Yahoo’s bold re-brand is taking shape on the music scene with live concert streaming. They’ll revisit their “On the Road” tour this year by featuring Iggy Azalea’s show at the University of California’s Bovard Auditorium. Tune in tonight at 8PM (11PM EST) to catch the action live via the video below.
Category: Music
Gwen Stefani Releases “Spark the Fire” Video: WATCH NOW
Everyone knows that the sole purpose of ‘The Voice’ is to give the judges a chance to peddle their projects in front of a large population of people. And one of those judges now includes Gwen Stefani, who performed her new track live on the show. Her latest song, “Spark the Fire,” is an up-tempo tune, which was predictably co-penned and produced by hit maker Pharrell Williams. The eye-catching, animated video is a must see. Watch below to see Stefani at the top of her solo game.
tUnE-yArDs Ticket Giveaway! Live at The Wiltern
Angelinos are in luck! tUnE-yArDs will visit The Wiltern for a highly-anticipated performance on December 10 with special guest Cibo Matto, and I’ve got two tickets to give away! The indie-pop, afrobeat influenced band is the brainchild of the very memorable Merrill Garbus, and her eclectic musical mix cannot be missed.
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK for your chance to win two tickets to what’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening.
Taylor Swift Releases “Blank Space” Video — WATCH NOW
I generally support the idea of a pop record that is not over-produced bubble gum bull shit, and Taylor Swift reigns supreme with ‘1989.’ Much like Gwen Stefani, I see Taylor Swift as cool, calm, calculated and in complete control of her career. She pens her tunes, she’s perfected her image, and she’s poised and polished in every interview. Plus, people tell me she’s nice, so the girl is easy to get behind. Aside from that little hiccup of hurling public insults at her past lovers, she’s the perfect superstar. And speaking of that hiccup, Swift shrewdly took aim at herself in her new song, “Blank Space,” with lyrics like “Darling I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,” and “Got a long list of ex lovers, they’ll tell you I’m insane.” Watch her funny video below.
Delta Spirit at The Satellite: A Full Review
With a devoted underground following and impressive mainstream success, Delta Spirit has become one of the most in-demand live shows to see. Originating from San Diego, the five-piece power group are promoting their fourth full-length Album, ‘Into the Wide,’ and their live performance at The Satellite beautifully balanced their well-known Americana elements with the modern rock transition of their most current material. Delta Spirit’s shift in sound is largely influenced by their move to Brooklyn, a transition that created just enough moody tension to incorporate city angst into their heavier record. Seeing Delta Spirit live at the Satellite confirmed their status as music’s must-see act, most notably the incredibly impressive drumming of Brandon Young, who captured my attention for most of the evening. Listen to ‘Live On’ below, and purchase their record on iTunes.
For the Record: BAZ: An Unforgettable Experience
Your live music experience gets re-imagined with an unforgettable performance of ‘For the Record: Baz,’ a 360 degree concert experience showcasing the songs from Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet,Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby. The captivating cabaret series is brought to you by the same team from the acclaimed ‘For the Record: Tarantino (Shane Scheel, Christopher Lloyd Bratten and Anderson Davis),’ and the breathtaking extravaganza will entertain audiences at DBA Hollywood through November 23. The show is worth it for Joanna Jones alone, who elevated the entire ensemble during her chilling rendition of Florence + The Machine’s “Over the Love.” I’ve posted a video of her performance below, but it simply doesn’t do this stunning singer justice. She’s young and likely unaware of her future super stardom. Go see Baz. You won’t regret it.
Birdman: A Full Review
With a wink to his past and a subtle nod to his future, Michael Keaton captivates in his comeback performance as Birdman. The existential undertone of Keaton’s own career makes him perfect to play “Riggan Thompson,” a washed up actor who walked away from the third installment of his iconic superhero role. His hope to revitalize his career comes in the form of a Broadway play beside some major power players, including Ed Norton (Mike Shiner), Naomi Watts (Leslie), Emma Stone (Sam), and Zach Galifianakis (Brandon).
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu executed the daunting task of actually simulating a play, making the entire movie appear as if it’s shot in one continuous take, a magic trick much like Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rope.’The backstage drama boosts the film, with Thompson’s depression-driven turmoil beautifully juxtaposed against Shiner’s thespian antics, Sam’s rebellious rants, and Brandon’s failed attempts to temper the trouble. And for the folks who need a little extra entertainment inside this circus of delight, there’s some great shots of Norton in his underwear, who is near-naked for most of the film.
Each character is crafted with many layers, often wavering between confidence, depression, desperation, heroism, kindness, humor, and love. It’s clear that Keaton carries the film, and the actor takes no issue with the irony of his legendary Batman status. And though everyone is on the record as saying the film was not written with Keaton in mind, it’s a fitting mental conundrum, considering there’s a play inside a film that’s shot like a play that stars a guy who once played a bird on screen and in real life who is also launching a comeback on screen and in real life. GOT THAT?!!!
Watch the trailer below, and go see this film.
RATING: 5/5 DISHES
Michael Keaton Talks Birdman and Batman
While the interview below is an interesting look inside Michael Keaton’s comeback in ‘Birdman,’ it’s also one of the first on-the-record answers about why Keaton turned down the third installment of his most celebrated film. When asked why he rejected Batman 3, Keaton simply said, “It sucked.” There were rumors about Keaton’s stance on the stinky film, but no official confirmation. As for why it actually sucked, It likely had to do with the absence of Tim Burton, Keaton’s legendary teammate. Watch below.
Macy Gray Releases ‘The Way’ — FULL REVIEW
I could sit and analyze the intentions behind Macy Gray’s new record, ‘The Way,’ by addressing her target audience and dissecting its genre and then monologue about the music industry’s changing tide — or I could simply tell you it’s good. I’ll choose the latter.
I’ve interviewed Macy Gray, and she’s a delightful, unapologetic performer with an unwavering vision. She’ll change for no one, and that’s a good thing. The first three songs on her record are by far the catchiest, starting with “Stoned,” a dynamic tune that’s true to Gray’s signature sound, with her voice taking center stage. And though she might “Miss the Sex” on song number four, she also wants to find “The Way” on her title track, where her vulnerable lyrics are met with a choir, a trumpet, and a ukulele.
This record makes me want to put on a slouchy, off-the-shoulder sexy knit as I dance around my apartment while occasionally looking in the mirror to ensure I’ve got just the right amount of seductive sass. Enjoy some tunes below.
Lenny Kravitz Releases New Album — LISTEN NOW
The ageless and always in style Lenny Kravitz exited his current acting career in favor of a new album, and today’s the day he’ll ‘Strut’ it out for public consumption. Listen below to the first single, “The Chamber,” and envision a Huey Lewis clone in an over-sized bomber jacket traveling through a dark alley in an attempt to kill his philandering wife. This has 80’s angst written all over it.