Make Your Own Beat

Mario Vasquez

2011-05-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

So I have never been a huge American Idol follower, as I have previously stated. Its a fluke that I even watched the first year; I had friends staying with me that watched it religiously and I just happened to catch a little of Kelly Clarkson and I loved her from jump street. There have been many misses since then [Taylor Hicks, David Cook] and some hits of course [Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks], and the most notable fact is that some of the ones who enjoy success are not the winners [Daughtry, Clay Aiken]. Another fact that I find interesting is the ones who enjoy minimalistic fame without ever even making the top ranks of Idol; case in point, one Mario Vasquez who so famously dropped out of the 2005 season after MAKING it into the top 12.

There was a lot of speculation, however anyone intelligent enough figured out that Mario thought he was clever enough to use the launching pad of AI at its height without being tied down to the AI brand, as most of the contestants were. One might think that was a pretty brilliant move and it might have been; however it was a little too soon on Mario's part and although he snagged a record deal and launched a solo career, he only had mild success and then altogether disappeared. Mario seemed talented enough, he was a good looking guy and it seemed as if he had locked down the right producers [Ne-Yo, Scott Storch, etc]; however nothing seemed to come to fruition, but I myself enjoyed some of his work so I decided to review his album for you!

1. Gallery; The first single and basically his near-hit wonder. It is....awesome. I loved it and I wanted him to be singing it to me.. It sounded more organic and flawed, which I liked, than anything on the radio at the time. It to me should have been a great vehicle to jump start his career and yet it never seemed to solidify his talent. The entire thing, lyrics, melody and vocals were impressive and I was sad it never did what it should have for him. I say: A-

2. I Bet: This one was a little harder for me to like; I did enjoy it but I rarely like any 'I'd do you better than your man' type of jam. The beat was pretty decent but being as we knew and saw so little of Mario as a person, you couldn't really buy him as much of a Lothario to be honest. If we don't know that you may be as awesome as, say Usher, its hard for you to try and sing game like him, ain't it? I Say: C

3.One Shot: The second single, which was released way to late to be able to save his floundering hopes of stardom. It would not have anyway, if I am going to be blunt. It is a mid-tempo ballad and while he has some pipes, he just didn't pull this one off for me. He did not sound needy enough, as the song called for; he didn't WANT it enough the way a ballad like this needs him to want it. You have to FEEL his desire for whomever he may be singing to and you just don't. Decent song, but not enough passion for me. I Say: C-

4. We Gon' Last: First let me say; I HATE when an artist tries to force something to be hip. We get that you are cool and awesome and don't need to speak in complete sentences; do it for us anyway, would you? [Looking at you Janet Jackson!]. I just loath it and therefore I will generally dislike a song/album on purpose alone. That being said, this song was okay...if it had been released about ten years earlier. It has that mid-late ninties vibe to it. Which doesn't make it bad, it simply makes it not appropriate for us to love right now. It was decent, and he shows off a little of his vocal abilities, but he locked himself into a weird new jack swing thing that wasn't working for him. I Say: D

5. Don't Lie: I love when an artist tries something new. I know so many people expect their favorite artist to always sound the same as their last album, but I prefer when I listen to an album expecting one thing, and I get another. It shows growth and the ability to challenge themselves. This song is a perfect example of that; it has an Island feel to it, and its a standout from the rest of the album musically. Its fun and fresh and although its about a possible broken heart, it never gets him down and I thought that was a great way to approach it. I Say: B+

6. Just A Friend: This is an example of Mario getting locked into a certain music realm and it actually working. He's the bad guy pleading for a second chance and the way he does it, the emotion he puts forth makes you want to let him have it. The beat draws you in and his vocals sound genuine and heartfelt and I loved it. Its probably up there in my favorites on the album. I Say: A

7. Fired Up: This song sounds as if it should have landed on Usher or someone similar's album. Again because we never got to know Mario, its difficult to buy into but its still a fun song and you enjoy it for what its worth. The beat sounds slightly recycled and that made it impossible for me to LOVE, but I do like it. I Say: B-

8. 4 The 1: Again a great show of Mario branching out and trying something that sounds completely different than the rest of album; and it works. Its an up-tempo love song to his soul mate and you believe he's in love and that this person he's talking about is the only person for him. That's what you should believe, that's what a good musician does; he brings you in and tells you his story through a song that makes you feel what he does. Well played, Mario, well played. I Say: B

9. Everytime I...: An ode to a lover left behind. Who hasn't thought at least once about that great love of their life? If you haven't, this song will make you go back and feel what that felt like. Good or bad. The vocals are pretty awesome and the beat up-tempo despite the melancholy subject. Good song, great lyrics, good times had by all who have loved and lost. I Say: B-

10. Like It Or Not: Um...yeah I LOVE this. I was always the girl who liked the bad boy you shouldn't and this song is for all of the girls like me. I love the beat and I love the texture of his vocals and urgency of what he is feeling here. Who doesn't want a hot man to tell the world to get screwed, you're together no matter what? Um, I do, thanks! Hotness in a song. I Say: A!

11. We Supposed To Be: Alright, now previous statements about horrible grammar aside, this to me is by far the second best track on the entire album. Saved the best for last if you ask me. Its got some cheesy lyrics but I enjoy it so much I hardly care; its just a fun nugget of pop about things working out for love, for once, and you just let yourself enjoy it and you sense that he enjoyed the song, enjoyed making it. I hardly care that most of the lines are pure cheese because its what pop music is supposed to be, and for that I appreciate it in all that cheesiness. I Say: A+

So its sad that few people really listened to him. To me this was what most freshmen efforts are; fun and a little cheesy, with a few misguided approaches but at the end of the day a well rounded album. It showed a lot of promise of what Mario could have done if he had made better choices, or had better opportunities offered to him. Unfortunately as with the fickle listening public he has yet to get such opportunities and hasn't made another foray into music.

[Note: some of the releases of this album contained different songs or songs in different orders. My review is based on the album I had so some songs may not be included in this review.]

Well....what can I say?

2011-05-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

So...I started this blog FOREVER ago, first just as a random place to spout my nonsense as it were, then I focused on music. I intended to talk about albums, singles, songs, videos anything music related because it is my passion and it has gotten me through just about everything. However. I made some awesome posts, if I do say so myself, about some albums and then...nothing. There is a reason behind this...um, music sucks lately. I posted about Lady Gaga before she was GAGA! and I liked her music and where she was going with her 'thing'....now she is this weirdo whose music, in my opinion, is just a means to an end for her and basically irritates me. She has clearly bought into her own hype and its ridic and I hate it. There has been a Christina album and...yeah it was AWFUL, as if she were trying to recreate Lady Gaga's success with a little more talent and it failed. There just..there hasn't been much to talk about to be honest. However, that's not how a true writer works, so I am going to start putting up monthly at least reviews of albums, good or bad, new or old and that is all there is too it. Where to start is the question.....

Michael Jackson...RIP

2010-06-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

To this day I can remember the first time I KNEW I loved MJ..it was the famous Motown special where he took the world into the palm of his hand and let us see a glimpse of what was to come. He allowed us his talent and his magic and we are lucky to have had it for the time that we did. We should be ashamed for ever questioning his genius, his heart or his intentions and thereby ruining that magic for us and so many others. He was, is and always will be remembered as the greatest of all time, not just his time. I feel lucky to have experienced his magic and his moments

Music

2010-05-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

There is a reason I have not posted in ages here. I wanted to write a music blog where I would review music [new, old, whatever], and give my honest opinions. However as of late there has been NO music to inspire me, so I have had nothing to write on. Christina's new album has now been released, as well as Eminem's, Miley Cyrus' and a few others so perhaps I will have something to write about soon. Until then, keep your headphones on and your hopes up!

Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted

2009-06-02T22:49:00.001-07:00

Kelly Clarkson. Ahh the girl is just..she's my new favorite thing ever. Replacing Janet Jackson as she has gone bat-shit crazy. Now...if you know me, you know my saying that of Ms. Jackson is likely the highest form of blasphemy I could ever imagine to utter. It is, however, also true. I loved that bitch for most my life and then...JD came along and she hopped the Jackson Crazy Train to Neverland, ie Never-Have-A-Hit-Again-Land. Miss her.

However, Kelly Clarkson has been my platonic lover since her days on AI. I only ever watched that season, to be honest. It just got painful after that. But Kelly was cute and likable and accessible right from the start. Plus, um, HELLO the bitch can sing! Its just simple talent. Its...goosebumps when she hits her high register or when she warbles down in the gutter talent. Love her.

I have loved all her albums to date; although the previous, My December was not well received, I think I was only slightly fond of three songs. The rest I thought were brillaint and I was glad she got to make the album because it spoke to me and likely a lot of others and obviously, Clive Davis was attempting to keep that silenced. LOSER. It did not have the commercial success that Breakaway did however I thought it had more in way of range and maturity, more selection. I missed the tour because of all the shenanigans that Davis pulled at the time, but this time it shall not be missed.

Kelly came roaring back this year with a new single, My Life Would Suck Without You, that while sounds akin to Since You Been Gone, I feel is even better. I loved it and it was one of the most added singles all year. Way to prove em wrong, Kell.

Album, All I Ever Wanted, released in the spring and was even more diverse than the last. Normally a good thing, however I was sort of lost on about a quarter of the album. It was hit and miss for me; thankfully when it was hit, it was a hard hit and I loved it and wanted to keep the song on repeat. Let's break this down, shall we?

1.My Life Would Suck Without You.
Um..yes best song this year, I think. I effing loved it and the video that accompanied it. Kelly was at her sassy best from the very first line and she doesn't let up until the last kicking bar. The beat is layered with lots of stuff to hear and of course her upper register is always killer. I love, love, love this song!

2.I Do Not Hook Up.
Sounding much like a prequel to My Life...Kells lets her man in waiting know that he's met his match, again from the first line. She always lets you know whats up one or two lines in. The fun guitars and synths, paired with her even more fun melody is completely awesome. Again as is the video. Kells is a badass here, pure and simple. An honest badass with killer pipes.

3.Cry.
No Kelly album is complete without a self deprecating heart wrenching ballad. Evident in Cry. She always sings of long gone wrong, even sometimes right, but she's never the heroine that so many other rock tarts are; she keeps it realistic and almost masochistic and takes most the blame. Guitars again and soaring vocals make me want to cry as I listen to her. I just dig the humble self-loathing because its so real.

4.Don't Let Me Stop You.
Guitars kick it up a notch here, with a steady catchy Rhythm and a fast paced melody. Kells kicks it up vocally too however while I love the song, she loses me with some of the lyric breaks and the choice to sing over herself. However I do LOVE the song and it's likely in my top 3 of the album. Its not her at her feisty best but its catchy and you love her for being brave and blunt.

5.All I Ever Wanted.
The title track always seems to let me down. The beat is unlike anything I've heard Kells sing along to before so that might be it; its spunky and kind of metallic. Its almost too bouncy and I feel like the vocals are just overdone. Even the content is a little drab here. Also mentioning the title track; the packaging itself was annoying at best; I think Kells is b-e-a-utiful and I thought the too-glossy packaging was just not right for her, although she claims she wanted everything to look bright and fun like candy. Moving on.

6.Already Gone.
Loves me some meloncholy Kells, I do. She just speaks the truth, she preaches it. In Already Gone she's letting her s/o know that their relationship is fairly doomed and they both know it. Always wanting to bear the burden she lays it out and then decides to be the one to make the choice no one ever has to make. Loves it. Her voice is haunting on this track and I feel some of her pain, literally. The arrangement is lofty and airy and light and for me, it works. It could have gone wrong, but it works.

7.If I Can't Have You.
A frantic danceble track that to me hardly belongs anywhere near a Kelly Clarkson album. I just don't buy into it, knowing her influences, knowing her previous work; it just doesn't quite seem to connect here. Also the content is so anti-Kells its nearly laughable because she's hardly ever the needy, latch on girl unlike so many others.

8.Save You.
Haunting. Just haunting and again the arrangements here are sky-high airy and just so different than anything else on the radio. Which makes me love it. Its Kells the self sacrificing savior here, wanting to ease another's pain, their worry and I buy it, I believe it which is what makes the song work.

9.Whyyouwannabringmedown.
Odd title choice aside, I give her credit for trying something entirely new. I love the lyrics, actually and I want to love the song. But I don't. Its too messy and unfocused for me to really enjoy, but I feel like she had a good time making it, and that nearly makes up for it. Nearly.

10.Long Shot.
Best. Song. Ever. Not only is this me to a T, in spades mind you, but it's just a brilliant piece of work as far as I am concerned. The frantic pace of her delivery and the overwhelming layered vocals and the strings and the guitar...and yes. I efffing love it, everything about it. The content, the soulnesess of it. I just adore it and am right now listening to it for the third time. In as many minutes. HAH!

11.Impossible.
I am not against her branching out in totally different ways and Impossible is my proof. Its another song that sounds unlike anything on the radio right now and that in itself is refreshing. Kells still mildly self deprecating but just enough that you aren't tired of it yet and instead you find yourself wanting to do nothing but reassure her that it is possible. It has so many layers to it, I can't even get into it.

12.Ready.
It's a jolly frolicking number. Her vocals are swoon worthy. Its all I can really say about this track because I simply do not connect with it. Not sure why, I just don't.

13.I Want You.
Fun, if nothing else, I Want You allows Kells to let her guard down and seek that which she wants most: Love. She lets herself enjoy something as superfluous as a silly boy and we enjoy it with her. Not a strong track overall, but really with a voice like that she could sing anything and I personally would enjoy it. Seriously. Write a song about Popcorn, Kells and I'll adore it I'm sure.

14.If No One Will Listen.
Penned and played almost entirely by Kells, you feel almost as if you're reading her journal. For that personal touch and her heartbreaking vocals, I adore it. It's just this side of sappy though and so its almost a fail, but again..POPCORN, folks. As long as she's singing it, pretty much I adore it!

Overall its a stellar album, a melting pot of style and delivery and likely will be successful enough to erase the supposed weak performance of My December [it sold over 2 mil. bad performance, really?]. I highly suggest everyone go pick it up. I mean now. It's the PERFECT album for summer, for driving around with the volume cranked or for those long road trips we all want to take this summer. Enjoy!

Lady Gaga

2009-04-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Wow I have fallen off. Well, really my computer died; no tears though she was old and it was her time. I am up and running again now though, so expect more posts. Matter of fact I have a few albums I want to review/discuss so I may make a few in the coming days. First up though is:

Lady GaGa

The first time I heard about her was actually on a fluke; she appeared in a episode of The Hills, one of the girls was setting up a party for her. I DO NOT watch The Hills, so really it was a fluke. But anyway. I thought she looked kind of cool, but other than that, they never really played her music, so she never stuck with me. Now by the fall of 08 though, Just Dance was a big song on radio so when I saw her open for NKOTB during their Fall tour, I knew just who she was.
She put on a great show, very visual, crazy outfit and good stage presence. But it's so hard to really get a bead on the music at a live show if you've never heard it before; so I went and got the cd. LOVED IT. It is clearly about being a famous, crazy party till morning, club kid. I love the tongue in cheek-ness of some of the songs. Its all very danceable of course but it's not stupid dance music by any means. Very clever lyrics, and the beats are all pretty sick.

1. Just Dance. So this is an all out dance number. It's huge though. I do not like Akon but even his voice seems to find a place here. It is pretty much the epitome of 'Club Banger'. Also though her voice just SOARS over it. I love all the fun lyrics but mostly 'how did I turn my shirt inside out'. Because it would be awesome to party as hard as GaGa clearly does. It was played ALL summer and still, I can jam to it whenever its on now. Great song.

2. Love Game. So this track is likely my second favorite. The lyrics are so fun. Got my ass squeezed by sexy cupid? What's not to love about that. Then the chorus comes in and it's pretty much on from there. The disco stick line is awesome as well. The bridge grabs hold just when the song might otherewise lose you. The beat/claps get a little stagnant but the vocals just keep you hanging on. GaGa has an interesting accent that makes you wonder what she's saying one moment and not care the next.
3. Paparazzi. So is it about GaGa wanting love or wanting fame? Maybe its about both. Its definately one of the tongue in cheeks I was talking about. It calls to point the celebs who live for the paparzzi to follow them, all the while complaining about it. She really just wants to have them WANT to follow her. Its got a fun synth running through it and her vocals are on point, but it's one of the weaker tracks, in my opinion.

4. Poker Face. By far the best track on the album. It's just so different than anything out there right now. The first few bars make you think it's something straight out of the 80's. I love it. I love, love the lyrics. Again, do not sleep on her vocals because GaGa can bring the pipes, trust me. There's several layers to the song and they all just blend together so well. The lyrics are witty, sexy, a little risque but I love it: Baby when it's love if it's not rough,it isn't fun. Indeed, GaGa, indeed.

5. Eh, Eh, Nothing Else. Pretty much the tamest song on the album. Closest thing to a ballad. Simply ditty about breaking up when you find something bigger/better/more. It's just basically, well we had our time, and now it's up. Next. But its slightly more delicate than that and her vocals make you feel like she regrets it just enough to keep her human.

6. Beautiful, Dirty, Rich. Likely my favorite, though not the best track. I just love it; I love the snarl of her voice and wonder if she's telling you her life story in essence. It was SICK live. Again there's synths and a second layering of vocals and it all just comes together. You get the feeling that she really is pleased just partying her life away, no matter the consequences. I want to party with that girl.

7. The Fame. Super retro sound on this one. Not my favorite. It's basically summing up what the whole album is about too, I just don't like it much. There is a LOT going on with this track, it cracks and rocks and synths and bubbles. Just too much for one track, I thought.

8. Money Honey. To me kind of a part two to BDR. She just loves the glitzy side of being famous. All the glitter and glamour. But here she is more in love with her lover, shockingly. Its another of the less fantastic songs, but I like it. It's just this side of being a club song really, more just frothy pop. Her vocals are the weakest here so far, I would have to say. I love her bridges though because she seems much more human and less electronic on them.

9. Star Struck. Love, Love, LOVE it. It makes me want to go out to a club and fall in love with a hot DJ boy. The voice synths are just wicked and the beat is ill as hell. I literally want to dance every time I hear it. If she wants to fill up clubs, she sure seems to know what to give us. Nothing too heavy in this one, lyric wise; the rap is a little out of place but GaGa is flaweless otherwise.

10. Boys, Boys, Boys. Very super mid 80's. Lots of synths, all around. Just a fun, light girl loves boys a LOT song. Still some clever lyrics. When the chorus hits though, you can just imagine dancing it up on a dance floor. The cheerleader lead ins and claps were a bit much for me though.

11. Paper Gangster. Reminds me very much of Brit's Toy Soldiers. The synth makes her sound so unrealistic its hard to enjoy the song much. Apparently GaGa don't do funny business with fakers. Its a pretty hollow song, not much to get into, really

12. Brown Eyes. The only REAL ballad on the album. She does have a solid voice but I can't make it past the first verse.

13. I Like It Rough. As the album closed it felt like fillers. These last four tracks just do not do the rest of them justice, a weak way to end the album I felt. Lots of synths and fun lyrics but no substance at all. Which being a dance album, its not expected but nice to find. Her bridges rock my socks though. She can belt it, baby

14. Summerboys. This one is super fun. It has a sample of something else going on but I can't put a name to it. She sounds very Deborah Harry/Belinda Carlisle on this. The fun of summer love, nothing to deep but it would fit perfectly on the beach or on a summer road trip.

Overall, I love the album though there are some misses for me. I've heard a few of her unreleased tracks and wish they had been added instead but I'm sure this will not be the last we hear of Lady GaGa. I also love how she's offering the whole package; the show, the album, herself, its all tied in together and I love that.

It's HERE! The Block!

2008-09-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

After many a years of waiting for that thing I was missing, one of my true loves has returned.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK DROPPED A NEW ALBUM!!!

So you sense my excitement, yes? If not, WTF people!? It's New Kids On The FUCKING BIIZZZ-LOCK!!!

Mmkay let's kick this shit off, shall we? I am ever so excited; so much so that I FORCED Rhoda to take me to the store to purchase this album the EVENING it came out because A. I am an awesome fan and I do that shit 2. I never got to do that with a NKOTB album before.

I was not home five moments before I started listening to it. Now. There are, as of yet, two versions of the album, The Block. The original, with 13 songs and the deluxe version with I think 18 songs and perhaps some DVD stuff. I got the 13 track album because as has been true in the past, there is usually a reason they didn't originally plan on those five extra tracks, right.

Mmkay. Now I had heard Summertime of course, I nearly cried every time the song came on or the video showed. I had also heard a ragged bootleg of Single, with Ne-Yo, and even in raggedy ass form I liked it. A Lot. I purposely took time listening to every song, making my decisions whether to love or hate it. I actually had to take two runs because I was, for whatever idiotic reason, expecting 13 new Step By Step's. Dumbass. So here is a rundown:

1. Click Click Click;

Mmaky so this is the song that Donnie just KNEW would be the ish to bring them back together. Um. Why? Ok I do like it, I like the idea but I pay attention to Lyrics. I mean..I PAY ATTENTION and it kind of blurs the line between loving someone and just wanting that mental picture of them to keep you all day and actually taking photos of them for your viewing pleasure. Setting that aside, I dig the melodies and the groove is pretty decent, so I'm gonna say: B-

2. Single;

So I love Ne-Yo and I think late 08/2009 will be his year, hopefully. However. There are FIVE....FIVE! Men in the New Kids; do we need a sixth man to sing with you, for real? I like the song though, I just think they could have done it without him. Anyway it's a club deal, just let's go hang at the club and I'll be your man for a minute. So, to be fair the lyrics are good, the melodies are there and the beat is pretty awesome. I'll say: A-

3. Big Girl Now [Feat. Lady Gaga];

So I don't know who Lady Gaga is yet, though I saw her on an episode of the Hills and watched long enough to glean that she is Interscope's new big deal, but I LOVE this song. It's kind of like you as a fan meeting them and being like, I loved you back when I was nine...now I'm a big girl, let me show you what's up. I really love it. Lady Gaga at first sounds EXACTLY like Ashlee Simpson which was weird but I like the tone of her voice. I hear A LOT of Donnie on it but its not a bad thing [I used to question Donnie's 'singing' talent] and the addtion of Lady Gaga, for me was perfect. I Say: A+

4. Summertime;

Ok this song IS THIS ALBUM, this reunion. Because it's really about that time in your life when you loved something no further than right now and it didn't matter as long as it loved you back. For me and tons of fans, 'it' was of course the New Kids. It's about that summer we fell in love with them, with their music, its about looking back at that time and remeMbering how fucking great it was. The melodies are awesome and of course the beat is sick. The little do wop breakdown is ill and I know the onstage routine will be fantastic. I say: A++

5. 2 In The Morning;

I...LOVE this song. Because it's like exactly how you feel when you have a fight; like can we get this all done and said and move on? Oh, no we have to drag it out all nite? Ruin our whole nite? It's about that feeling when you know something isn't right and it just won't be until its dealt with. Yes that is this song. The writing is on point, I love the flow of it and some of the lines are fantastic 'Gotta Know If You're Mad At Me/Before Grey's Anatomy'. Classic. It's a mid tempo, as a matter of fact I wouldn't call any of the songs ballads, which is surprising; but I dig it and like I said the writing is just spot on. I will say: A+

6. Grown Man;

So...again there are indeed FIVE men in this group. So we need FIVE more women to make a song work? I'm not thrilled with this one. I mean if it comes up on the Ipod, I leave it on, but I don't know. It doesn't do for me what some of the others do; as if they're trying to prove too hard that they are indeed Grown Men. Dude. Most of you are pushing 40, god love ya, we know you're men. The beat is pretty sick though and I can't deny my love for Nicole [you know, the ONLY pussycat who actually sings], so I can respectfully give it a: B-

7. Dirty Dancing;

Love it. Another club song that reminds you of being at the club and getting kind of crazy with someone even if you know you shouldn't. I love it. My favorite line of all just might come from this song: 'Ohh, it's so crazy/she's like Baby/I'm Like Swazye.' Fucking awesomeness at it's very most awesome, no? I dig it. It's basically about getting dirty at the club despite having a man/woman at home, so I shouldn't indulge but I can't help myself. I love all the 'pretty lips and big ol' hips' and 'pretty eyes and big ol' thighs' references too. Makes a big girl feel some love. Overall I say: B+

8. Sexify My Love;

I like what this song is TRYING to say, really I do. But. Sexify. Really? I mean...that's all you could come with after 14 years? Really. Really? I like the song but every time I hear 'Sexify' I just giggle a little and want to skip the song. I do LOVE, love, LOVE Joe's bridge though because his voice is just the right tone to make it sound sexy and not silly. Over all I can only say: C

9. Twisted;

Quite possibly my favorite NKOTB song...EVER. Not sure why. But I fucking love the chorus and I love the hook and...yes. I love what it's saying really; it's kind of like, to me anyway, you've been hurt so much you need me to hurt you to make you feel. Deep, lol. No really though I love it and it MIGHT be because Timbaland does his magic, not sure; however unlike some previous work he isn't overwhelming the song with himself so it's just the perfect mix. I definately say: A++++

10. Full Service;

One more time folks...five guys...do we really need five MORE to sing one song? So on this one, maybe yes. Because it is only two of the biggest, bestest boy bands EVER. NKOTB & NE together at last. I think most fans who were aware of both bands back in the day were waiting for just such a song. It's hot folks; hot. The NK boys are wise enough to let NE be the ''urban'' voice while they for once play down their own 'urbaness'. But anyway the beat is ILL and the lyrics make me want to find out just what gas station/bar they might be working at 'I'll lift the hood and look up under/From the front and to the bumper/ Roll the window up and lock the door/Cause I'm gonna bring rain and thunder'....um, yes. A+

11. Lights, Camera, Action;

So this kind of feels like Click, Click, Click Part Two, only written better. I love some of the sassy lyrics and am pretty certain Jordan Knight could MAKE me do a sex tape if he wanted. Or Joe for that matter. Maybe even Donnie. And lately, Jon too. Never Danny though. Anyway, it's really exactly what it says, let's have some dirty love and film it for our own viewing pleasure. It's tongue in cheek though so it stops just sort of being bawdy. Again Joe serves one of my favorite lines, an ad lib you might not even hear at first, after a Jordan line 'No body double needed/cuz I do all the stunts on my own/Believe that' <--Joe's ad lib. Makes that whole line for me. Anyway I dig it and would say: A

12. Put It On My Tab;

So I loath AKON something terrible and am saddened they felt the need to add him to this song, though I do indeed barely hear him. It makes me give the song an unfair chance I dislike him THAT much. I like what the song is trying to say, although it contradicts itself midstream. You're a cool chick and these cat's don't see it, so put it on my tab...then let me holler at you. This is basically the song. To me it feels like the writing is stilted and it just changed course midway, instead of keeping with the you do you, girl, vibe it completely changes and it just doesn't feel right to me. So I sadly say: D

13. Stare At You;

Arguably the only REAL ballad on the whole album, save the deluxe with its sappy melodramas. I was actually hoping for more ballads but in the end I like that they just had one, because it's a pretty decent one, not too sappy but if you've ever truly been just taken with someone, this song is kind of EXACTLY how you feel when you see them. I love this line: 'It's not the way you look that brings me to my knees/It's the way you look at me'. Crushes my heart. Oh and...this one is great too: 'What do you see?/I can't figure it out.' because its likely how everyone feels when they are really in that deep, stupid, sappy love with someone they think is just...awesome. LOL. So I dig it and Jordan showed up on this one, folks. I say: A.

Bonuses: As I did not like some of the bonuses, I will just address two I felt should have been on the album/or could have taken the place of others.

Danger;

It kind of reminds me of Beyonce's Ring The Alarm, at the begining, and it definately catches your attention right away. It's almost like another part two, this time to Dirty Dancing, but I like it all the same. It's just about that person that is enticing and you know they are nothing but trouble. We've all had those in our lives. I feel like it flows with the rest of the album and could've either been on there or perhaps replaced a track [My Vote: Put It On My Tab]. I say: B+

Officially Over;

This is like that moment when you realize...yep it's done, you're through, it's over. We've all felt that at some point in time; either in a relationship at work, etc. It feels like a very honest song, Joe completely owns it in my opinion and I really feel, again, that it flows with the rest of the album. It should have been track 14, lol, or it should have replaced another mediocre one [My Vote: Grown Man]. I'll say: B-

Overall I give the album a very solid A+. I was at first unsure because it was all completely new stuff, but once you get over that, and realize it's been 15 fucking years so of course it should be new, you'll enjoy it. I am not jazzed with the cover art, as they all look like they're in the sun, save for Jon, and makes for awkward photos. The inner stuff was better, in my opinion as far as cover photos. I love that they all have babies, again save for Jon who is of course straight, and they all thank them and what not. I don't get the bit at the end where Donnie is talking to his daughter about his group. Anyway I dig it and suggest if you are now or ever were a blockhead, go get that shit!

MTV Video Music Awards 2008

2008-09-08T00:13:00.001-07:00

So. I shall be crossposting this at all my various blogs. It shall be long. It shall be entertaining, I hope. It shall be honest. It may be slightly bias. Bare with me, folks.

So I just so happened to head home RIGHT as the VMA'S began; now I used to love...nay adore the VMA's, I never missed it and often taped and re-watched that 3 hour bastard. The last several years have gone down more with every bad performance, lame theme and bad video feeds, etc; I would say since the Wayan Brothers hosted. This year all the hype made me kind of want to watch, however after a long day at work I had actually decided against it. Turned on to see what was happening and the bitch had just started. So this is my idea of what the VMA'S should be and what we actually witnessed this evening:
Funny host. Not stand-up routine all evening, but funny and able to hold the show, keep it going.
Open with a stellar performance. Award given. Award Given. Performance. Award given. Skit if you must. Performance. End with an even more stellar performance. I figure if it is a two hour long show there should be 10 performances no more no less. Give out the awards in a timely manner and allow them some time to guffaw before you usher them away. Maybe a twenty minute pre-show and a ten minute post. No more no less. If next year the show runs as this, I have been plagarized; let me know so I can cash in.

So tonights show:
Russel Brand. Now I think the chap is funny. I loved him in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, he was just slimey enough and yet so clueless he likely had no idea he was indeed slimey. I thought he was clearly very nervous as his eyes never left the teleprompter. I am sure he kept asking 'how the fuck did I get this gig'. But I think he was funny although most those in the crowd are so jaded I doubt they got his humor. He kept things running and he seemed to have a clue about what was going on. He also looks like a rockstar, disheveled looks and all, so he seemed to fit right in with everyone. I love the Jonas Brothers [at the moment, lets see how long it lasts] and even I thought the promise ring jokes were funny. WTF Jordin Sparks had to do with it, I do not know.

Performances:

Rihanna: Since she's so hot right now, of course she opened the show. Looked cool. Sounded like shit. WHO signed her? Oh wait...Jay Z, really?.....REALLY? She cannot sing live. I like the texture of her voice usually, so clearly that shit is played with A LOT in the studio because she cannot sing. I thought last year she was nervous. I guess not. She looked good though, but overall performance was weak, I thought.

Jonas Brothers: I dislike this song to be honest so my opinion was already tainted. It's a decent song but not one for their FIRST VMA performance, unless they want it to be their last. The kids running in made it seem so teeny-bopperish which I guess is ok. Having Joe's GF intro them was LAME. Joe attempting to be hot and rip open his vest only made him NOT hot. Nick was cute though.

Pink: This bitch is flawless, I do not know why she does not get more respect. I've seen her live at least four times and she always sounds strong and has a good time and NEVER does the same thing twice. I like the song okay but her performance made it better. I knew she was hiding something beneath that jacket. I knew it. She's a hot number and apparently she wants to show it.

Paramore: I love, love, love this song. I think it was nice to see what an actual LIVE performance is like. However, it is the VMA's, so I don't think it would have been too much to ask them to do something outrageous. Hayley is awesome though, I dig her, she's a fucking rockstar. I liked that they switched it up and they were at the theatre.

Lil Wayne: I'm not a fan but am aware the man has skills. I like the flow of his rhymes and they're always really clever. I don't think he likely puts on a good live show, tonight being evident. I don't think it took off until T-Pain came out and then it was pretty priceless. I dug it after that; although pull your pants up, I hate when they do that. Like, we get it, you're a gangster. WE GET IT, WEEZY!

T.I.: Now, I love me some TI. I am glad he is changing his music a little because some of his rhymes were getting old. We get that you were a rough and tumble tyke and you sold some shit. Move on. But I've seen him perform on a few shows and I know he can put on a show. Tonight I was bored. The car thing was lame, and I get that they were doing a whole Hollywood backlot thing, but...I don't know I didn't like it. And AGAIN with Rihanna. Really? Moving on.

Kayne: We know I loath him. I don't care if he is talented he knows he is and that's just not cool. I mean, be confident and know you're good at what you do, but throw a fit when no one else knows it and you're ill. I did not like the song and thought it was such a downer to end the show on, to be honest.

Kid Rock: He never fails to impress. Although it was pretty low key in comparison to his AWESOME performance back in 1999, which I still feel is one of the better VMA performances ever, he pulled it off. I think he killed it and when Weezy came out, it was perfect. Plus I really dig that song, so for me it was a good performance.

Christina Aguilera: I think Chris is officialy biting at Madge's heels, to be honest. Perfection. It was a hot opening and it brought you back to who she started out as and then she kind of showed you who Christina is now. I did not like that she was lipping for some of it, but she clearly was singing as well. I dug the new song too, and I think she just owned the stage, the only GREAT, worthy of talking about performance of the night. Look out Madge, someone wants your throne.

As far as the rest of the show, like I said, I like Brand so I thought he did well. The only presenter who seemed to want to be there was Jamie Foxx. I thought some of the production was rough around the edges but it was not the worst VMA's ever [last years was, IMHO]

So the most exciting thing: BRITNEY WON. Not one. Not even two, but three. She looked fucking A-MA-Z-ZAA-ZING. She seemed a little stunned when she won, like...I get one of those? But she was sweet and it seemed like they were kind of trying to make up for the debacle that was last year [although as I've said before I didn't think it was THAT bad]. I liked the opening thing but she clearly had a rough time filming it because she kept laughing. It was cute though, I love Jonah Hill so yeah. It was good for her to be seen like the rockstar she is.

Um what else. Let's see. Benji and Paris make me sick and are fucking posers, no matter how you look at it. Um can Taylor and Joe come out as a couple already? WTF. Its not like its a secret. I'm completely over Chris Brown And Rihanna. dunzo. Heidi and Spencer make me ill, and his beard scares me. What exactly was Demi Moore doing there? I dislike Sway and tonight reminds me why; I missed the opening show so I don't know who performed. Oh and Shia looked good, but I swore he hid his hand from the camera. Why was Busta there? He looked so weird just kind of being there. Lindsay did not look good and I love Linds, so ya know I'm being honest. Ciara looked alright. Paris looked okay despite being a poser. PCD won but they looked weak, I thought. And Nicole's voice reminds me of another singer when she talks and I can't remember who it is. I think Nicole is secretly in love with Bill from Tokio Hotel btw.

That reminds me, the biggest moment of the night! Tokio Hotel won Best New Artist! Freaking Exciting. I voted only a few times but it feels good to make a choice and see them win. They deserve it because while they're not huge here, yet, they are massive overseas so they have some dues coming. I was so excited. Best moment of the night. I bet Nicole is trying to do something dirty with Billa right now, while Tom tries to do something dirty to her!
And just like that, I'm .......

Summer Ended

2008-09-03T01:22:00.000-07:00

So summer is over already and I made it to ZERO Concerts. Bummer. Had a few planned too. But the fall will be better, already have my NKOTB tickets and I just might hit Janet too. Any way I want to post at least monthly about music, so here is my monthly post. A month late. :)

Still bummed about the music on the radio, as...it all sounds the same and by that I mean it all sucks. At least for the most part. We know I am a to the bone pop tart, however, so the recent resurgence of pop, via Miley Cyrus [who hardly counts, read previous post], The Jonas brothers and the basically the Juggnaut that is Disney and it's pleathora of ''talent''. Hey side bar..they should TOTALLY redo The Mickey Mouse Club. I think that last one reconvened in about 1989, so if they had it ready by next year, with the likes of say the Jonas', Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and the rest of those Disney kids, it might be pretty cool. Anyhoot.

Its ironic that I should get on the Disney kick today because I want to talk about The Jonas Brothers. So I had heard about them of course but really had no idea of their music. Or so I thought; then I realized I had indeed heard both SOS and Year 3000 and while I thought they were cute, I wasn't blown away. However. I really wanted to take my nieces to a concert this summer [one I planned and did not make] and I knew I couldn't afford/stand Miley Cyrus so I thought perhaps the next best thing, which is of course The Jonas' Brothers. Actually though I thought it was end of summer, closer to right about...now. I was mistaken, it was indeed july and I wish I had taken them. During the planning for this concert I decided to listen to some music. And. I liked it. I love my pop music, we know this. But I was impressed, not the best stuff I have ever heard of course, but I really enjoyed it. It was their own thing, it was different and they do it themselves; the writing, the playing. I dig that in a band, although we also know I love my boybands so it was like the perfect blend of both. Then I saw camp rock, by chance. And...so yes I am in love with a very young Joe Jonas [he's 19 = legal!]. I did not dig Demi Lovato's song, except for the opening one, but I did like everything the JoBro's did. I listened to all the stuff I could get my hands on after hearing the Camp Rock songs and some of the stuff I got in prep for the concert. I like the melodies and I think the lyrics are impressive, despite the fact that they are indeed written by young teenage boys who likely have no true idea of their meaning. I absolutely love the tone of Joe's voice and sometimes Nick's; the lyrics are fun when they need to be and serious when they can be and from what I've seen they put on a great show. Like I said, its refreshing to hear some talent for a change. I don't think they're the next big thing, meaning they will have their time and something new will come along. But for right now they're pretty perfect a replacement for the nothingness we have coming at us from the radio. I am in love with Burnin' Up and I A Little While Longer is a sad/good song. Still some of their earlier, fun stuff is...fun to listen to. So enjoy.

Also! this excites me because it seems like they could be the 2000's Hanson. Follow me. In 1997/1998 Hanson came on the scene. 3 brothers. played & wrote their own music. HUGE phenom. Quickly followed by the spice girls. Then the following three to four years that were the BEST of my LIFE, which brought us BSB, Nsync and Britney. Also, let me take you back a bit to 1988 when NKOTB and New Edition were the shit. Boybands go in cycles and its crazy to me that it might be time for another one. I'd be thrilled. And isn't it ironic that NKOTB are reforming? So who will be the next spice girls? Girlicious? Pussycat dolls [though I think their on minute 14:50]? Danity Kane? Who will it be?

Today....

2008-06-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

So today I shall talk about...Miley Cyrus. She is on the screener at my work and so now...I loathe her. I mean setting aside the fact that in the video, she BELIEVES she is Avril Lavigne circa 2002, the girl is not a good singer. She's cute, especially since she got the grill fixed, but...that's it. She cannot sing and she cannot act and it irritates me that she's the biggest thing right now and people who ARE talented are not. This has always been a pet peeve of mine. In 2002, I believe it WAS Avril Lavigne who pissed me off; at least her songs are catchy and have some sort of meaning behind them. Anyhoot. I don't care about the 'racy' photos, that's for her papa and mama to deal with and realize they're pimping their own child, A'La Dina Lohan. No...I care that she can't sing, has a record and tv, and likely movie, deal and makes millions of dollars off of little impressionable girls, like my nieces. Who love her and don't get that she can't sing. I will say that song See You Again, I like the vibe of it but she cannot sing people. AND....although I just said she's cute..she's not THAT cute that it's like Britney Spears in 1998 when she was just the shit without a voice. I get it that the public is fickle...I do and in a few months, or weeks even, she will be history. The longest stretch I can remember anyone having is Britney Spears and we saw where that ended up, eh? Not that I forsee that happening, as it seems with those racy photos that keep getting 'leaked' to the press, I feel like it's more likely that Miley's career will go down faster than Britney's Daily Starbucks; it's as if she wants to tarnish her image quickly, so when she does another album filled with Britney like songs, people will say 'oh...so this is the real Miley...it explains all that racy shit'. So...yeah End of Story, I dislike Miley Cyrus and the devil spawn that is Hannah Montanna. End.

Music

2008-06-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

So..at one time, music was my LIFE. I have been to about...50 concerts in the span of about 10 years, which isn't much considering the concerts I WANTED to go to and the fact that most of those concerts were one or two tours [I attended several times]. But still I love music, thought not as of late because nothing as of late has stirred me much. Save for Justin Timberlake, of course, which is in essence my way of holding on to my five favorite men in the world, Nsync. Five of my other favorite men EVER recently decided to reunite and I could not be more ecstatic. NKOTB BABY! Oh yeah come november...I'll feel like I'm a prepubescent silly bitch again for 3 days straight. Cannot wait. So..herein shall be my music blog, although I know I can go to Multiply for that, I tried it and didn't like it, I prefer to stay in a simple blog layout. So...Yes. As of right now I am thrilled with life because of the music Reunion of a LIFETIME. All the other jazz on the radio though...not doing it for me people, just not doing it for me. Anyway...I'm out!