Save the date

It's official. February 8th, 2011. Season 2 of My Life as Liz.

Can you handle it?

Word.

Liz Lee is at it again...but when?

I am currently in the middle of watching a marathon of My Life as Liz which is preparing for a second season! There are no words to describe my pure excitement. Clips of the upcoming season are being shown between episodes and it's looking spicy. With more Liz and Bryson drama, a new development in Cori Cooper's life, a new guy in Liz's life (say what!? He's pretty cute too), and Sully might have a girlfriend!

But where is Talyor Terry?

It is still undetermined when the second season will air but this girl is on the look out.

Janurary is going to be a real drag

LogoOnline has the official web site for Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race finally up!

The contestants look to be a lot more "fierce" than the previous contestants but is it me or do they look ready to rumble? Fans have argued before that with each increasing season the contestants look harsher. I say nay to this, everyone knows that you have to step up the "A" game with each season. Usually the flagship season of any great show is going to be untouchable, so subsequent seasons have to try to maintain such awesomeness. We will see if it can be done, after all, season 2 gave viewer's "Untucked" and over the long hazy days of summer "Drag U" didn't sparkle as well. Season three starts Jan 11, on Logo.

And, because you know we just cant let you get away without another reality tv treat, Oxygen's "Bad Girls Club" returns for its sixth season in LA. The show premieres Jan.10.

It starts today

Happy Dec 1 people! December is the ultimate party month. If you're not excited for the upcoming celebrations with Christmas and New Years, or Hanukkah (which starts today) then your evil and live a sad loney exsistence, much like Voldemort.

We have some fun end of year posts in the works to honor the year that was 2010 so hold on tight, this should be fun.


Peace

I've got some bad news

So the internet has been buzzing with news that Warner Bros. is planning on remaking Buffy the Vampire Slayer with unknown writer Whit Anderson.

Come again? Who is this person and what have they to offer? I'm glad you asked because she doesn't have an entry on IMDB. But, Anderson is allegedly an actress turned screen-writer. The only thing I can find on her is a movie called Prehysteria 3 from 1995 (thank you reelzchannel.com). Hmmmm... Curious.

Better than that Anderson is a fan of the series and plans to take "touchstones" of the show into "a new story" set in the present day. What does that mean exactly? Only time will tell.

The main complaint seems to fall under the category of no known elements of the previous Buffy the Vampire Slayer being involved in the new project. No Joss Whedon, the shows--actually the entire Buffy-verse's-- creator which seems a natural choice. I mean when Hollywood wants to screw something up royally they like to go all out. So not involving the show's creator is a good start to not only piss off fans, but to get everything wrong. I can't even begin to fathom what will happen to Buffy and the gang in less capable hands.

Also, there will be no appearances from Sarah Michelle Geller or the rest of the Scoobies, but who honestly thinks they would? They were on the show 10 years ago and could hardly want to go back to characters they once played. That's like graduating from college and deciding to go back to middle school. Yikes!

The actors are all grown up and have moved on to other projects, this isn't the first season of 90210 people. Burn Tori, Shannon, and Jennie! As far as the idea of new up and coming actors playing beloved characters like Willow, or Angel...I'd rather not see that thank you.

Which brings me to my point.... A remake is unnecessary. I'm just not interested in seeing a new spin on a classic show that is dear to me. It hasn't really been that long since Buffy went off the air, and there is a continuing storyline in comic form that works quite nicely for a fix whenever it's possible to actually miss BtVS. We don't need a new one.

I'm so over people trying to cash in on vampires and zombies! Except you Walking Dead, you know I love you. I'll leave you with the man himself and what he has to say about the whole affair... Joss Whedon's response to E! Online's Kristin Dos Santos:

"Kristin, I'm glad you asked for my thoughts on the announcement of Buffy the cinema film. This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths--just because they can't think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself.

Obviously I have strong, mixed emotions about something like this. My first reaction upon hearing who was writing it was, "Whit Stillman AND Wes Anderson? This is gonna be the most sardonically adorable movie EVER." Apparently I was misinformed. Then I thought, "I'll make a mint! This is worth more than all my Toy Story residuals combined!" Apparently I am seldom informed of anything. And possibly a little slow.

But seriously, are vampires even popular any more? I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death. But, you know, AFTER. I don't love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I'm also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly.

I can't wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I'm making a Batman movie. Because there's a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.
Leave me to my pain! Sincerely, Joss Whedon."
I'm thinking a petition might be in order. It worked for the Rocky Horror Picture Show remake MTV was planning.

And the results of the election are....

Did you miss Rock of Love? Can't get enough of skunk-haired, uber-tanned, plastic perfection(?) rock darlings?

Well, E! wants to fill that void apparently by cashing on the trend of what do real wives do in the ahem, real world. They present to you "Married to Rock," which follows around the wives of Duff McKagan, Billy Duffy, Perry Farell, and Steve Stevens.

The show follows after Keeping Up With the Kardashians so you know E! is banking on this to be their own "Real Housewives of whatever."

But does the show deliver?

Yes, if only to admire and postulate on what is really in Josie Steven's implants, but no worries out of the bunch she is the most entertaining and lively wife. Besides who doesn't love a woman with a penchant for Hello Kitty?

But I digress, in the first episode out the gate we hear Perry Farell's wife, Etty sing a thin cover of Blondie's "Call Me," and get some couples drama. Woo ti woo.

While the show does not have an immediate spark, the snippets of what will come seems like a good way to gage that this show is perfect for basically wasting your brain away. OR. If you're a fan of the above mentioned rock stars, this is the next best thing to stalking.

Garbage Reunion?

This is super good news of the day.

Shirley Manson of the band, Garbage told the Herald Scotland that she and the other members of the band (Duke, Steve and Butch) are reuniting to work on their first album in five years.

The last original album was 2005's Bleed Like Me, followed by a Greatest Hits in 2007. Shirley took a break from recording to work on her acting career (she was so awesome in the Sarah Connor Chronicles).

She was quoted as saying: "I'm working on a record right now with the band. We've recorded quite a lot but it's difficult to quantify.

"It's the first one in a long time. I took about five years off. I'd like to do some touring next year."

She added: "We’re just winging it right now."



Hell to the yeah, garbage reunion and a tour! watch out!!

Single review- The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

So The Pains of Being Pure At Heart have a new single called "Heart in your Heartbreak" which will be released December 14 along with "The One."

The single is being released in preparation of the upcoming Pains' sophomore album Belong which will be released in March on Slumberland Records.

The song sounds pretty much like every other Pains track, but that's not a bad thing. There is a distinctive sound that cannot be dismissed, a ethereal beauty to their music that I haven't heard in a long time. You know a Pains' song when you hear it. It's actually quite refreshing in an age where everyone sounds the same. On a even better note, the quality of recording has definitely gotten better, which is to say they have more money backing the second album.

Part of me is wondering why I'm even sharing this, but I have no self control when it comes to The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. I love this band. Check out the new song on Pitchfork.

Album Review - Lady Gaga Remix Album

Everything Lady Gaga touches does not turn into gold, and so imagine my dismay when I finally got around to listening to this very hyped up remix album.

It was a disc that can easily not be on a must have list, unless you're a rabid monster.

The remixes included are some from Richard Vission, Passion Pit and yes Marilyn Manson. But with all these interesting cooks in the kitchen, someone spoiled the cake.

Many of the remixes fall short of capturing what makes Lady Gaga ...Lady Gaga, it's not really explainable, but the remixes other than featuring her vocals are kind of missing. A good track however is the Stuart Price remix of "Paparazzi," which may have been re-recorded, the iML mix of "The Fame," and the chillingly slowed down iML mix of "LoveGame."

A bonus perk for fans if you get the Australian version of the album a live rendition of "Pokerface."

So unless you can't get your fix until 2011 this might be enough to bait you over until gaga releases that full album, but it won't keep you satisfied.

Because I love Batman!

According to Yahoo! *The* number one trending topic right now is Batman 3, that is correct fellow Bat-hards (YEP) the third installment in the grim franchise is to be titled "The Dark Knight Rises."

The sad part of this news is that it will NOT feature the Riddler, which bums me out because the rumor mill suggested that this was at least a possibility. Apparently, Christopher Nolan has spoken with the LA times about the film and basically rounded off that the rumor was fan guesswork, as the script has just been completed. (So what were they doing with all that free time???)

Also, no villain has yet been unveiled, and the studio is casting for a female lead. Who would we like to see? Personally, I'd love to see the Riddler, in this time of election and other gnarly media it seems that the narcissist with the best PR in Gotham, the Riddler would be a time fitting choice. There's a slew of villains, so Nolan must be holding onto something really good.....as long as it's not like a buffet of Arkham's finest.

This one's for all you Rock N Rollers/ all you Crash Queens and Motor Babies...

The My Chem video is here...are you ready?

My Chemical Romance - New Music - More Music Videos

TV Casulty *Spoilers fo sho*

So, I have finally caught up with The Vampire Diaries and gosh! First off, Caroline is a vampire now? Yikes. Is Caroline fated to end up like Vicki or does she have some vamp staying power? Let's hope so because I'm quite sick of all the characters killed off last season. What the writers did to Anna and Harper was uncalled for.

Katherine is just another jealous ex with a violent streak, or is she? What is up with Mason Lockwood and the moonstone? And Tyler and Jeremy are friends now after wolf drawing show and tell? Please.

Also, poor Bonnie can't get a break. Writers either need to introduce the Matt/Bonnie/Damon possible love triangle from the books or write her a boyfriend so she doesn't go around using her witchy glare to threaten the supernatural. It's getting a little much. Lighten up Miss Bennett, you're supposed to bet he fun one.

As far as other TV goes, its a cocktail of criminal procedural shows like Criminal Minds (why JJ? Why?), NCIS, NCIS:LA (what the hell did you do with Nate!? Bring him back!), and my new favorite Hawaii Five-O, as well as the whimsy of high school from 90210 and Glee. Finally Kurt and Rachel bond over something! I fully believe they would be friends if their egos didn't get in the way.

Not to mention that drama that is Grey's Anatomy, Kerev is scared of the elevator *shock* woe

I'll try and be more concise and consistent with TV reviews but they won't be that long in the future to save people from spoilers. I'll work out some kind of schedule in the upcoming weeks.

Look alive sunshine: New My Chemical Romance single review

The new My Chemical Romance single "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)" from there long awaited (seriously, its been forever!) upcoming album "Danger Days: The True Live of the Fabulous Killjoys"was released on iTunes today and it is as unexpected as it is refreshing.

My Chem has been in the studio since last year. The band ended up scrapping an entire albums worth of music after drummer Bob Bryer left the band.

With a new outlook and a desire to stray away from the bold arena rock dramatics of its last record The Black Parade, the sound is a complete 180 but the concept is all My Chem. Taking the idea from Gerard and Mikey Way's new comic The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, the band follow story and sound with an image that is unforgettable. It is unclear if the original comic will be released.

Taking punk rock to a Mad Max world full of masked enemies and ray guns, the Killjoys seem to be a rag tag bunch of anti heroes in the post apocalyptic remains of Battery City.

The band posted a teaser trailer titled Art is the Weapon on September 18 of this year that showcases concept and sound coalesce into pure awesome.

The song is just pure fun. From the bratty chorus of na na na, to the nonsensical lyrics like "eat plastic surgery!" or my personal favorite "Cut my hair/gag and bore me" the song is high energy with no signs of stopping. All the classic MCR moments are there. Great guitar solos, awesome lyrics to shout along with as well as dance to. Na Na Na is RockNRoll at its finest.

Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys comes out November 22

Track list:

1. Look Alive, Sunshine
2. Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
3. Bulletproof Heart
4. SING
5. Planetary (GO!)
6. The Only Hope For Me is You
7. Jet-Star and the Kobra Kid/Traffic Report
8. Party Poison
9. Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back
10. S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W
11. Summertime
12. DESTROYA
13. The Kids From Yesterday
14. Goodnite, Dr. Death
15. Vampire Money

VMA Shennanigans or lack thereof

So, really the VMAs did kind of bite the big one. It's like either I'm getting older or MTV is getting desparate.

Of course, the big hype machine was the indeed pre-show which had a performance from Nicki Minaj and Will.I.Am. which I can only describe as "Hmmmm....Astro boy wants his look back from both of you!" Really Nicki? You're sooo talented, you don't have to do the Derp faces, just rap. Also, for all the people making a big deal about Will.I.Am's "Black" outfit...shut up with it already. It's not blackface, just because someone is painted IN ALL BLACK does not equate to blackface. In fact, see my other post in which we talk about what is blackface and what isn't. I swear people just like to go for the obvious. Think people, use your brains.

As for the show itself? It was hosted by E! resident mean-girl, Chelsea Handler who has basically skyrocketed to fame, Handler is indeed funny with her mean barbs but I only found myself chuckling at one or two of her jokes and watching her show has more guffaws than this. Who is to blame here? I have no clue. A OMFG appearnace by Lindsay Lohan is comforting that in times of crisis, even train-wrecks can get work. Sorry, LiLo...it's true. A commercial spotlighting the new new Gucci Guilty fragrance with Evan Rachel Wood and Frank Miller was unapologetically....lame.

Aside from really odd commercials, and the usual line up of lame one liners, the show belonged to Lady Gaga who took home nearly every award. I don't recall if anyone else did. Justin Bieber made his debut and in a word it was very cute and that's all I'm saying. Usher showcased that even as he's getting older, the dude has not lost his swagger. People may think he has lost his flexibility but whatever, he knows how to captivate and entertain he's aging the right way.

Let's address the big hoo ha of Taylor Swift and Kanye West, both performed at this year's awards but only ONE in my humble opinion came out on top and that was Kanye. A glitzy stage, him dressed in the devil's leisure suit and stilted ballerinas PLUS a toast to docuhebags (namely himself) he has done it again.


In an earlier post, I said that Swift sang a ballad about Kanye and I was right but I was wrong to say that she was doing it as just oh you know to make people feel bad about her . In fact both West and Swift sang about Kanye. West addressed his own douchery and Swift offered forgiveness in the form of "you're still an innocent."

Oh, how desparate MTV is to try to remind you that edgy stuff happens on their broadcasts. What the freak ever, I see more drama on The Bad Girls Club in a minute.

What peeved me about this year's awards, was all the indie acts, who deserved far more than a 1 minute sample performance. My true love, Robyn, sang "Cry When You Get Older" but it was only for a minute and MTV didn't even have the decency to say "here is Robyn!"

So yeah, epic fail again MTV.

The only tv I watch that isn't a re-run

So Monday's episode of Scream Queens explored the campy side of the horror movie genre. The actresses got to become zombies working with special effect explosives, do improv with a member of The Upright Citizens Brigade, and film a trailer for a fictional vampire cowboy movie. The second season seems to have even more catty behavior and drama than last time around.

Gabby keeps getting technical aspects of the challenges wrong and Tai has no problem telling her that she isn't good enough. While this used to bug me to no end, I am starting to see her point. Tai is just giving constructive criticism. Gabby sucks. She's an okay actress and terrible at the technical aspects of acting. All the while Gabby expects people to not notice her screw-ups and baby her like she didn't do anything wrong. As a competitor Tai has the right idea. You want to compete against the best so when you beat them you know you're the best. Tai also called out Christine for worrying about Gabby's friendship more than winning the competition. Again, she wants her on her game for when she defeats her. It seems to have struck a chord with Christine as she mentions this as a flaw in the grand ballroom during elimination.
Sadly it was my personal favorite Sarah that got the ax this week. Too bad she's gone but it makes sense. She made poor acting decisions, and wasn't that good at camp. Not to mention her anxiety issues that sprang up constantly during directors challenges.

So who is up for the ax next week? My guess is Gabby and Seirra.


Now....the top 5 reasons I want to slap Rachel Zoe right now

5. Get over the Taylor thing! Okay, she stole from you and betrayed your trust. You fired her and have a better working environment. Get over it.

4. This one goes for Brad and Roger too: Stop repeating yourself and others on camera. There is nothing more annoying than hearing the same information stated in the same manner, with the same sentences, like 15 times an episode. Lame.

3. Don't be mean to Brad when he doesn't deserve it. He works hella hard and has become the heart of team Zoe so give him the benefit of the doubt when no one wants to give you a free outfit for a 2nd charity event when they already gave to the original one.

2. The whole season has a theme about how everyone wants Rachel to have a baby but she works too much. Even Rachel says she wants a baby so have a freakin' baby already and lets get back to fashion! Family is important and its good not to forget it, which brings me to...

1. Stop treating your husband like shit! Rachel's husband has bent over backwards for her. He bought her Dylan McKay's car from 90210 one year for a gift! Not to mention the Barbie he custom designed for her for their anniversary this year, and oh yeah...taking over the business side of her creative endeavors. He gave up his career to help you out. That's love man. The least you can do is have a baby and skip a fashion show to hang out with the guy.


You guys better not get a divorce as a season finale. That would suck.

Holy Mighty Aphrodite!

Hey everyone, sorry about the lack of updates...but I have been out of the state for a while (getting my GTL done ...okay maybe not). This summer Poutz and I have been really slow on the updates and uptake and for that, we are sorry, so in fall we will definitely make it up to our loyal readers.

With that said, let's get onto some shennantics!

A music review if you will. We're going headfirst.

Everyone's favorite pint-sized disco diva and real life Tinkerbell, Kylie Minogue has released her 11th album the appropo "Aphrodite" (yes named after the Greek Goddess of love and beauty). It's funny because I do think of Minogue as a modern Aphrodite, her albums are almost always about love and beauty and she just radiates a charm about her that almost everyone loves Kylie and if you don't...hmmm.

On "Aphrodite," Minogue returns to her careless euro-pop that made her basically well an icon. She could have went the Gaga route and did some really stealthy electro-pop but no, she returns to "fluff" and no one does fluff sincerely or beautifully like Minogue. In fact if anyone else recorded her songs, they would come off as cheesy but with Minogue's signature light-as-a-feather purrs and coos...it's hard not to like her or the music.

The lead single "All the Lovers," is quite catchy and has been stuck in my head since I heard it back in May. Elsewhere on the album, Minogue doesn't really do downtempo but songs like "Cupid Boy," "Get Outta My Way," and "Closer" are definitely highlights.

Since it's summer, why not listen to something the equivalent of Beach cotton candy.

Get Over Here!

**My 100th post!*


OH SNAP! Sound the alarms! Mortal Kombat is allegedly coming back with more gore, more violence, new plot, better cinematography and Michael Jai White.


...and oh yeah it comes out in 2013.

I've scoured the internet for information on the upcoming flick and so far, what I've found are two possible theories:
this is a short intended for the director to film the third installment
this is for real

If you check out IMDB it's slated as in-production with lots of legal drama with Warner Bros., whatever the case, the film should be rolled out. With this gritty look it's sure to get MK fans riled up for the next game (slated 2011) and it looks WAY better than the last MK film which was the biggest ball of crap I've ever seen in my life. And dude, Johnny Cage getting decapitated? Save no one, this looks like to be sheer unadulterated bloody fun just like the original franchise.

Hopefully we'll get to see Mileena as she was-soooo missing from the Annihilation clip and who doesn't want to see her steak knives smile?

Surprise surprise at Comic Con

Lots of juicy news came out of Comic Con this past weekend for Glee. Seems like we are going to get to see more Glee parents (and a sister)-- including Idina Menzel as Shelby, Kurt gets a boyfriend, Tina falls out of like with Artie, and minor characters are to get more involved in the story. Can I get a wo0t? Wo0t!

Most importantly Chris Colfer gets his wish of doing a tribute to cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Colfer talked about wanting to do a Rocky Horror episode in interviews before and was surprised right along with the fans during a panel at the San Diego Comic Con.

Other spoilers include, and Britney Spears episode and a second Power of Madonna episode. Needless to say, next season is going to be awesome.

Run for the hills!

So, Poutz and I are not attending this year's comic-con. I know, sadness. But, that has not stopped us from getting news of some of the wacky hi-jinx and yes, shennantics that are taking place. It turns out that Westboro Baptist Church protested the Nerd extravaganza eleganza. They were protesting gay sex and once the church reached comic con grounds they were in for a surprise after being met by counter protesters with shouts of "What do we want? Gay sex! When do we want it? now!"

Oh Comic-Con you're never a surprise.

Be sure to bring your Ibuprofen: Inception review

Let me just start off by saying that Christopher Nolan is a bastard. A brilliant, genius, bastard.

Inception is the tale of Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his journey to try and get back to America, where he is currently wanted for murder, to see his children. While abroad Cobb takes odd jobs with Arthur (Joseph Gordon Levitt) hacking into people's dreams to steal important information.

The beginning of the movie Cobb and Arthur are hired by Ken Watanabe's character Saito to do inception which no one believes can be done to a rival business owner. The concept of inception is basically planting an idea in someones head and having them believe that is it purely of their own. To have this done they need a whole milieu of mind hackers to set this up. It's basically like a bank robber movie happening in someones head.

This is where Ellen Page's mind architect Ariadne and Tom Hardy's tricky Eames comes into play. Page basically creates the landscape of the dream, and Hardy's skill is that can impersonate anyone in the persons dream. Pretty nifty huh? Anyway, that's all the plot your getting :p

Now Gordon Levitt is slick in this movie. Just pure awesome in a nice suit. His fight scenes are the most memorable. From going one on one in a revolving hallway to an awesome albeit short stairwell face off, to blowing up an elevator he managed all the action while still looking dapper. Page is fantastic in the movie, taking on a more serious role. She works very well DeCaprio, her character seems to be the only thing keeping him sane at times.

The film is surprisingly easy to follow, even if it makes your head hurt a bit. It's just crazy good and you should turn off your computer now and go to the theater to watch it.

The dreamy confusion of Inception

(Above: Joseph Gordon Levitt floats in "Inception").

This movie review is going to need not one, but two reviews because it's that awesome and it's that confusing.

Inception, Christopher Nolan's lucid and mind-warping sci-fi-drama-thriller finally opened in theaters and opened to a warm reception. Standing out in the usual fare of blockbusters that treat audiences as if we had the mental capacities of four year olds, Inception challenges and almost demands for its viewers to think.

And for the duration of Inception you will be thinking so much that your head will hurt. From every angle of this film, with it's gorgeous shots of destruction (fans of disaster-porn like 'Life After People' will be thrilled) and painstaking attention to detail. Everything from Hans Zimmer's score to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's impressive wardrobe is pitch perfect.

As far as the plot goes, Inception is hard to really describe (in the movie when characters explain it--it's also difficult). In a nutshell the process of Inception, and the plot point is that the mind-criminals (Leonardo DiCaprio, Levitt, Watanabe and Page amongst others) go inside the mind of another person to plant an idea.

The human brain is a tricky, layered labyrinth of memories and emotions which make the process of Inception so difficult.

Nolan has done a really excellent job of finding his actors, using Wanatabe and Cillian Murphy from Batman Beyond. It may also have been the start point for where the rumors that Levitt will play the Riddler in the upcoming third installment of the Batman flicks. Marion Cotillard is devastating as the mysterious ingenue, and Page leaves behind the quirky roles of Juno and Whip It and shows a level of maturity worthy to convert even her naysayers (I was one of them). The actors disappear into their roles and you feel Page's confusion when she asks "Who's subsconsicous are we in now?"

But the real promise of "Inception" is that long after its viewed, you will want to talk about it, navigate every twist and every turn that Nolan has set up. It's almost as if the dream is on the audience, with Nolan planting the idea to dream big in the viewer's mind.

World Cup winners rely on cephalopod

It seems that Paul the Oracle Octopus is at it again, making a prediction for the World Cup final this Sunday. Paul picks a winner by choosing between two boxes of food with each teams flag on the containers. As well as the World Cup final, Paul has also predicted the outcome of the third-place match on Saturday between Germany and Uruguay (needless to say Germany is the predicted winner there).

Paul has predicted that Spain will win over the Netherlands and with his 100% accuracy there seems little doubt. Another correctly guessing animal, Manny the predicting parakeet in Singapore however has chosen Netherlands to win. Still one has to question putting so much trust in and octopus and a bird.

Anime Expo Wrap Up

Anime Expo was over the July 4th weekend and like last year it was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event, which draws out thousands of fans and Otakus, coplayers and the casual attendee is known for it's main event and plenty of panels.

This year was a bit of a difference between this year and last year. Word on the gossip mill is that the con has a new CEO and that prices were spiked. What attendees felt because of this change was a change in the registration price, and a price on main event tickets. Main event performers were super group AKB48, Jpop singers, Mell and Beni and classic Jrock group Sophia.
While the main events were sure to bring in attendees, the expo was indeed smaller than last time, as the exhibitor hall was indeed smaller (could it be because of the price changes???) but cosplayers were abound. We attended the Pop Shock Masquerade panel which gives cosplayers a chance to show off their costumes/designs to their music of choice. Think of it as a runway without Karl Lagerfield.

A tip to surviving Expo is to bring your own snacks, brush up on some current anime (cosplay favorites this year were Black Butler and Ouran High School Host Club)and bring money in case you want to indulge and buy that Gundam Wing Model kit you were salivating over.

New Deathly Hallows trailer!

A new Harry Potter trailer was released today for The Deathly Hallows parts one and two. Part one will be released in theaters this November, the second will be out next year. Both movies will be shown in the ever popular 3D.

Take a look and tell me what you think:

My only question is who is that dude who stops the train? That is not in the book. Either its some death eater or maybe its the new Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeor? Idk.

Anyway, the other scenes look good and very book acurate ^_^ Especially the clip with Harry walking up to Voldemort O.O

To see the trailer on the big screen be sure to see Eclipse on the 30th as it will be shown before the movie.

Winners no matter what

Will sports journalists please leave the US team alone? We lost, it sucks. Get over it. We don't have to blame coach Bob Bradley or kick the team when they're down saying they weren't good enough. There is always Brazil in 2014 ^_^

Ghana was the better team today and that is okay because the US team never gave up. They fought it out and didn't make it too easy. They conceded early in the fifth minute (which has been somewhat of a curse I'm afraid) but it's not like they lost 4-0 or anything so dramatic. We lost 2-1 and held on playing for a full 90 minute game plus an extra half hour! That's 2 hours of running around on a massive field. I'd like to see someone who doesn't train for that try to keep their energy for 2 hours.

Sure, the US team wasn't as aggressive as they should have been but that doesn't make them talentless. That makes for a bad day. There were a few good sparks of brilliance throughout all the matches that displayed some major power and spirit amoung the team.

My only critique on the lineup is not using Edson Buddle today or much at all. Don't discount all the hard work leading up to the moment. Landon Donovan is freakin' hero for his 91st minute score against Algeria, and Clint Dempsey is rock star! Goal keeper Tim Howard got kicked in the ribs in the game against England and he kept playing. Not to mention the performances by Micheal Bradley, Maurice Edu, and Oguchi Onyewu were just as amazing and they played as a team.

They played of heart and thats all you can ask of your nations best players. I personally couldn't be prouder of the efforts of by the team. And Jozy Alitore will have his day! Mark my words, he was amazing and almost scored multiple times. Just because nothing happends it doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

Keepin' up with Rihanna and Lady Gaga

Ahh, so in case you seriously don't watch MTV or you just dont care. Both Rihanna and Lady Gaga have new vids out and these ladies rule the video charts. I can't go anywhere without seeing either one of them and frankly their faces are starting to bug me.

I kid.

first on the chopping block we have Lady Gaga's mini opus, homage, basic rip-off, way too long, monochromatic much....video for "Alejandro." The song, an ABBA tinged dance medley from the "Fame Monster" finally gets a video and is it everything little monsters we're waiting for.

Nah.

As much as I can go gaga for gaga, this video is boring. The colors are harsh and what's with all the catholic church sexualization? *Yawn* Over it. Madonna already did it Gaga, and yeah cone-bra we see you. Can we get some glitter and soon? Why? It's mad sparkly. I'm sorry this video just does not do it for me and it might be a tattle tale sign that Gaga needs to recharge because nothing about this video echoes her earlier videos that gave you this feeling of "OOH LEMME SEE!"



Onto Rihanna, by the way, this video came out long before "Alejandro." That's for anyone who wants to say that she's copying.
Already this song from the "Rated R" album is about a lesbian tryst (everyone is kissing each other these days hmmm..) the video is *nice* but so much can be done you know? I'm really getting tired of all the pop starlets running around doing things to "shock" the public. We. Are. Shocked.

In contrast to Gaga's video we have lots of colors here which is nice, but, yeah it's all very same same-y. Maybe as viewers we're becoming jaded.

Summer Dance Songs *squeal*

warning : hot people in this video.

Toni Braxton has been around for some time people, remember "Un-break my heart," well she's back with a new album (Pulse) and a return to her short 'do. I stumbled on this video from another blog and instantly I was hooked. A house sound from the '90s, ABDC crew Fanny Pack...really? Church ladies getting down? This is way too good. The song is really exciting, as the video and I'm glad SOMEONE is taking a break from all this futuristic stuff that seems to be the rage. Only minus in this vid, what is going on with Toni's clothes?? no, just no. Also, this video is progressive (dare I say it) everyone is getting a shot out and it's done in a way that's not pandering or reminding you "hey we're diverse!" (see: Glee). Great song, great video. Two enthusiastic thumbs way up.

Barbie Invades Rock'N'Roll

There are no words to describe the 2010 Ladies of the 80's Collector Barbies besides: OMG, I die!!!!! Yeah that's right, our favorite 80's stars Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, and my favorite rocker chick Joan 'freakin' Jett have been immortalized in plastic. This is the coolest collectors series since the Batman lady villains a few years back. I want them all like right now. Don't believe me about how cool they are, check this out:
The only thing that would make this better is if they had the quintessential 80's Lady, the material girl herself, Madonna. That and change the pink high tops on Joan Jett (I'm a fan of pink high tops, but I've never once seen her in pink ever). Besides that, everything is perfectly awesome.

I know a certain rocker who is going to be sitting next to my Poison Ivy doll very soon.

Glee season finale review

Okay, so last nights season finale of Glee threw me for a loop. It was twisty, turny and just plain good. Who would have thought that the other judges weren't going to like our friends in New Directions. And Sue's change of heart was very endearing to her character. I really like that it wasn't easy to guess the ending. Even more exciting was Rachel and Finn's relationship taking a powerful and yet subtle turn. It seems that they are both finally ready to have a real relationship.

Quinn had her baby during Vocal Adrenaline's performance of the extremely long, extremely awesome "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, which is more than enough time to deliver a baby.

Still there were some things that were evident, like the coach of Vocal Adrenaline adopting Quinn's baby. It was just too obvious and kinda sad. Shelby makes me mad. She spent all that time trying to get Rachel to know the truth only to reject the idea of being there for her as a mother just to turn around and adopt a baby. Tre lame!

But best of all is that the glee club gets another year! Who knows where it will lead for next season. New freshmen characters? A new antagonist worse than Sue Sylvester? More possible pairings of characters? And where is the love interest I heard rumored for Kurt? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Hold on to the Feelin'

Okay, with the season finale of Glee on tonight I thought I'd put a sneak peak up:




Look's like something is going on between Finn and Rachel yet again. The sh0w has been massively popular since debuting on Fox last year doing show choir covers of some of the best song pop songs out now as well as older favorites along the way. But will Rachel get over the heartache left by her mom Shelby, Vocal Adrenaline's coach, and her ex boyfriend Jesse, leading star of Vocal Adrenaline? Will the Glee kids win Regionals and save Glee from the ever plotting Cheerio coach Sue Sylvester? Yeah, probably. I mean it is their show after all and if they lost the club then there wouldn't be a show. As for Rachel, I'm sure Finn will have something to do with that.

She's the bionic lady ......

So in case you missed it...Christina "Xtina" Aguilera performed on the 2010 MTV Movie Awards and she performed a medley of her new album bionic.



Ladies and Gents, you did see a glowing heart on that outfit. Yes, a glowing heart and "whoohoo."

I have to say I was not impressed by this performance at all. I mean it's probably the most fun performance she's done in a while, but seriously the lyrics to "Whoohoo," leave more to be imagined. I don't want to sound like a hater because I like Xtina but this is just too much...and it seems so...I don't know what to call it.

Which is how I feel about her latest album. I wanted to really like it, it's good but it's also very annoying.

Aguilera's fourth album, the aptly titled "bionic" has been a long one in the making but then again, all Christina Aguilera albums take a while to get out. On top of that, when she does return to the music scene she offers fans a lot of new material.

The media has been hyping up Aguilera's return since it was leaked that she would be working with Santigold, Le Tigre, Ladytron and Sia. In other words "Bionic" is a big deal.

Fast forward, internet leaks, lady gaga comparisons and the aforementioned awards performance and it brings us to "Bionic."

What can you say about an 18 track album other than it's self-indulgent? But then again, Christina Aguilera is self-indulgent. On "Bionic" she dips into the ever-trendy electropop and the results are some of the better songs she's done in a while but the problem is they lack emotion.

What I've come to love about Aguilera is not just her amazing vocal range but the emotional appeal she brings to her music. Other than the ballads that are mistakenly clumped together, "Bionic" offers rare glimpses into Aguilera as a person. Sure, she sings about sex (WhooHoo, Sex for Breakfast)and how amazing she is (Prima Donna, Glam, Vanity) but where is the Christina Aguilera in all of this? In the insipid "Elastic Love," (produced by MIA) it's all too obvious that under the weight of robotic synths that Aguilera loses herself in the music. The lead single "Not Myself Tonight," is perhaps the weakest track on the entire album the entire thing is misguided. We know you're a dirrty girl Xtina, but its time to show us something else. Most puzzling track "I Hate Boys." Oh really? Is that how it is? ....but wait..she's married!

*facepalm


Although "Bionic" is a thrill ride, only suffering from the missteps of too much of the same formula it would be nice if the real Christina Aguilera popped in.


technical grade: B
Smitty's grade: C-

Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe!

It's the first day of June, and it's also Marilyn Monroe's birthday. Yahoo! News is reporting that a confidential image of M.Monroe has been released (I thought that confidential meant TOP SECRET) Confidential Stuff Ra Ra Ra A A

Anyways in celbrationof her birthday:

Weekend Craziness

Your one-hit-of crazynews:

Dennis Hopper passes away over the weekend losing his battle to Pancreatic Cancer....Lindsay Lohan is in court again for cocaine posession dude, she's guilty...Alicia Keys is having a baby and engaged to uber producer Swizz Beats...Britney Spears beats Twitter record by having 5 million followers (I'm one of them!)...Danicka Patrick is top trending item on Yahoo!....No one cares THAT much about Jake Gylenhaal as the Prince of Persia (it's the hair folks, it's the hair)...SATC2 raking in major moolah at the box office apparently the photoshopped billboards worked after all...Lakers win some game you might have seen the craziness over the weekend...Memorial Day Weekend HOORAY...Ann Curry slips up on national television...Fergie the actual Duchess and not of the black eyed peas offers a very vague bribe..

*exhale

That almost covers all of it.

Gary Coleman Passes Away at the Age of 42

Celebrity deaths are the most curious of pop culture events. The celebrity in question is not only mourned, but picked apart usually days after they have passed away. Unlike the legendary actors of Hollywood's golden era, celebs in our internet media crazy age get a weird treatment. As was seen with Michael Jackson's death. Commentaries were indeed troubling and perplexing as people zeroed in on negative aspects of the celeb's life.

Such brings us to Gary Coleman's recent passing.

Coleman of "Different Strokes," died of a brain hemorrhage on Friday. Shockingly, Coleman was 42.

While Coleman was beloved for his roles on "Different Strokes," and had decent acting career his life suffered through its share of hardships, media coverage and the often tabloid scandal. I wont be getting into the details of that since it misses the point of this post, but Gary Coleman will be missed for the laugther he provided.

Journalist cruising for a bruising, messes with the wrong chick

Oh man, if there wasn't another reason to love M.I.A. besides her being awesome and uber talented it would be for her attitude. You don't want to piss her off. Seriously.

The rapper posted the number of journalist Lynn Hirshberg after being interviewed by her for the New York Times on her twitter yesterday pretending it was her own personal phone number saying:

"CALL ME IF YOU WANNA TALK TO ME ABOUT THE N Y T TRUTH ISSUE, ill b taking calls all day bitches ;)"

In reality the number was Hirshberg's office number. She was apparently offended by the article Hirshberg wrote. M.I.A. went on later to post a tweet saying "NEWS IS AN OPINION!" and that an unedited version of the article will be posted on her Neet Recordings homepage this Memorial Day weekend.

Pac Man hits the big 3-0!

Pac Man, the famous arcade game developed by Namco, turns thrity today. The game was released today in Japan in 1980 and is considered by most a classic video game and 80's pop culture icon.

Pac Man has appeared in more than 30 officially licensed game spin-offs including Mrs. Pac Man, as well as referenced in numerous media from cartoons such as Family Guy and music videos.

He even has his own song, "Pac Man Fever," which went to #9 on The Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1981.

Honestly, whats not to love?

The fashion industry is ran by nincompoops.

Hey guys,

A couple of things are abuzz in the fashion industry and if you guessed about weight then for a split second you're wrong. But try again tomorrow and I'm sure you'll find something!

This time around things get dicey with America's favorite past time, race. Yep, I said it, the big scary pink elephant in the room -- the r word --- RACE.

Two incidents have sprouted up in pertaining to basically in lay man's terms: Does the fashion industry really live in a secluded bubble speckled with glitter and the souls of emaciated models?

No, maybe?

Most recently Paris based Mongolian designer Paris-based Tsolmandakh Munkhuu has won a prestigious fashion award, while others see it as blackface plain and simple.
Munkhuu, painted her models head to toe in black-black (not brown, but black the color of a black ink pen) and their clothes were also black as well.



This calls to mind an earlier Viktor & Rolf show, where the models were painted in black with matching black clothes.





Ladies and gentlemen, this is *not* blackface. It's not even close. Blackface, harking back to America's ugly minstrel days (embarassing!) were racially charged caricatures of African American people. This would feature over the top caricatures of physical attributes as well as gross exagerrations. In a nutshell it was very ugly and many people have tried to forget that it ever happened, but like most things in American culture, it's going to rear it's ugly head again and again.

However, painting a model black and I mean just painting them black as if they were to be painted, say purple, is not indicative of racism. In fact, the Black Madonna a famous piece of work, is *black*. Does that make her African American? No.

In my humble opinion, in these two cases the designers were simply trying to do something artsy-fartsy. NOW, if you want to point out some maybe squrimish real racist antics in the fashion industry peruse any fashion glossy and count how many times you spot a non-white model being featured. It'll be on one hand.

On the other hand of this already convoluted attempt at being edgy, some genuis over at Interview magazine, decided to ante up the WTH factor and use a plethora of Black models in a very perplexing photoshoot. The interweb is a buzz with what exactly does it mean? The real issue at hand here is not the usage of black models in this shoot (because for once they are getting some work) but why on Earth is this immediately seen as racist?

The spread which features Canadian model Daria Werbowy casts her as "getting lost," but amidst what? There are plenty ways to read this editorial and yes, all of them do point back to race and how we see it through a fahsion lens.

Hey Ladies!

Okay, I know I haven't been posting much on here and I greatly apologize. But I think you'll forgive me after watching what I have to offer you right now fair shennantics readers.

And now we return to shennantics...

Listening to Lena Horne really, really makes you appreciate talent and skill, so it actually pains me to continue with this next review.

But, I have to do it.

So,everyone's more or less favorite Bi Sexual reality star-attention magnet-pint sized molotov cocktail Tila Tequila "Miss Tila" is back with a 3 song EP. The EP which is titled "Welcome to the Darkside," is Tila's venture into the world of pop music.

Now, don't act surprised, she actually has a couple of singles out and prior, she had released an EP called the "Sex Ep." I Know, it's so clever you wish you had thought of it.

Anyways, I'm not going to immediately write off Tila's 'efforts' at trying to release some music. Because if you look at what's getting around as pop music, literally anyone could do it.

So how does the 3 track EP hold up?
Hmm. If you're a Tila fan you're going to absolutely love it. If you're not, you probably will feel the polar opposite. Noticeably there is a cover of Depeche Mode's "Blue Dress," which makes me wonder ...did Martin Gore really allow this to happen? The cover, as cover goes is on the weak side. Tila does a decent job at trying to sound convincing but the problem here is you can't separate her public persona from any shred of vulnerability.

On the other two tracks "Walking on thin Ice," and "Get Me Off" (Seriously folks that *is* the title) Tila goes back to her "roots" and sings about sex, vulgar sex. It's one thing to be sexy, but it's quite another to leave little for the imagination. Either way, this EP is lacking on in some areas. Tila's voice is thin, credit card thin, and the obvious lack of real substance is too much to gloss over. But it's a step up from at least writing about her "stripper friends."

Rating : C-

This is the Dark Side

The great Lena Horne passes away at 92

"I don't have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I'd become. I'm me, and I'm like nobody else. " -Lena Horne

This has already been covered on various media outlets, but, Shennantics would like to remember the great Lena Horne who passed away at the age of 92.

Horne, one of the preeminent African Americans to sign with a major contract. Horne, because of her striking beauty would have been able to "pass" as white, but refused to instead embracing her heritage and bringing a sense of pride to many African Americans that during the oppressive times, could not find little if any at all positive images in the media.

Along with that, Horne embraced activism, marching with Dr.Martin Luter King, and Paul Robeson. Her passion, talent, beauty and elegance where extraordinary and given the time she was born in nothing short of miraculous.

For all this and much more, Horne is a true legend. She will be missed.




Also, the project has been in the works for many years, but finally Alicia Keys will be playing Horne in the film.

Britney's on the telephone

Uncovering demos is always like peeking at discarded Christmas gifts. Sort of.
Today Shennantics got wind of a Britney Spears demo for "Telephone." You know, the same "Telephone" that Lady Gaga and Beyonce did a while back with a music video, you may have seen it.

Anyway La Spears has done her own version, heavy on the autotune and it's leaked through the internet.



17 seconds into this demo, and I don't like it. Granted, I'm a Britney fan and I can stomach digitalized vocals, this is just a miss for me. Beyonce's vocals on the original made the song for me and suffice it to say La Spears does not have the chops to pull this off.

This will be the second time that La Spears has passed up on a hit. Allegedly, La Spears passed up on the mega hit of all time with "Umbrella."

Whoever is in charge of her music selection, you guys are seriously missing the mark again and again. Oops!

And the winner is...

Miss Tyra Sanchez (the other Tyra)



in case you've been living without LOGO (which surprisingly many people still are) you might not have been up to snuff. Tyra Sanchez won the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race.

You can now exhale.

What a race it was! From the get-go Sanchez (real name James Ross) was immediately pegged as the "bitch" of the show. And for good reason, she was downright scary. But what could not be denied is Tyra's fashion sense, hunger and killer instinct. People seem to forget while watching the show that this was indeed a competition and not the running to be the next humanitarian of the world contest.

After Tyra's win the interweb was abuzz that Raven and Jujubee were simply robbed of the title. People are listing all kind of crazy reasons, but perhaps more unsettling, they're calling "reverse racism."

Hahahaha, silly internet geeks don't you know tricks are for kids?

The accusation that Tyra Sanchez won based on race, is racist in of itself. Just because the competition has had two black winners in a row (Bebe Zahara Benet of Camaroon,Africa) does not equate to anything, folks. I'm not going to go into the details of the double standard at work here, but if you can catch it, great.

What is upsetting though is that Tyra's win is being overshadowed by all these whack allegations and the such. Horrible personalities win reality shows all the time. For example, an audience favorite, Raven, was not so cute and cuddly when the cameras were off. She was mean-spirited at times and flatly rude. Had she won, would that personality attribute meant anything to the title? Yes and No. In fact, Raven's constant belittling of other contestants (Tatianna, Pandora, Tyra, take your pick) in a way stopped her from winning. While Tyra was mean, she was also doggedly focused.

Furthermore,Tyra did make an effort to be better towards the latter half of the show. The Reunion show did show progress on her part and even her once-foe Tatianna noticed a change (I love Tatianna). Editing does wonders people, it can make you look like a complete jerk or an angel. One has to watch reality shows with a grain of salt, of course it's not reality! Personalities are compartmentalized and reduced to usually, one or two traits that archetypes are built on.

Sooo with all that aside, Tyra deserved to win. If you don't like it, sorry to say, oh well.

Seek and Destroy

We had a small problem with some spam (the work of Satan himself) and cleaned it up. So spammers, back off. Or we'll find you.

Robyn wants you to get techie with it.

So here at Shennantics, we love a good pop single. In fact, I love a good pop single that just blows up on the radio, hits the dancefloor like you have to dance no other options allowed.

Robyn has graciously given us what seems to be the latter. "Fembot" her latest single for her upcoming album (which is leaking through the interweb) is the audio equivalent of the best candy in the universe. It's poppy, full of innuendo and production that constantly makes you go "WTF?!" along with her trademark celebratory revelations about her own physique.

With tongue-in-cheek lyrics like "Once you go tech, you aint never going back," girls, boys, men, women, kids and fembots alike will be singing along to it's catchy tune.

It's a tease of single for what seems like is going to be one friggin' awesome new album.

Robyn's "Body Talk" will roll through in June.
Rating : A freaking Plus!

M.I.A. goes punk rock

Stereogum.com seems to have gotten the scoop on a new M.I.A. without even being sure it will be on the new album. Co-written with Suicide’s Alan Vega the track, titled "Born Free," is absolutely fun and bouncy with a killer bass line and pounding drums. Pretty sweet stuff, but don't take my word for it: go take a listen. You will not regret it.

Best lyric:
"I don't want to talk about money cause I've got it/I don't want to talk about hoochies cause I've been it"

Against Me! shows appreciation to fans by releasing special video

So Spin debuted the worldwide premiere of the Fan Appreciation Version of the new Against Me! single "I Was A Teenage Anarchist" today online. Sadly I cannot put it up so check it out here!

Needless to say the song is different while staying completely the same (if that makes any sense). The track is more polished than early AM! (obviously) but keeps that certain style that makes it a AM! song in the first place. There is no labeling these dudes, they'll do whatever the heck they want so the term "sell out" doesn't hold any value for them and it shouldn't. Layering the vocals and instruments adds a depth most couldn't even imagine existing before and yet somehow was known to always exist. The sound is still there. The heart beats just as strong underneath it all, pulsing through the entirety of the song giving it meaning. Singer Tom Gabel's lyrics still speak strictly about his experience and worldview creating a vibrant and bitter hope perfect for the jaded idealist. The lyrics are brilliant. Wistful and sad but always progressing. Taking in the nostalgia of once treasured beliefs ("Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?"), the rude awakening, and feeling wise for living through the experience. "Teenage Anarchist" seems to be the natural evolution of the band itself. The musical equivalent to actual its actual history. Honest and heartbreaking, spirited and inclusive "Teenage Anarchist" speaks volumes about what it means to believe in something and watch it fail you.

Directed by Jason Thrasher, the video (shot in basic black and white) focuses more on the fans and the music than the individual members of the band. This is made more prominent close up footage of the audience crowd surfing, singing along, and even one fan up onstage singing in the microphone. All shots of the band are at odd angles, close ups of hands playing instruments, or back of the head eye-level views out into the crowd. The video captures the energy of a AM! show flawlessly.

The official video for “I Was A Teenage Anarchist” will be premiering on Myspace.com May 6

Guru says adieu

Sad news today, half of the pioneering hiphop Jazz duo GangStarr, rapper and musician Keith Elam "Guru" died today at the age of 43 from Cancer.

Elam, had been suffering from the illness for over a year and prior to his passing, he issued a letter addressed to his fans:

"I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world," the letter said. "I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options."
"I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."
The letter also goes on to adress, Solar, and DJ Premiere (whom it seems from the letter was estranged). For those not in the know, GangStarr broke through with their 1998 album "Moment of Truth."

He will be missed.

Zzzzzzzzzz (just a quick one)

It was a busy weekend for music lovers with the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Record Store Day on Saturday. With the return of Pavement, a free show by Smashing Pumpkins in LA, poetry reading from Otep in Riverside and some pretty choice 7" released from the likes of Bon Iver, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Lacuna Coil there was much to celebrate.

Hopefully it was a good one for y'all.


In other music news, Silversun Pickups announce headlining tour with Against Me! whose I Was a Teenage Anarchist EP is available now on iTunes. Full length album White Crosses is to be released in June (expect a review here :P)

Lady Christina Goes Gaga (or not!)

It's been brought to my attention, that Lady Gaga has ushered in a new era of pop. From bizarre futuristic outfits, electronica based music and a throwback to the excess of the 80s, you would be hard pressed to find a female celebrity/singer who is not incorporating Gaga's brand of pop into their bag of tricks.

But when is copying, flat out copying?

Christina Aguilera has been accused of basically running with Gaga's aesthetic is getting ready to release her next album, "Bionic." However, Akon, who signed Gaga, thinks she is going ta for ta when it comes down to it. In the latest issue of VIBE he was quoted as saying:
“Aw man, that’s not even any competition. You are actually giving Christina too much credit. She always had her cool little look and way about how she went about things. But soon as Gaga came out everything switched up.

"Christina stepped out of her own shell to become something different. And the crazy thing is Christina is really talented. She has unlimited range when it comes to singing. Her voice is out of here. I just think she just needs to believe in herself more. I think sometimes she gets insecure because of all of the success Gaga has had not realizing that she was already successful before Gaga came out.”

Akon nailed it on the head, Christina Aguilera has a great voice. Lady Gaga also has a great voice, but when it comes down to vocal chops--Aguilera wins. In an effort to stay relevant, because all pop stars are getting into the sound of the future, it would only from a logical marketing angle, milk this trend.

Aguilera's new single:


"Not Myself Tonight," is pretty decent for a pop song. Yet, while it's decent, it doesn't have the club sleaze that Gaga fans look for nor, the trainwreck appeal of a Britney club banger. Aguilera works best when she is working to show off her vocals to their strongest. This single is a bit dated, as Aguilera talks about kissing girls and boys (oh the shocker!) but come on every pop star now-a-days is fessing up about having kissed a girl at some point, now it's boring. I love Christina Aguilera's music she is a talented woman, but she needn't resort to the tricks of the trade.

I guess we'll have to wait for "Bionic," to fully develop before we can call Xtina a biter of true proportions.

The return of Glee

Last night saw the return of Glee to Fox and what a return it was. Slushie's, hook-ups, break-ups, and the return of Sue Sylvester to McKinley High (by blackmail no less!).

Even more exciting was the world premiere of Sue Sylvester's take on the music video Vogue by Madonna for next weeks most anticipated episode, "The Power of Madonna."

One more reason to like Diddy

Malcolm McLaren died April 8 at age 64 in Switzerland from cancer. McLaren is known for managing The Sex Pistols in the 70s and for running the clothing store with Vivienne Westwood (who it turns out he had a kid with in 1967). McLaren also managed the New York glam punk band New York Dolls.

Ever a busy man, after his managing gig McLaren started releasing his own music and had some hits in the UK including "Double Dutch," and "Madame Butterfly."

It appears rapper entreprenur extrodenaire P Diddy stated in an NME article that "music lost an icon today" after hearing about McLaren's passing. It is beyond cool that P Diddy knew who one of the most prolific rock n roll managers was. The fact that he does shows that he is a serious business man that has studied the greats.

The aritical continues with journalist and frontman of Goldblade John Robb saying that "Malcolm gave us sex, style and subversion and helped save my generation from boredom turning pop culture from monochrome to intense full colour." That pretty much sums up who McLaren was.

You can check out more quotes about McLaren at NME's website here.

The world will never have another McLaren. He was a spirtied, ruthless business man with an eye for dangerous raw talent and will be missed by many in the music world.

What do you want to watch? A ketchup commercial!

So did you know that there is a banned Heinz 57 ketchup commercial? Well, if you don't know now you know. Sucka.




Brought to you by Corinne and Sandra Clever ^_^ Peace, and hot dogs (Happy Friday!)

Reunions, debuts, and anniversaries!

Big news first folks:

The original lineup of Taking Back Sunday have reunited.



That's right, John Nolan and Shaun Cooper are back. Trust me this is exciting news. The two left TBS after the bands first album Tell All Your Friends to form Straylight Run. While the reunion is pretty freakin sweet it is hard not to feel for bass player Matt Rubano who has been with the group since Cooper's departure and guitarist Matt Fazzi who replaced Fred Macherino and played on the bands last album, New Again, released just last year. Both Rubano and Fazzi announced that they were no longer in Taking Back Sunday on the bands website March 29.

There has yet to be an official announcement but the video above ends with a string of words stating "Sometimes it takes some time to remember where you were headed in the first place and the people you intended to to go there with. There's no hard feelings, just the future." It's also been reported that John Nolan updated his bio on his Twitter account to say that he was in Taking Back Sunday as well as continuing to be a solo artist.

Last but not least in an interview with 103.9 WRCN, guitarist Eddie Reyes said the band intends to record soon.

This is where my head explodes.
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Tune in (or set your Tivo or what have you) tonight to Last Call with Carson Daley, as it will be the network television debut of band Never Shout Never. The band will be performing "What is Love?" and "Can't Stand It" from new album What is Love? released earlier this year. The record was produced by Butch Walker (go pick it up if you haven't already:P). Never Shout Never is singer Christofer Drew's project, but has become a full band.

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In other news, Owl City (ya know, that dude Adam Young that ripped off The Postal Service? Yeah, that schmuck) has remixed Something Corporate's "I Woke Up in a Car." Surprisingly, it isn't bad. I was sure he would have ruined it. Putting my bias aside it is well worth a listen. I mean come on, it's Something Corporate! The band is releasing a greatest hits record on April 27 to mark its ten year anniversary. Maybe the remix will be on the album?

Check it out here and let me know what you think.
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And last but not least:

As most music lovers know Record Store day is this upcoming April 17 and to celebrate Blur will be releasing a limited 7" single to 150 independent record stores in the UK. Too bad it won't be in states *sadness* This will be the first new single in the last seven years and is limited to 1000 copies. Bon Iver will release a little something special in America for the special day as well.

If we have any international readers you should buy two copies of the Blur 7" for your girls at Shennantics. Word.