“Disturbia” has arrived and it is probably one of the most visually stunning videos Rihanna has released (and lately she’s done several goodies). This time around, she flirts with freaks, beasts and creepy crawlies — all the while looking like the hottest horror movie vixen to ever exist (no easy feat!)!
The dark concept might not be anything new (I was reminded of old Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails videos), but it’s certainly been a long time since such a mainstream artist had the nerve to go with such a macabre clip — so kudos to Rihanna and especially the director. “Disturbia” is going to make headlines.
So much so that someone has created this Hipster Bingo board, which I think is scarily accurate and not just a little bit hysterical. Those crazy coke eyes totally caught my attention first!! Frightening.
This sort of reminds me of that Hipster Handbook that came out ages ago. Next time I go out I’ll be bringing this Bingo game along for extra entertainment. I encourage you to do the same.
Here’s the new video for Alphabeat’s “Boyfriend,” the current U.K. single which enjoys a makeover for its British release. The new mix sounds like it could have been recorded by Bananarama or Dead or Alive — and the retro new clip is much more inventive than the original. And it’s fitting considering this version’s obvious inspiration that cassette tapes play a major role. I love it!
Damn! Slightly-geeky gay American Idol (season one) contestant Jim Verraros is all grown up — and he’s obviously been hitting the gym lately.
No, he isn’t in training for the muscle stud role in the next Eating Out installment — though he’d definitely measure up. Instead, he’s unveiled a few steamy shots to promote his upcoming album, Do Not Disturb. If the music is half as hot as these pics, we are in for a treat. I just wish he wasn’t covering up the bulge in the photo above. ha!
London-based indie act The Duke Spirit usher in the next logical step in ’80s nostalgia by reviving a post-punk grunge-influenced sound reminiscent of The Pixies and Sonic Youth. I’m totally diggin’ the video for “The Step and the Walk,” which brilliantly showcases front woman Liela Moss’ haunting vocals as well as her wicked tambourine skills.
North American fans are in luck, as the band is in the midst of a Stateside tour. They’ll be in my neck of the woods — that’s in Nashville at 3rd & Lindsley — Aug 10. See you there!
After a faulty start with his debut album, Audio Day Dream, Blake Lewis was unceremoniously dropped from Arista records last month. Lead single “Break Anotha” didn’t make as much of an impact as anticipated, and even a performance slot on American Idol (see below) didn’t really help the underrated second single, “How Many Words” (which, on a personal note, really strikes a nerve with me at the moment).
Despite the setbacks, top-notch remixes of the track — most notably the Dave Aude Club mix — have ensured success on the dance charts. Unfortunately the prospects of a proper video are slim to none, and plans for future singles from the album have been scrapped. Maybe if Arista would have truly gotten behind the project for the long haul — Lewis might have been a reality star, but he’s also a new artist as well — things would have gone differently. Interestingly enough, the break-up theme of “How Many Words” also applies to Blake’s professional relationship with his label.
Since we don’t have a promo clip, check out Lewis’ live peformance of the song from a few months back. Fingers crossed this isn’t the last we hear from Blake.
British band The Verve had a massive hit ten years ago with “Bittersweet Symphony,” and not soon afterward its members parted ways. Front man Richard Ashcroft released a few critically-acclaimed yet commercially-disappointing solo albums (”A Song for the Lovers” was brilliant!), and now group has reunited with hopes of renewed success.
I’m not so sure about their comeback single, but here’s the video for “Love Is Noise.” It’s alright, but not earth-shattering. My first impression is that it doesn’t live up The Verve’s breakthrough album, Urban Hymns. But don’t take my word for it, watch it here:
A big shout out to Shana over at Popnography for reminding me about Pete Wentz’s recent profile in Out — and for featuring Pete’s some-time make-out partner Gabe Saporta (pictured above). Honestly I think Saporta’s a bit more fun these days. Her post proves that he’s more punk than the punks on the Warped Tour. What’s more daring than dressing up like a pansy for a bunch of amped-up metal heads?
As for Wentz, his “YEAH, I AM A FAG” headline on the front of the magazine was misleading, but I’m not bothered. It’s nice to have some rockers in our court. And by the way, I don’t buy it when Pete says he doesn’t like the way a dick looks. You know he totally got off on his own penis pics!
I haven’t mention Madonna’s latest record on here because, well, honestly I didn’t think much of lead single “4 Minutes.” It might have grown on me slightly after 20 listens, but I was never bothered with purchasing the album.
The mediocrity of Hard Candy seemed solidified by second single “Give It 2 Me.” The minimalist production was not enhanced by the track’s annoyingly persistent cowbell (I think that’s what that was). Fortunately for disenchanted fans like myself, Paul Oakenfold breathed new life into the track with his remix — and he lost that bloody bell! It’s good, retro fun in the same vein as many of the club bangers from Madge’s last effort, Confessions on a Dance Floor. I’m not sure if this will further the song’s success outside the clubs, but for me it makes up for her last few missteps.
Check out the remix video below. Skip to about 1:40 if you want to bypass the lengthy intro and get to the actual singing bits.
The fashion forward women of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints have launched a children’s clothing line! Now your little ones can dress like the sheltered, brainwashed kids of the extremist religious sect. The wedding gown section of their website is conspicously absent.
I’m not really sure who this is going to appeal to — well, other than polygamists and Big Love fans. Most six-year-old kids these days already curse like sailors, have their own cell phones and maintain scandalous MySpace pages. Right?
After a faulty start with his debut album, Audio Day Dream, Blake Lewis was unceremoniously 
A big shout out to Shana over at 
