MTV Buzzworthy Blog › Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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+ A rough two-minute snippet of Lady Gaga's new single "Judas" has surfaced. (ONTD)

+ Justin Bieber's rap alter ego Shawty Mane is back, and this time he's tackling Chris Brown's superfast "Look At Me Now." (Neon Limelight)

+ The Experience Music Project museum in Seattle opens its Nirvana exhibit this weekend, "Nirvana: Taking Punk To The Masses." Fans can indulge in over 1,000 pieces of band memorabilia. (MTV News)

+ Alt/indie musician Santogold is back with a new single, "Go," featuring Yeah Yeah Yeah's lead singer Karen O. We're loving this combo. (Rolling Stone)

+ Just one more reason why we heart Taylor Swift -- the generous singer recently bought her parents a $1.4 million home in Nashville. (PopEater)

+ Wanna get a peek of Kid Cudi behind the scenes? Watch his 20-minute documentary "The Journey Of Mr. Rager." (Idolator)

Tags Buzz Bites, Chris Brown, justin bieber, Karen O, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, Nirvana, Santogold, Taylor Swift, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

(Via PopEater.com)

I would never in a million years think to put Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" together in the same song. I would also never in a million years think that the result of said song would sound so cool. Enter "Glee," reigning prime-time TV musical mashup kings. (OK, maybe the only prime-time TV musical in the running, but still.)

This Sunday, Feb. 6, marks the return of "Glee," everyone's favorite sing-along show, and they're kicking off the season premiere with a bang. Covering the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is one thing, as anyone who's ever butchered "Maps" on Rock Band can tell you (AHEM). But covering Michael Jackson is entirely another. Yet somehow the musical geniuses over at "Glee" seem to have pulled it off without making you want to write them a strongly worded letter. Job well done!

The "Glee" "Thriller/Heads Will Roll" mashup is a high-energy, super dance-y take on the two already danceable originals. It's perfect for your afternoon Jazzercise routine, and I mean that in the best way possible. Their "Thriller" dance, though? We haven't seen it yet but godspeed, "Glee" cast. You are entering dangerous territory.

+ Listen to "Glee's Michael Jackson's/Yeah Yeah Yeahs Mashup.

Related Content Lea Michele Bares Quite A Lot On The Cover Of 'Cosmo'

Tags Glee, Michael Jackson, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

(Credit: David Aguilera/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic)

Max Martin and Dr. Luke are some savvy dudes. The two super-producers--the men behind hits such as Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and Ke$ha's "TiK ToK"--are experts when it comes to incorporating "of-the-now" sounds into their pop music wizardry.

For example, keen-eared listeners might have heard the influence of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and their minor-key indie rock in the chords of Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone." And now, with their production on Britney Spears' new single, "Hold It Against Me," the duo have again sampled (not literally) some very in-vogue sounds, that of the Brit dance genre of Dubstep.

So, what is Dubstep? Glad you asked! Its origins go back to the electronic music scene in South East London, almost 12 years ago. In its most basic form, Dubstep combines the skittering rhythms of breakbeat dance music and drum 'n' bass, some dark digital atmospherics and a splash of modern R&B for melody.

As Mixmag rightly points out--experts that they are--you can hear the Dubstep influence on Britney Spears' new single at the 2:22 mark of "Hold It Against Me," when the droning bass collides with some collapsing drums and the treated vocals dance all over the digital debris.

The role of Dubstep in Britney Spears' music will likely become more pronounced when her album drops, as she was reported to have worked with famed Dubstep producers Rusko on some tracks.

Dubstep artists worth checking out include Burial, Flying Lotus, Skream and, yes, Rusko. Happy listening!

Tags Britney Spears, Burial, Dr. Luke, Flying Lotus, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Kelly Clarkson, Max Martin, Rusko, Skream, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Unless you're talking about Prince, most musical acts sound like somebody else--or at least people try to tell you they do. Like, when Muse started to get attention after appearing on the "Twilight Saga: Eclipse" soundtrack, everyone was all like, "They sound like Radiohead!" And I was all like, "Naw man, no one sounds like Radiohead!" But really, yeah, they do kind of sound like Radiohead.

So in the spirit of "this thing sounds like that thing," I present you the taxonomic breakdown of the musical influences of noise-pop outfit Sleigh Bells, before you can watch them on MTV.com's "Live In NYC" on Monday, Sept. 20.

1. Sleigh Bells Sound Like... Yeah Yeah Yeahs (or The Ting Tings)
Any time you have a band, or in this case a duo, fronted by a woman who can zero-to-60 from a loud, bitchy shout to a sweet, honey-dipped soprano, the Karen O comparisons are going to pour in. And Alexis Krauss, the female half of Sleigh Bells, has a vocal range that ranks right up there with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman and The Ting Tings' leading lady, Katie White. Just check out Sleigh Bells' track "Infinity Guitars" and tell me if you don't pick up on a definite "That's Not My Name" feel.

2. Sleigh Bells Sound Like...M.I.A.
The track list on Sleigh Bells' debut album, Treats, ranges from pretty, straightforward Brooklyn indie pop, like on the dreamy "Rill Rill," to deliriously distorted stomp-clap anthems underscored by hip-hop beats that would find themselves right at home on an M.I.A. track. (That's thanks to the male half of Sleigh Bells, guitarist-producer Derek Miller.) For more on the latter, check out "Run the Heart," which sounds like it's being pumped out of broken computer speakers, and that's totally a good thing.

3. Sleigh Bells Sound Like... The White Stripes
No indie band worth its weight in flannel shirts can succeed without mastery of the lo-fi guitar riff--just ask Jack White. And there's plenty of fuzzed-out guitar lines leading the charge on Treats. Check out "Riot Rhythm" for a bratty jam that sounds like it's making fun of you. Again--a very good thing!

4. Sleigh Bells Sound Like... Björk
Here me out on this one. There is this drum-snap-clap sample on the Sleigh Bell's track "Tell 'Em" that I swear was inspired--if not all out borrowed--from "Jóga," the first single off Björk's 1997 album Homogenic. Anyone?

+ Don't miss Sleigh Bells, Live In NYC, on Sept. 20, streaming live from the Studio at Webster Hall on MTV.com at 10/9c!

Tags Bjork, Eclipse, Jack White, Karen O, Katie White, Live In NYC, M.I.A., Muse, Radiohead, Sleigh Bells, The Ting Tings, The White Stripes, Twilight, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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

We're not sure about Parks And Recreation star and stand-up comedian Aziz Ansari himself, but Ansari's comedic alter ego, Raaaaaaaandy, seems to be kind of a sh__t starter. A couple weeks ago, we reported on the supposed feud between Raaaaaaaandy and Kid Cudi, Raaaaaaaandy and Ludacris, and Raaaaaaaandy and a bunch of other high-profile rappers who decided not to contribute verses to the funny man's mixtape.

Now, it seems like Raaaaaaaandy has even more beef — and, this time, it's with pop prince Justin Bieber. In this absolutely hilarious, LOL-inducing Funny Or Die sketch, the scorned comedian recounts just how the Bieb stole the hit single "Baby" from him.

What follows is a profane-ridden re-enactment, featuring appearances from a much older, heavier and pot-smoking actor playing the role of Bieber, TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek, Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner and, of course, Raaaaaaaandy.

As Idolator pointed out, Bieber is no stranger to having a laugh with his fellow musicians. Remember his faux-fight on Twitter with everyone's favorite punching bag, John Mayer? We can't wait to hear Justin's response!

Check out the incredibly NSFW video below.

Tags Aziz Ansari, Dave Sitek, John Mayer, justin bieber, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, LOL, Ludacris, Raaaaaaaandy, TV-on-the-Radio, Twitter, video, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Yesterday we admired the creepy interrogation scenes of Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" and the manic, tracking shots and jumpy editing of Vampire Weekend's "Cousins." Now, we continue the countdown of my favorite Buzzworthy music video with this cabaret scene from a galaxy far, far away. The next clip on my list of Buzzworthy's Top Videos of 2009 countdown is...

+ Number 3: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Heads Will Roll"

In this RIchard Ayoade-directed clip (taken from The YYY's It's A Blitz album), Karen O. and her boys are playing a dinner theater that's one part Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" video, one part David Lynch film and one part budget-Werewolf schlock flick.

However, you'll be hard-pressed to pay attention to anything other than Karen O.'s insane bubble-wrap-butterfly-wings and her minimal, hip-shaking dance moves as she commands this lush, disco-rock anthem from the stage.

Related Content MTV's Best of 2009

Tags Karen O, Michael Jackson, video, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The year 2009 was a banner one for fashion-forward music videos. The last 12 months have been dominated by aggressive, progressive, unbelievably stylish divas, hipsters, rappers, glam rockers and rebels.

At the top of the list would have to be Lady Gaga and Rihanna, both of whom catapulted themselves into the upper atmosphere of pop culture stardom, bordering on iconic status.

With their daring combos of hot and haute couture and brave filmmaking, they released a series of videos that combined catwalk-ready fashion with cinematic craftsmanship. Ri-Ri's "Hard" and Gaga's "Paparazzi" and "Bad Romance" simply dazzled.

Take a look at those year-defining vids, as well as other fashionable clips from the likes of Jay-Z ("Run This Town"), Yeah Yeah Yeahs ("Heads Will Roll"), Beyonce ("Videophone"), Shakira ("She Wolf") and more in our Best of 2009: Fashion Forward video playlist below.

Tags Beyonce, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Shakira, video, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Where The Wild Things Are, Spike Jonze's long-delayed live-action adaptation of the seminal Maurice Sendak 1963 children's book, comes out October 16, and people are brokering ticket deals, already calling in sick from work, and generally sharting themselves with excitement.

Personally, while I love Arcade Fire and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I'm absolutely terrified by the animated monsters and the thought of their enormous faces on the big screen. And by the idea of sleeping together in a real pile.

That said, I fully support Urban Outfitters' selection of Where The Wild Things Are apparel and accessories. Check out the t-shirts, tunics, and even hairy leggings inspired by the movie. All of the Where The Wild Things Are shirts, tunics, dresses, and leggings are under $60 (the tunics and hairy leggings designed by Brooklyn designer Mary Meyer are especially cool since they don't SCREAM "PROMOTIONAL TEE"), the wall art is $68.

Or, if you're just really into spending, drop $610 for Opening Ceremony's Max Suit.

After the jump, watch the Where The Wild Things Are trailer and Arcade Fire perform "Wake Up."
Read more...

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Tags Arcade Fire, Buzzworthy Style Files, video, Yeah Yeah Yeahs

+ Mariah Carey gave a big "F U" to the R.I.A.A. (Recording Industry Association of America) and their silly little Grammys by pushing back the release date of her new album to a day after the cut-off date for it to be considered eligible for this year's awards. Personally, we think she's pulling a bitch move in light of fellow megastar Whitney Houston releasing her new album on September 1st. Nothing like a little competition between two DIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAS, right lambies? (The Frisky)

+It's so wonderful seeing the excitement on Kanye West's face to be out and about with someone as overtly glamorous as Amber Rose (especially in a barely-there bikini, and by "barely-there" we mean linguine-draped meatballs with a leg of lamb. Seriously?? Her body was assembled by spare parts. AND WE LIKES IT.) (The Blemish)

+ New pictures have surfaced of a hotter-than-ever Ricky Martin hanging out on the beach with his angelic one-year-old twin boys. ME ENCANTO! (Socialite Life)

+ Apple now accounts for 25% of total music sales via iTunes. (CNN Money)

+ Oh, and in case you're one of like four people in the world who wasn't annoyed when songs would auto-play on MySpace Music, they've disabled that feature to save a buck or two. (TechCrunch)

+ Be on the lookout for Yeah Yeah Yeah's frontwoman Karen O and MGMT to guest on the new Flaming Lips record, Embryonic. Evidently Karen did her portion of the two songs she recorded right over the phone. (NME)

Tags Amber Rose, Kanye West, Karen O, Mariah Carey, MGMT, Ricky Martin, Whitney Houston, Yeah Yeah Yeahs