Obsessively blogging about pop music, pop videos, pop stars, and pop culture from inside the MTV headquarters in Times Square. We also have a slight Jonas Brothers problem. And a little fixation with Tokio Hotel.
When thinking of a word that describes John Mayer's fourth album, Battle Studies, the first one that jumps to mind is "transparency." Not only is Battle Studies full of the sort of confessional, emotionally transparent songs we've come to expect from Mayer, but the album's creation itself was a transparent process.
Mayer frequently updated his frequently amusing Twitter (@johncmayer) with Twitpics and info about the recording process of Battle Studies; letting fans in on everything from the construction of the studio to the selection of the cover art.
So it's only fitting that, in the spirit of transparency, Battle Studies is now available in its entirety, a week before its November 17th release.
Head on over to MTV's The Leak and listen to the delicate pop and crunching blues rock of John Mayer's new album, -- including his Taylor Swift duet, "Half of My Heart." It's there for all to hear. And, as a bonus, you watch the video for the album's first single, "Who Says" below.
To borrow a phrase from the always awesome Crunk & Disorderly blog, why won't you let John Mayer be great? This video for "Who Says," from the Mayer's forthcoming Battle Studies LP, is basically the J-Crew equivalent Birdman's "Money To Blow" clip.
We view Mayer's life Soderbergh style; all jumpy cuts and handheld looks inside a life. And what a life! I mean, really, between you, me and the Internet: I WANT THIS DUDE'S LIFE.
Dinner at Blue Ribbon? Why don't you have the steak with a side of steak, and oh yeah, IT'S ON ME. What a mensch! John Mayer is basically saying, 'This is how I roll. Roll with it.'
Sure, there might be some early morning melancholy to deal with, but when is there not some melancholy to deal with when you're up at that hour? And you know what, if I was a sleek guitar expert who could entertain myself with a little 5 A.M lullaby then I would be a totally balanced person. This song is saying, 'We're all free to be you and me.' You do you, John.
+ Ever the smart businessman, Snoop Dogg has just released some sick headphones (the only ones available with in-ear subwoofers), in partnership with music accessory outfit Skullcandy. Gotta make that meezy, fo' sheezy. (HipHop Wired)
+ Lady Gaga does the cover of OUT magazine (along with an amazing photo spread and accompanying article), and when we say "does it," we mean she blows it out. of the effing. water. Don't walk... RUN! (OUT)
+ Guitar god Les Paul passed away today, leaving tons of musicians and music lovers worldwide mourning the loss of a genius inventor and performer. (E! Online)
+ Electro duo La Roux announced today that their next single will be "I'm Not Your Toy." We're kind of in love with this band, and my boyfriend hates me because of it. Overshare? Oh, you just WAIT... (NME)
+ Remind us again why Scarlett Johansson is trying to have a singing career? Probably the same reason Beyonce is trying to have an acting career. Watch this just-released video in which, regardless of whether or not she can sing she looks insanely hot, for "Relator" with Pete Yorn to refresh your memory. (PopSugar)
+ We love Fefe Dobson (remember "Take Me Away?"). Evidently she put on a smoldering show at NYC's Mercury Lounge (performing new tracks like "I Want You" mixed with some old favorites) last night. We love what this girl stands for: sticking it to the man and doing things her way. Let's hope this time around her label will keep her on the payroll for a while. (Neon Limelight)
+ Shocking news this Tuesday: Amy Winehouse didn't record the James Bond theme for 2008's Quantam of Solace because -- <gasp> -- she was high! Hard to believe, right? (Holy Moly!)
+ No, there is not an official video out for Britney Spears' song "Kill The Lights." It's actually a fan video made by user "Britneli, the winner of "The Britney Global Fan Fiction Contest." It's kind of cute and completely pegs all of Britney's "-isms" -- it almost seems like they were ripped from the "Stronger" video: eyes squinted, hip-to-the-side stances, etc etc. Remember the "Break The Ice" video that was an official Britney video and looked like something from Akira? (BS Weekly)
+ And no matter what the state of your personal affairs, the only thing more satisfying than a MochaSoyFrappachunkalatteheygirlhey is better than seeing photos of your fat-ass ex-husband at a golf course with other has-been celebs, NOT golfing. (Pop on the Pop)
+ The Backstreet Boys are really back, y'all. No, like for real. The last time was just bad marketing. This time they are really really back and planning to release a new CD in October (their first single "Straight Through My Heart" definitely sounds like radio will eat it up with a spoon, and there'll probably be like 19 remixes), with a European and headlining North American tour to follow. Alright?? (BackstreetBoys.com)
+ We just HAD to post this little bit of Brooke Hogan doing an autograph signing for 12 people at Wal-Mart in South Florida -- we still can't even get over the album art! WHAT A MESS! (dlisted)
+ P.S. John Mayer is up to his douchey Tweeting again, this time about how the ninth year of every decade produces really crappy music. (MTV News)
The subject of my girl Jessica Simpson is not the most cheery for me right now... That said, this vintage TRL video temporarily sent me to a happy place. First off, Jessica's outfit will put a smile on your face; I had to hit pause just to savor the image. I mean... just watch it. The glittery pink eye shadow, the crimped hair, the leather pants... what a difference nine years makes.
Yes, it was a simpler time, a happier time, when Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson were still together. While the duet of "Where You Are" from Jessica's 1999 debut, Sweet Kisses, showcases Jessica's fantastic voice (she also knows to turn her head before a belt, sparing Nick's eardrums), my happy moment was short-lived.
Why can't it just be like this again? Vanessa's gone; Tony's gone; John Mayer's gone (wait -- Mayer might not be gone; did you hear that rumor?), so couldn't Nick and Jessica offer each other the perfect comfort? So say her Tweets, Jessica's just sleeping with her mom and dogs and listening to Olivia Broadfield songs right now. Help her! Let the rumors of a reconciliation be true...
Watch the duet from the good ol' days below, intro-ed by a "lonely and untalented" Carson Daly.
+ Word's out that Radiohead's Thom Yorke might be tapped to contribute to the upcoming Twilight soundtrack. Seems like a perfect match. (Rotten Tomatoes)
+ The Beastie Boys have good news and bad news today. Bad news, MCA (a.k.a. Adam Yauch) was just diagnosed with cancer. Good news, he's gonna be ok. He'll just be down-and-out for about two months, and the Beastie Boys' tour is canceled. Speedy recovery, Adam. (MTV News)
+ Fergie recently revealed that she has dipped her toes in the Lesbian Sea. How progressive of her. (The Blemish)
+ Britney could be making a surprise appearance on the season finale of American Idol this week. Wonder if she'll perform her next single "Radar?" (Extra)
+ Miley Cyrus took to the blogosphere to give people calling her "fat" a piece of her mind. (PopCrunch)
+ Latin superstar Paulina Rubio dishes about her insanely successful music career that has spanned more than 20 years. (Blogamole)
+ And John Mayer wonders why people think he's a bag? (ICYDN)
+ UPDATE 4/15/2009: It's official! Demi's doing a 47-city tour with David Archuleta, Jordan Pruitt, and KSM this summer. The tour kicks off on June 21 in Hartford, Connecticut. Get the dates after the jump!
David Archuleta/ Demi Lovato summer tour dates should be announced soon, and the tour still doesn't have a name, which begs the question: What SHOULD David Archuleta and Demi Lovato's tour be called? Here are a few ideas for your consideration...
1.) The Best of Both Worlds, Part II: I know Miley Cyrus already used this one, but can't Disney share?
Also, if you too send me this albeit hilarious (and painfully true) Current TV Twitter video today, you will be the 123848b'thousandth person to do so, mkay?
