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.