Justin Timberlake's Last Minute Gigs in NYC

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has been busy in NYC this week. The pop/R&B singer performed two free surprise concerts Wednesday and Thursday with Memphis band FreeSol.

The first show at Southern Hospitality was announced on Wednesday via Timberlake's Twitter: "NYC!!! Wanna check out some live music tonight?? Meet me and @freesol at 45th & 9th at 11pm."

Timberlake and FreeSol played another show the following night at Irving Plaza for National 901 Day, an event to promote both FreeSol and 901 Silver Tequila.

FreeSol's debut album will be released October 11.

Watch Timberlake's acoustic performance of "Cry Me A River."

September Featured Artist: Emily's Army

Emily's Army (L to R:  Max Becker, Joey Armstrong, Travis Neumann, Cole Becker)

Fortunately for Green Day fans and beyond, singer Billie Joe Armstrong reproduced and passed along his wonderful musical genes.

Drummer Joey Armstrong, 16, followed in the footsteps of his old man by starting teen pop-punk band Emily's Army with brothers Cole (vocals/guitar) and Max Becker (bass), and Travis Neumann (guitar). Their debut album, Don't Be A Dick, was produced by Billie Joe and recorded in only four days at Jingletown Recordings in Oakland, CA.

New York City got a small taste of Emily's Army last year at the Bowery Electric when they opened for Green Day's side project, The Foxboro Hot Tubs. Since then, they've mainly performed locally on the west coast, but recently returned back east on their very first tour

Photo credit: Jessica Le

On August 9th, Emily's Army played a show at The Stolen Sleeves Collective, which is actually a fan's basement located in Brooklyn. As happy as I was not getting mugged during my seven-block walk from the subway, I was even happier to check out a full Emily's Army set once and for all. Before the show, the band sat at their merch booth, more than willing to meet the fans that came out to see them. It turns out the Becker brothers are quite the flirts, as they immediately informed me that the purchase of their CD comes with a "free kiss" and later wrote "You're beautiful" on my CD. As adorable as they are, my adult self traded in the free kiss for a free hug instead.

During their half hour set, I was extremely impressed by how they already have grown as a band. Since Emily's Army is comprised of teenagers, they most definitely have the time to get progressively better. The band also writes their own music, an admirable trait at such a young age.

In the past year they were featured in huge music publications such as Rolling Stone, Spin, and on MTV.com. Many have wondered if this is only because of their relation to Green Day or they really can hold their own. Well, maybe it is a little of both...but does it really matter?

The lyrics from their first single "Broadcast This" clearly state:  "I don't wanna listen to what's on the radio. Boring music...Depressing talk shows. It would be nice to hear something that I musically enjoy..."

After listening to this album, it did bring me back to '94--The era of Green Day's Dookie. And that's always something I "musically enjoy."

Take a look at their video for "Broadcast This":

Sting's Birthday Bash

The legendary Sting will be celebrating his 60th birthday in the best city ever with some very special guests.

A concert at the Beacon Theatre in NYC will feature artists Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, will.i.am, Rufus Wainwright, Billy Joel, Mary J. Blige and more. Tickets are on sale only to Sting fan club members ranging from $250 - $2,500.

That's one expensive party.

Kim Kardashian: Turn It Off

Once upon a time, Kim Kardashian woke up one morning and decided she wanted to be a singer. And with the aide of computers, fame, money and her big ass, that is what she's done--again proving that becoming a singer does not always require talent. Here is a clip of the video for her oh-so-meaningful debut single "Jam (Turn It Up)" that people will actually buy, simply because it's Kim Kardashian. We can only hope she gets it all out of her system after only one album like Paris Hilton.

Foo Fighters Shoot Fake Gay Porn Video

This is one of the many reasons I love the Foo Fighters -- Check out their video for "Hot Buns."

The VMAs: Best and Worst Moments (Mostly the Worst)

"The VMA's. One day a year when MTV pretends to still care about music," Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine posted on Twitter.

That was how many felt as they watched the VMAs on Sunday.  Needless to say, the cast of the Jersey Shore were in attendance as if they had some sort of relevance to music. But in the end I suppose the cast has the last laugh -- MTV airs their show all day instead of music videos.

After observing Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj's ridiculous outfits, it seemed as though they were not only competing for a Moonman, but also who could dress more like Lady Gaga. This seems to be the general theme in recent years at all award shows.

To everyone's surprise, Gaga decided to open the show dressed as male alter-ego, Jo Calderone, with a cockamamie five-minute monologue that most people didn't seem to even understand. She redeemed herself with an exceptional performance of "You and I" featuring Queen guitarist Brian May, but as many expected the shtick to end after her performance...It didn't.

Gaga presented Britney Spears with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award after an insipid tribute, in which MTV clearly made little effort. Gaga, still in character as Jo Calderone, awkwardly did not leave the microphone at first for Britney to make her speech. When it was finally Britney's turn to speak, her very brief acceptance speech quickly turned into reading the teleprompter to introduce Beyonce. It was at that point Beyonce performed, revealing her baby bump, and just like that everyone forgot about Britney Spears.

One of the few memorable performances was when Adele nailed "Someone Like You." That girl has some raw talent and is living proof there's room for women with actual talent in mainstream music.

Last time I checked, part of a singer's performance required singing. Chris Brown barely made any attempt whatsoever to even lip-sync! Are there really that many simpletons out there that believe that his excellent dancing negates the fact he isn't singing? This is not Dancing With the Stars.

REUTERS

Then there was an actual real, deserving tribute--Russell Brand made a very lovely speech about Amy Winehouse. "When a talent like Amy Winehouse comes along, it effects everybody," he said. "And as a consequence, we are drawn to her." Tony Bennett then showed footage from recording a duet with Amy, which was followed by Bruno Mars' performance of "Valerie."


As expected, the popularity vote kicked in once again at the VMAs as Katy Perry accepted the award for Video of the Year, beating out Lady Gaga, Adele and a few other artists that were clearly more deserving. "I feel like I'm doing something right when I sing this song," Katy said. Well, she's not singing right in tune, that's for sure.

The show ended with quite a pointless performance by Lil Wayne. He began with "How to Love" in an auto-tuned speaking voice--a pathetic attempt at singing. As much as I would have loved to hear Lil Wayne degrade women while simultaneously having his pants fall to the ground, the majority of his second song "John" was silence due to MTV editing out cursing.

As always, the VMAs prove to be currently one of the most insignificant music award shows with no credibility whatsoever.

Also see: VMA Preshow Revolves Around 'Jersey Shore'
Also see:  Tyler The Moron at the VMAs

Here's a full list of all VMA winners:

Video of the Year: Katy Perry - "Firework"
Best Female Video: Lady Gaga - "Born This Way"
Best Male Video: Justin Bieber - "U Smile"
Best Collaboration: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West - "E.T."
Best Hip-Hop Video: Nicki Minaj - "Super Bass"
Best New Artist: Tyler The Creator - "Yonkers"
Best Rock Video: Foo Fighters - "Walk"
Best Pop Video: Britney Spears - "Till the World Ends"
Best Video With A Message: Lady Gaga - "Born This Way"
Best Choreography: Beyoncé - "Run the World (Girls)"
Best Visual Effects: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West - "E.T."
Best Art Direction: Adele - "Rolling in the Deep"
Best Editing: Adele - "Rolling in the Deep"
Best Cinematography: Adele - "Rolling in the Deep"

Beyonce performing "Love On Top"

Adele performing "Someone Like You"

Russell Brand and Tony Bennett pay tribute to Amy Winehouse.

Tyler The Moron at the VMAs

Los Angeles rapper Tyler, The Creator is someone I never heard of until VMA night, but he most definitely sounds like an uneducated moron.

During his VMA preshow interview, he stated, "I might kill myself" when asked what his reaction would be if Bruno Mars won Video of the Year. Aside from how unbelievably juvenile of a response that was, it's quite asinine that a new artist deems himself worthy enough to disrespect a talented, more experienced artist.

Tyler, The Creator's VMA Preshow Interview

Bruno Mars performed a cover of "Valerie" as part of a tribute to Amy Winehouse during the VMAs. Tyler later on tweeted, "F--k I Hate Bruno But That Was Really Good." Both Bruno and Tyler lost Video of the Year to Katy Perry, but Tyler snagged the award for Best New Artist. His speech was as follows:

"F--k that. F--k that shit. Yo, I'm excited as f--k right now.  I wanted this sh-t since I was 9. I'm about to cry. I didn't write a thank you speech, but I don't know. F--k. To all the kid's that's watching, you can do this sh-t yourself because f--kin'...Thank you."

 Well said!

Tyler, The Creator wins Best New Artist.

Also see: VMA Best and Worst Moments (Mostly Worst)
Also see: VMA Preshow Revolves Around 'Jersey Shore'

VMA Pre-show Revolves Around 'Jersey Shore'

MTV

The VMA pre-show's main focus this year seemed to desperately revolve around the Jersey Shore cast. Shocking.

Even after the cast's pointless interview and an unnecessary trailer for Season 4 of the Jersey Shore was aired, the camera constantly cut to shots of the cast posing on the black carpet during interviews with actual nominated artists.

Foo Fighters' singer Dave Grohl seemed confused as his interview was awkwardly cut short after one minute, since MTV needed to air some kind of prerecorded Jersey Shore skit. "Yeah! Jersey Shore Package!" Grohl exclaimed sarcastically.

VMA preshow interview with the Foo Fighters.

During the VMAs, Snooki, J-Woww, Deena and Sammi presented Best Female Video with 85-year-old actress Cloris Leachman. Lady Gaga won the award and accepted it as her alter-ego Jo Calderone, completely disregarding them. 

Jersey Shore cast and Cloris Leachman present Best Female Video.

It always seem as though it is The Land of Make Believe where everyone pretends for one day that MTV supports music. In addition, this year everyone also pretended Jersey Shore was actually relevant to music.

MTV felt it was so important for the cast to be in attendance that they were all flown by private jet. According to Vinny, "Being on a private jet is not that bad, except it didn't have Wi-Fi."

When the Jersey Shore cast is considered the most important guests at the VMAs, it's time to throw in the towel.

Also see: VMA Best and Worst Moments (Mostly Worst)
Also see: Tyler The Moron at the VMAs

Happy Birthday to the King of Pop

Happy birthday to the late Michael Jackson, who would have celebrated his 53rd birthday today. Let's celebrate by watching the full version of his legendary video for "Thriller"!

Rise Against Bullying

Chicago punk rock band Rise Against has been creating a buzz lately with their video for "Make It Stop (September's Children)." The song is the second single from their sixth album, Endgame.

In the video, three homosexual children are bullied almost to the point of suicide, but then realize the positive impact they could have in the future.

"The song was written inspired of the teen suicides in the month of September 2010, who were bullied for being homosexual," singer Tim McIlrath explains. "It deals about how people are treated from homophobic bullying and feeling so tormented that they feel there's no place for them in the future and that killing themselves is a better option."

"Make It Stop" has also been nominated for a brand new VMA category, "Best Video With a Message."

Thumbs up for this video -- It's so realistic that it actually gave me chills.

Irene's a Bitch: Music Event Cancelations

Hurricane Irene is ripping through the east coast this weekend, resulting in many canceled and postponed music festivals.

If you planned on going to any of these below, then you may be S.O.L.:

Saturday, August 27

• Rib Rock Festival with B.B. King and J. Geils Band at Nikon Jones Beach Theater (Wantagh, NY) 
• Solopanna Music Festival (Crownsville, MD)
• Jimmy Buffet at Jiffy Lube Live (Bristow, VA) *Rescheduled for September 1
• Crosby, Stills & Nash charity benefit concert (Wainscott, NY) *Rescheduled date TBA
• Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the USTA National Tennis Center (Flushing, NY)
• The South Shore Music Circus with The Temptations and Four Tops (Cohasset, MA)
• N'Dambi & Jay Hayden at Rams Head On Stage (Annapolis, MD) *Rescheduled date TBA
• John Prine at the Pier Six Pavilion (Baltimore, MD) *Rescheduled for September 23
• Dave Matthews Band's "Caravan" festival at Governor's Island (NYC) *Rescheduled date TBA
• HMag Fest with The Walkmen (Hoboken, NJ) *Rescheduled date TBA 
• Frankie Valli at Borgata's Music Box (Atlantic City, NJ) 
• Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA)
• Bill Medley and Paul Revere & The Raiders at The NYCB Theatre (Westbury, NY)

Sunday, August 28

• The Afro-Punk Festival with Cee Lo Green in Commodore Barry Park (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
• Rib Rock Festival with B.B. King and J. Geils Band at PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ)
• ZZ Top at the NYCB Theatre (Westbury, NY) *Rescheduled for August 29
• Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival at Comcast Center (Mansfield, MA) *Rescheduled for September 3
• The South Shore Music Circus with the Styx (Cohasset, MA)
• Jessica Lea Mayfield at Rams Head On Stage (Annapolis, MD) *Rescheduled for November 20
• Lyle Lovett at the Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank, NJ)
• "American Idols Live" at the Times Union (Albany, NY) *Rescheduled for September 4
• Dave Matthews Band's "Caravan" festival at Governor's Island (NYC) *Rescheduled date TBA
• Jagged Edge, Avant and Melanie Fiona at the Central Park Summerstage (NYC) *Rescheduled date TBA
• Craig Campbell at Ceasar's (Atlantic City, NJ)
• Lynard Skynard at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa (Atlantic City, NJ) *Rescheduled for October 1
• Pat Benetar and Neil Giraldo at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA)
• Travis Tritt at the Indian Ranch (Webster, MA)

Lindsay Lohan Blows Off Best Apology Ever

Lindsay Lohan has rejected Pitbull's apology after the actress/horrible singer slapped him with a big fat lawsuit for lyrics "I got it locked up like Lindsay Lohan" in his song "Give Me Everything." Pitbull said the lyrics are actually "a positive message" and the words "locked up" actually mean "you run the area." 

"For me mentioning it...on the number one record in the world...I thought it would be helping someone's career and keeping them relevant," he said.

Pitbull also mentioned that Lindsay can join him on the performance of the song at the VMAs. Lindsay declined his offer. 

I can't see why not--Apologizing without actually apologizing, admitting to nothing and insulting her seemed to be a very sincere way of going about it. Why wouldn't that entice Lindsay to join him onstage to perform the song she is currently suing him for? Oh, because Lindsay's a "professional actor of good repute and standing in the Screen Actors Guild," as she has stated. 

Well, at least she didn't include "professional singer." Let's take a look at the peak of Lindsay's 30-second music career. Thankfully, this era is over.

Also see: Lindsay Lohan's State of Desperation

Everyone's 'Nightmare': Alice Cooper and Ke$ha Duet

Alice Cooper has plans to release Welcome 2 My Nightmare, a sequel to 1975 concept album, Welcome to My Nightmare. Original members Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith will appear on three of the tracks. Oh, and one more thing --Ke$ha will appear in the song "What Baby Wants."

Alice Cooper featuring Ke$ha - "What Baby Wants"

"I met (Ke$ha) at the Grammys," Alice Cooper tells Billboard, "and I immediately looked at her and went, 'This girl is not a pop diva. She's a rock singer.' She would much rather be the female Robert Plant than the next Britney Spears. (Ezrin) said, 'Nobody's gonna expect Ke$ha on your album.' 'Great! Let's do it!'"

...Sorry, I just fainted. Did he seriously say Ke$ha and Robert Plant in one sentence? The fact that he is acknowledging her as a rock singer, or better yet--a singer--is horrifying. I wonder if the majority of Ke$ha fans even know who both Robert Plant and Alice Cooper are.

I must say, the album title Welcome 2 My Nightmare is perfectly fitting. What's next... a Gene Simmons and Miley Cyrus duet?

A typical awful Ke$ha performance on Ellen.

New Music Videos This Week

Ahh, James Blunt. I always think it's wonderful when an artist can make an irritating song sound pleasantly musical.

James Blunt covering Katy Perry's "California Gurls."


Florence + the Machine recently revealed some new songs from their new album due in November. Spin describes the song "What the Water Gave Me" as "gospel-tinged pop," but I don't know how anyone could ever categorize any song from this band as pop in any way, shape or form--I guess it depends on your definition of "pop." For me, this band's music is way more complicated than any pop song. Listen for yourself.

Florence + the Machine - "What the Water Gave Me"

OK Go released another creative music video for their cover of "The Muppet Show" theme song. It has reached almost half a million views in two days. 

OK Go and The Muppets - "The Muppet Show" theme song

Amy Winehouse's Death Remains a Mystery

Amy Winehouse's family revealed the singer did not have any illegal drugs in her system when she died, but the toxicology report did show show alcohol present.

Many are dumbfounded, as people predicted this was the cause of her death. Amy had struggled with addiction for years.

Now let's wait to hear if there were legal drugs in her system, because, um, I hear those can kill you too.