish I were kidding.

The Final Frontier: Majel Barrett-Roddenberry passes away at 76.

A hot chick totally wants to do me, and I’ve got an angel of a wife at home – score! Take one part Fatal Attraction, one part The Temp, add the ending of Pacific Heights, mix with a dash of Jungle Fever and voila! – Obsessed, yet another brain-dead male fantasy film masquerading as a lurid thriller.