Posts Tagged ‘Blonde Ambition’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I have a hard time with musicians who act like pr*cks because it just makes me mad. If you’re actually making a living doing it [making music], pinch yourself every day, because it goes if you don’t love it and people will eventually get p*ssed off. I’m going to call somebody out on it – the Kings of Leon are running some risks. They’re irritating people and you can’t do that too much. Eventually the bad boy image affects fans’ willingness to show up. Their fans will get bummed out. Everybody has their demons, everyone has their challenges. I’m a bit of a hothead in certain circumstances, but you’ve got to temper it because your fans are there and they’ve paid good money to see a show, and you gotta bring it.”

–Isaac Hanson via WENN

Meow!

FYI: Anyone who says Hanson doesn’t create pitch perfect pop songs either doesn’t know pop music or is simply a hater! Proudly MMMBoppin’ fo’ life!

Don’t be a poser, you know I’m right.

Cue flashback in 3, 2, 1…

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Anyone who can squash a watermelon with their thighs and who continues to somehow find gorgeous exotic 20-somethings to date when they’re over 50 is my hero. Happy birthday, Madonna!

Nah, all kidding aside… THIS is more of a legit reason as to why I admire this old cooter! (Joke, people. Joke!)

One of the best Madonna tracks ever written (extended edit) below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Kidding, people. I’m sure it’s girthy!

Everyone (and their blind grandma) knows that Adam Levine is a sexy little thang, but a lesser known fact is how he fits into some of the pants he puts on, especially the itsy bitsy teeny weeny pair worn in the new Moves Like Jagger video. I mean, those leggings are so tight, I’m surprised he didn’t have to call up Carmen Carrera from RuPaul’s Drag Race for some quick tips on tucking!

Gurl, you fine as all get out so we gonna let it slide…

Besides, the pants could’ve been tighter. Mick Jagger, hello!

All joking aside, this video is pretty damn awesome. The styling and overall execution is on the money, and the art direction is fresh.

Watch the killer new music video featuring Christina Aguilera below.

[Related Post: Levine Strips For Cancer Awareness]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Open up the latest US Weekly (or any gossip rag for that matter) and chances are you’ll see a picture of LeAnn Rimes with a neon caption discussing her current relationship or arrows pointing to her “disappearing” bikini frame.

But, what you won’t see as often is praise for her voice — a voice that’s always been golden, a voice that lately has somehow gotten lost in the mix of tabloid fodder.

Let’s flip the switch, shall we?

LeAnn recently performed a cover of Adele’s Someone Like You, and as you can imagine, it’s a stunning rendition.

Also note that Rimes has released a new heartfelt single entitled Give.

In her own words: “‘Give’ is a powerful song with a message that I believe needs to be shared with the world, especially in these times of today. I’m so honored to sing this song and help spread that message.”

LeAnn Rimes new album, Lady and Gentlemen, is due out September 27.

Watch the Adele cover + listen to the new single following.

[Related Post: Defending L. Rimes & 'Crazy Women']

[LeAnn's Give Campaign.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images]

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to catch Dolly Parton’s new Better Day World Tour. Words cannot express how much this meant to me. I was born and raised a few hours shy of Parton’s hometown — so coming from the same background and the same roots, I always admired Dolly on a deeper level, for her existence forced me to believe I could escape my humble beginnings and make something out of myself.

Much laughter and tears were shed!

I would also like to point out that Dolly played the violin, harmonica, piano, guitar, and flute-like-recorder-thingy-ma-bob on this tour! And not only did she perform new material she brought out the big guns too, performing classics like Jolene and I Will Always Love You.

If you get a chance, DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR.

Check out the little glitterbomb in action below!

Again, like my last concert post, these were shot on my iPhone.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Flashback!

This all started with a crush. So, being the teenage girl that I am sometimes, I started to play some good old fashioned sissy pop. It’s a new genre I made up! It basically consists of all the cutesy girl pop tunes that can be played at Claire’s or any High School Prom. And that’s where Mandy Moore comes in…

In the process of digging into my sissy pop vault I remembered the song I Wanna Be With You. Quickly, I took to YouTube and found my way through a collection of Mandy Moore hits, including a few I’ll be playing today.

What I realized though, is that Mandy Moore was ahead of her time. No, not Candy or the first and second release (those were pretty typical of commercial music at the time), but her self-titled third album, when she was given more creative freedom. I remember when the video for In My Pocket was released and knowing that it was a very innovative, unique video of the time. Teen pop, if you will, was all about the cliche, and Mandy Moore began to really break the walls down — once she was given the chance to do so. Especially with this album. In all honesty, it’s a hidden gem.

I especially love the song Saturate Me (which you’re about to hear) — it’s a poetically dope record!

Now, if only she would stop being a folkie and get back to her pop roots!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s gettin’ hot in here!

[Kinda NSFW BTW.]

There’s just something about military men dancing to Britney Spears. Especially ones that lift their shirts and grab their crotchsicles. Yes, crotchsicles. It’s a new word I’m trademarking as we speak…

Ok, that was a little much. I apologize! But it’s the truth.

After the first clip appeared of US Marines shakin’ what their mama gave ‘em to Britney’s Hold It Against Me — which quickly went viral — we should’ve guessed that more vids would surface. Now, a new clip has just made its way onto the web that’s just as entertaining, featuring another Brit track, (Drop Dead) Beautiful.

In all seriousness though, these men and women sacrifice a great deal for our freedom and for that, we raise our glass and hope that posts like this can somehow get back to them and brighten their day.

Watch both videos below.

Lookin’ good fellas!

HELP FOR HEROES — Aimed at helping injured service personnel returning from Iraq & Afghanistan.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’ve decided Dolly P is Dolly’s new rapper name.

So recently (for the 4th of July), I took a little vacay back home to the South and spent a few days in the Smoky Mountains visiting family slash friends slash Dollywood and the surrounding area. It was a beautiful, fun experience and it left me craving more. The roller coasters at Dollywood are no joke!

Also, in a little over a week or so, I’ll be seeing Dolly front and center in Connecticut on her new Better Day Tour. It’s not a secret that Dolly has been one of my heroes since I was a youngin (yup, youngin — Southern slang people, get into it!), so I’m beyond excited.

It’s the summer of Dolly and I couldn’t be more stoked!

Also, I’d like to point out that Mr. Denim is a cutie pie.

(Yes, I realize his name is Denham, but Denim felt more fitting.)

Check out a recent Dolly interview to see what I’m talking about + listen to one of my favorite tracks from the wonderful new album following.

Dolly may be married but as she put it, she’s not dead. She’s a young scoundrel! Oops, I mean flirt!

Love ya, Dolly.

[Better Day, the new album, is in stores + available digitally now.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Robyn’s latest video, the pulsating punch known as Call Your Girlfriend, has officially dropped. The Max Vitali-directed clip was filmed in a single take inside a neon lit warehouse, leaving Robyn fans (myself included, duh) and the entire internet world in a dancing frenzy.

Robyn (or the Swedish Fish as I like to call her) is truly dancing like no one’s watching in the explosive clip. (As it should be, of course.)

Robyn recently released a four-song Call Your Girlfriend remixes EP, which featured several tweaked versions of the track by Feed Me, Kaskade and Sultan & Ned.

Watch the Call Your Girlfriend video below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Download the entire album for free by clicking here.]

Words cannot explain how much Bryce Avary’s music has affected my life. During every high and low I’ve faced over the past couple years since discovering his music, the sound of his voice has been there, creating a beautiful backdrop to the bittersweet bliss that has been my 20s.

I usually like every single record The Rocket Summer releases and play it on a loop for months on end. It’s incredibly honest and filled with a substance that makes ordinary pop seem lackluster: heart.

God bless you, Bryce! I freakin’ love your music!

Please never stop. Puhlease.

Watch a video from Bryce explaining the new free acoustic album + two of my favorite tracks from his previous discs — the stunningly heartfelt Walls + the music video for Do You Feel following.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Album of the decade? Sorry, Gaga. That feat belongs to Adele. The whole CD for .99 cents? The label might as well put the damn thing in Happy Meals. No, this isn’t happening. I just liked the headline.

This might sound harsh (not the intention), but I’m strictly going balls to the wall with my opinion on Gaga’s overexposure & unapologetic shameless promotion. Why? Because I respect her. Because I appreciate the substance beneath all the starvation for fame. Because I think the way she’s crafted herself (shock value galore) is taking away from the music.

For the record, I actually like several songs on this album, especially You and I. No, I don’t like You and I, I fucking love it. That’s saying something since I’m not a big Gaga fan. I just feel like all this cheap promotion (including Gaga on Farmville, Grindr, Words with Friends & countless others) is extremely desperate. Hello!

Strip her of the hysterics & what is she? A seemingly manufactured pop star. A product that her label clearly has no problem pushing down people’s throats. Literally. (A friend recently told me about Gaga day at Starbucks. Oy!)

However, stripped is where I like her the most. Cue You and I, a more pop rock driven ballad in the vein of Elton John, but on a caffeine high.

This, to me, is where Gaga shines.

Without the layers upon layers of synth electro beats & repetitious slang.

Unlike Adele, who sells millions of albums effortlessly by being no one but herself, Gaga has to parade around and give birth to glitter on stage to get people to talk about what? Not her music. Her stunts. It takes away from her music big time. Genius? I disagree. Perhaps a marketing genius. Sellout is the term I’d label her at the moment.

Nothing wrong with using different types of media to market an album, however the .99 cent card is basically what record labels pull to ensure the album goes to #1. It’s basically cheating. Why? Because tons of people will buy an album for a buck, even if it’s not someone they would normally support. Why? Because it’s cheap. That’s the desperate part. I wish she would’ve earned it the old fashioned way. By selling actual albums at a normal price point. I think her label was scared due to the fact that there was a backlash over Judas and this was the easy route to breaking records the first week.

Good luck, Gaga. Just know (since you’re a businesswoman and all) that there’s a huge non-sequined chunk of people out there who just can’t swallow the contrived stunts you pull (à la eggs & meat), whom you’re abandoning.

With (tough) love.

[PS: I would kill to direct/conceptualize the music video for You and I. Yes, I'm serious! If you're reading this Gaga, call me. No, seriously. Call me! Or email. Or send messenger pigeons. Rainbow smoke signals? Whatever works for you.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yup, I’m from the South. Hence this headline. Hooty hoo!

[Last March I was hootin' & hollerin' over BC Jean and her beautiful track I'll Survive You...see rant below as taken from the initial post.]

Most songwriters cannot claim to have written a track as big as, oh you know, If I Were A Boy by Beyonce. But then again, most songwriters are not BC Jean. In a way to deal with heartbreak, Jean channeled all of her inner pain post-breakup to create a beautiful record and as most would be, was excited to get a phone call stating that Beyonce wanted to record the track.

But that’s besides the point…

BC Jean is emerging now as her own artist and has released a record just as heartfelt as If I Were A Boy, the emotionally soaked I’ll Survive You — another dose of post-breakup stress channeled through song.

Watch the just-released I’ll Survive You video below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Mama’s bringin’ the heat!

Talia Coles has just released her new, sultry music video for Never See You Again after residing on Billboard’s Top 25 Dance/Club Play for 9 straight weeks! The video is an expression of Talia’s relatable lyrics which articulate the notion of facing temptation while being in a monogamous relationship, “everything was picture perfect ’til you moved the frame, and now because of you it’s barely hanging. Boy in a flash it’s like you start to replace him, that photograph is fading.”

The infectious track was produced by Teetimus, and the original version features a memorable 8 bar verse from Couture Music artist KO Stiggity. Never See You Again is the follow-up to Talia’s energetic pop/reggae dance phenomenon Nikki Wine and also features an explosive remix from the legendary production team of Razor N Guido.

Check out the fresh video for Never See You Again below.

And check out my interview with Ms. Coles here.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Last year we had the wonderful opportunity to interview Talia Coles. At the time, she was making us all move with her reggae influenced Nikki Wine record (which featured Elephant Man and appeared on over 100 mixtapes last summer). And now, the glamorous hip hop songstress is back…

Talia Coles has released her newest single, Never See You Again, via Couture Music/Phase One and is currently #19 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart!

Written by Talia Coles (and produced by red hot producer Teetimus), Never See You Again is laced with Talia’s slick yet relatable lyrics: “Everything was picture perfect ’til you moved the frame, and now because of you it’s barely hanging. Boy in a flash it’s like you start to replace him, that photograph is fading.”

Adding an extra drug to the already intoxicating tune, DJ Extraordinaire Fatman Scoop adds his signature hype track for a special club banger version. In addition, Couture Music artist KO Stiggity lends a memorable 8 bar verse to set the tone on the original version.

Managed by Jojo Brim from KWL Enterprises (Trey Songz, Estelle, Big Sean, Nelly), Talia Coles is also an accomplished songwriter, stylist and designer who has lent her talents to some of today’s top notch creative forces. Whether its styling videos for Trey Songz and P. Diddy, or writing songs for Slim from 112, Musiq Soulchild or Tyler Perry, Talia proves that she has what it takes to be amongst the elite of the entertainment industry.

The song is now available for purchase worldwide.

Listen to Never See You Again below.

[Related Post: Exclusive Interview: Talia Coles]

Talia Coles – Never See You Again by PhaseOneCom

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

With one quick glance, most would toss Kimberly Caldwell into the wrong box. With blonde waves and flickering eyes, one might toss her into the manufactured pop category of the majority of Idol castoffs. But that categorization would be wrong.

Don’t let the pretty looks fool you.

Kimberly Caldwell isn’t just another marketable face sculpted by a record label. The girl’s been through the ringer and it’s apparent on her debut, Without Regret. One thing that has always remained certain: Kimberly Caldwell’s raspy vocals and emotive execution is more than just pretty. It’s genuine, relatable, and real.

Go pick up her debut album, out now.

I love this record!

Listen to two of my favorite numbers from Without Regret below.