Quick News

Could Beck be releasing two albums in 2013? Speaking to NME, Beck said, "There is music and it's coming! I have this one record I started in 2008. It got put to the side for a long time but recently I've been mixing some of the songs. I'm not sure if they'll be singles or EPs or an album but it'll come out in some way and it sounds... sonically adventurous. I also have a record that I recorded last year in Nashville, which I may or may not finish."

Queens of the Stone Age gave an update on their new record. In a letter to Mojo magazine, Josh Homme wrote, A stitch in time will save you 9, but… There's no way we could have prepared for the journey up the river that is this album. In our grand plan, we envisioned our lives and recordings running like clockwerk [sic]. However, the reality has been manic and unpredictable. These songs aren't recollections of times we had. They are depictions of what we are going through in real time. It means even a bad event can turn into an unforgettable song. At least for us, HA. The record sound like running in a dream inside a codeine cabaret. I hope you understand what that means, cause we don't. Sounds like a load of pretentions sh..! What? Gotta go, the therapist says our time is up…"

After announcing that a record of material was "almost finished," on Facebook, Rilo Kiley sparked rumors they are reuniting. However, it is not the case. The band who split in 2011 are putting together a compilation record that is "almost finished."

Would Jason Newsted ever rejoin Metallica? Speaking to Swedish music blog, Metal Shrine, Newsted, who left the band in 2001 said, "If they were 'brofessional' about it and if they came as my brothers and they were professional with the meeting and they're sitting there and looking me in the eye and the managers aren't around. If it was like that again and the money was crazy, then I would consider it. But it would be only for that thing and it would be absolutely delegated. It would have to be these 30 shows in these 45 days for this squillion dollars. But it has to be that. I love those guys and I always will and I will defend them to the end of time. I'll always have respect for those guys, because they gave me my chance. They gave me my chance and I'll never ever forget that. Now, we've had our differences over time but that shit is under the bridge a long time ago.''

10 Best Reissues of 2012

As we close 2012 and the abundant amount of year end lists emerge, one in particular that we have never done before and tends to get overlooked are the box sets and reissues that arrived in the calendar year. Here is a small list of the 10 best reissues of the year that are worth your money, time and shelf space.

1) - GZA - Liquid Swords

The Wu-Tang Clan member reissued his landmark debut and came with one of the most brilliant packaging ideas ever, turn the CD box the set comes in into a chess set with real chess pieces. Brilliant. Oh, and the remastered tapes sound amazing too!

2) Blur - 21

Blur returned this year with a handful of shows and kicked everything off with a massive box set of all of their studio albums and equipped everything with new liner notes, tons of B-sides, demoes, and outtakes. 

3) Johnny Cash - The Columbia Years

A massive box set of The Man In Black's years at Columbia records with new liner notes, remastered audio and enough Cash to last someone a whole year.

4) Paul Simon - Graceland 25

One of the greatest albums of all time turned 25 and to celebrate a box set with remastered audio, book, and DVD called Under African Skies was placed together to remind us why three decades later, Graceland is a flawless record.

5) Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet

Andrew W.K. never does anything half assed, so when his debut turned 10, he took it on the road and created a massive box set of remastered audio, B-sides, demoes and locks of his hair. Yes, you read that correctly.

6) Rage Against the Machine - XX

RATM's landmark debut turned 20 and it made us all feel old. But, XX was released with remastered audio, B-sides, demoes, outtakes, a new book with notes by Chuck D and DVD's of the band performing made us remember that while we are old, this record is still important.

7) Massive Attack - Blue Lines

The brilliant ambient band celebrated 20 years of their amazing debut and gave fans a new spin on their classic record.

8) The Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde

The crazy hip-hop outfit released a massive box set containing all of their records remastered and with new liner notes and trip down an insane memory lane.

9) Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights

It is hard to imagine that one of NYC's post 9/11 bands released their landmark debut 10 years ago. Turn on the Bright Lights still stands as Interpol's best work and this new box set is a testament as to why. 

10) The Smashing Pumpkins - Melancholy and the Infinite Sadness

While the Pumpkins owned much of the 90's, Billy Corgan has faded into a bitter rock star with a terrible backing band behind him now. However, this new box set of the bands greatest record and one of the greatest records ever made makes us remember the power, brilliance, and creative force this band once had. 

Quick News

Editors have confirmed they are headed to Nashville to record their brand new album. The band hope to have it out in Fall of 2013.

Could Mumford & Sons do to their fans what Bob Dylan did to his at a point in his career and go electric? Speaking to Style magazine, Marcus Mumford said, ""We've always done what feels good, rather than what we've thought long and hard about, and we'll do whatever feels soulful next, whether that's with an electric guitar or a synthesizer." Keyboard player, Ben Lovett added, ""It's dangerous for us to talk about what we've been discussing for the third album, but we do have greater ambitions not to just stay within certain sonic confines. We're not going to be the band that stands for folk music or organic music."

Also seeking to experiment on their new album, Liam Gallagher spoke to The Guardian to give an update on Beady Eye's new record, which is being produced by TV on the Radio member David Sitek. Gallagher said, "I hate the word 'experimenting', but we are definitely experimenting. In five words, it's 'majestic', 'imperial', 'out there' and, er, what was the other one? Oh yeah, 'heavy.' It's different to the first. It's been heads down, none of that nonsense from the Nineties. We've got our shit together. It feels like a really special album. You know when you normally go through a door and go, 'Er, I'm not really sure about that.' Well, we've fucking booted the door off the hinges."

My Bloody Valentine confirmed via Facebook that they have finish mastering their long awaited new record. No word yet on its release, the record was supposed to arrive this month.

Lady Gaga has confirmed that she is working with Terry Richardson on a documentary about the singers life and the making of her new album, ARTPOP.

After three years apart, The Black Crowes have reunited. The southern rockers will tour the UK and Europe and North America in early 2013.

Taking to his website, legendary guitarist Tony Iommi spoke about the status of Black Sabbath. He said, "What a year! Certainly not the one I was expecting. Thanks to you all for your massive help and support, it was very encouraging. I'm still working on the album and managed to play three shows, not bad given the news a year ago. I'm looking forward to next year, seeing what you think of the record and touring as much as we're able." You can watch a clip of the band's final gig thus far, from this summers Lollapalooza festival in our 2012 Highlight Reel.

2012 Year End Reel

What a year 2012 was! Some of our favorite moments were captured on camera by RICH D SMOOV and edited together by THE CREATURE. Take a look at performances from:
Black Sabbath at Lollapalooza
At the Drive-in at Lollapalooza
Justice at Lollapalooza
Sick of it All
Chain of Strength
Pig Destroyer
Godflesh at Maryland Death Fest
Bad Brains
DJ Clark Kent
Hit Squad Reunion

Live Video of The Rolling Stones at Prudential Center

Our photographer and videographer, THE CREATURE was on hand to capture the action of The Rolling Stones at their final 50th Anniversary concert at Newark, New Jersey's Prudential Center. Take a look!

For the Live Review Click HERE
For the Live Pix Click HERE

Another Look at 2012

As the year comes to a close and The Yuppie picked the Top 10 albums of 2012, we always like to share the picks of our fantastic correspondents. Here is a look at what some of our correspondents have chosen as their favorite albums of the year.

One of our photographers and videographers, RICH D SMOOV, always has a vibrant mix. Here is his list of the 10 best of the year, in no particular order, with an Honorable Mention:

- Action Bronson / Party Supplies - Blue Chips

- QUAKERS

- Pig Destroyer - Book Burner

- The Alchemist - Russian Roulette

- Currency - Priest Andretti 

- Roc Marciano - Reloaded

- Wu Block

- JJ Doom - Key to the Kuffs

- Nas - Life is Good

- The Gaslamp Killer - Break Through

Honorable Mention : Natchtmystium - Silencing Machine

Another of our photographers, Le-La Cloutier crafted a very good Top 10 list with a few Honorable Mentions that are certainly worthy of a few listens:

1. The Lumineers
2. Alabama Shakes- Boys & Girls
3. Passion Pit- Gossamer
4. Fun.- Some Nights
5. The Temper Trap
6. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- The Heist
7. The Lighthouse and The Whaler- This is an Adventure
8. The Walkmen- Heaven
9. Mumford & Sons- Babel
10. Miike Snow- Happy to You

Honorable Mentions:

1. Bruno Mars- Unorthodox Jukebox
2. The Dig- Midnight Flowers
3. Beach House- Bloom

From across the pond comes our London correspondent, Linn Branson, who placed her Top 10 in no particular order, but all fantastic records:

CHAIRLIFT - Something
CLOCK OPERA - Ways To Forget
COLD PUMAS - Persistent Malaise
TAME IMPALA - Lonerism
DIIV - Oshin
MOON DUO - Circles
TOY
BRETON - Other People's Problems
GRIZZLY BEAR - Shields
ZULU WINTER - Language

Our New England correspondent, Shawn Grindle, ranked his Top 10 featuring the old and new of what rock and roll has to offer:

1. First Aid Kit - The Lions Roar 
2.The Lumineers 
3. Father John Misty - Fear Fun 
4.Metric - Synthetica
5.David Wax Museum - Knock Knock Get Up 
6.The Walkmen - Heaven
7.Kishi Bashi - 151a
8.Bob Dylan - Tempest
9. Hospitality
10.The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter

I'da Called Ya' Woody, Joe!

“And I heard it in his chain gang soul.

It wasn't just the same sad song.

Saying, 'Let it out, you're doing all right.'

And I'm doing all right, are you doin' all right?

And I carried these songs like a comfort wherever I'd go.” – Gaslight Anthem “I’da Called You Woody, Joe”

Born John Graham Mellor on August 21,1952 in Ankora, Turkey, the man who would become Joe Strummer would grow up like a gypsy constantly traveling around the world due to his father’s profession as a British Foreign Service diplomat. By the time Mellor was nine he was at boarding school in London and began taking and interest to American rock and roll. The music of Woody Guthrie, The Beach Boys and Little Richard would play a huge role in Mellor wanting to make music. After stints at some schools, Moller found himself in Wales when he was 21, hanging out with students from Newport College of Art. After singing in various bands, he eventually moved back to London and formed the 101ers and was known as Woody Moller. Adopting the name from Guthrie, a man who had a major impact on his songwriting and life, the 101ers became a buzz band known for their furious live shows and Moller’s passionate on-stage antics.

By 1975, the 101ers had a little band at the time that was causing a big stir known as The Sex Pistols open for them at a London gig and it was there that London SS member Mick Jones saw Moller. Jones approached Moller about starting a band and just after a few practices, Moller left the 101ers and changed his name to what we know as, Joe Strummer and the band became The Clash.

The legacy of The Clash needs no explanation and can still be seen and heard today. Yet, it was Strummer who still stands apart as Joe Strummer the front man of The Clash, or later The Mescaleros, and Strummer - the icon.

Strummer was just more than a singer and guitarist in a few rock and roll bands, he was more than just one of the founding fathers of punk, he was a man of the people. Like the men he admired, Guthrie, John Lennon, Joey Ramone and Bob Marley, Strummer gave a voice to those that needed one. His causes for social justice and change took him outside of his music with organizations like Rock Against Racism, Anti-Nazi league and was causing a stir for Apartheid to end and Nelson Mandela be free in the 80’s. In 1980, he was inspired by the Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua, that he titled The Clash’s London Calling follow-up, Sandinista. It is action on various levels from grassroots to big stages to radio, Strummer fought for justice where it needed fighting. It is for this and what he stood for is what he will always be remembered most, just as important as Joe Strummer was to music, Joe Strummer was a significant part to the public. He had given poetry to the people with his words, emotion in his music and love and integrity in his actions.

Before his death, Strummer had said “I wake up everyday and thank God for punk rock.” A clear shining light on his importance and inspiration can be found in the artists of today and the punk offspring they bring to the music world. He showed that in order to be a musician you must take up more than music, you have a voice that is being heard the world over and you can use it in very positive ways.

John Moller changed his name to Woody Moller then changed it to Joe Strummer for a more rock and roll sound and to be cool. Yet, what John, Woody and Joe never realized is that we would have called him just about anything. Today he goes by a different name, as Craig Finn of The Hold Steady has given him, “St. Joe Strummer,” a fitting tribute to an icon that was more than rock, more than punk, but Godly. In the year that would have been his 60^th birthday and the 10^th anniversary of his passing, his words and wisdom speak louder now than they ever have before.

Quick News

After the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, Metallica will move their 2013 Orion Fest from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Detroit, Michigan.

Beginning in January, Black Keys drummer Pat Carney will be getting his own Sirius XM radio show. The show title, Serious Boredom, will air the first Thursday of each month.

Indie darlings Cloud Nothings are already hard at work on the follow-up to their 2012 breakthrough record, Attack on Memory. The band hope to have a new record out in Fall 2013.

Wu Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck is teaming up with 7L and Esoteric for a new album called Czarface. The album will feature guest spots from Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz, Oh No, Mr. MotherFuckin eXquire and more. It arrives in February.

Stereophonics will release their new album, Graffiti on the Train in March.

Darlene Love on Letterman

 Get into the holiday spirit as Darlene Love performed "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on Letterman Friday night.

Ben Gibbard & Trio Ellas on Conan

Watch Ben Gibbard and Trio Ellas perform "Something's Rattling" on Conan!

Major Lazer Cover & Tracklisting

On February 19th, Diplo's Major Lazer will return with their new record, Free the Universe. Take a look at the ultra amazing album cover above and the star studded tracklisting below as well as the album trailer.

01 You're No Good [ft. Santigold, Vybz Kartel, Danielle Haim & Yasmin]
02 Jet Blue Jet [ft. Leftside, GTA, Razz & Biggy]
03 Get Free [ft. Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors]
04 Jah No Partial [ft. Flux Pavilion]
05 Wind Up [ft. Elephant Man & Opal]
06 Scare Me [ft. Peaches & Timberlee]
07 Jessica [ft. Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend]
08 Bumaye (Watch Out for This) [ft. Busy Signal & Flexican]
09 Keep Cool [ft. Shaggy & Wynter Gordon]
10 Sweat [ft. Laidback Luke & Ms. Dynamite]
11 Reach for the Stars [ft. Wyclef Jean]
12 Bubble Butt [ft. Bruno Mars, Tyga & Mystic]
13 Mashup the Dance [ft. the Partysquad & Ward 21]
14 Playground [ft. Bugle & Arama]

Playlist

December always gets the most attention since it is the end of the year but also it gets two playlist. The top of the month sees our Holiday Playlist and the end of the month, like the others, sees its regular playlist. Enjoy our 26 track list for this month and hear it on SPOTIFY! 

Palma Violets Cover & Tracklisting

British buzz band Palma Violets are set to release their self titled debut in February. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below:

1. Best of Friends
2. Step Up for the Cool Cats
3. All the Garden Birds
4. Rattlesnake Highway

5. Chicken Dippers
6. Last of the Summer Wine
7. Tom the Drum
8. Johnny Bagga' Donuts
9. I Found Love
10. Three Stars
11. 14

Quick News

According to the New York Post a spokesperson for Dave Grohl has confirmed that their will be no Nirvana reunion or tour following the surviving members performance at the 12/12/12 concert with Paul McCartney.

Speaking to Metal Hammer Lars Ulrich gave an update on the current new material Metallica is working on for the follow-up to Death Magnetic. Ulrich said, "The stuff that we were banging out yesterday, it felt heavy, it felt energetic, it was loud, it was fast, it was rocking, it was crazy," he said, adding: ''The snare drum was on there and there were guitar solos, in case anybody was wondering.''

Enter Shakari have confirmed they will begin work on a new record in the new year.

Just as we announced Patti Smith's Just Kids as our Recommended Reading for this month, the singer has confirmed a follow-up to the acclaimed autobiography. Smith will write about her marriage to MC5 guitarist Fred Smith in her sequel.

The House of Love have confirmed that their new album will be called, She Paints Words In Red, and will be released in April.

After facing assault charges during the CBGB's Festival in New York this summer, former Cro-Mags bassist Harley Flanagan is clear. The charges against him have been dropped after prosecutors dismissed the case citing insufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Posting a lengthy note on their website, Baroness member John Baizley has confirmed he is getting back into music and recovering well following the bands devastating bus accident in England over the summer. To read more about the recovery click HERE.

Following their acclaimed debut, Baby, Tribes will release a new album, Wish To Scream, in May. Take a look at the cover below:

Great Soundtracks - Once

As the holidays always signify the sharing of love and joy with friends, family and loved ones, it also brings in another event - the home stretch of the best films of the year. In 2007, the film Once became the little engine that could. A small, low budget love story that featured Glen Hansard of The Frames and Czech singer Markéta Irglová and showed how a modern day love story should be. The film, which received rave reviews across the globe, also brought attention to the films real star - the music. Combining Irish folk and rock, Once gave a new spin on what a movie musical should be.
The music even gained the films stars a Oscar® thanks to the song "Falling Slowly," and helped spawn their group, The Swell Season to headlining massive venues around the globe like the Chicago Theater and Radio City Music Hall.

While Once maybe the unofficial first album from The Swell Season, it is the bench mark that brought modern storytelling through song to new standards. Now, the music of Once takes on a whole new life as it is performed each night on The Great White Way on Broadway in the TONY Award winning musical of the same name.

Recommended Reading - Just Kids

Patti Smith has made a career out of her way with words, but in 2010 the punk-poet made a new path for herself. In her memoir, Just Kids, which chronicles her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorp and their chance encounter together that changed both of their lives. The became each other's creative muses and began the bohemian journey of love together through Manhattan's Chelsea district and Lower East Side. Smith writes about the unconditional and passionate love that some believe only exists in the movies, yet, she proves it happened in real life. Just Kids received high acclaim and high honors immediately when it was released and even was one of New York Times best sellers of 2010.

Live Pix - The Rolling Stones @ Prudential Center

As we reviewed this past weekend, The Rolling Stones played their final anniversary concert in Newark, New Jersey. Our very own photographer, THE CREATURE, was on hand to capture the action. 

 The Stones with Lady Gaga

 The Stones with John Mayer and Gary Clarke Jr.

 With The Black Keys

 With Bruce Springsteen

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Quick News

Members of Garbage have confirmed to Rolling Stone that the band will work on the follow-up to this years comeback record, Not Your Kind of People, in January.

Speaking to The Guardian, Frank Ocean hinted that he may not make another record. The singer, who released one of the years best, Channel Orange, said, "Storytelling's a different thing. It's the more interesting part about making music for me, or making albums and songs and stuff. So much so that I might not make another album. I might just write a novel next. I don't know!"

The Gaslight Anthem, who released our top album of the year, has had an amazing 2012 are already thinking about working on their next record. Speaking to Rolling Stone, singer Brian Fallon discussed about what the band's next album might sound like. "We're searching for something new to do with songwriting, rather than just piecing together verses and choruses in more of a traditional sense," he said. "We're looking for some other thing – not some other genre, but something else. And it might not be the favorite of everyone, but [it] might be the 'weird' album coming up. I'm pretty sure it is." Then again, he isn't willing to call his shot just yet. "Every time I end up saying what I think it always ends up being different," he said.

Live Pix - Diablo Fest @ Webster Hall

This past weekend Webster Hall hosted the second annual Diablo Fest featuring some of the best in NYHC and hip-hop. Our very own RICH D SMOOV was on hand to capture some of the action. Take a look.

Stigma

Sub Zero

The Beatnuts

Crown of Thornz

EXCLUSIVE! Ceremony INTV!

After having the most successful year of their career so far, bay area hardcore heroes Ceremony released one of the years best records, Zoo, and became one of the biggest buzz names in music. From slaughtering live shows, to a tour that had them open for OFF!, and Titus Andronicus and being hand selected by Refused to open one of their reunion concerts, to craze around their single "Hysteria," Ceremony can look back at 2012 and smile. We spoke to bassist Andy Nelson about the bands acclaim, their history and their influences. Take a look.

Unlike many hardcore bands today, Ceremony combines melodies as well as brutal power to your sound. Who are some of your influences?

Wire, Black Flag, The Cramps, The Fall, The Stooges, Gang Of Four are some direct influences on the band.

In the beginning, you used to cover Joy Division’s “Ceremony,” did you play it like the band did or did you make it your own style?

We've sampled it but we've never been brave enough to cover it. We're not that good.

From that song is that where you got your name?

Of course.

Being in the business so long, what advise would you give to anyone who wants to start a band today?

Any advice I would give would probably stunt success for most bands like writing good songs, staying away from social media, not getting caught up with partying. I can go on forever but there are plenty of big bands who don't practice any of those things.

In the seven years you have been around you have managed to release a record nearly every year. Do you ever find you are at a loss of words for things to make music about?

I don't think so. It's actually gotten easier.

The new record, Zoo, has received much praise, how do you respond to it?

We're very excited for all of the positive reviews. We like when people like our records.

You released Zoo on Matador Records, how does it feel to be apart of the Matador family? Who is your favorite artist from the label?

That is a really good question. Belle and Sebastian, probably. Interpol are great. I love the new Cold Cave record. Andy would probably say Chavez.

 Much like Rohnert Park, Zoo is also a departure in your abrasive style; the change has caught many by surprise. Where those your intentions?

Not at all. No change in sound is or has ever been a conscious effort. We write and stop when we think it sounds good.

Your song “Sick,” seems to have been a foreshadowing of these changes in your aesthetic. You mention how you were sick of Black Flag and sick of Cro-mags, were you sick of the scene and genre all together?

No, not really. The Black Flag/Cro-Mags line is tongue and cheek. Sometimes you're just sick of everything.

 What has always been amazing about Ceremony is that you cater to make music for you and not to a certain scene or group of people and if your fans follow you, they follow you. So far it has been successful for you, do you wish you saw more bands adopt this?

I wished I saw more bands that were focused on the music and not all of the other shit that goes along with being in a band. I started playing music for love of the art and performing, not for any sort of status.

What did you learn about yourselves as a band while making Zoo that you did not know before?

I learned that Ross didn't have to scream to sound awesome !

How did you find out you were opening for Refused?

The promoter asked if we would be interested and then a month later gave us a formal offer.

Did Refused have an influence on you when you were starting out?

Not really. I really like Refused and respect what they do but they haven't directly influenced our music.

What has been the best thing about being in this band thus far?

Making 'Zoo'

Live Review - The Rolling Stones @ Prudential Center

They have been a band longer than they haven’t. They have survived the changing trends in music for nearly six decades. They withstood various line-up changes, and even the death of a band member. Yet, like a fine wine, The Rolling Stones have gotten better with age. When they first emerged it was evident straight away that this band from London was not going to do anything quietly, they were going to make the loudest, fastest, most hard charging rock and blues songs the world had ever heard. With a vast history like The Stones, it is no surprise that on their golden anniversary, they crafted a rock and roll circus that had the whole world trying to get in. With only five concerts to celebrate 50 years together -- two in London, one in Brooklyn and two in Newark, New Jersey, The Rolling Stones gave their biggest bang on their final night of a special five-night anniversary tour.

A spectacle that was televised around the world via Pay-Per-View and even its own E! red carpet, the audience Saturday night in Newark knew that whatever was in store for them was going to be something of epic rock and roll proportions. As the house lights dimmed and a montage of clips from famous fans like Iggy Pop, Johnny Depp, Elton John discussing what the Stones mean to them, it was affirmation that this band have touched generations and their colleagues. When the montage ended, a drum core dressed in gorilla masks that resemble the cover of the band’s latest compilation of hits, GRRR!, marched down the aisles of the Prudential Center playing a riff off “Sympathy for the Devil,” and immediately had everyone in awe before The Stones took the stage. Opening with “Get Off My Cloud,” it was officially show time.

Mick, Ronnie, Charlie, and Keef, backed by Darryl Jones on bass, a trio of backup singers and various saxophonists that included Bobby Keys and keyboardists, set out to perform the gig of their exciting lives. After rave reviews from London, Brooklyn, and their first Newark show earlier in the week, this final wrap-up had to be better, it had to be bigger, it had to be louder, it had to be something more than just a Rolling Stones concert, it had to a night that every high paying customer would never forget. It was a concert that stood out like a sore thumb before a note was played with an announcement that special guest Lady Gaga, The Black Keys, and the legendary Bruce Springsteen would be on stage with the iconic Brit band.

It was hit after hit from “The Last Time,” “It’s Only Rock and Roll,” and “Paint it Black,” the crowd were at their feet and The Stones were just getting warmed up. As the opening chords to the thunderous “Gimme Shelter,” were strummed, Mick introduced Lady Gaga to belt out the chorus. Mother Monster and Jagger went toe-to-toe on dance moves and Gaga simply sounded the best she ever has and should seriously consider making a rock and roll record, she has the pipes for it.

While this was a rock and roll extravaganza, Jagger ushered in a painful reality before playing “Wild Horses.” Speaking on the tragic shooting in Newton, Connecticut, he said, "I just wanted to take a minute and send our love and condolences to those who lost their loved ones yesterday in Connecticut.” Many were in tears and others applauded vigorously, it is a hard topic to cover at a concert, but as this was being broadcasted around the globe, it was a message that was heard loud and clear.

As the show continued, two special unannounced guests were welcomed -- John Mayer and Gary Clarke Jr., for a guitar summit of “Going Down.” While Jagger had the show and crowd in his hands, it was now time for Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards to show their chops, especially in front of the younger generation. While Mayer had no stage presence, his skills are something to admire but were no match for Wood, Clarke, and Richards. Then after the fans voted to hear “Dead Flowers,” it was time for The Black Keys to hit the stage for a cover of Bo Diddly’s “Who Do You Love.” The Keys’ basic garage rock coupled with The Stones shredding sounds were a great mash-up and collaboration, it is something many would hope could lead to more ventures with both bands. With all of these guests so far, it was beginning to make the 12/12/12 Sandy concert a distant memory.

After a slew of tracks that included their new cuts, “Doom and Gloom,” and “One More Shot,” it was time for the band to welcome back one of their former members, the amazing Mick Taylor for “Midnight Rambler.” Taylor, who joined the band at every anniversary gig but their Brooklyn concert, seemed to have the time of his life. The only thing that anyone could wonder if at these moments back on stage if he ever regretted leaving the band in the first place. As the crowd cheered to see Taylor with Wood and Richards jamming away, it was time to reset and “Start Me Up,” exploded into the audience’s ears. With the crowd singing away, the party was showing no signs of stopping as New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen came on stage to perform “Tumbling Dice,” a truly unforgettable moment in time that cemented the fact that these legends will get anyone to play with them if they believe they are worthy. Even drummer Charlie Watts had a smile from ear-to-ear with Springsteen on stage.

In a setlist that spanned over 20 songs in over two-and-a-half hours, The Stones kept rolling with the surprises as the Choir of Trinity Wall Street came out for “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” While many protested, including myself, over the high ticket prices, it is rare that one could walk away and say this was worth every penny and more, but it simply was. This concert will be embedded in my memory forever and was an experience second to none.

Setting out to do exactly what they did 50 years ago -- play loud fast, hard charging rock and blues, The Rolling Stones showed they still got it. If not for the wrinkles on their faces, you would never know these gentlemen were in their 60’s and after the lives they have lived, the fact that they are still going and going this strong, every young band today needs to take note – this is how it is done, I know it’s only rock and roll, but I like it. 

The Rolling Stones Prudential Center Set List 12/15/12:

 Get Off Of My Cloud

The Last Time

It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)

Paint It Black

Gimme Shelter (with Lady Gaga)

Wild Horses

Going Down (with John Mayer and Gary Clark Jnr)

Dead Flowers 

Who Do You Love (with The Black Keys)

Doom And Gloom

One More Shot

Miss You

Honky Tonk Women

Before They Make Me Run

Happy

Midnight Rambler (with Mick Taylor)

Start Me Up

Tumbling Dice (with Bruce Springsteen)

Brown Sugar

Sympathy For The Devil

ENCORES

You Can’t Always Get What You Want (with the Choir of Trinity Wall Street)

Jumpin’ Jack Flash

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

Quick News

Hurts have announced they will release their new album, Exile, on March 3.

Following their 12/12/12 performance, Paul McCartney and the surviving members of Nirvana, performed again on Saturday night for Saturday Night Live. Their song, "Cut Me Some Slack," will be featured on the soundtrack to Dave Grohl's documentary on Sound City studios.

The Heartbreaks have recorded a cover of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" and are giving it away as a free download. You can get it HERE.

The Knife have announced that they will release their new album, Shaking The Habitual, next year.

Little Boots, who has been rather quiet since the release of her 2008 debut, has confirmed she will release a new album in 2013.

New York via London electro-rockers Living Days will release their new record next year, as well.

Foals released the cover to their new album, Holy Fire. Take a look at the cover below:

Dan Deacon on Kimmel

Watch party starter Dan Deacon use an app and light up the crowd on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Ryan Adams on Conan

Watch Ryan Adams perform "Shining Through the Dark" on Conan.

Officially A Icon - Questlove

After we introduced this new award and superlative last year during our five year anniversary and name the fist recipient Damon Albarn, we knew we had to follow-up Albarn's image and legacy and raise the bar with someone really special.

From backing The Roots for nearly four decades, appearing every night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, running Okayplayer records, DJing, producing, owning a clothing store,  making his stance known on social issues, curating the annual Roots picnic each summer and now teaching at NYU - Questlove of The Roots is officially a icon.

Questlove, like Albarn, casts a wide net in the music world while doing so much. From producing D'Angelo's new record, to getting himself involved in charity gigs and taking hip-hop to a whole other level. From his vast knowledge of rock, soul, blues, funk, and hip-hop, Questlove has led The Roots to massive acclaim and manages to morph his way into any sound and style. Always open to the latest trends in music but never brushing over the legends and icons of the past - those popular and those underrated, Questlove gives his love and life to music and for that, he is our icon.

Grizzly Bear on Letterman

While the 12/12/12 concert was happening, up the street Grizzly Bear returned to Ed Sullivan Theater and perform on Letterman!

Chris Martin & Michael Stipe at 12/12/12

One of the many surprises and amazing moments from the 12/12/12 concert was Coldplay's Chris Martin bringing Michael Stipe "out of retirement," to perform the R.E.M. staple, "Losing my Religion." Take a look!

Rodger Waters & Eddie Vedder at 12/12/12

At the all-star 12/12/12 concert to benefit Hurricane Sandy victims, Rodger Waters and Eddie Vedder did a duet on the Pink Floyd classic, "Comfortably Numb." Take a look!

Paul McCartney & Nirvana

Watch Sir Paul front the surviving members of Nirvana - Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear perform a new song called "Cut Me Some Slack."

Quick News

Sad news to report, virtuoso Indian musician and musical muse to many, Ravi Shankar passed away at age 92.

Depeche Mode have confirmed they will release their new album in March and have signed to Columbia Records.

The xx have curated three day festivals in Europe for next summer called "Night and Day." They are playing in Portugal, Germany, and UK. Each festival will have a different line-up and will be headlined each night by The xx.

Swedish House Mafia announced a "Black Tie" charity concert at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom with all proceeds going to Hurricane Sandy relief. The trio are auctioning tickets and will take place in February.

Public Enemy, Rush, Heart, Donna Summer, and Randy Newman are among the inductees to the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Following the indictment of Lamb of God singer Randy Blythe, the U.S. State Department has responded to a petition on WhiteHouse.gov on manslaughter charges Blythe faces in the Czech Republic.  Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, said in a statement, "Pending Mr. Blythe's trial, we cannot discuss the details of his case. We are closely monitoring the progress of his trial."

AWOLNATION on Letterman

Watch buzz band AWOLNATION perform on Letterman from Tuesday night!

Fitz & the Tantrums Christmas Download

Fitz and the Tantrums are giving away their amazing Christmas single, "Santa Stole My Lady." You can download the track simply following the widget above and then rock out with your mistletoe out!

Solange on Fallon

Watch Solange perform "Losing You," on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon!

Jack White on Conan!

Watch Jack White and his all female back-up band perform "I'm Shakin'" on Conan!

Frank Ocean Covers Radiohead

At a Spotify event in New York City, Frank Ocean (who has one of the years best records) covered Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees" after performing his own track "Voodoo." Take a look!

Pet Shop Boys BBC Radio 2 Concert

 Last week the legendary Pet Shop Boys performed with Johnny Marr and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as part of a special BBC Radio 2 broadcast. Now, thanks to YouTube user, hipsterdisco2, you can hear the full concert.

Gaslight Anthem & Jakob Dylan @ Almost Acoustic Christmas

 Watch the band who had our pick of Album of the Year—The Gaslight Anthem get joined on stage by The Wallflowers' Jakob Dylan and perform "45" at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas in California.

Quick News

It has been confirmed that The Rolling Stones will be joined by Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and The Black Keys at their final 50th Anniversary concert in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday night.

Dave Grohl has confirmed he will not be touring with Queens of the Stone Age behind their new record, which he is playing drums on. The album is set for release next year.

Speaking to The New Yorker, Trent Reznor gave a massive update on Nine Inch Nails and other projects he is working on. In 2014 Nine Inch Nails will release a career spanning greatest hits record that will feature two brand new tracks. A new NIN album is set to follow. Reznor, who is also working with the same people behind Beats By Dre, unveiled he and that team are creating a new music streaming service called Daisy. Daisy, which is set to launch in early 2013, he said, "uses mathematics to offer suggestions to the listener... [but also] would present choices based partly on suggestions made by connoisseurs, making it a platform in which the machine and the human would collide more intimately." In the article, when asked how Daisy compares to Spotify, he said, "Here's sixteen million licensed pieces of music,’ they’ve said, but you’re not stumbling into anything. What's missing is a service that adds a layer of intelligent curation. That first wave of music presentation which felt magical, the one where the songs are chosen by algorithms that know who you listened to... has begun to feel synthetic."

2012 The Albums - Top 10

So here is is folks, the final and definitive list to close out the year. 2012 has been an astonishing year for music as EDM made its way into the main stream, a hologram Tupac arrived at Coachella, Dave Grohl told musicians and artists around the world that the sound they make should come from their hearts and mind and not from technology. Long after she released 21, Adele still was the biggest name on the charts and Gotye took the world by storm with "Somebody That I Used To Know." It was a year that started off with two exciting reunions from punks that no one thought would ever play again - Refused and At the Drive-in, and of course The Rolling Stones rolled into their 50th year. It was also the year we lost Adam "MCA" Yauch of Beastie Boys and Whitney Houston, while their voices were silenced, their music will always live on. So, while we have a couple weeks before we see if the Mayans were correct about the end of the world, lets take a look at the 10 best albums of the year. 

In Short Form:

10 - Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips

9 - Bloc Party - Four

8 - Hot Water Music - Exister

7 - The Heartbreaks - Funtimes

6 - The xx - Coexist

5 - Deftones - Koi No Yokan

4 - Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

3 - Nas - Life is Good

2 - Spiritualized - Sweet Heart, Sweet Light

1 - The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten 

In Long Form With Explanations:

10. Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips

Over the last few years we have seen the art of the mixtape evolve as something that producers would assemble to get emcees they were working with more exposure and vice versa. Now, the art of the mixtape has become more of a statement and declaration for an emcee or crew to say "here I am." The thing about mixtapes is that its not scripted, it is raw off the cuff lyrical flow with beats provided by a production wiz. We have seen what mixtapes can do thanks to the success of Odd Future, The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, Azealia Banks, and more. However, no one has mastered the art of the mixtape like Action Bronson. The Queens chef-turned-rapper turned heads in 2011 after releasing his brilliant mixtapes Well Done and Bon Appetite...Bitch, where he rapped about food, women, weed, and delivered it in a cadence that took people by surprise since he was not a trained emcee. In 2012 Bronson released two mixtapes, his most recent, a joint venture with The Alchemist called Rare Chandeliers and his earlier tape with Party Supplies called Blue Chips. Bronson and Party Supplies crafted a tape that sounded more like a studio album than freestyles and beats thrown together. While Bronson is set for a big 2013, he has clearly made his mark this year and Blue Chips is one of the reasons.

Key Tracks: Pouches of Tuna feat. Roc Marciano, Steve Wynn

9. Bloc Party - Four

A reunion and record that not many would think could or would happen after the drama that unfolded since Bloc Party's last record in 2009. Like many bands that reach massive success, Bloc Party fell into the gaping void of "What direction do we take this band in," while there was a dividing line among the members of the band, they went on hiatus, did different things, then regrouped and rumors flew that singer Kele Okereke was not involved in the making of a new Bloc Party record. Well, that all changed and Kele and the boys are now back and Four is their declaration saying they are not going anywhere. This record was clearly for the fans, if you were a fan of their guitar driven Britpop or their electro rock or straight electronica sound, Four had it all and showed where they will be going next. A refreshing, fun, and exciting Bloc Party album - which is everything this band stands for.

Key Tracks: So He Begins to Lie, We're Not Good People

8. Hot Water Music - Exister

Since Florida's Hot Water Music regrouped a few years ago and became the touring band we loved them for, all anyone could wonder is if they would ever make a new record again? Well, that thought was answered earlier this year when they released their best album to date - Exister. The abrasive punks returned full throttle and reinvigorated everything about themselves as a band and their fans could not be happier. The band has never sounded this good and still look like they have enough gas in their tank to sustain this excitement for a very long time. 

Key Tracks: State of Grace, Exister 

7. The Heartbreaks - Funtimes

You spoke and we listened - our readers named The Heartbreaks 2012's Best New Artist and anyone who has heard this band before or since will understand why. The Britpop band from northern England has crafted one of the best debuts of the year and the most perfect pop / rock album in years. I dare anyone to find a record this catchy and this organic that was created by a rock and roll band since the The Smiths. Funtimes has it all - a record of love, loss, desperation, yearning, and one night stands thrown over slick guitars, tantalizing vocals, and catchy rhythms. Funtimes is the most fun you will have listening to any record that came out all year.

Key Tracks: Jealous, Don't You Know, Delay, Delay 

6. The xx - Coexist 

Who would have thought that the follow-up to The xx's acclaimed 2009 debut would be just as good, if not better? The xx have managed to make a career doing very little with sound but also doing so much. If their debut was the awkward moment when you realize you have fallen in love with your best friend, Coexist is the next step on what you do with that crush and affection. It is a much more intimate, dynamic, and sonically beautiful record that will lead young lovers to acting on their emotions.

Key Tracks: Sunset, Tides

5. Deftones- Koi No Yokan

Koi No Yokan, which translates from Japanese to “the sense upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall into love,” clings to its meaning. After its first listen, Koi No Yokan is without a doubt one of the best albums of the Sacramento, California post-hardcore legends career. As we mentioned when the band returned in 2010 with the phenomenal Diamond Eyes, a record about bassist Chi Cheng, who has been in a coma since 2008 following a devastating car accident, the band have taken their tragedy and channeled it into some of the greatest music and sounds of their career. This album continues that path and as we all hope and pray for Cheng to recover, the Deftones will continue their musical path of destruction in the absense of their brothers wake.
Key Tracks: Poltergeist, Tempest 

4. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Nobody had a better year than Frank Ocean. Plain and simple. The Odd Future crooner's solo debut was one of the most anticipated of the year and after bravely coming out of the closet, Channel Orange was embraced by everyone that heard it and took Ocean's profile to another level. From a headlining slot at Lollapalooza to in demand performances to being nominated for a slew of Grammy's, Frank Ocean is showing that he is more than just hype or a headline, he is as real and as talented as they come. A voice that has not been this impressive from a young man or filled with this much soul since D'Angelo bursted on the scene, at the rate he is going, Ocean could reach legendary status like Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross before he is even 30 - but we are trying not to get ahead of ourselves, we just hope for the best, but the possibilities with this guy seem to be endless and deserving.
Key Tracks: Pyramids, Bad Religion

3. Nas - Life is Good
Last year, Jay-Z & Kanye West released Watch the Throne, as two of the hottest emcee’s in hip-hop, it was safe to say the “Throne” was theirs, however, thanks to Nas’ latest, it is time for Jay & ‘Ye rewatch the throne as Queens' finest came out swinging and proved to be a strong contender. In one of the greatest comeback albums of all time and the best hip-hop record of the year and of his career, Nas hits on every verse and track for the first time since his 90’s prime. Mixing styles heard today in most contemporary artists in the genre, his own blend of lyrical power and a return to form that made him a household name two decades ago, Nas spits on everything from social issues, his public break-up with Kelis (even showing off her wedding dress on the front cover), being a father, battling record labels and most of all, showing and proving he still has got it.
Key Tracks: A Queens Story, The Don

2. Spiritualized - Sweet Heart, Sweet Light
Spiritualized has always loved to remain mysterious and a musical enigma. Very little is known about the records J. Pierce or J. Spaceman (depending on his mood) makes or if he is even making them. So, in a day and age when social media exploits everyones minutes and seconds, it tends to be refreshing when a project arrives from an artist that you know little about. Sweet Heart, Sweet Light is Spiritualized's latest serving of a psychedelic rock opera that proved to be his best since 1997's epic, Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Outer Space. Originally to be titled, Huh? - hence the album cover, Spiritualized later changed it to a line from the song "Hey Jane," which says "Sweet Heart, Sweet Light," yet, still managed to keep the confusing molecule logo as the albums sleeve. Whatever the story may be behind the albums title, it is a sure fire sonic adventure into the musical odyssey thanks to one of Britians most reclusive and brilliant musicians.
Key Tracks: Hey Jane, Get What You Deserve 

1. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
It is almost poetic that in the year that Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast of America, the years best record comes from a rock and roll band from the Jersey Shore. With roots in Jersey punk and influence from classic rock and grunge, The Gaslight Anthem took everything inside and poured it out in the best rock and roll album of the year and a record that will manage to give a listener chills at every listen. This is a band that have never been afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeve and express their love of classic cars, pin-up girls, vintage art, and the American dream. These are blue collar guys from blue collar backgrounds who had enough luck and courage to get to where they are today and Handwritten is a testament to their hard work. With four albums under their belt now and love from their heroes like Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Metallica, The Gaslight Anthem are making their way for a successful and very long career. Praised as one of the best live bands around and one of the most passionate, they took the excitement of their live gigs and channeled it into steamrolling rock and roll album...with every word handwritten.
Key Tracks: Handwritten, National Anthem

So that is it folks, the 2012's 10 Best. See you next year, in the meantime take a look at the other awards we gave out for our annual end of the year music lists:

2012 Best New Artist
2012 Honorable Mentions
2012 League of Their Own