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Showing posts from April, 2014

"You'll Never Fill That Hole With the Cherry on Top."

Hi everyone! I've been a bit dormant lately, which is going to become more of a trend. Anyway, this Oh Land video is now slightly outdated (by like a week) but you know how I am about Oh Land. It's very well-filmed. I think Nanna and her team poured their hearts into this one. Adorbs! Also, that's Helena Christensen as the dance instructor. If you're of a certain age, you'll best remember her from here . 

Flashback Friday: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23

Since I was unable to post this week's TBT yesterday, I decided to make up for it with a Flashback Friday today. But instead of posting about music, I'll be paying tribute to an awesome TV show that was gone too soon: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 . Exactly two weeks ago (yes, I'm often late due to my eminent laziness), on April 11, the pilot episode turned two years old. In the opening scene, June (Dreama Walker) comes home to find her new roommate, Chloe (the amazing Krysten Ritter), having sex with her fiancé on her birthday cake as " Infinity Guitars " by Sleigh Bells plays in the background. Classy And that was just one of many crazy, unexpected things that happened throughout the show. For instance, Chloe tried to set June up with her father (a fact initially unbeknownst to June) just so he would cheat on her mother, who happens to be in a wheelchair. The list goes on, but I don't want to spoil the fun for those who haven't

Video: Sky Ferreira – "I Blame Myself"

Two days after debuting on VEVO, electro-indie-grunge-pop goddess Sky Ferreira's music video for "I Blame Myself" was finally made available on YouTube today. It is the second single from her awesome debut album, Night Time, My Time . Everyone should be checking it out, I love that album more than I can ever describe. Many of the songs are very relatable to me—they're so empowering and vulnerable at the same time. The video was shot in Compton, California, and was inspired by early-'90s gangsta rap videos and Michael Jackson. Sky is seen rocking a grungy, punky look like a total badass with that bold red lipstick and cat-eye makeup. Although, as I've said before, I really do miss her long, luscious platinum blonde locks. Now here's the fun part: The video, which premiered through Montreal-based online clothing retailer SSENSE , is sort of a "shoppable" music video, meaning you can shop the pieces Sky wears in the video from the SSENSE webs

TBT: Gwen Stefani – "Early Winter"

This is such a timeless, superior ballad. I still get chills every time I listen to it—especially because it had quite a personal meaning for me some five years ago. I love how Gwen successfully manages to sound plaintive, heartbroken, and angry without coming across as corny or forced (take notes, Adele). The fact that it's the last solo single that Gwen has released to date makes it all that sadder. The music video is a stunning complement to the song, including breathtaking shots of Gwen in three European cities: Milan, Budapest, and Prague. I just have a lot of feelings

Gwen Stefani made a surprise appearance at Coachella

SURPRISE, BITCH. Last Saturday (April 12), queen Gwen Stefani pulled a Madison Montgomery on the crowd at Coachella as she joined Pharrell Williams onstage to perform her 2005 hit "Hollaback Girl." I know it's her biggest solo hit yet and it was produced by The Neptunes, but it isn't exactly my favorite Gwen song. The whole thing was pretty awesome and exciting anyway, I mean, she's Gwen fucking Stefani after all. I wonder if this means that Gwen might make a solo comeback soon! Gwen, if you're reading this (of course she is), I need a new solo album in my life!! I'm so sick of seeing Pharrell everywhere, though. And his dumbass hat as well. Can someone kill it with fire already?

TBT: Cut Copy – "Hearts on Fire"

Today was quite a busy one for me, but I finally managed to squeeze a little time in for my recently created TBT. This song is pretty much a classic, it never fails to put me in a party mood. I love the '90s acid house feel to it, and man, those neon-lit synths are like the sound of angels touching you in the right places (as kinky as it might sound). Not to mention the non-ironic sax solo, which weirdly fits the track like a glove. Also, this:

An Interview With In the Valley Below

A while ago, I wrote up a little thing on In the Valley Below. They favorited it on Twitter, I asked them if they'd like to do an interview and they sent me their email address. A modern love story. Here is my e-chat with the Cali duo. We cover SXSW, critical reception and clothes. Thanks to Jeffrey and Angela for taking the time to do this. UC: How was SXSW?     ITVB: SXSW is like sleepover camp for bands, it's a lot of late nights, beer, loud music and sweaty shenanigans. (hot) UC: You've been touring a great deal lately- are you a band that enjoys touring? Does it influence you in any way?   ITVB: We are finally at a place where we feel comfortable on stage, so we enjoy it quite a lot.  UC: It also seems like In the Valley Below is generating a lot of "buzz" at the moment. How does that feel to you? ITVB:  It feels great, we're just happy anyone is listening to our music.   \ UC: Judging from the press photos I've seen, it seems y

Playlist? Because I Love You.

I don't know about you, but I have two moods. One is my immediate mood, and the other is the more holistic mood. Like- for example, last fall, I would have an okay day but my overall mood was "God, I'm really hurting right now." As a result, do I remember that time? NO. Anyway, that anecdote was meant to illustrate what I'm about to say. I'm having my usual Sunday anxiety coupled with a migraine, but other than that I'm doing well. I feel the most positive I have felt in a while. So this playlist is sort of like- songs that are summing up this new feeling, spurred by a very positive change. I guess the exception would be that "Coffee" song; I just find it adorable. So! Enjoy this- have a great week, errybody!

Introducing The Feel Bad Hit of the Winter

You Need to Hear This! Since most of the East Coast just narrowly escaped winter (Phoenix didn't have a winter this year, which leads me to believe the summer is going to be insane)- This is a relatively new band from Kansas City I've just been introduced to. And I'm something of a sucker for a clever band name (well not so much as I used to be, like the only reason I listened to I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness was their name.) So! The band has released a self-titled debut EP, which you can stream here . (I recommend "Mind the Monsters" the most.) They definitely have a VERY lo-fi thing going on. It's a little fuzzy and distorted at times, but in a good way. Somewhat similar to what you hear from Wavves or Cloud Nothings these days (although at some times I was weirdly reminded of Explosions In the Sky? at least once).  The Feel Bad Hit of the Winter describes themselves as "sad bastard rock." I guess I can hear that, but there&#

TBT: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – "Zero"

I'm sure most of you know how Throwback Thursday (or #TBT) works, right? In case you don't, it basically involves posting older pictures of yourself or other people on social networks—especially Instagram and Twitter—on Thursday (duh). Well, I've decided to make my own TBT, but instead of pictures, I'll be posting songs and/or music videos from the past that I really like, whether it's 4 years old or 20 years old. I call the shots, bitches. For today's TBT, I chose "Zero" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I already sort of knew this song back when it came out in 2009, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I became completely addicted to it. Ugh, how the hell did it take so long?? I mean, it was even featured on Gossip Girl , for crying out loud (more specifically the season 2 finale ). Anyway, some people didn't seem to approve of the band's decision to incorporate synthesizers to their music at that time, but I sure loved it. Sadly, I couldn

"Coffee"- Sylvan Esso (Warning: Lots of Dancing)

Song of the Day I am the sullen girl next to the making out couple. Sylvan Esso is a duo that recently performed @ SXSW, where I was informed they were crowdpleasers. I don't have trouble believing that- their sound has that cute folksy thing going on that was popular in the mid to late 2000s combined with the distant electronic reverb more popular today. Their music video glorifies bad white people dancing, which I find endearing. Below are their tour dates- Sylvan Esso Tour Dates 3/20 London, UK - Lexington  3/21 Brussels, BE - Botanique  3/23 Amsterdam, NL - MC Theatre  3/25 Berlin, DE - Privat Club  3/26 London, UK - Oval Room  3/27 Paris, FR - Trabendo  5/9 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle 5/12 London, UK - Village Underground  5/14 Berlin, DE - Berghain  5/15 Hamburg, DE - Nochtspeicher  5/18 Amsterdam, NL - Bitterzoey  5/19 Paris, FR - Cafe De La Danse  5/26 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory Concert House  5/27 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge  5/28 Engl