Thursday, December 4, 2008

I Am... Sasha Fierce

Beyoncé KnowlesI Am… Sasha Fierce is the third solo studio album by Beyoncé Knowles, released on November 18, 2008 in the United States.

The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 482,000 copies in its first week, giving Knowles her third consecutive number one album.

"You can hear with 'If I Were A Boy', it's not a traditional R&B song," Beyonce explains. "It's difficult to grow and to break out and do new things because people have strong expectations. I feel like at this point, I wanted people to hear songs with stronger lyrics and songs that made you feel. I love singing ballads because I feel like the music and the emotion in the story is told so much better. It's a better connection because you can hear it and it's not all these other distractions. I really wanted people to hear my voice and hear what I had to say."
"If I Were a Boy" was written by Toby Gad and BC Jean

In a Billboard magazine interview, Knowles has described the two sides of the album: "... One side has songs that are more mainstream and another has my more traditional R&B songs for my fans who've been there the whole time. Some of it sounds like Barbra Streisand, Karen Carpenter and the Beatles around the 1970s."

The standard track listing of the album contains eleven songs, six in the first disc and five in the second. The deluxe edition adds bonus tracks, containing eight tracks in each disc.

Standard edition

Disc 1: I Am…
  1. "If I Were a Boy" (BC Jean, Toby Gad) – 4:09
  2. "Halo" (Knowles, Tedder, Evan "Kidd" Bogart) – 4:21
  3. "Disappear" (Knowles, Ghost, Dave McCracken, Dench) – 4:27
  4. "Broken-Hearted Girl" (Knowles, Eriksen, Hermansen, Babyface) – 4:37
  5. "Ave Maria" (Knowles, Eriksen, Hermansen) – 3:41
  6. "Satellites" (Knowles, Ghost, McCracken, Dench) – 3:06
  7. "Save the Hero" (iTunes bonus Track) – 4:33
Disc 2: Sasha Fierce
  1. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (Knowles, Stewart, Nash, Harrell) – 3:13
  2. "Radio" (Knowles, Jonsin, Love, D-Town) – 3:38
  3. "Diva" (Knowles, Crawford, Garrett) – 3:20
  4. "Sweet Dreams" (Knowles, Jonsin, Love, Wilkins) – 3:28
  5. "Video Phone" (Knowles, Crawford & Garrett) – 3:35
  6. "Why Don't You Love Me" (B. Knowles, S. Knowles, Bama Boyz) (iTunes International Bonus Track) – 3:23
Deluxe edition

Disc 1: I Am…
  1. "If I Were a Boy"
  2. "Halo"
  3. "Disappear"
  4. "Broken-Hearted Girl"
  5. "Ave Maria"
  6. "Smash Into You"
  7. "Satellites"
  8. "That's Why You're Beautiful" (Knowles, Andrew Hey) – 3:41
  9. "Save the Hero" (Japan & iTunes bonus Track) – 4:33
  10. "Si Yo Fuera un Chico" (Spain iTunes bonus track) – 4:09
Disc 2: Sasha Fierce
  1. "Single Ladies
  2. "Radio"
  3. "Diva"
  4. "Sweet Dreams"
  5. "Video Phone"
  6. "Hello"
  7. "Ego" (Knowles, Elvis Williams, Harold Lilly) – 3:56
  8. "Scared of Lonely" (Cristyle Johnson, Jerkins) – 3:42
  9. "Why Don't You Love Me" (B. Knowles, S. Knowles, Bama Boyz) (Japan & iTunes Bonus Track) – 3:23

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Lucky Old Sun

Lucky Old SunLucky Old Sun is the twelfth studio album released by country music singer Kenny Chesney. Kenny Chesney, debuted his new album Lucky Old Sun at number 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart this week. Lucky Old Sun was released on October 14, 2008.


Kenny Chesney
co-wrote a batch of songs focused on his preoccupation with sailing the Caribbean. "I've come to a place in my life where there are songs that want to be written, and that I really want to sing" said Chesney.

Most of the songs on "Lucky Old Sun" have a slower feel than many of Kenny Chesney's past albums, provide a perfect soundtrack for laid back afternoons on warm sand.

"Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven", was released on August 11, 2008 and in October it became a Number One hit on the Billboard country charts. "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven"
is co-written by Jim Collins and Marty Dodson, the song was initially to have been recorded by singer George Strait for his 2008 album Troubadour, but after Strait decided not to include the song on this album, it was recorded by Kenny Chesney instead.

Track Listings

Disc: 1
  1. I'm Alive (with Dave Matthews) - 3:19
  2. Way Down Here - 5:52
  3. Boats - 4:36
  4. Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven - 4:19
  5. Down The Road (with Mac McAnally) - 3:01
  6. Spirit Of A Storm - 3:36
  7. Ten With A Two - 3:11
  8. The Life - 4:27
  9. Key's In The Conch Shell - 4:11
  10. Nowhere To Go, Nowhere To Be - 3:41
  11. That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) (with Willie Nelson) -4:15
Disc: 2
  1. Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven (with The Wailers) 2.Poets & Pirates Tour Show Opening
  2. Boston (Live)
  3. Got A Little Crazy (Live)
  4. Soul Of A Sailor (Live)
  5. Guitars and Tiki Bars (Live)

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Richmond Folk Festival 2008

The first Richmond Folk Festival is taking place this weekend, October 10-12, 2008, on downtown Richmond’s riverfront.

Last year, nearly 175,000 people came down to downtown Richmond's riverfront to attend the Richmond Folk Festival. Up to 200,000 people are expected to attend the Richmond Folk Festival this weekend to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food.

The Richmond Folk Festival is taking place on the banks of downtown Richmond's riverfront, from 2nd to 7th streets and from Byrd Street to the river - including Brown's Island, the American Civil War Center at Tredegar, the lawn of the New Market (Ethyl) Corporation, portions of Federal Reserve parking lots, and Tredegar Street.

In the exact likeness of the hugely successful National Folk Festival in Richmond, the Richmond Folk Festival will feature more than 30 performing groups on seven live music stages with continuous music and dance performances, along with a Virginia Folklife demonstration area, children's activities, a folk arts marketplace, regional and ethnic foods and more.

Sponsors including Dominion Resources Inc., Richmond Times-Dispatch, Genworth Financial, First Market Bank, Philip Morris USA, SunTrust, Ukrop’s, the City of Richmond, NewMarket Corp., Children's Museum of Richmond and The Community Foundation have committed to help fund the Richmond Folk Festival.

More sponsors are being sought, and expenses are expected to run about $1.4 million.

2008 Performance Schedule

Friday, October 10

Ukrop's/ First Market Bank Stage
  • 6:50 - 7:10 p.m. Tezcatlipoca Voladores (Mayan sundance)
  • 7:10 - 7:30 p.m. Opening remarks
  • 7:30 - 8:15 p.m. Vieux Farka Touré (Saharan blues)
  • 8:30 - 9:15 p.m. The Dan Tyminski Band (bluegrass)
  • 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. Howard Tate (soul/ R&B)

Wachovia/ Wachovia Securities Stage
  • 8:15 - 9:30 p.m. San Jose Taiko (Japanese ritual drumming)
Richmond Times-Dispatch Dance Pavilion
  • 8:00 - 9:15 p.m. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet (Cajun)
  • 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. The Itals (reggae)
Saturday, October 11

Ukrop's/ First Market Bank Stage
  • 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Tezcatlipoca Voladores (Mayan sundance)
  • 12:45 - 1:30 p.m. Líadan (Irish)
  • 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. The Dan Tyminski Band (bluegrass)
  • 2:45 -3:45 p.m. Howard Tate (soul/ R&B)
  • 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Harmonia (Eastern European)
  • 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Plena Libre (salsa/ bomba y plena)
  • 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Tezcatlipoca Voladores (Mayan sundance)
  • 7:30 - 8:15 p.m. Dale Watson (honky tonk country)
  • 8:30 - 9:15 p.m. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet (Cajun)
  • 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. The Itals (reggae)
Wachovia/ Wachovia Securities Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. San Jose Taiko (Japanese ritual drumming)
  • 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Nadeem Dlaikan & Friends (Arabic)
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers (Native American)
  • 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Picking Partners: Guitar Duos
  • 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Fiddle Traditions
  • 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. San Jose Taiko (Japanese ritual drumming)
  • 7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Harmonia (Eastern European)
  • 8:45 - 9:30 p.m. Líadan (Irish)
  • 9:45 - 10:30 p.m. The Dan Tyminski Band (bluegrass)
Dominion Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Robin Kessinger & Todd Hallawell (guitar duo)
  • 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Mark Halata & Texavia (Texas/ Czech polka)
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Vieux Farka Touré (Saharan blues)
  • 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. The Itals (reggae)
  • 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Nukariik (Inuit throat singing)
  • 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. Nadeem Dlaikan & Friends (Arabic)
  • 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Vieux Farka Touré (Saharan blues)
  • 6:45 - 7:15 p.m. Sharde Thomas & Rising Star Fife & Drum (African American fife & drum)
Comcast Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. World Rhythm & Blues Connections
  • 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. James Cheechoo (Cree fiddle)
  • 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. Lee Sexton Band (old-time)
  • 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. Grupo Cimarrón (Colombian joropo)
  • 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Countryside Songs Session
  • 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Ledward Kaapana & Mike Kaawa (Hawaiian)
  • 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. Eddie & Alonzo Pennington (Kentucky thumb-picking)
Richmond Times-Dispatch Dance Pavilion
  • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Dale Watson (honky tonk country)
  • 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet (Cajun)
  • 2:45 - 4:00 p.m. E.U. (go - go)
  • 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Howard Tate (soul/ R&B)
  • 6:45 - 7:30 p.m. Salsa Lesson with Eileen Torres
  • 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Plena Libre (salsa/ bomba y plena)
  • 8:30 - 8:50 p.m. Sharde Thomas & Rising Star Fife & Drum (African American fife & drum) (floor performance)
  • 9:10 - 10:30 p.m. E.U. (go - go)
MWV Virginia Folklife Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Sama Ensemble (Persian percussion ensemble)
  • 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. River Nile Band (Sudanese popular music)
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Ganga (Bengali song & music)
  • 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Foodways Traditions
  • 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Solazo (Latin American Song)
  • 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. River Nile Band (Sudanese popular music)
Genworth Foundation Family Stage
  • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Tamara & The Shadow Puppets of Java (Javanese shadow puppetry)
  • 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Nukariik (Inuit throat singing)
  • 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. James Cheechoo (Cree fiddle)
  • 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Drums No Guns (youth percussion ensemble)
  • 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tamara & The Shadow Puppets of Java (Javanese shadow puppetry)
  • 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Robin Kessinger & Todd Hallawell (guitar duo)
Genworth Foundation Family Activities Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Glass Harmonica with Dean Shostak
  • 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Drums No Guns (youth percussion ensemble)
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Sea Chanteys with Bob Zentz
  • 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Family Belly Dance with Nadira Lampert
  • 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Chris Fuller & Frank Coleman (JAM inc.)
  • 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Glass Harmonica with Dean Shostak
  • 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Sea Chanteys with Bob Zentz
Sunday, October 12

Ukrop's/First Market Bank
  • 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Tezcatlipoca Voladores (Mayan sundance)
  • 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Sharde Thomas & Rising Star Fife & Drum (African American fife & drum)
  • 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. Eddie & Alonzo Pennington (Kentucky thumb-picking)
  • 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. Larry Bland & The Volunteer Choir (gospel)
  • 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. Ledward Kaapana & Mike Kaawa (Hawaiian)
  • 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. Grupo Cimarrón(Colombian joropo)
  • 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Plena Libre (salsa/ bomba y plena)
Wachovia/ Wachovia Securities Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Robin Kessinger & Todd Hallawell (guitar duo)
  • 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. World Strings Traditions
  • 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. James Cheechoo (Cree fiddle)
  • 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Grupo Cimarrón (Colombian joropo)
  • 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Líadan (Irish)
  • 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers (Native American)
Dominion Stage
  • 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. Lee Sexton Band (old-time)
  • 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. E.U. (go - go)
  • 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Mark Halata & Texavia (Texas/ Czech polka)
  • 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers (Native American)
  • 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Harmonia (Eastern European)
  • 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Ledward Kaapana & Mike Kaawa (Hawaiian)
Comcast Stage
  • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. World Voices
  • 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. World Flute Traditions
  • 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Nukariik (Inuit throat singing)
  • 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. Lee Sexton Band (old-time)
  • 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. Nadeem Dlaikan & Friends (Arabic)
Richmond Times-Dispatch Dance Pavilion
  • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Mark Halata & Texavia (Texas/ Czech polka)
  • 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Salsa Lesson w/ Eillen Torres
  • 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. Plena Libre (salsa/ bomba y plena)
  • 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Dale Watson (honky tonk country)
  • 4:45 - 6:00 p.m. E.U. (go - go)
MWV Virginia Folklife Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Rumah Gadang Group (West Sumatran music & dance)
  • 1:00 - 1:15 p.m. Dhol Drumming
  • 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. Husnu Aydogdu Group (Turkish)
  • 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Edelweiss Band (German accordion trio)
  • 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Thongtahn Souvannaphanh (Laotian)
  • 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. "Chino" Terrones Dance Company (Peruvian Marinera dance)
Genworth Foundation Family Stage
  • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Tamara And the Shadow Puppets of Java (Javanese shadow puppetry)
  • 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. Drums No Guns (youth percussion ensemble)
  • 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Tamara and the Shadow Puppets of Java (Javanese shadow puppetry)
  • 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Sharde Thomas & Rising Star Fife & Drum (African American Fife & Drum)
  • 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. Eddie & Alonzo Pennington (Kentucky thumb-picking)
  • 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. Nukariik (Inuit throat singing)

Genworth Foundation Family Activities Stage
  • 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Sea Chanteys with Bob Zentz
  • 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Glass Harmonica with Dean Shostak
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Sea Chanteys with Bob Zentz
  • 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Dhol Drumming
  • 3:15 - 3:45 p.m. The Company Store (JAM Inc.)
  • 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Drums No Guns (youth percussion ensemble)
  • 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Glass Harmonica with Dean Shostak

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The 2008 MTV Video Music Awards

This year MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 7, 2008 live from Paramount Pictures Studios. Despite beginning as an alternative to the Grammy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards is now a respected pop culture awards show in its own right.

Comedian Russell Brand hosted the event. Britney Spears won three MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Best Video of the Year. "I'm in shock," the pop star said after accepting her third award of the night from NBA star Kobe Bryant.

Britney Spears opened 2008 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night in LA, it was announced that Britney Spears would open the event on September 4, 2008. "Thank you so much. Thank you for all the love. I'm here tonight to celebrate a very important birthday, the 25th anniversary of the VMAs. This is the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and it starts right now." said Spears.

Christina Aguilera performed her hit "Genie in a Bottle". Lil Wayne also performed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards with Kid Rock "All Summer Long", Leona Lewis "DontGetIt (Misunderstood)" and T-Pain "Got Money".


A complete list of winners of the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards:
  • Video of the year: Britney Spears - "Piece of Me."
  • Best Female Video: Britney Spears - "Piece of Me."
  • Best Male Video: Chris Brown - "With You."
  • Best Rock Video: Linkin Park - "Shadow of the Day."
  • Best Hip-Hop Video: Lil Wayne - "Lollipop."
  • Best Pop Video: Britney Spears - "Piece of Me."
  • Best Dancing in a Video: The Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up."
  • Best New Artist: Tokio Hotel - "Ready, Set, Go!"
  • Best Direction in a Video: Erykah Badu - "Honey"
  • Best Choreography in a Video: Gnarls Barkley - "Run"
  • Best Special Effects in a Video: Kanye West (featuring T-Pain) - "Good Life"
  • Best Art Direction in a Video: Gnarls Barkley - "Run"
  • Best Editing in a Video: Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart"
  • Best Cinematography in a Video: The White Stripes - "Conquest"
  • Best UK Video: The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"


Nominations:


Video of the Year
  1. Chris Brown - "Forever"
  2. Jonas Brothers - "Burnin' Up"
  3. Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
  4. Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
  5. The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"

Best Male Video
  1. Chris Brown - "With You"
  2. Flo Rida (featuring T-Pain) - "Low"
  3. Lil Wayne (featuring Static Major) - "Lollipop"
  4. T.I. - "No Matter What"
  5. Usher (featuring Young Jeezy) - "Love in This Club"

Best Female Video
  1. Mariah Carey - "Touch My Body"
  2. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl"
  3. Rihanna - "Take a Bow"
  4. Jordin Sparks (featuring Chris Brown) - "No Air"
  5. Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"

Best New Artist
  1. Miley Cyrus - "7 Things"
  2. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl"
  3. Jordin Sparks (featuring Chris Brown) - "No Air"
  4. Taylor Swift - "Teardrops on My Guitar"
  5. Tokio Hotel - "Ready, Set, Go!"

Best Pop Video
  1. Danity Kane - "Damaged"
  2. Jonas Brothers - "Burnin' Up"
  3. Panic at the Disco - "Nine in the Afternoon"
  4. Britney Spears - "Piece of Me"
  5. Tokio Hotel - "Ready, Set, Go!

Best Rock Video

  1. Fall Out Boy (featuring John Mayer) - "Beat It"
  2. Foo Fighters - "The Pretender"
  3. Linkin Park - "Shadow of the Day"
  4. Paramore - "Crushcrushcrush"
  5. Slipknot - "Psychosocial"

Best Hip-Hop Video
  1. Mary J. Blige - "Just Fine"
  2. Lupe Fiasco (featuring Matthew Santos) - "Superstar"
  3. Flo Rida (featuring T-Pain) - "Low"
  4. Lil Wayne (featuring Static Major) - "Lollipop"
  5. Kanye West (featuring Chris Martin) - "Homecoming"

Best Dancing in a Video
  1. Chris Brown - "Forever"
  2. Danity Kane - "Damaged"
  3. Madonna (featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) - "4 Minutes"
  4. Ne-Yo - "Closer"
  5. Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"

Best Direction in a Video
  1. Erykah Badu - "Honey" (Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto)
  2. Linkin Park - "Shadow of the Day" (Director: Joe Hahn)
  3. Panic at the Disco - "Nine in the Afternoon" (Director: Shane Drake)
  4. Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up" (Director: Joseph Kahn)
  5. Rihanna - "Take a Bow" (Director: Anthony Mandler)

Best Choreography in a Video
  1. Adele - "Chasing Pavements" (Choreographer: Marguerite Derricks)
  2. Chris Brown - "Forever" (Choreographers: Tone & Rich)
  3. Chris Brown (featuring T-Pain) - "Kiss Kiss" (Choreographer: Flii Stylz)
  4. Gnarls Barkley- "Run" (Choreographer: Michael Rooney)
  5. Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up" (Choreographers: Robin Antin and Mikey Minden)

Best Special Effects in a Video
  1. Erykah Badu - "Honey" (Special Effects: X1 FX)
  2. Coldplay - "Violet Hill" (Special Effects: Asa Mader)
  3. Missy Elliott - "Ching-a-Ling/Shake Your Pom Pom" (Special Effects: Les Umberger)
  4. Linkin Park - "Bleed It Out" (Special Effects: David Lebensfeld and Adam Catino)
  5. Kanye West (featuring T-Pain) - "Good Life" (Special Effects: SoMe, Jonas & François)

Best Art Direction in a Video
  1. Gnarls Barkley - "Run" (Art Directors: Happy and Kells Jesse)
  2. MGMT - "Electric Feel" (Art Director: Sophie Kosofsky)
  3. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl" (Art Director: Benji Bamps)
  4. Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up" (Art Director: Marcelle Gravel)
  5. The White Stripes - "Conquest" (Art Director: David Fitzpatrick)

Best Editing in a Video
  1. Erykah Badu - "Honey" (Editor: T. David Binns)
  2. Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart" (Editors: Aaron Stewart-Ahn and Jeff Buchanan)
  3. Ne-Yo - "Closer" (Editor: Clark Eddy)
  4. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl" (Editor: Tom Lindsay)
  5. Weezer - "Pork and Beans" (Editor: Jeff Consiglio and Colin Woods)

Best Cinematography in a Video
  1. Erykah Badu - "Honey" (Director of Photography: Karsten "Crash" Gopinath)
  2. Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart" (Directors of Photography: Aaron Stewart-Ahn and Shawn Kim)
  3. Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl" (Director of Photography: Simon Thirlaway)
  4. Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up" (Director of Photography: Christopher Probst)
  5. The White Stripes - "Conquest" (Director of Photography: Wyatt Troll)

Best UK Video
  1. Coldplay - "Violet Hill"
  2. Duffy - "Warwick Avenue"
  3. Estelle (featuring Kanye West) - "American Boy"
  4. Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love"
  5. The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"

Monday, September 29, 2008

Mindy McCready Going Back to Jail

Mindy McCreadyCountry singer Mindy McCready will surrender to authorities in Franklin, Tennessee, on Tuesday September 30, 2008 to begin serving a 60-day sentence for violating her probation on a 2004 drug charge.

McCready whose debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, was released on 1996 and sold two million copies, was arrested for violating her probation for prescription drug fraud in June.

Attorney Lee Ofman told Reuters "Once she's done with that time, Mindy has met all of her obligations under her probation sentence,"

McCready has a long history of troubles, she was originally convicted of prescription drug fraud in 2004. In May 2005, she was arrested for DUI. In September 2007, McCready was sentenced to a year in jail for violating probation. In addition to the jail time, McCready was ordered to serve two more years of probation and perform 200 additional hours of community service.

"I am working very hard to put all of this behind me as quickly as possible so I can get back to what I like to do most: sing, write songs, and entertain," said McCready in a statement. McCready also said "I would like to thank my fans for their unwavering support as I continue to work on my recovery and to regain custody of my precious son, Zander."

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Perfectly Clear by Jewel

Perfectly Clear by JewelSinger-songwriter Jewel released her first country album, Perfectly Clear, on June 3, 2008 on Valory Records. Jewel is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and poet, raised by her cowboy dad and discovered while she was homeless.

The album is composed of a mixture of new and old fan-favorite songs, although only one of the songs had previously appeared on one of her albums. "2 Become 1," from 0304 appeared in a new country version that was re-titled, "Two Become One."

The 9513 called the record's first single Stronger Woman "fresh and smart, and it boasts a confident and commanding vocal performance the likes of which we rarely hear in country music–or in any other kind of music, for that matter."

She follows up with "I Do" which is a simple melody with deep-rooted undertones, certainly relatable to anyone who's ever been involved in a relationship. "I Do", was released to country radio on June 23, 2008 and reached the US Country Top 40.

Perfectly Clear debuted at number 8 on The Billboard 200 with 48,000 copies sold. The album has sold 184,080 copies so far.


Track listing
  1. Stronger Woman - 4:02
  2. I Do - 4:04
  3. Love Is a Garden - 3:48
  4. Rosey & Mick - 3:36
  5. Anyone but You - 3:55
  6. Thump Thump - 3 :57
  7. Two Become One - 3:44
  8. Till It Feels Like Cheating - 4:00
  9. Everything Reminds Me of You - 3:15
  10. Loved by You (Cowboy Waltz) - 3:28
  11. Perfectly Clear - 2:56

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Partie Traumatic Album

Partie Traumatic album by Black KidsPartie Traumatic is the debut album by Black Kids. Black Kids are an indie rock band who formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 2006. Rolling Stone called them one of ten "Artists to Watch" in 2008.

Partie Traumatic was released by Almost Gold on July 7, 2008 in the United Kingdom, and released by Columbia Records on July 22, 2008 in North America. Partie Traumatic was debuted at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and number 127 on Billboard Top 200.

The songs "I'm Not Going to Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You" and "Hit the Heartbrakes" have a lot of energy and exciting. "Partie Traumatic" is an indie disco anthem in the making.


Track listing
  1. Hit the Heartbrakes – 3:44
  2. Partie Traumatic – 3:10
  3. Listen to Your Body Tonight – 3:08
  4. Hurricane Jane – 4:32
  5. I'm Making Eyes at You – 4:29
  6. I've Underestimated My Charm (Again) – 3:55
  7. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You – 3:37
  8. Love Me Already – 4:04
  9. I Wanna Be Your Limousine – 3:16
  10. Look at Me (When I Rock Wichoo) – 4:11

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

South Padre International Music Festival

For the second year the South Padre International Music Festival will be held on South Padre Island, Texas. South Padre Island is a resort community in Cameron County, Texas. The town is located on South Padre Island, a barrier island along the Texas Gulf coast assessible via a causeway from the town of Port Isabel.

South Padre International Music Festival is an annual 3-day music festival held on South Padre Island, TX. South Padre International Music Festival also known as SPI Music Fest was first held on 2007 and marked the inaugural year of SPI Music Fest with almost 10,000 visitors throughout the weekend.

Organizers call it the Valley's biggest annual event. "Last year we didn't know who would show up because nothing like this has ever happened in the Valley before," said Tim Hayden, one of the event's founders. The festival producer is GamePlan Marketing & Events, a strategic marketing and advertising agency located in Austin, Texas.

Sixty-four bands across fourteen venues filled the island and rocked to an array of both national and international acts, encompassing a wide range of musical genres including country, funk, reggae, rock, indie, Latin rock, ska and jazz.

They brought the Musical acts like Grupo Fantasma, Robert Earl Keen, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Los Amigos Invisibles, Jumbo, Reckless Kelly, Two Tons of Steel, Eric Hanke, Third Coast, Airline, Bongodogs, Hope for the Stars, Slim Richey, Stereo Kitsch and Espina.

The festival starts rocking on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 4PM and ends Sunday, November 2, 2008 around 4PM on the Island.


2008 Lineup
  1. Willie Nelson & Family
  2. Ghostland Observatory
  3. Foghat
  4. Los Lonely Boys
  5. Steel Pluse
  6. Blue Oyster Cult
  7. Alejandro Escovedo
  8. Los Amigos Invisibles
  9. Grupo Fantasma
  10. Fastball
  11. Guy Forsyth
  12. 60 Tigers
  13. Del Castillo
  14. Boombox
  15. Vallejo
  16. Nakia & His Southern Cousins
  17. Sara Hickman
  18. Brownout
  19. The Last Vegas
  20. Paula Nelson Band
  21. Ginger Leigh
  22. Twanguero
  23. Suzanna Choffel
  24. Big Burn
  25. Bongodogs
  26. Eric Hanke
  27. James Speer
  28. Meridianwest
  29. Stewart Mann & The Statesboro Revue
  30. Pelican West
  31. Airline
  32. Phillip Thomas Kellogg
  33. Bree Stevens
  34. Johnny Mac
  35. Lauren Ashley
  36. J.Micheal Lafferty
  37. Third Coast
  38. Rumtide
  39. Jake Cortez
  40. Danny Green
  41. Carrie Elkin
  42. Danny Schmidt
  43. Sarah Pierce
  44. Erin Ivey
  45. Miami Mami
  46. Liberal
  47. Dog Men Poets
  48. "On The Road Side" All-Stars
  49. Port - O - Call
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com. The average temperature for South Padre Island during the last week of October and the first week of November is 80' (average high) and 66' (average low).

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Do You Know - Country Album by Jessica Simpson

Jessica SimpsonJessica Simpson made many promotional appearances to show her country crossover. Do You Know is the sixth studio album by pop singer Jessica Simpson, it is her first effort in an attempt to crossover to country music.

The first single Come on Over sharing a title with Shania, but the similarity ends here. She has noted Martina McBride and Shania Twain among her inspirations. The album's lead-off single, Come On Over was Simpson's first release to country radio, peaking at number 18 on the country charts in 2008.

Come on Over the first single was written by Jessica, Rachel Proctor, and Victoria Banks. Jessica had a hand in penning almost every song on the album, joining some of the best songwriters in Nashville. Some songs such as Still Beautiful and When I Loved You Like That have a sound and vibe of some of her old songs.

The album was produced by Grammy Award winning songwriter Brett James and famed producer John Shanks. The Boston Herald said the effort "represents the worst in a genre that’s come to deify Michael Bolton schmaltz while kicking Hank Williams’ legacy to the curb," and awarded it a grade of D.

Tracks:
  1. Come on Over - 2:54
  2. Remember That - 3:44
  3. Pray Out Loud - 3:45
  4. You're My Sunday - 4:40
  5. Sipping on History - 4:14
  6. Still Beautiful - 3:44
  7. Still Don't Stop Me - 3:27
  8. When I Loved You Like That - 4:06
  9. Might as Well Be Making Love - 3:51
  10. Man Enough - 4:19
  11. Do You Know duet with Dolly Parton - 5:04

Friday, September 12, 2008

Piece of Me by Britney Spears

Piece of Me by Britney SpearsPiece of Me is the second single from the album Blackout by American pop singer Britney Spears.

The song was written by Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, and Klas Åhlund. Swedish pop singer Robyn originally recorded a demo of this song after Klas Åhlund wrote it. Her vocals remain in the background on Britney's recorded version.

Piece of Me was officially released on January 7, 2008, in the U.S. and the UK, but had already received radio airplay before then.

Its electro-synth music, electronically-enhanced vocoder singing, and memorable hook, makes it successful in clubs, reaching number one in various Dance Club Play charts, including those in the United States and Australia. It was also one of her most successful singles in the United Kingdom, peaking at number two. Through its dance mixes, Piece of Me becomes one of those songs that DJs save for the last number.

Piece of Me debuted on November 17, 2007, on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at number 65, as well as at number 37 on the Canadian Hot 100.

At the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards Britney Spears won all three of her nominations for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year for Piece of Me.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

New Opeth album - Watershed

Opeth WatershedWatershed is album number nine by the Swedish progressive death metal band Opeth. The album was first released digitally on the European iTunes Stores on May 19, 2008, and released physically on May 30, 2008 in Europe, June 2, 2008 in the United Kingdom, and June 3, 2008 in North America.

Watershed signifies a new start for Opeth. Watershed is the first studio album by Opeth to feature drummer Martin Axenrot and guitarist Fredrik Åkesson.

The first song to be heard by the public was Heir Apparent, which was performed in concert and recorded on video by fans who uploaded the videos onto YouTube. Mike Akerfeldt wrote most of the songs, he has constructed the album in a more evocative way this time.

The special edition of the album includes a bonus DVD featuring a rehearsal session making of documentary, a 5.1 mix of the album, and three bonus tracks.
Highest Billboard chart position: No. 23.

Tracks:
  1. Coil - 3:10
  2. Heir Apparent - 8:50
  3. The Lotus Eater - 8:50
  4. Burden - 7:41
  5. Porcelain Heart - 8:00
  6. Hessian Peel - 11:25
  7. Hex Omega – 7:00
Special edition bonus tracks:
  1. Derelict Herds – 6:28
  2. Bridge of Sighs – 5:55
  3. Den ständiga resan – 4:09