CBS premiered ‘Limitless’ with a special appearance from Bradley Cooper, and although it’s a solid show, its message is concerning. Based on the film by the same name, ‘Limitless’ is about a man that discovers a drug named NZT, which unlocks pathways in his brain that basically give the formerly lazy lad some seriously productive superpowers. His previous life is transformed, and he’s now giving back to society, despite what’s basically become drug addiction.
After reading online reviews, I was shocked to discover that no one seems to share my sentiment. The show is a covert adderall advertisement. The protagonist pops a pill and conquers the world, and all side effects are second to its advantages. After all, when a drug is this good, shouldn’t you push through? Had his acquired superpower been gifted by anything other than a pill, I might not object. And although this didn’t irk me in the film, that’s likely because the movie ended with a pretty bow about the perils of drug use, rather than a procedural plot line in its favor. Also, if there’s no issue with performance enhancing drugs to obtain a desired result, why did we chastise Lance Armstrong? And if there were no side effects to narcotic-use, would we promote drugs? The show doesn’t work with a pill. He should have been zapped with a taser or something.
I’d have mentioned Father John’s Misty’s cover of ‘1989’ in my original Ryan Adams post, but it seemed unfair. When it’s not your idea and you take home the trophy, it seems as if I’m rewarding the guy who dropped a hammer on two ants. The former Fleet Foxes drummer owned it with a ‘1989’ cover that is likened to Lou Reed with a side of Bob Dylan. We get it, Joshua Tillman . . . you’re good.
What happens when you take a spry young pop tart and add a dose of depression to the mix? You get Ryan Adams covering Taylor Swift, and the result is riveting. Ryan Adams chose to cover Taylor Swift’s entire 1989 album for sport, and he added some severe, missing soul to each song. Taylor recognized the addition and approved, saying, “They’re not cover songs. They’re reimaginings of my songs, and you can tell that he was in a different place emotionally than I was. There’s this beautiful aching sadness and longing in this album that doesn’t exist in the original.” It’s as if Ryan Adams lent Taylor Swift a peice of his soul and she lent him a flicker of happiness. Listen below.
Though I wasn’t there and I don’t know Jessica Simpson personally, I’d bet some serious cash on the fact that she was under the influence during her recent HSN performance. Rumors have long circulated that she has issues with alcohol, and I dismissed their validity until watching the video below. Her team has been quick to dismiss the drama, suggesting that she was simply being her quirky self and being off a script can lead to less than perfect moments. Here’s my note for Jessica’s team: I can tell the difference between a drunk person and a nervous ditz. In case you don’t believe me, watch the video of Lauren Katlin attempting to answer a simple question during a pageant. Jessica’s Simpson’s slur-fest is video two.
Let me begin by confessing that I love nurses and I love Joy Behar, so if you anticipate bias, my loyalty is evenly matched. As for why I delayed in commenting on this drama, it’s because I thought it would die, but since it won’t — here goes.
The ladies of ‘The View’ poked fun at the Miss America pageant, which entailed joking about a nurse who skipped the traditional song and dance and instead wore her scrubs and used the stage to tell an emotional, personal story about how she impacted someone’s life and is more than “just a nurse.” The View panel poked fun, with Michelle Collins leading the charge, suggesting that her delivery was a little odd and she basically read her email on stage. Joy Behar then asked why she was wearing “a doctor’s stethoscope around her neck.” The backlash was immediate, and advertisers have now pulled their products off the ABC lineup. The reason for the heated reaction is twofold. First, Miss Colorado’s speech was actually very good, and it was a refreshing alternative to the useless crap that Miss America usually pedals (see Jon Oliver video below — it’s last). And when something is that good, and the joke is so far off the mark, it’s going to land like a turd on a hot day. The second issue is that Joy asked about the stethoscope, which some have interpreted to mean that she suggested she wasn’t equipped to wear it. While I understand the criticism, I’ve watched the video numerous times, and I’m willing stand firm in the fact that it is NOT what Joy meant. She chimed in somewhat lazily, saw her in scrubs, and was confused — since it’s Miss America and she wasn’t wearing glitter and a bathing suit while twirling a baton. If anyone legitimately thinks that Joy Behar and The View panelists have hate in their heart, so be it. But if you’re attempting to burn someone’s house down because they threw a pebble at your window, I’d encourage more rational thought. If a construction worker walked on stage wearing a hard hat and carrying his hammer, wouldn’t the ladies say, “Hmm . . . why is he wearing that hard hat?” Would we then say they don’t respect construction workers. Wearing your work uniform on stage is unusual, and the first reaction will be one of inquiry.
In closing, I’d like to suggest that everyone seriously lighten up. People are constantly complaining about the perils of our PC culture, and this is precisely why. I began watching The View because the ladies boldly offered their raw perspectives on hot-button issues and were unafraid of the consequences. Issues like this suggest they are not allowed to make a mistake, which means the show will be irreparably compromised. Nurses deserve an incredible amount of respect. They deal with patients in their worst moments, and their role is vital. Do we seriously believe that The View thinks otherwise? Watch the videos below in succession, and judge for yourself.
Ariana Grande proved two things while performing impressions on Jimmy Fallon. First, the girl can sing. Second, Christina Aguilera is a ridiculous performer. For years I’ve said she sings as if she always has something to prove, moving away from the melody in favor of exhausting vocal acrobatics, to the deficit of the song. Yes, Aguilera is a talented singer, but she gets in her own way. Watch as Grande showed us all why pulling back might be a better option.
Matt Damon might insist his comments were taken out of context, but unless something was lost in the edit of the first episode of Season 4 of “Project Greenlight,” then he needs to take a little more responsibility. I watched the episode in its entirety in hopes of shedding light on what initially appeared to be shocking, and no such light was shed in his favor.
Here’s the nutshell version of this story. Damon is casting a director for a film, and the movie will star a black prostitute. Effie Brown brought to his attention that diversity should be considered in casting the director, given that there’s only one black person in the film, and they should be careful about how that story is told. Damon insisted that casting should be based on MERIT, not color. He also added that diversity is important in front of the camera, NOT behind it, and even if a diverse director is cast, that won’t necessarily result in a creatively superior story. While it’s true that Effie Brown brought this up too late in the game, his dismissal should have solely focused on the tardiness of the critique, rather than a merit based approach. I’d be curious about the casting process, and how many black people were in the mix before the final number selections came in, none of which were black. Did the casting directors also picked based on merit?
Here’s the very obvious response to Damon, who clearly doesn’t get it. White people surround themselves with white people, thus perpetuating white-dominated success. You might think you’re picking solely based on merit, but unless you keep diversity at the forefront of your mind when you’re picking prospects, you’ll likely go with what what you know and what’s familiar without even realizing it. Furthermore, it’s ignorant to dismiss the importance of color behind the camera, and “whitesplaining” that makes you look like a gigantic doofus. Had he just stuck with “it’s too late in the game for this kind of feedback,” he’d have one the debate.
There’s a reason it’s difficult to define Alex Cuba’s sound, and it’s because he’s a true original. Alex’s father, Valentin Puentes, is a well-respected musician and music teacher. By age four, young Alex had already appeared on national television in his native Cuba, playing claves under his father’s direction. He later learned to play guitar and then moved to electric bass, sometimes practicing eight hours a day. Though Alex knew his love for playing music was strong, he didn’t fully discover his passion for singing until the age of 24, when he moved to Canada to “creatively spread his wings.” His fearless, out-of-the-box style paid off, with a cross-cultural sound that earned him a Latin Grammy in 2010 for best new artist. He has since released five solo albums, including his most recent record, ‘Healer,’ which he is promoting on tour with Sheryl Crow. Speaking with Alex confirmed that he’s not only talented, he’s also humble. He’s grateful for every opportunity and he’s excited about the future. Read my interview with Alex Cuba below, and CLICK HERE to purchase his new album.
I noticed your effortless ease on stage. Do you think that playing at such an early age helps with your onstage performance?
Yeah, also I have lived in Canada for sixteen years which has made me comfortable onstage because the audience barely speaks Spanish.
Did you alter your performance style to accommodate the audience?
Yeah it was actually quite challenging in the beginning because I wasn’t that trained onstage, and I couldn’t communicate what I needed [to the staff]. I also tried to speak to the audience, but no one understood me because I had a thicker accent. I slowly built the confidence I needed to be comfortable on stage. I even joke in English now.
Because the audience doesn’t know the lyrics, do you think about your physical staging and inflection as you sing?
The goal has been to communicate with the audience, with every inch of my body, with everything we do onstage. The point is to make music that transcends the language. I hope that every time that I’m playing people sort of get it. I remember in 2005, I opened in Central Park, but the label didn’t get my vibe. They got me a nine piece band and our act came across completely desperate. Jose Gonzalez played after my set by himself and he killed it. Then the main act, Seu George had a four piece band. I felt so stupid, trying to perform with so much going on while everyone else was so smooth. When I got this opportunity with Sheryl I wanted to feel the audience.
It worked. I could tell that the audience at The Hollywood Bowl really responded to your performance.
Johanna Rees also has a lot to do with that. That’s the work of a good promoter. I say this because I have worked before with other big stars in the past, and the fans don’t always cross over. In this case, people found a relationship between Sheryl Crow and I, and I take my hat off to her.
One of the songs you performed had English lyrics. Do you approach the lyrics differently as a songwriter when you’re writing them in English as opposed to Spanish?
I haven’t written an entire song in English by myself, yet. I’ll have an idea, but because English is not my first language, I’ll find people to write with.
When you return to Cuba now, do you feel differently about performing for people who do speak your language?
When I’m playing for an entire audience that speaks Spanish, I sometimes laugh at myself because I find myself translating from English to Spanish. It’s as if the stage has become something different in a way I didn’t expect. I guess I feel so inside the culture of America that when I go to a place like Columbia, for example, I turn kind of shy.
I know your father encouraged you to be more of a player than a singer. At what point did you start to pursue a path as a singer?
When I moved to Canada I started to realize that singer/songwriters were way more appreciated, because people feel the soul of the artist. I recorded my first album in Canada with my brother, and I sang two songs myself. When my dad listened to one of songs that I recorded, he couldn’t believe it. My mom said that he was in shock. I asked him why it made him feel that way, and he said, “I don’t know. It’s a nice song.” I said, “Dad, open up a little bit more,” and he finally said, “It’s something special of yours.” [His reaction] totally touched my heart.
I know my father is a man of few words, so when I get a compliment I get very excited. Do you feel that way about your father? Was that compliment unique because it came from him?
It was a lot of that. I left Cuba, and I left my culture behind, so I understand that he might not get everything that I do, but he sure is proud when he walks down the street and people come up to him to say “I saw Alex singing on the internet, and he’s amazing, etc.” I know he is very proud.
How did your family react to your Grammy win?
That was a beautiful moment. When I won, my wife thought my parents were going to have a heart attack. [Laughs] They were screaming like kids. They were very proud.
What was your own personal reaction to the Grammy win? Was it important?
I was excited. I absolutely wanted it. I didn’t think I was going to get it. It was my first submission to the Grammys. We get two nominations and then all of a sudden we win the biggest one, which was new artist of the year. I always felt that my music has universal appeal, because it’s how Canada trained me to play. Canada is a melting pot of different cultures. I was the first Canadian to ever get a Latin Grammy.
I know you recorded with your brother in the beginning of your career. What made you decide to step away from singing with him?
It was a creative decision. That album was a celebration of our culture, and the fact that we left Cuba at different times and then reunited. We made something beautiful. We wanted to celebrate where we came from, our culture, and our roots. Shortly after that I realized I wanted to sing differently. I told my brother I need to follow my heart.
Tell me about when you first learned to play?
Our father started teaching us guitar when we were six years old. When I was fourteen I saw somebody playing electric bass in our town, and I immediately fell in love with that. And I said to my dad, “What’s that?” and he said, “That’s an electric bass”. From then on I was an electric bass player. That’s what I did until I moved to Canada. But I’ve now evolved more, so I don’t mind what instrument I’m playing. It’s about making sure the band sounds great.
You’ve written for other artists. Is the process different when you write for someone else?
Yes, absolutely. When you’re in a co-writing session with someone else, most of the time you don’t have the luxury or the time to say, “Okay, I’m going to wait for inspiration to come.” It’s sort of like create and respond. [When I write for myself], I record songs that I write strictly when they come to me, without really thinking about it. I have learned to enjoy both [processes], and to never put conditions on how it’s done. There’s always something [to learn from a co-writer] that could open up your eyes in a way that you wouldn’t learn on your own. I have learned to take that and run with it.
I listened to your new record, ‘Healer,’ and it’s really great. Was there a different goal in mind for this record? Did you have a different sense of inspiration?
Yes. I decided not to go to Cuba while recording. On this one I said, “You know what, I want to try to reinvent.” I went to New York City instead and recorded most of the album there.
How do you feel about it now that it’s done? Do you feel that it was good to change it up?
Yeah, we managed to make it very focused on the sound of my voice. It’s very soulful, and the songs breathe more without heavy arrangement.
Visit Alex’s website for tour dates, and stream songs from his new album by clicking HERE. You can get a glimpse of his unforgettable vocals by watching the video below.
When children ask unfiltered, inappropriate questions, we often chalk it up to “kids being kids,” given that no adult has ever taken the time to explain that certain things are none of our business and should never be asked. One of those things is the sexual preference of others, which is not only an inappropriate inquiry, it should also be irrelevant. And for those who argue that it’s important for public figures to “come out,” I have a few responses. First, the very act of placing enough importance on one’s sexual preference so as to make it a public inquiry is only perpetuating bigotry, not combating it. It shows people that it’s still important, which it shouldn’t be. Second, “outing” someone is dangerous and can lead to suicide, and we should know better. Third, Tom Hardy handled that question beautifully, asking why the reporter would even want to know in the first place. Sure he’s a hot man who all genders might want to pursue, but he’s also a human being with a craft, and that craft doesn’t involve his personal life. My last point is much like my intro to this piece. That reporter is a child, and he’s in need of an adult to educate him on appropriate behavior.
CBS premiered ‘Limitless’ with a special appearance from Bradley Cooper, and although it’s a solid show, its message is concerning. Based on the film by the same name, ‘Limitless’ is about a man that discovers a drug named NZT, which unlocks pathways in his brain that basically give the formerly lazy lad some seriously productive superpowers. His previous life is transformed, and he’s now giving back to society, despite what’s basically become drug addiction.
