*NSYNC To Reunite at MTV VMAs?

The boy band won seven VMA awards before saying bye, bye, bye in 2002. Their last televised performance together was a Bee Gees medley at the 2003 GRAMMYs. More recently, the four others guys not named Justin–Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez and Lance Bass–were spotted cheering Timberlake on at a Florida stop with Jay Z on the Legends of the Summer Tour. more on this story

Fans to Pick Katy Perry's Next Single

(Radio.com) Katy Perry wants her fans to choose her next single off Prism, her upcoming album out Oct. 22. Using Twitter, the singer, along with sponsor Pepsi, will be asking fans to tweet their choice for her next single over the weekend, AdWeek reports.

Fans will be given two tracks to choose between and the winner will be announced moments before she performs her new single "Roar" on this Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards.

The chosen single will then be available at digital retailers Sept. 17. No word yet from Perry on what two songs are in the running, not that fans know any other song off Prism besides "Roar."

Perry's also teaming up with Pepsi–who premiered Beyonce's song "Grown Woman" in a commercial earlier this year after signing her to a $50 million promotional deal–to offer fans a chance to learn more about Prism ahead of its release.

By using the hashtag #Katynow during her performance at the VMAs, fans can unlock clues like titles of songs and lyrics, as well as video messages from the performer talking about the inspiration behind her new tracks.

Hints about Perry's VMA performance have also been revealed

Avril Lavigne Goes Tank Girl and Guns N' Roses In New Video

(Radio.com) A new one to file under "the '90s are back": Avril Lavigne's new video for the single "Rock N Roll." The clip, directed by Chris Marrs (the Black Keys, Ke$ha), takes all kinds of ideas from the 1995 cult film Tank Girl including the comic book inspired opening credits and the punk-meets-millitary costuming. Avril even wears the blonde hair with pink streaks that Lori Petty sported as the titular character.

Lavigne gets a familiar co-star in Danica McKellar — known to some for her role as Winnie on The Wonder Years and others as the author of a series of math books– who is seen here showing off her abs. For entirely unknown reasons, the two share a girl-on-girl kiss, complete with Red Shoes-esque V.O.,

Marss also cheekily sets Lavigne in a scene from Guns 'N Roses' 1992 video "November Rain," in a nod to Slash's famous solo in the chapel yard under desert skies. For her take on the iconic performance, Lavigne rocks it with a half-saw/half-guitar/all-axe and army helmet.

And then, to keep things a bit more current and in what could only be a nod to the cultural phenomenon that was Sharknado, a BearShark makes an appearance. That's when you sew the bottom of a bear costume onto the top of a shark costume. In this particular story arc, the BearShark and Lavigne are mortal enemies. Apparently even moreso than hipsters, who also earn her disdain in the song. more.

Britney Spears Launches New Music Countdown

(Radio.com) Last week, Britney Spears took to Twitter to answer her fans' burning question: when will we hear new music from her? She tweeted, "Patient kiddies! It's coming MUCH sooner than you think ;) RT @BritneySpearsID 'We Are Ready Britney' is trending!!"

Spears didn't fall back on her promise. Yesterday morning (Aug. 20) she teased fans with a countdown clock on her website. Her site states, "Britney Spears All Eyes On Me" with a countdown clock of 27 days. While we're not quite sure what exactly will debut at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 17, it's most likely a new single or the announcement of her forthcoming eighth album, as Spears has been working on new music.

(Interestingly enough, the countdown clock used by Spears looks familiar, visually recalling her former flame Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience artwork and accompanying roll-out.)

Despite the release of "Ohh La La" for the Smurfs 2 soundtrack, not much has been revealed about Spears' forthcoming release besides the name of one producer she has enlisted on the project.

Following the success of Spears' collab with will.i.am on "Scream & Shout," will.i.am told Rolling Stone that he will act as executive producer on Spears' follow-up to 2011′s Femme Fatale.

"After I did a song on Femme Fatale – 'Big Fat Bass' – and then we did 'Scream & Shout,' she really liked the way we worked because of my approach," will.i.am said. "So they asked me to be involved in, not producing and writing every song, but to be an executive producer on the songs." more on this story

Christina Aguilera and Ed Sheeran Discuss The Voice and Possible Plans

(Extra) Only "Extra" on the set of "The Voice" with Christina Aguilera and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran, who will join Aguilera as an advisor on Season 5 of the show's battle rounds. The two telling "Extra's" Renee Bargh about working together.

Ed "I didn't know what I was getting into, I didn't want to be too brutally honest…Everyone here has this kind of energy and vibe and talent that is like a driving force."

Christina added, "It's a positive team and everyone is dying when they see this guy too, I'm like, I'm secondary right now."

Ed admitting he is a huge fan of Christina's work saying, " 'Voice Within' is always a belter, I used to play it on the guitar…'Ain't No Other Man,'

Ed singing, " Do your thing honey!" Making Christina shriek, "A match made in heaven."

Christina saying she would love to work with Ed in the future, "I see a collaboration in the works hopefully…I would love to collaborate with this guy, he is super talented."

"The Voice" returns to NBC on Monday, Sept. 23rd. more on this story

Wiz Khalifa Releases New Song 'Look Into My Eyes'

(Radio.com) Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa released a brand new song, "Look Into My Eyes," on his Soundcloud page. "This song may or may not be on BH," Khalifa tweeted out to his more than 11 million followers with a link to the new song, with "BH" being a reference to his upcoming album, Blacc Hollywood, which is expected later this year.

"I juss always listen to it n Sledge made the beat n I want you guys to have it," he added, mentioning the song's producer Sledgren, a long-time Taylor Gang associate who's provided memorable beats for Khalifa on past mixtapes, including breakout release and fan favorite, 2010′s Kush & Orange Juice.

The new song's moody and atmospheric vibe is much closer to the more adventurous side of Khalifa's sound, with the lyrics taking a serious turn towards the rapper's daily life: "My pops tells me I look tired/when he look into my eyes/Soon as the cameras come on I know how to look alive/my mom tell me I look stressed/when she look into my eyes/so many people in my business/I'm just trying to live my life." Khalifa also mentions his recently born son, Sebastian, rapping, "I've got to raise him right."

"It just represents the lifestyle," Khalifa told Rap Radar when asked about the Blacc Hollywood album, which is still without a firm release date. "Not really like, black people in Hollywood, but just like a black attitude. Not giving an 'F' about anything and just blacking out on the world, so, we're bringing that to Hollywood." Check out the song and read more.

Dixie Chicks Announce Long Time Gone Tour

(Radio.com) After playing a handful of festival dates in Canada this summer, the Dixie Chicks have decided to expand things a bit. The group announced the Long Time Gone Tour 2013, which sees the Texas trio travel through nine more cities in Canada this fall (see all dates below).

The tour is the group's first full-fledged tour in Canada in seven years. It comes on the heels of the group's appearances earlier this summer at the Craven Country Jamboree, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, and RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest. It also includes a date in Calgary that needed to be rescheduled after devastating floods damaged the city's Saddledome on the eve of the Calgary Stampede.

"We had such a great time playing for our Canadian fans this summer that we've been inspired to come back for more", the band members said of the tour in a press statement.

There is no word at this time of any U.S. dates, or a new album from the Chicks. Members Martie Maguire and Emily Robison recently released their second album as the Court Yard Hounds, while frontwoman Natalie Maines released her first solo album earlier this year. more on this story

John Mayer Shows New Direction On Letterman Webcast

(Radio.com) On the eve of the release of his new album, Paradise Valley, it was clear John Mayer was heading in a new direction. He no longer donned that wide-brimmed hat but instead embraced a headscarf.

Questionable headwear choice maybe, but his fashion never outshines his music and besides a few thank you's and a brief explanation of his new song "Dear Marie," it was his music that was the main attraction.

Mayer headed to the Ed Sullivan Theater Monday night (Aug. 19) for a 70-minute Live on Letterman performance of material old and new. As he walked onto the famous stage in his blue jeans and peace-signed blue jacket, fans were greeted by the familiar chords of "Queen of California," the opening track to his last release, 2012's Born and Raised.

While he played several tracks off the new album, several songs from Born and Raised, Continuum fan favorite "Slow Dancing In a Burning Room" also appeared in the set. Having to cancel his 2012 Born and Raised Tour after being put on mandatory vocal rest due to granulomas in his throat, this was the first time many in attendance heard the songs live. Tracks like the bluesy "Something Like Olivia" showed off Mayer as a guitar virtuoso while "The Age of Worry," also off Born and Raised, showcased the more country-leaning side of the singer with pedal steel and mandolin features.

Mayer's cover of the classic "Going Down the Road Feelin' Bad" merged his love of blues and country into one. Accompanied by soulful keyboards, rollicking pedal steel and impressive electric guitar, the track was just a hint at what was to come. New track "Wildfire" transported the audience into the Deep South with plenty of foot-stomping and hand-clapped rhythms. As the crowd clapped along, Mayer and his band impressed with finger-picked guitar parts. Later, Mayer strapped on his harmonica for "Born and Raised," which continued the country feel with light organ and wavering guitar. more on this story

Tears For Fears Cover Arcade Fire

(Radio.com) Usually it's the young guys covering the old guys, but Tears For Fears went ahead and flipped the script. On Monday (August 19) the band uploaded this cover of Arcade Fire's single "Ready To Start" off of their 2010 LP The Suburbs.

The band posted this exposition on their Soundcloud (via Slicing Up Eyeballs): "Having appreciated artists like Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kimbra, Nas, Gary Jules/Michael Andrews, Adam Lambert & Dizzee Rascal covering & sampling our songs over the past years, we agreed that some reciprocal cross-generational love was in order. We decided to give Arcade Fire a twist of TFF. Enjoy"

It's a skittery, almost breakbeat version of Arcade Fire's arena-indie song, but Roland Orzabal nails the vocals of course and TFF make it their very own.

Perhaps releasing this as a taste of what's to come, Tears For Fears are currently in the studio recording their follow-up to 2004′s Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, and prepping a box set reissue of their 1983 album The Hurting. Listen to the track here.

Jennifer Nettles' 'That Girl' Offers Up a Response to Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'

(Radio.com) Sugarland fans are plenty familiar by now with the news that the duo's lead singer Jennifer Nettles has a new solo album on the way, produced by the illustrious Rick Rubin.

The album's title is still under wraps, as is the exact release date (it's said to be sometime in early 2014). However, one thing we do know for sure is that the album's first single is "That Girl," and it's finally hitting the airwaves and iTunes yesterday (Aug. 20).

"I wrote that with Butch Walker, he brought the idea over," Nettles said of "That Girl" during an interview with Radio.com late last week in New York.

The basic idea of the song, she continued, is of a woman "who had been tricked, bamboozled if you will" by a man she had been seeing, who didn't let on that "he had someone else in the picture. But when she finds that out, she says, 'Oh no, I'm gonna call her and tell her that you're being that guy, because I don't want to be that girl with that stigma.'"

Nettle says, though, that as she and Walker were putting the song together, something clicked. "I looked at him [Butch] and said, 'This should really be called "The Ballad of Jolene" in parentheses," referring to the classic Dolly Parton song "Jolene," which is about a woman pleading to another–whose name is Jolene, and whom the narrator sees as glamorous and alluring–to not steal her man away from her.

"All we hear from Dolly is her one perspective as the narrator," Nettles explained. "But what if Jolene doesn't want to take her man just because she can? We never know. And I thought that would be so interesting to tell that other part of the story." More including a video of Dolly's song.

Brett Eldredge Talks No. 1 Song 'Don't Ya'

(Radio.com) When Brett Eldredge sat down to write "Don't Ya" with Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley, he was simply thinking of how girls play tricks on their minds.

In an interview with Radio.com, Eldredge said he thinks this is the main reason why "Don't Ya," now No. 1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart, resonated with country fans.

"I think that the guys see that girls play tricks on our minds and are like, 'Yeah they do that!' And the girls do the same thing and are like, 'Yeah, we do that,'" he said.

It doesn't hurt that the song has "a good feeling groove" either, something Eldredge tries to create in all his music. "If a song takes you to a place where you feel good as soon as it comes on, and the melody gets stuck in your head at the first chorus, and you're just grooving and you're dancing and it takes you to a place where you're just happy, that's what I love to do," he said. "To be able to instill an emotion in somebody and make them feel happy. If they need a good cry, let them have a good cry or if they need to fall in love, or want to feel love, they hear a love song. This song is just a sexy little flirtation song. That's what 'Don't Ya' does."

Eldredge hopes the success of "Don't Ya" provides as an introduction to his music, especially to his debut album Bring You Back, which was released August 6. more.

John Mayer and Superchunk Lead This Week's New Album Releases

(Radio.com) Radio.com's Dan Weiss runs down the week's new full-length music releases including John Mayer's Paradise Valley and Dan's album of the week: Superchunk's I Hate Music.

Album Of The Week Superchunk – I Hate Music (Merge): "Another solid, consistent Superchunk record!" the reviews will crow. Maybe even "one of their best! " Because it's hard for old fans of a long-running rock band to accept that their tenth album is their best ever. But Superchunk's breakup-or-not second wave has proven so much better than their first, with 2010's Majesty Shredding introducing a distinct shift from the pop-punk that inspired The Get Up Kids into the power-pop redolent of early New Pornographers.

Three years later, I Hate Music's title is irony to the supreme, as the record itself is the most musical, melodically rich, harmonically generous thing these agreeable punks have ever made. There's the theatrical power-pop of "Me and You and Jackie Mittoo". Then there's the unexpected backing vocals in "Breaking Down" that run perfectly in the opposite direction. And then there's the blissfully drawn out opener "Overflows" and the even-better closer "What Can We Do" stretch out comfortably like legs on a futon, while the shockingly intense "Void" is the best thing this quartet's done in a minor key since the oft-covered "Precision Auto" 20 years ago.

McCaughn's surprising pessimism in the album title and a hook like "All I see is a void" are completely quashed by the sheer beauty of the songs they adorn. Best of all, the anthemic "FOH" comes on like a divorcee's sardonic plaint—"how's everything at the front of the house?" but ultimately turns into a tribute to making the show go smooth ("Matthew's got a wire and we're coming around") that the nicest record label owners in America could have the wisdom to pull off. So don't be fooled, I Hate Music has more love in it than nearly any rock album you're likely to hear in 2013.

John Mayer – Paradise Valley (Columbia): "You're like 22 girls in one/ And none of them know what they're running from," sings the guy with the "racist" penis to the woman who claimed he changed the rules every day. John Mayer's one to talk as far as serial-dating the pop competition goes, and considering his earliest famous fantasy was running through the halls of high school, there's no reason to believe his "paradise" is inhabited by anyone more mature than Lana Del Rey's is. Luckily his new lady of "Roar" fame is content to whisper in the background, lest she sass him into changing the rules every day. Right, the guitar is competent as you always hear it is, the tunes just devious enough to stay on Jann Wenner's radar. Neither its smarmy reverb nor Mayer's condescending lyrics present a single component to garner the interest of anyone who's not already transfixed by his patriarchal ennui. And if you can't live without hearing the 90-second Frank Ocean cameo, take to YouTube and have your day unmoved. See the other standout releases this week.

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