Tag Archive for Snoop Dogg

Introducing “Discourse & Dischord” — a new column wrapping up the week in music and delivering it to you with a big, fat bow every Friday. This week: The Strokes, Adam Lambert, Chris Brown, Susan Boyle and more.

The Good

The Strokes announce first gig since October 2006

Photo Credit: Marcos Hermes

It’s been three years since the Strokes’ last live show, and the interim has been filled with band members’ solo projects (Albert Hammond Jr.’s “Yours To Keep,” Fabrizio Moretti’s work with Little Joy and Julian Casablanca’s latest, “Phrazes For The Young”). So you wouldn’t have to be much of a gambler to wager that a Strokes breakup might be imminent.

This week the band laid any such fears to rest by announcing a headlining gig at England’s Isle of Wight festival on June 11-13. The Strokes will join the likes of Jay-Z, Blondie and Orbital. Jittery mod rock, shaggy hair and monochromatic croons —it’s been too long.

Susan Boyle beats Gaga and Rihanna (not literally)

Susan Boyle

Our Lady of Blackburn emerged at the top of the Billboard charts this week with her Sony debut, I Dreamed A Dream.

The Scottish singer edged out pop front runners including Rihanna, Adam Lambert and Lady Gaga with her album of covers. As you may recall, Boyle’s performance of the title track on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent” made her an internet sensation.  And she didn’t even have to simulate fellatio on her guitar player (note to self, Lambert).

The Bad

Adam Lambert, Chris Brown and ABC: A Tale in Three Parts

Photo Credit: Djansezian/Getty

Speaking of Lambertkins, you may have heard a little bit about his recent AMA performance. In short, he did some naughty things on stage, and subsequently got booted from his upcoming gig on Good Morning America. Network executives claimed Lambert wasn’t wholesome enough for a morning audience, then, in a brain fart heard ‘round the world, replaced him with convicted girlfriend-abuser Chris Brown. Cries of outrage ensued. This week ABC announced that Brown will not be performing on GMA after all, and instead will be interviewed on 20/20 on December 4. Brown’s replacement on GMA will be wholesome Al Qaeda terrorist Syed Hashmi. (Not really, but you never know with these guys.)

The Ugly

Pete Doherty booed off stage for singing Nazi national anthem in Munich. That headline says it all.

Bits and Pieces

•    Phish cover TV On The Radio’s “Golden Age” in Albany

•    Spoon releases album art for upcoming “Transference”

•    New Gorillaz record to feature Lou Reed, Snoop Dogg, Barry Gibb, says Damon Albarn

•    Lady Gaga wipes out

Country music has many appealing qualities—great lyrics, long history, amazing stars—so it’s no wonder that many celebrities love and identify with the music of Nashville. Some, in fact, are so envious of the country lifestyle they too try to dip a toe or two into the vast pond of country music. And, while some fit right in, (ahem, Mr. Darius Rucker) others seem more like fish out of water. However, with a community so accepting and open, it’s almost expected that— eventually—everyone goes country.

Continue reading ‘Country Call ‘Em: Gone Country’

Every Friday on the OurStage blog, I’ll be featuring a great example of flow and lyricism in hip hop songs pulled from the OurStage ranks. I’ll get the artist’s thoughts on the song, as well as post the lyrics or best verse so fans can follow the flow themselves.

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre both rapped about Compton. Nas already rapped about New York City. When was the last time someone rapped about Maryland? Well, Chris McDonald took matters into his own hands, writing his song “Maryland Matters” and putting the Mid Atlantic state back on the map. Even if you’re not from Maryland, you can get the message. Check out what Chris has to say about the song:

Catch his thoughts, pump the song, and check the lyrics after the jump

• Lookin’ for an election day surprise? Four words: Palin Strips for McCain.

• For those not convinced by Snoop Dogg and Tom Cruise, some kids got together to guilt you into voting. C’mon dude. For the kids

• At the CMJ Music Marathon, we found out what indie musicians want from the next President.

• Oprah loses her vote, then gets it back. Whew!

• Fourteen-year-old Will Doolittle (coolest name ever?) writes a song about the election’s real winner (do I hear book deal?).

With Jam bands dominating the bill, my biggest question entering the ROTHBURY music festival was how outliers like Modest Mouse and Of Montreal would be received by the tens of thousands of fans.

But the biggest question mark clearly belonged to Snoop Dogg.

Remember, this is a festival built around the concept of sustainable energy and social responsibility. And Snoop is the same guy who proudly hawked Girls Gone Wild and said he’d “never hesitate to put a N***a on his back.”

Of course, I had nothing to worry about. As Snoop slowly pedaled his way on stage on a chrome, low-riding tricycle, he knew exactly how he was going to connect with this audience.

“Anybody here smokin’ some weed?” he shouted to deafening applause. They belonged to him.

Even he seemed surprised by the crowd’s enthusiasm. “You guys are havin’ too much fuckin’ fun.”