NEW YEARS EVE 08 OR NEW YEARS EVE 09?

Maybe I'm insane, but isn't this coming December 31st described as NEW YEARS EVE 2008?? NOT New Years Eve 2009? Sure, its debatable, however look at a calendar - it's "New Year's Eve 2008" and we are "ringing in NEW YEARS 2009."

I guess someone got a little confused when they organized their event, because now its being advertised as "NYE09" instead of what was up on the ticket sites as "NYE2008"




But then there's www.newyearsevecentral.com, which states December 31st is "New Year's Eve 2009"

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure Dick Clark knows his shit....

Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve
Monday, 12/31 at 10/9c

Dick Clark Productions, Inc., producer of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2008," today announced that multi-platinum three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Fergie will return to host and perform during the New Year's party celebration in Hollywood. The Hollywood party will also feature performances by Akon, Natasha Bedingfield, Sean Kingston, OneRepublic, Plain White T's, Taylor Swift and will.i. am. In addition, "Dancing with the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba, whose new ABC show, "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann," debuts in January, will make an appearance in the first hour.

The 36th Annual Edition of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" will be broadcast on December 31 on ABC. The special event will be hosted in New York by Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest starting at 10:00 p.m. (ET & PT) and will include three and a half hours of special performances and reports on New Year's celebrations from around the globe

Conversations in STARBUCKS

I can't begin to describe the insanity that has occured to me over the past two years in random Starbucks in NYC. So I leave you with this simple conversation:

Man: "ohhh tattoo on the foot."

Me: "yup...never again...way too painful"

Man: "as painful as this?" ::holds up left hand with half a finger missing::

Me: "eek sorry."

Man: "don't be."

Me: "well at least ur pain was quick huh?"

Man: "no...wire cutters...then I was tortured for 3 days. Prisoner of war. Just like McCain."

Then he went on to tell me that they elected Obamba to embarass him bc they're impeaching him "as we speak."

SCRAP METAL @ MOHEGAN SUN

Back on Oct. 4, I had the chance to check out Scrap Metal at the Wolf's Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Special guest Kip Winger opened the show with a 20-minute or so all-acoustic set. I love him acoustically because it really showcases his great voice. Among the songs he performed were: “Down Incognito,” “Headed For A Heartbreak,” “Miles Away,” “EZ Come EZ Go,” “Madalaine” and “Seventeen.”

Kip Winger at the meet-n-greet

Next, the core members of Scrap Metal took the stage—Mark Slaughter, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson and Eric Martin. They played Slaughter, Nelson and Mr. Big songs—in that order—until each had done about four tunes. We got Slaughter's “Mad About You,” “Burning Bridges,” “Fly To The Angels” and “Up All Night”; Nelson's “After The Rain,” “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love & Affection,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “More Than Ever” (which was one of my favorites of the night); and Mr. Big's “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” “To Be With You” and “Alive & Kickin’.”

Gunnar & Matthew Nelson onstage

Mark Slaughter onstage

Then, second special guest Jeff Scott Soto came out. He did three Journey songs (including “Don’t Stop Believing”) and a cover of Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust.” He teased the audience with his big song from the film Rock Star—“Stand Up & Shout”—but didn’t do it.

For the finale, everyone came out onstage to do Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down.”

This was one of the best shows I’ve seen in years! It was so cool to see all of those great musicians onstage at the exact same time, playing and respecting each other’s songs. It was fun! It was exciting! The energy was amazing! And, not once was I disappointed.

All of the guys looked and sounded great! AND—they were all enjoying themselves onstage. In between songs, they told some stories, joked around and what not.

Eric Martin at the meet-n-greet

***All pictures taken by Cheryl A. Hoahing***

He's in Love with Janie Jones

"WHAT A FUCKING BITCH!!!!"

That was my reaction to the last line of this week's episode of Californication spoken by Karen. "Yeahhhh...but he [Lew Ashby] is a great kisser..." If that wasn't another SHOT in Hank's heart I don't know what is. After about 10 seconds my reaction turned into actually feeling sorry for Karen for once...because...well, I think Kristal Hawkins at NYmag.com's VULTURE blog sums it up best:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/11/californication_karen_gets_in.html

Also, are we realizing that Lew is fond of Karen because she reminds him of Janie (who I must add is mighty hot). For the most part, this was the first episode of the season that I actually enjoyed. YAY!

But next week? Hmmmmm....

ALVIN...SIMON...THEODORE!!!

Alvin & The Chipmunks Rule!!!

I just listened to their brand new album, Undeniable, and it's really fun!

Who doesn't want to hear squeaky versions of classic rock, pop and disco hits!?!

My favorite track is their cover of Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer," of course. They even start out the song acoustically. It's totally adorable!!!

I also really like the 'Munks doing 'Time Warp" from The Rocky Horror Show. It's a "Classic Chipmunk" recording that Alvin really rocks out on.

You also get to hear the trio reinterpret Bob Marley ("Three Little Birds"),  Blink-182 ("All The Small Things"—are they singing about themselves? LOL!), Journey ("Don't Stop Believin'"), Led Zeppelin ("Rock and Roll"), Daughtry ("Home") and others. Plus, there are some Chipmunk originals.

And, in case you haven't heard, Alvin, Simon and Theodore are busy working on their next feature film, a follow-up to their 2007 hit flick.

Even though it's nearly 4AM in the morning, I am being serious here. 

Chipmunks forever!!!

THAT METAL SHOW

Metal fans out there will want to make sure they check out the premiere of VH1 Classic's That Metal Show on Saturday, November 15, at 11PM.

I personally know all three of the guys hosting the show and they are very cool and very knowledgeable when it comes to classic metal bands.

Plus, they have some really awesome guests lined up.

Here's parts of the official press release with more details:

NEW YORK – October 28, 2008 – After November 15, all heavy metal and hard rock fans are going to be talking about “That Metal Show.”VH1 Classic has mixed the best of “The View” with “Headbangers’ Ball” to create “That Metal Show,” an outrageously funny weekly series that discusses and debates everything in the world of metal.

Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands undoubtedly have some of the most intense and dedicated fans in the music scene. Many debate—and disagree over—which bands stand the test of time, and which are easily forgotten. “That Metal Show,” premiering on VH1 Classic on Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 PM*, settles all arguments and even debates new ones. From Sabbath to Slayer to Dokken to Dio, “That Metal Show” covers all of the fist pumping, head banging, hard rock acts of the past 40 years.

Hosts Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine (Crank Yankers, Inside the NFL, Meet The Creeps) and Don Jamieson (Inside The NFL, Dice Undisputed, Meet The Creeps) discuss the latest rock news, share stories and argue about their favorite bands. Each week they will be joined by special guests who will weigh in with their opinions and offer their own unique viewpoints to each episode Scheduled to appear the first season are rock legends Rush, Twisted Sister, Lita Ford, Ace Frehley of KISS and a very special appearance by former baseball star Mike Piazza. Whether they’re arguing over the best British Metal Band of all time in “The Throwdown ” or tracking down one of your favorite metal artists who disappeared in a “Whatever Happened To” segment, no topic is too small and no metal band is left behind.

But “That Metal Show” isn’t just a roundtable discussion; it’s about comedy too. Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson will hit the streets to connect and hang out with the fans....and by “connect” we mean pull pranks on them. In one episode, they pull a fast one on fans outside a Van Halen concert by telling them that they have a direct line to the band backstage. The comedy continues in studio, as host Eddie Trunk takes on the metal maniacs in the studio audience in the “Stump the Trunk “ metal trivia contest. If the audience can stump Eddie, they win a metal-worthy prize.

“That Metal Show” is a hilarious 30 minutes of mayhem that all fans of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal are bound to love! It is the perfect combination of music and comedy in one show. Tune in to VH1 Classic on November 15 at 11PM* to join the debate, and rock on!

For more information on That Metal Show, visit:
http://www.vh1classic.com

I Heart Coked Out Marcy!

Sunday night's episode made me feel dirty. I also get way too choked up when Becca speaks to Hank. Some scenes of this episode were unwatchable...as much as I'd like to go for a ride on papa Hank, I had to fast forward through the sex scenes. They just don't interest me anymore (GASP). And I certainly did not need to know that Mallory Keaton had her period. On of the final scenes of this one made me feel like i had been punched in the stomach by a 400lb body guard - Becca scolding her father.

I couldn't bear to post that scene here, for if I watch it again I might slit my wrists. Her scolding went something like this: “I'm always on your side, always, even when I shouldn't be. But I'm sick of it. I don't care if you and mom never say another kind word to each other, but I'm sick and tired of parenting you both. I'm a kid! I don't know what I'm doing half the time! But I do know this...If you keep cracking jokes, and taking another drink, and pretending that life is one big stupid party, you will miss everything.”

I think i need to watch Seanson 1 over again and see if it really was better than this season or if i'm just becoming jaded.

On another note, I am loving coked out Marcy! If you've never seen the movie Some Girl with Juliette Lewis, Marissa & Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Rapaport and the lovely Pamela Adlon pay three bucks for it on eBay and enjoy. Adlon plays the tough friend of a heartbroken Marissa Ribisi and kicks ASS.

CHINESE DEMOCRACY

MusikBLITZ cannot wait to hear this!!!

Vagina MonoVlogs

Could it be possible that Mia's vlog is more interesting than the last few episodes of Californication? As much as I am patiently waiting for Karen to spank the shit out of Mia for stealing Hanky's novel, I really love the character development the writers have done with Mia. Unfortunately I can't say that for Hank - I think his character has become corny and they're going way too far with the chivalrous male crap...have you heard of subtly?

Coke Dick & the First Kick

Maybe its because the previews gave EVERYTHING away, but last night I felt myself not as enthused with Californication. Or it could have been the lack of cute little devil worshipping Becca (Hank and Karen's daughter). I am extremely disgusted that Lew banged Mia (though this was expected) - someone needs to hand that girl her ass...I'd love to do it myself.

God help me if this baby is really Hank's, though I have a feeling that either it won't be his or she'll have a miscarriage. If it ends up being Hank's I might have to stop watching the show.

A quote from the lovely Becca: "It's all well and good to talk about happy endings, but if a person can't deliver,
if he keeps screwing up, well, eventually i guess you kinda just have to say fuck you.
Or words to that effect."

SUPER CHIX

In early 2009, a rock opera like you’ve never seen before will open off-Broadway in New York City—Super Chix. This edgy show, written and composed by Lourds Lane, will feature an all-female cast of talented musicians from NYC’s indie rock scene. According to Lane, the show chronicles “the journey of one self-effacing young woman and super-talented comic book artist as she struggles to get out of an abusive relationship and grow to love herself…. Get ready for riveting rock and roll divas, over-the top guitar solos, thundering drum core sections, electric violin and flute insanity, and songs that you will instantly walk away singing.”

Several of the gorgeous and gifted girls from Super Chix appeared at Don Hill’s on October 23 for a special version of the monthly Take Back New York night where they previewed a bunch of songs from the upcoming musical. The powerful—both musically and lyrically— tunes will speak to everyone.

Check out these awesome Super Chix pix taken by Wayne Herrschaft at Don Hill’s:

Super Chix
(Queen V, Militia, Lourds Lane and Kacie Sheik)

Lourds Lane
(Music Director/Vocals/Electric Violin)

Queen V
(Vocals)

Militia
(Vocals)

Jennifer Arroyo
(Bass)

Learn more about the Super Chix production at:
http://www.myspace.com/superchixrocks

"Asian tourists scream when i walk down the street"

Meet the new love of my life, and hopefully yours - JEFREE STAR. I'll admit, when I first got an email about him I thought "who the F is this Marilyn Manson / Boy George wanna be???????" Much to my surprise I am eating up his cotton candy trashy glamorous electro pop just as much as I've been obsessing over Semi Precious Weapsons' live show.


http://www.youtube.com/jeffreestar

Welcome to Vaginatown... or SUCKtown

Last week's episode of Californication (as you will soon realize, this show consumes me as does its name) I was nearly crying when Hank (David Duchovny) proposed to Karen. Sure it was a little too perfect and the lines were A LOT more cheesy than usual, but it was a total breakthrough in the show and my tears were for joy.

However, Sunday's episode left me enraged and hysterical crying (wow, I am such a woman). Crying is very unusual for me so it's kind of pathetic Karen breaking up with Hank brought me to tears. Bitch, if you thought you made a mistake, you should have never put the ring on!

I fear the next few episodes are only going to make me more and more angry at Hank. But, as Lew Ashby told Hank, he always had that rockstar vibe. Sigh...

BUTCH WALKER @ ANGELS AND KINGS

The amazingly talented Butch Walker premiered three songs from his upcoming album, Sycamore Meadows, at a private party at New York City’s Angels & Kings on October 23.

Taking the stage armed only with his trusty acoustic guitar, the singer-songwriter performed “The Weight Of Her” (the album’s first single), “Here Comes The…” and “Going Back/Going Home.”

“Going Back/Going Home” was the best song of the trio Walker debuted. The tune features a quirky rap in the middle in which Butch sums up the first 38 years of his life—from being born in 1969 in the suburbs to losing his virginity to going to Hollywood at 19 with his first band Southgang to starting over with the “one hit wonder” Marvelous 3 to going solo. Brilliant!

Here's two pics of Butch playing at Angels & Kings courtesy of Ashley Cook:





For those not familiar with this musical mastermind…look him up fast!!! In addition to his own great music, he’s also written for and produced a ton of artists like Avril Lavigne, Pink, Fall Out Boy and Katy Perry as well as three of my personal favorite bands Bowling For Soup, SR-71 and American Hi-Fi.

Sycamore Meadows comes out November 11.

http://www.myspace.com/butchwalker

MUSIC AT THE KNICKS GAME

I went to Tuesday night's Knicks game (where they lost to the Celtics... but that's another story). What I would like to discuss is the music played over the PA at Madison Square Garden.

Except for the instrumental theme songs to The Addams Family and Green Acres, every single musical selection was either a rap or an R&B tune.

Now, I know that the majority of the players in the NBA are African-American and, most likely, enjoy those genres of music, but not every basketball fan in attendance wants to hear only those types of music for the 3+ hours they are at the arena.

How come well-known songs that have become sports' anthems—like Gary Glitter's "Rock & Roll (Pt. 2)" or Queen's "We Will Rock You"—weren't played? 

What about more mainstream pop songs—both old and new—that everybody knows and can sing/dance along to?

I'm not against rap/R&B music. In fact, I did enjoy hearing the classic Michael Jackson song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and Naughty By Nature's "Hip Hop Hooray." That's not my point.

My point is that there should have been more of a variety of music at the game. There should have been selections from all musical genres—be it pop, metal, jazz, country, rockabilly or polka.

Agreed?

~Cheryl

P.S.—LL Cool J was at the game I went to. He was interviewed on the court and was shown up on the Jumbotron. Do you think they played any of his music? Of course not. That would make too much sense.

SEMI PRECIOUS PUBLICITY

It's the first day of CMJ and my first order of business was checking out the "Everything PR Minus the Music" panel. Going into it, I was completely perplexed as to why in god's name Justin Tranter from Semi Precious Weapons was part of this panel among four publicity/marketing experts. I was also kind of shocked that the room was mostly filled with NYU students, rather than actual publicists wanting to hear what their colleagues had to say. 

After I finished rolling my eyes to myself at Mister  Semi Precious Weapons, I actually started listening to what he had to say...and damnit...he knows his shit. He's very involved in branding his band and jewelry line and is pretty darn savvy on the pr/marketing front. 

Anyway, some of my fav quotes from his publicity advice today:

"Perez Hilton is King so I made him one of my Best Friends...and I have no shame in that!"

"Hipster press must die...I'd rather be in US Weekly than Pitchfork."

"People post fucked up [things like] 'fuck this fag.' I say 'ok, well line up!" (on bad press, especially on blogs)

WELCOME

Welcome to MusikBLITZ where Jenn & Cheryl will talk about music, pop culture and whatever else is on our minds.

Enjoy!!!