AmpedOut

Music News

September 30, 2009

"Single Ladies" Gets an Indie Cover

Lately it's throw a rock, hit a clever contemporary cover video on YouTube. Frankly, the more the better with this fun and free pop culture trend. Especially if it doesn't draw the ire of the original artist and record labels. Miley Cyrus and her Disney cohorts happily endorsed the gay parody of her hit single "Party in the USA," and legions of gay fans embraced the tween queen all the more for it.

It's already been a good week for Beyoncé's bumpin’ "Single Ladies" after it was hilariously and heavily featured in Glee's "Preggers" episode. And it's not like the hit-making machine Beyoncé needs a boost, to be sure. But check out this cute and mellow indie-rock take on her anthem by the band Pomplamoose.


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June 22, 2009

How Much Do You "Want" It?

"Want" by Adam Lambert is the first single from the album "On With The Show," and will be released later this summer. Adam co-wrote many of the tracks on the new album, which is material recorded over the course of the past two years -- right before his meteoric rise on "Idol." Listen now and tell us whether or not this song will be a big hit with his fans ...

June 17, 2009

Billy Dortch Just Wants You to "Breathe"

Breathe Don't let his good looks fool you. Openly gay musician Billy Dortch has the voice and talent to match his sexy boy next door appearance.

Born and raised in Sacramento, it wasn't until a couple of years ago that Billy moved to L.A. to pursue a career in acting. But while in Los Angeles, something else happened -- he soon discovered his passion to make music. Then in the fall of 2008, producer Gabe Lopez convinced him to record a demo after a memorable night out at a karaoke bar. Billy has now finished the music video for his debut single, "Breathe." Watch now ...

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June 04, 2009

Whitney's Big Comeback?

Arista Records has announced that Whitney Houston's new album will be released on 9/1/09. It will be the first record she's put out in seven years, which has been an eternity for die hard Whitney fans. Her official website is offering an exclusive preview of the new video and new songs if you subscribe to the her mailing list.

June 01, 2009

Swing It Back

SwingOutSister-2-300

There are a couple of misconceptions about Swing Out Sister that need to be cleared up.

Yeah, the twice Grammy-nominated band’s breakthrough number six hit "Breakout," is as bubble gum as they come, but don’t for one second mistake them for a pop band.

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May 27, 2009

Will Adam Join Queen?

Adam_2 Adam Lambert won't rule out a stint as the new frontman of Queen, but don't let that fool you into thinking the "American Idol" runner-up will make his living on the classic rock station. The legendary band has expressed interest in employing his formidable vocal skills, and Lambert is a big fan of the group once fronted by the late Freddie Mercury.

But the 27-year-old California native has said that he'd feel torn about joining the band.

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May 24, 2009

Hell Bent on Fashion: Rob Halford Talks New Clothing Line

Rob Halford When Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford emerged onstage head-to-toe in glass, leather and steel in the late 70's, he not only made a fashion statement but also created what would become a style template for future metal heads – and fans – to follow.  In other words, if Deep Purple and Black Sabbath gave metal its sound, then Judas Priest gave it its look.   

As a legendary tastemaker, it's hardly shocking that Halford, the multi-Gold and Platinum vocalist, songwriter and producer is launching the new, aptly-titled clothing company Metal God Apparel. The collection features fitted t-shirts with intricate patterns of skulls, crossbones and guitars and titles like "Studs & Spikes," "Resurrection" and "Eternal Chaos."   This is the rock 'n' roll-inspired collection that Ed Hardy wishes that he had put out. 

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May 05, 2009

Rocket In The Pocket

Puff_pacemaker Music critics - including myself - have said that the iPod made music a private affair: It's just you and those beedie little white earphones. However, a new DJ tool actually takes the iPod experience and makes it public again.

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May 01, 2009

Elevator Muzzic

Muziiclargealpha We now take it for granted, but YouTube has revolutionized our view of memories. Remember that Muppet Show episode with Elton John? Or that Silver Spoons clip when Whitney Houston guest starred? They don't have to be recreated in our minds - as they are all on YouTube.

However, we rarely think about the forgotten music available through YouTube. Do a search for a favorite song and, assuming there isn't an official music video, the music will play as you're shown stills of the original record, pics of the artist or, well, just a blank page.

Now a new website, Muziic, is trying to do the organize these tunes. Dubbed The YouTube Media Player, Muziic uses the popular video site to find your favorite sounds. Download the Muziic Player and you can run it off your desktop a la iTunes. The best part? It's 100% legal, since YouTube compensates artists every time a song is played.

Check out Muziic's website.

April 16, 2009

Susan Boyle Lives The Dream

Susanboyle Susan Boyle lives alone in a row house with her cat Pebbles, a drab existence in one of Scotland's poorest regions. She cared for her widowed mother for years, never married and sang in church and at karaoke nights at the pub.

Neighbors knew she could sing, and now with YouTube, Twitter and countless blog postings, just about everyone else does, too.

Since wowing the judges on the TV show "Britain's Got Talent," the frumpy 47-year-old, who says she's never been kissed, has gained celebrity fans and millions of admirers.

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