There have been a couple of videos that have caught my eye lately so I thought I’d give them some love since the death of Musical Television left a void for a forum on the art form. If you are interested in buying the video through iTunes, click the title link (where available). If you are interested in buying the song, look for a link in the analysis.
A better song than D.O.A. but Jay-Z is continuing the obscure movie theme to the video off The Blueprint 3 and Run This Town has a The Warriors by way of Mad Max feel to it but with more face covering with Rihanna coming off as a Mortal Kombat character ion the beginning.
I never understood why Pearl Jam gave up making videos after their first album because they did were performance pieces anyways (sans Jeremy) and that is just what this is but with extreme close ups courtesy of Cameron Crowe.
Considering her last name and being produced by Babyface, the first couple singles from Kristinia DeBarge have been disappointing and adding to that, how can you do a video for a song called Sabotage and not feature someone named Cochise?
Of course the original Sabotage is up for the Best Video to Never Win a Moonman which got me thinking, what actually beat Sabotage. It lost to Cryin’ by Aerosmith (can’t complain too much as Alicia Silverstone owned MTV in the mid-nineties) with Heart Shaped Box and Everybody Hurts also in the running. Compare that to this year that features Lady Gaga, Britney Spears naked, Kanye West singing, Beyoncé in a leotard and Eminem dressing up like Bret Michaels. Um, yeah, I think the children are officially no longer the future.
My buddy Doug cued me on a project he is doing to find ever song DJ Premier ever produced which is a pretty lofty task. For those that are wondering, “Who is DJ Premier?” he is the production half of the seminal rap group Gang Starr. And for those who are wondering, “Who is Gang Starr?” – shame on you. I used “seminal” for a reason. Here is a primer for those that don’t know, Mass Appeal which coincidentally was probably the group’s biggest hit.
Listening to the debut album from Parachute is reminiscent to hearing Augustana for the first time: an Americanized version of Coldplay, lots of crushing chords and catchy melodies. But with Augustana, they had a few radio ready hit songs like Boston for anyone to latch onto but most of Losing Sleep sounds like the filler tracks on most albums that just blend into each other. Decent enough pop-rock songs, but nothing worth hitting the repeat button. The only song that comes close to being a stand out track on the album is She Is Love a sweet song that you get two versions of, the acoustic original and a Full Band version at the end of the album.
Christian music can be a mixed bag. Most focus too much on overtly religious lyrics while forgetting to make memorable music with hooks and melody. Sarah Reeves does not fall into that category. Sure there are those obvious lyrics like when she begs “Come Jesus, come awaken us,” but there is musicianship throughout Sweet Sweet Sound that can make the album enjoyable to secular and pop fans alike. Reeves saccharine voice, sounding like the lead singer of Sixpence None the Richer, is a great compliment to songs such as the breezy title track, the lovely Come Savior, and the guitar heavy Fresh Anointing and Let Us Rise wouldn’t sound out of place on any adult contemporary station.
Sweet Sweet Sound gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.
Swan Feathers by Leslie Mendelson has such an old time feeling, you can almost hear the vinyl scratching even on a crystal clear CD. And the keyboards that start off the first couple songs put her right in the coffeehouses of seventies New York. The jazzy songs even conjure up comparisons to modern day folks like Norah Jones. Each song has a mellow smooth groove that may are perfect for Mendelson’s sweet voice. But sometimes the album gets too mellow as you might find yourself drifting off while listening to the album if you are not paying close attention. There is an extremely slowed down cover of Be My Baby that is so slowed down that it may take most people until the chorus to even recognize the song.
Quote of the Week: Oh, Eric with a “C”, nice and friendly. Erik with a “K”, evil. (Parker, Leverage)
Song of the Week: Pony (It’s OK) – Erin McCarley (When in Rome trailer, see Video of the Week below)
Big News of the Week: The Beatles Break Up: Or at least that is what constitutes big new over at Rolling Stone as their cover story this week is Why The Beatles Broke Up. Almost forty years after the fact. Very timely guys. I wonder how much the Rock Band guys, who will be releasing The Beatles edition next month, paid for a Beatles cover story (and yes there is an ad for the game in the edition). And people wonder why print media is dying. Another sign comes in the other periodical I subscribe to, Newsweek, who released two double issues in a row. When I first subscribed, they only released two a year, in the summer and the year end edition, both you could tell by the six were double issues. The last two you wouldn’t know unless you saw the fine print that it was. If you are going to keep on releasing multiple double issues, at least double up the content if you want me to continue to subscribe.
Coalition Links of the Week: This week, Jace had an exclusive interview with True Blood's Anna Camp, in which they discuss Sarah Newlin, Camp's original audition (for the role of Sookie, no less!), the love triangle between Sarah, Jason, and Steve, Sarah's darker side, Camp's theatre work (opposite Daniel Radcliffe in Equus), whether the Newlins are gone for good, Mad Men, and lots more.. (Televisionary)
TV Fanatic doesn't care if FlashForward is a rip-off of Lost. Each preview looks better than the one before. (TV Fanatic)
It may be summer vacation, but TiFaux was back in high school this week with three separate posts about the new DeGrassi: The Next Generation. For one, Marisa provided a "Where Are They Now?" for some of the more notable DeGrassi alumni. (TiFaux)
Buzz is thrilled to see some new pics from the upcoming season of How I Met Your Mother! (BuzzSugar)
This week, Sandie took at first look at Wil Wheaton guest starring in Leverage's new episode "The Two Live Crew." (Daemon's TV)
GMMR has been sucked into summer reality shows in a big way this week. Big Brother has been crazy, America's Best Dance Crew has been hot, and now we get new episodes of Project Runway - a blessing or a curse? (Give Me My Remote)
It's not TV related but Vance loved the new production of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Donmar Warehouse in London starring Rachel Weisz. (Tapeworthy)
Rescue Me: One thing the show likes to do is have absurdly long scenes and when they work, like when the ghosts started to revisit Tommy this season, there is nothing better on television. Then you have the bedroom scene this episode which was just excruciatingly painful to watch. And is there anywhere I can bed that the chick Franco ends up fighting is his ex-girlfriend? You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.
Leverage: It looks like another television show might be tapping my phones as I had the theory that people putting “K” in their names where “C” should be as being evil for over a decade. If the show ever brings up my theory of chicks who put “I” at the end of their name instead of “Y” I may have to call my lawyer. You can stream current episodes over at TNT.tv. You can also download Leverage on iTunes.
Deal of the Week: Movies as Low as $6.99 (Shaun of the Dead, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Friday Night Lights: The Movie)
Video of the Week: As a dude, I am preconditioned to not like romantic comedies, and for the most part I do with a few exceptions that mostly involve John Cusack. But from the look of the trailer, When in Rome may join that list. C’mon, it features Veronica Mars and Ned the Piemaker as old flames. Throw in Gob Bluth and Danny DeVito as guys who have a love spell put on by Ronnie. Although does guy really need some magic to fall for Vee?
Next Week Pick of the Week: Leverage, Wednesday at 9:00 on TNT: Please note that many outlets have this week as the Leverage Summer finale, but TNT announced this week that they were extending it two more episodes so make sure you mark your calendar for September 2 and 9 as there will be new episodes on those days.
I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Sons of Anarchy, Community, Ghosthunters, Alien Earth, Naked Science: Hawking’s Universe, Miss Universe, the Hope Diamond and the Dreadnots.
- I recently started watching the first season of Sons of Anarchy and it is real epic. For those that are already caught up and ready for the season premiere Tuesday September 8 at 10:00 on FX, here is a preview of the second season:
- Speaking of Sons of Anarchy, fans of the show or those that want to get into the show, head over to FX.com to enter the Gear Pack Giveaway that includes the first season on DVD and all the goodies below:
- We are about a month until the premiere of Community and in addition to the Greendale Community College website, there is now an orientation video to go along with the college which touts its straight A’s, first up is Accessibility (as someone who’s dorm room without it, I appreciate that air conditioning is an upcoming one):
- A new season of SyFy’s Ghosthunters premiered this week and here is a promo for the new season Wednesdays at 9:00:
Two new specials hitting the National Geographic Channel this Sunday. Starting at 9:00 is Alien Earths where astronomers predict what far off planets may look like using CGI and if they could possibly host life. Then at 10:00 there is Naked Science: Hawking’s Universe which looks at Stephan’s contributions to the science field. Here is a clip from the latter that deals with Hawking’s speech software.
- Ever want to be a beauty pageant judge? Well here is your chance as you pick Miss Photogenic for the upcoming Miss Universe contest. And the photos they used just happened to be from the bikini competition. Then turn into the contest this Sunday on NBC and Telemundo.
- The Hope Diamond will be celebrating its fiftieth year in the Smithsonian this year and to commemorate, it is getting a new look as chosen by you. Head over to Smithsonianchannel.com to see the choices and to vote.
- How about some “good music for a bad economy”? For fans of what they call psychedelic hip-hop, you will want to check out the free download of Dreadnots Robotic Hands of God: Voice of the Last Days.
Two people that Kate Earl probable hates hearing about are Sarah Palin and Jewel as the newcomer is also from Alaska and those two are the only people to make a name for themselves in Continental US since Steward’s Folly unless you are a basketball fan that knows Carlos Boozer is also from the state. Like Jewel, Earl is a singer-songwriter and no she has never spent anytime living in a car. And Earl’s self titled album definitely isn’t some coffeehouse fair like her Alaskan predecessor.
Kate Earl should fit in pretty well with the other female singer-songwriters of the decade with songs like Melody fitting perfectly between the latest from Coblie Caillet and Sara Bareilles, but Earl has an music appreciation that seems to date back to the girl groups of the sixties as Only in Dreams could have fit on the radio back in the sixties between Diana Ross and Martha Reeves with Earl paying tribute to doo-wop in the middle of Melody. Basically Earl sounds like Cat Power had she ever cared about pop sensibilities.
But Kate Earl is plenty diverse, besides the present day pop hook of Melody and classic sound of Only in Dreams, All I Want and When You’re Ready have heavy dance beats to them. Nobody and Can’t Treat Me That Way are sleek songs that could fit in at the local cabaret. Golden Street is a clap heavy jam with a great synth groove to it and Learning to Fly sounds like an updated version of The Wall of Sound. While Impossible is your token girl anthem for the album. All the while with the introspective lyrics that are as good as any of her contemporaries. Soon we may have a third Alaskan for us in the lower forty-eight to point to.
There have been a couple of videos that have caught my eye lately so I thought I’d give them some love since the death of Musical Television left a void for a forum on the art form. If you are interested in buying the video through iTunes, click the title link (where available). If you are interested in buying the song, look for a link in the analysis.
UNICEF, MTV and The Killers teamed up this thought provoking video to shed the light on human trafficking. Hopefully since they are involved, MTV actually shows the video sometime other than times when normal people are not sleeping.
Back in 2000, I would have pegged David Gray to end up being one of the artists of the decade. As we close out the ’00 that sadly didn’t turn out to be the case aside from my own record collection as most people were turned off by his dark turn on A Day After Midnight. But still color me excited for Draw the Line out next month.
iTunes use to find a lot of gems with their weekly free Single of the Week, but this year has been mostly misses. But that turned around this week where you can get this song from Kate Earl for the low price of nothing. As long as the banner below is of Earl, you can still get it for free. As for the song itself, I love the subtle doo-wop in the middle of the song.
In a story I broke last week, tonight sees the American premiere of The Jon Dore Television Show on IFC at 10:00. The show is hard to describe as it is a little mix of things. You really cannot call it a reality show on Dore’s life because some of the bits are obviously scripted, we even get to see inside the writers room. But it also seems to be heavy on improve especially his “interviews” that are reminiscent of the ones conducted by The Daily Show where the interviewer are not being all that seriously though acting like it while the interviewees are trying to give the most serious answer they can come up with.
IFC will be show the first two seasons of The Jon Dore Television Show straight, twenty-six episodes in all, as they have already aired in Canada. Being a Canadian show be warned there are a lot of Canadianisms like people mispronouncing words like “aboot.” Oh, those silly Canadians. The first episode follows Dore while he goes to a fertility clinic to see if he can have kids. Later in the series Jon battles alcoholism, smoking, STD’s and even tries to get in shape in order to audition for a softcore porn role. And dude had a serious spare tire that he disturbingly likes to show off.
The Jon Dore Television Show is a quirky series that is reminiscent of another Canadian comedy import, Tom Green, but more polite, less annoying and better budget. When it is on, there is plenty of chuckling, but it seems if Dore would have done better in short form of a webseries that featured his interviewing skills as the episodes do go a little song for a twenty-two minute show with Dore taking many pit stops, much that are not as funny as the interviews, on his episode journey.
The Jon Dore Television Show airs Tuesdays at 10:00 on IFC and is repeated Saturdays also at 10:00.
Eric Clapton is one of those artists that it is nearly impossible to have one favorite song of. His catalogue is so extensive and diverse; you really cannot single out one. But with a gun to my head, I may have to go with Broken Hearted. While the album version (which the link below goes to) came during his electronic era where he became fascinated the drum machine (which was to rock bands in the late nineties, what the auto-tuner is for rappers today: overused). But where the song truly shines is in the acoustic setting where the video below come from with some help from John Mayer.
Quote of the Week: Miss Gilardi, I don’t like conspiracy theories. I don’t think Princess Diana was murdered by the Royal Family. I don’t think they dissected aliens in Roswell. And I’m pretty (expletive deleted) sure that the grassy knoll in Dallas, just a grassy knoll. (Judge Albert Farnsworth, Raising the Bar)
Song of the Week: Walk Away - Dropkick Murphys (Rescue Me)
Big News of the Week: Oz’s Ernie Hudson Joins Heroes: Okay, nothing Heroes does anymore can be considered “Big News” because no one, including myself, watches it anymore. The big news is the title itself where everywhere across the internets wrote just that: “Oz’s Ernie Hudson Joins Heroes.” I had to do a double take each time I saw that thinking, “was there another Ernie Hudson that happened to be on Oz?” because when I think Ernie Hudson, I think Ghostbusters. Is there really anyone out there that hears the name Ernie Hudson and thinks Oz first?
Coalition Links of the Week: It's summer, it's hot, and Vance's brain can no longer think in more than 140 characters. He hasn't blogged much lately, but he's twittered the summer away. (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace had an exclusive interview with Bones showrunner/executive producer Hart Hanson about what to expect from Season Five of Bones, Booth's mental state, Brennan's Guatemalan trip, Angela's celibacy vow, a possible return to London, Stephen Fry, and much more. (Televisionary)
Design Star -- it's no Project Runway, but it'll do during the summer doldrums. Also, Nathan and Dan are good enough eye candy to keep tuning in. (TiFaux)
Dr. Gregory House trying to actually connect with people?!? Matt is excited to see if this House spoiler become a reality. (TV Fanatic)
Buzz geared up for Mad Men's third season with a little quiz about the first two years of the show. (BuzzSugar)
Sandie interviewed Michaela Conlin, who plays Angela on Bones. (Daemon's TV)
Rescue Me: That may have been the most low key wedding ever in the history of television. Made even more shocking with the knowledge that the hooker is apparently loaded. I still don’t see this ending well. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.
Leverage: It was pretty funny that they ran a Nancy Grace commercial during an episode that called out her and her ilk for being shady and corrupt. You can stream current episodes over at TNT.tv. You can also download Leverage on iTunes.
The Philanthropist: Well that was a surprised that Madestone turned out to be the governor’s brother. Surely didn’t see that one coming. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download The Philanthropist on iTunes.
Free Download of the Week: Fire Escape – Diane Birch (Rcrd Lbl): If you saw my review of the debut album from Diane Birch, Bible Belt (if not see: Love Makes the Price Good Enough to Wanna Pay) then you may have noticed the Song to Download was Fire Escape which you can download for free.
Video of the Week: Just a reminder that CTRL is still airing new episodes (I think they have two more left). The latest, where Buster Bluth learns what CTRL-Z does, may be the funniest yet. Or click the link to view the entire series so far.
Next Week Pick of the Week: Shaq Vs., Tuesday at 9:00 on ABC: Every week the newly Cleveland resident will be taking on other athletes in their sports with Shaq getting a handicap. Hopefully he shows his city’s loyalty by getting in a cheap shot to the knees of Ben Roethlisberger. Also expect Shaq to go up against Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Oscar De La Hoya, Albert Pujols, Kerry Walsh and Misty May-Treanor.
As usual, place your guesses in the comment (or e-mail me), both artist and song title, and if you are correct I will un-bold the lyric. Please keep in mind the lyrics quiz is for entertainment purposes only so please only use your own meandering mind to guess them. Now onto the quiz:
1. In the past where the sun don’t ever shine I will shiver the whole night through. 2. The sun do’n go down, it’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning ‘round. 3. When you can see your unborn children in her eyes. (Have You Ever Loved a Woman? - Bryan Adams; guessed by Rebekah) 4. You still acting up. Running around here like some brand new (chicken) about to get (plucked). 5. All that I’ve been giving is this pain that I’ve been living they got me in the system. 6. Coming in a mess going out in style. I ain’t good looking but I’m someone’s child. 7. They say you are a snuff queen, honey I don't think that's true. (Why Don't We Get Drunk - Jimmy Buffet; guessed by Rebekah) 8. I always thought our love was so right, I guess I was wrong. I always thought U'd be by my side mama, now U're gone. (How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore - Prince; guessed by Rebekah) 9. I ask myself, “Is all hope lost. Is there only pain, hatred and misery?” 10. So we pray to as many different God's as there are flowers, but we call religion our friend. 11. How many times do I have to try to tell you that I’m sorry for the things I've done? (Why - Annie Lennox; guessed by Rebekah) 12. It's enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best. (Can You Feel the Love Tonight? - Elton John; guessed by Anonymous) 13. So tell me why we have to die and kill each other one by one? 14. My friend gots a boyfriend, man she hates that (expletive deleted) she tell me every day. (Why Don't You Get a Job? - The Offspring; guessed by AJ) 15. You know we got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today. (What's Going On - Marvin Gaye; guessed by Rebekah) 16. There’s a dream that strings the road with broken glass for us to hold. And I cut so far before I had to stay. 17. Richard said, “Withdrawal in disgust is not the same as apathy.” 18. Take me as I am; put your hand in mine, now and forever. 19. So I made a big mistake, try to see it once my way. 20. Mom it’s my birthday. (What Would You Say - Dave Matthews Band; guessed by Jo) 21. Nobody likes you when you’re 23. (What's My Age Again? - Blink-182; guessed by AJ) 22. Someone told me long ago, there’s a calm before the storm. I know, it’s been coming for some time. (Have You Ever Seen the Rain? - Creedence Clearwater Revival; guessed by Rebekah) 23. You shut your mouth. How can you say I go about things the wrong way. 24. Got some bad news this morning that in turn made my day. 25. Seems to be a misunderstanding ‘bout who you belong to. I’m tired of he saying, she saying.
I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on The Jon Dore Television Show, Community, Black Gold, Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel, HawthoRNe, and Paula Abdul.
- Variety recently called Jon Dore one of “10 Comics to Watch” and watch you will be able to do when IFC airs The Jon Dore Television Show coming this Tuesday at 10:00 which will be airing the first two seasons of the Canadian show back to back.
- You still have a couple hours to watch the season premiere of Community if become a fan of the show on Facebook before you will have to wait until September 17 for the premiere. If you are still wondering if it is something you want to watch, check out this preview:
- Black Gold (which you remember as the reality show that features Matthew McConaughey’s brother, Rooster) returns for a second season this coming Wednesday at 10:00 on TruTV. Here is a preview:
- Also going into its second season on TruTV is Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel retuning September 1 at 10:00.
- For those enjoying the inaugural season of TNT’s HawthoRNe should be happy to hear the Jada Pinkett Smith medical show has been renewed for a second season which is set to air sometime in 2010.
- TV Guide recently polled their readers and 55% of them want Paula Abdul to appear on Dancing with the Stars while I polled the workers on the 9th Green and 100% of them said they wouldn’t watch Dancing with the Stars even if they cast MC Skat Kat.
There have been a couple of videos that have caught my eye lately so I thought I’d give them some love since the death of Musical Television left a void for a forum on the art form. If you are interested in buying the video through iTunes, click the title link (where available). If you are interested in buying the song, look for a link in the analysis.
Kanye West cannot be happy that The Fray did a better version of his than he did and their animated video is better too. Of course this is why Kanye should leave emo to the professionals. You don’t see The Fray dropping a rap mixtape do you?
Rob Thomas has made some of the most mediocre music of the past fifteen years, but dude does have a sense of humor that I learned second hand when I asked the other Rob Thomas about how much he hated Matchbox 20 jokes (see No, Not that Rob Thomas). Another case in point, this faux YouTube-style music video.
Little Bribes – Death Cab for Cutie
There is just something about the lyric, “The Eiffel Tower built to a smaller scale; the freshest oxygen I ever inhaled” from the latest Death Cab for Cutie song.
When I reviewed the debut album from Jessie James (see The Rebel Moon Is Shining) I called Wanted “disposable as disposable pop can get (although any red blooded American male won’t get tired watching the video.” Well here is said video for all the red blooded American males out there.
Diane Birch has the kind of voice that can melt your heart and warm your soul. There have been many retro artists of late but Birch is one of the few that mange to be retro but still sound current at the same time (the only other being Amy Winehouse, but who knows if she will ever be cognizant enough again to make another album). Sounding like Carole King with more edge at times, Birch should still find room on the playlist of present day adult contemporary radio station. And if Birch isn’t on your local station you should call for the resignation of the programmer.
The name Diane Birch may make some head scratching happen, but her debut album Bible Belt assembles an impressive list of session players, Lenny Kravitz’s recording and touring drummer Cindy Blackman, George Porter from The Meters on bass, Adam Blackstone from The Roots, Lenny Kaye from the Patti Smith Group, and some backing vocals from Eugene Pitt of the doo wop group The Jive Five. With all that assembly of talent, the real secret weapon is legendary soul singer Betty Wright who co-produced Bible Belt, provided backing vocals and served as Birch’s vocal coach.
Despite the religious title, Bible Belt is no Christian record instead seems to be inspired by her traveling preacher, and spending most of her youth going from place to place like South Africa and Australia certainly helped the creative process in Birch. The closest she gets to being non-secular is near the end of the album including Choo Choo which features hints of organs that could be from a church service (or maybe just a lost The Doors groove) while singing about how the devil has targeted her guy to just get to her. Then there is the bluesy Forgiveness that starts off with the line, “Hallelujah I got water, I got air.” Actually the song could work as a hymnal just as well and a pop song. Also Photograph ends in a crescendo of a choir to great effect after starting off as a lullaby.
With a voice like hers, naturally the slow songs are where she truly soars like on Fire Escape, the opener to the album. The other showcase to her voice bookends the album with the closer Magic View. But shows her many other skills throughout the album, Valentino is a bouncy New Orleans inspired track. If you listen closely you may her influences from the original Iko Iko. But for a full New Orleans march go to Rise Up.
The lead single Nothing but a Miracle is a dreamy jazzy song that laments the demise of a relationship that should be in heavy rotation of any broken hearted girl playlist, way ahead of any cheesy angry pop tart’s break up song. The piano into to Rewind sounds like the greatest chord progression Billy Joel never got around to writing himself while the chorus starts to sound like the melody of Alone by Heart before going somewhere different when the horns come in.
Here is one for the youngins that don’t realize there was music recorded before they were born. In fact this song even outdates me by more than a few years. Summer in the City comes to mind mostly because the last two days have topped off here at over 90 degrees after an extremely mild summer so far. Since I had it this far without the air conditioner being turned on I decided a couple weeks ago that I would try to go the whole summer without it. Thanks to the mini-heat wave I spent the last two days sweating profusely as I walk around in nothing but my boxers to stay cool. And whenever I sweat profusely, I think of this song because it just sounds like the musical version of sweat.
Back in the nineties I had a deep disgust of country music as I felt it contributed to the dumbing down of its listeners with its songs about sexy tractors. I am pretty sure my country music fans peers in high school grew up to be the people that blacked out John McCain’s name on their front yard McCain/Palin ’08 sign. It wasn’t until college that rediscovered the genre thanks to Rick Rubin reintroducing Johnny Cash that I realized that is basically country radio, much like Top 40, was contributing to the dumbing down of its listeners, but if look deep enough you could find quality country music.
Of course today the borders of pop and country are getting so melted to the point where singers like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift are considered country even though they are basically just pop singers who occasionally utilize fiddles and banjos. But Emmylou Harris they are not. These last two weeks those borders have gotten even murkier.
The melding of pop and country come to a head with current Swift opening act Gloriana which even features Cheyenne Kimball whose reality show chronicled her attempt to be the American Avril Lavigne. Now in a group with a heavy dose of mandolins Kimmel is happy to straddle the two genres. Their self titled debut starts well enough with the southern rock of How Far Do You Wanna Go? which is followed by the mellow clap along Wild at Heart that will probably ever Swift fan will be singing along to by the end of their tour with her. The only song after track two worth mentioning is You Said which sounds like a left over from Kimmel’s solo outing. Sadly the rest of the album if ripe with filler, and with a group of four singers I was expecting more harmonizing, but the four tend to just take turns with lead vocals.
No one, though, has blended the two genres more than Jessie James to the point that more than anything James acts the part of a country singer with the cut off jeans and t-shirts (with that said, her name is no pseudonym, she was born Jessica Rose James) but she is much more a Christina Aguilera clone than Reba McEntire. Yeah there is an occasional banjo, but songs like Wanted are as disposable as disposable pop can get (although any red blooded American male won’t get tired watching the video). And the lyrics don’t help her out much like “Is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me” from Bullet which was not surprisingly co-written by Katy Perry. Interestingly enough the strongest song on her also self titled debut is Psycho Girlfriend. Cheesy titles and screaming intro aside, it is one of the few songs James doesn’t try to out-Aguilera Aguilera and utilizes a silky vocal over a sly track and even slips in some Suzanne Vega to boot. If only her whole was this fun and clever.
Early in the movie Bart got a Room, Ashley Benson (who seems to where a cheerleader outfit more often than Hayden Panettiere) gives a monologue about the car that Steven Kaplan is driving her around in is just like Steve, not flashy but dependable. But Benson might as well been talking about the movie which may lack any flashy names but is at best watchable even if it falls flat at time.
Newcomer Kaplan is the lead of the movie despite not named Bart. It is the fact that even Bart got a room for after prom that makes Kaplan’s search for a date even urgent. Naturally underclassmen cheerleader Benson is at the top of the list but there are a few other opportunities Kaplan tries, including a blind date, in hopes of not getting stuck with going with his best friend, Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), because, much like Bart, we wants to get a room and share it with someone and not just to play Scrabble with all night.
Making it harder for Kaplan is that both his recently divorced parents are doing better finding dates. Mom Cheryl Hines (Waitress) has gotten serious and is hoping a question gets asked soon. While dad, William H. Macy (Wild Hogs) has resigned to finding dates in chat rooms (not the kind Chris Hansen trolls, but real adult ones) with mixed result. Bart Got a Room is dependable for a few laughs but is prone to breaking down for short stretches throughout.
The DVD does get bonus points for including a Pop-Up Videos style commentary that is much more entertaining than standard audio commentaries.
by way of Mad Max
feel to it but with more face covering with Rihanna coming off as a Mortal Kombat
character ion the beginning.
![Terror Alert Level: Elevated [YELLOW]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-iVFV0hXCTSYP16K_V0Rrxp3GqFrtBIJKeTUyQ2LpxZQ9XKHFj6QGtqqa7oxhLadLV8vUj8R84AftD8IKUSfN0u_u0CYDtJwhrpCPN2DBWquAIDv0jbVlhZL0mDFKlPKluGyxw/s400/small_elevated.png)
on my ![Terror Alert Level: High [ORANGE]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebDZ0qqwOVKMZj7oFSUe8Hm3ax54U9Hp1fThJPgiddTyzcdwx_5SV6E3b7hkKyxbaDiym4COmUXT2YJnsKCUjBHI_a2xZtNoY7qFQRslP5AGO5gLkJwn2ZbO0wIF80ycbKrgPPA/s400/small_high.png)
on my Terror Alert Scale.
guys, who will be releasing The Beatles edition next month, paid for a Beatles cover story (and yes there is an ad for the game in the edition). And people wonder why print media is dying. Another sign comes in the other periodical I subscribe to, Newsweek, who released two double issues in a row. When I first subscribed, they only released two a year, in the summer and the year end edition, both you could tell by the six were double issues. The last two you wouldn’t know unless you saw the fine print that it was. If you are going to keep on releasing multiple double issues, at least double up the content if you want me to continue to subscribe.
(Shaun of the Dead, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Friday Night Lights: The Movie)
. Is there really anyone out there that hears the name Ernie Hudson and thinks Oz first?
![Terror Alert Level: Severe [RED]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjcsCV5I3jWQDVTcnVoXbArSx3kHl02FZ8FkOHBBKP2w8mQulcCF614SIw1GjuB2JtKV2YcQOKXtMlnW2ulLSOvYvvXzDwZ3JF4Mlh0Dt2nfEL1oGLh0sk7O-GRHWbCPvJmMMKg/s400/small_severe.png)
on my 
(who seems to where a cheerleader outfit more often than 
) gives a monologue about the car that Steven Kaplan is driving her around in is just like Steve, not flashy but dependable. But Benson might as well been talking about the movie which may lack any flashy names but is at best watchable even if it falls flat at time.
), because, much like Bart, we wants to get a room and share it with someone and not just to play Scrabble with all night.
) has gotten serious and is hoping a question gets asked soon. While dad, William H. Macy (
) has resigned to finding dates in chat rooms (not the kind Chris Hansen trolls, but real adult ones) with mixed result. Bart Got a Room is dependable for a few laughs but is prone to breaking down for short stretches throughout.