Consequence of Sound » Black Eyed Peas http://consequenceofsound.net Think Fast, Listen Slowly Thu, 31 May 2012 18:55:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4-RC1-20950 George Clinton accuses Black Eyed Peas of copyright infringement http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/george-clinton-accuses-black-eyed-peas-of-copyright-infringement/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/george-clinton-accuses-black-eyed-peas-of-copyright-infringement/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Black+Eyed+Peas+The.jpg Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:05:03 +0000 Ray Roa http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=90699 They might be trying to get audiences to think about The Beginning with their new album, but the Black Eyed Peas need to straighten things out at The E.N.D. before they move along. Both Billboard and The Guardian are reporting that the Peas are being sued for allegedly sampling George Clinton’s 1979 hit single, “(Not Just) Knee Deep”, without clearance.

According to Clinton, Will.i.am & Co. used the sample on a remix of their 2003 hit, “Shut Up”, which Clinton’s lawyers claim sold over 8.5 million copies worldwide. The track also appeared as a bonus track on last year’s hit album, The E.N.D., and the report says the 69-year-old leader of the Parliament-Funkadelic is seeking “$150,000 per infringement and an injunction prohibiting further distribution of the infringing song.”

While accusations of copyright infringement aren’t necessarily uncommon in hip-hop and R&B, these charges are notable because they mark the fourth time in two years that another artist has accused the Los Angeles-based hit making machine of using unauthorized samples in their songs. The first incident happened in 2009 when a Brighton, UK DJ, Adam Freeland, accused the outfit of using the beat from his own song on one of The E.N.D.’ tracks.

More accusations fell at the feet of the Peas in October of this year when Texas songwriter Bryan Pringle and Illinois femme-cee Phoenix Phenom accused the Peas’ of willfully ripping off demos they had sent to Interscope Records. The label has been releasing Black Eyed Peas albums for over a decade, and lawsuits filed by Pringle and Phenom claim that “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom Boom Pow” rip off their songs, “Take A Dive” and “Boom Dynamite”, respectively.

A quick listen of the songs makes a decent argument for the claims, but you can judge for yourself. All three comparisons are available below. Let us know what you think in the comments section.

George Clinton & P-Funk – “(Not Just) Knee Deep”

The Black Eyed Peas – “Shut Up (Remix)”

Bryan Pringle – “Take A Dive”

The Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling”

Phoenix Phenom – “Boom Dynamite”

The Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow”


]]> The Beginning with their new album, but the Black Eyed Peas need to straighten things out at The E.N.D. before they move along. Both Billboard and The Guardian are reporting that the Peas are being sued for allegedly sampling George Clinton’s 1979 hit single, “(Not Just) Knee Deep”, without clearance. According to Clinton, Will.i.am & Co. used the sample on a remix of their 2003 hit, “Shut Up”, which Clinton's lawyers claim sold over 8.5 million copies worldwide. The track also appeared as a bonus track on last year’s hit album, The E.N.D., and the report says the 69-year-old leader of the Parliament-Funkadelic is seeking “$150,000 per infringement and an injunction prohibiting further distribution of the infringing song.” While accusations of copyright infringement aren’t necessarily uncommon in hip-hop and R&B, these charges are notable because they mark the fourth time in two years that another artist has accused the Los Angeles-based hit making machine of using unauthorized samples in their songs. The first incident happened in 2009 when a Brighton, UK DJ, Adam Freeland, accused the outfit of using the beat from his own song on one of The E.N.D.’ tracks. More accusations fell at the feet of the Peas in October of this year when Texas songwriter Bryan Pringle and Illinois femme-cee Phoenix Phenom accused the Peas’ of willfully ripping off demos they had sent to Interscope Records. The label has been releasing Black Eyed Peas albums for over a decade, and lawsuits filed by Pringle and Phenom claim that “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom Boom Pow” rip off their songs, “Take A Dive” and “Boom Dynamite”, respectively. A quick listen of the songs makes a decent argument for the claims, but you can judge for yourself. All three comparisons are available below. Let us know what you think in the comments section. George Clinton & P-Funk - "(Not Just) Knee Deep" The Black Eyed Peas - "Shut Up (Remix)" Bryan Pringle - "Take A Dive" The Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling" Phoenix Phenom - "Boom Dynamite" The Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow" ]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/george-clinton-accuses-black-eyed-peas-of-copyright-infringement/feed/ 2 Album Review: The Black Eyed Peas – The Beginning http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/album-review-the-black-eyed-peas-the-beginning/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/album-review-the-black-eyed-peas-the-beginning/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/12/BEP.jpg Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:57 +0000 Kevin Barber http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=88679 It’s safe to say that The Black Eyed Peas know exactly what they’re doing and are not trying to hide it. If you believed that their new release, The Beginning, would be a return to their original sound (which has been lost since the highly underrated and unheard Behind the Front), you’re a damn fool. BEP have no intention of solidifying themselves in the hip hop community; Maybe in some respects they already have. For this group, it may not be about the music, money, or fame anymore. Upon hearing this album, it’s clear that they’re only out to do one thing: throw the biggest fucking party anyone has ever seen.

On the first track and lead single, “The Time (Dirty Bit)”, we relive a classic Dirty Dancing moment. The song that makes women (and men?) cry upon hearing it, is the first sound we are baited with, as the Peas boast the unforgettable lyrics: “I had the time of my life, and I never felt this way before.” You know the rest. If you believed you would be receiving a total cover of the timeless classic, you’re fooling yourself. It turns into a fast-paced, let your hair down, throw your clothes off, club banger. Is it fun? Sure. But you have to wonder if the creators of Dirty Dancing are okay with what has become of their tune.

BEP use clever samples throughout the disc. “Light Up the Night” uses the ever-popular Slick Rick cut “Children’s Story”. “Love You Long Time” features “Give It Up” by KC & The Sunshine Band. The production on this album is nothing short of brilliant. Whether will.i.am is creating his own beats or borrowing from someone else, if he has not already proven himself as a top producer in the industry, this should cement his name. Lyrically, The Beginning is nothing special, but for those who appreciate finely tuned production, there is no disappointment here.

With the level of precision that went into the beats and music, it shows that the lyrics took a back seat. That isn’t to say that Fergie doesn’t shine in her moments; She stretches her vocals throughout the album, with a few clever rhymes peppered in. The fact is, inspiring songs from the Peas’ earlier catalog, such as “Where is the Love”, have been lost. The lone exceptions to this would be “Whenever”, as well as the bonus tracks “Phenomenon” and “Own It”, which includes the lyric: “Keep on reaching for your dreams cuz it ain’t crazy as it seems.” The album is more about staying out late, dancing, and partying. In reality, they could have done away with the lyrics altogether and just released an instrumental album of beats and get a similar result.

Although the overall plot of the album is sparse, it’s hard to deny the enjoyment it can bring to you. If you know what to expect when you hear it, you can take The Beginning for what it is: a feel good album. It is in no way anything to dissect or to look for hidden meanings in. Sometimes you just need to let loose and enjoy the beat. The Black Eyed Peas just gave you a Saturday night plan, so go have some fun.

]]> The Beginning, would be a return to their original sound (which has been lost since the highly underrated and unheard Behind the Front), you're a damn fool. BEP have no intention of solidifying themselves in the hip hop community; Maybe in some respects they already have. For this group, it may not be about the music, money, or fame anymore. Upon hearing this album, it's clear that they're only out to do one thing: throw the biggest fucking party anyone has ever seen. On the first track and lead single, "The Time (Dirty Bit)", we relive a classic Dirty Dancing moment. The song that makes women (and men?) cry upon hearing it, is the first sound we are baited with, as the Peas boast the unforgettable lyrics: "I had the time of my life, and I never felt this way before." You know the rest. If you believed you would be receiving a total cover of the timeless classic, you're fooling yourself. It turns into a fast-paced, let your hair down, throw your clothes off, club banger. Is it fun? Sure. But you have to wonder if the creators of Dirty Dancing are okay with what has become of their tune. BEP use clever samples throughout the disc. "Light Up the Night" uses the ever-popular Slick Rick cut "Children's Story". "Love You Long Time" features "Give It Up" by KC & The Sunshine Band. The production on this album is nothing short of brilliant. Whether will.i.am is creating his own beats or borrowing from someone else, if he has not already proven himself as a top producer in the industry, this should cement his name. Lyrically, The Beginning is nothing special, but for those who appreciate finely tuned production, there is no disappointment here. With the level of precision that went into the beats and music, it shows that the lyrics took a back seat. That isn't to say that Fergie doesn't shine in her moments; She stretches her vocals throughout the album, with a few clever rhymes peppered in. The fact is, inspiring songs from the Peas' earlier catalog, such as "Where is the Love", have been lost. The lone exceptions to this would be "Whenever", as well as the bonus tracks "Phenomenon" and "Own It", which includes the lyric: "Keep on reaching for your dreams cuz it ain’t crazy as it seems." The album is more about staying out late, dancing, and partying. In reality, they could have done away with the lyrics altogether and just released an instrumental album of beats and get a similar result. Although the overall plot of the album is sparse, it's hard to deny the enjoyment it can bring to you. If you know what to expect when you hear it, you can take The Beginning for what it is: a feel good album. It is in no way anything to dissect or to look for hidden meanings in. Sometimes you just need to let loose and enjoy the beat. The Black Eyed Peas just gave you a Saturday night plan, so go have some fun.]]> 60 http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/12/album-review-the-black-eyed-peas-the-beginning/feed/ 3 Black Eyed Peas go back to The Beginning for new album http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/black-eyed-peas-go-back-to-the-beginning-for-new-album/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/black-eyed-peas-go-back-to-the-beginning-for-new-album/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Black+Eyed+Peas+The.jpg Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:40:50 +0000 Ray Roa http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=73050 Here’s something to spend your iTunes gift cards on. Will.i.am – the de facto leader of Los Angeles hip-pop outfit, The Black Eyed Peas – has revealed that the group’s new album will hit shelves and digital retailers on November 30th. The late November release date makes the album available just in time for the holiday shopping season and gives the world enough time to memorize all of the songs (whether they want to or not) before the Peas’ halftime performance at Super Bowl XLV.

The follow up to last year’s The E.N.D. (which stands for “The Energy Never Dies”) is ironically called The Beginning, and will most likely feature the same, bass-heavy, electronic feel of it’s predecessor, which has sold almost 3 million copies to date. In an interview with Daily Dips, will.i.am said that fellow Los Angelino, DJ Ammo, produced four of the album’s 12 tracks. He also confirmed that European hitmaker David Guetta has producing credits on a couple of tracks and that he produced just three of the tracks himself.

In the meantime, here’s a DJ Ammo remix of one of the Peas’ hit singles, “Boom Boom Pow”, to get you excited.

]]> The E.N.D. (which stands for “The Energy Never Dies”) is ironically called The Beginning, and will most likely feature the same, bass-heavy, electronic feel of it’s predecessor, which has sold almost 3 million copies to date. In an interview with Daily Dips, will.i.am said that fellow Los Angelino, DJ Ammo, produced four of the album’s 12 tracks. He also confirmed that European hitmaker David Guetta has producing credits on a couple of tracks and that he produced just three of the tracks himself. In the meantime, here’s a DJ Ammo remix of one of the Peas’ hit singles, “Boom Boom Pow”, to get you excited. [youtube on3vgBjvMSs]]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/black-eyed-peas-go-back-to-the-beginning-for-new-album/feed/ 2 End of Week Recap: September 13-17 http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/end-of-week-recap-september-13-17/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/end-of-week-recap-september-13-17/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/09/end-of-week-7-17.jpg Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:16:28 +0000 Emma Ramsay http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=68994 What a week. In case you couldn’t tell by the exceptional length of this recap post, a lot went on these past few days, including a birthday! But I won’t waste time musing and let the events speak for themselves.

If only we could have more weeks like this one…

– We did it. We posted our list of the Top 100 Albums Ever. Feel free to comment if you haven’t already by now.

– We’re also throwing an awesome after party for Titus Andronicus in the Windy City this Saturday.

– Radiohead completed a “group of songs,” whatever that means.

– Fleet Foxes finished recording their sophomore LP.

– Consequence of Kanye continues. Read this. Then watch this.

– The Dismemberment Plan jumped on the reunion bandwagon. A Perfect Circle followed suit.

– And while we’re still on the subject, Roger Waters teased us about a potential Pink Floyd reunion.

– Godspeed You! Black Emperor will tour the US later this year.

– What a week for Weezer. Not only are they hard at work on the follow-up to Hurley, they also announced the “Blinkerton Tour” (get it?!). They also “cheated” on Leno.

– Lil Wayne has a new EP in the works. (Please note that he’s still incarcerated).

– There won’t be a new Coldplay album anytime soon.

– Van Halen-related drama continued.

– Remember that Joaquin Phoenix documentary? You should probably know that it’s a hoax.

– Sacha Baron Cohen is slated to play Freddie Mercury in the Queen frontman’s biopic.

– But at least you can look forward to a new Girl Talk record, among other things.

– The lineup for Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit went public.

– Black Eyed Peas will play next year’s Super Bowl halftime show.

– Gang of Four detailed a new studio LP.

– Matt & Kim showed off the artwork and tracklist for Sidewalks.

– Kid Cudi divulged the special guests on his forthcoming effort.

– Lupe Fiasco revealed his back-up plan in case his hip-hop career doesn’t pan out.

– A Carlos Santana-Nas collaboration surfaced.

– Calvin College pulled the plug on a New Pornographers gig set to take place there next month.

– We haven’t heard much from Animal Collective lately, but apparently they’re designing footwear now.

– The Drums lost a guitarist.

– Don’t fret if you missed Hopscotch ’10. Our staff brought back plenty of photos.

– Michael Roffman tried to guess Bethany Cosentino‘s favorite season.

– Coplan also found time to review Chromeo‘s Business Casual.

– Philip Cosores shared his thoughts on The Walkmen‘s Lisbon.

– Alex Young saw Jay-Z,  Eminem, and Kanye West perform under the same roof. This is what he had to say about it.

]]> Top 100 Albums Ever. Feel free to comment if you haven't already by now. -- We're also throwing an awesome after party for Titus Andronicus in the Windy City this Saturday. -- Radiohead completed a "group of songs," whatever that means. -- Fleet Foxes finished recording their sophomore LP. -- Consequence of Kanye continues. Read this. Then watch this. -- The Dismemberment Plan jumped on the reunion bandwagon. A Perfect Circle followed suit. -- And while we're still on the subject, Roger Waters teased us about a potential Pink Floyd reunion. -- Godspeed You! Black Emperor will tour the US later this year. -- What a week for Weezer. Not only are they hard at work on the follow-up to Hurley, they also announced the "Blinkerton Tour" (get it?!). They also "cheated" on Leno. -- Lil Wayne has a new EP in the works. (Please note that he's still incarcerated). -- There won't be a new Coldplay album anytime soon. -- Van Halen-related drama continued. -- Remember that Joaquin Phoenix documentary? You should probably know that it's a hoax. -- Sacha Baron Cohen is slated to play Freddie Mercury in the Queen frontman's biopic. -- But at least you can look forward to a new Girl Talk record, among other things. -- The lineup for Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit went public. -- Black Eyed Peas will play next year's Super Bowl halftime show. -- Gang of Four detailed a new studio LP. -- Matt & Kim showed off the artwork and tracklist for Sidewalks. -- Kid Cudi divulged the special guests on his forthcoming effort. -- Lupe Fiasco revealed his back-up plan in case his hip-hop career doesn't pan out. -- A Carlos Santana-Nas collaboration surfaced. -- Calvin College pulled the plug on a New Pornographers gig set to take place there next month. -- We haven't heard much from Animal Collective lately, but apparently they're designing footwear now. -- The Drums lost a guitarist. -- Don't fret if you missed Hopscotch '10. Our staff brought back plenty of photos. -- Michael Roffman tried to guess Bethany Cosentino's favorite season. -- Coplan also found time to review Chromeo's Business Casual. -- Philip Cosores shared his thoughts on The Walkmen's Lisbon. -- Alex Young saw Jay-Z,  Eminem, and Kanye West perform under the same roof. This is what he had to say about it.]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/end-of-week-recap-september-13-17/feed/ 0 Report: Black Eyed Peas to play Super Bowl XLV halftime http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/report-black-eyed-peas-to-play-super-bowl-xlv-halftime/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/report-black-eyed-peas-to-play-super-bowl-xlv-halftime/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Black+Eyed+Peas+The.jpg Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:10:07 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=70042 Past Super Bowl halftime performances include Bruce Springsteen, U2, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Prince, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Aerosmith, Sting, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Basically, every living musical legend you can think of.

I’m not necessarily sure where the Black Eyed Peas fall within that list, but if the report by the sports blog Sports By Brooks proves accurate, the Los Angeles pop group will soon be donning mid-field of Cowboys Stadium. As in, they’ll be performing during Super Bowl XLV’s halftime ceremonies.

The NFL has yet to officially comment on the report. This year’s Super Bowl is set to take place on February 6th, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. More details as it becomes available.

]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/09/report-black-eyed-peas-to-play-super-bowl-xlv-halftime/feed/ 4 Arcade Fire, Rammstein, Black Eyed Peas lead Quebec City Fest ’10 http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/04/arcade-fire-rammstein-black-eyed-peas-lead-quebec-city-fest-10/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/04/arcade-fire-rammstein-black-eyed-peas-lead-quebec-city-fest-10/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/04/rammstein.jpg Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:25:35 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=37699 As evident by the recently announced Ottawa Bluesfest, Canada does a pretty good job at putting on multi-day music festivals that can quench even the most eclectic of palates. Another example of this comes in the form of Festival d’été de Québec, or the Quebec City Festival. Set to run from July 8-18 in Quebec’s capital, this year’s edition features the likes of Arcade Fire, Rammstein, Black Eyed Peas, Iron Maiden, Rush, Jimmy Cliff, Passion Pit, Andrew Bird, The Budos Band, Ozomatli, John Butler Trio, Billy Talent, and Charlie Winston.

Interested parties — who wouldn’t want to see both Arcade Fire and Rammstein? –  can check out the complete day-by-day schedule and grab tickets over at the festival’s website.

]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/04/arcade-fire-rammstein-black-eyed-peas-lead-quebec-city-fest-10/feed/ 0 Muse, Eminem, Jay-Z, The Prodigy lead T in the Park 2010 http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/02/muse-eminem-the-prodigy-lead-t-in-the-park-2010/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/02/muse-eminem-the-prodigy-lead-t-in-the-park-2010/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:37:39 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=25432 For your festival attending consideration: From July 9-12, Eminem, Jay-Z, Muse, Kasabian, The Prodigy, Vampire Weekend, John Mayer, Dirty Projectors, Broken Social Scene, Hot Chip, Goldfrapp, Black Eyed Peas, and more will travel to Kinross, Scotland to take part in the 2010 edition of T in the Park. Tickets, if you so choose, will be available starting Friday, February 26th via ticketmaster.co.uk.

]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/02/muse-eminem-the-prodigy-lead-t-in-the-park-2010/feed/ 4 A Recap of Music’s Most Irrelevant Awards Show… the 2010 Grammys! http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/02/a-recap-of-musics-most-irrelevant-awards-show-the-2010-grammys/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/02/a-recap-of-musics-most-irrelevant-awards-show-the-2010-grammys/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:01:42 +0000 CoS Staff http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=24646 And so we’ve reached the conclusions of another pointless Grammy Awards. Perhaps it truly is just an awards ceremony for industry elitists and musical heavyweights, but even those individuals couldn’t have helped but cringe when Taylor Swift attempted to duet with Stevie Nicks (shortly before taking home Album of the Year), Bon Jovi was given three songs, and Stealth star Jamie Foxx and Mr. Auto-tune, T-Pain were handed a microphone. And then, there were the awards themselves… Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” = Song of the Year? The Black Eyed Peas’ The E.N.D. = Best Pop Album? Taylor Swift’s Fearless = Album of the Year? Seriously?

But wait, it got worse! The Grammys gave the Black Eyed Peas’ five minutes, while Jeff Beck, who was paying homage to the late Les Paul, received just two, LL Cool J, a man who hasn’t been relevant in 10 years, presented an award, and tonight, yes tonight as in January 31, 2010, marked the first time Neil Young won a Grammy — for best art direction on a boxed or special limited edition package. Sure, it might not be about the indies, but when Lance Armstrong questions the Grammys, you know something is wrong. In summary, the Grammys don’t get it. At all.

We’d be remiss, however, not to mention the few minutes actually worth watching, compliments of a wonderful performance by Green Day and the cast of American Idiot, a duet between Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John, and the stunning vocals of Mrs. Jay-Z,. Plus, props to the Grammys for giving Phoenix the award for Best Alternative Album (even if they didn’t air it!). But by the time it was all said and done, the evening once again proved to be a waste of three-and-a-half hours. The Black Eyed Peas? Seriously, need I say more?

Fortunately for you (those who were sensible enough to do something more worthwhile on Sunday night), we sat through the whole shindig (note the rather enjoyable NSFW live blog below!) just so we could pick out the few highlights and post them below. Enjoy (because we surely didn’t)!

A list of the 2010 Grammy “Winners”:

Album of the Year: Taylor Swift – Fearless

Song of the Year: Beyonce — “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”

Record of the Year: Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody”

Best Rock Album: Green Day — 21st Century Breakdown

Best Solo Rock Performance: Bruce Springsteen — “Working on a Dream”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West – “Run This Town”

Best Alternative Music Album: Phoenix — Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: Kings of Leon — “Use Somebody”

Best New Artist: Zac Brown Band

Best Contemporary R&B Album: Beyonce — I Am… Sasha Fierce

Best Electronic/Dance Album: Lady Gaga — The Fame

Best Hard Rock Performance: AC/DC — “War Machine”

Best Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z — “D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)”

Best Rap Album: Eminem — Relapse

Best Comedy Album: Stephen Colbert — A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All!

]]> attempted to duet with Stevie Nicks (shortly before taking home Album of the Year), Bon Jovi was given three songs, and Stealth star Jamie Foxx and Mr. Auto-tune, T-Pain were handed a microphone. And then, there were the awards themselves... Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" = Song of the Year? The Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D. = Best Pop Album? Taylor Swift's Fearless = Album of the Year? Seriously? But wait, it got worse! The Grammys gave the Black Eyed Peas' five minutes, while Jeff Beck, who was paying homage to the late Les Paul, received just two, LL Cool J, a man who hasn't been relevant in 10 years, presented an award, and tonight, yes tonight as in January 31, 2010, marked the first time Neil Young won a Grammy -- for best art direction on a boxed or special limited edition package. Sure, it might not be about the indies, but when Lance Armstrong questions the Grammys, you know something is wrong. In summary, the Grammys don't get it. At all. We'd be remiss, however, not to mention the few minutes actually worth watching, compliments of a wonderful performance by Green Day and the cast of American Idiot, a duet between Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John, and the stunning vocals of Mrs. Jay-Z,. Plus, props to the Grammys for giving Phoenix the award for Best Alternative Album (even if they didn't air it!). But by the time it was all said and done, the evening once again proved to be a waste of three-and-a-half hours. The Black Eyed Peas? Seriously, need I say more? Fortunately for you (those who were sensible enough to do something more worthwhile on Sunday night), we sat through the whole shindig (note the rather enjoyable NSFW live blog below!) just so we could pick out the few highlights and post them below. Enjoy (because we surely didn't)! [youtube qTLvLsGpexg] [youtube NlIbv2yENUQ] A list of the 2010 Grammy "Winners": Album of the Year: Taylor Swift - Fearless Song of the Year: Beyonce -- "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" Record of the Year: Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody" Best Rock Album: Green Day -- 21st Century Breakdown Best Solo Rock Performance: Bruce Springsteen -- "Working on a Dream" Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West - "Run This Town" Best Alternative Music Album: Phoenix -- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: Kings of Leon -- "Use Somebody" Best New Artist: Zac Brown Band Best Contemporary R&B Album: Beyonce -- I Am… Sasha Fierce Best Electronic/Dance Album: Lady Gaga -- The Fame Best Hard Rock Performance: AC/DC -- "War Machine" Best Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z -- "D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)" Best Rap Album: Eminem -- Relapse Best Comedy Album: Stephen Colbert -- A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All! CoS: Grammys Live Blog]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/02/a-recap-of-musics-most-irrelevant-awards-show-the-2010-grammys/feed/ 31 On Sale: December 12, 2009 http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/on-sale-december-12-2009/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/on-sale-december-12-2009/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:15:32 +0000 Will Hines http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=22966 The following tickets are on sale beginning Saturday, December 12th, 2009:

Air:

What: Tour dates for North American Tour

When: March

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM EST

Black Eyed Peas:

What: Tour dates for North American Tour

When: January – May

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 12:00 PM EST

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club:

What: Tour dates for North American tour

When: February – April

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM EST

Editors (w/ The Antlers):

What: Tour dates for North American tour

When: February

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM MST

Eric Clapton (w/ Roger Daltrey):

What: Tour dates for North American tour

When: February – March

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM CST

Muse:

What: Tour dates for Atlanta; Fairfax (VA); New York; Boston; Auburn Hills (MI); Salt Lake City

When: March – April

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM MST

Our Lady Peace:

What: Tour dates for Kitchener, ON

When: March 19-20

Tixs: C$42.50 – C$49.50

Buy: Centre In The Square at 10:00 AM CST and Ticketmaster.com at 02:00 PM EST

RJD2:

What: Tour dates for North American tour

When: March – April

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM PST

STS9:

What: Tour dates for North American tour

When: February – March

Tixs: Price varies depending on location

Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM EST

]]> What: Tour dates for North American Tour When: March Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM EST Black Eyed Peas: What: Tour dates for North American Tour When: January - May Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 12:00 PM EST Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: What: Tour dates for North American tour When: February - April Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM EST Editors (w/ The Antlers): What: Tour dates for North American tour When: February Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM MST Eric Clapton (w/ Roger Daltrey): What: Tour dates for North American tour When: February - March Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM CST Muse: What: Tour dates for Atlanta; Fairfax (VA); New York; Boston; Auburn Hills (MI); Salt Lake City When: March - April Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM MST Our Lady Peace: What: Tour dates for Kitchener, ON When: March 19-20 Tixs: C$42.50 - C$49.50 Buy: Centre In The Square at 10:00 AM CST and Ticketmaster.com at 02:00 PM EST RJD2: What: Tour dates for North American tour When: March - April Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM PST STS9: What: Tour dates for North American tour When: February - March Tixs: Price varies depending on location Buy: Ticketmaster.com at 10:00 AM EST]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/on-sale-december-12-2009/feed/ 0 Your 2010 Grammy nominees… http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/your-2010-grammy-nominees/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/your-2010-grammy-nominees/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:33:00 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=22558 On January 31st, the 52nd annual Grammys will determine the year’s best artists, albums, and songs. If you actually care (you’ll see what I mean in a moment), here are this year’s nominees (as announced tonight at a huge-waste-of-time ceremony hosted by the one and only LL Cool J):

Record of the Year:

  • Beyonce — “Halo”
  • Black Eyed Peas — “I Gotta Feeling”
  • Kings of Leon — “Use Somebody”
  • Lady Gaga — “Pokerface”
  • Taylor Swift — “You Belong With Me”

Song of the Year:

  • Lady Gaga – “Pokerface”
  • Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”
  • Beyonce — Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
  • Kings of Leon — “Use Somebody”
  • Taylor Swift — “You Belong With Me”

Album of the Year:

  • Beyonce — I Am… Sasha Fierce
  • Black Eyed Peas — The E.N.D.
  • Lady Gaga — The Fame
  • Dave Matthews Band — Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
  • Taylor Swift — Fearless

Best New Artist:

  • Zac Brown Band
  • Keri Hilson
  • MGMT
  • Silversun Pickups
  • The Ting Tings

Best Rock Album:

  • AC/DC — Black Ice
  • Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood — Live From Madison Square Garden
  • Green Day — 21st Century Breakdown
  • Dave Matthews Band — Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
  • U2 — No Line On The Horizon

Best Rock Song:

  • Pearl Jam — “The Fixer”
  • U2 — “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight”
  • Green Day — “21 Guns”
  • Kings of Leon — “Use Somebody”
  • Bruce Springsteen — “Working On A Dream”

Best Alternative Music Album:

  • David Byrne & Brian Eno — Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
  • Death Cab For Cutie — The Open Door
  • Depeche Mode — Sounds of The Universe
  • Phoenix — Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs — It’s Blitz!

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals:

  • Black Eyed Peas — “I Gotta Feeling”
  • Bon Jovi — “We Weren’t Born To Follow”
  • The Fray — “Never Say Never”
  • Hall & Oates — “Sara Smile”
  • MGMT — “Kids”

Best Rap Solo Performance:

  • Drake — “Best I Ever Had”
  • Eminem — “Beautiful”
  • Jay-Z — “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)”
  • Kid Cudi — “Day ‘N Nite”
  • Mos Def — “Casa Bey”

Find the rest of the madness here.

]]> Record of the Year: Beyonce -- "Halo" Black Eyed Peas -- "I Gotta Feeling" Kings of Leon -- "Use Somebody" Lady Gaga -- "Pokerface" Taylor Swift -- "You Belong With Me" Song of the Year: Lady Gaga - "Pokerface" Maxwell - "Pretty Wings" Beyonce -- Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) Kings of Leon -- "Use Somebody" Taylor Swift -- "You Belong With Me" Album of the Year: Beyonce -- I Am... Sasha Fierce Black Eyed Peas -- The E.N.D. Lady Gaga -- The Fame Dave Matthews Band -- Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King Taylor Swift -- Fearless Best New Artist: Zac Brown Band Keri Hilson MGMT Silversun Pickups The Ting Tings Best Rock Album: AC/DC -- Black Ice Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood -- Live From Madison Square Garden Green Day -- 21st Century Breakdown Dave Matthews Band -- Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King U2 -- No Line On The Horizon Best Rock Song: Pearl Jam -- "The Fixer" U2 -- "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" Green Day -- "21 Guns" Kings of Leon -- "Use Somebody" Bruce Springsteen -- "Working On A Dream" Best Alternative Music Album: David Byrne & Brian Eno -- Everything That Happens Will Happen Today Death Cab For Cutie -- The Open Door Depeche Mode -- Sounds of The Universe Phoenix -- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Yeah Yeah Yeahs -- It's Blitz! Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: Black Eyed Peas -- "I Gotta Feeling" Bon Jovi -- "We Weren't Born To Follow" The Fray -- "Never Say Never" Hall & Oates -- "Sara Smile" MGMT -- "Kids" Best Rap Solo Performance: Drake -- "Best I Ever Had" Eminem -- "Beautiful" Jay-Z -- "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" Kid Cudi -- "Day 'N Nite" Mos Def -- "Casa Bey" Find the rest of the madness here.]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/your-2010-grammy-nominees/feed/ 24 Black Eyed Peas frantic touring schedule sees no E.N.D. in sight http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/black-eyed-peas-frantic-touring-schedule-sees-no-end-in-sight/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/black-eyed-peas-frantic-touring-schedule-sees-no-end-in-sight/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:30:45 +0000 Chris Coplan http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=22502 This year has been a good one for the Black Eyed Peas. Their album The E.N.D. did huge numbers, they opened for the biggest band in the world, U2, and they won themselves some American Music Association awards. Who wouldn’t want one of those? In celebration of all this and more, the Los Angeles outfit is now set to embark on a 100-date global tour, with the first leg in North America kicking off in February 2010.

Fergie and Co. will play this year’s Goliath City Music Festival in Mexico City and a two-night engagement at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in December. Then, come February 4th in Atlanta, GA, the party really starts. The band will jam across North America for over three months! before wrapping things up in Vancouver, BC on April 11th. And if that weren’t enough, the Peas will hit Europe come May and South America and other parts of Asia sometime in 2010. All in all, the 2010 part of the tour should be 100 dates total. There’s no E.N.D. of dates in sight!

And let’s not forget that before the madness ensues, the group will perform later tonight (Dec. 2nd) at the Grammy Nominations Concert along with Nick Jones & the Administration, Sugarland, and Maxwell.

This will be the band’s first full-fledged tour of North America in four years. Tickets go on sale December 12th at Ticketmaster.com.

Black Eyed Peas 2009-2010 North American Tour Dates:
12/05 – Mexico City, MX @ Goliath City Music Festival
12/29 – Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
12/30 – Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
02/04 – Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
02/06 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
02/09 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena
02/10 – Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
02/12 – Nashville, TN @ Sommet Center
02/13 – Birmingham, AL @ BJCC Arena
02/16 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
02/17 – Lexinton, KY @ Rupp Arena
02/19 – Raleigh, NC @ RBC Center
02/20 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena
02/23 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
02/24 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
02/26 – Boston, MA @ TD BankNorth Garden
03/01 – Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
03/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Cente)
03/04 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mellon Arena
03/06 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
03/09 – Detroit, MI @ The Palace
03/11 – Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center
03/13 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
03/19 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
03/20 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
03/22 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
03/24 – Kansas City, MO @ Spring Center
03/25 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena
03/27 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
03/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
03/31 – Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
04/02 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion
04/07 – Sacramento, CA @ ARCO Arena
04/10 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
04/11 – Vancouver, BC @ GM Place

]]> The E.N.D. did huge numbers, they opened for the biggest band in the world, U2, and they won themselves some American Music Association awards. Who wouldn't want one of those? In celebration of all this and more, the Los Angeles outfit is now set to embark on a 100-date global tour, with the first leg in North America kicking off in February 2010. Fergie and Co. will play this year's Goliath City Music Festival in Mexico City and a two-night engagement at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in December. Then, come February 4th in Atlanta, GA, the party really starts. The band will jam across North America for over three months! before wrapping things up in Vancouver, BC on April 11th. And if that weren't enough, the Peas will hit Europe come May and South America and other parts of Asia sometime in 2010. All in all, the 2010 part of the tour should be 100 dates total. There's no E.N.D. of dates in sight! And let's not forget that before the madness ensues, the group will perform later tonight (Dec. 2nd) at the Grammy Nominations Concert along with Nick Jones & the Administration, Sugarland, and Maxwell. This will be the band's first full-fledged tour of North America in four years. Tickets go on sale December 12th at Ticketmaster.com. Black Eyed Peas 2009-2010 North American Tour Dates: 12/05 - Mexico City, MX @ Goliath City Music Festival 12/29 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center 12/30 - Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center 02/04 - Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena 02/06 - Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena 02/09 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena 02/10 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum 02/12 - Nashville, TN @ Sommet Center 02/13 - Birmingham, AL @ BJCC Arena 02/16 - Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center 02/17 - Lexinton, KY @ Rupp Arena 02/19 - Raleigh, NC @ RBC Center 02/20 - Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena 02/23 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center 02/24 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden 02/26 - Boston, MA @ TD BankNorth Garden 03/01 - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum 03/03 - Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Cente) 03/04 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mellon Arena 03/06 - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre 03/09 - Detroit, MI @ The Palace 03/11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center 03/13 - Chicago, IL @ United Center 03/19 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center 03/20 - Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center 03/22 - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center 03/24 - Kansas City, MO @ Spring Center 03/25 - Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena 03/27 - Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center 03/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center 03/31 - Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena 04/02 - San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion 04/07 - Sacramento, CA @ ARCO Arena 04/10 - Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome 04/11 - Vancouver, BC @ GM Place]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/12/black-eyed-peas-frantic-touring-schedule-sees-no-end-in-sight/feed/ 0 Black Eyed Peas stole track from Adam Freeland… maybe http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/07/black-eyed-peas-stole-track-from-adam-freeland-maybe/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/07/black-eyed-peas-stole-track-from-adam-freeland-maybe/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:48:20 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=17086 Earlier this week, The Daily Swarm reported on the eerily similar sounds appearing on Adam Freeland‘s “Mancry” and the Black Eyed Peas’ “Party All The Time”. Of course, because Freeland’s song was released prior to that of Black Eyed Peas, the issue of plagiarism came into play, and because “Party All The Time” is part of an album that hit #1 on the Billboard 200, it’s sort of a really big deal.

Today, the Black Eyed Peas responded to the allegations of plagiarism as baseless, noting in an interview with the Times of Malta that “[Freeland]‘s had offered them a beat and it was a case of working together.” However, because the Peas were unable to “finalize legalities,” as Will.i.am explains, “clearance was not done and that was what it was about.”

…And that apparently makes it ok. Ah, music.

]]> Times of Malta that "[Freeland]'s had offered them a beat and it was a case of working together." However, because the Peas were unable to "finalize legalities," as Will.i.am explains, "clearance was not done and that was what it was about." ...And that apparently makes it ok. Ah, music. [youtube AbJ5kHfIhC4]]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/07/black-eyed-peas-stole-track-from-adam-freeland-maybe/feed/ 7 Album Review: Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D. http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/06/album-review-black-eyed-peas-the-end/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/06/album-review-black-eyed-peas-the-end/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:35:39 +0000 Will Hines http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=16377 It’s quite possible will.i.am’s cameo in the new Wolverine movie rubbed off on him — badly. After all, throughout his new record, he seems to think he’s a superhero, waging war on the very people who brought him success. Of course, we’re talking about the latest Black Eyed Peas effort, The E.N.D., short for The Energy Never Dies, despite sounding like a subtle resignation. Sadly, that’s not the case here.

The opening of this record is absolute crass: “Everything around you is changing. Nothing stays the same. This version of myself is not permanent. Tomorrow I will be different. The energy never dies.” Statements like this should exist only in movie trailers, and belong to the likes of Don LaFontaine (rest in peace). It’s self righteous, it’s pompous, yet it’s the “complex” metaphor behind this mish-mash record. A record that will.i.am insists is, “a diary of music that at any given time, depending on the inspiration, you can add to it. I’m trying to break away from the concept of an album. What is an album when you put 12 songs on iTunes and people can pick at it like scabs? That’s not an album. There is no album anymore.”

Rest assured, will.i.am, that the album does still exist, and that with The E.N.D., he has produced a real contender for worst album of 2009. The scariest thing is that the Black Eyed Peas are the most successful recording artists in the modern era, having sold 15 million records since 2003. This is all conjecture, for every member of this band knows they have made a dumb, convoluted record in search of commercial results. And, in some ways, they have succeeded.

Lead single “Boom Boom Pow”, is, for its faults, an absolutely genius piece of production from the main man himself, and deserves its chart domination. The “band” has been narrowed down to a talented guy behind the mixing board, a girl with pipes and looks and two glorified back-up singers. For their sins, Taboo and apl.de.ap are talented in their own distinct ways, but have probably been deemed ‘unmarketable.’  And to think, they were founding members, pulling out the original debut Behind The Front, aping A Tribe Called Quest and producing real hip hop music. “Boom Boom Pow”’s immediate successor, “Rock That Body”, comes over all Daft Punk, a surprisingly accurate imitation that’s really shocking. The positives end here, however.

In a twist of fate, the Peas no longer seem content making millions from mostly inoffensive pop records, and have decided to reinvent themselves. This entails creating a new genre (“electric static funk”) and wearing weird outfits. Even Fergie manages to look ridiculous in her S&M claws. The songs follow suit, no pun intended.

“Meet Me Halfway” is an example of art imitating song title, never really knowing where it is going, with an overpowering bass clap, only vanquished by Fergie’s “sophisticated” voice. Somehow, will.i.am works in Nick Zinner’s guitar from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps”. This is a mish-mash mess, and with a little less crazy experimentation, something could have been salvaged, but naturally, it falls in under its own weight. They threw everything into this track, and with no quality control.

Continuing to disappoint, “Imma Be” is just a damn insult to hip hop music. With so many call-outs and samples, the song tumbles progressively down into the lower-echelons of recorded music, forcing three different songs into one. Keys and tempos change beyond logical explanation. The four minutes is a struggle, to say the least. “I Gotta Feeling” is chart baiting. “Now Generation” is a lesson in shameless product placement (“Check me on that iChat/I’m all about that http/Europe PC on the net…/Myspace, and your space/Facebook is that new place/Google is my professor/Wikipedia check ‘em.”). Perhaps music is the next frontier to be conquered by advertising? Thanks, guys.

The metaphor behind this album is its true end. The idea of “creating” a living, breathing organism has essentially removed any sense of cohesion here, and in the end, some of these directions should have been explored in detail. Collectively, as an album that is, The E.N.D. is overlong, overhyped and certainly going to outlive its welcome. Then again, it’s very likely the whole mess will eat up the charts with fans hailing it a masterpiece. C’est la vie.

Check Out:

Buy:
THE E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)

]]> Wolverine movie rubbed off on him -- badly. After all, throughout his new record, he seems to think he’s a superhero, waging war on the very people who brought him success. Of course, we're talking about the latest Black Eyed Peas effort, The E.N.D., short for The Energy Never Dies, despite sounding like a subtle resignation. Sadly, that's not the case here. The opening of this record is absolute crass: "Everything around you is changing. Nothing stays the same. This version of myself is not permanent. Tomorrow I will be different. The energy never dies.” Statements like this should exist only in movie trailers, and belong to the likes of Don LaFontaine (rest in peace). It's self righteous, it's pompous, yet it's the “complex” metaphor behind this mish-mash record. A record that will.i.am insists is, "a diary of music that at any given time, depending on the inspiration, you can add to it. I'm trying to break away from the concept of an album. What is an album when you put 12 songs on iTunes and people can pick at it like scabs? That's not an album. There is no album anymore." Rest assured, will.i.am, that the album does still exist, and that with The E.N.D., he has produced a real contender for worst album of 2009. The scariest thing is that the Black Eyed Peas are the most successful recording artists in the modern era, having sold 15 million records since 2003. This is all conjecture, for every member of this band knows they have made a dumb, convoluted record in search of commercial results. And, in some ways, they have succeeded. Lead single “Boom Boom Pow”, is, for its faults, an absolutely genius piece of production from the main man himself, and deserves its chart domination. The "band" has been narrowed down to a talented guy behind the mixing board, a girl with pipes and looks and two glorified back-up singers. For their sins, Taboo and apl.de.ap are talented in their own distinct ways, but have probably been deemed ‘unmarketable.’  And to think, they were founding members, pulling out the original debut Behind The Front, aping A Tribe Called Quest and producing real hip hop music. "Boom Boom Pow"’s immediate successor, “Rock That Body”, comes over all Daft Punk, a surprisingly accurate imitation that's really shocking. The positives end here, however. In a twist of fate, the Peas no longer seem content making millions from mostly inoffensive pop records, and have decided to reinvent themselves. This entails creating a new genre (“electric static funk”) and wearing weird outfits. Even Fergie manages to look ridiculous in her S&M claws. The songs follow suit, no pun intended. “Meet Me Halfway” is an example of art imitating song title, never really knowing where it is going, with an overpowering bass clap, only vanquished by Fergie’s "sophisticated" voice. Somehow, will.i.am works in Nick Zinner’s guitar from Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps". This is a mish-mash mess, and with a little less crazy experimentation, something could have been salvaged, but naturally, it falls in under its own weight. They threw everything into this track, and with no quality control. Continuing to disappoint, “Imma Be” is just a damn insult to hip hop music. With so many call-outs and samples, the song tumbles progressively down into the lower-echelons of recorded music, forcing three different songs into one. Keys and tempos change beyond logical explanation. The four minutes is a struggle, to say the least. “I Gotta Feeling” is chart baiting. “Now Generation” is a lesson in shameless product placement ("Check me on that iChat/I’m all about that http/Europe PC on the net.../Myspace, and your space/Facebook is that new place/Google is my professor/Wikipedia check 'em.”). Perhaps music is the next frontier to be conquered by advertising? Thanks, guys. The metaphor behind this album is its true end. The idea of "creating" a living, breathing organism has essentially removed any sense of cohesion here, and in the end, some of these directions should have been explored in detail. Collectively, as an album that is, The E.N.D. is overlong, overhyped and certainly going to outlive its welcome. Then again, it's very likely the whole mess will eat up the charts with fans hailing it a masterpiece. C'est la vie. Check Out: Buy: THE E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)]]> 40 http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/06/album-review-black-eyed-peas-the-end/feed/ 2 Black Eyed Peas + No Doubt + Slash = Some pretty shitty TV last night! http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/05/black-eyed-peas-no-doubt-slash-some-pretty-shitty-tv-last-night/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/05/black-eyed-peas-no-doubt-slash-some-pretty-shitty-tv-last-night/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 20:49:59 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=14853 Last night saw the absurdly dressed Black Eyed Peas bring their equally absurd new single, “Boom Boom Pow”, while No Doubt and Slash stopped by American Idol for some pre-tapped, rock ‘n’ roll coolness. All in all, it made for some hilariously bad television viewing that is painful, yet somewhat entertaining to watch…

Perhaps the only saving grace in all this is that The National stopped by Jimmy Fallon to dish out Dark Was The Night-approved number, “So Far Around The Bend”.

]]> American Idol for some pre-tapped, rock 'n' roll coolness. All in all, it made for some hilariously bad television viewing that is painful, yet somewhat entertaining to watch... [youtube BrLwlFkA0Fo] Perhaps the only saving grace in all this is that The National stopped by Jimmy Fallon to dish out Dark Was The Night-approved number, "So Far Around The Bend". ]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/05/black-eyed-peas-no-doubt-slash-some-pretty-shitty-tv-last-night/feed/ 5 Black Eyed Peas detail The E.N.D. http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/02/black-eyed-peas-detail-the-end/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/02/black-eyed-peas-detail-the-end/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:45:05 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=12132 Now that Barack Obama is safe in the White House, Will.i.Am now appears set to move his attention elsewhere. After months on the campaign trail, the California based hip-hopper will soon team up with his longtime bandmates, the Black Eyed Peas, for The E.N.D.

But before you go running off to the supermarket and stock up your fallout shelter, do bear mind, as we first reported in December, that rather than some revelation about the apocalypse, The E.N.D., or The Energy Never Dies as it is officially known, is actually the title of the band’s long-awaited new studio album. So much energy in fact the the 12-track effort, described as “a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful,” and which will mark the band’s fifth full-length effort and first in over four years, that the release has been pushed back almost three months. Originally scheduled for release in March, The E.N.D. now carries a June 9th release date.

Fortuantly, the coming weeks will bring a few Black Eyed Peas related items, including the upcoming album’s first single, Boom Boom Pow”, due out sometime next week, as well as the announcement of a world tour. Currently, only one date is on the itinerary, a headlining appearance’s at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival, but that should change soon enough.

Black Eyed Peas 2009 Tour Dates:
03/27 – Miami, FL @ Ultra Music Festival

]]> The E.N.D. But before you go running off to the supermarket and stock up your fallout shelter, do bear mind, as we first reported in December, that rather than some revelation about the apocalypse, The E.N.D., or The Energy Never Dies as it is officially known, is actually the title of the band's long-awaited new studio album. So much energy in fact the the 12-track effort, described as "a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful," and which will mark the band's fifth full-length effort and first in over four years, that the release has been pushed back almost three months. Originally scheduled for release in March, The E.N.D. now carries a June 9th release date. Fortuantly, the coming weeks will bring a few Black Eyed Peas related items, including the upcoming album's first single, Boom Boom Pow", due out sometime next week, as well as the announcement of a world tour. Currently, only one date is on the itinerary, a headlining appearance's at Miami's Ultra Music Festival, but that should change soon enough. Black Eyed Peas 2009 Tour Dates: 03/27 - Miami, FL @ Ultra Music Festival]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/02/black-eyed-peas-detail-the-end/feed/ 1 Ultra Music Festival picks Black Eyed Peas for Phase III http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/02/ultra-music-festival-picks-black-eyed-peas-for-phase-iii/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/02/ultra-music-festival-picks-black-eyed-peas-for-phase-iii/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:20:24 +0000 Alex Young http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=12007 Despite one Florida music festival canceling its 2009 plans, and another scrambling to fill the resulting voids, Miami’s Ultra Music Festival is still very much a go. In fact, thanks to the recently announced phase III portion of this year’s lineup, the two-day event, scheduled to take place March 27th through the 28th in Bicentennial Park, could look to be Ultra’s strongest edition yet.

The Black Eyed Peas, who are currently putting the finishing touches on their latest studio album, The E.N.D., head the newest list of names currently scheduled to descent on Miami in late March, joining previously announced headliners The Prodigy, Tiësto, and Paul Van Dyk. Other additions include Sneaky Sound System, Shiny Toy Guns, The Freestylers, MSTRKRFT, The Whip, and Rye Rye, all which leave the 2009 lineup looking something like this:

2020 Soundsystem, Above & Beyond, Alina, Andy C + MC GQ, Armin van Buuren, ATB, Atomic Holligan, Baby Anne, Bass Nacho & Human, Bassbin Twins, Benny Benassi, The Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, Booka Shade, Boyz Noize, BT, Busy P, Carl Cox, Chris Lake, Clayton Steele, Crystal Castles, Craze & Klever, Cut Copy, David Guetta, Deadmau5, Dirty South, DNF, Drumattic Twins, Ed Rush & Optical, Elio Riso, Eric Prydz, Erick Morillo, Evol Intent (Live), Ewan Pearson, Fedde Le Grand, Francesco Rossi, The Freestylers, Future Funk Squad (Live), Goldie, Heidi, Hercules and Love Affair, Hybrid, DJ Icey, Infected Mushroom, Josh Wink, Kaskade, Kevens, Kraak & Smaak (Live), LA Riots, Late of the Pier, Luciano vs. Loco Dice, M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Tiefschwarz, Marcos Carnival, Marcus Visionary, Markus Schulz, Matt & Kim, Moby, MSTRKRFT, Nate Campbell, Noisa, Para One, Patrick M, Paul van Dyk, Pendulum (Live), Peoples, Perry Farrell, Pete Tong, Planet of the Drums, The Presets, Pete Tong, The Prodigy, Rabbit in the Moon, Richie Hawtin, Riton, Roni Size Reprazent, Rordigo Viera, Rye Rye, Santigold, Shiny Toy Guns, Simian Mobile Disco, Sneaky Sound System, Soul of Man, Stanton Warriors, Steve Lawler, DJ Storm & Johnny Dangerously, Sub Focus, Surkin, The Swedish House Mafia (feat. Steve Angello, Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso), Tiësto, Tiga, The Ting Tings, Tini., The Whip

Two-day and VIP passes are still available through Ultra’s website, but you better hurry. I have a sneaking suspicion the last batch may be gobbled up rather fast after today.

]]> The E.N.D., head the newest list of names currently scheduled to descent on Miami in late March, joining previously announced headliners The Prodigy, Tiësto, and Paul Van Dyk. Other additions include Sneaky Sound System, Shiny Toy Guns, The Freestylers, MSTRKRFT, The Whip, and Rye Rye, all which leave the 2009 lineup looking something like this: 2020 Soundsystem, Above & Beyond, Alina, Andy C + MC GQ, Armin van Buuren, ATB, Atomic Holligan, Baby Anne, Bass Nacho & Human, Bassbin Twins, Benny Benassi, The Black Eyed Peas, Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots, Booka Shade, Boyz Noize, BT, Busy P, Carl Cox, Chris Lake, Clayton Steele, Crystal Castles, Craze & Klever, Cut Copy, David Guetta, Deadmau5, Dirty South, DNF, Drumattic Twins, Ed Rush & Optical, Elio Riso, Eric Prydz, Erick Morillo, Evol Intent (Live), Ewan Pearson, Fedde Le Grand, Francesco Rossi, The Freestylers, Future Funk Squad (Live), Goldie, Heidi, Hercules and Love Affair, Hybrid, DJ Icey, Infected Mushroom, Josh Wink, Kaskade, Kevens, Kraak & Smaak (Live), LA Riots, Late of the Pier, Luciano vs. Loco Dice, M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Tiefschwarz, Marcos Carnival, Marcus Visionary, Markus Schulz, Matt & Kim, Moby, MSTRKRFT, Nate Campbell, Noisa, Para One, Patrick M, Paul van Dyk, Pendulum (Live), Peoples, Perry Farrell, Pete Tong, Planet of the Drums, The Presets, Pete Tong, The Prodigy, Rabbit in the Moon, Richie Hawtin, Riton, Roni Size Reprazent, Rordigo Viera, Rye Rye, Santigold, Shiny Toy Guns, Simian Mobile Disco, Sneaky Sound System, Soul of Man, Stanton Warriors, Steve Lawler, DJ Storm & Johnny Dangerously, Sub Focus, Surkin, The Swedish House Mafia (feat. Steve Angello, Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso), Tiësto, Tiga, The Ting Tings, Tini., The Whip Two-day and VIP passes are still available through Ultra's website, but you better hurry. I have a sneaking suspicion the last batch may be gobbled up rather fast after today.]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/02/ultra-music-festival-picks-black-eyed-peas-for-phase-iii/feed/ 3