Whatever Happened To RnB? - Ciara

Music is always changing and what is popular one year might be derided as hilariously crap the next but there are certain genres that will always be around, albeit in different forms. Rock will always be rock, whether it’s indie or grunge, and rap will always be rap but RnB is RnB dammit and not this crap dance pop stuff that’s been knocking around the charts for the last couple of years. Do you remember when the term ‘quiet storm’ referred to sensual and mellow RnB and not a deaf person standing in the rain? Artists like Brandy, Mya and TLC used to rule the charts back in the late 90s and early 2000s but gradually, these singers either declined in popularity or sold out to perform a more poppier or dancey sound… I’m looking at you Rihanna and Usher! And damn you Guetta!

In this weekly feature, I’m going to take a look back at some of the best RnB artists of yesteryear, sharing their signature videos and underrated hits, as well as looking at what they’re up to nowadays.

Last week, we took a look at Cassie's career. Click here if you missed it. This week its Ciara's turn.

Hey Cici!

The Book Thief: Review.

High commercial and critical acclaim as well as friends personal recommendations and even a drunk woman on the tube all told me I needed to read this book, and like a child peer-pressured into smoking I buckled. However, after all the build up I feel the book became a victim of its own hype, much like Lady Gaga’s last album. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a very good book, very powerful and touching but I didn’t really engage with it as much as I wanted to. I liked it but I didn’t love it like I was told I would.

K-Pop - G-Dragon and 2NE1 Are Taking Over The World Too... Watch Out Psy!

With 'Gangnam Style' set to top the charts in both America and the UK this week, I thought now would be a good time to check out some of the K-pop acts who look likely to follow in Psy's footsteps and claim world domination.

First up today is G-Dragon, lead singer of popular boyband BigBang, who has just released a solo album titled 'One Of A Kind'. Click here for my last K-Pop post which showcased some of his latest singles.

Top 10 Hype Williams Hip-hop Videos - 5-1

Onto the second part of Hype William's Top 10 Best Hip-Hop Videos now and we're counting down from 5-1. Here's the first part if you missed it; Click here.

We've already watched Kelis arguing with a corpse and seen Nas hanging from a cross. Aaliyah's rocked the boat and Puff Daddy has tasted asphalt so what the hell has Hype got in store for our five remaining stars? Let's take a look at some of Hype's classic and clearly drug-induced videos that helped to define a genre of music.
 
 

 

(And no, this Beyonce video didn't make the cut but I just like the picture).

I Love The 90s: The Spice Girls

When those black london cabs stopped driving and lit up in the Olympics closing ceremony and the instantly recognisable beat of 'Wannabe' kicked in, I was so excited that I almost wet myslef, I felt like a teenager again. Yes it was the much anticipated and much publicised return of the biggest selling girl group of all time, ever! In the words of Ben Elton at the 1997 Brit Awards; "They are of course, Ginger, Sporty, Scary, Baby and Posh - the all conquering Spice Girls!" I only wish they could have been on longer, two Spice Girls songs is never enough.

 

Lana Del Rey - New video for Ride and preview of Paradise

Born To Die was my favourite album of the last year and upon first hearing Video Games, I instantly fell in love with Lana Del Rey, as did the rest of the world. Upon hearing that Lana was going to reissue the album on November 12th, I became extremely excited at the prospect of hearing her new material. Normally, I don't see the point of buying a re-release for the sake of just a couple of songs but the new Paradise Edition will reportedly have eight new tracks with another bonus song for the itunes release. Here's the cover;
 

 

Top 10 Hype Williams Hip-hop Videos - 10-6

Hype Williams is one of the most successful and influential music video directors of all time. If you haven't heard his name already, then you sure as hell will have seen some of his videos. Working with artists as diverse as Christina Aguilera, Will Smith and Coldplay, Hype began his career in the early 90s and quickly defined an era of hip-hop, helping propel artists such as Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes to international stardom with his unusual set design and freaky camera tricks.

The fishbowl lens was a personal favourite of mine and if you don't know what that is, then check out one of my favourite Hype videos in the next installment. In the meantime however, here is the first half of my top 10 classic videos that Hype has directed so far.

Whatever Happened To RnB? - Cassie

Music is always changing and what is popular one year might be derided as hilariously crap the next but there are certain genres that will always be around, albeit in different forms. Rock will always be rock, whether it’s indie or grunge, and rap will always be rap but RnB is RnB dammit and not this crap dance pop stuff that’s been knocking around the charts for the last couple of years. Do you remember when the term ‘quiet storm’ referred to sensual and mellow RnB and not a deaf person standing in the rain? Artists like Brandy, Mya and TLC used to rule the charts back in the late 90s and early 2000s but gradually, these singers either declined in popularity or sold out to perform a more poppier or dancey sound… I’m looking at you Rihanna and Usher! And damn you Guetta!

In this weekly feature, I’m going to take a look back at some of the best RnB artists of yesteryear, sharing their signature videos and underrated hits, as well as looking at what they’re up to nowadays.

First up is Cassie.

The Casual Vacancy: J.K. Rowling.

              

 

Psst, have you heard? J.K. Rowlings got a new book coming out. I know right, I haven't heard much about it either, it's been shrouded in secrecy for the last year. The fact that it's her first post-Potter book seems to have something to do with it. Maybe it's the fear of disappointment, maybe she doesn't want to be as high profile any more and who could blame her after the insanely dizzying high of success she achieved with her last seven books, how could she ever top it? Quite simplY she can't, and she doesn't even need to try.

I Love The 90s: Titanic.

 

Back in 1997 the whole world went 'Titanic' mad and everyone was absolutely obsessed. They went to see the film in their millions and they went again and again and again and then once more, making it the highest grossing film of all time, that is until old James Cameron made his next film 'Avatar'. Everyone brought the soundtrack album as well, making it one of the best sellers of the decade, and of course everyone brought Celine Dion's 'My heart will go on'. No one would admit to loving it but everyone did, and they still do. But why? What was it about this film that caught the worlds attention and hearts?

 

 

John Wyndham: Why 'The Chrysalids' is his best book... and not 'The Day of the Triffids'!

 

 

Sure Philip K Dick is a genius and I love Richard Matheson's writing but for me, John Wyndham is the ultimate authority on science fiction. Now personally, I don't lusually like sci-fi that takes us to bizarre new worlds where every other thing has a made up name and the whole story is inundated with meaningless jargon. That's why Wyndham is so great, as most of his classic stories are rooted in our reality, with only one or two changes that alter the way our society works. The best sci-fi should hold a mirror up to our own lives, encouraging us to examine our flaws and find ways to better ourselves. 

John Wyndham: Why 'Day of the Triffids' is his best book.

 

John Wyndham is hands down, one of the best science fiction writers of all time. His books have inspired countless remakes, re-imaginings, homages and parodies. Without knowing who he is you will know his stories, such as the 1960s cult classic 'The Village of the Dammed' based on 'The Midwich Cuckoos' and his best book, in my own personal opinion of course, is 'The Day of the Triffids'. Here's why...

Avengers Assemble - 5 Reasons Why It Kicks Ass!

The polls have closed for the final part of the 2012 Summer Blockbuster Stand-Off. It was close between the five nominees but in the end, the winner you voted in for Best Film was Avengers Assemble!

Well done guys! There they are accepting their award now!

Out of all the films released this summer, Avengers was the game changer, becoming one of the most successful blockbusters of all time. Who says comics are just for kids?! To celebrate its win, here are five reasons why I'm in love with this movie;
 
1) There is a serious amount of hotness in those 143 minutes!
 
Chris Evans. Liam Hemsworth. Scarlet Johansson. Mark Ruffalo. Jeremy Renner. That's all you need to know.

 

New Music by One Direction, Nicki Minaj, Carly Rae Jepsen, Pink & Missy Elliott

It's only been a week since my last post with the latest music releases but there have been some big names coming out with new songs this week which I just had to share with you guys straight away. The biggest new single marks the return of One Direction (did they ever go away?) with their new song Live While We're Young. The song is taken from their upcoming album Take Me Home, which comes out on November 13th. Here's the album cover that made a billion girls cry with a joy that borders on the psychotic.

And until the album comes out, here's the new song with the official video. 

Top 5 Jay Brannan Covers

You may not have heard of Jay Brannan but you should have.

He initially found fame on Youtube and from a role in indie film Shortbus. Since then, Jay has gained a huge following online, due to his distinctive singing voice and beautiful acoustic guitar playing. His tendency to post videos with his top off doesn't hurt either.

Everyone knows that Jay is an incredible songwriter but now that his new tour for album 'Rob Me Blind' is coming to an end this year, I thought I'd take a look at the best covers that he's performed and posted online. Jay regularly tackles some of his favourite tracks, often transforming them so completely that they sound like his own original songs, providing new listeners with a great introduction to his style. Enjoy! 

Who Should Be in The Avengers 2 and Who Should Play Each Part? Lesser-Known Characters Assemble!

Joss Whedon has recently signed onto directing The Avengers 2 and the internet is rife with speculation as to who will join the cast in the highly anticipated sequel. With that and the new release of Avengers Assemble on DVD and Blu-Ray, I figured now would be a good time to throw my two cents in! Here are the characters from the Avengers comics that I think are the most likely to make an appearance in the upcoming sequel, currently slated for a 2015 release.
 
Look how many there are to choose from!
 

K-pop is Taking Over the Planet! Gangnam Style in the West and G-Dragon's New Song

It's official. K-pop is everywhere. The other day, I turned on an English music channel to come across Psy shuffling along to Gangnam Style in my living room!

And guess who turned up to the VMAs this year? 

Best Film in the 2012 Summer Blockbuster Stand-off

The polls have closed for part 3 of the 2012 Summer Blockbuster Stand-Off and the winner you voted in for Most Attractive Superhero was Chris Hemsworth as Thor! That's twice in a row that the Amazing Spiderman has lost out now but the Hemsworth brothers currently rule the universe and all things Hollywood so sorry Spidey, you never stood a chance against these genes!

The final award of the 2012 Summer Blockbuster Standoff is for that most coveted of titles; Best Film of the Summer. Hey it's not an Oscar but it beats getting a Razzie! To qualify for this, the films chosen had to be of the epic blockbuster variety so comedies and strip-fests were not legible unfortunately, sorry Magic Mike!

And no, that wasn't just an excuse to post the picture above, how dare you! Anyway, to help you decide which of our five blockbusters are the best, I've also included my own personal favourite moments to jog your memories a bit. I've tried not to go too super-hero heavy with the list but this really was the year for incredible comic-book adaptations so don't say I didn't warn you!

Here are the five nominations for Best Film of the Summer:

I Love The 90s: Women in Music.

 

There's a time in your early teens when you really start to get into music, you discover songs by singers and bands that really understand you, they just get you and affect you in a way that no one else does. It's at this time that you begin to establish a taste in music generally and often find your favourite artist that you'll hold on to for life. For me this point of my life happened in, you guessed it, the 90s.

The 90s was a vast and diverse decade of music from the rise of grunge bands like Nirvana and Brit pops such as Blur. To the R&B divas and hip hop rivals that would define a generation of music.

 

 

 

Glee - Songs That Rachel Should Sing and Songs That She Should Never Have Sung

It's the last day of the countdown and there is only one promo poster left to take a look at before the first episode of Glee season 4 premieres in the US! The last post focussed on what I think were the best performances by Blaine and Puck that we've seen so far. Today we're finally onto the star of the show, Rachel Berry. They just had to save her until last didn't they!? Not only will I be discussing what song I think she should sing in the new series and what song she should never have sung but I'll also take a look back at her best performance on Glee, as Sue's already been discussed in a previous post.

Here's the final promo poster!

Glee - Blaine and Puck's Best Performances

There are now only 48 hours left until season 4 of Glee premieres in the US! The last post looked at a song that I thought Will Schuester should sing in the upcoming series and a song that I definitely think he should have never even performed in the first place. Today, we have two characters who have already featured previously on other Glee countdown posters so instead of the usual approach, I'm going to share what I think are the two best performances that Blaine and Puck have done so far. See if you agree!

Here's the promo poster - this is the second to last one!

Book review: Harlan Coben - The Woods

 

Now this isn't a newly released book, it fact it came out in 2007 but bear with me and as well as telling you about the book I'll also let you know how and why I chose it. I stumbled across Harlan Coben after watching a french film Tell No one which was based on his novel of the same name. I love a good thriller and I loved the premise that your average Joe Bloggs, with no known connection to the mafia, could experience the most unreal situations (loving wife is murdered then years later you get an email from her?!) So it was no surprise that I found myself on the hunt for some of his books.

Glee Songs That Will Schuester Should Sing and Songs That He Should Never Have Sung

Just under 72 hours remain until the first episode of Glee season 4 premieres in the US! The last few posts have taken a look at some of the new characters joining Glee in the upcoming series but today, the focus has returned to one of the original cast members and leader of the New Directions, Will Schuester. Not only will I be discussing what song I think he should sing and what song he should never have sung, I will also take a look back at his best performance on Glee, as Sue has already been discussed in a previous post.

Here's the promo poster - only 2 to go after this!

Glee - New Character Jake Puckerman

Only 4 days to go until the new series of Glee premieres! The last post took a look at the new cheerleader Kitty and what she might be getting up to in season 4. Today we're going to showcase one of the last newcomers that have been added to the show, Jake Puckerman. Here he is with his half-brother Noah!

 

 

I can kind of see the resemblance...

 

Glee - New Character with Promo Clip - Kitty

Five days left until the Glee season 4 premiere! The last post showcased one of the new cast members, Brody Weston and his career pre-Glee as well as what the new series might hold for him. Today we have yet another newcomer to take a look at and for some reason, this one doesn't have a surname! Maybe she's like a Britney or Cheryl or something. Doubtful. Anyways, here's Kitty!

 

(She's the one who isn't Brittany)

Glee - New Character - Brody Weston

Six days and counting until the Glee season 4 premiere! The last post showcased one of the new cast members, Marley Rose and what her character might get up to in future episodes. Today another new series regular has taken centre stage and he's called Brody Weston. Let's take a look.

 

Back to school: top 15 school movies - ANSWERS

 

                       

Last week I compiled a list of my top 15 school movies and asked you to warm up the grey cells to see if you could remember the names of said movies. Now I present you with the answers.

If you didn't get the chance to see this post, don't worry there's still time. Before you go any further go check out the earlier post then come back to see the answers. You won't be accused of cheating - honest.

Are you ready?

MTV VMA 2012. The Winners! and Review.

 

Last Night the VMAs was not the best it has been in recent years,  Kevin hHrt did a good job as host, setting the tone early with a call out to Chris Brown and Drake, urging them to get over it. We saw some great performances from the likes of Pink, Frank Ocean and Rihanna but all anyone really cares about is who won what so lets take a look shall we and see how right or wrong I've been over the last week.

 

MTV VMAs 2012, here are the winners:

Glee - New Character - Marley Rose

Only a week to go! The last post focussed on Mercedes and Brittany, discussing what songs they should be singing in the upcoming season and what songs they should never have sung in the first place. Today I'm going for a slightly different approach as I've already discussed Sue in a previous post, so we'll focus on the character of Marley Rose, who is brand new for season 4.

Glee - Songs That Mercedes and Brittany Should Sing and Songs That They Should Never Have Sung

8 days to go until Glee season 4 premieres in the US! The last post focussed on Puck and Mike, discussing what songs they should be singing in the upcoming season and what songs they should never have sung in the first place. The countdown today heralds the return of the women, with a poster featuring Mercedes and Brittany, two fan favourites. 

MTV VMA 2012. Best Video of The Year: Who should win?

 

Well the time has come to look at the most prestigous award to be handed out tomorrow night, best video of the year. First won by Cars in 1984 for 'You might think'(which beat 'Thriller', I know right?) it has been won over the years by some truly classic videos like, Peter Gabriels 'Slegdhammer' and Madonnnas 'Ray of light' to some not so classics like last years winner Katy Perrys 'Firework'; great song, not so great video.  

Intrestingly, over the last six years this award has been won by a woman, and no matter who does win tomorrow, that record is set to continue as all the nominees at least feature a woman. Let's do this.

 

Best Video of The Year, here are the nominations:

Glee - Songs That Noah and Mike Should Sing and Songs They Should Never Have Sung

There are only 9 days left until Glee season 4 premieres in the US! The last post focussed on Finn and Sam, discussing what songs they should be singing in the upcoming season and what songs they should never have sung in the first place. Advertising the countdown today is another exclusively male poster, this time featuring Noah and Mike.

MTV VMA 2012. Most Share-Worthy video: Who should win?

 

Only two days left to go and we've covered best female, best male and pop, rock and hip hop. Today sees us take a look at a brand new category for the 2012 VMAs, most Share-Worthy Video. An award that reflects on the growing importance the internet plays in getting a music video exposure and the impact that it can make. Lets take a look at whats got everyone on the internet buzzing, shall we?

 

 

Most Share-Worthy Video, here are the nominations:

 

Glee - Songs That Finn and Sam Should Sing and Songs They Should Never Have Sung

10 days left and counting! Yesterday, we looked at Kurt and Santana, two of my favourite Glee characters, discussing what songs they should be singing in the upcoming season and what songs they should never have sung in the first place. We're now on the fourth poster in this two week countdown and this one features two of the boys, Finn and Sam.