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:

Get Schooled

The season of the Zombie is upon us! Move over Vamps - it's time to slow down, tune out and eat some brains.

Snacks Is Famous

And soon Best Coast will be too. Cannot wait for their record to finally come out July 27th! With an album cover like that you just can't go wrong.

For The Love of Food

Anthony Bourdain is a straight shooter. His first book Kitchen Confidential recounted his downtown adventures and missteps as a cook in pre-Giuliani New York. In his sophomore book, Medium Raw (hitting shelves tomorrow), Bourdain doesn't shy away from the honesty and attitude that has made him a culinary rock star. When a man can eat poop shoot and live to tell the tale while seated in a lovely trattoria alongside Mario Batali, you know he can do no wrong. He's even dined with Bill Murray - and we all know how difficult Mr. Murry can be. They're like two peas in a sarcastic, curmudgeony pod. So go get Bourdain's new book, and maybe next time when you're out to eat you'll take a leap of faith and finally realize what you've been missing.

"I've long believed that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we're talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime 'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure." - Anthony Bourdain

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!

Tomorrow Comes Today

I'm obviously an animal person, but living in New York the only animals I get to see on a day-to-day basis are flying rats and canines. New Yorkers might think they have it all, but what we lack is a tangible link to nature. Sure, we may have the occasional coyote in Central Park, but that's nothing compared to what's really roaming out there. Photographer Joel Sartore knows all about the great beyond. As a National Geographic Magazine contributor, he spends his days capturing a huge range of creatures from across the globe. For his most recent book, Rare, he focused on documenting America's endangered species and the results are astounding. Click here to find out how you can help, and watch this for a sneak peek of what you'll find in the book:

Via Flavorwire

True Romance

This was a hard week for LOST fans. A collective "Nooooooo!" was heard across the blogosphere, so I was surprised to find this ridiculously silly video courtesy of ABC and the Cuse/Lindelof camp. I don't really get why the Muppets were necessary, but I guess I should stop asking for answers at this point. Regardless, it's worth taking a peek at, if only to dull the pain of our loss.

Blodtörstiga

For the past two years I've received a little birthday gift from author Charlaine Harris: a new Sookie Stackhouse novel! I'm really excited to pick up Dead In The Family, which was released yesterday, and thankfully True Blood's season premiere is just around the corner. HBO's teasers are the perfect way to get revved up, but with only four more minisodes before the June 13th premiere, I'm going to have to find another way to satisfy my hunger. I suppose those other Cold Ones will have to do.

Two Peas In A Pod

I've been meaning to blog about this for a week now, so I figured I'd stop hoarding all the comedy and start spreading the laughter. You're probably familiar with Kristen Schaal from her role as Mel on Flight of the Conchords, but Schaal was pretty well known on the NYC stand up comedy circuit before she hit the boob tube. As 'Kurt and Kristen,' Schaal and her buddy Kurt Braunohler produced some pretty ridiculous sketches. Now they've crossed the pond and will be gracing England's Channel 4 with their brainchild Penelope Princess of Pets. What really put the icing on the cake for me, is an additional character played by The Mighty Boosh's Julian Barratt. As sad as I am that the show wasn't picked up by an American network, I'm excited to hear how it's received overseas. Now I just have to find a way to see the episodes. Internet don't fail me now!

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.

Have You Heard?

There's some serious talent coming out of Berkeley, California, and The Morning Benders are leading the pack. Their latest album Big Echo was released earlier this month, and on it the band embraces a new fuller sound that truly puts their older work to shame. Sure their last few albums were easy on the ears, but they lacked the drama and passion that's evident on Big Echo. If you don't believe me, take a look at this live video of their first single 'Excuses,' featuring other West Coast luminaries like Girls' Christopher Owens.

Mother Knows Best

I've been a fan of Korean cinema since seeing 2003's A Tale of Two Sisters, so I get really excited any time Korean flicks make their way to our shores. I have yet to see Park Chan-wook's vampire odyssey Thirst, but Bong Joon-ho's Mother has just made it to the top of my list. This is his first feature since 2006's The Host, and from the looks of it Mother has more real-life substance and power. Already being praised as a Hitchcockian masterpiece, Korean television star Kim Hye-ja is poised to freak out overbearing moms everywhere.

Via Flavorwire

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.

Smokey's Pissed!

A City That Breathes

After baring witness to Jonte's unbelievable performance last night at Santos Party House there is no doubt in my mind that New York City is still the place for up and coming musicians. The talent that surrounds choreographer/musician/artist Jonte' is overflowing - the passion that is seen in his performance is riveting. It's always inspiring to see talented people join forces, and Jonte's crew is a perfect example of that. From the costumes, to the choreography, you can tell that details reign supreme. Just like Gaga, Jonte' is the whole package - and the some. I cannot wait to see what 2010 will bring for this dashing talent. Check out the latest video for his latest single "Ya Who!" which already has Japanese audiences screaming for more:

Oh My Sweet Lord

There are no words to express the delight found in the pages of Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs... yes, kitties with wigs. I read about this last week while flipping through a copy of People magazine at my hair salon, and almost choked on my own saliva. Then earlier this week a friend sent me an email with a link to their site and the subject line "do you love it?" The answer is a resounding yes. Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait says it best on their web site:

"Little animals in clothes have always brought me a lot of joy but kitty wigs?! Holy crap! I felt like a star-bellied sneetch. Why are kitty wigs so awesome? It's simple: cats play it straight. They don't lean on the joke. They get it. Cats are the Buster Keatons of the animal kingdom. Cats in wigs and the people who take their pictures bring me a lot of happiness and make me feel not so alone in this world."

All Eyes On Precious

So much has already been written about Precious, that writing another positive review seems redundant. With that said I'll just keep it simple: see this film. You won't regret it. Like a Zora Neale Hurston novel, the film is rife with despair, introspection and despite it all a good dose of hope. The performances are utter perfection. From newcomer Gabourney Sibide to Mo'Nique, Paula Patton and Mariah Carey, this film showcases the thespian within them all.

Have You Heard?

Brooding teenagers are run of the mill, but brooding teenagers who can take that angst and transform it into expertly crafted pop songs are exceptional. The XX are a bunch of 20 year-olds from London, and in the spirit of Joy Division they've got sullen pop music down to a science. Their self-titled record just came out in August, and every track is almost flawless. The harmonies are haunting, as are the classic "coming of age" lyrics about love, loss and lust. I'm totally obsessed with their single "Crystalised". Check it out below: