As previously reported by NICHE, the hype surrounding Lady Gaga’s upcoming album has been a phenomenon. The lead single is set for release on February 13, the best Valentine’s gift a true Gaga fan could ask for. The full-length album is set for a May 23 release. While certainly relishing in the anticipation of fans, Gaga is ready for the album’s unveiling. In an interview she proclaimed “It came so quickly. I’ve been working on it for months, and I feel very strongly that it’s finished right now. Some artists take years. I don’t. I write music every day.”
Radiohead, TBA
Mystery has surrounded the 2011 Radiohead album nearly as much as Gaga’s. After being criticized for ambiguous answers, Jonny Greenwood posted on the Radiohead website, “I think this Italian writer has, either thorough over-enthusiasm, or frustration at all my non-committal answers, mistranslated me a little….in fact we haven’t quite finished the album – in the studio at the moment – nor have we yet considered any touring. The plan is to have no plan until the record is finished….hope that’s a little clearer!”
Coldplay, TBA
After 2008’s Viva La Vida, Coldplay has revealed they want their upcoming fifth studio album to be “more acoustic” and “more intimate” The album was set to be released inlate 2009 as a but was postponed to 2011 since the album had much to be worked on as they finished their Viva La Vida tour. They have been recording in a North London church, working with producer Brian Eno, who was one of several producers involved with the wildly successful Viva La Vida.
The Strokes, Angles
Set for a March 21 release, The Strokes’ fourth studio album has created a hullabaloo amongst fans. Self-produced and recorded at Albert Hammons Jr.’s home, this album comes after a long gap from 2006’s First Impressions of the Earth. Described by the band as“a return to the basics”, it has been suggested that the songs will be a of similar style to their first album, Is This It. Rolling Stone has praised the upcoming album, saying it is the best since the band’s first.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s newest exhibition (Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power) will honor female artists who have contributed to the rock and roll movement.
The exhibit will showcase more than 60 artists in era-specific categories that span from the 1920s to the present, with artists like Janis Joplin, Madonna and Lady Gaga to emphasize the range of the genre throughout its history. The influence of women in rock and roll is represented in artifacts, video and listening stations and a recording booth, all of which culminate in an interactive experience that is unlike any other.
The annual It’s Only Rock and Roll Spring Benefit Concert will jumpstart the opening of the groundbreaking collection, with performances by Wanda Jackson and Cyndi Lauper—who are also artists featured in the exhibit.
Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power is the first of its kind. Be sure to check out Lady Gaga’s infamous “meat dress” or Madonna’s gold bustier when the exhibit opens May 13, 2011.
After years of Jack White pursuing his own musical endeavors without Meg the band has finally broken up.
As their official press statement on their website says, “The reason is not due to artistic differences or lack of wanting to continue, nor any health issues as both Meg and Jack are feeling fine and in good health.”
So after thirteen years of making music together it seems the enigmatic duo that created such hits as “Fell in Love with a Girl” and “Seven Nation Army” are over. But for fans who still wish to hear new music by the band Jack’s record label, Third Man Records, plans to release live and unreleased recordings.
The final statement by the band in their press release seemed to attempt give closure to their fans and it stated, “The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”
Rihanna turns up the heat in “S&M”—the lastest single on her fifth studio album “Loud.”
“S&M,” directed by Melina Matsoukas, contains scenes where we find Rihanna in compromising and kinky acts of sexual experimentation, giving the video a voyeuristic feel.
Along with an abundance of chains, whips and leather, the scenes of Perez Hilton as a dog (complete with a leash and some belly scratching) and bound and gagged journalists add to the overt sexuality characterizing the video.
But the video’s not all fun and sex games. As Matsoukas stated on Billboard.com’s The Juice, the video depicts Rihanna’s “sadomasochist relationship with the press.” The lyrics hint at this element of criticism saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me.”
While Rihanna is known for pushing boundaries, “S&M” takes it to another level.
The Oscar nominated movie, Blue Valentine, has sky-rocketed the popularity of an old soul band from the seventies.
Blue Valentine is about two once young lovers who have aged and lost passion for their marriage. It has some brilliant performances from both leads Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams but what has really started quite a mystery is a song from the soundtrack.
In the movie, Gosling plays a song for Williams that is supposed to be a truly unique song to be shared only by the two of them. You can watch a clip of the scene with the song here.
Gosling actually suggested to the director of the movie that the couple share the song “You and Me” by Penny and the Quarters in the movie. The song has become a hit after being featured in the film but, there is one problem with this new found success.
Apparently, no one remembers who were the members of Penny and the Quarters. All that is known is that the group consisted of a guitarist, one female lead, and around three male back-up singers. Even more surprising is that the composers of the three songs recorded by the band are also unknown.
Since the discovery and release of the songs there has been a search for those involved with the band to pay out the royalties. The Numero Group, the record company that released the songs said, “We have played this recording to over 100 movers and shakers from the time and no one has a clue.” So it seems for now this catchy soul song from the movie will continue to be a mystery.
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