Rhapsody: The Mix: Rhapsody TV Archives

Producers Corner: Dntel

By RhapsodyTV

December 2, 2011 2:50 PM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. So far we've talked to folks like Pacific Northwest icon Phil Ek, fearless M.I.A. cohort Zakee and SF rock guru John Vanderslice. Today we make a home visit to Jimmy Tamborello, the electro-pop innovator who records as Dntel, has worked with the likes of Rilo Kiley and Bright Eyes, and is also one-half of celebrated indie-pop duo The Postal Service. He tells us why he prefers working from home (who doesn’t?), how to deal with writer’s block (buy something!), and why it’s better to work alone (you feel free to do dumb stuff). It’s all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Active Child

By RhapsodyTV

December 1, 2011 4:07 AM

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Live from New York City's CMJ Music Festival, here's our exclusive chat with Pat Grossi of the symphonic dream-pop crew Active Child, wherein he discusses how he got into the harp, the ways his time at Catholic high school inspired him and why he wants to be James Brown (!). Enjoy.

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Wild Flag

By RhapsodyTV

November 30, 2011 4:22 AM

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Live from New York City's CMJ Music Festival, here's our exclusive chat with Janet Weiss and Rebecca Cole from fantastic art-punk band Wild Flag, wherein they discuss inspiring scores of young female rockers, "building a sense of mystery," and their unquenchable love for Bill Withers. Enjoy.

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Dum Dum Girls

By RhapsodyTV

November 28, 2011 9:12 AM

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Live from New York City's CMJ Music Festival, here's our exclusive chat with Dee Dee from fantastic fuzz-punk band Dum Dum Girls, whose new Only in Dreams is one of the best records of 2011. Here, she talks about her love of Patti Smith, the pleasures and perils of being married to a fellow musician (Crocodiles' Brandon Welchez), that time she dreamt a new video for The Breeders' "Cannonball," and more. Enjoy.

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Sarah Jaffe

By RhapsodyTV

November 23, 2011 9:16 AM

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Live from New York City's CMJ Music Festival, here's our exclusive chat with intimate singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe, who discusses her love for Radiohead's The Bends and the indie flick Junebug, and how she got over her control-freak ways. Enjoy.

On The Record: Wild Flag Talk Minutemen

By RhapsodyTV

November 23, 2011 6:01 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Wild Flag give it up for Minutemen.

Wild Flag
Wild Flag

Minutemen
Double Nickels on the Dime

On The Record: Tim Green Talks The Creation

By RhapsodyTV

November 22, 2011 3:08 PM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Producers Corner member Tim Green give it up for The Creation.

The Creation
How Does It Feel To Feel?

Producers Corner: John Vanderslice

By RhapsodyTV

November 21, 2011 6:32 PM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. So far we've talked to folks like Pacific Northwest indie icon Phil Ek, wily Renaissance man Andrew W.K. and Grass Valley noise-rocker Tim Green. Today we visit John Vanderslice, the artist and producer behind San Francisco’s Tiny Telephone Studios, birthplace of great albums from Death Cab for Cutie, The Mountain Goats, Spoon, tUnE-yArDs and more. Here, he discusses his "sloppy hi-fi" philosophy, why the second or third take is always the best, the joys of not using computers, the value of "unknowingness," and much more. There’s also a few kittens, and a special visit to Vanderslice’s very own echo chamber. It’s all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Yelawolf

By RhapsodyTV

November 21, 2011 9:15 AM

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Here's our exclusive interview with rising Alabama rapper Yelawolf: he talks about his new record Radioactive, how he caught the attention of label boss Eminem, and how being a Southern musician gives you a deep appreciation for soul, funk, country music and beyond. Enjoy.

Producers Corner: Teddy Geiger

By RhapsodyTV

November 18, 2011 3:20 PM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. So far we've talked to SF rock guru Patrick Brown, Pacific Northwest indie icon Phil Ek, genre-hopping M.I.A. cohort Zakee, wily Renaissance man Andrew W.K., and Grass Valley noise-rocker Tim Green.Today, we break bread with NYC producer/artist/actor Teddy Geiger, who shows us around the boards and discusses the role a reality-TV show called In Search of the Partridge Family played in his career, the importance of taking a walk and/or reading a book to the producing process, and more. It’s all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Nikki Jean

By RhapsodyTV

November 18, 2011 11:26 AM

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Live from New York City's CMJ Music Festival, here's our exclusive chat with fledging R&B starlet Nikki Jean, who talks about writing with her heroes (including Thom Bell and Bob Dylan), the genesis of her new album Pennies in a Jar, and more. Enjoy.

On The Record: Teddy Geiger Talks Elliott Smith

By RhapsodyTV

November 17, 2011 10:50 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Producers Corner member Teddy Geiger give it up for Elliott Smith.

Teddy Geiger
Living Alone EP

Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith

On The Record: Men talk Ani Di Franco

By RhapsodyTV

November 16, 2011 9:32 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Men give it up for Ani Di Franco.

Men
Simultaneously

Ani Di Franco
Living in Clip

Rhapsody Speakeasy: Crocodiles

By RhapsodyTV

November 15, 2011 12:23 PM

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Live from New York City's CMJ Music Festival, here's our exclusive chat with Brandon Welchez of the California noise-punk band Crocodiles, holding forth on how they got started (by "reacting to crap local bands," mostly), his love of abrasive music, and whether he plans to collaborate soon with his wife, Dee Dee of Dum Dum Girls. Enjoy.

The Newsboys vs The Box (Video)

By RhapsodyTV

November 15, 2011 9:20 AM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. The Newsboys answered them. Watch the Christian-rock giants talk speeding tickets, resisting temptation, and whether any of them have ever met a platypus. (Seriously.)

On The Record: Crocodiles Talk Rodriguez

By RhapsodyTV

November 14, 2011 9:39 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Crocodiles give it up for Rodriguez.

Crocodiles
Sleep Forever

Rodriguez
Cold Fact

Producers Corner: Tim Green

By RhapsodyTV

November 11, 2011 12:50 PM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. So far we've talked to SF rock guru Patrick Brown, Pacific Northwest indie icon Phil Ek, genre-hopping M.I.A. cohort Zakee and wily Renaissance man Andrew W.K. Today, we visit Tim Green—who's worked with Bratmobile, The Donnas, The Melvins, Comets on Fire, Six Organs of Admittance and more—out at his absurdly beautiful Louder Studios enclave in Grass Valley, CA. Seriously, that place looks awesome. He gives us a tour, talks about his early production experiments (putting a tape recorder in the freezer, say) and much more. It's all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

On The Record: Sarah Jaffe Talks Wye Oak

By RhapsodyTV

November 11, 2011 10:27 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Sarah Jaffe give it up for Wye Oak.

Sarah Jaffe
The Way Sound Leaves A Room

Wye Oak
Civilian

On The Record: Active Child Talks Peter Gabriel

By RhapsodyTV

November 11, 2011 6:19 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Active Child give it up for Peter Gabriel.

Active Child
You Are All I See

Peter Gabriel
Car

On The Record: Nikki Jean Talks Joni Mitchell

By RhapsodyTV

November 10, 2011 9:47 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Nikki Jean give it up for Joni Mitchell.

Nikki Jean
Pennies in a Jar

Joni Mitchell
The Hissing of Summer Lawn

ZZ Top vs The Box (Video)

By RhapsodyTV

November 9, 2011 1:20 PM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons answered them. Watch him talk about proper beard maintenance, his recurring role on Bones, and much, much more.

On The Record: Dum Dum Girls Talk The Cure

By RhapsodyTV

November 8, 2011 12:47 PM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Dum Dum Girls give it up for The Cure.

Dum Dum Girls
Only in Dreams

The Cure
Disintegration

Producers Corner: Andrew W.K.

By RhapsodyTV

November 7, 2011 3:49 PM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. So far we’ve talked to SF rock guru Patrick Brown, Pacific Northwest indie icon Phil Ek and genre-hopping M.I.A. cohort Zakee. Today we sit down with artist, producer, club impresario and general Renaissance man Andrew W.K., who’s produced both his own pop-metal classics and records for art-rockers (Sightings, Wolf Eyes) and reggae icons (Lee “Scratch” Perry). Here, he discusses his early boombox experiments, his love of Laurie Anderson, and his aspiration to “suck the life out of sounds in a good way.” It's all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

On The Record: Andrew W.K. Talks ZZ Top

By RhapsodyTV

November 7, 2011 2:47 PM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Producers Corner member Andrew W.K. give it up for ZZ Top.

ZZ Top
Afterburner

On The Record: Chino & Nacho Talk Bob Marley

By RhapsodyTV

November 7, 2011 12:09 PM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Chino & Nacho give it up for Bob Marley.

Chino & Nacho
Supremo

Bob Marley
Legend

On The Record: Zakee Talks Dr. Dre

By RhapsodyTV

November 7, 2011 10:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Producers Corner member Zakee give it up for Dr. Dre.

Zakee
Assimilations

Dr. Dre
The Chronic 2001

On The Record: Wild Flag Talk Prince

By RhapsodyTV

November 4, 2011 10:01 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Wild Flag give it up for Prince.

Wild Flag
Wild Flag

Prince
Purple Rain

Producers Corner: Zakee

By RhapsodyTV

October 28, 2011 2:14 AM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. This installment features the fearless, genre-spanning artist/producer known as Zakee, who's worked with M.I.A. and other globetrotting big-shots. He fills us in how he got his start making beats in his school’s faculty bathroom, and why he believes that a powerful energy will always triumph over expensive gear. It's all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

On The Record: Goapele talks Whitney Houston

By RhapsodyTV

October 27, 2011 11:32 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Goapele give it up for Whitney Houston.

Goapele
Break of Dawn

Whitney Houston
Whitney

On The Record: Yelawolf Talks Group Home

By RhapsodyTV

October 26, 2011 2:56 PM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Yelawolf give it up for Group Home.

Yelawolf
Hard White

Group Home
Livin' Proof

Producers Corner: Phil Ek

By RhapsodyTV

October 26, 2011 10:13 AM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. This week we visit Pacific Northwest titan Phil Ek, shepherd of innumerable indie-rock classics from Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, The Shins and more. Watch as he shows us around his inner sanctum, laments the plight of new up-and-coming producers, and tries to explain how much work this job really entails. It's all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

Soundcheck Series: Thao & Mirah

By RhapsodyTV

October 21, 2011 10:13 AM

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Recently Rhapsody teamed up with our friends at Om Records to present Soundcheck, a series of cool after-work shows featuring up-and-coming bands at a swank San Francisco hotel. It seemed like a good idea to interview all those bands on the hotel roof as well. Here, then, is our dispatch with indie-folk titans Thao & Mirah, who hold forth on the importance of beer in cooking, the beauty of San Francisco and how their distinct approaches to songwriting still somehow mesh perfectly (it involves “holding the door for each other”). Please also see our South Park Session on T&M, wherein we convinced them to do a concert for us in a park near our office. Enjoy.

The power of one woman with a mic and a guitar is a force to be reckoned with. Now double that. Thao Nguyen (of The Get Down Stay Down) and singer-songwriter Mirah do just that on their debut, adding tUnE-yArDs' Merrill Garbus as producer for a trifecta of Bay Area female fierceness. The quirkier spots point to Garbus, like the clickety-clackety punch of opener "Eleven"; her eccentric touches balance beautifully with Thao's subtle grit and Mirah's softer inclinations. Whether they try on waltzing folk, sun-kissed acoustic, loopy pop or big-band jazz, it all fits like a glove. [Stephanie Benson]

On The Record: Joe Jonas talks Adele

By Rhapsody Editorial

October 19, 2011 1:23 PM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Joe Jonas give it up for Adele.

Joe Jonas
Fastlife

Adele
21

On the Record: Patrick Brown

By RhapsodyTV

October 19, 2011 10:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Producers Corner member Patrick Brown give it up for Paul Simon.

Paul Simon
Graceland

Producers Corner: Patrick Brown

By RhapsodyTV

October 19, 2011 10:00 AM

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Welcome to Producers Corner, our new video series in which we grill our favorite producers about their mysterious craft while following them around their natural habitat: the studio, of course. To kick things off, we dropped in on Patrick Brown of San Francisco's A Different Fur studio, which has birthed classics from Stevie Wonder, Too Short, The Morning Benders, Jonathan Richman and more. It's all brought to you by ASUS and Intel. Enjoy.

On The Record: Newsboys talk Michael Jackson

By Rhapsody Editorial

October 18, 2011 9:08 AM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Newsboys give it up for Michael Jackson.

Newsboys
God's Not Dead

Michael Jackson
Thriller

Martina McBride vs The Box (Video Interview)

By RhapsodyTV

October 17, 2011 1:38 PM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. Martina McBride answered them. Watch her talk about party planning and staying inspired for her new album Eleven.

Nashville's reigning hot mom works both sides of that fence on her 11th pop-country opus, lamenting the perils of parenthood on "Teenage Daughters" and moaning white-soul PG come-ons like "You Can Get Your Lovin' Right Here." She sells an impressive range of emotions here, from the jaunty, horn-jolted lovey-dovey elation of "Broken Umbrella" to the tear-jerking pathos of the expertly crafted living-with-cancer ballad "I'm Gonna Love You Through It." Pat Monahan (aka the dude from Train) duets on "Marry Me" to sweet effect, but it's Martina's show, and she's clearly got it goin' on. [Rob Harvilla]

On the Record: Toddla T Talks Notorious B.I.G.

By RhapsodyTV

October 11, 2011 12:00 PM

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On the Record is a video series wherein rock stars gush about their favorite records -- for exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Toddla T give it up for Notorious B.I.G..

Watch Me Dance
Toddla T

Notorious B.I.G.
Ready To Die

On The Record: Amy Lee of Evanescence talks Bjork

By RhapsodyTV

October 11, 2011 10:03 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Evanescence give it up for Bjork.

Evanescence
Evanescence

Bjork
Debut

On The Record: Will of Evanescence talks Motley Crue

By RhapsodyTV

October 11, 2011 10:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Evanescence give it up for Motley Crue.

Evanescence
Evanescence

Motley Crue
Shout At The Devil

On The Record: Troy of Evanescence talks KISS

By RhapsodyTV

October 11, 2011 10:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Evanescence give it up for KISS.

Evanescence
Evanescence

KISS
Destroyer

On The Record: Tim of Evanescence talks Shudder to Think

By RhapsodyTV

October 11, 2011 10:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Evanescence give it up for Shudder To Think.

Evanescence
Evanescence

Shudder to Think
Pony Express Record

Soundcheck Series: Soulstice

By RhapsodyTV

October 5, 2011 11:06 AM

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Recently Rhapsody teamed up with our friends at Om Records to present Soundcheck, a series of cool after-work shows featuring up-and-coming bands at a swank San Francisco hotel. It seemed like a good idea to interview all those bands on the hotel roof as well. Here, then, is our dispatch with mellow, melancholy dance-pop crew Soulstice, on how things have changed since their last release (back when Napster was still around!), their favorite track on their new album and more. Enjoy.

Soulstice
Love Cliché

Soundcheck Series: Body Language

By RhapsodyTV

September 29, 2011 1:42 PM

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Recently Rhapsody teamed up with our friends at Om Records to present Soundcheck, a series of cool after-work shows featuring up-and-coming bands at a swank San Francisco hotel. It seemed like a good idea to interview all those bands on the hotel roof as well. Here, then, is our dispatch with Brooklyn dance-pop upstarts Body Language, wherein we discuss the phenomenon of Canadians getting down, how to master the glockenspiel, and the coming Billy Ocean revival. Enjoy.

South Park Sessions: Thao & Mirah

By RhapsodyTV

September 26, 2011 10:44 AM

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South Park Sessions is a new Rhapsody TV project wherein we invite our favorite musicians out to a lovely park near our San Francisco offices for a stripped-down, intimate, (hopefully) sunshine-filled private show. Indie-folk sirens Thao & Mirah were kind enough to take the plunge and go first. And so, live from South Park in SF, here's an exclusive performance of "Hallelujah," a highlight from their self-titled debut album. Enjoy.

The power of one woman with a mic and a guitar is a force to be reckoned with. Now double that. Thao Nguyen (of The Get Down Stay Down) and singer-songwriter Mirah do just that on their debut, adding tUnE-yArDs' Merrill Garbus as producer for a trifecta of Bay Area female fierceness. The quirkier spots point to Garbus, like the clickety-clackety punch of opener "Eleven"; her eccentric touches balance beautifully with Thao's subtle grit and Mirah's softer inclinations. Whether they try on waltzing folk, sun-kissed acoustic, loopy pop or big-band jazz, it all fits like a glove. [Stephanie Benson]

On The Record; Roach Gigz Talks Mac Dre

By RhapsodyTV

September 15, 2011 12:51 PM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Roach Gigz give it up for Mac Dre.

Play B!tch I'm a Player

Roach Gigz
B!tch I'm a Player

Mac Dre
The Genie Of The Lamp

On The Record: Sunny Sweeney talks Merle Haggard

By RhapsodyTV

September 15, 2011 12:22 PM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Sunny Sweeney give it up for Merle Haggard.

Play Concrete

Sunny Sweeney
Concrete

Merle Haggard
Mama Tried

On The Record: Tedeschi Trucks Band

By RhapsodyTV

September 9, 2011 10:44 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Tedeschi Trucks Band give it up for The Wood Brothers

Play Revelator

Tedeschi Trucks Band
Revelator

Wood Brothers
Smoke Ring Halo

On The Record: Theophilus London Talks R. Stevie Moore

By RhapsodyTV

September 9, 2011 10:42 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Theophilus London give it up for R. Stevie Moore.

Play Timez Are Weird These Days

Theophilus London
Timez Are Weird
These Days

R Stevie Moore
Teenage Spectacular

Q&A: Roach Gigz

By RhapsodyTV

September 7, 2011 12:20 PM

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Live from Lake Merritt in Oakland, here's our exclusive chat with upstart rapper Roach Gigz, talking everything from his recent mixtape output (including the Roachy Balboa series and his new B!tch I'm a Player) to the Bay Area's vibrant, diverse music scene. Enjoy.

Roach Gigz portrayed himself as a carefree Oaktown player on his popular Roachy Balboa mixtapes, but he gets serious on B*tch, I'm A Player. "Wild Child," "Lost" and "Drugs" show his content runs deeper than macking, though he does plenty of that, too (check "Gina" for proof). Roach has a slangy flow typical of Bay Area rappers, and producer C-Loz adds bass drops and vocal edits (especially on "F A Chorus") that make Roach sound surreal. You get the sense that this is more than a game for him, although he admits on "Headache," "All I really need is some p*ssy and a fat plate." — Mosi Reeves

Q&A: Deadmau5

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 30, 2011 3:38 PM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Deadmau5, wherein we talk about… well, whatever it is he's talking about here. Enjoy.

Q&A: K. Flay

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 30, 2011 3:01 PM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Bay Area hip-hop upstart K.Flay, wherein she talks about skipping between genres, camping with MC Lars, and her mixtape I Stopped Caring in ‘96.

Q&A: Release The Sunbird

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 30, 2011 2:46 PM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Release the Sunbird's Zach Rogue, wherein he talks about the joys of going solo, the importance of looking at the person you're singing with, and the rewards of playing very quietly. Enjoy.

Q&A: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 30, 2011 2:44 PM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Alec Ounsworth from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, wherein he discusses the band's long-awaited new record and the "idea of being carried away by little things."; Enjoy.

Q&A: OK GO

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 30, 2011 2:41 PM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Damian Kulash from OK Go, wherein he discusses his band's famous viral videos, and decides whether performing for President Obama or performing with the Muppets was more exciting. Enjoy.

Q&A: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 30, 2011 11:32 AM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Northwest hip-hop up-and-comers Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, in which they describe a regional sound that takes influences from both Beirut's latest album and Watch the Throne. Enjoy.

Q&A: Ana Tijoux

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 29, 2011 10:39 AM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with French-Chilean pop star Ana Tijoux, wherein she discusses life under an actual dictatorship, and who she considers to be "classic artists." (A Tribe Called Quest, for instance.) Enjoy.

Q&A: Little Dragon

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 29, 2011 10:29 AM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with the extremely Swedish
indie-rock group Little Dragon, wherein they discuss beefing up their live shows and the slightly embarrassing cover of their new album, Ritual Union. Enjoy.

Little Dragon have evolved from quiet students of soulful downtempo to the cool kids of electro-pop with third album Ritual Union. The Swedish band gets its edge from singer Yukimi Nagano, who makes everything sound invitingly exotic -- when she coyly demands, "Please turn," you better believe you will. Wacky clanks, sliding notes and reverberating bass round out the dreamy Casio-pop experience, which seamlessly flows from playful, mid-tempo lounge-funk ("Little Man," "Summertearz") to sleek, upbeat club fare ("Shuffle a Dream," "Nightlight"). — Stephanie Benson

Q&A: Charles Bradley

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 29, 2011 10:22 AM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with soul belter Charles Bradley, holding forth on the majesty of James Brown and how Charles is coping with the tragic loss of his brother.
Enjoy.

On The Record: Little Dragon Talks Prince

By RhapsodyTV

August 25, 2011 9:09 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Little Dragon give it up for Prince's Sign O' The Times.

Play Ritual Union

Little Dragon
Ritual Union

Prince
Sign O' The Times

On The Record: Junip talk Jan Johansson

By RhapsodyTV

August 25, 2011 9:03 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Junip give it up for Jan Johansson's Jazz in Sweden.

Play Without You

Junip
Without You

Jan Johansson
Jazz in
Sweden

On The Record: Charles Bradley Talks James Brown

By RhapsodyTV

August 25, 2011 8:05 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Charles Bradley give it up for James Brown's many albums.

Play No Time For Dreaming

Charles Bradley
No Time For Dreaming

James Brown
20 All-Time
Greatest Hits

Q&A: Junip

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 24, 2011 10:51 AM

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Live from San Francisco's Outside Lands festival, here's our interview with Swedish rockers Junip, in which they discuss their various influences, from hardcore to Nina Simone to Afropop. Enjoy.

On The Record: OK Go Talks Prince

By RhapsodyTV

August 22, 2011 10:55 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Damian Kulash of OK Go give it up for Prince's Purple Rain.

Play All Is Not Lost

OK GO
All Is Not Lost

Prince
Purple Rain

On The Record: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Talk Neil Young

By RhapsodyTV

August 22, 2011 10:40 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah give it up for Neil Young's Tonight's the Night.

Play Hysterical

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Hysterical

Neil Young
Tonight's The Night

On The Record: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis talk Jay-Z and Kayne West

By RhapsodyTV

August 22, 2011 10:07 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Macklemore & Ryan Lewis give it up for Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne.

Play Can't Hold Us

Macklemore
Can't Hold Us

Jay-Z and Kanye West
Watch the Throne

On The Record: K. Flay talks Liz Phair

By RhapsodyTV

August 20, 2011 12:30 PM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch K. Flay give it up for Liz Phair's Exile in
Guyville.

Play Little Bit Crazy

K. Flay
Little Bit Crazy

Liz Phair
Exile in Guyville

On The Record: Release The Sunbird talks Lower Dens

By RhapsodyTV

August 19, 2011 11:21 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Zach Rogue of Release the Sunbird give it up for Lower Dens' Twin Hand Movement.

Play Come Back To Us

Release The Sunbird.
Come Back To Us

Lower Dens
Twin Hand Movement

Trace Adkins vs. The Box (Video Interview)

By RhapsodyTV

August 19, 2011 10:17 AM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. Trace Adkins answered them. Watch the country star discuss badonkadonks, Donald Trump, his status as Country's Sexiest Man, and "Just Fishin'," the lead single off his new album, Proud to Be Here.

Play Proud to Be Here
As with "Hillbilly Bone" cohort Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins' 2011 album largely disregards his wild side. The sweet "Just Fishin'" rhapsodizes quality time with his daughter. The title track thanks his guardian angels, who "worked their wings off." His "Million Dollar View" is of his old lady, in their living room. The only real intoxicant is a "Love Buzz." But his submariner bass abides, cracking wise throughout and lighting up the goofy "It's a Woman Thing." (Discussed: towels, shoes, haircuts, shopping, mood swings.) Look out for the love-conquers-the-recession anthem "Poor Folks," too. [Rob Harvilla]

Evanescence vs. The Box (Video Interview)

By RhapsodyTV

August 18, 2011 10:09 AM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. Evanescence answered them. Watch Amy Lee chat about her new album and the band's new direction, as evinced by their current single, "What You Want."

Natalia Kills vs. The Box (Video Interview)

By RhapsodyTV

August 17, 2011 4:14 PM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. Natalia Kills answered them. Watch the budding pop star talk about her Illuminati membership, the dorkiest thing she ever did, what she'd do if she could be a man for a few hours, and what inspired her rad new album, Perfectionist.

Play Perfectionist
It's difficult to take Natalia Kills seriously, in spite of (or maybe because of) her desperate desire that we do so. The British singer-songwriter's debut is stuffed with dramatic, heavily stylized dance pop featuring Natalia as a self-destructive, kinda violent victim of love. Heavily drawn shades of Gaga color much of the album, but with dark-fairy-tale allegories ("Wonderland") and heavy-handed irony ("Kill My Boyfriend") in place of Gaga's playfulness. Does that all sound negative? It's not. When treated as the high-camp dancefloor theater it is, Perfectionist kills (sorry). [Rachel Devitt]

Owl City vs. The Box (Video Interview)

By RhapsodyTV

August 17, 2011 3:38 PM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. Owl City answered them. Watch Adam Young discuss French accents, insomnia, high-fiving seals, and the methods and madness behind his new album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Play All Things Bright and Beautiful
With his symphonic, whimsical synthscape and earnestly enunciated vocals, Owl City earned quite a few comparisons to The Postal Service on Ocean Eyes. But forget Ben Gibbard: This time around, Adam Young appears to fancy himself a kind of emo Walt Whitman. Taking "Fireflies" as a touchstone, he immerses himself in nature -- as inspiration, as setting and especially as metaphor. Some of the imagery is painted with a pretty thick brush (see: the whole opening track) and Young's word-chewing can be grating. But if nature-lovers with penchants for sonic drama are your bag, Young's your human(ist). [Rachel Devitt]

Ryan Bingham talks The Dude, T Bone Burnett at Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 9, 2011 12:55 PM

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Live from Lollapalooza, here's our interview with singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham in which he discusses hanging with The Dude, T Bone Burnett's imposing stature, and the commonality between rodeos and the music business. Enjoy.

Ryan Bingham
Junky Star
Fresh off of a most impressive Oscar win, Ryan Bingham doesn't use his time in the spotlight to write catchy, upbeat songs to expand his fan base. Instead, he lays out a sepia-toned world of down-and-out characters, desperate souls gone astray by design or circumstance. Producer T-Bone Burnett creates a crisp, uncluttered musical path for Bingham's gritty voice to wander. As Bingham introduces us to his set of characters, he weaves an intoxicating spell of desperation and heartache that sucks you in and changes your mood, making Junky Star an oddly powerful release.

-LINDA RYAN

Titus Andronicus on Round-Robin Solos and Big-Upping the Proletariat (video interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 8, 2011 1:23 PM

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Interview with Titus Andronicus from Lollapalooza in which they discuss the unsung heroes of New Jersey, round-robin solos and quitting or not quitting the band (we're not sure).

Titus Andronicus
The Monitor
Titus Andronicus are what happens when you combine literary nerdiness and history geekdom with punk zeal and an attitude perpetually set at pissed off. In other words, great music to get a little wild with, to blast when CNN is just too much to handle, and to shout along with (particularly with lyrics like "The enemy is everywhere"). The Monitor is the Jersey band's sophomore release and features guests by members of the Hold Steady, Vivian Girls, Ponytail, Wye Oak and more. As far as that history geekdom, the album's central theme is the American Civil War. Finally the 1800s are back in style.

-STEPH BENSON

City and Colour Talk Playing Oootside At Lollapallooza

By Lauren Tabak

August 8, 2011 7:48 AM

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Interview with Dallas Green of City and Colour from Lollapalooza in which he discusses the Canadian folk festival circuit, winning over audiences and coming out as a musician with a diverse taste in musical genres.

City and Colour
Little Hell
When Dallas Green isn't fronting post-hardcore troublemakers Alexisonfire, he can be found crafting melancholic acoustic balladry with a decidedly Jeff Buckley/Nick Drake vibe. Though Green's City and Colour project has all the feel and maturity of an idea born fully formed, it actually began as a casual affair around 2004. With his limited free time, the Canadian singer and songwriter would record rough demos, eventually filtering them out to fans via the Internet. The response was more than positive. In fact, it wasn't long before he decided to release a full-length, 2005's Sometimes. The album started off as a sleeper hit of sorts but eventually went platinum in his native land. Due to Alexisonfire's hectic touring and recording schedule, Green took nearly three years to release a follow-up. Bring Me Your Love came out in 2008, and unlike the intimate Sometimes, the record is an utterly grand affair, featuring a dizzying number of guest musicians and broad instrumentation. With its mix of tender folk and near-orchestral introspection, it has been compared to the Neil Young classic Harvest. Not bad for what began as a side project.

Cage The Elephant Talk Video Games At Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 8, 2011 6:30 AM

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Interview with Cage The Elephant at Lollapalooza in which they discuss video games and other on-the-road distractions.

Cage The Elephant
Thank You Happy Birthday
On their sophomore album, these Kentucky boys downplay the White Stripes inclinations of their 2008 debut, instead spreading their sound across the alt-rock map: Pixies, Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, jangle-pop, ska, noise, grunge. Opener "Always Something" moves from "Rock the Casbah"-style Middle Eastern reggae to Beck-like rapping; the hipster-chiding "Indy Kidz" mixes dub with surf guitars; "Sell Yourself" is punk-funk about selling out; "Japanese Buffalo" starts out doo-wop, then stage-dives into the moshpit. The punk's more fun than the ballads, but even the latter get plenty of angst on. -CHUCK EDDY

Ellie Goulding Looks Cool In Hot Pants, Talks Epic Buildings And Looking For New Collaborators (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 7, 2011 9:25 AM

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Ellie Goulding interview from Lollapalooza in which she discusses a writing retreat in Ireland, American architecture and her quest to find suitable collaborators.

Ellie Goulding
Lights
If nothing else, Ellie Goulding's debut proves how translatable the concept of an icy blonde singer with a feathery gasp of a voice and a pleasant, polite beat is. Lights takes that core concept and runs it through frosty Euro-dance, otherworldly indie electro, mournful alt-rock (think: Cranberries), slightly creepy alt-rock (think: Kate Bush), even a wee bit of rom-com soundtrack-ready adult alt. A girl could get lost in all those stylistic twists and turns! Goulding, however, is a quietly compelling presence who subtly makes each song, each style bend to her wistful, winsome will.

- RACHEL DEVITT

Slug of Atmosphere Wears Sweatshirt In Very Warm Weather At Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 7, 2011 6:31 AM

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Slug of Atmosphere interview from Lollapalooza in which he discusses the last ten years of Indie hip hop, unwritten rules about wearing shorts and what to do if your boyfriend leaves you.

Atmosphere
The Family Sign
With a sound reminiscent of 1990s slacker rock, the Atmosphere of 2011 has strayed far from Lucy Ford and its "emo-rap" salad days. No longer just Slug and Ant, the group has expanded to a five-piece band, and it makes a racket of loose grooves and echoing guitars on The Family Sign. Slug remains an underrated storyteller, delivering a haunting tale of a camper eaten by wolves on "Became," and cautioning an abused woman on "The Last to Say." Sometimes he undermines himself with corny hooks, though, adding "Bad Bad Daddy" to a decent lyric about an alcoholic father.

- MOSI REEVES

The Pretty Reckless Talk Mood Weather At Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 6, 2011 2:55 PM

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The Pretty Reckless
Light Me Up
Interview with The Pretty Reckless at Lollapalooza during which Taylor Momsen debunks internet rumors and shares the wonders of lights for rock bands.

Mayer Hawthorne Talks Boat Shoes, Running For Office At Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 6, 2011 2:44 PM

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Mayer Hawthorne interviews Rhapsody at Lollapalooza. Discussion topics include fashion (boat shoes), politics (running for office, the debt ceiling) and Peanut Butter Wolf.

Mayer Hawthorne
A Strange Arrangement
The debut from this white, Michigan-bred former hip-hop DJ re-creates the sound of Motown classics and other falsetto-laden AM-radio gems, complete with sparkling, horn-specked production and G-rated come-ons. With his thin but sweet croon, Mayer Hawthorne floats over the ballads, but the two best tunes are uptempo: The killer-chorused "Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' " and "One Track Mind," a Temptations-style plaint about a high-maintenance lady whom you'll swear you've heard on an oldies station — and liked a lot.

- CHRISTIAN HOARD

Tinie Tempah Talks Port-A-Loos, Personal Hygiene, Lykke Li and Skrillex (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 6, 2011 9:16 AM

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Interview with Tinie Tempah from Lollapalooza 2011 in which he talks festival survival tips (baby wipes!), progress on his next album and possible collaborators like Lykke Li and Skrillex.

Tinie Tempah
Disc-Overy
For the U.S. version of his U.K. hit Disc-Overy, London rapper Tinie Tempah fashions himself as a hitmaker like B.o.B and Wiz Khalifa (the latter of whom guests on "Till I'm Gone"). He proves it with electro-tinged rockers like "Illusion" and progressive house anthems like "Miami 2 Ibiza." Save for the autobiographical "Let Go," most of his songs revolve around partying in the club and the hookups that follow. "Tic-toc, check my Rolie wristwatch/ F*ck how much a drink costs we about to kick off," he promises on "Simply Unstoppable." Disc-Overy is lightweight fun.

--Mosi Reeves

Pete Wentz and Bebe Rexha talk Black Cards at Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 6, 2011 8:54 AM

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Black Cards
Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Fame
Watch Bebe Rexha and Pete Wentz from Black Cards talk about their new project at Lollapalooza 2011.

The Naked And Famous Talk Wearing Pants, Soggy Boots at Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 5, 2011 10:24 PM

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Interview with The Naked and Famous from Lollapalooza 2011 in which they discuss pants-wearing in extreme heat, the perils of wearing black boots on stage and the moment the call came telling them to quit their day jobs.

The Naked And Famous
Passive Me, Aggressive You
They have a name that'll turn up some questionable web search results, but that's not what this New Zealand bunch is positioned to capitalize on. It's the fat beats, electro flashes, abrasive guitar static and catchy, shout-along choruses that are as in-your-face as a rave doused in glow-stick goo. The Naked and Famous have the youthful giddiness of Passion Pit and just a bit of MGMT's sarcasm, but they also channel NIN's The Fragile on tracks like "The Source" and "The Sun." And it works, because anything lit with so much neon shines brightest in the dark.

--Steph Benson

Grace Potter Carries C-Note, Channels The Boss, Swears A Lot (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 5, 2011 10:06 PM

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Interview with Grace Potter of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals from Lollapalooza 2011 in which she reveals the contents of her festival satchel, talks Kenny Chesney, and the spirits of Red Rocks.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
In the burlesque-themed video for "Paris (Ooh La La)," Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' breakout single in 2010, the band is framed as sassy rockers. Dancing underneath shimmering chandeliers, Potter and bassist Catherine Popper are wild and scandalous, sporting an enticing miniskirt and sequined hot pants, respectively. Ironically, the group's roots are way earthier than this slice of sexiness implies. Based in Waitsfield, Vt., Potter and the Nocturnals originally made a name for themselves on the jam-band scene. Tallying an average of 200 shows a year in the mid-2000s, the group honed its 1970s-loving fusion of Americana and soul-funk while sporting more, uh, modest apparel. After signing with Hollywood Records, they released 2007's This Is Somewhere. It sold well enough, but it was obvious the label wanted to make the band -- Potter in particular -- into pop stars. For a follow-up, the group decided to overhaul both their image and sound. They also replaced bassist Bryan Dondero with their second bombshell (Popper). Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, released in 2010, found the band taking a stab at Black Keys-inspired rock 'n' roll. It's hip, groovy and decidedly retro.

Cults Talk Noise Canceling Headphones, Hiding In Closets at Lollapalooza (Video Interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 5, 2011 9:30 PM

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Interview with Cults from Lollapalooza 2011 in which they discourage anyone from moving to New York, relate the joys of noise canceling headphones and the emphasize importance of scheduling time to do absolutely nothing.

Cults
Cults
Couple/duo Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin started Cults as a way to test out the playful experiments conducted in their NYU digs. Single "Go Outside," a soul-pop confection laced in glockenspiel, brought on blog buzz; roughly a year later came this, their full-length debut. Cults is shamelessly retro, fluttering between the reverb flush of The Raveonettes and the bittersweet effervescence of '60s girl groups. Follin's coos are alternately pining and distant, as the rhythms rock flirtatiously and the guitars jangle in a reverb haze that occasionally dips its toes in the Cali surf.

- Steph Benson

Luke Bryan: Every Time I See You (Live)

By Rhapsody Editorial

August 5, 2011 7:00 AM

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Watch Luke Bryan perform Every Time I See You live from Rhapsody Rocks the 2009 CMA's in Nashville.

Play Tailgates & Tanlines
Luke Bryan, Luke Bryan is a one-man auto industry bailout. Scantily clad women dance on his truck (or sometimes tractor) on the peppy smash hit "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)"; later, a truck is Bryan's means of escape in a surprisingly bluesy, growly mini-suite of brooding jams kicked off by "Muckalee Creek." It's pop country with muscle and, as befits a third album, expanded range, sexy but wholesome, adult but almost childlike: "Tangle me up like Grandma's yarn," he tells the shaking ladies. The lovelorn "I Know You're Gonna Be There" is legitimately sad, but he'll always have his four-wheeler.

- Justin Farrar

Continue reading Luke Bryan: Every Time I See You (Live).

On the Record: Steven Curtis Chapman talks Johnny Cash (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

August 3, 2011 10:19 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Steven Curtis Chapman sing praise for Johnny Cash's American IV: Man Comes Around.

Play Re:Creation

Steven Curtis Chapman
Re:Creation

Johnny Cash
American IV:
Man Comes Around

O.A.R. vs the Box (video interview)

By Lauren Tabak

August 2, 2011 11:44 AM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. O.A.R. answered them. Watch Marc, Chris and the rest of the band share stories the behind the songs and talk about the making of the new album King.

Play King
King, O.A.R.'s seventh studio album, opens with what will probably go down as one of the more idiosyncratic tunes in the group's catalog. Richly produced and boasting layers of texture, "King" is a swaggering rap-rock anthem featuring cameos from both Russell Simmons and DJ Logic. The rest of the record, in contrast, is a leisurely swim through more familiar waters: catchy pop and jam-band fun heavy on trustafarian grooves. It's a solid effort for sure, though it would've been nice had O.A.R. attempted to create a few more songs that exude the same ambition of that title track.

- Justin Farrar

Bandmating: Kreayshawn and L1L' D3BB13 (video)

By Lauren Tabak

July 29, 2011 2:17 PM

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Welcome to Bandmating, Rhapsody's new show where we put bandmates in the hot seat to test how well they know each other. In this episode, we've got swag-rap sensation Kreayshawn and an unusually effusive DJ LIL D3BB13 (Lil' Debbie) coming out about snacking, sleeping, singing and of course, makin' whoopie.

Play Gucci Gucci

Bay Area rapper/filmmaker Kreayshawn’s aesthetic is as compelling as it is bizarre: she's like an escapee from the Mickey Mouse Club raised by hip-hop kids on the streets of Oakland. As evinced by her ridiculously addictive YouTube hit “Gucci Gucci,” she makes music that can be as goofy as Salt-n-Pepa's and as graphic as Tyler, the Creator's. If she can develop a sound with appeal outside the insular swag-rap community — which Columbia Records, who recently signed her, is betting she can — then we may be witnessing the birth of one of the most puzzling, controversial pop stars since Lady Gaga.

- Garrett Kamps

On the Record: O.A.R. talk Bob Marley (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

July 28, 2011 11:39 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Chris Culos of O.A.R. give it up for Bob Marley's Babylon By Bus.

Play Heaven

O.A.R.
Heaven

Bob Marley
Babylon By
Bus

On the Record: Randy Montana talks Tom Petty (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

July 27, 2011 11:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Randy Montana give it up for Tom Petty's Wildflowers.

Play Randy Montana

Randy Montana
Randy Montana

Tom Petty
Wildflowers

On the Record: Vanessa Carlton talks Doves (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

July 26, 2011 11:39 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Vanessa Carlton give it up for her favorite album of all time, Doves' Lost Souls.

Play Rabbits on the Run

Vanessa Carlton
Rabbits on
the Run

Doves
Lost Souls

The Summer Set vs. the Box (video interview)

By Lauren Tabak

July 19, 2011 10:49 AM

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You Tweeted your questions. We put them in a box. The Summer Set answered them. Watch Brian Dales and John Gomez share their thoughts about Dancing with the Stars, each others most annoying habits and the importance of geographical reference materials.

Gushing weepy-eyed nostalgia like a 1920s Texas oil geyser, Everything's Fine is a soundtrack for lip-pierced mall punks wandering suburban 'hoods while reveling in first kisses and experiencing goose bumps in exotic lands. It's all very catchy, anthemic and big-sounding. The one track that really, truly stands out is "When We Were Young," which possesses this universal pop presence. You can imagine everybody from Lady Gaga to Eric Church covering the thing. One warning: You just might feel first-love fatigue by album's end, as singer Brian Dales is totally obsessed with the subject.

- Justin Farrar

Senior Year: Ashton Shepherd (video interview)

By Lauren Tabak

July 15, 2011 11:53 AM

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Ever wonder what your favorite artists were like in high school? We've got answers for you right here in our new video series, "Senior Year." Watch Alabama native and up-and-coming country star Ashton Shepherd reminisce about Eminem, Third Eye Blind and her secret cheerleader past.. Enjoy.

Ashton Shepherd
Where Country Grows
"The word is 'faithful'/ Look it up" is a pretty fantastic seven-word start to a tart-country-heroine album, delivered by Alabama firebrand Ashton Shepherd in a vicious, infectious twang that kills whether she's singing the praises of "Beer on a Boat," detailing the simple pleasures of a town with "More Cows Than People," or apologizing to God via the swampy shuffle "Tryin' to Go to Church." Of the weepy slow jams, "That All Leads to One Thing" hits hardest, the one thing being D-I-V-O-R-C-E. She oughta start a reverse dating service where she'll tell off your crap dude for $200 a pop. Pay it.

- Rob Harvilla

On the Record: Raphael Saadiq Talks Stevie Wonder (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

July 14, 2011 2:46 PM

| PERMALINK | No TrackBacks

On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Raphael Saadiq give it up for his favorite album of all time, Stevie Wonder's Innervisions.

Play Stone Rollin'

Raphael Saadiq
Stone Rollin'

Stevie Wonder
Innervisions

Continue reading On the Record: Raphael Saadiq Talks Stevie Wonder (Video).

On the Record: Ashton Shepherd Talks Alan Jackson (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

July 12, 2011 4:52 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Ashton Shepherd give it up for her favorite album of all time, Alan Jackson's Under the Influence.

Play Where Country Grows

Ashton Shepherd
Where Country
Grows

Alan Jackson
Under the Influence

Continue reading On the Record: Ashton Shepherd Talks Alan Jackson (Video).

Rhapsody Radar: Big Sean (video)

By Lauren Tabak

June 28, 2011 3:57 PM

| PERMALINK | No TrackBacks

Welcome to Rhapsody Radar, our month-long series highlighting 24 artists we're particularly thrilled about, from soul iconoclasts to fledgling Latin-pop superstars, from swag-rap viral sensations to hip dance-punkers. We'll be highlighting six new names a week, with tons of videos, playlists and additional ephemera to boot. Today, we've got an exclusive interview with ascendant rapper Big Sean, relaxing in his tour bus and recounting how he convinced Kanye West to sign him after accosting 'Ye at a radio station, turning 16 bars into one of the year's most anticipated debut albums. For further illumination, listen to our

Big Sean and the Leaders of the New Rap School playlist. Enjoy.

Big Sean
Finally Famous
Big Sean's major-label debut follows three volumes of Finally Famous mixtapes and his first radio hit, "My Last" (thanks to an assist from Chris Brown). His victory lap builds momentum with lyrical exercises ("So Much More" and "High"), and help from executive producer No I.D. and mentor Kanye West (who appears on "Marvin & Chardonnay"). Sean's best track, a rewrite of the popular mixtape cut "Memories" (for "Memories (Part II)"), gives voice to a winningly sensitive personality sometimes lost amid such slick pop-rap environs.

- Mosi Reeves

Behind the Scenes: CeeLo Green Talking with Strangers (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

June 27, 2011 2:23 PM

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To celebrate the premiere of Talking to Strangers, the new freewheeling Fuse talk show hosted by none other than CeeLo Green, our friends at Fuse have hooked us up with this exclusive backstage clip, proving both CeeLo's backstage gregariousness and Keri Hilson's prodigious juggling ability. Tune in to Fuse tonight for more, and while you're here, feel free to browse our collection of CeeLo-centric content, from a sampling of his greatest hits to a playlist of songs named "F*ck You."

On the Record: Kreayshawn talks Dr. Octagon (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

June 27, 2011 1:36 PM

| PERMALINK | No TrackBacks

On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch Kreayshawn give it up for her favorite album of all time, Dr. Octagon's Dr. Octagonecologyst.

Play Gucci Gucci

Kreayshawn
Gucci Gucci

Dr. Octagon
Dr. Octagon-
ecologyst

Continue reading On the Record: Kreayshawn talks Dr. Octagon (Video).

On the Record: "Weird Al" Yankovic Talks Credibility Gap (Video)

By Lauren Tabak

June 24, 2011 11:00 AM

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On the Record is a video series where rock stars gush about their favorite records -- in exactly 45 seconds. Click above to watch "Weird Al" Yankovic on one of his favorite albums, Credibility Gap's A Great Gift Idea.

"Weird Al" Yankovic
Alpocalypse

Credibility Gap
A Great
Gift Idea

Continue reading On the Record: "Weird Al" Yankovic Talks Credibility Gap (Video).

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