popwreckoning

Apparently 2011 is the year the Muppets will rise again.

Smurfs? Meh. Alvin and the Chipmunks? Oh please. But the Muppets – whether or not you were born in their heyday, will always be cool.

And this year will be the year they make their comeback. Remember when Tim Curry was a swashbuckling pirate in “Muppet Treasure Island?” Well I do, and what I remember the most is the soundtrack, even if it was sung by a bunch of puppets and Dr. Frank-N-Furter himself.

But with a new film out in November written by the hilarious Jason Segel and songs by Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie, and a new compilation of classic circa-1970s Muppets songs covered by some darn good artists, Fozzie Bear better dust off his bow tie.

The Muppets: The Green Album features the likes of My Morning Jacket, Andrew Bird, OK Go playing a groovy extended rendition of the Muppet Show theme song, and Weezer, who we all know has a history with the Muppets (see “Keep Fishin’” music video), along with Paramore’s Hayley Williams performing a charming version of “The Rainbow Connection.”

The Green Album, out August 23, doesn’t stray from any of the classic songs performed by the Muppets themselves, and manages to bring them all into 2011.

To listen to each song individually or to stream the whole album right now, head on over to NPR.org before you buy the album (because you really should).

Comic Arj Barker, popularized as Dave from Flight of the Conchords, will release his debut album LYAO Tuesday, January 26 in a CD/DVD combo. This release follows Barker’s Comedy Central special on Sunday, January 24. You can pre-order the release here.

Tour Dates:
Jan 14 -16 -  Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub / Dallas, TX
Jan 20 – Washington & Lee University / Lexington, VA
Jan 29 – University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY
Feb 4 – 6 – Parlor Live / Bellevue, WA

CD / DVD Track Listing:

1. LOL
2. <3
3. WTF
4. GTFO
5. ROFL
6. HFS
7. SOS
8. LMAO
9. JK
10. HAHA
11. OMG
12. BFF

Excuse my paparazzi moment, but these pictures were too cute to not share. It appears that Bon Iver was quite a popular set at Bonnaroo. In attendance (aside from the usual crowd) were several members of the Decemberists such as singer, Colin Meloy. Comedian, Kristen Schaal, of Flight of the Conchords fame was spotted as well. However the most buzzed about celebs in attendance were Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. Check out the pics of the two hanging out side stage: