The Rebirth of a Rock star

Lil' Wayne rocks out in his newest video "Get A Life." This isn't your typical Weezy...This is Lil' Wayne the Rock star off of his album Rebirth, released in February 2010. This was an album solely for Wayne to try his chops at rock music rather than rap, and he got chopped up.

Thus far, reviews have been unfavorable...

Check it out for yourself.

Eye Candy from Kelsey Brooks

"I am becoming what I am interested in. I am interested in what I can not understand," San Diego artist, Kelsey Brookes posted to his blog on Friday.

amfm understands one thing, that this artist is truly something special. His art is like fireworks, bursting with colors and excitement, with a certain childhood youth. His art is like candy--you just want to consume it. It's like a kaleidoscope for the eyes.

His work draws influences from female figures, words, skeletons, buddhism, nature, and the exotic, whether it be the intertwining of animal and man with his chimeras or the a raw sexual nature that oozes from the paint. His use of words in his pieces allude to his past with album art, particularly for the Grand Ole Party.

He is a former biochemist, that decided to leave the water cooler and pick up color. "Science's loss is art's gain," as it says on his web site. If you're lucky enough to be in San Diego, he has an art show coming up on June 6th as a part of a collective show, "Here Not There" at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego-La Jolla.

"Here Not There" is a show featuring emerging artists, as well as established artists working and living in the San Diego area. It'll be composed of arts of all mediums, including paint, sculpture, performance and new media.

Check out his web site here.

-Photos Courtesy of KelseyBrookes.com

Sneaker + Sandal = Snandals

Not sure if you can ball in these, but now your feet can look fresh and have a little breathing room. Nike just came out with their shoe meets sandal, the Nike Gladiateur Mid for women. Sorry boys!

The shoe designed by Nancy Wu are an exclusive treat just in time for summer. They come in six colors, lilac, black, white, silver, gold, and anthracite. They even have the signature Nike swoosh on the side.

Revival Records

Levi's and musicians are teaming up to revive the records that got us here to this point in music history. Levi's Pioneer Sessions invited some of your favorite artists in pop, rock, soul, and rap, to cover some classic and influential songs of our past.

Each week until July 1st, two songs a week will be available for free download on the Levi Pioneer Session web site. This week rapper, Nas, kicked off the re-recordings with his cover of Slick Rick's "Hey Young World," and the folk duo from Once, the Swell Season, capped the week off with their cover of Candi Station's "Young Hearts Run Free."

Keep checking back week after week because there are going to be some nice contributions from the artists. In the coming weeks these songs will be available too.

She & Him - "Fools Rush In" by Rick Nelson

The Dirty Projectors- "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" by Bob Dylan

Colbie Caillat - "Maria" by Blondie
The Shins - "Goodbye Girl" by Squeeze
Raphael Saadiq - "It's A Shame" by The Spinners
Bomba Estereo - "Pump Up the Jam" by Technotronic

Jason Mraz- "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum

John Legend and the Roots - "Our Generation" by Ernie Hines

The Power of Kanye

He's baaacck...No more 808's, no more heartbreaks, and no more auto-tuned singing, just Kanye West doing what he does best, making power tracks, and creatively spreading insults and jabs.

"Power" from West's highly anticipated album, Good Ass Job set to be released in September, was leaked online yesterday and there's been nothing but talk about the song. West, who has been scarce since the MTV incident, takes the opportunity to sound off about the SNL cast and all the haters after the Taylor Swift flack.

West proves that even though he's trash talkin, he can lay down a nice beat and spit some lyrics and the masses will still eat it up. That's the power of Kanye. He raps in the song, "No one man should have all that power/The clocks ticking I just count the hours/Stop tripping, I'm tripping off the powder/'Till then [F] that, the world's ours."

Dwele lends some guest vocals to the song, produced by S1 of the Strange Fruit Project and includes a sample from King Crimson's 21st Century Schizoid Man. Check out the song below.

Christina goes all M.I.A.

Since the birth of her son, Christina Aguilera has been M.I.A. on the album trail, but she is back in action and doing it up big for her June 8th release of her next feat Bionic.

The upcoming album is Christina Aguilera 2010--there's no genies here. Aguilera usually relying on her amazing vocal chops, pushes herself to keep up with the times and current style of music after the throwback album Back to Basics [2006].

Call it an album of collaborations. Christina teams up with some unexpected artists including, M.I.A, Santigold, Peaches, Sia, and Le Tigre. Aguilera said on her web site, "My intention was to step into their world and what they do combined with my own vision and sound."

She definitely does encompass their sound, as the songs don't really sound like Aguilera, and more like her collaborators. Aguilera still manages to shine through. Now that's bionic.

Here's "Elastic Love" the recently leaked Christina-M.I.A. collaboration from the album. Sounds more like M.I.A featuring Christina Aguilera though...

One Star, One of a Kind

Now for 60 bucks, and two to four weeks, you can have very own custom designed canvas Skid Grip CVO Converse shoes. You pick everything, from the color of the shoe, to the laces, to the rubber sole and even the stitching. There's 18 different prints to choose from and 23 colors to choose from.

amfm designed some this morning. You can too here.

Revenge of the Nerds

Nerds have definitely come a long way from being beat up in the hallway, and having their glasses broken by bullies. Now those bullies want to wear the glasses, and everyone wants to be a nerd.

Geek chic is on in full force, especially for the male clad.

Viktor and Rolf 2010

On Holiday with Vampire Weekend

New music and new digs from Vampire Weekend premiered on MTV last night. Check out their new video "Holiday".

Jenny Hearts Johnny

Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and her singer/songwriter boyfriend Johnathan Rice have teamed up together to make beautiful music. No word on what exactly they will do, but we do have a name. Be on the lookout for a JENNY AND JOHNNY LP.

Their teaser web site invites you to join the mailing list for more info to come. According to Pitchfork News, they've already got three east coast gigs lined up for September in Boston, Brooklyn and Philly.

No More Music for Arizona

Arizona is about become real boring musically. In a press release issued Tuesday, various musicians and everyone's favorite documentarian for human rights, Michael Moore are leading a boycott against Arizona's recent Immigration Law, The Sound Strike.

Zack De La Rocha explained the dire need for action in the press release, explaining what the new Immigration Law really boils down to.

"If you haven't heard, the Arizona state legislature passed a bill (SB 1070) that was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer that legalizes and sanctions racial profiling. Straight up.

It forces the cops to hunt down and target anyone they "reasonably suspect" that may be undocumented. And if the people they harass don't have proof that they were born in the U.S., they can be detained and arrested. This must be stopped."

The Sound Strike has been gaining momentum over the last couple of days and is chalking up a list of musicians who are on board with shunning Arizona. Thus far, the list includes; Cypress Hill, Juanes, Conor Oberst, Los Tigres del Norte, Rage Against the Machine, Cafe Tacvba, Micheal Moore, Kanye West, Calle 13, Joe Satriani, Serj Tankian, Rise Against, Ozomatli, Sabertooth Tiger, Massive Attack, One Day as a Lion, Street Sweeper Social Club, Spank Rock, Sonic Youth, and Tenacious D.

For more information, or to sign the petition, check out The Sound Strike website.

CBGB in the Flesh

Now you can step foot into the bathroom where Lou Reed peed, where the Talking Heads may have gazed at their reflection in the mirror, and surely many drugs were ingested. Kind of.

A piece of rock and roll history will be brought back from the dead for the sake of art. New York artist Justin Lowe, known for creating large full scale replicas, has tackled the infamous CBGB bathroom. Lowe has channeled his inner rock star and really brings this vintage venue's urinating quarters to life, minus the wretched smell that comes with 20+ years of rock star waste.

The bathroom will be exhibited, not in New York, where CBCG's originated, but in the Wadsworth Atheneum in Connecticut beginning June 3rd. Sadly, CBGB closed its doors in 2006 only to be replaced by a John Varvatos boutique. Now the CBGB legacy will live on through art, because art doesn't have to pay rent.

Fresh Tracks

This weekend brought a bunch buzz about new music tracks, so amfm is bringing them to you.

We have the resurrection of Robyn, a trip to Sex Ed. with Major Lazer, and celestial ecstasy with Stars.

Khaki is Backi

Photo from Unis men's collection

Fashion has been reinvented and recycled for years. We've seen the resurgence of denim, 90's plaid, and even shoulder pads. Now with spring ending and summer right around the corner, it's khaki's turn to step back into the spotlight.

According to a recent New York Times article, khaki is back, but this isn't your father's khaki, this is khaki with an edge. The article noted designers like Unis and Guilded Age for creating fashionable and urban khaki suits, jackets, and blazers for men. Khaki is no longer just for yuppies, so should you get some? Yup.

Flashback: Check out this 1998 Gap ad for khakis. Wow, fashion has definitely come a long way...

Three Heads, Six Arms, One City

Passerbys and art lovers will not be able to miss a glimpse of Zhang Huan's colossal Buddhist statue, Three Heads, Six Arms in the heart San Francisco. The 26-foot-copper monument will hail at the city's Civic Center until 2011 in honor of the Shanghai-San Francisco Sister City 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Huan chose San Francisco as the site for the piece because of its strong connection to Chinese culture and arts.Two of the heads are human, while one represents Nezha, a Chinese mythological character known for protection. The difference in the heads alludes to the changing Chinese culture and humankind's relationship with nature.

The piece is part of a larger series done by the artist inspired by a trip to Tibet, in which he came across the ruins of several religious statues and structures. Three Heads, Six Arms is Huan's largest piece of his work to date, and is surely one of the largest spectacles San Francisco has had the pleasure of witnessing.

Muse and Twilight 4ever

Here's the new Muse track from the Twilight Saga:Eclipse soundtrack hitting stores June 8th. The video premiered today, making this the band's third installment with the vampire franchise.

If you ignore all the cheesy Twilighty love scenes and brooding, the video is actually quite nice.

Let's Get Sentimental

Our song of the the day thanks to amfm follower Claire Vartabedian.

Off of the new Broken Social Scene album, Forgiveness Rock Record.

It's been 5 years, and welcome back.

A Message from Arcade Fire

Yesterday, via "The Internet," Arcade Fire posted this message on their web site:

"Howdy yall- Just finishing up our new 12." Should be in stores in the next couple weeks. God willing. Good luck with finals. See you this summer!

Arcade Fire's anticipated follow-up to Neon Bible will be in your iPod soon enough. Look out for pre-singles, "Month of May," and "Suburbs" on June 1st.

No Limit for Austin

The last leg of music festival season was announced today with Austin's second music fest, Austin City Limits. Austin City Limits doesn't get the same buzz as other summer music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo because it happens months after the season already ends, in October. But who doesn't like a little more music?

Many forget that this little nugget of a festival exists. This year Austin wants it to be memorable, which is why they are coming to us with the big guns, featuring over 130 artists. This year the fest is bringing in acts like The Eagles, Muse-who recently rocked out Coachella, M.I.A.,The Flaming Lips aka the most fun you'll ever have at an outdoor concert, and The Strokes. Expect some indie favorites too-Band of Horses, Yeasayer, The Broken Bells and more are set to take the stage.

Three-day passes are already sold out, BUT, single-day tickets go on sale today, and they will probably sell out today! So get yours...

Check out the line-up list

The Eagles,Muse,Phish,The Strokes,M.I.A.,Flaming Lips,LCD Soundsystem,Spoon,Vampire Weekend,Norah Jones,Band of Horses,Monsters of Folk,Deadmau5,Sonic Youth,Gogol Bordello,The National,Robert Earl Keen,The Black Keys,Broken Bells,Slightly Stoopid,Yeasayer,Pat Green,Rebelution,Beach House,The Sword,Matt and Kim,The xx,Portugal. The Man,The Temper Trap,Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes,Girls,Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses,Local Natives,Gaslight Anthem,Lucero,Devendra Banhart,Blues Traveler,The Soft Pack,Gayngs,Amos Lee,Robert Randolph & The Family Band,Ozomatli,Richard Thompson,Martin Sexton,Manchester Orchestra,The Almighty Defenders,Miike Snow,Mountain Goats,Bear In Heaven,Mayer Hawthorne,Midlake,Foals,Switchfoot,Cage The Elephant,JJ Grey & Mofro,Kinky,Angus & Julia Stone,The Morning Benders,Hockey,White Rabbits,David Bazan,Asleep at the Wheel,Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue,Nortec Collective,The Very Best,Beats Antique,Blind Pilot,GIVERS,Dawes,Band of Heathens,Charlie Mars,Two Door Cinema Club,Lissie,Sarah Harmer,Constellations,T. Bird and the Breaks,Chief,Frank Turner,Those Darlins,Carolyn Wonderland,Kings Go Forth,The Relatives,The Ettes,Qbeta,Mynamisjohnmichael,Basia Bulat,Balmorhea,Dan Black,The Jane Shermans,The Kicks,Ponderosa,TwoTons of Steel,Caitlin Rose,SPEAK,Run With Bulls,Maxim Ludwig,Gospel Stars,Heavenly Voices,Wesley Bray & The Disciples of Joy,Jones Family Singers,Ashley Cleveland & Kenny Greenberg,Buddy & The Straight Way,Travelers,Ruby Jane Smith,Verve Pipe,Frances England,Jellydots,Elizabeth Mitchell,Okee Dokee Brothers,Tom Freund,School of Rock,Q Brothers

Wayne vs. Office

If you love The Office...

If you love Lil' Wayne...

You will love Clockwork...

Here's Clockwork's mash-up of Lil' Wayne's "Hustler Musik" and The Office Theme Song

Chakaia Booker Books Sculpture Park

There is one thing besides a passion for art that Chakaia Booker and DeCordova's Sculpture Park have in common-they are both extraordinary. Art lovers in Lincoln, Massachusetts are in for a real treat. The 35-acre outdoor museum is now hosting the largest ever Chakaia Booker exhibit titled, In and Out.

Chakaia Booker is most widely known for her intricately woven, beautiful masterpieces made from recycled materials, most notably rubber car tires sculpted onto wooden or steel to create an abstract aesthetic. She is one of the most famous African-American contemporary sculptors to date, and her artwork almost reflects Afrocentrism, power, strength and complexity.

The meticulous detail that goes into her work is phenomenal. Pictures alone are amazing, but cannot possibly compare to seeing the sculptures on a large scale at a museum. Her sculptures are other worldly, where tires look like giant spikes, almost alien-like, while the same material can appear as smooth as leather. Some of her pieces are comparable to Chihuly's large glass blown sculptures, only with an entirely different medium.

According to the DeCordova web site, "In and Out refers simultaneously to the indoor/outdoor placement of the sculptures, the complex dialogues among surface/structure and mass/volume/void in each work, and also to the sexually suggestive images in some of Booker's work."

The exhibit is on display from now until August 29th, now all I need is a plane ticket to the other coast.

(photos courtesy of DeCordova.org)

Airplanes and Shooting Stars

B.o.B, Atlanta rapper did something right when he enlisted Eminem and Hayley Williams from Paramore for "Airplanes (Part 2) coming off of his recent album release, The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Williams voice lends nicely to hip-hop, and Eminem brings his lyrical genius to the track, leaving us with a sense of satisfaction that Marshall Mathers did in fact choose to pick up a pen.

T-Shirt Couture

Valentino, widely known for it's exquisitely beautiful, and glamorous gowns that would break the bank of any Jane or John Doe, has brought itself down a notch to a casual level. This Spring, Valentino has created it's own line of t-shirts that will stay true to the Valentino aesthetic.

This is a glance at what appears to be a revamping of the Valentino brand, considering Valentino's retirement in 2008. The t-shirts are made from a multitude of fabric scraps and jersey material, some embellished to a tee with lace, jewels, and feathers. Prices range from $590 to $1,980, meaning the only way for us "Does" to actually afford a treasured Valentino t-shirt without breaking the bank, would be to actually rob a bank.

Long Live the Queen

Queen of the runway, Alexander McQueen left behind a legacy of artistically crafted shoes. He will forever be known as a designer who pushed the boundaries, and was always at the cutting edge of fashion.

The Queen will reign again come Fall, with that "signature heel" that only the fiercest of the fierce can pull off. The 2010 line, ironically inspired by the Dark Ages, is the only thing that can bring McQueen's minions from a dark age without such a brilliant soul on the runway.

80's Time Machine

Yesterday via twitter, the word dropped that No Doubt was back in Hollywood feeding off the energy, soaking in some creative juices, and most importantly crafting some new songs. Back on the scene since their "reunion" tour, No Doubt has pretty much been glorifying their past successes, and has even managed to top themselves. The tour must have given them the spark they needed to get back in the studio.The band is no longer looking at their past, but at music past, most notably "80's one hit wonders." Which is only fitting, considering the 80's have been back in full force.



Speaking of the 80's, cannot believe DEVO is coming out with their first album in 20 years! "Whip It" was an 80's anthem. Something for Everybody will be their 9th studio album. They've been testing out the waters before the album comes out in June, performing on night shows, and a few festival circuits, like SXSW. Oddly they have strayed from synthesizers, which have made quite a comeback, to more of an emphasis on guitar. The upcoming album has created quite a buzz, especially with the list of talented individuals helping produce it, one of which is Santigold.



Mark Ronson is also making a salute to the 80's with his new music video "Circuit Breaker," by basing the video on the video game The Legend of Zelda. The video is pretty authentic to the game, awesomely bad graphics and all...but so much cooler.The song comes from his upcoming album Record Collection.

Alice in Fashionland

ALICE by Temperley is what would have happened had Alice lived in London and fell down a hole to Fashionland instead of Wonderland.

ALICE exudes a feminine cool with a glam rock edge, fit for rocking out on stage, backstage, or in the London streets of Nottingham where ALICE blossomed. Launched this Spring/Summer season, ALICE is Temperley London's cool younger sister-more refined grunge, rather than art gala refined.

Pairing leather with peasant dresses, the line is nothing but youthful- with its animal prints, electric blue jumpsuits and jumpers, and even a fresh take on the pinstripe tailored suit.

Those lucky ones living in London, New York or Dubai, can witness the ALICE line firsthand in Temperley Boutiques three times a year. For the rest of us, a desktop works just fine.

Check out full ALICE by Temperley line.

M.I.A.'s new album title

wait for it...

/\/\/\Y/\

Confused? Intrigued? From the looks of the controversial "Born Free," M.I.A's third album is gonna be a beast!

How Did We Get Here?

When did the unveiling of the Twilight Saga:Eclipse Movie Soundtrack turn into something as big as the announcement of Bonnaroo or Lollapalooza's line up??

Lollapalooza is definitely bad ass enough to pull a Wheel of Fortune move. But is Twilight?Apparently on the Eclipse Myspace page, every half hour a track from the highly anticipated movie soundtrack Eclipse is unveiled. Twi-Freaks are glued to their desktops to feast their eyes and ears on what is looking to be a nice compilation of artists.

Y'know how our last post was about Florence+The Machine, minutes ago they were added to the list of artists to fall under the vampiric spell.

Who else did? Check it out so far.

From the Myspace Countdown Page (stay tuned for the next installment...MUSE?)

1. Metric – “Eclipse (All Yours)”

2.

3. The Bravery – “Ours”

4. Florence + The Machine – “Heavy In Your Arms”

5.

6. Fanfarlo – “Atlas”

7. The Black Keys – “Chop And Change”

8. The Dead Weather – “Rolling In On A Burning Tire”

9. Beck and Bat For Lashes – “Let’s Get Lost”

10. Vampire Weekend – “Jonathan Low”

11.

12. Eastern Conference Champions – “A Million Miles An Hour”

13.

14.

15.