The name Kimberly Caldwellmight ring a bell, that is, if you got sucked into American Idol when it was still considered a novel idea rather than what it’s become today. Even though Caldwell made it into the Top 10 finalists during season 2 of American Idol, her path to music stardom hasn’t followed the prototypical AI formula (read: rush an album to distribution to capitalize on ratings). Rather, it’s been a slow build for Caldwell, who is finally set to release her debut album Without Regret (April 6th).
Check out the music video of her lead single “Mess of You” after the jump. Honestly, I forgot how much I enjoyed her powerful, raspy vocals – which sound like a mix between Kelly Clarkson (strained) and Melissa Etheridge. If you like what you hear, you should definitely check out Caldwell’s official site for a free download of “Say Love” off the upcoming album. (more…)
Kelly Clarkson is at it again. This time, she joined her backup singers/ BF4eva Jill and Katefor their latest song on the 17th video. This month’s video is a mashup of Jill and Kate’s song “Illusion of You” with Jann Arden’s “Insensitive.” As always, the girls do their thing so there’s not much for me to hate on vocally, so we’re gonna go shallow on this one and pick on KC’s hair color. I mean really KC, really? Weak-sauce on our part, we know, but really got nothing bad to say about this video – check it out below.
Note to all indie singer-songwriters – buddy up to Kelly Clarkson, she will most definitely put you on… if you’re talented! Jill (with guitar) has a sick voice.
Kelly Clarkson’s new motto should be “no rest for the weary.” The singer who is set to kick off the European leg of her All I Ever Wanted tour on February 5th in Ireland, has confirmed via her Twitter account that she’ll release her fifth studio album by end of this year.
That’s a pretty lofty goal considering she’s still touring in support of All I Ever Wanted, but as a KC fan, I’ll take what I can get. She went on to tease fans that they can expect a new single by “September,” and that she was headed to the studio to work on some tracks.
We’ll keep an eye on this, but still think there are a few songs on All I Ever Wanted that could still have legs, such as “Don’t Let Me Stop You” or even “Cry.” Watch Forest’s favorite, “Since You Been Gone,” after the jump.
Matt Morrisis the latest Mickey Mouse Club alum to hit the mainstream circuit, thanks in part to his childhood friend and MMC co-star, Justin Timberlake, who signed Morris to his label Tennman Records. Recently, Morris released his debut album When Everything Breaks Open and is quickly gaining attention as he performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show and during last night’s Hope for Haiti Now telethon.
While it clearly helps to have Justin Timberlake in your corner, singer-songwriter Matt Morris’ talent is not to be taken lightly. Although you may not have realized it, you’re (probably) pretty familiar with the singer’s work already as he’s penned songs for Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, country legend Reba McEntire, and of course, Timberlake.
I haven’t finished giving When Everything Breaks Open a proper listen to post thoughts (yet), so in the meantime, enjoy him performing “Bloodline” live with Timberlake after the cut.
As far back as I could remember, I had an appreciation for DJs — real DJs — not posers who rock an iPod at a wedding. DJs who not only lugged crates of vinyl to gigs, but have a deeper understanding of music, can hear certain nuances of songs and find ways to meld them together to produce a new sound or even give a well-known song a fresh twist.
We first caught wind of DJ Form as he lent his turntable skills and overall music brilliance to Kelly Clarkson’sAll I Ever Wanted Tour. His presence was felt immediately as he brought a dance-party vibe to Clarkson’s emotional, vocal driven stage show.
When I think of music mashups, I think of Girl Talk – or I did. However, Gregg Gillis isn’t the only mash artist on the block.
Enter: DJ Earworm, who has created this year’s hottest mashup track, using Billboard’s top 25 songs of the year. Not only is this track hot as hell, I would go so far as to say it’s better than most of the songs that make it up. (Except, of course, Kelly Clarkson, since we adore her)
Regardless, these tracks have found able hands on the part of DJ Earworm, who – literally – wrote the book on music mashups.
It’s no secret by now that Kelly Clarkson is a favorite of The Round Table’s. We’ve covered her on many occasions, from her own tours to special events like VH1’s Divas. Since it’s been a while since we’ve brought you any worthy Kelly news, we figured we’d share some of our favorite covers from Kelly including Sheryl Crow’s “My Favorite Mistake,” Miranda Lambert’s “House That Built me,” and The Rolling Stones “Wild Horses.”
Apparently, before each tour stop, Ms. Clarkson hosts a VIP performance for fans. Sadly, we’ve never been personally invited to attend (what’s up with that KC?!), but thanks to some ingenious fan, we were able to appreciate the awesome that is the Clarkson. Check out audios of covering some of our favorite artists after the jump. If you like those, you’ll want to check out AnneChantal’s channel for other footage. (more…)
By far, the best Ted Leo quote ever (relayed to me by Colin Payne) is, “I consider myself a perpetual English major, but I also get into bar fights.”
Judging by the newest track off of Leo’s upcoming, and just named album, The Brutalist Bricks, this remains true. Sure, it’s not as rock as some of his other stuff, but I can imagine myself breaking a bottle to it and I’m sure there will be plenty of electricity on The Brutalist Bricks. After all, the lead single “Even Heroes Have to Die” does have the word “die” in the title, and that’s pretty hardcore, so – in summation – yes, we can rumble to this track.
You can download the track, “
Even Heroes Have to Die
,” here.
If you’re not familiar with Ted Leo – A) What’s wrong with you? B) Go buy The Tyranny of Distance (NOW!!!). Listen to “Under Your Hedge” and call me a liar. I dare you.
Finally, in honor of Jayvee, we have some special Ted Leo-Kelly Clarkson love, with a little bit of Karen O for good measure. Here’s Ted covering “Since You’ve Been Gone,” all together now… JUMP!!!
The much publicized 2009 American Music Awards came and went in a flash. A night that promised unbelievable performances with an A-List lineup faltered with over dramatic acts and numerous missed notes, that is when folks were actually singing live. As the AMA’s crowned a new crop of stars, it was the veterans who stole the show with professionalism and grace.
The night started with an 8-minute medley from Janet Jackson who mixed some of her greatest hits in “If,” “Miss You Much,” “Control” and “Together Again,” with her latest single “Make Me.” Though evident Miss Jackson has lost a step or two as of late, she set the standard for female “pop” stars who desperately tried to mimic her all night long with dance troupes. The epitome of a performer, Janet genuinely seemed to relish her moment in the spotlight.
Best vocal performance of the evening? A tie between Kelly Clarkson and Mary J Blige. Say what you want about Kelly’s weight or odd outfit, or lack of nominations, that girl can flat out sing and she proves it every time she hits the stage. She was so good that we were able to forgive her for singing “Already Gone” for the millionth time. Seriously, that song needs to go. Meanwhile, Mary J Blige hit all the right notes as she belted her new single “I Am.” Take notes young R&B stars — MJB is the truth.
In addition to Eminem, news leaked last week that Lady Gaga (ugh, gag me) will also take the stage as will still rumored Rihanna. Despite my distaste for the likes of Lady Gaga, you have to admit the AMA’s are compiling a pretty star-studded lineup of performers. Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z and Jenifer Lopez are also slated to perform.
Tune into ABC on November 22nd to see all the action.
We started as a three friends having conversations about music during lunches together at the office. Since then we have expanded to seven members, including a Chi-town native, and the conversations have gotten bigger and better. The Round Table has grown into a casual setting where music aficionados can gather to discuss all things music. Topics include (but not limited to) artists and bands, new music releases, concerts, recording industry news and concerns, and the occasional nugget of entertainment gossip. We have tastes that cover the entire music spectrum and love to share them (and our opinions) with each other. We are The Round Table! Come join the conversation!
