Welcome to 2009! We're glad to have you back. 2008 was crazy! I can't believe all of that stuff I can't remember actually happened. Man oh man, the Yankees - right?

Phew! Anyways, lets settle down and get crafty.

Step 1: Visit the good 'ol A/V club here at Paste. Live at Paste presents performances from Butch Walker, Madeline, The Rosebuds, Gringo Starr, Erin McCarley -- singing, and dancing and music - oh my! Dorothy wouldn't stand a chance.

Step 2: Let the music wash away the remains of 2008. Feel inspired and invigorated from the wonderful perfomances. Its okay to feel this way, we're in 2009 now.

Step 3: Get ready for your close-up. Put on that bow-tie, get that mohawk you always wanted, or have a REAL excuse to brush your teeth - it's time to Obama-size! Make your own Obamicon, your image in a style inspired by Shepard Fairey's iconic poster. Visit Paste's own Obamicon.me, take your picture with a webcam or upload a photo, choose your own message, and submit to the gallery. It's that simple. After you've finished creating, browse the gallery to rate and comment on other Obamicons.



What if Ziggy Stardust ruled the world?


Step 4: Check out Paste's Artist of the Week - Gemma Hayes

Hometown: Ballyporeen, Ireland

Fun Fact: Hayes co-wrote the song 'Hazy' with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows for his band's New Amsterdam
live album. Duritz is rumored to have subsequently referenced her in
the song 'Washington Square,' when he sings 'I wandered the highways
from Dublin to Berkeley / And I heard the songbirds of Ballyporeen.'

Why She's Worth Watching: Hayes'
elegant, thoughtful songs span a variety of sounds and stylings, but
it's her songwriting that sets her apart from her contemporaries. At
times achingly romantic, and other times piercingly melancholic, her
words are the words of a visionary with a mindful eye for catchy pop
hooks.

02-out of our hands.Mp3 - Gemma Hayes
Gemma Hayes - Out of Our Hands