Preview of Namie's new video!

If your bitch ass didn't already know, Namie Amuro, reigning J-Pop queen, has a new album coming  out! Due very, very soon, there's set to be four promo singles released before the LP is, allegedly with music videos for all of 'em. One of the first promo songs out 'o the gate is Fast Car, a retro sounding, funky little pop tune. Here's a 45-second preview of the video, which like most other Namie videos, is expensive looking and stuffed to the brim with costumes and choreography. Her new look is HOT too! Dig the tracklist for the new album,  PAST< FUTURE, below.

NAMIE AMURO: PAST< FUTURE
01.FAST CAR
02.COPY THAT
03.LOVE GAME
04.Bad Habit
05.Steal my Night
06.FIRST TIMER feat.DOBERMAN INC
07.WILD
08.Dr.
09.Shut Up
10.MY LOVE
11.The Meaning Of Us
12.Defend Love

I believe the new promo songs are set to be Fast Car, LOVE GAME, The Meaning of Us, and Defend Love. Looking forward to this, I am...

Random Aproposi of Nothing

I was really disappointed this week when a rumor appeared out of nowhere, claiming that Pandemic Studios, only recently purchased by EA, was closing down. Creators of the ever popular Mercenaries, Destroy All Humans, and upcoming The Saboteur, the Los Angeles-based company has always been famous for its wide open-worlds and fully destructible environments; partly the reason I loved them so. EA eventually confirmed that yes, they were in fact shutting the studio down. A DAMNED SHAME.

An anonymous poster on NeoGaf had this to say:

"The reason why the studio closed down has everything to do with the existing Pandemic management. From what we were told, Pandemic management was given free reign to do as they please. Time and time again, they dropped the ball with bad decisions (promoting/keeping people based on loyalty, no production accountability, mis-allocation of resources, poor milestone objectives, no mentoring, etc.). It's a true shame, as there was a lot of talent and passion at the studio."

Above is a video of some former employees reenacting one dandy scene from Office Space, a film that I never finished. I find the situation all the more unfortunate because of The Saboteur - a game that looked especially fantastic, enough so to wash away the bad memories from Mercenaries 2 and Lord of the Rings Conquest. The same NeoGaf poster seems to agree:

"One more thing I will say: EA is totally sending Saboteur out to die. And it's a f*cking shame. It's easily Pandemic's best game yet. Of course, I am a bit biased having worked on the game for so long. If you were disappointed with Mercs2 and LOTR (who wasn't) and enjoyed previous Pandemic games, give Saboteur a shot."

I also picked up physicals of The Fame Monster and Rated R today. I almost bought Susan Boyle's debut ("LOL!"), but I figured she didn't need the help; she's literally kicking everyone else's asses when it comes to sales. I also had Shakira's latest pre-ordered from a while back, so that came in... although I've technically "had"  She Wolf and Rated R for weeks now. I actually held back on 'Monster', though. I wanted to be surprised. Speaking of surprises, I'll have reviews of "Rated R" and "Monster" up this week, fo real. I'm feeling super inspired after the Dragonette review, so it'll be no problem shipping those puppies out.

Massive Attack - Splitting the Atom

(Right click and save. It's just pretty, okay?)

Also, BLACK FRIDAY shopping, AHH! I'm kind of excited for it this year - I'll be picking up some games this weekend for sure. Gamestop is running a "Buy 2, get 1 free" deal, of which I'll be partaking. I feel like it's alright, because I've polished off several games I never finished recently, and I don't have anything better to spend/save my money on/for. Makes sense, no?

And, for my final random thought - my legs hurt so badly right now. I'll try and sum it up briefly: I run compulsively, about 4-5 miles virtually every day of the week. I generally go during the late afternoon, but I decided to wake up extra early and try going way farther than I usually do. Push it to the limit, you know? I am paying right now: it felt like I had fucking bricks tied to my legs the whole time, and I still went a couple miles more than I usually do. Aye carumba...

Picture is from Vogue Russia.

Kelis - Acapella

Literally one of my most anticipated upcoming albums is Kelis' fifth studio effort. You heard who she working with? David Guetta, Will.I.Am, Boyz Noize, Diplo, and Switch, JUST TO NAME A FEW. If you've got any interest in electro, pop, dance, hip-hop, or Kelis herself, then you too should be excited for the album.

What we've got here is what some are calling the first single, Acapella. David Guetta produced the cut, and Kelis graciously gave it to us through her twitter; I'm reluctant to believe it actually is the first single because of that. Either way, the song is beautiful, playing out like a 2009 disco song, only more rough, less calculated than a traditional dance song.

Kelis - Acapella

(Right click, like a ninja, like a ninja)

I admire Kelis so much. She's always done her own thing, always been marching to the beat of her own drummer, and she isn't pretentious or overbearing about it. She's doing what she loves, and people just happen to love it as well. And the fact that she's so content with her life and doing so well, and still making such amazing music makes it all the more impressive. Kelis herself says:

My album is pretty much done. I signed a new deal and I’m madly in love with life and ready to share something with you. My new song is called “Acapella” and I wrote it with love and life in mind.

She's now signed to Will.I.Am's Interscope branch, and the album is due out sometime next year. Now, lets remember some of the fantasticness that is Kelis, and watch what is one of my personal favorites, Trick Me. Why? Because!

Ke$ha's "Animal" due January

Ke$ha, the world's most favourite party girl of the moment, has finally revealed the title and release date of her debut album, Animal. Pre-orders are already available on Amazon, and it's expected for January 5, 2010.

After playing her nearly nonstop this summer (way before everyone else did!), I've kind of fell off the bandwagon. But I fully expect the album to be chocked full of Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco produced, party goodness. Hopefully the second single becomes as popular as 'TiK ToK' and she'll continue her reign. I like the girl, although she might want to tone everything down a bit. I find this really annoying and idiotic, depending on the time of day.

Taio Cruz ft. Ke$ha - Dirty Picture
(RIght click, 'cause this shit is RAVE-tastic)

ANYWAYS - album out January, pre-order HERE.

Review: Fixin' to Thrill

The first single for Dragonette's sophmore album, Fixin to Thrill, came out what seems like ages ago; what, April, May? Despite its age, I still jump at it like a rabid dog to meat - everything about it is just delicious and substantial.  I can still remember the first time I heard it: it was loud, and aggressive, and crunchy. Lead singer Martina's voice was different that before too. A hoarse, sexual whine, different to the almost gentle cooing one Galore. I was in love with the song, and I bopped around all summer like a squirrel with ADD, eagerly awaiting the undoubtedly fantastic new album. And you know what? The wait was completely worth it.

Shakira on Good Morning America

Shakira, my sexy little Columbian minx, performed new single Give it Up to Me on Good Morning America today, and even with the technical difficulties, too loud back up singer, and slightly inappropriate (but still hot) oufit, this was still several times better than the cheap, cheap, very cheap music video.

I applaud Shaki for so much effort towards a song chucked on the album at literally the last moment, and I give her a standing ovation for actually finding some success with it: people seem to love it, and it's already #58 on the Hot 100. Didn't expect that at all, really.

The live mix of the song is also so much better than the regular version. It sounds so much better when Shakira raps Wayne's smelly verse, and the added bassline during the chorus only makes it that more glorious. Ah well; I'm just happy she's getting more success and 'She Wolf' wasn't just quirky luck. Album is out this week. GET IT.

Left 4 Dead 2

Daddy wants you so bad, Left 4 Dead 2. Oh really? I know, I've seen... Yeah. I know I haven't bothered to renew my Live service. And yeah, maybe I've been spending a little too much time with my RPG's. But I'd change it all for you, baby.

I promise you I'll clean up my act, sugar. I'll finish all those nastly, long role-playing games, drop the cash to renew my Xbox Live, and then pick you up like the hot piece you are. We'll stay up late, and kill zombies. Hell, I'll neglect my schoolwork and social life for you. Your all I need, honey. You even got a 9/10 on IGN, so you must be fantastic. As if I ever had any doubts, though.

See you soon, sweety. Stay amazing; I'm sure you won't have any trouble with that...

Shinee - Ring Ding Dong

I will tell you the truth right now, sir or madame: I never really gave Shinee the time of day. Yeah, I knew who they were. Yeah, I'd heard their music before. And yeah, they literally looked like little girls. BUT - they have a new single. And it's called Ring Ding Dong.

Shinee - Ring Ding Dong

(RIght click and BAB-EEEEEH!)

The vocals are a little grating, and when they're not, they're auto-tuned to death, but you can't deny the (slightly trashy) awesome-ness of this song. From the synths popping off everywhere to the vocoder, I just love it. The video is hot too. 2.5 of them need serious haircuts, but the styling was most definitely on point, and the choreography was boy band-eriffic. You know what I mean. Really though, that's some of the slickest male styling I've seen recently, and most of it wasn't even that over the top or stupid. Well done, all around.

I still wouldn't really call myself a Shinee fan quite yet, but I do dig this song a whole lot! I might even check into the new album, or mini-album, or EP, or whatever.

P.S. What's up with the angel wings at the end?

Bad Romance: The Remixes

I literally have about five or six posts featuring or about Lady Gaga on the front page alone. And I'm not exactly sure what to think about that. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME.

The remixes for Bad Romance are not really relevant, for the most part. The song's original melody and instrumental rely too heavily on each other, and when seperated, don't work as well as many DJ's would like. That being said, when perusing the interwebs for remixes, the two best I could find are these:

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance (Electrolightz Freak Mix)

Lady Gaga - Bad Romance (Hercules & Love Affair Remix)

(Right click and pick your poison!)

The Electrolightz edit is essentially another song with bits of 'Bad Romance' in it, which is why it's so good. It doesn't desecrate the original, but still provides a cool, dancable song. The other one, however, attracted me because of its producers. Hercules & Love Affair are just simply fantastic, and when I got word that they'd remixed the song, I pounced on it like there was no tomorrow. It isn't quite the 90's house, jive explosion I expected, and doesn't really hold up to repeated listening, but makes for excellent background music, and is a lot funkier than you'd expect. Different, but still good stuff, yo.

Peaches - I Feel Cream

How did one of the year's most beautiful videos from one of the year's best albums completely slip under my radar?

Lemme' just say it: Peaches is not sexy. Not at first glance, she isn't. But then you see her move, and perform, and spit her mad rhymes. Her attitude, swagger, and what can only be described as "Peaches-ness" makes her hot, and helps her pull off virtually anything and everything she wants to do. She's a creative force to be reckoned with, and I stay a very happy dude because she's still a-makin' her music.

Peaches - I Feel Cream (Proxy Remix)
(Right click, feel the Cream...)

I Feel Cream, a cover of the Donna Summer original ('I Feel Love') always has, and still is, one of the sickest songs on the album; Peaches obviously noticed, because she named her record after it. With its combination of disco, electro, and hip-hop... there's really no fault in the track at all. It's just good. The video is bomb as well. Sensual, sexy, colorful, and unique. Proof that you can make a fantastic video for cheap with great styling, editting, and beautiful colors. I still play I Feel Cream a bunch to this day, and the wealth of remixes of the album only extend its shelf life for me.

Let's do an Interview!

Here's some pretty darn amazing shots from the September issue of Interview. The second picture is hot in a creepy kind of way, eh?

Dragonette - Easy (Buffetlibre Remix)

(Right click and be emotional)

Here's a free remix of the most tingly, emotional songs on Dragonette's latest outing, Easy. Buffetlibre are generally really great, and this is definitely one of their best mixes, as it doesn't deviate to far from the totally far-out original. And SPEAKING OF DRAGONETTE - my review of Fixin to Thrill should be up tomorrow. And by should, I mean "will". And by "will", I mean "maybe if I'm not too lazy". Credit to HeavyHeels, and more HERE.

Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga - Video Phone

Talk about good timing with the last post, huh? Here's the aforementioned video for Payola Knowles' new single, Video Phone ft. Gentleman Gaga.

Mmmm, mmmph, mmm! I'm a relatively simple boy (not really), and nothing makes me happier than some ghetto fabulousness, sprayed everywhere. From the epileptic seizure inducing editting to the CGI camera-head men, this shit has no point: it's Beyonce and Gaga looking foine, writhing all over the place in costumes and ten pounds of weave. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

"Normal" Gaga looks damn good; like seriously, who knew she could look that hot? And Beyonce shovin' them titties all up in my face? Absolutely stupendous. Honestly, Gaga should try just looking "regular" and sexy like this sometime, and Beyonce should vamp it up. I gotta ask though, what's up with the neon colors and toy guns popping off everywhere? You know what, I don't want to know. It doesn't matter. All I want is breasteses and hair flips.

I'm sort of surprised that the world didn't implode just now from the combined weight of both Bey and Gaga's egos in one contained area at one time. But really, it's like Mohammed and Buddha made a video together with this. Not Jesus, though. He'd be above this shit, but still dig it, I'm sure.

Now excuse me, I have some Knowles-Brand breast bouncing to replay over, and over, and over again.

They both have PHONE in their titles, get it?

Lets cut to the chase, shall we? Lady Gaga and Beyonce both have new albums/re-releases coming out soon. Very soon, in fact: next week. They are also both very famous, and what do get when you have famous + famous? More famous, that's what.

So, in order to get said more famous, the ladies have re-recorded singles featuring each other, to appear on their albums. Gaga shows up on Beyonce's Video Phone remix, and Beysus spits a verse on Stefani's Telephone. Not too complicated, I hope.

Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce - Telephone

Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga - Video Phone (Extended Remix)

(Right click and make your call)

'Telephone' was produced by Darkchild and originally written for Britney's last album. It's pretty darn infectious, with Beyonce's verse being surprisingly hot. Her screaming and growling sound great. 'Video Phone' comes along with a cool intro that should work well in the video, but Gaga... I don't really know what to think about her chunk. The song just goes on for FAR too long, and really, "Meh.".

The video for 'Video Phone' was shot by Hype Williams recently (you've probably seen that pictures) and 'Telephone' is supposed to be Gaga's next single after the 'Bad Romance' campaign. Cannot wait for The Fame: Monster to drop. I'm so hyped, definitely wanting a physical copy, yo. Beyonce? That ho gots enough money. Please...

Leona to helm Final Fantasy XIII theme

In a big "Hmm?" move, SquareEnix has chosen recent Leona Lewis track My Hands as the theme to the upcoming monster-of-a-game, Final Fantasy XIII. This is the first time a major Western artist is claiming the theme to a big SE game, with Utada being the only other major figure, with the Kingdom Hearts series.

Leona Lewis - My Hands
(Right click, and take it)

'My Hands' is a nice enough song, but this is a great opportunity for Leona. The game will be ridiculously huge, and it's only more attention for her. The game's official release date was also recently revealed to be March 9, 2010. That's about what I predicted, actually.

The game should have some stiff competition though; rather than the Winter season, this upcoming Spring looks to be absolutely littered with fantastic games. I'll most likely be broke come March...

Random Post of Love & Aesthetic Radiation

Just wanted to post some cool/pretty "shit" before I go out tonight; I got to pick the entire soundtrack at a school dance for tonight. It's gonna pretty much be an electro, HI.NRG, mega dance rave the whole time, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I watched Gimme Shelter in its' entirerty this week and twas very, very inspiring, more so because of the time period and the visuals rather than the Stones or the music them/itself. The late 60's, early 70's aesthetic is a huge fascination of mine and the many, varied people, all decked out in their own personal styles really got the ole' gears a' turnin. Re-Watching Purple Rain is next on my list of things to do, asides from study for Calculus. The idea of being a real "rockstar", and having that swagger, style, and life is just so interesting and appealing to me...

Other than that, these are all random visuals that just spoke to me, or looked cool. I'd give credit specifically, but I'm far too lazy. Credit to whoever you all are, somewhere out there. Also, I feel so out of the loop. Ke$ha's Tik Tok was one of my most played songs, in probably May. Now it's blowing up EVERYWHERE, and I'm far, far over it. I still like the girl, so I find her success pleasing. Yes.

Ke$ha - Tik Tok (Fred Falke Remix)

(Right Click, and boogie down, yo)