Hall & ______

Hall & Oates fan? Michael over at Ickmusic just turned me onto a web series that Darryl Hall is doing – Live From Darryl’s House. Basically, musical guests come over for some conversation and intimate jam sessions with Darryl Hall at his pad – it’s pretty cool. I especially like when duo Chromeo stops by and joins in for a groovy version of “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do).”

New Kelly Clarkson

It looks like the new Kelly Clarkson album, All I Ever Wanted, has leaked (thanks to a slip of the iTunes Norway) - you can stream a number of the tracks over at YouTube here.

Tinted Windows

In case you were desperately wondering what a supergroup composed of James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), Taylor Hanson (yes, Mmmm...Bop), and Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick)....well, your prayers have been answered with Tinted Windows. Just make sure you take your insulin. (courtesy of Stereogum)

New Bruce Video - "The Wrestler"

The Boss just made a new video for "The Wrestler," which you can check out here. I'm still quite curious as to why the Academy decided to snub this gorgeous heartbreaker of a track for an Oscar nomination.

U2 Leakage

The upcoming new album Bono and the boys, No Line on the Horizon, apparently has leaked. Looks like there's some tracks up here.

For Presidents' Day

George Washington was da bomb! Thanks to Dan for the video suggestion...

Threefer

BILLIE JOE: Rolling Stone takes a quick peek at Green Day’s upcoming 21st Century Breakdown

W. AXL: Mr. Rose speaks! Axl Rose gives an interview to Billboard here

EAT UP: Washingtonian is counting down their Top 20 Restaurants

The Gaslight Anthem - "The '59 Sound" Video

Yeah, The Gaslight Anthem can bring it live, but I've also been digging the video for their new album's title track, "The '59 Sound." Love the song.

Portraiture Now: Feature Photography

I just checked out the Portraiture Now: Feature Photography exhibit over at Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery today. And I was very glad I did. I was treated to gorgeous, giant photographs with an almost liquid, hyper-realistic quality to them. Photographers include Katy Grannan, Jocelyn Lee, Ryan McGinley, Steve Pyke, Martin Schoeller, and Alec Soth. If you’re near the Chinatown Metro Stop, I highly recommend stopping by.

PHOTO CREDIT: Cindy Sherman Image by Martin Schoeller, Digital C-print, 2000, Published in the New Yorker, May 15, 2000, Collection of the artist, courtesy Hasted Hunt, New York City© Martin Schoeller

Band of Annuals - "Something True" Live

Want some gorgeous alt-country? Try the majestic, understated sounds of Band of Annuals, with their lovely male/female harmonies and pedal steel that sends tingles up your spine.

New Damnwells Available February 10th!

I've been waiting awhile for a new Damnwells record (I absolutely loved their last CD, 2006's Air Stereo). Anyway, looks like there's going to be new music to be had - their new album, "One Last Century," is going to be available for free download from Paste Magazine beginning February 10th, even though I'd gladly shell out the cash for it.

Threefer

JAM: Looks like Pearl Jam is getting a move on their new album

MOTEL 6: For someone who’s just a tad OCD about germs, I’m not sure that it was a good thing that I read this about avoiding filthy hotel rooms

MARSHALL: Where’s Eminem been and what’s his status? Check out this piece in The Independent

Robyn's "Cobrastyle" - Live

CC and I are hooked on Robyn's strangely addictive track, "Cobrastyle" at the moment. Here's Robyn with the Teddybears (kind of literally) performing it live on Letterman back in May 2008. Ya gotta love the bears rocking out on the drums.

A Little VH

CNN.com has a cool little interview with Eddie Van Halen over here. He's got a new indestructible guitar out (the "Wolfgang"), so he talks about that a bit, but he goes over some other stuff that's interesting and funny, too.

CNN: I'm told you can hear things that most people can't with the naked ear.
Van Halen: I have selective hearing. (Laughs)
CNN: I think a lot of men do!
Van Halen: Obviously, I've lost a little bit, at very high frequencies -- which is kind of like a woman screaming at ya.
CNN: "Ed, did you take the trash out?" "Can you wipe the dishes?" Are you hearing anything?

So to satisfy your shredding needs, here's Eddie whupping it up a bit on "Eruption" back in 1994...back when his hip wasn't aritificial and he was free to drink as much as he liked.

The Gaslight Anthem on Letterman

One of my favorite new bands, The Gaslight Anthem, just rocked Letterman a couple of nights ago. Here they are on an inspired version of "The '59 Sound," the title cut from their new album. (Thanks to Pete over at Ickmusic for making me aware of this performance). I'm really hoping The Gaslight Anthem adds a DC date on their tour - as of now, the closest they're coming is Baltimore...