Yesterday in Louisville at the KFC Yums! Center, Taylor Swift gave an amazing performance for her Red Tour. I was able to film two songs completely, “Red” and “I Knew You Were Trouble”.
The live version of “I Knew You Were Trouble” has a lot more dubstep and begins with an awesome fiddle solo by her red-haired fiddle player.
A lot of people are always talking about how MTV isn’t about the music anymore. There are many that are even hateful about it. You would think MTV was a government program that was sanctioned to provide us with music videos twenty-four hours a day. Guess what? MTV isn’t a government program and music videos just weren’t paying the bills anymore. Less money can be contributed to websites such as You Tube and it’s channel(now website) VEVO that have music videos that are just a search away. The day TRL signed off for good, the hopes of music coming back to the channel checked-out without it.
MTV went with the success of their original reality series The Real World and built upon that. While not all shows have succeed, those that have have all put their mark on pop culture. In the past we’ve seen The Osbourne’s, My Super Sweet 16, The Hills, Laguna Beach, Jackass, and many more. You probably get the picture though.
Controversy pays really well and that is where we start talking about the 16 and Pregnant & Teen Mom series, and our beloved Jersey Shore. They have all proven that they’re needed to pay the bills. Jersey Shore of course brought unexpected record ratings and was a huge cultural event across the globe. Both show have brought along scandals, shocking moments, and babies.
MTV really hit it big during 2011 when it started to show its own original scripted programming. The first show Skins, a remake of the worldwide hit British show was cancelled. You can’t really blame the program or MTV for this. Those annoy bitches at the Parents Council were the main culprits of its cancellation. These people seriously should watch the British Skins, they would literally go into compulsions if they thought MTV’s version was bad.
Luckily, that show experience didn’t deter MTV from original scripted content. During summer 2011. the network released two shows that have proven very, very successful for the network. The most widely successful show is Awkward., a comedy about a high school girl named Jenna who has a public blog on which she journals her private thoughts for the world to see, and becomes well-known at school for becoming a part of a fake suicide attempt. The show is very funny, and everyone who watches it can’t help but fall deeply in love with it.
The second show is Teen Wolf, which is more of a dark re-imagining of the movie of the same name that was a comedy. The show is pretty self-explanatory with that title and is MTV’s answer to The Vampire Diaries. Teen Wolf has gained a large fanbase as well and continues to do well in ratings. It has it’s scary, suspenseful moments, and its love scenes. All together it is a pretty well-rounded show.
The newest show to hit MTV is Nikki and Sara LIVE!, which is doing very well. MTV was smart to get on the cable, late-night show women bandwagon that was started when E! gave Chelsea Handler her talk show, Chelsea Lately. The shows has two hosts Nikki Glaser and Sara Schaefer who are both very down-to-earth and very funny women. They just wrapped their first season last night, and hopefully won’t be gone for too long.
I think you can see with all of this success why MTV has chosen to drop music. Despite what many people seem to think, MTV hasn’t dropped music completely. They just don’t show it during peak times when advertising dollars aren’t really a major player. MTV shows MTV Clubland, it is based on the genre of EDM, from 3a-4a; AMTV shows from 4a-6a and 7a-9a, and is Top 40 based, and MTV Jams is on from 6a-7a.
MTV removed the phrase “Music Television” from its logo in the last year and the name MTV really is more of an homage of the channels past than its present or future. I do like how since they are still involved with music, they show what song is playing and what artist during their shows as the songs get played. Take that Shazam app.
I’m not as affected by MTV losing it’s beat, literally, since I’m young enough that I only caught the original show on the very tail-end of that era. When ad dollars are up for grabs, music just doesn’t pay visually anymore. I suppose the channel could have just folded, and that would have upset people as well. I think they are doing well with their late-night comedy and scripted shows and I do think that is the future. The future maybe could feature more music based programming. Ke$ha’s new reality show premieres next Tuesday. I mean, it is music based.
What are your thoughts on MTV and their past, current, or future content? What kind of programming would you like to see in the future on the network? Let me know in the comment section.
After last week’s emotional episode it seems like we could possibly be done with Jane Lynch’s character, Sue Sylvester. While no one died during McKinley High’s school “shooting”, the end of Sue Sylvester is just as bad as another character dying. No Sue really isn’t a big surprise if you’ve been watching this season of Glee.
Sue Sylvester got fired from McKinley High on last weeks’ episode of Glee protecting Becky, the down syndrome character that Sue Sylvester always had a soft spot and connection with. Becky brought the gun because she thought she has to protect herself from the world when she graduates. Instead of letting Becky get expelled, Sue says she has a gun in her school, office due to the way things have been going in the country lately. The last we see of Sue is at the end of the episode where she is packing up her things and leaving the school.
I kinda figured we would be saying goodbye to Jane Lynch and her character Sue Sylvester a few episodes into this current season. Sue’s presence at McKinley High has slowly waned from the beginning of the episode and has went some episodes without even being seen or mentioned. Sue has been known from the beginning as the Glee Club’s enemy number one. She quickly grew a fan base with her cruel jokes, heartless thinking, and aggressive off the wall behaviour. Throughout the course of the show we have also seen that Sue is much like an ogre and has layers.She can be very sweet and have sweet moments when it comes to Becky or her sister who died in an episode.
It would seem to me with Glee‘s ratings way down that FOX has asked for the show to cut some of its budget, which is what I guessed when Jane Lynch became more of a guest appearance than a season regular. They can’t cut the music out which is most likely a huge chunk of the shows budget. If you can cut out some regulars then you save per episode and you have more money to pay guest actors and actresses such as Katey Sagal and Kate Hudson who may boost ratings more than a regular would have. Maybe I am wrong and Jane Lynch wanted out to pursue other interest?
I can’t imagine we won’t see Sue Sylvester ever again. I would be crushed if she isn’t on from time to time, I guess kinda like she has been this season. She definitely better make an appearance on the series finale(next season, May 2014?), when ever that may be.
How did you like last weeks episode of Glee ”Shooting Star”? Let me know your thoughts on Jane Lynch’s probable departure and last weeks episode in the comments. Check out my review of the episode down below on my You Tube channel.
Saturday sketches are happening again on my You Tube channel. The first of these sketches was released February 23. It is based on a fake-vlogging trip to an art gallery.
How could someone not dance to this song that seems to put a smile on everyone’s face? Some try to critique the song when I find that there is nothing to be critiqued. I will not be doing that. I am here to say that this song, the viral sensation of the fall, is fun. It’s just that. It has made Psy a household name and brought K-Pop into the light to millions of people. Can the hugely popular in South Korea singer can keep is popularity in America? That is to be seen. It doesn’t matter it is a song that for the duration connects and brings the world together.
The song as also become the most watched music video in the world on You Tube where as of writing, it has obtained 889,107,485 views. That is amazing and crazy! I tip my no-existent hat to Psy.
RATING: 5/5(FOR PURE ENJOYABLILTY AND HAPPINESS)
-JakeLX
It seems that poor PSY, the South Korean, Gangnam Style, hit maker is tired of his own creation. You can’t blame the guy who has had his innocent song go viral all over the world. Literally, all over the world. The music video for Gangnam Style has now become the most watched video on You Tube with over 800 million views. He replaced Justin Bieber’s Baby video and got their way faster than Bieber did.
The song really is one of those that can get annoying and I can’t imagine having to sing and perform the song over and over and do that same dance over and over. It would probably be annoying to think that you are a well-known and respected music artist in your home country, but you are traveling the world singing the one hit that outside of South Korea most people will ever hear from you.
Red Album Review:
I believe many people in the world of country music was afraid that Red was going to be released as a full on “pop” album, but I have to say that after listening to the album, the majority of the tracks don’t sound too different from the songs on Speak Now. I know that isn’t relief to some hardcore country music fans, but hey, she’s not leaving her roots entirely and will continue to live in the country pop realm of country music.
The only exception to this album is “I Knew You Were Trouble” which, yes, is nowhere near country music, but closer to a dance track. It’s also a big “fuck you” to John Mayer, so I may have enjoyed it a little too much. What you will find on this fourth album by Taylor is a mix of that new country sound like Speak Now, rock, and singer-songwriter. Some of the tracks have been compared to U2 and Coldplay, but I honestly don’t see any comparisons, but would gladly accept anyone who could explain why this has been said about some of these tracks.
You will also find a Taylor that has grown as an artist vocally. Her voice shines better than ever, and if you think it is auto tune, I will tell you to go to one of her concerts or listen to the acoustic version of “State of Grace” found on the deluxe version of the album. I think this album will grab anyone left that is on the line of liking Taylor and bring them aboard the S.S. Swift.
Red in general is a very sad album about heartbreak. There are little glimmers of happiness, daydreams, and love that has been. Not all the songs are down tempo songs of tragic love that Taylor seems to always go through; there are some up tempo songs about her tragic love life. Overall, I do think that this is Taylor Swift’s best album of her career, and I am sure she will question it and will continue to be as humble as ever, as she always has been.
Rating: 5/5
The Track-By-Track Review:
1) State of Grace: Definitely a song that has that big arena song sound. Has more of a rocking sound than most of Taylor’s songs. I think the main line of thought is how you have to fight for love to last, but it is worth it in the end. It also has the minor theme of being caught off guard by someone who you never saw coming or someone you didn’t see falling in love with at first. Rated it the way I did because I think it is a good song that isn’t typical Taylor, but good.
Rating: 4/5
2) Red: The title track and theme of this album. This song is the sound that we are used to hearing from Swift. The song is about how quickly Taylor is to fall in love and that even if the relationship ends suddenly; it is still as passionate for her as a longer relationship is for other people.
Rating: 4/5
3) Treacherous: Like, “Red” this track is similar to Taylor’s Speak Now sound. The song is about dating someone who is clearly bad for her, but hey, this starlet loves chasing after the bad boy even though she knows it isn’t going to be a healthy relationship. I rated it so low because I think it slows down the front half of the album from the two first tracks. Also, I feel like it is about John Mayer, and he’s an ass.
Rating: 2/5
4) I Knew You Were Trouble: I know most people who want country Taylor is going to hate this song. This song however is going to do amazingly well on the Top 40 charts I do believe. Many hate to see Taylor work with the Swedish Max Martin producer. Martin is better known for working with Katy Perry and Britney Spears. This song is probably one of my faves on the album. It is the farthest thing from country that Taylor has attempted. I mean the song is so catchy, has dubstep(not heavy), and I know it pisses off John Mayer better than “Treacherous” will. For all of these reasons and probably more, I rate this song the highest I can.
Rating: 5/5
5) All Too Well: This is another great song on the album. Even if Taylor won’t tell us that it’s about Jake Gyllenhaal, she leaves plenty of lyrical hints. I feel like this song makes her seem as well-spoken as she is during interviews. It is also much more mature than the other song about this relationship, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. The way she comes across in this song is about the same as “Back To December”(Taylor Lautner), she really loved him. This time unlike with Lautner, she was the one who got broken up with. The music, the lyrics lends this track to a higher rating.
Rating: 5/5
6) 22: This is the second song on the album to be produced by Max Martin. Again, I like it. It is fun and makes you wanna dance. I feel like it doesn’t step too far out of the Taylor-sound, but isn’t clearly just her sound. I think this song expresses what Taylor is always saying. She lives the most normal life that she can and no matter what everything will be okay with her life if she is still able to have fun. I feel like this song means more to me cause I just turned 22.
Rating: 4/5
7) I Almost Do: This is probably one of the prettier songs on the album. It is about how her and a guy have broken up, and he keeps trying to talk to her afterward, but she can’t speak to him and say goodbye to him all over again. The basis of this is she does wanna call him, but she knows she isn’t over him enough to allow herself to talk to him and not get hurt cause she wants him to ask her to be a couple again.
Rating: 3/5
8) We Are Never Getting Back Together: I don’t really need to explain this song to anyone, now do I? This is Taylor immature break-up song with Jake and while the clues are a bit vaguer, they are still there, and say that it is about Jake. This is Max Martin produced which is the only reason I can imagine country radio has shunned it in a way. The song sounds country pop, so not sure their problem. Who says a Swedish producer can’t do country?
Rating: 3/5
9) Stay Stay Stay: This is a song that when you first listen to it, you will think this is a crap song. I love Taylor and thought this. The chorus is just so… So, simple? After a second or third listen you will love it though. It is a funny song that is on the happier side of this otherwise sad album. It is about her dating someone who even though they fight, they both know that they aren’t going to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Rating: 3/5
10) The Last Time feat. Gary Light: This is probably one of the sadder songs on the album. It features Gary Light of Snow Patrol, who is known for their sadder songs. It sounds very much like one of Snow Patrol’s songs as well. The song is about a relationship that is falling apart and both people in it are being selfish and asking the other to try again to save the relationship or they both are willing to let the flame die.
Rating: 5/5
11) Holy Ground: I could be wrong, but I feel like this song is about even though they have broken up, they will always have the fun and memorable memories that they created and shared together. The Holy Ground in this song is those memories.
Rating: 3/5
12) Sad Beautiful Tragic: This song sounds to me like it is a relationship that didn’t even get off to a great start. It never even had a chance to be something good. This is a slow song, but it is yet again beautiful even if lyrically it is very sad.
Rating: 4/5
13) The Lucky One: This song has quickly grown into one of my favourites. It is about someone who grows up wanting to be famous, then they get it and its great, and then it starts going bad. This person decides to get out of the fame. Then the song goes to Taylor arriving into the fame life and how she has heard the story of this person. The song is really about how people view being lucky depending on where they are in the world. This song definitely has deep roots in how being famous can be great, but you have to give up things for it. It’s not enough to deter myself from wanting to be famous, acting or whatever. I wish I knew who this was about. Many have their theories, and after watching ABC’s All-Access Nashville Special, I am wondering if it is about LeAnn Rimes. Taylor has been compared to her from the start of her career. The only thing that ruins this is she talks about coming to Los Angeles, not Nashville.
Rating: 4/5
14) Everything Has Changed feat. Ed Sheeran: This song features Sheeran, who is amazing with his own music. He will be opening up for Taylor on the Red Tour and you should check out his album + before you go. Great album! Now to the song, it is about two people meeting for the first time, and how it is so new they just wanna keep learning things about each other. The excitement of dating someone at first and how you feel a change in your life. This song sound very Sheeran(he did produce it), but his music is similar in sound to Taylor’s.
Rating: 5/5
15) Starlight: This song in the album’s liner notes says clearly it is for Ethel Kennedy. I assumed right without knowing, that this is about how Ethel and Robert “Bobby” F. Kennedy met during the summer of 1945. I guess Taylor most likely heard this story this past summer while she was dating Connor Kennedy. I think it is very sweet of Taylor to do this and at the time of writing it, I am sure she felt like she was living Ethel’s story. I figure even if they have broken up, Ethel will hold this song close and dear to her heart for the remainder of her life.
Rating: 4/5
16) Begin Again: A classic Taylor sounding song, which is doing well on both the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart and the US Country Songs Chart. It is about how a heart-broken Taylor is still hurt by her last relationship for the past eight months, but then she meets a guy that is so much better to her and enjoys her instead of just himself. I think it is a great song, and a great final song on the regular version of the album. It gives hope that Taylor’s next album can be happy as her new love begins again.
Rating: 5/5
Deluxe Tracks:
1) The Moment I Knew: This song is a power ballad about how Taylor realizes a guy she is dating isn’t good for her and has proven he isn’t into this relationship. While musically, this song is amazing, I can see why it is on the deluxe version. It is really a Debbie Downer of a song on an album that is on the verge of being too sad.
Rating: 4/5
2) Come Back… Be Here: I don’t think this song is about Taylor breaking up with anyone at all. I kinda feel like it is more about how her and those that she dates busy lives interfere with her relationships, which I guess eventually leads to their break-ups. It is definitely about a long distance relationship.
Rating: 3/5
3) Girl At Home: This song is clearly some guy that is trying to get with Taylor, but she knows he has a girlfriend back home. She doesn’t hide how much she doesn’t like guys like this and how she would never help a guy cheat. The weakest of the three bonus tracks.
Rating: 3/5
Vlogosphere007— (07.19.2012) Octomon strips, Justin Bieber hot and ready, and Twilight being rebooted already? That is today’s Vlogosphere!
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JakeLX
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Vlogosphere006— (07.18.2012) Today I talk about the funniest thing People Magazine as published lately, talk about some Dark Knight Rises Drama, and discuss the use of scaring people to stop doing something through commercials.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JakeLX
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