And her big, strapping Russian boxer boyfriend:
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Hayden Panettiere at Oktoberfest 2010
Even famous people go to Oktoberfest. They're usually spotted in the Hippodrom Tent (they even have their own website, go here). Here we have Hayden Panettiere (aka The Cheerleader from the now-cancelled "Heros" TV show).
And her big, strapping Russian boxer boyfriend:
And her big, strapping Russian boxer boyfriend:
Friday, December 17, 2010
Ricky Gervais on Jon Stewart
It's a conversation about nothing, but it's frakkin hilarious! I would heart partying with these two, but I'm sure I couldn't keep up.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Ricky Gervais | ||||
| ||||
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Top 5 Holiday Albums
Christmas albums? Really? Does anyone admit to owning one? Isn’t a Christmas album just a vanity project for an artist? Everyone has one - Garth Brooks, The Jingle Cats, and even RuPaul (full disclosure: I own a copy of all of these!). But in the hands of an exceptional artist and maybe more importantly a great producer, a Christmas album can be marvelous.
Yep, there has been many a great Christmas songs: Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and my favorite, The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” but I am looking at an entire album. And I’m not including any compilations like “NOW Christmas” which doesn’t count; that’s just too easy. Granted I’m limited to my own collection (totaling about 50 discs), but here are my favorites.
1 - Vanessa Williams “Star Bright”
This disc is a great mix of generic holiday songs, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and traditional Christmas songs like “What Child Is This.” Vanessa is consistently good on songs like a rousing spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain / Mary Had a Baby” and on original songs like the title track, “Star Bright”. Honestly, I like to listen to this from beginning to end and not once do I reach for the remote changer. It’s my number one go-to holiday disc.
2 - Annie Lennox “A Christmas Cornucopia”
This disc surprised me. Annie Lennox doing Christmas? Her normal albums are deeply emotional, often depressing, songs that are personal therapy. How could that possibly translate to the holidays? The sound of the record is like a traveling band on the old Silk Road - peasants just out to have a great time. And what’s even more surprising is that most of the songs are Christian traditional songs, “Silent Night”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Annie? Really? Still scratching my head. I know this disc came out this year, 2010, but it’s already a favorite. Who knows, maybe next year it will usurp Queen Vanessa for number one!
3 - Louis Armstrong & Friends “What A Wonderful Christmas”
Satchmo just having a grand old time. I can’t help but smile when I listen to this record. “Christmas In New Orleans” - winner. “White Christmas” - better than Bing. “Christmas Night in Harlem” - a joyous romp. The “friends” here are a stellar cast too, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, and Louis Jordan. Man, I love this record. Puts the fun back in the holidays.
4 - Ella Fitzgerald “Wishes You a Swinging Christmas”
According to the liner notes from the original 1960 release, Ella didn’t want to do any religious or solemn holiday songs. So she ampted up the swing and kicked some holiday ass with “Sleigh Ride”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Frosty The Snow Man.” She does some ballads like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, but emphasizes the joy of the season (rather than the typical dour sense one gets!). I love Ms. Ella and look forward to this record every year.
5 - The Glenn Miller Orchestra “In The Christmas Mood”
Yea, go ahead. Call me a douche bag for including this one. But it’s the big band at it’s finest. Recorded in 1988, it’s got all the usual standards, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Song” and “Jingle Bells.” My favorite is “Sleigh Ride” and I get a kick out of their fun arrangements and medleys. If you’re looking for background music for a party, this is it. Oh and don’t forget, there’s a “In The Christmas Mood #2" album - just as good.
*****
With a collection of 50 discs, there’s bound to be some honorable mentions. The Top 5 might make it seem like I love the festival stuff the best - well I do - but it helps during the usual holiday doldrums. If it doesn’t make you puke, it makes you better. Isn’t that the saying? Anyway, here’s a few disc I like to play just as much:
Honorable Mention
“A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert” with Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, and Wynton Marsalis
The Manhattan Transfer “The Christmas Album”
Barbra Streisand “A Christmas Album”
Ottmar Liebert “Poets & Angels”
Finally, here’s one of my favorite holiday songs:
Yep, there has been many a great Christmas songs: Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and my favorite, The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” but I am looking at an entire album. And I’m not including any compilations like “NOW Christmas” which doesn’t count; that’s just too easy. Granted I’m limited to my own collection (totaling about 50 discs), but here are my favorites.
1 - Vanessa Williams “Star Bright”
This disc is a great mix of generic holiday songs, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and traditional Christmas songs like “What Child Is This.” Vanessa is consistently good on songs like a rousing spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain / Mary Had a Baby” and on original songs like the title track, “Star Bright”. Honestly, I like to listen to this from beginning to end and not once do I reach for the remote changer. It’s my number one go-to holiday disc.
2 - Annie Lennox “A Christmas Cornucopia”
This disc surprised me. Annie Lennox doing Christmas? Her normal albums are deeply emotional, often depressing, songs that are personal therapy. How could that possibly translate to the holidays? The sound of the record is like a traveling band on the old Silk Road - peasants just out to have a great time. And what’s even more surprising is that most of the songs are Christian traditional songs, “Silent Night”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Annie? Really? Still scratching my head. I know this disc came out this year, 2010, but it’s already a favorite. Who knows, maybe next year it will usurp Queen Vanessa for number one!
3 - Louis Armstrong & Friends “What A Wonderful Christmas”
Satchmo just having a grand old time. I can’t help but smile when I listen to this record. “Christmas In New Orleans” - winner. “White Christmas” - better than Bing. “Christmas Night in Harlem” - a joyous romp. The “friends” here are a stellar cast too, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, and Louis Jordan. Man, I love this record. Puts the fun back in the holidays.
4 - Ella Fitzgerald “Wishes You a Swinging Christmas”
According to the liner notes from the original 1960 release, Ella didn’t want to do any religious or solemn holiday songs. So she ampted up the swing and kicked some holiday ass with “Sleigh Ride”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Frosty The Snow Man.” She does some ballads like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, but emphasizes the joy of the season (rather than the typical dour sense one gets!). I love Ms. Ella and look forward to this record every year.
5 - The Glenn Miller Orchestra “In The Christmas Mood”
Yea, go ahead. Call me a douche bag for including this one. But it’s the big band at it’s finest. Recorded in 1988, it’s got all the usual standards, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Song” and “Jingle Bells.” My favorite is “Sleigh Ride” and I get a kick out of their fun arrangements and medleys. If you’re looking for background music for a party, this is it. Oh and don’t forget, there’s a “In The Christmas Mood #2" album - just as good.
*****
With a collection of 50 discs, there’s bound to be some honorable mentions. The Top 5 might make it seem like I love the festival stuff the best - well I do - but it helps during the usual holiday doldrums. If it doesn’t make you puke, it makes you better. Isn’t that the saying? Anyway, here’s a few disc I like to play just as much:
Honorable Mention
“A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert” with Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, and Wynton Marsalis
The Manhattan Transfer “The Christmas Album”
Barbra Streisand “A Christmas Album”
Ottmar Liebert “Poets & Angels”
Finally, here’s one of my favorite holiday songs:
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Gylne Tider (aka Golden Times)
Even without seeing it, I'm pretty sure this is the best Norwegian TV show EVER!
This video seems to have gone viral. It's essentially a promo for a TV show, but the pop culture references - people lip syncing - is stunning. Check it out.
Oh and they have a second video for "We Are The World". It's filled with equally odd choices, making you say more than once, "Oh look who it is" or "Wow, they're still alive?"
This video seems to have gone viral. It's essentially a promo for a TV show, but the pop culture references - people lip syncing - is stunning. Check it out.
Oh and they have a second video for "We Are The World". It's filled with equally odd choices, making you say more than once, "Oh look who it is" or "Wow, they're still alive?"
Grammy Nominations 2010
Every year I cull through the baffling Grammy nominations so you don’t have to. Here’s a look at what I found interesting, ridiculous, and essentially irrelevant.
*****
I am officially old. I haven’t heard any of these songs. Ok, maybe the song from Beyonce’s husband, but that was years ago, wasn’t it? And I only like the part where Alicia shouts “New York...” Ugh, it’s all dreck. No Justin Bieber? WTF? A song named “Fuck You”? Gads, what happened to subtlety? It died.
Record Of The Year
Nothin' On You - B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
Love The Way You Lie - Eminem Featuring Rihanna
F*** You - Cee Lo Green
Empire State Of Mind - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
*****
The category of 1) the guy fat chicks dig, 2) dead guy, 3) gay guy, 4) Bruce Willis, and 3) the guy who has porked all of Hollywood. Might be an old-manish choice, but my hopes and dreams are on Michael Bublé. Does that make me a fat chick?
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Bublé
This Is It - Michael Jackson
Whataya Want From Me - Adam Lambert
Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Half Of My Heart - John Mayer
*****
I hope Steve Perry performs a mash-up with the Glee cast on the TV show!
Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals Version) - Glee Cast
Misery - Maroon 5
The Only Exception - Paramore
Babyfather - Sade
Hey, Soul Sister (Live) - Train
*****
The only think interesting about this category is the potential for Celebrity Death Match. I’m certain SuBo would win. Bieber is a pussy.
Best Pop Vocal Album
My World 2.0 - Justin Bieber
I Dreamed A Dream - Susan Boyle
The Fame Monster - Lady Gaga
Battle Studies - John Mayer
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
*****
Also known as the Natalie Cole category, I’m hoping that Michael wins here and will perform on the telecast.
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Crazy Love - Michael Bublé
The Greatest Love Songs Of All Time - Barry Manilow
Let It Be Me: Mathis In Nashville - Johnny Mathis
Fly Me To The Moon…The Great American Songbook: Volume V - Rod Stewart
Love Is The Answer - Barbra Streisand
*****
The most irrelevant, mis-named category...EVER.
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and Neil Young
*****
No joke, the Muse record was one of my favorites of the year.
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Arcade Fire, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone, The Black Keys, Kings Of Leon, and Muse
*****
Dweezil...releases an instrumental to whore a nomination...how else does one explain this?
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
Jeff Beck, The Black Keys, Los Lobos, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, and Dweezil Zappa
*****
Again, my honest hope is that Muse wins.
Best Rock Album
The Resistance - Muse
*****
Sadly, a category that is usually filled with mariachi singers, shall go silent this year. There’s lots of Tejano, Norteño, and Banda nominees, but not enough regional Mexicans. Here’s what the Academy had to say about it.
Best Regional Mexican Album
There were fewer than ten artists entered into this category, so per Academy rules The Recording Academy will not be announcing nominations or presenting a GRAMMY Award in this category this year.
*****
I’m disappointed Elvis Costello wasn’t nominated this year. His disc, “Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane” was terrific. So from the nominees, I’d like to see Los Lobos win.
Best Americana Album
The List - Rosanne Cash
Tin Can Trust - Los Lobos
Country Music - Willie Nelson
Band Of Joy - Robert Plant
You Are Not Alone - Mavis Staples
*****
I just want to see Cyndi perform on the TV show.
Best Traditional Blues Album
Memphis Blues - Cyndi Lauper
*****
Anything with Angelique, I’d want to see!
Best Contemporary World Music Album
ÕŸÖ - Angelique Kidjo
*****
It’s the “read your book” category. Hard to decide here. Should I go foreign? Invalid? Senior citizen? Nope, I’m going for Jon Stewart.
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Story Telling)
Craig Ferguson, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Michael J. Fox, Carol Burnett, and Woody Allen
*****
Nobody really puts out comedy albums so it’s relevant that an old dinosaur like Robin Williams was even nominated. Go Kathy Griffin!
Best Comedy Album
Margaret Cho, Flight Of The Conchords, Kathy Griffin, Lewis Black, and Robin Williams
****
Too much Sondheim here to tell apart. I don’t want to award Catherine Zeta-Jones, so “A Little Night Music” is out. And the Burt Bacharach stuff in “Promises, Promises” is a rehash. So it’s a toss up between Green Day and Fela. I’d have to go with something bold and new, so “Fela!” is my pick here.
Best Musical Show Album
American Idiot (Featuring Green Day)
Fela!
A Little Night Music
Promises, Promises
Sondheim On Sondheim
*****
I am officially old. I haven’t heard any of these songs. Ok, maybe the song from Beyonce’s husband, but that was years ago, wasn’t it? And I only like the part where Alicia shouts “New York...” Ugh, it’s all dreck. No Justin Bieber? WTF? A song named “Fuck You”? Gads, what happened to subtlety? It died.
Record Of The Year
Nothin' On You - B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
Love The Way You Lie - Eminem Featuring Rihanna
F*** You - Cee Lo Green
Empire State Of Mind - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
*****
The category of 1) the guy fat chicks dig, 2) dead guy, 3) gay guy, 4) Bruce Willis, and 3) the guy who has porked all of Hollywood. Might be an old-manish choice, but my hopes and dreams are on Michael Bublé. Does that make me a fat chick?
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Bublé
This Is It - Michael Jackson
Whataya Want From Me - Adam Lambert
Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Half Of My Heart - John Mayer
*****
I hope Steve Perry performs a mash-up with the Glee cast on the TV show!
Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals Version) - Glee Cast
Misery - Maroon 5
The Only Exception - Paramore
Babyfather - Sade
Hey, Soul Sister (Live) - Train
*****
The only think interesting about this category is the potential for Celebrity Death Match. I’m certain SuBo would win. Bieber is a pussy.
Best Pop Vocal Album
My World 2.0 - Justin Bieber
I Dreamed A Dream - Susan Boyle
The Fame Monster - Lady Gaga
Battle Studies - John Mayer
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
*****
Also known as the Natalie Cole category, I’m hoping that Michael wins here and will perform on the telecast.
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Crazy Love - Michael Bublé
The Greatest Love Songs Of All Time - Barry Manilow
Let It Be Me: Mathis In Nashville - Johnny Mathis
Fly Me To The Moon…The Great American Songbook: Volume V - Rod Stewart
Love Is The Answer - Barbra Streisand
*****
The most irrelevant, mis-named category...EVER.
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and Neil Young
*****
No joke, the Muse record was one of my favorites of the year.
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Arcade Fire, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone, The Black Keys, Kings Of Leon, and Muse
*****
Dweezil...releases an instrumental to whore a nomination...how else does one explain this?
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
Jeff Beck, The Black Keys, Los Lobos, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, and Dweezil Zappa
*****
Again, my honest hope is that Muse wins.
Best Rock Album
The Resistance - Muse
*****
Sadly, a category that is usually filled with mariachi singers, shall go silent this year. There’s lots of Tejano, Norteño, and Banda nominees, but not enough regional Mexicans. Here’s what the Academy had to say about it.
Best Regional Mexican Album
There were fewer than ten artists entered into this category, so per Academy rules The Recording Academy will not be announcing nominations or presenting a GRAMMY Award in this category this year.
*****
I’m disappointed Elvis Costello wasn’t nominated this year. His disc, “Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane” was terrific. So from the nominees, I’d like to see Los Lobos win.
Best Americana Album
The List - Rosanne Cash
Tin Can Trust - Los Lobos
Country Music - Willie Nelson
Band Of Joy - Robert Plant
You Are Not Alone - Mavis Staples
*****
I just want to see Cyndi perform on the TV show.
Best Traditional Blues Album
Memphis Blues - Cyndi Lauper
*****
Anything with Angelique, I’d want to see!
Best Contemporary World Music Album
ÕŸÖ - Angelique Kidjo
*****
It’s the “read your book” category. Hard to decide here. Should I go foreign? Invalid? Senior citizen? Nope, I’m going for Jon Stewart.
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Story Telling)
Craig Ferguson, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Michael J. Fox, Carol Burnett, and Woody Allen
*****
Nobody really puts out comedy albums so it’s relevant that an old dinosaur like Robin Williams was even nominated. Go Kathy Griffin!
Best Comedy Album
Margaret Cho, Flight Of The Conchords, Kathy Griffin, Lewis Black, and Robin Williams
****
Too much Sondheim here to tell apart. I don’t want to award Catherine Zeta-Jones, so “A Little Night Music” is out. And the Burt Bacharach stuff in “Promises, Promises” is a rehash. So it’s a toss up between Green Day and Fela. I’d have to go with something bold and new, so “Fela!” is my pick here.
Best Musical Show Album
American Idiot (Featuring Green Day)
Fela!
A Little Night Music
Promises, Promises
Sondheim On Sondheim
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