My Top 10 of 2010(Albums)

In no particular order, here are the top 10 albums I wore out in 2010. These albums, I either loved all or the majority of the tracks.

Artist ~ Album
Childish Gambino ~ Culdesac
Wale ~ More About Nothing
Bruno Mars ~ Doo Wops & Holligans
Kanye West ~ My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
30 Seconds to Mars ~ This Is War
Florence and the Machine ~ Lungs
Neon Trees ~ Habits
Eminem ~ Recovery
The Roots ~ How I Got Over
Erik Hassle ~ Pieces

New Music From JT?!

If I'm tired of people asking my sweet, sexy, southern, multitalented, sexy, funny, sexy....sorry if any of my drool got on your keyboard. Where was I...oh yes. If I'm tired of people asking my husband when he's going to make new music, then I am sure he is tired of it too. With that said, idolator.com recently posted a new song that might be for a new JT album.
I wish people would let artists do the work they need to do to put out quality music without bothering them and leaking unfinished, sometimes finished, work. But at the same time, I guess if the press isn't hounding you then they don't care, so the trade off is probably good.

#1 With A Bullet (Actually A Grenade)

I've taken an unwanted break from the blog since I am temporarily without proper Internet access. So much has happened in just the past week; I wish I could have blogged about it. So I wanted to atleast congratulate Bruno Mars on yet another well deserved #1 single. I knew "Grenade" would get there eventually. The whole album is just a string of potential #1s, and is the closest this year to that old school hit factory, Smokey Robinson feel. Definitely in my top 10 of 2010(which I will post later today).

Throwback 80's - Billy Joel "Tell Her About It"

Didn't mean to make all the 80's throwbacks by artists with names that start with B. Anywho, if you've been in a CVS you have probably heard this.

Throwback 80's - Bananarama "Venus"

I'm pretty convinced the blonde with the long hair is Ke$ha. It wasn't until I looked up the video that I realized this is the song for the Venus razor. I knew it was the song, but I blocked out the fact that is was a song before the jingle.

Throwback 80's - Berlin "Take My Breath Away"

There is pretty much no way you have never heard this song. I don't care if it was playing at the mall while you were shopping, in an elevator, making out on sunset cover, some how you have heard this song. One of the most popular tracks from the Top Gun soundtrack, "Take My Breath Away," will go down in cheesy romance song history.

Throwback 90's - Shakespears Sister

I've been looking at the Billboard chart for the 90's and it looks like it was ruled mostly by R&B/Hip Hop/Rap, so I thought I would post something different. I actually don't think I have ever heard or seen this before. It is certainly different.

Throwback 90's - TLC

Blaque had one or two hits, but TLC had number one albums and songs. Waterfalls was probably their biggest number one. I remember watching the video repeatedly hoping for a different outcome for the characters. Oh youth.

Throwback 00's - Blaque

The three member girl group was probably supposed to be the next TLC, but most people got their R&B girl group fix from Destiny's Child. Nevertheless this song was pretty big, and I played the JC Chasez version all the time.

Update: Is Paramore Breaking Up? Josh and Zac's Side

The answer is sort of. Two members, Josh and Zac Farro, are leaving the band. The brothers announced their departure last week to the other members in the band. The remaining members, including lead singer Hayley Williams, posted an announcement on the bands website. Surprisingly, the statement was more than just a company formatted send off.

*Update*: Josh and Zac released their own, tell all, "exit statement". They call out Hayley and her manager for taking over the band and taking it in a direction they didn't agree with. Go here to read the whole thing.

Foster The People - "Pumped Up Kicks"

I like the real mellow catchyness(not a word?) of this song.

Random Discovery - Biffy Clyro

If you don't know them, they are a Scottish Rock band similar to Muse. They have opened for them, The Rolling Stones, and some other pretty big bands. And have also played at popular UK festivals, including Glastonbury. Recently it was announced that they will be headlining Sonisphere, and a North American tour in 2011(Rock n Roll Hotel in DC on 2/11). One of their most popular songs, "Mountains," is above.

Far East Movement ft. Ryan Tedder - Rocketeer

I really like Far East Movement, and I love Ryan Tedder(One Republic). So I'm happy this is actually a good collaboration.

Album Release - Margolnick's "Taylorsville"

3.5 stars(out of 5)

    From first listen, Margolnick's 'Taylorsville' is folk-rock goodness. If you are in to that sort of thing, take a listen. If not, take a listen anyway, maybe you'll like it.

"This album for me was a chance to create exactly what I felt in the moment, free from expectation, no strings attached. It's about decisions, reflection, and shaking off the weight. " Drake Margolnick

Track List:
The Roost
The Order(staring at the sun)
The Ladder*
Intermission*
The Yard
The Alley(gravel beneath the skin0
The Tracks(the fool)*

*The tracks I like most

Jimmy Fallon - Carmen San Diego Skit

Wow, I completely forgot about Rockapella from the Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego 'game' show. If you weren't 4+ in the early 90's, you probably don't remember the PBS tv show. It was great, nobody ever completed the final challenge, and you hated them for it.

How To Make It In America? - Go On Jimmy Fallon

courtesy of Okayplayer.com

Aloe Blacc performed "I Need A Dollar," the theme song for the HBO hit series How To Make It In America, on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  It was his first TV performance in the US.  His latest album 'Good Things' was released in September.

Eminem and Lil' Wayne Shut Down SNL

First, Kanye changed the game with his SNL performances, now Eminem and Lil' Wayne perform like they have something to prove. They performed their song "No Love" together, and for the second performance they did Eminem's "Won't Back Down" and Wayne's "6'7'." Rappers have really been making their mark on the SNL stage this season. See the second performance after the jump.

Why Bruno Mars Should Be In the Top 10 of 2010?

If you haven't heard 'Doo-Wops and Hooligans' you haven't heard some of the best Glee worthy songs of the year. Blow, coke, white girl, snow, whatever you call cocaine must be an excellent muse cause all the popular artists have been caught/admit to using it lately. Including Mr. #1 himself, Bruno Mars. His debut album is a fusion of doo-wop, R&B, pop, and a hint of folk and reggae. My favorite on the ablum, "Grenade," puts that insecure feeling of caring so much for someone, while they don't care at all for you, into poetry with a catchy "Cry Me A River" like feel. It has a chance at being another #1 for Mars.

2AM Club - Let Me Down Easy Video

I'm not a big fan of tour videos, but I like them.

Is Paramore Breaking Up?

The answer is sort of. Two members, Josh and Zac Farro, are leaving the band. The brothers announced their departure last week to the other members in the band. The remaining members, including lead singer Hayley Williams, posted an announcement on the bands website. Surprisingly, the statement was more than just a company formatted send off.

"None of us were really shocked. For the last year it hasn't seemed as if they wanted to be around anymore."

Hopefully, this won't be like the Panic! At the Disco fiasco; members leaving back to back. As long as Hayley is in the band I don't particularly care.

Hurricane Mars

It's finally here! The uncensored version of the Hurricane film/music video was released. Definitely NSFW.

Why Katy Perry Should Be In the Top 10 of 2010?

    Katy Perry had one of the bests albums of 2010; not only by chart success.  You might be thinking QUE!?, but I'm serious.  If you are a fan of pop, dance, or 80's music "Teenage Dream" blends all of those styles wonderfully.  And Perry's voice works perfectly for this kind of music.  Tracks like 'Peacock', 'Who Am I Living For?', and 'E.T' are crafted so well for Perry's style and the type of music that is popular now.  That dance club music that gets people to jump around and forget their problems.  Another example, Firework, showcases Perry's vocal talent, something few notice, and makes you wish you could dance forever.  I could play this album all the way through.  The music snob in me knows there are other dance acts out there that have been making this type of music for years, and better, but mainstream wise this album kicked butt.

Last Stop To Paris

        I finally listened to Diddy Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris, and to my chagrin the album doesn't suck. Some songs are actually pretty good, but Diddy should not be allowed to sing. I feel like if someone else was singing/rapping that I would like it more. The whole album sort of reminds me of FutureSex/LoveSounds; futuristic, with a mix of hip hop, pop, and a splash of rock. Not the best album this year, but a solid effort by someone who probably should have retired a decade ago. Hint hint Brett Favre. Stand out tracks include Loving You No More, Ass On The Floor(Swizz Beats did a good job on the beat), and Yeah Yeah You Would. Honorable mention goes to Shades(I love my husband, JT, "rapping" on the track)and Yesterday.

Arcangel - Sopresa

I like this song, it's old, but I still like it. Arcangel's new album, 'Sentimiento, Elegancia y Maldad', should be coming out sometime in the new year. I also really like Te Estoy Buscando, song below.

Weezy Dreams of Being 6'7'

Once again Lil' Wayne is garnering hype for his next album. First single, "6'7'", has already gotten a lot of press and buzz for it's wordplay. What do you think? Is this a sign of a classic album?

Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz, "6'7" by billboard

Back To P.E For Gym Class Heroes

After finding out that label mates Panic! At the Disco are back in action, I found out that Gym Class Heroes are back in the studio.  Looks like they are going to be putting out a new album sometime next year.  I guess this means Travis McCoy didn't get enough success with his solo record to leave the band; smart choice.  Hopefully this new album will be as big as McCoy's hit single Billionaire.

Get Ready To Panic! Again

courtesy of tcdcmedia.com

Panic! At the Disco, down to only two members, recently announced that they are putting out a new album. Not only that, but they announced the title of the first single. The album will be called 'Vice and Virtues' and the single is currently being called "Mona Lisa." They plan to release the single in January.

New Music Video - OK Go “Back From Kathmandu”

Ok Go and new music video, do I need to say more?

Will Matty B The Next Toddler Phenom?

I've been putting off talking about MattyB in the slight hopes that he would fade away. But it looks like he is going to stay a little longer. The boy doesn't even have his two front teeth. Honestly, he is not bad, especially for a seven year old. Justin Bieber better watch out. Watch his cover of Bruno Mars' "Just The Way You Are" dedicated to his little sister, after the jump.

"Only The Good Die Young"

I just heard about Sazzy, and am so upset that he passed away. Nigeria Music Movement seems to describe him well.

Sazzy is a free spirited producer/songwriter/singer who tends to mash pop, hip-hop, dance and afro-beat together to create an addictive and catchy sound. Describing his music as “indie-hop done by aliens trying to be human. With a strong love for Good Music in any genre and a free mind in creativity, Sazzy is the type of act music needs.

It's sad that he never got the chance to do more and reach more people, but what he did do was amazing.

Foreign Friday: Ana Tijoux

For some reason all the artists I have profiled for Foreign Friday have been connected to France somehow. Ana Tijoux is a French-Chilean artist who I was introduced to through iTunes free discovery downloads, which I highly recommend. Tijoux, real name Anamaria Merino, is a female rapper with actual talent. She is more prolific then other female rappers. Her latest album, "1977", is her fifth album since 1998. Her single, titled the same as the album, has been stuck in my head for months.

Throwback

Such a 90's gem and one of my favorite songs. One of the best uses of a Michael Jackson sample.

Kings of "Pyro"

My favorite southern gentlemen have premiered their video for new single "Pyro" of their 'Come Around Sundown' album. The first single "Radioactive" was just nominated for two Grammys; Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group. Congratulations fellas!!

Billboard's Best of 2010

Billboard Best of 2010

Probably not the best lists for quality because they base it mainly, if not completely on sales.  But still an indicator of what was hot during the year.

Fireworks For Katy Perry

This week, Katy Perry breaks another billboard record with her newly #1 single "Firework." She is the first female artist to have three consecutive #1 singles from the same album this decade. Which is a similar record to this weeks #3 single holder Rihanna with "What's My Name?". Other notable movement on the Hot 100 includes The Black Eyed Peas' "The Time(Dirty Bit)" moving up to #4, and Bruno Mars' "Grenade"(love this song) moving up to #5. Both could easily reach the #1 spot in a few weeks.

Nicole Scherzinger is Poison

Nicole Noonecanpronouncemylastname Scherzinger's new single "Poison" is apparently doing much better than her last attempt to go solo a few years ago. The video, above, for the single is far more interesting then the single itself. I do not like it at all. The chorus is better than the verses, but that is not saying much. A dj remix would probably be hot(it sounds like a remix already so it wouldn't be hard), but I just don't see this growing on me. I've said that before and ended up pop lock and droppin' it in the club to some other garbage, so who knows.

A Feist Documentary?!

So they made a documentary about my beloved Feist, and from reading about it it seems that it is going to be really revealing. For example, I didn't know "she struggled with her own fame, and her image." Go to Hitfix to read more about the documentary.

Glee-cap

This weeks Christmas themed Glee episode was not that great. I thought that they would at least touch on Hanukkah considering Rachel is Jewish, but I guess that wouldn't quite fit.

- I liked hearing Rachel and Kurt singing more subdued songs that were at a lower register.
- "When does Asian Santa arrive."
- Britnay as little Cindy Who was so cute. "You've gotten really tan," she said to the black mall Santa.
- Sue as the Grinch, hahaha.
- "On dry runs Santa uses the Isuzu."

Rolling In The Deep Official Video

Courtesy of idolator.com

Amazing!

Valencia - "Dancing With A Ghost"

Trey Songz is Somewhere Crying; R Kelly Is Back

In the past couple years we have seen the return of Prince, Maxwell, and Sade. After a show stopping performance at the Soul Train Awards, R. Kelly does it again on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. This is the first of his two night appearance.

Patrick Stump is Stumped

The still skinny Patrick Stump needs his fans help picking which version of his song Spotlight to put on his new solo album. It will either be "Spotlight(Oh Nostalgia)" or "Spotlight(New Regrets)," which are pretty similar. I personally like the (New Regrets) version better, but most people seem to like the (Oh Nostalgia) version better. You can go to Patrick Stump's website to listen and download both versions.

iPhone Marriage Proposal

<a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/browse?mkt=en-us&from=en-us_msnhp&vid=6fa6e2c1-b524-44a3-a0e9-ac0cd9585913&from=en-us&fg=dest" target="_new" title="Movie Theater Marriage Proposal">Video: Movie Theater Marriage Proposal</a>

I don't want to get married, but I might say yes to this proposal in the theatre. Then later I would say no, haha.

Alice Stuck In Wonderland

ALICE SMITH "GOODY" LIVE AT JOE'S PUB from EPIC RECORDS on Vimeo.

Have you been missing the whiny amazingness that is Alice Smith's voice like I have? Well you are going to have to wait a little bit longer for a new album. But you can always go to her blog for some new-ish live stuff to tide you over, if you don't already.

Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine

Rye Rye....Not The Bread

Baltimore native Rye Rye is finally stepping out of MIA's shadow and taking a shot at Is Her Butt Real's Nicki Minaj's title. I saw her when they were in D.C a few years ago, and she was so energetic and dynamic; I thought she was going to take off instantly. But the teenage rapper took a step back after being on tour with MIA to have her baby. Now that her baby is over a year old, Rye Rye is getting back to trying to take over the game. With her Baltimore House music background and mentoring from MIA, she could very well do just that. Here's hoping she doesn't let the industry get to her. Read her interview with Billboard here.

Dance Anthem of the 80's

You Don't Have To Be Alone

...I will gladly be with you. Gambino posted a new track from his upcoming EP. I love it already. Check it out on his website here.

Who Is This Guy?

courtesy of talkinblues.com

I finally got to go back to New York last week; I haven't been there in about a year.  Despite the cold, it was such a good time.  The best part was seeing Citizen Cope at Brooklyn Bowl.  We've seen him at the 930 club before, and apparently he remembered us cause he smiled and waved at us.  Yes, we did do some internal geeking out, he is a cutey.
    After Cope got off, he introduced Gary Clarke Jr., and I was pretty much the only person who could remember his name.  I think everyone is going to eventually remember his name because he is a Hendrix-esque guitar player.  I was fixated on his fingers the whole time; mainly cause I'm learning the guitar now.  I'm normally not into instrumental most of the time, but this was great. When he did sing, the mic wasn't very loud, but I could tell he had a pretty good, power to the people, 70's voice. Hailing from Texas, Clarke's music is a fusion of many genres, but mostly southern rock, blues, and RnB.

All About the Climb

Yay, Pink's "Raise Your Glass" comes in at #1 this week on the Hot 100. This is her third number #1 single, showing talent can prevail. Other notable entries are Katy Perry's "Firework," The Black Eyed Peas's "The Time(Dirty Bit)," and Bruno Mars's "Grenade" at 2, 9, and 10 respectively. Also, Whiz Khalifa cracks the top 20 with his street friendly hit "Black and Yellow" moving to #19.

Over on the Hot 200, as expected, Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" debuts at #1. With Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" coming in on his heels at #2. Everything else that debuted this week should have waited a week or two. Really Ne-Yo, who's bright idea was it to release his new album the same week as two of the most highly anticipated albums of the year.

It's More Than Ok

courtesy of idolator.com

The video for Cee Lo Green's new single "It's Ok" is one of the best I have seen in a long while. Other than Ok Go, most artist's videos are either really boring or really pointless. This video has a great use of color and imagery. And it doesn't hurt that the song is pretty darn good too. The new single follows his Grammy nominated hit single "Fuck You." For a full list of Grammy nominees click here.

Glee-cap

Here is my Glee-cap(recap) of last night's Glee, in bullet form:

- Britnay, Britnay, Britnay! I love this girl so very much.: "Please, can I have your magic comb?" Lol, brilliant.
- "Buddah, Allah, Satan, help me."
- Hey Soul Sister: I really like the the new guy
- 'I've Had the Time of My Life': Quinn's voice sounded great
- 'Valerie' - My favorite Amy Winehouse song; Finally Santana gets a Solo. The Mike/Britnay dancing was great.
- Really...a tie...what a cop out.  I actually think The New Directions should have won.
- The only non-boring non-musical plot point was Ms. Pilsbury telling Mr. Schu she got married.
- Florence and the Machine!!!!: I actually don't think they did it justice, just like that they did it.

Hurricane: Banned or Not

30 Seconds To Mars - Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

So 30 Seconds to Mars film for 'Hurricane' was banned for various reasons(you can read some of the reasons here). I understand why parents don't want their kids to see adult content at early ages, but parents need to actually be parents and monitor what their kids are watching. It is not the responsibility of an adult artist to make art that your kids can watch. Yeah, yeah, yeah..nowadays kids can go online and look up pornography and what have you. But nowadays you can also set parental settings on both your television and internet. If you're kid is so perverted curious that they will hack into the internet or go to a friends house with more trusting parents, than that kid needs you to be a parent more than the musician needs to censor their music. With my two cents deposited, watch the censored version of the Hurricane music video. *Update* They posted the uncensored version with an age restriction.
P.S I hope they make a video for the version with Kanye in it, and have Kanye in it.