Is anyone else drooling in anticipation for Adele's sophomore album due this February? If you weren't already, check out the following performance of her second single "Someone Like You" and get back to me.
It's fairly evident that my interest in So You Think You Can Dance has declined since my blogging heyday (my disinterest is directly proportionate to Mia Michaels's interest in botox), but that doesn't mean I've stayed away completely. In addition to the "all star" format the program instated this year--where each contestant performs with a dancer from seasons past instead of a fellow competitor--one of the most welcome changes (no, I'm not going to say the absence of Mary Murphy) is the fact that they have opened up the competition performances to include same-sex duets, which not only place the dancers in more varied situations but have seemingly inspired the choreographers. (Has there been a better hip-hop routine than Beatrix and Geronimo's for Alex and Twitch? Methinks not.)
The following clip, choreographed by Travis Wall, is proof of just such inspiration. It's one of my favorite pieces they've done on the show in a long time--all the more stunning for the fact that Nigel didn't just start screaming "gay, gay, fancy pants" after they finished. Watch for yourself below!
I really don't know what to say other than that I'm now obsessed with The Noisettes. Today there was a feature in The Times on this British band, and I was drawn in by the lead singer's hairdo, so I thought I'd check them out. I have spent the past three hours with their songs on repeat. Aside from being GORGEOUS, lead singer Shingai Shoniwa has a voice that reminds me of a hybrid of India.Arie/Amy Winehouse/Adele/Santogold/Karen O./Beth Ditto. Not bad people to sound like...
Here's a live acoustic version of their single "Never Forget You."
And a cover of The Killers' "When You Were Young."
Sorry for the lack of posts this week, Ranters! I've been in bed with a horrible cold for the past few days and am just now returning to the real world (and reeling in my head from the clouds). Of course, staying in bed isn't all bad, as it gave me a chance to catch up on all my favorite TV Shows and even peruse The Onion's hilarious videos fake news videos for a few hours. Here are a couple of my favorites, which are a bit graphic, but hilarious nonetheless! You've been warned.
Anyone who knows me has probably had to sit through a play-by-play recap of one of my various trippy dreams. (I'll spare you readers from the boredom. My friends are not so lucky.) Even though my dreams aren't violent, this video still had me laughing.
I know. I know. I'm late to the party known as Lykke Li. This Swedish indie-rock darling, whose debut, Youth Novels, came out last summer, is a perfect mix of quirky vocals reminiscent of Robyn, and the lilting, emotion-fueled instrumentals of Feist's first album; I can't get enough. For those of you who enjoy a taste before checking out the full album, here is a live performance from a television show in Holland of one of my favorite songs, "Little Bit."
And just in case you need another, here is "Tonight."
I discovered this video last weekend and now I can't get the song or the choreography out of my head. There are there nine (NINE!) girls in this Korean pop group. As if the sheer number of people wasn't infectious enough, they execute some ridiculous dance moves and burrow a pop hook into your head that will play on repeat for days... even if you can't understand a word they're saying. I love every minute of it. Need a diversion this Sunday? Check out "Gee."
It's kind of amazing seeing what kind of videos people come up with in relation to the upcoming election. Here is one of my new favorites: a dance off between Obama and McCain. Talk about some crafty editing/disturbing looks on their faces! The video provided the perfect distraction last night during a long round of final edits for the upcoming issue of movmnt magazine! Get your subscription today! Sorry...couldn't resist the plug.
I woke up at 7:45 this morning, way earlier than expected, or desired. Little did I know that some divine creature had lifted me from slumber to encounter a spectacle so glamorous it would change me forever. The sound emanating from the television when I turned it on had the unmistakable ring of "Saved by the Bell," the early '90s show that consumed many Saturday mornings. But what greeted me was an episode I didn't remember...and one I will never forget.
I don't know what is more exciting: the editing, the dance moves, the lip syncing, or the hair. Watch for yourself, and relive the glorious fashions.
And because it never, ever, ever gets old (even though I've posted it before): Jessie Spano's caffeine pill breakdown. Has there ever been a better scene in all of television history? I want to know how many caffeine pills it takes to deliver a scene like THAT.