(aka 'The blog I thought I would never write')
01.26.14
While attempting to enjoy the soulless entertainment of the Grammys, I realized something... something that I may have been feeling for a while but was never quite able to put into words: I hate Taylor Swift.
The Imagine Dragons are in the middle of an epic performance of their smash hit, 'Radioactive', which featured an out-of-his-mind Kendrick Lamar. The energy in the building is oozing out of the screen. Naturally, the producers cut to a shot of Taylor Swift dancing off-beat. I become angry. Up to this point, I had tolerated a lot of her shenanigans, but this was the final straw. I declared my dislike for her in my live blog. I ran her name through the mud whenever she came up in conversation. Soon, it became something everyone knew about me. Actually, it was a PART of me. When discussing me, you had to mention my long-running TV show, my obsession with the Mets, and that I hate Taylor Swift. And you know what? I was PROUD of that. Wore it like a muthafuckin' badge of honor. Captain of the Taylor Swift hate club. That's me.
08.31.14
Every Sunday, I wake up and watch the VH1 Top 20 Countdown. Why? Because I love torture, apparently. It's not too bad... it keeps me in tune with what's going on musically in pop culture. It's my weekend tradition. This particular day, though, my world would be flipped upside down. Forever.
There's a new video on the countdown this week, and guess who it's by? That's right, my arch-rival Taylor Swift. 'Shake It Off'... great. Her pattern of dropping a new album just as her previous one is losing steam is predictable and annoying. Like, can I get one Taylor-free year in this bitch? Whatever. I'll just mean mug through this video and as soon as it ends, I'll give it the tongue-lashing it so rightfully deserves.
Except... I loved it. The song was catchy, the video was funny... it was beautiful. A work of art. My mean mug turned into a smile. My hate disappeared. Butterflies burst out of my stomach. I knew at that moment that I would never be the same again.
But how the hell did this happen? How could she have fooled me all these years? I was so used to her pestering me with her whiny tunes and subpar personality that it completely took me off-guard when she returned with a bang, this time full of charisma and charm. Taylor 2.0 was here, and I was a FAN. 'Shake It Off' instantly became one of my favorite songs, a mainstay on my iPod. The video was in heavy rotation in my household... so much that I wouldn't doubt that I made up about half of her 600 million views on YouTube. Taylor Swift's fan club didn't just get a new member, they got themselves a president.
10.27.14
I don't like modern day music. I used to listen to 100's of albums a year. Now, I'm lucky to get to double digits. It's rare for me to not only listen to an album but anticipate it's release. However, that's what I found myself doing for '1989'. I had been shaking it off for two months now and I was eager to know if the love was real. Secretly, I was hoping I hated the album so I could move on like everything was some giant fluke and return to my sour ways. Except one thing happened.
The album was fuckin' incredible.
I was blown away. Practically every track sounded like a hit. The melodies were infectious. Her accent was adorable. I didn't know what to do with myself. Here I am, a grown man, sitting in front of my laptop, nodding my head to 'Blank Space' like it's classic Biggie. Without a doubt, '1989' was the best album of the year. In any genre. Shit, it's one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. I love Michael Jackson to death and know that no one will ever come close to matching his legacy, but in my heart, '1989' was a modern-day 'Thriller'.
Taylor was in complete promo mode for the remainder of the year... and I couldn't have been happier. My mom fed my obsession, DV-R-ing every Taylor appearance she caught on TV. I posted so many Taylor-related comments on my social media accounts that I lost track. It was complete Taylor-mania.
A funny thing happened along the way, though. Just as I was coming to terms with this new love for Taylor, a new feeling reared it's ugly head. A feeling of... lust. Lust, you say? Really? Taylor is not my prototypical cup of tea. She's tall and lanky, awkward, with very lil trace of a curve on her bony frame. But I didn't care. I wanted nothing more than to climb that pale tree and make sweet love to her. Taylor wasn't just my woman crush Wednesday, she was my woman crush everyday. (#wce) You can have Beyoncé... keep Kate Upton... gimme some Taylor and gimme a whole lot of her.
02.17.15
The year has changed, my feelings have not. Still a huge fan of Taylor Swift. Still listening to '1989'. Still want to have her baby. Seeing her on Jimmy Fallon recently re-affirmed everything. She is all I have ever wanted, and more.
Do I remember who I used to be? Honestly, no. The person I was a year ago seems like a stranger. To be honest, I don't wish to imagine a world where I did not love this woman. So now, when you're discussing me, do me a favor. I know you'll mention my long-running TV show and you'll touch on my obsession with the Mets, but don't forget the most important detail of all... that I love Taylor Swift.
Showing posts with label SNL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SNL. Show all posts
Monday, February 23, 2015
Monday, January 6, 2014
BEST OF SNL MUSIC VIDEOS (FALL SEASON '13)
Hey!
I told y'all I'd be back here more often. Don't look so surprised, sucka.
My busy schedule (which really isn't that busy but I say that because it makes me feel important) doesn't allow me to watch too much TV. With 'The Office' (one of my fav shows ever) ending its run recently, I've been left with even fewer options.
One mainstay has been Saturday Night Live, which the cool kids simply refer to as SNL. Been watching the show for years. However, SNL hit a complete slump about 2-3 years back. Frankly, it was painful to watch. The shame was there was tons of talent on the show. Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader... all potential stars who struggled making the sub-par material laughable. And to make matters worse, they all bolted before the summer.
That left SNL in complete rebuilding mode. Safe to say, my expectations for this season were not particularly high. Halfway through the season, amazingly, the show has found its mojo again. The writers deserve a bulk of the credit, as they have kept things simple when in past seasons, it just seemed like they were trying too hard. Also, SNL has hit home runs with a lot of their hosts. From expected funnyman Paul Rudd to surprisingly humorous Edward Norton, the celebs visiting for the week have held their own.
One painful omission that left once Andy Samberg took his talents to 'Brooklyn Nine Nine' was their mock music videos. Whether it was the Lonely Island-assisted 'Jizz In My Pants' to the memorable Justin Timberlake holiday duet 'Dick In A Box', these clips were generally great successes. This season, SNL seemed to put some focus on this much-needed element and, just like in the Samberg days, knocked it out the park.
Here are the three that stood out. I've watched each of these clips way too many times, but I know they're good because I'm not sick of them yet. Which is the funniest? I'll let you decide... but these videos deserved to be highlighted here.
'Twin Bed' (feat. Jimmy Fallon)
OK, I think this one is my favorite. This clip made me realize that A) I don't hate Jimmy Fallon nearly as much as I thought. B) I don't hate him at all. C) Actually, I think I love him a little. And D) I am oddly attracted to all of the female SNL cast members. I especially have a thing for that sexy Cecily Strong. I don't know what it is about her. She's not the prettiest out the bunch but something about her makes me go aaaahhhooooggggaaaa!
'Boy Dance Party' (feat. Bruce Willis)
If there was a dud on this season, it might've been the Bruce Willis episode. This one video salvaged some of it, though. Even though he's past his prime, when you get a star as big as Bruce to dance around foolishly, laughter will ensue. Biggest reason I love this clip: This is how 97% of my bro gatherings end up going. And yes, I am the one usually swinging that sack.
What Does My Girl Say? (feat. Kerry Washington)
If you read my 'Favorite 40 Songs of 2013' blog, you know that I absolutely loved Ylvis' 'The Fox' song. Totally ridiculous but freakin' hilarious. So you could imagine my joy when SNL decided to mock this already insane song and add the yummy-licious Kerry Washington to the mix. We all win.
Here's hoping SNL continues it's hot streak when they return on January 18th. It would be no shock if they attempt another one of these as the host (and musical guest) is Drake.
I told y'all I'd be back here more often. Don't look so surprised, sucka.
My busy schedule (which really isn't that busy but I say that because it makes me feel important) doesn't allow me to watch too much TV. With 'The Office' (one of my fav shows ever) ending its run recently, I've been left with even fewer options.
One mainstay has been Saturday Night Live, which the cool kids simply refer to as SNL. Been watching the show for years. However, SNL hit a complete slump about 2-3 years back. Frankly, it was painful to watch. The shame was there was tons of talent on the show. Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader... all potential stars who struggled making the sub-par material laughable. And to make matters worse, they all bolted before the summer.
That left SNL in complete rebuilding mode. Safe to say, my expectations for this season were not particularly high. Halfway through the season, amazingly, the show has found its mojo again. The writers deserve a bulk of the credit, as they have kept things simple when in past seasons, it just seemed like they were trying too hard. Also, SNL has hit home runs with a lot of their hosts. From expected funnyman Paul Rudd to surprisingly humorous Edward Norton, the celebs visiting for the week have held their own.
One painful omission that left once Andy Samberg took his talents to 'Brooklyn Nine Nine' was their mock music videos. Whether it was the Lonely Island-assisted 'Jizz In My Pants' to the memorable Justin Timberlake holiday duet 'Dick In A Box', these clips were generally great successes. This season, SNL seemed to put some focus on this much-needed element and, just like in the Samberg days, knocked it out the park.
Here are the three that stood out. I've watched each of these clips way too many times, but I know they're good because I'm not sick of them yet. Which is the funniest? I'll let you decide... but these videos deserved to be highlighted here.
'Twin Bed' (feat. Jimmy Fallon)
OK, I think this one is my favorite. This clip made me realize that A) I don't hate Jimmy Fallon nearly as much as I thought. B) I don't hate him at all. C) Actually, I think I love him a little. And D) I am oddly attracted to all of the female SNL cast members. I especially have a thing for that sexy Cecily Strong. I don't know what it is about her. She's not the prettiest out the bunch but something about her makes me go aaaahhhooooggggaaaa!
'Boy Dance Party' (feat. Bruce Willis)
If there was a dud on this season, it might've been the Bruce Willis episode. This one video salvaged some of it, though. Even though he's past his prime, when you get a star as big as Bruce to dance around foolishly, laughter will ensue. Biggest reason I love this clip: This is how 97% of my bro gatherings end up going. And yes, I am the one usually swinging that sack.
What Does My Girl Say? (feat. Kerry Washington)
If you read my 'Favorite 40 Songs of 2013' blog, you know that I absolutely loved Ylvis' 'The Fox' song. Totally ridiculous but freakin' hilarious. So you could imagine my joy when SNL decided to mock this already insane song and add the yummy-licious Kerry Washington to the mix. We all win.
Here's hoping SNL continues it's hot streak when they return on January 18th. It would be no shock if they attempt another one of these as the host (and musical guest) is Drake.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Kevin Hart SNL
I'm a big Kevin Hart fan. Hilarious dude. Love 'Real Husbands of Hollywood'. Brilliant stuff.
Knowing that now, you could imagine how excited I was to hear that he would be hosting SNL. I was hoping that the show's inconsistent writing would be insignificant because Kevin would be able to turn any shit they put down on paper into comedy gold.
Boy, was I wrong. Another lackluster episode that was unfunny enough that I think it hurts Kevin's sky high stock a lil. In a lot of instances, you could tell Kevin was over-compensating for the lack of material he was given, causing him to look uncharacteristically uncomfortable. Just not a good look.
For some reason, the show's best skits were left for the very end. If you missed the show, I will post the two clips that tried, but ultimately failed to salvage the night. Still a big Kevin Hart fan (and you'll see why below) but the show was terribly underwhelming.
'Z-Shirt'
'Dove Chocolate Recording Session'
Knowing that now, you could imagine how excited I was to hear that he would be hosting SNL. I was hoping that the show's inconsistent writing would be insignificant because Kevin would be able to turn any shit they put down on paper into comedy gold.
Boy, was I wrong. Another lackluster episode that was unfunny enough that I think it hurts Kevin's sky high stock a lil. In a lot of instances, you could tell Kevin was over-compensating for the lack of material he was given, causing him to look uncharacteristically uncomfortable. Just not a good look.
For some reason, the show's best skits were left for the very end. If you missed the show, I will post the two clips that tried, but ultimately failed to salvage the night. Still a big Kevin Hart fan (and you'll see why below) but the show was terribly underwhelming.
'Z-Shirt'
'Dove Chocolate Recording Session'
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mama's Day (w/ videos)
There are many hard jobs in this world but it's hard to argue that being a mother isn't on the top of that list. I know my mom had to work extremely hard to raise me to be the fine, young man I am today. But enough about me. Toast to all the mama's out there handling their business. Extra credit if you're a single mom & double bonus points if you're a milf.
To commemorate this special day, here are some music videos that really capture the essence of motherly love.
2 Pac 'Hey Mama'
Even the biggest thug has a soft spot in his heart for his mama. I'm a perfect example of that. 2 Pac is too, & he really hits a homerun with this song. Shit, I loved 2 Pac's mama after hearing this. After Pac passed & seeing his mother's pain made the song that much more special.
Boyz II Men 'A Song For Mama'
Ahhh yes. Nothing says 'I love you, mommy' like this Boyz II Men classic. If you have the vocal abilities, you can bypass the cliche flowers & sing this to your mom. The tears are bound to flow! However, make sure you can really sing. You might think your mama loves you unconditionally but that can change quickly if you sound like a hyena in heat.
Kanye West 'Hey Mama (Live)'
Kanye had recorded the original version of 'Hey Mama' before his debut album 'College Dropout' came out but the re-vamped version of the song didn't hit the public until his follow-up album 'Late Registration' dropped. Performing at the Grammys, live, after his mom passed... I can't lie, I still get emotional when I see this.
The Lonely Island 'Motherlover"
Definitely the most... colorful(?) Mother's Day songs out there, Andy Samberg & Justin Timberlake trade lines about boinking each other's moms. While the song is entertaining & awfully amusing, I do not recommend this song as a tribute on Mother's Day, no matter how much you may hate your mama (or how much you may lust your friend's mama).
And there you have it, the evolution of the Mother's Day song. Regardless of whichever one floats your boat (and I'm really hoping it's not the last one), I hope all the mamas have a delightful day. Peace & love, mamas!
To commemorate this special day, here are some music videos that really capture the essence of motherly love.
2 Pac 'Hey Mama'
Even the biggest thug has a soft spot in his heart for his mama. I'm a perfect example of that. 2 Pac is too, & he really hits a homerun with this song. Shit, I loved 2 Pac's mama after hearing this. After Pac passed & seeing his mother's pain made the song that much more special.
Boyz II Men 'A Song For Mama'
Ahhh yes. Nothing says 'I love you, mommy' like this Boyz II Men classic. If you have the vocal abilities, you can bypass the cliche flowers & sing this to your mom. The tears are bound to flow! However, make sure you can really sing. You might think your mama loves you unconditionally but that can change quickly if you sound like a hyena in heat.
Kanye West 'Hey Mama (Live)'
Kanye had recorded the original version of 'Hey Mama' before his debut album 'College Dropout' came out but the re-vamped version of the song didn't hit the public until his follow-up album 'Late Registration' dropped. Performing at the Grammys, live, after his mom passed... I can't lie, I still get emotional when I see this.
The Lonely Island 'Motherlover"
Definitely the most... colorful(?) Mother's Day songs out there, Andy Samberg & Justin Timberlake trade lines about boinking each other's moms. While the song is entertaining & awfully amusing, I do not recommend this song as a tribute on Mother's Day, no matter how much you may hate your mama (or how much you may lust your friend's mama).
And there you have it, the evolution of the Mother's Day song. Regardless of whichever one floats your boat (and I'm really hoping it's not the last one), I hope all the mamas have a delightful day. Peace & love, mamas!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
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