The bilingual BAMF returns! So I think that any song whose English translation is "She-Wolf" must be pretty epic, and, as I suspected, Shakira did not disappoint. For the past two weeks, I had this 15-second YouTube teaser put out by her record label on repeat. I was worried that the complete, official version would somehow be lacking compared to the version I had finished with my imagination. But "Loba," the Spanish version (English version comes out next week), has all the makings of a successful song: 1) wolf howls, 2) fast-talking pre-choruses, 3) the word "licántropa", 4) a groovy disco bass line. Now just imagine how great the video is going to be? I can tell you one thing: there will be belly dancing!
June 30, 2009
Some Crazy Ladies
These women who I recently started following on Twitter (Don't judge, it's the best) performed at SF Pride this weekend.
BOA!
Important song: "Eat You Up," "I Did It For Love"
Important facts: At just 22 years of age, she is like the Korean Britney Spears. Well-loved, super famous and talented (dancing and singing - at the same time!).
SOLANGE!
Important song: "I Decided," "Sandcastle Disco"
Important facts: Related to Beyoncé but if you mention that to her in an interview she will become an attitude-y biatch.
BOA!
Important song: "Eat You Up," "I Did It For Love"
Important facts: At just 22 years of age, she is like the Korean Britney Spears. Well-loved, super famous and talented (dancing and singing - at the same time!).
SOLANGE!
Important song: "I Decided," "Sandcastle Disco"
Important facts: Related to Beyoncé but if you mention that to her in an interview she will become an attitude-y biatch.
An Open Letter
Dear Britney Spears,
I like your song "Radar." I may or may not have named my high school newspaper after it. Even though I question the identity of who actually sang those vocals and believe you had a little date with the auto-tune (making you sound like a robot wasn't just for kicks), I think you are capable of carrying a tune live. I also think you can dance pretty well when you feel like it. But I have to say, your new music video is not exactly what I was looking forward to seeing. Ignoring all the Equus-style horse imagery going on, you look pretty hot in the video. Like, If-U-Seek-Amy hot.
But why couldn't your video have more of this?
Yours truly,
Nolan
I like your song "Radar." I may or may not have named my high school newspaper after it. Even though I question the identity of who actually sang those vocals and believe you had a little date with the auto-tune (making you sound like a robot wasn't just for kicks), I think you are capable of carrying a tune live. I also think you can dance pretty well when you feel like it. But I have to say, your new music video is not exactly what I was looking forward to seeing. Ignoring all the Equus-style horse imagery going on, you look pretty hot in the video. Like, If-U-Seek-Amy hot.
But why couldn't your video have more of this?
Yours truly,
Nolan
June 4, 2009
Silly Boys and Dumb Pop Stars
We all know our girl Rihanna has had some tough times lately. Shame on you, Chris Brown. So it is only natural that her career needs a great, It's-Britney-Bitch moment where she looks all hot and fabulous and turns all this negative hype into positive hype. Although "Gimme More" didn't quite work out for Britters the way we hoped, this song, "Silly Boy," might actually do the trick for Princess RiRi.
This song popped up ago on the Internet a few weeks ago with rumors circling that it was a Chris Brown dis-trick performed by Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Lady Gaga went on the record (via Kanye West's blog) to say that she doesn't have anything to do with the song. Rihanna also took to K-Dub's blog to say that it wasn't her singing, but it doesn't rule out the possibility that it might be her song in the future. There's no doubt that it's a demo track with someone else doing the vocal reference, but if I were Rihanna's A&R rep (which I totally should be; RiRi and I can be BFFs) I would use all my resources to make sure this song is hers and hers only. It's like "Breaking Dishes 2.0" with a little bit of "Disturbia."
Having Lady Gaga on the track is nice for promotional reasons, since she's blowing up on the charts right now and her appearance will only raise the fierceness terror alert of this song to orange, but I would prefer that Rihanna tell the story herself. It'd be like inviting Sasha Fierce to share the track. Sasha Fierce doesn't share (duh), and Rihanna is fully capable of owning the moment. Like "Umbrella," which Rihanna did all on her own, thank you very much.
Fun fact: Both Ms. Spears and Mary J. Blige were offered "Umbrella" before Rihanna was, but both turned it down (stupid). "S.O.S." was also originally given to Christina Milian, but she turned it down as well (double stupid). And even though she's not an R&B dance diva, Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up" was originally written and performed by Katy Perry. But I guess you can't really get away with a song like that after you've already made it clear you actually do hook up.
Also, for giggles, here's Gaga being 200% over-the-top. She lost points for calling the journalist ridiculous. Gaga, you are the ridiculous one. From your fake-ass wig to your British accent. I love you dearly, but seriously. I'm on to you.
And if it's possible for things to get even more ridiculous, here is Gaga's video for "Paparazzi." The wheelchair part will probably push somebody's buttons because it's so weird and, you know, wheelchairs are sensitive topics, but it's actually kinda scary once she gets out of it and starts to do her weird robot walk. Also, note the cone-head action at the end of the video.
This song popped up ago on the Internet a few weeks ago with rumors circling that it was a Chris Brown dis-trick performed by Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Lady Gaga went on the record (via Kanye West's blog) to say that she doesn't have anything to do with the song. Rihanna also took to K-Dub's blog to say that it wasn't her singing, but it doesn't rule out the possibility that it might be her song in the future. There's no doubt that it's a demo track with someone else doing the vocal reference, but if I were Rihanna's A&R rep (which I totally should be; RiRi and I can be BFFs) I would use all my resources to make sure this song is hers and hers only. It's like "Breaking Dishes 2.0" with a little bit of "Disturbia."
Having Lady Gaga on the track is nice for promotional reasons, since she's blowing up on the charts right now and her appearance will only raise the fierceness terror alert of this song to orange, but I would prefer that Rihanna tell the story herself. It'd be like inviting Sasha Fierce to share the track. Sasha Fierce doesn't share (duh), and Rihanna is fully capable of owning the moment. Like "Umbrella," which Rihanna did all on her own, thank you very much.
Fun fact: Both Ms. Spears and Mary J. Blige were offered "Umbrella" before Rihanna was, but both turned it down (stupid). "S.O.S." was also originally given to Christina Milian, but she turned it down as well (double stupid). And even though she's not an R&B dance diva, Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up" was originally written and performed by Katy Perry. But I guess you can't really get away with a song like that after you've already made it clear you actually do hook up.
Also, for giggles, here's Gaga being 200% over-the-top. She lost points for calling the journalist ridiculous. Gaga, you are the ridiculous one. From your fake-ass wig to your British accent. I love you dearly, but seriously. I'm on to you.
And if it's possible for things to get even more ridiculous, here is Gaga's video for "Paparazzi." The wheelchair part will probably push somebody's buttons because it's so weird and, you know, wheelchairs are sensitive topics, but it's actually kinda scary once she gets out of it and starts to do her weird robot walk. Also, note the cone-head action at the end of the video.
May 1, 2009
S-O-VVVVVVVVVVVV
Lady Sovereign came out with a new album the other day, and I totally forgot about it. In terms of my radar for crazy white chicks who rap ('sup Amanda Blank), Lady Sov sorta lost it. I think her debut album, Public Warning, ended up being a bit of a let down. "Love Me Or Hate Me" shows off her sense of humor pretty well, but for most of her older fans (from before she had plans for America), I think the record was underwhelming. I usually just listen to the remix to hear Missy Elliott jump in around 30 seconds with the line, "I ride a range rover / bitch move over." Speaking of Missy, where the hell is Block Party? I've been waiting for that album for months. But her label isn't doing anything to put it on record store shelves any time soon.
Anyway, back to Sov, her new album, Jigsaw is much better than the last one. It seems less intent on being hyper-grimey like the first one, and I think it suits her better. She's a weird kid, and she needs to embrace that weirdness. The title track has guitars in it! That's so ungrimey, but it's one of my favorites of hers. It definitely deserves the title-track status, even if it's about feeling heartbroken and completely wasted.
The first single, "So Human," samples The Cure, and the only reason I feel compelled to mention that is that every other press release seems to do it. But I don't see why it's so important to point it -- I wouldn't have noticed. Then again, I'm not up on my Cure like I should be. Regardless, it's a bouncy little pop number. And I like it when pop and rap collide and make beautiful music together! People have this cuh-raaaaaazy idea that the two are somehow incompatible. What's up with that?
Also, back to crazy white girls who can rap -- remember my shout out to Amanda Blank? Her album, I Love You, is coming out July 14th! She's been working on this for like two years, and I've been waiting along with her for most of that time. I've been a fan of Amanda ever since I heard her AMAZING guest appearance on Spank Rock's "Bump." Be warned, that song is kinda filthy. But she kills it when she shows up around three minutes in! Just when you think she's going to stop, she speeds it up. And best of all, she can actually do the entire rap live. She gets a bit out of breath by the end, but seriously, there's no studio magic here.
Anyway, her first single is the skanky-licious "Might Like You Better." The "I might like you better if we slept together" is sampled, too, but I don't know from where. I could look it up, but senioritis is getting to me, even on this blog.
Honorable Amanda Blank mentions: 1) Her remix of Santigold's "I'm A Lady" and 2) this snippet of her unreleased song "Make It Take It."
I probably should mention Uffie. She is kind of a brat, and even though "Pop The Glock" is great, she's milking the Parisian house sound to death and it's starting to get old. Uffie, bring the fiyaaaaah. I know you have it in you. Also, don't dye your hair blonde anymore. You look like a washed up Lindsay Lohan, and that's not good. Remember when you used to look like this? That song, by the way, is "Ttthhhee Ppaarrttyy". Yes, it's annoying to type, but not as annoying as it is to try and track down a live version of the song. The live remix Justice plays at all their shows is killer and hope I can experience that one day.
Anyway, back to Sov, her new album, Jigsaw is much better than the last one. It seems less intent on being hyper-grimey like the first one, and I think it suits her better. She's a weird kid, and she needs to embrace that weirdness. The title track has guitars in it! That's so ungrimey, but it's one of my favorites of hers. It definitely deserves the title-track status, even if it's about feeling heartbroken and completely wasted.
The first single, "So Human," samples The Cure, and the only reason I feel compelled to mention that is that every other press release seems to do it. But I don't see why it's so important to point it -- I wouldn't have noticed. Then again, I'm not up on my Cure like I should be. Regardless, it's a bouncy little pop number. And I like it when pop and rap collide and make beautiful music together! People have this cuh-raaaaaazy idea that the two are somehow incompatible. What's up with that?
Also, back to crazy white girls who can rap -- remember my shout out to Amanda Blank? Her album, I Love You, is coming out July 14th! She's been working on this for like two years, and I've been waiting along with her for most of that time. I've been a fan of Amanda ever since I heard her AMAZING guest appearance on Spank Rock's "Bump." Be warned, that song is kinda filthy. But she kills it when she shows up around three minutes in! Just when you think she's going to stop, she speeds it up. And best of all, she can actually do the entire rap live. She gets a bit out of breath by the end, but seriously, there's no studio magic here.
Anyway, her first single is the skanky-licious "Might Like You Better." The "I might like you better if we slept together" is sampled, too, but I don't know from where. I could look it up, but senioritis is getting to me, even on this blog.
Honorable Amanda Blank mentions: 1) Her remix of Santigold's "I'm A Lady" and 2) this snippet of her unreleased song "Make It Take It."
I probably should mention Uffie. She is kind of a brat, and even though "Pop The Glock" is great, she's milking the Parisian house sound to death and it's starting to get old. Uffie, bring the fiyaaaaah. I know you have it in you. Also, don't dye your hair blonde anymore. You look like a washed up Lindsay Lohan, and that's not good. Remember when you used to look like this? That song, by the way, is "Ttthhhee Ppaarrttyy". Yes, it's annoying to type, but not as annoying as it is to try and track down a live version of the song. The live remix Justice plays at all their shows is killer and hope I can experience that one day.
April 18, 2009
I Don't Care
This technically has nothing to do with pop music, although I think this band has all the element of good pop songs: clever lyrics, catchy melodies, addicting hooks. All the sweet stuff.
But alas, something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
THE HOT IQs, my favorite band from Denver, CO, is breaking up.
Two days ago they posted their farewell notice on their MySpace. Of course I still have an EP and a CD worth of material to enjoy, but this means I will never see them in concert ever again. I only had the pleasure of catching half of their opening set at a Northern State and Tegan & Sara show. I remember talking to the drummer, Elaine Acosta, and she was the sweetest person ever. She got the whole band to sign my CD, and asked me if I was a college student (they were playing at UC Berkeley). I told her I was a freshman in high school and she told me that I was really grown up and that I was a cool kid or something like that. Meeting bands doesn't happen very often, and it wasn't like we swapped stories about our life or anything. It was brief, but I always enjoy it when bands hang out at their merch table after their set to meet their fans. It always makes my day.
Also, last time I checked, they were halfway through recording their second album, which I guess is never going to see the light of day. That grinds my gears. Shucks.
Anyways, in tribute:
But alas, something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
THE HOT IQs, my favorite band from Denver, CO, is breaking up.
Two days ago they posted their farewell notice on their MySpace. Of course I still have an EP and a CD worth of material to enjoy, but this means I will never see them in concert ever again. I only had the pleasure of catching half of their opening set at a Northern State and Tegan & Sara show. I remember talking to the drummer, Elaine Acosta, and she was the sweetest person ever. She got the whole band to sign my CD, and asked me if I was a college student (they were playing at UC Berkeley). I told her I was a freshman in high school and she told me that I was really grown up and that I was a cool kid or something like that. Meeting bands doesn't happen very often, and it wasn't like we swapped stories about our life or anything. It was brief, but I always enjoy it when bands hang out at their merch table after their set to meet their fans. It always makes my day.
Also, last time I checked, they were halfway through recording their second album, which I guess is never going to see the light of day. That grinds my gears. Shucks.
Anyways, in tribute:
April 8, 2009
May the 4th Be With You
Get your dancing shoes on because we are going to party with Peaches.
"I Feel Cream" is the first single and title track off of her upcoming fourth album, due May 4th. It's a doozy on the dance floor, despite being a little un-Peachy. For one thing, it's pretty slick: no distorted bass synths, stuttering drum machines. And even though it has the word "cream" in the title, it's fairly PG as far as her past material is concerned. No sex rap? What is this, Kylie Minogue?
Fans who fear might our dear Merrill Nisker might be making a Yeah Yeah YeahsIt's Blitz kind of move need not worry. "More" and "Talk To Me," both of which are currently on her MySpace are more of what listeners have come to expect.
I FEEL CREAM - May 4th
1. Serpentine
2. Talk To Me
3. Lose You
4. More
5. Billionaire
6. I Feel Cream
7. Trick Or Treat
8. Show Stopper
9. Mommy Complex
10. Mud
11. Relax
12. Take You On
The track list, like "I Feel Cream," might be a little toned down compared to the track listing of her last album, 2006's Impeach My Bush, but inclusion of "Mommy Complex" leads me to believe that we'll still get the same freak we've come to know and love.
(Vanessa, you'll hate me for making this association, but does this song remind anybody else of Britney's "Trouble?")
"I Feel Cream" is the first single and title track off of her upcoming fourth album, due May 4th. It's a doozy on the dance floor, despite being a little un-Peachy. For one thing, it's pretty slick: no distorted bass synths, stuttering drum machines. And even though it has the word "cream" in the title, it's fairly PG as far as her past material is concerned. No sex rap? What is this, Kylie Minogue?
Fans who fear might our dear Merrill Nisker might be making a Yeah Yeah YeahsIt's Blitz kind of move need not worry. "More" and "Talk To Me," both of which are currently on her MySpace are more of what listeners have come to expect.
I FEEL CREAM - May 4th
1. Serpentine
2. Talk To Me
3. Lose You
4. More
5. Billionaire
6. I Feel Cream
7. Trick Or Treat
8. Show Stopper
9. Mommy Complex
10. Mud
11. Relax
12. Take You On
The track list, like "I Feel Cream," might be a little toned down compared to the track listing of her last album, 2006's Impeach My Bush, but inclusion of "Mommy Complex" leads me to believe that we'll still get the same freak we've come to know and love.
(Vanessa, you'll hate me for making this association, but does this song remind anybody else of Britney's "Trouble?")
March 27, 2009
Maybe I'm crazy for noticing this
This is her normal voice, as far as I know. It's one of my favorite interviews with her, because it sounds like she works really hard and has some cool ideas, despite a little to moderate amounts of pretension. But she has a good attitude, mostly. Even if it is 100% ridiculous.
But then sometimes she pulls out a fake Australian accent. Don't know who she's trying to fool with this one, but she only does it in Australia. I wonder what goes on inside her head.
Now here she is as a fembot. Let me tell you, I watch a lot of Lady GaGa interviews, and I've noticed that very recently she's started doing interviews in this high-pitched, unenthusiastic voice. It's slightly unsettling, but compared to the first video, it's also a little uninteresting. I'm not going to lie, I don't really like this new GaGa.
I really don't like the DJ in that interview. Who says black guys can't like Lady GaGa? Besides, he sounds like he took a hit of speed before he talked to her.
But then sometimes she pulls out a fake Australian accent. Don't know who she's trying to fool with this one, but she only does it in Australia. I wonder what goes on inside her head.
Now here she is as a fembot. Let me tell you, I watch a lot of Lady GaGa interviews, and I've noticed that very recently she's started doing interviews in this high-pitched, unenthusiastic voice. It's slightly unsettling, but compared to the first video, it's also a little uninteresting. I'm not going to lie, I don't really like this new GaGa.
I really don't like the DJ in that interview. Who says black guys can't like Lady GaGa? Besides, he sounds like he took a hit of speed before he talked to her.
March 14, 2009
Haha hehe haha ho
If you don't know by now, "If U Seek Amy," the third single off the certified-platinum album #6, Circus, basically spells out "F.U.C.K. Me." It's not everyday that Britney could get away with releasing a video like this. She sure is looking great these days -- remember when she was more like this? I think it's safe to say nobody wanted to Seek her back then.
She's been rehearsing enough for her tour now that the awkward, unflattering choreography designed to ease her back in to a life of gyrations and stripper poles is now a bit below her. Her team might have edited "Womanizer" to make it look more like she did more dancing than she was perhaps capable of, but I think she's ready for her next "Me Against the Music."
You really have to love the newscaster bit -- especially with the final line, "It doesn't make any sense, does it?" There's really nothing about this video that makes much sense. In what is essentially a strip-tease in reverse, Britney rolls out of bed after a night of assumed debauchery, prances around in a corset three sizes too small, and then magically turns into a a Stepford wife before going out to greet the paparazi. Is Amy the skanky Britney? Or is Amy the pie-baking Barbie doll? Does everybody want to see the goodie-two-shoes or are we all after the freak?
Damn. Who Britney was capable of such hardcore literary analysis?
The best part, though, is when Stepford Britney picks up the pie, smells it, winks, and dives right back into singing about how everybody wants to do her. You can't direct or edit that type of stuff in -- that's a pro at work. Makes sense, considering the video treatment was all her idea. Honestly, though, I think this video had the potential for some serious United-States-of-Tara action. Looking hot and dancing provocatively isn't particular groundbreaking.
(P.S. Those shoes set off the fierce alarm.)
March 13, 2009
...and this is my haus.
Can anybody exlpain how this song managed to get skipped over for The Fame?
A few of you might recognize this track from her short film, The Fame, Part One. Normally I'd say this song would leak any day now, but something tells me Gaga keeps this one locked up in diamond safe overseas. Anyway, while the whole piano shtick is hardly new at this point, she's rarely been this growly or this shouty. Even under the most superficial sugar exteriors, there is a riot grrrl inside us all. Hah, just kidding. Riot grrls would disown the movement if it involved doing half the things she did on stage. And this is after she gave up using hair spray and lighters to set leopard-print G-strings on fire.
(Have to say though, her new hair is looking a little Gwen circa December 2006.)
Oh, and did you hear? She's going on tour! Sorry to break hearts out there, but I've found out the hard way that a lot of these shows are 21+. Fooled me again!
THE FAME BALL TOUR
March 12, 2009 - San Diego, United States House of Blues
March 13, 2009 - Los Angeles, Wiltern Theatre
March 14, 2009 - San Francisco, Mezzanine
March 16, 2009 - Seattle, Showbox at the Market
March 17, 2009 - Portland, Wonder Ballroom
March 18, 2009 - Vancouver, Canada Commodore Ballroom
March 21, 2009 - Denver, Gothic Theater
March 23, 2009 - Minneapolis, Fine Line Music Cafe
March 24, 2009 - Chicago, House of Blues
March 25, 2009 - Royal Oak, Royal Oak Music Theatre
March 26, 2009 - Kitchener, Canada Elements Nightclub
March 27, 2009 - Ottawa, Bronson Centre
March 28, 2009 - Montreal, Metropolis
March 30, 2009 - Boston, House of Blues
March 31, 2009 - New York, Terminal 5
April 1, 2009 - Philadelphia, Electric Factory
April 2, 2009 - D.C., 9:30 Club
April 3, 2009 - Richmond, Toad's Place
April 6, 2009 - Orlando, House of Blues
April 7, 2009 - Tampa, The Ritz Ybor
April 8, 2009 - Ft. Lauderdale, Revolution
April 9, 2009 - Atlanta, Center Stage
April 11, 2009 - Palm Springs, Palm Springs Convention Center
Here's a clip from opening night (all the flashing lights remind me of my Pokémon -- someone's going to seize up in those strobe lights:
Personally, I can't wait until she has enough money to afford an arena tour like this (that would give Madonna a run for her money, although nothing can top this):
A few of you might recognize this track from her short film, The Fame, Part One. Normally I'd say this song would leak any day now, but something tells me Gaga keeps this one locked up in diamond safe overseas. Anyway, while the whole piano shtick is hardly new at this point, she's rarely been this growly or this shouty. Even under the most superficial sugar exteriors, there is a riot grrrl inside us all. Hah, just kidding. Riot grrls would disown the movement if it involved doing half the things she did on stage. And this is after she gave up using hair spray and lighters to set leopard-print G-strings on fire.
(Have to say though, her new hair is looking a little Gwen circa December 2006.)
Oh, and did you hear? She's going on tour! Sorry to break hearts out there, but I've found out the hard way that a lot of these shows are 21+. Fooled me again!
THE FAME BALL TOUR
March 12, 2009 - San Diego, United States House of Blues
March 13, 2009 - Los Angeles, Wiltern Theatre
March 14, 2009 - San Francisco, Mezzanine
March 16, 2009 - Seattle, Showbox at the Market
March 17, 2009 - Portland, Wonder Ballroom
March 18, 2009 - Vancouver, Canada Commodore Ballroom
March 21, 2009 - Denver, Gothic Theater
March 23, 2009 - Minneapolis, Fine Line Music Cafe
March 24, 2009 - Chicago, House of Blues
March 25, 2009 - Royal Oak, Royal Oak Music Theatre
March 26, 2009 - Kitchener, Canada Elements Nightclub
March 27, 2009 - Ottawa, Bronson Centre
March 28, 2009 - Montreal, Metropolis
March 30, 2009 - Boston, House of Blues
March 31, 2009 - New York, Terminal 5
April 1, 2009 - Philadelphia, Electric Factory
April 2, 2009 - D.C., 9:30 Club
April 3, 2009 - Richmond, Toad's Place
April 6, 2009 - Orlando, House of Blues
April 7, 2009 - Tampa, The Ritz Ybor
April 8, 2009 - Ft. Lauderdale, Revolution
April 9, 2009 - Atlanta, Center Stage
April 11, 2009 - Palm Springs, Palm Springs Convention Center
Here's a clip from opening night (all the flashing lights remind me of my Pokémon -- someone's going to seize up in those strobe lights:
Personally, I can't wait until she has enough money to afford an arena tour like this (that would give Madonna a run for her money, although nothing can top this):
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