Girls, Girls, Girls!

Keep your eyes peeled for my interviews with Kazu Makino (Blonde Redhead) and Jenny Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) in the next issue of VenusZine and on VenusZine.com. More details to come!

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:

Lights, Camera, Murder

There are some films that make such an impression, that they stick with us for the rest of our lives. Maybe it's the shock of witnessing a groundbreaking style, or the excitement of meeting unforgettable characters that seduces us as viewers. Whatever it is, something about Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up is addictive even upon a first viewing. Of course the Mod elements of the film are enrapturing, but it's the subtle way in which mystery, suspense and sexuality are interwoven into the story that really inspires me. Great storytelling comes in many forms, but it's always eye-opening to look at the documentation of new and innovative ways to tell those stories. Even though Blow Up was released in 1966 it's still fresh and evocative, in more ways than one. I can't deny that this Yardbirds scene is eerily reminiscent of some Brooklyn shows I've been to. I guess some things never change.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

Glamour Nanna

There's something incredibly inspiring and exciting about seeing the elderly living their lives to the fullest. Whether it's charity work, traveling, or making music, it's great to know that our desire for fun and fulfillment really is everlasting. Take DJ Ruth Flowers (below) for example - the lady knows how to rock!

Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.

Today is Johnny Cash's birthday. He would have been 78 years old. In celebration of his music and the man himself, Flavorwire compiled a list of "78 Things You Didn't Know About Johnny Cash." The results are pretty amazing, but my favorite was witnessing The Man In Black impersonate The King. Long live rock 'n roll!

So Hip It Hurts

Opening Ceremony is one of those New York City stores that's great to "fantasy browse" in, because it's so completely out of my price range, and most of their inventory caters to toothpicks. Sure, they have a great collection of independent designers, but my wallet's looking for items that are a little easier to swallow. That said, Opening Ceremony's cool factor is unparalleled when it comes to downtown boutiques, and a big part of that has to do with the celebrity affiliations it garners. Their design collaboration with Chloë Sevigny has proven to be quite popular, and they were one of the first U.S. stores to carry Top Shop. Now it looks like Jason Schwartzman and Kirsten Dunst have joined the fray with this short film by his cousin, Gia Coppola, which showcases clothing from the store. The film also features music by Schwartzman's band Coconut Records. Ah to be young, wealthy, and famous...

The First Lady of Rockabilly

Where would we be without rockabilly? As one of the earliest forms of rock 'n roll to emerge in the 1950s, rockabilly allowed mainstream audiences to get a 'lil taste for the outlaw. Sure there were already manly country outlaws like Cash, but rockabilly was something wholly different that opened up the stage to some saucy ladies. Two parts rock 'n roll and one part hillbilly, rockabilly was all the more memorable (and addictive). Wanda Jackson was just a country girl from Oklahoma, but after performing with Elvis on many occasions, she garnered a lot of attention for her unique vocals and style. She was "the female Elvis," according to the man himself, and that's quite a moniker for a woman in the 50s. Sassy, brash, and glamorous all at once, Jackson's music will whip any respectable lady into a frenzy. Her songs 'Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad' and 'Funnel of Love' make me want to smooth on some red lipstick and get into some good ole trouble. Yeehaw!

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.

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:

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: