The Crystal Veil

Crystal Veil's Favorite Videos of 2010 (4-1)

2010-12-31T18:54:00.000-05:00

#4 (Kanye West - Runaway)
Dir. Kanye West

#3 (Cee-Lo Green - No One's Gonna Love You)
Dir. Skinny

#2 (Janelle Monae - Cold War)
Dir. Wendy Morgan

#1 (Robyn - Dancing On My Own)
Dir. Max Vitali

Happy New Year!!

Crystal Veil's Favorite Videos of 2010 (9-5)

2010-12-31T17:57:00.000-05:00

#9 (Willow Smith - Whip My Hair)

Dir. Ray Kay

#8 (Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand)

Dir. So Me

#7 (Rihanna - Rude Boy)

Dir. Melina Matsoukas

#6 (Robyn - Hang With Me)

Dir. Max Vitali

#5 (Hundred In The Hands - Pigeons)

Dir. DANIELS

Crystal Veil's Favorite Videos of 2010 (14-10)

2010-12-31T17:25:00.008-05:00

#14 (I Blame Coco feat. Robyn - Caesar)
Dir. Hope Audikana

#13 (J. Cole - Who Dat)
Dir. BBGun

#12 (Sleigh Bells - Infinity Guitars)
Dir. Phil Pinto

#(11 Sade - Soldier of Love)
Dir. Sophie Muller

#10 (Arcade Fire - The Suburbs)
Dir. Spike Jonze

Crystal Veil's Favorite Videos of 2010 (19-15)

2010-12-31T00:46:00.000-05:00

#19 (Theophilus London - Humdrum Town)

Dir. Ben Fries

#18 (Ciara - Ride)

Dir. Diane Martel

#17 (Erykah Badu - Window Seat)

Dir. Coodie & Chic

#16 (Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi - Tightrope)

Dir. Wendy Morgan

Janelle Monae - Sucker Free - MTV Shows

#15 Earl Sweatshirt - Earl

Dir. Ag Rojas

Crystal Veil's Favorite Videos of 2010 (24-20)

2010-12-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

#24 (Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce - Telephone)

Dir. Jonas Akerlund

#23 (Jay-Z - On To The Next One)

Dir. Sam Brown

#22 (The Black Keys - Tighten Up)

Dir. Chris Marrs Piliero

#21 (Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me)

Dir. Melina Matsoukas

#20 (James Blake - Limit To Your Love)

Dir. Martin de Thurah

Crystal Veil's Favorite Videos of 2010 (31-25)

2010-12-30T19:24:00.000-05:00

#31 (New Look - Numbers)

Who knew cheesy aerobics could be so oddly mesmerizing?

#30 (Dominique Young Unique - Show My Ass)

Dir. Simone Ghilardotti

#29 (Chiddy Bang - Opposite of Adults)

Dir. Ben Dickinson and Duncan Skiles

#28 (Uffie - Difficult)

Dir. AB/CD/CD

Uffie takes a 2:54 stroll towards the camera with ever-changing surroundings, optical illusions, stock characters, and a few music legends. It's way more awesome than it sounds. Just watch.

#27 (Sky Ferreira - One)

Dir. Rankin

Rankin and Sky Ferreira make the most of repetition, a lightbulb, and Sky's amazing head of hair.

#26 (How To Dress Well - Lover's Start)

Dir. Jamie Harley

#25 (Mark Ronson & The Business Intl feat. Boy George & Andrew Wyatt - Somebody To Love Me)

Dir. Saam Farahmand

Recreating an era must have been no easy task, but it's executed brilliantly.

I'm Still Here w/ Music Obsessions (October) Twin Shadow, Indestructible, Linda, Runaway...

2010-12-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

I realize I haven't posted here in a while, but I have been on Tumblr so you can check out any Crystal Veil interim extras there, if you so choose (or whenever they decide to return your page without an error message, pfft)

Now let's catch up shall we...

Hope everyone had an eventful/boring/exciting/scary Halloween, and endured the fright fests, costumes, pumpkins, and strangers with candy, and honored our veterans on Veteran's Day, even if it was simply done by watching The Pacific miniseries on HBO.

On to the beginning of November we watched as American politics were turned inside out, Lil' Wayne got out, Tyler Perry released the much anticipated For Colored Girls...(still haven't seen it) but I did see Night Catches Us which also stars Kerry Washington, and that I really enjoyed. (it's also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award!!) What else? Michael Jackson's Breaking News, Willow Smith whipped her hair (back and forth), the Oscar race started, more music releases, film releases, Misfits became my favorite show on TV, and just after the Thanksgiving holiday and nearing Christmas I finished a post of Crystal Veil music obsessions for the month of October (which I never got around to posting and honestly I'm still listening to this music so it's relevant)

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas/Holiday Season and are ready for the new year.

Now here we are with 2010 a little less than 48 hours away, and I've been searching for a nice comprehensive music video list/best of, what have you, and I couldn't seem to find one that catered to my erratic listening sensibilities, so I decided to make my own, and then I figured I'd share.

My favorite videos of 2010 will be up later but I don't want my October music obsessions to go to waste so, Music Obsessions first and then... newness)

Twin Shadow - Forget

This album is in my top favorites for 2010. It's perfect for Fall, with all of its distant echoey vocals, clever lyrics, and killer hooks. I've already featured the single "Castles in the Snow" from Forget, but make sure to check out the album in it's entirety. So good.

These kids and their covers nowadays. I would gladly welcome a year full of remakes if they all sounded like this.

I just love the whole atmospheric dark pop element to this song. Very cool!

I love this "Single" reworking just as much as my other favorites this month. I'm also glad that Mar and Full Crate decided not to include Wayne's third verse on their track. It would get a side eye of ridiculousness every time, no matter who's singing it. As it stands Mar's smoothed out version is a worthy replay, and combined with the video it was a welcome addition for the month of Oct. I love Full Crate, and I love Mar. Done.

She is fly, she is 10, she is Willow Smith, and she's awesome.

"I am a creative person." "I'm not a good celebrity but I'm a great artist... I'm tired of using my celebrity to sell my art."- Kanye West

Honestly, I think artist and celebrity are irrevocably intertwined at this point, but when Kanye sticks to expressing himself through music, he can do no wrong.

As long as Robyn is releasing amazing singles from her Body Talk three-album catalog, she will probably wind up on this list. If I haven't mentioned before, I love her. The radio version of Indestructible is great, but the acoustic version of baroque pop epicness from Body Talk Pt. 2 is the one that I'm obsessed with. Click play to be enchanted by lush strings and things.

Indestructible (acoustic version) by robyn

Video Vault : (Audioslave - Cochise + Velvet Revolver - Slither)

2010-10-27T13:00:00.001-04:00

Epic supergroup rock, fireworks, and why Slash solos
and Chris Cornell's voice could rule the world.

Nina Sky “You Ain’t Got It (Funk That)” (Video)

2010-10-24T13:00:00.001-04:00

Love them!

found on M.I.S.S.

Mark Ronson and the Business Intl feat. Boy George & Andrew Wyatt - Somebody To Love Me (Video)

2010-10-23T20:54:00.000-04:00

You knew this would be posted here at some point.

With this staged behind-the-scenes video "Somebody To Love Me" feels even more like a lost Culture Club track that got reworked for 2010. Very cool.

Diane Kruger plays a perfect Boy George.

Blue Valentine (Trailer)

2010-10-23T19:28:00.000-04:00

Honestly when I first viewed this trailer I was not feeling it at all.

Now after watching it a few more times, I'm starting to like it more and more.

This is going to be so tragically romantic and depressing.

Can't wait!

Video Vault : Juliette Lewis + Daft Punk for GAP Denim (2001)

2010-10-22T11:00:00.001-04:00

You know those moments when your favorite celebrities turn out to be even cooler than you imagined...

Favorite GAP commercial ever.

Cocknbullkid - One Eye Closed (Acoustic + Behind the Scenes)

2010-10-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

Apparently good things do come to those who wait.

Anita Blay fans rejoice!" One Eye Closed" will be released as a single in a couple weeks, the album Adulthood is coming February 2011, and a tour with Marina & the Diamonds is underway.

cocknbullkid.com

Willow Smith - Whip My Hair (Official Video)

2010-10-18T19:00:00.001-04:00

I love it, I love it, I love it, and at the same time I can't take it. It's too much. Too awesome, too colorful, and it's making me smile a little bit more than I'm accustomed to with a music video. From :40 seconds on Willow was trying to kill me with her fierceness, then they just had to bring in Leyomi, Jaden, and this little scene stealer to make my day.

Go, Willow, go!

Get to Know : Andrea Lewis (5-4-3-2-1 album release)

2010-10-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

I'm sure most of you already know Andrea Lewis as one half of the thosegirlsarewild duo. Not only is she cool, hilarious, and super talented, she knows how to make a good album.

What struck me immediately was how the album is so current and all encompassing at once. 5-4-3-2-1 has collected everything that's been making pop music worth while in the last few years and and reinvented each element into 11 unique tracks that I'm sure will be the soundtrack for this fall/winter season.

Favorites:

She - No she did not just take "Love You Down" by Inoj and flip it into a 2010 anthem. (yes, she most certainly did) Go Andrea!

Robot- The mechanical overtaking of human emotion, has been well documented this year, from Fembots, to Self-Machines, but this song delivers the sentiment with a retro simplicity. It holds enough analog emotion to warm the coldest of android hearts.

Rain Drops - The first song I couldn't get through without replaying. The production and musicality are head nod inducing + Andre 3000 on the track (enough said)

Linda- From the intro, just yes! Atmospheric heart break at its finest. "the glitz and the glamour they matter, all strikes against me" Another instant replay.

Back To Life - If the 2000's were the resurgence of the 80's era. The 2010's are seeing the 90's style coming back in the best way. Laid back and fun! Love it.

*I didn't know how much I missed the solid rise and fall of instrumentation in my Pop/R&B. Guitars, piano, strings, arrangements, and Andrea's lovely voice are signaling some great things for 2011. *

If you haven't already, download 5-4-3-2-1 here.

Get to Know: Natalia Kills

2010-10-07T14:21:00.000-04:00

Remember "Shopaholic" the retail therapy anthem for the young stylelista on a limited budget.

Well back in 2008 it was a catchy tune performed by rapper Verbz, whose real name is Natalia Cappuccini.

Natalia now goes by the name Natalia Kills, and she's been making some amazing femme fatale electro-pop along with a style and attitude in the same vein.

Don't forget to check out her Love Kills mini-series to delve deeper into the world of Natalia Kills.

Right now you can catch her on tour with Kelis in the U.K. and later stateside with Robyn. In my opinion she's the perfect addition to both acts adding a dark pop aspect to Robyn's bubbly energy and Kelis' eclectic dance diva.

I wonder if the tour w/ Robyn will include a Love Kills duet with Natalia. So many ladies we love, so little time.

NataliaKills.com

Jordan 2 (Violette edition) designed by Vashtie Kola

2010-10-07T10:11:00.002-04:00

Love these two!

Creative overload; but awesome nonetheless.

I am not a sneaker person by any means. Colorways, laces, fit (no clue) but something about the lavender color, and Violette wrapping paper puts these over the top. "And it's pretty"

found on

Nike Blog coco & creme vashtie.com/blog

Midnight Lullaby (Skunk Anansie - Weak)

2010-10-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Finally... Night Catches Us (Trailer)

2010-09-30T17:21:00.000-04:00

Have been looking forward to this one for a very long time, and not only do we get a trailer but a December 3rd release (in time for Oscar season) Things are looking good.

(as always with my favorite film news) found on Shadow and Act

Director Tanya Hamilton gives more detail on the story behind Night Catches Us.

Video Vault : Times Square (1980)

2010-09-25T18:48:00.000-04:00

1980's cult film Times Square has all the makings of a Crystal Veil favorite. 80's adventure, memorable style moments, fun characters, and another reason to crush on Tim Curry.

Trini Alvarado and Robin Johnson are Pammi and Nicky, The Sleaze Sisters. They escape mental facilities in ambulances, run the streets of New York, and eventually take over radio stations with Sleaze sister punk anthems, that ignite allegiance from a city of teenage girls (Yes in that order)

It's been said by director Allan Moyle (Pump Up the Volume, Empire Records) that a darker, better film was left on the cutting room floor after his exit. One that takes a deeper look at the character's dysfunction, mental illness, and features a romance between Nicky and Pammi that was only alluded to in the finished project.

From Grindhouse films on the marquee, botched robbery attempts, to kindly persuading your kind of girlfriend to dance in a strip club for money, I can kind of see how the original intent got very lost somewhere between filming and distribution.

The letter from Pamela read on air by the DJ perfectly illustrates my love for this film. The scene above is a huge turning point when Pamela and Nicky become equal partners in their street tough survival. They may not always take the best road to getting there, but The Sleaze sisters are on their way to being born.

Aiding the girls in their Times Square take over is a soundtrack of punk and new wave classics.

Especially this one by Patti Smith Group

Although Times Square's original concept was never fully realized, what we're left with is a fun film to revisit every so often on a Saturday afternoon. Times Square pre-dates the punk empowerment of The Fabulous Stains, and also serves as an east coast counterpart to the stylish teen rebellion of Foxes. Not bad at all; and Allan Moyle's film is definitely still here somewhere, if you read between the lines a bit.

Midnight Lullaby (New Look - Numbers)

2010-09-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

"When you call my telephone,

telephone is not a toy,

it has power to destroy"

Midnight Lullaby (Ani DiFranco "32 Flavors")

2010-09-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

From the album Not a Pretty Girl.

Simply beautiful.

Twin Shadow - Castles In The Snow (New Video)

2010-09-19T11:45:00.001-04:00

I'll just go ahead and give this project the Crystal Veil award for

best found footage in a music video, ever.

Can we get a b-boy version next, pretty please?

More on Twin Shadow and download the album Forget here.

Midnight Lullaby (Bjork - Human Behaviour )

2010-09-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Video Vault: Lisa Stansfield "Around the World" (Live at the Apollo)

2010-09-18T18:04:00.001-04:00

This is what a jam looks and feels like.

If you forgot how big this song was in 1990, or if you just didn't know,

please take a look.

Behind The Scenes Fashion (Nicole Richie + Solange)

2010-09-16T18:32:00.000-04:00

Featured Music: Mark Ronson & The Business Intl - Bang, Bang, Bang

Chelley - I Took The Night

Why does MTV hate us? (2010 VMA thoughts)

2010-09-13T20:11:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago the 2010 VMA's were coming up, and I started to wonder...could MTV ever be relevant again? (One look at this year's nominees, and it was apparent they had fallen short ) but as the weeks drew nearer to the event MTV managed to surprise me with two performers. Florence and the Machine and the always lovely Robyn were here to save the day and add a bit of credibility to the show. Well, it turns out that not even cosmic love, and a fembot could save MTV from itself.

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

(Dancing On My Own fist pump @ :10)

As much as I would love for Robyn to have a spotlight on the main stage. The 35 seconds she had, along with a performance from Florence and The Machine were the highlights of the night.

For a former cutting edge channel they're about a year behind in choosing entertainment that actually entertains. Where was Janelle Monae? They nominate the Broken Bells, but don't have them perform?
Mark Ronson and fellow musicians were the VMA house band in 2007, and no performance of "Bang, Bang, Bang" with Q-Tip and MNDR. Has Kid Cudi ever performed on the main stage? He was there in 2009 performing with Wale on the side stage doing a tribute to DJ AM. Cudi was at the show, and when I heard "All Summer" playing I thought "no way." Of course not, I looked up and it was a commercial break. Nice going MTV. Not to mention you have Drake, Kanye, and Eminem at the awards, and no "Forever" performance.

In all those hip hop acts no one thought to mention J. Cole. They could have at least had him perform a medley of "Who Dat," "Grown Simba," and "Lights Please" on the pre-show. Where were all the newer acts who could have used some spotlight? Setting them up to take the stage for the 2011 VMA's. (I guess that's what the Woodies are for)

With all the artist collaborations, song covers, remixes, this should have been the year where artists were rushing the stage. There was barely a song released where another musician wasn't involved in some way. Embrace the crazy MTV, don't apologize for it. Turn it into a theme, have artists popping on stage out of nowhere, have some fun with it. Don't take an exciting year in music and drain out every bit of energy and creativity to give us two boring hours of entertainment.

Finally MTV, you do not pass up a chance to give an amazing performer every resource available to invigorate your lackluster show. Trust me the VMA's could have used a bit more of this...

Proenza Schouler presents Act Da Fool by Harmony Korine - High fashion art or careless marketing?

2010-09-10T21:53:00.000-04:00

Maybe a bit of both...

While watching Act Da Fool, (the title in and of itself gave me pause) trying to reconcile my culturally sensitive brain with my love of fashion was no easy task. It took me more than a few viewings to realize there was intrigue and beauty to be found among possible naivete of the weight stereotypical images carry, and the strange almost detached narration of events. The latter took me out of the film every single time.

The narrator seemed to be reciting someone else's words/thoughts in describing her friends and environment. In contrast to the narration in Korine's 1997 Gummo, the device as used in Act Da Fool falls incredibly flat. I was forced to hit mute, and let the visuals speak for themselves. Through all of this I would not be deterred in my search for some redeeming qualities.

Finally I wondered how the original fall campaign music (Washed Out-Feel It All Around) would sound scoring the style adventures of the ladies in Harmony Korine's work. Taking a chance, I clicked play, and watched as amazing shots started pouring into the foreground. Vibrant red curly hair, striking features, great clothes. It reminded me how important tone and context are with sensitive material like this.

The music revealed movement, laughter, attitude, beauty, and it also managed to cover up a multitude of sins. Most of all it became a connection to the designs, designers, runways, and catalogs, that were previously hidden behind endless shots of 40oz's and clouds of smoke.

If you choose to employ this method, make sure to cut back in on the original sound at 2:47 for talk of stars and the bonds of friendship. It's the most affecting part of the narration, and it gives a universal appeal to the story.

As a stand alone the short film by Harmony Korine obviously had elements I enjoyed. Viewed in context of the Proenza Schouler runway shows, and marketing campaign I come away a bit weary and also confused with this film's place in a fashion industry where women of color are underrepresented and undervalued as consumers.

The designers of Proenza Schouler expressed that they "wanted to give people a more comprehensive view of the collection." Maybe consideration of what this film means in comprehensive view of the fashion industry, as well as class and culture in America, would have better served everyone involved. It's a shame that there is so much controversy in and surrounding this project, because the models of Act Da Fool are perfect spokeswomen. Even without the shock value and imposed otherness, they make the clothes look amazing.

What are your thoughts on the collaboration between Harmony Korine and Proenza Schouler?

*Check out an excerpt of this post over at bglhonline.com as well as the article When it comes to black beauty, do we sleep on the hood? by founder Leila Noelliste.

We are Sex Bob-omb!!! 1-2-3-4

2010-09-06T22:49:00.000-04:00

I loved Scott Pilgrim when I saw it a few weeks ago, and it hurts my heart that it hasn't done better at the box office. Maybe by the time it hits DVD in a few more weeks, this amazing movie will surprise everyone due to word of mouth popularity.

Just doing my part on behalf of Wallace, Knives, Young Neil, Kim, and the rest of my favorites that inhabit the world of Scott Pilgrim.

Danny Trejo Talks Machete - In Theatres Now

2010-09-06T22:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Labor Day

Crystal Veil readers!

A little promo/doc for the movie Machete.

Anyone seen it yet?

Machete Star Danny Trejo Mini-Doc by Estevan Oriol from SA Studios Global on Vimeo.

Music Obsessions (July/August) Body Talk Pt.1, Louder, No One's Gonna Love You, I Go Away, and more...

2010-09-01T16:24:00.000-04:00

Sigh. Fall is almost here, and soon there will be a crisp chill in the air, not to mention layering, boots, dead leaves, the dirty ground. But right now it's a mix of July/August music obsessions, that can conveniently double as the sights and sounds of these waning summer days. Hold on to them while you can.

Yes the whole album. It's Robyn! Cry When You Get Older, Dancehall Queen, Fembot, Dancing On My Own. I couldn't pick just one song, but I could pick a video.

Louder only slightly edged out Katy On A Mission. Why you ask? Well...while they're both great songs, Louder starts out deceptively sweet, but before you know it the music swells, and your caught off guard. Katy's super cool, confident voice guides you through the track, and by the time 1:28 rolls around your lost in this sneak attack banger. I still haven't tired of it, nor of Katy's voice. I spent a while trying to figure out exactly what it was about her voice that I loved so much. When she listed Teedra Moses as one of her favorite singers, I thought well there you go. If you can manage to keep the head nodding to a minimum you can hear it so clearly on this song.

Nina Sky "Too Long To Let Go"

I told you it was a favorite, when I posted about The Other Side EP. Too Long To Let Go reminds me of an amped up early 90's SWV track. I absolutely love the song, and it's a perfect way to end the summer.

Azealia Banks "Slow Hands"

I love how effortlessly she flipped Lupe's line on Gimme A Chance, and her overall style is killer, but this is something else entirely. It's lovely. Miss Banks has a gorgeous voice, and this sultry soulful Interpol cover appeals directly to my musical sensibilities.

MNDR "I Go Away"

Probably the most downloaded song of the past few months. It's on every blog, everywhere, and that's because it's really, really good. So good, in fact that I can't stop listening to it.

Hurts is high drama and high fashion all the way. The mixture of synths, A Single Man, and a Bret Easton Ellis novel only aid this song in its obsessive listening quality.

I'm loving how many artists have collaborated/covered each others material this year. It's like you get a brand new song to love and cherish each time. Cee-Lo takes the beautifully broken original from Band of Horses, and turns this song into a sage anthem for the lovelorn.

W Magazine introduces the New It Girls for 2010 September Issue

2010-08-14T13:06:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Lawrence

Jessica Chastain Yaya Dacosta

Emma Roberts Kat Dennings

Greta Gerwig Zoe Kravitz

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

source

If I were to compile a list of up and coming talent, (and I believe I will) five of these ladies would have been at the top of the list. The others (Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence) I wasn't familiar with. Or in Greta Gerwig's case have a chameleon like sensibility. Did you know that was her in Greenberg? Now that I know the name Jennifer Lawrence, I know of a seemingly outstanding performance she gave in the film Winter's Bone. I haven't seen the movie (just the trailer) but it looks amazing. I'm getting a bit of Cate Blanchett from her performance, and I like it.

Nina Sky - The Other Side EP

2010-08-12T19:58:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since Nina Sky released their first single "Move Your Body" back in 2004. Since that time the ladies have been keeping busy, with features on other artists songs, performing, djing, and collaborating with MadeMe clothing. In the summer of 2009 I remember seeing the video for "On Some Bull" and was happy to see the ladies looking great and having fun. After that there was more buzz from blogs, photo shoots (that documented the ladies ever-changing style) interviews, etc. I remember keeping an eye and ear out for them, because I knew something good was coming. Now look at what we have here. It's August 2010, and Natalie and Nicole have released the free EP The Other Side. It's too much style, talent, and pure hotness for one to handle so I had to share.

The Other Side is a mixture of dance, electro, house, and freestyle fun. Crystal Veil favorites include "Too Long To Let Go," "Beautiful People," "Only You" (Take Me Away) featuring Kidz In The Hall and a wonderful surprise cover of The Cure's 1989 classic "Lovesong."

<a href="http://ninasky.bandcamp.com/album/the-other-side">THE OTHER SIDE by NinaSky</a>

Make sure to download their new EP and keep up with the ladies via their official site

www.ninaskyhigh.com

Robyn/Kelis All Hearts Tour (9:30 Club, Washington D.C.)

2010-08-08T11:55:00.000-04:00

featuring Far East Movement + Dan Black

The best money I've spent in quite a while. Every act put on an amazing show Monday night (Aug 2.) especially the ladies. It was a fun time, and doubled as a pre-birthday gift for my sis.

We got there early aound 6pm to watch FM open the show and hype up the crowd for the performances to come. The group started back in 2005 and although their sound has changed a bit from their early days, they always know how throw a party.

Dan Black was up next, and performed a string of songs from his self-titled debut. Listening to his songs on record is one thing, but on stage Dan Black is a mad scientist, mixing vocals and beats, all while he dances and sings with an unabashed love for his music. At one point during this song my sister turned to me with a look of approval and said "This dude is sick!" and I have to agree. Here is a Dan Black performance from the All Hearts tour. Different night, different venue, but you get the idea. All kinds of awesome!

Kelis was next to take the stage and she opened her set with "Emancipate." As you can guess the crowd went crazy, and we were never allowed to regain composure because Kelis never let up. Mixing songs from Fleshtone with a medley of her older hits, and some pop/dance classics like Madonna's "Holiday" mashed up with "Milkshake" was a blast.

Up close Kelis is absoloutely gorgeous, and with a glowing mike stand, and silver shimmery headdress she looked every bit the futuristic disco diva. I still can't believe I got to see her perform "Get Along With You" live, amidst all the dancing she was able to throw in one of my all time favorites. Yay! Kelis ended her set with "Acapella" and a blast of confetti. The party was almost over, but there was more fun to be had as we waited for Robyn to take the stage.

Robyn is my wannabe best friend. I just love her so much. She has to be the most likeable and talented pop star there is right now. From the moment she burst onto the stage with "Fembot" it was non-stop energy, laughter, joy, attitude, and dancing (the girl can dance) We all know she can sing, but that night she really didn't need to as the entire audience sang all the words to her songs along with her. She's so cool, and fun, and...and my only complaint is that she didn't sing "Hang With Me" However she did sing everything else from "Konichiwa Bitches" to "Dancehall Queen" a remixed version of "Be Mine" and went all the way back to "Show Me Love."

Someone from the concert managed to upload some footage of both Kelis and Robyn's sets.

I see that at some shows Kelis and Robyn have done a joint encore. I guess the night I saw them it wasn't meant to be, but I hope that all the acts from the All Hearts tour felt the D.C. love and decide to come back and soon.

Happy Birthday to the best sister ever and to all the Leos out there!

Theophilus London - Hey Wonderful (Video)

2010-08-07T19:10:00.000-04:00

For everyone who watches Vh1 Soul you know that it's a great place to catch old school r&b videos. Well yesterday I was watching (as I often do) and they decided to play Bernard Wright's Who Do You Love and Jeffrey Osborne's Stay With Me Tonight back to back. My first thought was that someone over in programming wanted to make my day, and then my mind wandered off to Theophilus London and his new mixtape I Want You. Much of his music manages to draw upon (or sample) that laid back, atmospheric 80's vibe. Then I started to hope that one of his new videos would reflect more of his style that I love so much. Maybe with some city street scenes, performance shots, and a cool/stylish leading lady.

You know mixing Bernard Wright's quirky fun style (minus the Jimi Hendrix scarf) with Jeffrey Osborne's smoothed out charm. Well isn't it just my luck that the video for Hey Wonderful was released the very next day. With a little help from Stevie Wonder and directors Onat and Fabian, Mr. London delivers my favorite video so far.

The After Inception Movie Guide

2010-08-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

If you thought Inception was the most fun you could have at the theatre this year, read on to find out what you can still look forward to this summer and the rest of 2010.

August 13

Animal Kingdom

After the death of his mother, teenager Joshua Cody is taken in by his extended family of criminals. Guy Pearce plays a cop determined to help him, and bring down the outfit.

I love a good family drama, and also a good crime movie. Animal Kingdom seems to blend the two rather well. The similarity to James Foley's At Close Range (one of my favorite films) doesn't hurt either.

Eat Pray Love - Personally this is a DVD pick for me, but it may be worth seeing in theatres, if you grab some friends to ooh and aaah over the fabulous location shots.

Based on the popular biography of travel, life, love, and spirituality. Julia Roberts stars as Liz Gilbert, and Viola Davis plays her best friend. (I'd love to see Julia or Diane Lane return the favor for Viola one day) Richard Jenkins has a small role and is always great to watch. James Franco, Javier Bardem, and Billy Crudup also star, a definite plus.

The Expendables
It's gonna be silly, implausible, and probably would have worked better ten years ago, but why not. Expect lots of explosions, fights, action stars popping up out of nowhere, and possibly a good movie. (Hey Stallone surprised everyone with Rocky Balboa maybe he can do it again)

Forget that trailer where they tried to set up a plot, and showcase some character development. This is the only one you need to see. A little Guns N' Roses goes a long way. I'm sold, how about you?

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

An epic of epic epicness. Well that's what the tagline reads.

Michael Cera stars as Scott Pilgrim and Mary Elizabeth Winestead is Ramona Flowers. The two start dating and then Scott learns he must face off against each of Ramona's seven evil exes.

August 20

Lottery Ticket - This one could become a new classic like Friday and ATL, or turn out worse than First Sunday. Brandon T. Jackson and Naturi Naughton, (continue to work consistently) and aid Bow Wow's character in navigating a three day weekend where everyone and a parolee find out he's a millionaire.

August 27

Going the Distance

Love, love, love Drew Barrymore. We go back since E.T. and with movies like Boys on the Side, Mad Love, Riding In Cars With Boys, Donnie Darko, Never Been Kissed, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, she's all at once the quirky/indie star and romantic leading lady. From child actor, to flower child, to director/producer, and now Golden Globe/SAG winner. She's always having fun, and manages to make some awesome films in the process. Justin Long's a keeper as well, and with the lovely Christina Applegate this movie looks like it's gonna be a blast. (Christina Applegate and Drew Barrymore as sisters is too much.)

Centurion

The lone survivors of a devastating attack, seven Roman soldiers try to survive by using guerrilla warfare on the enemy. It looks like King Arthur and even has two 300 alumni in Dominic West and Michael Fassbender. Kidulthood/Adulthood's Noel Clarke also stars. Check out this early SXSW review by Cinematical.

Could Olga Kurylenko look any more bad ass? There can never be too many female warriors in films like these, and I love her character already. Even if she is one of the bad guys.

September 3

Machete

Anyone who saw the Grindhouse double feature from Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez has been anticipating a full length Machete movie starring Danny Trejo. Predators only gave audiences a glimpse of Trejo, but Machete is shaping up to be a full on assault for the actor's first leading role in a career spanning 180 films. Also starring Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Jeff Fahey, Steven Seagal, Cheech Marin, Robert Deniro, and introducing Don Johnson. (Hilarious)

September 10

Resident Evil : Afterlife

Yes if this wasn't part of the RE franchise it would be going straight to DVD, but it's not and oh look it was filmed using the latest 3D technology. So was Step Up 3D, but don't pretend you haven't seen every Resident Evil movie. Whether you saw it in theatres, FX, the Syfy channel, G4, on a plane, on a train (whatever) It's mindless entertainment, and you know it's gonna be fun. Plus...

Wentworth!! After years of trying to break in and out of prison Wentworth Miller is finally back on the big screen.

September 15

Never Let Me Go

This one's going to be depressing, albeit with great acting and no doubt some outstanding visuals by director Mark Romanek. Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley in a film together throws this one over the top for me. When September rolls around you can check it out or not, depending on if you've ever wanted to see what The Island would look like as an arthouse film.

September 17

Easy A

This just looks like a fun time. All the actors are great, and it showcases a smart, witty, and slightly misguided female outcast as it's protagonist.

The Town

Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, and Ben Affleck. Romance and heist films don't usually turn out well, because someone always winds up dead or in prison. This movie looks like it's working towards an inevitable tragedy anyways, so just sit back, relax, and enjoy the performances. They have to be downright amazing if the entire movie was given away in the trailer.

September 24

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

If ever there was a film that needed a better title, this sequel to 1987's Wall Street is the top contender. Was Wall Street: Back In The Habit already taken. How about Wall Street: Greed Never Dies (It's Only Incarcerated) Or better yet, how about simply Wall Street 2. It's a sequel so it's already gonna be given the side eye by just about everyone, and now you have to add that title as insult to injury.
If this movie doesn't take itself too seriously, it might be worth your time this fall. There are lots of pretty people, and glamorous fun to be had. Carey Mulligan is once again all pixie and sparkly, while remaining an excellent actress, so yay! Also Michael Douglas looks to be having a blast reprising his role as the wonderfully evil Gordon Gekko.

October 1

Let Me In

A remake of the original (Let The Right One In) wasn't necessary. But if you're going to try it should look something like this. The original had outstanding performances, and a more than satisfying ending, but it did drag painfully along when the two young leads weren't on screen. If this new film can pick up the pace a bit, and retain the quality and mood of the original then I say check out when it hits theatres. (Some truly inspired casting with Richard Jenkins, Chloe Moretz, Kodi Smitt-Mcphee, and Elias Koteas, has me believing this could be all sorts of awesome)

October 8

Nowhere Boy

The story of John Lennon's childhood and teen years, plus the beginnings of one of the most influential bands in history. From Kick-Ass to Nowhere Boy, Aaron Johnson might have the title for best same year movie transformation since Daniel Day Lewis went from menacing street punk in My Beautiful Laundrette to stuffy nobleman in A Room With A View (ok that might be stretching it a bit, but you get the idea)

December 17

Tron Legacy

With a score by Daft Punk, Michael Sheen looking like a nightmarish David Bowie rocking out on air guitar, Garrett Hedlund, Jeff Bridges, and all the space age cyber beauty of the Tron world, this looks to be a great way to end the year.

This Is An Inception Post!!

2010-08-03T17:51:00.001-04:00

So the movie Inception has left just about everyone who's seen it with mixed emotions, questions, and just enough unfried brain cells to add to the never ending debate on the most talked about movie of the summer.
The following is not a review, it is an Inception fact and how-to guide.

How-To: Have you noticed there haven't been many actual reviews on Inception. They're more like a rehashing. Theories are thrown out, fragmented thoughts are pieced together, etc. You could save yourself the trouble and grab a pen and paper, or... keyboard.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio is finally back to where he began in films like This Boy's Life and What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and that's being the amazing character actor he was born to be. Fully immersed in the role, not a hint of self-consciousness, and at times scary real. The transition from child actor may have come with a few stumbles here and there. But when he was on, he was great. It just seems that lately there is no off. Just 2 hours of this. The Departed made me a renewed fan, Shutter Island kept the momentum going, but this turn in Inception has me believing he can do anything. Performance was freakin' flawless I tell you.
How-To: For anyone who hasn't seen the best movie of the year so far, let me offer some advice and fellowship. I saw the movie, you saw/will see the movie and I believe that's all we can know for sure. I don't need to figure it out anymore (and neither do you...stop it...really you don't) unless your Christopher Nolan and you're gearing up for a sequel. Inception is his (totem,) and trying to hold on to it will only result in Leonardo's Shutter Island/Inception wives level of crazy.

Fact: You will be hearing about actor Tom Hardy often and for a very long time to come. If you've seen anything he's ever been in (Wuthering Heights, Rock N' Rolla, Bronson, the BBC adaptation of Oliver Twist, I'll even throw in Star Trek: Nemesis) then you know this is very very good news.
Fact: "The Hallway Scene" was amazing, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was amazing in the movie. This is nothing new. For everyone asking who is this guy, you've got some homework to do. Start with a film called Manic, work your way up to Brick, The Lookout is required viewing, and 500 Days of Summer is his most commercial lead role...well until now.
How-To: So Inception probably had more buzz and anticipation surrounding it than any movie this year. In fact the only problem with Inception is that it more than lived up to it's hype. Now what's left to be excited about for the summer? For 2010 even? Not to worry, you can check out more worthwhile movies in the next post.

Get to Know: Kimbra "Settle Down" (video)

2010-07-30T21:14:00.004-04:00

This blog has become quite music post heavy in the past few months, but what can I say it's been a great summer for music lovers. Kimbra is not helping matters with this wonderfully weird video that seems like a Betty Draper origin story.

"Settle Down" would fit somewhere between Poe, Esthero, Roisin Murphy, and Martina Topley-Bird in an ipod playlist of the imaginative, talented, slightly disturbed sprite variety. I love it!

I agree mini-Betty

Kimbra is definitely one to watch.

myspace.com/kimbramusic

New BoA - "Game" (video)

2010-07-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

I don't think I've mentioned my love for BoA before on this blog, but since she's released a lovely/stylish video for her latest single "Game" I feel the need to make it known. Love her!

The "Game" video and more after the cut.

From her 2009 American debut

Pretty in Pink for Style, Some Kind of Wonderful for the Win! Anniversary Post!

2010-07-26T12:49:00.002-04:00

Every so often Vh1 has its movies that rock moments. It could be Valley Girl, Ferris Buelller, Rocky Horror, you never know. This week it's Pretty in Pink, and as I find myself watching it again for the billionth time, I have some thoughts to share.

For every girl who would've picked Duckie or was crazy about Blaine, there's girls like me who are all about James Spader as Steff.

Sure he's a jerk, but he's a beautiful self-loathing one, and we can work with that. I'm telling you there's depth there that was only hinted at in the movie. (Yeah I'm completely messed up I know) Though, you can't tell me Pretty in Pink wouldn't have been a hell of a lot more interesting with a Steff/Andie romance.

YouTube offers a small consolation with...

Sure Pretty in Pink has Duckie, Molly Ringwald as Andie, and some great style moments that can't even be tarnished by what Andie did to a perfectly fine vintage prom dress, but...

John Hughes' Some Kind of Wonderful has the upper hand on PIP with my beloved Watts, one of the best endings in movie history, and with the lead character of Keith Nelson.

More self-assured than Blaine, charming but minus the jerkiness of Steff, and adorably dorky like Duckie. Not to mention he walks away with the coolest girl in school. Awesome.

Breathless...Still (A bout de souffle) Anniversary Post!

2010-07-26T12:45:00.000-04:00

Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in a still from Jean-Luc Godard's 1960 film "A bout de souffle" (Breathless).

This post is a small retrospective on how Godard has influenced cinema and pop culture with his work. Click to view some recent films that are uniquely inspired by "Breathless."

Godard's influence is wide reaching, and has influenced many artistic works since it's release in 1960. The original film itself was steeped in pop culture references. Along with the cutting edge style of the film, Godard's characters were heavily influenced by their surroundings. By drawing on and embracing their influences they existed as part of a community while at the same time pushing the envelope forward. It seems fitting that newer artists are using Godard's films as a springboard for artistic creation.

Charlotte Ronson Fall 09' campaign recreates the hotel scene above.

Director Bernardo Bertolucci intercut his characters with a scene from "Breathless." Starting at 1:02 and ending at 1:14. The movie is filled with scenes like this one, as exhibited in the clip above.

Also in the clip is an homage to another Godard film "Bande à part" (1964 )

Unfortunately this montage is not in English, but it's all I could find.

Barry Jenkins' "Medicine for Melancholy" released in 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

Ladies We Love: The Runaways (part 1) Anniversary Post!

2010-07-26T12:28:00.000-04:00

From left to right; Lita Ford, Joan Jett, Jackie Fox, Sandy West, and Cherie Currie.

The Runaways formed in 1975 when a 15yr. old Joan Jett and Sandy West met through producer Kim Fowley. At this time the members were Joan Jett, Sandy West, Lita Ford, and Micki Steele. By December of that year the band had a new lead singer Cherrie Currie and a new bassist Jackie Fox(who replaced Peggy Foster after she replaced Micki Steele.)

In 1976 The Runaways were signed to Mercury Records and after the release of their first album they embarked on their first U.S. tour.

In 1977 Second album Queens of Noise, and a live album (The Runaways Live in Japan) are released.

.Second U.S. tour

.Cherry Bomb is the #1 single in Japan and Australia

.The Runaways tour Japan, and the line up changes again. Vicki Blue replaces Jackie Fox, and Joan Jett replaces Cherie Currie as lead singer.

After Cherie Currie left the group, The Runaways continued on until they disbanded in 1979.

Between 1977 and 1979 the new line up of Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Vicki Blue released two more albums.

Part 2

The Crystal Veil Belated One Year Anniversary!!!

2010-07-26T12:26:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

So The Crystal Veil began one year ago on July 12, 2009 with a little post entitled Style Inspiration: The Brothers Bloom.

Yes I'm a few days late in celebrating, but let's consider it an ongoing celebration. Hee. Thanks to everyone who visits the blog every now and again. When you stop by make sure to comment, follow the blog, or friend me on Facebook. Let me know what you think of the site!

In honor of the one year anniversary, I'm reposting what is probably the blog's most popular post, along with a few of my favorites.

Enjoy!

Marina and the Diamonds "Oh No" (Video)

2010-07-08T14:08:00.001-04:00

Ok, if you're a reader of this blog I have a pop quiz for you.

Question: How do I feel about the new Marina and the Diamonds video?

Let's see... a quirky, fun, sparkly, pretty video. Check! 80's inspired, with a tongue in cheek attitude. Check! Pop art, comic books, Marina being awesome...

Answer:

Remix!! Tightrope (Wondamix Video) Janelle Monae, B.o.B, and Lupe Fiasco

2010-07-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

“Black and white tux, ain’t no need for no other colors/ Talkin’ about why don’t she change her clothes/Well, they ain't seem to mind the last three times I posed in Vogue."

Michael Jackson : One Year Later

2010-06-26T00:26:00.001-04:00

Whether he made you want to dance "Don't Stop Till' You Get Enough" or broke your heart while empowering you all at once with "Man In The Mirror." If you can imagine a Bad album era 3 year old singing "Man In The Mirror" at the top of her lungs on a crowded bus, while her parents laugh slightly embarrassed in the background then you can understand how much Michael's music influenced me. He didn't just sing a song he acted out a story on record with his voice. He didn't just dance to the music he was the music. The embodiment of every note, string, bass line, and drum beat. That is what set him apart, and that is why I'm writing now; trying to flesh out the mixed emotions I feel. My heart hurt for him, how lonely he must have been and how heartbroken he surely was when the public he loved turned on him. I can't imagine having to live with the ridicule and speculation he suffered every day of his life. He lived to entertain, he had the world singing his songs and chanting his name because he was a genius, the icon, always. Just as many others I feel we lost so much more than we will ever know. No one can compare. 6/27/09

Not much has changed since then. The initial shock has worn off, and I can now listen to Jackson 5 records again, with fondness instead of sadness. :) There is always joy to be found in the music.

Watch some of my favorite Michael moments after the cut.

I could post all day, but I'll end with one of my favorites. (From 4:54 on Michael was not playing around)

Jean Grae is the coolest girl in the room

2010-06-24T17:01:00.000-04:00

Thoughts on women in hip hop, Nicki Minaj/Lil' Kim, etc. You want to know what I got from this interview...Jean Grae is awesome and has a new album coming out!!!

found on soulbounce.com

Jean Grae "Going Crazy"

Music Obsessions (June) Tom Tom, Selfmachine, Zambezi, Cocknbullkid

2010-06-23T16:07:00.001-04:00

So many electro duos, not enough time. The Hundred in The Hands set themselves apart on this single in particular, with two things. The icy clear vocals of Eleanore Everdell that are in such contrast to the sparse, appropriately tom tom like beat, and "Could've stood by you for days, I would forget the world for you." That little melody inspired an immediate download. So pretty.

There's moments where Coco Summer sounds so much like her Dad, your tempted to start humming the lyrics to "Message In A Bottle". Though, that's not why I Blame Coco's new release "Selfmachine" is a current obsession. The first minute of this song is nothing but epic summer electropop, and we haven't even gotten to the insanely catchy chorus that just ties everything together and grounds the song in such a beautiful way. Also, I can never get enough of strong, cool, and confident women in videos. I'd love to be her friend... even though she might occasionally beat me up.

So I suppose Tinashe's plan is to infiltrate listeners ears and hearts with stunningly well crafted and joyous afro-pop/soul. Well why not. More please!

Cocknbullkid - "Cocknbullkid"

What better way to announce a reemergence, than a lovely slice of pop laden self acceptance wrapped in some impressive witty and quotable lyrics. Anita Blay has dropped the The from her moniker Cocknbullkid, but her music is no less amazing or addictive. Look for her first album release "Adulthood" this summer.

Kelis "4th of July" (Video)

2010-06-22T01:41:00.001-04:00

Will always love this lady, and will support her in just about everything she does. Kaleidoscope made my high school days just a little bit easier. A sort of mainstream r&b sista with gothic like sensibilities...yes please.

Did anyone else have the desktop download that went along with this release? I know it wasn't just me.

Style Inspiration: Kumiko (Karate Kid 2)

2010-06-21T19:59:00.000-04:00

Karate Kid 2 is probably my personal favorite out of the franchise because of Daniel and Kumiko. Tamlyn Tomita was just so incredibly fly with her jumpers and messy yet fashionable updos.

Sorry Elisabeth Shue and Robyn Lively (love you too) but this will never be outdone.

Furrr-Rampage (Kumiko's hair)

The Karate Kid - 2010 Review (Dre Parker's gonna fight!)

2010-06-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

So I saw the new Karate Kid with Jaden Smith the other night (don't judge me), and I have to say it was very good. Jaden did a great job with the fight scenes as well as the dramatic, comedic, everything. If you didn't already know, this kid's a star.

If you've seen the original Karate Kid, be on the lookout for some fun call backs to the original "Sweep the leg." becomes "Break the leg" and so on. The 2010 version is pretty much an update of the 1984 original (with a little Karate Kid 2 thrown in) and although this version has better training sequences, and definitely a better final fight scene, it doesn't have this.

Ah, the 80's never short on the memorable montages. The new Karate Kid could have definitely used a theme song, or some memorable songs at all. When you think of The Karate Kid franchise you think of songs like "You're the Best Around" or "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera starting that cement the movie's pop culture status. These songs add so much to the heart and spirit of the franchise, (maybe we'll get one in the next installment in 2012) You know it's coming.

So the movie's not perfect, but neither was the original. The 2010 edition builds upon The Karate Kid legacy, and for Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, the gorgeous scenery and fight scenes alone it's worth your time.

Crystal Veil Summer Playlist (2010)

2010-06-12T10:06:00.001-04:00

So my lovely playlist, previously located to the left that you may or may not have listened to is gone. Was it my intention to chuck, the extensive catalog of songs that I feel define my little space on the internet, for a season that will come and go...of course not. But alas, here we are. My old playlist is gone, and after much exasperation and a few expletives, these songs of summer are here in it's stead. It's a little bit of everything. Summer days gone by, memories that have yet to be made, but mostly my favorite music, and I hope a little of yours to.

What are your favorite songs that remind you of summer?

Coco & Breezy 20/20 Collection featuring "Power" by Kanye West

2010-06-09T17:32:00.000-04:00

Director: Corey Davis

cocoandbreezy (official site)

Sessilee Lopez and Wendell Lissimore are Two of Hearts

2010-06-08T21:18:00.000-04:00

Sort of related, this offers a great chance to post Stacey Q's "Two of Hearts" and it's various covers.

found on O.M.O Writes
Source

Eh, Eh... Lady Gaga "Alejandro" (Video)

2010-06-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

This video drained every bit of summertime anthem, danceability, and Ace of Base nostalgia right out of my "Alejandro" loving heart.

Well the video is here for everyone to see, and maybe you'll love it

What do you think?

There were some parts I enjoyed.

Always great to see Mark (left) from SYTYD.

and 5:39 to 6:16 was good.

Oh Gaga, it's not that I don't care about you it's just that things got so complicated. I guess for a bit more summer fun, we always have this little gem.

Quadron "Buster Keaton" (Video)

2010-06-05T16:16:00.000-04:00

The song is guaranteed to be stuck in your head all day, and the video is so very pretty. Enjoy!

Directed by Tracemaker and

found on M.I.S.S.

Neon and paper mache chic, I like it.

Quadron myspace iTunes

M.I.A. covers Complex Magazine

2010-05-27T22:23:00.001-04:00

The cover surfaced online days ago, but I couldn't resist.

Intelligence

Talent

Gorgeous

source (M.I.A. interview and more photos)

Cindy's a star! Janelle Monae performs "Tightrope" on Ellen and The ArchAndroid

2010-05-27T21:37:00.000-04:00

Just wow!

"Take me back to wondaland/she think she left her underpants"

Why haven't I posted about Janelle before now? Her album was released last week you say? Well I was too busy listening. The ArchAndroid is a seamless and cinematic release and you can get lost in it if you so choose. It's hard to pick any standouts among the 18 tracks, because they're all amazing and fit together so perfectly, but Dance or Die, Faster, Locked Inside, Sir Greendown, Cold War, Come Alive (War of the Roses), Wondaland, 57821, are my favorites to repeat.

If you haven't heard The ArchAndroid yet, you need to remedy that as soon as possible.

Janelle is streaming the album on her myspace

Download here on iTunes

Pretty in Pink for Style, Some Kind of Wonderful for the Win!

2010-05-27T18:10:00.000-04:00

For every girl who would've picked Duckie or was crazy about Blaine, there's girls like me who are all about James Spader as Steff.

YouTube offers a small consolation with...

Sure Pretty in Pink has Duckie, Molly Ringwald as Andie, and some great style moments that can't even be tarnished by what Andie did to a perfectly fine vintage prom dress, but...

M.I.A. covers Nylon June/July Issue

2010-05-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

found on ONTD

VV Brown covers The Smiths "This Charming Man"

2010-05-26T21:32:00.000-04:00

The same "Charming Man" interpreted two very different ways.

Even without knowing the story behind the cover song, the lyrics sung from a female perspective give the song a more sinister twist. The Smiths' version evokes rolling hills, romanticism, and discovery. VV Brown's cover is the expensive house on said hill; complete with stylish isolation and slightly disturbing co-dependency.

But knowing the tie in for the cover, it seems an inspired and clever choice.

Is the difference simply because of the flipped male/female gender dynamic. Maybe it's the steely electro pop lament of VV's cover versus the dreamy vocals, meandering jangly guitar, and driving bass of the original Smiths track. Or is it more complex?

Thanks to arjanwrites for reminding me how much I love this cover.

VV Brown "This Charming Man"
Listen
Download

Ladies We Love: Robyn "Dancing On My Own" (Video + Behind the Scenes)

2010-05-26T14:07:00.000-04:00

If there's a female artist out right now that evokes the feeling of early Madonna, it has to be Robyn. Not a comparison, just a feeling. Freedom, energy, great dance tracks, and tons of personality. She lets you see her as a real person, and not a high fashion celeb who happens to be a singer. She could be one of your friends, (ok your extremely talented, stylish, pop star friend) but you get my point. She sings her heart out and always gives everything her all. Even though she may not always win or get the guy, she always has fun trying, and comes back with a cool story to tell.

Stilettos and broken bottles after the cut.

Missed you lady

and...

I need both outfits now.

"Maybe you should read the machine it's rights" Thoughts on the Lost Finale

2010-05-25T18:04:00.000-04:00

(Warning: If you haven't gotten around to watching the Lost series finale, read no further)

There is only happiness and light (no not that light), and the last ten minutes of the finale must be viewed on mute. James and Juliet are visiting her sister in Miami, after delivering Ji Yeon to Sun and Jin, Charlie and Claire are on tour with Aaron, Kate's on trial with some high priced defense lawyer, etc. (After life pfft really writers, really? La la la I can't hear you) My favorite characters lived happily ever after in the sideways/alt verse, and any other scenario does not compute. No, but seriously when Christian Shephard appeared who else knew it was all downhill from there?

James and Juliet reunion clip and Crystal Veil finale review after the cut.

Maybe I could accept the afterlife scenario if the onscreen deaths had ended with the likes of Ana Lucia, Libby, Shannon, Boone, Mr. Ecko. But Jin and Sun drowning together, Juliet dying after detonating that stupid atom bomb (that apparently did not create a sideways timeline) Sayid sacrificing himself in another explosive situation, and my poor beloved Locke!

He believed in the island so much; his loyalty and faith were tested and he never once wavered. He was murdered by Ben, because of jealousy. He died alone never knowing that he was right about the island. But Jack, who fought Locke at every turn, and managed to turn every last one of the Losties against him (ok so Locke's crazy behavior might have aided the situation) but Jack gets a hero's welcome in the afterlife while dying a hero on the island, with Vincent by his side. Locke's last heartbreaking words before he died were "I don't understand." Neither do I John, neither do I.

It's all just so very sad. No amount of soul gathering and serenity will take away the fact that many of my favorite characters died tragically, and often painfully. I still don't understand what it was all for?

Why couldn't the sideways reality be real, huh? Is it too much to ask that the island that stole these people's lives give them a chance at a real life? Sure you could argue that they didn't have that great a life to begin with but how is that anyone's responsibility to take the choice out of their hands, and crash them on an island against their will. The way Jacob ran things was seriously messed up no matter his good intentions.

You know who did make a choice to serve the island Captain Jack, and he deserved to go down with his ship. His death was fitting and a perfect conclusion to the series. He could have died in the alt verse as well, that would have been a true sacrifice, but surrounded by his friend and loved ones. They could have the exact same scenes, same scenario, but a different more palpable ending. It could have worked. Jack's sacrifice could have allowed everyone to lead some type of merged sideways life.

What about Hurley and Ben you say? Well they are tied to the island as well, and as they become the new Jacob and Richard. They are tied to the island the same way Jack is, but they are able to travel back and forth from the island like their predecessors. Their newfound guardianship would allow for a loophole, and all the Ajira passengers, Miles, Sawyer, Claire, Kate, Frank, Richard somehow fly into the sideways verse and merge with ther existing alternate selves. From there we get their reunions and floods of memories and joy, etc. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if we saw Kate convince Claire to join them on the flight home, and then the realization of that when she helps her give birth to Aaron again in the sideways. Sun and Jin renewed their love for each other on the island, epitomized by the way they died. In the sideways they get a glimpse of the mistakes they could have/did make and this time get it right. Not to mention the knowledge that they died together, leaving little Ji Yeon behind, and then getting to see her on the ultrasound.(Oh it would have been epic)

We would have known it was all worth it. All the struggle, all the pain, the island caused even before the Losties knew there was an island, could have been set right by the same wretched place. Along with a little help from Hurley, Jack, and even Ben. It's not a perfect system, but it's a better alternative than none.

So yeah I mentioned above that they could have kept the ending scene the same. (one eye opens, another one closes...heh) It was the perfect ending, it's the few minutes of exposition that came before that left me cursing the day I ever invested in this show.

This would have been a great final scene if everyone wasn't you know...dead.

With the last flash of the series, Jack is now back on the island. He knows the good he's done and that his friends are alive and well. With the Ajira plane flying overhead...

and Vincent by his side our beloved hero closes his eyes forever.

A perfect symmetry to his journey and our own, as viewers of a series called

(Sigh) I'm sure I'll get over the disappointment eventually and life will go on without old smokey, polar bears, Dharma, Waaaalt, Losties, Tailies, and the like. What will survive is the cultural phenomenon that was Lost, and even though I was disappointed in the show's finale I'm glad I was a part of it, and there for these crazy kids.

These two will never not be perfect in every way. I can't be too mad at the writers when they gave us this beautiful couple. James and Juliet are forever, and Josh Holloway and Elizabeth Mitchell are magic.

Good bye show it's been a fun and exhausting six years.

The End

Rihanna "Rock Star 101 (Video)

2010-05-25T17:13:00.000-04:00

Rihanna is a Crystal Veil lady for sure, and even though this song and video aren't my favorites from Rated R(where is Fire Bomb?) you have to appreciate the rock and roll spirit. Anything that gives us Ri Ri looking equal parts Slash and Lisa Bonet, is ok in my book.

What is going on? Beyonce "Halo" (Alternate Version)

2010-05-24T17:12:00.000-04:00

Up is down, right is wrong, and 2008 is here and now. Why does this alternate video have me jamming to this song like it just came out?

found on clutchmagonline

The shadowy noir element intercut with happier times gives a whole new meaning/depth to this song.

I have a feeling that this alternate version was the original. I wish it could have been the one released with the single, because I must say dark and moody suit Beyonce very well.

Love it.

Get to Know: Lissie

2010-05-23T13:19:00.000-04:00

www.lissie.com/

Jem is truly outrageous (then, now, always) YahZarah "Why Dontcha Call Me No More"

2010-05-21T20:07:00.000-04:00

From her twitter, YahZarah wrote:

"For every little girl who wanted to be Jem. Hope this video has left u sistas feeling good."

Yay! For all the 80's babies with an incurable Jem obsession..

After the cut, watch YahZarah and The Foreign Exchange, some classic Jem clips, and Nicole Wray in another Jem themed video

Reminds me of another video favorite. Back to 2004 with ...

The Misfits' songs were better, but Jem and The Holograms were the ones you could root for

Score one for the shiny, happy people. Ha, rainbows and all.

By the way, who else wants a Jem movie?

If the Transformers and G.I. Joe get a franchise why not The Holograms.

Kele "Tenderoni" (video)

2010-05-20T16:07:00.000-04:00

T-E-N-DE-R-O-N-I!

It's the dystopian "Love King" meets Tron Legacy. I love it.

(Put It In A Love Song you say) Alicia Keys "Unthinkable" reminds me of my favorite video romance

2010-05-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

The new late night driving song, possibly the song of the Spring, and definitely my favorite song on The Element of Freedom. I absolutely love "Un-thinkable" written by Drake, and performed by Ms. Keys. This song almost gave me chills, when I heard it the first time. If there was a song that could conjure up the feeling of freedom, this is that song. Late night driving with the windows down, taking in the breeze. This song is like air, and the drums are straight out of the Phil Collins school of grandeur. So I was ready(hee)for a video that captured that feeling.

It premiered days ago but let's go back and take a look at the "Un-thinkable" video...

So did the video live up to the song? Yes, and no. I was hoping for more of an emotional punch, but it's a beautiful video and it produced some nice moments that I thought were worth a mention.

This moment tugged at my heart a little bit.

I understood the character, and all the uncertainty and helplessness she must have felt.

Fast forward to 2010 and there's less boundaries, and more empowerment, but no less uncertainty.

The transitions between decades were great. Especially the tones and textures; the 60's were appropriately technicolor, the 70's were more muted and natural, the 80's were like faded neon, and the 90's was harsh and all black everything.

Can we talk about the 90's era scene for a moment.

Anyone who was a teenager during that time knows how dead on accurate it was.

Even right down to the Nokia phone

In the video I would have loved to see more scenes like this one.

Scenes, where you can see two people really connect, and watch them fall in love. The video is about their fight, or ultimate decision to be together so it would have been nice to see what they were fighting for. Without those moments the video lacked the emotional impact I was hoping for.

Which brings me to a video romance that has stayed with me for years.

Full of playful romantic moments, and featuring a then unknown actor named Keanu!

Paula Abdul and Keanu Reeves in "Rush, Rush"

Paula Abdul - New Music - More Music Videos

The video is basically a scene for scene recreation of Rebel Without a Cause, but the chemistry between Paula and Keanu is real...and romantic. The violins take me right back to elementary school, waiting desperately for MTV to play this video.

"Terrible... no, it just reminds us that we're all alone that's all"

Oh come on, you know you love it too.

In Search Of...They Don't Make Music Videos Like They Used to

2010-05-19T22:07:00.001-04:00

I'm in search of a great music video. I don't know what's going on, but decent songs are doomed with videos that are just disappointing. I know the music video is a dying art form being as there is a limited platform for them, but from what I've seen these current videos have got to do better. I want something to make me stop in my tracks, something to be excited about, and mostly something that the second it's over I want to watch it again.

Beyonce is the latest one to do that with her vid "Why Don't You Love Me" and to be honest it surprised me how much I needed to see some amazing visuals. M.I.A. also did it with "Born Free," but although an amazing video, I'm probably never watching it again (if you've seen it you know why.) I need some Method Man and Mary "You're All I Need," Madonna "Papa Don't Preach," The Foo Fighters "Everlong," Geto Boys "Mind Playing Tricks On Me," and Guns N' Roses "November Rain." I want epic, colorful, fun, storytelling, and grand images. I want greatness.

To achieve it you don't need a large budget, or lots of extras. Take J*Davey's latest video "Outta the Window," it's just the desert, an abandoned house, and lots of personality.

We all know that when done right, the blending of sound and image can produce a classic.

Mark Romanek, the most beautiful cast ever assembled, Q-Tip, Janet Jackson and J.Dilla.

Like Joni said...

Grace Jones Print

2010-05-13T15:23:00.000-04:00

found on Fly

Taken from the Andy Warhol image of Grace Jones; now you can purchase the print to take home and enjoy.

Lena Horne (1917-2010)

2010-05-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Films like Cabin In The Sky, and Stormy Weather made Lena Horne a star in Hollywood. Her presence on screen and stage was a mix of grace, humor, gorgeous gowns, stunning beauty, and a wondrous voice. As an actress she decided to forgo the demeaning roles that were available to women of color, and use her talents as a singer to record her own music and tackle the Broadway stage.

She did, however show up in a few more films where her scenes consisted of musical numbers like this one.

Lena Horne and Harry Belafonte in a 1970's special entitled what else... Harry and Lena.

My first memories of Lena Horne are in her later years. In particular a genius GAP commercial, and her guest spot on a little show called A Different World. In the episode titled "A Rock, a River, a Lena" the Hillman campus is buzzing when the the legendary Ms. Horne comes to visit. She surprises everyone, most of all Whitley when she is more interested in having some southern food and fun, than being catered to as an icon. That's the image that came to mind when I heard of her passing. I'm always grateful that a younger generation was able to have their own experience with Lena Horne. To see her laugh, and smile, sing, and dance in the context of our own lives.

In addition to her groundbreaking career, activism, and one of a kind talent, I remember her as a vibrant, beautiful, funny, effortlessly cool lady, and I always will.

Rebecca Jordan "Dreams" (Video!)

2010-05-07T22:13:00.001-04:00

What, when how? There was a video for this released in 2008 and I'm just now finding out.

Where have I been?

Rebekah Johnson, Rebekah, Rebekah Jordan, Rebbecca Jordan, whichever name she chooses to go by, this lady is amazing.

Her cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" can be found on her second album Remember To Breathe.

myspace.com/rebekahjordan
She's an actress too!

The Bangz "First Girl On The Moon" and Ella Ann's Recovery

2010-05-07T21:43:00.000-04:00

Ella Ann (left) and Sabi (right) are California duo The Bangz

Watch their new video and learn more about Ella Ann's story and how to help

Ella Ann is in recovery after a gunshot wound led to a stroke and doctor induced coma. Sabi (the other half of The Bangz) is carrying on the group as Ella goes through rehabilitation. As she reaches her 21st birthday Ella is in another fight to pay for the therapy she needs, as what little of her medical expenses the insurance covers will be lost.

Read the full story on honeymag.com

Go here to donate to Ella's Fight

I'd never heard of these ladies before (thanks Honey Mag) I'm a sucker for cool girls and a rock influenced track; so I love their style and spirit. Get well Ella!

Video Vault: Annie Lennox Edition

2010-05-05T15:52:00.000-04:00

Sophie Muller directs Annie Lennox, Hugh Laurie, and John Malkovich, in one of my favorite videos of all time.

With all the girl power "I don't need a man" songs I often wonder why they would spend 4 mins. singing about something they apparently could do without. It seems a waste of time. Now when Annie sings "The sun's still shining in the big blue sky, but it don't mean nothing to me" you understand this song may be her last chance at the life she was hoping for. Head held high, defiant, and slightly disturbed she gets the guy in the end and it doesn't feel desperate it feels like she fought for what she wanted and won. That's true female empowerment.

"I used to be lunatic, from the gracious days"

On the other side of that kind of pursuit is heartbreak, and Annie documents that fearlessly in this The Lover Speaks cover.

This live performance of "No More I Love You's" is soulful theatrical beauty, as only Annie Lennox can provide.

Life on TV - MSCL + Felicity and What happened to TV theme songs?

2010-05-05T12:37:00.001-04:00

Felicity

This show. This amazing, wonderful show is nothing but false advertising.

College was nothing like this; and I hold J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves personally responsible for setting the bar so high on my expectations.
Well...them and the cast and crew of A Different World.

Most of the self exploration, thoughtfulness, and discovery displayed in this show doesn't happen until mid to late twenties, or thirties, or sometimes never. Cast and crew you lied to me; but after four seasons of barely missing an episode, I suppose I didn't mind so much.

Also can we take a moment and remember the character of Elena Tyler, played by Tangi Miller.
One of the few African-American characters that didn't fade into the background. Elena had her own storylines(no matter how small), and she had her own character quirks and faults just like everyone else.

My So Called Life

"go Now Go!" Awww!

If Felicity set an impossible standard, My So Called Life scared me to death. High School seemed so overwhelming, too many people, too many emotions, and way too much drama (at least for a 6th grader to deal with) Of course this was TV and the show's characters lived in a heightened state, (well Rayanne lived in a chemically altered state) much like the quality of the show itself. Maybe in retrospect the way MSCL was canceled was actually a good thing. For one season it came, gave us amazing characters, great music, wonderfully crafted and true to life stories, and then it was gone. I couldn't bear it if all that became diluted strictly to achieve series longevity.

"Sometimes someone says something really small and it just fits into this empty place in your heart" This could be a tag line for this wonderful TV show, and it's also one of my favorite television moments. I look at that line and as a stand alone it's extremely cheesy and pedestrian; but everything Angela said was just so crucial to who she was becoming as a person. Remembering Angela Chase as played by Claire Danes, you can hear that line delivered in her unique voice; and in the context of this memorable moment it's filled with honesty, uncertainty, and the need to make sense of things beyond her understanding, namely Jordan Catalano.

TV Themes

Watching these opening themes takes me right back to my love and near obsession with these shows.

What happened to television themes anyway? They really set the tone for a show.

For example take the opening to Felicity; it has such a warm, lived in, comfortable feeling. Oversized sweaters, wiccans, subways, coffee...it's great. The black and white montage of still images are a nice ode to the laid back, yet introspective nature of the show.

In contrast the opening to My So Called life is basically the equivalent to a kick in the gut. Fast cuts, lots of movement, and a driving theme song that slowly builds over the opening.

It's chaotic, and filled with nervous energy, excitement, freedom, restrictions, joy, laughter, sadness, substance abuse, homelessness, and friendship. In a 1:08 seconds it tells you exactly what the show was about and why you should watch.

I miss the 90's.

Nostalgia, or television greatness? Probably both.

*Everyone talks about Rayanne's style, but take a look at Angela in this picture before her foray into Grunge.
The great thing about the past is you can pick and choose your style favorites.
I choose Angela's flower print skirt, brown leather purse, and powder blue lace top.
So pretty.*

Trailer: Ultraseude: In Search of Halston

2010-05-05T11:00:00.001-04:00

Bloc Party's Kele releases his debut single "Tenderoni"

2010-05-05T10:30:00.002-04:00

I've been a bit lax in my current muic news so time for some updates.

His first single The Boxer is set for release on June 22 (US), the UK of course gets it a day early on the 21st. Spank Rock's producer XXXChange provides the beat and along with Kele's vocals I call it a win. It took me more than one listen, but it's growing on me quickly.

Tenderoni by keleokereke

For more on The Boxer and Kele's burgeoning solo career click here

"Maybe take them all off" The Hills and Charlie as the voice of reason

2010-05-05T09:03:00.002-04:00

I'm ashamed to still be watching this show, but for moments like this they've got me for the rest of the season.
Pure comedy, I tell you.

The Hills - MTV Shows

Stress crystals, really?

Beyonce is B.B. Homemaker in "Why Don't You Love Me"

2010-05-04T21:53:00.002-04:00

GET IT BEY'

This is what I want in a video. I can't believe it; Melina Matsoukas and Beyonce have created the grainy pop art masterpiece I've wanted for months. Dead at the one knee high stocking, retro sunglasses in the bathtub, and martini. Just...yes!!!!

If this is Beyonce's new direction, I might love her forever. Please, let it be so.