The Ramones (Something Old), R.E.M. (Something New), Vampire Weekend (Something Borrowed), Kings Of Leon (Something Burned) & More!

It's almost the New Year, so I figured I would go with the theme of that waxing poetic statement of "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something _____". Well... sort of... Anyways, this blog promises to be a tad shorter than the last one as we are getting lost of brief news tidbits that have been trickling down since Christmas.

In the "Something Old" department, besides myself, we have The Ramones. This news can also fall into the category of "it's about time", "way overdue", and about 1,000 other cliche statements. The Ramones are getting their first Grammy. The pioneering punk band will be honored at an event in Los Angeles on February 12, a day before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards ceremony is held. At this time, we're not sure exactly what that award entails, but it is great news nonetheless.

In the "Something New" category, we check in with R.E.M. The group has released a two minute trailer previewing tracks from their upcoming album Collapse Into Now, out in March. The clip shows the alt-rock vets rehearsing new tracks "All the Best," "Mine Smells Like Honey," "Every Day Is Yours to Win," "Oh My Heart," and more. Is it me or is Michael Stipe looking more like Elvis Costello with those glasses? Click here to watch it.

Covering the "Something Borrowed" aspect, we have Vampire Weekend. They have released an iTunes Sessions, which features a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm Going Down."

In the last category in regards to our theme, "Something Burned", that award goes to Kings Of Leon. They were forced to cancel a gig at London's O2 Arena after a tour bus caught fire outside the venue. Firefighters treated six unidentified people for smoke inhalation and no major injuries have been reported. The band will reschedule the show at a later date.

Finally, here's our "more" entry. This is kinds old news, by industry standards, but I didn't have a chance to note it on the last blog. Gorillaz wrapped up their tour in New Zealand, of all places, with guests like former members of The Clash Mick Jones and Paul Simonon, as well as Bobby Womack, Little Dragon, and the American Syrian Orchestra (!!). It was a tour for the memory books - you may remember that the group kicked off the tour, which was only 48 dates, in Madison Square Garden in NYC with special guests Lou Reed & Mos Def. The band hopes to repeat this type of tour again, but even front-man Damon Albarn says, "This may never happen again..." Let's hope he's wrong. In any event, yes... the Gorillaz ruled in 2010.

That's it for now. Keep listening & keep the comments and suggestions coming!
Peace out,
Dave