"Keep on Rocking in the Free World..."

Hello cherished readers (the few I only hallucinate to having). Just wanted to drop a note about my new blog I created, knickersandtrousers.blogspot.com, entitled Sunday Best. It's a fashion/style blog that I've been wanting to make for a while now. Just a little diddle I'll use to illustrate my view of fashion/art/style and what it's becoming to mean to me. Followers are always greatly appreciated. I will still be posting on the Story With a Melody ( as it seems as though I'm one of the only ones to continue blogging in Journalism 2) as often as I can but am trying to have Sunday Best as a main focus. Thanks to everyone who thought to give my words the time of day, it really means a lot. "Keep on rocking in the free world and, 'Do do dooloodo...Dun Dun!" -Nardwuar *skip to 7:14*

"Back in my day..."

'Tis the time for hippie one love, tea with the York's uptown indie kids, and chilling by the seaside flying solo. Spring weather, spring events, and spring break have got me pondering of the season's festivals, gatherings, tours, and concerts to hit up in the upcoming months. I decided to create a list of must see bands and artists for you to check out this spring/summer and for yours truly to make possible cameos. The cities and dates as follows are the places I believe make an ideal setting for that artist to perform at.

Of Montreal-4/20/09
Paradise-Boston, MA
18+

Black Kids-4/11/09
w/Mates of State
Metro,Chicago IL

MGMT-07/ 1/09
Prospect Park- Brooklyn, NY
USA

Sia-4/29/09
Postbahnhof
Berlin, DE

Vampire Weekend-4/22/09
John Green Hall @ Smith College
Northampton, MA

Chromeo-5/9/09
Audiotistic Festival
The Gorge, Washington


Highway Chile-Jimi Hendrix

Now Let Me Introduce Myself, My Name is Rossstar

I decided to dedicate one post out of my many to give props to one of my favorite radio stations and hosts. I found out about DJ Rossstar through my intense phase through pop punk/rock. He had done video interviews with some of my favorite bands at the time, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, ect. The videos were always entertaining and hilarious because of how unique his questions would be and Rossstar's presence with the guests, as if they had known each other for years. One thing he's known for is his art of bringing musicians and fans on the same level of familiarity.

"Basically, I try to ask all the questions that the fans really want to know." Rossstar said in statement when explaining why he created the station to a guest band on the show. Skipping the bio's and history of the band and always getting to the good stuff. "Tell me about the wheelchair story," Rossstar states blatantly to his guests All Time Low to start off the interview. "HAH. The wheelchair story! Straight into the good stuff," All Time Low lead man Alex Gaskarth said.

On every segment of his show, recorded live, he allows about 5 min, if not more through out to let fans Instant Message him questions and comments to the band. No matter how odd, inappropriate, or stupid the question may be, you have about a 90% chance of getting it said on the air. (if you message it like 5 times of course) I personally have had my comments read to some of my favorite bands each time. Some including comments about my fictitious cat biting me or asking if anyone's hungry...

Some of his more notable guests include Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, A Rocket to the Moon, the Academy Is, LMFAO, Pierce the Veil and more. You can check DJ Rossstar out every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm central on stickam.com/djrossstar, and befriend him on facebook (DJ Rossstar, with 3 s' children). Much love to DJ Rossstar, spread the word!


Vampire Weekend- Kids Don't Stand a Chance

10,000,000 Rupees for Slumdog Millionaire

I just recently saw Slumdog Millionaire after the craze over the Oscars drew in my curiosity. I can comfortably say that this is one of my favorite movies of all time. Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto give outstanding performances with an amazing storyline to back them up. During the previews, that I just so happened to first see AFTER the Oscars, I noticed the bollywood dancing scene with the actors. Being so caught up in the movie, at the end of the movie I got up halfway out of my seat ready to leave, but was stopped by the mob of dancers. All this weekend "Jai Ho" has been all that I've been obsessed with. The dancing, the song, just brilliant. I highly advise everyone to go check out the movie. Its not just about a love story and the game show. Its so much more, the journey.

Jai Ho- A.R. Rahman

Take walks. Drink Tea. Have Happiness. That would be nice.

I just need the day. Having a hard time trying to make that interesting start to tonight's post. After backspace, after backspace, I've decided to just start typing, and not to stop until my thoughts are expressed as whole. Thoughts cascading in my mind after watching Andrew Bravener's latest video. Try listening to it while reading what I have to say.

My most precious moments in life happen when I'm alone. I prefer these times, connection with my mind and my surroundings. I wish I could take a long walk in a neighborhood and not think about where I'm going. Just go, and my feet never stop. I wish I didn't think as much as I do. Over-analyzing, day dreaming. Wish I had spring. I need a Saturday alone take a walk. That would be nice. If I could do one thing in my lifetime, would be to live in each person's shoes for at least one day. I need to know the true meaning of happiness. Happiness is laughter with your loved ones. It is acceptance. It is a state of mind. Happiness wouldn't be such a bad place to be tonight. I'm working on being a genuine person, true. I wish I could live everyday like my last, as they say. To escape to land where these genuine people are and be free. Take walks. Drink tea. Have happiness. That would be nice.

These guys get me. I can't explain it, but they do. Thank you Andrew.
This Will Destroy You- Freedom Blade

Act II: Man of the Hour(s)

I watched the Oscars last night and was not left disappointed. Amused, but defiantly not disappointed. Hugh Jackman as a host couldn't have been more great. I thought he was funny, a little cheesy, but all the more lovable. I was also pleased with the big winners of the night. Most awards were predictable (such as Slumdog Millionare winning every other award) but others I hadn't seen coming. I will say that the only debbie downers of the night were Taraji Henson loosing best female supporting actress to Penelope Cruz and Jackman's performance with the big names. I was rooting for Henson to take it home.

The highlights of the night for me, were Hugh Jackman's opening number as well as Ben Stiller's impersonation of Joaquin Pheonix. I though it was inventive as well as amusing, Jackman's song n' skit incorperating all of the big films of the night into cute and funny phrases poking fun at them. I, however, was disapointed in the Jackman, Beyonce, Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron number. It honestly reminded me of a High School Musical scene that Beyonce and Jackman just happened to be the cameos, in Grease fashion... All in all I was pretty pleased in how the night went. Some of my favorite looking people included Amy Adams, Angelina Jolie, Penelope Cruz, and Seth Rogan. (partially just 'cause he's Seth Rogan) I have to say after seeing Slumdog win all the awards, this has furthered my curiosity about the movie. Basically saying 'I really wanna see it!' Well, I'm all the more excited for next year's Oscars. Hopefully we'll have some more fresh, new talent. What about Miley Cyrus' "Hannah Montana: The Movie"? She's fresh, she's new, she's young, she's totally nominated for an Academy Award. I mean how many people do you know who have the talent to pull off yourself, along with another you plus a wig. Huh? Huh?

I'd Date Him <===quality laughs. just fo' kicks.

Many Shades of Black~ The Raconteurs

Act I: You Had It Coming!

Back in middle school I would have this thing called "the name drop of the day." It would be a name or phrase picked out by either yours truly or a friend of mine. This name has been everyone from Freddie Mercury to Jack the Camera Guy, it constantly varied, daily..haha. I have decided to bring this tradition back with a twist. I will choose an artist, band, song, album, ect. of the day. Feel free to listen to this selection on your everyday headphones, iphones, or telephones.

I just recently re-watched the musical Chicago and fell in love all over again. Reminded me why again this was nominated for so many awards. I mean Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Renee Zellweger at their best in my opinion. I still get chills whenever I hear the phrase "POP, six! Squish!, uh! uh!, Cicero, Lipshitz..." I wish more movies were made like this today with amazing illustrations of the performing arts, wardrobe, setting, and cinematography. Now who's seeing the Jonas Brothers in 3d?!?!

All That Jazz~ Chicago

Northern Downpour Sends its Love

My, my, my. Seems as though cupid has been slacking on his job in the month of love. It has been brought to my attention that Panic at the Disco's Ryan Ross, and his exotic dancer girlfriend Keltie Colleen have called it quits. The cause has been said to be because Ross was a "Liar, cheater, and has broken my heart."

I got to school on a dreary Monday morning, only to have this news thrust into my face. "DID YOU HEAR??! KELTIE BROKE UP WITH RYAN!" First Chris Brown and Rihanna, now this. I can't take this month anymore. Although, I will admit, like much of my friends, that the split wasn't a totally debbie downer. My friends and I have always found Ross to be the most attractive in the band, and lets just say when we found out he was dating an exotic dancer, how ~deep~, we were taken aback to say at the least. The separation was a breath of fresh air, a glimpse of hope, to be honest.

The proof of the 'tragedy' was taken from Keltie's personal blog highkicksandhighhopes. In the Sunday, Feb. 15th entry, she goes on to explain how she read a text in his phone and uncovered him to be a liar and a cheater. About what you may ask? The answers are pending with no help from Ross's blog, We're So Blogging. (A play on words from the opening track of Pretty Odd's We're So Starving.) His last entry was over one week ago.

As we all morn in this news, we all have to be thankful for all of the good and good people in our lives. All I can say now is, I'm holding my breath in the last 10 days of February...that darn cupid.

It Was a Hit and Run...I think

Those of you who watched the Grammy Pre-Show Red Carpet, may have heard the constant breaking news involving Chris Brown and Rihanna on the E! entertainment stage. Reports show the two had an argument that got way out of hand leaving Brown with a $50,000 bail, Rihanna with bruises and cuts, and both with no attendance at the unforgettably Grammy night.

The two attended the Beverly Hills Hilton's Clive Davis party on Saturday. After the function, they both stepped outside and into a car arguing. The argument later escalated to outside of the car where Rihanna claimed Brown as being one of the alleged people who contributed to her injuries. Brown later fled the scene before authorities arrived and was later fined with a $50,000 bail. In due time, Brown turned himself in and left the station before 9 p.m.

There are a wide variety of causes due to the fight. Most of the media is blaming it on the fact that Rihanna gave Brown an STD, herpes. Those sources who say this, also claim that she had given Jay-Z an STD as well. On the other hand, a little birdy says the fight was over a text message on Brown's phone that Rihanna later found.

Honestly?

I'm not quite sure I've come to a final conclusion of all things surrounding the Grammy awards a couple of nights ago. It was a show to see none the less, I mean where else can you find the Jonas Brothers doing a collaboration with Stevie Wonder and Blink 182 back together on stage in over 6 years. It was a comedy and tragedy of sorts to say at the least.

The styles on the red carpet were either totally typical and done (almost prom dress like) or what the heck and "why? just why?" When thinking of these two rankings, I immediately think of Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. I thought their gowns were typical and I feel like I've seen them all to many times before. Sure, they want to keep it simple for a young, break-out artist, but really, have some creativity. When I saw M.I.A. on the carpet I honestly felt sorry for her. I mean she was pregnant and also had her baby due on the day of the awards. I had to give her some slack, but showing up to one of the season's biggest events dressed like a cross between Medusa and an Oompa Loompa is no excuse, sorry.

U2 opened the show and I thought it wasn't the greatest choice. They should've had someone like the Jonas Brothers (minus the Stevie) performing Burnin' Up to get people excited and feel the energy in the place. Due to the Rihanna and Chris Brown incident, some changes in presenters and performers had to be altered. One of which was probably my favorite ones of the night. Al Green perfoming with Justin Timberlake and Boys II Men. They had a little bit of the old, and a little bit of the new, and some '90s thrown in there for some flare. I thought they all did wonderfully. My least favorite performances were Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and Stevie Wonder and the Jonas Brothers' "Superstitious" and "Burnin' Up." The man is blind for crying out loud, give him some slack for Christ's sake with Kevin Jonas screaming "Come on Stevie!" every 7 seconds, my god. I thought I would go blind and possibly deaf with Katy Perry's sparkling bright obnoxious outfit and set design. Hated the singing, dancing, and song. Just wrong.

One of the highlights of my night was Blink 182's reunion of sorts. I didn't buy the whole 'we're all best of friends now and we're not going anywhere!' act. When they were presenting the award for best Rock Album, Tom and Mark were sort of leaning away from each other and had about 5 feet of space separating them, with poor Travis awkwardly standing in the middle struggling to open the envelope with one arm in a sling. I was still expecting a surprise like this when I heard they were all going to presenting. Even though there were some bogus vibes, at least we're getting something to feed out famine for 6 long years. The Grammys of '09 was of mixed emotions. All and all, I enjoyed every little surprise, bump, and messed up moment along the way.

"Just Gimme Indie Rock."

I think it's about time to discuss something that we've all wanted to bring up at one time or another. Genres and groups. One actually strikes my interest on this fine Thursday morning, indie. What is indie rock? Who is indie rock? Who are these indie kids, and what's so great about American Apperal? Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm here to ease your inquiries as well as pain. (as best I can)

The term indie originated from the phrase independent rock. This meaning a band or artist who has a certain type of sound and is usually signed to an independent label, but this is not in all cases. Indie has been around for a bit nowadays and is occupying our everyday lingo. My definition of the indie sound is a bit of grunge mixed with some folk and rock and roll, throwing some punk and pop music in there along the way.

So who exactly is "indie." Some of my favorite quote indie bands include Modest Mouse, Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, and Steel Train. These bands have the sound and not to mention the look. The look of getting most of your clothes at boutiques, thrift stores, and making your own wear. I found out about most of my indie bands by listening to one of my favorite radio stations, NME British radio. I hear something I like, write it down, and look up the band later. Indie music to m, comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be loud, fast, and quirky, or slow, soft, and alternative. There's a band and song for everyone.

My Top 5

In today's post, I thought of creating a list of my top 5 artists that should be listened by everyone at one point or another. These artists are on the rise and continue to bring the greatest of quality to their music and fans. The artists listed are in no particular order.

1. Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong- I found out this band (as well as a lot of my other artists on this list) from listening to NME radio. The song "Lonely Boy" played through the speakers as I made an attempt to bust a move. Their melodies are simple, catchy, and easily relateable. Take a listen to Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong if you are interested in the likes of the Kooks.

2. MGMT- The duo that originated in met in college and found musical synergy by "trying to sound like insects." Currently, their most popular single is Electric Feel. Their soulful-hippy vibes give off a sense of easy-going well composed music with the trippiest of lyrics. One of my personal favorite songs from them is Weekend Wars. Pick up your stereo to MGMT if you like new and refreshing sounds.

3.The Matches-They're energetic, psycho, and a little on the quirky side. Shawn Harris' vocals were the first thing that stood out for me. The way he sang sort of, off. It immediately reminded me of Bob Dylan. Their music however is on the Kills side. I jam out to Paper Cut Skin on a daily basis, and once you hear them, you will too.

4.Talking Heads- So their not exactly a "hot new band," but they are hot. This group has to be one of my favorites from the '80s. I first heard Burning Down the house on the 3 second clip it had on 13 Going on 30. There was something about the range the vocalist used and the sketchy dance moves the kid made. Even if you're not into the hideous '80s fad these days, still take a listen to Talking Heads.

5.The Wombats-If you're looking to gain some Indie cred, I suggest singing along to "Let's Dance the Joy Division" in your local Urban Outfitters. This group from Liverpool reminds me of what today's mainstream music SHOULD be. I vote the Wombats over a womanizer any day. The Wombats are you're regular UK band that could easily lure you into the local club with their fun and exciting music that you could sing to like nobody's hearing, and dance like nobody's dancing. Take a listen to the Wombats if you like Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong.

Well It's About Time

So its official. The United States of America has its first African American president. Barack Obama is our country's 44th president. They say you can tell a lot about someone just by what's on their ipod. Well I say, America voted right, because ladies and gentlemen, we finally have a president with good taste.

It's typical to have a president with country tunes along with American pride songs decked out over their itunes. Not so much the case with Obama. Obama remains to listen to some of the likes of Bob Dylan, Jay-z, and Ludacris.Who would've thought that before his Innagural Address, he could've been rockin out to some "get, that, dirt of ya shoulda!"

With Obama's winings, comes a couple of "firsts." Such as one of the first to take Global Warming seriously, one of the first to talk policy with rap artists, and one of our youngest men to lead the White House. And, who knows, maybe one of the first to be seen backstage at a T-Pain concert...

And the Nominees Are...

'Tis the season for creative juices to flow! Coming out of one Screen Actor's Guild Award show to the next. In the mists of this season's award shows, I find it appropriate to cover such an event that defines music (to an extent.) Oh yes, it's the 51st Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009.

Now I suppose the Grammy's are something one could argue over. Whether its the fact that most of the nominees are based on radio play and not hardcore talent. Or the fact that they should just go ahead and announce the Record of the Year first, because no one wants to sit through 3 hours of back to back unknown artists, speaking from a first hand testimonial. But it seems this year, the case is no different. Nominees include chart toppers such as Lil' Wayne, Leona Lewis, and M.I.A.

~Album of the Year~

-Viva La Vida or Death and All His Freinds-Cold Play
-Tha Carter III-Lil' Wayne
-Year of the Gentlemen-Ne-Yo
-Raising Sand-Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
-In Rainbows-Radiohead

Perez Hilton, Eat My Eraser Shavings!

"Fan fiction (alternately referred to as fanfiction, fanfic, FF or fic) is a broadly-defined term for stories about characters or settings written by fans of the original work, rather than by the original creator." taken from wikipedia.com

It's pop culture's latest craze and collides with such names as Perez Hilton and TMZ. The only difference is, its not created in a board room, art colleges, and not even in schools. The engineering starts at any one's computer, even yours. Fan fiction can release some of your favorite peer writers and can be your new favorite past time.

I first discovered fan fiction on Falloutboyrock.com's message boards back in 2006. The idea of fans being the authors of stories written by them with appearances by musicians, creeped me out none the less. My curiosity got the best of me as I began to indulge in my most fascinating guilty pleasure. The idea of people just like me living lives with my favorite stars was something I couldn't just ignore.

Fanfiction comes in all characters and themes. Whether its Paris Hilton being divorced from Bob Smith, to Lindsay Lohan being best friends with Brendon Urie. There's a story for everyone. Fan fiction is most popular among music. Most bands including Cobra Starship admit to reading it from time to time. So just where can I find this 'fan fiction' you ask?

These stories can be read and created all across the inter-web. Including some of my favorite places such as ficwad.com, mibba.com, and quizilla.com. If you're up to the challenge, jump in the deep end and post your own. My personal account on mibba is currently on a writers block... Fanfiction. Generated by the people, for the people.

"The universe tends to unfold as it should." Adam T. Siska

Rumors have recently been adressed regaurding the reunion of the legendary Blink 182. It seems as though anything is a possibility including a future tour.

Blink 182 bassist Mark Hoppus adresses the issue of rumors floating about a possible Blink 182 reunion. "The future is wide open," he says. Shortly following the heart-stopping plane crash involving Travis Barker, the band began to speak once more after almost 4 years. "We need to get back to a certain point as friends before we could ever take a stage together again, because that's what we always based everything on." says Hoppus. So there is a possibility in the near future of a reunion, collaberation, what ever you want to call it, no matter how many "if's" Hoppus tends to use.

I for one, couldn't stop staring at the monitor as it stared back at me the words Blink 182 and reunion in the same sentence. It will be something spectacular to see the boys on one stage again. After seeing Angels and Airwaves (Tom DeLonge's band) one stage and +44(Hoppus and Barker's band) on another, I think they owe it to us more recent fans to perform at least one show for us to feast our eyes on. The Blink 182 reunion would possibly be one of the biggest shows in the past decade. I have a feeling the selling of tickets will be something like buying tickets to The Best of Both Worlds tour.

Don't Call It a Comeback!

Oh the vinyl.  Most popular from the start of the '50s, collected my many, and what gives most mid-towners their indie cred. It seems as though not just the '80s are back, but as are the vinyls. Record sales have nearly doubled in 2008. 

Having parents born in the '50s, their fascinations and collections with vinyls are something that do not surprise me. Im used to hearing old school Jackson 5 and Nat King Cole vinyls playing around the house in the summer. They were collectors of all types of records to play on the record player in my living room. Who would've thought that bands such as Radiohead and Neutral Milk Hotel would bring back the old school vinyl, not to mention Panic at the Disco...

Being a huge fan of Panic at the disco since the release of A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, I can say that I was not suprised to see their debut album in the form of a vinyl sold at Hot Topic. The band always striked me as one to be original and experiment with things other bands had not, including creating a vinyl. I was pleasently surprised to know that the record sales had doubled in 2008. I think this partially was due to the trend of the past and I like to think Panic played some part in it also...

So vinyls are back. As are bright colors, old school vans, and on a lesser extent plaid. With all these trends being brought back, I wonder what will be next. What about the cheesy lingo. Sport, kid-o, honey. Oh god, I sure hope not...

"I reminisce with bliss of when we was closer"

You heard it here, Katy Perry and Travis McCoy are an official dunzo. The cause of the split is said to be non-stop fighting and arguments. The two separated at the end of 2008 towards new year. This is indeed a sad loss for Travy fans.

Do you remember the first time you flipped through the channels and landed on MTV? Showing, was a very catchy rock-hip-hop band with an oh so soulful voice in the background. You see a guy on the screen who seems to be in some relations with this female and treats her like 'his perfect girl.' For most, this was the first time any of us ever witnesses Travy on the Gym Class Heroes music video "Cupid's Chokehold." The couple of Travis McCoy and the later famous Katy Perry. Little would anyone know that this female would later overcome the charts with such singles as "I Kissed A Girl" and "Hot & Cold."

The couple was everyone's dream. The sweet and "innocent" pop singer who had it all, with the rebel lead from the infamous band. Even though this is a surprise to some, it wasn't for most. They dated for nearly a year before the split and were said to have continuous arguments. Post-breakup, McCoy posted on his friendsorenemies.com blog lyrics from the hip hop group "Main Source" expressing his views on the breakup. Including, were the lines, "We fight every night,now that’s not kosher.I reminisce with bliss of when we was closer.And wake up to be greeted by an argument again..."

Its a hard reality to face when one of your favorite celeb couples break up. In the back of your head, you must remember that not all relationships last forever, except for the good ones at least, haha. Think of your favorite couples who are holding on to their reationships, Pete & Ashlee, Joel & Nicole, and of course, Nick & Selena. For now, lets hope Katy and Travis sort things out and possibly get back together. "I know she thinks that I don't try, but I realize that I can do better..." On My Own Time- Gym Class Heroes.

The Artist Outdoes 2009 With a Surprise

We've all been there at one point or another. Its last week of 2008 and the year end is fast approaching. What better time to start planning your new years resolutions. No matter how much you know that around this time, nearly a week after the new year, these resolutions would would slowly shatter due to your resistance, will power, and good 'ol temptation. So here's a new plan, when contemplating what obstacles to add to your list, who better to look to for inspiration to change for the better than the artist formerly known as Prince.

Being a professional musician,one of the things you must face at one time or another, is the creation of an album. When creating, expect a few things. Tedious meetings and phone calls with your record label, occasional writer's block, frustration, and anticipation from your oh so adoring fans. When I came across the news that Prince was not only creating AN album for 2009, but 3, I was in astonishment. I could not grasp the idea that he was going to release 3 albums in 1 years time that are expected to live up to the quality of my personal favorite Purple Rain soundtrack.

With titles such as Lotus Flower, MPLSOUND, and Elixer, I couldn't help but to wonder what the tone and sound of the records would be. My eyes rested on the name Sheila E. under collaborations, at least I was assured that with such a great percussionist, it couldn't be a complete disaster. Another controversial topic surrounding the albums, was that Prince was assembling them with no help from record labels. On the website Lotusflow3r.com, fans are soon to be taken away by features such as exclusive content, music downloads,and concert tickets. Keep in mind that the albums and website were created WITHOUT the help of record labels.

Being an independent man now, let's hope that 2009 is a year of success for the artist formerly known as Prince. Being a fan of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" days, I am actually looking forward to the releases. Let's just hope the album reviews wont have to "rain" on his parade.