Tag: britney

britney n' k-fed, is it just me?, mixed media, music musings, tragic

another year, another handjob from MTV

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I mean, that’s the whole point of the VMA’s, isn’t it? To jerk off the pop community? Well, after watching another year of mostly boring performances, mostly lame videos getting awards, and even lamer “celebrities” presenting said awards, I am convinced that the whole point of the show is kind of like those year end required recitals that every dance company has for the little kids in their classes. It’s just a little closure on a year in music, and it is pretty efficient in ignoring almost anyone but the hot act of the moment. Sorry, but this might get a bit long, you might want to get a soda and get comfortable…

There were highlights of course… I was happy that Britney won her first (and even won three before the end of the night) moon man award for what one can only assume was the song, NOT the video. I think that MTV felt remorse for throwing her to the hungry gators last year, and as penance, offered her these awards to make up for ignoring brilliant pop performances and great videos throughout her career (I mean come on… Slave 4 U would be just as hot if it were released today). While Piece of Me was definitely a highlight from Blackout, the video just showed us a taste of what Britney was always capable of, without the actual goods. We know she can do better, because she has. Hate her or love her, one thing is for sure, Britney has had a long career because pop music is all about the flash, the glitter, the dance, and the production; fellow music peers like Madonna are proof positive that it has very little to do with actual talent (although, Britney really can dance, and can definitely perform; which is definitely a talent). With all that being said, Britney looked fantastic last night, and was very together. I am excited that this may signal a real comeback with her next record; the one that Blackout was more than ready to give her… if only she had been ready at the time it was released.

As for the rest of the VMA’s, I have to pay special attention to something that has me in disbelief: I can’t believe that it is 2008 and that fucking sagging your pants and showing your underwear trend is STILL being trotted around by these rich ass motherfucking rappers. You have MILLIONS of dollars, Lil’ Wayne; wear a goddamned suit, or at least pull up your fucking pants. T.I. looked incredibly dapper… follow his example! UGH. All it does is makes it “cool” for kids to copy by example, and it isn’t cool to show your underwear unless you are a stripper in a strip club… again, PULL UP YOUR PANTS!

On to the performances… which were fun to watch for the most part… however, Rihanna should REALLY start doing what Janet and Britney do for their shows; record the track and lip sync it live. Her voice is pretty, but a live singer she is not. Leona Lewis got her start by singing live; so she can clearly do it… Rihanna, I’ll admit that you can sing great in a studio, but that’s about all; which is WAY more than many can say. Be proud you at least have singing talent.

I will go on record again, and say that I just do not get the Jonas Brothers. They have to be more than just “cute” for me to scream my fucking lungs out like the girls are doing for these boys. Seriously… I. Just. Don’t. Get. It. They sing through their noses! How do people not notice this?!?!?

The best performance of the night BY FAR came from P!nk, who has consistently gotten better with every subsequent release in her career. P!nk is a fucking great performer, and she tore it up last night. Fantastic.

I couldn’t believe how bad Paramore sounded; I guess her voice really is much like Rihanna’s; great in the studio, and that’s about it.

The performance by Christina Aguilera was good, but she is clearly channeling Alison Goldfrapp for her “new” sound. Well, I guess if by “new” she means 3 years ago, then at least we are all on the same page. Either way, her debuting her new single is part of what the VMA’s has always been about in the past, so it was nice to see that continuing to be part of the show.

I won’t touch Kanye West, because his ego is so gargantuan that he doesn’t even exist within this realm of existence anyway. Every time he opens his mouth to do anything buy sing, I lose more and more respect for him. I guess some people really are that full of themselves.

Overall, the host shouted the entire show, and the production value of the night was haphazard at best. I remember past VMA’s that were star studded, and didn’t look like they were held in a parking lot of a Kmart. I guess it is fun and all, but it really is getting more and more obvious that MTV is really just incapable of doing anything outside of the realm of the super expected anymore. Pop music is definitely a passion of mine, and I will always have a hard time avoiding such train wrecks as the VMA’s, but hey, at least I can talk shit about it behind it’s back the next day, right?

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the 31 best of 2007 – 22: Britney Spears – Blackout

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Now, I am sure that this comes as no surprise to many of you, who know that I have been a Britney fan since day one. However, as much as I love Britney, you must know that she is not the main reason that her album made my year end list. I will say it honestly; it has a lot to do with the producers, baby (I’m thanking you, specifically, Danja, Pharrell, Bloodshy, and Avant!). If there is one thing that did go right with Britney when she was making this record, was the ability to pick some amazing and up and coming producers to bring the noise, and bring it hard. The result, is an album that is comprised of single after single; and if she were in a place in her life where she could take advantage of it, this truly would have been her comeback. Sadly, though, I don’t think Britney is willing to use this massive gift that she has been given; a true second chance.

All of the train wrecks in her life aside, and if you look solely at the “brand” that is Britney Spears, there is no denying that this record is pure gold. As I said, it is all about the producers; the production values are so high, that somebody had to have gotten paid the big bucks to bring the goods. If you compare this album with every other album in her career, you can see that this is clearly a step above what she has done before. With the exception of her 2001 self-titled third release (my favorite record of hers), this is the best album of Britney’s career. Not only is it the best of her career, but I feel like it may have come too late; if this would have been her previous album, I don’t think the situation she finds herself in today would even exist. People would still love her, and appreciate her for the body and the looks, and the ability to perform like a true entertainer. Yet, a fall from grace is taking front seat, and overshadowing what is considered by many standards, a fantastic record.

I for one hope that Britney can see what she has here, and realize how great this album is. Perhaps she can pull it together long enough to really pimp some of the better songs on the album, and not “blow her load” with the only somewhat successful Gimme More; which really can’t touch some of the other great songs on this record. I also hope that the record company can shake some sense into her, and make her realize that they can resurrect this brand that took so long to build; and all they need is her help to do it.

Britney, you have the goods, and you have the record to back you up, the rest is up to you. You quietly released arguably the best record of your career, and you still let your personal life overshadow your potential to reclaim your throne as the pop princess. Don’t throw it away; those of us that bought the record see the greatness in it, and appreciate you bringing us what we like about you so much; polished production, and pleasurable pop. I just hope that you realize it, before Blackout slips off the charts, and this golden opportunity is gone.

Favorite songs from Blackout:
Heaven on Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
Piece of Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-pieceofme.mp3]
Break the Ice (which I think should have been her first single)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-breaktheice.mp3]
Why Should I Be Sad, Radar, Get Naked (I Got a Plan), and Gimme More.

Rating:
(custom cover for Blackout from uhlikethat.com, because it is infinitely better than the real one.)

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5SF: october 26

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Welcome to another installment of the fabulous Five Song Friday!!! This week, we are all about the ladies! I have always had a thing for female singers, and according to my listening tastes, it is clear they represent the majority; perhaps that hearkens back to a childhood/lifelong obsession with Karen Carpenter?… who knows… but that’s a different story for a different day!

Now, on with the show!

Avril Lavigne – Hot
And that is exactly what this song is… HOT. I have to say, when her CD came out, I really tried to resist liking Girlfriend, because of how obnoxious is can be, but it turns out, that it was more catchy and fun than obnoxious. About the time I fell in love with Girlfriend a couple weeks ago, BAM, Hot hit me right between the ears, and I have been addicted to this song ever since. It is not what I remember about Avirl’s earlier stuff, and I definitely like this direction that she is going. Pop is much more suited to her than the angry little “emo punk” chick that she was (IMHO) trying too hard to be. Keep the look; ditch the attitude… win/win as far as I am concerned. Also, this video is a little treat to my buddy dave, who I know loves the punk/emo girls… as Avirl is looking quite “hot” herself in this video.

Missy Higgins – Where I Stood
Now to switch MAJOR directions, I bring you one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a long time (man, I say that WAY too much… oh well, right?); Where I Stood, by Missy Higgins. I was watching Smallville last week, and this is the song that they played over a particularly “emotional” moment in the show, and I was like, “I MUST have that song!”. As such, I got Missy’s album, and have been playing this song a lot (as well as the rest of the CD) ever since. Turns out, Missy is pretty huge down under, which is something she has in common with another artist I am featuring this week; Miss Delta Goodrem. I am glad to see some Aussie love coming this way, and hope that this trend increases. If you enjoyed this song, be sure to check out the rest of her CD, which is quite good, by the way.

Now… on with the video-less portion of our show!

Delta Goodrem – Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_woman.mp3]
Now is time to make good with my earlier mention of bringing more Australian artists on board this week’s 5SF, and I’m doing so in a big way. This song, Woman, by Delta Goodrem, is off of her newly released, amazing third album, titled simply, Delta. I got the album earlier this week when it was released, and I promise you, it has not left my CD player. In fact, it was really hard not to just feature five songs by Delta this week, because her new album is amazing. If you have never heard of this Aussie beauty, welcome to the show, because you are sure to be impressed. Delta is a very talented musician, and has an amazing voice; which can be easily compared to Celine Dion. Before you launch a protest because I mentioned Celine, realize that Delta isn’t as “cheesy” as Celine, and has more edge to her, and in my opinion, more talent. I have liked Delta for a quite a while, and I am so pleased to hear such amazing music coming from her. This is a must have CD, and one of the best of the year so far. As my buddy Stu mentioned, it is the album Celine WISHES she could make… but she can’t, because Delta did! If you like this song, be sure to get the rest of the album… you won’t be sorry.

Sugababes – Surprise
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_surprise.mp3]
A few weeks back, I featured About You Now, the lead single off of the Sugababes’ newly released album, Change, and this week, I am going to build on my love for the Sugababes. I am still surprised that this girl group has as yet to break the US market substantially, because they really have got it going on. This song is also from their new release, which I have been slow to get into for whatever reason. It is, however, aptly titled, because when I heard it, I was like, WOW! What a surprise! It is fantastic!!! If you are fan of the Sugababes, you should love this song, because it is easily the best from the new album. The Sugababes prove (yet again) that there is still great pop music being made out there… you just have to go to other countries sometimes to get it! If you enjoy this song, make sure you check out the rest of their new CD, which I am enjoying more and more with each listen!

Britney Spears – Heaven On Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
As I mentioned yesterday, I am pretty excited about Britney’s new album, and will be picking it up on Tuesday after hearing leaked tracks, like this one; Heaven On Earth. Honestly, this song shows Britney doing what she does best, and that is being a pop diva. Whatever you think about Britney doesn’t really matter, because she really does have the music to back it up; she is, and always will be, a pop princess… and her new album PROVES it… regardless of what is going on in her life, the music is really, really good. Honestly, I am elated that she made so many good decisions with regards to the songs she is releasing on Blackout, and I hope that it gets the attention that it deserves. Seriously, there are people saying that this may be the best record of her career, and I think they may be right. Britney, bravo. You have got major applause from me for this one, and I can’t wait to get the record. If you like Britney, pop, and fun music, you should love this track… if not, then perhaps another one of the songs featured today will work for you! Either way, we all have something to enjoy. I just hope that this record is a solid foot in the right direction for dear old Brit. I am routing for you, girl!

I hope everyone is having a great Friday… thanks for tuning in to another Five Song Friday! I hope that you enjoyed the songs, and as always, if you have suggestions for me, let me know!!! I have been really enjoying this weekly feature here at duanemoody.com, and I am sure that I will only get better with time! Have a great weekend everyone, and enjoy the music!

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it’s that time of year…

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…Where the weather starts to FINALLY cool off. It’s also that time of year where there tends to be a surge of music releases, usually from the heavy hitters; which I always look forward to.

Just recently, we have had great releases from Melissa Etheridge, Annie Lennox, The Pipettes, the Sugababes, Radiohead, among others. I am also certain that there are tons of other great releases out there that I am still waiting to discover; whether they were recent releases or not.

I am also riding high, because just this week, one of my favorite artists from the other side of the world (Australia) released her amazing 3rd album: Delta. I seriously don’t know how Delta Goodrem isn’t huge here, because she is amazing, and given her new album, it is a shame that more people don’t know about this talented singer. I am just glad that I was introduced to her a while back by my buddy Stu… Her new CD is on steady repeat for me right now. Seriously, it is wonderful. She will be featured this week on five song friday, so stay tuned for an introduction to the amazing Delta Goodrem!

There is also so much to look forward to as the rest of year marches on… Not surprisingly, the next release most on the “radar” for me, is Britney’s new CD, which drops Tuesday. While I know there are plenty of people wanting this CD to fail miserably, I have to say, I have heard most of the tracks from the new CD, and, well, I am completely blown away. Britney has done what she needed to do with her music; regardless of what is going on with her life. I for one will be getting it right away, because from what I have heard, it is one of the best pop CDs of the year; and definitely of her career. This new release blows her last CD out of the water. If you like pop music as much as I do, I highly suggest you give it a whirl. If she isn’t your style, then you probably won’t become a fan because of her new stuff… but if she is, you will probably really like what you hear.

Other than that, there are new releases coming from Westlife, Shayne Ward, potentially Girls Aloud, Alicia Keyes, and many others I am sure that I don’t know about yet… But what are you most looking forward to? There have been some amazing releases this year, as evidenced by the growing list of favorites I have, which you can see on my ongoing favorites list page here. I swear, I fell so far out of music just a year or so ago, and coming back in and discovering so much great music to listen to has been amazing. I love exploring new music and new artists, and look forward to the next few months on that life long journey. There really isn’t much in life like experiencing an amazing song, or album. It really is a feeling that can’t be described.

Also, I didn’t really say anything on the main blog, but I have “sort of” gotten into last.fm. I added a link to my profile on the “more than just a blog” link list, so feel free to go and add me as a friend (or just click here). I have to say, that currently, it doesn’t really represent what I really listen to, so I hope that with time, and with some more “scrobbling”, it will eventually get more in tune with what I am listening to. Either way, another neat web app to play around with, right?

Let me know what you are listening to, and what I should be checking out…. I am always looking for the next music selection!!!

Finally, I am also SUPER EXCITED about the release of Guitar Hero III on Monday. I think that I am going to take the day off and shred all afternoon… I LOVE Guitar Hero, and I can’t wait to get my hands on these new songs. I am also excited to get to play it on the Wii! If you are into GH, we should totally get together and jam!

britney n' k-fed, tragic

britney lost the kids to KEVIN?

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I’m actually surprised by this, because anyone can clearly see that Kevin is no more fit to parent than Britney. In fact, I would look at the judge square in the eye, and say, “do you realize, that he walked out on his pregnant girlfriend to be with Britney? Please explain how that makes him MORE fit to parent.” Point blank, I think this is a lot of the problem with things today; kids raising kids. I think the kids should go to Britney’s mom, but that’s just my two cents. I remember my early twenties, and I can tell you right now, I would have been an awful parent. I was practically a child still, learning the ways of the world… and that isn’t even considering the mad media that is watching their every move. Parenting is hard enough with out the added pressure of growing up yourself in the process, and that ever present eye of the media. All four people in this situation are in a bad place right now, and I hope things work out best for all of them.

Shit, maybe this will be just the “wake up call” that she will actually be able to hear this time, and she can use this time to get things back on track for herself. Maybe she will grow from this experience, and will grow stronger and better as a result. It really is sad that child stars get chewed up and spit out by the “industry”, and the results are often devastating. Apparently, you have to hit the bottom before being able to make things right, when you are famous. Hopefully, this is the lowest it will go for Britney, and she can make some good in the near future. I’m rooting for you, babe.

I feel bad for Britney, and hope that she gets her kids back in the end… after she makes things right. Hopefully, she will be able to do so soon. I honestly feel the worst for the kids who are obviously being used as pawns in this whole thing, when they should just be taken care of; but by who is not for me to say… I just don’t think Kevin is the best choice; that’s all.

Oh well, what are you going to do, right?

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britney, 9/11, and kathy griffin – thoughts

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So apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought calling Britney fat was going too far; but isn’t it interesting that it came from the same source? Perhaps they realized they struck a cord with the fat comments, especially considering she couldn’t be farther from it. Who knows. Either way, it is in the past now, and we can focus on more important things, now can’t we? (Like waiting for her CD release! LOL)

Or, Like today. 9/11. I don’t need to say anything about what happened on this day, and I don’t think that I will. What I will say, is that I hope that the memory is enough to stir passion in people to end the war in Iraq. I hope the passion extends pity and remorse into a call for change, and a call for action; a call for us to get out of Iraq, a call to stop the destruction, and a call to stop the loss of lives.

I, for one, hope that this day can symbolize something more for America, something more than a memorial; I hope it can symbolize a day that we come together, and understand why peace and freedom are so important. I hope it can be a day that we realize that we are all on this planet together, and somehow, we have to make it work together. In fact, that’s exactly what I want this day to be about, HOPE.

Unrelated side note: First of all, a huge congrats to the well-deserved Emmy for Kathy Griffin! Secondly, I can’t believe that an obvious joke about Jesus is getting so much press and the threat of censorship. Seriously, it was clear she was making a joke (especially so if you have seen her stand up or the show), and obviously the Emmy committee (hee, a rhyme!) totally got that joke. Let it go already… not everyone takes Jesus and religion so seriously, and some even have the ability to make something funny out of something that people clearly take far too seriously. I think even Jesus would laugh at the joke for crying out loud! Most of all, I am appalled that an organization that has a history of violence, molestation, and condemnation could call this joke a form of “hate speech”. Seriously, Catholic church, if you want to talk about “hate speech”, I think that you should listen to some of the things that your organization is saying. Gee whiz.

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so… britney’s performance on the VMA’s

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… it happened moments ago. Live. For the first time, she has been in the MAJOR spotlight, doing her thing, live… and how did she do?

Well, I think, considering what she has done for the past 4 years in regards to her music career (which was basically nothing), I think she did fine. In fact, considering the pressure that was on her, I think she did better than fine. However, I was kind of surprised to see how nervous she seemed, considering that she has pretty much been a superstar since she was 16.

While I think she could have pulled out a little “more” (ha!), I honestly think that Britney is back. I have been listening to the song she performed tonight, “Gimme More”, ever since it leaked on the net, and I have to say, that I was glad to see that Britney was not only prepared to “bring it”, but she totally nailed it with this song. The song is great, and it is pop at its best. Exactly what we want from Britney… a pop princess; albeit a redneck one, is back to claim her throne.

Gimme More is a great first single. The performance is evidence of a potential great comeback. I, for one, believe It’s gonna happen. It was great to see Britney tonight, and even though she was a bit timid, I think that she totally showed us that there is a reason to continue to watch Ms. Spears…

I can’t wait to see what the record has in store for us. I, for one, have always been a Britney fan, and I don’t give a shit what anyone else says… the girl is pop, and there is a reason people focus on her; she’s got something… what is it? I don’t know, but I know that I have always liked her music, and I am glad to see that she’s still got some more in her. I was also pleased to see the positive words and support that she was getting from all the celebrities on the red carpet; people really want to see her make the comeback that she is totally capable of making… and I think that she will.

I am sure that there will be plenty of haters, based on anything she has done, or did tonight, but everyone should know, that there is not a single hater here at duanemoody.com… and just for for the record, Britney, we have always, and continue to LOVE YOU!

And a message to the haters, she’s right you know… it IS Britney, BITCH. So yeah.

UPDATE: Now, say what you want about the performance, I don’t really care if you thought it was flawless or whether you thought it sucked, but this is just completely low brow, and down right shameful: in this “article”, they describe everything “wrong” with Britney’s performance, throwing in the gem, “The paunch in place of Spears’ once-taut belly.”, as another indicator of the performance gone bad. I’m sorry, but, there is one thing that DEFINITELY WASN’T wrong with Britney, and that was her body; she has given birth to two children, and gotten back to a body that many women could only dream of, and the press has the nerve to insult her figure? Fuck you. Fuck you big time. THIS is WHY so many women (and men) have issues with their bodies, and why so many have eating disorders in this country. Statements like this are completely despicable and do so much harm to the self esteem of so many, and for what? All in the name of insult? SHAME, shame, shame.

britney n' k-fed, is it just me?, tragic

sweetie… what is going on??

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Britney.

Britney.

BRITNEY!!!! Bald??? While I do have to admit that you look seriously hot bald, why this sudden shedding of the locks? Were you just really hot one night and decided that it had to go (ala Napoleon Dynamite)? Did you watch V for Vendetta and feel a sudden urge to find your inner Natalie Portman, and so you picked up the clippers?? What is going on?

The reason I ask, is because there is no way that this is going to strengthen your case that you are a sound and sane person to have sole custody over your children. Seriously, K-Fed is trying his best to get a chunk of your hard earned money, as well as a wedge in the rest of your life by getting some custody of those kids… and you can’t let that happen!!! Find a good excuse as to why you decided on this new look, let us all know that you were filming a killer comeback video, and we can all salivate in anticipation of your new bald-headed comeback. Don’t let grubby K-Fed have another cent! Otherwise, you are in danger of starting to come across a little Anne Heche-ish, and we all know that you don’t want to walk down that road. The next stop on that highway is robot Katie Homles-town, and I would hate to see you end up there.

So, let me say a big congrats on the new look (seriously, you pull off bald pretty well), just be sure to let us know what was going on in that beautiful bald head of yours when you decided that the locks had to go. Hell, say you wanted to donate it to locks of love!!! Yeah!! Say that! Just don’t stick with the “I was tired of people touching me” thing that you reportedly used as your reason for cutting your hair, because that sounds a little close to a nervous breakdown to me. Perhaps you just need some R and R?? Take the boys, drop them off at mom’s for a week, and go on vacation somewhere they have sippy drinks and clear beaches… just make sure to take plenty of sunscreen for that newly shaven head… okay?

We love you, girl, and just hope that things are alright… We want you to have a glorious a comeback already!!! So take care of yourself!