It’s nearing the end of the week and there is some seriously strange news stirring. Joaquin Phoenix may have started a domino effect with his bizarre interview. Now, things are getting even weirder.

• Santogold has decided to change her name to Santigold, yet offers absolutely no explanation for the vowel switch. Maybe she just wants to release another self-titled album that’s different.
• The ever-sterile Michael Jackson has somehow ended up with a MRSA type skin infection that has swelled both his face and hands. Now it’s getting to the point where I really do feel awful for the guy. Talk about bad (pun intended) luck.
• A new film about the life of Jimi Hendrix is in the pre-production stages. Heavy rumor indicates that the famous guitarist will be played by his modern day reincarnate, Lenny Kravitz. I know, I know, none can compare to Hendrix but it’s less about Kravitz’ skill and more about his swagger.
• MGMT is set to create artwork for the new Playboy which hits shelves February 14. The androgynous boys of MGMT may just give the straight mag a cool edge for the month.

Source [NME]

Love Santigold’s new name? Think it’s Karma attacking Michael? Wish they’d cast someone else as Hendrix? Looking forward to the artistically inspried Playboy?  Let us know!

We’ve got a “First Listen” available for you of the track “Whachadoin” from the new N.A.S.A album The Spirit Of Apollo’s. While N.A.S.A is technically only Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon the new track features guest appearances by M.I.A, Santogold, Spank Rock, and Nick Ziner. Previous track guest on the album include Kanye West, Santogold, Lykke Li, Tom Waits, Karen O, David Byrne, RZA, Method Man, George Clinton, Chuck D, John Frusciante, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

The album is expected to drop in the UK on February 16th. Check out “Whachadoin” after the break:

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It’s that time of year!  We are rounding up the best of the best indie songs of 2008.  This year’s indie scene brought us some truly enjoyable tracks from some of the greatest talents, with everything from heavy electronic to harmony based and guitar driven songs. All of which found themselves a spot on our list.

Here are our top 10 favorite indie songs of the year with MP3′s, music videos, and free downloads. Enjoy!

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The Beastie Boys have just confirmed selected dates through the crucial swing states of the upcoming election. Joining the band in various markets will be Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Crosby & Nash, Santogold, Tenacious D, and special guests, as well as representatives from the Rock The Vote, who will be on hand to distribute information on local polling sites, including early voting locations where available.

The first three shows to be announced are:

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You must see Santogold.  Let me repeat myself.  You MUST see Santogold in concert!  Everything she does redefines what it means to see a live show.  She has the entertaining aspects of a Britney Spears or Madonna show but without ridiculous amounts of people and the nosebleed seating.

I recently attended her show at the Fillmore in San Francisco.  First of all, everyone should see a show at the Fillmore in their lifetime if only for it’s quiet elegance, and the complimentary apples and show posters at the end.

I arrived late, missed Low vs. Diamond and only saw a little Alice Smith.  Who, by the way, has quite an amazing voice but tends to hit the dramatic high notes throughout every song, thereby depreciating their “value”.  Mates of State were only worthwhile for the cellist who treated the audience to a string version teaser of LES Artistes, one of Santogold’s most recognizable songs.

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