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Showing posts from January, 2014

My In-Progress Valentine's Day Playlist

I realized I'm slacking on a playlist for this week, but right now I feel like I'm trapped in a nightmare. So I'm just going to come back and do one next week. As many as views as those things get and as much as I enjoy doing them, I also feel like it's hard for me to gauge success since we get such little feedback. Anyway. Because everybody is talking about Valentine's Day already (gag) I compiled this playlist. Which was therapeutic in a sense. You've got: - Your heartbroken songs - Your angry songs - Your empowered songs - Your self-hating songs - Your Alanis Morrisette I'm sure I'll add more. I was hoping I could find a country song like "She Left Me For My Tractor and I Cried in My Beer." Apparently that doesn't exist yet.

Lana, Please Don't Haunt My Dreams

AHHHHHH I guess Angelina handpicked Lana to sing this song. I think it actually sounds a lot like Angelina Jolie. Does she even sing when she's not attempting to bring about world peace? This is probably my favorite Disney song ever, btw. "Maleficent" look badass; I cannot wait to see it! Well, I'm gonna have a nightmare tonight. BBL.

Kylie Minogue – "Into the Blue" (lyric video)

Here it is, the lead single from Kylie Minogue's forthcoming 12th studio album, Kiss Me Once , which is set for release in March. On first listen, I found the song a bit underwhelming. Well, her two last studio albums, X and Aphrodite , are awesome, so hopefully her next album will follow suit. Now, for old time's sake...

Love Letter to Saint Etienne

Whenever I have the energy and/or patience, I will be doing these features where I discuss a band/musician who has left an impact on me. You are welcome to contribute as well! theuselesscritic@gmail.com . Saint Etienne It took me several long years to warm up the retro pop sounds that define Saint Etienne. The music this band has made since the early '90s has been nothing but lush and intoxicating. Even Norwegian pop star Annie has claimed the three-piece band as a huge inspiration for her sound; Lush and Kylie Minogue have similar stories to share. Saint Etienne is not a band extremely popular in the United States. I don't know if they ever really have been. On the indie circuit, yeah, sure. But pretty much everyone- music snob or not- knows Goldfrapp, for example. Saint Etienne? Not so much. When you're really into music, you'll come across Saint Etienne eventually. I heard them the first time when I was in high school. And they didn't make much of

"Slept to Death" by Zaq Pariah

Here is one of the more interesting things to slide across my digital "desk" in a while. Slept to Death by Zaq Pariah This is by Zaq Pariah- who is the sole member of Zaq Pariah. Based out of Akron, OH, at times it has glimmers of David Bowie and/or Pixies, but mostly scream-based experimental punk music. Anyway- check him out! 

Goldfrapp: Soon at a Cinema Near You

Goldfrapp will be invading cinemas worldwide March 4 for one night- and one night only ! The 80-minute film is partially based on last year's "Tales of Us" album- and partially a musical performance by Goldfrapp themselves. Says Alison Goldfrapp- the namesake and leader of Goldfrapp, obvs, "We’re very excited to present a unique event, the Tales Of Us film alongside an intimate live performance, to our fans across the world. We’ve loved touring the Tales Of Us album and can’t wait to bring our live show to local cinemas." Check out the trailer below, and get excited!  (That comma was for dramatic effect)

UC Playlist 1.19.2014- Love Letter to St. Vincent

Who doesn't love St. Vincent? She's such a uniquely talented artist- she's one of a kind really. So this playlist goes out to her. As Al would say, "RESPECT." We start with "Birth in Reverse" and then we have... Dresses Palma Violets Eddi Front 10,000 Maniacs, because why not "Peel Slowly and See"

New Music From Norway's Making Marks

Scandinavia is the feel-good pop capital of the world. Are you ready for more   proof? Because I have some this fine Sunday morning- and it comes from the Norwegian band Making Marks .  Back, way back when, I interviewed this band when they were " mylittlepony ." Their new, debut album as "Making Marks" is scheduled for release Jan. 22 in Japan and Feb. 3 in the UK/EU (not sure where that leaves us Americans though.) The album's title is "A Thousand Half-Truths."  You can download "Bruises" for free- only for the next few days, though.  Take a listen:

"One Thing"- Peter and Kerry (You Need to Hear This)

My friend posted a link to Bonobo's "Late Night Tales" on Facebook, and I have instantly fallen in love with this bittersweet folk-pop song. I've never encountered this band before but now they are very much on my radar. It's a cover of an Amerie song, but I didn't know that. ;) Keep your ear open to Peter and Kerry . It's twee-ish, but not overly so. Plus their harmonies are lovely.

This Year's Oscars: Good, Quiet, Predictable ... Joaquin?

I have always adored the Oscars, because I love celebrities and I love good movies. I'm also vapid. Love me, hate me. So, as goes without even introducing anymore, here comes your Useless Critic utterly useless thoughts on the nominations, which were announced today . I don't think any of the Best Picture nominations were surprises. And I'm pretty glad they've kept the category so large. It allows more room for interesting picks (read: abandon hope NOW.) "Nebraska" has been getting a TON of buzz, arguably the most "dark horse" of all candidates. And let's face it: This race is going to come down to "American Hustle" vs. "Gravity." Seriously: Where have I been? I was a bit disappointed about several things though, none of them being Jennifer Lawrence's cleavage.  Ahem. Where was I? 1.) "Before Midnight" only getting ONE  nomination. There is so much to love about t

Maximo Park: NEW MUSIC

This year, Feb. 3 is not just the day after Groundhog Day: It's the day the new Maximo Park album, " Too Much Information ," drops. Yes, like I said before: The mid-2000s are cool again. I haven't listened to Maximo Park in a long time. But I will rectify that shortly, AND YOU SHOULD TOO.  Heads-up for Brits who are not me (ha, see what I did there)- the band has a UK tour planned soon as well.  ' The band just released a promo video as well for "Brain Cells." It's a little more ethereal than what I've come to expect from Maximo Park. But perhaps I'm just not in the know:

~ I Made You a Mixed Tape ~ (1.13.14)

This is a little pensive and a little more introspective- and a little less indie. Except Warm Soda . Know then?! You don't?  Good; this asserts that I am cooler than you. I put Editors on it.  I don't know why... Phantogram roolz!

2 Broke Girls returns tomorrow

I know I haven't recapped this season of 2 Broke Girls , nor have I explained why I decided to quit it. Basically, it was rather time-consuming, as much as I'd like to still be writing recaps for my favorite sitcom. I'm still very much obsessed about the show, and I hope someday I can resume writing recaps—as soon as I sort out somethings in my life. Alright, enough chit-chat. In case you haven't watched the show lately, here's a little update on the latest goings-on this season: Max and Caroline now own a cupcake walk-up window in the back of the diner. Max has recently enrolled in the Manhattan School of Pastry, while Caroline takes a job at the institution's office to help pay for Max's tuition. Caroline finds herself smitten by Chef Nicolas (Gilles Marini), the school's sexy, handsome French owner who is also the teacher. The two soon hook up, before she finds out that he's married. Max befriends the class clown, Deke (Eric André, best known

I Saw "Her" Last Night

"Her" has gotten enough attention as "Gravity," "American Hustle," "The Wolf of Wall Street," etc. A lot of people and periodicals will insist this is the best film of 2013. After some inactivity on his part that Spike Jonze may have delivered the film of his career. Is it? It's one of the best- it's an unsettling, moving picture that manages to crawl under your skin. Despite its more fantastical properties, "Her" is riveting- and one of those movies that come along every now and then that manage to slip the viewer realistically in through the protagonist's vulnerabilities.  Joaquin Phoenix gives an amazing performance as Theodore, who is a borderline loser everyman, but more really just a lonely man going through a bitter divorce from his longtime love (acerbically played by "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," Mara Rooney.) He lives in flashbacks and lives by himself. Every emotion he goes through, the vi

"Animal Noise"- Iggy Azalea

Uh, You Need to Hear This? I will let you be the judge. Iggy is interesting. She's gorgeous, foul-mouthed. A white rapper from Australia. ...  I like Uffie. So no, I can't say anything. She's also quite the looker by the by: Yep.

Video: Ellie Goulding – "Goodness Gracious"

Such a fun and visually striking video. I'm lovin' those neon colors.

The First Useless Critic Playlist of 2014

Look how good Leslie Feist looks here! Anyway, I'd like to start promoting lesser-known bands/singers in these playlists. Recommend me something- and I'll listen to it. If I like it, well then. I dislike Sunday evenings so much. Sunday evenings, Monday mornings. Isn't this a Smiths song?

Kate Winslet, Who Recently Birthed a Bear, Expresses Concern for Miley. MUST-READ

Everyone in the damn world is concerned about Miley Cyrus. Even Smores is concerned about Miley Cyrus. what the actual fuck The latest voice of those concerned is noneother than goddess Kate Winslet. Kate can do no wrong; except name her child bear but w/e. Also: She doesn't care what you or I think . This is because Kate is a badass. Here is what Kate said in a recent interview: "You hear horror stories where you think, 'God, who's looking after these people and why does it seem like they're losing their way?'" Winslet told the magazine. "I mean, you think about someone like Miley Cyrus, and I said to my daughter the other day, 'I'm this close to opening my mouth about what's going on with that girl.' Who is actually saying [to Miley], 'Stop for a second, what do you want, who are you?'" SOURCE Now, I have a feeling Miley will lash out, like she did to Sinead. But what can she say about Kate?

Lady Gaga feat. Christina Aguilera – "Do What U Want"

What a great way to kick off the year. Though where's the music video, bitch? I'm all for replacing R. Kelly with Xtina, to be honest. Happy New Year, putas.