Rihanna Premieres New Video: 'Man Down'
Rihanna has just premiered her new video for the single Man Down, the 5th track taken from her Loud album. The video was directed by Rihanna's longtime collaborator, Anthony Mandler. (Click here to read single review.)
Kings Of Leon Premiere New Video: 'Back Down South"
Kings Of Leon have just premiered their new video for the single Back Down South. This is the 3rd international single taken from the album 'Come Around Sundown'.
Watch:
Watch:
Kylie Minogue To Release New Single 'Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)'
Kylie Minogue is releasing a new single called Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love), which is the fourth and final single from her Aphrodite album.
The single will be getting a digital and physical release, in the form of a remix package.
Listen:
The single will be getting a digital and physical release, in the form of a remix package.
Listen:
The Gucci Car Is Here
Ever wanted to drive a Gucci car? Well, now you can. The house of Gucci collaborated with Fiat 500 and the result is a car with the Gucci logo and the Gucci signature colors (red and green or, more accurately, the green-red-green band) on it. The campaign was lensed by Mert & Marcus and it is fronted by Natasha Poly, a familiar face for Gucci ad campaigns.
Take a look at Gucci Fiat 500:
Take a look at Gucci Fiat 500:
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 2: New Fragrance
Guerlain's latest offering in the Aqua Allegoria line is Bouquet Numero 2, which follows last year's Aqua Allegoria Bouquet Numero 1 (obviously).
The new scent takes its inspiration from the exotic tropical gardens. The notes are: juicy litchi, rose and powdery iris. Available in 75 ml, Eau de Toilette.
Aqua Allegoria is Guerlain's line of (affordable) fragrances dedicated to the scents of nature. Jasminora is also one of their recent releases (2011).
The new Bouquet Numero 2 is: "inspired by nature, created by Guerlain. Nature is an emotionally-charged setting where we gather treasures, which inspires and enfolds us. Every year, when springtime comes, the Guerlain perfumer conjures up gardens filled with scents, in a blend of allegory and exhilaration. "
Aqua Allegoria is Guerlain's line of (affordable) fragrances dedicated to the scents of nature. Jasminora is also one of their recent releases (2011).
Rihanna: Man Down Single Review
Rihanna will follow her California King Bed ballad with Man Down, another single taken from her multi-platinum album Loud. Man Down is already being played by radio stations and the video will follow very shorty. The reggae-flavored track tells the story of a woman who shots down a man and is seeking some forgiveness for her actions. Here's what director Anthony Mandler had to say about the video:
“We’ve done 16 videos together; they’re not all tough,” Mandler said when asked about what fans can expect from the new clip. "What we’re coming with next … is certainly gonna flip peoples' minds with ‘Man Down.’
“We shot the video in Jamaica and it’s my favorite song she’s ever recorded, so I was really excited to get involved,” he said. “And it’s just one of those songs that demands a strong narrative and visual, and let’s just say she let me go all the way. So I think you can expect something that’s dramatic and shocking and intense and emotional and uplifting and enlightening.”
Man Down sees Rihanna go back to her Caribbean roots, which is nice, and leave the 'safe' pop/dance territory for a while. Doing so and releasing a track in a music genre that is not 'IN' at the moment (and it's been put on shelf for too long) is a rather bold move, but Rihanna has a solid fan base right now and plenty of star power to carry this song on top of the charts, even if it's a reggae number.
It also happens that this is one of the best tracks on her Loud album; matter of fact it's one of the best songs Rihanna has ever recorded. The slightly offbeat lyrics and the raw production both work here and the 'double' chorus (Rum pu-pu-pum/Oh mama mama) is catchy and already a favorite with the fans. I personally wouldn't mind at all if Rihanna went back to chill reggae vibes more often and released more summery, Caribbean-flavored songs.
It's also nice to see Bob Marley's legacy live on - I can't help but think of Marley's I Shot The Sheriff due to the same lyrical content, 'the murder tale' - and Rihanna paying tribute to the legendary reggae artist who is actually one of her favorite musicians ever.
Here's what others had to say about Man Down:
“We’ve done 16 videos together; they’re not all tough,” Mandler said when asked about what fans can expect from the new clip. "What we’re coming with next … is certainly gonna flip peoples' minds with ‘Man Down.’
“We shot the video in Jamaica and it’s my favorite song she’s ever recorded, so I was really excited to get involved,” he said. “And it’s just one of those songs that demands a strong narrative and visual, and let’s just say she let me go all the way. So I think you can expect something that’s dramatic and shocking and intense and emotional and uplifting and enlightening.”
Man Down sees Rihanna go back to her Caribbean roots, which is nice, and leave the 'safe' pop/dance territory for a while. Doing so and releasing a track in a music genre that is not 'IN' at the moment (and it's been put on shelf for too long) is a rather bold move, but Rihanna has a solid fan base right now and plenty of star power to carry this song on top of the charts, even if it's a reggae number.
It also happens that this is one of the best tracks on her Loud album; matter of fact it's one of the best songs Rihanna has ever recorded. The slightly offbeat lyrics and the raw production both work here and the 'double' chorus (Rum pu-pu-pum/Oh mama mama) is catchy and already a favorite with the fans. I personally wouldn't mind at all if Rihanna went back to chill reggae vibes more often and released more summery, Caribbean-flavored songs.
It's also nice to see Bob Marley's legacy live on - I can't help but think of Marley's I Shot The Sheriff due to the same lyrical content, 'the murder tale' - and Rihanna paying tribute to the legendary reggae artist who is actually one of her favorite musicians ever.
Here's what others had to say about Man Down:
Emily Mackay of NME commented that the album's experiments feel more organic, its tone better paced because of the Caribbean-tinged anthem for doomed youth of "Man Down".
Jon Pareles of The New York Times said that Rihanna plays up her West Indian accent in the electro-reggae of “Man Down” about shooting a lover in a moment of passion.
Entertainment Weekly writer Leah Greenblatt said that "Man Down" burrows neck-deep in island rhythms.
James Skinner of BBC Online viewed "Man Down" as a Caribbean rhythm, where Rihanna relays a break-up as murder metaphor in thick Barbadian patois.
Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine named the song the album's biggest highlight, a full-fledged reggae tune about a woman who shoots a man. He praised the song saying that Rihanna is surprisingly agile in this genre and is one of her finest, most confident vocal performances to date.
Alicia Keys For W Magazine June 2011
Alicia Keys looks great in her latest photo spread for W Magazine, June 2011. Scroll down for photos and interview excerpts:
To celebrate Songs in A Minor’s 10th anniversary, Keys has assembled a deluxe edition featuring early demos, alternate takes, and live recordings from the era, including a classical medley and a sultry cover of “Light My Fire.” The package documents the five-year life of the landmark project, which covered most of the singer’s adolescence.
Keys recalls the struggle that she went through back then, as a young, unknown artist, to remain true to her own style and sound and the frustration she felt at being pushed, over and over, toward a more conventional style: “I was a young girl with very strong ideas but no experience,” she says. “I just knew that everything else I was doing was wrong—that all the suggestions weren’t what was in my mind, they weren’t what it was meant to be.”
“How terrible would it have been if I had come out with some watered-down version of who I am?” she says. “People fell in love with the real me, and I still feel blessed that that was how the journey began.”
By Alan Light
Photographs by Mario Sorrenti
Courtesy of W Magazine
Alexander McQueen wool jacket, Ellen Christine hat, Versace ring
It's been 10 years since her landmark album, Songs In A Minor, and the career-defining hit single Fallin. Alicia Keys was 20 years old back in 2001 when her debut album was released: “I just wanted to be who I was, which was like so many other girls I knew,” says Alicia Keys. “We grew up in the city, had a hard edge and obstacles to overcome, but we were still young and beautiful. I didn’t want to be all dressed up, all made up—I wanted to be myself, which hadn’t been done before.”To celebrate Songs in A Minor’s 10th anniversary, Keys has assembled a deluxe edition featuring early demos, alternate takes, and live recordings from the era, including a classical medley and a sultry cover of “Light My Fire.” The package documents the five-year life of the landmark project, which covered most of the singer’s adolescence.
Keys recalls the struggle that she went through back then, as a young, unknown artist, to remain true to her own style and sound and the frustration she felt at being pushed, over and over, toward a more conventional style: “I was a young girl with very strong ideas but no experience,” she says. “I just knew that everything else I was doing was wrong—that all the suggestions weren’t what was in my mind, they weren’t what it was meant to be.”
“How terrible would it have been if I had come out with some watered-down version of who I am?” she says. “People fell in love with the real me, and I still feel blessed that that was how the journey began.”
By Alan Light
Photographs by Mario Sorrenti
Courtesy of W Magazine
Diane Von Furstenberg to launch new perfume called Diane
Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg will launch a new fragrance for women, called Diane: “I wanted a perfume that reflected womanhood — what I know, what I feel about being a woman — and the power that we all have that we can be the woman we want to be. I feel like in the past 10 years, people have forgotten the magic that a perfume can have, and the power that it has. And therefore, I definitely wanted to do something powerful and seductive, without being aggressive.”
The fragrance is described as woody floral and features notes of violet and frangipani. Diane by Diane Von Furstenberg will be available in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum and in matching body products, in October.
The fragrance is described as woody floral and features notes of violet and frangipani. Diane by Diane Von Furstenberg will be available in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum and in matching body products, in October.
Bradley Cooper For GQ Australia June/July 2011
Bradley Cooper scores another cover shoot, this time for GQ Australia, June/July 2011 issue. Take a look at the photos below and read the interview excerpts.
On playing Eddie Morra in Limitless: “I think originally Heath Ledger wanted to do it. Then Shia LaBeouf was attached and then … well, I’m not quite sure, but the story goes he got Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and that was that … When I heard that he fell out I just pleaded my case so I could at least have the meeting with Neil Burger, who was attached to direct.”
On his amibitions: “I just keep it really simple. I just want to get better. It’s all about the filmmaker - and that’s it … I want to be an actor who gets to work with these wonderful people. That’s it.”
On keeping his personal life private: “I just don’t talk about my private life. I’ll never do it, no matter what's written about me. Some things you just have to keep to yourself. I’ll talk about my personal past, family, and other stuff, but when you bring in other people, I feel there’s no reason for it.”
Courtesy of GQ Australia
On playing Eddie Morra in Limitless: “I think originally Heath Ledger wanted to do it. Then Shia LaBeouf was attached and then … well, I’m not quite sure, but the story goes he got Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and that was that … When I heard that he fell out I just pleaded my case so I could at least have the meeting with Neil Burger, who was attached to direct.”
On his amibitions: “I just keep it really simple. I just want to get better. It’s all about the filmmaker - and that’s it … I want to be an actor who gets to work with these wonderful people. That’s it.”
On keeping his personal life private: “I just don’t talk about my private life. I’ll never do it, no matter what's written about me. Some things you just have to keep to yourself. I’ll talk about my personal past, family, and other stuff, but when you bring in other people, I feel there’s no reason for it.”
Courtesy of GQ Australia
Movies 2011: I Don't Know How She Does It Starring Sarah Jessica Parker - Trailer
I Don't Know How She Does It is an upcoming romantic comedy, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Christina Hendricks, Seth Meyers.
"A comedy centered on the life of Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker), a finance executive who is the breadwinner for her husband and two kids. Her life gets thrown off balance when she gets a promotion and finds herself juggling her career and family life."
The film, based on Allison Pearson’s bestseller, hits U.S. theaters in September.
Watch trailer and scroll down for movie posters:
"A comedy centered on the life of Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker), a finance executive who is the breadwinner for her husband and two kids. Her life gets thrown off balance when she gets a promotion and finds herself juggling her career and family life."
The film, based on Allison Pearson’s bestseller, hits U.S. theaters in September.
Watch trailer and scroll down for movie posters:
Kylie Minogue Covers InStyle Australia June 2011
Kylie Minogue is a triple cover girl for InStyle Australia, gracing 3 different covers. The June 2011 issue pays homage to InStyle’s premier awards that celebrate Australian Women of Achievement held on May 11th. The InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards honour Australia’s most inspirational and innovative women, across multiple fields, including fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and the arts.
The June 2011 issue honors Kylie's win in the “Business Category” for her host of business ventures and international success.
Courtesy of InStyle
(via sassisamblog.com)
The June 2011 issue honors Kylie's win in the “Business Category” for her host of business ventures and international success.
Courtesy of InStyle
(via sassisamblog.com)
Bradley Cooper For Esquire Magazine Summer Issue
Bradley Cooper is featured in Esquire's Summer Issue. Here’s what the 36-year-old Hangover star had to share with the mag:
On his movie, Limitless: “Since it opened, my agent calls me every morning and asks, ‘Do you fell any different?’ And I’m like, ‘Nope. Do you feel any different?’”
On his mother, whom he brought to live with him in L.A. after his dad passed away: “I love having her. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Cooper also recalled coming across Leonardo DiCaprio when he used to work as a doorman in his twenties. Bradley, who covered the graveyard shift at the Morgans Hotel in NYC, shared that he ferried Leo up to his room one evening and remembered thinking they were “worlds apart” - Titanic had just come out, while Bradley was enrolled at the Actors Studio, pinking in the audience when De Niro came in to guest lecture.
Courtesy of Esquire
On his movie, Limitless: “Since it opened, my agent calls me every morning and asks, ‘Do you fell any different?’ And I’m like, ‘Nope. Do you feel any different?’”
On his mother, whom he brought to live with him in L.A. after his dad passed away: “I love having her. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Cooper also recalled coming across Leonardo DiCaprio when he used to work as a doorman in his twenties. Bradley, who covered the graveyard shift at the Morgans Hotel in NYC, shared that he ferried Leo up to his room one evening and remembered thinking they were “worlds apart” - Titanic had just come out, while Bradley was enrolled at the Actors Studio, pinking in the audience when De Niro came in to guest lecture.
Courtesy of Esquire
Beyonce Premieres New Song '1+1'
Beyonce has just premiered a new song called 1+1 from her upcoming album with a performance on American Idol’s season finale on Wednesday (May 25) and she said it was her favorite track from the album.
Beyonce's performance on American Idol:
The song is now available to download on iTunes and the album is available for pre-order, to be released on June 28.
Beyonce's performance on American Idol:
Movies 2011: Happy Feet 2
Remember Happy Feet? The animated film is back: Happy Feet Two (in 3D) features the voices of Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Pink (who replaces the late Brittany Murphy), Brad Pitt, Sofia Vergara, Matt Damon, among others.
Happy Feet 2 hits U.S. theaters in November.
Watch the newly-released trailer:
Happy Feet 2 hits U.S. theaters in November.
Watch the newly-released trailer:
Movies 2011: The Descendants Starring George Clooney - Trailer
George Clooney has two upcoming movies for 2011, one of which is The Descendants, directed by Oscar-winner Alexander Payne (Sideways).
Clooney plays a father left to care for his two daughters when his wife is hospitalized in a boating accident. The film, which co-stars Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, and Robert Forster, among others, hits U.S. theaters in December. Scroll down for movie poster and watch the newly-released trailer:
Clooney plays a father left to care for his two daughters when his wife is hospitalized in a boating accident. The film, which co-stars Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, and Robert Forster, among others, hits U.S. theaters in December. Scroll down for movie poster and watch the newly-released trailer:
Taylor Swift Debuts New Video: 'Mean'
Taylor Swift is releasing 2 new singles from her multi-platinum album Speak Now. The songs are called Mean, which will be sent to country radio, and The Story Of Us that will attempt for pop appeal. Watch the video for Mean:
Lady Gaga For Rolling Stone June 2011
Lady Gaga covers the new issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Scroll down for photos and interview excerpts.
On first finding fame: “Being myself in public was very difficult. I was being poked and probed and people would actually touch me and touch my clothes and be like, ‘What the f— is that,’ just so awful. It was like I was being bullied by music lovers, because they couldn’t possibly believe that I was genuine.”
On her fans: “We have this umbilical cord that I don’t want to cut, ever. I don’t feel that they suck me dry. It would be so mean, wouldn’t it, to say, ‘For the next month, I’m going to cut myself off from my fans so I can be a person.’ What does that mean? They are part of my person, they are so much of my person. They’re at least 50 percent, if not more.”
On her message to critics who say her main goal is to attract attention: “Is it that you believe that I am attention-seeking or shock for shock’s sake, or is it just that it’s been a long time since someone has embraced the art form the way that I have? Perhaps it’s been a couple of decades since there’s been an artist that’s been as vocal about culture, religion, human rights, politics. I’m so passionate about what I do, every bass line, every EQ. Why is it that you don’t want more from the artist, why is it that you expect so little, so when I give and give, you assume it’s narcissistic?”
Credit @ Ryan McGinley/Rolling Stone
On first finding fame: “Being myself in public was very difficult. I was being poked and probed and people would actually touch me and touch my clothes and be like, ‘What the f— is that,’ just so awful. It was like I was being bullied by music lovers, because they couldn’t possibly believe that I was genuine.”
On her fans: “We have this umbilical cord that I don’t want to cut, ever. I don’t feel that they suck me dry. It would be so mean, wouldn’t it, to say, ‘For the next month, I’m going to cut myself off from my fans so I can be a person.’ What does that mean? They are part of my person, they are so much of my person. They’re at least 50 percent, if not more.”
On her message to critics who say her main goal is to attract attention: “Is it that you believe that I am attention-seeking or shock for shock’s sake, or is it just that it’s been a long time since someone has embraced the art form the way that I have? Perhaps it’s been a couple of decades since there’s been an artist that’s been as vocal about culture, religion, human rights, politics. I’m so passionate about what I do, every bass line, every EQ. Why is it that you don’t want more from the artist, why is it that you expect so little, so when I give and give, you assume it’s narcissistic?”
Credit @ Ryan McGinley/Rolling Stone
Scarlett Johansson Like You've Never Seen Her Before
Scarlett Johansson recreates cinematic icons for W Magazine (June 2011): Buster Keaton, Marlene Dietrich, Sarah Bernhardt, Giulietta Masina in Fellini’s La Strada.
Take a look at the photos.
As Giulietta Masina:
As Marlene Dietrich
As Buster Keaton
As Sarah Bernhardt
Photographs by Tim Walker
Courtesy of W Magazine
Take a look at the photos.
As Giulietta Masina:
As Marlene Dietrich
As Buster Keaton
As Sarah Bernhardt
Photographs by Tim Walker
Courtesy of W Magazine
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