Yes, we are not afraid.
Yes, we will stand our ground.
Yes, we can overpower you.
Intimidation doesn't work on us. No matter how many sacrifices that you've made, there's no playing against the rulebook. No matter how much you try to bend and break, we will keep standing still. Sure, you've got your friends and your allies, but we got the support of the mass. Nobody wants you anyway, you're just a puppet. A puppet supported by a conspiracy to keep higher powers in play.
Have you even thought of a higher conspiracy?
There's no country for old men like you. It's time for a change, for a revolution, for a reform. Unfortunately, you won't be the one to deliver it by any means. We will. Call us sleazy, unprofessional, stubborn. But we are not the scheming, manipulative ones. And we're way too smart to be manipulated by you or any of your puppeteers. Mark my words.
3/2/08
Crazy Little Thing
People say when you're in love.
It's as if tomorrow almost never comes.
How should I know?
Is this love, or is this just infatuation?
But it sure does feel a lot like love.
My heart's all over the world tonight!
It's as if tomorrow almost never comes.
How should I know?
Is this love, or is this just infatuation?
But it sure does feel a lot like love.
My heart's all over the world tonight!
1/24/08
As They Are?
Last year, the musical Dreamgirls made a lot of headlines, Jennifer Hudson won the Oscar, the notorious snub in the Best Picture race, Beyonce's first real acting role, oh, and the soundtrack set the record for the lowest-selling #1 Billboard 200 Album in the history of Nielsen Soundscan with 60,000 copies sold, bettering the previous record it set a week earlier of 66,000.
And yet, this week history very nearly repeated itself.
Alicia Keys' As I Am, that opened 10 weeks ago, held the top spot this week with 61,000 copies sold, a 14% decrease since last week's total of 70,000. The total copies of albums in the top 20 even did not cross the 1 million mark. These numbers indicate the continuing trend of the past three years: the slow but sure death of the music industry, with digital downloads ruling and musicians finding new ways to promote their music, with Radiohead releasing an album online and Madonna signing a contract with Live Nation, ending her 25-year run with Virgin.
Has the music industry really collapsed? With the movie and television industry already suffering from the writers' strike (Will there be no Oscars?), is there really no bright future for the beloved entertainment industry? More importantly, are we expected to live through reruns and reality shows?
Oh wait, American Idol's on again!
And yet, this week history very nearly repeated itself.
Alicia Keys' As I Am, that opened 10 weeks ago, held the top spot this week with 61,000 copies sold, a 14% decrease since last week's total of 70,000. The total copies of albums in the top 20 even did not cross the 1 million mark. These numbers indicate the continuing trend of the past three years: the slow but sure death of the music industry, with digital downloads ruling and musicians finding new ways to promote their music, with Radiohead releasing an album online and Madonna signing a contract with Live Nation, ending her 25-year run with Virgin.
Has the music industry really collapsed? With the movie and television industry already suffering from the writers' strike (Will there be no Oscars?), is there really no bright future for the beloved entertainment industry? More importantly, are we expected to live through reruns and reality shows?
Oh wait, American Idol's on again!
Talking GG
As you all might know, I am a FANATIC of American TV shows, as I follow them by DVDs or, courtesy of my newly-installed broadband, YouTube. One of my favorites, and one that just recently caught on with the public, is Gossip Girl. This glossy CW teen drama is based on a hugely popular series by Cecily von Ziegesar (I've bought some of the books, and they were a major disappointment compared to the TV series) and features some new faces, including Blake Lively (Sisterhood of Traveling Pants), Penn Badgely (John Tucker Must Die) and Chace Crawford (The Covenant). Although the big scene-stealer is the beautiful Leighton Meester, whose role reflects the Ice Queens of old. Also in the mix are Kristen Bell (Heroes, Veronica Mars) voicing Gossip Girl, Taylor Momsen and Ed Westwick. The series also draws a lot back from the OC, as it is created by the same mastermind, Josh Schwartz. Among the accolades were the Best New Drama Series by the People's Choice Awards and recognition as "The Teenized Sex & The City". An incredible feat for the once movie-ready script, who once had cast the infamous Lindsay Lohan playing the central character of Blair (played now by Ms. Meester).
1/23/08
Year In Review: Movies
As promised, here are the the movies that made the best list this year, along with the performances. Posted following the Oscar noms, the one good thing that happened this week, other than the tragedies (Heath Ledger died? Global recession? Justine Henin lost to Maria Sharapova?).
BEST DRAMA
Atonement, a WWII drama that follows on the romance of Keira Knightley and James McAvoy in the time of the war. Their relationship is cut short by false accusations made by Oscar-nominated Saoirse Ronan which leaves them apart and McAvoy sent to war. The film leads the BAFTA nominations and won the GG for Best Drama.
BEST COMEDY
Knocked Up, starring Katherine Heigl in her star-making debut, where her character, a twentysomething reporter for E! gets pregnant by a slacker. The months to follow prove to be a test for this accidental couple, with family and office issues. Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic and Catt Sadler makes cameos as E! reporters.
BEST MUSICAL
La Vie En Rose, a French production that follows the life and tragedies of legendary French star Edith Piaf, played by Marion Cottilard in an Oscar-nominated role. Cotillard actually played the character through 4 decades, using a different layering of makeup to portray different stages of Edith's life - and emotional being.
BEST ACTION
The Bourne Ultimatum, one of the great movies of this year. Mark Wahlberg reprises his role in the hunter-turned-hunted saga, following the success of the prequels, with Julia Stiles and Joan Allen also given scene-stealing roles. The film's ending leaves it hanged though, leaving room for a possible fourth installment.
BEST FANTASY
Enchanted, a Disney flick starring Amy Adams as a princess cursed by Susan Sarandon to a place "where there are no happily ever afters" - which turns out to be New York! There she meets Patrick Dempsey and of course, the rest of the story is like any fairytale book. Three songs got Oscar noms, although Adams was snubbed by the Academy.
BEST THRILLER
There Will Be Blood, a chilling tale about oil kings in the turn of the 20th century, and their quest for money and power. Starring Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis in a powerful performance as a wealthy oil explorer, the movie is hailed as being "ahead of its time" by critics and of course, the notorious line nobody will forget, "I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE".
BEST ANIMATION
Ratatouille, also a Disney film, is an out-there story about a rat who has an incredible sense of cooking and subsequently helps an orphan boy become the greatest chef in Paris. The screenplay is great, supported by great visuals and solid voicing. Ratatouille won the Golden Tomato award earlier this week.
BEST DRAMA
Atonement, a WWII drama that follows on the romance of Keira Knightley and James McAvoy in the time of the war. Their relationship is cut short by false accusations made by Oscar-nominated Saoirse Ronan which leaves them apart and McAvoy sent to war. The film leads the BAFTA nominations and won the GG for Best Drama.
BEST COMEDY
Knocked Up, starring Katherine Heigl in her star-making debut, where her character, a twentysomething reporter for E! gets pregnant by a slacker. The months to follow prove to be a test for this accidental couple, with family and office issues. Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic and Catt Sadler makes cameos as E! reporters.
BEST MUSICAL
La Vie En Rose, a French production that follows the life and tragedies of legendary French star Edith Piaf, played by Marion Cottilard in an Oscar-nominated role. Cotillard actually played the character through 4 decades, using a different layering of makeup to portray different stages of Edith's life - and emotional being.
BEST ACTION
The Bourne Ultimatum, one of the great movies of this year. Mark Wahlberg reprises his role in the hunter-turned-hunted saga, following the success of the prequels, with Julia Stiles and Joan Allen also given scene-stealing roles. The film's ending leaves it hanged though, leaving room for a possible fourth installment.
BEST FANTASY
Enchanted, a Disney flick starring Amy Adams as a princess cursed by Susan Sarandon to a place "where there are no happily ever afters" - which turns out to be New York! There she meets Patrick Dempsey and of course, the rest of the story is like any fairytale book. Three songs got Oscar noms, although Adams was snubbed by the Academy.
BEST THRILLER
There Will Be Blood, a chilling tale about oil kings in the turn of the 20th century, and their quest for money and power. Starring Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis in a powerful performance as a wealthy oil explorer, the movie is hailed as being "ahead of its time" by critics and of course, the notorious line nobody will forget, "I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE".
BEST ANIMATION
Ratatouille, also a Disney film, is an out-there story about a rat who has an incredible sense of cooking and subsequently helps an orphan boy become the greatest chef in Paris. The screenplay is great, supported by great visuals and solid voicing. Ratatouille won the Golden Tomato award earlier this week.
RIP Heath Ledger
I was shocked when I saw it on CNN, this is a really tragic, untimely death for a great actor.
Thoughts & condolences for the family he left behind, and he will be sorely missed.
Thoughts & condolences for the family he left behind, and he will be sorely missed.
12/18/07
Year In Review: Music
Hehe lama banget deh gue ga ngepost. Finally, 2007 is drawing to a close. Sebelum kita masuk ke 2008, review dulu deh top 10 personal gue di 2007. First up: MUSIC.
Feist "The Reminder"
1 2 3 4 tell me that you love me more. Seen that song? Lagu "1 2 3 4" ini emang sering banget diputer di TV. Obviously lagu ini indie darling kita di 2007. Awalnya sebelum videonya buat iPod keluar, gue suka banget ama ini lagu. Tapi yang buat gue ngedengerin album ini awalnya lagu "My Moon My Man", dahsyaat. Blom liat video klipnya? See it on YouTube.
Maroon 5 "It Won't Be Soon Before Long"
Siapa yang blom denger minimal dua lagu dari album ini? "Nothing Lasts Forever", "Better That We Break" and "Won't Go Home Without You" itu anthem banget lah 2007 ini. Albumnya emang poppy banget, tapi tetep ada rasa Maroon 5 yang lama. As I feel, these guys are one big hit away from becoming the best pop act this decade.
Amy Winehouse "Back To Black"
Jarang ada artis yang mau recycle beat dari 60an buat era sekarang, apalagi yang lagunya jadi sukses. "Rehab" is arguably the coolest song this year dan banyaknya industry love buat Amy menjadikan dia the best newcomer of the year. "Rehab" juga mungkin anthem buat para Hollywood partygirls seperti Lindsay, Nicole dan Britney. Lagu oke lain: "You Know I'm No Good".
Rihanna "Good Girl Gone Bad"
Album yang membuat sebuah payung menjadi global phenomenon. Ella ella e e e. The single of the year dan membuat Rihanna berubah dari hiphop cutie menjadi teenage sex symbol. "Umbrella" sendiri banyak remixnya dan covernya, dari Mandy Moore sampai Chris Brown. Pada album ini, RihRih sendiri mulai experiment dengan tipe lagu lain, seperti "Don't Stop The Music" yang techno. Lagu ini adalah the Dance Airplay Single of the year.
Kanye West "Graduation"
The biggest opening sales week this year. That alone is enough. Beating 50 Cent at the charts? Icing on the Louis Vuitton Don's superb year. Topped off with 8 Grammy nods. "Stronger" punya mass appeal gede dengan sampling Daft Punk, video yang terinspirasi dari anime classic Akira dan cameo dari Cassie. Emang single ini ga konvensional, tapi setelah lo ngedengerin lama kelamaan oke banget.
Timbaland Presents "Shock Value"
Maestro HipHop selama dekade terakhir ini akhirnya merilis solo album. Lagu-lagunya beatnya oke banget, "Give It To Me" yang featuring Ms. Furtado dan Mr. Timberlake misalnya, catchy dan easy banget. Sama banget seperti "The Way I Are" yang ada Keri Hilsonnya. Tapi, Timbo mix it up juga dengan "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic yang slow.
Fall Out Boy "Infinity on High"
The follow-up dari album FOB 2004 ini emang agak lain dari style FOB, sekarang mereka lebih hiphop dan ada feel urbannya. Banyak juga yang ga suka tapi menurut gue ini inovatif dan lebih asli mereka. "This Ain't A Scene" karaoke friendly plus video yang kocak banget. "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" sempet jadi rock's summer anthem dan "The Takeover" has the beat that will last for years.
Lily Allen "Alright, Still"
Music Lily emang ga konventional, liriknya banyak yang aneh dan kedengerannya simple tapi dia sebenernya banyak profanitynya. "Everything's Just Wonderful" is probably my favorite song this year, dan lagu-lagu lain, "Smile" dan "LDN" paling asik buat disetel sambil jalan di siang hari Bandung yang panass. Hehe. Tapi salah satu single terbaik Lily pas dia duet sama Mark Ronson di "Oh My God" yang ngecover Kaiser Chiefs.
Common "Finding Forever"
One of the best lyricists sekarang, Common emang banyak ambil sample dari Mr. West. Tapi denger apa yang dia kasih di album ini dan you will be blown away. Masalah yang dia bahas, dari adultery di "I Want You" yang ada will.i.am, Alicia Keys, Kanye, Serena Williams dan Kerry Washington di videonya, sampai third world depression di "Drivin' Me Wild" (feat. Ms. Allen). Safe to say, Common will be the next rap superstar.
Kelly Clarkson "My December"
Album Kelly yang sebelumnya membuat dia jadi megastar dan the premier rock chick of the decade. Sayangnya di album ini dia menjadi terlalu liar dan terlalu rock. Suaranya yang buat dia menang Idol jadi lenyap di tengah kerasnya musik. Namun, album ini memiliki dua track yang standout dan mengingatkan orang kalo Kelly itu seorang songwriter dan vocalist yang berkelas, "Sober" dan "Be Still".
So that was my year in music. Not sure with it? Comment me. Next up: MOVIES.
Feist "The Reminder"
1 2 3 4 tell me that you love me more. Seen that song? Lagu "1 2 3 4" ini emang sering banget diputer di TV. Obviously lagu ini indie darling kita di 2007. Awalnya sebelum videonya buat iPod keluar, gue suka banget ama ini lagu. Tapi yang buat gue ngedengerin album ini awalnya lagu "My Moon My Man", dahsyaat. Blom liat video klipnya? See it on YouTube.
Maroon 5 "It Won't Be Soon Before Long"
Siapa yang blom denger minimal dua lagu dari album ini? "Nothing Lasts Forever", "Better That We Break" and "Won't Go Home Without You" itu anthem banget lah 2007 ini. Albumnya emang poppy banget, tapi tetep ada rasa Maroon 5 yang lama. As I feel, these guys are one big hit away from becoming the best pop act this decade.
Amy Winehouse "Back To Black"
Jarang ada artis yang mau recycle beat dari 60an buat era sekarang, apalagi yang lagunya jadi sukses. "Rehab" is arguably the coolest song this year dan banyaknya industry love buat Amy menjadikan dia the best newcomer of the year. "Rehab" juga mungkin anthem buat para Hollywood partygirls seperti Lindsay, Nicole dan Britney. Lagu oke lain: "You Know I'm No Good".
Rihanna "Good Girl Gone Bad"
Album yang membuat sebuah payung menjadi global phenomenon. Ella ella e e e. The single of the year dan membuat Rihanna berubah dari hiphop cutie menjadi teenage sex symbol. "Umbrella" sendiri banyak remixnya dan covernya, dari Mandy Moore sampai Chris Brown. Pada album ini, RihRih sendiri mulai experiment dengan tipe lagu lain, seperti "Don't Stop The Music" yang techno. Lagu ini adalah the Dance Airplay Single of the year.
Kanye West "Graduation"
The biggest opening sales week this year. That alone is enough. Beating 50 Cent at the charts? Icing on the Louis Vuitton Don's superb year. Topped off with 8 Grammy nods. "Stronger" punya mass appeal gede dengan sampling Daft Punk, video yang terinspirasi dari anime classic Akira dan cameo dari Cassie. Emang single ini ga konvensional, tapi setelah lo ngedengerin lama kelamaan oke banget.
Timbaland Presents "Shock Value"
Maestro HipHop selama dekade terakhir ini akhirnya merilis solo album. Lagu-lagunya beatnya oke banget, "Give It To Me" yang featuring Ms. Furtado dan Mr. Timberlake misalnya, catchy dan easy banget. Sama banget seperti "The Way I Are" yang ada Keri Hilsonnya. Tapi, Timbo mix it up juga dengan "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic yang slow.
Fall Out Boy "Infinity on High"
The follow-up dari album FOB 2004 ini emang agak lain dari style FOB, sekarang mereka lebih hiphop dan ada feel urbannya. Banyak juga yang ga suka tapi menurut gue ini inovatif dan lebih asli mereka. "This Ain't A Scene" karaoke friendly plus video yang kocak banget. "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" sempet jadi rock's summer anthem dan "The Takeover" has the beat that will last for years.
Lily Allen "Alright, Still"
Music Lily emang ga konventional, liriknya banyak yang aneh dan kedengerannya simple tapi dia sebenernya banyak profanitynya. "Everything's Just Wonderful" is probably my favorite song this year, dan lagu-lagu lain, "Smile" dan "LDN" paling asik buat disetel sambil jalan di siang hari Bandung yang panass. Hehe. Tapi salah satu single terbaik Lily pas dia duet sama Mark Ronson di "Oh My God" yang ngecover Kaiser Chiefs.
Common "Finding Forever"
One of the best lyricists sekarang, Common emang banyak ambil sample dari Mr. West. Tapi denger apa yang dia kasih di album ini dan you will be blown away. Masalah yang dia bahas, dari adultery di "I Want You" yang ada will.i.am, Alicia Keys, Kanye, Serena Williams dan Kerry Washington di videonya, sampai third world depression di "Drivin' Me Wild" (feat. Ms. Allen). Safe to say, Common will be the next rap superstar.
Kelly Clarkson "My December"
Album Kelly yang sebelumnya membuat dia jadi megastar dan the premier rock chick of the decade. Sayangnya di album ini dia menjadi terlalu liar dan terlalu rock. Suaranya yang buat dia menang Idol jadi lenyap di tengah kerasnya musik. Namun, album ini memiliki dua track yang standout dan mengingatkan orang kalo Kelly itu seorang songwriter dan vocalist yang berkelas, "Sober" dan "Be Still".
So that was my year in music. Not sure with it? Comment me. Next up: MOVIES.
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