Posts Tagged ‘Put In Pocket’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Get ready to be moved (in more ways than one)!

Robyn has just released the music video for her brand new single Hang with Me. The video takes fans behind the scenes of Robyn’s touring life. But don’t worry, it’s not the typical video we’ve all seen before, this behind-the-scenes vid was directed by Max Vitali and is shot in an original manner that holds your attention, each shot a photograph all its own. There’s also live performance footage, studio time shots, and other promotional specks, like a fan signing and radio interview. If you look close enough you will also see BTB fave I Blame Coco.

Hang with Me is the lead single from Robyn’s second album (Body Talk Pt. 2) of a three part trilogy.

Robyn described the song as: “Pop should be seductive and sweet when it can. And I felt like I could be on Hang with Me, in a uncompromising way. It’s like a sweet and sour bon-bon wrapped in melancholy.”

The new album will be released September 6th.

Watch the music video followed by a beautiful live acoustic performance, below.

Robyn – Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Robyn recently performed at London’s Rimmel Room and as usual, her acoustic renditions overflowed with emotion, sure to melt hearts. Watch my favorite number (Dancing On My Own) from Body Talk Pt. 1, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[I realize the cheese has nothing to do with the candy reference. I just thought it was a fun pic. Oh, and my photoshop skills suck! I really wanted to turn the cheese into a giant spool of cotton candy but failed miserably, ha.]

I’ll admit, when Archuleta released Crush, I played that damn tune on repeat for weeks (don’t act like you didn’t). I knew it would be a huge smash and it was, proving he had the formula for stardom. He later released his debut album on Jive Records and I’ve gotta say, it was a solid debut for what he was targeting, which was commercial mainstream success, of course.

The track you’re about to hear is Archuleta’s new single (out today on iTunes), entitled Something About Love, taken from his upcoming sophomore album (Other Side of Down, set to be released September 14th). It’s a nice little diddy, but to be honest, I think it’s a little too confectioned. And by little, I mean a shitload. It’s sugary to the point that it makes the craving a little less desirable. Yes, I do like the song, I just think it’s a bit overdone. I understand that it’s David Archuleta we’re talking about and it’s what he sells, but I think there’s a beautiful dark undertone to his voice sometimes and I think it would be cool if he explored that more (listen to his track Desperate on his debut album for reference).

I don’t expect the kid to dive off the deep end and record a duet with Fiona Apple or anything (sorry, she was the first singer to enter my head), for, well, that would just be odd as hell. But I wouldn’t mind to see a little bit more raw emotion come out of his mouth instead of what sometimes feels like spoonfed ideas to appeal to the masses, because, let’s be honest, we all have a sweet tooth and are suckers for candy. Basically, it’s what sells. And this will undoubtedly sell.

Overall it’s a cute summer track, just a bit too sweet overall. But hey, we all crave that extra sugar sometimes, eh?

Check out Archuleta’s Something About Love, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Way to set the bar. Damn!

Being from the South, there’s no denying the place in my heart reserved for Southern girls, specifically those that are blonde, sweet tea sweet with a sense of humor, and pack a punch on the guitar. Needless to say, I effing love Taylor Swift! But then again, who doesn’t?

America’s sweetheart recently decided to go above and beyond for her fans, promising to hold a 13-hour meet and greet for everyone who would show up (via the CMA Music Festival). Instead, Swift spent close to 15 hours hugging and signing autographs for over 2,000 of the 10,000 fans who showed up! She also performed a mini-concert for all fans. Both the concert and meet and greet were free and open to the public! How awesome is that? I mean, can you imagine any other stars willing to put in that sort of time and commitment to fans? Highly doubt it! It’d be nice to see other acts pay tribute to fans in this manner, considering the fact that it IS the sole reason for their success. What a way to make those selfish turds look like lazy asses!

Said Swift: “My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible. Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Besides making us exhausted with her ever-giving heart and crazy schedule, Swift has been renovating a condo in Tennessee and apparently one of her biggest obsessions (besides her fans, of course) is stingrays (and giant-sized birdcages)?

Check out a clip of Taylor discussing her affection for stingrays below, followed by footage from her 15-hour free meet & greet in Nashville.

MTV Shows

Hello guy at the 1:23 mark! His hand’s a little low on her hip, no? Copping a feel are we?!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Dude, what’s up with the White House? Concerts galore in that place!

No matter what your political affiliation, no one can deny the fact that the White House has become an interesting stage for music lately. Seriously, it’s like TRL up in there these days!

Esperanza Spalding, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, and the cast of Glee have all been on hand at the White House for a performance or two, and recently the Obamas requested Regina Spektor to perform at the first ever White House reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.

In the first ever reception honoring Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House, Spektor performed a solo piano set for President Obama and First Lady Michelle, Vice President Biden, and others in DC. Luckily for those of us who didn’t make the VIP guest list, Spektor’s performance was captured on video to give us regular folks a glimpse into the event.

Spektor, who is currently on an international tour promoting her latest album expressed her gratitude by saying: “Having lived here for over twenty years, it is an unimaginable honor to be invited to the White House by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, to an event celebrating Jewish Americans, and to be counted among them. Nothing in the world could make us feel more accepted and at home!”

Watch a super cute animation set to Regina’s beautiful Laughing With, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If you read BTB on da regular you would know my favorite cup of music is pop. Although, I also love some good indie rock and pretty much all things music oriented, I fall quickly for a simple pop tune, especially when backed by strong female vocals in the vein of Ryan Tedder production characteristics.

Not long ago I wrote an entire post on alcohol and somehow managed to tie this to the fact that I miss JoJo (see kids, you don’t need alcohol to be scatter-brained). Many tracks have leaked from JoJo’s recording sessions but due to some issues with finding stability at a label, it appears it may be some time before we see a new album and this BLOWS MY MIND, because the leaked tracks I am hearing are pure pop perfection, just like the one you’re about to hear.

Do I really need to bring out a picket sign and a megaphone?! [Ha]

WE WANT A NEW JOJO RECORD!!!

Listen to Wrong Man For The Job below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Girl can saaang!

A lil backstory: Charice was born in the Philippines where she and her little brother were raised solely by their mother, who left their father when Charice was only three years old due to domestic violence. To help support her struggling family, she began to compete in amateur singing contests at the ripe old age of seven. But it wasn’t until years later, in 2007 that Charice would gain worldwide recognition after an avid supporter began to post videos of her live performances onto YouTube where the videos went on to receive millions and millions of hits. And the rest as they say is history.

Vocally she’s been compared with Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Her self-titled international debut album with Warner Records label is scheduled for a May 11, 2010 release.

Check out the music video for Pyramid ft. Iyaz, below.

Charice – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Oh Betty, how we love thee.

“I’m thrilled to hear he’s going to be on the show because he’s the hottest thing since sliced bread, but I certainly enjoy him. I hope we’ll get along well,” White told reporters about her upcoming SNL appearance (with musical guest Jay-Z). “Yes, [I have listened to his music]…I have no idea [if we'll work together]! But I’m game to try anything. This is an adventure!”

Perhaps Betty can bring out her inner Beyonce and do a little diddy with the rapper? Any ideas? Let’s just hope they don’t throw her in a black bikini and make her do the Single Ladies dance. Not that it wouldn’t be awesome but it’s been done way too much. Either way, whatever SNL creates for Betty, I’m sure will be great TV.

Until SNL airs this weekend, you can check out Jay performing Young Forever (at Coachella) with wifey BK, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A few days ago, before his face appeared on Idol Gives Back, President Obama arrived in Los Angeles to help raise money for the re-election of Senator Barbara Boxer. An exclusive dinner was arranged, and the guests in attendance had to pay $17,600 dollars per dinner plate. Let me state the obvious: most in attendance were wealthy corporate types or celebrities of various branches. When given a second thought, it’s clear that sometimes in order to feel you have a voice in America you need wealth (or at least the luxury of spending $17,600 for dinner). The ironic twist is the event took place in LA, a city on the verge of bankruptcy, with 80,000 residents homeless and 12 percent of the city’s population without jobs.

I mention the Obama angle, because I think it’s a common factor in deciding whether or not to give. Trust me, I’ve been there, to that place inside that selfishly overlooks the truth, by feeling as if I have nothing to give in comparisons to those with celebrity style bank accounts (which, let’s face it, should be giving in the first place, with or without the positive attention of the camera). The truth is, you do not need $17,600 to truly leave your footprint in the dirt of the world. Even as little as $10 bucks a month can literally feed children on the brink of starvation and catastrophic diseases.

Idol winner Carrie Underwood performed the beautiful track Change during the two hour event. Underwood talked to reporters after the show about the importance of supporting charitable causes: “This is the stuff that really makes a difference,” she said. “We’re coming up on 10 seasons of American Idol. Twenty years later, people might not remember who won what, but this is the kind of stuff that can make lives better and people will remember that.”

The track from Underwood’s Play On album was written by Katrina Elam, Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins. “[The song] talks about how the smallest thing can make a huge difference, and it really fits with tonight’s concept,” Underwood told reporters. During her fall tour, 36 cents of every ticket sold will benefit Save the Children’s programs in the U.S. The amount parallels a reference to “36 cents” in the lyrics of the song.

You can listen to the track, below. You can also check out Keep A Child Alive (a program I personally advocate), by clicking here.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ricky Martin has finally came out of the closet and admitted to being gay. In more shocking news–the sky is blue.

In all seriousness, kudos to Ricky! He is a wonderful daddy to his beautiful twin boys and a great role model, spending countless hours in the arena of humanitarian efforts, specifically the exploitation of children in human trafficking rings.

He may have a fine bon bon, but where it counts Ricky is truly a beautiful human being and that is why I admire him so. Check out a clip of Martin in an interview explaining the horrific crime that is human trafficking, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

We all worry about what youngin’s will become tomorrow, yet we forget that they are someone today. No, I’m not talking about Lil Romeo, Lil Bow Wow, or Young Money. I’m raving about actual youth talent, and a group from a public school in Staten Island that keeps grabbing my attention: the PS22 Chorus.

They’re infamous for their YouTube videos, and rightfully so. Music is the magnet that holds this school together. These New Yorker’s sing the hell out of various songs from Lady Gaga, Journey, and even Rihanna. They even hit the studio to record with Passion Pit for their critically acclaimed album Manners. These clips made my heart melt like a popsicle on the fourth of July (yes, Little Rascals throwback).

Everyone starts somewhere, and the PS22 chorus could have our future grammy winners sitting in those auditorium seats. Everyone knows youth is not easy, with fighting, bad grades, and cruel kids; but the good thing about music is, when it hits you, you feel no pain.

Check out one of their singing sessions, and I promise your day will be a little better. Not only your daily dose of kick ass music, but your double-dosage of kick-ass kiddies!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Let’s just be honest: I love all three of the above-mentioned women. Why, you might ask? I think anyone who can handle the bullets of an evil and shallow industry and still lead a life with a hint of sanity deserves some major kudos.

Last night, after a long day at work, I grabbed my bag of Goldfish and tuned in for Jessica Simpson’s The Price of Beauty. No matter what anyone says about Simpson, I find her cute as a button. I also find the message and idea behind this show to be one that is universal, one that women of all shapes and sizes can cling to, because underneath, in a world where Heidi Montag lands on a magazine cover swollen with injections, many beautiful girls are left feeling not-so-pretty.

Kirstie Alley (whose new series Kirstie Alley’s Big Life premiered Sunday on A&E) also thinks highly of Jessica Simpson, and is glad she’s strong enough to deal with the never-ending talk about her fluctuating weight. It’s something Alley can empathize with, and she gives cheers (pun intended) to the star for taking it all with a laugh.

Kirstie said (on Jessica): “I haven’t seen The Price of Beauty, but I love her. She’s funny, and she can take the punches. She’s smart.”

The Cheers actress rocked a bikini on TV back in 2006 after she lost 70 pounds, but has since then regained most of the weight back. Now, she’s back on the get-thin train with her new series and is attempting to shed the weight. She said: “I can’t believe I f***ing got f***ing fat again. I spent my whole life thin. It comes on a lot faster than I get it off.”

But the actress who has felt the most recent heat has been Precious star Gabourey Sidibe. Howard Stern recently decided to be an ugly ass (what else is new?) when he basically decided to call her the fattest person on the planet. All I’ve got to say is this:

What’s wrong with the world when we allow tabloids and a 56-year-old disc jockey to prey on a woman’s worth?

BIG GIRLS, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

Where’s my twinkie? I’m signing out.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yep, you read that right!

Last night, exhausted from the gym, I came home and did what most dudes would do while relaxing in front of the computer: I youtubed puppies. Ok, so maybe that’s not what MOST guys would do, but I’m really debating with this idea of getting a pet. Long story short–my puppy searching somehow led me to discover this video and it totally made me smile.

A group of University of Rochester students have re-created Taylor Swift’s massive anthem You Belong With Me to feature a same-sex crush.

Made by the university’s singing group the Yellowjackets, the video Stars Matt Francis (jock) and Michael Pittman (gleek).

Watch the cuteness, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

What the hell is going on in this photo? Awesomeness, that’s what.

Since winning AI last season, the Idol champ has gone green & charitable, promoting fuel efficiency with Ford and recently lending help to relief in Haiti. Sounds like quite the superhero, yeah? Well, not according to Kris, who recently said to MTV (speaking on his Idol appearance set for tonight)—”Being on the show is going to be a bigger help than me going over with the little bit of manpower I have.”

The show, set to air tonight during the elimination episode, will urge viewers to make donations via online or text-message to the Idol Gives Back Foundation, with proceeds going to support the United Nations Foundation’s ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.

Allison Iraheta will be singing her single SCARS on tonight’s episode also.

Check out Allen speaking on his visit to Haiti, below.

MTV Shows

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Man! PETA sure knows how to throw people in the dog house. Get it?! Dog house, Peta. Anyways.

Last September Jessica Simpson was devastated when she lost her beloved dog, Daisy, to a coyote attack (I just laughed at myself for actually knowing this)–but it sounds like the singer is finally thinking about replacing the pup–with a pint-sized piglet. According to Time, Teacup piglets are tiny miniature pigs that are said to be as smart as (if not smarter than) dogs.

“I’m thinking about getting a pet pig,” she wrote on Twitter. “Does this mean I’ll have to give up pork?”

Needless to say PETA was not amused. A representative for the organization told Us Magazine: “Pigs, who are smarter than dogs and every bit as sensitive to pain and stress, don’t belong in Jessica’s stomach or carted around as her latest accessory.”

Oh snap!

On a more positive note, their ad campaigns (latest, featuring Kellan Lutz, here) are usually awesome. Lutz explains that he found his pet, Kola, in a shelter, frightened in the back of a cage. “I touched her toe and said, ‘Hey, what’s your name?’ ” he recalls. “She spoke to me.” Lutz was then warned that she was a puller, but he decided to walk her anyway, and knew then that he’d found the one. “From that day on, I loved her,” he says.

According to PETA, about 8 million unwanted dogs and cats enter shelters every year — and half of them are euthanized due to space issues. With that being said, I understand why PETA would make a statement to Jessica’s desires to snatch up some mini bacon, but come on! You can’t blame the girl for wanting one, they are pretty adorable.

Learn more about the teacup piglets, below.

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