The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards take place Sunday but before you start placing bets on whether Britney Spears will show up or who Kanye might diss, the Recording Academy has a week full of affiliated red carpet events, many open to the public, and some that may turn out to be too good for network TV. more ›

If you go as far west as you can in West Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd., right before you wind up in Beverly Hills you will see the Troubadour - one of the most famous rock clubs in the world - established in 1957. more ›

The Fiona Apple comparisons are inevitable. As soon as Sara Bareilles opens her mouth, she reveals the vocal depth of Apple with the pop sensibility of Rachael Yamagata and Regina Spektor and the soulful sultriness of Norah Jones and Feist. In fact, on her website, she says: "I write mostly on piano and I'm a girl, so lots of people say it's Norah Jones, or Fiona Apple. That's fine. I love Norah's subtlety and... more ›

I feel true joy when I’m able to experience the simple pleasures in life. These include loling, warm nights, people thanking me after I’ve let them into my car lane, and chill bars. I get downright giddy when said chill bars include passwords for entrance and a jukebox that plays Elton John, the Violent Femmes AND Smashing Pumpkins. more ›

If you are gay or European, or considering becoming gay or European, this record may already be yours. For the heterosexual American who has never heard of Mika, however, fret not. You will not be excluded from this elite club. This album is for you, too. Perky, discoed, electro-pop ala Scissor Sisters (but less Elton John, and more Queen) awaits your every, equal opportunity, partying need. Road trip? Perfect. Getting ready to go out... more ›

In honor of the the 16th International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition (aka Photo L.A.) being this weekend I thought I would make sure every photographer, novice to pro, knows about the event. So, here are some details: more ›

New releases! Now newer every week!! We begin this installment with a boatload of terrifying and perplexing tribute records, followed by noteables in every genre, including some promising rock offerings, a vault of soundtracks, fancy cello-ing, and more Frankie Valli than you can shake a stick at. Tribute Various Artists - Bluegrass Tribute to Modest Mouse (CMH) Various Artists - Bluegrass Tribute to the Shins (CMH) Various Artists - Can You Bring It? Sing... more ›

Props to Jack 93.1 FM for their dedication today on the radio. During their "Playing What We Want Lunch Hour" (not to be confused with their "Playing What We Want AM Drive Time," "Playing What We Want PM Drive Time," "Playing What We Want Late Night," and "Playing What We Want Weekends"), they aired a clip from a caller asking that they break station policy and play a dedication in honor of the firemen... more ›

“Ta Dah,” the sophomore studio album by our favorite disco sympathizers, Scissor Sisters, is a transcendent, gold lamé dancefest with thumpy and dazzling momentum that’ll give even the stodgiest fuddy-duddies a kick in the pants. Dead-on-balls-accurate bass playing, melodies catchy like the herpes, and enough “homage” to fuel a thousand hustles, this polished and plucky record reads like a hazy, anthemic lullaby for the lubed. The flaxen five (Jake Shears, Babydaddy, Ana Matronic, Del... more ›

Monica - The Makings of Me (J) more ›

Are Ben Stiller, Christina Applegate and Taye Diggs American Idol groupies? While they weren’t the only celebs that Fox tcaught on camera at the Kodak, the sightings show how much this pop competition has become a red-hot ticket in Hollywood. more ›

Sample these tracks and let us know what's in your iPod playlist this week.