There was a New Moon last night

If you've been under a rock or in a coma since 2005 you might not know about the whole Twilight phenomena. But if you read this blog, you know where I stand on the issue. Love Twilight, but not crazy about it.

Having said that New Moon came out yesterday and I couldn't be more thrilled with how it turned out. The movie was everything a mainstream film should be. Turns out it was a good choice to go with a new director. The movie was brighter visually which added to the darkness underneath the surface. Its way better than the first film Twilight. But you can't really compare the two since Twilight was an independent, and New Moon had some major money backing it.

In New Moon Edward leaves after a very bloody birthday celebration that almost left Bella the icing on the cake for Jasper. Who has that much blood from a paper cut? Anyway, the Cullens leave and Bella's depressed. Like really depressed, shell of her former self depressed. Who knew Bella's lack of personality could stretch that far. But that's just a means to an end...New Moon is centered around Bella's friendship with Jacob Black, Jacob's love for Bella and his turn from a normal, sweet natured 15-year-old boy to a *ahem* rather buff werewolf. Simple right? Not so much.
See, somewhere in between the zombie Bella, and clinging to Jake for the sake of her sanity Bella became a adrenaline junkie. This is all for the purpose of inducing hallucinations of Edward telling her to not be so stupid. There, not so simple anymore huh? Not to mention Victoria, the villain from Twilight's girlfriend, is back and making plans to rip Bella limb from limb.

Best scene if I had to choose would either be the motorcycle scene or when Bella runs through the water fountain to get to Edward before he exposes his oh so shiny skin to the humans in Italy (hows that for a suicide attempt?) for sheer book accurate awesome-ness.

Waiting until the last possible minute in the book as well as the movie, The Volturi are introduced to add further menace to the future storyline. Dakota Fanning as Jane was haunting, and Aro is just evil. While very calm and pleasant in outward appearance there was a sense of pure calculating evil just behind his crimson eyes. Well done Micheal Sheen for scaring the heck out of me!

Rating: Two enthusiastic thumbs way up!
Next up: Eclipse 2010!

Say It Isn't So

The news is already out but Taylor Jacobson has left the Rachel Zoe styling camp.
So sad, so sad.

But who didn't see that coming at the end of season 2? Although Taylor looked happy, it was quite obvious that something else was going to go wrong to send her reelin. But we support you Tay Tay and feel that your hard work and dedication to being an awesome person is admirable. I mean, come on, how many stylists do you know of that would give the opportunity to another stylist to see Paris Fashion Week? Unbelievable. What I'll miss the most about Taylor on the show is her snappy one liners, plantinum blonde razor egde cut and her ability to get work done on time and the right way.

But not all is sad, Shennantics Selection of Taylor's Best Hits:







But with Taylor leaving the show Brad is going to have to pick up the extra slack.

9021-Oh!

Just when things change everything stays the same on 90210.

Now that Adrianna has kicked drugs, had a baby, almost got married, gave the baby up for adoption, lost her manager in favor of being a normal teenager dubbing herself "No Drama Adrianna" she's back to her old druggie ways after a messy break-up thanks in part to stupid Teddy Montgomery and Jasper, Annie's new drug dealer psycho boyfriend.



Not to mention that it turns out that Naomi really isn't over Liam like previously thought. Even though the cute college jock forgave her for using his eco-friendly room-mate to get close with his dean of admissions mama.

Luckily Dixon stayed out of the spotlight (honestly, I need a break from him after the crazy old chick lying about being pregnant). He only sabotaged Annie's meet the parents dinner in passing by telling their parents about Navid seeing Japer's drug deal to Aid.

Sadly, Silver and Kelly's mother kicked the bucket last episode only after finally making it up to Silver about missing and ruining all her birthdays and having Kelly forgive her for how much of a terrible mother she was.

And if Jasper wasn't evil enough he pulled a stunt worthy of Passions by pushing Navid down the stairs! Who does that?

So whats gonna happen next on the show? Well, it seems that Naomi is finally going to find out just how much of a evil bitch her sister is by a well thought out plan from Liam and his friends causing Jen to reveal that it was indeed her that slept with Liam after Prom and framed it on Annie. So thats good news. But what is going to happen to Navid!? I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Katie Price Gets British on Chelsea Lately

Another Hot Mess Alert: Katie Price (She's busty, tanned and an author)

Everyone knows I love a bit of hot mess in my pop life, I'm a fan of women who err just a bit on the side of tacky, but of course it must be done within my standards. ha. Anyways, I first came across the vixen Katie Price when she was named Jordan, and she had a show with her then husband (Whats his name again?) on E! and it was like watching some kind of extreme polar opposite of Victoria Beckham come to life. I fell in love.

Katie Price is one of the UK's biggest tabloid stars, she graces the cover of OK!Magazine
literally every week and she has even been on the show "Help! I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here" she is famous for being a glamour model with really BIG everything. She's a draq queen in female form, and its amazing.

Last night on the wickedly funny Chelsea Lately with Chelsea Handler, Price appeared for a random interview in which she spoke about her cross-dressing boyfriend, botox injections, extensions and children's books. That's right, Children's books. Surprisingly, Price is very honest and that's something to admire. It was mentioned in the British tabloids today that the interview made her look like a fool, and I disagree. Anyone who gets on Chelsea Lately is going to get made fun of, end of story. Plus Price is British and everyone knows, that its just taking the "piss."
Bonus points that she has a style book coming out, can not wait.

Katie Price Gets Real

"No more Shennantics"...David Duchovny!

So, it's been reported to ME that David Duchovny of X-files fame and recent Showtime hit "Californication" in a recent episode mentioned "Shennantics."
Huzzah! David if you are reading our blog, why not leave a comment? No one likes a lurker.

Although, our blog does not entail naked strippers.

P.S. David we came up with the word AND not you.XP

"Yes Please, May I have another?"

Big In Japan: Uber Popstars of Japan's biggest girl group Morning Monsume go all goth on us.

A friend recommended me to listen to the new Hangry and Angry album. Hangry and Angry is a collobrative project from two members of the all-famous girl group in Japan, Morning Monsume (MoMusu to fans). Hitomi Yoshizawa and Rika Ishikawa were popular members (4th generation to be correct) of the group and have paired up for a lezzie/goth/tied-to-a-clothing line for the release. The album "Sadistic Dance" is actually a very good goth pop album. I've never been keen on any of MoMusu's releases, but "Sadistic Dance" actually pleased my little goth heart and I thought it was enjoyable.

From the club dance feel of "Sadistic Dance" to the puzzling "are they or are they not?" of "Top Secret" and "Kiss Me, Kill Me," the songs on "Sadistic Dance" are fun like JPop should be and have a dose of edginess usually lacking sometimes in the genre. Surprisingly, Yoshizawa's masculine appeal (she's the Hangry of the duo) is charming as her voice is one of they key ingredients for this album working so well. Ishikawa's girly girl vocal stylings offer a nice countervibe, but sometimes it can be too much. Als on "Sadistic Dance" is a cover of a MoMusu single "Peace."

Speaking of the faux lesbian tendencies, (explored in the video for "Top Secret") the duo is drawing comparisons to another girl duo, t.A.t.U. Personally, I love t.A.t.U and don't really care about the whole issue of them really being lesbians. Because obviously they aren't as Julia Volkova had a child, despite that, and without going on a tangent, Hangry and Angry and t.A.t.U comparisons really should stop at that. While in the rumor mill, it has been rumored that Yoshizawa and Ishikawa are really dating, no one can say for sure. Who cares? It's a good album and if you like extra cute things mixed with goth tendencies, then dance, dance, dance until your Hangry's content!

Grade: B
Best tracks: Sadistic Dance, Top Secret, Angelia
Worst tracks: Doubt

Hangry and Angry LIVE
Top Secret PV

WTF? Moment

Guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith reported to Las Vegas Sun that Steven Tyler has left the band, ya know "as for as he can tell." Perry is planning on having Tyler replaced and continuing with the band. Like that's gonna work. Well, actually with the successs of old bands with new singers, such as Journey or even INXS, it will work...but it will never be the same thing. The band will be tainted after all these years. Tyler will be a quiter as far as I can tell.

The band members have allegedly been having problems the past few months with incidents such as Tyler falling offstage in Dakota and having to be airlifted out making the band cancel the entire US tour.

The thing that I don't get is that Aerosmith is legendary. They had a successful career for not one, but three decades and still managed to stay relevant for another ten years! Some bands can't make it a year let alone 40 years. And yet after all the inspiring Behind the Music drama, singer Tyler decided to call it quits after falling off a stage? Really?

A visual of 3

(Center: Britney Spears gets very up close and personal with male dancers for the video "3."

This week, Britney Spears finally released the much talked about, video for "3." And everyone has an opinion. On MTV.com, fans have said they love it and that she looks hot and etc, etc.

What's the real verdict?

It's an okay video. We've definitely seen sexier from Ms.Spears, but then again, she is on her comeback so we can't push too hard. The video is directed by Diane Martel and features a very glam Britney Spears dancing provocatively with male and female dancers. In the video you can spot groups of three, and it just clears up whatever curiosity people had about the subject matter of the song.

She looks fantastic in the video,and you can tell she's been hitting the gym, but what irks me about the video is the dancing is just....not up to par. Spears is still stiff when it comes to rollicking like she used to, although some of the movements are pretty fluid, until the latter part of the video (and it's a short song) the frentic energy of the single does not pick up in regards to the choreography. Once again, its eye candy minimalism.

Also the clothes bother me, what is up with the V-tards? Not cute. Spears is adorable and sexy, whats with the outfits?

Best scene in the video: The chorus line of female dancers, Spears actually looks at ease with them.

Worst scene: see V-tards AND the horrible shameless fragrance plug at the beginning, I do not need commericals in my music videos, thank you.
1 2 3 Countin'

Twilight Saga: New Moon

Okay, I think everyone needs to back up when it comes to Twilight.

All this Twi-hate is affecting my opinion and that's not cool. We need to stop hating. That includes me.

Rolling Stone magazine called the New Moon soundtrack Pretty in Pink with fangs and I got uber upset. I heard this before I even got a chance to have my own opinion and initially, I resented the comparison. How dare they compare New Moon to any John Hughes movie. Grrr and rampage!

I finally had a chance to listen to the soundtrack and I can see it. I understand the comparison and I kinda agree. It's a beautiful soundtrack actually. Filled with soft yet powerful guitars, piano, and ethereal background noise. Nothing is too loud or fast, setting the pace magnificently for what is too come. Bring on the teenage depression and suicide attempts, whoo hoo.

The songs on New Moon set a very dark mood even for a vampire flick. "Meet me on the Equinox" penned by indie darlings Death Cab for Cutie tells a chilling tale of two lovers going all out knowing that its going to end someday no matter how awesome it is now. Even energetic songs on the album like Hurricane Bells "Monsters" makes it pretty clear the monsters intentions singing "Deep into the darkness where I hide."

Surprisingly OK Go had something to offer. The band doesn't seem like a fit, but one listen to "Shooting The Moon" makes you wonder why they weren't asked to be part of the original soundtrack.

Hands down best song would be Lykke Li's "Possibility." Filled with all the hope of Jacob's love for Bella, as well as Bella's tragic depression for the loss of her precious Edward. It's beautiful. The piano and vocals blend in a way that can break your heart its so thrilling.

Listening to the New Moon soundtrack I am reminded of what it felt like to flip through those pages two summers back in the middle of the night (yeah, I read New Moon in one sitting. Suck on that vamps!). I can feel the excitment welling up in me and I know why I liked the story in the first place. You can be certain of where I'm going to Nov 20.

But as far as calling the soundrack a John Hughes creation, I don't think its a fair comparison. I can't stand the Pretty in Pink soundtrack...or Breakfast Club soundtrack for that matter. Both movies only had one song that really were a hit. They weren't really chock full of amazing artist of the time writing songs for the actual movie. It's not the same thing so camparisons are rather trite.

Besides, John Hughes was a brilliant film maker and Twilight can never compare. It's good people, but calm down.


Key tracks- "Possibility" by Lykke Li, "Satellite Heart" Anya Marina

"A Nasty Piece of Work"

Groups are targeting the CW to stop airing the raunchy night time soap, Gossip Girl after commericals teasing about a "3Some" became apparent.

The group, PTC (Parents Television Council) has before tried to get the CW to cut the cable on the show, deeming that it is inappropriate for teenagers.

Because you know, that teenagers are largely impressionable.
Threesomes seem to be all the rage now, from Britney's song to now this. Is it going to become more mainstream? Who knows?

But, the CW is defending their choice to air the episode. The characters who are involved in the liason have not been leaked (although if you're quick on the interweb you might find out who's who). What I don't understand is how these parental groups think that causing a big fuss over a show like Gossip Girl is going to do anything. Don't they know that the more they tell their "impressionable teenagers" not to watch this "Every Parent's Nightmare" show that, in effect, that is exactly what they are going to do. Hello, Genuises.

I don't watch Gossip Girl and I don't plan to, Blake Lively is about as interesting to me as watching paint dry. Huzzah. Also, the show thrives on its bad publicity, as evidenced by the ads, and so this little bit of controversy is exactly what they need. Interestingly enough, the average age of a Gossip girl viewer is 27 reported by a CW spokesperson.


The episode in question will air November 9th.

Hot Mess Alert--Lindsay Lohan Dramatic Phone Call Leaked

Yikes, poor Lindsay Lohan, girl can't get a break. She has not had a starring role in ages, she's constantly the butt of any and all crack reference jokes, her fashion line with powerhouse designer Emmanuel Ungaro failed, and her dad is a really big attention whore.

It has been linked to various entertainment blogs snippets of an older message that Lohan had recorded in which she claimed that "no one cares about me." Her father, Michael Lohan reportedly linked the audio. Mike Lohan is setting a new standard for shameless, self-promotion by using his daughter's flailing star to get attention for himself.

Even more troubling is the fact that the audio can be heard and it's upsetting. While I'm not a fan of LiLo, I'm also not a fan of kicking someone while they're down. Lohan is obviously struggling with inner demons and not to pass judgement on anyone, she should be able to deal with those demons in her own time without the rest of the world being able to hear her at her worst.

She twittered on Wednesday:
"My fathers such a loser & those recordings are from years ago. To release personal things is foul enough, but to edit them. I used to think That he needed the book for dummies on learning how to be a father. Haha-he's needs the book for dummies on HOW TO BE A MAN."

Reported from RadarOnline and the Huffington Post:
"Mommy says that I'm worse than you were," Lindsay sobs to her dad. "And she's defending...She doesn't back me and she doesn't stand by me. Why? Why? No one cares about me. They don't, by the way. No one cares that much. It's never about that. It's about how they feel, not how I feel. It's not about me. It's never been about me, unless I fight for it."

No telling when the message was recorded. Last week Lohan slammed her dad over Twitter for his lunatic tendencies and physical and verbal abuse.

Sunday's New York Post reported that Lindsay and Dina were seeking a restraining order to stop Michael from kidnapping Lindsay and forcing her into rehab. They reportedly also served him with a cease-and-desist order to prevent him from going public with voicemails from Dina--voicemails he said illustrate Dina's concern that Lindsay's drug use has landed her "on death's doorstep."

RadarOnline reports that Michael released the tape of Lindsay's voicemail "in an attempt to prove his point and to disprove those around Lindsay who are saying she's fine."

Cassette From My Ex

Cassette from My Ex is a website much in the same vein as Post Secret.

Created by Jason Bitner (co-founder of another confessional culture project FOUND), Cassette from My Ex is a collection of stories from writers and musicians that offers a nostalgic and often romanticized look back at first loves, that first kiss, and yes, heartbreaks.

These stories remind us what it was like to be young and in love with the perfect music providing us a soundtrack.

Each story centers around a tape given by the infamous ex.

Breaking out beyond the World Wide Web, Cassette from My Ex has gone off-line and made itself tangible giving us Cassette from My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Loves Lost.

The book may have a limited audience in medium (how many people outside of this blog actually takes the time to make a mixtape anymore?) but transcends the mixtape culture becoming art, and honest portrayal of the youthful spirit. Showcasing passion through small black plastic and magnetic tape. Recorded love. We think it will last, but as the tape itself will attest to, can often warp and break, getting stuck in the very machine that surges it forward.

Cassette is filled with tales of the tragic ("Live Free or Die"), quirky ("The Mixtape Virgin"), and the strangely sweet with Rick Moody and Stacey Richter's back and forth letters trying to remember what exactly happened between them and what the heck Richter actually put on that darn tape ("Ribbed...for her pleasure").

Even more exciting, Rob Sheffield (the mixtape master himself, author of "Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time*," and the most rockin'-est man in a sweater) has lent to the book his humble offerings, "You Got the Peaches, I Got the Cream:" a story about loving a girl destined to run. This one entry alone has the power to make Cassette not just a necessity but a given right. Was that too much? Too bad, Sheffield rocks. Period.

Laced throughout the entries are useful, fun articles to help keep the art of mixtapes alive.

Collected into 224 pages Cassette from My Ex: Stories and Soundtracks of Love Lost was released October 27

*Run out and get it along with Cassette