Fuse.tv

It was an instant classic. It combined everything we as Americans love about politics, protest, police brutality, laid back twenty-something-speak and weaponry. The University of Florida - it's not just for excellent semi-pro athletes and chicks who aren't as hot as they think they are anymore! Don't tase me, bro!

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Good Riddance, 2007

Posted on December 31, 2007 at 10:34 AM

What a fascinating, obnoxious, stupid and repulsive year. Remember when Britney shaved her head? Seems like years ago. So long, 2007.

Tagged as: Britney Spears , Celebs

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The Best Rock Posters Ever

Posted on December 31, 2007 at 10:27 AM

As previously noted, the end of any year is a time for LISTS. And though this list from Billboard isn't tied to 2007, it IS fun. The 25 Greatest Rock Posters ever. Below is a classic from the Oakland stop of Pink Floyd's 1977 Animals tour. Enjoy the rest here.

Tagged as: Music

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K-Fed Flirts With Paris, Warns Brit

Posted on December 31, 2007 at 10:10 AM

It wouldn't be a Last Day Of 2007 Post without mentioning Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. In the latest humiliating development for Britney, K-Fed has been seen flirting and socializing with Paris Hilton in LA over the past several, party-soaked months. But that's not all! K-Fed's lawyer wants to depose Britney soon. He's got some fightin' words. From the AP:

The attorney for Kevin Federline says he wants to depose Britney Spears soon, the latest step in the former couple's ongoing child-custody battle.

"Britney Spears will have her deposition early (next) year," Mark Vincent Kaplan told People.com late Saturday outside a Beverly Hills restaurant. "We've got a lot to talk about."

Spears, 26, called in sick to a court-ordered deposition Dec. 12, although she was photographed that day driving with a friend.

"She was, in fact, out later that day and night," Kaplan said. "It's not fourth grade where you get a doctor's note and it's all OK."

Tagged as: Britney Spears , Celebs

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Robert Plant's Beard Wins Beard Of The Year

Posted on December 28, 2007 at 11:22 AM

Congratulations are in order for Bron-Y-Aur's finest beard and the steward of said scruff, Led Zeppelin's (and the Honeydrippers'!) Robert Plant (pictured above with recent collaborator Alison Krauss - a wonderful album if you are so inclined). The U.K.-based Beard Liberation Front awarded Mr. Plant the award ahead of other British Isle-based contenders such as Virgin boss Richard Branson and Liverpool F.C. manager Rafa Benitez, who presumably never walks alone. The competition was limited to those based in Blighty, which explains the absence of such noted hirsute yanks as and ZZ Top and pretty much all of Sub Pop faves Band Of Horses. From the NME:

Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant has been named the “beard of the year” by the Beard Liberation Front.

The singer has granted the 2007 award by the informal network of British beard wearers, beating Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez into second place.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson shared third place with last year’s winner, England cricketer Monty Panesar.

Beard Liberation Front organiser Keith Flett told BBC News: "The winners this year have stylish beards and are promoting a new 21st Century image of the hirsute."

Tagged as: Music

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Band Names - They Suck

Posted on December 27, 2007 at 01:06 PM

Two days after Christmas (and one after Boxing Day) is a notoriously slow news time in the world of music which is why, along with the oncoming end of the calendar year, one is bombarded with LISTS and LISTS and more LISTS whenever one logs onto INTERNET. Ultimately, no list stands out in an avalanche of lists. Except for weird ones, like this one we're swiping from Cracked: The 25 Most Ridiculous Band Names In Rock History. One ridiculous name listed below; and we recommend reading the rest. Anyway, Hootie and the Blowfish:

The story: The band is named for two of singer Darius Rucker's college choir friends, nicknamed "Hootie" and "the Blowfish" because one looked like an owl and the other like a blowfish. Interesting note: That choir was named Darius the Black Guy & The Two Ugliest Dudes on Campus.

Why it's ridiculous: In a word: "hootie." In four: "hootie," "and," "the" and "blowfish." We now know from scientific studies performed in 1998 at Cambridge that there isn't a single aspect of Hootie and the Blowfish's name that doesn't invite you, the listener, on a subconscious simian level, to punch each of them in the face until they agree to change it.

Tagged as: Music

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Yung Joc In A Ho Ho Heap Of Trouble

Posted on December 26, 2007 at 12:39 PM

Yungjoc Jasiel Robinson, better known as Yung Joc, is on the run! Kind of. The Atlanta rapper failed to show up at his scheduled arraignment in Cleveland after being arrested Sunday for attempting to take a concealed weapon onto a Delta flight. The previous night, Yung Joc had performed at the Metropolis in Cleveland and was heading home with his gun to enjoy the holidays. No-showing his court appearance means that Yung Joc forfeits his $50,000 bond. Life is hard. From the Cleveland Plain Dealer (photo: AP):

Robinson was stopped Sunday at a security checkpoint after a gun was found in his carry-on luggage. He was trying to board a Delta plane. Carrying a concealed weapon is a third-degree felony. He could face federal charges as well.

He was released Monday after a bondsman posted $50,000 bond. He was to be arraigned at 9 a.m. today. Attorney Stanley Jackson Jr., was apologetic and said Robinson was out of town on personal and family obligations. Jackson told the Associated Press that his client maintains his innocence.

Robinson, a Grammy-nominated rapper, performed Saturday night at the Metropolis in Cleveland and was en route home when arrested.

Tagged as: Music

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Buy 2Pac's Hummer

Posted on December 26, 2007 at 12:24 PM

It's easy, if you have several hundred thousand bucks. According to Jalopnik, Tupac Shakur's '96 Hummer H1 is currently on eBay for only $200,000. If gas-guzzling nostalgia isn't enough for you to open up your PayPal account, consider that you'd be helping out 2Pac's debt-ridden family, who are parting with the vehicle due to bankruptcy. And no, you're not losing it if this particularly historical Hummer seems somehow familiar to you - it was given away in 2003 by BET, only to be acquired later by 2Pac's family. From Jalopnik:

The 1996 H1 Hummer hard top previously owned by rapper-actor Tupac Shakur is being released for sale to the general public. The hummer, in pristine condition, was raffled in a contest by BET in 2003 entitled PICTURE ME ROLLIN'-WIN TUPAC'S HUMMER SWEEPSTAKES. The winner sold the hummer which now, as fate would have it, found its way back in the possession of Tupac's family. With less than 14,000 miles, the H1 is fully loaded and still in its original condition.

Forced to liquidate assets, Havenotz Entertainment has made the Hummer available on Ebay with bidding starting at $200,000. All interested parties may place a bid. Please email with any questions.

Tagged as: Music

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Mac vs. PC - Who Pays For Music?

Posted on December 20, 2007 at 10:47 AM

According to Information Week, Mac users! Information Week reports that a market research firm (ambiguous and anonymous, we know) reports that half of all Mac users paid for downloads in the third financial quarter of this year, compared to a lowly 16% of PC users. Also, Mac users are more likely to use digital music and video players, and are more likely to purchase CDs.

Why is this? Are Mac users more respectful of artists? Or just plain richer? From Information Week, via Brooklynvegan:

"There's still a cultural divide between Apple consumers and the rest of the computing world, and that's especially apparent when it comes to the way they interact with music," NPD analyst Russ Crupnick said in a statement. "Mac users are not only more active in digital music, they are also more likely to buy CDs, which helps debunk the myth that digital music consumers stop buying music in CD format."

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Jamie Lynn Spears, 16, Is Pregnant

Posted on December 19, 2007 at 10:45 AM

Yikes: Jamie Lynn Spears, star of Nick's Zoey 101 and younger sis of Britney Spears, is expecting a child. At sixteen, I'm surprised she even knows where babies come from. Maybe she didn't. Reportedly, Britney didn't even know about all this until after the story broke. So, um, kind of sad. Best wishes to all, though. From Reuters:

The cable channel confirmed a report in the forthcoming edition of celebrity gossip magazine OK! that Jamie Lynn Spears is expecting a child.

"We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being," Nickelodeon said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.

A high school student who lives in Louisiana, Jamie Lynn Spears reportedly met the father, Casey Aldridge, the son of a Tennessee papermill worker, at church. Jamie Lynn Spears' personal publicist was not available for comment.

Tagged as: Britney Spears , Celebs

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Lily Allen Pregnant!

Posted on December 19, 2007 at 10:16 AM

And the father is a rock star! Or, more specifically, a dance star: Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers. Lily Allen announced today that she is pregnant with her first child. The Happy Baby News is certainly pleasant but not unexpected; Allen has previously made clear her desire to quit music at an early age and start a family in the countryside. A countryside home filled with pleasant pop and progressive dance-rock, no doubt From the BBC:

Allen, 22, has been dating Simons, 37 - one half of electronic dance duo the Chemical Brothers - since September.

The singer, whose father is actor Keith Allen, will release her second album - a follow-up to 2006's Alright, Still - in 2008 as planned, her spokesman said.

"As the pregnancy is at a very, very early stage, the couple ask that you respect their privacy, as the health of Lily and their child is their paramount concern," he added.

Tagged as: Music

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The Most Punk Rock Hot Sauce Out There

Posted on December 18, 2007 at 01:35 PM

If you're a fan of classic D.C. punk, the output of label Dischord or just hardcore in general, you're likely familiar with seminal band Minor Threat. And if you also happen to be a fan of mildly hot sauces, you may also become a fan of Minor Threat Sauce. A Brooklyn-based company called Wheelhouse Pickles has created a sauce that they hope has an appeal general enough to make it the "A1 Sauce" of the 21st century. Which is ironic, as Minor Threat-the-band's credo was no compromise. Though it did have an inclusive ethos. Hmmm, this is confusing.

Anyway, head Minor Threat (and Fugazi) man Ian MacKaye has given the OK for this sauce to be called Minor Threat. Though he doesn't think he'll be eating it too often. From Epi Log, via Can't Stop The Bleeding:

So, for the record, there's no connection between the band and the sauce, but Ian MacKaye said the company "makes good pickle" and that "I don't have an occasion to eat a lot of hot sauce, but I also thought the Minor Threat stuff was nice." [Wheelhouse's Jon] Orren, for his part, said that MacKaye and the other former band members were very gracious about the whole matter, but that fans of Minor Threat sauce shouldn't hold their breath for Fugazi salsa or the like.

"We have no plans for a Bad Brains dip," Orren said.

Tagged as: Music

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Tori Amos Uses The F Word

Posted on December 17, 2007 at 10:25 AM

Several times! Anyone familiar with Tori Amos and her emotionally raw, no-BS songs will not be surprised by the following bit of YouTube footage, in which the ginger headed pianist stops her band mid-song in order to berate and eject two women (girls?) who had been yapping far too loudly for Tori's comfort. They had also been getting up and down repeatedly. During the appropriate tune Code Red, Amos loses it, which brings us to the following rather enjoyable footage. The excitement begins at approx. 2:25. Dlisted via Stereogum.

Tagged as: Music

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Panic At The Disco Grow Up?

Posted on December 17, 2007 at 10:07 AM

Remember Panic At The Disco? How could we forget, etc. Anyway, the Las Vegas emo vets, the 90210 to the Killers' Melrose Place, will return to the industry (what industry?) fray on March 21 with the follow-up to 2005's 1.7 million selling A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. According to reprts, the boys have all grown up; they're over 21 and are listening to the Beatles, Stones and - gasp - Bob Dylan. According to CMJ, guitarist Ryan Ross has promised a more "stripped down sound" featuring less synths. Here comes the maturity. From CMJ:

The band also revealed that they will be playing theaters for their March tour in support of the new disc, which is apropos considering it features some horn and string arrangements, with Ross playing the harmonica and slide guitar. A Fever You Can't Sweat It Out sold 1.7 million copies in the US and the band grossed nearly $6 million from shows in 2006, according to Billboard. Not too shabby considering this all stemmed from Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz' late-night surfing on the Web.

Tagged as: Music

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Radiohead CD To Have Stickers!

Posted on December 14, 2007 at 12:12 PM

Can't they do anything normally? Radiohead have released a cute lil' online video that reveals deets on their upcoming In Rainbows CD release. Specifically: no jewel box, but rather a cardboard-y sleeve, plus stickers in which you can personalize your own blank jewel box, or whatever you'd like. Oh and a CD of music. Vid via Pitchfork.

Tagged as: Music

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Madonna Leads 2008 Rock Hall Class

Posted on December 13, 2007 at 12:33 PM

Pop star might be a more fitting descriptor than rock star, but who's complaining (besides Beastie Boys, the Smiths, KISS, The Cure, Black Sabbath and other snubbed acts) - the Material Girl is IN! Her first single, Everybody, was released in 1982, thereby making this her first eligible year. Other inductees include John Cougar "This is our country" Mellencamp, the Ventures, the Dave Clark Five and (yes!) Leonard Cohen. Mellencamp was always seen as a probable inductee, but can there be any doubt that his shilling for Chevy so raised his profile that his presence was impossible for the Hall's stodgy, lameish, Jann Wenner-led board to ignore? And where are the camp but worthy Monkees? Year after year, they are denied, supposedly because Wenner never took them seriously. But if they had ever collaborated with Hunter S. Thompson, you can bet they'd have their own wing. From Rolling Stone (natch):

Madonna and John Mellencamp will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, alongside Leonard Cohen, the Ventures and the Dave Clark Five. Philly Soul songwriter/producer team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff will be presented the Ahmet Ertegun Award (previously known as the non-performer category) and blues harmonica player Little Walter will be inducted in the sideman category.

This is Madonna's first year of eligibility; her debut single, "Everybody," was released twenty-five years ago in 1982. The induction ceremony will take place on March 10th, 2008 at New York's Waldorf Astoria.

Tagged as: Music

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Feist: From Broken Social Scene To The Today Show

Posted on December 13, 2007 at 11:58 AM

Though she was Feist before Broken Social Scene, and toured with Peaches before that, it's still amazing how quickly "overnight" success can arrive. But if there's anyone that deserves it, it's the talented Leslie Feist, an artist well-liked across several strata of social, mainstream and hipster classes. Her 2007 TV performance tour of "1234" took her to the Today Show yesterday, where she was backed on vox by members of the awesome Grizzly Bear.

Tagged as: Music

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The Last Led Zeppelin Post. For Awhile.

Posted on December 11, 2007 at 03:41 PM

Led Zeppelin played last night, and apprently they rocked. The setlist was awesome, and the wobbly bits of YouTube video trickling in reveal a confident performance. Setlist below, plus some vid of Kashmir. Photo by Getty via theage.com.au.

Good Times Bad Times
Ramble On
Black Dog
In My Time Of Dying
For Your Life
Trampled Underfoot
Custard Pie (Intro)
Nobody's Fault But Mine
No Quarter
Since I've Been Loving You
Dazed & Confused
Stairway To Heaven
The Song Remains The Same
Misty Mountain Hop
Kashmir

Encore:
Whole Lotta Love
Rock and Roll

---------------------

Tagged as: Music

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Led Zeppelin Song By Song Blog On NME

Posted on December 10, 2007 at 03:46 PM

Ah, the internet. It is because of your glorious interactivity that those not in attendance at tonight's Led Zeppelin reunion can at least follow along in detached three fingered salute-itude. They go onstage at 5pm EST and you can follow it all on the NME's blog. Photo of Led Zep in rehearsal by Getty Images via Idolator.

Tagged as: Music

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Tonight! Sold Out!

Posted on December 10, 2007 at 12:33 PM

The big day has arrived - Led Zeppelin perform tonight at the O2 Arena in London. While the official word is still that this is a one-off, the rumor wave continues to swell with suggestions that a full tour may be in the offering next year. Reports from yesterdays rehearsal indicate that in addition to expected favorites - Stairway To Heaven, for example - the 90 minute setlist also includes Zep faves such as No Quarter and In My Time Of Dying. In about seven hours, we'll know for sure what went down. CNN International wonders aloud if four aged gentlemen will be able to create the thundering cacophony that fueled their sound:

The gig on Monday will take place 27 years since the group broke up and more than 20 years since their last live performance and, besides the fact they may be a little rusty, the youngest member of the original line-up, Plant, will be 60 next year. Can they live up to their wild reputation and satisfy the hard rock fans when they are pushing retirement age?

The gig has already had to be delayed after Page broke his finger, hinting at the kind of frailty that would prevent anyone throwing a television out of a hotel window.

With an average age of 61, the band certainly isn't the oldest act still in the business. The Rolling Stones continue to delight sellout crowds at a mean age of 63.25, and of course there's Bob Dylan, who has been playing an exhausting 100 dates a year over the last two decades, and will turn 67 in 2008.

The problem, though, is that neither Dylan nor the Stones have the same reputation for creating a huge, powerful sound. Led Zeppelin have been credited as the first heavy metal band, and that is quite a title to live up to, especially if you are past your best.

Tagged as: Music

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24 Doing 48

Posted on December 6, 2007 at 10:32 AM

Days, that is! Kiefer Sutherland is heading to the pokey following multiple drunk driving convictions. But don't fret, the writers' strike has made this all somewhat palatable - he won't be missing any 24 shooting. Let's see him get out of this one. And apparently, Chloe lent him some reading materials. And underwear. From the NY Daily News:

The actor brought reading materials and some extra pairs of underwear when he reported to the lockup, celebrity news Web site TMZ.com reported.

He’ll spend Christmas, New Year’s and his Dec. 21 birthday behind bars, but beginning his sentence right away allows him to take advantage of his unexpected vacation from “24.” Work on the hit Fox television series has been suspended due to the writers’ strike.

Tagged as: Television

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Barbarism Begins Under Foot

Posted on December 5, 2007 at 11:12 AM

With all of this Led Zeppelin talk out there, it's hard to keep Zep out of your head. And so when Physical Graffiti's Trampled Under Foot came into my head this morning, it was no surprise. What WAS a surprise, however, was that my mind immediately noted the similarity between that cut's riff and the repeating guitar line in Barbarism Begins At Home, the mammoth track on The Smith's Meat Is Murder. Conscious homage or subconscious nod? You be the judge.

Tagged as: Music

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Mine All Mine

Posted on December 5, 2007 at 10:56 AM

Queens Of The Stone Age played a salt mine in Germany, and we weren't there! But someone was. Blabbermouth has a few details, noting that the show took place in a recently decommissioned salt mine and was only open to contest winners. Pics and some YouTube-yness below.

Tagged as: Music

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Stop The Presses - Weiland Arrested For DUI

Posted on December 4, 2007 at 10:38 AM

Word is leaking that Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland was charged with DUI last month following a car crash in LA's San Fernando Valley. First, Weiland crashed the car. Then, authorities administered a Breathalyzer test. Which was apparently failed by Weiland. Weiland denies that he failed. Now, the official Velvet Revolver site is reporting that December's scheduled Australian tour has been postponed. All of which makes the scheduled Velvet Revolver New Year's Eve show at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom a little more intriguing than it was previously (though a band playing songs by Slash and Duff's old band is the real hot NYE ticket). From the UPI:

A representative for Weiland told UsMagazine.com: "Scott Weiland was recently involved in a minor accident in Los Angeles and denies he was driving under the influence. He voluntarily took a Breathalyzer test which the defense believes registers well within the legal limit. He is anxious to get to court on Dec. 13 and clear this matter up."

Tagged as: Music

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Led Zeppelin At Bonnaroo?

Posted on December 3, 2007 at 03:23 PM

The Led Zeppelin rumors continue. Music industry "insider", or newsletter writer, at least, Bob Lefsetz claims that Zep have confirmed for Bonnaroo 2008. Via Idolator:

Zeppelin just confirmed for Bonnaroo. They can't officially announce until after the London gig so pass it on! Also Metallica is confirmed on the bill too!

Still a rumor of course. The word is that Jimmy Page is up for it, but Robert Plant would rather not recycle the past. But if there's a ton of dough at stake, and there is sure to be, it may be too much to pass up. Bonnaroo - more and more impressive each year.

Tagged as: Music

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