Shennantics

Lana Del Rey's American Vision

2012-02-29T17:34:00.001-08:00

Cross Posted from Inscaped.com

I have a bit of morbid curiosity with hype machine, hipster runoff.com poster girl, Lana Del Rey. Apparently, I'm not the only one. Del Rey's latest album "Born to Die," was released to a mix bag of critical reviews and many thought her 15 minutes of flashes in the pan were over.

Well, it's easy to dislike Del Rey. She doesn't seem very excited to sing live and her nerves are visible during her performances. Plus, she seems to sing as if she's taken far too many sedatives and either her or her wonky PR people laudibly named her "The Gangster Nancy Sinatra," which doesn't make any sense when we all know that the real Nancy Sinatra was indeed very much so a gangster.

All that aside, the Lana Del Rey machine continues to intrigue. And why? Most of us lament, who is this person? why do I care?

A wealth of industrial grade analysis exists about Del Rey. Search the web and its plentiful, everyone has an opinion, even Liz Phair. Phair wrote that Del Rey scares the "boy club" of indie-rock music and politics calling into question all the gender play and sexism involved (most of this deals with Del Rey's bee stung lips and conventional beauty) when people launch into discussions about Lana Del Rey.

And before I launch into that discussion, I bit the bullet. I listened to "Born To Die," thinking it was going to be abysmal. I wanted it to be terrible so I could get on with this monkey business.

To my surprise, I loved "Born to Die."

It was really in a way something I had not expected to hear. In my own reading of Del Rey, I imagine that it is indeed a concept album. A letter to literary tropes, cliches, feminine ideals and the love of a time gone. All this was in this album and naturally all of Del Rey's artistic shortcomings.

"Born to Die," is heavy on soundscape. It's heavy on strings, lush arrangement, sparse piano keys and heavy like lead drops. The title track is a cut and paste of dusty country singing, hip hop beats and music designed for a score.

The rest of the album plays out the same. Del Rey dips into her handbook of suggested ideas, like prostitutes on the dark and yet wacky "Off to the Races," in which she pouts and sings about a sugar daddy who keeps her living the good life. In "Carmen," she warns about the trappings of such a life over a gorgeous piece of music specifically designed to be heavy and emotive. Elsewhere on the album she's singing about 'heart shaped glasses,' 'pabst blue ribbon on ice,' and the 'national anthem.' The album is rife with allusions to Vladamir Nabokov's literary masterpiece "Lolita."

I won't spoil "Lolita" for those who have not read it, but it is indeed a tragedy, a very well written tragedy.Del Rey stumbles over herself in ambition to create the same sense of foreboding and richly layered subtext. However it is exactly this point that no one is giving her credit for. Simply put, the shortcomings of "Born to Die" are indeed clunky, but the ambition isn't. Del Rey wrote an album, which is a bit refreshing today when everyone is releasing singles. A fan of literary allusions and myths when I see one, I gravitated towards "Born to Die," because finally a woman had written something so unabashedly ambitious and yes, dark and gloomy.

To prod deeper, like many pieces of literature, the blankness in the album is maybe a bit too much fun for audiences, critics and haters alike to reach into.

Did you DARIA your Valentine's Day?

2012-02-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

Well guess who is writing for the Huffington Post?

Daria Morgendoffer, that is.

Just in time for Valentine's Day. (Collective uh-ohs across the room). Everyone's favorite cynic drawn in 2-D with a penchant for green and sick sad world, wrote an impressive column for the Huffington Post that debuted today.

You can read the column here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daria-morgendorffer/valentines-day_1_b_1275278.html

Undercover feminism on New Girl? It's possible.

2012-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday marked the return of New Girl on Fox and I couldn't have been more excited.

Starting off the new year, Jess plans a surprise birthday party for Schmidt after his reservation for a party bus gets canceled in favor of Frankie Muniz.

Needless to say not everything goes according to plan. The party bus is a school bus, Jess accidentally hires a male stripper, and her boss manages to bully an invite. Nick is embarrassed of his friends around a potential new flame Julia, a lawyer with serious anger management problems, played by Lizzie Caplan. Winston messes with him by contradicting everything he says in front of Julia, ya know regular friend behavior.

Schmidt's bronemy (bro frenemy) Benjamin makes a play for Jess much to the dismay of Schmidt. We even see a very cute flashback of Schmidt's past. I say cute because it is interesting to see the different side of Schmidt when he was a good-natured chubby dude. Sadly, Cece wasn't in this episode. It's probably for the better since Benjamin was there. That dude is a serious jerk. But the big mystery of the episode is what did Schmidt do to warrant $50 in the douche bag jar? Well you'll just have to watch it to find out.

It's becoming apparent that the guys on the show have way more weird issues than Jess. Nick dropped out of law school and works at a bar. Winston is a failed athlete with a huge competitive streak, and I don't even know where to begin on Schmidt. But their flaws make them endearing and likable. On the flip side though, it seems like women aren't allowed to be a little weird.

Played by actress Zooey Deschanel, Jess comes off as more quirky than odd. In the beginning of the show Jess started off with great moments of off the wall antics and nerd references but has slowly faded into a display of offbeat humor and nearly overbearing twee optimism. While she isn't allowed to make references to Lord of the Rings, it is perfectly acceptable for Nick to use Superman to explain Jess's relationship issues. That is a major double-standard but who are we kidding? Double-standards run rampant in pop culture. At least Jess is confident enough to let her freak flag fly and not to be ashamed of being herself. This appears to be the message of the show and maybe even the catalyst of Jess's male roomies recent actions.

Regardless of the inconsistencies, New Girl is a great new comedy that is as funny as it is cute.

The post about Lana Del Rey: Pretty Girls Make Graves

2012-01-15T14:37:00.001-08:00

You all knew it would come to this, didn't you? The inevitable post about Lana Del Rey.

Lana Del Rey maybe the most brilliant enigma of 2012 so far and I will tell you why:

First off, if you catched her performance on Saturday Night Live (hosted by Daniel Radcliffe) you may have thought it was bearable or you may have thought it was terrible. Juliette Lewis did.

The rest of twitter did and so did every music blog ready to sink it's teeth into Lizzy Grant (AKA Lana Del Rey.

Lana Del Rey is a creation, yeah, I said it. She's a music mogul's wet dream, an embodiment of assisted self-creation in an overzealous hype machine. Google Lana Del Rey controversy and you will be met with so much material of why she is to be hated from her bad lip injections (her lips are immobile y'all) to the maybe true maybe not fact that her dad is like the inventor of toaster streudel (that last one was a stretch but no he's more like a domain investor or some crap). Lana's biggest crime with the indie community is that she's way pretty, aware that she's way pretty and a little too self-aware of herself. She calls herself a "gangster nancy sinatra," and "lolita lost in the hood." I don't know about THAT.

With all her hype and hate, let's get to the real deal: the music. Lana's music is not especially remarkable. She's got a husky voice like Fiona Apple but unlike Fiona Apple, Lana's a one note, two if she's feeling like a 'bad girl.' Her music is more like sweeping soundscapes with nods to everything retro and American from Elvis to hip hop. She's a hipster projection and that's what unfortunate.I can't imagine her following up after the release of her "Born to Die," album just because it's so much hype and that it seems nearly impossible. Implosion straight ahead.

Her music is not bad, but it's not great and it's definitely not going to be substantial for all the hype. "Born to Die," and "Blue Jeans," "National Anthem" are particularly good for their wearied sound but the rest of her singles seem to float in inoffensively. No blood, sweat and tears here. Her lyrics are decent but nothing pushing for incisive, at most she embodies the one liner cliches that come from...you guessed it...old classic movies that somehow ended up in a song.

Her pouty face and Americana fetish are interesting, she looks as if she walked out of a Mad Men episode. She looks like she belongs in a dusty Ford commercial. Honestly it's the best personification of a dying vision of the American Dream. Lana Del Rey, hmmm, she's good, terrible and likely to produce more analysis than warranted (like I just did here). I want to appreciate Lana Del Rey because a "pretty" (critiques of how good her music is focus primarily on how attractive she is---irk) girl singing about Death is really my kind of party, but, it's not a party because I think, poor Lana is just too sedated with dreams of fame to really get loose.

In case you missed it....

2012-01-04T13:16:00.001-08:00

Soooooo apparently, Mariah Carey is either a. releasing a new album b. fed up with HSN shennantics c.really into commercials d. all of the above

The* Diva, appeared in 2-3 commercials that have just begun rotation on television. One is for Jenny Craig. The advert shows Carey busting through a glitter and sequin, sparkly lycra cocoon to emerge as a svelte, bombshell, whip-your-hair-back-and-forth epic diva of new and better proportions. Of course, Carey just gave birth to twins not too long ago and her body has always been up for public debate. Aside from that, I found the commercial to be well, rather, ridiculous. It's too long and with all the hair tossing, I really did think I was watching a music video. Mariah Carey is too epic for Jenny Craig.

But she does look amazing and that's all that matters.

Happy New Year's!

2012-01-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years, we hope you had a year full of shennantics and anticipate that 2012 will be full of them...I mean, c'mon 2012 is the year the world will end. And it will end with the 3D re-release of "Titanic."

Honestly, a boat sinking in 3-D, Hollywood you kill me. Not to mention Leonardo DiCaprio's frozen dead body in 3-D, this just seems to macabre and absurd to actually work but we will see.

In more movie news, fans of Rose McGowan should be totally excited this year. According to IMDB, McGowan will be in a couple films this year. Now, which films you ask?

The film version of Sylvia Plath's only novel, "The Bell Jar" and what seems to be Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." I, for one, am very stoked. I read "The Bell Jar" in high school and it was a solid book, it's more or less a classic. It seems like McGowan is backing away from the high campy films (Grindhouse, Conan the Barbarian, The Black Dahlia) and going back to doing some interesting pieces. Maybe we will see some more of McGowan's acting ability. I maintain that she is a very good actress and with the news of these two films I hope I will not be disappointed. Go Rose!

Smitty's Best Albums of 2011

2011-12-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Early Christmas!!! So I present my half of the top albums for me of this year...and where do we start? 2011 was one crazy year with pop princesses reigning supreme...rock bands hiding in caves...crazy year, anyways, here we go:

It's Britney Bitch!

Brit Brit returned this year with an incredible album, the dance floor ready "Femme Fatale" and while everyone knows that she may be "crazier than a ..." Brit Brit's music is always on the cutting edge of pop, she just knows how to do it right. The singles from "Femme Fatale," were indeed everywhere from the euphoria of "Til the world ends.." to the bouncier than bubblegum on a summer day of "I wanna go," you could not escape a Brit Brit song and the question is why would you want to?

It was definitely a year of women in pop, across the ocean to the island of Japan (doesn't that sound like really exotic?) Namie Amuro, raked up another hit and cemented her further stake as basically the Queen of J Hip Pop with her compilation album of colloborations "Checkmate," the virtually flawless all around graceful diva's "Checkmate" spanned over several years of Namie's biggest colloborative efforts with new singles "Unusual," "Make It Happen," "Superwoman," as well as remixes of already perfect songs "Want Me, Want Me." While "Checkmate" is not a thorough new album, the new singles already showcased that Amuro has no sights on slowing down. She toured in 2011 and is preparing for an album next year.

Dubstep was the key dance trend of 2011 other than Will.I.Am's domination and re-iteration of 90s eurostyle dance beats, dubstep became literally uncontrollable. Skrillex amongst others are ushering in the return of wub wub wub music. And while I can't say I particularly love dubstep, I did love one album that spawned from such a November monster and that was English pop singer Katy B. Katy B's "On a Mission," is a good example of what dubstep can be if it sticks to flourishes, accents and other-genre hooks and bells. "On a mission," was a flawless record as the smooth voiced Katy B sang over pulsating dubstep breakdowns without sounding like a bloodless robot. Dubstep done right.

Also across the pond another songtress snapped up my pop heart this year, the clever Natalia Kills. It's hard to say what will happen with Kills brand of dark murder pop (if she wants real street cred it's time to make a visit to Mr.Nick Cave) and while she aimed for perfection on her "perfectionist" album she fell short. The album suffered from too many cooks in the proverbial kitchen, however despite such a shortcoming the album was still a very good ride of pop hooks and catchy songwriting. More importantly with the re-release of "Perfectionist," and the insanely awesome "Lights Out," if Kills can get a chokehold on exactly what kind of music she wants to make it'll be for a really good time.

and there you have it :)

In keeping with a dark theme, it was really a year of the best times and a year of volatile ones. My favorite dandy with neurosis Chris Corner of IAMX released the heavily anticipated "Volatile Times," a follow up to baroque and Berlin-esque dance music with Corner's signature light as a feather, vulnerable as ever could be voice and highly introspective lyrics.

Wait...Which One Is It? Best Albums of 2011

2011-12-20T01:11:00.000-08:00

The more I look at the best album's of the year lists the more I'm starting to realize that I was just not paying attention. While there was some overlap the majority of the albums listed, I either didn't realize existed or didn't bother to check out (Korn had an album out? Really? I so didn't need to know that Revolver)... so we're gonna try something different.

I'm currently combing over the lists picking out the overlap albums to check out...I'll pick 5 of the best ones and do a review here. If you wanna see what all the important cool kids think:

You can check out Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2011 here.

If that's too indie hipster for you why not check out Spin's 50 Best Albums of 2011 here.

Or perhaps you'd prefer The Rolling Stones Readers' Poll on The Best Albums of 2011? Click here then.

But before I post that later in the week lets get into the albums I did listen to:

Taking Back Sunday-s/t
Released June 28 the bands fifth studio album marks the return of the original lineup. John Nolan and Shaun Cooper left after the success of TBS's first record Tell All Your Friends. Since reuniting the band has toured America twice, worked on and released said album. Surprisingly, the album is more hard rock than punk rock. Mature and yet extremely reminiscent of the bands humble beginnings, songs like "Best Places To Be A Mom" sounds like the next logical step bridging the gap from old to new. Although I loved the between albums listening to Nolan and lead singer Adam Lazzara's vocals together can make you heartsick and realize just how much we all missed the OG lineup.

Best tracks: "Faith (When I Let You Down)" and "You Got Me"

Freelance Whales - Weathervanes
Even though Weathervanes was released in 2010 Freelance Whales had a pretty big year. The song "Kilojoules" was practically on every indie kids mixtape and the band even got to play Coachella this year. The album itself is a combination of melancholy folk, wistful melodies, and cutesy synths. It's difficult to decide whether to feel somber or upbeat but the overall quality of the record isn't diminished by the fact.

Best tracks: "Hannah" and the dark and charming "Generator ^ Second Floor"

Cobra Starship- Night Shades
My boy Gabe can do no wrong. Teaming up with Sabi the single "You Make Me Feel..." has been all over the internet and radio. I even heard the song at my gym the other day. French rock band Plastiscines even feature on the track "Fool Like Me." Night Shades is a fun dancey record plain and simple. While exceedingly light-hearted, Night Shades almost has a multiple personality on the subject of love and relationships. At times positive and endearing like in "You Belong to Me" and the New Order-ish "Anything for Love," the band does a complete 180 singing about perfect yet wholly dysfunctional couples in "Disaster Boy" and the aforementioned "Fool Like Me." It's hard to know exactly where Cobra Starship stands on the subject but it's all in good fun... with a great back beat at that.

Best tracks: "Don't Blame the World It's The DJ's Fault" and "Anything for Love"

And finally, my album of the year is...

Patrick Stump- Soul Punk
I showed up late to the party on this particular album, but I can hardly remember anything from before this record. Soul Punk is the only album this year that felt exciting to listen to. While mainly narrative, songs like "Explode" mirror the artists sentiments about recording and performing solo. When Stump sings "if this is it I'm gonna go out with a bang" you can feel the risk he is taking. Subtle and strangely profound Soul Punk is fun and entirely engrossing.

Best tracks: "Allie," "Run Dry (X Heart X Fingers)," and "Spotlight (New Regrets)"

Upcoming records in 2012-

I don't know about anyone else but the only albums I'm concerned with hearing before the end of the world next year would be Say Anything and Scarling.'s upcoming releases. Both bands are in the studio now and I'm extremely happy. Now the waiting game.

Pop round-up

2011-12-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

so we are finally back from hiatus, I hope you missed us :) :D

To get everyone to speed here is a little pop round up to get you acquainted with some news:

Britney Spears is now engaged! The femme fatale, coming off her amazing tour ending in south America twittered that boyfriend Jason Trawick gave her a special gift. The news spread like wild fire through the interwebs and many pop sources were speculating that "Godney" was indeed getting proposed to. Turns out, she is! My question is when is the wedding date and who's invited

One of my favorite Chanteuses's as of recently, English dark songtress Natalia Kills is re-releasing her debut album Perfectionist the re-release will include several new tracks including "Kill my boyfriend," and the INCREDIBLE "Lights Out" featuring Far East Movement. While Kills debut did garner lukewarm critical attention, "Lights Out" is a perfect dark pop masterpiece and it should have been the flagship single.

And last but not least....everyone's favorite pint sized Swedish diva, Robyn literally killed it on Saturday Night Live with two live performances "Call Your Girlfriend," and "Dancing On My Own." The performance was so incredible that it just awesome into a whole new level. You can't hate on Robyn, she's perfection.

Our bad

2011-12-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, we've really been slacking on here. Life often gets in the way of good intentions so all we can say here at Shennantics is whoops, our bad.

It's my favorite time of the year: The best albums of the year and what to look forward to next year issues of music magazines. I'll be taking a look at each list and making my own top 11 of 2011 list so keep an eye out for that.

Until then, happy shopping guys.

Lady Gaga releases album cover for Born this Way

2011-04-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oh Lady Gaga, When will you stop being soooooo low key?

......illuminati rumors?

Hmm.

This has to be the worst album cover of the year. It's awful. Even little monsters cant get behind this as fans have tweeted that she is obviously playing a joke on them.
I don't think it's a joke. Someone in the Lady Gaga camp thought this was brilliant.

This is the remix : Britney releases a surge of remixes

2011-04-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

So, in Britland...after the release of her critically praised "Femme Fatale," Britney Spears is riding high on its success and doing things that um, SHE NEVER DOES. Such as teaming up with other female artists and doing features. In the day age of the collabo, Spears has rarely done features and this spring we've got two big releases.

First up the remix of "S&M" with Rihanna. When this came out, RiRi fans and Brit Brit fans well, their heads basically exploded.

Initially Brit Brit received a scathing attack for her "nasally" vocals in which haters basically decried "She sounds like Tommy Pickles!"

Okay she does a bit. But, her voice has always been paper thin with a touch of Southern drawl, does anyone else remember how "Hit me one more time.." sounded like?
Coupled with the fact that the producer of this remix seemed to autotune her vocals so much, it's kinda like what they didn't think she could handle singing her parts? Because Rihanna's vocals in comparison are overtly loud.

I've never been a fan of "S&M" because the jarring "na na na come on" felt too much like a battle cry that someone would use to wake you up. "SOLDIERS NA NA NA COME ON!" It was too much for me. The good thing about this remix is that, I do find Britney's little girl vocals to sort of not add to the craziness of the song. The production of this song is everywhere, I'm suprised they didn't add cowbell. It also needs to say that this song really does showcase that Rihanna has some vocal delivery even I'm not a fan of her music. The lyrics to "S&M" still remain largely too me waaay too simplistic for a subject matter like this, but hey that's pop music for you.

Thus bringing us to the other "WTF IS GOING ON?" moment, Britney teamed up with It-girls of the moment Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha. Like OMG. WTF.

Before I jump into this review, I want to state that both covers of these singles are absolutely terrible. Absolutely. What the hell????
You can autotune but you can't photoshop??

ANYWAYS...

I personally loved the original "Til the World Ends" I thought it sounded very now, very urgent and immediate. Britney's vocal sound good, like she actually didn't phone them in (hurr hurr). So, I had some lukewarm feelings once I heard about the remix specifically because I thought BOTH Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha would be too much in the production mix. You know like that old saying too many chefs in the kitchen? Too many pop darlings in the studio?> ***crickets**

I digress, the remix is VERY good. Nicki Minaj has dropped most of her annoying vocal pyrotechnics and did a straight flow. You have to wonder who she's dissing in her rap as the rap has nothing to do with a. dancing until the world ends. Basically it's an "OMG IM DOING A RAP FOR BRITNEY SPEARS DIE!!!!" ...sort of things.

Interestingly, Ke$ha's vocal involvement is pretty low. YAY. I mean, Oh. She's relegating to singing the hook which to me was a very smart move on the behalf of Dr.Luke (her producer by the way). So minimizing her to singing the hook worked out pretty well as you only get a smidgeon of Ke$ha's stop-rap vocal interaction and it sets it up for Britney to do basically the only singing in the song. The remix is a bit break down, heavier construction of the earlier version. This, was another wise move by Dr.Luke instead of hitting listeners with not only three different vocal acts, he basically slowed it down to give each a chance to live in the song as opposed to you know, a screaming match. You know how divas can get.

Both singles are good for dance clubs, but, Im going to give "Til the World Ends" the stamp of approval. Wise choices, cool handed Dr.Luke.

My Kind of Candy

2011-04-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

I just read Rob Sheffield's review of the new The Pains of Being Pure at Heart album, Belong, and he pretty much hit the nail on the head. I felt the same way when I heard the first single back in November. The bigger sound captures everything the band wanted to say but couldn't before. Obviously, Rob and I were listening because the message rings loud and clear. I love that we agree, Sheffield is seriously dreamy.

Anyway, the new 'Pains album:

Honestly, I can't help but think that the more things change the more they say the same. That goes for 'Pains, but on a larger scale rock music as well. Listening to Belong is kinda like falling through time. Images of 120 minutes flow through my head like a lost memory. But the sound is in no way anachronistic. Maybe, we've just gone full circle?

Still, that hasn't stopped the most jaded of our community calling the album "sexless." Some critics have even gone so far as to say that the record is a blatant rip-off of The Smashing Pumpkins. But with Flood behind the scenes, its no wonder the influence shows. Its also fair to mention that Alan Moulder did the mixing. There is something of an allusion to the best of 90s alterna there, but as a mere nod and nothing more.

Seriously, Belong is more Cure than Pumpkins and there is nothing wrong with that really. As far as influences go, they could do worse (far worse). NME can go suck it.

The whole album flows with a sound that is bright and dreamy, with a twinge of heartache. Sometimes caring and collected ("Even in dreams/ I cannot betray you"), and at others ruthless with a smile ("Everyone is gentle and gone/But everyone's just everyone"), the lyrics turn from heartfelt to seeming apathy in the span of a second. But they're almost too sweet to be mean. Or even dark.

And sadly, the lyrics don't always deliver. In The Body, frontman Kip Berman whines that "you look so hot(?)/in fishnets and leather," sounding almost juvenile in the process. Luckily, this last only for a moment. It's still one of my favorite tracks even with that awkward line.

Berman and Peggy Wang's voices blend together so well its like they are one being. The harmonies weave in-and-out of the music creating a landscape of heavenly high peaks and low, surreal fields and valleys of sugarcane. The guitar fuzz tastes like cotton candy. The bass shimmers, overflowing into the warm, familar drumbeat. The keyboard swells are bittersweet. Pure pop perfection.

Tracks to listen to: The Body, My Terrible Friend

The BRITNEY review

2011-04-02T19:50:00.001-07:00

Over here at Shennantics, let me prep you: We are on Team Britney.

Back when she was suffering from the basic non-stop harassment of the paparazzi, we believed that Britney would one day, and that one day would come, that she would be on the top of her game.

Fast forward through the dark sexy pop of "Blackout," and the immediate perfection of "Circus" with it's paranoia sheen, we get to Britney's post-comeback album: Femme Fatale.

Femme Fatale, is Spears seventh studio album and it was majorly hyped up by cryptic tweets of who would be producing it, to teaser videos for the flagship single for the insanely catchy "Hold It Against Me."

And now, Spears has finally given fans the manic "Femme Fatale." With producers Max Martin (longtime producer), Dr.Luke (Ke$ha) and Will.I.Am, its kinda obvious that the princess of pop has picked the who's who making club pop for this generation.

Is this a bad thing?
Christina explored a similar tactic on last year's quick fizzle "Bionic" and it was a mess. However, Britney is not Christina and I don't get why the two were EVER compared. Christina is an amazing vocal performer, but if you want sexed up entertainment with purring ...you go to Britney.

The reason why Christina's "Bionic" may have flunked was because Christina's voice is a little too strong to be digitally hacked into pieces without leaving a sour sound on the ears. Britney has never been praised for her vocal prowess, in fact, she's got a thin register, but despite its thinness, Britney's southern "oh bay buh bay buh" is now part of pop culture. On "Femme Fatale" Britney's thin voice is gleefully bleeped, slowed down, sped up to almost incomprehensible effects. But it works.

The album preys on the claustophobic production of today's dance pop. "Hold It Against Me," is almost threatening with it's jackhammer synth. "Til the World Ends," is a better Ke$ha then Ke$sha. The album explores what's hot in the dance world, even as Britney delivers perhaps one of the best songs on Femme Fatale the slow and choppy "Inside Out," or the addictive "Gasoline."

Yet, Britney doesnt stumble on Femme Fatale, its her producers. With a voice that is basically primed for anything some of the production choices are questionable. Will.I.Am's "Big Fat Bass," would have been almost perfect had the Black Eyed Peas frontman and avid supporter of destroying things had not participated in an uninspired dumb rap. It's almost as if he rapped just for the promotional gimmmick.

Then, as the album closes we're treated to the odd Ren Faire inspired "Criminal." It sounds way too contrived to be delicate, and Britney's sex kitten vocals don't really help the song. She can do a ballad, this isn't one of them.

Yet for a couple of mistakes here and there, "Femme Fatale" is almost flawless as a pop album. It's catchy. Upbeat. Uptempo. Full of neutral lyrics, sexed up lyrics, questionable puns. Best of all, it's built on what Britney is pushing nowadays the Britney brand.

Kim Kardashian does not endorse fun. Or good taste.

2011-04-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sooo while I was away....it turns out that Kim Kardashian....(You know who she is so don't even pretend as if you don't). Released a single, produced by the Dream, (as featured on Keeping Up With the Kardashians). However, if you dont watch the show because you know better, Kim K decided to do a single. For charity.

Ah, someone insert the irony here.

Kim K's song "Jam" is another party song. Another song about going to the club and partying with your friends who are dressed like a million dollars, who probably HAVE a million dollars. There isn't much wrong with a party ...jam...it's one of those things that pop music thrives on. Friday Night, Just Got Paid. It's the Weekend, etc and in the grand ole traditions of things that celebrate partying...Kim K just wants to have fun.

Who are we to stop her?
Well, we should have.

"Jam," is generic at best. Amidst Kardashian's bland vocals (and bland here is the nicest term I could use) we get hammered with all the reasons why people hate music. It's uninspired and just, well, worthless.

Now, before I continue rambling on and on about how terrible this is, you could listen for yourself...or you could just save your ears the trouble and just look at this photo and IMAGINE how bad the song could be. You know how in horror films they let your imagination wander to all the depths of depravity one could possibly explore? Well have at it folks.

How to save a life....don't threaten it in the first place.

2011-03-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

I wanna sock Shonda Rhimes in the face.

Tonight marks what might possibly be the last episode of Greys Anatomy that I watch. In a genius effort for creative expression, writers for the show have decided to create Grey's Anatomy: The Music Event. They probably see this as a challenge. With seven seasons under their belt it is probably exhausting to think up new drama for Seattle Grace. But seriously, a musical?

Not only that, your threatening the life of one of the most popular characters and her unborn child? What is your childhood trauma Rhimes!?

Now, I can get over Izzy leaving. I can reconcile the hospital shooting, Mark and Lexie's on-again-off-again relationship, Meredith and Derek's baby drama, I can even, although not completly, ignore the fact that you killed George freakin O'Malley (I can never forgive them though). But if Callie and the baby die? There is no dealing with that. The only thing worse than what your proposing is if something happened to Dr. Bailey (and don't you even think about it).

The new episode "Song Beneath the Song" airs on ABC tonight

For shame Google

2011-03-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today is Dr. Seuss's 107th birthday. If I had known earlier I would have celebrated. I'm talking the whole enchilada, reading The Cat in the Hat (but not when he comes back), watching The Lorax and making some Green Eggs and Ham. I can only blame Google front page and On This Day... from Britannica for so long until I think of how lazy we all have become when it comes to remembering important dates.

Born Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss published 44 books for children including One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, There's a Wocket in my Pocket, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, Horton Hears a Who, and Hop on Pop among others.

So here it is for one of our favorite Doctors, Happy Birthday!

Ke$ha's video blows...or does it?

2011-02-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

This seems to be the month to talk about pop songs and strange videos so I've got another one to whet your appetite.

Ke$ha has a new video for her song "Blow" and while everyone from Rolling Stone to Spin seems to be in favor of the unicorn killing, cheese talking, James Van Der Beek induced frenzy....I'm a little on the fence about it.

The thing is, Ke$ha isn't all that interesting. She can barely sing, she is a terrible actress, and on top of all that she wishes she was weird but falls short. Oh, and I hate her laugh. But Ke$ha is fun and dirty which is just what the people want. I mean who hasn't wanted to make out with a unicorn with an eye patch or have a laser gun shoot out with the guy from Dawsons Creek?

In fact, its James Van Der Beek that makes this video entertaining. From the clothes ripping, bra tearing sexy dance (serious, 2:21 check it) to his sweet laser gun moves Van der Beek shines like he never has before. Who would have thought that he was funny? Tragically, I can't share the video on here so you'll just have to take a look on Ke$ha'sVevo on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/keshaVEVO?feature=artistob

Oh and no mythical creatures where harmed in the writing of this post.

Something has been bugging me

2011-02-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else noticed that the new Lady Gaga song sounds just like Madonna's Express Yourself? I know Corinne feels the same way but come on, someone higher on the critic food chain had to have noticed this by now.

Don't believe me?

How about now?

Now I understand that Madonna is the queen of all things pop and bizarre. It only makes sense that Gaga is following in her foot steps. There are plenty of similarities between the two but has Gaga gone too far and single white femaled Madonna?

Although I do love the lyrics to Born This Way :) Case in point: "Dont be a drag, just be a queen"

Breaking News: New Britney Album Info + Cover

2011-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

According to various pop blogs, as well as Britney Spears' official twitter: the new Britney record is titled "Femme Fatale."

Yeyah!

Jive, Britney's record company has released the press release:

New York, NY – Britney Spears announces her seventh studio album is titled Femme Fatale. The iconic global superstar’s title Femme Fatale is a tribute to bold, empowered, confident, elusive, fun, flirty women and men. It’s not a conceptual album, Spears is letting the music speak for itself. She’s worked hard on it for two years and she considers it to be her “best album to date,” true to where she is now personally and professionally.

Femme Fatale (Jive Records) is executive produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke.

Spears is peerless among her contemporaries. Throughout the years, Britney has consistently released hit after hit for over a decade, selling close to 70 million albums cumulatively worldwide.

Few artists have earned the distinction of having five No.1 debut albums, and 24 Top 40 hits. She most recently set a new one-day precedent for single sales with her current No. 1 hit song, “Hold It Against Me.” Jonas Åkerlund shot the video for the song.

Details on the video premiere and album release date are forthcoming.

And here is the released cover:

Predictions: Judging from "Hold It Against Me," and knowing that Dr.Luke (Kesha producer) has me thinking it's going to be a club banger, however, it's going to be chaotic.....I have to hear of who's working on it to be sure.

Whips, Chains and A really good time?

2011-02-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is the much touted, "controversial" video from Rihanna from her album "Loud." The controversial, "S&M."

Reporters from NME, to the Huffington Post have been criticing Rihanna for releasing a video too hyped up on sexuality and trying to be "Gaga-esque."

"Just because something is weird doesn't mean it's gaga." - Poutz

I'm really tired of this, people, Lady Gaga is not the first and will not be the last of musicians to indulge in subcultures. It's pop music. The main point is to make things acessible to a mainstream audience. No duh.

That being said, this video for all it's constant refrences to kinky practices, is not sexy and is not dark and creepy (see: 30 Seconds to Mars Review). In fact the video is cute. Yes, cute. With all its colorful latex outfits, famed celeb blogged Perez Hilton on a leash, the message Rihanna is sending is not that she wants to engage in such acts but rather the video is a shot out to the media speculating that she does engage in those acts. That's what pop stars do, they flirt with their controversy (see: Britney Spears "Piece of Me" video). I thought the video was well done and am surprised that its being banned from countries as well as MTV. In fact, the 30 seconds to mars video could be seen as offensive with its shot of the Veterans Coffin. But, people will complain. RiRi, well done.

30 seconds to some really kinky stuff

2011-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

The following picture is NSFW:

Shennantics is a bit late with this review, but apparently 30 Seconds to Mars has some demons in their closet. Or maybe it's just Jared Leto's side of the tourbus. Anyway, last year the band showcased the 13 minute epic, short film for "Hurricane" off the "This is War" album, which had to be edited for its graphic nature and depictions of wild and bizarre S&M sex, motorcycle violence and Leto's unruly fauxhauk.

First off let's get into the review of the song, which won't take long since it's basically muffled underneath the video's loud images. You can hear it in certain parts of the song but it really does take a backseat to the music video which is not necessarily a good thing. The video should emphasize the song and not downplay it, or detract from it. Basically, "Hurricane" the song is typical 30STM fare. There is some wailing, some French girl quoting Edgar Allen Poe,some strings---all what you've come to expect from this band.

Now onto the video. Director Bartholomew Clubbins has a fetish for well, fetishes and images. Most of the video is shot so one image plays for a long amount of time and then the next one comes doubly fast. In one shot, Jared Leto is running for what seems to be forever (Poutz sister Angela noted that THIS is why the video takes so long everything is shot in slow motion) and then it's followed up with sped up and spliced sequences of black latex clad-fetish enthusiasts. Including an evil bunny, a well toned gimp and lots of other unsavory characters.

So it's apparent that the band is indulgent in some kinky stuff, other than the sexed up images, to which it's apparent why MTV banned it. But really the "censored" version is just a nipple away from being the same. Pshaw.

On top of that, there is the image of Jared Leto being thrown into a Veteran's coffin complete with a draped American flag. So now we have symbolism. The video has a message. As one commentator on YouTube pointed out it's about "harming people."

This would work well as a short film, but it's just kinda weird when your own band is the score to your short film.

Also worth checking out is the remix with Kanye West.

The Batman Watch : Catwoman

2011-01-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

Alright, you BatHards....new information. It has been released that the latest cast addition to the "Dark Knight Rises," is Anne Hathaway who will play Catwoman. Tom Hardy of "Inception," will play Bane and oh yes, Christian Bale is back as Batman. Also it has been reported that this will be director Christopher Nolan's last go at the franchise.

It seems to be from reports that Warner Bros hasn't really spoken much of Catwoman per se (so everyone could forget about the OTHER catwoman-will not work). Instead, Hathaway will play Selina Kyle basically leading speculators to believe that in this film she will be playing a somewhat origins story.

I think Hathaway definitely has acting chops but can she play the feral feline Catwoman? This is a sexed up role and while Hathaway does have sex appeal it's very earthy and earnest, I'm not sure if she can play a whip-toting dominatrix who keeps cats as her best friends.

We'll see.

Already Janurary?

2011-01-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Folks!

Hope you had a good one, and Shennantics is back in action, because I'm back "Like I forgot something."

So, where do we begin????

Well since the last time I posted, I saw that heady film trip of a movie, Arofonosky's "Black Swan" starring the very preggers Natalie Portman (it's already generating Golden Globe buzz stay tuned). In a Nutshell, the film was done with a lucid approach, and I don't want to give away too much but Portman's portrayal of a perfectionist-downward spiralling ballerina gave me chills. This is one of those films like the "Virgin Suicides," that sticks with female audiences for a while. Partly due to the fact that, so many women stuggling with body issues and pressure from every angle will find a little bit of themselves in Portman's fatal yet fragile Mina.

Save the date

2010-12-27T18:05:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-12-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-25T20:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

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....

2010-11-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

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 Painst of Being Pure At Heart

2010-11-03T11:32:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-10-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

My Chemical Romance - New Music - More Music Videos

TV Casulty Spoilers fo sho

2010-10-13T11:37:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

**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

2010-07-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

(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

2010-07-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

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'

2010-06-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

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 ......

2010-06-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-18T16:40:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-05-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-12T12:08:00.001-07:00

"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

2010-05-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-04-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

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!)

2010-04-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)

2010-04-08T20:56:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-04-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-04-07T10:16:00.001-07:00

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'

Christina Aguilera goes geek on you.

2010-03-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

So, the interweb is abuzz about Christina Aguilera's comeback into the music scene, with her new album "Bionic" which will hit shelves June 8th (oh snap! before my birthday!) and I'm totally excited.

Aguilera, was a bit missing from the scene, as she took some time off to take care of her son Max. Aguilera's last album "Back to Basics" was basically a foray into old-school blues and soul music, and spawned some hits like "Hurt," "Aint no other man" and of course, "candyman."

The new album, has Christina taking a bite out of the Lady Gaga craze, utilizing electro --it's the new pop thing to do. Colloborators include M.I.A, Santogold, Le Tigre, Sia.Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Goldfrapp. This is going to be hella exciting. Although I'm really not feeling the cover, still excited by the album just not into the accompanying artwork, oh and make sure to check out the album trailer, it's totally sci-fi!

Album Trailer

Hater Alert: Critics attack Gabourey Sidibe

2010-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Seriously, Hollywood? Some of you are just some straight up haters with nothing better to do.

Star of "precious", and just STAR period, Gabourey Sidibe is ruining Hollywood's outdated ideals of what is beautiful and star worthy. Critics like Howard Stern (Seriously who gives a flying whoohaa what he thinks? anymore) are bashing our girl because she is "the size of a planet." Okay, no need to be mean. What does Stern and others hope to achieve by calling her big? like does that get them up in the morning? It's hard enough these days for girls to feel good about themselves, and for the first time ever, a girl who does not fit the Aryan model of perfection is doing great things and people want to hate on her for it.

It's a triple case of the isms, she's a woman, she's a minority and she's 'big'. The critics in this case are basically using "healthy" as a guideline to try and undermine her success. In other words they don't believe that if you're a minority of the sort then somehow, success should elude you. Because for heaven's sake we're not all equal....Oh Snap! doesn't it say that in the constitution??

I digress...

It's just appalling that people would make such a deal about her success.If it doesn't involve you directly, nor does it threaten you, why do you care?!
Plain ole Haterade. Stern calls it "reality," well here's the thing with reality, it's not all it's cracked up to be. Sidibe probably understands that a lot of people will never want to cast her in a film, but who cares? she has talent and talent can overcome. We don't need people like Stern with his attention to 'reality' because no has told him the reality that his Phil Spector hairdo is just god-awful. Let's keep it "real."

Obviously Sidibe has no hang ups about her looks and why should she:
I love the way I look. I'm fine with it. And if my body changes, I'll be fine with that."- Gabourey Sidibe

If she loves the way she looks, then what is the problem?
Shouldn't we as a public be celebrating someone with such high confidence? Isn't that the point of all these body positive image makeovers? Hollywood and society at large, put your money where your mouth is...and just shut up for once. Time to give someone else the spotlight for once.

Gabourey Sidibe on the Soup

Gaga watch: Telephone feat Beyonce

2010-03-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

OOOH boy. Gaga is lighting the interweb on fire, from CNN falsely reporting that they "banned" the video (That's not a good idea MTV banning videos when you don't even show videos???)

Anyways, onto the video. "Telephone" is directed by the very great, very cool Jonas Akerlund (see: Cardigans 'My Favourite Game') with that in mind, I expected this video to be somwehat violent. If you're a fan of camp, cult, and all thats in between this video is for you.

Suprisingly Beyonce's appearance as "honey B" is a rather surprising turn, her stilted acting is kind of a plus given the context of the video. Gaga's acting is also stilted as well, perhaps on purpose?

There are more cameos in this video than you can shake an Jersey Shore fist pump at, but it's all more like "Can you spot Tyrese?"

Running at almost ten minutes, you really have to schedule yourself to watch this video. The mini movie follows a Thelma/Louise plot which is always great, "Us against the world" kind of deal---a personal favorite theme of mine.

Oh, a must, look at this Monster's review of 'Telephone'
Monster fan on Telephone

Something not so awesome. RIP...

2010-03-12T11:26:00.001-08:00

I've been trying to write a blog about celebrity death since last year. I don't want to say that its fascinating because its not. It's the fact that you can know someone and care about them and their life without ever meeting them face to face. I first tried when John Hughes passed away, but I was too scared to do it. Then Britney Murphy died and Corinne covered which I was glad for. Recently during the Oscars memorial clip I realized just how much Murphy meant to me. She was a light in the darkness, which sadly went out too soon. Then Alexander McQueen committed suicide, after his moms death this past February. Not to mention that dude that was on Growning Pains, Andrew Koenig's suicide. Frankly I don't know whats going on in Hollywood. I've never seen this much tragedy back to back like this.

But this is different.

Corey Haim looking an awful lot like a member of Duran Duran

Corey Haim died Wednesday morning at age 38. Haim's mother claims that he passed of pulmonary congestion, and news reports are saying that he had four prescription drug bottles. Haim had complained of flu-like symptoms in the days before his death. He had battled drug addiction for years.

It's like they don't want you to forget he was troubled.

Personally, I don't care about what they want to say about Corey. He had a lot of problems leaving the 80s and it wasn't entirely his fault. Hollywood chewed him up and spit him out. Just another tragic tale of show biz.

But Corey was never a bad boy, he had a lovable squeaky clean image. He stared in movies like Lucas (1986), The Lost Boys (1987), and Licence to Drive (1988). You could expect that kind of shennantics from Haim's long time friend and co-star Corey Feldman (my other favorite Corey). But it seems like even Feldman has left those days behind him. It just goes to show you that that much success at such a young age is damaging no matter what the circumstance. CBC News goes on to say that Haim, born in Toronto in 1971, was enrolled in acting classes by his mother as a way for him to get over his shyness.

I grew up loving Corey Haim through his movies. It's hard to know that somebody that awesome is gone. Slowly, he was building up his career one movie at a time and even had two movies in post-production this year. So regardless of what's happened, it would be nice to remember Haim for what he gave to the world.

Something awesome this way comes

2010-03-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

June 30 is going to be the best day ever. Now that I've watched the trailer for The Twilight saga: Eclipse four times I think its only fair to share.

Good job to the make-up and hair crew, can't even tell the actor switch for main vampire villain Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre to Bryce Dallas Howard). I know what critics say about the younger cast acting abilities but--if your a fan of the series-- how could you not get choked up when you hear what Jacob says. This is going to be so awesome.

The Woody Allen Effect ** Now with extra analysis! part one

2010-03-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, and you're an avid consumer of all media...you have probably run into this problem.

"Can I hate the artist and love the art?"

Whoa gee golly whiskers! The answers seems to be a simple, close/shut case : Yes. But, as human beings nothing ever get's a simple resounding no, unless you're trying to get Watchmen made into a live action flick (Oh SNAP! that already happened!)

bringing us to a good point: can consumers of an artist, really separate the artist from their art?

The question is complicated, and so we need to pull layers from it and look at it closely.

1) That artist just makes really good *fill in the blank*
Beck, Tom Cruise, and a host of other Hollywood-de-liters, are all "outed" when it comes to Scientology. If you don't agree with Scientology does that make "Loser," "Mission Impossible" unbearable to watch? What if you grew up watching/listening to it? What then?
Or in another case, Michael Jackson, while it was never proven that he molested children, the taint of the lawsuit followed Jackson to his death, and during his unstable career with the public overshadowed his music. And let's be real about the situation, "Thriller" was not a college-radio hit, it was one of the best videos EVER.

Personal example, I love Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life," but for the life (hahahaha excuse the pun) I can't get over allegations that he dropped the N-word during his younger years. My dislike of his using the word, does not change "Lust for Life," at all. The song is still great....which goes to the next point

2) If such and such is really a horrible person, how can I enjoy such media?
"Lust for Life" will technically be a killer song, because it's just awesome. As I mentioned earlier my dislike of the song will not change Iggy Pop nor will it change his views. Some people argue that, we should separate the artist from the art...but that's harder than one would imagine.

In the case of Roman Polanski, he is a 'great' director, who receives much critical acclaim even toted as a 'hero' in some circles. But, his personal life is not that damn great. Another example, the Rolling Stones are pretty cool for having music that pretty much dips into racism, sexism, isms.....and yet music magazines often point to them as being heroes. Every time I walk by a "Classic Rock" magazine in Borders, I feel a pinge of irritation when I see who is on the cover. Upon research, most of us will discover at some point that our favorite artists...more than likely are jerks. But the degree of jerkiness is not the same for everyone.
Lou Reed is a pain in the ass, but he donates time to music philanthropist organizations, does that pardon him?

What do we expect of our artists? do we expect too much?

Say it aint so :(

2010-03-05T10:55:00.001-08:00

My Chemical Romance's drummer Bob Bryar left the band.

The band announced on their website yesterday, March 3, that Bryar and My Chemical Romance parted ways four weeks ago saying that they "wanted this news to come from us and not some bullshit gossip site."

The post was written by guitarist Frank Iero and went on to say, "This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours, and expect you all to do the same."

No reason for the departure has been stated by either party and there seems to be no replacement drummer yet for My Chem. Bryar joined the band in 2004 after original drummer Matt Pelissier quit.

Not to be sidetracked by the bad news, My Chem went right back to the studio. The now foursome have been working on yet even more songs for the TBA new album that's due out later this year.

ABDC Lady Gaga Edition

2010-03-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

Watching America's Best Dance Crew on MTV right now. I've been watching this show since it first started, and every season I utter the words "This show is dirty."

Not dirty in the way that it's filthy, but the politics of the show get in the way. I can count plenty of times when less than stellar crews were allowed to stay while awesome, unbelievable groups had to watch their banners fall. The show can never be completely fair as it is a show that places a lot of responsibility in the fans hands.

So far the show is okay, with a couple of stand out performances. I think the main reason why it's lacking this week is because I love lady gaga as much as the next monster, but, her music is not really suited for high intense energetic crews. The choreography is just hard to interpret. Also, sometimes who ever picked the videos for the crews is definitely picking with an agenda.

I don't like hating on the crews, but Saltare needs to go home right now. It's not "America's Best Jump Rope Crew." I respect what they did on the stage, but their choreography is still in "baby" stages while everyone else is ahead. It's awesome that they have jump rope skills, but it's a dancing show. Plain and simple. That puts all the other crews at a disadvantage because they don't have a "gimmick" that they have to "overcome." Whatever. The best crew will win that is a definite.

to blog or not to blog: a quick blerb

2010-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

~First still from upcoming Gorillaz music video for "Stylo" was released. The video will debut on YouTube March 5.

http://www.nme.com/news/gorillaz/49975

The song is awesome, featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack. Clearly the slow lead up is adding much needed excitement for the animated music groups upcoming album

In other news:

~Seth Green, 36, proposed to girlfriend model/actress Clare Grant,30, around new years (news of engagement were just announced this month). Nerd girls everywhere shed a tear.

~NeverShoutNever added to Bamboozle Left lineup. The lineup is still very small and sadly unimpressive compared to east coast Bamboozle lineup. With only 4 weeks left until the festival, there isn't much time to find out the rest of the lineup and actually get excited about it.

Just shut your trap John Mayer.

2010-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

I knew there was a reason I strongly disliked John Mayer.

As being reported on several blogs, Mayer, known for his soft-rock good guy image or used to be good guy image....has royally doubled himself over.

Mayer, in an interview with Playboy likened his man parts to a white supremacist, claimed to have understood the African American experience. Mayer who has also claimed to have a "Benneton Heart," as well as saying this nugget of thought provoking wisdom:
"[It’s] taking something that’s seen as a struggle and making it work for you, or you’ll die inside. Not to say that my struggle is like the collective struggle of black America. But maybe my struggle is similar to one black dude’s.”

Uh, did I miss something? John Mayer, you can't speak for someone just because you're friends with someone who is black. You can't understand an experience that "is seen as a struggle" primarily because your struggle will forever be nothing like it, unless you wake up as a black man one morning.

Honestly, I don't care that he does not really find black women attractive, because it's not that important. More on point, John Mayer is just a douche to *all* women, regardless of color. :rolls eyes:

Mayer in the interview further went on to drop the N-word bomb and just bury himself in stupidity.

What's fascinating is that, in 2010 stuff like this makes headline. People are always gabbing how we have moved past race, that we are transcending race, and we're even 'post racial.' But we're not, it's not a colorblind society, people see difference, the problem is not with acknowledging these differences but with seeing this difference as something more than just a difference.

Also on the same token, who knows what the context of what he really wanted to say, sex and race are loaded words in America and the two can lead to combustion. Mayer is probably speaking for some people who don't know any better, or never tried to understand past a superficial level. I won't get into the myriad of things wrong with the interview, but hopefully for the sake of him not losing some of his fans that are african-american, I hope he can make some type of atonement.

John Mayer, I'm calling BIG SHENNANATICS on you, if you want to make it up to everyone in America, go read The Portable Cornel West.

The type of therapy mothers warn you about

2010-02-16T13:36:00.001-08:00

Oh 'blue-eyed soul', is such a tricky field to navigate. Only so often does its singers manage to at once establish respectable credibility and a fanbase that appreciates the music. Enter Teena Marie, Dusty Springfield, Hall & Oates and finally, Robin Thicke.

Without getting into a long winded sociological and historical lesson, Blue Eyed Soul is the Equivalent of Black Rock....and both are anomalies in America and semantically speaking, both terms do nothing in terms of marketing and getting music out. Point blank: Music is music, enough with the coded language.

So enough hubababbaub what about Robin Thicke's latest album?

Surprisingly and not so surprisingly it's damn good. Thicke, who has been gradually building his fanbase with a steady and careful hand, has enjoyed welcoming arms from the hip hop and R&B communities. He's a mainstay now, much in the way that Teena Marie is a mainstay. His last album "The Evolution of Robin Thicke" skyrocketed with the single "Lost Without U" probably a definite shout out to wife, Paula Patton.

On his latest disc however, Thicke trades in soft coos for downright "bad as I wanna be" behavior and the result is a jilting experiment in R&B/Soul music. If Justin Timberlake thought he was bringing sexyback, well, Thicke is taking out past the dancefloor and into the bedroom.

Thicke brings an all star roster to the "Sex Therapy Experience" like Jay-Z, Little Wayne's latest sign-up Nikki Minaj and Estelle. Often the tracks are dance floor triumphs, but on the sly side, and what Thicke was probably planning was the sexiness that the album oozes. Generally, I avoid "baby-making" albums because who wants that sentiment while trying to get to school or work? But in this case, Thicke's "good guy with a bad streak" is so appealing, that it might bring out the sexy in all of us, and that's not such a bad thing.

Stop the world! Sade has a new album out!

2010-02-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

And you better go get it right now because, it'll be 2020 when she releases the next one and our poor planet could be blown to smithereeens.

On her latest "Soldier of Love," the songtress wraps up a deft nine track album that doesn't stray from Sade's formula of coolled perfection. The title track "Soldier of Love," is the closest one is going to get rocking with Sade as the track is built on a sparse but definitely stealth backbeat. Sade's trademark husky but distinctive vocal stylings have probably led to many couples getting together, getting married, and starting family. For that, we salute you Sade. Not to mention the fact that she's half a century old and looks better than ever. This confirms it, there are aliens and they are from the Planet Beautiful.

I really don't have to give you many reasons to buy the new Sade album, because if you don't everyone who is cool will undoubtedly laugh at you. Plus, if you don't you will be sending a message to the world that untalented singers who don't even sing, are ruling the world. Be responsible.

ABC News Honestly has nothing to do.

2010-02-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Alley Yo, It's Tuesday and do you know what the means?

Not mac'n' cheese casserole or even reruns of Saved by the Bell? No it means relatively nothing anymore, unless you're heading to the comic book store for your weekly fix or going to the iTunes store to pick up your singles just like in the ole'days.

But what you didn't know about Tuesday is that, Tuesday is a great day to head over to ABC News Entertainment and load up on their nutrient enrichment of celeb fodder....such as Heidi Montag & Playboy: The Sequel!!

Or...my favorite, Tila Tequila's riveting video about her tweeting about slamming her head into a wall.

Really?

This is news to people? To who?
Oh, I just wait with baited breath to see what other kind of investigative celeb journalism they're bound to come up with. Honestly, this is good stuff.

Memo to ABCNews: I don't care for Heidi Montag's Shennantics, the only person who cares for her special dull brand of such antics is Heidi herself.

Don't Believe the Hype: Valentines Day

2010-02-13T00:45:00.000-08:00

I want to start off by saying that I love Romantic Comedies. They make me feel all warm and gooey inside.

Having said that though, I can't help but feel that Valentines Day was very much a disappointment. There are points in the film that are touching and sweet but in the long run become utterly forgettable. There isn't much time spent on each of the thousands of story lines within the film and it shows. Without this time to get involved in the characters, when they experience heartbreak its hard to empathize or feel for them much. The whole thing came out very bland.

Its hard to figure out where to start...

Ashton Kutcher's florist Reed Bennett was a good enough character. He believes in love and romance, but was blind to the fact that his girlfriend wasn't really the right one (what kind of name is Morley?). After hearing him talk about his best friend it's obviously he loves her. But why can't they see that?

His best friend played by Jennifer Garner is Julia Fitzpatrick, a elementary teacher dating Dr. Harrison Copeland (what a stretch for McDreamy, really) who turns out to have a double life. *shock* This has to be hands down, the worst part of the movie. They make McDreamy into a total sleaze! Who's freaking idea was it to have Patrick Dempsey for all of a good 10 or so minutes if that, and making him a bad guy! Shame, shame, shame. Maybe he enjoyed playing a different role, but as a huge fan it was very upsetting.

Most shocking scene goes to the ridiculously attractive Eric Dane (more Grey's doctors ay?). Dane plays an aging football star coming to terms with his career getting in the way of his dreams of having a family. Julia Roberts and The Hangover's Bradley Cooper seemed to have the most memorable story line of the film. Roberts and Cooper are passengers on a 14 hour flight to LA. During this time they share a few moments talking about what else? Love and Valentines Day. What makes the story even better is the fact that nothing happens between them romantically, they're just two passengers that are going to eventually part ways.

Jessica Beil's character became kind of a joke. A bitter single woman that throws an 'I Hate Valentines Day' party every year falling for a self proclaimed player, Jamie Foxx's second best sports newscaster Kelvin Moore in the end. wtf? There are more realistic lonely workaholics on VH1's Tough Love.

Taylor Swift was hilarious as a dumb high school girl dating an even dumber jock (Taylor Lautner) but they didn't serve any good purpose as mush as they did sheer nostalgic horror for some audience members reminded of similar experiences. I'm sure they're glad not having to pretend to like each other anymore.

The only thing in the way of Topher Grace and Anne Hathaway's Jason and Liz in there potential relationship is themselves. And Edgar and Estelle love each other deeply but have let a secret momentarily come between them.

It's hard to imagine all this problem and solution happening in one crazy day, but thats LA for you. I only recommend seeing this movie on your TV if your a fan of the genre, but otherwise I'd stick to Love Actually or He's Just Not That Into You.

Not to be outdone, Dr. Owen Hunt (another Grey's Anatomy character...sorry) went Greek God in Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Check for that review tomorrow ^_^ Peace!

Break it down: The Vampire Diaries

2010-02-04T23:41:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of vampires in Mystic Falls now that the Salvatore brothers are back in town. So much so that it gets a little confusing. So here's a quick breakdown of vampires on the show so far.

The Salvatore Brothers are Stefan and Damon Salvatore, played by Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder. Stefan's in town to figure out why the heck main character Elena Gilbert (Nina Debrev) looks so much like his (and his brothers...eww) ex-lover Katherine Peirce, the vampire seductress that turned them both. Turns out Elena isn't a Gilbert at all but a Pierce. She was "adopted" right when she was born by her parents.

Damon's motives are a bit more complex. At a glance it seemed that Damon was in town to wreck havoc on Stefan's life but now it seems that Kathrine isn't as dead as once thought. He's searching for a way to open a tomb with Kathrine and twenty something other sleeping vampires in it.

Enter Anna or rather Anabelle, who is after the same thing. To open the tomb and awaken the vampires within.

One vampire in particular seems to be at the heart of her mission. In flashbacks in the last episode "Children of the Damned" Anna, called Anabelle back then is always within reach of her "mother" Pearl.

Ben, Anna's accomplice. A fairly new vampire, he was changed by Anna to get an in with the teens in Mystic Falls. Ben was a former high school football star but since graduating didn't go anywhere and ended up bartending at a local hangout. So far the plan is to get friendly with Bonnie Bennet, Elena's best friend and also a witch related to Katherine's handmaiden Emily back in the day. She was kidnapped last episode. In the grand scheme of things I don't see Ben lasting very long.

Kathrine Peirce, Sleeping. Selfishly turned both Salvatore brothers wanting them all to get along in a very twisted love triangle with her at the center. Once thought dead, burned in the towns old church it turns out that her handmaiden Emily sealed her and the other vampires in a tomb in the church to keep them safe from the fire.

Pearl, Sleeping. Most likely Anna's creator, Pearl lived in Mystic Falls back in the day. She was in love with Jonathon Gilbert, but upon discovering she was a vampire he turned on her and had her "burned" in the church.

Noah, Deceased. An older vampire. Stupidly got caught up in the fact that Elena looks like Katherine. His obsession with messing with her ended in his death.

Vicki Donovan, Deceased. Vicki was Elena's brother Jeremy's love interest, Elena's ex-boyfriend Matt Donovan's little sister, as well as Tyler Lockwood's on again off again girlfriend. Quite a mouthful huh? Seriously messed up on drugs and family problems not to mention countless attacks by Damon finally resulting in her death and rebirth as a vampire. She tried to take Jeremy and turn him. Stefan had to kill her before she killed Elena right in front of Jeremy. He doesn't remember anything though cause Elena had Damon erase his pain and memory of the event.

Lexi, Deceased. Stefan's best friend. She comes to visit him for his 162nd birthday and is tragically set up and murdered by Damon to take the fall for recent deaths in the town. Her death helps The Founders Council believe the vampire threat has ended and takes the heat off the Salvatore brothers much to Stefan's chagrin.

Logan Fell, Deceased. Can't seem to find a picture for Logan sadly. Anyway, Logan was Jenna Sommer's(Elena and Jeremy's aunt) ex-boyfriend from high school. Became the local news reporter, and a member of the Founders Council. Went hunting for vamps and got killed. Sadly it was his blood that Vicki finally drank (after he died) after resisting for a whole day (such restraint ) to became a vampire. Alaric Saltzman, not a vampire as once previously thought. He sports a fancy ring much like Stefan and Damon's that help them go out in the sunlight. Turns out he a Van Helsing-like character out for revenge against Damon for killing his wife Isabel (strangely the same name as Eleana's birth mother...dun dun dun! The plot thickens!). Killed Logan.

Not to be outdone, there also seems to be a werewolf in Mystic Falls as well. In an earlier episode, after Vicki's death and Jeremy's all well adjusted in attempt to put the past behind them Jeremy tries to befriend once enemy Tyler Lockwood only to be punched out. After Jeremy asks what the heck is wrong with him in a classic scene Tyler shouts that he doesn't know, fixes his jacket and walks off as the camera angles towards the full moon! Chilling and very exciting for supernatural enthusiast such as myself.

Well that took forever and I'm very tired for the effort. Hopefully I'm not forgetting anyone. If I am, comment below :-P

My Life as Liz: Brillant storytelling or teen angst rip-off?

2010-02-04T00:33:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit it but...I like My Life as Liz. As one of MTV's newest "reality TV" shows, My Life as Liz follows main subject (character?) Liz Lee as she starts her senior year of high school. Typical story of a popular girls fall from grace really. Cliche as it sounds, Liz's situation is not uncommon therefore has relevance and a built in audience. Nerd girls like myself love seeing a quirky high school-er take on the social norms and injustices of growing up weird in a closed minded society. Its what we never had the chance to accomplish in our day and age. Awesome right? Not always.

Enter the "reality" of the show=Cori Cooper as Liz's evil nemesis, and ex-friend. The rivalry would be acceptable if there were a reason. Liz never really says what happened between them and Cori doesn't seem multi-faceted enough to actually have it out for Liz. She's just static evil. A cliche, a mockery of her own self. We all know that girls in high school can be ruthless and mean, but not without some warped selfish sense of right or entitlement. No one tricks someone into going to a dance to meet an imaginary secret admirer or says 'I hope you die' for no reason. Blind hatred just does not make sense in this scenario.

Not to mention the camera angles. There is a moment when Taylor, the popular girl with a heart (who didn't see that one coming?) actually falls while the group is walking down the hall a la Cady in Mean Girls. Dialogue in the show in a lame attempt of biting trash talk between Liz and Cori doesn't work either, and soliloquy to tell the audience what Liz thinks and feels just plain sucks. MTV, your viewers are not as stupid as you think they are. Okay, maybe some are. But not all of them! Hire a few good writers to get your ideas across better. Viewers deserve better direction and acting.

Liz's friends are a rag tag group of nerdalicious boys that like to LARP (That's Live Action Role Play bitches!), gamble with comic books and either be supportive of Liz or completely callous. They flip flop so much it is difficult to know where they stand.

Having said that, the idea isn't bad. It's the medium of reality television that misses the mark. Honestly, the story would work as a real TV show. I'd watch it on The N. Liz's personality really shines on her way driving to school. She's lip singing to some silly song and totally into it. It's scenes like these that show the heart of the idea behind the show.

What won me over the most is the budding romance between Liz and the boy who sits behind her in English, Bryson. Sure he has a girlfriend but he totally digs her. Why else would he hang out with her eating fries after the Valentines Day dance or play guitar for her performance in the talent show? I'm a sucker for love. And anyway, that's how it started for Jim and Pam in The Office. I believe in the scripted TV romance.

The show is about standing up for yourself, being okay with not being popular, and not settling for non-existence. Liz just wants her high school experience to mean something. Whats not to love about inspiration?

It's really a testament of at least one great writer with good ideas at MTV that I actually liked this show and the 7 or so minutes of Taking the Stage I witnessed after watching America's Next Best Dance Crew last week with Corinne.

My Life as Liz: a surprising thumbs up

When the heels, wigs, and make-up comes off!

2010-02-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

The drama begins so to speak on LOGO's RuPaul's Drag Race. The show is already in it's second season, and the competitors look to be fiercer than before. I've got to say, this is probably my favorite show that is on television right now. I eagerly awaited Feb.1st to come around. I was a big fan of the first season, and it's contestants that when the second season was announced by Nina Flowers I was basically floored.

So what does the second season have this lap around?

The show has gone a step-up, with 12 new contestants from all over the country, with two from California (especially two from the Inland Empire, Raven and Megan: Hola Girls!) and quite a few Southern Belles.

The show has already popped off with the elimination of drag princess Shangela, who's outfit just didn't cut it for the judges whom include Merle Ginsberg, Santino of Project Runway fame, photographer/director Mike Ruiz and comedienne Kathy Griffin. Shangela had to "lip synch for her life" to RuPaul's insanely catchy and hit song from the first season "Cover Girl (Put the Bass in Your Walk)," and already watching that round audiences were treated to flip outs, splits ---in the first episode. This batch of contestants are going to serve it up.

I have a couple of personal favorites already, such as Raven, Pandora Boxx, JuJubee, Tyra Sanchez, Tatianna and Jessica Wild, but with this show, favorites can quickly turn into not-so favorites. What I will comment on is that the first season, being the first season, the queens were pioneers and so everything had a sheen of purity to it. So with this season, the road has already been paved, the stakes are higher, who will win it? We anxiously wait with baited breath!

Also not to be skimmed over is the sheer creativity the show has to offer, while Project Runway is basking in it's former glory, the queens on 'Drag Race' have innovation, camp and talent. It's a hard combination to beat. With the previous season, every episode was like a living fantasy. Say it with me: Eleganza Extravaganza!

And of course don't miss out on the lovely legend RuPaul who does not seem to age, if you were ever scared of drag queens before or simply not "hip" to the culture, put that aside, turn into LOGO and get schooled in 'fierceness.'

RuPaul's Drag Race : Every Monday at 7 p.m. (Check local listings)
http://www.Logoonline.com

Indie Comic Spotlight: Ross Campbell

2010-02-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

So, Poutz and I love, love, love comix. She's more of an indie comic fan by way of rom com leanings with dark mystical stuff, and I'm more of a shoujo/manga fan but making my way through selective comics. SO Anyways, what we're going to do here at Shenanntics we plan on spotlighting comic books/artists/authors who are doing an
"above-and-beyond" kinda dealie for comics. It's our way of saying thanks and for them to know that they have supporters and to keep doing what they are doing.

For the first installment: I'm spotlighting creator of WaterBaby and Wet Moon the highly creative Ross Campbell.

Why does he rock it hard?

Because unlike a good deal of comics out there, Campbell's storyline involves girls and girls with actual personality. Not to mention they are shaped like real women, instead of the impossible stature that many male-driven comics offer up as their vision of the ideal woman. Plus to boot, he features characters of ethnic diversity. I don't have to explain why this is awesome, because diversity is awesome and it is needed in comics. Everyone deserves equal and truthful representation. Campbell doesn't do it in a way where it's heavy handed either, but in a way that is sure to please fans across all barriers and that is so awesome my socks have already came off.

check out:
Water Baby
Wet Moon
The Abandoned

A MTV show where stuff actually happens!

2010-01-28T22:38:00.000-08:00

Onto another hot mess of reality shows and perhaps the biggest hot mess of them all: Jersey Shore.

To be completely honest, there is not a lot of material to say about Jersey Shore that isn't already said.

You could agree with every major criticism posed by people who hate the show, that it is a vapid and annoying chunk of thirty minutes that serves no purpose. That is true, but where the Hills was extremely annoying with it's false pretense of being a real show, Jersey Shore for the most part seems largely unscripted. Also, on The Hills the assembly line cut outs of extra gorgeous people with little to say and even less to actually talk about--nothing progresses on the show...ever. So if a show that can succeed on being about nothing, revolving around nothing and in large sum just a big ZERO can inspire pop culture following, why can't the kids on the Shore?

The cast members of the Jersey Shore have no large ambitions to work in the plastic bubble city of Hollywood nor do they perpetuate a myth that they have real talent. In short, they want to party and they want to party hard.

What makes the show a runaway success is that not only does it narrow in on America's fascination with spectator living, but it closely resembles what many of its demographic would actually do given the opportunity. Its a show that shows America what a majority of its youth are actually doing.

"With friends like this, you will want enemies."

2010-01-28T22:20:00.001-08:00

In case you've been avoiding the Oxygen channel because of it's apparent Lifetime Network leeway, there is one reason to tune into the female-centric network. The guilty, guilty, guilty pleasure of the Bad Girls Club.

Created by one of the creators of MTV's pioneering The Real World, Bad Girls Club follows seven to eight self-proclaimed bad girls living "harmoniously" together in a beautiful Los Angeles pad.

Of course, because each girl is a self-proclaimed "Baddest Bitch" out there, bumps and ugly fights (with cringeworthy and hilarious moments) ensue when the girls duke it out for top Bitch status.

It might make some roll their eyes in disbelief, but the Bad Girls Club succesfully plays up to catty female stereotypes while at the same time giving the girls the opportunity (if they see it) to reform themselves.

I love the show, and I'm addicted to it. It's more real than the real world, more do or die than the survivor and better than any love reality show, because there is no tangible prize. Plus, because the premise is based on being naughty, there is none of the usual good girl gone trickster. Everything is up front, love it or hate it.

The show is on Season 5 and this is the most explosive season yet. Natalie "I Run LA!", Kate, Amber, Annie, Florina, Kendra, Portia (she's left at the time of post) and Lexxie all take on stop and rewatch cat fights, bisexual trysts, naked randomness, money, men and lots of clubbing. Good girls are nice, but bad girls are a little too much fun to watch and hide.

Bad Girls Club airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Central on Oxygen