Pop Culture Buzz

Get ready America, Lily Allen is here and she will be making a huge splash here in the states very soon. She is sexy, cute, and talented. Her funky, breezy, hip hop pop is infectious. Her look is more relevant than Gwen Stefani’s tired sense of fashion these days and her debut c.d. is way better than anything Gwen has ever put out, seriously.

I love “Extras” it is one of my favorite shows on t.v. at the moment. I love how celebrities make fun of their own famous persona in this HBO sitcom. I also love that there is no laugh track on this show. I have posted an article from Rolling Stone about the “Extras” episode and about the apparent real version of their “Greatest Hits” c.d. that is being made. I actually agree with the Rolling Stone that Coldplay do not warrant such a collection this early in their careers.

HERE IS THE CLIP FROM “EXTRAS”:

HERE IS THE ARTICLE:

Considering our love for the above clip — in which Chris Martin shamelessly promotes a fake “Best of Coldplay� — you can imagine our surprise when today, news arrived that that Coldplay will in fact be releasing something called The Singles 1999-2006, a collection that gathers the band’s well-known singles, B-sides, and their debut EP The Blue Room. To make matters more confusing, this set will be released ONLY on 7″ vinyl. We assumed this kind of move was reserved for much-cooler indie bands. Evidently, working with Brian Eno has put high-brow ideas in Chris Martin’s head. We may be wrong, but do any Coldplay fans even own a record player? Doubtful.

So before you go rummaging through your parents’ attic looking for one of these contraptions, we ask another question: Is it appropriate for Coldplay, with only three albums under their belt, to be releasing a “Best-Of�? It was only seven years ago that we thought their debut hit “Yellow� was the new single by fellow fragile U.K. rockers Travis. Bands like Radiohead and the White Stripes, who have larger catalogues, have held off releasing greatest hits compilations. Is it too little, too soon for a Coldplay collection? Or are you pumped?

* Daniel Kreps - Rolling Stone Magazine

*** STARS

I am a big fan Pedro Almadovar’s films. “About My Mother”, “Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down” and now his latest masterpiece “Volver”, are my favorite films of his so far. In classic Almodovar style, “Volver” is a deeply moving and in depth look at the bonds between woman and family. We see three generations of woman evolve into a functioning and healthy, if not oddball, family unit through crisis after bizarre crisis.

This movie starts as a light hearted comedy with great, crackling dialog that is classic Almodovar. But soon the film turns into a gut wrenching thriller and drama. The many interactions between the woman in the village and the family are directed perfectly. The funeral scene with Sole is hilarious and darkly intense at the same time. When Cruz’s character Raimunda walks into her daughters grizzly crime it shows proof of how Cruz earned her Oscar nomination this year.

Penelope Cruz is a wonder as Raimunda a mother who struggles with her boring life as well as the mysterious death of her mother. Her daughter is her best friend and is always at her side as is her sister Sole. Their lives take a bizarre turn when Sole and Raimunda’s dead mother appears to Sole, but decides to hide from the rest of the village including her sister and granddaughter.

I love Almodovar’s treatment of women’s bonds and how he concentrates on their sensitive way of expressing emotions and family bonds. Almodovar’s stories are usually uplifting and touching and this movie is no exception. I liked this film a lot and am always glad to see women depicted in such a brave and strong manner. Almodovar is a true cinematic genius, and Cruz has become one of the best rising actresses in Hollywood. Now if only she can excite us with her English speaking roles like she does here that would be a “best actress” role if ever there was one.

The rumors are all over the map concerning this film. One says Sienna Miller was in the throws of a huge eating disorder, another says she was partying all the time and the newest rumor says that the love scene between her and Hayden Christensen was real. Yes, that would be porn folks. The story is that after Jude Law humiliated her with his cheating, Sienna fell for Hayden on the set of this picture. When the scene came up where her and Hayden were to make love, they did not use the traditional pads and flesh toned undies that are worn by actors. That is super hot. I am a little wary about Hayden playing Bob Dylan, but I am stoked to see this movie.

Here are some images of Danielle Radcliffe in his new London stage production of “Equus”. I must say that though he is only 17 years old the boy is looking better with age. He has gone from the awkward little wizard to a full grown man with handsome features. He apparently goes to the gym 7 hours a day to keep up his lean figure. The image with the horse is a bit creepy but you get the point. If any of you watch HBO’s “Extras” then you most likely saw the episode where Radcliffe plays himself as a horny teenager with annoying habits. He was brilliant in that show. Here are the pictures below.

Below I have collected some streaming music from some bands and musicians that will be playing at Coachella this year that I am not familiar with. I will be posting the last day (#3) soon. For now check out some of these music stars that are bubbling under or are about to get their big break at Coachella. Either way they are new to me and it is fun to listen to this stuff before the actual festival. Consider this homework and I am your teacher, have fun.

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE QUEEN - “BACK IN THE DAY”

KINGS OF LEON - “MOLLY’S CHAMBERS”

GOTAN PROJECT - “SANTA MARIA”

THE DECEMBERISTS - “O VALENCIA”

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM- “TRIBULATIONS (TIGA’S OUT OF THE TRANCE CLOSET MIX)”

BLONDE REDHEAD - “IN PARTICULAR”

THE BLACK KEYS - “YOU’RE THE ONE”

MSTRKRFT - “PARIS”

OZOMATLI - “ESA MORENO”

JACK’S MANNEQUIN - “MIXED TAPE”

VNV NATION - “KINGDOM”

CORNELIUS - “WATARIDORI 2″

COCO ROSIE - “TERRIBLE ANGELS”

ANDREW BIRD - “FAKE PALINDROMES”

THE FRAMES - “SIDEWAYS DOWN ALT”

JUSTICE - “NEVER BE ALONE”

PHAROAHE MONCH - “SIMON SAYS”

THE CRIBS - “MARTELL”

GIRL TALK - “MINUTE BY MINUTE”

I love Sufjan Stevens and his quirky music style and I can appreciate his faith driven message for what it is. I knew nothing of this group or it’s cult status so I copied the Wikipedia definition and pasted it below.

HERE IT IS:

Danielson Family (aka Danielson) is a band from Clarksboro, New Jersey, that plays a quirky blend of Indie pop and gospel music. They are also a notable example of Bass-Pop, perhaps more fittingly called Avant-Pop. The members of the band are Daniel Smith and his siblings Megan Smith (Megan Slaboda), David Smith, Rachel Smith (Rachel Galloway), Andrew Smith, wife Elin K. Smith, and friend Chris X. Smith (Chris Palladino). Recently, Sufjan Stevens has joined the band as an adopted member of the family, playing banjo on the album “Brother Is to Son” and touring with them when possible.

Distinguishing characteristics of the band include frontman Daniel Smith’s squeaky falsetto and sometimes nasally vocals. The band also incorporates visuals into some of its performance such as matching costumes and encouraging audience participation of clap-alongs, hand gestures and dance moves. Some appearances have seen Daniel playing a guitar while inside a costume of a ten foot tree bearing nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

This video is not new, but the song is one of 2006’s greatest singles and this video is too cute for words. I love the way this band manages to be silly and adult at the same time. They continue to grow on me. Check out this video and then check out their c.d.’s they are worth every listen.

I loved last years “Slither” and this movie has echoes of that film. Ashley Judd gives this movie a bit of clout even though it comes off as a B horror creature feature. But you can rest assure that I will be in line the day this movie opens up. This kind of creepy gross film is right up my alley. I love the new horror movie renaissance that has begun in Hollywood. These movies have a place in the whole film iconography with millions of geeky fans willing to fork over tons of money if it is done right.

Beck is genius. He consistently puts out great music and out of this world music videos. Most of his videos have no point or purpose but they visually entertain. His latest c.d. was created with a music video to accompany each one already. So here is “Cellphones Dead” the 2nd best single of of his new c.d. “The Information”. This c.d. brings back old school Beck and stays in line with his past two succesful, fun hits “Guero” & it’s companion piece “Guerolito”. Both of those c.d.’s mirror Beck’s new c.d. with it’s dance infused funk electronic beats and sway. Check out this video by Michel Gondry below. It is trippy as hell and has no real plot, but man does it look great.

This season is slowly crawling along and with painful results. The painful audition period is almost half over, thank god. I am just tired of the fake auditions, the crazy people and the truly delusional contestants. Since this week we have one show that is only one hour and one show was 2 hours long, I am putting both digests into one blog entry. Here are the favorites of both nights. They are by no means out of this world extraordinary but some are promising.

Sundance Head (The Bear Daddy):

His voice is strong but he does look like a bear daddy. Simon even said “eat your heart out Taylor”…ouch.

Danielle McCullough (The Blonde):

This girl was just ordinary with nothing too exciting to look forward to.

Sean Michaels (Cat Stevens):

This guy was a strange surprise, a soft voice. Keep your eye on this one.

Melinda Doolittle (Big Smile):

This girl can blow. She is super sweet and has a chance at going far.

Phillip Stacy (Baby Daddy):

This guy has a hot, sultry voice. I am hoping he does well

AMERICAN IDOL EPISODE 6.3

Sarah Burgess (Ohio Girl That Lied To Parents):

This girl was so sincere and has a gentle fun voice. Her personality is strong and cute.

Amanda (New Jersey BFF #1):

This girl was just o.k. And she even claimed to be trained and better than her friend.

Antonella (New Jersey BFF #2):

This girl is super gorgeous for 16 and way better than her friend that went before her.

Kia Thorton (Aretha Franklin):

This girl was so genuine and powerful she may go far if she keeps this up.

Jenry Bejarano (16 y/o Tyson Beckford Model):

This 16y/o is super good looking with a deep sexy voice, the girls and boys will love him.

Jory Steinberg (Canada Chick):

This girl is forgetable and pretty talented but may not be able to stay in the contest.

Porcelana Patino (Stripper Gir):

This chick is slutty and bizarre. I hope she gets far, but she looks like she has attitude.

Rachel Zevita (Opera Rainbow Girl):

I love this trippy rainbow bright girl. Her range is impressive and she can really do well in the future.

Chris Richardson (HOT BOY):

This boy not only looks like Justin Timberlake but he sounds almost better than him to.

Nicholas Pedro (3rd Time Trying Out):

This is this guys 3rd time trying out for A.I. He doesn’t have the looks or power in his voice to stay around much longer in Hollywood.

These awards are truly the only ones that usually get it right with their nominees. I hope “Little Man” sweeps these awards, it was a vile piece of work. I think these categores are hilarious and agree with every nominee. Actually, I enjoyed “Lady In The Water” a whole lot and think it is vastly under rated.

Worst Picture:
“Basic Instinct 2″
“Bloodrayne”
“Lady In The Water”
“Little Man”
“Wicker Man”

Worst Actor:
Tim Allen — “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause,” “The Shaggy Dog” and “Zoom”
Nicolas Cage — “Wicker Man”
Larry The Cable Guy (Dan Whitney) — “Larry The Cable Guy: Health Inspector”
Rob Schneider — “The Benchwarmers” and “Little Man”
Marlon Wayans & Shawn Wayans — “Little Man”

Worst Actress:
Hilary Duff & Haylie Duff — “Material Girls”
Lindsay Lohan — “Just My Luck”
Kristanna Loken — “Bloodrayne”
Jessica Simpson — “Employee Of The Month”
Sharon Stone — “Basic Instincts 2″

Worst Supporting Actor:
Danny DeVito — “Deck The Halls”
Ben Kingsley — “Bloodrayne”
M. Night Shyamalan — “Lady In The Water”
Martin Short — “Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”
David Thewlis — “Basic Instinct 2″ and “The Omen”

Worst Supporting Actress:
Kate Bosworth — “Superman Returns”
Kristin Chenoweth — “Deck The Halls,” “Pink Panther” and “RV”
Carmen Electra — “Date Movie” and “Scary Movie 4″
Jenny McCarthy — “John Tucker Must Die”
Michelle Rodriguez — “Bloodrayne”

Worst Screen Couple:
Tim Allen & Martin Short — “Santa Clause 3″
Nicolas Cage & His Bear Suit — “Wicker Man”
Hilary & Haylie Duff — “Material Girls”
Sharon Stone’s Lop-Sided Breasts — “Basic Instinct 2″
Shawn Wayans & EITHER Kerry Washington OR Marlon Wayans — “Little Man”

Worst Remake or Rip-Off:
“Little Man”
“Pink Panther”
“Poseidon”
“The Shaggy Dog Story”
“Wicker Man”

Worst Prequel or Sequel:
“Basic Instinct 2″
“Big Momma’s House 2″
“Garfield 2: A Tail Of Two Kitties”
“Santa Clause 3″
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning”

Worst Director:
Uwe Boll — “Bloodrayne”
Michael Caton-Jones — “Basic Instinct 2″
Ron Howard — “The Da Vinci Code”
M. Night Shyamalan — “Lady In The Water”
Keenen Ivory Wayans — “Little Man”

Worst Screenplay:
“Basic Instinct 2″
“Bloodrayne”
“Lady In The Water”
“Little Man”
“Wicker Man”

Worst Excuse for Family Entertainment:
“Deck The Halls”
“Garfield 2: A Tail Of Two Kitties”
“RV”
“Santa Clause 3″
“The Shaggy Dog”

*** STARS

I don’t know how to review a movie like this. It not only scared me but it truly confounds me how deeply these people believe in their ways. It is a view into a world that is beyond my comprehension and about subject matter I cannot relate to. This is an important documentary on the culture war that many say is going on in this country. Do these people have the power to make things change in this country? If so, you would be dumb not to watch this film. I learned a whole lot more than I wanted to, to be honest.

The parallels between the footage I have seen from Al Qaida training camps and these so called religious bible camps is creepy. These kids are being brain washed into believing that things like Natural Selection, prayer in schools and the war in Iraq are good. I don’t know how to relate to the fits of prayer and speaking in tongues that these kids do at their churches. Is it faith? Is it fear? Is it a selfish need to fill in the blanks and not be responsible for your words and actions by saying you know “the truth”?

As you can see this movie drove me insane, saddened me and taught me more than I needed to know about how 40 million people in this country live their lives. Their beliefs and practices scare me especially when they go for the the children to spread their word. It doesn’t seem right to put so much pressure on kids and their humanity. This movie deserves its nomination for Best Documentary because of its raw and edgy look at a future power that is to be reckoned with!

HERE IS THE “JESUS CAMP” TRAILER:

*** STARS

I went to go see this film in the theater based on the Oscar nominations Di Caprio and Hounsou received this past week. Leo has more than earned his Hollywood status, but this year he has earned not only a nomination, but a win with “Blood Diamond”. He is pitch perfect in this role, he has never slipped into a character so well before. He is an acting revelation in this film.

This movie stirred my emotions much more than “Babel” which is up for a Best Picture award. I personally think “Blood Diamond” is a much more realistic and compassionate film than that of “Babel”. The acting in “Diamond” is also of a much higher caliber. Jennifer Connolly is gorgeous and true to her character in this movie. She and Di Caprio have a real chemistry and I enjoyed the fact that there were no gratuitous love making scenes between the two of them.

The African setting and scandalous plot add to the adult and genuine pace this movie keeps up. This movie has just as many thrills and action scenes as the latest Bond outing. It was refreshing to see a serious topic handled in an authentic and respectful manner. There were no pretentious or preachy moments in this movie. I learned a lot about the disgusting trade of diamonds and how Americans contribute to the violence and poverty in the deadly sale of these African gems. We witness first hand in this movie how families are ripped apart and how young children are used to commit genocide over the sale of diamonds.

Djimon Hounsou gives a brave and consuming portrayal as a father torn between reuniting his family and finding a huge diamond for smuggler Di Caprio. His role is the stand out performance in this film. Him and Di Caprio have a lot of scenes that crackle with great dialog and tension. This movie was heart wrenching, poetic and brave all at once. It not only entertained it also taught me a few things I was not fully educated on. I appreciate a film that tells an important story and still manages to move you without being overly sentimental. “Blood Diamond” is a great adult film.

These music videos are both cute as hell and I love the synth 80’s vibe of both of these songs. I am digging the Euro-pop feel of these rock dance acts that are coming out lately. It is all thanks to bands like Le-Tigre, The Scissor Sisters and Franz Ferdinand. I also love that both bands have rocking hot chick lead singers. “Tony The Beat” is one of 2006’s greatest singles and “Ice Cream” is the first great song of 2007, I will go on record as saying that now.

NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB - “ICE CREAM”:

THE SOUNDS - “TONY THE BEAT”: