Wow.. haven't heard about NICKI MINAJ in a while. It's time that I brighten up my page with some of her pics from Paris Fashion Week as well as other past weeks, too.
(Heyy... now the picture just came like that. I didn't do that backshot LOL.)
Zoe Saldana has a lot of great looks whether its casual or haute couture. She is usually placed in the rankings of best-dressed lists with the like of Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry (although Halle Berry is a far-distanced #1.) and the look above that she wore to Michael Kors' dinner (at Paris Fashion Week) sums up many of her best looks.
Zoe was wearing Fall 2011 Michael Kors: Plunged neckline white satin blouse with black crepe jersey tapered pants, and sleek, velvety, strapped and studded Christian Louboutin pumps.
Vanessa Simmons (of MTV's "Run's House" and "Daddy's Girls") graces my blog and many other modeling or fashion websites with her great looks and prominent facial features.
I can see here that Vanessa really has the potential to be a great model and actress; she rocks her look out very well without looking immature and classless with "butt shots." A lot of photographers, especially professional and/or prominent ones, really defer from those kinds of shots.
On the other hand, I think many agencies can appreciate models like Vanessa Simmons and Vanessa herself for selling themselves as a product of beauty, not a product of STANK. Just sayin'....
Good morning, I was so relieved to see this picture of Tyra Banks as of late. This is the Tyra Banks (heads America's Next Top Model) who is very curvy and is significantly more attractive than her recent look.
I understand that models, especially SUPERMODELS, have to watch their weight but Tyra is perfectly fine in her present body (above pic). This look, meaning the weight gain AND the hair, catapulted Tyra into the class of BEAUTIES.
For a while now I have wanted to write a dual music review on comparing a band’s independent debut album versus their major record label release. However I have struggled to find a band that would be perfect for this type of review. Well, that’s partially true. As a matter of fact I have been wanting to write a review about a glam rock band I admire, Semi Precious Weapons, but have had trouble finding their major record label release. Ironic I know, but I had no trouble buying their indie CD at a local Best Buy a few years ago.
It all started back in December 2008 when I actually saw a music video on MTV. Shocker I know, but it was preceded by an episode of MTV’s “MADE,” where a girl wanted to become a rock star. In the episode, Justin Tranter, lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, was the girl’s coach and helped her achieve her dream of becoming a “rock star.” When the episode ended, Semi Precious Weapons’ music video “Magnetic Baby” came on and I was immediately blown away by their catchy song. After getting over the initial shock of seeing a music video on MTV I did what any other normal person would do- I Googled Semi Precious Weapons.
From my initial research (MySpace and YouTube) I was pleasantly surprised by their music and enjoyed their brand of rock n’ roll. It was great seeing that glam rock was still being appreciated and also being recognized by MTV. Unfortunately, most people I know still had no idea who they were or even cared to learn about a New York glam rock band.
It wasn’t until October 2009 did I really get excited because Semi Precious Weapons was announced as the opening act for Lady Gaga on her Monster Ball tour after the Fame Kills tour with Kanye West fell apart. Finally, a well deserved band was going to be recognized. When Lady Gaga was still Stefani Germanotta, a struggling singer in New York, she became friends with lead singer Justin Tranter and the band Semi Precious Weapons. I think that’s awesome she would help expose her friends to a wider audience. Still, unless you were a fan of Lady Gaga or a fan of them from before, you probably wouldn’t recognize them.
Around that same time I was excited to learn that SPW had been signed by Interscope, Lady Gaga’s record label, and that their album was coming out June 2010. As a matter of fact, Lady Gaga executive produced their major label release, You Love You. Before I had a chance to listen to their new album I finally saw them perform live with Lady Gaga at Staples Center in August 2010. Although my date disliked Semi Precious Weapons I reassured her that she needed to give them another try by listening to their debut, We Love You. After lending her the album a few weeks later, she concurred that their “indie” album was much better than “their current sound.”
Despite me scurrying record stores and even major chains like Best Buy I had trouble finding You Love You. Now I know what most of you are thinking: why didn’t you buy the album on iTunes or buy it online? That’s not my style. I always like to physically buy my albums. I love looking at liner notes and having something to hold on when listening to the music. Plus I like supporting local record stores and try my best to visit at least one record/indie music store each week. Sure I was discouraged for a long time, but I was determined to buy my CD in person. Recently I decided to take an Amoeba trip in between my two classes during a three hour break since Hollywood is only a short drive. As luck would have it I was finally able to pick up my very own copy of You Love You and a ton of awesome CDs. That trip to Hollywood definitely made my week, but I digress.
Semi Precious Weapons was originally composed of Justin Tranter (vocals), Aaron Lee Tasjan (guitar/backing vocals), Cole Whittle (bass), Dan Crean (drums) and Joe McCanta (keyboards). McCanta left the band before they recorded We Love You and Steve Pyne has since replaced Tasjan on guitar.
We Love You was released on September 30, 2008, through the Razor & Ties record label and came with a necklace from Fetty jewelry, Justin Tranter’s rock n’ roll jewelry line. Fetty has been one of Tranter’s passions besides music and has since become a successful jewelry line sold at Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters, and Barney’s. “Taste” kicks off this fantastic, fresh album.
Filled with heavy drums, exciting electric guitars and Tranter’s tremendous vocals, “Taste” is the perfect example of how the band has an eclectic music taste. Combine 1970s hard rock + glam rock + a dash of alternative music = Semi Precious Weapons. Tranter’s raw vocals seem reminiscent of David Johansen with the attitude of The New York Dolls, but with Lou Reed lyrics. Sure Tranter might emulate David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, but he makes his look all his own.
By far the best song on the entire album and one of my personal favorites is “Magnetic Baby.” This was the first song I had ever listened to by Semi Precious Weapons. Tranter’s vocals and lyrics immediately hook you, “It’s not my fault I look better in her party dress/ It’s not my fault that you left your slutty girlfriend/ It’s not my fault that this is how my mamma made me/ I’ve been magnetic since I was a baby.”
Don’t disregard a song simply because it’s catchy, but this song utilizes the band’s energy to create a fresh, fun, and fantastic song. The same energy and intensity is carried over into their eponymous song, “Semi Precious Weapons.” What makes We Love You an amazing album is the band’s raw energy and intensity. Their sound isn’t flawless, but they have immense heart that carries over in all their songs. The passion is there and I’m loving it!
Other worthwhile songs on the album include “Her Hair Is On Fire,” “Jesus,” and “Rock N’ Roll Never Looked So Beautiful.” In addition, this album includes two radio versions of “Magnetic Baby” and “Her Hair Is On Fire.” For independent fans, this is an album you won’t be disappointed with because you definitely get a bang for your buck. Probably the band most reminiscent of Semi Precious Weapons’ sound is The Darkness since lead singer Justin Hawkins and Tranter have similar vocal styles.
Lady Gaga continues to champion them and I love that kind of loyalty, but their sophomore/ major label debut isn’t nearly as good. I am not going to bad mouth You Love You at all, but merely point out it’s “not the same band.” Their sound is more “poppy,” they have lost their “glamour,” and most of their glam/hard rock sound. But the most devastating thing is they no longer have the same raw attitude and that’s why I am disappointed.
Probably the best way to compare these two albums is one is better produced, You Love You, but We Love You is better executed. They no longer possess the sound that launched their careers, which is fine, but it’s just not the same. You Love You is still an enjoyable album, but it’s very different and only contains three songs from their debut “Semi Precious Weapons, “Magnetic Baby,” and “Rock N’ Roll Never Looked So Beautiful.” However, they are very different when compared to the originals.
How do I explain this? It’s like comparing an original album to a live album, sure they are the “same songs,” but they sound drastically different. Still, I recommend checking them out, but I personally prefer their debut over their “sophomore” album.
Some news that may be of interest to you bluegrass fans. I know Old School's ears may perk up a bit.
Tommy Shaw, guitarist of Styx, is set to release his debut Bluegrass album, “The Great Divide” on March 22nd, 2011, through Pazzo Music/Fontana Distribution. The album features an impressive roster of guest musicians, including: Alison Krauss, Dwight Yoakam, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan, Byron House, Gary Burr and many more.
With this album, Shaw, a Montgomery, Alabama native, establishes himself as an authentic addition to the Bluegrass community. Born with a unique gift for music, a passion quickly recognized by his parents, he picked up his first guitar at the age of ten. From what his brothers remember, after Tommy’s introduction to the guitar; “We never saw him again...”, as he would stay in his room for hours practicing day and night. His tenacity and intrinsic passion for Bluegrass at an early age implies that this new release isn’t a casual endeavor, but a return to the music on which he was raised. Shaw wrote or co-wrote every song on the album in addition to playing acoustic guitar, dobro/resonator and mandolin.
A perennial part of the rock scene since the mid-70s as a member of STYX, Damn Yankees and Shaw/Blades, Bluegrass may at first seem like a stretch for Shaw, but his transition to Bluegrass is seamless. Having been raised on the genre, Shaw has always been deeply enamored with Bluegrass’ ability to connect to the listener through storytelling. “These are story songs,” says Shaw, an Alabama Music Hall of Fame Inductee. “I think songs that take you on a little journey are the best ones.”
This is the story of a Southern boy who made it “big,” but always held tight to his roots. “The Great Divide is a story of love and life; of happiness and hope; of loss and discovery,” says Shaw. “It’s the story of a journey that spans generations and is ultimately about trying to find your way home. And I’m as proud of this story as any I’ve ever told.”
The legendary rocker proves to his listeners that although this may be his first Bluegrass venture, it certainly won’t be his last.
“The Great Divide” was produced by Tommy Shaw, Brad Davis and Will Evankovich. It will be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats on March 22, 2011.
Never thought they'd do it, Never thought they'd do it, Never thought they'd do it...
(in Rihanna "Man Down" music)
I'm still waiting to hear more about these shocking news. Reports said earlier that due to Kanye West's controversial video "MONSTER," high-end fashion shows BALMAIN, LOUIS VUITTON, and ALEXANDER McQUEEN have temporarily shunned the artist from attending! We're talking about brands that Kanye is loyal to!
Then.... the rep for Alexander McQueen readily came forward and said, "Kanye sometimes attend shows uninvited. We poiltely told him this time that we could not accomodate him." Way to clear that up, otherwise Kanye would be a DIVO and stop wearing McQueen's clothes.
*Sidenote: Someone at the McQueen camp gave in and let Kanye in through the side door.
Well.... attending high-end fashion shows uninvited is characteristic of a DIVO or DIVA. Maybe this will humble Kanye to just pick up the phone and give someone the HEADS UP.
Matthew McConaughey is seen in movies, ads, exercising on the beach wooing all the ladies. Here he is showing THE GUYS an example of how to look on a fancy night out. Matthew has a lot of swag and simple style in this silver 3-piece suit with his girlfriend, model Camila Alves. Hair is all slicked back and he's working the red carpet.
You gotta hand Diddy his props. His clever brainstorming and execution of "Coming Home" to the '80s TRADITION got people all excited and on-board the Diddy Train. Now, if everyone else had that same kind of drive Diddy did to bring this project to pass, especially those who want to make a positive impact in their community, OMG imagine what this world would be like!!
According to FORBES MAGAZINE, Diddy of Diddy Dirty Money was crowned Wealthiest Hip-Hop King at $475 MILLION from lucrative deals in the U.S. and abroad. JAY-Z is close behind at $450 MILLION. Next is BEATS giant Dr. Dre at $125 MILLION. And last is a tie with 50 Cent and Birdman at $100 MILLION (Y'all though 50 was broke).
Now, the whole point of me posting this is because just about all of these men have clothing labels that they work hard to sell and brand to the urban population. We may not have clothing brands, but we do have a brand. What is your brand? What are you selling that will make a positive impact and in turn will make you wealthy?
Ciara turned heads yesterday at the Knicks game. She came with LaLa Vasquez, whose husband Carmelo Anthony is the newest member of the New York Knicks. And while Ciara is a very attractive woman, that's not all about her that turned heads.
What turned heads were the Versace Metal-Heeled Leather ankle boots (price unknown--will find and update). It sure caught my attention this drafty Friday morning in Detroit.
Check out more pics of Ciara and the boots; Oh, before I forget, homegirl (Ciara) also wore a Helmut Lang jacket for approximately $1,150.
This is fun stuff. I wrote the first draft of this review almost immediately after listening the whole album the first time. I wanted to capture my thoughts right away, and I rarely do that.
I've listened to it five times now, in less than 24 hours.
"High John the Conqueror" lurches to and fro, radically detuned, taking its time.... "Vesuvius" with its tribal drumming opener: dig that distorted bass riff, dig that thick-ass riff over top of it, dig that double bass coming in just then, dig the feedback and double-tracked vocals at 1:15... a heavier Kylesa meets Helmet.... "Cyclone" fires up one helluva simple thick-ass riff which segues into a pedal-tone-tastic instrumental riff fest.... "Shark Valley," mandolin-intro'ed, folk-sludge crusted riffer, similarly-instrumental.... "Oubliette," a remorseful Gothic instrumental...
"Baying of Jackals" starts tribal --"Rise from the place where you hide!"-- hits a semi-syncopated odd meter (i.e., you can't dance to it and headbanging might be a challenge); the two facets compliment each other and make the tribal more tribal and the quirky more quirked. "Sinister Hunt," the more riffy, stomp-laden brother of the previous piece-- ending with a mantra and slowing slowing slowing slowing feedback....
"Hands That Prey" (see what they did there?) a one-minute, acousticed, phased, delayed intro to "Pale Rider" and its riff-armored war horse of a tune, complete with gang (really prolly just multi-tracked) vocals, raises images of an army, invoked shaman-style, chanting a victory cry. THEN: around 2:00, becomes a quiet, drum-launched fireside chant, THEN: takes off again with the screaming war-painted masses.
Some people wondered what ever happened to a Beyonce/Alicia Keys duo??
It is now believed that the music video from their 'Put It In A Love Song' single will be released sometime around Beyonce's 2011 album release; I strongly believe that's the reason the music video was on a 1-YEAR HOLD.
For now, just check out the screen shot above; that's all they're giving fans to work with and get a glimpse of this seemingly fun and very FESTIVE occasion of a video... or it could be SULTRY. Not much to go by, but I like the use of the GOLD and FEATHERS. Gold and feathers-- did I just say that?
Heyy, I guess I'm talking all about shoes today. Just goin' with the flow of what I feel; that's what makes my blog my BLOG :-). I love some nice looking shoes that accentuates a woman. It's so attractive, so fine, a work of art.
These BRIAN ATWOOD Suede Boots did just that for me. Valued at a whopping $2,900, you might just wanna look at the boots.... then go to your local shoe store to find a boot in a similar look for a WHOLE LOT LESS.
Wassup from Detroit, as you know (or if you're just finding out), Rihanna is one of my favorite artists--and my guilty pleasure. I juat wanted to bring a FLASHBACK of all of her music videos that she's made in the timeframe of just 1.5 years. While the music may move you (my niche is not MUSIC but FASHION), this is your chance to look back at Rihanna's GOOD GIRLY to BAD GIRLY clothing choices.
Rihanna's 'Only Girl' and 'What's My Name' garnered critical acclaim for the 180-degree change from her ROCK-HARD fashion image from her 'Rated R' album. See this acclaim for yourself: Both videos racked up over 100 million views... EACH.
The clothing choices from 'Only Girl' allowed Rihanna to show a lot of skin but at the same time look innocent and flirty (the red hair doesn't suggest that, though *LOL*). 'What's My Name' also showed Rihanna's innocent and flirty style with her multi-colored, zebra-striped outfit she wore several months ago, dancing without a care, ALL SMILES, in New York City with Drake.
'S&M' outfits cannot be found at your local WAL-MART :-) Actually... it can't be found in any store except the ones that intentionally go unmentioned here.
An last but not least, 'RUDE BOY,' the island-inspired flavor that had me clapping my hands and had THE ONLY JAIDEN gettin' into my Jamaican ego and vibe last summer.... 'YEAH 'MON!!' The style choices were crazy!! Too much for words... This video is one where you can't help but stare. It may be considered TRASHY, COPY-CATTED, and whatever may utter out of a mouth, but it's pure ARTWORK IN ITS RAWEST, NEARLY OBSCENE FORM.
There are so many more videos I could talk about... but THE ONLY JAIDEN has things to do this morning.
Whether you have 'em or not, you gotta love 'em...
These Air Jordan 7 "Cardinal" Retros are a work of art. It's the right kind of sneaker to wear with almost anything (but nothing formal-- I'm sure you know that).Wherever you are, I'm sure you can't help but to stare. Stare all you want... you're welcome here. :-)
1975 was a weird year for rock. There were new releases from behemoths like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd but overall things were getting a little soft. People were mellowing out and wearing a lot of brown corduroy. But not Ted Nugent. In 1975 he decided to put The Amboy Dukes to rest, pull up a loincloth and unleashed his self titled debut album, which stands tall as his best studio album.
Side one begins with the guitargasmic classic “Stranglehold.” This song has the power to cause Elvis Costello fans to whimper in fear as soon as the needle hits the monster groove of the opening riff. “Stranglehold” is Black Sabbath heavy mixed with pure Detroit R&B and delivers the knock out punch that the MC5 were unable to fully unleash on society. An 8 minute orgy of glorious Gibson Byrdland guitar tone, Electro Harmonix bass balls, backwards cymbals and revenge lyrics, “Stranglehold” contains everything you need when you absolutely, positively need to destroy every little thing in your room. And if there’s anything left to break when it’s over, the next song “Stormtroopin’” will guarantee that you finish the job in style. Containing another killer riff (partially lifted from Wilson Pickett’s “In The Midnight Hour” and later used by Judas Priest in “Hell Bent For Leather”), “Stormtroopin’” contains some of Ted’s best playing. The break in the middle when Ted blazes over Cliff Davies very in-the-pocket drumming is pure rock & roll guitar playing at its very best.
After the onslaught of those 2 songs, the pace relaxes a little bit with “Hey Baby,” a loose boogie with powerful vocals from Derek St.Holmes. I guess a song like this was necessary so the chicks wouldn’t get too scared when you blast it in the car on the way to a keg party in the woods. But then it’s followed up with the fiendishly intense “Just What The Doctor Ordered.” There’s not much to say about this one other than it KICKS ASS!! This has always been one of my favorite songs to play when I take command of the stereo at some lame party. The opening guitar licks are a call to arms that it’s time to start rocking hard and I’m going to play the stereo louder than hell and I don’t care who doesn’t like it. “I found a cure for my body and soul, I got me an overdose of ROCK N ROLL!” Hell yeah I do!!
Side two is also great, but no real match for the perfection of side one. “Snakeskin Cowboys,” “Where Have You Been All My Life” and “Queen of the Forest” all rock pretty hard and the ballad “You Make Me Feel Right At Home” is decent. But the jewel of the side is without a doubt “Motor City Madhouse.” Derek does most of the singing on this album, but Ted’s the only one who could deliver the lyrics on this one. Yet another classic riff and steamhammer groove reminiscent of the MC5’s almighty “Skunk,” this a brain damage inducing noggin rocker. Somehow it sounds incomplete without the sound of breaking glass and M-80’s but not everything in life can be perfect. The 1999 CD remaster contains BLISTERING live versions of "Stormtroopin,'" "Just What the Doctor Ordered" and "Motor City Madhouse" from a show in London and a really lame studio song called “Magic Party” that should have remained unreleased.
Ted’s big mouth is a turn off for a lot of people, but most die hard rockers agree that his 1970’s output contains some of the most high octane music you will ever hear on this planet. In the mid-90’s I had the great pleasure of being invited to a conference room at Atlantic Records where Ted was going to play some of his new songs for the staff. It was after hours and most people were unenthusiastic so a friend asked me to be there because he knew I would be thrilled to meet him. Ted did not disappoint. He came running into the conference room screaming, waving an acoustic guitar around and called the hip NYC staffers “a bunch of pastrami eating motherfuckers.” In rapid fire succession he claimed to have invented the middle finger and short skirts. I believe him. The proof is right here on this album. PLAY LOUD.
I found these pics of Rihanna lookin' all good (she looks like she's wearing her Reb'l Fleur perfume-- just guessing) getting ready for performances in Australia. I haven't seen her dressed in white in a long time (excluding her performances and that Grammy dress-- OMG) but she did it pretty well.
I like the innocent, simple white dress with the prominent gold jewelry on her wrists and leg. It's very easy on the eyes and draws attention to the legs well.
I give her 2 THUMBS UP, as usual... See more pics:
There are some women who prefer going natural, and they want to give their natural hair a break from the wigs and weaves....
And there are some who just need to keep that extra hair on it. And that 'SOME' is Raven-Symone. She was spotted wearing her natural hair at an fundraising event with Mickey Mouse. She's in her mid-twenties and she got herself looking mid-forties or older...
I love ya Raven on "That's So Raven," but girl, don't blast yourself 20 years into the future, please....
Shoes look nice, though... I'll give her that.... (Wait... don't she look like Wanda Sykes?? Not joking; just sayin'...)
Monica with Polow Da Don and Slimm, Vivica Fox's fiancee
Monica was spotted lookin' RIGHT at the Hawks vs. Lakers game with her kids. People were reportedly raving about her gold studded jacket. It was on-point, worn RIGHT again with dark slim jeans to match the black belt accentuating Monica's waist, and gold pumps.
Good morning on this rainy morning in Detroit. I can finally feel the spring air and just wanted to show you a glimpse of what Kanye was wearing the other day. He looked great in two different looks with the same white BOTTEGA VENETA spring blazer for $1,980.
This is my PERFECT EXAMPLE of Mix & Match.
A look like this for men can be rocked this spring; as long as you stay within the neutral colors, you guys should have NO problem looking like you have a truckload of clothes but only a few fashion pieces to select from, know what I mean?
Can you hear it? The sounds of familiar 8-bit noises and metallic riffs ring through the air. “What is this sound.”, you ask yourself. This is the sound of Urizen. Born from a secret laboratory in Colorado and transported to Texas, Urizen are on the rise. There latest record, Universe:Red sets a new standard for progressive metal.
Universe:Red is the third installment from Texas Avant-Metalers Urizen. From the first track, “A Noiseless Flash” you can already tell this will be a special album. Reminiscent of your favorite 1980’s video game, the tack makes you wonder if you will be saving the Princess or shooting some Asteroids.
“A Noiseless Flash” seemingly integrates into the powerful blast beat laden, “A Budding Consciousness”. The vocal styling of Thomas add a much needed wittiness to an otherwise dull metal scene. Thomas has an almost Phil Collins flavor to him (please do not ask to taste him). His Collins-esque vocals can be heard predominately on the track, “Nothing Is Epic”. A groovy mix of metal and jazz. Also included on this album is the highly catchy single called “Boxmen”. It makes you want to see the world through that of a box and scream BOXMEN!! BOXMEN!! over and over. By God, you will never get the beat out of your head, and that’s a good thing.
As great as the album is, their live show is something someone must truly witness. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to see them at least once every few months for the last 5 plus years. From their birth during the “Autocratopolis” era to the current “Universe” era, Urizen stage shows continue to progress.
Robots, blob monsters and Urimen. These are but a few things that are a Urizen show. They are something that must be witnessed live to truly get the whole feeling of how great this band is. I mean there’s a giant f’n robot on stage through half their set. What more do you need?
Go to www.urizenonline.com and pick up your copy of Universe:Red. It's is the perfect gift for weddings, Bat Mitzvahs, shuttle launches, corporate retreats, or even just as an afternoon pick-me-up!
