Hosting “Top 40 of ‘09: The Year In Music”

FUSE’S TOP 40 OF ‘09 MARATHON
SAY GOODBYE TO ‘09 WITH FUSE’S “TOP 40 OF ’09: THE YEAR IN MUSIC”
End of Year Marathon Airs on New Year’s Eve Beginning at 12pm ET

Fuse is ringing out the year with one last hurrah by counting down the top hits of the year and breaking down the biggest events in the world of music. Catch the marathon of the “Top 40 of ’09: The Year in Music” presenting this year’s top hits, as voted by viewers.

The end of year special, hosted by  Toure’ and Allison Hagendorf, airs all day Thursday, December 31st starting at 12pm ET and will take viewers into 2010.
Fans voted at Fuse.tv for their favorite music video, as thirty-two of the year’s most popular songs went head-to-head in a bracket-style tournament competing for the number one spot. Artists in the bracket included Paramore, Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, JAY-Z, Kelly Clarkson, Metallica, T.I. and many more. Battling it out for the highest honor was Britney Spears’ Circus against Papa Roach’s Lifeline in the final round. For a second year in a row Britney took the top prize landing at number one; last year Spears’ Womanizer beat out Paramore’s That’s What You Get.
“Top 40 of ’09: The Year in Music” also tackles the wildest moments of the year. From the beefs to top singles, the break ups and make ups, Fuse wraps up ’09 with all the ups and downs, including Britney’s triumphant return, digital download chart toppers Flo Rida, Miley Cyrus and The Black Eyed Peas, a tweetastic year in the world of celebs, and everything in-between. Don’t miss Rihanna, Lady Gaga and 50 Cent talking about their reactions to the tragic death of Michael Jackson, and the cast of New Moon calling out some of their favorite bands, including Kings of Leon and Bon Iver.

PHOENIX – Stripped Down Performance

If you don’t know about the band, Phoenix, you actually probably do and don’t realize it.  You’ve heard their song “1901″ in The Cadillac SRX commerical:

However, I’ve been following this band since 2000 listening to their album, “United”. You may recall the band’s song “Too Young” was in the film, Shallow Hal, with Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow. But it was 2004’s album, “Alphabetical”, that really got me into the band with songs like “Everything is Everything” and “Run Run Run”.  In addition to the music, I was immediately won over by their extremely tight live show. And let’s be honest, it was also a plus that they were French.

Anyway, fast forward to 2009 (and a few albums later). PHOENIX released their latest album,”Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” which is a masterpiece. They toured this summer and had one of my favorite new bands, Passion Pit, opening for them.  

TONIGHT I got to see PHOENIX in a very special, intimate setting. The band played a private stripped performance at the PC Richard Theater in the Clear Channel building. It was a short set but they played some of the highlights from their most recent album including, “1901″, “Lisztomania”, and my personal fave, “Lasso”. The band also performed their cover of fellow French band AIR’s “Playground Love”. You can check it out here:

So even if you don’t dig Crepes, Cheese, or  Onion Soup (which personally I can’t relate to if that is the case) you will definitely love French band, PHOENIX.  Dig in!

Hosting the “Breaking Point” premiere with Busta Rhymes

Last night, I hosted the red carpet for the premiere of the film “Breaking Point” starring Tom Berenger, Busta Rhymes, Armand Assante, and Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones.  Both Tom and Busta were a pleasure to interview, but my improv skills were really put into high gear with the lovely, charming, and very funny Curtiss Cook (who will be in the upcoming Scorsese film with Leonardo DiCaprio, “Shutter Island”), Frankie Faison (who is just a beautiful man), and Devin Ratray (who is hilarious and actually played Buzz McCallister in Home Alone).  The film was directed by Jeff Celentano and produced by Jay Webb, Robert Campelli Jr, and Vince Campanelli.  The only disappointment of the evening was that Sticky Fingaz (and his fantastic bodice) was not in attendance.  My loss. But overall, the night was a win.

Interviewing Busta Rhymes on the red carpet

Not letting Busta bust out of there

Ridiculously Adorable Video Clip Of The Day

 
You might want to put this on mute before viewing, but it is definitely worth viewing. Even if you hate cats and the people who have cats, this video is undeniably adorable.

I haven’t seen something this cute since the infamous and beloved panda baby sneeze

My work here is done. You’re welcome.