I promise this blog won't turn into All Kelly Clarkson, All The Time. Although, how fuckin' fabulous would that be? BUT! My girlfriend Kelly's new video premiered on AT&T's website Wednesday night, and I didn't get to see it until this morning cause I was working for the man all day yesterday. Damn the man! Tryina keep me and Kelly apart.
The video is pretty much "Since U Been Gone" only the boyfriend is sitting on the couch with my girl through most of it. There are some clothes thrown out the window, some keys flushed down the toilet and a crazy ride in a Jeep. Kelly plays crazy girlfriend quite well, does she have experience? But it ends in a kiss (a first for a Clarkson vid, if I recall correctly) so it's all good. The big question: where would Kelly fall on Barney's Crazy/Hot scale? Watch here. Or here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Kelly Breaks Hot 100 Record... Again!
OMG you guys! My future beard Kelly "The MuthaFucking Original Idol" Clarkson is breaking the Billboard Hot 100 record for biggest jump to the number one spot. This is the same record she broke with her last number one, the two sided single for her Idol coronation song "A Moment Like This/Before Your Love." That leap, from number 52 to 1, was bested by Maroon 5's "Makes Me Wonder" in 2007 and has since been broken four more times. The last time was by Britney Spears, when "Womanizer" leapt from 96 to 1.
Kelly supersedes Brit's record by one point, jumping 97 to 1 with the snappy pop offering "My Life Would Suck Without You." This is only Kelly's second number one single, her closest brush was the 2005 number two peak of her previous collaboration with Max Martin and Dr. Luke, "Since U Been Gone."
The video popped up briefly online this morning, but was taken down within minutes. MTV's Buzzworthy Blog has photos from the set, and a sneak peek will be shown during tonight's episode American Idol.
In case you forgot the fabulousness, listen again:
My Life Would Suck Without You ( 2009 New Single) - Kelly Clarkson
Kelly supersedes Brit's record by one point, jumping 97 to 1 with the snappy pop offering "My Life Would Suck Without You." This is only Kelly's second number one single, her closest brush was the 2005 number two peak of her previous collaboration with Max Martin and Dr. Luke, "Since U Been Gone."
The video popped up briefly online this morning, but was taken down within minutes. MTV's Buzzworthy Blog has photos from the set, and a sneak peek will be shown during tonight's episode American Idol.
In case you forgot the fabulousness, listen again:
My Life Would Suck Without You ( 2009 New Single) - Kelly Clarkson
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Ting Tings Get Trippy, But Don't Forget Their Name!
The Ting Tings may be best known for their iPod commercial song "Shut Up And Let me Go" or it's kung fu meets White Stripes video, but I also loved "That's Not My Name" from their debut disc We Started Nothing. It even landed at number 55 on my top 100 songs of 2008. So I was very excited to see that song released as a US single, with a trippy video.
The sound is thumping bass lines and a cheer along chorus, but the video is crazy after hours fun. Dancing in the dark with glow-in-the-dark-painted people carrying signs with lead singer Katie's not my names, the duo apes the glossy look of late-nineties urban pop videos while retaining an indie shine. Watch:
The sound is thumping bass lines and a cheer along chorus, but the video is crazy after hours fun. Dancing in the dark with glow-in-the-dark-painted people carrying signs with lead singer Katie's not my names, the duo apes the glossy look of late-nineties urban pop videos while retaining an indie shine. Watch:
My Gay Music Limit Is Officially Breached: Christina Aguliera's Electro-Chill Cover of A Marlene Dietrich Classic
Christina has always been the best vocalist of the girl singer explosion in the late 1990s, I doubt there is any contention of that statement (shut up, Jessica fans!)
On the new recordings for her recent hits collection, Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade Of Hits, X-tina ditched the retro-jazz flavored pop of Back to Basics for a bubbling electro blitz that downplays the oft times overly theatrical vocal runs that come with being a tiny lady with a big ol' voice. Her re-crafted "You Are What You Are (Beautiful 2008)" was a prime example of that really chill sound that I am loving.
Marlene Dietrich performed "Falling In Love Again (Can't Help It)" in her breakthrough role as a cabaret singer in The Blue Angel. It is one of Marlene's signature songs (although I prefer "I May Never Go Home Anymore" from Witness For The Prosecution) but it's been covered by noted song interpreters like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, Linda Ronstad and Marianne Faithfull. It comes as no surprise that Christina, who loves all things retro and jazzy, would latch onto the song. What better way to bridge the span between 1930s jazz and uber-modern chill than by covering a jazz standard introduced to us by the original blond ice princess?
Girlfriend recorded "Falling In Love" for the film The Spirit, which was a critical and finacial bomb last month. Little wonder it took me a month to find out about the song, nobody saw that shit and the soundtrack is not available. Too bad! It's a gorgeous (if overly long) techno masterpiece. Blending a low key vocal with a nu-jazz meets ambient beat, it is the very definition of chill music. Perfect for cooling off after the heavier techno on the dancefloor, or playing in the privacy of your own home while grabbing your man by the belt and pulling him to the bedroom.
Even though Electroqueer's guest blogger Will W wasn't crazy about it, I am salivating at the thought of this being the new direction for Christina's summer release. Trimmed down to a radio edit length, this could be HOT! Listen:
On the new recordings for her recent hits collection, Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade Of Hits, X-tina ditched the retro-jazz flavored pop of Back to Basics for a bubbling electro blitz that downplays the oft times overly theatrical vocal runs that come with being a tiny lady with a big ol' voice. Her re-crafted "You Are What You Are (Beautiful 2008)" was a prime example of that really chill sound that I am loving.
Marlene Dietrich performed "Falling In Love Again (Can't Help It)" in her breakthrough role as a cabaret singer in The Blue Angel. It is one of Marlene's signature songs (although I prefer "I May Never Go Home Anymore" from Witness For The Prosecution) but it's been covered by noted song interpreters like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, Linda Ronstad and Marianne Faithfull. It comes as no surprise that Christina, who loves all things retro and jazzy, would latch onto the song. What better way to bridge the span between 1930s jazz and uber-modern chill than by covering a jazz standard introduced to us by the original blond ice princess?
Girlfriend recorded "Falling In Love" for the film The Spirit, which was a critical and finacial bomb last month. Little wonder it took me a month to find out about the song, nobody saw that shit and the soundtrack is not available. Too bad! It's a gorgeous (if overly long) techno masterpiece. Blending a low key vocal with a nu-jazz meets ambient beat, it is the very definition of chill music. Perfect for cooling off after the heavier techno on the dancefloor, or playing in the privacy of your own home while grabbing your man by the belt and pulling him to the bedroom.
Even though Electroqueer's guest blogger Will W wasn't crazy about it, I am salivating at the thought of this being the new direction for Christina's summer release. Trimmed down to a radio edit length, this could be HOT! Listen:
Saturday, January 24, 2009
VIDEO: Pink Is Tired Of Being Sober, Please Don't Leave Her
Even though "Sober," the fantastic second single from Pink's fifth album Funhouse, is currently sitting pretty in the top twenty of Billboard's Hot 100, a third single and video is waiting in the wings.
"Please Don't Leave Me" is co-written by her "U & Ur Hand" and "So What" producer Max Martin, who long time readers of Pictures & Conversations know I love. But this is not the catchy hook that Max and Pink have given us before. A acoustic slow jam with a scatty hook, "Please" is an OK pop song, but the video is ridiculous fun. Like Misery as directed by A Fever You Can't Sweat Out-era Panic! At The Disco (ya know, when they still had an exclamation point in their name) Pink is gonna keep her man from leaving, even if she has to take an axe to him. Wild make-up and eyes stitched shut are just some of the crazy antics you'll see, but as I always say "all's well that ends with a maniacal pop star falling over a balcony." Watch: Via PopBytes.
"Please Don't Leave Me" is co-written by her "U & Ur Hand" and "So What" producer Max Martin, who long time readers of Pictures & Conversations know I love. But this is not the catchy hook that Max and Pink have given us before. A acoustic slow jam with a scatty hook, "Please" is an OK pop song, but the video is ridiculous fun. Like Misery as directed by A Fever You Can't Sweat Out-era Panic! At The Disco (ya know, when they still had an exclamation point in their name) Pink is gonna keep her man from leaving, even if she has to take an axe to him. Wild make-up and eyes stitched shut are just some of the crazy antics you'll see, but as I always say "all's well that ends with a maniacal pop star falling over a balcony." Watch: Via PopBytes.
Watch more
Funhouse videos on AOL VideoWednesday, January 21, 2009
I Hear Sex And Candy; or My Favorite Sexytime Music
OK, so I don't know why I'm in such a sexy mood. A residual effect of the dirty texting I was doing last night with my current romantic interest? Or maybe it's that I'm wearing my new Very Sexy For Him cologne from Victoria's Secret. They knew what they are talking about with that name, I caught myself copping a feel on my own leg a couple of times already.Whatever the cause, I'm in the mood for some sexy tunes. Full disclosure: the closest thing to a soundtrack to sex I've ever had was this one time I made out with a rebound guy while the film Labyrinth was on the telly. I never think to throw on some panty-dropping music before the panties start dropping. So maybe this is real boner killer music, I wouldn't know from experience. But I'm willing to find out. Your move, Captain...
"The Look Of Love" - Dusty Springfield
This pop classic was written by master songwriters Hal David and Burt Bacharach for the original version of Casino Royale, and nothing is smoother than Dusty's voice gliding over piano and gentle jazz percussion in the duo's masterpiece. It brings to mind James Bond-like seduction in a bachelor pad: champagne flute in hand, lights dimmed over low slung couches and clothes coming off. "It's a bit warm, you say? Let me take that jacket for you. Pants too, if your legs are hot... which they are." Listen Here.
"Justify My Love" - Madonna
The beat and synths work together to make your body sway and a natural bump and grind emerge from your otherwise white boy body. The lyrics put ridiculous thoughts in your head, as you start unbuttoning your shirt and pulling off your tie. It's an audio strip tease, even without the visuals of the NSFW video. I literally cannot stop myself from toying with any fasteners on my clothes by the second verse, my grandmother could be in the room and I'd be "wanting... waiting... for you... to justify my love." Listen:
"Let's Get It On" - Marvin Gaye
Yeah, it's an obvious choice. But nothing says sensual seduction like soul music, and "Let's Get It On" is a soul classic that will make those roving hands start moving in the right direction. Belts unbuckling sound great over Marvin's earnest plea and it'll give you some pointers for the soft sweet nothings you whisper. Listen:
"The Bad Touch" - Bloodhound Gang
I'm not one to find songs that just lay it out there to be sexy. I want a little mystery, a little subtlety. But by this point, subtlety is out the window, a
"Heaven (Candlelight Mix)" - DJ Sammy & Yanou feat Do
Remember that electronica version of Bryan Adams song "Heaven" from about five years ago? This is the candlelight mix, a piano ballad version that is perfect for the afterglow. Snuggle next to your man and stroke his chest hair as the pianos play you to sleep. Listen:
"Untouched" - The Veronicas
This is the song for that day about halfway between the last date and the next. You want to see him, touch him, kiss him. The sexy strings underscore a throbbing beat, creating a juxtaposition not unlike the one between desire and propriety. Desire wins, play this track during your dirty texting, or old school phone sex. Listen:
Need to cool down now? Me too... try playing this to kill your libido:
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
2009: Is It A Bad Time To Love Music?
OK, so that title might be slightly hyperboltastic. But despite some new shit from some of my favorite artist, there are always awful soundscapes that will assault my senses.
Case One: Reality star, and daughter of pro-wrestler Hulk, Brooke Hogan has put out one OK song, the innocuous bubblegum hip-hop single"About Us." So I guess that makes her think she can cover Kelly Clarkson's newest single, "My Life Would Suck Without You" Unfortunately for all people with working ear parts, she can't. And it's not like she even tried to switch it up, she just erased the vocals on the original track and warbles over it. No, just no. Listen, if you dare:
Via The Insider
Case Two: Walk The Line actor Joaquin Phoenix is rapping. I'm pretty sure it must be a joke, it cannot be serious. Or can it? Paris Hilton has a second album coming out, and she's still not kidding. Celebrities think they can do whatever they want, don't they?
Watch at Best Week Ever
Case One: Reality star, and daughter of pro-wrestler Hulk, Brooke Hogan has put out one OK song, the innocuous bubblegum hip-hop single"About Us." So I guess that makes her think she can cover Kelly Clarkson's newest single, "My Life Would Suck Without You" Unfortunately for all people with working ear parts, she can't. And it's not like she even tried to switch it up, she just erased the vocals on the original track and warbles over it. No, just no. Listen, if you dare:
Via The Insider
Case Two: Walk The Line actor Joaquin Phoenix is rapping. I'm pretty sure it must be a joke, it cannot be serious. Or can it? Paris Hilton has a second album coming out, and she's still not kidding. Celebrities think they can do whatever they want, don't they?
Watch at Best Week Ever
Thursday, January 15, 2009
VIDEO: Daft Punk Can Spell O-B-A-M-A
A new song called "Aer Obama" by Daft Punk vs Freeland in honor of the USA's president-elect Barack Obama hit teh internets today. In the video the French house duo, normally only seen in robotic form, are played by teddy bear shaped robots with a myriad of tiny toys. The song consists of three lyrics: "O. B. A. M. A." "Say it." and "You are correct." - all samples of a Speak & Spell. The sound is classic Daft Punk, electric guitars and an electronic beat that you probably have to be euro trash to really get. But it's the ridiculously simple political statement that makes the song worth a listen, and the trippy video worth watching: Via Towleroad.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
For The Indie Kids: New Emmy The Great and Morrissey Videos
You may recall I posted about new indie female artist Emmy the Great last October. She's back with a second single and video called "First Love" and it runs in the same lyrical vein as "MIA" She recalls her first love, and listening to him rewinding the lines in "Hallelujah, the original Leonard Cohen version" and his room with a view. It's a catchy track with a very indie-friendly video. Emmy stands on a stage as back drops change and she plays guitar or holds a guitar. I think I may have found my Bat For Lashes for 2009. Watch:
I've been meaning to post the new single from former Smiths lead singer Morrissey's upcoming album for a while, and now there's a video already. "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" leaked in a live version a few weeks ago, and I'm not crazy about it. But I've always been intrigued by Moz's self-deprecating knowledge that he doesn't have love. One of my favorite songs of all time is "How Soon Is Now?" and this is not nearly as anthemic, but the video is fun. He's just performing with his band and his dogs. As you do. Oh, and I will spare you the Paris Hilton puns. You're welcome... Via Towleroad
Watch:
I've been meaning to post the new single from former Smiths lead singer Morrissey's upcoming album for a while, and now there's a video already. "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" leaked in a live version a few weeks ago, and I'm not crazy about it. But I've always been intrigued by Moz's self-deprecating knowledge that he doesn't have love. One of my favorite songs of all time is "How Soon Is Now?" and this is not nearly as anthemic, but the video is fun. He's just performing with his band and his dogs. As you do. Oh, and I will spare you the Paris Hilton puns. You're welcome... Via Towleroad
Watch:
Let's Talk Idol, Shall We? Episode One, Season 8!
As much as I love Original Flavor American Idol Winner Kelly Clarkson (and her fab new single) I always look forward the new seasons. Why? Three reasons: finding new artists to obsess over, finding new hot guys to obsess over and Television Without Pity's hilarious recaps.
Since I will never come close to Jacob and Joe R.'s brilliantly funny and detailed recaps of AI episodes, I won't attempt the same thing. I will be doing the recaps for the top 24 and up performance nights, like I did last year, because I do love that. And I will be discussing the highlights (read: hot guys) of episodes also. So, let's talk Idol my chilrens!
First: hot dudes. Every year since I started watching in season three I've always had a massive crush on one or more Idol hopeful. From JPL to A-Fed to DAUGHTRY to Beatboxing Blake to My Beloved Cookie, I always find a guy to drool over I doubt this year will be any different. Let's examine the possible candidates for Paul's Idol Crush '09.
First, oil rig roughneck Michael Sarver. God, he is one hunk of hot white trash. I do love that good ol' boy thing. He sang a song I didn't recognize by Boyz II Men, but with a southern rock/country voice. Yeah, his voice is pretty good but I need to see him without his shirt so I know what I'm voting for. I'm so bad!
I'm thinking we may have another Danny Noriega on our hands with horror fan Cody. Only 17, so he's got the angsty emo boy thing going. Hopefully he keeps up the good vocals and doesn't have Danny's 'tude problem.
But I think I've found my long-lasting Idol Crush: Alex Wagner-Trugman. He's only 19 so I will try to keep myself in check, but he's so deadpan funny and smart and actually has an interesting voice that stayed in pitch. Reminds me of a male Joss Stone. I might be in love. He could do something better with his hair, it's true, but he snarks back at Simon without being ass-hatty. He taught himself to sing in a closet, only that closet had mold in him that made him sick. Simon makes a "out of the closet" joke and Alex just rolls with it.
And while Scott MacIntyre was pretty cute, I had my fill of "heartwarming struggles with personal problems" in my crushes when I was drooling over Anthony Federov. Yeah, Scott, you're blind. And yeah, I'd totally bang you backstage at Idol Gives Back. But you can't win me over that easily with a sob story. Of course, that London Underground t-shirt might win me over. I will have to see.
Let's talk about the guys we'll never see again. Unless they audition next year. Like Tuan Nguyen who had a crazy hot 'fro. Don't ask, I have a 'fro fetish. His Micheal Jackson cover was pretty bad, but his tap dancing was worse. Cute will only get you so far. And Randy Madden, how I wanted you to be good. You had that need for approval thing that I so relate to. But your voice, even when you tried rocking out more, was soft at the edges. That just ain't rock. I also wanted Elijah and his deeper-than-deep voice to be brilliant because I need a new sexy baritone voice for my iPod. But he couldn't hit any notes in his song.
Of course it's not all man crushes in this mutha, some of the girls brought the heat. Despite looking like a virginal Suicide Girl, Emily Wynne-Hughes sounded great doing Heart's "Baracudda" Plus her man friend (husband?) is hot. I know! I can't turn it off, I can have a one track mind sometimes. Moving on... While I wasn't as blown away as the judges over 16-year-old Arianna's audition, I liked her charity work with the elderly. I'm a big ol' softie when it comes to the elderly. And sweet Brianna is 22 and a grown up version of my gurlfran/GFF Shannan, all vivaciousness and cuteness. And she calls Simon "Simie" which is my new name for him from now on.
Oh, and can we discuss Bikini Girl? I'm not going to bother with her name, because the fab new judge Kara DioGuardi said it best: it's top and bottom. Oh! Snap! She wasn't bad, which was my hope, but she was a bit soulless doing "Vision Of Love" BUT SHE MADE IT THROUGH, Y'ALL! I am almost certain Simie and Randy were not using the correct head to think with, but it provided some great cat fighting between the female judges and Katrina. The zinger? "Next time, just come naked." YES! I think I love Kara almost as much as Simon. And then... AND THEN! Bikini Girl tries to kiss Ryan Seacrest. As if he's interested! For the record, I don't really think Ryan is gay, I'm pretty sure he's asexual. He's so plastic and over rehearsed I doubt he has any interest in the sweaty mechanics of sex or making out. I could be wrong, in which case: Call me, Ryan!
In closing, I am stoked for this season of Idol! See you later this week with more Idolatry as the gang judges the peeps of Kansas City, hometown of My Beloved Cookie, tonight.
Since I will never come close to Jacob and Joe R.'s brilliantly funny and detailed recaps of AI episodes, I won't attempt the same thing. I will be doing the recaps for the top 24 and up performance nights, like I did last year, because I do love that. And I will be discussing the highlights (read: hot guys) of episodes also. So, let's talk Idol my chilrens!
First: hot dudes. Every year since I started watching in season three I've always had a massive crush on one or more Idol hopeful. From JPL to A-Fed to DAUGHTRY to Beatboxing Blake to My Beloved Cookie, I always find a guy to drool over I doubt this year will be any different. Let's examine the possible candidates for Paul's Idol Crush '09.
First, oil rig roughneck Michael Sarver. God, he is one hunk of hot white trash. I do love that good ol' boy thing. He sang a song I didn't recognize by Boyz II Men, but with a southern rock/country voice. Yeah, his voice is pretty good but I need to see him without his shirt so I know what I'm voting for. I'm so bad!
I'm thinking we may have another Danny Noriega on our hands with horror fan Cody. Only 17, so he's got the angsty emo boy thing going. Hopefully he keeps up the good vocals and doesn't have Danny's 'tude problem.
But I think I've found my long-lasting Idol Crush: Alex Wagner-Trugman. He's only 19 so I will try to keep myself in check, but he's so deadpan funny and smart and actually has an interesting voice that stayed in pitch. Reminds me of a male Joss Stone. I might be in love. He could do something better with his hair, it's true, but he snarks back at Simon without being ass-hatty. He taught himself to sing in a closet, only that closet had mold in him that made him sick. Simon makes a "out of the closet" joke and Alex just rolls with it.
And while Scott MacIntyre was pretty cute, I had my fill of "heartwarming struggles with personal problems" in my crushes when I was drooling over Anthony Federov. Yeah, Scott, you're blind. And yeah, I'd totally bang you backstage at Idol Gives Back. But you can't win me over that easily with a sob story. Of course, that London Underground t-shirt might win me over. I will have to see.
Let's talk about the guys we'll never see again. Unless they audition next year. Like Tuan Nguyen who had a crazy hot 'fro. Don't ask, I have a 'fro fetish. His Micheal Jackson cover was pretty bad, but his tap dancing was worse. Cute will only get you so far. And Randy Madden, how I wanted you to be good. You had that need for approval thing that I so relate to. But your voice, even when you tried rocking out more, was soft at the edges. That just ain't rock. I also wanted Elijah and his deeper-than-deep voice to be brilliant because I need a new sexy baritone voice for my iPod. But he couldn't hit any notes in his song.
Of course it's not all man crushes in this mutha, some of the girls brought the heat. Despite looking like a virginal Suicide Girl, Emily Wynne-Hughes sounded great doing Heart's "Baracudda" Plus her man friend (husband?) is hot. I know! I can't turn it off, I can have a one track mind sometimes. Moving on... While I wasn't as blown away as the judges over 16-year-old Arianna's audition, I liked her charity work with the elderly. I'm a big ol' softie when it comes to the elderly. And sweet Brianna is 22 and a grown up version of my gurlfran/GFF Shannan, all vivaciousness and cuteness. And she calls Simon "Simie" which is my new name for him from now on.
Oh, and can we discuss Bikini Girl? I'm not going to bother with her name, because the fab new judge Kara DioGuardi said it best: it's top and bottom. Oh! Snap! She wasn't bad, which was my hope, but she was a bit soulless doing "Vision Of Love" BUT SHE MADE IT THROUGH, Y'ALL! I am almost certain Simie and Randy were not using the correct head to think with, but it provided some great cat fighting between the female judges and Katrina. The zinger? "Next time, just come naked." YES! I think I love Kara almost as much as Simon. And then... AND THEN! Bikini Girl tries to kiss Ryan Seacrest. As if he's interested! For the record, I don't really think Ryan is gay, I'm pretty sure he's asexual. He's so plastic and over rehearsed I doubt he has any interest in the sweaty mechanics of sex or making out. I could be wrong, in which case: Call me, Ryan!
In closing, I am stoked for this season of Idol! See you later this week with more Idolatry as the gang judges the peeps of Kansas City, hometown of My Beloved Cookie, tonight.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Here It Is Kids! Full Version of Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You"
I am in full on gay panic at the moment. If it hadn't been for reader and fellow blogger Junior posting a comment on one of my earlier Kelly posts I may have not heard Miss Independent's new single until tomorrow or even Thursday. That just won't do! Thanks bunches, Junior!
So, here it is: the pop event of Winter 2009. Kelly Clarkson doing her hometown diva thang. Max Martin and Dr. Luke twiddling the production knobs and writing the hooks that get us all singing. Yes, gays and gals it's "My Life Would Suck Without You" the first single from the OG American Idol's fourth disc, the first since the critically favored yet poor selling My December.
"My Life Would Suck Without You" is everything I feared and hoped it would be. It's basically "Since U Been Gone" with different lyrics. But if you listen to a lot of the Max/Luke written and produced singles, like Pink's "U & Ur Hand" The Veronica's "4Ever" and Paris Hilton's "Nothing In This World" you would have "Since U Been Gone" with different lyrics. They have developed a strong hook that they will not let go of, because it works.
And if nothing else, "My Life Would Suck Without You" works as pop single. It should give Kelly the radio play she deserves because Kelly has the best voice of any female pop star on the radio right now. That's what puts her ahead of the Katy Perrys and the Rihannas that are burning up the charts, and what makes me love "My Life Would Suck Without You." It's a solid, A+ pop single with a solid A+ vocal.
And honestly Kelly, my life would suck without you.
So, here it is: the pop event of Winter 2009. Kelly Clarkson doing her hometown diva thang. Max Martin and Dr. Luke twiddling the production knobs and writing the hooks that get us all singing. Yes, gays and gals it's "My Life Would Suck Without You" the first single from the OG American Idol's fourth disc, the first since the critically favored yet poor selling My December.
"My Life Would Suck Without You" is everything I feared and hoped it would be. It's basically "Since U Been Gone" with different lyrics. But if you listen to a lot of the Max/Luke written and produced singles, like Pink's "U & Ur Hand" The Veronica's "4Ever" and Paris Hilton's "Nothing In This World" you would have "Since U Been Gone" with different lyrics. They have developed a strong hook that they will not let go of, because it works.
And if nothing else, "My Life Would Suck Without You" works as pop single. It should give Kelly the radio play she deserves because Kelly has the best voice of any female pop star on the radio right now. That's what puts her ahead of the Katy Perrys and the Rihannas that are burning up the charts, and what makes me love "My Life Would Suck Without You." It's a solid, A+ pop single with a solid A+ vocal.
And honestly Kelly, my life would suck without you.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Have You Tried The New AXE Hair?
I don't know if you've seen the new ads for the new AXE Hair line of hair products for men. Now, I've been using AXE deodorant, body wash and occasionally the body spray (only when I can't get to my DKNY Be Delicious cologne, of course...) for a while now. But this is a new line of hair products that just came out last month. Here's the ad:
What kind of stuck up bitches did they hire for this commercial? I would do any one of them, the one with the black hair looked really tasty. I actually liked his hair!
Besides liking AXE's other products, I also have a bit of an obsession with hair products. So when I needed new body wash and saw the new AXE Gift Pack was on clearance at the Target, I knew I had to try it. The pack comes with the "Shower Tool" (basically a bath poof with a black hand grip) a bottle of the new AXE shampoo Primed: Just Clean as well as a bottle of my favorite AXE body wash Snake Peel, two travel bottles of body wash and a trial packet of three new hair products.
The instructions are just like any other hair product: take a fingertipful and rub it between your hands and spread through damp hair. It's supposed to give you "the hold without the hard." Because "girls don't like that crusty, crunchy hair you get from gels." Gays, neither. I like the spiky looks, but I hate trying to run your fingers through a tangle of rock hard locks. The only rock hard thing I want to feel is... um, never mind.
First I tried AXE Whatever. It's for "a messy look" according to the package. I applied it right after a shower. The product was a very stiff opaque waxy paste with a bluish tint. It remained hard and sticky even after several moments of rubbing so I assumed that is the consistency of the product. Well, I put it my hair and would not spread. It left white streaks in my hair, and I was forced to wet down my hands and re-dampen the product until it was no longer be visible. It had nice hold with some flexibility, but application was a nightmare. I would not recommend.
The next morning I tried AXE Refined. It was a gel-like pomade, totally transparent with a glittery sheen. It was stiff at first but applied very easy. Unfortunately it has a strong pomade smell. The smell stayed with me all day. Great hold but I wouldn't recommend it with that smell.
For the last day of my trial, I use AXE Charged, for spiking purposes. It's a putty, very stiff and waxy. A little bit easier than the Whatever to apply but still very stiff. It spiked really nicely but I'm not sure I would recommend it, it's really stiff like a hair cement or gel. Which you can get for cheaper from LA Looks or Got2B.
I must say, after the great smells of AXE's other products I was disappointed. The scents and holds of the hair product line left a bad taste in my hair. The Primed shampoo smells good, I've not a had a chance to try it yet. But if you're looking for hold without stiffness but with a great smell, try Garnier Fructis Style's Surf Hair Texture Paste. It's still the best product I've used, and I've used a lot of them.
What kind of stuck up bitches did they hire for this commercial? I would do any one of them, the one with the black hair looked really tasty. I actually liked his hair!
Besides liking AXE's other products, I also have a bit of an obsession with hair products. So when I needed new body wash and saw the new AXE Gift Pack was on clearance at the Target, I knew I had to try it. The pack comes with the "Shower Tool" (basically a bath poof with a black hand grip) a bottle of the new AXE shampoo Primed: Just Clean as well as a bottle of my favorite AXE body wash Snake Peel, two travel bottles of body wash and a trial packet of three new hair products.
The instructions are just like any other hair product: take a fingertipful and rub it between your hands and spread through damp hair. It's supposed to give you "the hold without the hard." Because "girls don't like that crusty, crunchy hair you get from gels." Gays, neither. I like the spiky looks, but I hate trying to run your fingers through a tangle of rock hard locks. The only rock hard thing I want to feel is... um, never mind.
First I tried AXE Whatever. It's for "a messy look" according to the package. I applied it right after a shower. The product was a very stiff opaque waxy paste with a bluish tint. It remained hard and sticky even after several moments of rubbing so I assumed that is the consistency of the product. Well, I put it my hair and would not spread. It left white streaks in my hair, and I was forced to wet down my hands and re-dampen the product until it was no longer be visible. It had nice hold with some flexibility, but application was a nightmare. I would not recommend.
The next morning I tried AXE Refined. It was a gel-like pomade, totally transparent with a glittery sheen. It was stiff at first but applied very easy. Unfortunately it has a strong pomade smell. The smell stayed with me all day. Great hold but I wouldn't recommend it with that smell.
For the last day of my trial, I use AXE Charged, for spiking purposes. It's a putty, very stiff and waxy. A little bit easier than the Whatever to apply but still very stiff. It spiked really nicely but I'm not sure I would recommend it, it's really stiff like a hair cement or gel. Which you can get for cheaper from LA Looks or Got2B.
I must say, after the great smells of AXE's other products I was disappointed. The scents and holds of the hair product line left a bad taste in my hair. The Primed shampoo smells good, I've not a had a chance to try it yet. But if you're looking for hold without stiffness but with a great smell, try Garnier Fructis Style's Surf Hair Texture Paste. It's still the best product I've used, and I've used a lot of them.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Review: Kanye West - "808 & Heartbreaks"
To say Kanye West has the biggest ego in pop music today is not hyperbole. It's cold hard fact. But he often lives up to his self-hype, churning out unusual music with great hooks and beats. 808 & Heartbreaks is no exception, but it does present many suprises.
The major difference between 808 and the trio of college-inspired titles that preceded it is the unified artist statement. The sound is a heady brew of vocoded vocals, world beats, new wave flourishes and classical strings, but it's a consistent sound. On Kanye's earlier albums there would many great singles but never this level of complete artistic statement, a soundscape that plays on the edges of electronica and hip-hop and never wavers from it's course. From the lead single "Love Lockdown" with it's tribal beat juxtaposed with the vocoded vocal and very emo lyrics, to Lil' Wayne's singing on the more synth heavy "See You In My Nightmares" Kanye never drops the plot. His lyrics reflect a man who has experienced pain and loss, and he colors both his vocals and his beats with a sense of foreboding and anguish.
He utilizes a wide range of sources, from a sped-up sample of the Great Expectations soundtrack on "Robocop" and the opening drum beat of Nina Simone's "See-Line Woman" paired with a moody piano on "Bad News" to a flute-esque keyboard tone on "Heartless" and an angelic choir layered under a video game beep on "Say You Will," to present a soundtrack unlike any other hip-hop album. I don't even think this is hip-hop anymore, it puts me in mind of Radiohead, Patrick Wolf, Bjork and Regina Spektor: artists with a sound that you can't really label. You can call it noise-pop inspired retro-fetishing rap with jazz and punk influences, but it doesn't even fit in that niche.
But after all that, can I say it's good? Yes, I can. It's sometimes brilliant, other times Kanye's experiments fail but the good makes up for the bad every time. If you like music, you will probably find something to love about 808 & Heartbreaks. Especially the title, how fantastic is that?
The major difference between 808 and the trio of college-inspired titles that preceded it is the unified artist statement. The sound is a heady brew of vocoded vocals, world beats, new wave flourishes and classical strings, but it's a consistent sound. On Kanye's earlier albums there would many great singles but never this level of complete artistic statement, a soundscape that plays on the edges of electronica and hip-hop and never wavers from it's course. From the lead single "Love Lockdown" with it's tribal beat juxtaposed with the vocoded vocal and very emo lyrics, to Lil' Wayne's singing on the more synth heavy "See You In My Nightmares" Kanye never drops the plot. His lyrics reflect a man who has experienced pain and loss, and he colors both his vocals and his beats with a sense of foreboding and anguish.
He utilizes a wide range of sources, from a sped-up sample of the Great Expectations soundtrack on "Robocop" and the opening drum beat of Nina Simone's "See-Line Woman" paired with a moody piano on "Bad News" to a flute-esque keyboard tone on "Heartless" and an angelic choir layered under a video game beep on "Say You Will," to present a soundtrack unlike any other hip-hop album. I don't even think this is hip-hop anymore, it puts me in mind of Radiohead, Patrick Wolf, Bjork and Regina Spektor: artists with a sound that you can't really label. You can call it noise-pop inspired retro-fetishing rap with jazz and punk influences, but it doesn't even fit in that niche.
But after all that, can I say it's good? Yes, I can. It's sometimes brilliant, other times Kanye's experiments fail but the good makes up for the bad every time. If you like music, you will probably find something to love about 808 & Heartbreaks. Especially the title, how fantastic is that?
Kelly Album Cover! (And I Lied The Other Day...)
OK, so apparently the New York Times was wrong about Kelly Clarkson's album title. Instead of Masquerade like I said in my recent post, it's called All I Ever Wanted. Which sucks, because my mind was running wild with theories about the meaning of the title, and the switch from the "Masquerade = Kelly is hiding her true self behind more Max Martin penned singles" to "All I Ever Wanted = was to sing Max Martin songs." But it's all about the music and less about the album title.
Speaking of the album, here is the album cover:
I was in love with the glossy single cover for "My Life Would Suck Without You." It is sexy and sleek, with a lot of fashion editorial edge. This is very bright and sunshiny and a little too "hot mom" for me. Again, it's all about the music, so here is a 30-second snippet of "My Life Would Suck Without You." Listen:
I can't wait to hear the full thing, it does have a catchy Katy Perry electro sound. I'm more excited now than I was when the lyrics leaked, but I'm still not sure this will be a step forward for Kelly, as an artist. I really loved the moody chick who contemplated suicide over an acoustic guitar and wailed about the "hole inside of me." But I may love it, I usually do...
Speaking of the album, here is the album cover:
I was in love with the glossy single cover for "My Life Would Suck Without You." It is sexy and sleek, with a lot of fashion editorial edge. This is very bright and sunshiny and a little too "hot mom" for me. Again, it's all about the music, so here is a 30-second snippet of "My Life Would Suck Without You." Listen:I can't wait to hear the full thing, it does have a catchy Katy Perry electro sound. I'm more excited now than I was when the lyrics leaked, but I'm still not sure this will be a step forward for Kelly, as an artist. I really loved the moody chick who contemplated suicide over an acoustic guitar and wailed about the "hole inside of me." But I may love it, I usually do...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
(Belated) Year End List: The Hot Men Of 2008
I know, 2009 is already a week old. So why am I still posting 2008 year end lists? Maybe because I started it back before Christmas and kinda forgot to finish it. Don't judge, you don't know! Regardless of timing, who doesn't a post full of hot dudes? Lesbians, that's who.
The Dave Leiberman "If You Can't Stand The Hotness, Stay Out Of The Kitchen" Award (For Hottest TV Chef): MFB Richard from Top Chef
Yeah, Jeff might've been the conventionally sexy one, and Richard did have a habit of wearing "funny" t-shirts. But his boyish crush on head judge Tom Collichio and his full admission of having an "inner queen" in the first episode alone cemented his place as runner-up to David Cook in the Hottest Reality Bear Cubs Competition in my mind. And once he left the show, not even Martha Stewart could make it worth watching anymore.
The Anti-Perez Hilton Award (For Hottest Blogger): Junior
I know what you're thinking, is there really such a thing as a hot blogger? I know conventional stereotypes suggest days-old facial hair growth and bathrobes covering beer bellies and comic book tees are the costume of choice for blog writers and I would imagine there are still some who hold to that look. But there are some choice blogging hotties out there, from celeb bloggers like Kanye and model Bryan David Thomas (probably NSFW) to funny, witty cuties like D'Luv at Chart Rigger and Andy Towle at Towleroad. But only Juice With Junior's blog god makes great great fashion choices, is ridiculously funny and smart and has a rather sexy smile (see his video ender for the Juice With Junior Awards above.) Oh, and he comments on my blog... not that I was swayed at all by that. (Editor's note: Yes I was.) I dub him Hot Blogger 2008. Video via Juice With Junior.
The "Dear God, Don't Let Him End Up Looking Like Bruce Jenner In A Couple Years" Award (For Hottest Olympic Athlete): Matthew Mitcham
I bet you thought it was gonna be the Phelps. Yeah, he's got a great body but a consistently dumb look on his face. Matthew has a nice body, a brilliant smile and really great hair. It's all about the hair for me, sorry. Plus, as the first openly gay diver to win a gold medal, he's really a role model for young athletes. You don't have to hide any part of who you are to be a sexy, confident and athletically gifted man. Oh, and did I mention he was hot as ballz? Picture via Hunk Du Jour. 
The Dreamy Vampire Of 2008 Award (For Hottest Actor In A Vampire Film Or TV Series, duh): Robert Pattison from Twilight
I'm sorry, but he is just fucking hot. The rest of these guys have a lot more going on than their faces, but once and a while you need just pretty. And damn, he is pretty. Picture via Twilight Poison.
Plus, the usual suspects:
Justin Timberlake (from the "4 Minutes" video)
David Beckham (from the Armani underwear ads)
Freddie Rodriguez (from Ugly Betty. All the Betty screen caps of Freddie I could find were shite, so I picked this random bit of hotness. Don't know where it comes from, but who cares? A soaked white tee fine with me...)
The Men of Lost Like Lays potato chips, I can't have just one. From Daniel Dae Kim's anxious husband and father to be Jin (sixth from left) to Matthew Fox's daddy issues ridden doctor feel-damn-good (fifth from left) to the always sexually charged (and shirtless) southern boy Sawyer (played by Josh Holloway, third from left) to Naveen Andrews' former Iraqi soldier with the hair I would kill to run my fingers through (third from right) and more recent additions Henry Ian Cusick (far right) and Ken Leung (not pictured) I wouldn't mind being stranded on a haunted island with these boys.
A wise man once said "There is a lot more to life than being really, really good-looking." But it's still a nice feature. For my choices for the Hot Men Of 2008, I needed more than looks. Smarts, great attitudes and wit all make me hornier than just kissable lips and rock hard abs. But when you have both... sigh... Oh, David stop! People are watching... Ahem! I need to stop daydreaming or I will never finish this post.
The Chris Daughtry Award (For Hottest American Idol Rocker): David Cook
The Chris Daughtry Award (For Hottest American Idol Rocker): David CookIt took a couple of weeks of American Idol before I saw the true hotness of the Cookie. But when he rocked out to "Hello" it was on, girls and gays! The beautiful eyes, the sexy gravelly voice and the cute facial hair got me started, the talent got me hooked and the huge heart made me fall madly in love. His relationship with his family, the fact he wore a rubber bracelet all season that was given to him by a reporter as a tribute to the reporters sick daughter and knowing that he is decent human who is down with the gays created a monster of sexy proportions, both inside and out.
The Dave Leiberman "If You Can't Stand The Hotness, Stay Out Of The Kitchen" Award (For Hottest TV Chef): MFB Richard from Top ChefYeah, Jeff might've been the conventionally sexy one, and Richard did have a habit of wearing "funny" t-shirts. But his boyish crush on head judge Tom Collichio and his full admission of having an "inner queen" in the first episode alone cemented his place as runner-up to David Cook in the Hottest Reality Bear Cubs Competition in my mind. And once he left the show, not even Martha Stewart could make it worth watching anymore.
I know what you're thinking, is there really such a thing as a hot blogger? I know conventional stereotypes suggest days-old facial hair growth and bathrobes covering beer bellies and comic book tees are the costume of choice for blog writers and I would imagine there are still some who hold to that look. But there are some choice blogging hotties out there, from celeb bloggers like Kanye and model Bryan David Thomas (probably NSFW) to funny, witty cuties like D'Luv at Chart Rigger and Andy Towle at Towleroad. But only Juice With Junior's blog god makes great great fashion choices, is ridiculously funny and smart and has a rather sexy smile (see his video ender for the Juice With Junior Awards above.) Oh, and he comments on my blog... not that I was swayed at all by that. (Editor's note: Yes I was.) I dub him Hot Blogger 2008. Video via Juice With Junior.
The "Dear God, Don't Let Him End Up Looking Like Bruce Jenner In A Couple Years" Award (For Hottest Olympic Athlete): Matthew MitchamI bet you thought it was gonna be the Phelps. Yeah, he's got a great body but a consistently dumb look on his face. Matthew has a nice body, a brilliant smile and really great hair. It's all about the hair for me, sorry. Plus, as the first openly gay diver to win a gold medal, he's really a role model for young athletes. You don't have to hide any part of who you are to be a sexy, confident and athletically gifted man. Oh, and did I mention he was hot as ballz? Picture via Hunk Du Jour.
The Dreamy Vampire Of 2008 Award (For Hottest Actor In A Vampire Film Or TV Series, duh): Robert Pattison from TwilightI'm sorry, but he is just fucking hot. The rest of these guys have a lot more going on than their faces, but once and a while you need just pretty. And damn, he is pretty. Picture via Twilight Poison.
Plus, the usual suspects:
Justin Timberlake (from the "4 Minutes" video)
David Beckham (from the Armani underwear ads)
Freddie Rodriguez (from Ugly Betty. All the Betty screen caps of Freddie I could find were shite, so I picked this random bit of hotness. Don't know where it comes from, but who cares? A soaked white tee fine with me...)
The Men of Lost Like Lays potato chips, I can't have just one. From Daniel Dae Kim's anxious husband and father to be Jin (sixth from left) to Matthew Fox's daddy issues ridden doctor feel-damn-good (fifth from left) to the always sexually charged (and shirtless) southern boy Sawyer (played by Josh Holloway, third from left) to Naveen Andrews' former Iraqi soldier with the hair I would kill to run my fingers through (third from right) and more recent additions Henry Ian Cusick (far right) and Ken Leung (not pictured) I wouldn't mind being stranded on a haunted island with these boys.Dead Man's Bones: That Hot Actor From The Notebook Can Sing?
OK, I love me some Notebook (not as much as A Walk To Remember, but close) and a lot of that has to do with the chemistry between two of the hottest young actors burning up the screen. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams are smoldering in every scene and I loves it.
But who knew Ryan was interested in music? Not me, until this very morning. I know what you're thinking, it's probably awful stuff, this band of Ryan and Zach Shields. But Dead Man's Bones is no Dogstar or Anywhere I Lay My Head. The first sounds coming from the duo is an eerie mix of 60's girl group drums and children's choirs with Ryan's pleasing baritone providing an excellent centerpiece. He has a vocal sound not unlike a lo-fi Johnny Cash with a bit of punk wallop, which is high praise coming from me.
The video for "In The Room Where You Sleep" is much more Bat For Lashes than J-to-tha-LO. It's a high quality live recording from the wrap party for their first disc on Werewolf Heart Records, no release date is available as far as I can find. (I would imagine somewhere around their SXSW showcase in late March.) The Halloween-costumed children's choir is very twee, and their is no rock star antics from a vest-clad Ryan, he remains seated at the piano for the full video. The kids provide much of the visual entertainment, one girl on the right hand side of the front row really gets into, just rocking out. And the tiniest little boy mugs for the camera when he gets his closeup, before being reminded he's supposed to hit the final symbals with his sword. It's cute, in a creepy kind of way and the visual works well with the song. I'm quite anxious to hear more from Ryan and Zach... Watch:
But who knew Ryan was interested in music? Not me, until this very morning. I know what you're thinking, it's probably awful stuff, this band of Ryan and Zach Shields. But Dead Man's Bones is no Dogstar or Anywhere I Lay My Head. The first sounds coming from the duo is an eerie mix of 60's girl group drums and children's choirs with Ryan's pleasing baritone providing an excellent centerpiece. He has a vocal sound not unlike a lo-fi Johnny Cash with a bit of punk wallop, which is high praise coming from me.
The video for "In The Room Where You Sleep" is much more Bat For Lashes than J-to-tha-LO. It's a high quality live recording from the wrap party for their first disc on Werewolf Heart Records, no release date is available as far as I can find. (I would imagine somewhere around their SXSW showcase in late March.) The Halloween-costumed children's choir is very twee, and their is no rock star antics from a vest-clad Ryan, he remains seated at the piano for the full video. The kids provide much of the visual entertainment, one girl on the right hand side of the front row really gets into, just rocking out. And the tiniest little boy mugs for the camera when he gets his closeup, before being reminded he's supposed to hit the final symbals with his sword. It's cute, in a creepy kind of way and the visual works well with the song. I'm quite anxious to hear more from Ryan and Zach... Watch:
Monday, January 5, 2009
More Kelly Leaks! Lyrics, Low Quality Snippet of "Suck"
OK, I promise not to post a Kelly post every day until the official release of Masquerade in late March, but "My Life Would Suck Without You" is my "4 Minutes" for 2009. I am desperate for it to leak in the worst way, but we have gotten two snazzy little tidbits to tide us over. First, Kelly sent a bulletin out on the MySpace (yes, I'm one of her friends, don't hate me cause I'm popular) linking me to PopEater's post of the lyrics for the Max Martin & Dr. Luke penned single. And I am trying to stay optimistic, but What! The! Hell!
All of Kelly's best singles, (sans "Miss Independent") have been breakup jams. And that's when I love our little Idol that could, telling twatwaffly dudes to Walk Away, tearing up their apartments, not letting them in behind her hazel eyes (while looking fucking amazing!) and generally being pissed off by the douchier sex. Except when she's weeping over her strained relationship with her mother, Kelly is never better when playing the woman done wrong. Hell, My December was my 2nd favorite album of 2007, and it's nothing but 808s & Heartbreaks. Minus the 808s... (love that title!)
I know the title would indicate that it's a love song, but I thought the same thing about "Because Of You" and it turned out to be an ode to dysfunctional mother-daughter relationships (and I loved her for it!) I was hoping for a twist like "my life would suck without you, but it sucks more with you" but the lyrics for "My Life Would Suck Without You" are a straight-up love song. Can Kelly sell a love song with the same impassioned vocals of a "Sober" or "Behind These Hazel Eyes"? We will soon see. Here's the chorus, which contains the title and probably the major hook for the track: "Cuz we belong together now/Forever united here somehow/You got a piece of me/And honestly/My life would suck without you" I can't really see myself rocking out to this. Oh Kelly, I want to love it so much, you better sing the shit out of it.
More Kelly leakage: You can here a tiny snippet of the demo version of "My Life Would Suck Without You" being played by Clive Davis for Bill Maher on Iconoclasts. The sound quality is poor, and Clive is talking over it, but I get the feeling it will sound like "Since U Been Gone" But a lot of the appeal of "Since U Been Gone" was the whole "just broke up, let me rock out" feeling. A love song probably won't work the same way.
All of Kelly's best singles, (sans "Miss Independent") have been breakup jams. And that's when I love our little Idol that could, telling twatwaffly dudes to Walk Away, tearing up their apartments, not letting them in behind her hazel eyes (while looking fucking amazing!) and generally being pissed off by the douchier sex. Except when she's weeping over her strained relationship with her mother, Kelly is never better when playing the woman done wrong. Hell, My December was my 2nd favorite album of 2007, and it's nothing but 808s & Heartbreaks. Minus the 808s... (love that title!)
I know the title would indicate that it's a love song, but I thought the same thing about "Because Of You" and it turned out to be an ode to dysfunctional mother-daughter relationships (and I loved her for it!) I was hoping for a twist like "my life would suck without you, but it sucks more with you" but the lyrics for "My Life Would Suck Without You" are a straight-up love song. Can Kelly sell a love song with the same impassioned vocals of a "Sober" or "Behind These Hazel Eyes"? We will soon see. Here's the chorus, which contains the title and probably the major hook for the track: "Cuz we belong together now/Forever united here somehow/You got a piece of me/And honestly/My life would suck without you" I can't really see myself rocking out to this. Oh Kelly, I want to love it so much, you better sing the shit out of it.
More Kelly leakage: You can here a tiny snippet of the demo version of "My Life Would Suck Without You" being played by Clive Davis for Bill Maher on Iconoclasts. The sound quality is poor, and Clive is talking over it, but I get the feeling it will sound like "Since U Been Gone" But a lot of the appeal of "Since U Been Gone" was the whole "just broke up, let me rock out" feeling. A love song probably won't work the same way.
Hot Topics: Santogold, "The Ramen Girl" & The Best Gift Ever?
There are a couple of interesting things I want to share with y'all, but they aren't quite interesting enough to deserve their own post. So just enjoy a smattering of Hot Topics:
Santogold's second Bud Light Lime jingle has been remixed, and it's a pretty sweet mix. Tepr is a Frenchman who has done remixes for Yelle, Kid Sister and The Teenagers, so he's got some decent hipster cred. Now he's added Santogold's "Lights Out" to his oeuvre, (he also remixed "Say Aha" for the Philly-born artist.) The original mix was a smooth surf-rock inspired new wave jam, the Tepr Emo mix features a fuzzed out keyboard tone and a heavy beat drum loop, creating a dance-floor-friendly slow jam. Listen and Download Here. Found via Elbo.ws (via Google Alerts.)
Now to some movie news, is it weird I'm a little interested in this new Brittany Murphy film, The Ramen Girl? After her character moves to Japan to be with her boyfriend, he dumps here. So she decides to become a ramen chef. Sounds exactly like this one time a guy dumped me! Except I wasn't in Japan and I decided to start tanning instead of cooking ramen. Otherwise, story of my life, y'all! Enjoy the trailer:
Found via Pop Candy.
And now for a little personal tidbit. I was going through pictures from this past holiday season, and found someone took a picture of me getting the most ridiculously amazing gift since my iPod. My Aunt Tina knows me so well, she knew I would love this:
Santogold's second Bud Light Lime jingle has been remixed, and it's a pretty sweet mix. Tepr is a Frenchman who has done remixes for Yelle, Kid Sister and The Teenagers, so he's got some decent hipster cred. Now he's added Santogold's "Lights Out" to his oeuvre, (he also remixed "Say Aha" for the Philly-born artist.) The original mix was a smooth surf-rock inspired new wave jam, the Tepr Emo mix features a fuzzed out keyboard tone and a heavy beat drum loop, creating a dance-floor-friendly slow jam. Listen and Download Here. Found via Elbo.ws (via Google Alerts.)
Now to some movie news, is it weird I'm a little interested in this new Brittany Murphy film, The Ramen Girl? After her character moves to Japan to be with her boyfriend, he dumps here. So she decides to become a ramen chef. Sounds exactly like this one time a guy dumped me! Except I wasn't in Japan and I decided to start tanning instead of cooking ramen. Otherwise, story of my life, y'all! Enjoy the trailer:
Found via Pop Candy.
And now for a little personal tidbit. I was going through pictures from this past holiday season, and found someone took a picture of me getting the most ridiculously amazing gift since my iPod. My Aunt Tina knows me so well, she knew I would love this:
Yes, that is a portrait of the always fabulous Madonna! I could not stop laughing, it is a truly ridiculous piece of art. And it is hanging proudly in my home.
These are for sale on the My DaVinci website, I'm kinda eying up the Kelly one, or the Brad Pitt. Mmm, Brad... Seriously, though, they have a Michael Maloney (from Clean House and Extreme Makeover Home Edition) I mean, he seems like a nice guy, but I don't know anyone other than his mom that would want his portrait hanging in their home. So random...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It Was Just What I Needed...
I almost missed church this morning, my alarm didn't go off. So I jump out of bed, with like 15 minutes to shower and dress before leaving. I made it with time to spare, because I'm that damn good! And I was so glad I did.
Rev. Delores Berry was the guest speaker, and she... was... amazing. Deep down, I'm old school gay, so I love a big ol' soulful black lady! She preached and sang and read scripture and generally brought the spirit. She told of her time of being bed-ridden after falling in the shower, and how God was there. How God is always there, always catching us even when we don't see or feel it. Then she sang this wonderful Avalon song "Orphans Of God" and almost had me in tears. God loves us, flaws and all. We all have our sins, but there are no orphans of God. She had a special prayer moment with me, and she really does have a gift. I never felt so loved by God in my life. He knows me, he made me this way. A white man-boy, pudgy and gay and in love with knowledge and music. Always with questions and never satisfied with the stock answers. In search of proof, not just feelings, and hungry for love and a family. He made me like this, he loves me like this. Hallelujah! There are no orphans of God!
Rev. Delores Berry was the guest speaker, and she... was... amazing. Deep down, I'm old school gay, so I love a big ol' soulful black lady! She preached and sang and read scripture and generally brought the spirit. She told of her time of being bed-ridden after falling in the shower, and how God was there. How God is always there, always catching us even when we don't see or feel it. Then she sang this wonderful Avalon song "Orphans Of God" and almost had me in tears. God loves us, flaws and all. We all have our sins, but there are no orphans of God. She had a special prayer moment with me, and she really does have a gift. I never felt so loved by God in my life. He knows me, he made me this way. A white man-boy, pudgy and gay and in love with knowledge and music. Always with questions and never satisfied with the stock answers. In search of proof, not just feelings, and hungry for love and a family. He made me like this, he loves me like this. Hallelujah! There are no orphans of God!
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Kelly Clarkson Cover Art!
My future beard Kelly Clarkson has been absent from the pop world for a couple of minutes, but she's slated to release a new single on January 19th. "My Life Would Suck Without You" was written by pop masterminds Max Martin and Dr. Luke, so it should have a sound similar to her Breakaway hits the duo penned, like "Since U Been Gone." I would hope this collaboration will get her back on radio, which is at once exciting for my inner Kelly fangirl and disheartening for my inner serious music fan. I love Max Martin's pop compositions, like "U & UR Hand" and "...Baby, One More Time" but I also loved the darker sounds Kelly explored on her mostly self-written My December. Why can't radio make room for both? I'm reserving judgement until I hear the song... aw, who am I trying to kid? I will love it, I'm sure. Kelly & Max & Luke together again is a pop fan's dream come true...
Isn't it hot as ballz? I mean, it's photoshopped within an inch of it's life, but you can't deny the gorgeous iconography of a girl and a lollipop. Lil Wayne would be proud! And it's not a random Lolita pose, it fits with the title in a strange way. Again, though, I preferred the moody Goth-girl look in My December's promo art, but I still love this too.
Anyway, until the single leaks, which should happen any day now, here is the super hot cover art for the single:
Isn't it hot as ballz? I mean, it's photoshopped within an inch of it's life, but you can't deny the gorgeous iconography of a girl and a lollipop. Lil Wayne would be proud! And it's not a random Lolita pose, it fits with the title in a strange way. Again, though, I preferred the moody Goth-girl look in My December's promo art, but I still love this too.
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