2010 mtv vma recap/review

Posted on September 13, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

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!”

Tagged with: 2010, awards, bad romance, best music video, lady gaga, MTV VMAs, music video, recap, review
Posted in awards, music video, review

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – video of the year

Posted on September 11, 2010 by t. sterling — 2 Comments

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.

Tagged with: 2010, bad romance, best music video, lady gaga, MTV, MTV VMAs, music video, video of the year
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – breakthrough video

Posted on September 11, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

I’m not really sure what this category means, to be truthful to you guys. It’s not about a breakthrough artist since most of these guys have been around for quite some time. But perhaps it’s about a video that is just awesome beyond measure? Or perhaps it’s a video they didn’t know what to do with but needed to shine a spot light on. I don’t really know, but all except one I’ve talked about before and it’s too bad none of these are in other categories as well… but oh well, let’s see what BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO caught their attention.

Right off the bat, those Indoobians who have been following along know that I’ve recently become a pretty big Black Keys fan. So I immediately wanted to throw my pick to “Tighten Up” not only for the clever and amusing video starring two boys who look like spitting images of their screen dads, but the song is awesome too. It gets pretty violent, but it’s all for comedic effect. Boys do crazy things for girls.
I would call myself a mild fan of Coldplay. I was too busy being entranced by the magic of this stop-motion-chalk-photography to figure out what “Strawberry Swing” is about… it’s just too beautiful for me to care. I love the story and the animation. The song plays well into the video, even though I don’t know what it’s about. Is it going to win? I don’t know. All of these are difficult to choose.
I spoke of Dan Black before. He’s the only one here that has been nominated elsewhere, and although I didn’t choose him then, I’d have him as my runner up here as well… if there was such an award. I really like this video. The only other video I can think of that comes close in awesomeness is Justice’s “DVNO” but that was a couple years ago. But this is fun times.
Last we have Gorillaz, who always have cool videos. I would think it’s needed if your band is made of cartoon characters. But besides that, this video also features Bruce Willis! I don’t know the full story behind this video, but I don’t think it’s necessary. It’s just fun to watch the story unfold.

View a previous post and a couple more videos from The Black Keys and a little poll.

Tagged with: 2010, black keys, breakthrough video, MTV, mtv vma, music video, tighten up
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best direction

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

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.

Tagged with: 2010, bad romance, best direction, francis lawrence, lady gaga, MTV VMAs, music video, VMA
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best editing

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

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.

Tagged with: 2010, animal, bad romance, best editing, lady gaga, miike snow, MTV, MTV VMAs
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best special effects

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

This category doesn’t really need an introduction, does it? We do have two new entries here. So let’s take a look at BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS. We have some great contenders here… including Lady Gaga of course.

I’ve never heard of Dan Black, but this “Symphonies” video is amazing. It’s so colorful, and fun. In case you haven’t gathered, its theme is basically the opening animations to some of the most popular or memorable movies. Even with a movie guru like myself, there are some I haven’t recognized, but I feel rewarded with the ones I do. And I am a sucker for this kinda stuff anyway. I am torn between this video and Green Day.
Eminem is back and is still “Not Afraid.” When I first saw this video, for some reason I had only seen half of it. The big SFX don’t really kick in until the end of the video. They are indeed impressive and I have no problem with this video being in this category, I just don’t think it will hold up well with its competitors due to how much SFX were used and how it was used. Don’t get me wrong, they work great in this video and isn’t overused or gaudy, I just think some other videos have a better chance.
This is what I don’t understand… how is this the only category Green Day is nominated for? Had this been in the Best Rock Video category, easy win… or at least for me it would be. But I don’t wanna go on a rant about that right now. The special effects used in “21^st Century Breakdown” are nothing less than awesome. Not only did it capture my attention, it was thoroughly entertaining and kept moving. I think that statement is a bit of an understatement… but seeing the video, you understand. What I really liked about it (and any other video that do this) is how this video is a callback to the album art. Look into it some time if you can. Their video “21 Guns” also does this too. Was that a video a year too late to be nominated? Just curious. However, since I have to make a single pick, I think I would choose this one, also because it was shamelessly left off the list for Rock Video. Plus it’s just an awesome video for an awesome song.
Guess whose back! Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Yes, this video has everything, but I don’t want her to have this award either. Do I really need to explain the FX in this video and why I feel someone else should get it? I hope not, so that’s why I’m not going to.
Rounding out this list is Muse’s “Uprising.” As I said before, I love the teddy bears attacking. As awesome as that is, I don’t think this will be the winner either.

Tagged with: 2010, 21st century breakdown, best special effects, green day, lady gaga, MTV, MTV VMAs, music video
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best cinematography

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

Maybe because I’m writing this really late at night, but cinematography and art direction almost feel like the same thing. They aren’t though, and I know the difference. One of how artistic it looks, the other is how artistic it looks on screen. Again, my own made up definition and comparison. But it’s all about how well it looks on your TV or computer screen, the framing, the zooming, the panning, the lighting, the colors… all of it to enhance for your viewing pleasure. BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Eminem is back again, and I’ll be honest… I’m not too sure why. As good as this video is, I wonder what small batch of videos they are choosing from. I don’t want to go naming off videos that aren’t nominated at all, but I’ve seen some other videos that came out this year that’d be perfect for this category and several others. But perhaps it’s the popularity. I’m not saying the cinematography is poor, I just don’t think it’s the best or in the top five, in my opinion.
For me, “Dog Days Are Over” is stronger in the Art Direction category than in this one. Like the “Not Afraid” video, it is good and very well shot, but I don’t think it’s the best. The people who can vote for this may feel otherwise, but who knows with Gaga in the running… I feel like they are going down the test and picking C for every answer. I jest.
I’m still a bigger fan of Jay-Z’s “On To The Next One”… but that wasn’t nominated. “Empire State of Mind” is and I think this is a good example of well used cinematography. Do I have a bias because I like NYC? A little, yes. But they are beautiful shots, no? And that’s what I would be looking for if I were to pick the best.
I don’t want it to sound as if I hate “Bad Romance” or Lady Gaga, because I don’t. I really love this video and I think she’s a great artist. I just think some recognition should go around the table. But if she wins every award she’s nominated for, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s an awesome video and it has everything. I won’t even argue about the cinematography because even that’s on point.
I have nothing against Mumford and Sons… I just never heard of them and I’m not too fond of this song. It is nice to see someone different though. Sadly, I don’t think they will take home this prize. This video is beautifully shot, I will admit that.

Tagged with: 2010, alicia keys, best cinematography, empire state of mind, jay-z, lady gaga, MTV, mtv vma, music video
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best choreography

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

I probably should just save everyone the time in reading this post because there is only one video here I really want to win (sadly, probably won’t), and it’s the only video here that I haven’t talked about yet. I wonder if I got a little confused before when I was looking at Best Dance video and BEST CHOREOGRAPHY video… since there is a difference. One is a song made for dancing; the other is dancing to the song. Well, that’s my definition. But for the sake of being consistent, let’s just list the nominees.

Surprise, surprise… Beyonce and her “Video Phone.” She is always a great dancer, but my favorite dance still is from her “Crazy in Love” days.
Janelle Monae doing the “Tightrope” is who I’m waving flags and banners for. This video is awesome, let alone the dancing she and her friends do in it. The song is hot too and I’m still wondering why I don’t have her album already. Anyway, check out the fancy footwork! James Brown would be proud. Sadly, I doubt it will win, but I can only hope. I would love this award to be stolen from Gaga who is actually nominated thrice in this category. So chances are bleak, Janelle. But I’m here for you.
Can we just double up the Lady Gaga? I know it’s my blog and all… But here we have “Bad Romance” yet again, as I said before, I see people doing these signature moves everywhere. If Gaga were to oust herself, this video would beat “Telephone” and sadly Beyonce may lose out on this award as well.
Like Beyonce, we know Usher is bringing killer moves. I’m also repeating myself that I wasn’t as impressed with him in this video… but as I also said… it could just be the song I don’t really care for that’s turning the rest of me off. Regardless of the expert dancing going on in this video, my guess is that it won’t be the winner. I’d be very surprised if it is, though.

Tagged with: 2010, best choreography, dancing, janelle monae, lady gaga, MTV, MTV VMAs, music video, tightrope
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best art direction

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

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.

Tagged with: 2010, 30 seconds to mars, bad romance, best art direction, kings and queens, lady gaga, MTV, MTV VMAs
Posted in awards, music video

2010 mtv vma / indoob picks – best rock video

Posted on September 10, 2010 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

This is a category that I have no bias in whatsoever. The bands nominated I do not follow, and have only recently heard these songs for the first time. Although it is possible I have heard some of these artists’ other songs, I wouldn’t know who they were unless someone told me. I don’t mean to be ignorant of them, it’s just my musical ventures haven’t made their way to hear them yet. However, I’m not completely ignorant to who they all are. A few of them I have heard of and know some of them are popular either by performances on live TV or maybe Twitter trends. But let’s talk about them who I might think may win the BEST ROCK VIDEO. In my opinion, some of the rock artists I do know have shamelessly been left out… but we won’t talk about that here.

I’ve heard of 30 Seconds to Mars, but I couldn’t tell you any of their songs. This is a nice video of the bike riding all throughout the city. The song isn’t too bad either. I don’t have a lot to say about this one other than I love the sunset and night cityscape backdrops. It gives this video a really warm feeling to it, which it’s supposed to do to enhance the song.
Florence + the Machine I have never heard of. But I managed to tune in a few times to some of the other MTV channels and I kept seeing this video being played. I will say that this song is catchy, to me at least, if not first sounding weird. Weird in a good way, like a different sound. I wouldn’t associate this song with rock, but maybe their other stuff is more rock-sounding. Actually, that’s getting into something I know a lot of people will start to complain about so never mind. As for the video, definitely rates high on the artistic meter. What it’s saying to me, I haven’t a clue. But it’s visually stimulating because I can’t quite look away from it. Because it’s so weird, it might have a chance at winning. Due to not knowing any of these songs and basing it on looks and sounds of video alone, my vote goes to this “Dog Days Are Over.”
I literally just saw this video by MGMT, another band I’ve heard a lot about but haven’t heard their music. The song is not quite something I’m used to, and the video is even crazier. I wasn’t sure where it was going or what was going on, but madness ensued and I think I was a little scared. But it’s original as far as I’m concerned because I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it. I don’t think I want to again, which might mean I’m not quite a fan, but I would pass on voting for this.
I heard of Muse last year, I forget where. Once again, not familiar with their music but I think they are fairly popular. I liked this video and the giant teddy bears attacking. I thought it was cute. It’s also pretty memorable which might win them this award. I really can’t make up my mind who would get it though.
Here we have a band I’ve also heard about, first through Twitter, called Paramore. I don’t know a lot about them, and the video isn’t much to be impressed with. Okay, I think it looks cool to be singing into a light bulb, but if this were to win, I think it would be due to their popularity… and they have a big fan base. I think that they do, but again, I don’t know this band or any that I listed.