STREAM RYAN ADAMS TONIGHT!

TONIGHT you can STREAM Ryan Adams Live on Letterman private gig, which is being taped at Ed Sullivan Theater RIGHT HERE.

8pm (EST) just press play in the player above and enjoy the show. It will be like you are right there!

EXCLUSIVE! Ladytron INTV!

If you are an artist, when the person that inspires you, praises your work, you know you have done something right. When Bryan Ferry formerly of Roxy Music declared Ladytron as "the best of English pop music," each member of Ladytron had to light up like a Christmas tree. Taking their name from the Roxy Music song of the same name, Ladytron formed in Liverpool, England in 1999 and have become one of the world's premiere electronic and pop acts. From the five albums they have released, including this years, Gravity the Seducer and a "Best Of" record that highlighted the bands first decade, Ladytron have been seducing listeners with their catchy hooks, hypnotic sounds and high production with their stage shows. We had the chance to speak with singer Helen Marnie about Ladytron's decade together, the making of Gravity the Seducer, working with Christina Aguilera and favorite moments on the road. Take a look at the interview with Marnie below:

You released your best of compilation – Best of 00-10 this year. Did you ever think this band would go on as successful as you have for over a decade now?

When we first got together in 1999 I just thought it was a bit of fun. I had no idea where this band would take me. I met Danny in a local Liverpool indie club and he wanted me to sing for him. Eventually I found the guts to do it and it turned out ok. A year later I found myself in LA with Danny meeting our new label, Emperor Norton. I think without the start they gave us things might not have turned out as they have. Their support was so important. A year or so after we formed I made the move to London. It was then that I realised that Ladytron would play quite a big part in my life. So much so that we'd have to leave any jobs behind in order to tour. We've worked hard, but there has also been an element of luck. Our success has been gradual, which I am grateful for.

How did you go about picking the songs for Best Of?

It was quite a difficult process actually. Obviously, we picked all the biggest hits and singles, but because there are four of us in the band we all had our own opinions about what should and shouldn't be included. The majority normally wins! That's part of the reason why we've done a second disc with fan favourites and our own personal favourites, which might be lesser known to people but which we feel deserve a place on the disc.


You placed the new single “Ace of Hz” on the Best Of, what prompted the new single?

We just thought there should be something new and fresh included on the Best Of to whet fans appetites. Also, I think it means you get more for your money. The release of Ace of Hz also signals the kind of direction the 5th studio album will take. It's a little insight into what we've been doing.

Your name allegedly comes from a Roxy Music song, how much of that band had an impact on your style and sound when you were starting?

We all like Roxy music, and Danny had the idea for the band name for years. Long before we all got together. However, I'm not sure how much more they influenced us style-wise. Sonically we're influenced by such a wide range of artists, many that don't even use synths!!!! I think perhaps that has something to do with our longevity. We look at traditional songwriting. We aren't a dance band or club act. We actually have songs.

The band formed in 1999 in Liverpool, but each of the members of the band come from different parts of the world. Do you consider yourself a Liverpool band? Do you feel that every person’s background has an influence on the band’s dynamic?

I definitely think that each of us and our backgrounds influences the band. How can it not! An accent alone can change things, and Ladytron has quite a few accents. We each bring something different to the table and this makes us more diverse as an act. We all have our forte's and these combine in the studio.

I do still find it strange when we are described as a Liverpool band, however I guess that is where we formed and where the roots of Ladytron began. I hail from Scotland, Mira from Bulgaria, and the boys from Liverpool.

How were the sessions for Gravity the Seducer?

It feels like a different kind of album for us. It's lush in that 60s kind of way, with lots of organs and bells. I think it has an ethereal feel and I hope people warm to it.

In your 10 years you toured and played with some amazing people, who were some of your favorites?

We really have had some amazing opportunities over the years. And we've done so much touring!! Touring Europe with NIN was quite an experience, as was playing the Sydney Opera House at the request of Brian Eno. I also enjoyed it when CSS supported us in the US. It was fun just having a group of girls to hang out with for a change.

Often gigs are a bit of a whirlwind of an experience. My incredible fear of flying makes everything even more delirious. I remember flying for around 15 hours from the US to Buenos Aires to do a huge festival. We literally flew in, did the gig that night, then flew back the next morning. All I remember is getting drunk backstage with LCD Soundsystem after our gig and then wandering through a huge crowd of the happiest people to get back to the hotel. It was fun.

In a decade in this band, what has been your favorite moment overall?

I can't pinpoint one. There have been different moments that I enjoyed or that were important to me. Playing the Coachella festival for the first time was quite special because it was so surreal to me at the time. Palm trees, grass in the desert, that sort of thing. I'm always very proud to play gigs in Scotland, because I feel like I'm coming home and that I belong and am accepted.

Video-wise I really enjoyed making the Ghosts video in the desert in California. It was hard work though, but so much fun for me. At night it was freezing, by day absolutely boiling, but at least i had puppies, bunnies, and wolves to keep me entertained.

You were requested by Trent Reznor to open for NIN in 2007. What was it like being on the road with him? Do you miss Nine Inch Nails as a touring band?

It was a great opportunity to tour with them but I don't think I really miss any band that we've toured with. Its fun for a few weeks, but each band has got a job to do and that takes up most of your time. It takes a lot of work to be a well oiled machine like NIN.

You worked with Christina Aguilera on her Bionic album, what was it like going from electronic music to mainstream pop? Was it a good experience working with her?

I think it was more Christina moving from mainstream pop to electronic music. The lines are so blurred now these days that sometimes it's difficult to tell between the two. A lot has changed since we came on the scene and were viewed as being a bit alternative for using so many synths in our production.

Do you see the band celebrating 20 years?

Well, no one knows what the future will hold, but I definitely hope so. We've made it this far, so fingers crossed.

2011 The Albums - League of Their Own

This award started long before the site was even a thought, in one publication or radio show or another, since 2000 I have handed out the "League of Their Own" Award to an album that is made by an artist who is the most forward thinking, open minded, revolutionary musician out there today. Their accomplishments in the past 12 months have either resurrected a sound, broke down walls and created new frontiers or have totally reinvented a genre all together. In the past winners have included:

2000- Radiohead - Kid A
2001- The Strokes - Is This It?
2002- NERD - In Search of...
2003- The White Stripes - Elephant
2004- The Killers - Hot Fuss
2005- The Mars Volta - Francis the Mute
2006- TV On The Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
2007- Kanye West - Graduation
2008- Santogold
2009 - Mastodon - Crack the Skye

2010 - Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

..and now to add to the list of this important albums by these important artists is someone who has single handedly influenced them all. An artist who is always light years ahead of her time and still breaks down every wall with nearly every record she releases, for her latest album, it is no exception. Releasing her latest album not just as a musical landscape but as a full on multimedia project and creating the worlds first "app album." Ladies and gentlemen the winner of the 2011 League of Their Own is:

Bjork - Biophilia

Bjork is someone who this award was made for, simply because she could care less about selling music but like the rest of the artists on this list, cares more about making it and how it is made to carry out. Biophilia is proof of all of this. As we said in our Quick Spins - Album Review of Biophilia this past October: "The cerebral album takes the listener on a journey of a new world and with the motif of the record being protect your surroundings, Bjork maybe protecting the music world with this brilliant achievement and idea. Would we expect anything less from Bjork at this point? Taking her alternative style to the next level by creating and patenting her own instruments totally unique for Biophilia, it is a record that needs to be experienced to truly appreciate."

Key Tracks: Crystalline, Mutual Core

Quick News

In what will turn out to be an epic moment for rock and roll - The Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys will be going on tour together! The Keys will headline their first arena outing with Alex Turner and Co. supporting. Details and dates go HERE.

Sleigh Bells have named their new album, Reign of Terror. It will be out sometime next year.

Trent Reznor has given out all the full details of his Girl With the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack. The score is the former Nine Inch Nails / Oscar winner's second collaboration with Atticus Ross, whom he they worked on the Oscar winning score for Social Network last year. The Girl with Dragon Tattoo soundtrack features music from Reznor and Ross, plus music from their other band, How to Destroy Angels and Reznor and Yeah Yeah Yeah's front woman Karen O reworking Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song." For full details, PLUS a way to download six of the 39 songs, click HERE.

Lana Del Rey has posted the cover of her anticipated debut, Born to Die. Take a look at the cover below. In more Del Rey news, Lana's album will also feature a remix EP that will have songs redone by Damon Albarn and Clams Casino. Born to Die is out next month.

Holiday Playlist No. 5

In keeping with our five year tradition for our five year anniversary, take a look at these songs for your holiday soundtrack. Simply because holiday music should not have to suck. We have filtered all the garbage for your enjoyment!

The Killers – “The Cowboy’s Christmas Ball”
Kanye West – “Christmas in Harlem”
Hurts – “All I Want for Christmas is New Year’s Day”
Paul Simon – “Getting Ready for Christmas Day”
Band of Horses – “First Song”
Girl in Coma – “Blue Christmas”
Little and Ashley – “Winter Night”
Nice Peter – “Santa is a Gangsta”
Belle and Sebastian – “Are You Coming Over for Christmas?”
The Knife – “Christmas Reindeer”
65daysofstatic – “I’m Dreaming of a White Noise Christmas”
Low – “Santa’s Coming Over”
Charles De Mar – “This Christmas”
Team B – “The Last Christmas”
Prince – “Another Lonely Christmas”
Darlene Love – “Baby, Please Come Home”
Flaming Lips – “Christmas on Mars”
Beast Coast and Wavves – “Got Something for You”
Scott Weiland – “Arch Angel”
David Bowie and Bing Crosby – “Little Drummer Boy”
The Boy Least Likely To – “Christmas Isn’t Christmas”
The Walkmen – “Christmas Party”
Smith and Burrows – “Funny Looking Angels”
Fitz & the Tantrums – “Santa Stole My Lady”
She and Him – “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

For Holiday Playlist Vol. 4 - Click HERE.

For Holiday Playlist Vol. 3 - Click HERE.

For Holiday Playlist 2.0 - Click HERE.

For our 1st Holiday Playlist - Click HERE.

Rising Artist - Born Blonde

In America The Verve never received enough credit for their brilliant music, they will go down to the masses as the greatest "one hit-wonder" for "Bittersweet Symphony," which is unfortunate since the band has a catalogue of genius material. In The Verve's country of England, they are a massive influence to the generation of musicians that have come since their departure - take for example, Born Blonde. The London five-piece experiments on the psychedelic and progressive meets pop and Britrock sounds The Verve used in their music. Born Blonde formed last year and have already gained praise from NME and are currently on the NME Radar Tour which launched the careers of Chapel Club, Joy Formidable, La Roux and Florence and the Machine. This is a band not to sleep on and begin to get into what they are doing.

Quick News

The Freddie Mercury biopic starring Sasha Baron-Coen as Freddie now has a title, it will simply be titled, Mercury according to the film's producers. The film should be out next year.

Bruce Springsteen will deliver this years keynote address at SXSW. Bruce will discuss his career, the music business and industry in his address. SXSW 2012 takes place next March in Austin, Texas.

Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio will be joining up with former Liturgy drummer Greg Fox and Oneidea's Kid Millions to record an album based on the Occupy Wall Street movement. The proceeds of the record will go to help fund OWS.

The Grammys had their big announcement party last night, the announcement saw Kanye West lead the pack with 7 nominations incuding "Album of the Year" for last years acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Adele and Foo Fighters both got 6 noms and Radiohead received 5 including one for the music video to "Lotus Flower," which see's singer Thom Yorke dance around for the duration of the song or as we call it - awesome on every level! Other's nominated were Robyn, Black Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Mastodon, Bon Iver, Mumford and Sons. For a full list of nominees go HERE.

Underrated Classic - Chris Cornell "Euphoria Morning"

In 1998, grunge was declared dead when Soundgarden broke up. The pioneers of the genre fell out and with Pearl Jam being the only band at the time carrying the dim torch, grunge was buried. A year after the Soundgarden split, singer Chris Cornell released his solo debut, Euphoria Morning. What fans had come to appreciate about Chris at the time was his voice, Cornell ranks high as one of the greatest rock and roll vocalists of all time, probably behind Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant and his thunderous vocal chords took to a more blues and romantic sound with Euphoria Morning. It was a far cry from the storm of rock and roll he had created before, this was not Chris Cornell the singer, this was Chris Cornell the musician. Produced by Cornell himself and husband and wife duo, Natasha Shneider and Alain Johannes and with assistance from Soundgarden drummer, Matt Cameron on drums, Cornell wrote some of his most introspective and best songs for his first venture on his own. With some songs that had arrangements with woodwinds and piano, Cornell's fans responded well when the record sold 75 thousand copies it first week, however, not the numbers the label was expecting. Yet, for Cornell, numbers did not matter, he showed another side of himself as a songwriter and musician that proved he could do it on his own. Sometimes coming from a band on your own may even be harder than coming from nowhere without any preconceived notion. Euphoria Morning is Cornell at his best and what helped him land the job as the front man for Audioslave with the former members of Rage Against the Machine a few short years later.

Movie of the Month - A Christmas Tale

The holiday season is supposed to be a cheerful and joyous time, however, as you grow older it seems to stretch further from what it was like when you were a child. It is only a natural and honest progression. In 2008, the French film, A Christmas Tale (Un conte de Noël) told this in all the correct ways. The film is about a tale of a dysfunctional and distant family reuniting for Christmas and the infamous family battles that strain the bonds between them. The soap opera of who is not speaking to who, who has a dark skeleton in their closet, who's child is a failure, who could and should be doing more with life, who is jealous of who, A Christmas Tale takes raw, honest family stories and emotion and sets them to the backdrop of the holiday season. As the family reunites, they only find out their matters are nothing and should be resolved as the matriarch of the family is dying of Leukemia. The film is one that looks at the dark side to the Christmas season.

My Morning Jacket on Kimmel

My Morning Jacket performed "First Light" and "Outta My Control" on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night. Take a look!