http://www.hypeful.com >music >film >culture Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:07:16 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en America's first Idol, Kelly Clarkson, is gearing up for the long-awaited release of her as-yet-untitled fifth studio album in October. Thankfully for anxious fans, Clarkson's presumed lead single "Let Me Down" leaked today and it's not far removed from the moody pop/rock sounds of the pop princess’ past efforts. Amidst ... http://www.hypeful.com/2011/07/06/new-kelly-clarkson-let-me-down/ Fact: Quincy Jone's iPhone contact list is more interesting than yours. As evidence, Q: Soul Bossa Nostra, a tribute to the Jones, will drop next week. Featuring all-star collaborations of songs associated with the pop-soul sensei, a notable track is perennial partier Amy Winehouse's Mark Ronson-produced take on Lesley Gore's "It's ... http://www.hypeful.com/2010/11/03/amy-winehouse-covers-lesley-gores-its-my-party/ The Decemberists' Colin Meloy has confirmed that his group's new album will be released January 18 and will be titled The King Is Dead. Even better, The Decemberists have offered up a track from the album entitled "Down by the Water," featuring Gillian Welch on backing vox and Peter Buck ... http://www.hypeful.com/2010/11/02/new-decemberists-down-by-the-water/ In anticipation of his immanent return to TV return next week, Conan O’Brien streamed a mini-show tonight. Dubbed "Show Zero," the short four-minute clip featured one guest (Jim Parsons of "Big Bang Theory" nerd fame) and one band, NJ-based quintet Steel Train, playing literally one chord. So, what does Coco's first ... http://www.hypeful.com/2010/11/02/conans-firstzero-musical-guest-issteel-train/ Relax - that explosion you heard earlier was just the blogosphere blowing up over the release of "Norway," the first blissful new tune from Beach House's forthcoming (and mega-appropriately titled) Teen Dream. Strap yourself down before listening, kids - you might just get washed away in this gorgeously lush track. ... http://www.hypeful.com/2009/11/17/new-beach-house-norway/ Oh, those cheeky Arctic Monkeys! Both darker and deeper, the group's third album Humbug is a slowburner that rewards with repeat listens and proves that a young buzz band can, in fact, mature. Now, to support Humbug's second single and album standout "Cornerstone," the prolific group is releasing an EP ... http://www.hypeful.com/2009/11/16/new-arctic-monkeys-catapult/ Woah! The surprise cover of 2009 comes courtesy of Solange (y'up - Beyonce's l'il sis) and her R&B twist on hipster fave "Stillness Is The Move" by the Dirty Projectors. Sure, "Stillness" was arguably the first Dirty Projectors song that actually sounded like a single and even quasi-club-worthy (if you ... http://www.hypeful.com/2009/11/13/solange-covers-dirty-projectors%e2%80%99-stillness-is-the-move/ Late last night, the title song from the new Michael Jackson documentary/concert film This Is It was released online for all to hear. Despite its upbeat title, the new track is a morose ballad that might disappoint fans expecting another "Billie Jean" or "Thriller." Still, fans wanting more of ... http://www.hypeful.com/2009/10/13/new-michael-jackson-this-is-it/ Having already released one of Hypeful's favorite albums from the first half of '09, London-based Fanfarlo have managed to keep themselves busy recording a series of covers in one of the band member's living rooms. For the first of their self-dubbed "laptop sessions," Fanfarlo has covered Bonnie Prince Billy's "A ... http://www.hypeful.com/2009/09/10/fanfarlo-cover-smashing-pumpkins-we-only-come-out-at-night/ Better late than never, here are Hypeful's picks for the top 30 albums of 2009 (so far). Although a best-of-the-year list may seem a bit premature, it's mainly an opportunity to showcase some excellent albums that sadly may not make the final year-end rankings. In an attempt to keep things ... http://www.hypeful.com/2009/09/09/top-30-albums-of-2009-so-far/