realitymunches

29 July 2011

Big Brother 13: Eviction #3

Wow, loved what happened in the recent episodes. Daniele tried to stir the pot with a plot to backdoor Jeff, but thanks to Shelly's unwavering devotion to Jordan, it blew up in Daniele's face and now her closest ally in the house, Dominic, is on his way out.

That will most likely happen, because despite some last minute campaigning to get Porsche and Shelly to keep Dominic, the Veterans Alliance (which now no longer includes Daniele) is in control. Shelly and Porsche are doing anything at Jeff/Jordan and Brendon/Rachel's mercy.

Tonight also marks the end of couples and the start of the individual game. The truth is that while the newbies and Daniele will now be free to play an individual game, the other veterans are still playing as couples and, worse, playing as a foursome.

Now, Daniele knows Brendon and Rachel want to screw her over by not letting her have anyone else to work with like they have.

This is where things got interesting, where everyone spilled the beans on Daniele. Watch the climax here.

-Kalia calls Brendon a terrible listener and then totally calls him out on how his game didn't work last season. It's nearly identical to the way Brendon's big fight with Britney started last season, so it's safe to assume the problem is Brendon and his condescending, "It's not rocket science" comments.

- Jeff and Jordan love that Shelly does exactly what Brendon accuses Kalia of doing, which is to get info then run back to her bosses and gives them the scoop.

-After plenty of fighting, Daniele chimes in by calling Rachel an idiot, which sends Brendon off. Dani then admits to plotting to backdoor Jeff, but she adds that Rachel and Brendon were on board with this plan. They don't actually deny it, and Rachel's big response is to call her "ridiculous."

Julie Chen Time: Kalia tries to be an adult about the fight, but Rachel shakes her head "No" and Brendon makes a joke about it, proving that maybe they aren't adults. Jeff then rides his moral high horse into the conversation about how he doesn't play dirty and doesn't lie, which is the biggest lie. Daniele then says she's not here to be a part of a dictatorship, which is as pointed a dig at the other veterans as we'll get.

Nominee Speeches: Adam gives the token, nice guy, "I know I'm safe" speech. Dominic calls out the "spineless jellyfish" who don't have any chance of winning (careful not to mention Shelly and Porsche by name), and then mockingly "congratulates" the veterans on winning with absolutely no opposition. He's angry that no one other than Daniele has balls in this house, and he's right. You don't get more passive aggressive than that.

And so, Dominic is evicted 7-1.

HoH Competition

It's endurance, and it's nearly identical to the surfboard challenge from last season, except now they're on skis and they sway back and forth. The last HG left standing wins. The first five HGs to fall each open a snowball which may contain $10,000, or something bad.

Labels: Big Brother

# posted by Louis : 10:55 AM

So You Think You Can Dance (US Season 8) - Top 8 Perform

GIRLS with ALL-STARS (in order of performance)

Sasha & (All-Star) Pasha - Quickstep
'Puttin On The Ritz' by Terry Snyder

Choreographed by Jonathan Roberts

You hardly expect ballroom moves emerging from her, but she does it with absolute ease. I agreed with Gaga that Sasha went for the stoic stature. 8.0/10 (the scores I give are based on the contestants' performances)

Caitlynn & (All-Star) Ivan - Hiphop

'Let Me Love You' by Mario

Choreographed by Marty Kudelka

Haha missed Ivan! Totally like a young Justin Timberlake, he does everything with a magical touch. They synced really well. Nigel pointed out something very good, that she gives the impression of a 'competition girl' 7.5/10

Jordan & (All-Star) Ade - Jazz

'Nutbush City Limits' by Tina Turner

Choreographed by Tyco Diorio

It's interesting how Jordan fell from to the bottom of the girls' pack in terms of votes. I still think she deserves to go all the way. She portrayed her character very well - badass and fiery, and yes she throws herself into every dance with such abandon it's great. LOL, Gaga's hilarious, she spots every single detail. 8.5/10

Melanie & (All-Star) Neil - Contemporary

'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler

Choreographed by Mandy Moore

This was amazing. Ahh, Neil was totally amazing. Melanie was even more incredible. Gaga really gave her props, though I wouldn't think Melanie would wanna dance forever with Gaga, because she wouldn't be able to do her contemporary pieces anymore haha. She just tells a story for every piece she dances in. 9.5/10

BOYS with ALL-STARS (in order of performance)
Tadd & (All-Star) Lauren Froderman - Jazz
'Another One Bites The Dust' by Queen
Choreographed by Mandy Moore

Yay Lauren, she had so many jaw-dropping performances last season! I like the androgyny of the whole dance, as Gaga pointed out. Also, how can Mandy choreograph something like this after choreo-ing Melanie's piece earlier?! Simply remarkable! 8.5/10

Jess & (All-Star) Lauren Gottlieb - Hiphop
'Take A Bow' by Rihanna
Choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo

Yes, Jess is making progress. You can see he has gotten more grounded over the weeks. The flower was pretty extra though, like Gaga said, the hand extension itself represented the presentation of a flower. 8.0/10

Ricky & (All-Star) Anya - Jive
'River Deep, Mountain High' by Celine Dion
Choreographed by Jason Gilkison

This was a great pairing. It was a challenge to just even keep up with the beat but they did it. Perhaps it felt slightly clumsy in some of the execution like the 'meat-lift' (lol). 8.5/10

Marko & (All-Star) Allison - Contemporary
'I Know It's Over' by Jeff Buckley
Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh

Allison has a gift for dancing to Jeff Buckley's songs (first 'Hallelujah', now this). It's so sweet to see his mum. Aww... everything about this performance was just spellbounding, it was beyond critique. There was a housefly on Gaga's cap. 9.5/10

CONTESTANTS' PAIRING UP (in order of performance)
Caitlynn & Tadd - Ballroom
'Top Hat, White Tie & Tails' by Ella Fitzgerald
Choreographed by

Very graceful and beautiful, both of them shone on this number. It was good. 7.5/10

Marko & Ricky - Hiphop
'Bad Boy For Life' by Diddy featuring Black Rob & Mark Curry
Choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo

The last part was totally trying to crump Alex and Twitch's number last time, but it was a good routine. Nigel is such a spoiler, keeps making his predictions it's getting personal lol. Good to see something for a change, that they both got down and dirty. 8.0/10

Jordan & Jess - Rumba
'Set Fire to the Rain' by Adele
Choreographed by Jason Gilkison

I thought the chemistry was lacking, it was quite awkward and sluggish. Quite weak, disappointing given that it was Adele they were dancing to! 7.0/10

Sasha & Melanie - Jazz
'Game On' by District 78
Choreographed by Sonya Tayeh

This routine is freaking technically demanding. Damn sick! Super futuristic - slick, elegant, absolute brilliance. I'm not surprised if they make it to the top 2. I knew Gaga would incorporate 'born this way' somewhere. Where are those shoes from by the way? 10/10

RESULTS
Opening Routine
'The Circus Sets Up' - Water For Elephants Soundtrack

Guest Performance
'Edge of Glory' & 'You And I' - Lady Gaga, with Mark Kanemura!
It's go great to see her dance in a dance show, not like some guest performers who don't move an inch despite being on SYTYCD.

Bottom 2: Jordan & Caitlynn, Jess & Tadd (wow that was some solo)
Eliminated: Jess LeProtto & Jordan Casanova

Labels: SYTYCD

# posted by Louis : 9:09 AM

28 July 2011

America's Got Talent 2011 - Quarter-Finals #3

Professor Splash - Divers do not need a deep pool anymore.
Lys Agnes - Opera Singer. Ahh, it's this song! I love her voice, it's not too overbearing, she looks pleasant, she's very humble, she has pizzazz, and her background story is so touching.

Poplyfe - Youth Band ('Rolling in the Deep'). It was cooler when they performed 'Forget You', but this was still good. Frontwoman's pants are hideous though.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr - Jazz Singer. It's quite disturbing when he said 'Darling, kiss me.' He's not overly brilliant in his craft, but since I know he was once a construction worker what-not, he deserves some credit.

Seth Grabel - Magician/Illusionist. That was rather spectacular and believeable.
Captain & Maybelle - Sideshow Performers/Danger Act. Absolutely wtf, but loved it when they managed to make all the judges just not look at them. Plus, I was really impressed when Captain explained the whole rationale behind his performance during the critique.
Summerwind Skippers - Really good skippers, loved the energy because they could've bombed.
Monet - Singer. Everything was alright until she said the last sentence. What was that for?!
SH'Boss Boys - Ridiculously young rappers (ages 5-7). Can't blame them for wanting to have fun - it's the judges who let them through to the 'live' shows. Pretty creative rap arrangements though lol.
Purrfect Angelz - Dance Troupe. Their name is sleazy already. Very raunchy girls with excessive hip-gyrating.
Ian Johnson - Yoyo professional. Very hard for him to execute overly-cheem moves with a yoyo in this huge stage. Not his fault.
Mauricio Herrera - Pathetic singer

Labels: America's Got Talent

# posted by Louis : 10:07 PM

26 July 2011

Big Brother 13: Nominations #3

Watch the episode here.

This season is getting really boring, with Brenchel having too much of a dominance in all the competitions. The newbies aren't really doing much, either.

The plan is to evict Adam as Dominic has been successfully recruited by Brendon, Rachel and Daniele. The division among the veterans is increasing as Brenchel have noticed that Jeff and Jordan are slowly stockpiling their own army of followers, namely Kalia and Shelly (technically Rachel has Porsche, but she's insignificant to everyone).

The real issue is that Brendon and Rachel want to be sure that Jeff and Jordan don't strike first, and Dominic could be a good way to do it since he suggests trying to backdoor Jeff next week. As for the other couple, pretty much everyone wants Lawon out, so that's a back-up plan in case Adam and Dominic come off the block.

Labels: Big Brother

# posted by Louis : 11:30 PM

25 July 2011

2011: Soundmunches #34

Example - Stay Awake
Bjork - Crystalline

Ed Sheeran - You Need Me, I Don't Need You
TV On The Radio - Caffeinated Consciousness

Noel Gallagher - The Death Of You And Me
Melanie C - Think About It

Neon Hitch - Bad Dog
Ms Dynamite - Neva Soft
Artful - Could Just Be The Bassline
Chromeo feat. Solange Knowles - When The Night Falls

Labels: Soundmunches

# posted by Louis : 9:01 PM

21 July 2011

June - July 2011: The 25 Soundmunchers

1) Bjork - Crystalline
With Bjork unveiling her latest project last week in Manchester using a digitally-controlled pipe organ, a pin barrel harp and a 30 foot pendulum, expect her long-awaited new album Biophilia to be her most intriguing yet.

2) Demi Lovato - Skyscraper
The singer and actress, who sought treatment in October 2010 for anorexia, bulimia and self-harming originally recorded 'Skyscraper' before entering rehab, and decided to keep that version despite recording a new one following her recovery. Lovato explained: "It just didn't feel the same, so we kept the original one. For me it was... so symbolic, it being the song I recorded before treatment and yet it was providing a message.

3) Leona Lewis - Collide
Collide is the first single from her as yet untitled third album, due later this year. Co-written and produced by Sandy Vee and Autumn Rowe, who have previously worked for Rihanna, David Guetta and Katy Perry, Collide places Lewis's not inconsiderable voice in a more dance-orientated context, a pounding beat forming the spine of the song while a vaguely house piano riff skips around it.

Structurally, it's a bit all over the place – it seems to build and drop at the wrong times – and there are allegations that the song bears more than a passing resemblance to Avicii's track Penguin. That said, Lewis does a more than passable job as a dance diva.

4) Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera -Moves Like Jagger
‘Moves Like Jagger’ is a typical Maroon 5 song, with elements and rock and a hint of soul, courtesy of singer Adam Levine's smooth vocals. Danceable and fun, ‘Moves Like Jagger’ holds its own against the group’s best work, from ‘This Love’ to ‘Makes Me Wonder.’

5) Beyonce - Best Thing I Never Had
"So sad, you're hurt/ boo hoo," Beyonce quips over a twinkly piano riff and beefy bass drums before giving her fella (pre-Jay-Z, we assume) a thorough dressing-down. "Thank God you blew it/ Thank God I dodged a bullet," she growls before a breezy chorus of soaring strings gusts at gale force. "I bet it sucks to be you right now," she concludes - whether it's to an ex-lover or those who questioned her crowd-pulling power, we don't doubt it for a second.

6) Imogen Heap - Propeller Seeds
Heap decided that her character in this record would be that of a tree, hence the lyrics ‘What’s happening here? I’m growing roots through my toes and leaves from my fingertips’. To achieve a more immersive aspect of the lyrics, Heap and Ryan recorded trees, bamboo breaking, branches moving, leaves and chopping wood to put this together. It sounds gorgeous – a very powerful, creaking sound that envelops the listener in lush effects.

7) Ellie Goulding - Lights (Bassnectar Remix)
Bassnectar has taken the track and added a lot of heavy weights to it, while Ellie Goulding vocals add a nice contrast to the heaviness of the production.

8) Skylar Grey - Dance Without You
As we noted with her video, emerging singer-songwriter Skylar Grey needs a doctor, and she needs one bad. Watch the old Skylar writhe around on an examination table until the angry diva within bursts out of her back, Alien-style, and takes over.

9) Paramore - Monster
‘Monster’ is the group’s first song since the December departure of founding members Josh and Zac Farro, and it’s almost as if the remaining band members feel they have something to prove. Accompanied by heavy guitars, Hayley Williams sings:

“I’ll stop the whole world, I’ll stop the whole world / From turning into a monster, eating us alive / Don’t you ever wonder how we survive? / Well now that you’re gone, the world is ours.”

The lyrics could be a veiled reference to the less-than-amicable departure of the Farro brothers. Williams sings, “I’m not the villain, despite what you’re always preaching / Call me a traitor, I’m just collecting your victims.”

10) Calvin Harris - Feel So Close
Following up his summer smash 'Bounce', Calvin Harris serves up another round of head-banging house mashed with funereal synths and electro-squawks on his new single 'Feel So Close', which is released on August 21.

11) Example - Stay Awake
Following up the chart-topping 'Changed the Way You Kissed Me', Example has called in dubstep newbies Nero to helm his new track, which is released on August 28. About today's "messed up generation" of party-goers, we suspect they'll be too busy dancing to its infectious beat to take much notice of the lyrics.

12) Natalia Kills feat. will.i.am - Free
This revamped single version features a guest spot from Natalia’s manager and self-confessed ‘material guy’, Will.I.Am . It’s an ode to consumerism with a twist as Natalia sings, ‘I’m free / I just spent all my money / but I rocked that like it don’t cost a thing’.

13) Britney Spears - I Wanna Go
"Lately I've been stuck imagining/ What I wanna do and what I really think," Britney Spears ponders on the intro of her latest track. Given that she has reached her 30th UK single release, we can't blame her for wanting to re-evaluate her career options - but as it comes after one of the best albums in her 12-year music career, we certainly hope she hasn't got any life-changing ventures in mind.

14) Coldplay - Every Teardrop is a Waterfall
"I turn the music up/ I got my records on/ I shut the world outside," Chris Martin chants over delicate synths and a dreamy, melodic piano riff pilfered from Peter Allen's 'I Go to Rio'. As drums, acoustics and electric guitars gradually permeate through, the result is an anthemic pop-rock ditty not too dissimilar to Viva's 'Lovers in Japan' - which for Coldplay fans in 2011, is probably the best comeback they could hope for.

15) Cobra Starship feat. Sabi - You Make Me Feel...
Cobra Starship have been unleashing sassy pop songs on the world since 2006, with 'Snakes on a Plane' and 'Good Girls Go Bad'.‘You Make Me Feel…’ is more understated than some of the group’s previous work, but it still is a summer hit.

16) Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (TGIF)
"Barbie's on the barbecue/ This a hickey or a bruise?" Perry ponders over light 'n' perky guitar-jam riff courtesy of Messrs. She churns out a candy-corn pop tune once again; light, sugary and worryingly addictive - in other words, the perfect mix for her fifth consecutive US chart-topper .

17) Jason Derulo - Don't Wanna Go Home
"Day-o, me say Day-o/ Daylight come and we don't wanna go home," Jase chants over the all-too-familiar sample, which is teamed with chunky synths and a plodding dance beat that culminates in a curious but largely satisfying mix of topsy-turvy musical influences. "Check that out what they playin'/ That's my song that's my song," he ironically declares. We hate to break it to you Jase, but it's going to take more than a Jason Derulooo shoutout on the intro to make that sort of claim.

18) MIKA - Elle Me Dit
It's in French. I can't really comment about it, but I just miss his material and I like the song.

19) The Wanted - Glad You Came
"Stay with me/ I can make you glad you came," Tom Parker insists on The Wanted's new single. Yes, the title has raised many an eyebrow since its premiere, but crazy as it might seem, this is a rare instance where a pop song's meaning is in fact literal.

"I decided you look well on me/ So let's go somewhere no-one else can see/ You and me," they continue over a cantering beat and featherlight trance hook before launching into a carnival-inspired chorus. The result is their catchiest effort since 'All Time Low'.

20) Beyonce - 1 + 1
Produced by The-Dream and featuring the peculiar line "I don't know much about guns but I, I've been shot by you", it showcases a relatively raw vocal performance from Beyonce, presenting a side of her voice she told Billboard she wanted to use more of on her forthcoming album, 4; "I used a lot of the brassiness and grittiness in my voice that people hear in my live performances, but not necessarily on my records."

21) Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
The verse brings a rugged synth base that’s more grimy than you might expect from a cheery pop song, while McCoy, an ex-flame of Katy Perry, raps that he’s more than just another record on the shelf and touches on his past loves: “Furthermore, I apologize for any skipping tracks / That last girl that played me left a couple cracks / I used to used to used to used to, now I’m over that / Cause holding grudges over love is ancient artifacts.”

22) Cher Lloyd - Swagger Jagger

Despite Cheryl Cole's more pinpoint description of Cher Lloyd as "right up my street", public opinion is polarised when it comes to Louis Walsh's patented "likeability" litmus test.

Her debut single does little to change that, accusing her "haterz" of pilfering her wildly cherished swagger - the same people who are also looking, tweeting, youtubing and generally social media-baiting her. "I can't stop, it's what I'm gon' be/ My swagger's in check," she brattishly sing-speaks over a chunky schoolyard beat and squiggly club synths, before launching into a chorus that pinches the melody of 'Oh My Darling Clementine'. On paper it sounds like a disaster - but for its sheer balls, I'm taking sides with Cheryl on this one.

23) Swedish House Mafia - Save The World
This is another hit from three DJ/Producers from Sweden. This definitely took the summer by storm, and all said, Swedish House Mafia certainly know how to go grab the attention of the club scene.

24) DJ Fresh - Louder (feat. Sian Evans)
The track's wobbly drum 'n' bass lines are guaranteed to satisfy many a club-goers craving for a three-minute fix of hang-banging, fist-pumping and head-spinning music. "It's gonna get louder," warns guest vocalist Sian Evans on the chorus.

25) Rye Rye - Never Will Be Mine (feat. Robyn)
Rye Rye is stepping onto the scene, and she’s not holding anything back. In her new rap single, ‘Never Will Be Mine,’ Rye spits some quick-tongue, spirited verses and calls on Swedish pop singer Robyn to bring in the chorus.

Labels: Soundmunchers

# posted by Louis : 9:22 PM

Mercury Prize 2011: The Nominees

Artist: Anna Calvi

Label: Domino
Genre: Alternative, Indie-pop
Album: Anna Calvi
About: London-born Anna Calvi released her eponymous debut album in January this year, where it has so far peaked at number 40. Produced by Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey), the LP abandons conventional song structures and focuses on elegant, atmospheric production with raw and emotional delivery.

Artist: Elbow
Label: Fiction Records
Genre: Alternative, Britpop
Album: Build A Rocket Boys!
About: Formed in Lancashire in 1990, Elbow have recorded five studio albums to date; their last of which, The Seldom Seen Kid, won the band a Mercury Prize in 2008. Build a Rocket Boys! was released in March this year and reached number two on the album chart. Upon its unveiling, NME described the record as being "in a different league to other purveyors of emotional atmospheric rock".

Artist: James Blake
Label: Atlas/A&M
Genre: Electronic, soul, dubstep
Album: James Blake
About: Following a series of successful EPs, 22-year-old Blake released his debut album proper, recorded at his London home, in February this year. From heavily Auto-Tuned vocals, to gospel-inspired synths, to its almost a capella moments, it's easy to see why The Guardian said the record will "leave you in a state of charmed confusion".

Artist: Katy B
Label: Rinse/Columbia
Genre: Pop, dubstep, garage
Album: On A Mission
About: BRIT School-graduate Katy B - or Kathleen Brien to her mates - released her debut album in April this year, where it entered the chart at number three. Having risen through the ranks at one-time pirate radio station Rinse FM, the LP's collaborators - Benga, Geeneus and Zinc - add a hard dubstep edge to Katy's witty rhymes and distinctly pop vocal.

Artist: Metronomy
Label: Because Music
Genre: Electropop
Album: The English Riviera
About: Metronomy have recorded three studio albums to date, as well as re-swizzling tracks by the likes of Gorillaz, Goldfrapp and the Klaxons. The English Riviera sees the band take a more conceptual and subtle approach to their use of electronic synths and smooth basslines, with the BBC particularly praising the record for its use of "modest, lithe hooks".

Artist: PJ Harvey
Label: Island Records
Genre: Alternative Rock
Album: Let England Shake
About: A staple of the music industry for over 20 years, it's little surprise that this isn't the musician's first Mercury nomination. In fact, Harvey won the accolade back in 2001 for Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. Her latest, Let England Shake, was inspired by the works of T.S. Eliot and Salvador Dali, with its musical influences cited as The Pogues and Velvet Underground. Upon the LP's release in February, Q magazine applauded Harvey's use of "remarkable lyrics" and "ethereal music" to convey its brutal content.

Gwilym Simcock 'Good Days at Schloss Elmau'

Artist: Gwilym Simcock
Label: ACT
Genre: Classical, jazz
Album: Good Days At Schloss Elmau
About: Born in Bangor and alumnus of the Royal Academy of Music, Simcock was commissioned to perform at the BBC's Proms in 2008 before recording his latest album in Bavaria. Described as both "serious and impressive" by the Independent, Good Days might not be as instant as the majority of this year's nominees, but it's equally as deserving of the prize.

Artist: Tinie Tempah
Label: Parlophone
Genre: Hip-hop, Electro-grime
Album: Disc-Overy
About: Disc-Overy is the chart-topping debut from the London-born rapper, which has so far been certified double platinum. Helmed by a number of up-and-coming producers including Labrinth, Swedish House Mafia and Alex da Kid, the record has spawned the two number one singles 'Pass Out' and 'Written In The Stars'. Receiving generally positive reviews, the Guardian praised the record for its "shifts from dub reggae-influenced interludes to a raging burst of drum 'n' bass".

Artist: Everything Everything
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: Alternative Rock
Album: Man Alive
About: Everything Everything's indie-rock debut has so far peaked at number 17 on the UK album chart. The album has already received an Ivor Novello nomination for songwriting and was greeted with mainly positive reviews upon its release last August. NME congratulated the record for having a mix of "Beyoncé-does-barbershop singing" and "XTC riffs".

Ghostpoet 'Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam'

Artist: Ghostpoet
Label: Brownswood Recordings
Genre: Electronic
Album: Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam
About: 28-year-old Obaro Ejimiwe released his debut set in February this year. Self-described as "a lad with a list with some stories to tell", he wrote and recorded the LP while at university in Coventry before moving to London. The BBC noted that despite its "over-self-aware" title, the album is a "genuinely unique" body of work.

King Creosote & Jon Hopkins 'Diamond Mine'

Artist: King Creosote and Jon Hopkins
Label: Domino Records
Genre: Folk
Album: Diamond Mine
About: A collaborative studio effort between Scottish singer King Creosote and electronica musician Jon Hopkins, Diamond Mine was released in March after seven years in the studio. Making full use of musique concrète, Hopkins has described the album as his "dream version of life." Despite relatively little attention from the media, the reviews it did receive were high in praise. Sputnik Music noted "soothing textures" and "delicate production touches" as the record's highlights.

Artist: Adele
Label: XL Recordings
Genre: Soul, Blues
Album: 21
About: Adele followed up her Mercury-shortlisted debut 19 in January with 21, which has seen her top the charts globally and break all manner of musical records, including most recently for 'best-selling digital album in US history'. Helmed by Rick Rubin and Paul Epworth, the LP is an 11-strong collection of post-break up songs that includes the million-seller 'Someone Like You'.

© 2011 Digital Spy Limited.

Labels: Best Of Music 2011

# posted by Louis : 8:49 PM

Big Brother 13: Power of Veto #2

Watch the episode here.

Dominic won the Power of Veto and used it to save himself and Adam. Cassi and Shelly were nominated as the replacements.

Cassi is the target, and she's going home. She knows it, the veterans know it, and everyone else knows it. There's absolutely nothing she can do or say to save herself and no deal she can make. It's frustrating to watch because any further game talk for the week has no real purpose.

Rachel's problem is that she wants people to treat her differently, but she's acting exactly the same way she did last season. She thinks it's her and Brendon against the world, and that is playing the victim, even if she doesn't think it is. She's also still condescending and loves to kick people when they're down.

Rachel doesn't seem to understand what she's doing. Rachel went out in week 5, and that's after winning HoH twice. She has the attitude of an all-star, but the truth is that her social gameplay is terrible and she wasn't a very good player last season.

Let's hope this happens next week: Jeff wins HoH and nominates Kalia and Lawon. Adam and Dominic get to play in the PoV, Dominic wins and he saves Kalia and Lawon, forcing Jeff to backdoor Brendon and Rachel. Now that would be great TV.

# posted by Louis : 6:57 PM

SYTYCD 8 - Top 10 Perform

Sasha Mallory & (All-Star) Stephen 'Twitch' Boss
Hip-Hop ('Misty Blue' by Dorothy Moore)
Choreographed by Christopher Scott

This was one stunning performance! Such great choreography. Nigel's first comment was damn R21. Twitch just does magic whenever he's on stage. Now that Alexander is no longer partnering her, Sasha is just charging her way through the competition. Amazing. 9.5/10

Melanie Moore & (All-Star) Pasha Kovalev
Viennese Waltz ('Everybody Hurts' by Tina Arena)
Choreographed by Jason Gilkison

Pasha loves wearing unbuttoned flowy white shirts. The dance was so graceful too, so flowy. A lot of mastery in technique. Melanie's one of the sweetest girls ever. 9.0/10

Jordan Casanova & (All-Star) Brandon Bryant
Contemporary ('Who You Are' by Jessie J)
Choreographed by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson

This was breathtaking. I don't know those dancing terms, but everything she executed was so precise! NPH's judging makes so much more sense than Ellen, just a random point for comparison. 9.0/10

Marko Germar & (All-Star) Chelsie Hightower ie Ms Bleeding Love
Samba ('Cinema Italiano' by Kate Hudson)
Choreographed by Jason Gilkison

I thought this wouldn't have gone well, but I was surprised! This was very sizzling! It was a relief that he could dance well without Melanie, so that's pleasing. Judges pour a whole lot of praises on him too. It's gonna be a tough night to judge! So sweet to see him still have that emotional attachment to Melanie. 8.5/10

Caitlynn Lawson & (All-Star) Pasha Kovalev
Argentine Tango ('Malajunta' by Orquesta Color Tango)
Choreographed by Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo

Pasha looking very sleek, and Caitlynn super chio. Argentine Tango usually is dreadful to watch, but that was very good. She didn't screw up on all those leg-kicking, and displayed a lot of passion. Such maturity. 8.5/10

Ricky Jaime & (All-Star) Allison Holker
Jazz ('Precious Things' by Tori Amos)
Choreographed by Tyce Diorio

The girl who did the most amazing SYTYCD piece ever with Alex Wong is back! Very dark and sardonic - but I liked it. 8.5/10

Tadd Gadduang & (All-Star) Comfort Fedoke
Hip-Hop ('Look At me Now' by Chris Brown feat. Lil' Wayne & Busta Rhymes)
Choreographed by Chuck Maldonado

Ahh, it's Comfort, the girl who always ends up in the Bottom 3 in Season 4! But you must agree that her hip-hop is really good. Once again, the judges agree unanimously that her partner dances better than her. Is she just suay or what. Nevertheless, this was very fun and enjoyable, shirt pull was slightly random though. 8.5/10

Clarice Ordaz & (All-Star) Robert Roldan
Bollywood ('Aila Re Aila' from Khatta Meetha)
Choreographed by Nakul Dev Mahajan

Robert is so Bollywood. Woah, the whole dance sequence was damn power-packed. Clarice is one of those contestants who are just technically good but just do not have a lot of buzz about her. And it's true, because my eyes were peeled on Robert almost the entire performance, and I'm not saying she's lousy or anything - she just doesn't command the stage. 8.0/10

Jess LeProtto & (All-Star) Kathryn McCormick
Contemporary ('The Lonely' by Christina Perri)
Choreographed by Stacey Tookey

AWW I missed Kathryn! She displayed so much intensity in this, and she definitely outshone Jess on this. NPH said something so true: Jess doesn't really show a lot of sincerity in his dances, but he sure did on this one. 8.0/10

Mitchell Kelly & (All-Star) Melody Lacayanga
Broadway ('Take Off With Us' from All That Jazz)
Choreographed by Tyce Diorio

I think Tyce Diorio is resting on his laurels - his pieces haven't been so outstanding lately. I mean, the song itself is crap to dance to already. What a waste for Season 1 Alumni Melody to dance to! NPH cetainly didn't hold back in his criticism. AWKWARD MOMENTS! 7.0/10

Labels: SYTYCD

# posted by Louis : 6:35 PM

20 July 2011

America's Got Talent 2011 (Quarter-Finals #2)

Silhouettes - Creative Act
OMG, this was freaking good. You don't even need to see their faces. The shadows just say it all. I love their concept, the whole storyline, everything was simply breathtaking. I would be so proud to be an American, even Piers couldn't help but give a standing ovation. Random thought - they didn't need to spend so much on costumes? HAHA.

Smage Bros. Riding Shows - Stunt Bikers
This trio is freaking insane. Seriously, I worry for the guy lying on the floor every single time they perform. A pity if those good looks got crushed.

Steven Retchless - Male Pole Dancer
Pole dancing to Gaga's 'Marry The Night' huh! I thought Piers was a little too judgemental on this. Steven was really good - I mean he makes it so comfortable. And he didn't even complain when he had those blood stains on his body.

Landon Swank - Magician
This was pretty damn interesting. He managed to fluidly walk through a mirror. How the hell did Sharon Osbourne not get the magic trick? SERIOUSLY?

OTHER ACTS
Dylan Andre - John Mayer's 'Daughters'
Looks good, sounds good, has character, very earnest, love everything about him. Who cares if that was the million-dollar act - it was one of the better ones today.

Dani Shay - Singer
Thought this was slightly amateurish? The stage was overwhelming her, and her voice annoyed me at parts to be honest. Disappointed. The house setting fits her nicely - she should just perform this at home. If she makes it to the semis, it's because of all the hype she's been getting thus far.

Attack Dance Crew
Normal, wasn't crazy about it. Many other groups are better than them. But today's performances were dreadful, so I'm placing this as one of the tops.

Daniel Joseph Baker - Gaga's 'Edge Of Glory'
He did 'Speechless' in his auditions, and now Edge of Glory. I mean, he isn't really proving anything. I don't like how he's pushing himself to be fabulous, because it ain't working for me. Not impressed, and hope he doesn't get in.

Mona Lisa - Twin sister singers ('God Bless The Broken Road')
Yes, they are singers with a humble background... but so normal. I hated the instrumentation! The whole performance was very clanky (like messy).

Geechy Guy - One-liner Comedian
Not as funny as the auditions leh. Disappointed too.

Thomas John - Juggler-cum-entertainer
Huh, he screwed up ALL the crucial moments. Quite terrible. That was all he needed to perfect.

The Rhinestone Ropers - Talentless
WTF just happened? I wouldn't even pay 10 cents to watch that horse.

There were so many good acts that deserved to go through last week (Fearless Flores Family, The Fiddleheads..). Hope none of the singers get through this week - all sucked.

Advanced: Steven Retchless, Silhouettes, Daniel Joseph Baker (WTF), Smage Brothers Riding Shows (won the judges' vote over Landon Swank)

Labels: America's Got Talent

# posted by Louis : 11:32 PM

19 July 2011

2011: Soundmunches #33

Paramore - Monster
Pixie Lott - All About Tonight

David Guetta - Little Bad Girl (feat. Taio Cruz & Ludacris)
Kate Voegele - Heart in Chains

Young The Giant - Cough Syrup
Vanessa Amorosi - Gossip

Leona Lewis - Collide

Bjork - Cosmogony

Will Young - Jealousy
Blink 182 - Up All Night
Cee Lo Green - Fool For You (feat. Melanie Fiona)

Labels: Soundmunches

# posted by Louis : 8:46 PM

18 July 2011

Big Brother 13: Nominations #2

Watch the episode here.

The Eviction Aftermath

The newbies meet in the Have-Not room to decompress and question which two of them flipped sides and voted to evict Keith. Obviously no one is stepping up, but Dominic and Cassi think Adam was one, while Adam thinks its Dominic. Kalia is kind of an obvious person, but no one seems to even consider that Shelly turned. She's probably playing the smartest short-term game, but my problem with this strategy is that, eventually, the veterans will have no use for her and evict her like the HGs did with Kathy last season.

At one point Rachel walks in and goes into supremely bitchy mode by sarcastically saying "Wait, there are sides?" She knows it's the veterans against the newbies, and so does everyone else, so her comment is just rubbing salt in the wounds and showing what a vindictive and spiteful shrew of a woman she is. It's the "ooey, gooey cookie" scene with Ragan from last season all over again, and it proves that Rachel might be a beast in competitions, but she's one of the worst social game players ever. Let's not forget she barely made the jury last season, so it's not like she's really a Big Brother All-Star.

Have and Have-Not Competition

The four remaining couples are strapped inot ant costumes together and have to go through an obstacle course. Brendon and Rachel win yet again, with Adam and Dominic finishing a close second. Lawon and Kalia are in dead last, and when it's over, Kalia has a total freak-out. A medic is called in, but Kalia is blowing this way out of proportion because she's not really hurt, she's just having a panic attack.

Brendon and Rachel get to pick the two Have-Nots for the week, and they make it personal and choose to put Dominic and Cassi's teams on slop for the week while helping the couple that did the worst.

Nominations

Dominic, Adam and Cassi all try to make deals, but the only deals Jeff are interested in involve forcing the newbies to do everything he says. Jeff is a total bully, which kind of works in his pair since Jordan is so nice, Brenchel could take notes, because they just have two bullies.

It comes down to Dominic and Cassi as the two main targets. Rachel is playing emotionally and she has an uncontrollable hatred for Cassi. It's basically a rehash of Rachel vs. Kristen, and it shows that Rachel has a real problem with smart, strong, beautiful women. She also claims Cassi is a "super floater," which goes to show that she doesn't know the definition of the term, because Cassi has absolutely picked a side, it's just not with Rachel. People like Porsche, Lawon, Shelly and Kalia are the real floaters of this season, but, contrary to what she says, Rachel actually loves keeping floaters in the game.

At the end of the day, no matter what Brendon, Rachel and Daniele think, Jordan and Jeff are in charge, so Adam and Dominic are nominated.

Labels: Big Brother

# posted by Louis : 10:34 PM

17 July 2011

Platinum Hit - Writing Songs for Famous Singers

Tonight on Platinum Hit the remaining six song writers were put into teams of two, and for their hook challenge they were given 2 hours to come up with as many hooks as they possibly could. Jewel chose the names out of a hat and the teams were made up of Jes and Scotty, Nick and Johnny, and Brian and Sonyae.

The next morning, the teams met Evan Bogart, an American music executive and songwriter who has contributed to long list of successful artists.

Evan Bogart listened to the hooks which had to be adapted to what he was looking for, so Brian and Sonyae were in the clear as they just adjusted theirs to fit. During Johnny and Nick’s hook, Evan brought in Gavin DeGraw who asked them to do a song that he could sing. During their pitch, Nick let Johnny go first and of course he complained afterward as they only had one chance to impress – he thought he would blow Johnny away when it was his turn! Brian and Sonyae were working on a song that Beyonce could sing, while Jess and Scotty were headed into the Justin Bieber direction.

Next the teams were asked to write an entire song and that is when the drama really broke out! Nick and Johnny could not get along long enough to write their tune together. Nick actually went on a rampage to Johnny about how he was involved and great every week, yet Johnny would not let him help, ending with a big “F” you to Johnny. Nick then confided in Scotty that he was secretly hoping that Johnny’s song would blow up in his face and he would end up going home.

Songs Performed:

Sonyae Elise & Brian Judah - Stranger To Love, written for Beyonce

Johnny Marnell - All Day Sunrise, written for Gavin DeGraw

Scotty Granger & Jes Hudak - Love You Down, written for Justin Bieber

When it was time to hear the tunes on Platinum Hit, Brian and Sonyae blew their song out the water, while Jes and Scotty did a good job as well. When it was time for Nick and Johnny to go up, Nick sat there while Johnny performed alone and you could tell right away it was not your typical Johnny song. But did he throw the competition in an effort to get Nick eliminated? Or did Nick play the game to get Johnny sent packing? First, Sonyae and Brian were awarded the win and safety followed by Scotty and Jes, who came in second place tonight.

That left the two drama queens of the evening in the bottom, which was sad because throughout this competition we have seen them both shine, and at one point I thought they would both end up in the finale – guess I was wrong, huh? Even in front of the judges, these two acted like little children fighting and playing the blame game. Although the judges could not tell who was lying, they did get to the bottom of who wrote what and knew they had a tough decision ahead of them.

In the end, they decided in a shocker to let Johnny go home since he was the most responsible for the song, but it comes as a huge disappointment since he was doing so well in the past few weeks. Nick, still irate with the entire situation, blew Johnny a kiss before leaving and then went off on everyone else before he went to celebrate – alone.

Labels: Platinum Hit

# posted by Louis : 8:28 PM

16 July 2011

Big Brother 13: Elimination #1 & HoH #2

Evel Dick speaks out
In a message from Evel Dick, he sends his love to the HGs and promises to keep watching all season. Daniele starts to tear up a bit because this is real life, but it gets very awkward when Julie asks if Daniele loves her dad, and Daniele is just flustered and embarrassed that she's going to look mean on national TV.

Nominee Speeches: Keith's is short and sweet, because he knows he's probably going home. Porsche is dull and sucks up to everyone.

True enough, Shelly and Kalia flipped sides, and Keith is evicted by a vote of 6-4.

HoH Competition

The challenge is a mini-golf course that the HGs have been practicing on in the backyard for the past two nights. Also, Rachel got to pick the order that the HGs putt, which is a huge and unfair advantage. The HGs have to land the ball in the first hole without going into the water, and whoever comes the closest wins.

Jordan tyco-ly scores the highest, and becomes Head of Household for the first time in her life.

I felt that by letting Rachel pick the order, it's like the producers wanted the veterans to win. And the fact that Jeff and Brendon both threw the competition just so Jordan could win is great strategically, but it's dumb. Now the veterans will make all of the decisions once again and the newbies are doomed. If the producers wanted a former HG to win so badly, why not just do a pure all-stars season?

Labels: Big Brother

# posted by Louis : 12:55 PM

America's Got Talent (Quarter-Finals #1)

Anna Graceman - What A Wonderful World
Such maturity.

Snap Boogie
His dance moves were swifter than the computer in my camp.

Miami All Stars

Sandou Trio Russian Bar
Let's just say they make it through. What are they going to try next, the same act but with a baby in her arms? She should do more flips to make things more exciting. I want to see her fly, not die.

Those highlighted in yellow advanced to the semi-finals, while the judges favoured Miami All Stars over The Fiddleheads to take the last semi-final berth.

1	Miami All Stars	Dance Troupe
2	Dezmond Meeks	Singer (I Can't Get No Satisfaction)
3	Those Funny Little People	Novelty Dancers/Performers
4	Fearless Flores Family	Stunt Motorcyclists
5	Squonk Opera	Opera Singers
6	J. Chris Newberg	Comedian/Musician
7	Snap Boogie	Dancer
8	Echo Of Animal Gardens	Talking Bird Act (give me these birds and my life is fulfilled)
9	The Fiddleheads	Bluegrass Band
10	Duo Aero	Acrobatics/Trapeze Act
11	Anna Graceman	Singer
12	Sandou Trio Russian Bar	Russian Bar Acrobats

Labels: America's Got Talent

# posted by Louis : 12:18 PM

15 July 2011

SYTYCD 8 - Top 12 (Results)

Opening Routine - 'El Fuego' by Sean Peter feat. Oscar Jimenez

Bottom 3 Couples - Dance For Their Lives
Caitlynn (Lady Gaga's 'The Edge of Glory') & Mitchell (Nathan Lanier's 'RA'. nice.)
Ryan (Crystal Castles' 'Not In Love') & Ricky ('Body Language' by Queen)
Sasha ('Thinkin' About Your Body' by Bobby McFerrin) & Alexander ('Palladio' by Escada)

Nicole Scherzinger - Right There

Eliminated: Alexander (shocking.) and Ryan

Labels: SYTYCD

# posted by Louis : 12:40 PM