Archive for August, 2010

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Rednecks, hippies, misfits — we’re all the same. Gay or straight? So what? It doesn’t matter to me. We have to be concerned about other people, regardless. I don’t like seeing anybody treated unfairly. It sticks in my craw.”

-Parade

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ain’t she cute?

When I first discovered Lights, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Besides the fact that she’s a little bit of a martian (and I mean that as a compliment), her music is pure pop synth, genuine with a flare for sensitized lyrics. Basically, it just does it for me.

Lights is a Canadian based artist who was raised by missionary parents (no wonder she’s a bit quirky?). Her musical genre is a mashup of new wave & synthpop electronica. Influenced by Bjork, she’s a Christian who is said to have been inspired by the Bible to write her first song at the ancient age of 11.

Find out 21 random ass things about Lights in this new interview with Alloy TV + check out the music video to one of my personal favorites, Second Go, following.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Sings: Australia girls, so hot, they'll punch you like a Kangaroo? Yeah, it was the first thing that came to my brain so I ran with it. Sue me!]

There’s no denying that Katy Perry reeks of fun and never takes herself too seriously. Case in point, Australia, where the California Gurls singer decided to crash a high school prom. Come on — Katy Perry, high school prom — it’s a teenage wet dream.

Target: Melbourne High School formal at the Grand Hyatt, where Perry got down on the dancefloor and even shook her rump to Beyonce’s Single Ladies. Apparently, the prom was being held in the same hotel in which Perry was staying while promoting her new album in the country. When she overheard her song California Gurls being played at the event, she couldn’t resist and decided to make one heck of an entrance, grabbing a microphone and singing along. By the looks of things, it looks like some students lost their shiz/flipped the hell out, or thought that perhaps someone had spiked the punch and they were beginning to see things. Ha!

”Someone came over to me and said Katy Perry had heard about our formal, and wanted to come,” student council president Anthony Lay explained. “But she’s a celebrity and there were more than 550 students in the room, so another person, a woman, said it would be too dangerous.” But clearly that didn’t stop Perry.

Perry tweeted later the same night: “I totes just crashed a prom!!!”

Watch a news report on the prom-crashing Katy, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I have written about a song from the goddess before, but Lissie’s debut album has finally been released, and I can say, it’s a diamond in the rough. Catching A Tiger is hands down one of the strongest releases of summer, if not the whole year. I have been anticipating the release all year. Bold? Perhaps, but I support the record 100 percent.

On last year’s EP Why You Runnin’, Lissie left listeners inquisitive to hear more from this Midwestern chick (whose first solo recording was being produced by Band of Horses’ Bill Reynolds) whose soulful husk spilled from their speakers. A drop-dead stunning girl with pipes to match, Lissie plays the guitar, writes her own jams, and sings songs in a genre all her own. The Illinois native has songwriting abilities that become apparent through not only neat, but firm lyrics with harmonious structures in which to abide her tales of jaded love.

Bullet pointed, let’s start from the top. The clattering pots-and-pans thumping that greets the listener turns into a distinctive little album jump off with Record-Collector, which listeners will instantaneously be drawn to. Why? It’s got a polka-breakdown and dramatic cords. How many songs like that are out right now? Seriously. Then When I’m Alone takes over, telling the tale of this lonesome girl in hopes of drawing a crowd — I turned my back you were gone in a flash, like you always do, you’ve always gone off somewhere else. She’s telling you a story, and wants you to listen. It showcases the most astounding part of this woman: her pipes and range. It makes me wonder how such a big sound can come from such a little body. The release leisurely rolls into Little Lovin, which ties in the Stevie Nicks influence, with the impudence of a country singer and enticing delivery of a folk-rock goddess. And let’s not forget Everywhere I Go , in which I touched on a few months ago on BTB. It’s such a powerful song, stating Angels will call on me now, everywhere I go. Indeed, her voice is heavenly, but the lyrics alone could bring one to tears. This track and Bully will literally tear at your heart strings — a song with a completion as subtle as any Mariah Carey power ballad, Lissie’s incredibly heartfelt and executed torch song highlights the extraordinary vocal talent she possesses.

Over the past year she’s taken on covers of Bob Dylan, Metallica, Lady Gaga, and so many more. But don’t let this diverse combination turn you off. Her debut full-length is solely her own material. Catching A Tiger is neither generic or cliche, with lyrics disguised within airy, upbeat and indisputably atmospheric songs dashed in California guitar-rock nostalgia.

High praise indeed, but her versatility, her confidence and her utter comfort ability with folk, country and rock idioms is readily evident on this release. It seems impracticable for a debut to sound so accomplished and mature, but Lissie seems to be that rare exception. Please check it out, if not because of this article, let your curiosity of an artist in this genre sell you.

So, was my hype machine justified? Don’t get me wrong, there are problems with Catching a Tiger: it’s not wholly filler-free, it’s not taking any massive musical risks, and it’s one of those albums that you just know will be even better in a live setting. That being said, this is a concrete foundation for things to come; and when the star player is Lissie’s voice, those things are surely a-comin’.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

What’s a little birthday post without a throwback photo?! Yep, we’re throwing down today, back all the way to her high school days.

When Madonna first moved to New York City in 1977 she came with nothing but fearless ambition and $35 dollars. Rejected and pushed aside, the former Material Girl never once lost her drive. Now, decades later, it’s still obvious that if there’s been one musician who can still be seen as a major influence across the pop music landscape — it’s Madonna.

Madonna’s influential sound mixed with her genius at selling herself has made her the icon of musical and personal transformation. And today, M turns 52!

In an interview with Oprah a few years ago, Madonna spoke about her initial start in the entertainment business and even referred to her younger self as “selfish” before realizing her life’s purpose, in which she went on to describe:

“I hope I’ve been given the label of teacher. That’s how I see myself now. Inspiring people and sharing what I’ve learned—that’s the most important thing. It’s what I was put here to do. All my fame and fortune have led to this one understanding: That I’m here to help people.”

Watch Madonna doing just that (as surprised on Oprah), below.

Get those tissues ready!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Maroon 5 is out with music video to the UK version of the band’s smash hit Misery. It’s the same exact video with the exception of animated heart graphics (among other random items, including a unicorn) added in — ya know, to make it Euro-friendly. The US version still holds the crown in the battle of the best video in my opinion — although I will say that I am happy that you can no longer see the vehicles in this version. What was up with the original video using old ass vehicles? And I don’t mean classic vintage wheels, I mean like cars from 2002. Who chose the art direction for that, Adam Levine?

With a band of such mainstream status and budget, you would expect better wheels in the original US take of the video. Yes, I’m aware of the fact that the cars are smashed to pieces in the video but still. Anyone else notice this detail? A classic polished Mustang would have been a better and sexier fit for the shot (not to mention it would’ve meshed well with the whole 50s leather jacket rebel look Levine’s rockin’ in the shoot).

In the end though, the Joseph Kahn-directed video is brilliant.

Speaking of brilliant, the band recently worked with Rock Can Roll — an organization that works endlessly to help diminish hunger. Good job, boys!

Check out the just-released UK version of Misery, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

KT Tunstall’s first release, Fade Like A Shadow, gives us a first look at her upcoming album Tiger Suit. Although the song title may sound downhearted, the track is quite the opposite, secured by uplifting keyboards and chorus’s. I am not sure how I feel about this track just yet. Do you ever have such high expectations from an artist that even when their work is good, you always want more? When I was first introduced to the songstress and her smash Black Horse & The Cherry Tree, it grabbed me upon first listen. This song is going to take a slight more time to grow on me, but it has deep potential, for many may be able to relate to this track. (The live version below is better than the cut version, for you may want to check that out, just sayin!)

Not to be mistaken for Debbie Downer, but I slightly feel as if this track will only appeal to people who listen to pop (not that there’s anything wrong with that, for pop is one of the biggest genres of our generation, I am just not sure how well it will go over across the boards). KT has her own exclusive sound, which is why she has gained such fame, but it’s almost as if she is losing it. The vocal sounds seem less confident as they travel through the spectrum from smoky to sultry. I think in this case it’s just the artist is way higher than the song. (As girls would say to their heartbroken friends — Girl, you can do so much better.)

Maybe it was my initial look at the single album cover, which reminded me so much of Katherine McPhee that initially gave me a bitter taste in my mouth (for Katherine is a talent, but no KT Tunstall — agreed?). On the other hand, one can’t judge a book by its cover, for the rest of the album may blow one away, and make me take my foot out of my mouth (but for the mean time, I will securely leave it there).

A track off the album that will eat you alive is Push That Not Away, which in my opinion will untangle the mess I may have found in the lead single’s strings. Her normal spine-tingling music is what I will always be my base for judging the rest of her music. KT Tunstall is folk, rock, and pop blended carefully into a compilation of attractive songs. I respect females in the game who can hold their own and kick ass while remaining true to the amazing talent that they are. She’s deep and meaningful in certain songs, and light and whimsical in others. In any genre she proves to be a formidable presence and a devoted artist. The harmonies, melodies, and lyrics are impressive and soothing to the soul. I hope this song grows on me, and doesn’t Fade Like a Shadow.

What are your thoughts? Is this a comeback or a setback?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cher: Do you believe in life after lurve?
Christina: Oh, stop it.

This clip is sure to cure those Monday blues.

When I first heard that Cher and Christina Aguilera would be working together on camera, I wasn’t too amused. Ok, maybe I’m in denial — I was amused a little. But unlike the rest of the men in which this particular film will undoubtedly cater to, I was hesitant to jump onboard. The storyline seemed all too familiar and I was just left wondering if the end result would be a finely executed lapdance or a broken heel kind of deal.

As a huge Aguilera supporter, I’ve had her back since day one. I even offered up a heartfelt analysis of her new disc Bionic — which has been the target of the media’s bullets and criticism — when it was released, going against haters.

When I saw the clip you’re about to see, I felt proud of the fact that I have (and most likely never will) give up on Aguilera’s raw talent. This particular clip (taken from Burlesque) made me happy. It shows Christina in a fresh new light — with no eccentric robotics or fake eyelashes — as she belts the Etta James’ classic, Something’s Got A Hold On Me, in a robust tone that only she carries. It’s actually a little shocking how ordinary she looks, and I mean that in the best way possible. She looks beautiful without all the pretense of being an “entertainer”.

Are you pumped to see Christina’s debut in Burlesque?

Watch the just-released clip from the film below + take a listen to a dance/club format remix to Aguilera’s latest release, You Lost Me, following the clip.

[Burlesque clip - Something's Got A Hold On Me]

[You Lost Me - Hex Hector Mac Quayle Remix]

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

From the bowels of Hades comes the most heavenly sound. From the world of regret, a heavy blast of hope. Of course I’m talking about Sixx AM, a band who thrives on the charge of recovery.

Like so many others, I was wooed by their lyrical genius, all written by the Veteran of Rock, Nikki Sixx himself. Having gone to hell and back, he’s living clean and living the dream, and now knows enough to share his wisdom and do his talent (and life) justice.

And he’s picked a great crew of rockers to make the dream build flesh. You’ve got the pretty James Michael pumping power into the vocals, DJ Ashba making the lead guitar his bitch, and whoever they can find that can whip it on the drums. Add all of that together, and they take survival to a whole new level. With an act so tight it must be hard to breathe, they’ve got nowhere to go but up.

Their first album accompanied Nikki’s tell-all memoirs The Heroin Diaries as its soundtrack, and did it well. The nauseous ups and downs and unconcentrated brutality found in self-abuse are exposed immaculately, and reading his diaries while listening to their songs is almost too honest to handle. No way you can leave their world without goosebumps.

Like a ghost hidden in the cracks of your walls, Sixx AM can creep up when you least expect it. Their music is an experience, an infestation of the mind. It makes you think of otherworldly things, twisted liaisons, broken glass, screams in the night about ruined relationships and unsettled insanity. But best of all, it helps you imagine overcoming such things.

You’ve got to give props to people who not only use their music as an outlet to their demons, but who spell out their past transgressions and struggles for all to see. It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of a crowd, brandish your scars and proclaim, “I’ve survived.” It seems more people should be doing that. After all, as long as you’ve got the mike, you may as well speak your piece.

Their second album has been a long time coming, and now, we’ve finally gotten word that they’re in the studio, pulling their passion into a conglomeration of beauty.

Just because it’s the song of theirs that I (and everyone else) really fell in love with, reminisce in Sixx AM’s powerful ballad, Life Is Beautiful.
　

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Been playing this song on a loop lately…

Check out Bleed by Hot Chelle Rae — it’s definitely pop with a smudge of emo (and by smudge I mean a bucket full, perhaps it’s the bleeding part). The Nashville based band were signed by pop powerhouse label, Jive, in 2008. And ever since then the band has been setting venues ablaze, touring to hopefully stamp their music on the foreheads of the masses.

Between Warped Tour and their very own Six Flags tour dates, the boys recorded a music video for the song Bleed and the outcome is a simple yet sharp clip that meshes well with the song. I do think the video could’ve been shot in a different perspective but the simplicity undoubtedly will resonate with pretty much anyone with a heart.

RK Follese, you’re beautiful.

Check out the video for Bleed below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“My religious upbringing was comically strict — even the Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner was banned. In our house, no one was allowed to refer to deviled eggs. We had to call them angelic eggs. We were never allowed to swear. I’d get into trouble just for saying ‘Hell no’. If you dropped a hammer on your toe in our house you had to say something like ‘Jiminy Christmas’. The only music we were allowed to listen to was gospel. No wonder I rebelled.”

–KP

Katy Perry – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo Cred: Elle Magazine]
One that won’t go away…

Joke, Beliebers, joke.

When I first saw Justin Bieber’s Proactiv ad, I honestly thought it might be a spoof for Funny or Die. It begins with Biebs talking about big feet and hormones and I dunno about y’all but I thought that was hilarious, especially since he’s straight up talking like he’s some sort of mac daddy. Newsflash: you are not a pimp, JB. Well actually, now that I think about it, he kinda is? I mean he does have a bazillion little girls and Kim Kardashian on his side.

Kim Kardashian and Biebs — what an interestingly bizarre pair. The two toddlers just posed for a spread in Elle Magazine and I’ve got to give props where props should be given — the photos are adorably cool. Some are a little off putting though, since Kim is being her sexy ass self as usual and that’s a little weirdsy (yes, I just made that up) considering the fact that Justin is still a baaaby baaaby baaaby ohhh! Ya feel me?

All jokes aside, I think the media needs to lay off the kid. And not only the media but the entire business that seems to surround his name as well. I mean, an autobiography from a 16-year-old? I realize it’s showbiz, but there comes a time when one needs to learn how to say no, and unfortunately the kid just keeps on giving. Yes, he’s a product now, owned by the face of popular culture, but he’s also a teen — one who needs to breathe and to take a break/reality check from time to time for his own sanity. Let’s hope someone realizes this before his overexposure becomes a negative.

Check out Bieb’s Proactiv commerical followed by a behind-the-scenes look from Elle Mag, below. And be sure to check out Kim on the workout equipment — for some reason that part is hella funny to me!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Holy old skool 90s influence!

[Aggro Santos, Single – Saint Or Sinner – 22nd August 2010]

Last year, long before Aggro Santos smashed the charts with his sledgehammer of a hit, Candy (feat. Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls), I did a snapshot interview spotlight on the UK rapper. The minute I heard the song I knew it would be a hit, its pulsating beat just as infectious as one might expect by the track’s name — i.e., I played that shiz nonstop!

After the huge success of his debut single, the soon-to-be silver certified Candy (#5 in the UK charts, peaking at #2 on itunes, over 200K records sold), Santos is set to release his follow up track, Saint Or Sinner, on 22nd August 2010.

Produced by Flukes (Crazy Cousinz) and mixed by Phil Tann (LL Cool J, Beyonce), Saint Or Sinner is a gargantuan summertime smash that takes us back to the happy days of early 90s old skool – euphoric piano progressions throughout and a hook that’s bound to make you bump ya rump.

Saint Or Sinner will be the second single to be taken for Aggro’s forthcoming album, out 6th September.

[For more info: www.aggrosantos.com]

Check out the music video for the vibrant summer jam, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yep, you read that correctly. And no, I didn’t write this post fresh from the dentist’s chair.

So, if there’s one thing I like about Joe Jonas, it’s not his singing (although I like that, too) — it’s his eyebrows (browsing, get it?!). For real, I love the dude’s eyebrows. Yep, I like ‘em nice and thick. Dark. Virginal (meaning they’ve never been waxed, you sick freaks!). Yeah, you get the point.

Speaking of virginal — in the video you’re about to see, Joe Jonas has a pseudo beard and walks with a pinch of a swagger. Since when did this happen? One thing that he shows (besides personality; who knew he was so genuinely random?) is his “sucker” (his words, not mine). Apparently, that’s his dorky scooter. He also lets us see his pet unicorn, Blueberry. No, I am not making this crap up. This is not a joke (ha!). Yeah, this post is getting weirder by the minute.

Check out a behind-the-scenes look at the Jonas Brothers tour, below.

And if you haven’t already, check out Joe’s pledge for a serious cause here.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

And on the third day, Jimmy ate the world. These Arizona pop-punk vets’ demonstrate all that is the modern rock radio sound, and now I can finally breathe again. Jimmy Eat World is back with a new album entitled Invented, due out in late September. This marks the group’s first studio album since 2007’s Chase This Light, which actually landed the boys the peak chart position of their careers. It also marks their 7th full-length record. Dope, huh?

Single My Best Theory has been released, and is quickly gaining radio momentum. Containing ceaseless energy and up-tempo, guitar-driven pulsation, the single marks the return of one of rock’s most beloved bands. At the beginning of their new track, frontman Jim Adkins sums up their pause proclaiming, “It’s been a long time,” — and hell yeah, I agree. It may not slam you into a wall like Big Casino did upon first listen, but it will definitely push you a few times. That being said, does this new release have the same potential as the others?

For those keeping score, this album was produced by Mark Trombino, who also did work (literally) on their amazing 2001 smash Bleed American. On this release you will find singing and playing with a confidence and sincerity that will melt the hearts of even the most stoic of listeners, for they produce rousing, well-crafted anthems (I can’t wait for you all to hear tracks such as Coffee and Cigarettes and Littlething). Being a music lover, I was a fan of Chase This Light, but felt the ends needed to be shaved away a little bit. It lacked a little hard-rock static that I’m used to, although I still give the album a 4/5. For even their not-so-astounding work is better than some other bands “finest” stuff. They highlight the balance of organic sources and hard rock grooves.

Jimmy Eat World always leaves a significant amount of time in between each release, leaving a shit load of space for one to reflect on the actual effects of the album, and all it entails as a whole. So what is so commendable about Jimmy Eat World that I should be singing such honor? They have the unique gift to be a bands-band as well as a fans-band. What do I mean by that? They carry credibility with a tuneful convenience that makes the act a permanent fixture of the modern music scene. Invented will show you that they are doing just that, but reinventing themselves, again. It’s been a ride watching where this group has come from and where they are going. I thoroughly enjoy watching the maturity of this group and they grow as artists in a dying industry. They have the heart, and in their own words: “Heart is hard to find.”

Strikingly lush tracking coupled with overwhelmingly competent mixing, I can’t wait for all the fans to fall in love with this record. Planning an epic fall tour while awaiting a release and trying to gain the attention back from fans; pulling that off without conflicting into a mess is nothing short of miraculous.

Feed your appetite with the single until Invented hits the shelf, for Jimmy is ready to eat the world again.