- I have my doubts that everyone celebrating RATM's victory actually bought the single. If you didn't buy it, you can't really relish in it. How did you contribute exactly?
- I also find it a little odd that the 'campaign' has been blasted by the likes of Mr Cowell and co. Surely its the same chart battle as every other week. There are songs to chose from, and people buy the ones they like.
- Joe fans: Stop your moaning. If more people liked 'The Climb' than 'Killing In The Name' then that would have been number one. I downloaded other songs off itunes that I liked. I wasn't doing it because I hate The X-Factor. I did it because I like those songs.
- Number 2 is still a perfectly respectable chart position. While this will probably make no difference to Joe's career, the music of RATM has now been brought to the attention of quite possibly millions of people who didn't even know they existed before. Promotion of new music can only be a good thing, right?
- I initially felt bad for Joe, like I was ganging up on him. But it occurred to me that I didn't like his song. And I wasn't gonna pay for music I don't like.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
A few thoughts: RATM vs Geordie Joe
Labels:
Joe McElderry,
RATM,
Thoughts,
X-Factor
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Top Five: US Shows *SPOILERIFIC*
My five favourite shows currently airing in the US.
I am watching most of these shows at US pace, so the below may contain spoilers.
5. 90210
This show is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. I have always been a fan of the american High School drama (The OC, Dawsons Creek, My So Called Life, NOT 10 Things I Hate About You), and 90210 is currently filling that particular void in my life. Naomi's sister annoyed the hell out of my though. She should have got her come-uppance much sooner.
4. Cougar Town
One of Courtney Cox's shows following the end of Friends, and finally one that is worthy of her comic skills and acting chops. Okay, so its no Friends, but it is easier to put that to the back of your mind, as it is easy to get through the show without making comparisons between Monica Gellar and Jules Cobb.
3. House
This might sound a little sad, but I don't like watching House on TV. Instead, I prefer to wait until the box sets come out on DVD and then watch as many of them as I can in a short space of time. This is partly because I am so keen to find out what happens next, that I don't want to wait a whole week to find out what comes next. I would seriously recommend this show to anyone, even those who are not fans of the medical drama genre. Hugh Laurie is simply amazing, and is backed up by a very believable support cast and guest stars that read like a whos who of under-appreciated talent.
2. Glee
Glee pretty much gives me everything that I want out of a show. There is singing and dancing. It is funny. There is drama galore. Love triangles. Complex relationships. AND it's set in a High School! The only reason its not the number one show for me? No Chuck Bass. That's pretty much it.
1. Gossip Girl
I am in love with this show. I described it once as it being The OC, but with a hotter cast. But is so much more than that! As you may have gathered already, I am little bit in love with Chuck Bass. The evolution of his character and his relationship with Blair, and the scenes that play out as a result of that, are the highlight of every episode to me. My favourite episodes are those where the big secrets and dramas that have been bubbling under the surface all explode in a short space of time. Although that sounds a bit mean when I repeat it. I am also glad now the Hillary Duff stuff is done with. I am hope she isn't coming back.
Labels:
90210,
Cougar Town,
Glee,
Gossip Girl,
House,
Top 5
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Because having my own blog isn't enough...
...I am now taking over someone elses!
Check out my Top 5 musical moments of the year, as featured on the epic blog 'Acoustic Dreams & Hardcore Screams'.
http://acousticdreamshardcorescreams.blogspot.com/2009/12/guest-blog-2009-lists-top-5-musical.html
And while you are at it, read the rest of the blog, follow it... you know how these things work!
Saturday, 5 December 2009
2009: Top Ten Most Played Artists
My most played artists this year according to LastFM.
I can sense your disapproval already.
10. Panic At The Disco
Most played song: I Write Sins, Not Tragedies
9. Jonas Brothers
Most played song: Burnin' Up
8. Take That
Most played song: Sure
7. Cobra Starship
Most played song: Guilty Pleasure
6. Maroon 5
Most played song: Makes Me Wonder
5. Linkin Park
Most played song: What I've Done
4. Taking Back Sunday
Most played song: Error: Operator
3. Paramore
Most played song: Misery Business
2. Fall Out Boy
Most played song: Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
1. McFly
Most played song: Bubblewrap
Friday, 4 December 2009
Top Five: Dinner Party Guests
If I could invite any five people to a dinner party, who would it be?
(Let me know who yours are in the comments below).
1. Matt Bellamy.
One of my musical heroes and someone I find incredibly fascinating. Creative sorts interest me, and I would love to know how he gets his ideas. Although I suspect he wouldn't share those kind of details with me. I have plans to befriend him so he will let me join the band. I think I could be in charge of the triangle. Or buffing up Bellamy's guitars. Or throwing the balloons filled with glitter. You know, important things like that.
2. Joss Whedon.
Joss is THE man! He may also be one of the unluckiest men in the world at the moment, as his (in my humble opinion) awesome TV shows keep getting cancelled. Anyone who can come up with the dialogue of shows such as Buffy and Serenity has to be an awesome conversationalist. He also inspires loyalty from those who he works with, so he must be a nice chap.
3. Jared Leto.
Yes, he is being mentioned for about the millionth time. This particular choice may just be because I am going through a bit of a phase and want to kidnap the man. If he came to my dinner party, it would save me a lot of effort. He is too talented for his own good. He brings these things on himself.
4. Zac Efron.
He doesn't have to speak. He can just sit there and look pretty. This role could also be filled by others, but he is the current prime candidate.
5. Jane Austen.
Partly because I feel like I should have a female presence at this dinner party of mine. Partly because I admire her romantic notions. Partly because her stories are so timeless and loved by millions. And partly because I want to have words with her as to why the nice, dependable, loving man is never the one chosen in love triangles, while the female runs off with the rebel/bad guy/arrogant twit etc. I blame her partly responsible for this.
Labels:
Jane Austen,
Jared Leto,
Joss Whedon,
Matt Bellamy,
Top 5,
Zac Efron
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Music Vids
Sorry for the blogging delay. It's been a bit manic round these parts.
Time for this weeks recommended videos.
1. Timbaland feat SoShy & Nelly Furtado - Morning After Dark
I love Timbaland. I want to give him a great big hug. That is all I have to say.
2. VV Brown - Game Over
Criminally under-rated. Love her sense of style and how happy her music makes me feel. Not exactly a new video, but I am spreading the love.
3. The Saturdays - Ego
A video that looks firmly targetted at the male market, but I hardly doubt most men would need an excuse to check out some Sats action. The girls look awesome as super heroes. Not quite on par with their early stuff, but at least its better than Forever Is Over!
4. Peter Kay's Animated AllStar Band
It's like the best trip down memory lane ever! Okay, so the songs aren't the best, but the video is worth a watch just to look on in awe and wonder how Peter Kay managed to pull it off. Plus its the official Children in Need song, so if you like it and then buy it, everyones a winnner.
5. Paramore - Brick By Boring Brick
One of the more unusual videos around at the mo, but that doesn't take away from its quality. It's a beautiful looking video that just begs to be watched again and again. Plus the song is my current personal favourite off the latest album, Brand New Eyes (this may change though).
Labels:
Music Vids,
Paramore,
Peter Kay,
The Saturdays,
Timbaland,
VV Brown
Saturday, 21 November 2009
2009: Top Ten Films
Notable Mention: Coco Before Chanel. Brilliant Film. Probably, in cinematic terms, a lot better than most of the films in this list to be honest.
10. Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen
I love action movies. The acting is a little ropey. It probably took Megan Fox all of half an hour to learn her lines ("SAM!"). The action is a little chaotic. The story doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But it's bloody good fun!
9. 17 Again
Just for Zac Efron. Yes, I am shallow.
8. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
If you are a fan of high quality cinema, this is probably not the film for you. If you are a fan of iconic scenes, Hugh Jackman and will watch any film with a trailer featuring the words "Ryan Reynolds" then this is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
7. Funny People
I would quite happily watch Eric Bana's scenes on repeat really. It makes a change to see him using his natural accent, and he a quite surprising sense of comic timing.
6. Taken
Liam Neeson is awesome in this film. But you already know I think that. Maggie Grace's teenage character is a little odd though.
5. New Moon
Pretty much for Taylor Lautner. Loses marks for Robert Pattinson. More werewolf action please!
4. Away We Go
I love sweet, quirky romantic films, and that is pretty much what this film is. It may just be second best ensemble of the year. More people really should see this film.
3. Up
Such a beautiful film. Sounds cliche, but it will make you laugh and cry. On paper it may sound like a crazy idea for an animation movie, but on screen it holds you full attention for the entire running time.
2. Star Trek
I was so excited about this, I went to see it at midnight (and a second time a week later). And it did not disappoint in anyway. I enjoyed it so much I went to see it twice. Except for Eric Bana's villain not being particularly villainous. Humour, action, romance, special effects, Chris Pine AND Zachary Quinto. What more could you need from a film really?
1. The Hangover
The funniest film I have seen this year by a long way. Unpredictable in every sense. Laughed out loud a hell of a lot. The cast have impeccable comic timing. It's kinda sad when the film ends. Very excited about the forthcoming sequel. I have high hopes!
10. Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen
I love action movies. The acting is a little ropey. It probably took Megan Fox all of half an hour to learn her lines ("SAM!"). The action is a little chaotic. The story doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But it's bloody good fun!
9. 17 Again
Just for Zac Efron. Yes, I am shallow.
8. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
If you are a fan of high quality cinema, this is probably not the film for you. If you are a fan of iconic scenes, Hugh Jackman and will watch any film with a trailer featuring the words "Ryan Reynolds" then this is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
7. Funny People
I would quite happily watch Eric Bana's scenes on repeat really. It makes a change to see him using his natural accent, and he a quite surprising sense of comic timing.
6. Taken
Liam Neeson is awesome in this film. But you already know I think that. Maggie Grace's teenage character is a little odd though.
5. New Moon
Pretty much for Taylor Lautner. Loses marks for Robert Pattinson. More werewolf action please!
4. Away We Go
I love sweet, quirky romantic films, and that is pretty much what this film is. It may just be second best ensemble of the year. More people really should see this film.
3. Up
Such a beautiful film. Sounds cliche, but it will make you laugh and cry. On paper it may sound like a crazy idea for an animation movie, but on screen it holds you full attention for the entire running time.
2. Star Trek
I was so excited about this, I went to see it at midnight (and a second time a week later). And it did not disappoint in anyway. I enjoyed it so much I went to see it twice. Except for Eric Bana's villain not being particularly villainous. Humour, action, romance, special effects, Chris Pine AND Zachary Quinto. What more could you need from a film really?
1. The Hangover
The funniest film I have seen this year by a long way. Unpredictable in every sense. Laughed out loud a hell of a lot. The cast have impeccable comic timing. It's kinda sad when the film ends. Very excited about the forthcoming sequel. I have high hopes!
Labels:
17 Again,
Away We Go,
Funny People,
New Moon,
Star Trek,
Taken,
The Hangover,
Transformers,
Up,
X-Men
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Music Vids
This weeks 5 to check out.
1. Demi Lovato - Remember December.
I rather love Miss Lovato. Which has nothing to do with her Disney connections. Promise! I wish I sounded like her when I sang.
2. Britney - 3.
For reasons I am not entirely sure of, I always find Britney's overly sexual songs hilarious. I think it may be to do with the fact they look like desperate cries of attention. Plus, I can also imagine the look on the faces of parents who realise just what their children are listening to.
3. Rihanna - Russian Roulette.
This song is rather awesome, and I was genuinely excited at the prospect of seeing the video. And luckily it doesn't dissapoint. Not the typical lead single off a new album, but that is part of what makes it so special. It is hard to believe that this is the same girl who sang 'Pon De Replay'.
4. Chris Brown - Crawl.
As potentially controversial as Chris Brown appreciation may be these days, his next album may just be the best yet based on what I have already heard. Particularly this one.
5. 30 Seconds To Mars - Kings & Queens.
There is this part of my brain that can not comprehend why 30STM (as all the cool kids refer to them as) are not more popular than they are. But I am not complaining about this. As it means I still get to enjoy their presence in smaller venues. So please, don't check out this video. Especially if you are a tall, selfish person who is likely to stand in front of me and block my view. The less competition the better.
Labels:
30 Seconds To Mars,
Britney Spears,
Chris Brown,
Demi Lovato,
Music Vids,
Rihanna
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Music Vids
Slightly lazy post, but I highly recommend watching these music videos. They made me very excited. But I am quite easily excitable. I shall list five. Because 5 is the way I do things round here.
1. Panic At The Disco - New Perspective
If you don't like the band, this probably isn't going to win you over. But is a nice medium between the emoness of album one and folky, cheeriness (and not-so-goodness) of album two. Plus I loves Brendon a little bit.
2. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
Not a massive fan of the song (love the chorus, hate the verses), but the video is fairly epic. Likely to cause bouts of excitement for lovers of fashion, dancing, anime eyes and half naked women. This must cover just about everyone right?
3. Cobra Starship - Hot Mess
The Cobra's would be my guilty pleasure if I actually felt guilty about it. Like the idea of the video and have already played the song to death. There is something exciting about finally seeing a music video to a song you really like.
4. Leighton Meester - Somebody To Love
Ms Meester is one of my two girl crushes, so was therefore bound to love the video. Ridiculously sexy video, but in a classy way. Mostly. Again, not a massive fan of the song, but it is starting to grow on me the more I hear it.
5. 3oh!3 Feat Katy Perry - Starstrukk
Just to even things out, this is girl crush number two (everyone has girl crushes, right?) and I am currently a little obsessed with this song. Until I can afford to have ownership of it, I have just been watching the video online. Good old internet! Unfortunately I can't whistle, so singing along is limited.
I am going to try and remember to recommend videos every Weds/crazy early Thursday morning. If I can organise myself this is.
Monday, 9 November 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Top Five: Movie Tearjerkers *SPOILERIFIC*
5. Marley & Me
Admittedly not one of the best films ever, but, and I am a little ashamed to admit it, this film made me cry more than anything else I have ever seen. We are talking full blown tears. My sleeves were soaked where I was wiping my eyes. Suffice to say, I looked particularly special by the time the film ended. I refuse to watch this movie again. The long and very drawn out demise of Marley is too much for me to take.
4. Pearl Harbor
Again, admittedly, this film is pretty poor. And yet I have seen it multiple times. I am not entirely sure why, although I don't think the fact Josh Hartnett is in it is entirely coincidental. For some unknown reason, the last 5 minutes of this film really gets to me. Might be something about the sight of men crying. I also like the explosions, but thats for another blog.
3. Into The Wild
Even though I had a feeling it was coming, when Chris McCandless dies, it made me sad. You wanted to think that he could live forever in this existence, but that was not how it was meant to be. To make matters worse, when he decides he wants to go back to his family, he is no longer in the state to be able to do it. At least he didn't die getting mauled by bears or something. It's made all the more sad by the fact its based on a true story. And Emile Hirsch is just too convincing in this role.
2. Armageddon
I must have seen this film approx 302,459 times. And I still cry at the ending. Every single time. Except the very first time I saw it. When I got angry, because I thought it was a contrived effort to make it clear to everyone that Bruce Willis was the star of this movie. And not Ben Affleck. After I got over my cynicism, the waterworks began. I sometimes make myself watch it just to try and make myself not cry at it anymore (I don't really have a life). It never works. Thanks Bruce, for saving the world.
1. Brokeback Mountain
Heath Ledger is bloody brilliant. Jake Gyllenhaal is too, don't get me wrong. But Heath is more brilliant. In fact, one of the most brilliant people ever. I mention this because if Mr Ledger was not as brilliant as previously mentioned, this film would not be half as affecting as it is. You get wrapped up in the whole relationship, and kinda of forget this is actually a film, and that the leads are, or at least as far as I know, of the hetero persuasion. I was genuinely sad they don't get to live happily ever after in Hollywood land. "I wish I knew how to quit you!"
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Special Guest Blog! Top Five: Sexiest Videos
By Cleo Samuel
5. Sugababes - Get Sexy - Sweet 7
Now, I couldn't do a top five without paying must needed attention to my favourite girlband. Despite their issues of late, the Sugababes know how to do a pop video like no other group. Get Sexy is their comeback video, and the girls do a great job of 'getting sexy', the camera going from Heidi's sassy smiles, to Keisha's sexy pouts, and Amelle showing off her legs in an edgy outfit whilst sauntering around in a bird cage. If you're not a huge fan of the video, then the lyrics are pure genius. The song is pretty awesome too, that is if you can forgive the right said fred references.
4. Shakira - She Wolf - She Wolf
Shakira is the best - nobody does latina or belly dancing quite like her, [sorry Jennifer Lopez] and this video is just one of the many reasons why. Shakira often does understated sexy, but on this video, she really does unleash her inner she wolf and lets her sex appeal go wild. I defy anybody not to get up and start singing along, especially at the 'Awooooooooo' chorus.... not to mention some of the lyrics are pretty amazing, too.
3. Marilyn Manson - Heart Shaped Glasses [where the hand guides the heart]
For anybody who knows me, this choice is a weird one. Now although the song isn't exactly on my itunes, the video, I think, manages to capture Manson at a stage where he seems to be in a 'happy' place. The video features then girlfriend and favourite actress of mine Evan Rachel Wood. According to Manson, she is the highest paid actress ever to star in a music video. There's rather a large part of me that secretly loves the video, its shocking and true to form in representing the passion in their relationship, and although I don't think Manson would ever be described as producing a video that is conventionally 'sexy', there's something weird and wonderful about this video that you just can't help but watch.
2. Britney Spears - Slave 4 U - Britney
Britney. Hot Sweaty Atmosphere. The Dance Moves. And who can forget the hot pink thong worn over her chaps? Britney's Slave 4 U video cemented her transformation from girl next door to sexy pinup like no other, helped along by her VMA performance, too. Produced by the Neptunes, Britney shakes and sings her way through this song delivering sexy pop sounds like no other.
1. Robin Thicke - Lost Without You - The Evolution of Robin Thicke
This video is sultry, sophisticated, and oh so sexy. If you don't know who Robin Thicke is, he's the man whose voice and suave sex appeal is a couple of degrees hotter than Justin Timberlake - Yes, I said it. The video is not only incredibly soulful, but the song and video help you to set the right kind of mood just like no other. Its a classy video, and to make things sweeter, Robin's love interest happens to be his lovely wife, the gorgeous Paula Patton who you might recognise from films like Hitch and Deja Vu. If this song doesn't put you in the mood for a big dose of romance and sexy time, I don't know what will.
5. Sugababes - Get Sexy - Sweet 7
Now, I couldn't do a top five without paying must needed attention to my favourite girlband. Despite their issues of late, the Sugababes know how to do a pop video like no other group. Get Sexy is their comeback video, and the girls do a great job of 'getting sexy', the camera going from Heidi's sassy smiles, to Keisha's sexy pouts, and Amelle showing off her legs in an edgy outfit whilst sauntering around in a bird cage. If you're not a huge fan of the video, then the lyrics are pure genius. The song is pretty awesome too, that is if you can forgive the right said fred references.
4. Shakira - She Wolf - She Wolf
Shakira is the best - nobody does latina or belly dancing quite like her, [sorry Jennifer Lopez] and this video is just one of the many reasons why. Shakira often does understated sexy, but on this video, she really does unleash her inner she wolf and lets her sex appeal go wild. I defy anybody not to get up and start singing along, especially at the 'Awooooooooo' chorus.... not to mention some of the lyrics are pretty amazing, too.
3. Marilyn Manson - Heart Shaped Glasses [where the hand guides the heart]
For anybody who knows me, this choice is a weird one. Now although the song isn't exactly on my itunes, the video, I think, manages to capture Manson at a stage where he seems to be in a 'happy' place. The video features then girlfriend and favourite actress of mine Evan Rachel Wood. According to Manson, she is the highest paid actress ever to star in a music video. There's rather a large part of me that secretly loves the video, its shocking and true to form in representing the passion in their relationship, and although I don't think Manson would ever be described as producing a video that is conventionally 'sexy', there's something weird and wonderful about this video that you just can't help but watch.
2. Britney Spears - Slave 4 U - Britney
Britney. Hot Sweaty Atmosphere. The Dance Moves. And who can forget the hot pink thong worn over her chaps? Britney's Slave 4 U video cemented her transformation from girl next door to sexy pinup like no other, helped along by her VMA performance, too. Produced by the Neptunes, Britney shakes and sings her way through this song delivering sexy pop sounds like no other.
1. Robin Thicke - Lost Without You - The Evolution of Robin Thicke
This video is sultry, sophisticated, and oh so sexy. If you don't know who Robin Thicke is, he's the man whose voice and suave sex appeal is a couple of degrees hotter than Justin Timberlake - Yes, I said it. The video is not only incredibly soulful, but the song and video help you to set the right kind of mood just like no other. Its a classy video, and to make things sweeter, Robin's love interest happens to be his lovely wife, the gorgeous Paula Patton who you might recognise from films like Hitch and Deja Vu. If this song doesn't put you in the mood for a big dose of romance and sexy time, I don't know what will.
Labels:
Britney Spears,
Guest Blog,
Marilyn Manson,
Robin Thicke,
Shakira,
Sugababes,
Top 5
Monday, 26 October 2009
Top 5: Lonely Island Videos.
Because I am really a teenage boy. And these things make me laugh.
5. Just 2 Guyz
4. We Like Sportz
(I can't find a version in youtube. Fail.)
3. Lazy Sunday
2. I'm On A Boat
1. Dick In A Box
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Top 5: Boy Bands
5. 911.
Not a very cool band to admit to liking in hindsight, or when they were still active, but they were the first gig I went to, so they have a special place in my heart. Makes me laugh when the band members appear on the line-up on Never Mind The Buzzcocks (two down, one to go!). I used to be mesmerised by their dancing. But looking back I have realised that really wasn't their greatest skill. I am not entirely sure they had a great skill.
Faves: Bodyshakin, Don't Make Me Wait, Love Sensation.
4. Busted.
Not technically a boy band (my blog, my rules), but I was absolutely in love with this band. Pretty perfect pop music, with added guitars. James Bourne is a bit of a pop genius. McFly could also just as easily have been in this position, but there is something a bit special about Busted. I'm not sure if it's because they were the originals, or because they split up when they were at their peak. I was gutted when Charlie left and it all went tits up. I didn't cry, just to clarify. I tried really hard not to love Fightstar when they emerged from the ashes, but unfortunately I am unable to deny that they are awesome. Damn you, Simpson.
Faves: 3am, You Said No, Thunderbirds.
3. Backstreet Boys.
How can you not love this band? The undisputed Kings of The Ballad (if anyone claims Westlife are, I will refuse to talk to you for at least 3 minutes), although I personally think they are at their best with their more uptempo numbers. The day I saw them at TOTP was literally one of the most exciting moments ever. Despite the change of hairstyles and clothes, they seem to have forgotten to age. Probably too busy being larger than life. Oh yes, I have resorted to puns.
Faves: Everybody (Backstreets Back), Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely, Inconsolable.
2. Take That.
I used to be a lot in love with this band. Although I was not one of the crazy people in floods of tears when they split up. Even as a child I had some sense of perspective. Had they never come back into my life, Take That would definitely have been number one on this list. But they did re-emerge, and I don't think their newer stuff is as good as the old stuff. I like my boy bands to be slightly whiffing of Cheddar, and this more mature sound (oh yes, now I have resorted to cheese based puns) is tarnishing my memories. Don't get me wrong, Patience is one of the greatest pop songs ever written, but my enthusiasm at their return is diminishing. Old school TT all the way!
Faves: Sure, Relight My Fire, A Million Love Songs.
1. NSYNC.
Slightly controversial choice, but I am currently a lot in love with this band. I am almost 100% sure that if a new boy band popped up singing the same songs, I would laugh in their faces. Part of their appeal is the nostalgia factor, even though it really hasn't aged well, but it can never, ever fail to make a humungous smile appear on my face. I kinda hope this band never comes back though. It really wouldn't be the same.
Faves: Pop, Bye Bye Bye, Tearing Up My Heart.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Top Five: American Idolers
5. Chris Daughtry
An awesome rock voice. Very unlike the norm when it comes to the type of singers who you expect to see on these kind of shows.
4. Jennifer Hudson
Not the biggest fan of her music in all honesty, but her performance in Dreamgirls is nothing short of extra-ordinary. Definitely worth the Oscar. You believe every word she sings in that movie and she even manages to upstage Beyonce, which is not an easy feat.
3. Kelly Clarkson
More of an fan of old school Clarkson. Well to be more precise, I am a pretty much a fan of all her works, apart from 'My December'. Slightly more obscurely, it is also worth checking out her duets with Country legend Reba McEntire. Kelly would wipe the floor with any of the contestants on the British equivalents on this show (as would anyone past this point on the list to be fair). Except for maybe Leon Jackson. I loved him.
2. Carrie Underwood
I am a bit of a secret country music lover. Although I'm kinda selective. I love how the music doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is, and is always uplifting. It's no coincidence she has won a pretty amazing 4 Grammys and a ridiculous 14(!!) Billboard Music Awards. But then again someone decided to give U2 22 Grammys, so maybe that's not a good indication of anything.
1. Jordin Sparks
As much at home with big ballads, as epic pop tunes and uptempo numbers. I think it is literally impossible to chose a favourite song of hers. Not only are her vocal abilities undeniable (Her live singing sounds exactly the same as the record!), but she also seems to be a genuinely nice person. I wish she was my friend. Maybe I will tweet her...
Special Guest Blog! Top Five: Sibling Acts
By Jess Wearn
5) Hanson.
Back in the nineties, they were the heartthrobs of thousands of pre-teen girls. Time hasn't been good to them, but I would kill for their hair!
4) The Wainwrights.
4) The Wainwrights.
Rufus is the musical genius, but Martha has a voice that blows your socks off. They're the high-end version of the Jagger children.
3) Kings of Leon.
3) Kings of Leon.
Their music rocks, they have their hiccups (apparently they co-write just to claim equal royalties) but they are sons of a preacher from the Mid-west and they're gritty rockstars.
2) The Afflecks.
2) The Afflecks.
Admit it, you wouldn't say no to either of these gents. I personally prefer Casey.
1) The Gyllenhaals.
1) The Gyllenhaals.
I just love their individuality. Jake is a heartthrob, Maggie is someone you'd love to have a night out with. The films they're in are fantastic (most of the time) and each have shown their amazing acting abilities.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Special Guest Blog! Jared Leto Is Sexy: Let Me Count Five Ways
By Fiona Hunter (http://acousticdreamshardcorescreams.blogspot.com)
5) My-So-Called Life Era: Jared as a young ‘un. Anyone who was/is a fan of this show knows that it is almost entirely about Jared as Jordan Catalano. He was mysterious, brooding and blew completely hot and cold on Angela. But this was the huge attraction of him in it. That boyish floppy hair, the far off gazes, and the most random of words he came out with. This picture sums up his whole attraction as Jordan.
4) The Full-on Emo Look: This picture is taken from ‘The Kill’ which was the single that put 30STM on the mainstream map. Jared is completely embracing the emo image with his raven-black hair and long fringe as well as the angst he demonstrates in this video. I don’t think it needs explaining why this is one of my favourite pictures... TWO Jared's at once? It’s the dream.
3) The Revamp: Gone is the long hair and the dodgy Kurt Cobain inspired bleach (one picture which was definitely NOT going to make this top 5) and here arrives Jared at 37, a new 30STM album imminent and a short hairstyle to embrace. Now I’ve always been a fan of floppy fringes but cooooor, Jared looks ten times younger looking all clean-cut and polished. Plus you can see those baby blues better which is nothing but positive.
2) TOPLESS: Do I really need to explain this one?
1) A Beautiful Boy: Like ‘A Beautiful Lie’, get it? Pun-tastic. This is the epitome of perfect Leto to me. And because of this it's a whole video, not just a picture, because he needs appreciating all the way through this. Oh. My. Gosh. All the necessary features are present: his natural hair colour, all shaggy and floppy. A sexy amount of stubble. Those blue eyes looking at their most piercing. And finally, that borderline cheeky look in his eyes that screams “I’m Jared Leto and you want me”.
P.S. Just for the record, here is an example of a bad picture of Jared. A haircut can do a lot to a person and this shows how NOT to cut your hair.
Labels:
30 Seconds To Mars,
Guest Blog,
Jared Leto,
Top 5
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Top Five: Rock Band Front Men/Women
5. Jared Leto - 30 Seconds To Mars
Maybe its just the fact that he is 'Jared Leto', but it is very hard to take your eyes off this man when he is on stage. His rock credentials are slightly let-down by the fact he tries to play up to it too much and tends to over-swear a little bit. Instead of being hardcore, it ends up being rather humorous.
4. Gabe Saporta - Cobra Starship
I just love Cobra Starship. He may not be the best singer the world has ever seen, but he doesn't pretend to be. He, and the band, are there to have fun and to make sure the audience have fun too.
3. Hayley Williams - Paramore
Not generally a fan of female fronted bands, as I sometimes find them a bit overpowered, but there is barely anything in the world that can outshine Hayley Williams. A huge bundle of energy and pretty much one of the best voices in the business.
2. Adam Lazzara - Taking Back Sunday
Vocal abilities? Check! Likes to climb the stage? Check! Facial fur? Sometimes Check! Microphone swinging? BIG check! Always looks like he is having the time of his life, and also happens to be a very friendly chap indeed.
1. Matt Bellamy - Muse
What. A. Legend. Armed with more gadgets than er... The Gadget Store, Bellamy is a force to be reckoned with. Has more musical talent than is really fair. Not sure what it is about him, but ideas seem more genius, just because he was the one to do it. He is also likely to be seen wearing very bright jacket, and may own one of the coolest collection of guitars ever. I may not be able to play the instrument, but I am still jealous.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Top Five: Friends Quotes
5.
3.
2.
1.
Ross: So, uh, what did the insurance company say?
Chandler: Oh, they said uh, "You don't have insurance here so stop calling us."
4.
Chandler: Oh, they said uh, "You don't have insurance here so stop calling us."
4.
Rachel: Hi, I'm Rachel. And you are?
Woman: Amanda.
Rachel: Oh... I get it. A-man-duh.
Woman: Amanda.
Rachel: Oh... I get it. A-man-duh.
3.
Ross: I sleep with Dinosaurs?!
Chandler: I believe I read that somewhere.
2.
Chandler: *deadpan* Oh. My. God. You almost gave me a heart attack.
1.
Joey: Hi, I'm Chandler. Could I BE wearing any more clothes?
Friday, 9 October 2009
Top Five: Paramore Videos
5. Ignorance
Best Bit: The bits with Hayley hanging on the light.4. Pressure
Best Bit: When the sprinklers go off.
3. Emergency
Best Bit: The introduction of each of the band members (sorry for the poor quality of the video).
2. Misery Business
Best Bit: Hayley + Towel = Revenge!
1. That's What You Get
Best Bit: Hayley singing in front of her friends outside. Just looks so natural and she looks so happy.
Labels:
Hayley Williams,
Paramore,
Top 5
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