I raved about how fantastic I think Glee is in my review of the season opener yesterday, but for those of you who need a little more convincing, check out two songs from Wednesday night's episode. (If you're already a Gleek, consider this a treat =]). First up is the Glee Club's take on Kanye West's Gold Digger. Rachel's (Lea Michele) cover of Take a Bow by Rihanna follows. Listen and enjoy, luhvahs.
It is gloomy here today in New York City; it has been raining since early morning, and, of course, today's significance is enough to put a dour fog on any day. So, when I'm feeling glum, I play music to cheer myself up and who better to put a smile on my face than the ever adorable Mika? Isn't it just serendipitous then that I got my mitts on Mika's brand new single this morning?
Blame It On the Girls is fantastic pop. The opening drums, handclaps, and piano draws you in immediately and Mika takes you for a ride. The lyrics are characteristically fresh, the melody customarily infectious and the song overall is less polarizing than lead single We Are Golden. Everyone can get into this.
Check out Mika's second single, Blame It On the Girls below. Mika's second studio album, The Boy Who Knew Too Much, will be available on September 21. I've also thrown in a live performance of We Are Golden. Allow Mika's joyous music and smile to brighten your day. I think I see the sun peering out...
Blame It On the Girls
Mika
The Boy Who Knew Too Much
Recently liberated from the Cheetah Girls, Adrienne Bailon has signed a solo deal with Def Jam and is looking to release her debut album later this year or early 2010. The 25-year-old seasoned veteran is venturing out on her own after her success shuffling back and forth between girl groups for the last ten years -- 3LW's debut album was certified platinum and the Cheetah Girls brand, one of the most popular and profitable brands Disney has created in the past decade, has racked up five Billboard-charting albums (one achieving double platinum status) and tens of millions of dollars in revenue from three movies, four nationwide tours, and countless merchandise.
Regular nodnarb readers are well aware that the man behind the blog is completely enamored with Lady GaGa. I believe that she is the future of pop music; a powerful combination of talent, daring, focus, and artistry. She is experiencing great success with her debut album, The Fame, and is distinctly ahead of the curve in every move she makes. Love her or hate her, Lady GaGa demands your attention.
Above is the first, ferocious shot from Lady GaGa's upcoming spread with British Vogue, discernibly inspired by the impending rerelease of her debut, newly titled The Fame: Monster. Below is a recent interview with Newsweek in which GaGa explains her concept of fame, what she hopes to accomplish with her updated debut album to be released this fall, and her upcoming VMA performance, which with she intends to "inspire a movement." Read on...Congratulations on your nine nominations. Have you always been a fan of the VMAs?When I was younger, I used to wrap a big blanket around myself, an afghan my grandmother knitted, and I would wear it like a gown. I would run around the basement with popcorn and I would scream in excitement waiting for them to come on. I used to love the big pop acts. I remember Alicia Keys gave a beautiful performance and Michael Jackson with 'N Sync.Have you figured out what you're going to perform?I'm going to be performing one of the most recent singles off my album. But it's going to be a different and more dramatic interpretation. And it is most certainly rooted in New York-style performance art.What does that mean?It's less of me singing the song, and more of an art installation. A performance-art piece. It's very well-designed and thought out, and we've been planning it for months and months. It is for me a very meaningful performance, [for] where I am in my career, as well as the experiences I've had, as well as the co-headlining tour I'm going on in the fall.Do you think it will be one of those defining moments people will remember at the VMAs?I know it will. I sort of have this philosophy about things: there's never a reason to do something unless it's going to be memorable, unless it's going to change things, unless it's going to inspire a movement. With the song and with the performance, I hope to say something very grave about fame and the price of it.Something grave? What?You'll have to see.What are you going to wear?I would say that the fashion for the performance is a representation of the most stoic and memorable martyrs of fame in history. It's intended to be an iconic image that represents people. I think after watching the performance and maybe studying it after you watch it on YouTube, you'll see the references and the symbols come through.Do you watch yourself on YouTube?I like to watch my performances sometimes. I'm always trying to improve on choreography and the stage shows. I like to watch the lighting. I often argue with my lighting designer on the show; as much as I like to light the show for the room, it's important to light the show and design the sound for YouTube. In truth, lots of my fans can't make it to my shows in Israel or Germany or in Paris, so they go online to watch them.How do you light a show differently for YouTube?I like it to be moody. I like it to evoke an idea more than light my face. It's not about what you see. It's about what you don't see, and sometimes that vacant space can be very scary.Everybody knows you now, but if somebody didn't, how would you describe your music?It's New York pop. The music reflects the lifestyle of me and my friends living in downtown New York, with no money but a dream and fervor for fame and to be a star. And it was through a constant devotion to our work, as well as a relentless pursuit of our dream, that we are here today. For myself, the Haus of Gaga is not a marketing tool. It's a group of friends and young designers that I wish to use my fame to propel them forward. So it's music in tandem with art.How old were you when you first wanted to be famous?I think I was in my mother's womb. But it's not about fame, you see. It's about "The Fame." It's about a life of glamour. I believe in a glamorous life.What's the difference?Fame today, the stereotypical idea that we have about fame, is that cameras follow you everywhere and everybody is talking about you and you can't go anywhere. The "it" girl. [With] The Fame, I'm talking about the inner sense of confidence.So you can be a non-famous person and still have The Fame.I prefer non-famous people who have The Fame. I myself don't like celebrities. It's the idea that you can be whoever you want to be. You don't have to be a victim of your environment. You can become the image of yourself you project, [that] you could become in the future.Why don't you like celebrities?I just haven't had an excellent personal experience with celebrities. But I'm sure there are a few lovely ones. I have made a few friends, of course.You wore a jacket made entirely of Kermit the Frogs. Were you a fan of the Muppets?I do love the Muppets. It is a wonderful childhood memory I share. That particular jacket, we had no idea it would make such a splash. That jacket is very famous now. We're excited that it's famous. It's by a designer we wanted to support. I thought it was comical because I don't wear fur. But there was something morbid and hilarious and wearing a jacket made of lots of Kermits. Dead, dead Kermits.Did you still have the jacket?I sent it back to [the designer]. I imagine he would like to have it. Maybe some amazing fashion model will wear it on the cover of Italian Vogue.I read that Madonna came to your concert?Yes. She did.Did you meet her?No. I didn't. But we have exchanged messages [through] mutual people that we know. She is very kind to me and supportive. I appreciate her support very much.I read on your Twitter they tried to arrest you in Russia.They did. I was wearing my outfit from my performance at this nightclub in the middle of Moscow. I was in the car going back to the hotel. I asked them to pull over in Red Square so I could take a picture. I was out there for about five minutes, and I guess they thought my clothing was inappropriate.You Tweet in German a lot. Do you speak it fluently?I don't speak German, but my favorite writer is German, Rainer Maria Rilke. I just got a tattoo of this book he's very famous for, Letters to a Young Poet. I got the tattoo on my bicep.How many tattoos do you have?Six.You recently wrote a song for Michael Bolton?I love Michael Bolton, and I always have. The record label called me and said, "Michael is doing a new album, and who better to write an '80s love song than Lady Gaga?" I said, "You're absolutely right." I looked at it as an exciting opportunity, especially after I wrote "Just Dance" and I was writing for other artists, everybody wanted me to write them the next "Just Dance." It was always dance music. It was an exciting opportunity to work with someone as timeless as Michael and do a ballad. Do something that I'm really good at that I don't get to show very much. Or that I haven't shown on this record. But I will be showing on the rerelease, which is coming out this fall.Would you be interested in writing for other artists?I am working on other people's work right now. I'm always writing.Can you tell me who?No. I couldn't do that. I like to honor the artists. Some artists don't like other people to know they're collaborating. So I want to be honorable and take care of the artist. When I'm a writer, it's not about me. It's about them.Do you ever ghost-write a song?I prefer not to say.
Listen to the track Lady GaGa wrote (and sang backing vocals) for Michael Bolton below.
Murder My Heart
Michael Bolton featuring Lady GaGa
One World, One Love
P.S. It was just announced that Lady GaGa is the songwriter and performer behind the #1 and #3 most downloaded songs in UK history! Poker Face has amassed an astounding 779,000 downloads in a year's time, followed closely by the 700,000 downloads of her debut single Just Dance. Incredible. Congratulations.
Leona Lewis is officially back on the scene. After a few tracks from her upcoming album, Echo, leaked some weeks ago, we now have the official lead single. Leona co-wrote Happy with Ryan Tedder and Evan Bogart, but ten seconds into the track and you could have figured that out for yourself. It's so very irritating when one producer gets branded a "hitmaker;" it only translates to monotony on the radio. Happy is filthy with Tedder's footprints; his formula for creating a stellar, striking pop song is clearly perfected, but the sad reality is we've heard it too many times before. Case in point: after I heard Happy for the first time, I had Bleeding Love stuck in my head.
"Happy is filthy with Ryan Tedder's footprints."
"Mid-tempo, power pop ballads are Leona's bread and butter; Happy is almost certainly her next big hit."
Crystal Kay performs 恋におちたら for the umpteenth time and I still swoon. She just sounds and looks so good. Love the pose at the end! Of course, Crystal is pimping out her most successful single to date on Music Fair to promote her new compilation album, BEST of CRYSTAL KAY, which is actually selling fairly well. I was a tad nervous when her double A-side After Love/Girlfriend basically bombed, but I guess a catalogue of all her hits along with Jin Akanishi's name on the cover of the CD is providing more of an incentive. As I've mentioned before, the album is absolutely amazing in all its awesomeness, and you should definitely pick it up if your a fan. Check out a couple of the tracks from the new disc below.
Step by Step
Crystal Kay
BEST of CRYSTAL KAY
Helpless Night
Crystal Kay featuring Jin Akanishi
BEST of CRYSTAL KAY
Step by Step must be a lot like crack. I don't know, I'll have to ask Whitney. But, seriously, I start to itch if I haven't heard it over six hours. It's the best result one could have imagined from a collaboration with Yasutaka Nakata; Kuri brought out the best in his style. Love it. Helpless Night is nice, but leaves a little to be desired. I'll go ahead and blame that on Jin; he just doesn't sell it. I would have preferred Wonder to be included instead, but again, it's not a bad listen. Honestly, with the After Love/Girlfriend single and the four new tracks included in this set, Kuri was well on her way to a new studio album. I'm a bit flummoxed as to why all these great tracks and high profile guests are being relegated to a first-press special edition disc, but then again, Crystal is never really promoted well. All we can do as fans is support our girl =D.
Because I can't help myself, I'm throwing in this video of Crystal Kay and BoA in the studio recording Girlfriend. They're so encouraging of one another. And Kuri doing the Eat You Up choreo!! かわいい！！
A mum Janet Jackson has decided to pierce her silence regarding her brother's untimely death. The icon is set to cover the next Harper's Bazaar issue with an exclusive interview. Jackson is also working on her next film, Tyler Perry's How Did I Get Married, Too and is reportedly in the early stages of recording her 11th studio album, the follow-up to last year's Discipline. I'll be interested to hear the differences in her new material now that she has split from Def Jam and boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. At the very least, we can hope that Janet finds a label willing to promote more than one single.
Michael Jackson, who passed away over two months ago, was finally laid to rest yesterday, September 3rd. The lavish ceremony was befitting the king of popular music, whose legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire aspiring musicians for decades to come.
An audacious Chris Brown, apparently unimpressed with the pity party following his abrupt and much deserved fall from grace, has gone on record against Oprah in a recent interview. When asked about his feelings regarding Oprah's show focusing on abuse shortly after his assault against Rihanna, the brazen buffoon had the blazing gall to say this:"I commend Oprah on being like, 'This is a problem,' but it was a slap in my face. I did a lot of stuff for her, like going to Africa and performing for her school. She could have been more helpful, like, 'Okay, I'm going to help both of these people out.'"
Ummm, how about "no," bitch.
Of course, this little stunt didn't elicit a direct response from the Big O herself, but her people quickly responded:"Oprah is very appreciative that Chris Brown performed at her school but she takes domestic abuse very seriously. She hopes he gets the counseling he needs."
Yes. Get help, asshole. Singing for children in Africa may sound like the ultimate tool for exoneration, but it doesn't mean the most influential woman in America should condone your disgusting behavior. Go get that counseling -- and stay off our radios and television sets in the meantime. Dick.
Lady GaGa is quite busy kicking ass and taking names, thank you very much. While making the rounds promoting her solo tour in Australia, our fair Lady was queried about the hermy rumors on a morning show in Brisbane. When asked about the "tiny penis issue" and whether the rumors offended or embarrassed her, GaGa retorted with:"My beautiful vagina is very offended. I'm not offended — my vagina is offended. I've sold four million records in six months. I'm not embarrassed about anything. Those rumors [are based on] society's reaction to a strong woman — the idea that we equate strength with a man and a penis as a symbol of male strength."
Sadly, while her response was more than a little pretentious, feminist, and self-important, she's probably right. And I still love her.
Ah, it's September! Can anyone else believe that summer's over and the year's almost through?? I know, right?
Along with the end of summer, September also means "back to school" and, infinitely less depressing, season premieres. Most anticipated on my list are the antics of our favorite Upper East Siders on GG. Considering all the crazy shit that went down while they were in high school, one can only imagine what's in store for their college years. But you won't have too much time to ponder all the trouble Blair can conjure up in NYU; new Gossip Girl episodes start on the 14th.
If GG doesn't tickle your fancy, fret not; there's a veritable panoply of premieres to enjoy this September. The second season of 90210 and the recycled, nay, revamped Melrose Place both premiere next Tuesday, the 8th. A whopping 13th cycle of America's Next Top Model starts next Wednesday, the 9th, along with the series premiere of the highly anticipated Glee. Damn, hasn't Tyra run out of ideas?? The sad reality is that she probably has...
More vamp fever!!; Ian Somerhalder stars in what's sure to be the newest blood-sucking craze, Vampire Diaries. See Ian's fangs and his dreamy, dreamy eyes on the 10th. Heroes makes its return on the 21st; hopefully the team behind the once-phenomenal series can resurrect the show from its messy, boring, convoluted ashes. My advice: kill someone off, and MORE POWERS!
Crystal Kay's second compilation drops tomorrow, yeeeee!! I currently have all three discs of Best of Crystal Kay on repeat and Kuri can be very proud of her body of work; not only are the new songs absolute FIRE but most of the oldies stand up to time really well. Make sure to get your copy -- it's the best introduction to Crystal Kay you can get, and the ultimate collection of hits if you're already a long-standing fan.
I knew beforehand that this performance would be done to a backing track instead of a live band with backup singers, but I'm still a bit disappointed. I'm tired of these cutesy performances; these scarce Music Station appearances are really all we get to see of Crystal in the States. Can't we get something with a little more pow? Anyway, Kuri and BoA sound good together here -- both vocal performances were fairly solid. Didn't much care for Crystal's hair or BoA's outfit but, it's whatever I guess. I'm still holding out hope for a proper music video for Girlfriend, but as the single officially dropped this past week, my little hope candle is almost burned out.
I'll be honest and say I listened to Energetic exactly once when BoA's English debut album had just been released. But, sometimes a decent video can breathe new life into a song you've passed over. This is almost the case with Energetic; while the track may have more potential than I initially realized, I still don't think it has enough of an impact to make BoA's crossover into the American market any more relevant. However, I can definitely imagine getting down to this in a club. I recently heard I Did it For Love at a bar and it knocked like it never did in my home.
Now, onto the bad: BoA is definitely wearing way too much makeup in this MV; it's the worst I've ever seen her. Not that she's ugly, but she looks weird -- I much prefer her fresh-faced. Also, it really annoys me that she's not singing the hook, which is arguably the best part of the song. Can someone offer Sean Garrett a seat? Thanks.
To be honest, I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner. Many of our old hits in the States have been re-recorded by Japanese artists and I figured it was only a matter of time until the rights to the most successful song Brandy or Monica ever made got snapped up. But, when I first saw Beni's name in the title I was pissed I didn't see 'featuring Crystal Kay!' If Crystal has a closer friend in the industry than BoA, it's Beni, and she would have been sooo hot on this song. Instead, we have Tynisha Keli's vocals to contend with.
Did I say I'd prefer Beni and Crystal Kay? Well, maybe Crystal and Tynisha would do a better job. Beni completely dropped the ball on this; her verses sound like Engrishu karaoke. She put no funk or flavor on the track, which is a damn crime considering all the attitude included in Brandy and Monica's version. Tynisha on the other hand is clearly a native English speaker and has a bit of a voice on her. She didn't exactly give Monica a run for her money, but she definitely held her own. It's clear that Beni and Tynisha actually like each other in real life; they could have used some of that real, tangible enmity that was the driving force behind Brandy and Monica's #1 interpretation. You could tell they couldn't stand each other and did everything they could to blow the other one out of the water.
But, herein lies a thought: Crystal, whenever she decides to attempt the jump to America, should do a classic R&B song as a promo track. This would give new listeners a chance to hear her signature vocal style and exploit their nostalgic weakness. Someone put me in charge of the Crystal crossover -- I'd do that shit right. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the Girlfriend video...
Oh. Em. Gee. Crystal has finally (FINALLY!) turned out a good video! It's safe to say that, perhaps with the exception of the きっと永遠に video, she's never looked better. There's a mature feel about it and Crystal is effortlessly sexy. I love it! Can't wait for the Girlfriend video; hopefully it can live up to this new standard.
Crystal Kay will indeed be releasing her second compilation album in commemoration of her decade in the music industry on September 2nd titled Best of Crystal Kay. This news, coupled with all the new music she's been working out is really the most her fans could have hoped for. I'm certainly satisfied. You can't help but be proud of Kuri, huh? Only 23 and celebrating ten years in the game? I thought Christina Aguilera was awesome for hitting that milestone at 28. (She is, of course).
Best of Crystal Kay is rumored to include a whopping three discs containing well over 30 tracks from her diverse discography. I hope you all voted as I requested because it would seem that Kuri has already selected the tracklist. Check it out.01 Eternal Memories02 こみちの花03 ダーリン P.P.P.04 Girl's Night05 Ex-Boyfriend （feat.Verbal／m-flo）06 lost child07 月のない夜、道のない場所08 A song for you09 think of U10 hard to say11 Girl U Love12 Boyfriend-part 2-13 片想い14 I LIKE IT15 Candy16 Can't Be Stopped17 Motherland18 Tears19 Kiss20 恋におちたら21 Two As One22 I Know23 Kirakuni24 涙があふれても25 きっと永遠に26 こんなに近くで...27 あなたのそばで28 Dream World29 涙のさきに30 ONE31 帰り道
Yay, all my tracks made the list! Well, there wasn't much doubt about 恋におちたら (Koi ni Ochitara) and こんなに近くで (Konna ni Chikaku de) but even the album track I Know (which is pure gold) was included! Woot. I love that 帰り道 (Kaerimichi) is in there, too. Now you may notice that Crystal's newest material like Girlfriend, After Love, and, more importantly, Over and Over, which has never seen a physical release, are not included in the track listing. I fretted for a while, but it was later revealed that the First Press Limited Edition will include a 5-track bonus disc containing her previously unreleased material. The tracklist for this disc hasn't been explicitly stated yet, but I can guess it will include Girlfriend, After Love, Over and Over, and Step by Step. Which leaves one space empty. Ah, the possibilities! 出会えた軌跡 (Deaeta Kiseki)? Hold On from the Dolan's Cadillac soundtrack? Wonder, her duet with Jin Akanishi?
No matter what the final mystery track turns out to be, it's clear that Crystal Kay has assembled quite the package for her fans. I'll definitely be picking up my three discs of Kuri goodness. Congrats again, Kuri-chan!
Fantastic performance. I live for the outfit, the vocals were on point -- just spectacular. Paparazzi just keeps sounding better and better to me. Wouldn't it be nice if this were the standard for pop acts? Live instrumentation, live vocals, and, of course, fierce fashion? No one in the pop game right now can touch GaGa when it comes to artistry.
Oh, and our fair Lady made history again -- this time on the Mainstream Top 40 Chart when current single LoveGame, like Poker Face and Just Dance before it, hit the top spot. Congrats, GaGa.
Ahh, I may have to just rechristen my blog "Crystal Kay Central." But, since they took the amazing, amazing live video of すき (Suki) down (I'm so upset) I had to share this one with you guys. I mentioned in an earlier post that Crystal Kay did a cover of the late (so weird to say) Michael Jackson's Human Nature and now we have the full video. Check it out.
The rumors regarding a Crystal Kay track on the soundtrack to the upcoming Stephen King novel-turned-movie Dolan's Cadillac have been swirling around for so long now that I thought the track would never drop. But, Hold On has finally landed -- and I love it. Crystal, in case you were unaware, sounds every bit as good in English as she does in Japanese and the production, a combo of echoed vocals and a moody beat, is great. Crystal sounds eerily like Janet at some points and works a vocal style I've never heard from her before. Good stuff. I'm loving the onslaught of Kuri tracks; keep 'em comin'!
Listen to Hold On below.
Mannequin is the only track from Circus that I can still listen to; the production is fly and the beat knocks. But this is some bullshit. First off, Britney looks like a cheap hooker from Jersey. Second, that choreography has to be some of the most uninspiring I've ever seen, and the delivery the most spiritless. Bitch has no swagger. None. She's not singing. And she's not working the stage. Yet, this bitch is preparing to tour America AGAIN this summer. Why are people paying for this? You want a show? -- my friend Amima and I have done better impromptu choreography to Mannequin in the comfort of her living room. This shit is a joke.
It's July and it's finally feeling like summertime here in NYC. Joy!
This month, our favorite wizard starts his search for Voldemort's horcruxes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I was pretty disappointed in the last movie but, I still have high hopes for this one -- the trailers look great. After this, there's only the two movies comprising the final book left. Damn, time flies. Check out HP6 in theaters on the 15th.
Happy 10th anniversary to Miss Crystal Kay. I hope you're around for decades to come. 愛してるよ。♥♥♥
Finally, Brüno comes to American theaters on the 10th. I was worried that Cohen taking on this character would be something like a white person in blackface, but early reviews have allayed my fears and I'm actually excited to see it.
Hope everyone had an awesome Independence Day! And, Happy July!!
Crystal recently had a little showcase in honor of her ten year anniversary in the biz. Among other songs like her signature 恋におちたら (Koi ni Ochitara) and a cover of Michael Jackson's Human Nature, Crystal performed her brand new single with KANAME, After Love -First Boyfriend- for the first time. Check it out. (I love the cute dress).
Crystal also recently performed at a special live concert. BoA performed at this concert as well, and even though part of me was hoping they'd perform Girlfriend together, I was more than happy with Crystal's stunning performance of すき (Suki). It's beautiful -- check it out below.
This bitch is giving good face! Crystal Kay is officially on the grind; After Love -First Boyfriend- is the latest Crystal Kay song to drop. Seeing her collaborate once again with KANAME from CHEMISTRY, it has been revealed that this track will accompany Girlfriend, Crystal's duet with BoA, on a double A-side to be released on August 12th. After Love strikes me as a more mature, but less catchy Two as One. Unfortunately KANAME doesn't have much of a presence on the song, but I do find the track easy to listen to -- the cutesy beat and smooth vocals have a nice effect. The song will serve as yet another tie-in for the Tully's Coffee chain.
Listen to After Love -First Boyfriend- (damn, how many Kuri songs have 'boyfriend' in the title?!) below.
While the upcoming double A-side will also feature 出会えた奇跡 (Deaeta Kiseki), there is still no word on when or whether Over and Over and Wonder, Crystal's collaboration with Jin Akanishi, will see official releases. However, Over and Over was recently featured in an NTT (a Japanese radio station) commercial and rumors abound regarding Wonder's future release. There is speculation that the single will drop within the year and that Jin and Crystal have formed a unit, aptly christened "Crystal Red." Of course, these rumors fuel those other rumors linking Jin and Crystal together romantically. Time will tell. Both these songs are too hot to sleep on, though, so something better happen. Also, can we get some music videos, please? Kthx.
Finally, there are whispers that Crystal's second compilation album, titled BEST OF CK, will be released this coming September in commemoration of her ten years in the music industry. Congratulations, Kuri! Perhaps Over and Over and maybe even Wonder will find a home in this compilation. Check out the three new commercials featuring Crystal's music below.
%20Billyrrom%20-%20Mirror%20Ball%20%231.png)
