FYI

Joshua Radin, highlighted in an artist spotlight about a month ago, has debuted on VH1's Top 20 Video Countdown!

From the album Simple Times, "I'd Rather Be With You" is the first of Radin's songs to get this type of mainstream recognition. The video, directed by Zach Braff, is the perfect accompaniment to the mellow sound of Radin's vocals.

To vote for Radin's video click HERE.

Enjoy!

Oscars: The Musical

2009 took the Oscars back to the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, singing and dancing all the way. Song-and-dance man (not to mention Sexiest Man Alive), Hugh Jackman hosted the music filled three and half hour show.

Producers took the Oscars back to the 1950s by taking the orchestra out of the pit and onto the stage in a big band style setup. They infused classic movie scores with well-known big band sounds to create upbeat tunes throughout the evening.

Broadway veteran, Jackman opened the show with a rousing musical compilation paying tribute to the top nominees of the evening. He even pulled Anne Hathaway out of her front-row seat to sing with him. (Her voice was surprisingly good.)

Musical numbers broke up the normally dull show. Beyonce, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens all joined Jackman on stage to salute the return of the musical to Hollywood. Queen Latifah belted out a touching rendition of the tune "I'll Be Seeing You" (Originally from the Broadway musical Right this Way) during the In Memoriam video. Best Original Song nominees performed a confusing melody of the three songs with John Legend filling in for Peter Gabriel on vocals for "Down to You" from Wall-E.

I am a music fan but even I thought the Oscars had too much music. (Although I did appreciate that they did not cut off acceptance speeches with the orchestra this year, especially for Heath Ledger's family.) It reminded me more of the Tony awards than the Oscars. Producers needed to keep in mind their audience for the show. Jackman did a great job as a first-time host and his musical numbers were a welcomed change, but keep the singing and dancing to a minimum. The show is long enough without time-wasting Broadway-inspired over-the-top performances.

For a complete list of nominees and winners from Hollywood's biggest night visit www.oscars.com.

Small Venue Slide Show

Artist Spotlight: Tristan Prettyman

If you like Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat then you will love Tristan Prettyman. Her laid-back melodies and acoustic sound are the perfect way to beat a sour mood. She sounds like a California summers day.

Simplicity is the key to her songwriting success. With little more than an acoustic guitar to back up her soothing vocals, Prettyman creates a sound that is pure and uncontrived. This simplicity is what makes her stand out in an industry full of studio sensations.

Prettyman grew up in San Diego, California. This former Roxy model and avid surfer stumbled into music after performing for some friends. She played for her friend, Chris Malloy, and he used a song in his 2001 surf film, Shelter.

Following that success, Prettyman began playing gigs at small venues across the country. She was signed to Virgin Records and released her debut album twentythree in August 2005. The release was critically well-received but did little on the charts. Following the release, Prettyman toured for two and a half years promoting the album. She toured with such artists as Jason Mraz, Ray LaMontagne, G. Love and Special Sauce and Chris Issac.

In March 2008 Prettyman released her sophomore album, Hello. The album shows much artistic growth from the young artist. "I have grown so much in the last two years," Prettyman says. "I've gone through so many changes and I think the album definitely reflects that. It's more grown-up, and it just feels legit. I've never been more excited about anything in my life as I am with this record. It is so me."

You can check out all of Prettyman's music on her website http://www.tristanprettyman.com/ or her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/tristanprettyman. You can also find her on iTunes.

"Sorry"

After nearly a week of silence, Chris Brown has finally commented on the horrible news (that's spread like wildfire) that he is connected with a domestic violence investigation. Through a statement released by his publicist, Brown said he is "sorry and saddened" over what has happened. The statement goes on to say that Brown is seeking counseling from loved ones and family members. He did not go into much detail regarding the issue. However, he did mention that many of the reported "facts" of the case are inaccurate.

Brown was booked by Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 for allegedly making a criminal threat. (He and then girlfriend Rihanna both cancelled performances at the Grammys leading to speculation of her involvement in the case.) He has not been charged by the district attorney and is free on $50,000 bail while the case is under investigation.

As a music fan, it disturbs me to hear talented artists get mixed up in situations like this. However, many other artist have made it through their difficult personal issues. Snoop Dogg beat murder charges and his career was not phased. He even has a reality show on E! about fatherhood. Britney Spears suffered an extremely public breakdown including head shaving and car beating (with an umbrella) and her new album, Circus, was recently certified platinum. And don't even get me started on Robert Downey, Jr. Chris, let these stories be a lesson to you. Take some time out of the spotlight, get a good PR team behind you and give it a week. After that, another young celebrity will be taking over the tabloids with some new "shocking" headline. Just give it some time.

Anti-Valentine's Day Music

With Valentine's day right around the corner, we are all getting sick of the sappy music being played. MSN music posted their top 10 anti-Valentine's Day music and I thought I'd share it with all of you...and maybe add a few of my own.

MSN's List:

1. The J. Geils Band "Love Stinks"
2. Def Leppard "Love Bites"
3. Nazareth "Love Hurts"
4. Kelly Clarkson "The Trouble with Love Is"
5. Alanis Morissette "You Oughta Know"
6. Maria McKee "If Love is a Red Dress (Hang Me in Rags)"
7. Michael Buble "Down with Love"
8. Tie: John Mayer "I'm Gonna Find Another You" and Beyonce "Irreplaceable"
9. Dixie Chicks "Hold in My Head"
10. Adam Sandler "Somebody Kill Me"


for your consideration...

Maroon 5 "Makes Me Wonder"
Joe Purdy "Can't Get it Right Today"
Jet "Cold Hard B****"
Carolina Liar "Coming to Terms"
Danity Kane "Damaged"
Jay Clifford "Know When to Walk Away"
Pink "So What"
AFI "Prelude 12/21"
The All-American Rejects "Gives You Hell"
Plain White T's "Hate (I Really Don't Like You)"
Katy Perry "Hot 'N Cold"
Charlotte Sometimes "How I Could Just Kill a Man"
Sublime "I've Seen Better Days"
Kate Voegele "It's Only Life"


These are just a few I would add to the list. What are your favorite Anti-Valentine's Day songs?

Live Nation Entertainment?

Well, concert goers, the world as you know is changing. It was announced today (after long speculation) that Live Nation (a spin off of Clear Channel) and Ticketmaster will be joining forces to create Live Nation Entertainment. 

For those not in the know, let me give you a little background on the two companies. Live Nation is a concert promoter and owner of large amphitheaters across the country. Live Nation has brokered deals with huge acts such as Madonna and U2 for exclusive rights to promote their concerts at only their venues. Referred to as "360 deals" gives the company handles all aspects of an artist's career, recording, concerts and merchandise.

Ticketmaster is the well known ticketing agency that has been criticized by fans and artists alike for their extreme processing fees that pile up on top of ticket prices. 

What does this mean for you, the concert goer? Well, if we thought ticket prices were high before just wait a few years. In my opinion, this company is getting dangerously close to having a monopoly over the concert industry.

This deal is still waiting for the approval of government officials. I, personally, am hoping it does not go through. Yes, Ticketmaster is known for its price mark-ups. But, Live Nation was the closest thing to competition for the giant. If they combine ticket prices are going to skyrocket. Concert tickets are already obscenely high. We do not need this to continue. Competition is the best way to keep prices under control. 

Long Night...

It was, once again, a long night at the 51st Grammy Awards. With 110 categories for awards and so many performances, no wonder the show was long. They do hand out many of the, dare I say, unimportant awards before the show begins but the show is still quite long. (Did you know you can win a Grammy for best recording packaging? I didn't)

Many of the performances seemed rushed and not quite perfect. Neil Diamond phoned in his performance of "Sweet Caroline." (I have heard better renditions at weddings and karaoke bars.) The tribute to the Four Tops was a great attempt. However, the choreography was off (not that it is that hard) and Jamie Fox was lost at the end of the performance. If you looked closely you could see him running across the stage to make it in time for the bows. There was a wonderful guitar performance with B.B. King, John Mayer and Keith Urban (who seemed to play with everyone during the evening). But, it was not explained what the performance was for. I enjoyed it. It was one of the highlights of the night, at least for me.

Despite some no shows (Rihanna and Chris Brown) the 51st award show went fairly well, especially for Lil' Wayne. (He was the hardest working man in music in 2008. He deserved his boatload of awards.) There were some surprises along the way (album of the year) but that's why we watch.

A few days ago I listed my picks for the Grammy winners. Let's see how I did...

Best New Artist:
Adele
Winner: Adele

Album of the Year:
Coldplay, Viva La Vida
Winner: Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, Raising Sand

Best Alternative Album:
Radiohead, In Rainbows
Winner: Radiohead, In Rainbows

Best Dance Recording:
Lady Gaga & Colby O'Donis, "Just Dance"
Winner: Daft Punk, "Harder Better Faster Stronger"

Best Pop Performance, Female:
Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love"
Winner: Adele, "Chasing Pavement"

Best Pop Performance, Male:
Paul McCartney, "That Was Me"
Winner: John Mayer, "Say"

Best Pop Performance by a duo or group with vocal: (this is where the categories, in my mind, get too specific)
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida" or OneRepublic, "Apologize" (I'm torn)
Winner: Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"

Song of the Year:
"Love Song" Sara Bareilles
Winner: Viva La Vida, Colplay

Record of the Year: (If anyone can tell me how this is different than song of the year it would be greatly appreciated)
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"
WINNER: Robert Plant and Allison Krauss "Please Read the Letter"

I, personally, think Coldplay was robbed for Record of the Year. But, that's just my humble opinion.

For a complete list of Grammy winners visit www.grammy.com. Let me know what you thought of the show (highlights, disappoints, performances, winners or losers for that matter)

Small Venue Concerts

Hello!

I have attempted to create a podcast. I have mentioned my love for small venue concerts before on this blog and I will discuss that more in detail in this podcast. Follow this link Small Venues and it should start right up.

Let me know what you think.

Grammy Awards

With the Grammy Awards just 4 short days away, I thought I would give you some of my picks for the awards this year. (We all know that there are too many awards at the Grammys to care about all of them.)

Best New Artist:
Adele

Album of the Year:
Coldplay, Viva La Vida

Best Alternative Album:
Radiohead, In Rainbows

Best Dance Recording:
Lady Gaga & Colby O'Donis, "Just Dance"

Best Pop Performance, Female:
Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love"

Best Pop Performance, Male:
Paul McCartney, "That Was Me"

Best Pop Performance by a duo or group with vocal: (this is where the categories, in my mind, get too specific)
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida" or OneRepublic, "Apologize" (I'm torn)

Song of the Year:
"Love Song" Sara Bareilles

Record of the Year: (If anyone can tell me how this is different than song of the year it would be greatly appreciated)
Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"

These are just my picks. Let me know what you think and be sure to check out the show on Sunday, February 8, at 8 p.m. on CBS. And check back here for my recap of all the show highlights and performances.

Super Bowl Music

Super Bowl music usually creates a lot of buzz (Thanks Janet Jackson). However, this year didn't really entertain. Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson opened the sporting event with wonderful renditions of their respective tunes. (This was Hudson's first performance since the horrifying murder of her family.) It was great to see Hudson perform again. It was clear why she has been nominated for four Grammy awards. Hill was perfectly pleasant but nothing exciting or really worth mentioning here. 

The halftime show left something to be desired. I remember when the halftime shows were entertaining and brought the biggest names in music. (Thanks Janet for ending that.) Not that Bruce Springsteen isn't a big name in music. He is. However, if you notice, there was no one in the audience under the age of 40. My question is...who is audience for the Super Bowl? If they are only hoping to entertain my parents...then great job. Springsteen urged us at home to step away from the guacamole dip and put down are chicken fingers and turn our TVs all the way up. My question is why? Was it so we could hear his muffled lyrics? I was looking for something to like some chicken fingers to entertain me after his lackluster performance. 

I could not understand a word Springsteen was saying until his last two songs. He spent the first two minutes of his 12 minute set trying to pump up the crowd. Jumping on a piano and dancing his way into a camera man. When he finally started singing he was too out of breathe to sing. Luckily, his band has a million people to help cover-up Springsteen's lackluster performance. 

The glimmer of hope that made the halftime show worth watching was Springsteen's new hit single "Working on a Dream" It was the only song you could understand. Probably because he had his background singers right next to him on the stage and he is trying to sell his new album and tickets for his upcoming tour. 

I have never really been a Bruce Springsteen fan and this performance certainly did not help.

Hey Super Bowl, just because Janet Jackson messed up some years ago doesn't mean that you can only hire aging rock stars to perform.   

That's just my opinion. Let me know what you thought of Springsteen's performance and the rest of the music from the Super Bowl.