Pie So Good It's A Crime

Cherry pie, coffee, mystery, murder, lust... hip hop? Yes! Behold Twin Peaks in a whole new light, performed by MC Chris and accompanied by remixed footage from the series. The Log Lady seems pleased, and I have a feeling that Agent Dale Cooper would tap his toes to this beat.

The Video Vault

There once was a time when mainstream music was chock full of 'boys being boys.' Even the bands that teen dreams were made of were messy, dark, and moody. In 2010 we're faced with squeaky clean Biebers, and fauxhemian Cyruses. So what changed? Sure rock music is no longer the rage for the younger set, but it can't just be that... can it? I long for the days when kids listened to music that begged for introspection, and not just a hip shake. Silverchair were only 15 years old when they recorded their first record, Frogstomp, and yet the album touches on the same themes and emotions explored by musicians that could have babysat them. Surely you see the crisis brewing. Is it possible that teens these days are doomed to a life sans rock?

So Many Girls, So Few Princes

There’s always been a rivalry between the East and West Coasts, but lately I’ve wondered if I’ve been shutting my musical blinders to the outside world out of pure loyalty. New Yorkers can admit that NYC’s music “scene” is in a constant state of flux, like so many epicenters where musicians outnumber accountants. That said, in the past few months I’ve noticed a definitive shift in my musical predilections, and that shift has taken me almost exclusively to the sunny coast, the crunchy-granola coast - the Best Coast. But don’t judge me spiteful New Yorkers, you know my heart will forever be found in the gutters of our beloved city. Even though Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno have yet to release their first full length record as Best Coast, their EPs have turned me into a veritable super fan. Their music is heavy and fuzzed out, but Cosentino’s vocals and lyrics hint at a romanticism and innocence that’s been all but banished from female fronted rock acts. Our rock stars have to keep up with their male counterparts, and because of that we assume that aggression and ferocity are necessary to pump out a classic track. Best Coast prove that being boy-crazy, introspective and a little silly doesn’t mean you can’t shred.

Have You Heard?

Spring is almost upon us, and with that comes the search for the perfect summer soundtrack. Sometimes you have to go looking for music that makes your heart swell, but sometimes you're lucky and the music finds you. There are so many young musicians out there trying to make the perfect record, but very few of them have what it takes to succeed. It's not that they aren't trying, often times they try too hard. And then there are those few, those musicians by happenstance, that find their calling through song. Christopher Owens of San Fransisco band Girls is one of those people. His story is so far fetched, so chaotic and poetic, that it could easily be the plot for a Russell Banks novel. Born into the Children of God cult, Owens was shielded from music and the outside world until his teenage years. His story is best told through his own words, and this interview tells it best. But regardless, you really don't need to know about Owens to like Girls. Their influences range from Buddy Holly and Elvis, to the Beach Boys and Nirvana. It's all there in a whirlwind of sun, hair, and above all: love.

The Video Vault

For those of you who don't remember the 90s, Damon Albarn hasn't always been the mastermind behind Gorillaz. Although always infectiously catchy, Albarn's music with UK Brit Pop sensation Blur was substantially darker and twisted. Taking a cue from other British pop outfits like The Smiths, their music may have seemed upbeat and innocent at first but what lingered beneath the surface was far more sinister. Through their lyrics and music videos, Blur managed to entrance listeners with sarcasm, realism, and a knowing glance. Sure they were cute and floppy haired, but never squeaky clean, and you didn't quite know what they were capable of. Their video for 'The Universal' with its Kubrickesque set design and mannerisms, was all an angst-ridden teenager could ask for.

The Video Vault: Teen Crush Edition

I fell in love with Gavin Rossdale in 1996 when I was 14 years old. He was the first man I cried over, the first one to make me feel all fizzy and nervous inside even though I knew we would never meet. There's something intangible about your first crush - the innocence that is lost when you realize you would give anything just to see your own reflection in another person's eyes. And obviously make out with them... but that's a given. My love for Rossdale was so fiery, so uncontrollable, so wild, that I can still remember the moment I picked up a copy of Rolling Stone (pictured above) only to come home and paste it on my wall. He was staring at me - I was staring back at him. Almost perfect. The video below was taken during Bush's performance at Woodstock 99, and features a shirtless, wet, yelping Rossdale singing their (still) heartbreaking single 'Glycerine'. It makes me shiver with delight even after all these years.

Almost As Fun As Drowning

The time has come! It's taken them forever, but Paramount Home Entertainment finally announced yesterday that Daria The Complete Animated Series is coming to DVD on May 11, 2010! All five seasons plus the two movies; god my heart just stopped. And the release date is just in time for my birthday, which means I'll either be hasty and buy it as a gift for myself, or I'll let someone else get it for me and then proceed to slather them with love. Hope they're prepared for that. I haven't been this excited for a new release since the last Mystik Spiral record came out!

Have You Heard?

Young? Check. Flannel-clad? Check. Dorky yet incredibly endearing? Check. Ok, so Florida's Surfer Blood may be the new kids on the block, but that doesn't mean they can't rock the socks off of us old foggies. Since I listened to their self titled record a few weeks back, I have not been able to take it out of rotation. I listen to it at least once a day, and in many different situations. Whether I'm riding the subway, folding laundry, rocking out in my apartment, or cooking, this record has not lost its initial appeal. Part Beach Boys, part early 90s independent rock, its the band's intricate guitar work and catchy melodies that has turned me into a total addict. Their first music video the single 'Swim' premiered on Pitchfork this week, and yet fans continue to make basic YouTube videos just so we can all access these lil' gems. The video below is for one of my favorite tracks off the record 'Take It Easy,' and the bass line alone could keep my interest for hours. Can't wait to see them in Brooklyn later this month. Oh you silly, talented, amazing kids.

As If!

1. L.A.M.B. 'Biker' Plaid Miniskirt, $175; nordstrom.com, 2. The Heidkrüger Boots, $89; modcloth.com, 3. Cashmere V-neck Cardigan, $168; jcrew.com.

On Christmas day I watched the 1990 holiday classic Home Alone, and what really struck me was the fact that I loved it just as much now as when I saw it then... almost twenty years ago. Ouch. Twenty years is a long time, and it seems that like so many things in life, fashion's cyclicality tends to find inspiration by looking back to the 20 year mark. With that and thoughts of the celebrity deaths that loomed throughout 2009 in mind, I looked to the grungy comfort of Clueless star Brittany Murphy, and her lovable character Tai. As much as flannel has had a comeback in the past five years, I have to admit that I'm still not sick of it. For winter days it's the perfect way to be comfortable, warm and still exude a sense of style. Pair some flannel with a pair of lace up booties and pay tribute to Clueless' "tragically unhip" breakout star.

How Soon Is Now?

I pretty much died when I found this picture of Joseph Gordon-Levitt à la Morrissey. As if playing lovelorn-Smiths-lovin' Tom in this year's 500 Days Of Summer weren't enough, Joe has to go and do this. Sigh. I was incredibly excited to read today's Golden Globe nominations and see that Gordon-Levitt has been nominated in the Best Actor, Comedy category for his role in the film. He's been acting since he was six, so it's about time he gets some time in the bright shiny spotlight - although from what I can tell he doesn't relish in it all that much. I've been digging on Gordon-Levitt since '96, because as a tomboy who was big into comedy, his role as Tommy on 3rd Rock from the Sun struck a chord with me. Yeah, you might think that's weird since he was playing an old alien stuck in the body of a human adolescent - but isn't that how we all feel at that age? Anyway, congratulations to Joe on his nomination, and for old times sake here's one of my favorite clips from 3rd Rock from the Sun:

Modern Life Is Rubbish

I've already admitted that I once was a massive anglophile, and Brit Pop was just one of my many obsessions. Amongst the many bands that crammed the airwaves, Blur was my all time favorite. When I was in England at age 16 on a school trip, I convinced my history teacher to excuse me from an itinerized activity so I could go to a local record shop to get their 10 year anniversary box set. At that age I spent the majority of my money on records, and with good reason. To this day Blur remain one of my favorite bands, not just for nostalgia's sake. The men in Blur are all extremely talented musicians, and like many British bands before them they harnessed the ability to make fans go wild. I was really bummed when they broke up, and even more upset when on their brief reunion tour they didn't make a stop in NYC... but all is forgiven! No Distance Left To Run documents their short lived reunion for all to see. It's not the typical band documentary full of pomp and ego, but rather a peek into a group of friends who love to make music together. Now let's just hope it screens in the continental United States.

Via New York Magazine

The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction

This is the stuff you just can't make up. I'm almost two months into my new gig, but I still don't feel right looking at my blogs while on the job (even though I've seen plenty of co-workers chuckling at YouTube vids). Somehow the sucio-ness of my would be lover Michael K over at Dlisted doesn't seem like it would fly in a litigation office. So when I get home from work one of the first things I do is scope out the pop culture garbage that I missed all day. Today I came home to find that Dlisted had posted an entry about a guy a went to summer camp with. His name is Ohad, and I remember him oh-so-well. He sang "I Swear" by All-4-One at the camp talent show, and it blew my mind. His fake tan, huge muscles, highlighted, straight ironed, and extremely gelled hair were all part of the cheesetastic package. And then to top it all off the next year his boy band blew up in Toronto, and I forced like 50 people to watch the videotaped footage of the talent show so they could see just how dedicated Ohad really is. I dare you to watch this without peeing yourself just a little (if you must, watch it on mute to protect your ears). Behold! Ohad's boy band b4-4:

via Dlisted

#1 Dad

The past couple of weeks at my new job I've finally started to realize why people love Pandora so much. Pandora let's you create your own "radio station" by choosing one artist to mold an entire playlist after. What I've really enjoyed is finally hearing the artists that I've always heard about, but never got around to listening to. Case in point Loudon Wainwright III, singer/songwriter, thespian, and father of Montréaler Rufus Wainwright. I've been a fan of Loudon since he played the classic "divorced dad going through a midlife crisis" character Hal in Judd Apatow's Undeclared, but until today I had never heard his music. I've really been missing out. My knowledge of folk music is limited at best, so when listening to a Pandora playlist inspired by Nick Drake I was pleased to discover that the man who had made me laugh years ago, is also one hell of a musician. Check out this video of Loudon playing a track from the Knocked Up soundtrack, and if you're a fan of Freaks & Geeks I suggest you give Undeclared a whirl.

The Video Vault

Madonna, what happened to you? Remember when you were provocative and sensual, yet still had a sense of humor? Remember when you used to make the Pope angry, and consequently make prudes everywhere scream in despair? Those days may be ancient history, but I'm glad I can still watch videos like 1995's "Human Nature" and reminisce. This video is fiercer than all of Tyra's wigs put together - the clothing, the choreography, the beat, and the lyrics themselves exude a sense of ultimate power. Like a caged animal about to break free, this track builds tension, and experiments with behavioral power dynamics rarely addressed in pop music. Madonna may have grown soft with age, but at least we can seek refuge in the Haus of Gaga. Even the material girl herself can admit that.

Killing It

While all the other teenagers at my high school were tagging the Wu Tang symbol on their lockers and kicks, I was busy crying listening to Nirvana and the Pixies. It took a while for me to warm up to hip hop, and I have to admit that The Fugees, however mainstream they became, were a part of that process. Lauryn Hill's creamy voice is haunting, and The Fugees unique take on hip hop was more accessible than the gangster rap hitting airwaves at the time. After "Killing Me Softly" began playing at every school dance, it was obvious that they had hit it big. So once you have the fans and the budget, of course the next step is to make a blockbuster video complete with explosions and helicopters. "Ready Or Not" is another classic off of their 1996 record The Score, and the video really captures the vibe of the track: dark, and moody like a stealth submarine.

The Video Vault: No Doubt

My love affair with music started at an early age. At the beginning I had a tryst with pop music, followed by a lengthy relationship with Oldies, that eventually lead to my discovery of 'alternative' music. By the age of 12 I had discovered Nirvana, Green Day, and Weezer, but I had yet to find a band that was truly relatable. As much as I pined over Cobain, and Cuomo, I didn't identify with their struggles. That all changed when Gwen Stefani skanked her way onto the scene with her platinum pompadour, red lipstick, and killer boots. I was completely obsessed with her because she was everything I wanted to be: a sexy albeit tough goofball, that hangs with the boys. No Doubt's songs played upon the same dynamic, with their power chords, chugging bass, and celebratory horns. At 14, I felt that Stefani sang about the same things I was grappling with, from romance and heartbreak, to the ups and downs of being a girl. The first real concert I ever attended was for their Tragic Kingdom tour, and I can still remember the excitement I felt as I watched Stefani prance, punch, and power kick her way through their set. It's hard to jump start a 14 year old girl's self-confidence, but I'm happy to say that No Doubt did that for me.

City With A View

Graffiti has long been a fixture of New York City's street art scene, but in the past few years it has taken on a whole new face. With a growing interest in wheatpasting and stenciling, many bombers are leaving the spray cans behind in favor of more complex media. Walking the streets of the Lower East Side and Chinatown, I often come across work by my favorite street artist Judith Supine. Upon first learning the name associated with these vibrant pieces, I thought to myself, "Yes! Another woman making her mark!" but alas I was wrong, as this pseudonym actually refers to a man. No harm done - his work is so amazing that I'll just have to let that slide. The image above captures his latest piece flying high atop the Williamsburg Bridge. Supine, like many other street artists, must remain anonymous but thankfully the Village Voice has been keeping tabs on his work (view his Manhattan Bridge piece from 2007). Ever wonder how he does it? Check out this video to find out:

Via Wooster Collective

The Video Vault: LIVE

Blonde Redhead is on my list of "Favorite Bands Of All Time" along with, of course, Fugazi, The Smiths, and Les Savy Fav. What I love so much about Blonde Redhead is their constant sound evolution. I was first introduced to their music at age 15, when a dear friend from New York sent me a mix tape... that mix tape would become my music bible. It was chock full of melodies and orchestral magic - Morrissey, Built to Spill, Enon, Blonde Redhead, and much much more. It was with this introduction, and my consequent purchase of Blonde Redhead's 1995 album La Mia Vita Violenta that I fell in love with the Italian twins, and their Japanese songstress. Flash-forward to 2008: I realize one morning as I leave my apartment, and turn on my iPod to that very album, that 2/3 of the band is standing right in front of me. Such a small world it is, most notably when you're idols end up living next door. Below find a performance of one of my favorite songs, "In Particular" from the album Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons (2000).

Back In The Day

When you're a celebrity, whether you're an actor or a senator, your past becomes an open book. Unlike us common folk who can easily hide that devastating senior photo, or that late night karaoke explosion, for celebrities their past is often documented and broadcast for all to see. Case in point these 90s era commercials starring Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan, LOST), Seth Green (Austin Powers, Family Guy), and Paul Rudd (Clueless, Knocked Up). These dudes are hawking Subaru, Nerf and Super Nintendo - how totally 90s of them! There's a real sense of enthusiasm from these young actors, and considering the amount of success they've had since these ads first aired I'd say that enthusiasm paid off.