Turn It Up!: Melanie B - Tell Me (Music Video)

  "...And All You Loved Was Mel B's Money!"

 One more quick post for the night!

 I meant to add this yesterday because it was Mel's 38th Birthday, but... I don't have an excuse, I just didn't lol. Sorry Mel!

 Tell Me was the first single (technically the second) released from Melanie's first solo record "Hot" back in 2000. The album was written and recorded while the Spice Girls were on hiatus between the Spice World Tour and the recording of their third album "Forever" (2000). In that time, she had given birth to her first child (Phoenix Chi) and married and divorced dance Jimmy Gulzar, who was one of the backing dancers on the Spice World Tour.

 This song is clearly about the disintegration of the relationship. Other songs on the album reference that Jimmy was two-timing Mel. You're really gonna pull that shit with a woman known as Scary Spice? Dude!!! 

Anywhoozle, I'm off for the night. Enjoy the perfect revenge song that this is, and Happy Birthday again, Melanie!

Turn It Up!: Tracy Bonham - Behind Every Good Woman (Music Video)

  "Behind Every Good Woman Lies.... A Trail Of Men!"

 Wow, I'm starting to get a huge headache from the humidity in Toronto today, and I can't really concentrate on writing a full post right now, so I'm adding this song because I don't have to explain much about this video.

 Tracy Bonham is an Alternative Rock Chick who's biggest success in the music business came from the release of her first studio album "The Burdens Of Being Upright" (1996) and her first single "Mother Mother". After the mild success of that album and a couple Grammy nominations, changes to the record company she was with delayed the release of her second album until 2000 when she released "Down Here". Behind Every Good Woman was the first and only release from that album and since then Tracy has concentrated on releasing music on the independent circuit.

 This song and video are so cheeky, fun and sassy that it's impossible to not get hooked.

 Enjoy!

Turn It Up!: Belinda Carlisle - Leave A Light On (Music Video)

Belinda Carlisle - Leave a Light On by hushhush112
"I'll be there before you close the door to give you all the love that you need!"

 Yaaaayyyyy! I finally found this video thanks to my friend and loyal follower Jordanna, who inadvertently found it for me on Dailymotion. I remember looking for this video a few times over the past months and years on youtube in order to add to the blog and I could only find really low quality live versions or stupid fan made video's for it, until Jordanna tracked it down and added it to her facebook page!!! Thank you Darling (this one's for you)!!!!!!

 I was a little bit obsessed with this song when I was a kid. I remember my brother made me a mixed tape to listen to on my walkman (sad to think kids today have no idea what those two things are) for a family vacation car ride, and this song was on it and I think I rewound the tape over and over and listened to this song for about an hour straight. I was a bit too young (or perhaps just unaware at the time) that Belinda Carlisle was a member of the amazing group The Go-Go's before she ever went out on her own as a solo act, but her solo ventures have always been so well put together that I almost prefer them to anything she did with the band.

 The Go-Go's originally disbanded in 1985, which is when Belinda went out on her own to pursue her solo career with hits like "Heaven Is A Place On Earth", "Summer Rain", "I Get Weak", and "Leave A Light On". Leave A Light On was the first single from her third album "Runaway Horses" (1989) and was a top 10 hit in 8 different countries. The song features George Harrison (my Mom's favourite Beatle) on slide guitar, and the video (directed by Peter Care) features Belinda driving around the Navada Desert and walking the Las Vegas strip.

 Belinda is still doing her thing, and this year she released a new Greatest Hits package which included her new single "Sun".

 PS Thank you user hushhush112 on Dailymotion for uploading it for us to enjoy! Always give credit where credit is due!

Talk To Me!: Jodie Foster On Inside The Actors Studio (2005)

 Even though the clips from the movies they discuss are missing in this video (due to You tubes regulations), this is still an in depth and extremely interesting interview with Jodie Foster (one of my all time favourite actresses) about her early life and film career!

 The thing I love so much about Jodie, is how selective she is with her film roles. She's not the type of actress that does 3 movies a year back to back, she likes to take the time and really search out a role that is meaningful and perfect for her. So, she may not do a lot of movies, but you can be assured that the movies she does partake in are always passion projects.

 James Lipton sat down with Jodie to discuss everything from her beginnings as a child actress, to her first Academy Award nominated role at the age of 14 as child prostitute, Iris in Taxi Driver (1976), as well as her work in the films The Accused (1988, which won her her first Academy Award for best Actress), The Silence Of The Lambs (1991, which earned her her second Academy Award for Best Actress), Little Man Tate (1991, Her directorial debut), Nell (1994, the first released under her production company "Egg Pictures"), Panic Room (2002), and Flight Plan (2005).

Me as Gerard in the play "Forests"

 I actually learned something from this interview, I recently did a community theatre play called "Forests" back in March (I act in my spare time, if I forgot to mention this), in which I played a character named Gerard. It was an extremely heavy part that I had to play, my character essentially relives his past trauma of living in a forest (much like Jodie's character Nell), where his family is destroyed before his very eyes (Rape, incest, murder, suicide, you name it, I had to relive it and tell the tale of what happened). Anyway, my point is that while I was trying to discover how to get into the mind and body language of a character like that, I found a physical trait that, like Jodie, every time I started to do it, would involuntarily make me cry. It was basically a rocking motion, partnered with a kind of whimpering noise and hand ringing.

I know now from this show, that's it's called the psychological gesture. Very Interesting. That's why I love this show.

 More episodes to come in the future!

Turn It Up!: Jessie Ware - Night Light (Music Video)

  "Let me fall into your shades, you'll be my night light!"

 My brother gave me Jessie's debut album "Devotion" (2012) after his friend Dawn had insisted that I would love her sound, and y'know what? Dawn was right!

I don't know much about this 28 year old Londoner, but I really don't need to know much in order to enjoy her. What I do know, is that she used to sing back up for artists like Jack Peñate and Florence & The Machine, she's good friends with Adele (and has been described as the "missing link between Adele, SBTRKT and Sade) and she recently did her own cover version of Martika's "Love Thy Will Be Done". Although, I wasn't a huge fan of her version of that song, I must say I commend her for doing a Martika cover of any kind. Very cool choice.

 I love the song "Night Light" (the fourth single from Devotion), because it sounds very 90's to me and I love the cello in the opening of the track.

 Give it a whirl!

Turn It Up!: Idina Menzel - Brave (Music Video)

Yeah Baby! I've been listening to Idina's music for most of the day today (which really just means on the way to work and back) but I forgot how beautiful some of her pop songs are.

We all (maybe not all) know her as the Broadway Diva with the huge voice from Wicked, Rent, and The Wild Party (among many other broadway shows), but Idina is also a talented pop singer and songwriter in her own right. This song is from her 3rd studio album "I Stand" (2008) and was co-written by Glen Ballard.

The song was the first single released from "I Stand", and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. I remember when I saw her in concert during the tour for this album, I was front row and I was physically moved by this song when she performed it. Her vocals were stellar that night!

 Inspiring Song, Gorgeous Video... What more can you ask for? More pop albums from Idina, that's what! I'll definitely be adding more of her original material in the future and of course some of her broadway classics, like this gem!

Turn It Up!: Kylie Minogue - Skirt (Official Track Video)

 Hmmm! I don't know what to think about this!

 Today is Kylie Minogue's 45th Birthday and to celebrate with her fans, she and producer Nom De Strip have released (via Soundcloud) the club mix of a new song from her upcoming 12th studio album, called "Skirt". Now y'all know I love my Kylie to death, but I'm not really a fan of remixes. I would have preferred hearing the album version over the club mix of the track, but I guess beggers can't be chooser's.

 From the comments I've read about the track, it looks like most people are going bat shit crazy over it, so well done Miss Minogue. I don't dislike it in anyway, I'm just very picky when it comes to remixes, but the more I listen to it, the more I'm learning to appreciate it.

What do you all think? Like or Dislike? Gonna take a poll on the blog and see what you think. Vote just to the right.

 Happy Birthday Kylie!

Liven It Up!: Carrie Fisher - Wishful Drinking (One Woman Show)

  "Hi, I'm Carrie Fisher and I'm an alcoholic!"

 About a week and a half ago, I added an interview with Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds from the Oprah Winfrey Show and I had mentioned that I was going to add Carrie's one woman show that was recorded and shown on HBO later that same day... well, clearly I didn't lol, but I'm adding it now!

 I've probably watched this special about 30 times since I've downloaded it and I'm still not sick of it. She has such an amazing outlook and sense of humor about her life given the things she's gone through. As she says, "If my life wasn't funny, it would just be true. And that is completely unexceptable." Her gifts as a writer and actress have molded her abilities as a great storyteller. This one woman show (named after her autobiography of the same name) focuses on many aspects of her life. From growing up the daughter of Hollywood legends (and the ins and outs of her parents famous marriages), to her infamous role as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, to her own failed marriages (to singer Paul Simon and casting agent Brian Lourd), to her history of mental illness and drug addiction, she attacks every facet of her life with a really clever biting wit that will keep you smiling and laughing throughout.

 It is over an hour long, but it is a really great watch if you have the time. Don't be put off by her singing in the opening, there are no other musical numbers to suffer through lol.

Turn It Up!: Pebbles - Giving You The Benefit (Music Video)

 "Just take the benefit, don't give me no lip and I'll be sweet to you!" 

Had to add this song, it came on my i-pod when I was driving home from work today and I was jamming and singing along to it so hard!

 Perri "Pebbles" Reid was an R&B and Dance Pop artist / entrepreneur who had three successful albums back in the 80's to mid 90's and also ran her own music production company, Pebbitone, which discovered and helped form the group TLC. "Giving You The Benefit" was the first single from her second studio album "Always" (1990), and charted at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 list and was #1 for 3 weeks on the R&B charts, becoming one of her most successful singles.

 After accusing her of mismanaging their money (which she denies) and declaring bankruptcy, the members of TLC left Pebbitone, and following her divorce from record executive L.A. Reid, Pebbles left the pop music world and has since become an ordained Minister and now releases gospel music under the stage name, "Sister Perri".

 She looked smokin' hot in this video, I'm surprised she wasn't a model!

Turn It Up!: Janet Jackson - If (Music Video)

"I've Closed My Eyes & Thought Of Us A Hundred Different Way."

 This past Saturday marked the 20th Anniversary of the release of "janet." (1993), Janet Jackson's 5th studio album, and since it's one of my favorite albums of all time, I wanted to add one of it's hit songs. The album came out at a time when I was just starting to discover who I might become (sexually speaking) and the importance of being responsible with this aspect of my life, so it (along with Madonna's Erotica album) really informed this period in my growing up.

 "If" (released July 13, 1993) was the second single from "janet." and is lyrically about a girl who sexually fantasizes about a guy and what she would do to him if he weren't with another girl (don't be man-stealing, Janet). The sexual content of the song, and the album in general, was at the forefront of discussion among critics when the album was first released. Until that time, Janet had a relatively squeaky clean image, never showing much skin (except for her video for Love Will Never Do Without You, which bared her midriff) and rarely sang about sexual desires until this release which was dubbed as her "Sexual Awakening". Although the topic on everyone's lips were lyrics like "Your smooth and shiny feels so good against my lips, sugar", critics were also impressed by Janet's fusion of rock and trip hop funk music as well as her vocal performance which starts with a low vocal chant at the beginning of the verses and then swings up into a strong melodic pre-chorus. Also to be noted is the orchestral flourish sampling from Diana Ross and The Supremes' classic song "Someday We'll Be Together" which opens the instrumental bridge, and explosive dance break scene in the video, which is arguably one of Janet's most acclaimed and heralded dance performances ever.

 Speaking of choreography, the music video for this single was a dance extravaganza (as you can see). Set in a futuristic Asian nightclub and choreographed by Omar Lopez and Tina Landon (who was not only Janet's choreographer but also one of her back up dancers), the intricate "Look but don't touch!" choreography was the perfect fit for the story behind the song.

 As a little bonus, I've just read that during a recent interview with Billboard Magazine, Miss Jackson (if you're nasty) has announced that she if finally working on the follow up to her 2008 release "Discipline". 

Quote:

 “I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music,” she said. “I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don’t want to rush it… I don’t want to put a time constraint on the creative process.”

 So Excited!!!!!!!!!!!

Turn It Up!: Bjӧrk - Mutual Core (Music Video)

 What a spectacular and genius music video!!!!

 I gotta say, Bjӧrk never fails to surprise me. The song Mutual Core is (my favorite track) from her 2011 album "Biophilia" and likens the triumphs and travails of human relationships to that of the shifting of the earths tectonic plates and geological phenomena that occur from this process (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, soil erosion etc). You can really hear this idea conveyed not only in the lyrics ("I shuffle around the tectonic plates in my chest. You know I gave it all, try to match our continents to change seasonal shift, to form a mutual core.") but also in the instrumentation and composition of the music which is what I've always loved about Bjӧrk as a composer. She covers all her bases in the presentation of her art.

 The music video for the song, which was directed by Andrew Thomas Huang and commissioned and presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, was shot on a sound stage in Bjӧrk's hometown of Reykjavik, Iceland in two days, but the post production took 2 months. It features the singer buried up to her waist in a sand pit for the bulk of it, controlling the sand and the rock formations below it's surface (mother nature in a sense) until the rocks form a volcano which spews lava and volcanic ash.

 See below the short behind the scenes video about the creation of the finished product.

 Amazing, wouldn't you say?

Turn It Up!: Alanis Morissette - Empathy (Music Video)

 I know I just added a new Alanis music video (for Lens), but she's released another home made video via her official website, this time featuring the song "Empathy".

 The video was posted yesterday (which happened to be her and her husbands 3rd wedding anniversary) with the following blog,

 "This video captures footage from the entire year of touring in 2012 around this wild world. Victor Indrizzo, who is my bandmate on drums, directed, shot and edited the piece.

 Needless to say, communal international travel, as an artist, is a dream come true. Add that my family was with me — I was over the moon, if not completely sleep deprived! This song brings tears to my eyes no matter how often I hear it or perform it. May it hug your heart in the way it is intended to.

 Xoxoxo

 Alanis"

 So, you can just consider this blog posting, a bonus post (aren't I nice?!).

 Much love to you, Readers!!!

Talk To Me!: Sandra Oh on George Tonight (2012)

 I've been catching up on the current season of Grey's Anatomy lately, and one of my favorite characters on that show is Cristina Yang, played beautifully by the super talented (and Canadian) Sandra Oh, and so I decided to look up a few interviews with her and I found this great one from last year with Canadian talk show host George Stroumboulopoulos (whom I consider to be our answer to Anderson Cooper) while she was in Toronto receiving her Star on The Canadian Walk of Fame.

 The two discussed her parents early concerns in her choice to become an actor, her early days developing her name in the film industry, her conscious choice to remain out of the realm of celebrity, the role of religion and spirituality in her life, her ultimate decision to look for non-ethnic specific characters to play, and of course, her role of Cristina on Grey's.

 She seems very sweet and down to earth, don't you think?

Turn It Up!: Juliet Simms - Wild Child (Music Video)

 Juliet Simms is the former lead singer of the indie rock band Automatic Loveletter, but the majority of the world got to know her as the gritty rocker chick from Team Cee-Lo who was the runner up from season 2 of The Voice.

 After her success on The Voice, Juliet was signed to Republic Records and has since been working on her first solo studio album which is rumored to be coming out summer 2013. The first single is the reggae infused rock track "Wild Child" seen above. I love this song, it really matches the sonic flavors she played around with while on Team Cee-Lo, my only problem is that the video doesn't really hold up with the energy behind the song. A good start though.

 In other news, Juliet also recently returned to The Voice during it's current 4th season to perform with her former coach on his new single Only You (the single version of the track features singer Lauriana Mae instead of Simms).

 What do you think of Wild Child?

Turn It Up!: Justin Timberlake - Mirrors (Music Video)

 Alright, here are my thoughts on Mr. Timberlake. I like most of his music (although a bit pretentious at times) but there's something about him that bugs me and I can't figure out what it is. Aside from the fact that (for some reason) he seems to think he's black, there's a quality to him that I just find fake and annoying. I don't trust white boys from Tennessee who have Wigga accents and maybe it's because of how he handled the whole Janet Jackson nipple flash at the Superbowl, but I guess he seems to be very self serving.

 Be that as it may, I do laugh my ass off whenever I see him on SNL and the bulk of his music is pretty funky. The above song is definitely my favorite track from his new album "The 20/20 Experience" (I wonder if he owes Barbara Walters royalties for that album title?), but what is going on with the end of this video? I get the whole "3 time periods in one couples evolution" idea. The whole thing makes sense until he and his Lady Gaga looking back up dancer show up. I'm Confuzzled!

 Pretentious indeed!

Talk To Me!: Lisa Marie Presley on The Oprah Winfrey Show (October 2010)

 In October of 2010, Oprah flew to London to meet up with Lisa Marie Presley, during the recording of her album "Storm & Grace", and interview her about the death of her former husband, Michael Jackson.

 Lisa Marie has always been extremely candid and open whenever she has been on Oprah's show, and this interview is no exception. The two talk about everything from where she was when she heard about his death in June 2009, the parallels between Michael's life and her father's (Elvis Presley), her knowledge of Michael's drug use during their marriage, why they divorced, and her sense of regret after his passing.

 Really in depth, fascinating and brilliant interview! Give it a watch!

Turn It Up!: Dido - End Of Night (Music Video)

 I'm so in love with the new Dido album ("Girl Who Got Away" (2013)), I can't even explain it to you. In my opinion it is her best work since 2003's "Life For Rent". Her last album, Safe Trip Home (2008) was a bit of a snooze-fest but, thankfully, she is back to juxtaposing her very folk-rootsy voice with great guitar pop and mellow electronica beats which breathe so much more life into her music! Simply genius!

 Case in point, her 2nd single from the album "End Of Night". The video shows her walking through a seemingly haunted mansion with each room adorned with ghostly dancers while she sings of a relationship long past it's "sell-by" date.

 "You were ugly when the beat kicked in
And ugly when it left
And ugly all the way, I didn't see it till the end

 I feel nothing
When you cry
I hear nothing
See no need to reply
I can smile now
And turn away
Come over here
So you can see me walk away
And celebrate
The end of night"

 C'mon, are these great lyrics or what?

Turn It Up!: Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull - Live It Up (Music Video)

I don't absolutely love JLo's new single from her (as yet) untitled 8th studio album (omg I can't believe she's done 8 albums) but I do think it's fun and frivolous, which is what it's supposed to be, and I can't deny the fact that the woman looks SICKENING!!!!!!! Showing off her bangin' booty in that red one piece with feathers for days and red rubber thigh high boots that would put Nancy Sinatra to shame... Yes Ma'am! On the other hand, that yellow lipstick and nail polish... really?!?! It's okay Jennifer, how were you supposed to know that I hate the color yellow? I never told you!

 Jennifer is another artist (whether she's acting or singing) that I'm constantly shifting my opinions about. Sometimes I think she's really cool, and then there are times when she just irks me to no end. But she tries so hard and, really, she played Selena to the T back in the day, so I really can't hate her. But the one thing that is bothering me about her music career at the moment is her decision to release multiple singles (3 or 4) and then release an album. This album will be no exception. She has stated,

 "I think we're going to release this first and then a few singles and then we'll decide when to put the album out. I'm more a believer of letting it gain momentum. Let there be demand for the album by putting out some great music first."

 There are unconfirmed rumors that the new album will be released sometime in November. Good God woman. How are you going to have singles left to promote the album once it comes out? Unless you have 40 songs on the album, which, I'm sorry, but I don't think I can listen to you for that long.

 Release the album now, and get your ass out on tour, that's where artists make the bulk of their money anyway.

Turn It Up!: Kristina Train - Dark Black (Music Video)

 There are so many songs that I've been meaning to add to the blog for so long now and there aren't enough hours in the day. I've been meaning to add this one since December.

 I first heard this song when I was living with my boyfriend for 3 months at his place, helping him with his rent til he could find a new space to live. During the Christmas holidays, we would be decorating the house and baking and such, and we would have one of those Galaxy tv radio stations playing in the background. This song must've played once an hour and every time I asked him to turn it up. At first, I was struck by the simplicity of the music (which almost reminds me of Whiter Shade Of Pale) and the soulful richness of Kristina's voice, but then when I started to pay attention to the lyrics I just thought, what a perfect song. Chris found it sad (which it is), but I thought that it was so beautiful how she conveys the melancholy of missing someone or something so much that it saddens you to the point where the color and vibrancy of the world seems to dull in your eyes. Who doesn't know that feeling?.

 The rest of Kristina's album (also titled Dark Black) is just as fantastic. Her voice is so smooth and sultry that it makes it easy to get hooked on her.

 "What good is a rainbow, if the picture is in black and in white?"

Turn It Up!: Sheryl Crow - Easy (Music Video)

 Since I'm sick today, I've decided to stay in and get some rest, which gives me the opportunity to work a little bit on the blog.

 I've been obsessed with the new Sheryl Crow song since I first heard it about a month ago, and now she's finally released the official music video so I can add it here for you all to enjoy. I know I'll be blasting this from my car windows all summer. So organic, like a breath of fresh air.

 Sheryl has been working on her follow up to her 2010 album "100 Miles From Memphis" since late 2012 and has recently parted ways with A&M Records and signed with Warner Music Nashville, to release (what they're calling) her "first country music record" which is slated to come out in September of this year. That confuses me, only because I've always considered Sheryl's music to be mostly country influenced since she started (some albums more so than others). In any case, if the rest of the album is like this, I'm sure to love it. As past albums go, Sheryl is usually hit or miss with me. It seems like she has a pattern to do a really amazing album and then something kinda lackluster (just my opinion). So, since I was less than impressed with the last record, I'm expecting this one to be brilliant! 

As for the single, Sheryl has stated that the song is her "Stay-cation song". "It's about making your home feel like you're getting away!" The video was directed by Trey Fanjoy and features actor Jason Lewis (best known for the role of Smith Jerrod on Sex & The City) as her love interest, making a romantic island getaway in their own house.

 Ummm, yeah. Who wouldn't want to take it "Easy" with him?

 Am I Right?

Turn It Up!: Shanice - I Love Your Smile (Music Video)

 While I'm in a 90's frame of mind, and because it's her 40th Birthday today, I'm adding Shanice's 1991 classic "I Love Your Smile"!

 A one-time regular on the show Kids Incorporated (which turned out stars like Martika, Fergie, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Mario Lopez), Shanice started her music recording career at the age of 14 when she released her 1987 debut album "Discovery". The album sold moderately well and produced 2 top 10 R&B hits, but her major label success came in 1991 when she switched record company's and released her first Motown Records album "Inner Child". This album went on to reach #13 on the Billboard R&B chart and it's lead single (seen above) peaked at #2 on the Billboard Pop Charts and #1 on the R&B charts. Other releases include 1994's "21...Ways To Grow" and 1999's "Shanice"!

 Shanice is still recording music, her most recent release was 2006's "Every Woman Dreams", and on top of doing various songs for soundtracks like "Boomerang", "Pocahontas" and "Bevery Hills, 90210", she can also occasionally be heard singing back up on various artists albums (she sang back up on Toni Braxton's classic Unbreak My Heart, and Usher's Bedtime, just to name a few).

 She is rumored to be working on a new album to be released sometime this year (only a rumor though).

 Fun Fact: Did you know that Shanice was the first African American woman to perform the role of Eponine in Les Misérables on Broadway?

 PS. Isn't this the cutest video?

Turn It Up!: Corina - Temptation (Music Video)

 Oooh, 90's throwback! Don'tcha just love it???? I want to thank my friend (and avid reader/supporter) Jordanna for bringing this song back around to my attention.

 Corina was a 90's dance pop and freestyle artist who (as far as I know) only released one official studio album back in 1991 (the self titled "Corina") which spawned 3 singles, the most popular and successful of the 3 was the song "Temptation", seen above.

 Temptation was the first single from the album and peaked on the Billboard Pop Charts in the US at number 6. As hot as the video may be (for a 90's video), Corina is the most unfortunate looking female pop star I've probably ever seen. Poor thing! She kinda looks like Wilson Jermaine Heredia in the role of Angel from the musical "Rent" (but manlier).

 Still a great song though!

Turn It Up!: Alanis Morissette - Lens (Music Video)

 Yayyyy! As I was cruising around youtube for a couple of videos to save for adding to the blog at a later time, I found the new music video for the 3rd single from Havoc And Bright Lights, Lens, which was just uploaded yesterday.

 I love the eastern inflections and influences on this song. Lens is ultimately (to me) about learning to live and love each other despite differences in opinion, religion, or daily practices in lifestyle, you can see past these things if you view them through a lens of love and acceptance, rather than disapproval and judgement.

 The video was shot recently on The Guardian Angel Tour which is currently touring Europe. I love it, she looks great (except for the strand of hair running across her forehead when she is singing against the wall, which my brother cannot stand, he wishes her stylist would have fixed that).

 What do you all think?

Talk To Me!: Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds on The Oprah Winfrey Show (2011)

 Actress and writer, Carrie Fisher and her mega movie star Mother, Debbie Reynolds sat down with Oprah Winfrey in February 2011 to discuss their lives and their turbulent relationship over the years. They talk about everything from Carrie's mental illness, to Debbie's famous marriages (including her first to Actor/Singer Eddie Fisher which ended when he left her for her best friend Elizabeth Taylor back in 1959), to Carrie's famous role as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, and Debbie's extensive Hollywood film memorabilia collection.

 Carrie was also there to promote her One-Woman Show "Wishful Drinking" and the book of the same name. The one woman show was filmed and presented on HBO and I'm going to add it to the blog in the next couple of days (or maybe even later tonight) because it is truly hilarious.

 Enjoy!

Turn It Up!: Bette Midler - The Wind Beneath My Wings (Music Video)

 Today was Mother's Day (and I suppose it still is) and I would be a wretched son if I didn't add one of my Mom's favorite songs to honor her and send a love shout out for her and all the mothers out there who work their asses off to raise their kids.

 If you don't know who Bette Midler is, then you probably shouldn't be here lol. This song is her mega-smash single from her 1989 film "Beaches", and my Mom is the reason I love that movie and all of Bette Midler's music.

 Quick story: When I was a kid, I had horrible hand/eye co-ordination because my motor skills were underdeveloped, and so every Wednesday when I was around 8 or 9 years old, I had to go see a physical therapist (a woman named Eleanore) who would help me strengthen my motor skills by drawing pictures and playing various puzzle games (that damn Pop goes Perfection game for instance). My Mother was the one who always took me to these appointments and on the way we would always listen to a Bette Midler album, and it was usually either the Beaches Soundtrack or her 1990 album "Some People's Lives". So we would both sing along to Bette's songs to and from the appointments and have a great time.

 Years later, when I discovered I had a singing voice, I sang this song for my Mom on numerous occassions (in front of audiences, or just at home) and it has just become our song, in a way.

So, needless to say, Bette is one of my all time favorite artists and remains, to this day, the best concert experience I have ever been to. Many have come in a close second (trust) but I laughed, cried (literally had to be handed kleenex from the old woman seated next to me) and was moved in every way imaginable.

 Who are the artists that your Mother's listened to?

Liven It Up!: The Wailin' Jenny's - One Voice (2006)

 Did somebody say harmonies? Well, I have just what you're looking for.

This is Canadian music group The Wailin' Jenny's, and oddly enough, none of these girls are named Jenny lol. The group is made up of members Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta and (in this video clip) Annabelle Chvostek who replaced original vocalist Cara Luft and eventually left the group in 2007 and was replaced by Heather Masse. The group got it's name from the guitar store owner that formed them as a group for a one time joint performance back in 2002, it seems the performance went so well, that the owner told them they should go on tour and call themselves "The Wailin' Jenny's" which was a pun on country singer Waylon Jennings' name.

The group has released 3 studio albums since 2004 and they are known for their lush 3 part harmonies and stunning rootsy folk sensibilities. This track shown above is the first song on their debut album "40 Days" (which is how long it took them to record the album).

Personally I find everything they do to be pitch perfect and absolutely stunning. If you like what you hear above, you should definitely invest in more of their music, I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Mind blowingly good, this won't be my last post about them, Trust!

"This is the sound of all of us Singing with love and the will to trust Leave the rest behind it will turn to dust This is the sound of all of us"

Picture This!: Winona Ryder on Interview Magazine (2013)

These gorgeous new pictures of Winona Ryder are from the latest issue of Interview Magazine. Stephen Mooallem sat down with the 41 year old actress and discussed her upcoming "comeback" (though she hates that term) as a lead actress to the big screen. Here are a few highlight quotes.

"I would say that the last 10 years—and I did take a few years off at the beginning of that—have been different for me for so many reasons. I mean, you get used to thinking that things are going a certain way because of something, but then you just kind of grow up. Looking back—and this is all in retrospect—I did have a lot of success and a lot of great opportunities earlier in my career. But I did also have this thing that was sort of happening in my late twenties where, whether it was because of how I looked or because I started so young, even though I was the right age for things, people didn't think that I was old enough. I'm just guessing, but I think for a lot of people, I was the girl from Heathers or Edward Scissorhands [1990]. And by the way, it could've also been that they just didn't want me—that might have also been the case. There was a lot of brilliant, exciting talent coming along. I had been working for a while, but then we get someone like Kate Winslet or someone like Sarah Polley—both of whom I love. But who knows? It's hard thinking back. I mean, I work with people nowadays and see them going through stuff that I went through, and maybe making some mistakes because they're having their moment. But I remember going through that, too. So it's interesting for me now to be the older one, because I was always the kid."

On understanding 90's nostalgia in 2013 ~ "I remember going to the Greek Theatre in Berkeley when I was 11 or 12. Simple Minds was opening for the Pretenders. I was in the front row and I was getting squashed, so they pushed me up on the stage. I wasn't trying to get on the stage like other people—I was just literally so small that the security guys came to grab me. But Chrissie was like, "No, no." So they pulled me up on stage, and she put me up on, like, a speaker and sang "2,000 Miles" to me and ran her fingers through my hair. It was the biggest thing that had ever happened to me to that point. Then later, I met her at a PETA thing—with River [Phoenix] and Martha Plimpton, actually. I was very nervous, but she was so nice. Then I remember I saw her at this concert in Manchester. The hotel where everyone was staying was across the street from the stadium, and I remember walking back there with her and talking about love and stuff. It's funny because I see so many girls walking down the street now dressing like her. Even with photo shoots—not that I do so many, but the references are so often Chrissie and Siouxsie Sioux. I mean, I went to those shows . . . "

On how filming has changed since she started ~ "When I did Star Trek [2009], there was a day when I was in a crazy costume, and they were trying to get me from the trailer to the set, so there were all these PAs with umbrellas. I actually thought they were doing it for my comfort, so I was like, "No, guys—it's okay. I can walk." But they were like, "Uh . . . No." Even though we were shooting in the desert, they were holding up the umbrellas because they were worried about paparazzi shooting with long lenses from far away. I remember being like, "Oh, you're trying to keep this a secret"—like, my outfit."

On her roles as Lydia in Beetlejuice and Veronica in Heathers ~ "Those two roles that you just mentioned are the two that are closest to me. It's almost like I wasn't in those movies—I'm a fan of both of them on that level. But if I didn't get those parts, then I don't think I would've continued to be an actress. I was unusual looking—I didn't have the look of that time. If you look at Lucas—and, basically, my first five or six movies—the characters are not described in the scripts as attractive people. So I scored in the sense that if I hadn't done those, I don't know that I would've been cast in other things, because I wasn't really considered a beauty."

On her So-Called "Comeback" ~ "I have to admit, though, that every time I hear "comeback, blah, blah, blah," it's kind of hard for me. I'm not trying to be super-sensitive at all, but there is a little bit of defensiveness because I do feel like I have contributed. Even if I'd just made Beetlejuice and Heathers, I put in work. So I don't know if it has to do with the way the business has changed or the press has changed or that people have zero patience because of this instant access, and they get almost amnesia from it . . . I don't know what it is. It wasn't like I wasn't being offered anything. But then, at the same time, I do feel lucky to be working. I just really wanted to be much more selective. I know that a lot of actors can't afford to do that—and maybe I will become one of them. But I do love what I do, and I want to continue to do it."

On her role in the upcoming drama "The Iceman" in which she plays the wife of a mob contract killer ~ I saw her as not naive, to be honest. You know, this was something that I'd never done before—this genre, true crime—and my biggest fear was that there would be something romantic about it. I'm not saying this was the right thing to do, but I could not watch all of those interviews with Richard Kuklinski that are on YouTube or do a lot of research, because what creeps me out even more that the guy himself is the fascination that other people have with this kind of violence. I mean, I get it, but I also see it as repulsive, because this was not a guy in a situation where this guy was war-torn and it was kill or be killed.He was straight-up murdering people for a lot of money. They were living well. Yes, he came from an abusive home—and I do think there is something cyclical about violence. But this guy didn't overcome anything. I mean, I did look at some of the stuff that's out there, so I did know the gist of what he did, and then I thought about the wives of people like Bernie Madoff and even about The Sopranos. But I didn't do a lot of research, because if I had, then I think I would have played it in a way that the director did not want me to play it. I just went through the script with a Sharpie and blacked out all of the scenes where he was killing people and the ones that I wasn't in where things were happening that she wasn't aware of—or maybe she was aware them, but was choosing to be in denial about them.

For more, pick up the latest issue of Interview Magazine!

What's On!: True Blood Season 6 Trailer

You know I'm living for this!

HBO just released the official trailer for the 6th season of True Blood which will begin on June 16th. Although I wasn't all that impressed with season 5 (compared to past season's) I think that was just the appetizer before the main meal which will hopefully be this season. It looks a lot more action packed than last season which was a lot more story based, which is all fine and good, but I want a boost of adrenaline this time.

Last season ended with Bill taking in the blood of Lillith (the first vampire) after which, he died and was reincarnated in a hot bloody naked mess as a new "Vampire God" (Billith, if you will). Looks like this season will continue with that drama and the American Government looks like it's out to destroy all vamps.

The most exciting part of this trailer (for me) is the voice return of one of my favorite characters from Season 2, Sarah Newlin (played by actress Anna Camp). Love her!!!!

Are you all ready for True Blood's return? What are you anticipating for the new season?

Turn It Up!: Missy Higgins - Everyone's Waiting (Music Video)

I can't believe I've just discovered Missy Higgins! My brother is constantly giving me new music to listen to that I may like, but the problem is he gives me so many artists and so many albums to go through, that some get overlooked and basically ignored for a long time.

Today as I was going through some of the albums he had added to my iTunes, I saw 3 albums by Missy, 1 of which the album cover and title caught my attention, her 2012 album "The Ol' Razzle Dazzle"!

 
How could I possibly ignore an album like this for so long? I immediately gave it a listen and was blown away by the raw beauty of her lyrics.

As I was listening, I had my lastfm scrobbler going and I read a little bio on Missy which said that she's one of the most popular female singer-songwriters in Australia (where she hails from). I don't doubt it for a second.

The song above was definitely a standout song on the album. A song about trying to be true to yourself when you have so many people's opinions about what you should do, and how you should be, running around in your head distracting you.

"I know all the lines to say
The part I’m expected to play
But in the reflection
I am worlds away

As I put my costume on
Eyelashes one by one
Been doing this so long
I can tie the knot
Behind my back

And everyone’s waiting
But it’s getting harder to hear what my heart is saying
Cos everyone’s waiting"

Then, to cap it all off, I go to youtube and find this incredibly stunning music video, that fit the power of the lyrics perfectly and made me tear up while watching it. That just sealed the deal for me officially loving this artist. Whoever shot and directed this music video is a genius.

Give it a watch, you may fall in love with her too.

Talk To Me!: Kathy Griffin On The Rosie Show (2012)

 Check out this 2 hour long interview that Kathy Griffin did with Rosie O'Donnell back in 2012. Just two funny women kicking back and having a natural, candid, and frank discussion about everything from eating disorders, world issues, their careers as stand up comedians and even dealing with grief.

 You can tell that they're just having a great time, shootin' the breeze. I don't know about you all, but I love Rosie O'Donnell. I think she's an amazing talk show host, and whether her opinions are good, bad, or indifferent she always expresses them so honestly, which I really appreciate. Plus, even though many of her opinions over the years have been viewed (no pun intended) as controversial, she never savors them (the way the general media does) in a crass or controversial way, which gives me the impression that she's truly just speaking from her heart and her experiences. I wish she would return to tv again, or even go back to her radio show.

 Give it a watch. Kathy was the perfect subject to start interviewing one on one! Expect to see some of Kathy's stand up specials added to the blog in the not too distant future.

Turn It Up!: Mariah Carey Feat. Miguel - #Beautiful (Music Video)

 Oh Mimi! You make me giggle!

 I don't know where to start with this post! Obviously this is the brand new single by Mariah, from her (as yet) untitled 14th studio album which is due for release sometime within the next month, but my first impression (as much as I'm living for this song) is that she seems to have managed to make herself the guest star in her own single once again (much like her ill-fated release "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" back in August of 2012). The difference with this release however is that, when she finally takes her moments in this song, she shines brighter than any diamond in any Rihanna song.

 The song is so low key and unexpected for a diva of Mariah's magnitude but it's rhythm and melody (reminiscent of 1960's r&b pop/soul music, I'm thinking a little Fontella Bass) are so intoxicating that it's no wonder critics are anticipating that it will become her 19th #1 single. It has the sweet warmth and freshness of a perfect summer cruising song. Not at all intrusive, but perfectly chill.

 Let's talk about the video now, shall we? I said it on my facebook, and I'll say it here... Mariah is still bat shit crazy lol (I mean that in the best possible way). Dancing around and striking Diva poses in a barn full of chandeliers and flashing her cooter for Miguel (I'm sorry, nude panties? Mariah, really?!?!) just makes me laugh my ass off. That said, I don't think I've ever seen her looking more Flawless. The bitch is FIERCE and CURVALICIOUS in that yellow mini-dress and black leather crop top and ass hugging short shorts. Werk every last inch of that body Mimi!!!!!!! I wish she would look that gorgeous on American Idol.

 As for what you can expect from the rest of her album when it eventually materializes, Mariah says,

 "I'm collaborating with a lot of my favorite people but the main thing is [that] I'm not trying to follow any particular trend, I want it to be well received. I want to stay true to myself and the music that I love and make the fans happy".

 "It's about making sure I have tons of good music, because at the end of the day that's the most important thing....There are a lot more raw ballads than people might expect...there are also uptempo and signature-type songs that represent [my] different facets as an artist.....Wherever we go with this project, I've tried to keep the soul and heart in it".

 Sounds like we're in for a treat, which is good because her last album, 2009's "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel", was a bit of a clunker.

 In other Mariah news, watch for her return to the big screen as she is part of the all-star cast of the new Lee Daniel's film "The Butler" which includes Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, Vanessa Redgrave, Robin Williams, Melissa Leo, James Marsden, Alan Rickman, Jane Fonda, and Lenny Kravitz (just to name a few). And of course, she is still bickering and rolling her eyes at Nicki Minaj on American Idol, where I must say, as much as she babbles sometimes (I would be the pot that calls the kettle black), she manages to give the most technically incisive critiques, even with Randy calling her "Dude" and "Dawg" every 2 seconds, which I'm sure just pisses her off.

 That is all!

Talk To Me: Jinkx Monsoon - Drag Becomes Him (Series)

 We are literally just 2 hours away from the reveal of which drag queen is going to be crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race season 5, and I thought I would add this web series that gives insight into the life and career of the Queen that I believe will be crowned, Jinkx Monsoon!

 The final three (Jinkx Monsoon, Alaska, and Roxxxy Andrews) and the rest of their fellow competitors will reassemble for the Reunion show where RuPaul will announce which Queen the viewers voted for over the past two weeks to be titled America's Next Drag Superstar. I have to admit, that I split my vote between Jinkx and Alaska because both of them impressed me so much and had me laughing my ass off, but of the 2, I believe Jinkx is the most likely to win. I have a hard time imagining that Roxxxy will win due to her piss poor attitude toward some of the comedy girls!

Sadly I have to wait til tomorrow to find out the official results, but I'm enjoying the video's above in the meantime. The series actually has 4 parts but the 2nd part seems to have been uploaded with a faulty audio track, so enjoy the goodness above and I'll check for an updated version later. My favorite video is the first, because I just love watching Queens paint their faces (and her impression of Meryl Streep from Death Becomes Her is hysterical to me)!