Today's Pick

Christina Perri has just released a gravity defying epic video for her single, "Arms," the lead single from Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter's upcoming debut album, "Lovestrong" will be released on May 10. Last July, a struggling Perri was asked to perform a song she had written, a defiant break-up anthem called "Jar of Hearts," on the Fox show "So You Think You Can Dance." Her performance catapulted the 24-year-old Philadelphia native into the public eye, her song went on to sell a million downloads and she landed a deal with Atlantic Records.
And here she is again, follow-up her successful of the heartbreaking debut single "Jar of Hearts," "Arms," is another beautiful ballad and a great uptempo pop/rock song and built around a piano melody. Perri explained "'Arms' is about the fight between your heart and your mind. Your heart wants to be loved but your head is always telling you reasons not to be with him or her, or how you are not worth the love. It's about the struggle and finally giving in when you're wrapped in their arms. Then you get it. Then you feel loved and love wins." The song speaks to me of love and appreciation, and Perri's distinctive voice this time wrapped around a more upbeat point of view.
Conceptually, the Budding star's dream-sequence video is a winner - Perri's narrator wanders restlessly across air, sea, and land, and only finds peace beside her love. Not bad for a song about faith in love ultimately overcoming an urge to flee born of insecurity and fear! But while Perri's arms communicate plenty about what's changed, framing the shots identically would have been particularly potent. The execution is similarly spotty throughout. When Perri floats into the air, wrapped in her sheet, the sequence seems neither real nor dream-unreal enough. But once she plunges underwater and is rescued by her band, the video regains momentum.
The rain doesn't hurt, but it doesn't seem particularly necessary either. Perri and band can communicate the song's emotions powerfully without high-concept trappings, so even when the visuals are effective, they're ancillary. And when they're not effective, they're really distracting. The video was shot over a two-day period that Perri described as "a two-day shoot that kicked my ass so hard." Perri had co-written the video treatment herself. Speaking of the concept of the video, Perri stated that she took a physical pummeling as she played a super-hero during the shoot, where she jokingly added "I don't know why I think I'm an action hero."

With the fastest rising single of his career racing up the charts, 'Nashville Star' winner and old soul Chris Young has just released a makeout-filled new video for "Tomorrow." The impassioned love tune, might be the most traditional song you hear on country radio in 2011, was released in February as seventh single release of his career, and the lead single from Young's upcoming third studio album, "Neon," due in stores this summer.
The song is actually a tender, lovelorn ballad that tugs unmercifully at your heart strings, no matter how stoic or emotionally thick-skinned you might be. With "Tomorrow," he's singing about a more fully-formed adult dilemma, and it's about how agonizing it is to tear yourself away from a deteriorating relationship and how you cling to it for one final night before walking away. "Tomorrow" centers around a tired theme - "I'm gonna love you like there's no tomorrow" – but he fits it with a twist. One of the most promising young acts in the genre, the Middle Tennessee native and recent Grammy Award nominee has struggled at times to find songs worthy of his talent.
Young, sounding emotionally drained from the experience, feels compelled to do the right thing and let his lover go. He neatly sums up the story of their volatile relationship. Though their rocky romance is addictive, he decides it's time to free himself of the angry fights and frayed nerves that go along with it. This bittersweet message is wrapped up with plenty of fiddle and steel, and the addition of electric guitar in key moments gives "Tomorrow" a strong push forward. With his rich, warm baritone and penchant for writing classic songs, Young makes for one of country's finest voices, offers an emotionally restrained performance that expresses his anguish without any lung-busting trills.
Directed by Trey Fanjoy, the video for "Tomorrow" was shot last month at a farmhouse in Liberty, Tennessee. It features Young, who was recently crowned Country Weekly's Hottest Bachelor, as a man who knows a fiery relationship isn't right for either person but still doesn't want to let go of the woman he loves. The 25-year-old country star and his female co-star act out the song about a couple that just knows their relationship is doomed. We've all had one of those relationships, where it's damn near impossible to let go even when it's for the best, and that's what gives the song such a universal appeal.

Stevie Nicks is back in fantastical form with her new video for "Secret Love," the enchanting first single from her upcoming album "In Your Dreams" due out on May 3. The gold dust woman hasn't faded one bit! At 62, iconic Fleetwood Mac frontwoman has turned out the finest solo album of her four-decade career. It's powered by her unmistakable, ageless vocals and intricate storytelling. Nicks has been noted for her ethereal visual style and symbolic lyrics, and she has never disappointed. With "Secret Love," she brings it again!
The song itself, about a fraught, clandestine love affair, was written in 1975, at a time when Nicks had just broken up. It is allegedly one of her rock star lovers past and the one that Nicks dug out of her trunks of older tunes, and it bears her classic notes of nostalgia, romance, lost love and also a sense of haughty confidence. It seems to be about one of her rock-star beaus, although she coyly maintains she can't remember which one. Yet it isn't even one of the better tracks on "In Your Dreams." "It must have been secret because I wrote it, recorded it and put it in a box," she muses. "The words are kind of odd."
The video, too, is out of the ordinary. It was filmed in Nicks's house and backyard during the recording of "In Your Dreams," and helmed by Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart. Her goddaughter, Kelly, makes an appearance as young Nicks. "Sparkly and eerie and kinda creepy" is how Nicks describes her video. It features younger and older versions of Nicks, a white horse, a sinister photographer and ghostly appearances and disappearances - clearly the singer who calls her publishing company Welsh Witch is back and in good form. "I wanted to make it like my younger 25-year-old spirit blending with my 62-year-old spirit," she offers. "Sometimes your young self, when you look back, is not very much different than your older self." Indeed, despite the song's older genesis, "Secret Love" perfectly fits Nicks's shiny new sound.
The irrefutable queen of rock, Nicks has always been a little quirky, with her mystical garb, ornate gowns, and knack for witchy practices lyrics, and she's garnered herself a devout queer following over the years. Despite her success, she's always exuded a certain "otherness," defying convention and conformity, as with many of our beloved icons. The instantly recognizable voice and songwriting talent of Nicks has solidified her place as one of rock's most successful female artists. And for good reason. One listen to her new single, "Secret Love," and you realize what a talent she really is.

Spare folkie William Fitzsimmons has released an artsy black and white video for his latest single, "Beautiful Girl," taken from the erstwhile psychologist's fifth album, "Gold in the Shadows," which reflects the Philadelphia born singer-songwriter's struggles and revelations since his divorce. The album isn't scary in any traditionally dissonant, noise-muck sense; but his eerily serene whisper is like keen phantom to those who have endured heartache, the rolling strains of acoustic guitar working in tandem with the lyrics of a broken man.
The clip provides a sombre accompaniment to the hushed acoustic ballad, making for a tastefully done video that suits the track well. Confronting the specters of past mistakes, the softly strummed guitars, gentle piano keys and wistful vocals accompany nostalgia riddled footage of a young girl as she grows up from a kid with a scraped knee to an old woman.
Perhaps best known for his songs "Passion Play" and "Please Don't Go", which aired during pivotal scenes in ABC's medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." The prodigiously bearded musician was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is now based in Jacksonville, Illinois. Fitzsimmons was born to blind parents, but they imparted a love of music to the therapist-turned-folk singer. So he grew up reacting more to sounds rather than sights. He is a serene sounds of songwriter with vision!
The folk artist's songs quickly find their way into your heart, if not through your head then through each song's subtle expose of life's emotional tribulations. Fitzsimmons is life-tuned to sensing the nuances that many people miss but whose telling truths are immediately evident in the first listen. Fitzsimmons is kind of a chronic over-sharer. But that's his charm, what draws people in, in addition to music being a his own healing force. Fans and most of his critics embrace his works for their expressive originality and courage.
"Beautiful Girl" is a simple song with a delicate message. It pulls at listeners' heartstrings from beginning to end; the strumming of an acoustic guitar welcomes Fitzsimmons' classic singer-songwriter vocals, and as the keys come forward, "Beautiful Girl" fills a room, and sprits, with warmth. Fitzsimmons has the ability to reach an audience on a deeply personal level. He says "Beautiful Girl" is an encouragement to those who suffer anorexia. It's hits close to home, considering he's "one of the few and the unproud" 5-10% of males who suffer from the eating disorder. "Psychasthenia" also touches on "one of my other personal diagnosis," obsessive compulsive disorder. "I love going as deep as I possibly can."

Country newcomer Margaret Durante is quickly becoming one of the hottest new stars in country music. She has just released her brand-new video for the catchy "Maybe Tonight," has already been creating a buzz at country radio prior to its official release on April 19. It is the title track from her four-song EP. It showcases her stellar vocal range on the collection and is also a sample of what's to come on her full length album, "Words On Frosted Glass," that's due out late summer or early fall.
The 22-year-old Maryland native relocated to Nashville three years ago to pursue her music full-time. Durante, a gifted songwriter and talented singer, takes pride in her role in country music and hopes to be someone kids can look up to and emulate. She has the triple threat: She's got a strong, vibrant voice; her gift of music and penchant for lyrics stands out among her contemporaries, and she's beautiful-not just on the outside, but inside as well.
"Maybe Tonight" that she describes as 'fun and flirty,' has an infectious melody and the harmonies and production are really good. It's lighthearted and flirty and entertaining. "And sort of an icebreaker. And I wanted to show that fun side of my personality with this song. I wrote it with Blair Daily and Rachel Proctor," explains the rising country star. "I was in the beginning of a new relationship, and I always draw from my own experiences. I wanted to show the excitement of the early stages of a relationship." The song shows off her strong and soulful alto as she sings playful lyrics about hoping for the best with an unrequited love. It's a song that, given the right mojo at radio, will be a breakthrough hit for Durante.
The whimsical video was shot in downtown Nashville, but Durante explains she wants the viewer to feel like it could be any town, conjuring memories all of us have about budding romance. It's every kid's dream: "We turned an old school bus into a traveling cupcake shop!" Durante tells The Boot of her brand-new video: "I play a hippie who takes this old bus from city to city, and this guy comes to see her everyday, trying to catch her attention." Durante channels that excitement through a little choreography in the clip, something rarely seen in country music. But the blond beauty isn't trying to be Nashville's answer to Britney Spears; rather she wanted to add a unique theatrical element to help bring the song's lyrics to life.

German-based Eurodance project Novaspace is back this year with a new single called "Don't look back," and the 4th song with Jenny Marsala as vocalist. Originated in 2002 by the record producer Felix Gauder, and it's a big name in eurodance industry, and covered several 1980s hits, such as "Time After Time," "Guardian Angel" and "Beds Are Burning." They have reached the Top 20 in Germany, Austria and Australia.
Sometimes all it takes is covering the right '80s hit single to birth an international Dance hit, and the out-of-this-world dance project did exactly that when they formed in 2002. Marsala was choose after Felix saw her performance on YouTube in 2008. Overwhelmed by her charisma and her unique voice, he immediately engaged her as the new lead vocalist for the planned rebirth of Novaspace. Since then, Marsala stands nearly every weekend live on stage and brings the international Clubs to a boil with her unique stage presence.
Novaspace also celebrates a remarkable success in 2010 with their single "Close Your Eyes" and now, Novaspace introduces their new single "Don't Look Back," which is worth having a look back at the unprecedented and lasting success story of the Dance Pop Duo.
Marsala (she pretty much is Novaspace) released this Britney-esque video for "Don't Look Back" and it's looking pretty tight. The video was directed by Niels Laupert and supported by the fabulous dancers of the New York City Dance School in Stuttgart. Marsala looks and sounds great here. Very catchy song and visually catchy clip as well.

The electronica singer Moby has unveiled the video for his brand new single "The Day," starring Heather Graham as a beautiful angel who slays demons. "The Day" is the lead single from Moby's forthcoming tenth studio album "Destroyed," due out on May 16. Moby surprised us with a glammed-out, synth-heavy ode, the track can be loosely described as a return to a more electronic sound, which was less found on his last album "Wait For Me," which was more ambiental in nature.
Indirectly inspired by David Bowie and Brian Eno's production circa Low and Heroes (which Moby believes is now part of his DNA), the song is one of the few tracks from "Destroyed" that Moby himself sang on. Moby talked about the track on his website blog and he'd said "'The Day' was written in a hotel room in Spain at dawn when I hadn't slept. It was a beautiful hotel room, a beautiful perfect hotel room and it was six or seven in the morning. I wrote it on a acoustic guitar and recorded it on my phone, brought it home and re-recorded it with old broken down electronics that I have in my studio."
A deeply personal song about late night desperation and dark-night-of-the-soul disquietude, the video for "The Day," directed by Evan Bernard and eyeball, features Moby's friend and actress Graham in the role of a nurse/guardian angel "who gets to slaughter demons," explains Moby. "I had this simple idea of Heather as an angel in a hospital. Evan expanded upon it and made it a lot more interesting, a lot more compelling." Even with the thinly-veiled Christian metaphors, the surreal imagery of Graham floating through the air and Moby performing on the ceiling like a spiritual Lionel Richie make for a true visual treat to accompany a sonic step toward the sublime.
The basic plot of the video, according to Graham, is "a woman is lying in a hospital bed and I am the nurse and I give her some oxygen. Then it cuts to me as the angel flying, and then you see this scary demon." The director elaborates: "She (the angel) is the defender of righteousness. She represents good, and she's defeating evil." Climaxing in a metaphysical battle between demon and angel, the video is filled with surreal imagery in an eerie clinical setting.

Keyshia Cole, the soon-to-be Mrs. Gibson released another summer banger! Seed of Frankie has dropped a new video for "Take Me Away," which comes as the third single from the three-time-platinum R&B singer's latest studio effort "Calling All Hearts." Cole has been all about love and happiness with her latest album, and her video for the single "Take Me Away" emphasizes this to the max. The Chink Santana-produced cut is set to become the summer love anthem!
Despite the fact her latest album is collecting more dust on shelves than year-old peanut butter, Cole is pressing on. "Take Me Away," serving as one of the standout songs on the album, it is no surprise that this mid-tempo track has been released. The song was chosen as the fan favorite from her album via Cole's twitter. It went for adds at U.S. radio on February 7, and Cole performed this song on Conan on January 19. It looks like the R&B crooner is going to give her "Calling All Hearts" album one last push before moving on to her next project.
Cole's new video for "Take Me Away" is simple but has a nice spring feel to it. She gives off the real California girl vibe but straight out of Oakland. The 29-year-old ditched the heavy look from "I Ain't Thru" and went for a more tranquil approach in the latest video, which was directed by Taj Stansberry and was filmed on the sandy beaches of California. Many Twitter users have been comparing the video to the late Aaliyah's "Rock The Boat."
Cole definitely seems like motherhood has taken her image in a new direction. In new visual, the 'I Ain't Thru' singer and her object of affection go to the beach in a fine summer day, walking around the sunshine-drenched destination with her beau and sharing laughs. The songstress busts her moves in a choreographed dance and enjoys a back massage with her girl friends. She also hits the shores and walks hand in hand with her on-screen love interest and sings "Take me away, see you in everything I do," to the love of her life about how much she adores him. Then she indulges in a bubble bath...

Modern country maverick Dierks Bentley is on a search for the meaning of life someone to get drunk with, and almost winds up with more than he can handle in the video for his current single, "Am I the Only One." After taking a year to focus on his critically acclaimed bluegrass album "Up On The Ridge," and exploring his love for bluegrass and roots music, he is back to his rocking, rowdy ways with his newest song "Am I The Only One," which is the debut single from Bentley's forthcoming record, which is currently untitled and does not yet have a release date.
Bentley is not one for spending the evenings at home slumped in front of his TV. The 35-year-old Country musician's first single from his sixth studio album is a fist-pumping party song about his friends having grown up without him and preferring to stay at home, whilst he still wants to go out for the night. "Am I the only one who wants to have fun tonight/Is there anybody out there wants to have a cold beer and kick it to the morning light?," he sings. Bentley explained to The Press of Atlantic City, "it's a song about trying to drag your buddies out to have a good time."
The video kicks off with Bentley frantically trying to rally any of of his domesticated, 'American Idol' watching, non-drinking fans to tear it up with, just like old times. "If I have to raise hell, all by myself, I will," he declares as he hits the bars all by his lonesome. Luckily, a good looking girl who has likely never walked alone into any bar, ever, does just that in the rinky-dink tavern where Bentley has set up camp. And then, well, whaddya know, she immediately zeroes in on our hero. Only in the movies, TV and music videos, folks, take it from us.
Sometimes you just want to turn on the radio and listen to a song that's only purpose is to entertain you. There's no deep message. There's no hidden meaning. It's just a good song with a good beat. The song "Am I The Only One" is a honky-tonk stomper with heavy drums, crunchy rhythms and a wild guitar solo that sets aside virtuosity to focus on sheer exuberance. The party-hearty Blue-grass-feeling track shows residual influences of his previous bluegrass inspired album, mixed with plenty of southern rock styling. Bentley's been touring the song recently, and his fans have let him know that he's certainly not alone.

American country music duo Sugarland debuted the video for their latest burning-yearning single "Tonight," and oddly enough, it feels like it's being brought to us by a wind machine. Lacking much of a storyline, "Tonight" is more of what you might call a "glamour" music video that features vocalist Jennifer Nettles in three different set-ups that all include gale-force winds blowing her lusciously coiffed locks around.
This is where the machine needs a little more oil. On the third single from their latest No.1 album "The Incredible Machine," Sugarland trades bare emotional honesty for bad inspirational goop that hardly satisfies those who look to the duo for their humorous and heartfelt recordings. The tune has been a tremendous fan favorite on the duo's tour of the same name. Singling out this track as one of her favorites on the album, Nettles told us: "Even as a singer to perform that song, because it's in a different part of my range, it allows people to hear a different part of my voice, and it definitely for me was fun to pull on some of my influences, like Chrissie Hynde or even Robert Smith from the Cure, with that sort of '80s sound."
Nettles explores her sex appeal in this music video, acting all flirty while yearning to be with someone she loves. Filmed at the historic Woolworth mansion on New York City's Upper East Side, the video depicts the superstar country duo in a whole new light, mixing romance, drama, and shows Nettles at her most glamorous side as the powerhouse vocalist rocks longer hair and sprawls out on the couch along with three distinct wardrobe changes: a ravishing red dress, flirty dance ensemble and slinky white sweater dress.
Talking about the concept of the music video, Nettles gushed, "We wanted to play with the romance and longing of this song. Hopefully that translates." "I am so excited for our fans to see the glamorous side of Sugarland and hear a new song from our 'Incredible Machine,'" adds guitarist Kristian Bush. "We were inspired in writing this song by the emotional longing we heard in the soundtracks of iconic '80s movies like 'The Breakfast Club,' 'Pretty in Pink' and 'Say Anything.' The feeling of being so in love that you would trade everything for just one day with that someone."

British songstress Clare Maguire, otherwise known as Katy Perry's alternative twin sister who was abandoned at birth by Perry's Bible bashing parents for being 'of the devil,' has just dropped the music video for her biggest hit to date, "The Shield And The Sword." I haven't listened to Maguire's album yet so I can't throw out single suggestions, but I'm already preferring this one to her last tune "The Last Dance."
The song "The Shield and The Sword," was co-written by Maguire with her producer and songwriter Fraser T Smith, as the third single off her debut record, "Light After Dark." Maguire was decided to let her fans choose what her next single would be from her new album "Light After Dark," and they overwhelmingly voted for the anthemic track "The Shield And The Sword." The 23-year-old Birmingham born gives off a mix of Stevie Nicks and Cher on this track, which will be available in the UK on May 9 through Polydor Records.
"The Shield and the Sword" is the first real chance for Maguire to deliver and she doesn't fail. This huge string laden track is one of her strongest moments and is surely a future single. Talking of singles, current single "The Last Dance" is another strong number and again shows her strong vocal talents - this should surely propel her into the limelight. Against a clattering of soaring strings, Maguire's voice is pure '80s disco-drenched power ballad, with the guts of Florence Welch and the attitude of Bonnie Tyler. It's a slap of bolshy, air punching freshness with the glittery, feel-goodness of Goulding. And it's as good as "Light After Dark" gets.
"The Shield And The Sword" is the best thing she's put out so far, and the buzz around Maguire seems to have died down a little bit, but I quite like her new single. Like Maguire's voice, it's all very dramatic and theatrical, but without being cheesy. The new video was directed by Hope Audikana, who has directed for "I Blame Coco," sees Maguire adopting a slightly different style that appears to be a cross between early-era Lady Gaga, Adele and Marina & The Diamonds. She is surrounded by scantily clad dancers, wears a vast array of wigs and looks hot as can be.

The incredible crossover superstar Josh Groban has unveiled the brand new video for "Higher Window," the third single from his fifth studio album "Illuminations." The new video is true to Groban's signature style, simple and classic. Just Groban and his piano in an empty warehouse and some piano movers in this hope-filled, almost spiritual ballad.
The emotive, string-laden "Higher Window" was written by Groban with former Semisonic frontman Dan Wilson and Thomas Salter. It shows a different side of Groban. His voice has a sweet and tender quality on this piece, unlike the powerhouse ballads of previous albums. Accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar and strings it is simple yet beautiful. There is no question that it is Groban singing. However, it is not your grandmother's Groban. It is clearly evident that this has the touch of a new blood in the form of uber producer, Rick Rubin. Groban has definitely gone to a deeper place lyrically in writing this piece. The song appears to be about a man whose on the brink of losing the love of his life.
The internationally renowned vocalist and Grammy Award winner commented on this "imperfect" love song in an interview with Artist Direct: "All the love songs are written in the grey area of love, where you experience great love and you are thinking cheesily, and all the sudden, the big love ballads make sense to you, after years of being cynical about them. I was not in a love song mood; I was in a mood for the imperfect moments. For me, it's not the happy ending, but about being undeniably magnetized in an imperfect situation."
Groban has made a name for himself belting out operatic tunes, is one of the most successful musicians today. The 30-year-old classically-styled crooner has sold over 24 million albums worldwide with his four albums all going at least multi-platinum. The Los Angeles native gets his hands dirty as he exhibits more than just his piano playing skills, helping the crew load his instrument of choice, and then shows his new-found appreciation for the heavy workload, which he jokingly refers it to as "being men." The touching words in this new song "Higher Window" that are sure to melt your hearts.

There are plenty of reasons why you should know who Cara Salimando is. First and foremost, she has a hauntingly beautiful voice, which is showcased on her latest single, "Cigarette Smoke," taken from her debut EP, "Dust," released in March. "Dust" is a simple and emotional indie album. though this artist is underrated, but her songs are more than just underrated. her five songs on the album are really rally nice to listen. just give a try, and you will love this album.
Salimando has deeply immersed herself in music. "I pretty much wrote 'Cigarette Smoke' in the shower," she said. "Maybe it's because I have so much time to think in there. I have no idea." "Cigarette Smoke," has a melodic, bittersweet and dreamy tone, is about a friend, Salimando said. "It's about how she struggles with reality and her relationships with other people because of her habits."
With a mixture of Michelle Branch, Colbie Cailat, and Missy Higgins, Salimando has a soulful voice beyond her years at only 19 years old. Salimando uses simple instruments such as piano and violins along with her melodious voice to tell stories through her songs. The New Jersey native signed a recording contract with Universal Motown Records, and worked with the same songwriters and producers who helped Rihanna get her start. "One thing that seems to come organically for Salimando is having an ability to blend beautiful vocal harmonies with soulful piano melodies," says her producer Jon Leidersdorff.
Standing at only 4'11", Salimando's pint-size stature is merely a facade which is used to hide her uniquely powerful and soulful voice. Salimando draws inspiration from artists such as Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor, two artists with which her music is often compared, powerful females who know how to belt out their feelings! When she is behind her signature instrument, the piano, her songs bring back memories of harbor towns, skyscrapers, full moons and bittersweet memories. Salimando is now set to release her debut full-length album soon, but for now, she's just excited to show her fans her brand-new video.

After breaking out as a solo artist with elaborate videos for "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade," Bruno Mars appropriately dials back with the help of five monkey-masked companions in the cheeky clip for "The Lazy Single," the third proper single from the Honolulu-born multi-instrumentalist's debut studio album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" that captured the laid-back groove.
Musically, "The Lazy Song" displays influences of roots reggae and jawaiian music with elements of pop and R&B. The song has a moderate reggae beat and it humorously kicks reality out the door for a romanticized view of a day in which the protagonist will not do anything. This song is basically about how the 25-year-old singer doesn't want to do anything except sit around and be lazy. The song features the sunny, stress-free Hawaiian sound that Mars grew up with, and is about taking time to relax. Even the instrumentation emphasizes this, with a single upbeat guitar riff, spare drumming and not much else, save for Mars' relaxed, golden crooning rising above the rhythms.
The idea is, as Mars says, to "let everything hang loose," even if that first lazy day stretches into another, and another. He explained where the track came from: "That song just came out of the studio. We were trying to make a song that was better than the Beatles. We were trying to be magical and historic. After five hours, it all turned to rubbish. The frustration got to me and I said, 'Today I don't feel like doing anything at all.' That opened up everyone's eyes. When you're overshooting, you get the worst work. When you're relaxed, you have your best. I'm a light kind of guy."
The plot for the video is simplistic, but extremely random and also somewhat entertaining. Directed by Nez, the video features Poreotics disguised as monkeys. The whole video is one shot of Mars singing in a bedroom and his crew of monkey-masked homeboys dancing and goofing off at his house, ditching whatever responsibilities they've got in the clip. It's a thrifty offering, yet what it lacks in budget is made up for in fun; Mars and the boys thought up some pretty zany choreography and do it all in one unbroken camera shot.

Grammy-nominated country artist David Nail has released the music video for "Let It Rain," the first single from his forthcoming sophomore album, which is currently TBA but is estimated to make a summer debut. Nail penned this lead single with Jonathan Singleton, who also wrote the Missouri native's breakout tune "Red Light." The song features backing vocals from Nashville singer-songwriter Sarah Buxton.
"I had just seen the movie 'The Last Kiss,' and it was a pretty powerful ending," said Nail of his inspiration in writing the song. "I just tried to paint the picture of what that guy seemed to be feeling, when he realized the significance of what he had just done!" "With the video, I tried to recreate the rawness and reality of that moment," he continued."I wanted to grab people's attention immediately, and I feel like Stephen and I accomplished that. I can't wait for the fans to see it because I think they will see this video is different than the past ones I've done."
The dramatic video, co-directed by Nail and Stephen Shepherd, captures the pain of a man who realizes that a passionate indiscretion has probably cost him his marriage. The 31-year-old insists that he wants to feel the much-deserved pain from cheating on his wife in the emotional new video. In this 'morning after' video, Nail flashes back to the few short hours that flushed seven years of marriage down the drain. He belts out the lyrics to the heartfelt song as he sits on the hotel room couch, while his one night stand steps out of the shower and gets dressed in her clothes from the night before in the background.
As he gazes out the window onto the city below, the "Red Light" hitmaker seems to realize that even though he's feeling guilty now, he was never in control — the damage is done and his true love is no longer in love with him. As the sun comes up and the city lights go dim, Nail's big mistake walks out of the door with her purse in hand, leaving him completely alone. Feeling all kinds of guilty for being the cheating husband he plays in the clip, Nail adds to the country-music canon of songs about rain by pouring out his heavy heart and preparing for some stormy weather. By the time the video's over, we're not really sure who to feel more sorry for in this soon-to-be-muddy love triangle.

Having ruled the airwaves for the past couple of months with "Price Tag," UK singing sensation Jessie J is back with her bad girl ways, causing chaos at an Alice in Wonderland-style dinner for her new video "Nobody's Perfect," which she released as an official single in her native land, and the third single taken from her smash hit debut album "Who You Are," which debuted No.1 this week on the iTunes Overall Album and Pop Charts. Jessie continues her viral, visual assault on our senses in newly released video, which is wicked and I love the theme she's gone with.
The peppermint-striped songbird sings about talking too much and ruining a relationship by saying things she should've kept secret. While "Nobody's Perfect" is not an official US single yet, the song's accompanying video clip is racking up YouTube views, thanks to the carnival-esque nature of the scenes and the variety of fashion-forward looks that Jessie sports throughout its entirety. Jessie wears more wigs than Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj here, but our favorite is her signature, Bettie Page-style, with the black locks, straight bangs and shoulder-grazing tips. The "Nobody's Perfect" video is a real wonderland.
The video features the "Price Tag" hitmaker sitting down for a feast with a group of "socialite" people who start fighting with each other once the dinner is served. It's no wonder Jessie looks like she's got the hump. She's been done up like a wounded seagull in an oil slick in the big-budget promo. It is a bacchanalia of colorful fun, starting with Jessie's lipstick, with alternates between DayGlo pink and blood red. She sits at the head of a dinner table, presiding over an epic feast. There are also a few futuristic moments, featuring Jessie clad in white and wearing a blonde wig with blunt-cut bangs. It's unpredictably, wildly, colorfully fun!
Overall, the video is part Tim Burton movie, part "Alice in Wonderland," mixed with a little bit of the 'The Shining,' as Jessie prances down a long hotel hallway. It's creepy but you won't be able to look away. "I want to change the world with my music," Jessie continues to prove that she is a lot more than just another singer with a great voice. The 23-year-old British bombshell jump started her career penning records for the likes of Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. She's set to continue her US invasion with a performance on with Ellen Degeneres on her show today.

Emmylou Harris is making her return, she hasn't released a song since 2008 and she just released her new video on CMT for her song, "Goodnight Old World," from musical icon's forthcoming new album, "Hard Bargain," will mark 21 studio albums for the legend that touch on the autobiographical while reaching for the universal, is due out on the Nonesuch label on April 26. Harris touches the spirit of curious new life and the weariness of tired old life in her new video, "Goodnight Old World," the singer's first single since 2008.
Already celebrated as a discoverer and interpreter of other artists' songs, 12-time Grammy Award winner and Billboard Century Award recipient Harris has, in the last decade, gained admiration as much for her eloquently straightforward songwriting as for her incomparably expressive singing. Harris's contribution as a singer and songwriter spans 40 years. She has recorded more than 25 albums and has lent her talents to countless fellow artists' recordings. In recognition of her remarkable career, Harris was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
"Goodnight Old World" is hauntingly beautiful, a spooky lullaby co-written with Will Jennings. Harris fashions a bittersweet lullaby to her newly born grandchild, contrasting a grown-up's world-weariness with a baby's wide-eyed wonder. Harris' soft vocals line up effortlessly with the light strumming of the guitar, though the lyrics reveal that the words come from a dark place - not a typical bedtime song. The video, as with all the elements of the deluxe-edition DVD, was directed by Jack Spencer.
In the video, Harris is shown recording the single in an old, dark building, and the shots alternate from sepia to black and white, which sets a heavy mood. There are instruments being played by blurry band members, and a sense of loneliness, as we only see Harris in a clear picture. The "Goodnight Old World" video appears as a bonus on the deluxe edition of the alt-country singer's new album that shows that Harris is still the stalwart songbird at the top of the roost.

Pop-rockers Plain White T's premiered the video for the second single "Boomerang" off their most recent full-length, "Wonders of The Younger," the collection of the songs was designed to evoke the feeling of awe and the yearning for adventure remembered from youth. The band's frontman Tom Higgenson says of the album, "The songs are sincere and melodic, no matter what the subject matter. We want to create an experience that takes our fans to an unexpected place while still giving them songs to sing along to."
Unlike the first single off this album, Higgenson sings lead vocals on "Boomerang." Higginson said of the tune in an interview with Alternative Press magazine: "The story of my life. I always end up falling for the wrong girl. No matter how crazy she is or how bad she treats me, I can't break my fascination with her. I just keep coming back for more. It's kind of a sad reality, but set to some soaring melodies, it makes for the most infectious song on the album."
Plain White T's get stop-motion animated and wrapped up in a girl in "Boomerang" video, which also has a different feel from the one of the first single, which fit more with the album title and artwork, but it fits the song. The stop-motion and spinning floor are supposed to give the video a surreal effect, which I'm not sure it achieves. And somehow, the simplicity of the set makes me think of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." Higgenson said, "We wanted the 'Boomerang' video to have a dream-like feel, so we used a lot of stop-motion animation and a spinning floor to give it that surreal effect. Art for art's sake."
For over a decade, Plain White T's have been playing to packed audiences craving for that perfect pop-punk punch. In some of the most quantifiable ways, the Plain White T's count as a veteran outfit. After all, the band went from playing clubs in Chicago in the late 1990s to record deals, the Grammy awards and international success. They have made their mark on the music world and continue to gain fans and Billboard hits. The band are currently on the second leg of their headline tour in support of "Wonders of The Younger" with support from Parachute and Andy Grammer.

30 Seconds to Mars have finally released their long delayed video on Wednesday for "This is War," a clip that tries to encourage peace by depicting some of the horrors of war. 30 Seconds To Mars sing about survival on "This Is War," which is an anthemic-rock song and the titular second single off the band's third album, written by frontman Jared Leto wants to go epic, he doesn't go halfway. The new video is Leto's look at war and peace, which is not surprising with the title of the music video.
Edouard Salier-directed video opening with a quote from H.G. Wells, "If we don't end war, war will end us," and concluding with the tanks, jets and all manner of implements of destruction or more specifically, their assemblage into something more, which may or may not be the group's Triad symbol "War" is actually all about peace, a concept that doesn't seem to gibe with the fact that the band members dressed up as US soldiers patrolling the desert in an armored Humvee while showing scenes of war and leaders fighting in Afghanistan. The mere fact that this effects-heavy video exists is something of a triumph.
As Leto told MTV News last year, the clip and the song are about "the inevitability of conflict, the blessing of conflict and what we can all learn from it. A lot of people are going to interpret this piece in a lot of different ways. And hopefully it will start some debates and some conversations." It seems that, no matter how inhumane the outcome, humankind is practically predestined for war — a fact that roughly 2,000 years of our existence has sadly proven time and time again. When it comes to the music videos by 30 Seconds To Mars, Leto does leave a lot open to interpretation by the viewer.
30 Seconds To Mars try their very best to explore the various facets of the concept. When the pile of tanks and battleships at clip's end transforms into a massive pyramid, the meaning isn't readily apparent: There seems to be some sort of extraterrestrial force at play here, or perhaps it's just the overwhelming good nature of humankind willing the event to happen. The image is clearly meant to provoke, but does it also provoke thought? Ultimately, that's up to you. Though, it bears mention that much like conflict itself, thought is a decidedly human condition. And it's also more powerful than any bomb could ever be. "This is War" is quietly sitting while fans wait for what the band does next.

American Idol youngest winner Jordin Sparks has been away from the music scene for a while and you may have been wondering what Sparks has been up to since 2009's "Battlefield" album? Sparks has finally returned and has teamed up with Disney to premiere a video for her new song, "The World I Knew" from Disney Nature's upcoming wildlife "African Cats." Footage from the film appears prominently throughout the video, and the 21-year-old seems so innocent throughout the scenes gazing longingly into the camera. Sparks's always great at these big vocal power ballads so it's no surprise that Sparks prevails on this track.
"African Cats" movie, is a right tale of three different animal families in the wild. The talent is unique as this is real-life footage of animals with the storyline natural fiber around the animals. The film focuses on a young lion cub being raised by his mother, a leader defending his family from a lion, and a mother cheetah who is raising five newborns. "African Cats" brings "The Lion King" to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill ("Earth"). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, "African Cats" leaps into theaters on Earth Day, April 22.
"The World I Knew" serves as the anthem for "African Cats," isn't specifically about nature, but its soaring chorus make it a good fit for a cinematic feature. The song's lyrics may describe a desire to stop the clock and relish in a fleeting love affair, but set to footage of African animals in their natural habitat. It effectively captures the wildness of Africa and curbs that exotic nature with a motherly touch. As the film focuses on real life felines in their natural environment, The song complements the spirit of the film and speaks of interdependence and how it is an innate part of life. The 'American Idol' champ's voice may just help raise awareness for the plight of endangered species.
Sparks's silhouette shines against the Moon and goes exotic in her new video for "The World I Knew," which is typical Disney magic, in honor of their new film "African Cats," and places Sparks in a surreal world of sparkling butterflies and magic waterfalls, as she shares the spotlight with lions and cheetahs, and sings about eternal love. The video begins with the season six 'American Idol' champ blowing out a candle and hunkering down for bed inside a tent in the African savanna. An animated butterfly appears and guides Sparks through the grassland, where she encounters a waterfall and witnesses sunrise.

Folk Rock band The Portlands have released a brand new video over on Blank TV features their debut single "Three Spaniards," which comes from the band's recently released EP, "Peace, Love, Soul," Set to release this Summer through Dusk Record. The video is the first installment in what is being called a "silent" concept film that will be built around all of the EP's tracks.
The Portlands formed in 2009 and have toured the world with their distinct brand of Folk-Rock n' Roll. After sharing studio time with Elbow only three months into their formation whilst at Blueprint Studios, they went on to play some of the most prestigious venues in the country on their first UK Tour, and finished with a 15,000 capacity crowd festival date at the end of summer 2010. Press coverage, interviews and radio play followed, including interest from Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes/co-founder of Saddlecreek Records, Omaha; and ex-Joe Satriani drummer Jonathan Mover.
They then went on to New York to record their latest EP, "Peace, Love, Soul," at the well-renowned Skyline Studios. The band laid down 10 full tracks and 10 acoustic tracks, one of which partially recorded separately in England and sent back across the Atlantic Ocean. Tracked, Mixed, Produced and Mastered by Nick Miller with Argel Anaya, Graig Janssen and Paul Maddocks at Skyline Studios, the debut single from which, "Three Spaniards," has reached great critical acclaim, and is to set the scene for what looks to be a promising foundation for the bands assault.
The Portlands turn out to be the first and only band to indulge us with a few semi acoustic numbers mid set, and it's a welcome change to the, so far, rock heavy menu. "Three Spaniards" piques interest with its melancholy melody whilst "Sunshine And Stars," and "Shackles Of Time" are laced with a subtle measure of angst by the slightly gravelly voiced singer Dook. These are a captivating lot, not frightened to express their individuality, who clearly enjoy what they do. The uplifting, gritty delivery of "The March" with its military drum beat and rousing guitars is an inspired finish to their set.

Michigan punk-pop quintet Every Avenue are out with the music video at MTV.com, and released as part of Indie Music Month, to their new track "Mindset," which is the third single taken from the group's sophomore studio album "Picture Perfect," out 2009 on Fearless Records. It's been a minute since we last heard from the guys, who released videos for "Tell Me I'm A Wreck" and "For Always, Forever" last year.
The new video for "Mindset" is a hilarious nod to Pop punk outfit Every Avenue's prepubescent female fan base, as the band members become the kidnapping victims to an overly enthusiastic young lady. With the acumen and stealth of a professional hitman - make that hitgirl - the fan employs her Fisher-Price "My First Stalker" kit to snatch each band member and hold him hostage. Pizza, poison arrows and the band's own CD are all used against them, culminating in a forced rock show in a very pink bedroom.
The video was directed by Jason Letkiewicz, and was actually shot by college students at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. Every Avenue has an unlikely stalker and get kidnapped by an adorable fan in their new video for "Mindset," which entails a little girl set out to capture the band to keep as her own. Will the guys are able to escape at the end?
Every Avenue has been gaining international recognition with their unique blend of euphoric pop rock since signing to Fearless Records four years ago. The band has had their music featured on MTV's "The Real World," and toured internationally with Boys Like Girls, Metro Station, All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Never Shout Never and The Maine as well as appearing on Vans Warped Tour. The band heads into the studio this spring to record their third album, slated for release this summer. Look out for the band on Vans Warped Tour all summer long!

Former Destiny's Child songstress Kelly Rowland has branched out and tried different sounds and beats for her solo career. If you thought Rowland's career was relegated to waiting by the phone, waiting for Beyonce's call to get Destiny's Child back together, "Motivation" offers evidence of the contrary. On Monday, she debuted the video to the Jim Jonsin/Rico Love-produced new sensual urban tune, which features Lil Wayne, and the damp, sweaty video matches the song's intense sexuality.
"Motivation" is a sophisticated ambrosial crafted mix of dance and mash-up which is the lead single for Rowland's upcoming third untitled solo studio album. The song finds Rowland promising to be her lover's motivation before her label mate Wayne steps in with a romantic verse offering kitchen and car metaphors. "[This song] makes me feel extremely, uber-duber sexy," she said. "It has that personality and characteristic to it that I don't think anybody can deny. That's why when Wayne dropped that insane verse on there ... I was like, 'You really brought that up even more.' He went into the studio and just did it. I don't think it takes much for Wayne to think. He just does it. He's so admirable."
The sultry video is hot, sexy, dark and sensual. It showing off Rowland's seductive side. The former Destiny's Child star heats up an underground warehouse with her steamy and sexy dancing, while her collaborator Wayne throws his verses in a dark passage. Rowland once said about video, "I'm aiming for a very sexy, feminine video and I'm looking for womanly, sexy designs." She later told MTV, "Sarah Chatfield directed it and Frank Gatson did the choreography. We came up with the energy with Frank, and I don't know how he sees something, but he got it."
While many can be credited for the song and video's playful vibe, Rowland admits that Wayne adds that extra something. Rowland is getting some "Motivation" from Wayne on her new single. The slow-burning track features Rowland's sexy vocals as Wayne drops a signature verse on the tune that the singer described to MTV News as "urgent and urban." Rowland, whose sultry voice could get a priest hot, weaves in and out of the minimal beat, setting the table for Wayne's stuttering, after-hours guest-verse. Stack the pieces together and it's an understated knockout that gets sexier with each spin.

Britney Spears is back with an apocalyptic vengeance in the new video for her pulsing single, "Till the World Ends," taken from her newly-released seventh studio album, "Femme Fatale," and released as a follow-up to chart-topping single "Hold It Against Me." Produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin, and penned by Ke$ha, the equally club-friendly jam is composed as an uptempo dance-pop and electropop song with a chant-like chorus, where Spears sings about dancing until the end of the world.
"Till the World Ends" is a swirling, "beat the beat" track, the 29-year-old pop princess delivers confident and breathy vocals on the fast-paced party jam. Her main intention with her new single seems to be keeping the dance floor pulsating with sweaty bodies. The stadium-rocking pop anthem sets the pace of "Femme Fatale." Spears says, "I think 'Femme Fatale' speaks for itself... I wanted to make a fierce dance record where each song makes you want to get up and move..."
Spears dances away the apocalypse in her 2012, endtime-inspired video, which was directed by Ray Kay and filmed inside a basement in Los Angeles. Spears goes to the future, December 12, 2012 to be exact, while Spears appears strutting in an underground party wearing a studded leather jacket and stockings. It is set in a time when the world falls apart and Spears leads people to escape the madness by throwing an underground party. Several people are seen running to a manhole and enter the sewer system to arrive to the party. This is followed by a dance routine in which Spears is wearing a sequined bodysuit and a small jacket, while accompanied by female dancers.
It's no secret that in her 12 years, Spears has been the master of surprise. From that schoolgirl ensemble, to her eventual rise back to the top, she's become a bona fide expert in keeping the pop world waiting with bated breath. "Till the World Ends" is nearly the 40th music video Spears has made in her career. When asked if she feels she needs to top herself with every project, she responded, "Not really. I feel like I've made so many videos that I'm at the point that I genuinely want to enjoy myself, and I have such a good team of people with me. we just have fun. It was a lot of fun. I had never worked with Ray Kay before. I was really happy with the work we did."

American alternative/punk band Yellowcard has unveiled a new video on MTV yesterday for their latest single, "Hang You Up," which is the second single culled from their unanimously-hailed new full-length and Hopeless Records debut "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes." Yellowcard frontman Ryan Key tries in vain to win back an ex-girlfriend, but ends up winning over her friend instead in this humorous video for "Hang You Up."
You think you had it rough trying to get over an ex? Try singing to one who already has a restraining order against you as Key does in the "Hang You Up" video, directed by VMA Award winner Chris Marrs Piliero. Maybe Key's a nice guy, but the reasons for the breakup add up: singing while a guy next to you is trying to use the phone. Stealing a milk shake. Countering a drive-through order by singing through the intercom. It's total breakup material, and takes the song's sad subject matter and gives it a little unexpected levity while providing some surreal commentary on video cliches. Eventually, our hero tracks down his ex, who's clearly not happy about the incessant singing in their relationship.
The clip follows Key as he walks down the street, puts on his fast food apron and heads into work as a waiter in a diner called Angelo's Hamburgers, as he sings the song while he works. He then spots his ex-girlfriends outside and goes out to see her, while she confronts him and leaves, as he starts singing again. He is then walking away and goes to the parking lot where the band is playing, and as he picks up an acoustic guitar, the band plays the song together at the parking lot. As he finishes, the ex's friend approaches and says, "You can sing me a pre-chorus anytime. Call me!"
Last fall, the Florida-based multi-platinum selling pop punk group returned from a two-year hiatus with the new album "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes." The album's title comes from a text message sent to a girl by Key, who said the album was inspired by "the fight I still have in me." He explained: "I took two years away from Yellowcard to sort of refocus my entire life. When it came time to write for the record, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of fighting to get our band back where we wanted it to be. I think there is an overall theme of moving forward and living in the present." "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes," is a great example of the group's lighthearted vibe and goofy spirit.