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.

America's Best Dance Crew Finale (Live Blog)

Due to some minor technical difficulties, this post was delayed. But, we're up at it now. So real dance crews do real dance crew things, yup.

So far the show is okay, West Coast (Poereotix, Heavy Impact, Hype 5.0) did their reunion dance and it was kind of whack. Yeah, I said it. It was whack. I have a trained eye for whackness and my eye was set on that performance as it was whack. You don't have to agree and that's cool, but yeah it was definitely lackluster.

Then we had the east coast, (Static Noyze, Saltare, Blueprint Cru) and it was all over the place, with some good moments but ...still lackluster.

South crew reuniton (Jungle Boogie, Swagger Crew, Royal Flush) probably the best out of all three. It's a real travesty that Jungle Boogie didn't make it to the finals as they did deserve to be there (I blame you Saltare) and that performance really showed what America did wrong.

Then we have the performance that the two final crews did, and it was kinda...well...yawn. Season 5 in comparison to all the other seasons was very lagging, but I suppose it's because if you've seen most of the crews then you know what to expect.

And on a side note: Why is ABDC such a self-important show? All they ever talk about is ABDC history....come on it's just a dance show!

And the finale....anti-climatic.....Poreotix.....raise your hand if you knew that was going to happen.


So a cap off to the fifth season and yeah.
Honestly it's hard to say who *should* have won, because without seeing the best crews in a challenge to at least see them perform with their own audio it would be hard to tell.It would have been super cool to see what Jungle Boogie would have came up with. All I know is that Blueprint Cru should not have made it that far, but then again, ABDC is technically not about the best crew it's about the most popular crew.

Ah, Randy Jackson, do you even watch the season???
Special cupcake treat, a championship show??? Awesome.

I wouldn't call you 'desperate' to your face.

I was waiting for a topic to spur me to write and then this lovely gem, landed in my lap (no pun intended hurr hurr). Kiely Williams of 3LW fame and a modicum of actual success, released this video "Spectacular" not too long ago and all I can say is "Wow, strippers are really going to have to pick up those office temp jobs?"

With pop stars getting increasingly explicit, where is the line anymore? What is the line anymore?

It would be even a smidgen okay dokay hooray if this song had artistic merit and Williams was going on a subversive angle about the commodification of women's bodies, but I would be mistaken.

And yes, if your career is sagging ...pull out the sex card. But, do it with a least a nudge nudge wink wink, because even Britney's "Gimme More" had some kind of "This is a train wreck" waiting to happen slant. Williams looks desperate and lyrics like "Blowing my back out"....so much for "mystery."
It's a sad state of affairs for pop music.

What. The. Hell.

What's Kraken?

What's Kraken folks?

Lots of things I've been behind on...so here is a collection of mini posts:




Pipettes- Our Love Was Saved By Spacemen

New track by one of my favorite anachronistic acts. Seems the trio is now a duo though :( The new track has a different sound then the groups first album's 50's girl group style, but they continue to stray into old school territory with distinct vocal style, almost tribal drum beats, and a jangly guitar solo worthy of Johnny Marr early 80s Smiths. The song and video are fairly simplistic in story: ungrateful boyfriend is abducted by aliens and has his mind erased so he can fall back in love with his girl. Perfect quick fix, yes?



The Cure are to release remastered 3 CD version of 'Disintegration' on May 24. The CD will have un-realeased tracks, demos, outtakes and a live version of the album. Singer Robert Smith also compliled a 20-page booklet with notes for the release.

The tracklisting of the album is:

Disc One: Remastered album

'Plainsong'
'Pictures Of You'
'Closedown'
'Lovesong'
'Last Dance'
'Lullaby'
'Fascination Street'
'Prayers For Rain'
'The Same Deep Water As You'
'Disintegration'
'Homesick'
'Untitled'

Disc Two: Rarities (1988-1989)

'Prayers For Rain – RS Home Demo (Instrumental)'
'Pictures Of You – RS Home Demo (Instrumental)'
'Fascination Street – RS Home Demo (Instrumental)'
'Homesick – Band Rehearsal (Instrumental)'
'Fear Of Ghosts – Band Rehearsal (Instrumental)'
'Noheart – Band Rehearsal (Instrumental)'
'Esten – Band Demo (Instrumental)'
'Closedown – Band Demo (Instrumental)'
'Lovesong – Band Demo (Instrumental)'
'2 Late (alternate version) – Band Demo (Instrumental)'
'The Same Deep Water As You – Band Demo (Instrumental)'
'Disintegration – Band Demo (Instrumental)'
'Untitled (alternate version) – Studio Rough (Instrumental)'
'Babble (alternate version) – Studio Rough (Instrumental)'
'Plainsong – Studio Rough (Guide Vocal)'
'Last Dance – Studio Rough (Guide Vocal)'
'Lullaby – Studio Rough (Guide Vocal)'
'Out Of Mind – Studio Rough (Guide Vocal)'
'Delirious Night – Rough Mix (Vocal)'
'Pirate Ships – RS Solo, Rough Mix (Vocal)

Disc Three: Entreat Plus

'Plainsong'
'Pictures Of You'
'Closedown'
'Lovesong'
'Last Dance'
'Lullaby'
'Fascination Street'
'Prayers For Rain'
'The Same Deep Water As You'
'Disintegration'
'Homesick'
'Untitled'