Amy Winehouse on The Huffington Post

Amy Winehouse's Implants Are Leaking: Amy's Dad

2009-11-19T11:08:20Z

He said: "It wasn't because she had a cold.

"She's fine, she just had a little (Mitch points to his chest) leaky something or other."

Amy Winehouse HOSPITALIZED

2009-11-18T07:47:37Z

It's a familiar place for the singer, 26. Her life has been checkered with health issues -- she even came close to death, her father has said. But this time it's different, with Winehouse feeling healthier and more self-confident.

Is Lady Gaga Turning Into Amy Winehouse? (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-11-09T14:43:18Z

The makeup-spackled eyes, big ratty hair, tattooed arms, ugly scowl...Lady Gaga looked like she was channeling Amy Winehouse on German television Saturday.

Gaga has said that she dyes her hair blonde to avoid being confused with her raven-beehived counterpart.

Here are some pictures of Gaga showing off her tattoo of a Rilke poem.

PHOTOS:

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Amy Winehouse's Boob Job: Singer Debuts Her New Breasts (PHOTOS)

2009-10-26T18:01:29Z

Amy Winehouse is back in London after months in St. Lucia, a drug addiction and a divorce from husband Blake, and she's showing off her new breasts. Earlier this month Winehouse's dad Mitch complimented the work and said that Amy is, "Fantastic, fantastic. Her boobs are great as well." He then smiled and said, "I shouldn't have said that should I? She looks absolutely fantastic."

Sunday night Winehouse attended the 2009 Q Awards in a low-cut red dress.

PHOTOS;

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Trish Kinney: Amy Winehouse (boobs), Tracy Morgan (butts) and Miss Pole Dance, The Week in Review

2009-10-26T14:16:36Z

Come on, admit it. You are feeling guilty pleasure from reading a certain "news item" while there is at least a small voice in your head questioning why you are reading it at all, why you clicked on a story that, thank God, no one saw you click on. But you simply couldn't resist. In the old days, if it was in the newspaper, it wasn't really something you chose. It was there in black and white so you read it, cover to cover just like you always did. But to be honest, in the old days, the kinds of stories we are talking about rarely made it to print. So I thought it would be fun to peruse the Huffington Post at the end of the week to see what's up on the site and what stories got the most attention. So here goes.

On the Home Page, we read about Tracy Morgan who loves "Women's Butts". Click on the story on the Entertainment page to find out that he was referring to anal sex and how much he likes it and how his women like it, too. 67 Facebooks, 19 Tweets, and 290 comments.

Also on the Home Page, Sienna Miller makes her Broadway debut with "lukewarm" reviews for the play but "unanimous on her physical appeal". Seems Sienna is less promiscuous than the New York Times thought, something to do with a correction as to those with whom she was just friends and those with whom she did not engage in "romantic flings". The keyword in the article that linked to the Times correction was "not-so-slutty Brit". (I swear, the not so slutty part was hyphenated.) 10 Facebooks, 18 Tweets, and 299 comments.

Home Page links to the Style Page for the Miss Pole Dance Argentina 2009 story, Sexy or Scary? You might be interested to know that the winner also won Brazil's Miss Pole Dancer 2009. 64 Facebooks, 37 Tweets, and 56 comments

Now on to the Most Popular on HuffPo.

ESPN Analyst in Sex Scandal starring former NY Mets GM, Steve Phillips, and his 22 year old production assistant including a scanned copy of the letter she sent to Mrs. Phillips. 942 comments

Bronson Pinchot's take on some folks he has worked with including Bette Midler (bitch), Denzel Washington (cruel), and Tom Cruise (homophobic). 99 Facebooks, 45 Tweets, and 641 comments

Drunkest Guy Ever featuring convenience store video of, you guessed it, a really drunk guy buying beer. A whopping 1597 Facebooks, 121 Tweets and 507 comments (some of which question whether he was really drunk or just bucking for an Academy Award)

And then there was the "Jill Biden Reveals Great Gams in New York" with 12 Facebooks, 13 Tweets and 326 comments and Chuck Todd's baseball bet involving shaving his goatee if he lost or something like that with 23 Facebooks, 19 Tweets and 190 comments. This just in, Chuck decided not to shave after all, choosing instead to donate $1000 to charity.

And my personal favorite, "Amy Winehouse's Dad Thinks Her New Boobs Are 'Fantastic'" with 7 Facebooks, 5 Tweets and 84 comments.

These stories are surrounded by many others, more serious in nature, about important issues in politics, media and the world. And it is comforting to assert that many, many readers are following and caring about those stories without commenting, tweeting or facebooking at all. But if we do have a look at this week's popular news, we can get a glimpse into our own culture. So we relate to drunkenness and are hot for sex and celebrities. Whether it be new boobs, anal sex, great gams, not-so-slutty Brits (ok, I just love that hyphenated phrase), or the obligatory sports sex scandal, this is who we are and what we like right now. That doesn't mean it always has to be that way. Does it?

Amy Winehouse's Dad Thinks Her New Boobs Are 'Fantastic'

2009-10-21T11:03:35Z

Amy Winehouse is a completely different person from who she was this time last year, her father says. The singer, 26, is doing well both inside and out -- and that includes her recent breast enhancement.

Amy Winehouse's Dad: Rehab A Waste

2009-10-20T08:59:37Z

LONDON — Amy Winehouse's father says Britain is wasting money on drug addicts who are too quick to say "yes, yes, yes" to rehab.

Mitch Winehouse told lawmakers on Parliament's Home Affairs Select Committee Tuesday that many addicts who take up treatment as an alternative to a prison sentence have no intention of trying to quit drugs.

Michael Bialas: Now Hear This (Interview): Time To Celebrate Imelda May Day

2009-09-19T16:14:03Z

Touring America for the first time, Irish rockabilly/blues singer Imelda May sounds like a giddy schoolgirl. Except she prefers to go back to old school.

There's a lot of U.S. history behind the music May loves, which she is eager to study. That's why, during a brief visit in September with her band to promote her latest album, Love Tattoo, May planned some sightseeing excursions to places like Chess Recording Office and Studio in Chicago, then former punk nightclub CBGB in New York before opening up for Chuck Berry at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill. She previously visited New Orleans, where she played in the House of Blues with Dr. John and recorded vocals for Dark Streets, a gangster movie set in 1930s New York starring Bijou Phillips.

Now she hopes to teach Americans a thing or two about herself. May is a genuine throwback, a sexy seductress who'll knock you out just as quickly with her dynamite voice as her sultry looks. Wearing a tight leopard-print dress and with her trademark quiff, a streak of blond running through brunette hair tied back in a long ponytail, May seems made for the Fifties. More Bettie Page than Betty Boop, she wasn't born yesterday. But make no mistake. This is one fresh face.

Americans often hit the pause button while the rest of the universe fast-forwards to check out the latest talent. It's time to press play for Imelda May. Voted "Best Irish Female" singer (Lisa Hannigan and Gemma Hayes were among the nominees) at the 2009 Meteor Ireland Music Awards (on St. Patrick's Day, no less) and declared "The Next Big Thing" by The Daily Mail, May also has some heavyweight support behind her. Among those included are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarists Jeff Beck and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) and influential British TV icon/former Squeeze keyboardist Jools Holland. Watch out world. May Day has arrived.

"I don't tend to set out on huge world domination goals or have anything in mind. I just like to play; I like to gig a lot; I like to write music," May said humbly over the phone after landing in Los Angeles last week.

But she wasn't discovered overnight. May has paid her blues dues, working in the business for "about 19 years," singing with accomplished musicians who performed with such Irish acts as Van Morrison and Hothouse Flowers.

The youngest of five children growing up in the Liberties area of Dublin, May has a brother (Fintan) who continually rocked to Elvis, Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran records, a father (Tony) who was a dance teacher and a mother (Madge) who listened and sang to the radio every night before falling asleep. She credits all of them with providing musical appreciation and inspiration.

"I started gigging when I was about 16, and I was way too young to be in the clubs," she recalled.

These old players in the blues bands ... used to be down there jamming away late at night and they used to sneak me in; so I'd be jamming away with them; I think I was the novelty kid that could sing a bit. And I watched and I listened and I learned.

And I went down there every Monday night and my parents let me; my dad used to pick me up early in the morning before he went to work. They knew I was obsessed about music. I just absolutely loved it; I couldn't get enough of it, you know? So it was a good thing to learn. And I suppose it was the proper, old-fashioned way of learning music. Instead of going to a big, fancy joint, you just go to a natty old club (laughs). I was really lucky to be working with some of the best musicians in Dublin and they took me under their wing and I listened, I watched and I learned a helluva lot those couple of years down there.

After singing in burlesque clubs ("I still do sometimes," she said) like the Candy Box in Birmingham, England, playing in Mike Sanchez's rhythm and blues band and the Blue Harlem swing troupe and - as Imelda Clabby (her birth name) - making a record of mostly covers (2003's No Turning Back) in her bedroom, May decided to break away and form her own band. "I was really itching to do my own thing," she said. "You know, you get itchy feet. It spurred me on then to record my own album with most of my own songs. And I've been writing since." Another album is already in the works, and she uses timeless tools like a pen ("I wreck the back of most of my envelopes scribbling on them") and a ukulele to compose her material.

Love Tattoo has been out for more than a year in Europe (it's been on the United Kingdom charts since October and was No. 1 in Ireland this summer), but wasn't released in the U.S. until August 11, by Verve Forecast. Ten of the 12 songs were written by May, and they include swinging singles ("Johnny Got A Boom Boom"), smoldering blues romps ("Big Bad Handsome Man," "Smotherin' Me") and Dave Edmunds/Rockpile-like rave-ups ("Love Tattoo," "Wild About My Lovin' "). Listen with your eyes closed to the romantic ballad "Meet You At The Moon," though, and you'll swear you've been transported in a time machine back to Hollywood's Coconut Grove of the Forties.

All are Big Daddy-O, hep-cat retro-cool, yet done with a fresh take. The boogie-woogie, doo-wop sound is powered by guitarist Darrel Higham, an exceptional musician who has released about 20 CDs as a solo artist and leader of his own band, the Enforcers. While he has performed with legendary artists from Paul McCartney (at the wedding of Sir Paul's daughter Stella) to Jeff Beck to the Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, his relationship with May goes beyond music. They have been together since May moved to London in 1998, then she and her "Big Bad Handsome Man" got married earlier this decade. (May and Higham are shown at The 100 Club in March 2008 in a photo taken by Eric Guy.)

Also on the record were a slap-happy Al Gare on double bass and hot horn player Dave Priseman, who round out the touring band of Billy Boppers, along with drummer Steve Rushton, who also has played with Beck and Hynde.

May, Higham and the band will continue to work with Beck, beginning with a September 21 date at the O2 in London, with tentative plans to play in the States by the end of the year or early in 2010.

Last summer, May opened for Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, then he invited her to be on his BBC2 television show, Later ... With Jools Holland. The break came sooner than expected when she was asked with two days' notice to fill in for Natalie Cole, who fell ill during that time. Beck and Gilmour were in the star-studded audience in September 2008 to see May's debut on the popular music show that has featured ground-breaking acts along with accomplished veterans. That's when things got crazy, May said.

A major record deal with Universal followed and she went on to sing with Beck and Gilmour this summer, opening for Beck at Royal Albert Hall on July 4. "That was a great honor, a great thrill," May said. "(Beck has) become a good friend now."

She and the band were also on the same bill as the Pretenders in July at the Cornbury Festival in Oxfordshire in England. Told her snarling voice on "Johnny Got A Boom Boom" sounds a lot like Hynde's, May seemed delighted. "Oh, cool. She's great," May said. "I hope to get to work her some day. She has it all, hasn't she?"

Of course, May has been compared with a number of other exceptional singers. One British newspaper wrote she has "the retro appeal of a Duffy or (Amy) Winehouse," and when asked about possible similarities to the UK's recent pair of Queens for a Day, you could almost sense May wincing all the way from L.A. "Well, they are women," she said before unleashing a hearty laugh. "I think that's about it. I don't know; I don't mind either way. I just do my own thing. I don't know if it's a good thing or not but I know I have a good 10 years on them (laughing again)."

If the Duffy and Winehouse comparisons weren't complimentary, what about this statement about May in The Guardian? "(She's) yanked her vital crackle from the lungs of Janis Joplin and ballsy stance from the soul of Patsy Cline," Leonie Cooper wrote in the UK's national publication.

"Oh, I like that better," she said, almost sighing.

That's a huge compliment. I'm absolutely not worthy. ... I used to sing along to Janis Joplin and sing along to Patsy Cline all the time. I actually used to try and copy that. Try and get that clear, crisp vocal sound that Patsy Cline had and then be able to shriek like Janis Joplin. I hope I managed to do that in some shape or form. Somebody told me that when I was a kid singing in those clubs, 'You need to be able to rough it up some times.' And they were right.

Even if she is 10 or so years older than Duffy and Winehouse, age isn't an issue for May, who turned 35 this summer. In fact, her personal list of favorites leans more toward classic artists like Billie Holiday than any recent or contemporary singers. "I never did style myself after anyone," she said. "I did fall in love with Billie Holiday's vocals, of course. ... I'm glad I did, because that opened the doors (for me, musically) from blues to jazz. Because she did it quite easily between both."

And there's a place in her heart for Wynona Carr, LaVern Baker and Wanda Jackson as well. "For a girl, (listening to) those female vocalists, and some males, they seep into you ... especially as a teenager," she said with unabashed zeal. "They get into your head, your ears, it's like thunder. You can't get enough. You soak it all up."

Of course, she has a well-grounded respect for traditional Irish music, too, and is more than willing to turn the tables and give lessons to out-of-touch Americans who may be unaware of the late great Luke Kelly (of the Dubliners) or songwriting talents like Christy Moore, Paul Brady and Sharon Shannon.

"It's like dealing with country music here (in America), isn't it?" she said. "The rhythms are similar, they're hypnotic, the continuous rhythms," she said. "The same for blues as well. The traditional Irish is very similar, the way it keeps going round and round and you get into the feeling."

In the end, though, it's the fire, the rebelliousness and the "in-your-face" nature of rockabilly that May enjoys the most. And though she thinks the genre has remained popular since its Fifties glory days, May contends, "People are going back to it more; I don't think it's any coincidence that it's around recession time when people tend to go back and try to find out where music came from."

Now that she has passed her test with flying colors, get ready for May to educate the masses.

See a clip of Imelda May's debut on Later ... With Jools Holland:

Mike Ragogna: An Interview with Raphael Saadiq Plus This Week's New Albums

2009-08-17T01:31:15Z

To catch everyone up, Raphael Saadiq was the former lead singer for Tony! Toni! Tone!, earned a #2 R&B smash with "Ask Of You" from the Higher Learning soundtrack, produced huge hits for D'Angelo and Joss Stone, and contributed as a songwriter to or collaborated with Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Lionel Richie, John Legend, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu, Babyface, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, Snoop Dogg, Q-Tip, Ludacris, and many others. He even played Anthony Hayes in the Shia LeBeouf breakout flick Disturbia, those acting chops again on display in his retro music clip "Let's Take A Walk." Though his latest album The Way I See It was released back in September 2008, Saadiq still is touring and promoting the project pretty much non-stop. He took a quick break from his schedule for the following interview.

Mike Ragogna: Your album The Way I See It sounds like it was inspired by Motown and great R&B recordings. And your latest video seems to pay tribute to sixties and seventies soul singers such as Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and The Four Tops. Were you inspired by those old recordings and performances as you made the record?

Raphael Saadiq: I was more inspired by traveling and seeing what people were listing to, and that music never went away through all these generations. It's definitely something I wanted to be a part of, it's something I've been listening to my whole life. I figure if I'm going to spend my life doing something, it should always be something I really enjoy.

MR: So is this the style you're sticking with for future recordings?

RS: When I did it, I didn't give it that much thought. But now that I'm working on the next album, I think so. It's something that I want to expand on, I want to do a better job on it, and it's something I want to take further.

MR: You have some interesting collaborations on this record, like Stevie Wonder and CJ Hilton on "Never Give You Up" and Joss Stone on "Just One Kiss." What's behind the team-ups?

RS: Joss Stone came because I worked on her record Introducing Joss Stone. She was around when I cut my record, and we always talked about doing a record together just as friends. We found a perfect song for her with "Just One Kiss," and it just kind of worked out that way. The Rebirth Band was on a song about Katrina, and so I titled the song "Big Easy" because I had friends who lived there and my family's from Louisiana. I love Second Line bands and marching bands, so a friend hooked me up with Young Spodie and we became good friends. I thought we should do something with this record, so we ended up putting Rebirth on it ("Big Easy"), and that's how that came up. And CJ did "Never Give You Up." After we finished our version, we heard this space and we said, "Man, you know what would be nice on this record? A Stevie Wonder harmonica solo!" Then we also have people like Jack Ashford from the Funk Brothers who plays percussion, tambourine, vibes...and we have Paul Riser who did a lot of string (arrangements) for Motown. He came and did all my string arrangements and really made the record complete. So it's like I was building a team for the future, you know?

MR: The album is a nice blend of classic meets modern, and it's especially reverent and knowledgeable of the music that you're obviously loving.

RS: That's what I try to explain to people. It wasn't like I jumped on some fad that people were doing right now, it just happened to be that people were making these (kinds of) records, like Amy Winehouse and Duffy on the European side. I just think that sound is always in the air 'cause it's a great sound, it's never really left.

MR: But The Way I See It really isn't a tribute album as much an application of classic soul elements to your music, right?

RS: I think every artist pays homage to something since we're all inspired by something, and I was inspired by great music, not just Motown, but all the Isleys records, all the Stax records. And I'm definitely inspired by a lot of reggae music...you name it, from Jimmy Cliff to Bob (Marley). All of them have some type of reference that you can hear from the Baptist church or gospel to blues and Albert King. So I'm just inspired by a lot of stuff. Like after I was in twelfth grade, I was inspired by so much funk and by playing with so many different bands.

MR: Are you surprised you made this type of album at this point in your life?

RS: There are so many things in your head you want to get out. It comes at a weird time, and this is the time it came out. One of my best friends, Brian Grant, he played for the NBA for about fourteen years, and it wasn't 'til I started hanging out with him that I really sat down and listened to Dark Side Of The Moon. I knew about it and heard about it, but he said, "No, you gotta sit down and listen to it like this." So different things come at different times in your life.

MR: The visuals in your "Let's Take A Walk" promo clip firmly connect with the sound of your album.

RS: I just wanted people to know that's me. You know, it just takes some time to find out what you really do. When I was a kid, I wore suits and ties all day long, probably from when I was three years old, so I finally got back to it. When you're loving and having a respect for the music and your audience, then people know that you're serious about what your doing. That's also what I want to convey, it's something that's missing from the industry that used to be there. When a band showed up in town, you felt their presence.

MR: You've worked on many D'Angelo recordings, I imagine you guys also are close friends?

RS: Oh yeah, for sure, definitely. When I went on tour, he was in my studio for a couple of months recording. We didn't get to have much hang time. Yeah, he's the kind of guy who loves music, he's a very talented person and I believe in him. He'll come out and do something great, he's just that good.

MR: There's so much feel in his records. The guy became a superstar, but he kind of disappeared from the music scene right after his big hits.

RS: That's what happens when you become a superstar that fast and you don't have a lot of people around you. For me, I always had people around, like my brother and cousins when I was with the Tonies. But when you come out and there's nobody but you, it's hard to grab a hold to what just happened that fast.

MR: As a producer, you've worked with a lot of acts beyond D'Angelo. Will you be working with any of them again, like Joss Stone?

RS: We're definitely always going to work together. We haven't started doing anything, but we've been talking about writing together.

MR: As far as touring, you've been all over Europe, but are you going to swing back around to the States any time soon?

RS: Yeah, we're talking about a Fall tour. The Way I See It's been out since September of last year and we're coming up on September now, but it's one of those records that people are just now catching on to. I've been working every day since this album came out, and since the day it dropped, I've been on the road. It's the most I've ever toured since my early Tonies days. So we're going to take it where it needs to go. Right now in Europe, it's crazy. I opened up a show for Seal over there, and I've done big shows with Duffy and Joss. I just have to convince everybody and I sort of knew going into this record that it wasn't going to be easy. But you know, anything easy is not good. If you want to make a splash, it's got to be a big splash, you've got to do something different and go against what's (already) out. Maybe I'm crazy, but I always like to do something that's "me" and take that risk, and I think it's going to pay off.

Rapael Saadiq - The Way I See It

Tracks:
1. Sure Hope You Mean It
2. 100 Yard Dash
3. Keep Marchin'
4. Big Easy - with The Infamous Young Spodie & The Rebirth Brass Band
5. Just One Kiss - with Joss Stone
6. Love That Girl
7. Calling
8. Staying In Love
9. Oh Girl
10. Let's Take A Walk
11. Never Give You Up - with Stevie Wonder & CJ Hilton
12. Sometimes

...and here's Raphael Saadiq's latest video, "Let's Take A Walk":

...oh look, we have a couple more videos for ya!:

NEW AUGUST 18TH ALBUM RELEASES:

First off, Third Eye Blind's forthcoming album Ursa Major has leaked and the band is hot very happy about it, especially since it was the wrong version.

"Wow! I leave the country and my album ends up leaking," says Stephan Jenkins. "I was in Jakarta performing for the fine citizens of Indonesia after their devastating terrorist attack--I can't speak more highly of the country. I am asking for all those downloaders who illegally downloaded our new album, please donate some money to your local charity. And to those leakers who posted the wrong album, well, shame on you for being lazy. You guys know the lyrics and presentation are important to us. Rock on!"

The official version is streaming on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/thirdeyeblind

Ursa Major's release date will now be pushed up a day to Monday August 17 instead of Tuesday 18th.

Herb Alpert - Anything Goes: Herb Alpert & Lani Hall Live
The Antlers - Hospice
Brendan Benson - My Old, Familiar Friend
Terence Blanchard - Choices
Breathe Carolina - Hello Fascination
Broadway Calls - Good Views, Bad News
Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor
Clan Of Xymox - In Love We Trust
The Cult - Love (expanded edition reissue)
Joey DeGraw - Say Something Strong
The Doors - Morrison Hotel (gold disc reissue)
The Doors - Soft Parade (gold disc reissue)
Carol Duboc - Burt Bacharach Songbook
Groudation - Here I Am
GWAR - Lust In Space
Colin Hay - American Sunshine
Joe Henry - Blood From Stars
Hiroshima - Legacy
The Hot Club Of Cowtown - Wishful Thinking
Inward Eye - Throwing Bricks Instead Of Kisses
Stan Kenton - Live From Canada
Ledisi - Turn Me Loose
Madmen - Music From The Series Volume 2
Maxwell & The Original Bunny Gang - White Rabbit
Delbert McClinton & Dick50 - Acquired Taste
Reba McEntire - Keep On Lovin' You
Monster Ballads - The Ultimate Set
Mungolian Jetset - We Gave It All Away...Now We Are Taking It Back
MUTEMATH - Armistice
David Nail - I'm About To Come Alive
Christopher O'Riley - Out Of My Hands
Otep - Smash The Control
Ann Peebles - Part Time Love (reissue)
Rasheeda - Certified Hot Chick
Jay Reatard - Watch Me Fall
Jackie Ryan - Doozie
Brady Seals - Play Time
Dan Siegel - Sphere
Simean Mobile Disco - Temporary Pleasure
Sister Hazel - Release
Soulsavers - Broken
Stix - Late For Soundcheck
Sugar Red Drive - Sugar Red Drive
The Rolling Stones - Jump Back: The Best Of The Rolling Stones '71-'93
Sean Paul - Imperial Blaze
Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major(out on August 17th, see above)
Richard Thompson - Walking On A Wire: Richard Thompson (1968 - 2009)
Loudon Wainwright III - High Wide And Handsom: The Charlie Poole Project

Music DVDs:
Crack The Sky - All Access
Old Crow Medicine - Live At The Orange Peel And Tennessee Theater

EXTRA: THE VILLAGE: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF GREENWICH VILLAGE

Lucinda Williams, Bruce Hornsby, Matt Nathanson, Shelby Lynne, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rachael Yamagata, Los Lobos, Rickie Lee Jones, John Oates, Cowboy Junkies,
Rocco DeLuca and Others Record Heartfelt Musical Tribute To A Special Era--
The Village Of The '60's

429 Records has brought together a stellar roster of artist for a project titled THE VILLAGE: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF GREENWICH VILLAGE--a musical homage to an influential scene that thrived during an incomparable era in the history of rock music. The Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City in the 1960's was ground zero for a musical, political and social evolution-- McCarthy and the Red Scare era was over, the Vietnam War was simmering and poised to explode, and the civil rights movement was gaining steam just as singers like Peter Seeger, Bob Dylan and Odetta were hanging out and composing fierce and fearless songs that reflected the social conscience of a generation. The neighborhood was symbolic of a shared inspiration with artists worldwide gravitating to the vibrant streets and clubs and as such helped change the course of popular music. With THE VILLAGE, modern day artists look back and pay tribute to the artists and songs that helped nurture and shape them as successful musicians in their own right. Shelby Lynne gives a musical shout out to Dylan with her version of "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," Cowboy Junkies perform their heartbreaking version of Tim Buckley's "Once I Was" and Bruce Hornsby checks in with a stunning version of The Lovin' Spoonful's "Darlin' Be Home Soon." THE VILLAGE: A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF GREENWICH VILLAGE will be released worldwide on November 3rd on 429 Records.

Says Susan Rotolo author of the recent bestseller "A Freewheelin' Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties" and writer of THE VILLAGE liner notes: "The performers from that time, and the songs they wrote, made a notable contribution not only to the legend of Greenwich Village but also to music in general. No one who is young, making music and hanging out, thinks in historical terms, but the passage of time allows for such a perspective. Cultural history was made."

Adds participating VILLAGE artist John Oates (of Hall & Oates): "Greenwich Village has meant a lot to me over the years. Not only did I live there for a long, long tme, but many of my pop songs and the things that I did with Daryl Hall have been inspired by living in the village. It have a unique ambience and atmosphere--such a magical place!"

Says Steve Vining, President of the Savoy Label Group: "It's been gratifying to pursue this project and find so many artists who felt compelled to be a part of THE VILLAGE because the music from that time had such a strong impact on them creatively and as individuals. It's been a labor of love for all of us and we're extremely proud of the result."

THE VILLAGE artists and songs:
Lucinda Williams Positively 4th Street (Dylan)
Rachael Yamagata Both Sides Now (Mitchell)
Mary Chapin Carpenter Violets of Dawn (Andersen)
Shelby Lynne Don't Think Twice, It's Alright (Dylan)
Marshall Crenshaw Didn't Want to Have to Do It (Sebastian)
Amos Lee Little Bit of Rain (Neil)
Cary Brothers Something on Your Mind (McNeely)
Rocco DeLuca Ballad of Hollis Brown (Dylan)
Cowboy Junkies Once I Was (Buckley)
Sixpence None the Richer Wayfaring Stranger (Traditional)
Rickie Lee Jones Subterranean Homesick Blues (Dylan)
John Oates He Was a Friend of Mine (Traditional)
Mikey Powell Hard Rain's Gonna Fall (Dylan)
The Duhks It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding (Dylan)
Los Lobos Guantanamara (Diaz)
Bruce Hornsby Darlin' Be Home Soon (Sebastian)
Jesse Malin I Am a Rock (Simon)
Matt Nathanson I Ain't Marching (Ochs)

THE VILLAGE will be released on November 3rd on 429 Records and be distributed by Fontana in the U.S. and E1 (formerly Koch) in Canada. The European release will also be on November 3 via SLG's agreement with Proper Music Distribution and the Australian release via Universal will take place on October 30th. A comprehensive press, radio, viral and traditional marketing and retail advertising campaign will be launched in each of the key international territories.

EXTRA: MEWSEUM: A SONIC EXPERIENCE WITH MEW

Special Performance Event to Celebrate Mew's New Album, No More Stories...

Columbia Records presents Mewseum at Zune L.A. which will consist of a six day still and cinematic installation and a special performance event on August 31st. The Danish art rockers are internationally renowned for their visually and musically captivating experience filled with originally produced animations and layer upon layer of dreamy melodies, bass and percussion.

Special Performance Event: On August 31st, Mew will perform an intimate show, as well as, premiere a video trilogy for their first three album singles created by award winning director Martin De Thurah. This will include the world premiere of their videos for "Repeaterbeater" and "Beach."

Gallery Information: Mewseum hours will run through the dates August 29th until September 3rd and admission is FREE to all. For hours see below:

8/ 29 Sat: 12pm - 10pm
8/ 30 Sun: 12pm - 6 pm
8/31 Mon: 4pm -10pm - Special Performance Event 7pm - 10pm
9/1 Tues: 4pm - 10pm
9/2 Wed: 4pm - 10pm
9/3 Thurs 4pm - 10pm

The gallery will showcase the Martin de Thurah videos all week long as well as videos from the bands past releases. Images and stills from the current album and videos will also be displayed and a limited edition will be available for purchase along with the cd and vinyl.

Location: Zune L.A. Space on 8275 Beverly Blvd. (at Sweetzer) Los Angeles, CA

In other Mew news, check out Mew's No More Stories... in full on MySpace this week: http://www.myspace.com/mew The Danish trio is premiering their album in anticipation of the August 25th release of their long awaited follow up to And the Glass Handed Kites.

EXTRA - EELS UPDATE:

EELS OFFER FREE DOWNLOAD TO FANS UPON EXCLUSIVE VINYL RELEASE

The MySpace Transmission Sessions is featuring a performance by EELS leader Mark Oliver Everett aka "E." Watch footage of E being interviewed and performing 5 songs, and download the audio for all 5 songs FREE for a limited time right now, right here:
http://www.myspace.com/transmissions

The complete session including a 6th song, "The Longing," is being released on limited edition 12" vinyl Sept. 1.

EXTRA - (RED) / LIVE NATION CONCERT DATES:

(RED) AND LIVE NATION ANNOUNCE NEW DATES FOR (RED)NIGHTS, THE CONCERT SERIES TO HELP ELIMINATE
AIDS IN AFRICA

NEW SLATE FEATURES CONCERTS BY BUILT TO SPILL, THIEVERY CORPORATION, BRANDI CARLILE AND MORE

FOLLOWS SUCCESSFUL FIRST ROUND OF SHOWS BY FALL OUT BOY, KATY PERRY, SANTIGOLD, AMONG OTHERS

"As the lights dimmed before [Matisyahu and K'Naan] came on, the only light still visibly shining was the (RED)NIGHTS logo illuminated on the walls, a symbol that even amongst something as bleak and devastating like AIDS and HIV, there is still hope." James Boyce, Huffington Post

(RED) and Live Nation today announce new dates for (RED)NIGHTS, an innovative series of 26 concerts in the U.S. to generate money and awareness for the ultimate goal of eliminating AIDS in Africa. The new set of shows will feature concerts by (RED)NIGHTS artists Built to Spill, Thievery Corporation, Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, Joshua Radin and Sondre Lerche at venues such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, The Paradise in Boston and the House of Blues in Chicago.

The new (RED)NIGHTS dates follow a successful first round of concerts, which earned attention in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NME, Time Out New York and the Dallas Morning News. For the first set of shows, Fall Out Boy, Katy Perry, Gomez, Santigold, O.A.R., Lisa Hannigan, The Veronicas, Matisyahu and K'Naan each turned one of their concerts (RED) to bring the (RED) experience to life in a new way. At each of these shows, (RED)NIGHTS and the community of acclaimed artists aimed to inspire fans to participate in (RED)'s mission to eliminate AIDS in Africa by pausing to highlight the many ways to get involved and encouraging those in the audience to share the message and experience with others.

"I believe no person deserves to suffer from a preventable, treatable disease simply because they can't afford medicine," said Marc Roberge of O.A.R. "If bringing awareness to what (RED) is doing helps one person receive antiretroviral treatment and live a healthy life, we have accomplished our goal."

Ultimately, it is the goal of (RED)NIGHTS to build a community--of artists, concertgoers and music fans everywhere--that is passionate about helping to fight AIDS in Africa. A portion of the proceeds of each (RED)NIGHTS concert goes directly to the Global Fund (theglobalfund.org ).

(RED) presents the (RED)NIGHTS concert series kicked off at select Live Nation clubs and theaters across the country earlier this year. (RED) and Live Nation are collaborating to link acclaimed artists with their fans to join the fight against AIDS in Africa. Information about the scheduled (RED)NIGHTS concerts can be found at http://www.livenation.com and http://www.joinred.com/rednights

"(RED) was looking to engage more people in its mission, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. The (RED)NIGHTS series is an innovative concept that combines the power of Live Nation's live music platform and venues to use people's passion for music to raise awareness and, ultimately, generate more money to help eliminate AIDS in Africa." said Russell Wallach, President of North American Alliances for Live Nation. "We're building a great line up of artists for (RED)NIGHTS, and believe we can help (RED) successfully deliver its message by connecting them with music fans all over the country."

"(RED)NIGHTS is one more way for people to become (RED) and support our efforts to eliminate AIDS in Africa," says Jenifer Willig, Director of Partners and Marketing at (RED). "We're so honored to have incredible artists turning their shows (RED) and look forward to bringing (RED)NIGHTS to fans across the country."

(RED)NIGHTS arrives on the heels of (RED)WIRE ™, the innovative new digital music service from (RED). The (RED)NIGHTS artists join an impressive community of (RED) artists who are participating in (RED)WIRE, including U2, Coldplay, The Killers, Jay-Z, Elvis Costello, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Neko Case, Noel Gallagher, Conor Oberst, TV On The Radio, Death Cab For Cutie, Michael Franti and many more. (RED)NIGHTS and (RED)WIRE mark the first time (RED) has moved into the music arena and are a mutual extension of (RED)'s mission, whereby the music community is coming together as a vehicle to raise awareness and funds to help fight AIDS in Africa.

(RED)NIGHTS CONFIRMED CONCERTS

June 12 The Veronicas @ House of Blues New Orleans, LA

June 16 Matisyahu w/ K'Naan @ The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA

June 18 Santigold @ House of Blues Dallas, TX

June 19 Lisa Hannigan @ Gramercy Theater New York, NY

July 28 Katy Perry @ Hammerstein Ballroom New York, NY

August 2 Gomez @ House of Blues San Diego, CA

August 13 & 14 O.A.R. @ Bank of America Pavilion Boston, MA

August 19 Fall Out Boy @ The Pageant St. Louis, MO

September 12 Ingrid Michaelson @ The Paradise Boston, MA

September 13 Sondre Lerche @ The Paradise Boston, MA

September 24 Joshua Radin @ House of Blues Chicago, IL

September 25 Brandi Carlile @ House of Blues Chicago, IL

October 3 Ingrid Michaelson @ House of Blues San Diego, CA

October 4 Thievery Corporation @ House of Blues Dallas, TX

October 9 Thievery Corporation @ The Fillmore Miami, FL

Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 Built to Spill @ The Fillmore San Francisco, CA

EXTRA - YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND TOURING WITH DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Following their headlining album-release show at Red Rocks this August 28th, the pioneering acoustic alchemists of Yonder Mountain String Band will join Dave Matthews as openers on four dates this September. Their first date with DMB, Sept. 1 in West Valley City, UT, coincides with the release of their new album The Show . Following that, they head to the Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA for three more dates with Matthews.

It's a fitting pairing; the St. Paul Pioneer Press notes that in fusing rock, bluegass, and more, Yonder Mountain "create original tunes that allow for lengthy interweaving improvisations and soaring solos on banjo and mandolin. It's nice to have a folk band that believes in long-form live experiences. And even better that they've developed such a following."

And while the quartet are more than comfortable performing on a bill with a Dave Matthews or Jon Fishman (of Phish), they're equally at home with bluegrass legends like Bela Fleck, Hot Tuna, Sam Bush, The McCoury Brothers, Darol Anger, and Mike Marshall, all of whom they've shared a stage with in their decade together.

Their new album The Show is out September 1.

Ripped, Striated And Defined Arms: Gone Too Far? (PHOTOS, POLL)

2009-07-31T17:10:40Z

Whether the result of grueling workouts, failure to eat or just lean genes, these ladies are flexing some unusually ripped arms. Some may have gone too far. Scarily striated or enviably toned? You decide.

PHOTOS:

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Amy Winehouse's Ex Recalls The Night She Almost OD'd

2009-07-27T08:43:10Z

Amy Winehouse nearly died in her ex-husband's arms after a three-day heroin and crack binge, he said today.

Blake Fielder-Civil, 27, told how the singer's eyes went blank and she had a fit before she passed out and stopped breathing.

Amy Winehouse Acquitted Of Assault In Fan Punching

2009-07-24T08:32:29Z

LONDON — A British judge acquitted Amy Winehouse on Friday of assaulting a fan who asked to take her picture, a dose of good news in the beehived soul diva's tumultuous life.

District Judge Timothy Workman found the 25-year-old singer not guilty of punching dancer Sherene Flash in the eye after the fan asked to take her picture following a charity ball in September.

Amy Winehouse In Court For Punching Fan

2009-07-23T08:15:34Z

LONDON — Amy Winehouse told a London court Thursday that she was too short to have punched a fan in the face, saying her trademark beehive makes her look taller than she is.

The 25-year-old "Back to Black" singer is on trial accused of hitting dancer Sherene Flash in the eye after the fan asked to take her picture following a September charity ball in London's Berkeley Square.

Celeb Tattoos Of Lovers' Names: After The Breakup (PHOTOS)

2009-07-17T16:23:40Z

Angelina and Billy Bob, Denise and Charlie, Johnny and Winona....at one point these relationships seemed so enduring to the parties involved that they got each other names tattooed on their bodies. Alas, the ink outlasted their love, with another tattooed couple officially divorced this week. Some of these celebrities have come with creative ways to cover up those physical reminders of what once was, and some have not.

PHOTOS:

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Amy Winehouse Granted Divorce From Blake Fielder-Civil

2009-07-16T08:00:05Z

LONDON — Amy Winehouse's tempestuous marriage ended Thursday when the singer and Blake Fielder-Civil were granted a divorce by a judge in London.

A judge read out the divorce decree for "Fielder-Civil B. v Winehouse A.J." along with those of other estranged couples at a brief Family Court hearing.

Greg Archer: Beach Blanket Babylon: People Who Give A Damn

2009-06-22T14:08:07Z

Long before Reality TV poisoned the culture with an obsessive need to see people humiliated or booted off, out and so far away from the "group," there was something called reality. Remember that? It's when people, especially those in the arts, genuinely worked hard to hopefully get somewhere when all the odds were against them.

It's one of the reasons why a long-running Broadway show like A Chorus Line was embraced. Beyond the show-stopping dancing and powerful score by Marvin Hamlisch, the production was, in essence, all about what performers did for "love" -- the love they had for their art, the "craft." If we're to believe most of what we see on TV these days, the love for actually attaining something of value, something of substance, has been replaced with the love to feed the ego and the lust to feel important and better than. You never felt the culture was consumed by that (all that much) before Survivor came along, and certainly, it wasn't that out of control back when A Chorus Line made its debut in the mid-'70s.

Which is why San Francisco's Beach Blanket Babylon captured my attention (again) recently. In my ongoing mission to find people who give back, I was impressed by BBB's Scholarship for the Arts, which doles out $30,000 each year to high school students in the Bay Area.

More on that in a bit. To understand the significance of BBB "giving back," it's best to know more about the creative beast.

The show, which celebrates its 35th year this summer, was the brainchild of the late-Steve Silver, whose vision to infuse current events into a wild stage romp, came to fruition right around the same time A Chorus Line went nuclear back in New York.

What actually unfolds in BBB? Well, it's the story of Snow White trying to find her Prince Charming. It's packed with song parodies, impressions of A -- and D -- list celebs and may be best known for its mammoth headdresses, the most famous of which happens to be a model of the entire San Francisco skyline. The production nabbed some international acclaim -- it never hurts to have Queen Elizabeth as an audience member -- but most may recall a special production number from the show being included In the 1989 Oscar telecast where the late-Merv Griffin and Rob Lowe took the stage with perky Miss White in tow. (Truthfully, I enjoyed that performance but more conservative Academy members scoffed at how it (over) mocked the "Hollywood Machine." Hello -- wasn't that the point?)

In any case, BBB is, quite possibly, the most unforgettable emotional roller-coaster ride of camp and bone-tickling fun, an unstoppable force that can shrewdly embrace the nation's headlines and strip the status quo of its conservative cloaks. And all in the same kickball change. Its current incarnation features, among other things, the likes of Sarah Palin (always good for a good skit ... thank you Ms. Palin), John McCain and Amy Winehouse.

As for the Steve Silver Scholarship For The Arts winners ... I attended the showcase at Club Fugazi in early June, where a celebrity panel of judges, including actress Rita Moreno, composer Gordon Getty, San Francisco personality Jan Wahl and others selected the winners. All of the students were talented -- pure and full of integrity, something some television shows would have us believe doesn't exist in our youth.

The winners: Jessica Lester (Dance) from American High School in Fremont performing to "Hernando's Hideaway," Patrick Varner (Acting) from Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa performing a monologue from Edward Albee's The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? and Nikola Printz (Voice) from Novato High School in Novato performing My Man's Gone Now from Porgy Bess -- in a few words: American Idol who?"Wow!"

They each walked away with $10,000 each towards their college education.

In the meantime, I, and trustee cameraman Jeff Dinnell, interviewed some of BBB's castmembers after the scholarship show, as well as producer Jo Schuman Silver, Steve Silver's wife and the creative genius who has kept the man's legacy, and philanthropic efforts, alive since his death in 1995.

Take a look here or watch it below. Dive into the BBB universe at beachblanketbabylon.com.

Amy Winehouse In The Caribbean Doing Shots At 9 AM

2009-06-03T08:16:49Z

Wednesday, about 9am, at the Cotton Bay Village resort in St Lucia and Amy Winehouse is at the bar drinking her second shot of tequila of the day.

'I think I'm doing very well,' she chirrups. 'I'd normally have had six shots by now. Today I've only had two.' And she smiles - that big, heartbreaking smile which is eight parts of sorrow and two of joy.

Amy Winehouse At Work On Fashion Line

2009-05-26T10:46:37Z

Confirming British press reports, sources said Winehouse is working on a fashion line with London label PPQ, designed by Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker.

Amy Winehouse Hospitalized, Cancels Homecoming Show

2009-05-23T08:20:58Z

In what is likely a surprise to no one, Amy Winehouse has canceled plans to perform in London next week in what would have been her first U.K. appearance of the year.

The concert, scheduled to take place May 31, was one of many gigs planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her label, Island Records. It was due to be the final show of the weeklong celebration.

Lea Lane: Becoming Invisible

2009-05-21T14:09:30Z

I write this as I fly through the night, watching lightning course through thunderheads towering above the dark Caribbean. They seem close, to my right. When the bolts arc through the clouds, for a second or so the sky becomes as blue as at noon. I've seen other lightening shows up close at many thousand feet, but have never felt so strangely unafraid. I'm concentrating on another illumination, within myself.

I've spent a couple of weeks traveling with groups. I enjoy the interplay of reacting with people. Living alone, I crave this interaction and validation, and seek notice like the rest of us. I try to stay current, I joined Facebook, I may even tweet.

But more and more I'm the oldest person in the room, and try as I might to follow the talk of Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and the "older" music of the 90s, I just don't know the first thing about it. There are so many references and attitudes shared by others that I don't get now. So eyes do not meet mine as much. Everyone's younger. I can't keep up. I try, but I can't. I retreat to the outer circle and then sometimes, away to the safety of my solitude.

I'm starting to feel invisible. And mostly when it comes to men. In my day, let's say 15 years and 15 pounds ago, I knew that if I cleaned up and turned on the charm that I could successfully compete. I wasn't beautiful, but I knew how to flirt, intrigue and amuse. And men told me that I exuded a passion that was compelling and exciting. I heard it enough to believe it. I had confidence that I could catch a man's eye and hold it, when I wanted to. And sure enough, when I started seeing my late husband at the age of 56, someone whom I wanted very much, he asked me to marry him in a couple of weeks.

That time, that magical time, has passed. I'm 60-something and I still have the smile you see on my five-year old avatar, but the rest of me is inexorably fading behind it. I now feel I'm on the other side of junior high. The freckles that caused me such embarrassment at 13 have returned as age spots. The zits on my nose have been replaced by deepening wrinkles around my mouth. But instead of coming out of it on the other side as a visibly pretty girl, I see myself becoming increasingly invisible, increasingly fading out.

I've fought back. I was on a trip with two younger writers, and I was totally ignored by the male. Totally. I just kept getting blank stares as if I weren't there. I was so upset that I finally worked out a plan with the female writer, who noticed the way I was being ignored as well. We would make the man invisible. So when we sat down to dinner she asked me in detail about the interesting relationships I've had over the years. And I told them to her, in delicious detail, and to him, by default. He had to sit there. And he looked at me from then on. I had become visible. He realized I was a woman, not a shadow of a woman.

Of course many still see me clearly as a full person -- as myself: family and friends. And gay men, oh yes. If there is a higher power, it created gay men and older women, especially women who can turn a phrase and dish, into a perfect symbiosis. (I have written about my glorious gay cruise previously, when I was one of two straight women and two thousand men. Oh, those two weeks of bitchy fun, of rapt attention.) And I do get noticed by people I interact with in simple daily ways, like waiters, who love to flirt not just for tips, but because the sexual nature is removed and it's all play for both of us. I've come to love an attentive bantering waiter as much as a good meal.

But really, those whom I meet in passing often look through me, and accepting this reality has its benefits. I'm more free to express myself without worrying about how I appear doing it. I wear a kind of uniform that works for me: jeans, a tee and a jacket. I don't bother with sexy heels which used to hurt my feet. I used to do the whole bit with eyeliner. Now I often just put on sunglasses and some lipstick, comb my hair and I'm fine with it.

And invisibility is safer. My profile is lowered. I'm not afraid of much.

Some friends my age overcompensate to get the attention they once did as younger women, piling on the makeup, pouring in the Botox, shimmying into thin dresses that show too much cleavage and thigh, exercising until they become gaunt. They do get noticed, but often for the wrong reasons. But they fight in the way they know how.

It's not that I've given up, but I'm becoming more wistful and practical, concentrating on things below the surface, concentrating on seasoned skills and hard-earned wisdom. I don't need to waste much time on vanity or superficiality any more. That energy can be better spent on other things.

I'm not writing this to fish for compliments. Fading from our prime and passing the torch happens to most of us, if we're lucky enough to live long enough. I'd be content just to light up the sky, like the bolts I see tonight, every now and then. To rephrase Dylan Thomas, I'm not going gently into that good night. I will rage against the dying of the light. At least some of the time.

Amy Winehouse Cuts Short Comeback Gig

2009-05-08T23:51:47Z

LONDON — Amy Winehouse was forced to cut short a comeback gig in St. Lucia because of heavy rain.

Winehouse spokesman Chris Goodman said in a statement Saturday that the singer abandoned her performance Friday at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

Amy Winehouse Wins Injunction Against Paparazzi

2009-05-02T07:31:22Z

LONDON — Amy Winehouse has won a court order banning the paparazzi from pursuing her outside her London home, a source close to the singer's management team said Saturday.

The singer sought the order to ban photographers if they follow her or approach her within 100 meters (yards) of her home, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not directly involved in the case.

Shawn Amos: Rihanna and Chris, You Are Not Alone: Troubled Musical Couples

2009-03-19T19:17:53Z

Now that Oprah has said her piece, it's my turn to weigh in on this whole Chris Brown/Rihanna thing. There are too many sad stories of tortured, codependent celebrity relationships. Two people whose accomplishments -- however credible or not -- are completely overshadowed by their crazy, dysfunctional relationships. You look at them, and all you see is the baggage of their personal drama. This is not a part of music history that Chris and Rihanna want to join.

I don't claim to be a fan of their music, but I am a fan of peace. Folks deserve to live in peace and stability, especially in their own home. Life is short, and all of these decisions add up. We need to be making good ones: in our own lives and toward each other. Dudes need to keep their hands to themselves, stand up, and act like men. Chicks need to cut the drama, realize their full power, and use it. Wisely.

I'm glad Chris and Rihanna are taking some time to chill out and grow up. Apart. And while they're getting their heads on straight, here's a list of troubled relationships for them to study. Like I said, history is filled with couples who sold themselves short and kept each other down. Let's get back to making music that lifts us up.

Sermon over. Now I'll pass the collection plate.

GALLERY: See all the tortured musical couples

SID & NANCY
The most tragic of all the troubled rock relationships, theirs was a "Romeo and Juliet" epic played out in an alternate, drug-fueled punk universe. Nancy Spungen was a groupie who moved to London to follow the burgeoning punk scene. When Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten showed no interest, she went after Sid Vicious, the doomed bassist. Together, they quickly spiraled into every abuse imaginable. Nancy was found stabbed to death in New York's Hotel Chelsea. Sid was arrested for her murder but died of an OD before he could go to trial. They were 20 and 21 years old.

KURT & COURTNEY
The Nirvana mastermind and his wife, Courtney Love, were the John & Yoko of their day. People certainly hated Love as much as '60s Beatles fans reviled Ono. Regardless of whether she was as sinister as portrayed, the two were mutually self-destructive. Love stated that their early courtship consisted of "bonding over pharmaceuticals." They had a baby and ruled as the grunge king and queen. Then Kurt shot himself dead. Courtney has carried on her tortured freak show ever since.

IKE & TINA
Before Tina Turner was the '80s comeback queen with "What's Love Got to Do With It," she was one half of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Tina was discovered by Ike, who recorded what many consider to be the first rock 'n' roll song, "Rocket 88." Many people who care about Rihanna point to the Turners' marriage as the cautionary tale of a relationship with years of physical abuse hidden from the public. Thankfully, Tina busted loose and after a long stretch playing lounge gigs in obscurity, bounced back. Ike Turner, meanwhile, died of a cocaine overdose in 2007.

JOHN & YOKO
To many, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's relationship typifies the ultimate in codependency. To others, it's the best rock 'n' roll love story of all. However, no one can dispute that the two had their share of ups and downs, including John's famed "Lost Weekend": an 18-month binge in L.A. with Yoko's personal assistant, May Pang. Once he returned home, he never left her side. Some wish he could have at least left her out of the studio when he recorded "Double Fantasy." Admit it, you skip over the Yoko songs too.

OZZY & SHARON
Another lesson in codependency. Sharon Osbourne worked for her dad, Don Arden, who was Black Sabbath's manager. Like Sharon, her dad had a reputation for being less-than-charitable toward people with whom he disagreed. Sharon took over as Ozzy's manager when he was booted from Sabbath in '79. When your wife is your manager, many things can happen, but one thing is for certain: your wife is your manager. And if that manager is Sharon Osbourne, and you're a semi-fried, former addict named Ozzy? Well, let's just say we know who wears the bigger crucifix.

AMY & BLAKE
Amy Winehouse has more trouble as an individual than any relationship could bring her. However, her marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil (an elementary school dropout who worked as a video production assistant) comes pretty close. They got hitched in 2007, and Amy spent the next year beating on him, then confessing her love for him while torturing mice on YouTube, and then ultimately filing for divorce after he went to jail. That's a whole lotta messed-up love.

MADONNA & SEAN
Before she tortured Guy Ritchie, the Material Girl spent three years married to Sean Penn. The couple was not exactly the model of calm. Their brief union was marked by paparazzi punch-outs, public tantrums, and their teaming up on the worst film of all time, Shanghai Surprise. In fact, the movie was probably the most troubled aspect of that troubled relationship.

Caption This Photo, Vote For Tuesday's Best, See Monday's Winner

2009-03-17T20:49:18Z

Original Caption: British Singer Amy Winehouse leaves the City of Westminster Magistrates Court in west London, Tuesday, March 17, 2009, where she faces a charge of common assault over an incident at a charity ball.

TUESDAY'S FAVORITES:

MONDAY'S WINNER:

Right wing Republican sacrifices face to prevent two California lesbians from kissing. By Justice4US.

Amy Winehouse Pleads Not Guilty To Assaulting Fan

2009-03-17T08:51:31Z

LONDON — Singer Amy Winehouse turned a court appearance into a spring fashion show Tuesday as she pleaded innocent to assaulting a fan at a party last year.

The 25-year-old star known for battles with addiction and frequent run-ins with the law stepped out of a car wearing a low-cut floral mini-dress and her trademark beehive hairdo. Paparazzi flashed away at their first sighting of the diva since she returned from an extended break on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.