Posts Tagged ‘Film/TV’

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Continuing my summer song seeking, I have fallen in league with a band that was uncool before uncool was cool. I love indie quirk in all its ironic glory, but it’s nice to see a band that went along with awkward rock before it was the neato thing to do. Islands was there back in 2005, weaving jingles in Montreal, and they’re still here, technicolour and totally legit. Every touch on their guitars is a soft one, decidedly produced and smudged on its edge. The bass has a permanent residence in Chillout Town, and the drums only get excited when it’s absolutely necessary. Add the brass, and you’ve got the best tune to get you through that four hour bus ride. (And who doesn’t love songs spliced with a little saxophone?)

They carry cool without suffering a lull. When me and my man are driving in the muggiest heat, and every road we pass is in the midst of being torn apart, I need a sound that can make me look beyond the bridge and at the trees. Something that can experiment with my ears without mutilating them beyond repair.

Islands tinkers with common sounds. Mellow rock is hardly a breakthrough concept, but when I listen to them, they make it new. I feel like these guys were kids who spent time ditching class to work on art projects or read poetry anthologies.

What’s not to love?

The slight unease in their vid for No You Don’t made ripples in my psyche. And before you even ask, yes, that is Michael Cera.
　

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Music & comedy combined, that’s what I’m talking about!

Pop culture icons Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga made for quite the delight on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. Up first, watch JT/Gaga in ‘Liquorville’, where the pair (along with SNL great Kristen Wig) performed parodies of various songs, including Rihanna’s Rude Boy, DJ Khalid’s All I Do is Win, J-Kwon’s Tipsy, B.O.B’s Airplanes, Flo Rida’s Low featuring T-Pain, and Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’ Endless Love.

The first clip will leave you buzzed. The second, a clip that didn’t make the live cut, will keep the laughter high rolling.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

And by throw down, I mean getting a fake tatt & dry humping a fax machine.

HCR knows a thing or two about making a good music video. And in their latest effort, the boys toss a new summer jam into the feel good pool.

The Nashville pop rockers certainly have a quirky sense of humor (how could you not when the name of the band was taken from an “extreme fan” Chelle Rae?). This humor is showcased in the just-released video for Tonight Tonight — a song/video combo that’s totally prepped for summer roadtrips and rooftop parties.

In case you’re wondering, HCR’s guitarist Nash is Glee star Chord Overstreet’s brother, hence the cameo in the vid.

Check it out!

[Related Post: Big Apple Review: Hot Chelle Rae]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

So this past weekend I saw Hall Pass. And besides the fact that I basically pee’d my pants from laughing so hard, I also realized that I have yet to write about Wiz Khalifa (his music is played during the closing credits in case you’re wondering).

But back to Hall Pass for a hot minute. I gotta say, I loved the big black dong scene. What?! Didn’t you? There was just something about Owen Wilson’s face lying next to an chocolate anaconda that just did it for me. I really needed that laugh! So thank you, Farrelly Brothers. And on a sidenote, how the hell did this film get by with an R rating?! I mean, I could understand a quick flash of penis but this was a good five second close-up.

Now, back to the music…

There’s a new jam in town and it’s left me feeling high. Listen to No Sleep, taken from Khalifa’s upcoming album, below.

[Rolling Papers is set to be released tomorrow.]

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Fifteen years ago today, one of the brightest stars ever to tapdance its way into Hollywood flickered out. Gene Kelly is a performer who will forever live on in his energetic dance moves and unforgettable charm he sealed onto the screen. His debonair looks and boy-next-door smile made him increasingly popular through the 40’s and 50’s, and his unmatchable talent made him a wonder to watch. Some of you may only know him as Donny from Singin’ in the Rain. Some of you may not know him at all. And that is a crying shame. There are so many choreographers, singers, musicians, and ‘triple threats’ that helped build the film and music industry into what they are today, yet our generation doesn’t give them a second glance.

It’s time to break out the old dancing shoes and slap on some classic suspension of disbelief, to give these boys and girls the credit they deserve!

I doubt I would have known of Gene Kelly’s rhythmic talents if it hadn’t been for my parents. They grew me up on musicals, and Gene Kelly was a natural prime number in that equation. Perhaps such a cultured childhood is what has inspired me to carry such an eclectic repertoire of music on my iPod.

I don’t want to live in a world that doesn’t know how to appreciate what it had. We can’t let unmistakable singing and dancing talent fade away while we melt our brains with Lady Gaga.

Check out the comedic, toe tapping, leg shaking talent he has beside Donald O’Connor, another everlasting star to have faded into the cosmos.

Moses supposes ( singing in the rain )
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By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Faith has kept me alive. I’d be dead. I would have partied too hard. I might have caught myself somewhere along the way and put the brakes on. I don’t know if I would have gone [to rehab], don’t think I could have been talked into that during those times. She’s saved my life in a lot of different ways — from myself more than anything. She’s loved me through times when I didn’t love me. I can go down a dark road sometimes, when you’re not feeling good about yourself — and she pulls me out.”

–Tim McGraw to People Magazine
[McGraw quit drinking three years ago]

Watch an interview (gettin’ a lil’ down & dirty) via Chelsea Lately below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Lady Alanis is back. Her voice is stunningly distinct, yet never seems to disappoint. It’s been quite some time since Ms. Morissette has embraced fans with new music, but today the wait is over with the newly released track Professional Torturer. The song is taken from the soundtrack Radio Free Albemuth. Although this is not a single, it’s sure to make an impact on the music scene. What a beautiful piece of music — somewhat similar to her old stuff — leaving listeners relating to her lyrics.

Listen to Professional Torturer now.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Why did God give me this life? Sometimes it’s overwhelming. Why did God give me my talent, my gift, my family? I know you’re not supposed to question God, so I’m grateful for the life he’s given me. I’m so grateful. I’m alive and I’m living a dream. I’m living my dreams. Wow.”
-BK
[Taken from the I Am World Tour DVD Documentary]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Mixed by world-renowned DJ Louie DeVito, the Dance Mix USA compilation has returned featuring such high profile artists as Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas, Ke$ha, Mariah Carey, Train, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Selena Gomez, Kelly Rowland and Kelis. In addition to DeVito, remixes come from acclaimed DJs including A-Trak, David Guetta, Dave Aude, Cahill, and Karmatronic.

Now, you have a chance to win an autographed (signed by DJ Louie Devito himself) copy of the disc when you enter our contest. Five lucky winners will be chosen to receive autographed copies of the album.

All you have to do is:
Contest Rules!

1. Break a leg (no seriously, break a leg). If that means having your roommate use the Shake Weight on your kneecap til’ it collapses, so be it.
2. Sell us your soul. Unless your soul is a sparkly vampire a la Twilight, then you must vanish. For life.
3. Wear a “BiggerThanBeyonce.Com” t-shirt out in public. One you must make on your own…with a bedazzler kit.
4. Give us your first born child.
5. OR…

You can “like” us on Facebook, then send us your name, age, and one thing you’re thankful for this holiday season in an email to robbrayl@robbrayl.com — it’s your choice. Deadline: 12PM EST on 12/23.

Check out the new TV commercial for Dance Mix USA which is currently running on MTV, VH1, E!, Bravo, Style, Oxygen, Logo among others (below).

Good luck!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yo, kiddies! Listen up.

Everyone please “like” WE DAY (go to search and type “We Day”, or click here), it’s a wonderful organization that will donate a $1 for every “like” to the Free The Children campaign, up to $1,000,000. That’s a lot of potential money for kids who would be very thankful. Takes a second to click and besides, it’s Thankgiving. Time to give! So click away and spread the word.

One click will help to bring together thousands of youth, educators and honoured guests together to celebrate the power of young people to change the world.

Watch Greyson & Colbie Caillat (among other other celebrities who are taking part in the project) in a PSA for the wonderful cause below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

One of the most electrifying young bands in America recently spoke exclusively to BTB. Check out our interview with the Jonathan Tyler & The Norther Lights below!

MARIA CIEZAK: How did you Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights form? Give us a back-story on the band.

JONATHAN TYLER: I met Brandon in high school. We both played guitar and loved music, so we instantly became friends. Nick and Jordan are both from Oklahoma and knew each before connecting with Brandon and me. We started playing music together informally while attending school. Later, we all dropped out of school and began to take our band much more seriously. Quickly after we formed the Northern Lights things started picking up around Dallas. Now we are breaking into the national scene. So that’s a short version of a very long story.

MC: I am truly in love with this record. What is the inspiration behind the album title ‘Pardon Me’?

JT: It’s an introduction of sorts. Our first record for Atlantic Records. We wanted to come out with a bang for the people just discovering us.

MC: What was is like working with Jay Joyce, I am a huge fan of his work.

JT: Jay is a total character. He’s eccentric, creative, and in love with music. He never seems to run out of ideas. And his ear for sonics in the studio is seriously trained. On a personal level we get along really well and that always helps.

MC: Was your mission as a group to become a signed act, or did it just happen to fall into place? What’s your claim to fame?

JT: When we were in high school we dreamed about it, but once we learned more about the business the dream dissipated. We were and remain concerned with making music and getting it out to the people who appreciate it. Our record company Atlantic has been 100% supportive and partnered with us in our goals. So it feels like a healthy relationship. I’m not sure what our claim to fame is. Maybe partying too hard?

MC: When I first heard the album I instantly thought “old school”, but at the same time, it was so fresh and different sounding, in a league all its own. How do you break it down?

JT: Most of the music we really love is pre-1970. But we didn’t want to make a record in 2010 that sounded 40 years old. So we used the best studio gear and microphones to get amazing sounds. But the “feel” and “attitude” may come off as old school, and that’s ok with us.

MC: You guys have toured with a lot of big acts such as AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Are there any acts in particular that left the biggest impact?

JT: I think touring with ZZ Top made a big impact on us. Those guys have been playing 40 years now, and it’s the same three members. Music is my life work so I can respect a group of guys that have spent their lives mastering the craft. AC/DC definitely one up’d us on the volume level. That rarely happens. [Laughs]

MC: The sound can be stormy rock, like on ‘Young & Free’ and ‘Gypsy Woman’, or gut-wrenching, slow-burning beauties like ‘She Wears a Smile’ and ‘Paint Me a Picture’; Would you say that your music is somewhat therapeutic?

JT: I definitely use songwriting to get thoughts, convictions, and strong feelings out. I think it’s good for me to understand what’s going on in my head. Putting words to unnamed feelings in a 4 minute song definitely helps that process.

MC: Do Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights have any hobbies we would find interesting?

JT: I think we’re pretty normal guys. We try to keep steady lives outside of our crazy touring schedule. It’s hard, but it keeps us grounded. A few of us collect vinyl records. I ride motorcycles. I’m really into spending time outdoors — snowboarding, fishing, camping, surfing, things like that.

MC: For those who have never seen Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights Live, scold them, and then continue to describe your live show, visually and musically.

JT: I can’t express how much I love making music. The high I get out of playing live is the best feeling I know. So every show is special for me. I try to give every ounce of energy on stage. The band behind me rocks hard, too. It can get raucous and loud.

MC: I think your band will revolutionize rock and roll. What are your thoughts on the revolution?

JT: That’s a heavy statement! But I appreciate it. I think modern rock has been very formulaic. We’re trying to keep a raw and authentic spirit in our music and shows. I think it could catch on and hope it does.

Check out our new favorite band (in the just released Gypsy vid) below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

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By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Pucker up, dammit!

Living in NYC, I have little time to watch TV. However, a few shows find their way into my sphere that I become a bit obsessed with in which I make time for. One of those shows is Glee.

In last week’s episode, it was Max Adler, the actor who plays bully Dave Karovsky who really caught my attention (along with millions of other viewers who found their mouths open at a shocking kiss between Adler’s character and “Kurt”, played by the wonderful Chris Colfer).

Adler recently spoke with MTV News about the shocking moment: “I just got the script like any other script. I had no clue what was going on. I saw Ryan at the premiere, and he said, ‘We just wrote some really good stuff for you for episode six,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, cool. Some more slushies?’ ” he joked.

“And then I got the script, and I was reading that scene, and Kurt, he just doesn’t let up. He keeps on me and he keeps on me, and I thought, ‘I’m going to punch him in the face. This is getting serious.’ And then I turn the page, and it says: ‘Karovsky kisses Kurt.’ And I was like, ‘What?’ I jumped off the couch. I was as shocked as anybody else was. It was totally unexpected.”

Unexpected would be an understatement, kiddo!

“So, yeah, first time I’ve kissed a guy, and I’m glad it was Chris Colfer!” Adler joked.

Adler seems like a genuine guy (one who recently took an anti-bullying stand for the It Gets Better Project), so I hope Murphy brings a little more light and airtime to his character as I know it could be an interesting angle to steer into.

Watch Adler discussing the kiss + Glee’s take on Teenage Dream below.

MTV Shows

[Related Post: Glee 101: Dolphins Are Gay Sharks]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Whiplash Mountain, anyone?

While doing press for their new film, Love and Other Drugs, Jakey G. and Hathaway were asked (via Extra) about their favorite love songs of all time.

Anne couldn’t pinpoint a favorite but landed upon the acoustic version of Hysteric by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Once Anne answered and Jake was up to bat, he didn’t bat an eyelash before replying with Whip My Hair and the two busted out in song.

A man after our heart, I tell you.

Check it!

[Related Post: A Prescription Worth Filling (And No, Not Just Because Jake's In It)]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Setting the theatre on fire, one fart blaze at a time.

The rambunctious Jackass franchise celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The new Jackass 3D (which, of course, is chocked full of painfully hilarious antics and death defying stunts) is accompanied by an outlandish soundtrack. The Jackass crew has assembled a soundtrack that runs the gamut from punk and metal to singer-songwriter and even a little honky tonk! Sure enough, it’s one hell of a bitch slap!

The Jackass 3D Soundtrack features Weezer’s new hit single Memories from their celebrated new album Hurley, for which the band recently shot a riotous new video with Johnny Knoxville and crew; Also included is Yeah Yeah Yeahs front-woman Karen O’s twangy cover of If You’re Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough. Rounding out the uber-eclectic soundtrack is an operatic remix of Jackass theme song Corona from NASA mastermind Squeak E. Clean, glam rockers Twisted Sister’s classic fist-pumper The Kids Are Back, classic punk cuts from Smut Peddlers, Gang Green and Cock Sparrer, Roger Alan Wade’s hysterical Party in My Pants, and much more.

The digital edition is currently available for download with the physical album being released on 10/25.

Check out an interview with the gang after the jump!