Discourse & Dischord

posted in: Music News

The Good

Madonna defends incarcerated Russian band

Madonna may not have been winning many fans lately (see: hydrangeas, Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Marine Le Pen) but this week she redeemed herself by speaking out against the arrest of Russian punk trio Pussy Riot. The group has been incarcerated since March for performing a punk prayer in Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral in protest of Vladimir Putin on the eve of his re-election. Hear Madonna’s speech below.

Introducing Frank + Derol

Frank + Derol are a new Los Angeles pop duo made up of singer/keyboardist Cody Caraco and singer/guitarist Brandi Cyrus, a.k.a. sis of Miley. You can get to know them by watching the video below, or by checking out their excellent new track, Barely Love You Too right here.

The Bad

Naked Randy Travis arrested for DUI

You gotta hand it to Randy Travis, when he gets in trouble with the law, he really gets in trouble. The 53-year-old country singer was arrested this week for driving under the influence when cops found him lying next to his Pontiac Grand Am, which he had crashed into some construction barricades. To make things more interesting, Randy had gone full monty. After threatening to shoot and kill his arresting officers, Travis was escorted to jail to sober up and cover up. The officers even let him keep his scrubs when they cut him loose the next day, which made his walk of shame considerably less shameful.

The Ugly

Justin Bieber mocks Prince William’s dome

Prince William is about the mildest monarch out there, so when Justin Bieber took aim at the prince’s receding hairline, Brits got pissed. The Biebs suggested the 30-year-old royal get some Propecia in an interview with U.K. magazine, Rollercoaster. Worry about your own lustrous locks, Bieber. We’ll see what they look like in 12 years.

Dramapalooza hits Chicago

This year’s Lollapalooza had its share of highs and lows. Artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack White, The Shins, Passion Pit, and Frank Ocean took turns rocking the masses. But on day two, a storm rolled in”shutting down the festival grounds as fans raced for cover. Then, on day three, things took a turn for a worse when an 11-year-old got sucker punched by an 18-year-old over a beach ball. Here’s hoping next year goes a little smoother.

Miscellany