Music
03/02/2007
Beyonce & Shakira - Beautiful Liar
While there's already been a flurry of negative feedback about the "Beyonce + Shakira" equation, you can't deny the lucrative power behind these two pairing up. The song "Beautiful Liar" seems to be an equal pairing of the two artists vocal styles, but the video itself leaves me wondering whose manager thought this was a good idea.
Reminiscent of Shakira's video for "Hips Don't Lie", "Beautiful Liar" was actually directed by Jake Nava, who's worked with Beyonce a number of times. The video's various elements are a bit disjointed; I never quite understood what I was actually watching. But once I relaxed and let the fake forest, the neon-lined stage, the unflattering wardrobe and the mirrored choreography just soak in... I was almost entertained. (One especially redeeming part of the video came towards the end ... when you see the two dancing in the rain together looking almost identical. Hot hot hot!)
Either way, I'm sure "Beautiful Liar" will blow up on TRL. It's just inevitable when you get two performers of this magnitude together.
02/27/2007
Peter Bjorn & John - Objects Of My Affection
This new video for the Swedish indie rockers Peter Bjorn & John is a psychadelic trip through time and space. In the third vid from the group's album Writer's Block, Peter falls like a ragdoll down a pit of monotone colors and 3D images.
Personally, I think “Objects of My Affection” has a drowning musical quality. Nasal chords combine with the steady marching drum; close your eyes and you'll melt into your pillow, falling gently into the magical void created by this video.
02/23/2007
Avril Levigne - Girlfriend
Rocking a dangerously short skirt and hot pants, Avril is a hottie in fishnets in heels. Which, if you think about it, is a little funny because she once fought fiercely against the “Oops I Did It Again” aesthetic. Moral of the story: Avril’s new vid is not so punk and not so innocent! Where did our little “skater girl” go?
02/16/2007
OK Go- Do What You Want
Ok, I’ll give it to them… This new video sure is kitsch. It’s like watching a Magic Eye poster dance around. Which, by the way, makes my brain hurt. This new video by OK Go just proves my belief that the band lacks musical talent, hiding behind jovial, foot-tapping chords and music videos with lots of dancing. Not only does “Do What You Want” hurt my eyes, but it reminds me of a kids' TV show with rock music.
I’m sure people are going to like it. It’s different. It’s OK Go. But does any one else realize that all the talent of their last video was them jumping around in hipster garb? As far as I can tell, this new video doesn't even feature them! To keep up with their highly publicized online fame, they just found people to make a spectacle for them. I am not amused.

