Keep Calm and Sing Along

Stressed about what concerts to attend this summer and most importantly, what to wear?! Here's three of this summer's hottest concerts and some key pieces needed for the night.

1) Katy Perry — Quirky, bubbly and oh so girlie. Our favorite "California Gurl" will be traveling all across America this summer, bringing her over-the-top style to the stage. Dress in bright colors, candy accessories and swipe on a coat of Katy's own OPI nail polish collection for the perfect sweet girlie look.

2) Ke$ha — Bringing the party to you this summer is the always crazy Ke$ha. Known for her unpredictable personality and "garbage-chic" style as she likes to call it, this concert is sure to be like no party you've ever been to. With lots of glitter, feathers, animal print and denim cutoffs, fitting into this party shouldn't be too hard.

3) Glee Live in Concert — McKinley High's New Directions are bringing their choir room to a city near you! The whole cast from the Fox show is performing their hit songs from seasons one and two, helping you remember to "Don't Stop Believin'!" Dress up in elements of your favorite characters, like knee socks and animal sweaters for Rachel, or in McKinley High's school colors of red and white.

—CARLY HILL

Hot Jam: Give a Little

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After performing their newest single "Give a Little" on Dancing with the Stars this week, we have our fingers crossed that Hanson is again on the rise. The infectious, soul pop/rock direction of their latest album Shout It Out is proof that this band is versatile and insanely talented. Above is Hanson's music video for "Give a Little"; it's so fun you may have to get up and dance.

Album Review: Femme Fatale

We all know her. Many of us love her. And some of us hate her. But none of us can deny that the woman knows pop music and is a force to be reckoned with throughout the entertainment industry. Here name? (As if it needs stating) Britney Spears. Spears' latest effort, like all of her albums, takes pop music to the next level and remains ahead of its time. With seven of the 12 tracks hailing from hitmakers Dr. Luke and Max Martin, Femme Fatale was almost guaranteed to bring it ... and that it did. From the club-thumping lead single "Hold It Against Me" to the Eurodisco-inspired (and Ke$ha penned!) "Till the World Ends" to pretty much every other track, Femme Fatale is the first Britney album we've loved from start to finish (well, there may be one or two tracks in there we could do without); a great way to kick off (fingers crossed) summer.
Most notable tracks: "Trouble for Me," "Gasoline"

'Rolling in the Deep' Continues to Make Waves

As if ADELE's latest album, 21, holding strong at the top of the charts isn't enough (it's currently at No. 3), artists continue to create their own covers of its lead single "Rolling in the Deep."

The latest to board the let's-cover-ADELE train is none other than Grammy-winner John Legend. Other covers have appeared from Mike Posner (who's coming to the MSU Auditorium Wednesday, April 13) and Young the Giant. Check out all three below.


John Legend - Rolling in the Deep (Adele Cover) by johnlegend

Rolling In The Deep (Adele Cover) by Mike Posner by The Quiet Floor

Young the Giant – Rolling in the Deep (Adele cover) by somesortofmusic

Spartan Sensations

Recent projects from students across Michigan State University are making waves on the Internet and we feel it's about time we added to the mix by sharing them with you. Below are three fun creations shot right on campus, great work Spartans!

1. MSU Wants Tosh.0!
This video was uploaded to YouTube just yesterday and has already hit over 1,000 views. Further, The State News has a story in today's issue about the effort, shot just this past weekend as a means to try bringing comedian Daniel Tosh (and Tosh.0) to MSU for a show. The filming was coordinated by MSU student Erin O'Donnell. All other contributors are listed on YouTube. Current view count: 1,262.



2. Lisztomania: MSU Brat Pack Mashup
Created by two professional writing seniors, Nina Elias and Bethany Tomaszewski, the above video is inspired by the original brat pack mashup on YouTube (from avoidantconsumer HERE). A handful of other fabulous Spartans are featured in the vid (set to an awesome song, we might add) paying tribute to John Hughes' The Breakfast Club. Current view count: 2,863.



3. Lady Gaga "Monster" Music Video
This video was, again, envisioned and created by MSU students, led by Brianna Gardner and Andrew Vallentine. The video is a tribute to "Mother Monster" (aka Lady Gaga) and has been listed on YouTube as No. 34-Top Rated (Music) and No. 44-Top Favorited (Music). Current view count: 190,741.

Snapshot: A History of Music

From Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock" to Alvin & the Chipmunks' "Christmas Don't Be Late" to Del Shannon's "Runaway" to The Beatles' "Paperback Writer" to about one-third of the Now & Then soundtrack, the list goes on...

D.J. Earworm is king of the number-one-singles mashup (he's known for coming up with mashups of five seconds of all the best pop songs each year) but this new compilation track gives him a run for his money, honoring the history of the pop charts with five seconds of every No. 1 single through 1992 (the remainder of song can be fond in the second version, here) — truly a trip down memory lane.

Listen to the clips below.

Five Seconds Of Every #1 Pop Single Part 1 by mjs538

Album Review: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

A fairly short album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans spans only ten tracks but beautifully showcases the amazing vocal talent of veteran producer Bruno Mars. In his full-length drop, Mars seems to channel the sounds of Bob Marley and Jack Johnson, using light acoustic backing and sweet lyrics. The first two singles from the disc — "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade" — have quickly become sensations garnering Mars seven Grammy nominations at the end of 2010. Though Mars may not exactly be doing anything new with this effort, he's doing everything right (and might we add has the ability to make women everywhere swoon with his words) and we can't wait for more. Check him out on tour this summer with Janelle Monae.
Most notable tracks: "Marry You," "The Other Side"

Hot Jam: Made For You

Actors Isabel Lucas and Lukas Haas have formed the band Lucas/Lukas, releasing their first single "Made For You" through the above video. It's lovely. It's sweet. It's simple.

Thoughts?

Quote of the Day: February 10

"I've learned that you can't predict or plan for [love]...Love is the one wild card."

—Taylor Swift, musician, on finding love to Glamour.

3rd Annual Middle of the Mitten This Saturday!

The 3rd Annual Middle of the Mitten is a local talent showcase held by The Record Lounge, 503 E. Grand River Ave., and commemorates the opening of the store itself in 2008.

The Record Lounge founded its business with a priority being to showcase local, independent talent (as well as great vinyls). As a result, Record Lounge employee and MSU professional writing student Joel Heckaman has worked with the shop for the past three years to put together this fantastic event showcasing local-area and independent musical talent.

Starting at 6 p.m., this year's showcase is happening on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Lansing's The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., and will feature such acts as: Versus The Ocean, Life Size Ghost, Frank And Earnest and Adam Dahl (for the entire list click here).

Tickets: $5 presale (available from bands or at The Record Lounge), $7 at the door.

Album Review: Born Free

Kid Rock has one of the greatest voices in the music business and on his latest effort that does not go unnoticed. With Born Free, Kid Rock continues in the vein of his previous release, Rock n' Roll Jesus, tapping into a country-mixed-with-rock musical style. Featuring cameos by Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, T.I., Bob Seger and Zac Brown (of country's Zac Brown Band) this album is one not to be missed. Not to mention, the music video for album's title track and debut single, "Born Free," was shot entirely at Upper Michigan's Pictured Rocks and on "Times Like These" Kid Rock sings about the current hardships Detroit is facing. If you love Michigan and are a fan of classic artists like Bob Seger or Willie Nelson, you should definitely pick up or order a copy of this fabulous disc (especially since you can't purchase Born Free on iTunes). If you're still skeptical check out Rolling Stone's 30 Best Albums of 2010 list.
Most notable tracks: "Times Like These," "God Bless Saturday"

Movie Review: Country Strong

Country Strong follows the story of fictional singer Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow) as she leaves rehab and is forced to embark on a revival, "encore," tour by her husband/manager (Tim McGraw), who is sure the tour will save her (and their marriage). If you love country music this is the flick for you. If you are obsessed with the idea of fame and what it can do to people, Country Strong is for you. Not to mention, Paltrow and her co-stars each give great performances, both musically and theatrically. The film also stars Garrett Hedlund (Tron) and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl). Do not be fooled by the trailer, however, because the flick isn't quite as uplifting as it seems.
Best on-screen moment: Canter pays a visit to Make-a-Wish child, Travis, and sings to him and his classmates.

Album Review: Last Train to Paris

Featuring collabs with artists like Drake, Lil' Wayne, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Chris Brown, Usher and Trey Songz, on top of by fashion's greats (see past post), can Diddy - Dirty Money really go wrong with this latest effort? We don't think so. Many of the tracks are pretty great and the lead single, "Hello Good Morning" with T.I., was a solid comeback piece for the rapper who continues to change his name. If you're still attempting to come up with great stocking stuffers, this album is a solid choice. And it's 19 songs long, not too shabby.
Most notable tracks: "Coming Home," "Loving You No More"

Get in the Holiday Spirit with Hanson

Any chance you're a fan of Hanson's Snowed In (1997)?

If you are, then we have gotten wind of quite the treat for the ears, especially after finals. To get everyone further in the holiday spirit, the Hanson brothers aired a live special on Dec. 11 "Merry Christmas and a HANSON New Year: The Christmas Special."

Luckily, the special can still be watched over at the alive section of the band's website for all of us who love the holidays as much as these men. We must note that on top of featuring live performances of Hanson's classic Christmas tracks the special also includes an appearance by among more surprises.

For more Christmas goodness, check out this recent blogpost by the band of them in their favorite Christmas sweaters.

If you want, comment and share a holiday story or send in a pic of you in your Christmas sweater.

Happy Holidays!

A Fashionable...Album?

Diddy-Dirty Money's latest effort, Last Train to Paris, promises to at least be an interesting one. Though we'll be honest, we enjoy the record's first single ("Hello Good Morning (Feat. T.I.)").

After attending last year's fashion week and inspired by his love for the fashion industry, Diddy-Dirty Money reached out to some of the most influential people within the fashion world. The result is a handful of cameos on his new disc including: Vogue's Andre Leon Talley and Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Isaac Mizrahi and Zac Posen, among more.

The album hits shelves on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

For a preview of the cameo's check out Talley's post over at Vogue.com.

The Beatles on iTunes

After debuting on iTunes today, The Beatles are killing it!

It being digital downloads. Eleven of the band's records have made the iTunes top 25 and at least 60 individual songs have crept into the top 200 downloads.

We can't we really blame music lovers, though, as it's about time people are able to purchase some Beatles goodness digitally. Great move, Paul and Ringo, great move.

Have you or will you be snagging some Beatles tracks? Some of our faves (if you're new to the group) include "Paperback Writer," "In My Life," "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and "Oh! Darling."

Album Review: Loud

Rihanna's newest release, Loud, has hit shelves a mere 361 days after Rated R... that's not a lot of time. The disc's highlights come in the form of some high-profile collaborations, with artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj and Eminem. However, though the disc is a vast improvement from her fifth, it still isn't on par with Good Girl Gone Bad. We love how Rihanna manages to combine a vast expanse of genres--like hip-hop, rock, reggae and pop--but cannot help but think that perhaps the best track on the album is its lead single ("Only Girl...") and were fairly disappointed with the sequel to "Love the Way You Lie."
Most notable tracks: "Cheers (Drink to That)," "S&M"

Hot Jam: The Big Bang

Hotties Miley Cyrus and Kevin Zegers star in this steamy new music video from Rock Mafia. While the vid is pretty stinkin' awesome, the song is better! Check it out above.

Download the track through iTunes HERE

Album Review: Speak Now

To start with the obvious (/what everybody already knows), Taylor Swift's third album Speak Now is extremely personal. And we are loving every second of it. The young star's status is continuously on the rise as she sweeps up award after award, dates A-list Hollywood men and wins the hearts of the world with her genuine personality, so it's kind of impossible to ignore her, making it all the more interesting to have her pour her heart out to us in such an obvious manor. Not to mention, our favorite track off her sophomore album was "Forever & Always," which just so happened to also be a personal angst against former flame Joe Jonas. Another Joe Jonas song creeps up on this album in "The Story of Us." Along with the same story comes a track we believe is about Jonas' next conquest Camilla Belle that goes "She's not a saint and she's not what you think/She's an actress/Whoa/She's better known for the things that she does on the mattress/Whoa." Throughout the album Swift opens up about major events in her life up to this point, including songs about Taylor Lautner ("Back to December"), a bully ("Mean"), Kanye West ("Innocent") and John Mayer ("Dear John"). All in all, the album is pretty great. We're not quite sure that we feel it tops Fearless, but only time will tell (through both sales and the fact that sometimes songs just have to grow on you).

Most notable tracks: "Dear John," "Better Than Revenge"

Album Review: Record Collection

Mark Ronson's newest release, Record Collection, follows in much the same vein as the DJ/producer is known for (he's worked with artists Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen), that is: collaborations. And pretty amazing collaborations at that. For example, Phantom Planet's Alex Greenwald sings with rapper Ghostface Killah on "Lose It (In the End)"... kind of epic. Record has a very 1980s synth pop feel to it and we have no complaints to that effect. Overall this is a very entertaining disc, especially with lyrics like "My momma tells me I should stop/Go and get a real job... Gonna ride my bike until I get home" ("The Bike Song"). If you're a fan of old-school hip-hop similar to songs like "Bust a Move" by Young MC, then this is right up your alley. By the way, it needs to be said that the album cover is killer!
Most notable tracks: "Bang Bang Bang," "Somebody to Love Me"