Live Performances:
Rage against the Machine @ Lollapalooza
Since forming in 1991 and after a near five year hiatus, these boys still know how rock the crowd. Selling out the 2nd night of Chicago’s Lollapalooza Music Festival with nearly 70,000 people in attendance; it was obvious that RATM fans are still in admiration of the outspoken group from Los Angeles.
Runners Up:
Trey Anastasio @ Rothbury Music Festival
After his arrest in 2006, it was clear that Trey has put the past behind him. His first live show since that dreaded day, he opened with the Phish song, “Back on the Train.” With thousands in attendance to grace him with open arms, the front man of Phish was back in the right place.
Albums:
Kings of Leon
America is finally catching onto the Kings of Leon fever! Though the group formed back in 2000, there latest singles, “ Sex on Fire,” and “Use Somebody,” have debuted on the Billboard 100, Billboard Hot Digital Songs, and Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. Earning themselves the top spot in 2008 on Billboards Hot Modern Rock Tracks for the singe, “Sex on Fire.”
The Tennessee rock group consists of brothers Caleb Followill (lead singer/rhythm guitar), Nathan Followill, (drums), Jared Followill (bass guitar) – and their cousin Matthew Followill (lead guitar). Their latest album, Only by the Night, is a bit more melodic-pop than their last 3 albums. It still holds onto their southern rock-roots and heavy guitar licks issuing steamy lyrics and vocal alterations. The album delivers a new, mature, sounding K.O.L. than most fans are used to; gaining them greater attention than the past albums. They have just been nominated for 3 different Grammy awards, including Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Album.
Though the band has received greater appraisal in the U.K., selling out London’s 20,000 seated 02 Arena in less than one hour; they have already begun selling out their U.S. scheduled tour dates as well. Be sure to check out their website for the latest Kings of Leon news, www.kingsofleon.com.
New On The Scene:
Katy Perry
The newest pop-start sure to steal the spotlight away from the born-again Brittany Spears, mixes a bit of retro flair with catchy melodies. Already making a name for herself; Katy Perry stole the charts over the summer with the hit single, “I Kissed A Girl.” Her first single gained her much success, throwing her into the spotlight as the single topped the charts in 20 different countries. Her latest single, “Hot n Cold,” has soared to the top, earning the Number 1 spot on the Pop 100, and Number 3 on The Billboard Hot 100.
With her rich blue eyes and crimson lips, the California native previously performed with The Van Warped Tour summer of 2008, and is dominating her own tour at the moment; selling out her latest dates throughout the U.S., Canada, and parts of the U.K. and Europe. 2008 brought her great success; we shall only see what’s in store for the new Queen of Pop for 2009.
Best Comeback:
Britney Spears
It only seems fair that the title of Best Comeback should fall directly on Britney Spears. For the past two years, the media and public eye has watched her shave her head, attack an S.U.V. with an umbrella and an unforgettable expression, and lose custody of her two adorable boys. After stunts in rehab, parties with the stars, and unexplainable moments ( i.e. the no underwear bit), it only seems right that Brittany snap to-it and fall back to the innocent school-girl we have all come to love.
The latest album Circus, has gained the attention she deserves, (and look, she IS wearing underwear), good job Brit. It looks like after all the negative media attention she finally caught on and decided that positive attention is much, much better, (and makes you look better too). For the starlet who once hit rock-bottom, she has picked herself, acclaiming awards and public appearances. Recently she has performed on the MTV Music Awards, MTV European Music Awards, and The U.K. hit show, “The X Factor.”
* Rage Against the Machine photo by Rob Grabowski
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