Daily Loaf

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.

*Creepier headlines than this are hard to come by, even with Halloween approaching: Amy Winehouse’s Dad: She and Her New Boobs Are ‘Fantastic’ …. Mmmmmmk, well first of all, this is a lie because I am a person and I know about things and I have eyes. Second, I did not realize that Joe Simpson was Amy Winehouse’s father. Small world.

*Mischa Barton has made a statement, which is basically the Hollywood equivalent of “Well, I didn’t want to be on your team anyway so I am taking my ball and going home” by telling the media “that whole world of network television, probably isn’t, for me, a good idea now. I need to start reading for more serious roles.” This news come just weeks after her ill-fated and awful CW series, The Beautiful Life, was pulled off the air.

*In Full House news, because that show will remain relevant for-e-ver,  Jodie Sweetin is releasing her memoir next month and as it turns out, the Olsen twins weren’t the only ones spending the majority of their New York Minute premiere in a bathroom stall. That was a bulimia joke. Get it? Cuz they are so thin? Okay, fine, it wasn’t that funny. This gets better, I promise.

After the jump: girl on girl for charity, people who are still the same as they were last week and a little Adam Lambert candy for the soul.

Read the rest of this entry »

The weekend doesn’t officially end until you’re caught up on your music news.

• RollingStone.com has exclusive video footage of Maroon 5 recording the follow-up album to 2007’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long. The video also includes footage of the band lounging in Switzerland, where lead singer Adam Levine (pictured right) and company have been working on the album. Mr. Levine is truly my dream man, a beautiful, perverted poet. Isn’t that what all women want?

• Fuse will air the world premiere of Nirvana Live at Reading on Monday, Nov. 1, at 11 p.m. The concert is from 1992 and has never been released. Yes, everyone you know will be watching (and re-watching) this broadcast.
• Them Crooked Vultures have finally (finally!) announced the release date of their self-titled debut album to be Nov. 17. “No One Knows” for sure until the album drops, but I’d be a “Pretender” if I didn’t say this album could be a “Stairway to [Rock 'n' Roll] Heaven.”
• Artists like Pearl Jam, R.E.M. and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails have joined the National Campaign to Close Guantanamo after learning their music may have been used to torture detainees. Is Miley Cyrus on the list of musicians whose music aided in the torture? Seriously. I’m not trying to be funny.
• Weezer is teaming up with Chamillionaire, Sara Bareilles and Kenny G for tracks for an upcoming edition of AOL Sessions at AOL’s Beverly Hills studio. Well, Beverly Hills is where Weezer wants to be, but who knew it would be Kenny G that would get them there?
• Speaking of Weezer, the band released the video for “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To,” the first single off their new Raditude album, slated for release on Oct. 27. Enjoy the video — in your favorite undone sweater and with some pork and beans, of course — and more music links after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

The first time I ever heard the Backstreet Boys, I was 10 years old and on my way to the hospital to be treated for a fractured wrist. The song was “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart),” and boy, did those dreamboats have me hooked. Amid my pain and my hatred for Ralph Green — the boy responsible for my broken arm — I still remember thinking, “Man, this is going to be my new favorite band. These guys are going to be huge.”

And huge they were, snagging fans like me and just about every other 8- to 17-year-old girl in 1997 after the release of their self-titled debut.  The hits kept coming — “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” “I Want It That Way,” “Shape of My Heart” — and it seemed like these singing and dancing machines were unstoppable.

Until they stopped.

Five years later,  when BSB released Never Gone in 2005, they were unable to re-establish their presence on the pop scene and another attempt in 2007, Unbreakable, also failed to chart. An entire era of boy band domination as I’d known it — with acts like ‘NSYNC, LFO, and 98 Degrees following the Backstreet Boys’ lead — seemed to be coming to an end. 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 »

By Catherine Durkin Robinson
PoHo contributor
Catherine Durkin Robinson is a handful, creating quite a scene over at Out in Left Field.

“Isms in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an ism, he should believe in himself.”
– Ferris Bueller

What if white, country-boy Kanye West had interrupted African-American, R&B singer Taylor Swift? Would this switcheroo have changed public sentiment after their now-infamous interaction at the VMAs?

I doubt it.

The only difference – Kanye West would have been called a racist and a bigot, his behavior used as evidence that we still have a long way to go.

Well. We can call him a racist anyway. And still agree that we have a long way to go.

My question is – who cares?

Read the rest of this entry »

Given props by Kanye West and Grizzly Bear’s Ed Droste in January, featured on NPR this past August, Blind Man’s Colour is the new hip unknown and they happen to hail from right here in St. Petersburg. Co-visionaries Kyle Wyss (guitar and lead vocals) and Orhan Chettri (keys, laptop and back-up vocals, both pictured at right) are some damn talented kids who front an experimental foursome most often compared to Animal Collective. But the duo relies more on organic instrumentation rather than sonicboards and synthesizers to get their driving sound, and are joined by a bassist and drummer to bring the low end throb and punchy dance beats to their songs. BMC also relies very little on grandiose washes of sound and aimless barrages of noise so beloved by experimental acts, instead focusing on the delicacies of melody with ’60s pop-inspired vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Beach Boys, sweet and high and charming, and a driving electromagnetic sound with just enough psychedelia, ambient trance and moments of tropical hop to keep things interesting. myspace.com/weareblindmanscolour.

For a complete list of Best of the Bay winners, click here.

*Kate Gosselin has been offered $400,000 to pose for Playboy. I propose that Hugh take that money and offer it to Jon Gosselin to never speak in public ever again. I think it is time that Playboy does something good for the world and this is a win-win…because no one wants to see a mother of eight’s vajayjay — no one.

*Remember that neoprene number Ra’mon won with on Project Runway a couple weeks ago? (If not, you can check it out here.) According to Tim Gunn, who never lies or is wrong about anything ever so I totally believe him, the dress was dyed in the toilet at FIDM. Here is my question…is that dye or 2000 Flushes? I won’t judge but really, it’s a legit question.

*Megan Fox has opened her mouth again. Calling Michael Bay, the mastermind behind such films as The Rock, Armageddon and apparently Playboy Video Centerfold: Kerri Kendall (who knew?!), “Hitler” and a “nightmare.” His revenge? 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 »

A weekly bulletin about who’s playing on late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you’ve got an early bedtime. See a day missing? No musical guest that night…

The Jay Leno Show, NBC (he’s baaacckk!)
Monday, September 14: Jay-Z with Rihanna & Kanye West (likely performing their single, “Run This Town,” pictured right)
Wednesday, September 16: Miley Cyrus
Thursday, September 17: Bruce Hornsby & Eric Clapton

The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS
Monday, September 14: Cage the Elephant (rerun, July 30)
Tuesday, September 15: Care Bears on Fire (August 26)
Wednesday, September 16: John Fogerty (September 3)
Friday, September 18: Gary Mule Deer (August 20) Read the rest of this entry »

The stickiest whistling of the 21st century was conceived in Sweden, nurtured in the collective musical subconscious of three Stockholm musicians, shaped by their distinct creative personalities and love of New Wave, alt rock and ’60s pop, and born several years later in a catchy, charming pop ditty, “Young Folks.”

By that time, Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John — singer/guitarist Peter Morén, singer/bassist/keyboardist Bjorn Yttling and singer/drummer/percussionist John Eriksson — had enjoyed some minor fame, but still worked day jobs to support themselves. “Young Folks” was the first single off their third album, 2006’s Writer’s Block, and by mid-2007, the song seemed to be everywhere — sampled by Kanye West, covered by Pete Yorn, used in TV shows ranging from Grey’s Anatomy to Gossip Girl and in ads by Budweiser, Napster, American Eagle Outfitters and AT&T, among others.

“It changed everything,” de facto leader Peter Morén tells me from a hotel in Utah a few weeks ago in the midst of his band’s current gig opening for Depeche Mode. He says that up until that point, they did the band for fun. “But now we do the band for money and other stuff for fun… no, no, it’s still fun,” he laughs, adding, “It’s just not something that we really expected.” Read the rest of this entry »