Madonna's twelfth studio album; MDNA (2012).

A little late to the party. In all fairness everything I review is old.

Having recently listened to Madonna's latest album, MDNA, I came to the conclusion it's nothing that hasn't been heard before.

Madonna has always been one of my favourite performers, but never one of my favourite vocalists. Granted, the woman can sing, but her voice isn't strong enough for me to really be amazed.

The first track, Girl gone wild, is one of my favourite songs at the moment. A dance track, it incorporates elements of electro-pop and jumpy rhythms to create an outstanding track. Madonna's vocals are so auto tuned and include effects that they fit perfectly onto the song. Gang Bang is another track I enjoyed. Filled with sound effects and dark pop elements, the track is artistic and listenable, unlike the majority of the other songs featured on the album.

Madonna proves she can also release a mature track that isn't boring and Masterpiece is that track. A ballad, Masterpiece is beautiful and Madge's vocals go well with the track. The other songs to me are just incarnations of what Madonna has done before. The majority of them, such as Turn up the radio and I don't give a (featuring Nikki Minaj's guest vocals) are lyrically non-adventurous and rhythmically boring and simple. To me they are just album fillers. I'm a sinner isn't bad, but I wouldn't purchase it.

Give me all your luvin' (featuring guest vocals by M.I.A and again by Nikki Minaj) is an enjoyable track, although many people I doubt will enjoy it because of it's bubblegum-pop style of musical make-up; with Minaj and M.I.A. reminding us that we are actually in the twenty-first century. 

On the whole the album isn't bad for a fifty something year old attempting to compete with the newly emerging artists; which Madonna has successfully done but a little more effort could have been put into making the album, rather than filling it with tacky tracks. If only the whole track-list was a combination of Gang bang and Masterpiece.

I rate the album:

Angels & Demons (2009) movie review.

Starring:
Tom Hanks
Ewan McGregor
Ayelet Zurer
Stellan Skarsgård
Pierfrancesco Favino
Nikolaj Lie Kaas
Armin Mueller-Stahl

The review.

Angels & Demons is a gripping film with an interesting plot and an array of talented actors. What I enjoyed is the in depth visualisation of the papal conclave.

Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon, a symbolist from Harvard university. Since Forest gump, I hadn't Hanks as a serious actor until The  DaVinci Code in 2006. His acting wasn't transparent and he put himself well into the adventurous shoes of his Character. Obi Wan playes Camerlengo turned Illuminati member Patrick Mckenna. McGregor's acting was shining and illuminating. Zurer playes scientist Vittoria Vetra. I haven't seen her in anything other than this so I haven't anything to criticise her with but her character was a little boring and reliant on Langdon. Skarsgard I believe is an incredible actor, varying his acting techniques for his different roles; instance as Bill in Mamma Mia and as Martin Vanger in The girl with the dragon tattoo. Kaas' role as the assassin was a little dull, but all the more creepy with his mad scientist appearance.

The story starts quite interesting, depicting the process of the death and re-election of a pope. The film brings up the feud between the Illuminati; a group of ancient researchers who began to prove  Christianity wrong and the Catholic church who turned them violent by killing some of their members (I'm not sure whether the story is actually true because of the controversy and inaccuracies surrounding the Robert Langdon series) and branding them with crosses upon their chests. The Illuminati take revenge by capturing Catholic prefertiti and murdering them and branding their chests with ambigramms of the words earth, wind, fire and air. The film is rather predictable, but nevertheless spellbinding and capturing, practically forcing the viewer mentally to sit and watch.

I enjoyed the film immensely and hope that Dan Brown, the author of the Robert Langdon series, has his next book, The lost symbol, adapted for the silver screen.


I rate the film:

Ted (2012) movie review.

Starring:

Mark Wahlberg Mila Kunis Seth MacFarlane Joel McHale Giovanni Ribisi The review. Ted is comical movie that's enjoyable after about twelve o' clock at night. About the adventures of a mystical, loud mouthed, pot smoking, hooker hiring and sexually active teddy bear named Ted; who mystically comes to life because of his owner's Christmas wish. Whoops. Mark Wahlberg was largely funny in his antics and screw up that his character, John Bennet, is confronted with. I don't think, really, that he did his best playing the roll but who can blame him after presented with a shoddy, childish script. Kunis I also didn't think gave herself entirely to the role, which I know she is capable of after watching Black Swan, for the entirety of the movie I just wanted to scream at the television shut up Meg for funsies. Seth Macfarlane, who provided the voice for loud mouthed yet mystical Ted was prestige in  doing so, His on screen counterpart, however was not. I can't say that Ted wasn't funny, just childishly funny; the kind you wouldn't want to admit to. McHale's part in the film is basically to wind up the main characters, playing Kunis' self described womanizer boss. He acts like he does in everything else, which is pretty funny if you ask me. Ribisi, however, stole the spotlight all to himself. Playing a psychotic version of Ned Flanders, Ribisi's character and his son steal Ted and lock him up in their house for play time. Along with dancing to Madonna is what he thinks is privacy, Ribisi is hilarious in the film. I think Ted is funny the first time around, but not something I'd recommend for a second viewing. I rate the movie.

Rihanna - 'Diamonds' world tour; Cardiff 10/06/13.

Well, Rihanna can certainly perform. Five costume changes, a diverse setlist and classy gyrating made Rihanna's debut in the UK for her 'Diamonds' world tour in Cardiff's Millenium stadium  a success. 

One mistake she made, however,  was let David Guetta be her support act.

He kinda stole your spotlight, Riri. David Guetta masterfully got the crowd jumping and jiving. Doing his Dj thing, he begrudged Rihanna of a spotlight after presenting his arrangement of collaborations; such as with Nikki Minaj, Sia and Riri herself. 

But she took it back by blaring out on stage after the forty-five minute interval between acts in interesting attire.

Diversity I think was the key to her act. Singing songs ranging from Bubblegum pop to Reggae, Rihanna holds an array of tracks to her arsenal. As stunning as ever, Rihanna dances around the stage as if she wasn't phased by 65,000 people spectating her show.

She 'sang' many of her chart topping hits, ranging from Umbrella to Man down and even some lesser know tracks; such as Rockstar 101, which featured Slash on the track but Nunu Bettencourt from the band Extreme filled in on stage with Emphasis from Riri.

She embarked in a serong to sing her ballads (my friends and I thought it was a towel from afar). If only she sang a little more rather than rely on her back up singers while shimming her figure around.  

Nevertheless, Rihanna put on a good show; a show I would've happily paid to see (I have good friends, I didn't have to; thanks Lows).

On the whole the show was entertaining, adrenalin fuelling and loud, very VERY loud. 

I rate the show:

The pictures featured are from the show, but I didn't take them. The one's I took are on my Blackberry and it's too much effort to transfer them to my iPod.

Moonstruck (1987) movie review.

Starring: 

Cher Nicolas Cage Olympia Dukakis Vincent Gardenia Danny Aiello

Review.

Moonstruck is a highly enjoyable movie with an original storyline and showcases its talented cast to the world. What I liked about the movie was the link to Italy and the theme of love; Verona being 'the city of love' because of its inclusion in Romeo and Juliet. If either Cher or Cage hadn't done the film, I doubt it would've been nearly as successful as it was.

The film presents Cher, in her Oscar winning role as 37 year old widow Loretta. Loretta is close to marrying an old fat man but Falls for his brother, Cage's, unique character Ronnie. Ronnie is infatuated with Loretta and is seemingly obsessed since discovering of her engagement with his brother. Coming across as a rather odd character, willing to slit his throat in front of Loretta with the big knife and  full of  cheesy pick up lines; for instant when Loretta asks where is she being taken while being carried by him and  he replies "to the bed" in his weird, trying-too-hard-seductive voice. Cage's acting just doesn't cut it for me, and for a romantic comedy, he just isn't funny. Dukakis is, however playing the role of Loretta's bored with life mother; winning her an Oscar for best supporting actress.  

On the whole I really enjoyed Moonstruck, but I wouldn't have called a Romantic comedy, just romantic because I just didn't find it that funny.

I rate it:

Miley Cyrus' 'We can't stop'.

It's my blog I can do what I want.

I haven't got a clue why I like this song, but I do. Music critics were sceptically of Cyrus' musical direction and so am I. Her provocative image is seemingly to garner attention and the twerking in the video seems pointless. 

The song is of pop origin which incorporates dance and R&B with poor songwriting thrown in for good measure. At the beginning of the track a low pitch voice chants the law; it's our party we can do what we want. The song is about a house party with instinctive drug references; for example tryna get a line in the bathroom referring to cocaine and dancing with miley/Molly, a reference to ecstasy. 

In all fairness, it doesn't sound like anything else on the radio, but if this is Cyrus' attempt to try and get taken seriously within the music industry then my love, you fail. 

I rate this track: 

Avril Lavign's 'Here's to never growing up' and 'the Voice' performance.

The track.

Never thought I'd see the day that Skater boy singer Avril Lavign would join the trend of releasing songs convincing  children that Neverland exists, for instance Ke$ha's We're gonna die young. On the other hand, I never thought I'd live the day that I like said song.

Released on the ninth of April, 2013 as the lead single to her upcoming fifth studio album; here's to never growing up is well written by Lavign and a group of writers.

The song is a slow song about feeling young forever, noting some of the stereotypical things associated with youth;  boombox blaring as we're falling in love and got a bottle if whatever but it's getting us drunk to name a few.

The Icing on the cake for me was reference to rocker Radiohead, keeping Lavign at the heart if the alt-crowd; making a bunch of blonde bimbos jump for their Blackberries and scroll to Wikipedia.  

What I love is the easy listening that the track presents and what it stands for. When I'm told to just grow up I literally think "I don't give a fuck" adequately sang by Avril in the second verse.

I don't think I can give any criticism, the track for me is perfect. Therefore I rate it:

'The Voice' UK performance.

What I love about Avril is she doesn't sound bad live, almost the same as she does on a track. 

Unlike some artists who have performed on realty shows, such as a certain young woman who performed Firework on the X Factor UK a few years back *cough Katy Perry*, Lavign is prestige on stage. As far as I know there wasn't any pitching problems and she looked like one of the boys among her band.   

I rate the performance:

 

Cher's come back track; Woman's world and 'the Voice' performance.

The track.

Her first single since since teaming up with Christina Aguilera for Burlesque, Woman's world is dance-pop track released as the first single for Cher's twenty sixth studio album Closer to the truth. 

The track, written by Matt Morris and Paul Oakenfold, is a female empowerment anthem that fits Cher perfectly like a Bob Mackie thong. Not yet released here for purchase in the UK, it is available to listen to via Cher's YouTube channel. Sonically matching Believe, Cher sings in a low tone voice for the verses but explodes for the chorus, like she has been torn up, busted and taken apart. 

On the whole, I love the track because, if I felt guilty, Cher would be my guilty pleasure.  However, in the past when Cher's made a comeback, the hit track has been lyrically spine tingling such as Turn back time; but Woman's world seems a little repetitive and boring, like her past track All or nothing. Don't get me wrong, I like All or nothing, but lyrically it's quite simple and non-adventurous. Rhythmically, it's better than Believe. The up-beat dance nature of the tracks has its' roots lent to it by the Euro-dance genre and gives it that jumpy nature we expect from a Cher club song.

I recommend it to keep in in our vast libraries of music on our iPods, to listen to when we're bored or can't be bothered to work in class.

The Voice performance.

Well, Doctor Who, eat your shorts. Cher has turned back time once again and with every new invention comes a new wig.

I didn't expect anything less of good old (67)Cher. The raccoon on her head looks lovely. 

Her performance was Cher. The only adjective I could make up for this review. Her first performance since 2005 with Tina Turner on the Oprah Winfrey show. At one point, the singing was a little pitchy  but hardly noticeable among her and her dancers. 

 

For the after-session thing stars attend after a performance, She changed her outfit to this.

 

 

I have to say, I'm not a fan of this. The majority of funky, odd and masterful outfits Cher has worn have been genius in proving points and in making her look younger than she actually is; and this isn't one of them. I think she just looks, a little,  walk on the wild side and as if she is about to glamorously ruff it on the streets.

Evanescence's self titled third studio album (2011).

For me, anything Evanescence releases is pure gold. To date, I own all three of their albums and to me, they're how an album should be made. People might disagree because of the band's dark, alternative sound but my friends and I like to live outside of the mainstream social circle. When I was introduced to Bring me to life; Evanescence's most successful single to date; back in 2003 I knew we were a match made in heaven.

Their most recent album is no exception. My favourite track has to be Lost in Paradise as it deeply reminds of Hello and My Immortal. Their first single from the Album, What you want has been my ringtone ever since it was released for digital download. The up tempo of the track reminds me of Going Under and Made of stone reminds me of Call me when you're sober.

But the thing that never ceases to amaze me is Lee's vocals. As strong as any instrument, Lee delivers a battering, high note pelting and hypnotising performance for her fans and is nothing short of a miracle after a five year gap between releases.

The only bit of criticism I could possible give is that the songs are extremely similar to that from Fallen instrumentally. The only song I can honestly say I didn't really enjoy is Oceans. The hazy synth hum just doesn't cut it for me.

If for some reason you don't already own Evanescence, I highly recommend you click on your tiny little iPhone screen and buy it immediately.

 

I rate this Album:

Burlesque (2010) review.

Starring: 

Cher Christina Aguilera Eric Dane Cam Gigandet Kristen Bell Julianne Hough  Stanley Tucci

Review.

Burlesque is a cheesy, yet enjoyable movie which wastes its talented cast with a mundane, unoriginal 'girl's bored with the country life, girl moves to the big city and achieves an unrealistic aspiration in the space of an hour and a half' storyline. What I liked about it was the giggly one liners that kept the film from falling flat on its face; such as "if you fall off the stage; leg extended, boobs up"; adequately put by Cher.

The acting on the other hand, wasn't bad. In her debut role, Christina Aguilera isn't terrible, not amazing, but not awful; acting as Ali, the young, talented star on the move as her co-star Julianne Hough does in Rock of Ages. She performs her iconic vocal acrobatics prestigiously as if she were on stage at a live performance. Sharing the limelight, and stealing it, is global superstar and Oscar winner; Cher. Her performance as broke club owner Tess is nothing less than expected; amazing. Her, and Tucci, save the film from crawling to the box office thanks to their experience and creative improvisation skills. Cher performs two songs in the movie, "Welcome to Burlesque", cleverly sang when Ali enters the club for the first time and "You haven't seen the last of me" which, in all honesty, isn't performed in any benefit to the plot besides its' lyrics, which sing of Tess' determination not to give up on her dream. What I can't understand is when hiring a global superstar, why in one's ultimate wisdom would he/she only have her perform two songs?  That's like hiring Kim Kardashian and have her model a convent uniform. Tucci, who, although less rude and more likeable, gives birth to a reincarnation of his The Devil wears Prada character. In this incarnation, he's called Sean and  is Tess' gay best friend/one night stand who helps her at the club. Well acted, the character is a genuine person who, along with Tess, save the film from utter destruction at the box office. Gigandet's performance is 'okay', but I haven't seen him in anything other than Twilight to criticise him; therefor anything would be different than milk-bottle James from the first film of the franchise. Bell's character, Nikki, I didn't like. I felt she tried to play an evil, resentful woman but pulled off a spoilt brat who's annoyed because Tess, matriarch of  the dancers takes away her liqueur. Hough's performance was fluid, playing fiery red-head Georgia who's replaced by Ali after discovering she's pregnant.

On the whole, I enjoyed this film; but I know many people who don't enjoy camp movies full of glitter and nipple tassels won't. 

                                   I rate this movie: