How will Homeland fare with the demise of it’s key power player? From the looks of the new-season trailer, the producers hit the refresh button post Brody, with a bold new story-line that takes place abroad. There’s not many revelations in the nail-biting package, except that Saul returns, Carrie takes her meds, and Quinn plays a key role. Please ignore the very cheesy Mission Impossible editing, and watch below.
Category: General
Maroon 5: Past and Present — Has the Band Sold Out?
When Maroon 5 debuted ‘Songs About Jane’ in 2002, their success became immediately clear. They offered an original alternative to the homogenized music industry, and they looked the part. Fronted by Adam Levine, the album reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200, with five charting singles and 5 million records sold to date. The album was exclusively penned by keyboardist Jesse Carmichael and Adam Levine. Their sophomore release, ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long,’ also had mainstream success, with a chart-topping single and record-setting iTunes sales. The record was also exclusively penned by its band members, including Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and lead guitarist James Valentine. Everything changed on their third release, with the less than successful, ‘Hands All Over.’
Produced by the legendary Mutt Lange and penned primarily by its members, ‘Hands All Over’ failed to gain traction, and Levine himself expressed his disappointment, saying “It’s falling short in some ways, but you have to face that. You can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. But it’s doing well at the same time. When you become accustomed to a certain level of success, anything less becomes unsatisfying.” The failure changed their focus, and their follow-up album, ‘Overexposed,’ represented a dramatic shift for the band. The title itself puns Levine’s stand-alone status, given his stint on NBC’s ‘The Voice.’ The pop-driven record is packed with a plethora high-powered producers, including Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, Shellback, and Benny Blanco. It’s also met with a shocking amount of songwriters, with James Valentine’s paltry four credits marking his first back-seat in the penning process. Levine’s plan worked. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200.
Despite the success of Maroon 5’s noteworthy new direction, loyal fans are less than pleased. The band is aware of the criticism, with James Valentine saying, “A lot of our fans would love to hear us make another ‘Songs About Jane’ type of record, and I think as some point we’ll go back in and make a record in that sort of way, but [our upcoming release] is not that type of record.” That fifth release, ‘V’ also attracted high-powered songwriters and producers, including Ryan Tedder, Sia, Benny Blanco, Max Martin, and more. The record welcomes the return of founding member Jesse Carmichael, who sat out for ‘Overexposed.’
The trajectory of Maroon 5 sparks a larger debate, with answers only my readers can decide. When a band brings on so many of today’s most talked-about songwriters to help with their record, are they really a band, or are they simply a group of pop-tarts who can play the music written by others? Plus, isn’t the industry homogenized enough without recycling the air from a very small sphere? Sure I listen to ‘Overexposed’ on repeat, but did Maroon 5 sell their soul for their success?
Listen to “Maps,” the first single off their new record, ‘V.’
Cameron Diaz Out-Kayaks Jimmy Kimmel — WATCH NOW
Elisabeth Hasselbeck Blasts Rosie’s Return to ‘The View’
Seven years ago Rosie O’Donnell famously left ‘The View’ after a heated fight with Elisabeth Hasselbeck over Rosie’s controversial comments surrounding the United States government’s actions in Iraq. At the time, Rosie turned to Elisabeth to defend her amidst the media criticism, and Elisabeth refused. The ensuing argument involved finger-pointing, split-screening, and zero commercial breaks. Rosie never returned, but the ladies recently reunited for Barbara’s farewell show, which was seemingly sans drama. It’s since been rumored that Rosie will rejoin ‘The View’ beside Whoopi Goldberg, and Elisabeth pounced at the thought, proclaiming that Rosie “spit in the face” of our military, the network, and Elisabeth herself. She also said she suspects Rosie’s deal has been in negotiation for some time, given Rosie’s ease and ownership of the stage during Barbara’s farewell show.
While Elisabeth’s hot-headed immaturity is expected, these comments are especially shocking. First, they don’t make sense. Rosie O’Donnell already mended the melee with ABC during a pre-taped return to ‘The View’ prior to Barbara’s farewell show. Second, if ‘The View’ can fix a fight with Star Jones, they can certainly do the same with Rosie. Third, Rosie O’Donnell is an avid supporter of the United States military, despite her foot-in-mouth comment seven years ago. Her son attends The Citadel, and she has made many discrete donations to show her support. To resuscitate an argument that is seven years old can only indicate a hidden agenda. After all, if we are all held accountable for our worst moments, none of us would ever work again, including Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Perhaps she’s peeved that she got axed from the high-paying gig, and she’s gunning for Rosie as a result. There’s no other explanation. Listen to Elisabeth’s hateful comments below, and watch the second video for a refresh on the original argument.
Gary Oldman Apologizes for Anti-Semitism
I’ve been asked multiple times why it’s offensive or anti-Semitic to suggest that Jewish people “run the entertainment industry.” Although the Anti-Defamation League has a more in-depth look at the inquiry, here’s a brief rundown for those that refuse to read long text.
Any suggestion that a religious group is “controlling” something to the detriment of outsiders who are “not allowed in,” is not only anti-Semitic, it’s dangerous. It passively incites a takeover to re-assert control over such a group, which would in turn repeat history (see the holocaust). And history does repeat itself (I’d provide a plethora of examples, but that would make this article too long to read). Furthermore, it breeds hatred.
When Gary Oldman visited Playboy for his now infamous interview, he landed in hot water due to the aforementioned suggestion, claiming that Hollywood is “a town run by Jews.” He also denounced political correctness and defended Mel Gibson. In fact, he called Gibson’s arresting officer a hypocrite because it’s unfathomable that the officer would not have said, “F-g Jew” at any point in his life. Here’s the full quote:
Mel Gibson is in a town that’s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he’s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him—and doesn’t need to feed him anymore because he’s got enough dough. He’s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn’t turned and said, “That fucking kraut” or “Fuck those Germans,” whatever it is? We all hide and try to be so politically correct. That’s what gets me. It’s just the sheer hypocrisy of everyone, that we all stand on this thing going, “Isn’t that shocking?” [smiles wryly] All right. Shall I stop talking now? What else can we discuss?
The most shocking revelation is the idea that Oldman is so far removed from society that he’d think hateful words are in everyone’s wheelhouse. Perhaps he should surround himself with a new circle of friends. As for whether society should shun Oldman for eternity, the answer is no. His awful interview inspired a valuable conversation, and no one will learn anything on an island alone. Oldman visited Kimmel to apologize, calling his words, “Offensive, insensitive, pernicious, and ill-informed.” Watch the interview below.
The Dishmaster Unplugs! See You Soon!
Due to some much-needed downtime ahead, I’ll be taking a brief blogging break from The Dishmaster. I’ll return on Monday, July 7th. Here’s hoping you enjoy your July 4th festivities, with a dazzling fireworks display, a backyard BBQ, or some poolside perfection. Enjoy your holiday! And in the meantime, check out my podcasts if you’re looking for some senseless entertainment news.
Jerry Seinfeld Wants You to Tweet on Ambien — WIRED
Jerry Seinfeld visited Wired Magazine, and his cover interview was coupled with a very funny online feature, which involved a series of questions for the “cutting-edge technology guy,” who gave advice about facebook etiquette, tweeting on ambien, and more. Watch Jerry Seinfeld’s brief guide to life below.
Bill Maher Visits DuJour Magazine: Read his Interview
DuJour Magazine sat down with Bill Maher to promote the 12th season of his HBO show, and Maher opened up about his show, his stand-up struggles, and the many politicians who won’t visit his stage. Read some choice quotes below, and visit DuJour for the full interview.
On getting politicians to appear on his show:
“I’d like to get every political person, but I understand why so many of them resist… I think they’re afraid that I’m not going to kiss ass, which most questioners do. That’s the sort of unholy deal that is made: The media trade their souls for access.”
On guests that annoy him the most:
“It annoys me when they present themselves beforehand as believing and saying one thing, and then wilt under the pressure. I am sympathetic, especially to my conservative guests, because it’s a difficult show to do when you’re in front of a liberal audience. But we expect them to stand up for their conservative point of view. I just want people to stick to their guns no matter what.”
On his years as a struggling stand-up:
“It’s just horrific at first. It’s one thing to learn something in front of a computer—if you make a mistake, nobody sees it and then you call up the IT guy for help. But to do it in front of two drunks at three in the morning who are heckling you… those first few years are hard. The next ten years are not great either.”
On the interview question he hates the most:
“I hate ‘Who would you have at your ideal dinner party?’ It’s cliché. They are dead. They are not coming.”
Robin Thicke Debuts “Get Her Back” — Desperate Please for Paula Patton
It’s difficult to empathize with Robin Thicke’s romantic plight, especially when his unforgivable antics were so public. His marriage ended shortly after Thicke was seen “handling” the ass of a gross groupie, which was immediately followed by some questionable photos that also aroused suspicion of infidelity. Furthermore, Thicke proudly declared his taste for threesomes on Howard Stern, insisting that both he and Patton made the most of their marriage. Now, Thicke is using the spotlight to plea for Patton’s return, a request I can only meet with a gigantic yawn. As for the desperate video below with the Patton lookalike, let’s just say there’s not many women on the planet as beautiful as Paula Patton. Good luck, Robin.
Jason Biggs Defends Jenny Mollen on ‘The View’ — WATCH NOW
Jason Biggs is a likable guy, as is his wife, Jenny Mollen. Unfortunately, they are lesser than the sum of their parts. Biggs catapulted to fame with the success of the ‘American Pie’ franchise, and he’s still of an elevated status. His wife has gained fame as a writer, most recently releasing, ‘I Like You Just the Way I am.’ The book recounts a personal story about a threesome gone wrong, in what both her and Jason call a “comedy of errors.’ Though it’s cute when couples promote one another’s success, this case is an exception. Jason is too big a star to get caught up in such a public exposé of his private life, and by mentioning Jason in every interview, it appears as if Jenny is using his status to elevate her own. If I were to advise both parties on the proper PR move, I’d encourage them to carve their own career path.
Biggs visited ‘The View’ after the very feisty ladies took aim at his wife for tempering the most salacious parts of her story, and he eloquently explained her trepidation. He insisted that her contradictory character was in large part due to the nature of daytime television, and he also couldn’t resist a barb back at Candace Cameron, who previously chastised their marital choices. Though Biggs’ debating skills are incredibly impressive, I have to once again emphasize that Jason Biggs should be spending time talking about his own career, instead of getting tied up in this mess. Watch below.