Although summer in DC is almost always blazing, a few weeks are certainly hotter than others in the music scene. This week has a pretty major heatwave in store for Marylanders.
First up, start your weekend early by catching electropop genius Owl City at Sonar tomorrow night. His albums can magically pick you up and take you on a whirlwind tour of the skies from California ("West Coast Friends") to Vienna ("Dear Vienna"). He may be known for his good production and MySpace success, but his live performances are said to be just as flawless as the performances he records in his basement. His sold-out show in Vienna, VA this May got stellar reviews on his official street team site. I've heard that show was a non-stop dance party, and I'm sure tomorrow's show will be no different.
Owl City's summer tour is winding down in preparation for the release of his sophomore album, Ocean Eyes, this July. Sorry for the short notice, but tomorrow is the last chance to catch him until his fall tour stops at Rock n Roll Hotel on September 12th.
The big festivals don't come to Maryland until July and August, but it's never too early to start preparing for Virgin Mobile Festival. Normally, this preparation would include months of saving up for the event (but wasn't it worth $80?), but this year, the cheap music gods have smiled upon Maryland. The Virgin Mobile FREEFESTival will be bringing Blink-182, Weezer, Taking Back Sunday, Mates of State, and too many other amazing acts to list to Merriweather Post Pavilion. And no, by "free," they are not referring to freedom and liberty and all that jazz. Tickets really are free. Really. Check The Washington Post if you need proof.
Calling the tickets "hot" would be like calling dry ice "lukewarm," so you'd better plan on snagging some the second they go on sale - er, on give away? how do you describe this? - this Saturday at 10:00. Get to that website like your life depends on it, or better yet, like you're getting Jonas Brothers tickets for kid sister who will pout all year if she misses their summer tour.
Then on Tuesday, the party's coming to Recher Theater in Towson. Cash Cash, Every Avenue, Valencia, The Morning Light, and Sparks the Rescue will all be performing. Five bands for $12: now that deal's almost as good as Virgin's. Listening to Cash Cash is always a party, in your bedroom or elsewhere. I don't really listen to any of the other bands, but I've heard great things about Every Avenue and Valencia, and I definitely think they're worth a look.
Those are my must-sees for the week (and since I'll be out of the country for the rest of the week, I fully expect you readers to check them out then comment on their fabulousness). I predict that the next big heatwave coming to the area begins around July 13th, when the Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, and Honor Society's fans mob the Verizon Center, those not blessed enough to get tickets party with Honor Society at a church in the middle of the night, and those too cool to care about those guys see Hey Monday, This Providence, The Friday Night Boys, Stereo Skyline, and The Bigger Lights at Jammin Java. (Funny story: Hey Monday's show has sold out, but the Jonas Brothers still have a few single seats available. But Hey Monday aren't the one's touting a "sold-out tour"...). Then of course, Warped Tour comes to Merriweather Post the next day.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
May I Just Say "Yum"?
From ear candy to eye candy to gigantic bowls of Froot Loops, here are a few quick ways to satisfy your sonic sweet tooth:
"Strawberry Avalanche" by Owl City
Owl City's single of the month for June is a refreshing journey under the candy-coated clouds... sounds gag-inducing, I know, but this magical electropop song is really more substantial than just saccharine. Let this "Strawberry Avalanche" crash you. You won't be disappointed.
Also, check out a cute fan-made video for the song here. Crayon drawings of people in sleeping bags and strawberries? Awww.
Looking for a few more songs to whet your appetite? Check out:
"Sugar Rush" by Cash Cash - I've said it before but I'll say it again... Actually, I don't even have to. This pop confection's name says it all.
"Chewing Gum" by Annie - Another aptly named track. Though Annie's strong beats and high-pitched vocals aren't rich like chocolate, this electropop tune will stay in your head longer than any gum's flavor.
(Warning: The video for "Chewing Gum" flat-out scares me... And after having it in your head for an hour or two, your gag reflex may be extremely heightened. Actually, I cannot in good conscience suggest that anyone listen to this song... But it is quite sugary.)
Okay, and now for a picture that will really make your mouth water:
Mike Goodrick may still be struggling to make it big in the music industry, but he is clearly no starving artist. Check out that ginormous bowl of Froot Loops. Yummm...
Are his acoustic songs sweeter than all that sugary cereal? Is that even possible? See for yourself at his MySpace.
And more importantly, how many gallons of milk would you need for all that cereal???
"Strawberry Avalanche" by Owl City
Owl City's single of the month for June is a refreshing journey under the candy-coated clouds... sounds gag-inducing, I know, but this magical electropop song is really more substantial than just saccharine. Let this "Strawberry Avalanche" crash you. You won't be disappointed.
Also, check out a cute fan-made video for the song here. Crayon drawings of people in sleeping bags and strawberries? Awww.
Looking for a few more songs to whet your appetite? Check out:
"Sugar Rush" by Cash Cash - I've said it before but I'll say it again... Actually, I don't even have to. This pop confection's name says it all.
"Chewing Gum" by Annie - Another aptly named track. Though Annie's strong beats and high-pitched vocals aren't rich like chocolate, this electropop tune will stay in your head longer than any gum's flavor.
(Warning: The video for "Chewing Gum" flat-out scares me... And after having it in your head for an hour or two, your gag reflex may be extremely heightened. Actually, I cannot in good conscience suggest that anyone listen to this song... But it is quite sugary.)
Okay, and now for a picture that will really make your mouth water:
Mike Goodrick may still be struggling to make it big in the music industry, but he is clearly no starving artist. Check out that ginormous bowl of Froot Loops. Yummm...
Are his acoustic songs sweeter than all that sugary cereal? Is that even possible? See for yourself at his MySpace.
And more importantly, how many gallons of milk would you need for all that cereal???
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
It's Alright... I Guess
Yesterday, Ashley Tisdale performed her new single "It's Alright, It's Okay" off her upcoming "edgy rock album" (the news guy's words, certainly not mine), on Good Morning America. The performance offered a fleeting glimpse of what will hopefully be a fleeting phase in her musical career.
The first thing you notice about Ashley Tisdale these days is "Whoa, her hair is brown." While fashion magazines can pore over whether or not this means brunette is yet again the new blond, the most striking thing about Ashley's new locks is that, from a distance, she is now a dead ringer for that other Ashley you thought disappeared years ago, Ashlee Simpson.
Ashley T. seems to be fully embracing the Ashlee S. look, complete with the "Pieces of Me"-era lackluster dance moves. Really, Ashleys, you can't just shake your shoulders willy-nilly. Shake 'em like you mean it, like you really want to thrust your... shoulders... into the camera's personal space. But I guess Ashley T. is still too good a Disney girl for that kind of popstar dancing.
Ashley has delegated all responsibility for destroying that good-girl image to her legs, which are fully embracing their new duty. Sure, she's worn booty shorts before, most notably in the "Be Good to Me" video, which I saw three times in one night while babysitting a four year-old Hannah Montana fanatic. I was torn between my desire to cover her eyes, turn off the TV, and/or spontaneously offer up some ice cream to distract her and my desire to make sure I was actually seeing Ashley Tisdale. In booty shorts. On Disney Channel.
My eyes did not deceive me then, not, unfortunately, did they deceive me yesterday when Ashley wore DIY booty shorts apparently made by hacking off the entire legs of an innocent pair of jeans. In case Ashely's quarter-inch inseam was not eye-catching enough already, a white thing peeked out form each pantleg. Were they handkerchiefs? Were her shorts deemed so inappropriate that the producers demanded she wear white spandex underneath? Did she need Icy Hot patches from all the rigorous lackluster-dance workouts? No, it turned out these white fabric flaps covering her upper thighs were her pockets, which had been somehow spared during the butchering of the rest of her jeans. If only they had been cut off and our fashion sensibility had been spared instead.
Note to the world: cutoffs with the pockets hanging out below the hem line are neither alright nor okay.
And that brings us to the song itself. In another apparent attempt to be Ashlee Simpson, "It's Alright, It's Okay" is a piece of crazy catchy pop-punk that's almost saccharine enough to give you a toothache. The lyrics are far from profound, making it the identical cousin of every other semi-former Disney girl breakout attempt that has been released in the past five years. Its thrashing guitars during the chorus are pleasant enough, but halfway through the chorus, you expect it to turn into "So What" by Pink.
It's alright, okay
I'm so much better without you
I won't be sorry...
So, so what, I am a rock star
I got my rock moves and I don't want you tonight
Every time, I expect her to start singing "So What," and every time she disappoints me.
I know that accusing popstars of ripping off each other's songs leads down a dangerous, slippery slope that even the U.S. legal system dares not tread because halfway to an out-of-court settlement, you realize that there are only so many three chord combinations possible. But really, "It's Alright, It's Okay" sounds like "So What" 's baby sister that tries to replicate her cool older sister's wardrobe with clothes from Club Libby Lu. The result? A toothless yet thrashing girl-powered ode to not needing a man... that utterly lacks conviction.
The song is fun enough to dominate the Radio Disney charts until the Jonas Brothers' new album comes out (oops, too late), but it's still now as good as the best songs from Ashley's last album, to pop gem - okay, that's overstating it; more like sugar crystal - "He Said She Said" and the hilarious piece of ironic social commentary "Not Like That." (excerpt from lyrics: "I'm a normal girl like you who hates clubbing because all those plebes are so effing jealous of my fabulousness")(excerpt may have been paraphrased). I love that song. It's the most danceable piece of ironic social commentary after Millionaires' "Hey Rich Boy" (excerpt from lyrics: Boys if you want girls like me, flash that cash where we can see. You think I want that ice cold money - well, hell yeah, it's fucking yummy!) and Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" (excerpt from lyrics: "I am soooo wasted. Date rape me, Colby!")(Lady Gaga lyrics paraphrased. Millionaires lyrics unaltered.)(No, really, look them up...)(Told you so.)
I'd say Ashley Tisdale's post-High School Musical future is looking even dimmer than Vanessa Hudgens', whose upcoming movie Bandslam looks about as good as any movie whose working title was Rock On! can be expected to look. But hopefully, both these girls' careers will last longer than the cutoff-jeans-with-dangling-pockets look will. Hopefully that look ended, like, right after Ashley's performance.
You can watch the performance and chat with a Good Morning America guy here, at least until ABC catches on to the fact that the person who posted the video probably doesn't own the copyrights to it.
The first thing you notice about Ashley Tisdale these days is "Whoa, her hair is brown." While fashion magazines can pore over whether or not this means brunette is yet again the new blond, the most striking thing about Ashley's new locks is that, from a distance, she is now a dead ringer for that other Ashley you thought disappeared years ago, Ashlee Simpson.
Ashley T. seems to be fully embracing the Ashlee S. look, complete with the "Pieces of Me"-era lackluster dance moves. Really, Ashleys, you can't just shake your shoulders willy-nilly. Shake 'em like you mean it, like you really want to thrust your... shoulders... into the camera's personal space. But I guess Ashley T. is still too good a Disney girl for that kind of popstar dancing.
Ashley has delegated all responsibility for destroying that good-girl image to her legs, which are fully embracing their new duty. Sure, she's worn booty shorts before, most notably in the "Be Good to Me" video, which I saw three times in one night while babysitting a four year-old Hannah Montana fanatic. I was torn between my desire to cover her eyes, turn off the TV, and/or spontaneously offer up some ice cream to distract her and my desire to make sure I was actually seeing Ashley Tisdale. In booty shorts. On Disney Channel.
My eyes did not deceive me then, not, unfortunately, did they deceive me yesterday when Ashley wore DIY booty shorts apparently made by hacking off the entire legs of an innocent pair of jeans. In case Ashely's quarter-inch inseam was not eye-catching enough already, a white thing peeked out form each pantleg. Were they handkerchiefs? Were her shorts deemed so inappropriate that the producers demanded she wear white spandex underneath? Did she need Icy Hot patches from all the rigorous lackluster-dance workouts? No, it turned out these white fabric flaps covering her upper thighs were her pockets, which had been somehow spared during the butchering of the rest of her jeans. If only they had been cut off and our fashion sensibility had been spared instead.
Note to the world: cutoffs with the pockets hanging out below the hem line are neither alright nor okay.
And that brings us to the song itself. In another apparent attempt to be Ashlee Simpson, "It's Alright, It's Okay" is a piece of crazy catchy pop-punk that's almost saccharine enough to give you a toothache. The lyrics are far from profound, making it the identical cousin of every other semi-former Disney girl breakout attempt that has been released in the past five years. Its thrashing guitars during the chorus are pleasant enough, but halfway through the chorus, you expect it to turn into "So What" by Pink.
It's alright, okay
I'm so much better without you
I won't be sorry...
So, so what, I am a rock star
I got my rock moves and I don't want you tonight
Every time, I expect her to start singing "So What," and every time she disappoints me.
I know that accusing popstars of ripping off each other's songs leads down a dangerous, slippery slope that even the U.S. legal system dares not tread because halfway to an out-of-court settlement, you realize that there are only so many three chord combinations possible. But really, "It's Alright, It's Okay" sounds like "So What" 's baby sister that tries to replicate her cool older sister's wardrobe with clothes from Club Libby Lu. The result? A toothless yet thrashing girl-powered ode to not needing a man... that utterly lacks conviction.
The song is fun enough to dominate the Radio Disney charts until the Jonas Brothers' new album comes out (oops, too late), but it's still now as good as the best songs from Ashley's last album, to pop gem - okay, that's overstating it; more like sugar crystal - "He Said She Said" and the hilarious piece of ironic social commentary "Not Like That." (excerpt from lyrics: "I'm a normal girl like you who hates clubbing because all those plebes are so effing jealous of my fabulousness")(excerpt may have been paraphrased). I love that song. It's the most danceable piece of ironic social commentary after Millionaires' "Hey Rich Boy" (excerpt from lyrics: Boys if you want girls like me, flash that cash where we can see. You think I want that ice cold money - well, hell yeah, it's fucking yummy!) and Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" (excerpt from lyrics: "I am soooo wasted. Date rape me, Colby!")(Lady Gaga lyrics paraphrased. Millionaires lyrics unaltered.)(No, really, look them up...)(Told you so.)
I'd say Ashley Tisdale's post-High School Musical future is looking even dimmer than Vanessa Hudgens', whose upcoming movie Bandslam looks about as good as any movie whose working title was Rock On! can be expected to look. But hopefully, both these girls' careers will last longer than the cutoff-jeans-with-dangling-pockets look will. Hopefully that look ended, like, right after Ashley's performance.
You can watch the performance and chat with a Good Morning America guy here, at least until ABC catches on to the fact that the person who posted the video probably doesn't own the copyrights to it.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Moon-inspired song lives up to its name
It can take a while to ease out of final exam mode into summer mode. To help ease the transition, this blog is in multiple choice format.
Directions: For each question in this entry, select the best answer form among the choices given and do not fill in any corresponding circles please because writing on your computer screen in No. 2 pencil is never a good idea. Trust me.
You have 10 seconds to answer the following question because there is an amazing song you have to hear ASAP. No wasting time!
Which of the following is the best cheesy introduction to the new song "Irresistible" by Oh, Hush!?
a) Oh, Hush!'s new song "Irresistible" will have you howling with delight.
b) Oh, Hush! is very familiar with secret identities. Maybe that's why these top-secret Internet music sensations sympathize so strongly with werewolf Jacob Black... or maybe it's just because of his abs.
c) Note to Jacob: Bella so would've chosen you if she'd heard this song.
d) This song is "irresistible!"... ha... ha...
e) Dude, those are all the lamest things I've ever heard.
I think E is correct... aw, just watch the video. It's definitely the catchiest Twilight-inspired song I've ever heard.
Choose the best course of action after watching the video:
a) Use you supernatural super speed to run over to Oh, Hush!'s MySpace and ask the guys what they think of Twilight. They'll actually comment back.
b) Wait to see what fabulous surprises they have in store for 6/22/09!
c) Hit play on the video again. Then again when it finishes. Then again. And again. And again...
d) Drag the playhead to that picture of Taylor Lautner with his shirt off... what?
My answers for that last one were A and C. I didn't do D, I swear... really...
Directions: For each question in this entry, select the best answer form among the choices given and do not fill in any corresponding circles please because writing on your computer screen in No. 2 pencil is never a good idea. Trust me.
You have 10 seconds to answer the following question because there is an amazing song you have to hear ASAP. No wasting time!
Which of the following is the best cheesy introduction to the new song "Irresistible" by Oh, Hush!?
a) Oh, Hush!'s new song "Irresistible" will have you howling with delight.
b) Oh, Hush! is very familiar with secret identities. Maybe that's why these top-secret Internet music sensations sympathize so strongly with werewolf Jacob Black... or maybe it's just because of his abs.
c) Note to Jacob: Bella so would've chosen you if she'd heard this song.
d) This song is "irresistible!"... ha... ha...
e) Dude, those are all the lamest things I've ever heard.
I think E is correct... aw, just watch the video. It's definitely the catchiest Twilight-inspired song I've ever heard.
Choose the best course of action after watching the video:
a) Use you supernatural super speed to run over to Oh, Hush!'s MySpace and ask the guys what they think of Twilight. They'll actually comment back.
b) Wait to see what fabulous surprises they have in store for 6/22/09!
c) Hit play on the video again. Then again when it finishes. Then again. And again. And again...
d) Drag the playhead to that picture of Taylor Lautner with his shirt off... what?
My answers for that last one were A and C. I didn't do D, I swear... really...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Now Everyone Wants to Be On a Boat
Because meeting Mickey Mouse just isn't good enough for kids these days, Disney is stepping it up this summer. For all of you who have dreamed of going on sun-drenched Caribbean cruises with the tweenaged rich and famous, your dream has just come true.
In a brilliant attempt to lure families to their cruise lines, Disney now offers cruises with the stars of Camp Rock, Sonny With a Chance, JONAS, and several of their other official shows and movies. And by "stars," they mean minor supporting characters. Still, a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock is a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock. I personally dream of going on the cruise with Camp Rock's Alyson Stoner and Meaghan Martin on August 2nd. Staterooms the size of walk-in closets starting at $3400! Sleeps four!
Passengers on these cruises will get to take pictures with the stars, get stuff autographed by the stars, ask the stars questions during special panel discussions, and party it up for one "a high-energy evening with shows and a special musical performance" by a "Radio Disney star!"
This deal just cements the fact that cruise boats are the hot place to be this summer, whatever age you are. You know, grandparents and cruises go together like kids with funny haircuts and Warped Tour. Now Disney's appealing to the crowd who wants to be like Zack & Cody, not the ones who want the opportunity to sing "I'm On a Boat" while actually, you know, on a boat. Because that is so much cooler than shouting it at, say, the MTV Movie Awards.
Wait, maybe these kids do want to shout "I'm On a Boat," too...
NOTE: Parents with small children are advised to steer clear of the July 19th cruise featuring Jason Earles of Hannah Montana because people who meet Earles in person may realize that he is actually 32 years old, and this realization could scar your youngsters for life.
Yeah, and you thought Kevin Jonas being 21 was creepy.
In a brilliant attempt to lure families to their cruise lines, Disney now offers cruises with the stars of Camp Rock, Sonny With a Chance, JONAS, and several of their other official shows and movies. And by "stars," they mean minor supporting characters. Still, a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock is a cruise with That Breakdancing Kid from Camp Rock. I personally dream of going on the cruise with Camp Rock's Alyson Stoner and Meaghan Martin on August 2nd. Staterooms the size of walk-in closets starting at $3400! Sleeps four!
Passengers on these cruises will get to take pictures with the stars, get stuff autographed by the stars, ask the stars questions during special panel discussions, and party it up for one "a high-energy evening with shows and a special musical performance" by a "Radio Disney star!"
This deal just cements the fact that cruise boats are the hot place to be this summer, whatever age you are. You know, grandparents and cruises go together like kids with funny haircuts and Warped Tour. Now Disney's appealing to the crowd who wants to be like Zack & Cody, not the ones who want the opportunity to sing "I'm On a Boat" while actually, you know, on a boat. Because that is so much cooler than shouting it at, say, the MTV Movie Awards.
Wait, maybe these kids do want to shout "I'm On a Boat," too...
NOTE: Parents with small children are advised to steer clear of the July 19th cruise featuring Jason Earles of Hannah Montana because people who meet Earles in person may realize that he is actually 32 years old, and this realization could scar your youngsters for life.
Yeah, and you thought Kevin Jonas being 21 was creepy.
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