In honor of the late holiday of Thanksgiving, I present my favorite holiday cliches the 4th season Thanksgiving episode of Buffy.
3. Native Americans taking back their land.
2. Holiday guests being tied to their chairs.
1. Exes coming to visit.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A Note About Dancing and Stars
I can't believe Brandy got voted off dancing with the stars after receiving a perfect score. More importantly, I can't believe who is left- Cory and Bristol???
Team Jen Grey all the way. Because nobody puts baby in a corner.
Team Jen Grey all the way. Because nobody puts baby in a corner.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Note About The Prince (William) & Me
While I'm excited about the idea of a royal wedding (see huge photo of William and Kate) and the public insanity that has already begun, I've taken a pause for reflection. I'm not in love with Prince William or anything, and I wish he and Kate the best.
But am I the only one (aside from the UK SUN) slightly creeped out that Kate was given the ring of William's mother Diana, who seemed to find tons of tragedy? Not only did Diana's marriage go bust after receiving that ring (see photo of ring), but she had met a tragic and early death.
It's like being given a coffin as a wedding present... Ghastly and creepy.
And the prince for me will always be Luke Mably as Danish Prince Edvard in the 2004 film, The Prince and Me. But if you have the opportunity to see Prince and Me 2: Royal Wedding, pass. It was very dismal and Julia Stiles was not in it.
But am I the only one (aside from the UK SUN) slightly creeped out that Kate was given the ring of William's mother Diana, who seemed to find tons of tragedy? Not only did Diana's marriage go bust after receiving that ring (see photo of ring), but she had met a tragic and early death.
It's like being given a coffin as a wedding present... Ghastly and creepy.
And the prince for me will always be Luke Mably as Danish Prince Edvard in the 2004 film, The Prince and Me. But if you have the opportunity to see Prince and Me 2: Royal Wedding, pass. It was very dismal and Julia Stiles was not in it.
A Note About Shows Robbed in Their Early Stages
The recent EW post about underrated movies and the cancellation of NBC's Undercovers got me thinking. As far as UC goes, it was a great plot, with likable characters, but they spent way too much times setting up the bad guy plots and traveling aroudn the country. Crewatoe There have been so many shows that were whisked away too soon. I'm not saying some shows didn't need to be yanked off quick (see ABC's 2010 dud Romantically Challenged- honestly Alyssa Milano, what were you thinking??), (also see FOX's Running Wilde- how did it make it to December, that little girl had a grating voice that hurt as bad as Will Arnet's "pretty boy" persona), but some shows were shot down before their groove could be reached. Here are my favorites.
Maybe its Me (2000-2001)
This WB gem lasted a full season and was surreptitiously dropped. MIM was a half-hour comedy followed 16-year old Molly Stage and her insane extended family. Dad (Fred Willard) was her soccer coach, Mom (Julia Sweeney) was cheap. Her older brother Rick was dangerously handsome and total thief and con artist (he got them illegal cable in one episode) and her close in high school aged older brother Grant was in love with Jesus. Molly's best friend Mia (great Mia Hamm joke in the first episode when the frustrated dad is mourning the team's loss and mom offers Mia some more ham at dinner) is in love with grant. Throw in twin redhead little sisters whoa re cute but troublesome, and a grandma (the lady from The Wedding Singer)and grandpa (reverend from Little House on the Prairie) (not married, from opposite sides of the family), and it was sickly funny from Molly entering a town beauty pageant where contestants had to shuck clams, to the grandparents cranking up the heat while mom was gone, to mom giving the whole school food poisoning when she subbed as a lunch lady. Their theme song changed twice in the once season, from Lindsay Pagano's "All U R" to Simple Plan's "I'd Do Anything." Bad news: Grandpa got replaced in the middle of the season. GRADE: A+
Mr. Sterling (Jan. to Mar. 2003)
Mr. Sterling (NBC) made it to about ten episodes, all of which were splendidly written. What happened? Josh Brolin was the leading character, a CA-based lawyer that is called to be a senator when the current senator faces major scandal. He hops a plane to D.C., meets his staff, and sets out to get out from the shadow of his father, a former governor of California. The staff included Audra McDonald (Addison's bestie on Private Practice), Will Russ (the dad from Boy meets World).The best episode included Sterling give an all-night filibuster to change a law, complete with reading a copy machine manual. GRADE: B
Miss Match (Sept. to Dec. 2003)
On NBC, Alicia Silverstone is Kate, a divorce lawyer by day, and a matchmaker after hours. Great premise, plus the introduction of James Roday (PSYCH hottie) to television. Roday is a co-worker, and Ryan O'Neal plays her father and the owner of the firm. Kate's bartender best friend Victoria (played by Lake Bell), kept an eye on the matches and was a bit of a slut. Her "should be or shouldn't we" ex Michael (the husband on Ghost Whisperer)was interesting and his best pal Adam (Nathan Fillion, aka Castle) also kept the couplings interesting. The theme song was done by Macy Gray. I see a lot of parallels between this and the new USA show FAIRLY LEGAL. GRADE: B+
Maybe its Me (2000-2001)
This WB gem lasted a full season and was surreptitiously dropped. MIM was a half-hour comedy followed 16-year old Molly Stage and her insane extended family. Dad (Fred Willard) was her soccer coach, Mom (Julia Sweeney) was cheap. Her older brother Rick was dangerously handsome and total thief and con artist (he got them illegal cable in one episode) and her close in high school aged older brother Grant was in love with Jesus. Molly's best friend Mia (great Mia Hamm joke in the first episode when the frustrated dad is mourning the team's loss and mom offers Mia some more ham at dinner) is in love with grant. Throw in twin redhead little sisters whoa re cute but troublesome, and a grandma (the lady from The Wedding Singer)and grandpa (reverend from Little House on the Prairie) (not married, from opposite sides of the family), and it was sickly funny from Molly entering a town beauty pageant where contestants had to shuck clams, to the grandparents cranking up the heat while mom was gone, to mom giving the whole school food poisoning when she subbed as a lunch lady. Their theme song changed twice in the once season, from Lindsay Pagano's "All U R" to Simple Plan's "I'd Do Anything." Bad news: Grandpa got replaced in the middle of the season. GRADE: A+
Mr. Sterling (Jan. to Mar. 2003)
Mr. Sterling (NBC) made it to about ten episodes, all of which were splendidly written. What happened? Josh Brolin was the leading character, a CA-based lawyer that is called to be a senator when the current senator faces major scandal. He hops a plane to D.C., meets his staff, and sets out to get out from the shadow of his father, a former governor of California. The staff included Audra McDonald (Addison's bestie on Private Practice), Will Russ (the dad from Boy meets World).The best episode included Sterling give an all-night filibuster to change a law, complete with reading a copy machine manual. GRADE: B
Miss Match (Sept. to Dec. 2003)
On NBC, Alicia Silverstone is Kate, a divorce lawyer by day, and a matchmaker after hours. Great premise, plus the introduction of James Roday (PSYCH hottie) to television. Roday is a co-worker, and Ryan O'Neal plays her father and the owner of the firm. Kate's bartender best friend Victoria (played by Lake Bell), kept an eye on the matches and was a bit of a slut. Her "should be or shouldn't we" ex Michael (the husband on Ghost Whisperer)was interesting and his best pal Adam (Nathan Fillion, aka Castle) also kept the couplings interesting. The theme song was done by Macy Gray. I see a lot of parallels between this and the new USA show FAIRLY LEGAL. GRADE: B+
Monday, November 15, 2010
A Note About: Some Kind of (James Blunt) Trouble
The day my pal and fellow music-lover, C, and I have been waiting for is finally here. For the last 6-8 months, we've discussed the need for some new music by James Blunt.
Imagine my surprise when about three weeks ago, I found out he was releasing a new CD. Today's release, Some Kind of Trouble, has been a great listen so far. It's in some ways so different from Blunt's earlier albums int erm sof the sound. I love his earlier pieces, Back to Bedlam (2005) and All The Lost Souls (2007), but they both have a very low-energy, stop-the-pain , look-back-at-the-past vibe. This album has an overall more uplifting theme. As always, Blunt's beautiful guitar and hauntingly pained and at the same time gorgeously pure voice shine though. He has worked with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder and others for this new offering. Here are some of the highlights so far:
I'll Be Your Man
Catchiest line: "So come over closer.... from the edge of the sofa...."
Similar to below new single, this is a refreshingly lighthearted romp is a Tedder-influenced hit in the making about committing to your crush!
Stay the Night
The first song off the album is a balmy "Hey, Soul Sister"-style song about falling in love during a great party down at the beach. When Blunt says, "If this is what we've got/ Then what we've got is gold," I'm inclined to agree.
If Time is All I Have
Another breathtakingly beautiful balled from Mr. Blunt, similar to the wistful lost love of "You're Beautiful" with a touch of the sad-laded breakup song "No Bravery"
Calling Out Your Name
Blunt's soldier ballad talks about the downsides of war. Another weep-worthy ballad. I cry every time I hear it.
Dangerous
The cool, sexy vibe of Blunt's "1973" carries through this song about a no-good girl that is all dressed up, stealing your heart, and not letting go anytime soon.
Imagine my surprise when about three weeks ago, I found out he was releasing a new CD. Today's release, Some Kind of Trouble, has been a great listen so far. It's in some ways so different from Blunt's earlier albums int erm sof the sound. I love his earlier pieces, Back to Bedlam (2005) and All The Lost Souls (2007), but they both have a very low-energy, stop-the-pain , look-back-at-the-past vibe. This album has an overall more uplifting theme. As always, Blunt's beautiful guitar and hauntingly pained and at the same time gorgeously pure voice shine though. He has worked with OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder and others for this new offering. Here are some of the highlights so far:
I'll Be Your Man
Catchiest line: "So come over closer.... from the edge of the sofa...."
Similar to below new single, this is a refreshingly lighthearted romp is a Tedder-influenced hit in the making about committing to your crush!
Stay the Night
The first song off the album is a balmy "Hey, Soul Sister"-style song about falling in love during a great party down at the beach. When Blunt says, "If this is what we've got/ Then what we've got is gold," I'm inclined to agree.
If Time is All I Have
Another breathtakingly beautiful balled from Mr. Blunt, similar to the wistful lost love of "You're Beautiful" with a touch of the sad-laded breakup song "No Bravery"
Calling Out Your Name
Blunt's soldier ballad talks about the downsides of war. Another weep-worthy ballad. I cry every time I hear it.
Dangerous
The cool, sexy vibe of Blunt's "1973" carries through this song about a no-good girl that is all dressed up, stealing your heart, and not letting go anytime soon.
A Note About Dan and Nate: Frenemies?
Nate Archiband and Dan Humphrey dudes of GOSSIP GIRL are be definition, opposites.
Nate is the Upper-East Side preppy, Columbia 3rd generation legacy, lacrosse player, son of rich parents with political connections, and fully fine with mischief and manipulation.
Dan is from Brooklyn, he goes to NYU, the rock star dad, he's shy-ish, he's (generally with the exception of the last few weeks) not prey to the games of the Upper East Side, and he's brunette.
Then we have Serena, their love, their fair maiden. The free spirit, fashion maven, rich girl who just wants to be treated normal and stop appearing in page 6, even though she loves the attention.
Now that we know the players, we can discuss the twisted bromance/rivalry between Dan and Nate over the fair Serena.
While Blair and Serena's twisted love-hate-love friendship is a cornerstone of the show, showcasing the best and worst of friends who can get through anything, frenemies have come to the boys of GOSSIP GIRL girl as well. Nate and Dan didn't seem to get along. Then they gradually became friends (despite both dating Serena and both dating Vanessa (a whole other story)) and have a beautiful bromance going. But Serena's usual flip-flopped-ness has brought out a level of competition between these two relatively civil 20ish guys that makes Serena and Blair's fights look tame.
Is this what the modern day version of a duel has become? Both guys text their lady with the perfect date idea and decide who gets to be with her by her acceptance of the date? Not sure it works like that.
Nate is the Upper-East Side preppy, Columbia 3rd generation legacy, lacrosse player, son of rich parents with political connections, and fully fine with mischief and manipulation.
Dan is from Brooklyn, he goes to NYU, the rock star dad, he's shy-ish, he's (generally with the exception of the last few weeks) not prey to the games of the Upper East Side, and he's brunette.
Then we have Serena, their love, their fair maiden. The free spirit, fashion maven, rich girl who just wants to be treated normal and stop appearing in page 6, even though she loves the attention.
Now that we know the players, we can discuss the twisted bromance/rivalry between Dan and Nate over the fair Serena.
While Blair and Serena's twisted love-hate-love friendship is a cornerstone of the show, showcasing the best and worst of friends who can get through anything, frenemies have come to the boys of GOSSIP GIRL girl as well. Nate and Dan didn't seem to get along. Then they gradually became friends (despite both dating Serena and both dating Vanessa (a whole other story)) and have a beautiful bromance going. But Serena's usual flip-flopped-ness has brought out a level of competition between these two relatively civil 20ish guys that makes Serena and Blair's fights look tame.
Is this what the modern day version of a duel has become? Both guys text their lady with the perfect date idea and decide who gets to be with her by her acceptance of the date? Not sure it works like that.
A Note About Tara and Elena: Soul Sisters
In a recent viewing of True Blood (I'm just finishing season 1), I realized Sookie's sassy sidekick and best friend Tara is just like Felicity's chemistry buddy Elena.
Similarities:
Differences:
- Tara is a bartender; Elena is going to NYU in pre-med (Felicty's UNY wasn't fooling anyone).
- Tara is secretly in love with her best friend's sister; Elena goes after men like prey.
- Tara is southern and Elena is northern.
But really, they're very similar character types.
Watch Tara tell off a customer and Elena swallow embarrassment and sass a boy for giving her a present that could be a headband or a skirt (at 3:30).
Similarities:
- parental issues
- smart mouth
- strong and caring for their best girl
- troubled relationships
Differences:
- Tara is a bartender; Elena is going to NYU in pre-med (Felicty's UNY wasn't fooling anyone).
- Tara is secretly in love with her best friend's sister; Elena goes after men like prey.
- Tara is southern and Elena is northern.
But really, they're very similar character types.
Watch Tara tell off a customer and Elena swallow embarrassment and sass a boy for giving her a present that could be a headband or a skirt (at 3:30).
A Note About Daisy and Sweets
Daisy and Dr. Lance "Sweets" from Bones have been a cute, albeit creepy couple on the show. Seeing their painful breakup and decision not to reconcile at the beginning of this season was tough on top of Booth telling Bones he was not going to wait for her to get over her issues any longer.
So once again, Sweets and Daisy find themselves together and struggling to find something in common besides each other. Whatever could it be? Dogs, Indian food, and travel were all fails of a common interest. But, SAVED BY THE BELL was clearly the thing that will bond them together? Although its odd, I think it was a sweet connection. Although I don't agree at all in their thought that Jessie and screech were meant to be together. Jessie and Slater had a perfect love...too bad she decided to go to college across the country.
So once again, Sweets and Daisy find themselves together and struggling to find something in common besides each other. Whatever could it be? Dogs, Indian food, and travel were all fails of a common interest. But, SAVED BY THE BELL was clearly the thing that will bond them together? Although its odd, I think it was a sweet connection. Although I don't agree at all in their thought that Jessie and screech were meant to be together. Jessie and Slater had a perfect love...too bad she decided to go to college across the country.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Note About More NKOTBSB NEWS!
As we enter day 5 (I'm counting from the day BSB appeared on OPRAH last week- by the way, a thank you to my DVR for totally messing up the disc that was recording on) of NKOTBSB mania, I really could not be more excited! NKOTBSB now have a website (another place to share my mania with others!) I repeat, I could not be more ready for their upcoming US tour dates at the beginning of next summer! I hope they will make a music video so I can watch it ten million times on Youtube! Oh wait, they did! The promotion video on their homepage is adorable, AND they're on twitter! Ok, I've gotten over my 11-year-old moment.
Further exciting news, KEVIN RICHARDSON was back with the boys on OPRAH! Back to being 11. Oh well, it was worth a shot.
Further exciting news, KEVIN RICHARDSON was back with the boys on OPRAH! Back to being 11. Oh well, it was worth a shot.
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Note About Celebrating Halloween Part 5: OTH and Halloween
I promise this is my final discussion of Halloween. Due to a html/formatting problem, here is my remaining comments about OTH Halloween.
OTH Halloween honorable honorable mentions:
Season 7's 80s episode "Don't You Forget About Me"
Season 6's Nanny Carrie episode "You've Dug Your Own Grave, Now Lie in It"
Season 4's psycho stalker attack episode "I Love You But You've Chosen Darkness"
and
Season 4's prom stalker episode "Prom Night at Hater High"
OTH Halloween honorable honorable mentions:
Season 7's 80s episode "Don't You Forget About Me"
Season 6's Nanny Carrie episode "You've Dug Your Own Grave, Now Lie in It"
Season 4's psycho stalker attack episode "I Love You But You've Chosen Darkness"
and
Season 4's prom stalker episode "Prom Night at Hater High"
A Note About The Magic of NKOTBSB
New Kids and BSB are taking the stage together next summer! I am so thrilled. I can't wait to see them on the 21st at the American Music Awards.
Check out my first discussion of the NKOTBSB phenomenon.
Check out my first discussion of the NKOTBSB phenomenon.
A Note About National Unfriend Day
Cut out the friend fat in your life!
- Jimmy Kimmel
I really agree with Jimmy's new declaration of Nov. 17th as National Unfriend Day. Some aspects of social networking- (they made a movie about facebook!) have taken over our way of life, most importantly the idea that we NEED to have all these virtual friends, and invite them to like our band, place of work, or class project. (No thanks kid I went to third grade with and haven't talked to since then).
And the girl he uses in his example is a perfect example of the many people who use facebook as their sole means of communication (I don't care what you had for lunch, that you're sad its raining etc...)
As my friend (real friend) CR once said, "Go read a book ho." Books sound like a good idea. Let's go with that.
- Jimmy Kimmel
I really agree with Jimmy's new declaration of Nov. 17th as National Unfriend Day. Some aspects of social networking- (they made a movie about facebook!) have taken over our way of life, most importantly the idea that we NEED to have all these virtual friends, and invite them to like our band, place of work, or class project. (No thanks kid I went to third grade with and haven't talked to since then).
And the girl he uses in his example is a perfect example of the many people who use facebook as their sole means of communication (I don't care what you had for lunch, that you're sad its raining etc...)
As my friend (real friend) CR once said, "Go read a book ho." Books sound like a good idea. Let's go with that.
A Note About Celebrating Halloween Part 4: A Final Note and More Teen Dramas
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
I have rescinded my blowing off Buffy season 6's Halloween episode "All the Way." This is a great episode! After re-watching it this past weekend, I have re-awakened my love for this episode. Its not all about Dawn. It's about Xander and Anya getting engaged, Buffy dealing with the lonely afterlife (by avoiding responsibility and leaving all the work to Giles), and the deterioration of Tara and Willow's relationship. This episode also sets up the wonderful (and at the time highly original) musical episode "Once More, With Feeling." -Remember this was about 8 years before GLEE.
CLASSIC QUOTES:
Anya: "This is the dance of capitalistic superiority."
Dawn: "Shiver me timbers."
Buffy: "Did anyone actually come here to make out? Aww that's sweet. You run!"
ONE TREE HILL
I always cite Season 3's "An Attempt to Tip the Scales" as the ultimate OTH Halloween episode. Haley is slutty Sandy, Nate is Batman, Luke is Tommy Lee, Peyton an Angel and Brooke- the Devil. Drama plays out at the Tric Halloween Bash. Mouth and Peyton also do the hustle in front of a supportive crowd. This (season 8's) Halloween episode also gets a shout out. Again, we find ourselves at Tric, where Haley is a pregnant cheerleader Brooke is an Orange, Nate is Don Draper.. it seems like we all got a little less creative. But again, drama plays out at Tric, and yes- it was drama-ful.
For more about OTH Halloween, read here.
GOSSIP GIRL
In a show where every episode has a themed or dress-up ball, it is tough to enjoy Halloween. Season 3's "How to Succeed in Bassness" had a Halloween theme. Season 1's "A Handmaiden's Tale" also had a Halloween-time masquerade ball.
THE O.C.
Generally when I think "holiday" and The O.C., I think of the annual Chrismukkah episode. But Halloween in the land of white beaches and palm trees is never so simple. Season 1's "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" has summer donning a Wonder Women costume. Not exactly Halloween, but pretty close.
VERONICA MARS
In season 3, Veronica goes to a Halloween party/casino night at her college. The episode, "President Evil," has Veronica solving a robbery at the casino. Runner up is a season (1- I think), episode where Veronica and Deputy Leo go to a 80's dance.
I have rescinded my blowing off Buffy season 6's Halloween episode "All the Way." This is a great episode! After re-watching it this past weekend, I have re-awakened my love for this episode. Its not all about Dawn. It's about Xander and Anya getting engaged, Buffy dealing with the lonely afterlife (by avoiding responsibility and leaving all the work to Giles), and the deterioration of Tara and Willow's relationship. This episode also sets up the wonderful (and at the time highly original) musical episode "Once More, With Feeling." -Remember this was about 8 years before GLEE.
CLASSIC QUOTES:
Anya: "This is the dance of capitalistic superiority."
Dawn: "Shiver me timbers."
Buffy: "Did anyone actually come here to make out? Aww that's sweet. You run!"
ONE TREE HILL
I always cite Season 3's "An Attempt to Tip the Scales" as the ultimate OTH Halloween episode. Haley is slutty Sandy, Nate is Batman, Luke is Tommy Lee, Peyton an Angel and Brooke- the Devil. Drama plays out at the Tric Halloween Bash. Mouth and Peyton also do the hustle in front of a supportive crowd. This (season 8's) Halloween episode also gets a shout out. Again, we find ourselves at Tric, where Haley is a pregnant cheerleader Brooke is an Orange, Nate is Don Draper.. it seems like we all got a little less creative. But again, drama plays out at Tric, and yes- it was drama-ful.
For more about OTH Halloween, read here.
GOSSIP GIRL
In a show where every episode has a themed or dress-up ball, it is tough to enjoy Halloween. Season 3's "How to Succeed in Bassness" had a Halloween theme. Season 1's "A Handmaiden's Tale" also had a Halloween-time masquerade ball.
THE O.C.
Generally when I think "holiday" and The O.C., I think of the annual Chrismukkah episode. But Halloween in the land of white beaches and palm trees is never so simple. Season 1's "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" has summer donning a Wonder Women costume. Not exactly Halloween, but pretty close.
VERONICA MARS
In season 3, Veronica goes to a Halloween party/casino night at her college. The episode, "President Evil," has Veronica solving a robbery at the casino. Runner up is a season (1- I think), episode where Veronica and Deputy Leo go to a 80's dance.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A Love Note About Grey's
Greys is back! I am really loving this season so far! And EW is too!
ADDENDUM 11.08.10
On the other hand, 90210 tried to pull a Meredith Grey-style thoughtful about life voiceover. Not cool. Meredith would denounce you. Imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery. Don't try to pull a Meredith!
ADDENDUM 11.08.10
On the other hand, 90210 tried to pull a Meredith Grey-style thoughtful about life voiceover. Not cool. Meredith would denounce you. Imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery. Don't try to pull a Meredith!
A Note About Fall Music I Can't Stop Spinning: Taylor Swift
CD: Taylor Swift: Speak Now
RELEASE: October 25th
Taylor Swift's new album SPEAK NOW has blown up. I'm happy with most of the tracks, but at the same time, I feel TS is a little TOO. TOO everywhere, TOO vengeful, TOO singing the love-or in this case- unlove song. Still, Speak Now is off to a solid start.
Most Addictive Song: The Story of Us
Reminiscent of FEARLESS track Forever and Always, this is the album's quintessential "time to breakup but not dwell and mope" song. It's got power and it could easily be the breakup of a love or a friendship. It emcompasses the discomfort of awkward situations, plus has verbal cues to move each "chapter" of the song along.
Bubbly Love Song: Sparks Fly
"Drop everything now, meet me in the pouring rain.." and fall in love with this song, which reminds me of the sweet Hey Stephen and passion of The Way I Loved You from Swift's FEARLESS.
Sweetest Song: Mine
It's already broken as a huge hit, and yes I do agree with the EW bullseye that Mine is very TS-"being together even though I've been hurt by love before," I cannot stop listening to it. It has a great pace, a sweet message, and its' secretly what all girls dream about (finding that guy that says he'll make all the sadness go away).
Song I Listen to to Contemplate: Dear John
Not sure what this is all about...
Best Revenge Song: Revenge
Who can compete with this "She's evil and you shouldn't be with her" rock song that has intensely catchy lyrics like "She's better known for the things that she's done on the mattress." Plus, the opening line where TS instructs the girl to go sit in the corner and think about what she's done is Pat Benetar-level badass.
Song That Sounds Like Another Song: Speak Now
Now this song sounds so familiar, I could have sworn it was called You Belong with Me, except we've moved from high school to the real world. And there's wedding that must be stopped. This song also wins honorable mentions for the Song I Could Pass On award for the reason above.
Song I Could Pass On: Innocent
I get it, Kanye is finally forgiven. But this song is so somber it has no magic of excitement that makes a Taylor song a TAYLOR song.
RELEASE: October 25th
Taylor Swift's new album SPEAK NOW has blown up. I'm happy with most of the tracks, but at the same time, I feel TS is a little TOO. TOO everywhere, TOO vengeful, TOO singing the love-or in this case- unlove song. Still, Speak Now is off to a solid start.
Most Addictive Song: The Story of Us
Reminiscent of FEARLESS track Forever and Always, this is the album's quintessential "time to breakup but not dwell and mope" song. It's got power and it could easily be the breakup of a love or a friendship. It emcompasses the discomfort of awkward situations, plus has verbal cues to move each "chapter" of the song along.
Bubbly Love Song: Sparks Fly
"Drop everything now, meet me in the pouring rain.." and fall in love with this song, which reminds me of the sweet Hey Stephen and passion of The Way I Loved You from Swift's FEARLESS.
Sweetest Song: Mine
It's already broken as a huge hit, and yes I do agree with the EW bullseye that Mine is very TS-"being together even though I've been hurt by love before," I cannot stop listening to it. It has a great pace, a sweet message, and its' secretly what all girls dream about (finding that guy that says he'll make all the sadness go away).
Song I Listen to to Contemplate: Dear John
Not sure what this is all about...
Best Revenge Song: Revenge
Who can compete with this "She's evil and you shouldn't be with her" rock song that has intensely catchy lyrics like "She's better known for the things that she's done on the mattress." Plus, the opening line where TS instructs the girl to go sit in the corner and think about what she's done is Pat Benetar-level badass.
Song That Sounds Like Another Song: Speak Now
Now this song sounds so familiar, I could have sworn it was called You Belong with Me, except we've moved from high school to the real world. And there's wedding that must be stopped. This song also wins honorable mentions for the Song I Could Pass On award for the reason above.
Song I Could Pass On: Innocent
I get it, Kanye is finally forgiven. But this song is so somber it has no magic of excitement that makes a Taylor song a TAYLOR song.
A Note About Running From Harry Potter
Confession: I've never been a fan of Harry Potter. That being said, I LOVE (read: take great pleasure) in making fun of HP. The newest Harry Potter and the hallows of the prince with half-snape- or whatever they're calling it these days - is trying to rip off the running through the woods with the vamp glamour of "Twilight." Ironically, Twilight hottie Rob Pattinson played Harry's school chum Cederic back in the day- or so I was informed.
Harry, Ron, and Hermoine are running through the forest, with possible blood splatter. See a photo and discussion of the poster on MTV's movie site here.
In other twilight/hp news, check out Jimmy Fallon's spoof videos here, where "Rob" and "Daniel" both verbally attack each other's films.
Harry, Ron, and Hermoine are running through the forest, with possible blood splatter. See a photo and discussion of the poster on MTV's movie site here.
In other twilight/hp news, check out Jimmy Fallon's spoof videos here, where "Rob" and "Daniel" both verbally attack each other's films.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Note About The Glee Picture Show
On Halloween, (how fitting!) I finally got a chance to watch the much-anticipated Halloween/Rocky Horror themed episode of "GLEE." It's too bad my cable was out during the actual episode airing because of a little event I've taken to calling foxvisiongate (Fox fought with my cable company and pulled programming for a few weeks). Bitterness aside, I really enjoyed the episode. With my long love/hate relationship with GLEE, I have to say this was one of the best episodes of GLEE I've seen in weeks. In a season plagued by unnecessary plots, secondary characters, and pretty boring musical numbers, this one was really a breakthrough.
This episode was great for several reasons. For one thing, the episode was an ensemble piece. It was not all about Rachel or Kurt or Mr. Shue. Everyone really got a chance to shine and to sing (even Ms. Pilsbury, and the love of my life - Mr. John Stamos). The success of the episode was based on each character's performances. For once, Sam didn't act too annoying.
Another thing that was crucial to this episode's success was to balance the musical aspect of the show and the storyline. All too often, shows get caught up in the "school play" aspect, like season 1 of 90210 and the painful episodes-long production of Spring Awakening. There were some nice story lines - the new kid (Sam) trying to use his physique to impress Quinn, Mercedes taking over the lead role (for once), and Mr. Shue trying to impress Emma (and her great rendition of "Touch Me." Plus, we saw the return of the cable news segment "Sue's Corner," where Sue says horribly offensive things in the name of defending small town Ohio. Most importantly, for once, I wasn't repulsed by a Rachel-Finn duet. I enjoyed hearing them sing "Dammit, Janet."
My favorite part was the cast-wide rendition of "Time Warp." It was not only a well-sung and danced number, but it made the viewer enjoy the music. In a season that has been lacking strong cast-driven musical numbers like season 1's "Don't Stop Believing," this episode brought me back to that singular moment when I first fell in love with GLEE.
The one nagging thing about the episode was the final message. I was okay with them cancelling the musical. Then, I was okay with the idea of the kids doing the show "for themselves" and not letting anyone push them around. I was NOT okay with their interpretation of the message of Rocky Horror. This musical is not all about breaking boundaries, like the GLEE folks claimed. The main theme of the musical is about giving yourself over to pleasure, and the multitude of corruption associated with pleasure. Its much more of a moral, or rather, anti-moral message. Rocky Horror is not perpetuating the "stick it to the man" and "believe in yourself" messages that GLEE first perpetuated in the "Funk" episode from last season, and continued to honor in this episode.
This episode was great for several reasons. For one thing, the episode was an ensemble piece. It was not all about Rachel or Kurt or Mr. Shue. Everyone really got a chance to shine and to sing (even Ms. Pilsbury, and the love of my life - Mr. John Stamos). The success of the episode was based on each character's performances. For once, Sam didn't act too annoying.
Another thing that was crucial to this episode's success was to balance the musical aspect of the show and the storyline. All too often, shows get caught up in the "school play" aspect, like season 1 of 90210 and the painful episodes-long production of Spring Awakening. There were some nice story lines - the new kid (Sam) trying to use his physique to impress Quinn, Mercedes taking over the lead role (for once), and Mr. Shue trying to impress Emma (and her great rendition of "Touch Me." Plus, we saw the return of the cable news segment "Sue's Corner," where Sue says horribly offensive things in the name of defending small town Ohio. Most importantly, for once, I wasn't repulsed by a Rachel-Finn duet. I enjoyed hearing them sing "Dammit, Janet."
My favorite part was the cast-wide rendition of "Time Warp." It was not only a well-sung and danced number, but it made the viewer enjoy the music. In a season that has been lacking strong cast-driven musical numbers like season 1's "Don't Stop Believing," this episode brought me back to that singular moment when I first fell in love with GLEE.
The one nagging thing about the episode was the final message. I was okay with them cancelling the musical. Then, I was okay with the idea of the kids doing the show "for themselves" and not letting anyone push them around. I was NOT okay with their interpretation of the message of Rocky Horror. This musical is not all about breaking boundaries, like the GLEE folks claimed. The main theme of the musical is about giving yourself over to pleasure, and the multitude of corruption associated with pleasure. Its much more of a moral, or rather, anti-moral message. Rocky Horror is not perpetuating the "stick it to the man" and "believe in yourself" messages that GLEE first perpetuated in the "Funk" episode from last season, and continued to honor in this episode.
A Note About Enjoying the View
Once again, those ladies are at it again. Sadly on election day, nobody went running off the stage of "The View." But Sherri sure made Elizabeth sure come off as racist as she complained about not having to show id to vote. Clearly the S.A.T.-style "bubble-in" sheets didn't bother her. Or the scantron machines.... just the lack of identification.
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