If you watched Jay Leno last night, you probably got one of the biggest laughs since Bridesmaids. Roseanne, yeah that Roseanne of the yelling and cackling variety from the 1990s said she's running for president on the Green Tea Party. Not the Tea Party or the Green Party, but the Green Tea Party. A party she decidedly created because she, like many of us are fed up with the antics of the Frick and Frack Parties or the Elephants and Donkeys as they're still called in some circles. Is this ok?
I know many of us like celebrities as politicians and some see politicians as celebrities. But for every Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton there are several more Governators in the mix. I mean really? Roseanne isn't actually a politician. She has no experience and I really would not like to think of her ever dismembering the national anthem again.
Ok so in her defense, she's an outsider to the Washington club and she has a lot of favor with the electorate. I mean, she wants to legalize marijuana so she has good standing with a sizable populace. Roseanne has never taken any junk from her husbands or co-stars so I don't think Boehner and Reid would scare her. She can make you laugh if you don't agree with everything she says, but most of all her best weapon would be her version of the national anthem. I mean we could probably keep bedbugs out of hotels with that thing.
In all seriousness, is our country in such shape we need a 90s sitcom icon to run the world? I mean is nobody good enough that we need a celebrity to take a stab at things. I would hope not, but then again there are scarier things.
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/05/roseanne-barr-palins-inspiring-me-to-run-for-prez/
Friday, August 5, 2011
Look at Them Now
Justin Bieber and Chris Brown have released another collaboration. This time as rappers. This isn't new. Bieber released a freestyle under the alias Shawty Mane last year and Brown had a major hit earlier this year rhyming alongside Lil' Wayne and Busta Rhymes. This new collaboration is called "Ladies Love Me". It mainly is Brown and Bieber trading brags about the kind of girls they wear, the clothes they wear, and the cars they like. Nothing special. However, if you're Team Breezy or a Belieber it probably makes you love them more. It only goes to prove that being a pop star these days includes many skills.
If I were listening just to judge on skills, they both are impressive. I'm not saying that they're going to make Jay-Z or Eminem shake in their boots but it is interesting. Even ten years ago, you wouldn't expect someone who made their name singing to start rapping all of a sudden. Now of course there are those rare artists who can do all very successfully. The only two of the past that come to mind are Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot, but it was a facet of their uniqueness at the time. Now artists who really want to make an impact have to do more than just one thing.
Talented people now can evolve in ways that aren't expected. Like who knew Gwyneth Paltrow could carry a tune? Or what about those Glee kids? It's almost like the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack where they did some of everything. Now acting, singing and dancing is impressive, but rapping is totally driven by thinking beyond words and rhymes, but concepts.
I wrote poetry when I was younger but I can't rhyme to save my life. Rapping is something that is a gift. Now there are cases where I wish people wouldn't sing and rap. For instance, Kanye West singing is not that great. Drake, however, can do it and not irritate as much. But the worst has to be Justin Timberlake on Diddy-Dirty Money's "Shades". I didn't know rather to laugh or cry laughing because I couldn't believe it. You can't always get A for effort.
If I were listening just to judge on skills, they both are impressive. I'm not saying that they're going to make Jay-Z or Eminem shake in their boots but it is interesting. Even ten years ago, you wouldn't expect someone who made their name singing to start rapping all of a sudden. Now of course there are those rare artists who can do all very successfully. The only two of the past that come to mind are Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot, but it was a facet of their uniqueness at the time. Now artists who really want to make an impact have to do more than just one thing.
Talented people now can evolve in ways that aren't expected. Like who knew Gwyneth Paltrow could carry a tune? Or what about those Glee kids? It's almost like the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack where they did some of everything. Now acting, singing and dancing is impressive, but rapping is totally driven by thinking beyond words and rhymes, but concepts.
I wrote poetry when I was younger but I can't rhyme to save my life. Rapping is something that is a gift. Now there are cases where I wish people wouldn't sing and rap. For instance, Kanye West singing is not that great. Drake, however, can do it and not irritate as much. But the worst has to be Justin Timberlake on Diddy-Dirty Money's "Shades". I didn't know rather to laugh or cry laughing because I couldn't believe it. You can't always get A for effort.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Behind the Music: How Little is Too Little?
Now before I get Twitter attacked by a rabid fan reading this, I am only using this artist as an example because he is included in the upcoming episode of Behind the Music. In an earlier posting, I'm sure you can recall that I compared VH1's flagship program Behind the Music to TV One's UnSung. But this relates to Behind the Music focusing on artists who to me have not had enough longevity to prove they're in the music industry for the long haul. This episode airing Sunday on Adam Lambert is a prime example to me. I'm not saying he's not musically relevant, but he only was a contestant on American Idol not that long ago.
He's only released one album as a mainstream artist. Now sure as an openly gay artist, he's had to endure more public criticism but I think that he needs to experience more for the story to be fuller. For example, I just watched the Enrique Iglesias episode which was amazing. I honestly didn't have much information on him beyond his tenure in the States, but his episode was informative and insightful on him as an artist. He's been in the industry over sixteen years. I think the depth of his career experiences made the show much more interesting than if he just bust on the scene in 2007.
This isn't the first episode I've had problems with. Jennifer Hudson, although wildly successful as an actress and singer, has a lot to prove. Can she survive the Oscar hype? Is she going to do another musical? I mean a career with a few years experience is great, but several years is even better. The dynamic layer of personal drama, shaky record sales, and other spins in a career make for great stories.
There are younger artists with layered careers, one in particular that comes to mind is Christina Aguilera who was essentially famous since she was a young kid on the Disney channel. Experience isn't central to age but to storytelling. You can be seventy with no story or fifteen with a lifetime of pain. It doesn't matter. What matters is what keeps us watching. I honestly don't want thirty minutes focused on what segment of someone's life. I want to hear what got them to this point and what makes them go on.
A story is about the dynamics of the characters and the turns in the plot. Without that, there's no point in watching.
He's only released one album as a mainstream artist. Now sure as an openly gay artist, he's had to endure more public criticism but I think that he needs to experience more for the story to be fuller. For example, I just watched the Enrique Iglesias episode which was amazing. I honestly didn't have much information on him beyond his tenure in the States, but his episode was informative and insightful on him as an artist. He's been in the industry over sixteen years. I think the depth of his career experiences made the show much more interesting than if he just bust on the scene in 2007.
This isn't the first episode I've had problems with. Jennifer Hudson, although wildly successful as an actress and singer, has a lot to prove. Can she survive the Oscar hype? Is she going to do another musical? I mean a career with a few years experience is great, but several years is even better. The dynamic layer of personal drama, shaky record sales, and other spins in a career make for great stories.
There are younger artists with layered careers, one in particular that comes to mind is Christina Aguilera who was essentially famous since she was a young kid on the Disney channel. Experience isn't central to age but to storytelling. You can be seventy with no story or fifteen with a lifetime of pain. It doesn't matter. What matters is what keeps us watching. I honestly don't want thirty minutes focused on what segment of someone's life. I want to hear what got them to this point and what makes them go on.
A story is about the dynamics of the characters and the turns in the plot. Without that, there's no point in watching.
Blame It On The.. ?
Kings of Leon is quickly becoming the most irritating story of the week. They abruptly canceled the tour because of lead singer Caleb Followill's exhaustion issues. It was later revealed that the culprit was alcohol. With cryptic tweets from Nathan Followill appearing to confirm this, it can only go one of two ways: good or bad. Now I must be honest, I'd never heard of Kings of Leon until their hit "Use Somebody." One part southern rock, one part arena rock, it seemed there was a new horizon for rock lovers. They followed that with other hits such as "Sex on Fire" and "Radioactive." As mainstream as they were becoming, they still wanted to be underground.
In trying to remain cool, they rejected Glee creator Ryan Murphy's request to use their music in an episode of the hit musical comedy. They considered themselves rock stars and unabashedly talked about their use of alcohol and drugs. And in the tradition of Mick Jagger and others, dated hot models. Caleb Followill even married one, Lily Aldridge this past May. However, that wasn't enough to save them from themselves.
Caleb reminds me of someone I went to school with. The kid who possibly could have everything they wanted but blew it because they rather get drunk or hang out. Being a rock star isn't so much a measure in showing up on time and looking neat but just making a valid attempt to prove you take what you do seriously.
Now we all know that rock stars aren't role models or heroes to the general public, but at a time when people are struggling to find a job they need, someone not doing a job they want is just stupid. I don't care if he doesn't want to be famous, he made a commitment and people are paying for his lack of it. Lloyd's of London, the famous insurance company may have to pay up to fifteen million dollars for Caleb not singing.
If this is the case and Caleb can't do it. I will. How hard is it to halfway sing and slur words in southern accent? Besides, the pay's good.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kings-of-leons-cancelled-tour-could-be-very-expensive-20110802
http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1656723/20110126/index.jhtml
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/lily-aldridges-wedding-to-kings-of-leon-rocker-was-amazing-2011147
In trying to remain cool, they rejected Glee creator Ryan Murphy's request to use their music in an episode of the hit musical comedy. They considered themselves rock stars and unabashedly talked about their use of alcohol and drugs. And in the tradition of Mick Jagger and others, dated hot models. Caleb Followill even married one, Lily Aldridge this past May. However, that wasn't enough to save them from themselves.
Caleb reminds me of someone I went to school with. The kid who possibly could have everything they wanted but blew it because they rather get drunk or hang out. Being a rock star isn't so much a measure in showing up on time and looking neat but just making a valid attempt to prove you take what you do seriously.
Now we all know that rock stars aren't role models or heroes to the general public, but at a time when people are struggling to find a job they need, someone not doing a job they want is just stupid. I don't care if he doesn't want to be famous, he made a commitment and people are paying for his lack of it. Lloyd's of London, the famous insurance company may have to pay up to fifteen million dollars for Caleb not singing.
If this is the case and Caleb can't do it. I will. How hard is it to halfway sing and slur words in southern accent? Besides, the pay's good.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kings-of-leons-cancelled-tour-could-be-very-expensive-20110802
http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1656723/20110126/index.jhtml
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/lily-aldridges-wedding-to-kings-of-leon-rocker-was-amazing-2011147
The Replacement Actors: A Brief TV History
We finally received word this week about how Ashton Kutcher will factor into the latest season of Two and a Half Men. There's no doubt that he will have a hard time filling the "winning" shows of one Charlie Sheen's Charlie Harper. For all of his off-camera antics, Sheen was perfect for his role as the womanizing, alcohol-swilling, good-time loving protagonist. Kutcher's character is thinly described as an internet billionaire with a broken heart. Only time will tell if he can fill such big shoes.
However, that got me thinking about what happened in other television shows when big-time characters were suddenly killed off or replaced in an established, popular series.
Judy Winslow, Family Matters
Perhaps one of TV's most mysterious disappearances is the youngest daughter of Carl and Harriet. Judy was irritating as a character to me. She had no depth, her story lines were ridiculous, and she provided less pizzazz than Urkel himself. After the first few seasons and the growing role of Steve Urkel, the producers saw no reason to keep Judy on and therefore she became a TV relic to be memorialized in reruns. She wasn't replaced and Family Matters ran for several more years with a glitch.
Brenda Walsh, Beverly Hills, 90210
Brenda was nice and then got mean. She loved Dylan, befriended Kelly and danced with David but that wasn't enough to keep her off screen alter-ego, Shannen Doherty from feuding and fighting with her castmates. At the end of the fourth season, they decided to send Brenda to London to study acting and she was replaced with family friend Valerie Malone (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen). The show continued for six more seasons and remains an icon for teen dramas.
Vivian Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The character Vivian was there the entire six seasons; the actress not so much. Janet Hubert had been Vivian in the first three seasons and after tense negotiations before the fourth season, she left the show. She was replaced by Daphne Maxwell-Reid. To be honest, I'd rather they just said Vivian left than be replaced. Hubert's Vivian was sassy and vivacious and Maxwell-Reid was much too subdued to be a viable replacement. The show last a few more seasons but it wasn't the same.
Mary Camden, 7th Heaven
Mary left for her grandparents in Buffalo, NY after the first five seasons, but it was really Jessica Biel's desire to get off the family drama train which drove this departure. At that point, the show had become so milquetoast it wasn't noticeable. However, for Biel transitioning wasn't as easy, so she returned in several episodes in the following seasons.
While there are several other departures and disappearances framing television history, these are some of the most popular in recent memory. Here's hoping Ashton Kutcher can add new life to Two and a Half Men.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/03/cbs-charlie-sheen/
However, that got me thinking about what happened in other television shows when big-time characters were suddenly killed off or replaced in an established, popular series.
Judy Winslow, Family Matters
Perhaps one of TV's most mysterious disappearances is the youngest daughter of Carl and Harriet. Judy was irritating as a character to me. She had no depth, her story lines were ridiculous, and she provided less pizzazz than Urkel himself. After the first few seasons and the growing role of Steve Urkel, the producers saw no reason to keep Judy on and therefore she became a TV relic to be memorialized in reruns. She wasn't replaced and Family Matters ran for several more years with a glitch.
Brenda Walsh, Beverly Hills, 90210
Brenda was nice and then got mean. She loved Dylan, befriended Kelly and danced with David but that wasn't enough to keep her off screen alter-ego, Shannen Doherty from feuding and fighting with her castmates. At the end of the fourth season, they decided to send Brenda to London to study acting and she was replaced with family friend Valerie Malone (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen). The show continued for six more seasons and remains an icon for teen dramas.
Vivian Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The character Vivian was there the entire six seasons; the actress not so much. Janet Hubert had been Vivian in the first three seasons and after tense negotiations before the fourth season, she left the show. She was replaced by Daphne Maxwell-Reid. To be honest, I'd rather they just said Vivian left than be replaced. Hubert's Vivian was sassy and vivacious and Maxwell-Reid was much too subdued to be a viable replacement. The show last a few more seasons but it wasn't the same.
Mary Camden, 7th Heaven
Mary left for her grandparents in Buffalo, NY after the first five seasons, but it was really Jessica Biel's desire to get off the family drama train which drove this departure. At that point, the show had become so milquetoast it wasn't noticeable. However, for Biel transitioning wasn't as easy, so she returned in several episodes in the following seasons.
While there are several other departures and disappearances framing television history, these are some of the most popular in recent memory. Here's hoping Ashton Kutcher can add new life to Two and a Half Men.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/03/cbs-charlie-sheen/
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Signing Your Life Away: Life in the Real World
According to The Village Voice the real world isn't all that's cracked up to be. No, not the world as we know it but MTV's the Real World. Is anyone really surprised? All reality shows are set-up/scripted for promoting hook-ups, conflict, and drama. But there are some surprising points within the contract.
One I found interesting was that you can't blame MTV if you catch a venereal disease while filming. Does that really need to be in this contract? Well, I guess it does because of the litigious nature of the US. I mean, where else can you sue McDonald's for hot coffee? I digress, but the point is anyone who is irresponsible enough in this day and age to have intimate relationships without taking proper precautions should have no one to blame but themselves. If the last thirty years has taught anyone anything, you can't be too careful.
Another stipulation I have a slight problem with is that becoming pregnant during taping warrants termination from the show. I think that's unfair especially considering the reputation MTV's development of shows like 16 & Pregnant. Someone on the Real World, is older but not necessarily wiser so showing the repercussions of unplanned parenthood and the decisions that fall in line with it.
MTV does not consider your appearance on the show a performance or employment. Well, considering it garners both, I think they should change their tune. Is Mikey from Idaho really a hound dog or is that the effects of Susie from Colorado and tequila? I'm not trying to say that people on the Real World aren't real, but every person fits a formula that seems to replicate itself. For instance, the uncomfortable gay guy, the outspoken black girl, or the naive country bumpkin. Is it possible that every college-aged and twenty-something individual fits these stereotypes? I doubt it. MTV plays upon the obvious for ratings so therefore it becomes easier with each season to replicate.
Finally, you can't change your looks without talking to the producer. What about when you bloat from too much food in your respective filming location? What if you get drunk in spray paint your hair Bozo Red? I'm just saying it sounds easier said than done.
Well that does it, I think I'll just stay here because no one's gonna get mad at me when I decide to dye my hair ice blue and call myself Pool Princess.
.http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/02/mtv-real-world-reputed-contract/#more-151580
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/08/mtv_real_world_contract.php?page=2
One I found interesting was that you can't blame MTV if you catch a venereal disease while filming. Does that really need to be in this contract? Well, I guess it does because of the litigious nature of the US. I mean, where else can you sue McDonald's for hot coffee? I digress, but the point is anyone who is irresponsible enough in this day and age to have intimate relationships without taking proper precautions should have no one to blame but themselves. If the last thirty years has taught anyone anything, you can't be too careful.
Another stipulation I have a slight problem with is that becoming pregnant during taping warrants termination from the show. I think that's unfair especially considering the reputation MTV's development of shows like 16 & Pregnant. Someone on the Real World, is older but not necessarily wiser so showing the repercussions of unplanned parenthood and the decisions that fall in line with it.
MTV does not consider your appearance on the show a performance or employment. Well, considering it garners both, I think they should change their tune. Is Mikey from Idaho really a hound dog or is that the effects of Susie from Colorado and tequila? I'm not trying to say that people on the Real World aren't real, but every person fits a formula that seems to replicate itself. For instance, the uncomfortable gay guy, the outspoken black girl, or the naive country bumpkin. Is it possible that every college-aged and twenty-something individual fits these stereotypes? I doubt it. MTV plays upon the obvious for ratings so therefore it becomes easier with each season to replicate.
Finally, you can't change your looks without talking to the producer. What about when you bloat from too much food in your respective filming location? What if you get drunk in spray paint your hair Bozo Red? I'm just saying it sounds easier said than done.
Well that does it, I think I'll just stay here because no one's gonna get mad at me when I decide to dye my hair ice blue and call myself Pool Princess.
.http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/02/mtv-real-world-reputed-contract/#more-151580
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/08/mtv_real_world_contract.php?page=2
In Livin' Color: The New Spiderman
If you haven't heard, Peter Parker is dead. The longstanding protagonist of the Spiderman series is now being replaced in comic books. This new Spiderman is a younger, bi-racial character named Miles Morales. Miles, is half-black and half-Latino. According to those in charge of continuing the iconic series, this isn't to be politically correct but more to mark the changing world around us and the diversity that is becoming more commonplace.
I think it's a great idea. Anyone who looks around can see that not everyone is in distinct, mutually exclusive racial categories. If you happened to look at the last census form or even standardized test, you can see that these changes are being applied. Our president is even bi-racial, even though many are quick to put him in one category because it seems easier. However, as time goes on its not going to be easier. There will be more and more people who are multi-racial.
The best place to mark this change would be in comics. Comic books have long been a staple of children who long for entertainment, escapism, and identification in a world that is uncertain and at times frightening. If children who wouldn't normally get exposure to different racial and social groups read Spiderman, their understanding expands.
But also another great thing that comes out of this is that there are superheroes who don't fit the normal blue-eyed, brown-haired archetypes. Even though there are different superheroes who are minorities, none have seemed to come to prominence as much as Batman, Spiderman and Superman. This could open doors for more diverse heroes and heroines.
As for Miles Morales, I think the legacy of the Spiderman franchise well help. But only time will tell if Miles will have his own movie franchise.
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/new-ultimate-spider-man-is-half-black-half-hispanic.php
I think it's a great idea. Anyone who looks around can see that not everyone is in distinct, mutually exclusive racial categories. If you happened to look at the last census form or even standardized test, you can see that these changes are being applied. Our president is even bi-racial, even though many are quick to put him in one category because it seems easier. However, as time goes on its not going to be easier. There will be more and more people who are multi-racial.
The best place to mark this change would be in comics. Comic books have long been a staple of children who long for entertainment, escapism, and identification in a world that is uncertain and at times frightening. If children who wouldn't normally get exposure to different racial and social groups read Spiderman, their understanding expands.
But also another great thing that comes out of this is that there are superheroes who don't fit the normal blue-eyed, brown-haired archetypes. Even though there are different superheroes who are minorities, none have seemed to come to prominence as much as Batman, Spiderman and Superman. This could open doors for more diverse heroes and heroines.
As for Miles Morales, I think the legacy of the Spiderman franchise well help. But only time will tell if Miles will have his own movie franchise.
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/new-ultimate-spider-man-is-half-black-half-hispanic.php
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Is Rolling Stone Crazy?
If you've checked out the Rolling Stone list for the best songs of the last decade, the number one was arguably one of the best one-hit wonders of all time, "Crazy" by the duo Gnarls Barkley (Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse). If you read the comments of the readers of the webpage, you would have thought the editors committed an act of treason by selecting this song. I happen to like the song, but I'm not sure if it defines the decade.
Sure "Crazy" was a great song, with it's retro vocal stylings and introspective lyrics. But I think it was mPublish Postore of a one-time fluke. Some critics would say it is a brilliant song in an era that is oft-defined by niche genres, overproduction and sampling. However, that can be said about the 90s and the 80s. The Aughts is just an extension of this. To me what makes a song is it's impact in culture and in life. It's just like when people say this song reminds them of their first kiss or their first school dance.
"Crazy" is more or less a self-evaluation and reflection of what the narrator's life is like. Sure, you hear it in the grocery store but is anybody really going to say this song changed their life. The lyrics are brooding and haunting, but so are a lot of songs. To me, Rolling Stone missed the opportunity to put some great songs on the list and I have a couple of examples.
"Dance With My Father" was the final hit for late R&B singer Luther Vandross. Composed with 80's icon Richard Marx, it was more or less a celebration of dancing with his dad as a child and his longing to relive those moments after his father's death when he was a child. This is one of the most moving songs of any decade and is arguably one of Luther Vandross' best efforts.
"Family Portrait" by P!nk is undoubtedly one of my favorite songs by her. She wrote the song as a reflection of her parents' divorce. Her gritty soulful voice cuts through you like a knife and haunts you. Any child who has witnessed the affects of a divorce firsthand or to someone close can relate to the longing she expresses to just look happy with her family. With the divorce rate as high as it is, I'm sure there are many kids who can relate to this.
Finally, Justin Timberlake's "LoveStoned" is arguably one of the best genre-bending songs that should have been bigger than it was. It didn't grab your attention the same way as "SexyBack" but in many ways is more expressive and artistic. The condensed single version is an injustice. To get the full experience you have to listen to the full seven and a half minute album version. Layers of beat-boxing provided by Timberlake and uber-producer Timbaland as well as rhythmic guitars send this song on a sonic journey from funky club music to tender rock ballad. You'll dance, you'll sing and more.
I'm not trying to say Rolling Stone was totally wrong, but I think they could have gone beyond the charts to define the last decade. Well at least they didn't include that "Bad Day" song.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-the-aughts-20110617
Sure "Crazy" was a great song, with it's retro vocal stylings and introspective lyrics. But I think it was mPublish Postore of a one-time fluke. Some critics would say it is a brilliant song in an era that is oft-defined by niche genres, overproduction and sampling. However, that can be said about the 90s and the 80s. The Aughts is just an extension of this. To me what makes a song is it's impact in culture and in life. It's just like when people say this song reminds them of their first kiss or their first school dance.
"Crazy" is more or less a self-evaluation and reflection of what the narrator's life is like. Sure, you hear it in the grocery store but is anybody really going to say this song changed their life. The lyrics are brooding and haunting, but so are a lot of songs. To me, Rolling Stone missed the opportunity to put some great songs on the list and I have a couple of examples.
"Dance With My Father" was the final hit for late R&B singer Luther Vandross. Composed with 80's icon Richard Marx, it was more or less a celebration of dancing with his dad as a child and his longing to relive those moments after his father's death when he was a child. This is one of the most moving songs of any decade and is arguably one of Luther Vandross' best efforts.
"Family Portrait" by P!nk is undoubtedly one of my favorite songs by her. She wrote the song as a reflection of her parents' divorce. Her gritty soulful voice cuts through you like a knife and haunts you. Any child who has witnessed the affects of a divorce firsthand or to someone close can relate to the longing she expresses to just look happy with her family. With the divorce rate as high as it is, I'm sure there are many kids who can relate to this.
Finally, Justin Timberlake's "LoveStoned" is arguably one of the best genre-bending songs that should have been bigger than it was. It didn't grab your attention the same way as "SexyBack" but in many ways is more expressive and artistic. The condensed single version is an injustice. To get the full experience you have to listen to the full seven and a half minute album version. Layers of beat-boxing provided by Timberlake and uber-producer Timbaland as well as rhythmic guitars send this song on a sonic journey from funky club music to tender rock ballad. You'll dance, you'll sing and more.
I'm not trying to say Rolling Stone was totally wrong, but I think they could have gone beyond the charts to define the last decade. Well at least they didn't include that "Bad Day" song.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-best-songs-of-the-aughts-20110617
Murph's Picks Part Deux
For this week's edition of Murph's Picks, I decided to select a movie. Now for those of you who believe classic cinema means the 80's and 90's, I have something for you. To me this movie defines classic comedy. It's part rom-com, goofy gender bender, and all parts silly. Some Like it Hot is one of the best movies of the 1950s. Written and directed by the legendary Billy Wilder (The Apartment, Double Indemnity) it is timeless because his approach was to show how funny life can be even though you don't always think it is.
Starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, I would say this is an influential picture not just because of the star power, but just because it seems that each star worked together to produce the best movie possible. While there are reports and accounts from various sources, including Tony Curtis himself stating that Marilyn Monroe was difficult and delayed production, the end result is brilliant.
Curtis and Lemmon are two jazz players who witness a giant massacre by local Chicago hoodlums and as a result must go into hiding. Now initially this works, but after being recognized Curtis' character decidedly states that he and Lemmon must go incognito as women in an all-female band. Well of course, the natural hi-jinks ensue and the movie goes on from there. Marilyn Monroe is one the women in the in the band and of course the object of Curtis' character's affections.
While this movie is lengthy, the time goes by fast and each laugh is bigger than the last. I won't ruin the ending for you, but I say if you want a laugh without going to the movie theater, Some Like it Hot will keep you cool in the comfort of your home.
Starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, I would say this is an influential picture not just because of the star power, but just because it seems that each star worked together to produce the best movie possible. While there are reports and accounts from various sources, including Tony Curtis himself stating that Marilyn Monroe was difficult and delayed production, the end result is brilliant.
Curtis and Lemmon are two jazz players who witness a giant massacre by local Chicago hoodlums and as a result must go into hiding. Now initially this works, but after being recognized Curtis' character decidedly states that he and Lemmon must go incognito as women in an all-female band. Well of course, the natural hi-jinks ensue and the movie goes on from there. Marilyn Monroe is one the women in the in the band and of course the object of Curtis' character's affections.
While this movie is lengthy, the time goes by fast and each laugh is bigger than the last. I won't ruin the ending for you, but I say if you want a laugh without going to the movie theater, Some Like it Hot will keep you cool in the comfort of your home.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Women with Guns: Lifetime's Cop Dramas
If you watch Lifetime for extended periods of time without flinching, I congratulate you. If you watch a Lifetime cop drama for extended periods of time, you deserve a medal. While we all realize the power of good, female-centered shows on cable, Lifetime seems to be recycling plots from broadcast programs and adding more love scenes. Last night, the network's newest show, Against the Wall, debuted to rather low numbers.
Why is this? I have a few suspicions. The first one being that Against the Wall seems rather familiar. In the previews I've seen, it is about a female cop promoted to detective in Internal Affairs. This sounds good, but the only thing is that her father (Treat Williams) and her three brothers (Brandon Quinn, Steve Byers, and James Thomas) are all proud badge carriers, leery of the rat squad. Other than that, I can't say what's what. But the thing is as soon as I saw the preview, I thought of Blue Bloods. Blue Bloods premiered last year and I could barely make it to half an episode. Against the Wall is on cable and has less star power, so there's much more risked in just airing the show.
Also, Lifetime just debuted a new cop drama about a single mom living with her brother and sons called The Protector. I saw an episode and it was pretty good. But the thing is how many times can we watch a woman in a man's world fight the good fight with a gun? Where's the nuance?
Two shows that feature women in prominent roles that work excellently are The Closer and Rizzoli and Isles which both happen to be on TNT. The Closer, currently in its last and seventh season is brilliant. Kyra Sedgwick's portrayal of Chief Brenda Lee Johnson is witty, vulnerable, determined, and headstrong. Not only does she have to deal with the typical departmental name-calling and backbiting but she also plays mother hen to her squad who at times seem to act juvenile and irresponsible.
Rizzoli and Isles, in its second season are like the new age Cagney and Lacey (Wikipedia it if you don't know). However, neither are married or mothers. There chemistry is dependent on the opposites attract motif but it works. Seasoned actresses Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander are funny, charming, and very smart together and the supporting cast accents the show.
But back to Against the Wall. The star is a relative unknown, Rachael Carpani which could work. This could be a vehicle for her. But I think what Lifetime has to remember is that they cannot try to be another network. The audience is diverse but at the same time they expect a movie of the week. What Lifetime should have done was ask the viewership what they want instead of supplying what they thought was needed.
http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/new-lifetime-drama-against-the-wall-off-to-sluggish-start/
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/lifetimes-wall-is-a-new-217445
Why is this? I have a few suspicions. The first one being that Against the Wall seems rather familiar. In the previews I've seen, it is about a female cop promoted to detective in Internal Affairs. This sounds good, but the only thing is that her father (Treat Williams) and her three brothers (Brandon Quinn, Steve Byers, and James Thomas) are all proud badge carriers, leery of the rat squad. Other than that, I can't say what's what. But the thing is as soon as I saw the preview, I thought of Blue Bloods. Blue Bloods premiered last year and I could barely make it to half an episode. Against the Wall is on cable and has less star power, so there's much more risked in just airing the show.
Also, Lifetime just debuted a new cop drama about a single mom living with her brother and sons called The Protector. I saw an episode and it was pretty good. But the thing is how many times can we watch a woman in a man's world fight the good fight with a gun? Where's the nuance?
Two shows that feature women in prominent roles that work excellently are The Closer and Rizzoli and Isles which both happen to be on TNT. The Closer, currently in its last and seventh season is brilliant. Kyra Sedgwick's portrayal of Chief Brenda Lee Johnson is witty, vulnerable, determined, and headstrong. Not only does she have to deal with the typical departmental name-calling and backbiting but she also plays mother hen to her squad who at times seem to act juvenile and irresponsible.
Rizzoli and Isles, in its second season are like the new age Cagney and Lacey (Wikipedia it if you don't know). However, neither are married or mothers. There chemistry is dependent on the opposites attract motif but it works. Seasoned actresses Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander are funny, charming, and very smart together and the supporting cast accents the show.
But back to Against the Wall. The star is a relative unknown, Rachael Carpani which could work. This could be a vehicle for her. But I think what Lifetime has to remember is that they cannot try to be another network. The audience is diverse but at the same time they expect a movie of the week. What Lifetime should have done was ask the viewership what they want instead of supplying what they thought was needed.
http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/new-lifetime-drama-against-the-wall-off-to-sluggish-start/
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/lifetimes-wall-is-a-new-217445
They Put the M in MTV: 5 Great Videos
Today, is the 30th anniversary of MTV and in celebration (or mourning of when they actually played cool videos) I'm offering five awesome works of visual art that rose to prominence because of rotation on MTV.
A-ha Take On Me
Who is A-ha? The Norwegian based group are still icons in their native country, but only had one major hit in this comic book inspired clip that won several Video Music Awards. I personally think this video is stunning and anyone who takes music videos seriously should watch this video and take notes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914&ob=av2e
Madonna Cherish
Madonna was beyond big in the 1980s, she was one of the artists (along with Michael Jackson) who launched MTV into the stratosphere. While her other videos were more headline getting, this video emphasized the importance of simplicity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q2WS6ahCnY&ob=av2e
Eminem Stan
Eminem is a rapper's rapper. He is controversial not only in his approach but also in his delivery and makes no apologies. While this song and video made headlines, the story line is brilliant. The song remains one of Eminem's signature hits as well as slang for overzealous fans of any act. Also, who can forget the Dido sample?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSLZFdqwh7E&ob=av2e
*NSYNC, It's Gonna Be Me
Now before a scowl forms across your face, let me explain. *NSYNC was one of the biggest acts of the TRL era, and they made very good videos regardless of perceived musical quality. While several clips won moonmen, this one didn't but it should have. Made up as the same dolls that would become templates for their marionettes, they vie for the attention of one young lady to become human again and antics ensue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQMlWwIXg3M&ob=av2e
Michael Jackson, Beat It
This isn't Thriller, but it never ceases to amaze me how Michael Jackson got actual gang members together to dance. Featuring the guitar styling of the legendary Eddie Van Halen, this video is one of the reasons people should remember Michael Jackson as a revolutionary visual artist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0hZG-zNOk&ob=av2n
Now I only did five but I could go on about great music videos. There are several that weren't as big on MTV but could have been and several that live in infamy on YouTube.
A-ha Take On Me
Who is A-ha? The Norwegian based group are still icons in their native country, but only had one major hit in this comic book inspired clip that won several Video Music Awards. I personally think this video is stunning and anyone who takes music videos seriously should watch this video and take notes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914&ob=av2e
Madonna Cherish
Madonna was beyond big in the 1980s, she was one of the artists (along with Michael Jackson) who launched MTV into the stratosphere. While her other videos were more headline getting, this video emphasized the importance of simplicity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q2WS6ahCnY&ob=av2e
Eminem Stan
Eminem is a rapper's rapper. He is controversial not only in his approach but also in his delivery and makes no apologies. While this song and video made headlines, the story line is brilliant. The song remains one of Eminem's signature hits as well as slang for overzealous fans of any act. Also, who can forget the Dido sample?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSLZFdqwh7E&ob=av2e
*NSYNC, It's Gonna Be Me
Now before a scowl forms across your face, let me explain. *NSYNC was one of the biggest acts of the TRL era, and they made very good videos regardless of perceived musical quality. While several clips won moonmen, this one didn't but it should have. Made up as the same dolls that would become templates for their marionettes, they vie for the attention of one young lady to become human again and antics ensue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQMlWwIXg3M&ob=av2e
Michael Jackson, Beat It
This isn't Thriller, but it never ceases to amaze me how Michael Jackson got actual gang members together to dance. Featuring the guitar styling of the legendary Eddie Van Halen, this video is one of the reasons people should remember Michael Jackson as a revolutionary visual artist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0hZG-zNOk&ob=av2n
Now I only did five but I could go on about great music videos. There are several that weren't as big on MTV but could have been and several that live in infamy on YouTube.
The Popstar is Political
Miley Cyrus has recently tweeted a picture of her latest tattoo on her index finger. It is an equal sign that in her words represents how all love is equal to her. This is a permanent mark indicating her support for marriage equality. If you recall Cyrus' earlier tweet about how she believed Casey Anthony got away with murder, but marriage is not guaranteed to all, you won't be surprised by this latest move. Miley seems to care less about her public persona as much as being herself. While this seems refreshing, it also seems highly choreographed.
Pop stars who have entered the public consciousness as a young teen will do anything to break the image of being manufactured, saccharine, and phony. Some succeed and some end up on a VH1 reality show, but nonetheless there have been several ways of young artists trying to make it as credible adult acts. Ten years ago, there was a string of artists who made an effort to grow up. Like Miley, some were part of the Disney Channel elite, but unlike Miley there's had more to do with music and less with politics.
Take Christina Aguilera who released her Stripped album to rave reviews. However, in promoting the album she strove to break free from her bubblegum image by making one of the raunchiest music videos, Dirrty. She said she wanted to evolve as an artist and push the boundaries of women's sexuality. For the most part, critics saw it as a way to generate interest from adults by exploiting her sexuality, but fans appreciated her doing something different. Looking back, it probably helped her more than hurt her because that honesty has helped her career in being accepted as a serious artist and helped to push her in the right direction. While her remarks on sexuality were somewhat political, it wasn't so much table talk as a way to keep her active in pop culture.
Another example would be Usher, who didn't grow up so much on the Disney Channel but his initial innocence (and appearance on Star Search) was similar to those who were. In 2001, he released 8701, the title reflecting his evolution from 1987-2001. The album had mature themes and his videos were reflective of a young man taking charge, but there was never any debate that he was growing up too fast. It seemed like part of a greater process that he wanted to reflect rather than talk about. Obviously, it was a step to who he is now as an artist but his personal politics weren't so much important as his music.
Back to Miley. Every move she's seemed to make has been about stirring a debate than her music. Even though she tries at times to say she's growing up, it has been more about showing it. Her choice of clothing and her onstage antics have reflected this, but now she seems to have gone one step further in getting this tattoo. In becoming an adult artist, there is freedom, but I think what Cyrus fails to realize is that most of her fans aren't adults. The difference between Miley and the other artists I addressed was that these artists were long off the Disney Channel and Star Search when they decided to mature. Another difference was that Christina and Usher were in the early twenties. Not to say that these things count against Miley, but the point is the audience for these artists naturally grew up, they weren't still in the process of growing up.
Miley, in many ways, is still making decisions and forming opinions in concrete ways like many eighteen-year-olds. Who is to say she may change her mind about her personal beliefs over time and regret that tattoo? What about not liking her tattoos in general? Strong sentiments are lasting, but the impact from being a politician rather than a popstar might hurt more.
If I were Miley's agent, manager, or dad I would tell her to be careful. People want their young popstars to sing for their supper, not ask if it was made in a cage-free environment. Miley's fans especially have expressed outrage because many of them don't support gay marriage or in some cases don't fully understand. Their parents would also be more inclined to not let them buy her music or watch her movies. I think if you want to be political you should urge your fans to vote or volunteer for something they support but being brash about what you think doesn't always work. But I guess that's why she said she Can't Be Tamed.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668195/miley-cyrus-gay-rights-tattoo.jhtml
Pop stars who have entered the public consciousness as a young teen will do anything to break the image of being manufactured, saccharine, and phony. Some succeed and some end up on a VH1 reality show, but nonetheless there have been several ways of young artists trying to make it as credible adult acts. Ten years ago, there was a string of artists who made an effort to grow up. Like Miley, some were part of the Disney Channel elite, but unlike Miley there's had more to do with music and less with politics.
Take Christina Aguilera who released her Stripped album to rave reviews. However, in promoting the album she strove to break free from her bubblegum image by making one of the raunchiest music videos, Dirrty. She said she wanted to evolve as an artist and push the boundaries of women's sexuality. For the most part, critics saw it as a way to generate interest from adults by exploiting her sexuality, but fans appreciated her doing something different. Looking back, it probably helped her more than hurt her because that honesty has helped her career in being accepted as a serious artist and helped to push her in the right direction. While her remarks on sexuality were somewhat political, it wasn't so much table talk as a way to keep her active in pop culture.
Another example would be Usher, who didn't grow up so much on the Disney Channel but his initial innocence (and appearance on Star Search) was similar to those who were. In 2001, he released 8701, the title reflecting his evolution from 1987-2001. The album had mature themes and his videos were reflective of a young man taking charge, but there was never any debate that he was growing up too fast. It seemed like part of a greater process that he wanted to reflect rather than talk about. Obviously, it was a step to who he is now as an artist but his personal politics weren't so much important as his music.
Back to Miley. Every move she's seemed to make has been about stirring a debate than her music. Even though she tries at times to say she's growing up, it has been more about showing it. Her choice of clothing and her onstage antics have reflected this, but now she seems to have gone one step further in getting this tattoo. In becoming an adult artist, there is freedom, but I think what Cyrus fails to realize is that most of her fans aren't adults. The difference between Miley and the other artists I addressed was that these artists were long off the Disney Channel and Star Search when they decided to mature. Another difference was that Christina and Usher were in the early twenties. Not to say that these things count against Miley, but the point is the audience for these artists naturally grew up, they weren't still in the process of growing up.
Miley, in many ways, is still making decisions and forming opinions in concrete ways like many eighteen-year-olds. Who is to say she may change her mind about her personal beliefs over time and regret that tattoo? What about not liking her tattoos in general? Strong sentiments are lasting, but the impact from being a politician rather than a popstar might hurt more.
If I were Miley's agent, manager, or dad I would tell her to be careful. People want their young popstars to sing for their supper, not ask if it was made in a cage-free environment. Miley's fans especially have expressed outrage because many of them don't support gay marriage or in some cases don't fully understand. Their parents would also be more inclined to not let them buy her music or watch her movies. I think if you want to be political you should urge your fans to vote or volunteer for something they support but being brash about what you think doesn't always work. But I guess that's why she said she Can't Be Tamed.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668195/miley-cyrus-gay-rights-tattoo.jhtml
Sunday, July 31, 2011
I Want My MTV... On MTV!
If you've heard anything about modern pop culture, you know tomorrow marks the 30th birthday of one of the most divisive, interesting, and awe-inspiring networks in cable television, MTV. MTV turns 30 tomorrow with no fanfare on MTV, but the final day of a 3-day celebration on its sister network,VH1 Classic. When I first heard a week ago that VH1 Classic would be celebrating with clips, interviews, and concert footage from when the network was still considered innovative and groundbreaking, I was excited and confused. Is it too much to ask that MTV, now known as reality-television, rerun strewn, awkward teen comedy channel it has morphed into show one day in tribute to what it once was?
MTV used to be a great channel. I said used to because now it seems to have settled into the abyss of other cable networks full of niche programming. You can watch a music video on the channel from Monday-Thursday mornings from about 5-9am. But don't hold your breath, these videos are as diverse as a molded toenail collection. The same artists with current releases and upcoming projects are spotlighted but to see a blast from the past takes effort or a trip to MTV or YouTube's websites.
The disappointing thing is that MTV even 10 years ago was relevant. They brought mainstream acts to full exposure and gave smaller, indie artists a break to audiences who wouldn't have had an opportunity to find them. But now with the internet, MTV claims that music videos aren't the same. I beg to differ. When you look at the number of hits on YouTube for some music videos, the hunger to see an artists give visual representation to song. "Thriller" says it all. Not only did it revolutionize music videos as a promotional and creative outlet, it was fun and inspired a generation that took over MTV in the decades to come.
But now it won't happen. I mean you can be inspired or moved from YouTube but it doesn't lend to a kid practicing the Dougie, the same way I imagined young Usher moon-walking to Michael Jackson. I think beyond access to music, MTV gave many insight into the universal connection music has in the world. A good example of this would be "We Are The World" where artists who wouldn't normally collaborate give valiant effort to creating something that is appreciated for its humanitarian connections as well as its musical ability.
I'm not saying MTV now doesn't serve a purpose, but the mission now seems to be helping girls not get pregnant, promoting the efforts of GTL (gym, tan, laundry) for the New Jersey populace, or just reminding you of how awkward ages 12-18 really were. Music only catalogs and soundtracks these moments but not in the same way watching your favorite video or seeing your favorite artist in concert did, but I guess you can't convert the past into the present but you can TiVo it and make it just the same.
MTV used to be a great channel. I said used to because now it seems to have settled into the abyss of other cable networks full of niche programming. You can watch a music video on the channel from Monday-Thursday mornings from about 5-9am. But don't hold your breath, these videos are as diverse as a molded toenail collection. The same artists with current releases and upcoming projects are spotlighted but to see a blast from the past takes effort or a trip to MTV or YouTube's websites.
The disappointing thing is that MTV even 10 years ago was relevant. They brought mainstream acts to full exposure and gave smaller, indie artists a break to audiences who wouldn't have had an opportunity to find them. But now with the internet, MTV claims that music videos aren't the same. I beg to differ. When you look at the number of hits on YouTube for some music videos, the hunger to see an artists give visual representation to song. "Thriller" says it all. Not only did it revolutionize music videos as a promotional and creative outlet, it was fun and inspired a generation that took over MTV in the decades to come.
But now it won't happen. I mean you can be inspired or moved from YouTube but it doesn't lend to a kid practicing the Dougie, the same way I imagined young Usher moon-walking to Michael Jackson. I think beyond access to music, MTV gave many insight into the universal connection music has in the world. A good example of this would be "We Are The World" where artists who wouldn't normally collaborate give valiant effort to creating something that is appreciated for its humanitarian connections as well as its musical ability.
I'm not saying MTV now doesn't serve a purpose, but the mission now seems to be helping girls not get pregnant, promoting the efforts of GTL (gym, tan, laundry) for the New Jersey populace, or just reminding you of how awkward ages 12-18 really were. Music only catalogs and soundtracks these moments but not in the same way watching your favorite video or seeing your favorite artist in concert did, but I guess you can't convert the past into the present but you can TiVo it and make it just the same.
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