Glee - Season 1b

The extra nine episodes that were added to Glee's first season really feel that they should have given room to breathe as its own complete season. In fact, I spend a bit of time musing about how different the storyline would have developed if it was the proper 2nd season. These episodes "add on" status forces the various plots to rush themselves and squander their potential. The back nine episodes have certainly given us some great episodes of television - "Dream On" and "Theatricality" are probably the series' strongest hours, with "The Power of Madonna" coming out as the most fun. But overall, the conclusion to the show's first season is a bit uneven. The mid-season premiere Hell-O left a lot to be desired as it quickly undoes all that characters had accomplished in the prior run, while a great arc about Rachael finding her mother is rushed to hell and back. I mean, they have a small build up to it, the reveal tied nicely to the main arc, and then their relationship is quickly explored and wrapped up in one episode...as a B-story (well, as a b story to a really good main plot, but still more time could've been given to the story).

Perhaps, even worse is the revelation that the writers have no clue how to handle relationships. Will and Emma are somewhat tolerable. But the season's main triangle between Rachael, Finn and new boy Jesse St James. For one thing, The thrust of Jesse's relationship with Rachael is that he's exactly like her...without all the quirks that make Rachael enduring to watch. Also their relationship wasn't believable as Jesse's intentions weren't clear. The writers just kept flip-flopping about whether Jesse was actually in love with her or was just using her, so when the big betrayal comes along and Jesse starts going on about how he's the victim in the all of this, it extremely difficult to buy into because their relationship was poorly developed. It really really was the worse relationships I've seen played out on television in some time.

Anyway its not all bad. As I said, The back nine episodes have some of the season's best episodes. Sometimes, the show amazes me by bouncing great humor off of strong dramatic moments. The songs here are even more infectious the the last batch, the dancing is fun and the drama is both what you would expect from a high school show, while also making fun of the genre. The writers can do a great job when they put their minds to it and I guess they'll have had more time to plan the entirety of season two as it's produced. They get some good guests like Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris, and it's mostly enjoyable week in and week out. It definitely walks a fine line every time out, but I don't think they've really stumbled yet. I'm definitely interested in seeing more.

The Killers - Sam's Town

Sam's Town is The Killers second album and it holds a special place in my heart as the album I was listening to in late 2006: when I got my first job and was looking forward to buying the Wii. I'd compare this album to a second date: you realize that your new crush has flaws you hadn't noticed the first time around, but you're just that much more endeared. And flustered. And optimistic for the future. The band goes for a more rock-oriented approach, leaving behind much of the glam/disco undertones of the previous album. It's not as endearing as their debut showing, but its nonetheless, a thrilling ride. It instead showcases the growth of a more mature band moving forward musically. Flowers' voice is much rawer and emotional here, not buried under layers of modulation, and the band's sound is more vibrant and diverse. The band notes that this record was influenced by Springsteen, but this album does not have much of a Springsteen sound, at least, none that I caught.

The addictive opening track "Sam's Town" has the same punch rhythmically as "Somebody Told Me" from the first album, but is less reliant on synths and more on electric guitar. The piano-based "Interlude" showcases a softer sound with Brandon Flowers' voice fragile and emotional before it amps up and punches into the rocking first single "When You Were Young." Despite its title, the soaring "Bling(Confession of a King) has shades of the late 80's U2 musically but Flowers can't quite match Bono's vocal style. "For Reasons Unknown" and "Read My Mind" delivers a synth-heavy up-tempo sound that is somewhat reminiscent of the early 80's Talking Heads.

Grounded by a solid bass line, "Uncle Jonny" makes for a great track that thankfully is not overly commercial. Flowers' takes his vocals down a notch for the excellent "Bones" decorated with some great trumpet and sax. The sound of Queen returns with the bombastic track "My List" and "This River Is Wild" is hook-filled and rocking enough to make this a solid second single. "Exitlude" is a nice touch that speaks to the fans, "We hope you enjoyed your stay..it's good to have you with us, even if it was only a day." I do have some misgivings about the way the album was recorded. Unlike the band's stunning debut, there are some songs on Sam's Town that I will outright skip as the song tries too hard or they just don't work for me ("Why Do I Keep Counting" is the only song to really cover those two comments). And there are some noticeable pitch problems with the vocals--baffling on a major-label, Flood-produced album. But all in all, Sam's Town is a great album and while it may not be their best work, it will grow on you with every spin.

Missy Elliott - This Is Not A Test!

Missy Elliott, for the last decade or so, appears to be the one of the only female rappers of any prominence. I've always enjoyed her singles as they're released, but This Is Not A Test is the only one of her albums that I actually own. It's on this album that Missy showcases her ability to rap about black society on both the intro and the outro (especially the outro). On the brilliant "Wake Up," Missy shouts out to a nation of blacks over a simple drum and bell backbeat. Jay-Z adds a second punch to the song, but in a shocking move, he's actually outrapped by Missy.

Timberland sure does get around a lot, working his magic for a lot of hip-hop/R&B albums. This time around Timbaland has mastered the effective use of the turntable for "This is Not A Test." The irresistible "Let It Bump" is an alternative percussion killer that has Timberland's fingerprints all over it. "I'm Really Hot," lets Missy play back and forth with a turntable during its chorus, and "Pump It Up," gives Missy a chance to break back and forth with a turntable and Nelly. The major mis-step for the album is that Missy relies a little too much on ballads "Dats What I'm Talking About," "I'm Not Perfect," and "It's Real" are all soppy ballads that just take up space that better tracks could have filled. "Toyz," however, is a beautiful funk masterpiece and probably the first ode to the Mega Blaster, while "Is This Our Last Time" is a serviceable update to a classic song. So I guess two good ballads out of five is better than none. This Is Not A Test is certainly a creative effort, and I'll have to check out more of Missy's work.

Freaknik: The Musical

There isn't much in the way of quality animated material starring a black cast. Bebe's Kids was a largely forgettable movie. The Proud Family and The Boondocks are the only television shows that come to mind, with the Boondocks being the only one that's legitimately good. Freaknik is an animated special on Adult Swim that pretty much continues that tradition. Seriously, This thing aired on television about three days ago and I'm still hard pressed to remember what went on during all of this. The special is apparently based on an actual party that used to take place in the south until it was shut down. In the special, the spirit of the party is manifested as the ghost of Freaknik...who barely does anything, which is a shame because T-Pain's performance as the character is great and things would have been much better if they'd focused on his antics instead of the unrelated rap group that serve as the focus of the plot.

From what I remember they were on their way to preform in some rap contest hosted by Freaknik and along the way they run into a bunch of characters that don't really help or hinder them. Meanwhile there's a secret society of prominent African Americans (I only recognized Oprah, Bill Cosby and Al Sharpton) that try to kill Freaknik but don't really do anything interesting until the end. The plot's very scatterbrained (like most Adult Swim shows) and the jokes aren't very good, with about half of them being directed at Al Sharpton. Despite being labeled a musical, there isn't much in the way of songs here. I can only recall like 4 songs and most of them were used in the first 15-20 mins of the hour-long show. It also didn't help that outside the main theme, none of the songs are that memorable, which is disappointing because the special features a huge gathering of hip-hop and R&B artists and its apparent that they didn't utilize their resources to their full potential. Oh well, Freaknik really could have been done better. I wasn't really expecting to be blown away by this, but I did get a few chuckles of it.

Songs I Like - Vol 11 "Rebel Yell" (Billy Idol)

Going a little old school today, I've had some Billy Idol songs in my head for while now so I thought I'd share my second favorite Billy Idol song "Rebel Yell"

Rebel Yell Lyrics

Last night a little dancer came dancin' to my door
Last night a little angel Came pumpin cross my floor
She said "Come on baby I got a licence for love
And if it expires pray help from above"

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
In the midniight hour babe- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell- "more, more, more"
More, more, more.

She don't like slavery, she won't sit and beg
But when I'm tired and lonely she sees me to bed
What set you free and brought you to be me babe
What set you free I need you hear by me
Because

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
In the midniight hour babe- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell- "more, more, more"

He lives in his own heaven
Collects it to go from the seven eleven
Well he's out all night to collect a fare
Just so long, just so long it don't mess up his hair.

I walked the ward with you, babe
A thousand miles with you
I dried your tears of pain, babe
A million times for you

I'd sell my soul for you babe
For money to burn with you
I'd give you all, and have none, babe
Just, just, justa, justa to have you here by me
Because

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried- "more, more, more"
In the midniight hour babe- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried "more, more, more"
More, more, more.

Oh yeah little baby
she want more
More, more, more, more, more.

Oh yeah little baby
she want more
More, more, more, more.

Fall Out Boy - From Under A Cork Tree

Fall Out Boy is one of my favorite modern bands after The Killers and Maroon 5, despite not being a particularly original band. From what little I've heard of it, Their debut album "Take this to your Grave" wasn't the shining example of something different and I'm pretty sure any punk band could've whipped those chords out. Their second album "From Under a Cork Tree" was responsible form shoving Fall Out Boy into the mainstream. It's nothing special technically, but it does showcase Fall Out Boy doing a few things that nobody else is doing right in rock/punk scene. Mainly, the lyrics are a step above anyone else. For a pop punk band Fall Out Boy writes some of the most original lyrical content.

The first track is good, a typical pump you up for whats to come piece. It's an easy, dancing along piece that will catch you instantly and not let go. I recall hearing the main single "Sugar, We're Going Down" one too many times before the album came out so I'm sick of that song. Besides, it's just not very good except for the lead in lines to the verses. The following track "Of all the gin joints" is much better than the single as it doesn't get tiresome, and if anything, it just gets more catchy every time I hear it. "Dance Dance" is another track worth mentioning because it's just a little different. I love the bridge that leads into the 2nd and last chorus. My personal highlights include "Nobody puts baby in the corner" and "XO". Their both fantastic tracks from start to finish. They both have this upbeat pace and have a slow paced flowing chorus that carries on towards the end to bring the album to a close.

I won't deny that there are some low points on the album such as the pseudo heavy metal screaming that they do from time to time. It just doesn't fit with this style of music is just painfully to listen to. Overall though this is a solid album, though it is far from flawless. They made a good, catchy, rock record. You can call it emo, you can call it pop punk, but that won't change the fact that it's really a very solid record. Some good guitar work, some very inaudible bass playing, some solid drums, good lyrics and a good voice. Some tracks that rock, and some that don't, but its all good.

Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is

So, I decided to start talking about music on here now. My Mother and I got this album a few years ago and I've only now listened to the whole thing. As the debut album for Ms. Keyshia Cole this album is a near-classic, for it is completely relatable and realistic. You can practically tell each song's subject matter just by the title. She's got style as she's not singing about something pointless, nor is she singing about anything overly raunchy and Keyshia never disappoints with her soulful voice. "I Changed My Mind" was a suitable first single, the vocals are great, and Kanye West delivers an off-kilter beat that is actually contagious. "Guess What" is reminiscent of a Kelis song, but Keyshia definitely takes it and makes it her own. On-point lyrics flowing with an catchy beat makes this song enjoyable. On of my favorite tracks "Never" samples the classic Luther Vandross, though it somewhat falters from a pointless cameo from the rapper Eve.

The slower songs aren't the best but they do succeed in showcasing Keyshia's vocals to their fullest extent and shows the emotion she puts into the songs. The main single "Love", is probably the best example of this. The beat is a tad too slow, though Keyshia saves it with great lyrics and strong vocals. My favorite song and the most relatable has to be "(I Just Want It) to Be Over". Keyshia sings her heart out on this song, and its emotions and pain flow effortlessly through her voice. A definite standout while "I Should Have Cheated" has the proper elements of harmony and slides along with the soulful beat.

Despite all this praise I've been giving it, "The Way It Is" isn't without its faults. The tracks "Down And Dirty" and "Superstar" clearly don't compare to the quality of other songs on the CD and just feel like obvious filler. "Down and Dirty" isn't even catchy enough in the beginning to warrant a full listen, and "Superstar" has too many DJ Clue-esque shoutouts to make it thoroughly enjoyable. These songs could have been left off to make room for more soulful ballads that Keyshia is definitely capable of. Regardless, the album is short and sweet and Keyshia Cole is definitely a breath of fresh air in an R&B market flooded with generic and formulaic artists. She's released more albums since this and this CD has me fairly interested in checking out more of her work.

Songs I Like - Vol 10: "Bad Romance" (Lady Gaga)

The first single from Lady Gaga's new album "The Fame Monster". She sure does have a talent for creating annoying catchy songs and freakishly bizarre (yet awesome)videos to go with them.

Bad Romance Lyrics:

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it’s free
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want you leathe-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad
Your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
‘Cause you’re a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love, uhh

I want your psycho
Your vertigo stick
Want you in my room
When your baby is sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
(‘Cause I’m a freak bitch, baby!)
I want it bad
Your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
I’m a freak bitch baby

I want your love
And I want your revenge
I want your love
I don’t wanna be friends

J'veux ton amour
Et je veux ton revenge
J'veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(I don't wanna be friends)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

(I don't wanna be friends)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
(Want your bad romance)
Caught in a bad romance
(Want your bad romance)

I want your loving
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Glee - Season 1a (Review)

FOX extended this season by nine episodes that will air in the spring, but it's clear from the mid-season finale that these past 13 episodes were envisioned and written as a full season on it's own so I'll talk about this first part of the season as such. I really hadn't planned on watching this show at first, but the previews and the catchy songs they played during them got me interested enough to check it out. The show details Spanish teacher Will Schuester's attempt at forming a Glee club at his high school and that club's attempt to win at the sectionals competition, while cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester tries to disband or just outright destroy the club. Meanwhile all the students and even some of the teachers have to deal with their own problems; mainly multiple love triangles and multiple pregnancies. Oh...and all of this is a musical in the sense that we watch the glee club's performances and some of the characters have fantasy musical numbers (all pop-culture songs by-the-way).

Anyway, after the fairly ingenious pilot episode, the show kinda spends a few episodes trying to set an identity for itself. The show initially presented itself as a musical comedy, but at first it steered a bit too far into a musical drama with some fairly crazy storylines. The songs chosen to be preformed were odd (though preformed well) as most seemed to be done more for weak laughs than narrative progression. Luckily, the show finds its feet and plays to its strengths. The storylines becomes tighter and even the odd story arcs become interesting if just to see where they're going with them. The songs become stronger and fit into the various storylines much better and the characters have also developed a complexity rarely seen in high school series.

The characters are more likable than I initially expected. The pretty attractive Matthew Morrison makes the lead character Will Schuester loveable and relateable, while villainous Sue Sylvester is played to near perfection by the always hilarious Jane Lynch. Just as attractive and talented is Cory Monteith and Lea Michele as the student leads Finn and Rachel and Michele in particular shows considerable singing talents (taken from her years on Broadway). The rest of the cast all have their moments to shine (gay guy Kurt and wheelchair bound Artie are probably my favorites) and can all carry a tune pretty well. The show features some pretty good songs and performances from show-tunes to more recent popular music. The only real problem with the performances is the over abundance of auto-tune and at times flat-out piss poor lip syncing. That aside, Glee is pretty good and I'm curious to see where the remaining 9 episodes that will air in April will take the series.

Songs I Like - Vol 9: "Blame It On The Girls" (Mika)

I have little clue who Mika is, but after hearing this song "Blame it on the Girls" from his album "The Boy Who Slept Too Much", I figure I have to check some more of his stuff out.

Blame It On The Girls Lyrics:

So I was sitting there in the bar and this guy comes up to me and he said "My life stinks" and I saw his gold credit card and I saw the way he was looking at people across the room and I looked at his face and you know, what a good looking face, and I just said, "Dude, your perspective on life sucks".

He's got looks that books take pages to tell
He's got a face to make you fall on your knees
He's got money in the bank to thank and I guess
You could think he's livin' at ease

Like lovers on the open shore -- What's the matter?
When you're sitting there with so much more --What's the matter?
When you're wondering what the hell to be
Are you wishing you were ugly like me?

Blame it on the girls who know what to do
Blame it on the boys who keep hitting on you

Blame it on your mother for the things she said
You'd blame it on your father but you know he's dead

Blame it on the girls
Blame it on the boys
Blame it on the girls
Blame it on the boys

Life could be simple but you never fail
To complicate it every single time

You could have children and a wife, a perfect little life
But you blow it on a bottle of wine

Like a baby or a stubborn child -- what's the matter
Always looking for an axe to grind -- what's the matter
While you're wondering what the hell to do
We are wishing we were lucky like you

Blame it on the girls who know what to do
Blame it on the boys who keep hitting on you

Blame it on your mother for the things she said
You'd blame it on your father but you know he's dead

Blame it on the girls
Blame it on the boys
Blame it on the girls
Blame it on the boys x 2

He's got looks that books take pages to tell
He's got a face to make you fall on your knees
He's got money in the bank to thank and I guess
You could think he's livin' at ease

Blame it on the girls who know what to do
Blame it on the boys who keep hitting on you

Blame it on your mother for the things she said
Blame it on your father but you know he's dead

Blame it on the girls
Blame it on the boys
Blame it on the girls
Blame it on the boys x 2

Songs I Like - Vol 8: "Kiwi" (Maroon 5)

Maroon 5 is right up there with The Killers in terms of My favorite bands. This song "Kiwi" is one of my favorite tracks off of their second album, "It Won't Be Soon Before Long".

Kiwi Lyrics

You’re such a flirt, I know you hurt
And so do I, I empathize
I see you out, you never cared
A conversation that we never shared

But it’s so strange, it’s something new
Amazing feelings that I have for you
I close my eyes when I’m alone
Wonder what it’d be like to make you moan

I wanna give you something better
Than anything you’ve ever had
A stronger and a faster lover
The world, it disappears so fast

Sweet kiwi
Your juices dripping down my chin
So please, let me
Don’t stop it before it begins

So give it up, and don’t pretend
And spread your arms and legs across the bed
And when you shake, you won’t regret
The things I whisper in your ear
(What?) I said:

I wanna give you something better
(You wanna give me something better)
Than anything you’ve ever had
(Than anything I’ve ever had)
A stronger and a faster lover
(A stronger and a faster lover)
The world, it disappears so fast
(It disappears so fast)

Sweet kiwi
Your juices dripping down my chin
So please, let me
Don’t stop it before it begins

I can’t wait to take you home
Fingers through your hair
Kisses on your back
Scratch me with your nails

Save me from myself
Show me how to care
Get everything out
Dripping everywhere
Lipstick smeared all over your face
How much longer must we wait?
Don’t think that I can wait

Sweet kiwi
Your juices dripping down my chin
So please, let me
Don’t stop it before it begins (hey, yeh)

Sweet kiwi (wanna give you something better than this)
Your juices dripping down my chin (hey, yeh)
So please, let me (wanna give you something better than this)
Don’t stop it before it begins

Don’t stop it before it begins
Don’t stop it before it begins
Don’t stop it before it begins
Don’t stop it before it begins

Michael Jackson's This Is It (Review)

Michael Jackson's This Is It is much less exploitative and tacky than I assumed it would have been. The movie itself even acknowledges that it only exist because of M.J's death. The movie is nothing more than a behind the scenes look at Jackson's "This Is It" concert tour that he was working on and in a way the film is also like a concert as we see Jackson and his dancers run through his well known catalogue of hits. Billie Jean, Man in the Mirror, Thriller, and my personal favorite: Smooth Criminal are all preformed and in we get to see the the work that went into skits that would have been incorporated into the larger numbers like Thriller's zombie parade and Smooth Criminal's gangster shootout. The movie gives of a rare glimpse into what made Micheal tick and showed how even in his 50s, he still had all the moves and knew exactly what he wanted out of his performers and his musicians. I really wouldn't say I'd watch this again when pops up on dvd, but but as a one time viewing, I found it to be pretty good time.

Songs I Like - Vol 7: "Obsessed" (Mariah Carey)

This is the first single from Mariah Carey's new album: Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. I didn't care too much for this song the first time I heard it, but I've grown to love it.

Mariah Carey - Obsessed Lyrics

So Oh Oh So Ohhh
Will the real MC please step to the mic?
MC- You need an MC, place to be
MC the MC

All up in the blogs
Say we met at the bar
When I don’t even know who you are
Say we up in your house
Sayin’ I’m up in your car
But you in LA but I’m out at Jermaine’s

I’m up in the A- you’re so so lame
and no on here even mentions your name
It must be the weed, it must be the E
cuz you be poppin, hood, you get it poppin’

Ooh boy why you so obsessed with me?
Boy I want to know… lyin’ that you’re sexin me
when everybody knows it’s clear that you’re upset with me
Ohh finally found a girl that you couldn’t impress
Last man on the earth… still couldn’t get this

You’re delusional, you’re delusional
Boy you’re losing your mind
It’s confusin yo, you’re confused you know
Why you wasting your time?
Got you all fired up with your Napoleon complex
See right through you like you’re bathin’ in windex
[Obsessed lyrics on http://lyricsmusicvideo.blogspot.com ]

Ooh Ohh Ohh boy why you so obsessed with me?
And all the ladies sing, all the girls sing
Soo Oohhhh Soo Oohh Obsessed

You on your job, you hittin’ hard
Ain’t gon feed you, gon’ let you starve
Graspin’ for air I’m ?
You out of breath, hope you ain’t waitin
Tellin’ the world how much you miss me
But we never were so why you trippin’
You a mom and pop, I’m a corporation
I’m the press conference, you a conversation

Ooh boy why you so obsessed with me?
Boy I want to know… lyin’ that you’re sexin me
when everybody knows it’s clear that you’re upset with me
Ohh finally found a girl that you couldn’t impress
Last man on the earth… still couldn’t get this

You’re delusional, you’re delusional
Boy you’re losing your mind
It’s confusin yo, you’re confused you know
Why you wasting your time?
Got you all fired up with your Napoleon complex
See right through you like you’re bathin’ in windex

Ooh Ohh Ohh boy why you so obsessed with me?
And all the ladies sing, all the girls sing
Soo Oohhhh Soo Oohh Obsessed

Brutal Legend (Review)

Thus far, I've enjoyed the work of Tim Schafer. Psychonauts was one of my favorite platformers from the previous console generation and Grim Fandango was a brilliant story driven title that the gaming industary needs more of. Brutal Legend sets itself up as Schafer's most ambitious project to date, what with it relatively long development time and the number of big name actors and rock legends lending their talent to it. The game tells the story of Eddie Riggs, a roadie for some shitty band. After a bizarre chain of events, he ends up summoning the metal God Ormagoden, and is teleported to the metal world. There, he meets the three people of Bladehenge, and learn that the leader Lionwhyte has enslaved their men and imprisoned their women. The overall story is not as well written or as unpredictable as Schafer's previous games, but it did at the very least make me want to move forward in the game at least to see where they were going with all of this and it the world that game presents shows the creators truly love heavy metal music (everything in the game looks like came from a album cover.).

The main characters have are well varied. Eddie is hilarious, while characters such as Lars and Lifa are serious and somewhat inspiring in their leadership. Villains, such as Lionwhyte are not only can be a bit humorous (at least in their appearance), but most of them represent the darker eras of metal (Glam rock, Emo). All the characters fit the universe well, and the performances are of high quality. The voice acting is top notch. Jack Black plays Eddie Riggs and does an excellent job, surprising since I've never found Jack Black to funny...period, but he really does solid work with the material. Also appearing here is Rob Halford (of Judas Priest) as Lionwhyte and Ozzy Osbourne as the Guardian of Metal, and you have some noteworthy metal credentials to the cast. The rest of the group are also voiced well even though I couldn't recognize most of them.

The gameplay is the typical mash-up of genres: sandbox, hack and slash, racing, and real time strategy. The hack and slash by itself is pretty good and dismembering enemies rarely gets old . Playing solos to unleash special attacks keeps the action fresh and the attacks themselves are quite impressive like the zeppelin crash attack or the facemelter (self-explanatory). The driving is ok, but most of the time I found the car hard to control. The car's brakes are practically non-existent, although thankfully, the game rarely has a need for them in missions. The side-missions can be fun but they get old and repetitive rather quickly as there are only about 5 or 6 different types of missions to take on. The RTS elements come in during the stage battles. The RTS element is very light and mostly simple which is great since this a genre I'm unfamiliar with. As an added bonus when things get hairy with the troops, you're able to jump down into the action and deal with things yourself.

The big problems with the game is that there is an over abundance of the RTS missions after they are introduced (pops up roughly ever 2 missions) and afterwards there's a rather ludicrous increase in difficulty making the game a bit of frustrating chore to finish, but luckily there isn't much left in the game from that point. I didn't get much time out of the game, but found it to be enjoyable. While Tim Schafer has come up with better games, I found something to enjoy from the second the game started until the credits began to roll. I can said that everyone at least needs to rent this title as it's hilarious and we need to see more inventive titles like this in the future.

Songs I Like - Vol 6: "Next To You" (Ciara)

Another song that I can relate too, this time form R&B artist's Ciara's debut album "Goodies". This song features R Kelly who only sings two lines.

Lyrics to Next To You :
(feat. R Kelly)

[Ciara:]
I hope I don’t make you mad, with what I’m ‘bout to say boy
Here we are once again, and I’m havin second thoughts boy
I’m not messin' with your head, but I changed my mind boy
I don’t know why I’m here, the same time I want you near

If you want me to leave, I will understand
See I will just have to respect your wishes boy
'Cause if I stay ain't no tellin' what may happened boy
Although you look so good to me, it's best that I leave

[Chorus:]
I’m scared of being next to you, because of what I think I might do
Boy you're turnin' me on right now, I can’t get down like that right now
I don’t want to disturb the flow, but this is not my M.O.,
Hold up, wait a minute, we’re movin' too fast
I want somethin' like this here to last.

[R. Kelly:]
Don’t say no baby, not right now baby,
I want you to be my lady, you got me goin’ crazy

[Ciara:]
Well I guess I’ll stay for a minute, then I have to go boy
This moment is so temptin’, right now it’s not what I want boy
Maybe if we just embrace, with a simple kiss boy
But that'll only make things worse, hope I’m not gettin’ on your nerves boy

I just wanted to be right for the both of us
You don’t have to say a thing to make me comfortable
Boy, you make me so weak when you look at me
Right now I’m a little confused, I think it's best that I refuse

[Chorus]

[Bridge:]
Supposed to be playin' cards, or watchin' a movie
But we keep lockin' eyes boy, now why are you tryin' to tease me?
This room is gettin' heated, won't you open up a window?
I think that I should go now, 'cause I can't take this no more

[Chorus x3]

Songs I Like - Vol 5: "Sweet Dreams" (Beyoncé)

Sweet Dreams is the most recent single from Beyonce's I Am/Sasha Fierce album, which I still haven't gotten around to buying despite owning the previous two albums. I've recently become enamored by a guy I've become friends with in the pass couple of weeks and I think of him everytime I listen to this song.

Sweet Dreams Lyrics:

Turn the lights on

Every night I rush to my bed
With hopes that maybe I'll get a chance to see you
When I close my eyes I'm going out of my head
Lost in a fairytale, can you hold my hands and be my guide?

Clouds filled with stars cover the skies
And I hope it rains, you're the perfect lullaby
What kinda dream is this?

You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on)

Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Somebody pinch me, your love's too good to be true
(Turn the lights on)

My guilty pleasure, I ain't going no where
Baby long as you're here I'll be floating on air
'Cause you're my

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on)

I mention you when I say my prayers
I wrap you around all of my thoughts
Boy you're my temporary high

I wish that when I wake up you're there
To wrap your arms around me for real
And tell me you'll stay by side

Clouds filled with stars cover the skies
And I hope it rains, you're the perfect lullaby
What kinda dream is this?

You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on)

Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Somebody pinch me, your love's too good to be true
(Turn the lights on)

My guilty pleasure, I ain't going no where
Baby long as you're here I'll be floating on air
'Cause you're my

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on)

Tattoo your name across my heart so it will remain
Not even death can make us part
What kind of dream is this?

You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on)

Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Somebody pinch me, your love's too good to be true
(Turn the lights on)

My guilty pleasure, I ain't going no where
Baby long as you're here I'll be floating on air
'Cause you're my

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you
(Turn the lights on)
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you

Songs I Like - Vol 4: "Neon Tiger" (The Killers)

Another song from one of my favorite bands, The Killers. I think this one is my second favorite from their recent "Day & Age" album.


Neon Tiger Lyrics:

Far from the evergreen of old Assam
Far from the rainfall on the trails of old Saigon
Straight from the poster town of scorn and Ritz
To bring you the wilder side of gold and glitz

Run neon tiger there's a lot on your mind
They promised just to pet you, but don't you let them get you
Away, away, oh, run
Under heat of the southwest sun

Took to the spotlight like a diamond ring
Came from the woodwork and the hopes they might
Redeem themselves from poor decisions to win big

Run neon tiger there's a lot on your mind
They'll strategize and maim you, but don't you let them touch you
You're far too pure and bold
To suffer the strain of the hand and its hold.

I don't wanna be kept, I don't wanna be caged, I don't wanna be damned, oh hell
I don't wanna be broke, I don't wanna be saved, I don't wanna be S.O.L
Give me rolling hills and tonight can be the night that I stand among the thousand thrills
Mister cut me some slack, 'cause I don't wanna go back, I want a new day and age

Come on girls and boys, everyone make some noise!

Run neon tiger there's a price on your head
They'll hunt you down and gut you, I'll never let them touch you
Away, away, oh, run
I'm begging you neon tiger run

Under the heat of
Under the heat of
Under the heat of southwest sun

Neon tiger
There's a lot on your mind

Songs I Like - Vol 3: "Epic Last Song" (Does It Offend You Yeah)

I love this song from Does It Offend You, Yeah?'s debut album, "You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into". I'm more familiar with the song's use at the end of the famous John Paul & Craig Dean romantic story arc on the British Soap "Hollyoaks". I think it's a wonderful love song for those long standing crushes we tend to find ourselves in.

Lyrics to Epic Last Song :

I can't believe I made it here
Today I'm afraid of yesterday
I wrote this letter to you my dear
In case, afraid, this fades away

I say baby, babe I've loved you a long time
I try harder just to know you're all mine
I say baby, babe I've loved you a long time
I go happy knowing that you're alright

I called today but missed you again
Today's the day I go up in flames
I sent the money to you my dear
Today's the day I burn away

I say baby, babe I've loved you a long time
I try harder just to know you're all mine
I say baby, babe I've loved you a long time
I go happy knowing that you're alright

I say baby, babe I've loved you a long time
I try harder just to know you're all mine
I say baby, babe I've loved you a long time
I go happy knowing that you're alright

Songs I Like - Vol 2: "The Great Escape" (Boys Like Girls)

I don't care too much for the band Boys Like Girls. They're just too generic for my tastes. But I will admit that I love their second single "The Great Escape". My friend was playing this song in his car constantly this past week and I haven't been able to get it out of my head.

Lyrics to The Great Escape:

Paper bags and plastic hearts
All are belongings in shopping carts
It's goodbye
But we got one more night
Let's get drunk and ride around
And make peace with an empty town
We can make it right

Throw it away
Forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Watch it burn
Let it die
Cause we are finally free tonight

Tonight will change our lives
It's so good to be by your side
But we'll cry
We won't give up the fight
We'll scream loud at the top of our lungs
And they'll think it's just cause we're young
And we'll feel so alive

Throw it away
Forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Watch it burn
Let it die
Cause we are finally free tonight

All of the wasted time
The hours that were left behind
The answers that we'll never find
They don't mean a thing tonight

Throw it away
Forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway

Throw it away
Forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway

Throw it away
Forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Watch it burn
Let it die
Cause we are finally free tonight

Songs I Like - Vol 1: "Spaceman" (The Killers)

This is the music video for "Spaceman", the recent video from my favorite band The Killers. I had been trying to catch this on VH1 in the mornings but I never lucked out like I did with their "Human" Video. I was able to just go to VH1 and it would be playing. I had no interest in sitting through tons of garbage videos just to see this so I broke down and just watched it online. This is the video I saw at the mall on Saturday after Jordan stood me up and it cheered me up. This just might be their oddest video, but at least they make their videos different.

Spaceman lyrics:

Next thing I knew they ripped me from my bed
And then they took my blood type
It left a strange impression in my head.
You know that I was hoping,
That I could leave this star-crossed world behind
But when they cut me open,
I guess I changed my mind.

And you know I might
Have just flown too far from the floor this time
Cause they're calling me by my name
And the zipping white light beams
Disregards the bombs and satellites

That was the turning point
That was one lonely night

The song maker says, "It ain't so bad"
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
Its all in your mind"

Well now I'm back at home, and
I'm looking forward to this life I live
You know its gonna haunt me
So hesitation to this life I give.
You think you might cross over,
You're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
You better look it over,
Before you make that leap

And you know I'm fine,
But I hear those voices at night sometimes-
They justify my claim,
And the public don't dwell my transmission
Cause it wasn't televised

But, it was the turning point,
Oh what a lonely night

The song maker says, "It ain't so bad"
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
Its all in your mind"

The song maker says, "It ain't so bad"
The dream maker's gonna make you mad;
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
Its all in your mind"

My global position systems are vocally addressed
They say the Nile used to run from East to West,
They say the Nile used to run...
From East to West.

And you know I'm fine
But I hear those voices at night
Sometimes...

The song maker says, "It ain't so bad"
The dream maker's gonna make you mad
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
Its all in your mind"
The song maker says, "It ain't so bad"
The dream maker's gonna make you mad;
The spaceman says, "Everybody look down
Its all in your mind"

It's all in my mind
It's all in my mind
It's all in my mind
It's all in my mind
It's all in my mind