the indoob! network

September 13, 2010

2010 mtv vma recap/review

Filed under: awards,music video,review — t. sterling @ 9:39 pm
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Delicious.

I’m quite finished with the VMAs for this year, but I feel the need that I must do a review of the show and awards compared to what I predicted (or picked) to win. Clearly, this was Lady Gaga’s show, and a tribute to her video “Bad Romance.” But it was also a concert of a few of the hottest songs of this past year and a who’s who in current pop culture. Oh yeah, and the Swift/West saga. So I will keep it short, okay?

  • Best Dance Video - Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (Correctly predicted)
  • Best Collaboration - Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce, “Telephone” (I knew would win but I wanted Jay-Z/Alicia Keys to win)
  • Best Female Video – Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (Correctly predicted)
  • Best Rock Video – 30 Seconds to Mars, “Kings and Queens” (Incorrectly predicted, I guessed Florence + the Machine)
  • Best Male Video – Eminem, “Not Afraid” (Correctly predicted)
  • Best Pop Video – Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (Correctly predicted, but wanted someone else to win)
  • Best Hip Hop Video – Eminem, “Not Afraid” (Incorrectly predicted, wanted Jay-Z to win)
  • Best New Artist – Justin Bieber (I knew  he would win, but I picked someone else)
  • Breakthrough Video – The Black Keys, “Tighten Up” (Correctly picked)
  • Best Direction - Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (Correctly predicted)
  • Best Choreography - Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (Predicted but wanted someone else to win)
  • Best Special Effects - Muse “Uprising” (Incorrectly predicted, but not upset)
  • Best Art Direction - Florence + the Machine, “Dog Days Are Over” (I actually picked this as a runner up)
  • Best Editing - Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance” (I guess I predicted it, but I wanted someone else to win)
  • Best Cinematography - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind” (Correctly picked)
  • Video of the Year - Lady Gaga (Correctly predicted and had a strong feeling almost a year ago, without actually saying “best video winner”)

And now for the highlights in performances:

  • Nicki Minaj & will.i.am -strange & stranger… (and scary).
  • Hey will.i.am, is this what future black people will look like in your world?
  • Eminem – awesome, loved the drums and surprise by Rihanna
  • Justin Bieber – pass…
  • Usher – possibly best performance? I’m a sucker for SFX and I loved the laser and use of the lighted stage floor
  • Florence and the Machine – had I not known who she was or saw the video, I would pass on this performance, but it was well done
  • Taylor Swift – great use of the stage but I didn’t care for the song. Why was her drummer “outside“?
  • Drake – Hey Mary J! Looked like Casablanca.
  • B.o.B/Paramore – not bad, nothing stellar. The light bulbs at the end was a nice touch
  • Linkin Park – good show, loved the multiple stages
  • Kanye West – typical. Not amazed but definitely not boring either.
  • Chelsea Handler had few funny moments, including the house hat, the new artist sketches, and the Jersey Shore hot tub. Other than that, don’t come back next year.

deadmau5

And the other things that happened:

  • Oh, hi Lindsay Lohan.
  • That’s why Kim Kardashian is famous: fashion icon?
  • What happened to fun pairings to present awards… like Busta Rhymes and Martha Stewart?
  • When trash bags go to award shows, they wear a Ke$ha.
  • Sofia Vergara, I love you.
  • Cher brought back an outfit she should’ve left in the past no matter how well she can still fit it.
  • Sofia Vergara, I wish I was that Moon Man.
  • I was sad there was no handshake/hug between Taylor Swift and Kanye West. Not that I am losing sleep over it, but I’d like to see a duet or a skit or something so we can go on to our next controversy… like will.i.am midnight face and hair helmet.
  • The stage/set stole the show each and every time it was used to full capacity, most notably with Usher. Most of the performances utilizing the stage were great, visually. I wish that whole stage was a room in my house.

  • Mmmm... Sofia Vergara

    I wish Sofia Vergara was in my house too.

  • I also wish I could watch deadmau5′s head and other animations all day too. One of the best parts of the show. Let’s have him host next year.
  • Oh yeah, and Lady Gaga’s meat dress.

Other than that, a tame telecast compared to past shows. Sad to say, the VMAs are getting kinda lame. Let’s step it up next year guys. But for a whole lotta bunch more stuff VMA related, head over to MTV.com for pics, videos and even the whole show repeat… Not sure why you would want to watch this particular telecast again, in my opinion, it wasn’t worth it. I would include more stuff that happened but I’m tired and I’m late. But as I said to a friend to sum up this year’s show “Hey MTV, I’m really impressed with your stage and Imma let you finish but last year was one of the best VMAs of all time!”

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September 11, 2010

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – video of the year

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 1:15 pm
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It’s come to this moment. VIDEO OF THE YEAR! You’ve seen all of these videos by now and you can probably guess who my pick is for the winner. I’d almost bet actually cash money that my pick is the winner… and many of you probably would guess the same thing. So, just listing and one video actually posted…

  • 30 Seconds to Mars “Kings and Queens”
  • B.o.B featuring Kayley Williams “Airplanes”
  • Eminem “Not Afraid”
  • Florence and the Machine “Dog Days Are Over”
  • Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce “Telephone”
  • Lady Gaga “Bad Romance” for the win…

See you guys tomorrow. I’ll probably be live blogging the show so follow me on Twitter.

September 10, 2010

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best direction

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 11:15 pm
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I don’t really need to describe the roll of a director, do I? Long story short, this is the guy in charge of the vision of the video. Sure, we still have the artist who may have inspired it or helps with creative process along with a production team with all the designs and so forth and so on that I’ve already listed (not by name), but when it comes to who’s in charge behind the camera making the people on camera look their best, it’s the BEST DIRECTION. He’s like a funnel. The best funnel.

  • I said earlier that 30 Seconds to Mars’ video “Kings and Queens” is pretty much a short film… well, I only felt that way due to the long version have titles and credits. If you think about it, a lot of music video are short films… it’s just that some embrace being a short film and actually telling a story. I think this video tells a story. I’m not entirely sure what that story is, but I like it. Will it win? Probably not. But I’ve been wrong before.
  • “Not Afraid” definitely has a cinematic feel to it. I’m not familiar with Rich Lee (or at least I don’t think I am) but I give him his props for making this video look as good as it is. With it being nominated so many times, it’s possible this could be a winner.
  • I think most people who are familiar with music videos, especially hip hop music videos, are familiar with the name Hype Williams. He’s been around since forever ago. What I generally like about his videos is the use of color. However, most of this video is in black & white. But even the grayscale still seems to pop. He also expertly captured the city that this song is about. Him and his team of course. Remember, directors are the funnels.
  • Hey, I’m not fighting it this time. Like the Oscars, if the Best Director is nominated, there’s a good chance the film they directed is there too. Or vice versa. And sometimes what happens is the director and his/her film wins. Not all the time, but it’s magical when it does. Either way, it’s the case with “Bad Romance” and I think this director will take home the prize. That pretty much hints to who I think will get the big prize, no? It’s Lady Gaga night, kids. Oh, and Francis Lawrence is a film director with some serious cred, so you can’t go wrong with him.
  • So that leave Pink and her “Funhouse” again, which I’m glad is recognized. Why? Because it’s Pink. I wish her live performances got some recognition. How many times has she flown over the audience now? While singing? Okay, that might not have a lot to do with a director’s credit, but c’mon! Dave Meyers has been in the business a long time too, by the way.

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best editing

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 10:15 pm
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I’ve found editing to be very relaxing. I’ve never had the pleasure to put together a music video, but I imagine it to be fun to put music together with shots of video or pictures and to retell a story. It’s all about the music and promoting that music, right? Well, it should be. And this is the category to show who has the BEST EDITING for a music video.

  • I’m not arguing against Eminem’s return here with “Not Afraid.” There is some very good editing going on in this video, piecing together the state of mind and feeling of emotion the artists involved want you to feel. Winner? I don’t know. I’m leaning towards no. But the recognition is definitely worthy.
  • I’m only getting annoyed with having to keep typing “Lady Gaga” and “Bad Romance” when really from the beginning I should just say “assume Lady Gaga is nominated.” In any event, here she is yet again. And again I say this video is at the top of it’s game with just about every aspect a video should be, editing included. Might end up the winner, but hopefully not.
  • I would like this video to win, Miike Snow’s “Animal.” Interestingly enough, I never knew this song had a video until recently, and I didn’t know the song was as new as it was. I heard it on a This American Life podcast and decided to download the song. The video must’ve been hard work to edit. But this I think show’s the best editing, putting together all these shots on beat, so crisp and yet, seamless? Not seamless in the sense that you can’t tell where a cut is hidden, but in the sense that these cuts belong and feel natural to the song and what the song is about and how you might even imagine the video to look like. It just flows. But again, major credit to the editor matching it all together.
  • It’s nice to see Pink nominated for something. The video “Funhouse” is grungy and dirty and kinda looks unhappy, but the song is about unhappy times. The editing work isn’t bad at all, but I feel maybe this video could’ve been better suited in the Best Female category? I like Pink and at least it’s not the only time this video was nominated.
  • Lastly we have Rihanna with “Rude Boy.” I don’t particularly care for the song and was a bit shocked once I listened to the lyrics (while a little girl was singing it, no less). As for the video, it does catch the eye, does it not? Colorful, bright, and again, a prime example of what fun editing can be and how it can enhance the listener and/or viewer of the song. But please, let’s not corrupt our children too early, okay? Thanks.

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best art direction

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 6:15 pm
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Credit is given where credit is due. BEST ART DIRECTION might be one of those categories I like because it’s actually looking at the artistic integrity of the video. Not that the other categories aren’t looking for the arty videos, but this recognizes those that are in charge for making it look as good as it does. More than likely, we can probably guess who may win, but it’ll be surprising if any of these pull an upset. And in my opinion, this is stiff competition.

  • 30 Seconds to Mars’ “Kings and Queens” uses lots of slow motion shots and some great colors and cinematography to make a very soothing looking video. I almost want to call it warm and fluffy. I just also liked all those bikers riding all over the city. I love the night theme. For fun, and for the minimalist value, I’d like to see this one win. Plus, this was going more for the short film approach. I included the long version video below.
  • Once again, “Video Phone” by Beyonce and Gaga. I keep forgetting to mention how the opening shot of this video and Gaga’s “Telephone” video are straight up Tarantino. Just a thought. Anyway, although I’m not crazy about this video like I stated before, it’s one that holds your attention with the transitions and special effects. I’m not really sure what category I’m talking about for this anymore, but I won’t deny that art is definitely involved here.
  • I like Eminem’s video, but I honestly don’t feel this is the biggest contender here in this category. Don’t get me wrong, it’s artistic in its own way, but this feels more like a filler choice… meaning I don’t think it has a good chance of winning this one.
  • I personally feel “Dog Days Are Over” has a strong chance at winning this award. I could be wrong and if they gave runner up awards, this might get it… but they don’t. And if this multiple nod video had a chance at winning, I’d give it to them in this category.
  • Lastly, Lady Gaga is bringing up the rear and probably taking home this trophy too. We all know the video is artistic among many, many other things. But I say we give this award to someone else. As awesome as it would be for Gaga to sweep the show away (which I strongly think she just might), it’d be nice to see the love spread around.

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best pop video

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 4:15 pm
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This is actually a big category, probably second to Video of the Year. Why? Because unless you forgot, Pop is short for Popular… so this would be BEST POPULAR VIDEO. Anyway, I want to say this is anyone’s chance at winning, but once again we’ve got a few of our favorites back again.

  • THIS is the video I like the most from B.o.B. “Nothing On You.” It’s bright, it’s colorful, it pops, it’s cut-paper! What video is like this? None. The song is pretty cool too. But the point here is that it’s different. I would love for this video to win but I don’t think it’s popular enough compared to the rest. But the artistic value of it I feel is quite strong.
  • Beyonce is here again with her “Video Phone” and Lady Gaga. Again, it’s poppy, it’s also colorful, the music is catchy and the video is all around weird. Camera-men? I’m glad I don’t do drugs. Truth be told, I was never too much a fan of this song or video, although I do like the craziness that goes on in it.
  • Once again, we have Katy Perry who is probably the epitome of bubblegum pop… both figurative and literal with “California Gurls.” This has been what many call the song of the summer. At first I wasn’t so sure, but it is indoob addictive… like candy. C’mon, it’s a music video of Candy Land. Sexier too. I would want this to win, and maybe it might.
  • Our friend Ke$ha is back again… I forgot she was nominated so many times. What it is I don’t like about her is the trashy glitter look. I’m not crazy about the song lyrics too. I know when it comes to having a good time, lyrics don’t always matter. I understand and respect that. Sometime it takes going to a club or hearing a song from inside of a car with a very loud sound system to remember that. But as for this video and song as is, I’ll do fine without it.
  • Who’s Lady Gaga again? And what’s this I hear about a “Bad Romance”? While I’d pull for B.o.B. or Katy Perry to win this award, I predict this is yet another win for Lady Gaga.

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best female video

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 2:15 pm
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I kinda wanna save everyone the trouble and probably just pick who we all guess is going to win BEST FEMALE VIDEO. I can almost guarantee it probably won’t be Taylor Swift. If it was, I think other people besides Kanye will get up on stage to say “Imma let you finish…”

  • But let’s back up. Swift’s video is alright. It tells a sweet story of being in 15. Girls can relate and it’s all mushy and whatnot. But maybe if she wasn’t competing against Gaga, she might have a chance. Maybe
  • I’ve become a fan of the song “California Gurls” pretty much overnight. This would be a surprise upset to win, especially with so many people claiming Katy Perry is hating on Gaga. But this is just a fun and happy and colorful song, to me, this one could give the Gaga a run for her money.
  • Ke$ha is back again. My sentiments haven’t changed. This is a popular song, but the video is trash… which I think is what she was going for anyway. Sorry, I think this makes me a hater. But as of today, I can’t call myself a fan.
  • Beyonce is bringing back her “Video Phone” …with Lady Gaga. And if this doesn’t win, Lady Gaga probably still will take home the award for “Bad Romance.”

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best dance video

Filed under: awards,music video — t. sterling @ 12:12 pm
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There are only a couple real contenders here, and probably one clear winner. So let’s get to it. BEST DANCE MUSIC VIDEO

  • Cascada? Who are you? I’m sorry if that seems insulting, especially to someone like me who doesn’t listen to the radio… yet I hear this song at the mall sometimes. To me, this artist is an example of an industry girl. I’m making this claim without researching who she is, but she seems built by a record label to sing generic songs anyone can sing. She doesn’t even really dance! Sure, the song is popular enough that I can recognize it, and it might even get stuck in your head, but this seems to blah for me to cosign anything but just another song to play at the club.
  • David Guetta I’m not too familiar with and neither am I with the song. But most attribute the song to Akon anyway so it seems. The song itself, I’ll pass. The video? Also pass.
  • I have a few friends that love this Enrique Iglesias song. Saying the “like it” is an understatement. And it’s a catchy song, with a decent video of Enrique dancing around the club. It’s fun, but not the winner.
  • I’d say it’s a strong chance Lady Gaga will take home the award for “Bad Romance” and if I need to tell you why, then obviously you haven’t heard the song or seen the video. It goes much further than that… this is one song that I’ve seen people outside of dancing establishments… meaning their car, restaurants, in the park, doing this very dance. This could be the dance song/video of the decade.
  • Usher is a great dancer, we all know this. I watched this video a few times and while it’s not bad, I think I’ve seen him do better. I feel bad for saying that because I know a lot of people like this song. For the record, I don’t care much for the song, which is probably why I’m ho-hum for the video. But these are my opinions, folks!

December 5, 2009

lady gaga bad romances the indoob

Filed under: music — t. sterling @ 7:22 pm
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So I wasn’t going to post anything today, but I checked some stats and hits and thanks to the lovely Lady Gaga, the Indoob shot up over 100% of hits since yesterday’s friPod post.

I’ve admitted to many before that I’m not really a fan of Gaga, but she definitely impresses me in just about everything she does. Music, wardrobe, videos. Live performances especially. I’ll be honest and say that I really had no idea what to think of her when I first saw her in “Just Dance” but knew I didn’t care much for her or her music. But I did some homework, and she’s technically been around for a while mostly playing in the background, writing songs for many other popular acts. Now she has her time to shine, and I think “shine” may be a bit of an understatement at this point.

Not only is she illuminating, but she’s proving that she will be a force to be reckoned with. Love her or hate her, you will know her name. And if you don’t know… well… you kinda just read it… but if you run into someone who doesn’t know, they will before 2010 ends. Not that there’s anything big going on that I’m aware of next year, but that’s just how these things work out.

So am I a fan? I’ll say that the Indoob is. I’ll also put it this way: if I’m handed tickets to her show for free, I’d probably go. Depending how many tickets I’m given would make it a difficult choice who I take with me. But that’s a pretty big hypothetical on it’s own right.

So on behalf of the Indoob, thanks and kudos to Lady Gaga for being a great source of intriguing, creative, provocative and original entertainment. You’re definitely a star to be watched.

December 4, 2009

fripodding and gagaing: “bad romance” lady gaga

Filed under: friday,fripodding,ipod,music,music video,youtube — t. sterling @ 5:03 pm
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I’ve been away awhile, and since I’ve been gone I’ve collected quite a lot of music. So I’ll pick something from the tops of the charts a la Gaga. Like the people over at Entertainment Weekly, I had to watch this video numerous times. First, figuring out what was going on… then because it was so visually stimulating… then I started liking the song… or the video… I don’t know which came first but before I knew it, by the end of the week, the video was on my iPod.

I’m not going to lie. I enjoy seeing scantily clad women from time to time dancing to some good hypnotic music. I’m a guy who loves women in general. The only thing I did not like in this video was the hideous grotesque reptilian outfit Gaga wears midway through the video. Kudos and accolades for her eccentric and original styles, but that green alien look is off-putting and sets off a gag reflex. But hey, she’s wearing it, not me. I just look away and wait patiently for the “bedroom scene.” Honestly, I love the “diamond scene” because of that Matrix-esque vide it has… even though it isn’t like that at all (trick photography). I also think she looks the most beautiful in the close-up scenes when she’s crying.

And in case you were wondering if this video has a point or if there’s a story and you are missing it, from what I gather, the Lady was kidnapped, kinda drugged and then forced to be sold as a pleasure slave of sorts. The Lady has other plans by the end of the video and it’s really too bad… for the guy that bought her. As for the song’s meaning: basically she wants all your love, all the good things about you, and the bad things about you, even if it’s really bad, she still wants it. So you better give it or you might end up like the dude that bought her.

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