Monday, November 28, 2011

Album Review: Talk That Talk – Rihanna


Rihanna’s new record is bolder and braver!

She has finally moved-on on her previous self battle against troubled relationship with Chris Brown. Her past albums Rated R and Loud are distincssively influenced by her previous hitch. A renewed Rihanna has arise in this album, Talk That Talk.

I would agree to many reviews and critics that her sixth album is her firmest and most promising yet – relentlessly catching and danceable pop album. Rihanna is 100 percent back on its original root – Pop/Rnb. With my previous review with her album Loud, I mentioned that it was a variety of genres in one pack. But with this new package, Talk That Talk is pure pop/rnb!

This album has perfect pop songs and delivering the set of which Rihanna was original made of. This distinction was become her calling card and weapon for the last five years of her career, and becoming the fastest solo artist to have 20 top 10 singles on Billboard Hot 100. This album could have been the start of RiRi’s evanescence back to contemporary pop and rnb.


Album Cover


The album cover of this record has two versions – colored and grayscaled.

In the colored cover Rihanna looks seductive in the image, with her red lipstick and tounge slip and she is wearing a commouflaged top. In the alternate cover, she out a puff of smoke in her mouth and is shot in grayscale. Rihanna billowing smoke out of her mouth whilst staring into the camera with "piercing eyes".


Tracks



The album begins at a low down, the staccato vocal hooks of You Da One smooth rather than engaging. The wet, buzzing Where Have You Been is one of two productions from Calvin Harris – analytical of the mainstream dance scene of the UK and Europe making stable sequence into the US RnB market. It’s an inoffensive pairing of building beats and sliced-and-diced vocals: to the right feet on the right dancefloor it’ll be manna itself manifested as an arms-in-the-air clubbing highlight. The second Harris hook-up, We Found Love, swells with fevered keys until it explodes, blinding neon like, all over its frenetic, repetitive chorus. It’s by-numbers fare from Harris, given edge by a quite deliberately provocative music video – just the 47 million YouTube views since mid-October.

A vocal from Jay Z on the title-track indicate an awful exercise in quasi-erotic wordplay, on Cockiness (Love It) and a wholly pointless minute, although the beats and the rhytm are so addictive. At its halfway mark Talk That Talk takes a turn for the downbeat, the Beyonce style paean to perfect monogamy We All Want Love sitting awkwardly beside questionable sexual morals presented by earlier cuts.







The album’s principal themes are Love and Sex – with a less-heavy hand – like Roc Me Out: "I'll let you in on a dirty secret/ I just want to be loved." Drunk on Love is my favorite track wherein she describes being so much in love to being drunk and sober. Watch n’ Learn, which has flickers of BeyoncĂ©’s recent “Party,” has good mouth feel but no taste. And Farewell, the most bombastic one here, it’s tough to tell if the words have feeling, because Rihanna’s voice doesn’t.

In the recent past Rihanna show a cool dispassion; here, she’s trapped between playing the characters of a ruthless dominatrix and a passive sort willing to be putty in a boy’s hands. Im sure that her sevent album is the rise of the real Rihanna.










credits are all reserved.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Big Winners for 2011 American Music Awards



A very successful American Music Awards were held last November 21 (Philippine Time) in Los Angeles and Taylor Swift took home 3 awards beating Katy Perry, Adele and many more. Dazzling with her gold gown, Taylor took home major awards including Artist of the Year award.

The awards night was wrapped up with star-studded night of explosive and electronic performances from Katy Perry, JLO, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, Nicky Minaj and LMFAO featuring dance cameo by David Haselhoff and Justin Bieber.

Performances:


Maroon 5 Feat Christina Aguillera



JLo



LMFAO Featuring David Haselhoff and Justin Bieber






Here are the lists of winners:

Favorite Duo or Group: Maroon 5
Female Country ArtistTaylor Swift
Favorite Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Favorite Soul/R&B Album: Rihanna
Favorite Country Band: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Nicki Minaj
Favorite New Artist: Hot Chelle Rae
Favorite Latin Artist: Jennifer Lopez
Favorite Soul/R&B Female: Beyonce
Favorite Pop/Rock Male: Bruno Mars
Favorite Country Album: Taylor Swift, Speak Now
Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Adele
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Special Award (for becoming the first woman ever to have five #1 singles from one album): Katy Perry





Sunday, November 20, 2011

Ryan Cayabyab 'Sang Libo't 'Sang Tinig Ng Pasko: The Araneta Center Christmas Special


Saturday, November 19, 2011 was one spectacular night in Araneta Center. Brightest stars of Music industry are gathered in one magestic night together with 1001 voices with no other than Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. World renowned chorale all over the Phillipines are put together for the one dream come true event.


It all started in one simple wish. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab was asked "Of all the success you've been enjoying, is there still one thing that you want to do?". He answered, that he wants to gather 1000 voices in one christmas concert. Incidentally, Madame Judy Araneta is watching his interview and called ABSCBN to make his wish come true and the rest are history.










I was so lucky to be sitted in Araneta to witness this spectacular event. The moment the chorale started to sing, I felt that I am in heaven, serenated by thousand of angels. It was very overwhelming to hear christmas songs being sung with wonderful voices.I cannot utter a perfect word to describe what exactly I felt. Along with the chorale, famous names of local music joined them and to give support to Mr. C. The ABSCBN's premiere performers like KC Concepcion, Ariel Rivera, Nyoy Volante, RJ Rodriguez, Marcelito Pomoy, Angeline Quinto, Opera singer Rachel Gerodias, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, and Ms. Lea Salonga. They performed famous and classic christmas songs for the audience.


I really enjoyed this concert and I hope you do too. This will be telecast via ABCBN's Sunday's Best. One remarkable number was with Jed Madela when he sung the 'Gloria El Exelsis Deo'. With Jed's powerful voice enchanted with 1001 voices and with great accompanionment of Phillippines pride - Manila Symphony Orchestra. I had a goosebumps during the entire performance. Also, Piolo was really heart warming with his number. And Miss Lea Salonga was incomparable! Very astonishing and her number was beyond excellent.












I am very proud to this event. And this is once in a lifetime experience. To be serenated by 1001 voices and famous singers are overwhelming. So proud that our country have these world class talents. So this christmas, let the music binds us together as one big family.





Catch Ryan Cayabyab At 'Sang Libo't 'Sang Tinig Ng Pasko: The Araneta Center Christmas Special on ABSCBN. Hosted by 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner up Venus Raj and 2011 Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup. 










credits to Mr. Alwin Aguirre for the photos and Ricky Castillo for the invites :D

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Make 'Wont Last A Day Without You' Star Cinema and Viva Films Third Box Office







The name that gave us box office hit after hit after hit is once again opening its curtain for a new flick featuring Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo and Primetime Prince Gerald Anderson in a film that will teaches us to fall in love again. Star Cinema and Viva films wrapped up a gift for young and young at hearts this November. ' Won’t Last A Day Without You’ is their third offering after blockbuster hits “No Other Woman” and “Praybeyt Benjamin” all from combined powers of two big movie firms.

Press, Bloggers and other media practitioners gathered for the Press Conference of “Won’t Last A Day Without You” held in Dolphy Theater. Sarah Geronimo came with Gerald Anderson and some of the cast of the movie – Young JV and Martin Del Rosario. Also the director Mr. Raz Dela Torre and writer Melissa Mae Chua also came.



Sarah and Gerald were almost at the hot seat when press started to hit them burning questions one after another. The two and others are politely answered the questions very well. Director Raz Dela Torre discussed how the film was made. It was conceptualized after the success of Sarah-Gerald first team up, ‘Catch Me, Im Fallin”.  They mentioned that they started the production by choosing the celebrities that best fits in the characters. They were so glad that they got Mr. Joey De Leon from ABSCBN rival channel. Mr. Joey De Leon was humble enough to not thinking twice to get the role after knowing that he will going to be the father of Sarah Geronimo. He even mentioned in an interview that he is a big fan of Sarah and also a huge fan of Star Cinema films. He surprisingly said that he have lots of Star Cinema movies. Director Raz also mentioned that Mr. Joey helps them by giving advices that can make the movie even better.

When Sarah does she relates to character, she honestly said that she and DJ Heidee (Sarah’s Character) is somewhat the same. Sarah described her character, DJ Heidee, a DJ of a radio station that giving love advices, she live in a perception that “Bitterness makes us better”.  She had been in a troubled relationship and her personal experience made her what she is. Everyone knows that Sarah had an issue before regarding her past attachment with Rayver Cruz. She said that her personal experiences made her the better person of what she is now.

Gerald Anderson, is so charming during the presscon and I cant really help it but notice his very nice shoes. Gerald, after the success of his primetime series ‘Budoy’ is doing this movie with Sarah. He mentioned that he is getting closer to Sarah. You can really see the chemistry of two young stars.


Here are their Official Trailers:







Please watch ‘Wont Last A Day Without You’ in theaters and cinemas nationwide on November 30, 2011.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Joe D' Mango back in the Airwaves via DZMM







Guess who’s back?



90’s radio sensation and the original heart guru in the airwaves – Joe D Mango is back ! After a long time, Joe D Mango is back on air through DZMM Patrol 630. So starting Tuesday (November 22) he will be heard twice a week with his playlist of classic love song and expert advice on love and relationship via his popular show “Joe D’ Mango Love Notes”.


He will also be seen on television nationwide and even globally as his show will be also aired in DZMM TeleRadyo and dzmm.com.ph through live streaming. “Joe D’ Mango Love Notes” will air every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 midnight to 4 AM. And aside from giving advice to his letter senders, he will be launch new segments that will make his show interactive and modern ranging from artful executions of love stories – “Radyo Komiks” to showcasing artists and bands serenading listeners live on the air.





In an interview he had with Orange Magazine TV, Joe said “There is a purpose for me going back to radio. I want to bring back the glory to AM radio as a source of entertainment and as a companion”.

So to those hopeless romantic or even just simple romance seekers, catch “Joe D Mango’s Love Notes” on DZMM. And to end this post ill leave you my favorite Joe D Mango quote -











credits to Mr. Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Mariah Yeater dismmised paternity suit against Justin Bieber


20 years old Mariah Yeater, the young lady who publicly claimed that teen sensation and Canadian Superstar Justin Bieber is the father of her child, reportedly dismissed her paternity lawsuit against Bieber.


TMZ reported that the lawsuit against the pop star was dismissed last week and Yeater’s lawyers have withdrawn from the case. Mariah Yeater claimed that she and Justin Bieber had a brief sexual encounter after one of his concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. She gave birth to a son named Tristyn last July and was seeking child support for the baby.

Meanwhile, Bieber is ready to take the paternity test as soon as he returns to US later this month. His team also planning to vigorously pursue all available legal remedies to protect Bieber. 







source: billboard.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Christian Bautista Blogger's Conference



Sunday, November 13, 2011, on a Manny Pacquiao day – wherein people who just stay at home and watch Manny Pacquaio battle with Juan Manuel Marquez, chosen bloggers were gathered in a one musical Asiansation event – The Christian Bautista Bloggers Conference. Christian entered the room so proud to announce that he is awarded as Asean Youth Achiever for Entertainment and Arts.


In lieu with Christian Bautista’s newest record – ‘Outbound’, Universal Records in cooperation with Pinoy OPM Magazine, BANDS, and Orange Magazine TV organized a Blogger’s Conference. Christian, who recently starred in Singaporean musical drama ‘The Kitchen Musical’ and seen across 19 countries, made a drastic change in his career. Christian took new and bolder sounds for his album ‘Outbound’ under Universal Records.




In an interview Christian said that this is the right time for him to explore and experiment on venturing to a new sound for him. Outbound has 8 tracks – new, bolder sounds and further proves that he is more than just a balladeer. Some tracks have good mix of slow and upbeat ballads. Christian collaborated with music producers and artists from US, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. He worked with caliber personality in music industry, and to name few – Jim Brickman, One Way and Baby M.

Christian’s past music videos were so remarkable. It showcased beautiful and gorgeous faces in local and international scene – ( Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin and Solenn Heusaff ) in Beautiful Girl, (  Christine Reyes ) in I Remember The Girl, ( Paula Taylor ) in Tell Me Your Name, ( Carmen Soo ) in Afraid For Love To Fade, ( Angelica Panganiban ) in Nakaraang Pasko and ( Sarah Geronimo ) in Please Be Careful With My Heart. In his current record, he features CosPlay Queen Alodia Gosiengfiao for ‘All That’s Left’.



Aside from his current album, Christian is pleased to announce that he loves BlackBerry. Christian showcased the new BlackBerry Bold 9900 Smartphone and BlackBerry Playbook in his video ‘All That’s Left’. Christian said that he is an avid BBM user. It works in real time, enabling people to share their experiences instantly with individuals or group of contacts. Christian knows that for Filipinos abroad, BBM is cost efficient and fun way to share everyday life’s experiences with loved ones around the world.

‘Outbound’ is now out in all major record stores nationwide under Universal Records.
To have Christian Bautista’s ‘All That’s Left’ as your ringback tone, just text UD344 to 2332 for Globe users and FALT to 2728 for Smart users. Text GetSong _6151903 to 2728 for Sun users.


Stay tune for my album review on Christian's new record. :D
xoxo .. urzula

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Katy Perry as 75 year old lady in "The One That Got Away"







Katy Perry abandoned her typical dance moves and candy coated neon costumes and wigs to be an old lady peg in her latest video “The One That Got Away”. The video entered 34-18 spot in Billboard’s Hot 100. The music video was directed by Floria Sigismondi – the same director for “ET”.

The story is about a story of lovers - a painter (Katy Perry) and actor Diego Luna separated by a tragic car crash. The storyline is set in the past; a sad and aged Katy relives her intense romance with Diego. This video marked Katy Perry’s sixth cut from her sophomore album “Teenage Dream”.

Still beautiful at age of 75 – Katy Perry continually hitting success. The video ends with a heartbreaking song from Johnny Cash – “You Are MY Sunshine”.







source: Billboard.com

Friday, November 11, 2011

2011 MTV European Music Awards (EMA's)



2011 MTV’s European Music Awards (EMAs) was a huge success that was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland last Sunday. Lady GaGa bring home four major awards and performed during the event in Odyssey Arena. Alongside with GaGa, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Thirty Seconds To Mars won two awards each.

Here are the lists of winners:
Best Song :          Adele – Rolling in the Deep
                                Bruno Mars – Grenade
                                Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor
                                Katy Perry – Firework
                                Lady GaGa – Born This Way (WON)





Best Video:        Adele – Rolling in the Deep
                                Beastie Boys – Make Some Noise
                                Beyonce – Run The World (Girls)
                                Justice – Civilization
                                Lady GaGa – Born This Way (WON)




Best Male:          Bruno Mars
                                David Guetta
                                Eminem
                                Justin Bieber (WON)
                                Kanye West




Best New Artist:               Bruno Mars (WON)
                                                Far East Movement
                                                Jessie J
                                                LMFAO
                                                Wiz Khalifa





Best Pop:             Britney Spears
                                Justin Bieber (WON)
                                Rihanna
                                Lady GaGa
                                Katy Perry




Best Rock:           Coldplay
                                Foo Fighters
                                Kings of Leon
                                Linkin Park (WON)
                                Red Hot Chili Peppers




Best Alternative:      30 Seconds to Mars (WON)
Arcade Fire
Arctic Monkeys
My Chemical Romance
The Strokes






Best Hiphop:  Eminem (WON)
Jay-Z & Kanye West
Lil Wayne
Pitbull
Snoop Dogg





Best Live Act:   Coldplay
Foo Fighters
Katy Perry (WON)
Lady Gaga
Red Hot Chili Pepper




Best World Stage Performance:                30 Seconds to Mars (WON)
Arcade Fire
The Black Eyed Peas
Diddy - Dirty Money
Enrique Iglesias
Kings of Leon
Linkin Park
My Chemical Romance
Ozzy Osbourne
Snoop Dogg




Best Push Act:                   Alexis Jordan
Big Time Rush
Bruno Mars (WON)
Far East Movement
Jessie J
Katy B
LMFAO
Neon Trees
Theophilus London
Wiz Khalifa





Biggest Fans:     30 Seconds to Mars
Justin Bieber
Lady Gaga (WON)
Paramore
Selena Gomez





Best Female:     Adele
Beyoncé
Jennifer Lopez
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga (WON)

Aside from western artist, Asia’s Kpop group (my favorite) Big Bang were nominated for Worldwide Act    category.  Big Bang amazed the audience by winning the awards. The Worldwide Act category celebrates diversity and the breadth of all the music that MTV has to offer by nominating incredible artists from all corners of the world.




There were two rounds of voting.  First, each region had an opportunity to vote among MTVs choices for the seven artists that best represent the region.  In the Asia Pacific category, in addition to Big Bang,Exile (Japan), Jay Chou (Republic of China/Taiwan), Gotye (Australia), Sia (Australia), Jane Zhang(China), and Agnes Monica (Indonesia) were nominated.

After weeks of voting  Big Bang won for the Asia Pacific region and advanced to the finals along with Abdelfattah Grini (Africa/India/Middle East), Lena (Europe), Restart (Latin America), and Britney Spears (North America).
Due an impressive amount of voting by VIPs and fans all over the world, Big Bang won the coveted award.  They will have the honor of being the first ‘Worldwide Act’ award recipients.
Congratulations Big Bang!