Jon Oliver aims to sustain his soaring popularity in the off-season with exclusive web content for viewers to chew on while he’s away. And in a brilliant move, that content covers web-related issues. Watch Oliver answer his YouTube “fan mail” below. Only a true supporter would call someone a “parrot.”
Maroon 5 Releases ‘Maps’ — Album Review
You’d think with all those hands in the cookie jar, Maroon 5 would manage to produce a catchier record. Despite having criticized the band for relinquishing most of their songwriting duties to bigger names, this process previously paid off with the success of their last record. Unfortunately, those hit-making machines have malfunctioned for their follow-up, ‘V,’ which has moved the band from “overexposed” to overproduced. To quote the legendary Coco Chanel, “Before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” The same can be said about music. There’s just too much garbage invading the melody to actually enjoy it. Tracks that could have been moving, like “Unkiss Me” for example, are clouded with crap that strangle the tune.The 80’s-esque, synth-driven “Sugar” also falls victim to the same complaint, though it’s a tad catchier than most other tracks. And while “Animals” is likely the second single, it’ s not nearly as strong as “Maps,” the only song worthy of extensive radio play. “Leaving California” and “In Your Pocket” are personal favorites, though their placement on the album order suggests I’m alone in that thought. Overall, this is good, but not great. Listen to “Maps,” the catchiest tune, below.
Music Spotlight: Willis Earl Beal
Willis Earl Beal has a lot to brag about. Born and raised in Chicago, he’s released two albums (Acoustic Scorcery and Nobody Knows) under an independent record label, and both are stellar examples of his talent. But despite this success, Beal has since exited his label in an attempt to exclusively control the entirety of his career. According to Under the Radar, Beal resented promoting his music as a product, dismissed touring, and didn’t want a backing band. He had already “traveled the world with a reel-to-reel machine as his only musical accompaniment,” and he wanted to return to the “very simplistic outlook as to what [he] could and couldn’t do.” Beal will take his talent to the silver screen for his starring role in Tim Sutton’s upcoming film, ‘Memphis,’ where he “portrays a strange singer with “god given talent” who resembles but doesn’t equal Beal.” The movie will feature his new release, Experiments in Time, which is a hypnotic, moving departure from his previous work. To learn more about the complicated artist who is worthy of wide recognition, check out his interview with Under the Radar. It’s clear from his complaints that he needs to get out of his head and into his music, but like many artists before him, sometimes internal discord drives talent, and perhaps that’s the case here. Watch the trailer for Memphis below, and check out the second video for one of his best songs, “Too Dry to Cry.”
GAME.SCENT.MATCH: Lacoste Launches New Fragrance
Lacoste reinvents tradition with a limited-edition of EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12 for men. The fragrance looks back at the brand’s sporting legacy, paying tribute to its founder, Olympic medalist Rene Lacoste. The scent contains its best-selling elements, with a woody floral creation that embodies purity. The limited-edition packaging also embraces the brand’s signature style, with neon yellow accents and a twist on its iconic crocodile. Pick yours up at a local Lacoste store or visit Lacoste’s online destination.
Weekend Roundup: Your Tabloid News Review
Jay Z and Beyonce put those breakup rumors to rest. HUFFPO
Gerard Butler’s got a new babe. Just Jared
Think good thoughts for the legendary Joan Rivers . . . please. Rumor Fix
Juan Pablo Galavis and Nikki Ferrell have extended their fifteen minutes to Couples Therapy. People
Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg have wed. Wet Paint
Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross are married. Us Magazine
Brad Pitt finally made an honest woman out of Angelina. Pop Bytes.
Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade are husband and wife. CBS News
Kate Mara and Max Minghella split. E! Online
Britney Spears is single, and her father is a superhero. FashionStyle
Brody Jenner skipped Kim Kardashian’s wedding over a squabble. RealityTVWorld
Travis Barker remembers DJ AM on the 5-year anniversary of his death. Daily Mail
Jon Stewart Covers Ferguson — Watch Now
Jon Stewart returned from vacation with a must-see rundown on the tragic death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, and true to form, he enlightened the “media” on their embarrassing coverage of the events. With largely white talking heads describing racism through a racist lens, one can expect a problematic portrayal. But only The Daily Show’s stellar team of writers could package this in an easy-to-understand way for the Fox News media culprits contributing to the chaos. From Sean Hannity’s pompous, white privilege anecdotes about his own encounters with police to the “he who smelt it dealt it” spin on “only racists talk about race,” Stewart left no stone unturned. Watch him annihilate the network that cares more about Festivus than Ferguson.
Retta Kicks Out Seat-Filler at Emmy Awards
I just came across this story, and it must be repeated. Parks and Recreation’s Retta was seated in the second row during Monday’s Emmy Awards and was met with a very annoying seat filler who attempted to engage in irritating conversation with the star, who hilariously live-tweeted the issue. The seat-filler in question later identified himself and allegedly responded with racist insults toward Retta. I believe his account has since been suspended. Enjoy the tweets below.
#MissionAccomplished
It was very white of me to sic security on him but I’m wearing white & sitting in the 2nd row.
#KeepItClassy
#Emmys
— Retta (@unfoRETTAble) August 26, 2014
Now this clown ass just asked me 2 FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM.
#BitchPlease
I’m about to get his ass bounced.
#FuckinUpMuAwardShowVibe
#Emmys
— Retta (@unfoRETTAble) August 26, 2014
This fool just asked how’d I get on Parks and wants to know if he can get TV work from doing extra work.
#KillMe
#Emmys
— Retta (@unfoRETTAble) August 26, 2014
The Catalina Jazz Club Welcomes the iLatin Jazz Mini-Fest
Launched by Emerson Bran to bring attention to Latin Jazz, the Catalina Jazz Club welcomed it’s first-ever iLatin Jazz Mini-Fest. Highlighting established jazz artists and emerging talent, the unforgettable two-night event featured performers including New York-born master pianist Oscar Hernández and his new ensemble Alma Libre (with a special guest appearance by sax man Bob Mintzer of the Yellowjackets); Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca; and the world premiere of Panamanian roots-meets-jazz project Puente Del Mundo, led by Grammy-nominee and percussionist Giancarlo Anderson. If you have yet to see this little Los Angeles gem, now’s the time to collect your friends and visit the club.
Counting Crows Release ‘Somewhere Under Wonderland’ — iTunes First Play
Counting Crows latest record is a refreshing throwback to their well-known sound, with Duritz’s standard love lamenting perfectly put up against up-tempo tracks like “Earthquake Driver,” which remind us of his prolific, “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby.” There’s a lot to love on this record, and lucky for you, you have a few days left to listen on iTunes First Play for free, courtesy of Counting Crows. Enjoy the video for “Scarecrow” below.