"ROSES" IS CRANBERRIES' FIRST ALBUM IN TEN YEARS

Cranberries

After ten years, The Cranberries returns with a new album Roses which will be released worldwide on February 27th. They start their world tour next month and head over to our side of the pond in May, so far only scheduling nine shows in the U.S. But no Los Angeles dates have been announced...yet (cross my fingers). The first concert I saw when I moved to Los Angeles was The Cranberries. They had just released No Need To Argue after gaining mainstream success with their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? in 1992 with hit singles "Dreams" and "Linger."

Their first single "Tomorrow" was released last month and lead singer Dolores O'Riordan recently told Billboard that this new record was "inspired by real-life concerns of adulthood, parenting and mortality." You can pre-order Roses from iTunes and Amazon right HERE and HERE. Check out their official webpage www.cranberries.com for tour dates.

"Tomorrow" by Cranberries off their new album Rose available Feb. 27th.

The Track List for "Roses" Includes:
1. "Conduct"
2. "Tomorrow"
3. "Fire & Soul"
4. "Raining In My Heart"
5. "Losing My Mind"
6. "Schizophrenic Playboys"
7. "Waiting In Walthamstow"
8. "Show Me"
9. "Astral Projections"
10. "So Good"
11. "Roses"
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Stream TONIGHT ALIVE'S New Album "What Are You So Scared Of?"

Tonight Alive

This has been a crazy start to the new year for this band from down under. They've recently announced their U.S. tour which begins on February 19th with stops at SXSW and news just broke that they'll be one of the featured bands on this year's Vans Warped Tour which starts in June.

Now, in anticipation for their upcoming release, Australia’s red-hot “buzzworthy” pop-punk band Tonight Alive are streaming their new album, What Are You So Scared Of?, in its entirety, beginning today on MTV.com. What Are You So Scared Of? is scheduled for release on February 14, but fans can get an early listen right now at http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/02/07/tonight-alive-what-are-you-so-scared-of-album-stream/.

What Are You So Scared Of? is available for pre-order in a variety of bundles from Fearless Records (http://bit.ly/zT9W7T) and digitally through iTunes (http://bit.ly/wa2wlT), but fans can get a taste of the new album now by watching the videos for “Starlight” (http://bit.ly/zDtsKA) and “Breaking & Entering” (http://bit.ly/waMvcE)!

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JULIET SIMMS OF AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER ON NBC'S "The Voice"

Automatic Loveletter's Juliet Simms performs at Vans Warped Tour in San Diego.
photo by picksysticks

Sunday night, after the Super Bowl, was the premiere for the second season of NBC’s “The Voice” and one singer that I was happy to see was Juliet Simms who fronts the band Automatic Loveletter and she brought the house down.

The thing that separates The Voice from all the other singing competitions is that they start with the highest levels of talent. And during the blind auditions, Juliet sang "Oh Darling" by The Beatles and it was Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green quickly hitting their "I Want You" buzzer while Christina Aguilera held back towards the end. And wow! It was a battle between Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine giving their best pitch for Juliet to pick them as their coach. Christina said Juliet's performance 'blew her socks off' while Adam loved her dirty, gruffness vocals. But in the end, Juliet chose to be on Cee-Lo's team who loved her style and energy.


One of the hardest working singers in the business, Simms formed Automatic Loveletter in Florida in 2005. Since then, she has released two albums and a couple EPs. Constantly touring to make her dreams come true, Simms’ stunningly smooth and powerful voice has left a mark with audiences wherever she has played. Warped Tour veterans of three years, she played an acoustic set last year showcasing her tortured and vulnerable vocals delivered over her tender, soulful-rock arrangements. Hopefully, this new opportunity will garner her more exposure for her and her music.

"Story of My Life" off the album Truth or Dare by Automatic Loveletter.
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CASSADEE POPE @ Key Club

Cassadee Pope performs at The Key Club during her first solo tour.
photos by picksysicks

The Key Club on Hollywood's famed Sunset Strip was the scene for Cassadee Pope's intimate show that had the feel of a VH1 Storytellers concert as Pope took time between songs to share stories behind each song. It was her first ever solo tour after touring non-stop for four years as the front-woman of her power-pop band Hey Monday.

Tuesday night, Pope cracked open her music box - a 15-song set that included new original songs while also throwing in some familiar acoustic versions of Hey Monday tunes such as "Wish You Were Here" and "I Don't Wanna Dance." "Candles" was an altered version of the sad ballad slow jam where the album version uses a piano but tonight it was delivered with acoustic guitars accompanied by a weeping violin.

It was truly an intimate show with a bare stage, Pope blanketed in a warm, soft glow of red, wearing an open-sleeve blouse and cheetah-print platform pumps as a devoted following sang along to her new songs not yet released. In fact, a preview of a song Cassadee posted last month already amassed over 18,000 hits. And it was that song "Lunatic" that she brought out Justin Young, which she co-wrote the song with, on stage to perform with her. Another surprise guest appearance came when Yellowcard's Ryan Key joined Cassadee for two songs,"Hang You Up" and "Only One."

Listening to the stripped down songs further showcased Pope's vulnerable yet confident vocals, especially on a cover of Ednaswap's "Torn" (or as most know it as Natalie Imbruglia version) But of course, her new original songs were the highlights of the night with powerful memorable hooks delivered over soaring melodies. Lavished with haunting strings, "I Told You So" is about overcoming rejection and not giving up on your dreams, "Proved You Wrong" has flavors of Hey Monday while "Second Hand Love" she explained, was inspired by Sugarland.

Cassadee Pope performs at The Key Club.
photo by picksysticks

Towards the end of the hour-long set, Pope invited the crowd to sing along with her to “How You Like Me Now” and then ended the night with “6 Months,” a song she said she wrote when she was 16 for a boy she was dating for their six months anniversary. Eventually, she says, they broke up soon after.

It was a night of old and new, Pope entertaining her devoted fans with classic Hey Monday songs while also celebrating her future endeavors as a solo artist. And what this night proves is that even though Pope’s new songs showed a new maturity to her writing, she doesn’t veer far from her power/pop roots that her fans have come to expect from her.

Setlist (Key Club, Jan. 31, 2012):
Wish You Were Here / Hangover / Proved You Wrong / Second Hand Love / Lunatic (w/Justin Young) / Hang You Up (duet with Ryan Key of Yellowcard) / Only One (duet with Ryan Key of Yellowcard) / Candles / I Don’t Wanna Dance / Homecoming / I Told You So / Torn (Ednaswap cover) / How You Like Me Now / 6 Months

REMAINING TOUR DATES:
2/11- Chicago @ Beat Kitchen
2/12 - Pittsburgh @ The Altar Bar
2/14 - Philadelphia @ First Unitarian Church
2/15 - Boston @ Brighton Music Hall
2/16 - Teaneck @ Mexicali Live
2/17 - New York @ Highline Ballroom
2/18 - Whitehall @ Planet TrogEnt. Complex
2/19- Baltimore @ Baltimore Soundstage
2/21- Greensboro, N.C. @ Greene Street
2/22- Atlanta @ The Masquerade
2/23 - Gainesville, Fla. @ Double Down Live
2/24 - Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Culture Room

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NEW VIDEO: CHELSEA WILLIAMS' COVER OF "BILLIONAIRE"

Late last year, the new Shine 2012 Chevrolet Cruze commercial began airing featuring Third Street Promenade street performer Chelsea Williams singing the Travie McCoy/Bruno Mars hit song "Billionaire." This week, Chelsea releases this video with a full version of the song. Here she is performing on Third Street. And below is her commercial for Chevy.

"Billionaire" by Chelsea Williams


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MOONPOOLS AND CATERPILLARS REUNITE AFTER 14 YEARS - REUNION SHOW IS ON!!!

Moonpools & Caterpillars are Kimi, Tim, Gugut and Jay Jay.

"Los Angeles...it's gonna happen" was the cryptic message posted on the Moonpools and Caterpillars official Facebook page on Jan. 28th. Which means that after 14 years, the Los Angeles band will reunite to play once again. OH YEEE-AAAH. Now, all we need to hear are dates and venues which they'll hopefully announce soon and I'll be first in line to grab some. Stay tuned for more details.

It began back in August of 2010, with rumors of a reunion show which was fueled by Moonpools and Caterpillars' own Facebook page revealing full-band practice sessions and the teasing a possible show at the intimate Hotel Cafe. And with that news, fans were foaming at the mouth for a chance to see Moonpools and Caterpillars one last time. Let's hope, at least for me who has never seen this band live, that this happens.

Comprised of Kimi Ward Encarnacion, Jay Jay Encarnacion, Gugut Salgado and Tim de Pala, Moonpools and Caterpillars' rise to fame was accidental. It's said that during one of their shows, an A&R representative from a record label went to one of their shows looking to sign a different band that was also performing that night. Well, the A&R guy got there early and caught Moonpools' set and loved them so much he signed them on the spot. As for the other band? Who knows?

Moonpools and Caterpillars last show at The Whisky A Go Go

Through the years, Moonpools and Caterpillars have grown a cult-like following by word of mouth, friends making copies for friends, listening to their songs on long car rides and singing along to their universal lyrics of life, proving that their albums hasn't aged through the years and their songs could easily play on radio today. Today, years later, I still listen to these albums and with the help of the internet, fans –new and old – can rediscover this band that continues to entertain. For me, this was basically the start of Picksysticks and my love for women-fronted bands began.

Check out their appearance on Disney's "Wish Upon a Star" which happens to be Katherine Heigl's very first movie.

Moonpools and Caterpillars performing "Hear" in the 1996 Disney movie "Wish Upon a Star."
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IT'S THE WEEKEND: PARTY TO YOUNG LONDON

Young London are Sara Graziani and Matt Rhoades

Wow. This electro-pop duo is hyping me up for the weekend. Comprised of Boston duo Sara Graziani and Matt Rhoades, Young London just released their dance-inducing, explosive self-titled debut album on January 10th. Hit songs up the wah-hoo, they wowed with hits like "Celebrity" and "New Reputation" at SXSW and their video for "Let Me Go" have amassed nearly 100,000 views since it was released four months ago. Their debut album is available in stores and on iTunes right HERE.

"Let Me Go" by Young London
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The Dø Covers Janelle Monaé's "Tightrope"

Olivia Merilahti of The Dø performs at The Bootleg Theater in 2010.
photo by picksysticks

The UK's The Gaurdian just premiered a new song from French outfit The Dø. Actually, it's not a new song but a new cover of Janelle Monae's "Tightrope."

The Gaurdian excerpt:
Artists often cover songs either as a way of adding a layer of "authenticity" (see Travis's acoustic take on Britney's Baby One More Time, or as part of a TV talent show and they have no choice. On both occasions a good cover – to quote Simon Cowell – involves "making the song your own" and while that's always nice when it happens (Johnny Cash's reworking of Nine Inch Nails' Hurt is taken as the definitive version now), it's also fun just to hear someone giving a song a go for the hell of it. That's where French/Finnish duo the Dø's take on Janelle Monaé's Tightrope – premiered here – comes into its own. (read the rest of the review at The Gaurdian)

Also see:
The Dø @ The Bootleg Theater

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CASSADEE POPE LAUNCHES FIRST EVER SOLO TOUR

Cassadee Pope begins her acoustic tour this Friday.
photo by picksysticks

Hey Monday lead singer Cassadee Pope has been performing in front of audiences since she was 13 years old. So when Hey Monday surprised their fans when they announced the band would be taking a 'hiatus' it came as no surprise to learn that the now 22-year-old Pope turned to what she's known most of her life - the stage.

Earlier this month, with Pope's announcement that she would be embarking on her first ever solo tour, there was a collective sigh of relief from millions of fans upon hearing the news that Hey Monday had not broken up but were merely taking a 'hiatus.' It took lead singer Cassadee Pope to clear up the confusion when she released a statement:

"I wanted to let you all know that Hey Monday is not "broken up." We are, however, taking a break and pursuing things on our own...I hope you all understand that this does not mean we'll never release new music or tour ever again...Me and the guys are still friends and always will be, and this was a decision we all agreed was for the best."

So, while fans won't be hearing any new Hey Monday songs anytime soon, the better news is that Pope has been writing new original songs and plans to showcase them on an 18-city acoustic tour across the United States. In fact, one of her new songs called "Lunatic" posted on YouTube has already received over 16,000 hits since she posted it January 10th and reveals a more mature songwriting direction from Pope but still manages to deliver it over pop melodies that Hey Monday fans come to expect. But unlike Hey Monday's power-pop sound, Pope hopes to carve out her own musical identity. "I want the lyrics to be more edgy and darker than anything on the radio. Just doing what I love, the real instruments and guitars but with a real pop twist to it," says Pope.

But don't fret HM fans. Pope also revealed that her set list will include some Hey Monday songs as well as 10-11 original songs she's been working on as well as a possible cover or two. "It's going to be a really fun time, like a 'Storytellers' kind of thing," she says.

Pope first came into public view when she formed Hey Monday in 2008. Their power-pop sound caught the attention of Pete Wetz and they soon were signed to his label and Columbia Records. Since then, the band has toured non-stop sharing the stage with the likes of Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is and All Time Low.

Cassadee Pope embarks on her first ever solo tour.
photo by picksysticks

Now, as Hey Monday takes a break, Pope is heading out solo by playing 18 cities in one month beginning this Friday at Anaheim's Chain Reaction and ending 28 days later in her home state of Florida. Supporting her will be Stephen Jerzak, Justin Young and Darling Parade. If you can't make the Anaheim show this Friday, Cassadee performs at The Key Club on the famed Sunset Strip next Tuesday (1/31). Click HERE for dates and ticket info.

CASSADEE POPE SHOWS

1/27 - Anaheim @ Chain Reaction
1/28 - San Diego @ Soma Sidestage
1/29 - Scottsdale @ Martini Ranch
1/31 - West Hollywood @ Key Club
2/1 - Camarillo @ Rock City
2/2 - Bakersfield @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub
2/11- Chicago @ Beat Kitchen
2/12 - Pittsburgh @ The Altar Bar
2/14 - Philadelphia @ First Unitarian Church
2/15 - Boston @ Brighton Music Hall
2/16 - Teaneck @ Mexicali Live
2/17 - New York @ Highline Ballroom
2/18 - Whitehall @ Planet TrogEnt. Complex
2/19- Baltimore @ Baltimore Soundstage
2/21- Greensboro, N.C. @ Greene Street
2/22- Atlanta @ The Masquerade
2/23 - Gainesville, Fla. @ Double Down Live
2/24 - Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Culture Room

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1/25/93 - BELLY'S STAR RELEASED 19 YEARS AGO TODAY

Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Tanya Donelly (Belly).
photo via Kay Hanley twitter

Awwww. Check this out. My two favorite singers together. Kay Hanley of Letters To Cleo and Tanya Donelly of Belly taken recently by Kay in Boston where the two performed together during a benefit for Foundation to be Named Later on January 14th. Maybe the two will form a band together. I can dream can't I? Who could ever forget Kay serenading Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in "10 Things I Hate About You." One of the best films ever. I miss the 90's and looking at this pic, 90's alternative never looked so beautiful.

Get More: Belly, Feed the Tree, Music, More Music Videos

"Feed the Tree" by Belly of 1993's Star

And 19 years ago today, Belly released the dream-pop-alternative album Star which spawned hits "Feed The Tree," "Gepetto," and "Slow Dog." Formed in Boston in 1991 by front woman Tanya Donelly, the album reached certified gold and Belly was nominated for two Grammy Awards. They disbanded in 1996 and Donelly went on to record one of my favorite albums - yet under appreciated Lovesongs for Underdogs in 1997. Today? Donelly still immerses herself in music. Last year, she released the fragile and soft, country-esque album Whiskey Tango Ghosts. And last month, she took part in Under The Covers: Please Please Please tribute to The Smiths, singing an acoustic version of "Shoplifters of the World." You can get that album now at American Laundromat. And it's available on iTunes.

What's Kay up to these days? She currently resides in L.A. and fronts the her new band Palmdale, releasing two EPs last year called Get Wasted and How To Be Mean which you can purchase at iTunes right HERE! Below is Palmdale's single "Happiness Has a Half-Life" and for good ol' times sake, "Here and Now" from Kay's Letters To Cleo days.

"Happiness Has a Half-Life" by Palmdale from the Get Wasted EP.

"Here and Now" by Letters to Cleo
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