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Jay-Z performed at NYC's Carnegie Hall on Feb. 6, 2012.

+ Jay-Z performed at NYC's famed Carnegie Hall for the first of two benefit shows last night. Alicia Keys, Nas, ?uestlove and Young Guru were all part of the festivities. (MTV News)

+ Last night's episode of "The Voice" featured judges Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton singing a Prince medley. Check out highlights from the show here. (MTV News)

+ Peep Kelly Clarkson's PSA for dosomething.org; they're holding a "Battle For The Bands" campaign where folks can enter video about the importance of music education for a chance to win grants, concert tickets, instruments and scholarships. (Just Jared)

+ Drake's hitting the road, and you can enter to win a chance for a pair of tickets to one of 18 cities he'll be visiting during his "Club Paradise" tour. (Rap-Up)

+ Watch Miley Cyrus' sweet performance of Bob Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" from yesterday's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The song is from Amnesty International's charity compilation. (Neon Limelight)

+ The Shins are readying to release Port of Morrow in March. In the meantime they've announced tour dates and also given us B-side "September" to check out. (Pitchfork)

+ Curren$y subtly dropped some new free music in the midst of Super Bowl madness. "uh...... #Here...." he tweeted with a link to download his Here EP. You can get it, uh..... here. (Pitchfork)

Photo credit: Arthur Elgort

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Tags Adam Levine, Alicia Keys, Blake Shelton, Bob Dylan, Buzz Bites, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Curren$y, Drake, Jay-Z, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Nas, Prince, Questlove, The Shins, Young Guru

+ Peep Kelly Clarkson backstage in her behind-the-scenes video from her "Stronger" tour. She hangs with fans, signs autographs and does a warm-up cheer before her performances, natch. (Neon Limelight)

+ Lady Gaga stalkers fans might catch a glimpse of their hero at an Italian eatery in NYC. Her parents opened Joanne Trattoria, though papa Joseph Germanotta warns, "If they're expecting to come in here and see Grammys and pictures... it's not going to happen." (Billboard)

+ M.I.A. is set to drop a "Bad Girls" video and single on Monday, from her "Vicki Leekx" mixtape. She's also rumored to join Madonna and Nicki Minaj during the Super Bowl halftime show. (Rap-Up)

+ Nick Jonas made his Broadway premiere in "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" this week. Peep him hanging with fans before he heads into the theater. (Just Jared Jr.)

+ Because we really need more "discovering talent" reality TV, Simon Cowell has teamed up with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's production company to launch a competition to discover the next big DJ. (Idolator)

+ James Mercer says while things have changed (namely his backing band), The Shins are still The Shins, telling MTV News, "Wanting to work with new people and wanting to stay engaged in the whole exploration of music is sort of what I'm doing now." (MTV News)

+ Wilco goes seriously old-school with the black-and-white animated treatment of their new video for "Dawned on Me." The cartoon band hangs out with Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto and more of the old cartoon gang. That's how you do retro. (Billboard)

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Tags Buzz Bites, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, M.I.A., Madonna, Nick Jonas, Nicki Minaj, Simon Cowell, The Shins, Wilco, Will Smith

It's been a sad five-year wait for a new The Shins album, but it's almost time for Port Of Morrow's release. With their new record also comes a new touring band: Singer/songwriter James Mercer remains Shins' nucleus, but he's backed by a changed cast that includes Richard Swift, Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer, Crystal Skulls' Yuuki Matthews and Jessica Dobson.

The Shins' signature style on "Simple Song" is as gorgeous as ever, featuring winsome guitar and indelible melodies. Mercer's lovely turns of phrase remain heartstring-tuggingly romantic as well. "Remember walking a mile to your house, aglow in the dark?/I made a fumbling play for your heart/And the act struck a spark," Mercer sings. "You wore a charm on the chain that I stole, especially for you/Love's such a delicate thing that we do, with nothing to prove." SWOON.

If a new Shins song isn't enough for you, check out the clever way the band designed to listen to the song on their website: a reel-to-reel tape design, which makes authentic squeaky rewind sounds! (Not that I know this from listening a gazillion times or anything...) Bonus: Port Of Morrow will also be available on reel-to-reel tape.

Port of Morrow is set for release March 20 on Aural Apothecary/Columbia.

+ Listen to The Shins' "Simple Song"

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Credit: Getty Images

+ Coachella 2012 announced its lineup, and it is awesomesauce. Radiohead, The Black Keys and Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg will headline the now two-weekend fest. Reunions include At The Drive-In, Mazzy Star and Pulp. Peep the full lineup. (MTV News)

+ Blue Ivy's just a couple days old, but the rumor mill starts early when your mom and dad are Beyoncé and Jay-Z. New York's Lenox Hill Hospital says the couple didn't take over an entire maternity floor, nor did they rent it for $1 million as some speculated. (MTV News)

+ Katy Perry tweeted she won't be attending the People's Choice Awards on Wednesday, adding, "I want to thank u all for voting for me, fingers crossed! #KATYCATS." It would've been her first public appearance since her divorce was announced. She's up for seven awards. (MTV News)

+ Lupe Fiasco announced on his website that he and Pharrell Williams are planning a joint album. Fiasco is also working on Food And Liquor 2, the follow-up to his 2006 album. (Rap-Up)

+ The Shins released "Simple Song" from their forthcoming Port Of Morrow, which is due out in March. The album will be available in various formats, including a limited deluxe edition on reel-to-reel tape! (Pitchfork)

+ Two more alleged Radiohead tracks have surfaced online. A recent "leak" was discovered to be fake. Check out "Fat Girl" and "Fragile Friend," which purportedly come from a 1986 demo tape from when the band was called On A Friday. Real/sham? (NY Mag)

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Tags At The Drive In, Beyonce, Black Keys, Buzz Bites, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Katy Perry, Lupe Fiasco, Mazzy Star, Pharrell Williams, Pulp, Radiohead, Snoop Dogg, The Shins

When I was younger, I totally thought I was famous. Actually, I thought my name was famous. See, my dad was a classic-rock fanatic and insisted on turning up the oldies station whenever we were in the car together. From an early age, I learned to appreciate Motown, soul and, of course, The Beatles. While my friends were freaking out over Milli Vanilli, I was rocking out to Big Bopper.

I was especially taken with the song "Groovin'" by The Young Rascals. In addition to having an impressive harmonica solo, I was also stoked because it sounded like frontman Felix Cavaliere was singing about me... Leslie! There's this part in the blissful ditty where he swoons, "Life could be ecstasy/You and me and Leslie." Sure, I was a little confused why Cavaliere would invite a third party on a date with him and his girlfriend, but who was I to judge? I found out years later that he wasn't really singing my name's praises: The lyric actually goes, "Life could be ecstasy/You and me endlessly." What a bummer.

Attention, songwriters: I'm still waiting to be the inspiration for a hit so feel free to throw my name into the musical mix and see what comes out. In case you need help, my name easily rhymes with "folie," "tensely" and "Nestle."

What are some songs that do feature real names in the title? I'm glad you asked. Let's pretend we're members of the American Name Society and check out songs from Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs, The Shins and Elvis Costello.

Finally, learn more about me and all my musings by visiting my website and following me on Twitter (@redpatterndress).

1.) Amy Winehouse's "Valerie": What better way to celebrate Amy's life than to shine the spotlight on all the amazing music she left behind, and "Valerie" is such a great example of her music's timelessness. While the song was originally recorded by The Zutons, it wasn't until Mark Ronson produced the cover with Amy that the tune really took off. The original is a great track, don't get me wrong, but Amy's soulful voice definitely upgrades the song from rockin' toe-tapper to timeless classic.

Listen to "Valerie"

2.) Kaiser Chief's "Ruby": Unlike U.K. peers Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs never translated well with American audiences. The band had a small-ish hit with "I Predict A Riot," off their 2005 debut album Employment, but that was about it. I really thought things were going to take off for them after hearing "Ruby," which has all the makings of a fantastic power-pop anthem: galloping guitars, lyrics about unrequited love and plenty of "da da da's." Unfortunately, chart-topping success was not meant to be. However, that doesn't stop me from playing this song on a weekly basis.

Listen to "Ruby"

3.) The Shins' "Saint Simon": I'd be lying if I didn't admit that this song initially spoke to me because it boasted my surname, but it still remains one of my all-time favorite tracks because I'm endlessly smitten by its dreaminess and fragility. Frontman James Mercer's voice is delicate enough, but combine that with the dulcet sound of violins and xylophone and you've got a song that should be posted with a label that says, "Handle With Care." Sometimes it's the lightest songs that carry the most weight.

Listen to "Saint Simon"

4.) Elvis Costello's "Alison": Though he's always been mum about the song's muse and surrounding details, Elvis must've been pret-ty gutted to write such an apologetic ode. How else do you explain the heartbreaking lyrics: "I'm not going to get too sentimental/Like those other sticky valentines/'Cause I don't know if you've been loving somebody/I only know it isn't mine." His aim might be true, but his words are distressing. I wonder if we'll ever know the real story behind one of the Greatest Songs Of All Time? Would the real Alison please stand up?

Listen to "Alison"

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Tags Amy Winehouse, Bloc Party, Elvis Costello, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Mark Ronson, Soundtrack Of My Life, The Shins, The Zutons

So many awesome bands, so little time.

No need to feel totally humiliated because you don't know the difference between The Big Pink and "The Color Purple." If you happen to find yourself at a loss for a knowing retort when your friends start name-dropping bands you've never heard of, DO NOT PANIC. Instead, close your eyes, take a breath and feel free to spitball any of the following insider tidbits on the following "it" bands that give you instant cred. You're so very welcome.

1.) The National: Over the past 10 years, The National has won over hipsters with its Americana-inspired indie-rock and good Samaritans with its pension for political action and philanthropy. Your key talking point: "I was into 'Cherry Tree' way before 'High Violet.' " Watch the video for "Apartment Story" below.

2.) Broken Bells: This supergroup features James Mercer (from The Shins) and Danger Mouse (from Gnarls Barkley). Somewhere, Cee-Lo is pouting in a corner, wearing a dashiki, because he's not in on this innovative indie-pop. Your key talking point: "If 'Garden State' was made today, the song 'The High Road' would totally be on the soundtrack." Watch the video for "The Ghost Inside" below.

3.) Crystal Castles: Not only does singer Alice Glass have the fiercest bowl cut we've seen this side of Joey Lawrence (circa "Gimme A Break!"), but the rest of the band is pretty bitchin', too. These quirky Canadians have successfully created a whole new genre: zombie electro-pop. One listen to "Crimewave" and you'll hear what we mean. Your key talking point: "I have to admit. I was pretty impressed when Toshiba used 'Air War' in that commercial." Watch the video for "Crimewave" below.

+ More videos after the jump.
Read more...

Tags Broken Bells, Cee Lo, Coachella, Crystal Castles, Danger Mouse, Four Tet, Gnarls Barkley, Hot Chip, James Mercer, Jay-Z, justin bieber, Karen O, Liars, MGMT, The Big Pink, The National, The Shins, The XX, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Yeasayer

(Credit: Frank Ockenfels)

The creation of art is the easy part. The tough part comes with its reception. Broken Bells, the collaborative project between producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse and Shins frontman James Mercer, have recently created and released their self-titled debut album. Then they took the fruits of their labor to a discerning jury of tough critics.

On trial is their single "The Ghost Inside." Sitting in judgment? Just some of the most demanding, antsy kid critics you've ever seen.

Luckily for the Broken Bells boys, the grading is done on a pass/fail system. "The Ghost Inside" splits the vote, but stuff gets real when these opinionated tykes get real. The girl on the far right likes the beat, while her pal to her left votes thumbs down on Mercer's "metal icky" voice. The kid with the dope hat in the middle likes, interestingly, "the middle parts," while his British bro thought the drumbeat was too repetitive. Harsh but fair.

Check out this adorable video, as well as a live performance of "The Ghost Inside," below.

Tags Broken Bells, Danger Mouse, James Mercer, The Shins, video

This just in: A special live performance from Broken Bells, the new project from esteemed producer Danger Mouse and Shins frontman James Mercer.

Broken Bells, whose self-titled debut album is in stores now, can be seen as an extension of the two musicians' previous output; it has the funky, atmospheric feel of Danger Mouse's production and work with Gnarls Barkley, as well the tuneful psychedelic pop of James Mercer's work with The Shins.

We already got spooked by their haunting video for "High Road," but in this live clip, we get to see the full band at work at The Boat -- a recording studio in Silverlake, California, where everyone from Madonna to Cat Power has recorded. Mercer handles guitar and vocal duties, while Danger Mouse moves out from behind the production console and takes a seat at the drum kit. Flanked by a number of sidemen — guitarists, bass, keys — the band make wistful, lush pop, as Mercer sings about a haunted lover.

Check out the live video below. Broken Bells is out now.

Related Content Buzzworthy Obsession: Broken Bells 'High Road' Video

Tags Broken Bells, Danger Mouse, James Mercer, The Shins, video

Broken Bells is the new collaborative project between James Mercer, mastermind behind The Shins, and Danger Mouse, AKA the guy who made The Grey Album as well as one half of Gnarls Barkley.

Broken Bells' self-titled album, due out in March, promises a tantalizing combination of Mercer's innate feel for pop melody and Danger Mouse's mastery of all varieties of atmospherics and studio trickery.

Directed by Sophie Muller (Beyonce's "Deja Vu," Kings Of Leon's "Use Somebody"), "High Road," is the first video (and single) to come from Broken Bells, and it is anything to go by, the project could be as compelling, visually, as it is sonically.

Whether you think Muller's "High Road" vid is a subtle nod to French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard's legendary traffic sequence from Weekend (what up, film school!) or just a literal rendering of the song's haunting, imagery-heavy lyrics, it's a humdinger just the same.

In "High Road," Mercer and Danger Mouse walk a not-so lonely road, full of crashed cars, abandoned kids, firemen and a horse (!), much like the experiences of the song's narrator.

Broken Bells' self-titled album is due out March 9th.

Tags Beyonce, Broken Bells, Danger Mouse, Gnarls Barkley, Kings of Leon, Sophie Muller, The Shins, video

At this point, the conflict in Darfur and the resulting humanitarian crisis are more than six years old. It is common knowledge in conscientious circles, that hundreds of thousands have died and millions have been displaced by the horrors -- and I do mean horrors -- of the Sudanese army's systematic decimation of the region's native people. But, after six years of activism, it is easy for our outrage to cool off and devolve into uneasy acceptance. Well, Waxploitation -- the L.A. management company that handles Gnarls Barkley, Black Moth Super Rainbow and Danger Mouse -- just ain't havin' that.

On the verge of releasing his second Causes record to raise money for relief in Darfur, Waxploitation founder Jeff Antebi had this to say about the project:

"It's easy for fatigue to set in when a crisis goes on for a number of years, but no one has given up hope that things can change for the better in Darfur. There are untold numbers of people committed to changing the outcome. It takes humanitarian assistance, tenacity and political will."

And, of course, it takes money. A whole lotta spending money. And, while 15 indie gems clearly aren't going to fund a revolution, Causes 2 does provide everyday people like us with an easy means of contributing to the betterment of the world.

The compilation -- whose profits go entirely to Doctors Without Borders, Human Rights Watch and Oxfam America -- includes rare tracks, remixes and live cuts from Devendra Banhart, Diplo, My Morning Jacket, RJD2, LCD Soundsystem, Gnarls Barkley, The Decemberists, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and many others.

The compilation doesn't hit shelves until May 5, but you can listen to Causes 2 right now, for free, only on The Leak. Get hooked here, then shell out $9.99 for the good of humanity in May.

+ If you pre-order Causes 2 now, Waxploitation will throw in Causes 1 -- including tracks from Animal Collective, Bright Eyes and The Shins -- for only $6.99!

Tags Animal Collective, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Bright Eyes, Danger Mouse, Devendra Banhart, Diplo, Gnarls Barkley, LCD Soundsystem, My Morning Jacket, RJD2, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, The Decemberists, The Shins