Archive: June 2010 (121-130 of 135)

Jun 3 2010 05:31 PM ET

Eminem and Pink's duet, 'Won't Back Down,' hits the Web

by
Categories: Eminem, Hip-Hop/Rap, Pink

Eminem-pinkImage Credit: Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com; Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.comOne of the more intriguing entries on the recently announced track list for Eminem’s Recovery (due June 22) was “Won’t Back Down,” featuring Pink. What mayhem could two personalities as strong as theirs unleash on a track together? Rap Radar debuted “Won’t Back Down” today, so now we have our answer.

The tone of “Won’t Back Down” is about as different as can be from the zen calm of previous Recovery single “Not Afraid.” Eminem sounds angry as all hell, spewing multisyllabic venom over squalling guitars and drums courtesy of rising producer DJ Khalil. His verbal agility is as impressive as ever, but content-wise this is nothing we haven’t heard from Em before. One clever moment comes a few minutes in, when the track’s volume suddenly drops out mid-rant. “Turn me back up!” Em retorts, still right on beat, and the track complies. “Are you insane? Trying to talk over me in the car? Shut the f— up while my s—’s playing!” How meta. As for Pink, she discharges her hook-howling duties competently, though frankly I expected something a little less anonymous-sounding from her.

What do you think of “Won’t Back Down”? Does this make you more or less excited for Recovery?

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
President Obama joins “Hey Jude” singalong at the White House
Pucker up! 3OH!3 and Ke$ha’s video for “First Kiss”
Dierks Bentely goes bluegrass with “Up on the Ridge”
Drake’s ‘Thank Me Later’ leaks online

Jun 3 2010 04:38 PM ET

President Obama joins 'Hey Jude' singalong at the White House

by
Categories: Paul McCartney, Supergroups, The Beatles

barack-paulImage Credit: YURI GRIPAS/AFP/Getty ImagesPaul McCartney’s performance at the White House last night turned into an all-star jam session — and a presidential one, at that. He was there to accept the third ever Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which has previously been awarded to Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder. The New York Times has a full run-down of Macca’s set, which included singing “Michelle” to First Lady Michelle Obama (cute!), along with several other Beatles and solo hits.

Perhaps the best part of all came when McCartney closed the show with “Hey Jude,” accompanied by many of the other artists who had paid tribute to him during the evening. The line-up included, among others, Elvis Costello, Jack White, Emmylou Harris, Dave Grohl, Herbie Hancock, Faith Hill, Jerry Seinfeld (?!), and President Barack Obama himself. Hit the jump to see the leader of the free world getting into the spirit with a few enthusiastic na-na-na-nas. (Clip via Pitchfork.)

Some critics seem to find Obama’s participation in the singalong unbefitting of his office, but come on. Who among us could resist singing along to the end of “Hey Jude” when Sir Paul himself is in the building? Certainly not I.

READ FULL STORY »

Jun 3 2010 02:43 PM ET

Pucker up! Watch 3OH!3 and Ke$ha in the video for 'My First Kiss'

by
Categories: Music Videos, Video Gaga

3OH3-keshaImage Credit: 3OH!3: Pamela LittkyColorado duo 3OH!3 has just premiered the video for their Ke$ha-featuring single, “My First Kiss.” As you might expect, the clip—which is from the forthcoming CD, Streets of Gold—boasts plenty of smoochifying. Young people. Old people. People on a couch. A guy with a beard. Another guy with a beard. Pretty much everyone gets involved except for a pair of stuffed animals, though that’s probably a good thing.

Anyway, check out the video after the jump and tell us what you think. Anyone out there have any entertaining first kiss stories they would care to share with the group?

READ FULL STORY »

Jun 3 2010 01:39 PM ET

Dierks Bentley goes bluegrass with 'Up On the Ridge': Stream new song 'Draw Me a Map' exclusively here

by
Categories: An EW Exclusive!, Country, Y'all!, Dierks Bentley, Downloads and Streams

Dierks-BentleyImage Credit: Danny ClinchCountry star Dierks Bentley‘s new album Up On the Ridge drops June 8, and the Music Mix is counting down by streaming three exclusive tracks from the all-acoustic “bluegrass-influenced” project — a definite departure for the dude who just last year wanted us all to get a little “Sideways.” For inspiration, Bentley says he drew on his younger days at Nashville’s famed Station Inn, and wanted to reclaim some “musical turf” he thought he’d lost. “I’ve always made the records that I wanted to make, but the trappings of success come with playing it safe,” he admits. “I just needed to get off the grid and do something different. In the end, I think people will go for it, and if they don’t, I think they’ll respect the fact that I tried.”

In lieu of more singles with long, road or leaving in the title (we kid because we love), Bentley brought in collaborators like Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill, Kris Kristofferson, and the Punch Brothers. He covered Dylan, Buddy and Julie Miller, even U2′s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” — with Del McCoury on high harmonies. The guests pitched in out of friendship, not ambition, says Bentley. “I called their cell phones directly,” he says, then pauses. “Kristofferson I did not call,” he laughs.

“Draw Me a Map” — co-written by Bentley and featuring a guest vocal from bluegrass queen Alison Krauss herself — is track one of our three exclusives; the next two will run tomorrow and Monday, before Tuesday’s release of Up On the Ridge. Give a listen, and then give us your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to come back tomorrow for another new tune!

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Drake’s ‘Thank Me Later’ leaks online
Alison Iraheta’s ‘Don’t Waste the Pretty’: Check out her new single featuring Orianthi!
Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry cover Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”
Lady Gaga talks lupus diagnosis, Michael Jackson collaboration with Larry King
Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith pair up for ‘Karate Kid’ single ‘Never Say Never’: Watch the new video
M.I.A. strikes back at journalist with a furious new song

Jun 3 2010 01:02 PM ET

Usher continues reign on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, while Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox underperform

by
Categories: Adam Lambert, American Idol, B.O.B., Charts, Eminem, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Lee DeWyze, Taio Cruz, Usher

usher-idolsImage Credit: Usher:Norman Jean Roy; Michael Becker/FoxFor its fourth non-consecutive week, Usher‘s “OMG” holds the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Hot 100 singles chart. Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” follows behind at No. 2, where it started two weeks ago. B.o.B’s Hayley Williams-assisted “Airplanes” lands at No. 3. His former No. 1 “Nothin’ On You” falls two spots to No. 7.

Ke$ha‘s “Your Love Is My Drug” moves up three spots to No. 4. It’s the second top five record of her career. Taio Cruz drops a spot to No. 5 drop with “Break Your Heart,” while “Alejandro” from Lady Gaga holds steady at No. 6. La Roux‘s “Bulletproof” makes a big jump into the top 10 this week, leaving behind No. 14 for No. 8. Rounding out the top 10, Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” moves up two spots to No. 9. And Eminem’s “Not Afraid” drops from No. 9 to No. 10.

On a sour note, this season’s American Idol champ Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox failed to achieve much Billboard success with their debut singles. Of the three DeWyze cuts to debut this week, his most successful is “Beautiful Day” at No. 24. Bowersox’s “Up To the Mountain” only managed to climb to No. 57. Combined, they debuted five songs, an underwhelming showing considering the finale was last week. Last season, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert combined for nine chart entries the week after AI‘s finale.

Happy Usher’s still No 1? Are you a La Roux fan yet? What do you think about how DeWyze and Bowersox debuted? Let us know.

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry cover Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”
Lady Gaga talks lupus diagnosis, Michael Jackson collaboration with Larry King
Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith pair up for ‘Karate Kid’ single ‘Never Say Never’: Watch the new video
M.I.A. strikes back at journalist with a furious new song

Jun 2 2010 05:11 PM ET

Drake's 'Thank Me Later' leaks online

by
Categories: Drake, Leaks, Things That Bum Us Out, Things That Make Us Go Hmm, What the...?

drake-the-rapperHip-hop’s summer has started a bit earlier than expected. The season’s most anticipated album, Drake‘s Thank Me Later debut, leaked onto the internet last night (June 1). It’s not scheduled to officially hit stores until June 15. Several tracks had leaked in their unfinished forms over its year-long creation. But in the past week, mixed and mastered versions of tracks like the Alicia Keys-assisted “Fireworks” and his Jay-Z “Light Up”  collaboration hit the blogosphere. The 23-year-old rhymer played it cool when he got word that his entire album leaked last night.

“I gave away free music for years,” he tweeted, alluding to the numerous mixtapes he made available for free download. So Far Gone, his stellar 2009 tape, was the offering that made him a favorite amongst hip-hop’s new class. “So we’re good over here,” he continued. “Just allow it to be the soundtrack to your summer and ENJOY! JUNE 15th!”

Leaks hardly benefit the artist. It’s safe to assume that his record sales will suffer a bit because many will download the album for free, opting not to buy the retail copy. But there have been some cases where it has not hurt as much. Back in 2008, Lil Wayne’s highly anticipated Tha Carter III leaked two weeks early. It went on to sell 1,000,000 copies in its first week out. So maybe people will use Drake’s debut leak as a sampler and then buy the official copy in two weeks.

Have you heard Drake’s Thank Me Later yet? Like it? Do you plan on buying it when it hits stores on June 15th? Let us know.

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry cover Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”
Lady Gaga talks lupus diagnosis, Michael Jackson collaboration with Larry King
Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith pair up for ‘Karate Kid’ single ‘Never Say Never’: Watch the new video
M.I.A. strikes back at journalist with a furious new song

Jun 2 2010 12:44 PM ET

Glee tops Billboard's album chart again

by
Categories: Black Keys, Charts, Glee, Justin Bieber, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Rolling Stones, Stone Temple Pilots, Usher

glee-stpGlee cheerfully leads the Billboard 200 albums chart for its second straight week. Selling 63,000 copies, Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers comes in at No. 1. The Stone Temple Pilots’ first studio album since 2001 comes in at No. 2. Their self-titled set sold 62,000 units. Selling 50,000 copies, Justin Bieber’s My World 2.0 moves up one spot to No. 3. Lady Antebellum‘s Need You Now rises two spots to No. 4 with 46,000 copies sold.

Usher’s Raymond v. Raymond sold 35,000 copies, climbing to No. 5. Lady Gaga’s The Fame also moves up with 31,000 copies sold. Now it sits at No. 6. Last week the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street re-release came it at No. 2. This week it’s No. 7 with 28,000 copies sold. The Black Keys’ Brothers drops five spots to No. 8 with just under 26,000 units sold. Carole King and James Taylor’s Live at the Troubadour rises two slots to No. 9 with about 26,000 copies sold. Nas and Damian Marley’s Distant Relatives round out the top 10, dropping five spaces to No. 10 with 25,000 units moved.

Surprised Glee held on to No. 1 another week? Did you buy the Pilots’ latest? Let us know.

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry cover Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”
Lady Gaga talks lupus diagnosis, Michael Jackson collaboration with Larry King
Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith pair up for ‘Karate Kid’ single ‘Never Say Never’: Watch the new video
M.I.A. strikes back at journalist with a furious new song

Jun 2 2010 12:36 PM ET

Allison Iraheta's 'Don't Waste the Pretty': Check out her new single featuring Orianthi!

by
Categories: Allison Iraheta, American Idol, Ladies

Allison_iraheta-singleEW readers spoke, and the suits at Jive Records listened. The label is officially releasing to radio this week a new and improved version of Allison Iraheta’s “Don’t Waste the Pretty,” which not coincidentally was your overwhelming choice in a poll I posted last month asking what the label should pick as the American Idol graduate’s third single from her debut disc, Just Like You. “DWTP” scored a whopping 45.4% of the vote, followed by “Holiday” (32.5%) and “D Is for Dangerous” (22.1%).

To give the single a little more juice at radio –and a slightly harder edge than the poppy album cut — the label enlisted  Orianthi, who’ll hit the road with Allison later this week as part of Adam Lambert’s Glam Nation tour, to add an amped-up guitar line to the track. The Orianthi-infused “Don’t Waste the Pretty” hits iTunes June 8, according to a rep at Allison’s label.

Personally, I’m stoked that Jive is still trying to make Allison happen despite the disappointing chart performance of her previous releases, “Friday I’ll Be Over U” and “Scars.” READ FULL STORY »

Jun 2 2010 11:57 AM ET

Kylie Minogue's new 'All the Lovers' video: Naked in the streets!

by
Categories: Divas!, Kylie Minogue, New Stuff, Things That Are Sexy, Video Gaga

kylieKylie, that pint-sized pop messiah, leads her clothing-averse disciples in a striptease-in-the-streets party of epic (and epically horny) proportions in the new clip for her latest single, “All the Lovers.”

The result is best described as either a makeout flash mob, a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gone wild, or some serious “the touch, the feel of cotton” guerrilla marketing. Also: flying marshmallows, galloping white horse, doves, giant inflatable elephant. Why not? Watch it after the jump: READ FULL STORY »

Jun 2 2010 11:16 AM ET

Christina Hendricks stars in Broken Bells' new sci-fi video: Watch here! Plus, James Mercer talks next Shins album

by
Categories: Broken Bells, Music Videos, The Shins

Last month, EW gave you a sneak peek at Broken Bells‘ “The Ghost Inside” video, in which Mad Men star Christina Hendricks plays a gorgeous robot. Today the video is out, and it’s as fun as those still images suggested. Check it out after the jump to see the lengths Hendricks’ android will go to retire comfortably, and how the Broken Bells guys (producer Danger Mouse and Shins singer James Mercer) figure into her quest.

As you’ll see, “The Ghost Inside” includes more costumes and special effects than you’ll find in the entire Shins videography put together. “This is like our song showing up in a stretch Hummer,” Mercer told me a few weeks ago with a laugh. “It’s so glossy and amazing-looking that I’m almost like, ‘Oh my God, people are gonna think that…’ I dunno. It’s just so different from anything I’ve ever done. It’s, like, f—ing pro. And Christina Hendricks is in it! It’s sorta scary, but it’s cool.”

Watch the video after the jump (clip via Vulture) — and keep reading for Mercer’s thoughts on the future of the Shins. READ FULL STORY »

Advertisement

TV Recaps

Powered by WordPress.com VIP