The idea of combining the mass appeal of Madonna with niche neo-folk musicians like Devendra Banhart and Lavender Diamond is intriguing, to say the least — and it's exactly the point of Through the Wilderness. The tribute album puts 17 of Madonna's biggest hits in the hands of musicians from around the folk/experimental/electronic music spectrum, and from what I've heard so far, the results are Read more

The New Pornographers are commonly referred to as a supergroup, but often, when they perform live, they don't quite live up to that billing. Featured member Neko Case doesn't typically tour with the group, and Destroyer's Dan Bejar is even less likely to show. But both of the frequently absent singers made it out to the band's show this week at The Warfield in San Francisco, and I now can't even Read more

When I saw LA neo-folkies Lavender Diamond open for the Decemberists last year, I wasn't quite sure what to make of them. They were either completely charming or way too sweet and precious — and that went double for lead singer Becky Stark, who reminded me alternately of someone who could be my best friend and someone who should be hosting children's television. Their new video — for the Read more

In the new issue of Harper's Bazaar, Jennifer Lopez reveals a few details about Deseo, her eighth (!) fragrance. As she's already said, the scent was inspired by her garden. Usually I'd give it a big ol' yawn (and I can hardly imagine that Jennifer digs around in the dirt), but she sounds passionate about it. On her work: "I'd just come from the studio with this long caftan on, no makeup, but I Read more