Being the opening act on Lady Gaga’s never-ending Monster Ball Tour has afforded the gentlemen in Semi Precious Weapons some rather, uh, unique opportunities, the overwhelming majority of which we can’t print here.
But there are perks besides the debauchery too — like getting to hear Gaga’s ultra-anticipated new album Born This Way, which isn’t due until next year. And after some prodding, we got SPW frontman Justin Tranter to give us a few details about the album, which, from the sound of things, is shaping up to be quite an experience.
“It’s bold and it’s beautiful,” Tranter said. “Obviously, none of it’s done, so I can’t really speak on it, but the stuff she has played me is really, really beautiful and really, really bold.”
That echoes what Gaga herself said about the album earlier this year, when she promised that Born This Way would feature “a lot of hit records that will piss people off.” And she didn’t stop there either.
“This album is my absolute greatest work I’ve ever done, and I’m so excited about it,” she told RWD magazine. “The message, the melodies, the direction, the meaning, what it will mean to my fans and what it will mean in my own life — it’s utter liberation.”
And that sense of liberation stuck with Tranter too. Because based on what he’s heard, Born This Way is definitely going to set some people free.
“Gaga was so excited when she found out the title of our album, You Love You. She couldn’t believe it, because it fit so well into the idea of the Monster Ball and the ideas she’s exploring on this album,” he said. “Everything she says is that she really wants her new album to feel like freedom — that’s what she keeps saying over and over.”
Kelly Clarkson has been keeping a pretty low profile. But turns out it's for good reason: The "American Idol" alum has been steadily working on her next album. On Monday, Clarkson took to Twitter to answer a fan's question about the status of her album, and the tweeting unexpectedly became a Q&A as Kelly dished details regarding her follow-up to last year's All I Ever Wanted.
In a tweet that had fans rejoicing, Kelly revealed that she's nearly finished with the recording process, tweeting, "We've almost completed the album. We're gonna have way too many songs to pick from ....and that part sucks :("
While it might be too late for the project, which she has previously described as "Garbage-meets-pop-meets-Muse," to make it to shelves this year, the songstress said she's planning for an early 2011 release with a single coming even sooner. "Probably not till the beginning of the year but my single will come out before that. It takes too long. I'm bored & ready 2 tour:)," she admitted.
Asked by another fan if there would be songs similar to the ones from her not-so-commercial LP My December, she said, "There is definitely one song that could have been on My December and it's also a duet ....and I'm not saying who yet :)"
Clarkson also tweeted that the still-untitled album will feature two duets, but offered only hints at who the guests might be. "There are actually 2 duets on the new record & I have at some point sang w/both of these artists before but not on record," she teased.
Aside from the duets, the project will include her favorite song from the recording sessions, "You Love Me," and "You Still Won't Know What It's Like," produced by Jason Halbert, who worked on her angsty single "Never Again."
Clarkson, who has seen some of her material leaked onto the Internet, said she's hoping to keep the new songs under wraps this time around. "Well no [one] has stolen it quite yet but as far as my luck goes with hacking, maybe sooner than I want you too ha!" she joked about when fans might hear the tracks.
The album may also include contributions from her "My Life Would Suck Without You" songwriter Claude Kelly.
"Kelly Clarkson is kind of a force of her own," he told MTV News earlier this year. "Her voice and her mood determine what she does. So I just want to do what's on her heart 'cause that's how you get the best songs out of an artist like that, is for them to sing what they really mean."
** Pre-order today from the Flotique and receive three exclusive limited edition postcard prints with the album! **
Release date: Monday 15th November 2010
'Between Two Lungs' is a two disc special edition version of the multiplatinum-selling, Brit Award winning, debut album; 'Lungs'.
'Between Two Lungs' includes the much anticipated new single 'Heavy In Your Arms'. Produced by Paul Epworth; the track a favourite of recent festival headlining live sets, was recorded for the Twilight Eclipse film.
The 10 track second disc also includes; a live recording of brand new song 'Strangeness & Charm', the massive collaboration with Dizzee Rascal 'You Got The Dirtee Love', and a previously unreleased Yeasayer remix of 'Dog Days Are Over'. It will also feature new cover art, sleeve notes by Florence and exclusive images.
Florence recently wowed worldwide audiences with her live performance (and victory) at this year's MTV VMA Awards, which saw her album explode in the U.S. Firing up to #2 in the I tunes chart and breaking the top #15 in the Billboard album chart. Exciting times ahead there! Back home Florence has just been nominated for two Q Awards, including Best Female and Best song.
Disc 1:
1. Dog Days Are Over
2. Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
3. I'm Not Calling You A Liar
4. Howl
5. Kiss With A Fist
6. Girl With One Eye
7. Drumming
8. Between Two Lungs
9. Cosmic Love
10. My Boy Builds Coffins
11. Hurricane Drunk
12. Blinding
13. You've Got The Love
Disc 2:
1. Heavy In Your Arms
2. You've Got The Dirtee Love
3. Hurricane Drunk (The Horrors Remix)
4. Strangeness & Charm (Live from Hammersmith Apollo)
5. Swimming (Live From Hammersmith Apollo)
6. Dog Days Are Over (Yeasayer Remix)
Florence & The Machine perform acoustically. Live from iTunes Festival '10 at The Roundhouse:
7. Drumming Song
8. Girl With One Eye
9. Hurricane Drunk
10. Dog Days Are Over
11. My Boy Builds Coffins
12. Hospital Beds
Less than a year after Rated R became her fourth global smash hit album, Rihanna is getting ready to unleash the follow-up – and we’ve had a sneaky first listen!
The Bajan beauty was on hand to introduce five tracks from the album in front of assembled media at a very swanky bash in London’s West End. Admittedly our note-taking was somewhat hindered by the delicious cocktails on offer, but here’s what we could gleam from our scribbles…
The album
Rihanna explained that the title very much symbolises the energy of the record and promised that it will take us on a ride. She revealed that her primary aim was to create an album that people would listen to from start to finish, joking that there’s nothing more frustrating than having to get out of the shower to skip a track! She also promised that it will definitely make us dance and confirmed that the track Raining Men will feature a ‘fun’ guest rap from Nicki Minaj.
Only Girl (In The World)
We’re sure that you’ve heard this one by now. The album’s lead single sees Rihanna return to the electro-pop vibe of Don’t Stop The Music and showcases her considerable vocal talents.
RiRi revealed that the video for the track will be released very soon and was shot just outside of LA. She explained that, while the shoot itself was a ‘gross’ because of all of the bugs and snakes on set, it had all been worth it. We were told that Anthony Mandler’s treatment was ‘unexpected’ and features some beautiful backdrops of mountains and hills.
Speaking about the track itself, she said it was a ‘big push’ for her and that she was very keen to get the song’s ‘big vocal’ right, resting her voice for three days before recording it. Sounds like it was worth the effort!
What’s My Name?
Described by the lady herself as being a ‘young’ and ‘playful’ record, What’s My Name? has been confirmed as the second single from the album. Produced by Stargate, the track still has an electronic edge to it but it’s much slower than Only Girl (In The World).
Notable for its strong percussion, the track sees Rihanna making her intentions known to the object of her affections, singing “Hey boy, I really wanna be with you, you’re just my type.” Oh, and she’s also recorded a version with Drake for the album!
S&M
Rihanna reckons this sassy little number is the loudest track on the album and described it as being ‘bad ass’. Quite!
Arguably the strongest track of the night, it immediately grabbed our attention with its synth loops and catchy ‘na na na na’ intro. The verses don’t sound a million miles away from Disturbia and, despite being the work of Stargate, the production on the chorus reminds of David Guetta’s Sexy Chick.
Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but the lyrics sounded to me like: ‘Sex in the air / I don’t care / I like the smell of it’. Make of that what you will…
Cheers (Drink To That)
Dedicated to all the ‘semi alcoholics around the world’, Rihanna seemed a bit miffed about the mix that was played out on the night. Well, it sounded good to me anyway.
Cheers is less danceable than you might expect for a track about getting merry on a night out and has an almost ‘rock’ feel to it. With its guitar riffs and hooky ‘yeah yeah yeah’ bits, it’s a great one to nod your head along to!
California King Bed
Another personal favourite of mine. Written about a relationship that’s gone sour, the verses are very stripped back, with just an acoustic guitar for backing and simple lyrics (‘Cheek to cheek / Nose to nose / Palm to palm)’, before kicking in for the chorus.
Rihanna puts in another impressive vocal performance on this one and it’s got an amazing breakdown and guitar solo. RiRi admitted that she loves listening to this one and that it was one of the last songs recorded for the album.
HollywoodNews.com: Lindsay Lohan may be moving forward with her music career in order to get back on the right page with her life.
While Lindsay’s acting career is kind of a mess right now, she has reportedly worked with her ex Samantha Ronson on a number of songs, states Hollyscoop. There are also rumors that Ronson will also help to produce her new album.
Not only is she working with her ex, but it’s alleged that Britney Spears’ former manager, Larry Rudolph, is on board to help revive her career.
Should Lindsay focus on singing instead of acting?
Bieber the highest paid young performer in the world
October 4th, 2010
Justin Bieber is kinda like a big deal. Thousands of people attend his concerts, but what does a big deal like Bieber make for entertaining an arena of tweens and parents? Umm, a lot. In fact, more than anyone considered a “young performer.”
According to The Smoking Gun, the Biebs makes $300,000 per concert, which is more than more established artists than Drake and Selena Gomez. (Okay, just barely “more established.”) Actually, Bieber makes double what Drake, Sheryl Crow and Weezer make a performance. Looks like being a teen sensation who can never live a normal life and is hourly harrassed by fans really does pay off.
Pink is set to remind fans of her biggest tracks in her decade-long career on her forthcoming greatest-hits album, the aptly titled Greatest Hits ... So Far!!!, due out November 16. And because she's not one to rest on her very acrobatic laurels, she will include two new tracks on the album too.
The album's lead single will be the Max Martin-produced, Pink-co-written track "Raise Your Glass." The song, which her label describes as "rousing" and "celebratory," hits radio on Tuesday (October 5) at 6 p.m. and will be available for purchase on October 18.
"GUESS WHATTT!!! I have a surprise for you tomorrow at 6pm EST. But you have to go to http://www.pinkspage.com to find out what it is...," the singer tweeted on Monday. And on Saturday, she teased the single's release, writing, "Allllrrriiiiigggghhhhhhtttttttt!!!!!!!! My new song comes out to radio next week, and it is called....... Drum roll please ... 'Raise Your Glass' !!!!! I sure hope you like it. I like it enough for all of us. It's for all my underdogs."
In addition to the two new tracks, the album will include radio favorites like "Get the Party Started, "There You Go," "Don't Let Me Get Me," "Just Like a Pill," "Family Portrait," "Trouble," "Stupid Girls," "Who Knew," "U + Ur Hand" and "Dear Mr. President," as well as newer Pink tracks "So What," "Sober," "Please Don't Leave Me" and "Glitter in the Air."
The deluxe version of the album, which will also be available the day the album comes out, will also include two additional songs: "Funhouse" and "I Don't Believe You," both off her smash 2008 release, Funhouse.
Loyal Michael Jackson fans will do anything for new material ... and a new three-DVD set will put that theory to the test.
TMZ has learned a new box set called "Vision" will be released on the 47th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination -- November 22. A source close to the estate tells TMZ the three DVDs feature a vast collection of previously released Michael Jackson videos ... and one new video that has never been seen. Yes, just one.
Better be one hell of a video.
Rolling Stone magazine also recently announced that a Michael Jackson album (comprised of 10 new songs drawn from the Jackson vault) will be released come November.
The upcoming box set and album will be the first in a seven-year deal the Jackson estate inked with Sony Music in March 2010 — a $250 million pact that will also include reissues of Jackson's classic albums, new greatest hits sets, and possibly a Cirque du Soleil show. The hybrid karaoke and dance simulator Michael Jackson: The Experience is also expected out by the end of 2010.
The nominees for the 53rd annual Grammy Awards won't officially be revealed until Dec. 1. But with the eligibility period having closed on Sept. 30, the contenders are now clear, with early favorites and intriguing storylines already emerging.
According to our survey of record executives and industry observers, the 2011 Grammys will likely field its strongest and most competitive collection of record and song of the year nominees in recent memory. While this may lead to a Grammy night filled with memorable, over-the-top performances, it's bittersweet news for the industry, as it mirrors the shift in the marketplace away from albums and toward the less profitable commodity of singles.
Many experts project Eminem as this year's potential across-the-board winner, as his album sales remained strong in 2010. Here's a preview of possible nominees in the four main categories:
SONG AND RECORD OF THE YEAR
Nearly everyone surveyed agreed this was a superb year for singles, especially for pop. There was also consensus that four songs would face off on Feb. 13, 2011, for song and record of the year: Eminem and Rihanna's collaboration, "Love the Way You Lie"; Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now"; Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" and Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance." "These are all formidable singles," says Warner Bros. senior VP of digital Jack Isquith, who hailed them as "meaty, impressive, career-defining records."
Other top tracks cited by multiple executives include Train's "Hey, Soul Sister" (eligible for record of the year but not for song), Katy Perry's "California Gurls," Usher's "OMG," Sade's "Soldier of Love," B.o.B's "Airplanes" and Florence & the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over."
In the album of the year category, Eminem's "Recovery" is the clear favorite in a subpar field. "This is Eminem's year," says Billy Mann, who co-wrote and produced last year's showstopping Pink hit, "Glitter in the Air." "He brought his best game and then some. The public can feel it, and the industry can feel it." To date, "Recovery" has sold 2.7 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Los Angeles Times chief pop critic Ann Powers says Eminem's comeback story, as well as the fact that his album was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, will resonate with Grammy voters. "He's a major figure in pop history," she says, "and he seems to have really grown into himself."
Another leading contender is the Carole King/James Taylor album "Live at the Troubadour." While live sets traditionally fare poorly with voters (1994's "MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett" is the last in-concert title to win the category), "I would watch out for that record," Glassnote Records head Daniel Glass says. The album has sold 453,000 copies since its May release.
Other albums cited include Sade's "Soldier of Love," Jay-Z's "The Blueprint 3," Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now," Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs," Usher's "Raymond v. Raymond" and two from recent Grammy winners: Herbie Hancock's "The Imagine Project" and Robert Plant's "Band of Joy."
Powers thinks Sade's album is a strong bet. "It's a gold-plated release," she says. "It sold well [1.3 million copies], it was well-received critically, and she's a classy artist."
Last year, Taylor Swift took home the statue for "Fearless."
BEST NEW ARTIST
Two breakout acts, B.o.B and Mumford & Sons, were mentioned on multiple occasions as strong contenders for best new artist, but most believe it'll be a battle between Drake and Justin Bieber, with Drake taking the award.
Emerging stars Nicki Minaj and Bruno Mars are ineligible for nomination this year, as their album release dates fall outside of the eligibility period (Sept. 1, 2009-Sept. 30, 2010); in Mars' case, by one week. Other possible nominees this year include Florence & the Machine, who got a big boost out of their MTV Video Music Awards appearance, and reality TV superstars Susan Boyle and Adam Lambert.
Despite the success of Swift and the Zac Brown Band at last year's ceremony, many country observers say this year's crop of new artists is unlikely to garner many nods. Luke Bryan and Chris Young were both mentioned as long shots.
Grammy voters didn't suffer from a lack of options when it came to nominees; according to Recording Academy president Neil Portnow, the academy received almost 20,000 submissions this year, a new record.
The nominees will be announced Dec. 1 during the third annual "GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!: Countdown to Music's Biggest Night" concert. The ceremony will air on CBS on Feb. 13, 2011.
