C'est Magnifique!

Take a peek at a great interview with Christina Hendricks in this weekend's L.A. Times Magazine. She also stars in the new Broken Bells video for 'The Ghost Inside,' playing an android instead of an office diva. Different setting same sass - you better believe it.

The Eye Of The Storm

My friends Jess & Andy (aka She Keeps Bees) are playing at the Northside Festival this weekend, but there's no need for a special festival badge since the show is free! Go check them out at Matchless on Saturday at 4pm. Don't miss out on this:

True Blizzity

Snoop Dogg might be my favorite person right now. We just have so much in common! His love for True Blood obviously rivals mine, and I'm thoroughly impressed. If this isn't an argument to watch the show, then I don't know what is. He references so many details from the show, and pays tribute to protagonist Sookie Stackhouse in this catchy little diddy. You have to see it to believe it:

Boys Ain't Nothing But Trouble

Women are constantly wondering: what are men really thinking? I've been told time and time again, that there are limited answers to that truly vexing question. Some of the answers are easily figured out. They are of course, women and the many ways to woo them. The Black Keys illustrate this point perfectly in the video for 'Tighten Up,' their ridiculously catchy summer single. The whole album, aptly titled Brothers, is perfect for the beach... or as the soundtrack to your very own 2010 version of Grease. Either one would work. Check it out:

Have You Heard?

Janelle Monae has been on my radar for a few years now, thanks to TRACE's preemptive obsession with her. She really is the whole package - beautiful, talented, opinionated, and definitely not the typical pop princess. Her new record Archandroid delves into so many different genres it would be unfair to categorize it as a hip hop/r & b record. The album reflects Monae's aesthetic perfectly. A little glam, a little soul, and a whole lot of attitude. I'm loving the latest video for her single 'Tightrope' featuring none other than ATL's Big Boi. Gotta love that fancy footwork!

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.

Deus Ex Machina

As my obsession with redheads deepens, I would be remiss if I ignored the lovely Florence Welch of Florence And The Machine. There's just something about the way she belts out her dark lyrics from under that flaming tousled mane, that makes me want to bounce around my apartment in my skivvies and shout along. It's hard to pinpoint exactly where her music fits - is it rock, pop, soul, electro? Who cares! It has the ability to turn even the dreariest of days into glorious ones. Tomorrow I'll be meeting with her to talk about her love of fashion, her unique sense of style, and of course her chart topping record 'Lungs.' I can't wait to find out what makes this lioness roar! Look for the interview in the next issue of VenusZine, but in the meantime check out her latest video for 'Dog Days Are Over'.

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.

I Just Called To Say...

"Hi, it's me Gaga. Did you see my awesome new video featuring Honey B? Yeah, I go to jail, and then when I get out B and I drive around in the Pussy Wagon. I know! Crazy right? Anyway, just called to tell you that I'm still busting out incredible dance moves while wearing next to nothing. Oh yeah, and let Quentin know I'll get the wagon back to him ASAP. Love ya my little monsters!"

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.

The Mystery Of The Mind

Brooklyn band Grizzly Bear has made quite a name for themselves since they released their first record in 2006, and their latest video is sure to excite fans and new listeners alike. The video for "Ready, Able" off their 2008 record Veckatimest is directed by artist Allison Schulnik, and features her intense claymation creations. I'm not sure how to even describe these creatures, but the words "creepy" and "haunting" come to mind. Just take a look:

The Video Vault

After seeing the francophilic new film Youth In Revolt last weekend, I started thinking about all the French stereotypes that have made their way into North America. The most common would surely be the suave, effortlessly cool man, and the coquettish lady that spends her time reading Camus and Sartre. But we fail to remember that like most countries that boast their uniqueness, the French are also guilty of finding inspiration in others. Case in point singer, composer and actor Jacques Dutronc. His song "Les Cactus" is featured in Youth In Revolt and is totally full of kitschy, Kinks-inspired fun. Check out the video to see some French stereotypes in action:

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

Growing up, I was never a complete dork, but I was also never one of the "cool kids" because I cared too much about school work and pleasing my parents. I dubbed myself "a floater" somewhere between 6th and 8th grade, and even through college and into my adult life the label has stuck. I pride myself on being friends with all sorts of people, and I love surrounding myself with interesting people from all walks of life whether they're complete extroverts or painful introverts. But during those awkward adolescent years, I think we're all lucky if we find something to grab hold of. Whether it's sports, music, or good friends having a social outlet to preoccupy the mind is incredibly important when it's constantly gravitating towards insecure thoughts. Case in point, the amazing kids who made this ode to Gaga with their own version of "Bad Romance". You can tell they are having the time of their lives, and it just doesn't matter what anybody thinks. In the words of Gaga herself: "Holy shit!"

Via Jezebel

Have You Heard?

I can't believe it's taken me this long to blog about my dear college friend Benoit Pioulard. Sure, when his first record came out I made the bold move of approaching a senior editor at SPIN (where I was a lowly intern) to pitch a story to him, but that was years ago. Now with two full length records under his belt and another hopefully on the way, Mr. Meluch aka Benoit Pioulard has been making waves in the underground music scene on all his own. Both Précis and Temper are beautiful examples of his meticulous song writing, and haunting melodies. I just hope he decides to test out new material on my ears, like he did in college. I'll be waiting patiently. Below is the video for "Ragged Tint" off of his sophomore release, Temper. Give it a listen and discover the perfect soundtrack for a cold winter morning.

Déjà Vu: Good Golly Miss Dolly!

Dolly Parton is the kind of Diva that I can get behind. She's not just any run of the mill Diva - her bubbly personality, music and style have made her a legend. It's obvious that I abide by her cardinal rule (which inspired the name of this blog), but what's not obvious is my current obsession with classic country. I never gave country music a second thought until this year, and sweet sassy molassey have I been missing out! Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette - the list of classic country crooners goes on and on. And apparently I'm not the only one that's been sneaking in some country behind closed doors. Check out the 1983 country hit "Islands in the Stream" by Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and the Bee Gees, and then take a listen to the 1998 hip hop hit "Ghetto Superstar" by Pras, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Mya. It's like hip hop is giving classic country a solid fist pump!

The Video Vault

With all this talk about the new Runaways movie starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, I started thinking about women who rock. One of the first names to come to mind is the strangest: Siouxsie Sioux. She's been brandishing her own style of in-your-face-rock since the 70s, and everyone from The Cure, to PJ Harvey and Radiohead have sited her band Siouxise and the Banshees as an influence. So what's all the fuss about? Check out a video of their first single, the 1978 classic "Hong Kong Garden." There's nothing like some good ole rock 'n roll to smother the winter blues...

Lykke Li, Sång Fågel

I first met Li Lykke Zachrisson on a cold winter evening almost two years ago when I was working on a piece for Trace Magazine. Although the article never came to fruition, meeting the young songstress was a refreshing experience. At only 21 years old she was confident and eloquent - this was someone you could tell had figured out who she was from a young age. She told me how as a child she traveled a lot with her family, and those experiences helped shape her music. Li's music is a strange mix of upbeat pop songs coupled, with darker stripped down pieces. It's within these songs where she shows both her vulnerability and a softer side. The live rendition of "Tonight" filmed by Christian Haag, from her 2008 album Youth Novels, showcases her talent as both a performer and musician. Also if you're a fan of The Shirelles like I am, check out Li's homepage for a cover of their 1960 hit "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." Expect big things from this Swedish song bird:

Have You Heard?

Pop music is like that famous Mother Goose rhyme - when it's good, it's very very good, but when it's bad it's horrid. The latest pop export has only one album to their name, but oh what an album it is. La Roux's self titled record came out in June, but I only discovered it by reading an enthusiastic post over on Fourfour. As far as pop music goes Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid are a perfect pair. Jackson's red mane is enough to make any fan of androgynous icons take notice. Their music is an unstoppable combination of electropop and retro synthpop influences. This is the kind of music you listen to when you're getting ready to hit the town; music that makes you feel sassy, powerful and enigmatic. Listening to "Bulletproof" makes me want to cast off any uncertainties about myself, and strut what my mamma gave me... when a song has that kind of effect you know it's a keeper.