Adam Goldstein, aka DJ AM, was found dead in his Lower Manhattan apartment this past Friday, August 28th. The 36-year-old died of an apparent accidental drug overdose.
If you don’t know DJ AM by his work, you may know him for having been engaged to Nicole Ritchie, or having dated Mandy Moore. Or, because he and Travis Barker were the only two survivors of a small plane crash in South Carolina last year. But, if you don’t already know, he was also a talented DJ, favored by celebrities for his techniques and musical tastes.
Adam had struggled with drugs throughout his life, and recently admitted to having attempted suicide at the age of 24 while high on crack cocaine. While it’s a wonder how someone who just barely escaped death could risk his second chance like that, think of the unbearable memories from that day. Adam frequently wrote of the grief and guilt he felt for surviving when the other four people on the plane died. That grief and guilt never seemed to have left him.
Adam was working with MTV on a show that would follow young addicts in recovery. It’s hard to wrap your head around what he must have battled day in and day out. Which is why in the wake of this tragedy, we can at least hope he rests in peace.
September 1st, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
If you watch The Soup - and if you don’t what’s wrong with you - you’re as excited about NBC’s new show, Community. I never thought I’d see the day Joel McHale stepped onto a fictional, scripted television show, let alone a sitcom, but it’s welcome. While still playing a character, even from the previews it’s easy to see McHale keeps his dry, sardonic, and sharp sense of humor in tact. Which is a saving grace, as that’s what us McHale fans will be turning in to see. I wonder if I’ll keep expecting to see a little TV screen appear beside his head playing a reality show clip for him to comment on…
The show centers around McHale’s character, Jeff, a lawyer whose bar certification has been suspended due to the realization that his undergrad degree is from Colombia - not Columbia, the ivy league university people assume Jeff means. Now he has to hurry up and get a more legit degree, and he turns to community college.
The show looks offbeat, quirky, tongue-in-cheek, and unafraid to insult - which is refreshing. The humor looks like a blend of Scrubs, Freaks and Geeks, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It lays bare the eccentricities, hope, and disappointment of community college - like the married-seven-times elder student Jeff meets, played by Chevy Chase. All in all, I hope this one lasts. It premiers Thursday, September 17th at 8PM EST on NBC.
August 27th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
Lindsay Lohan’s home being burglarized yet again was the straw that broke the camel’s back: her neighbors want her outta there. They have voiced the opinion that they think she’d be better off in a gated community.
Paula Abdul had been offered a role on ABC’s Ugly Betty in the wake of her leavin American Idol, but the producers renegged on the deal when faced with her list of excessive demands. The role has now been given to the funnier, more…human actress, Kristen Johnston.
MTV just scored the rights to develop an American version of British TV show Skins, described as Gossip Girl but with more sex and drugs. Just an example of MTV staying classy.
Even though the marriage has already been over for, like, ever, Travis Barker is still being a total douchebag by publicly dissing Shanna Moakler. He took to Twitter Monday saying “my babies mama is a piece of shit.” Grow up, Travis. I can’t make myself like you anymore. Sigh.
Autopsy results have confirmed Michael Jackson’s death as a homicide, declaring that the drugs caused his untimely death. Looks like Dr. Conrad will be pressed with criminal charges.
The screenwriter of Pulp Fiction, Roger Avary, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter for his 2008 DUI accident in which his car crashed into a telephone pole, injuring his own wife and killing 34-year-old Andreas Zini.
August 25th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
Celine Dion is pregnant with her second child - cutting it close on her deadline, as she is 41. Enjoy it, Celine. This is the only way you’re even remotely news worthy.
There seems to be a lot of buzz over whether Brad Pitt is still smoking pot. Apparently, he used to be a stoner when he was younger, but claimed he has now given all of that up. But, Quentin Tarantino revealed (I guess not having gotten the memo that Pitt’s promoting that he quit) that the actor shared his hash with him the night he was pitching Inglorious Basterds to our stoned friend. Now, it’s is he, isn’t he…but, really, what a slow day in celebrity news.
I know every celebrity has a sex tape, or at least allegedly, so it shouldn’t be shocking when we hear of a new one. But I am pretty flabbergasted at this one: Eric Dane, you know, McSteamy? Ok, that’s not the shocking part, here it is: it’s with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and a Hollywood madam! Rebecca Gayheart, I thought you were a squeaky clean mommy! A threesome with a madam? Oy.
Because everyone in Hollywood is a transparent sell-out, they’re cashing in on the already irritating vampire trend with more and more films everyday. Now, they’re re-making Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles with Robert Downey, Jr. as Lestat. Whatever.
This is rich: Ashton Kutcher’s new movie, Spread, in which the one-note goofball tries to play a different role by putting on a ridiculous voice, opened up to make only $100,000! That’s like $2.00 in movie openings! There must have been like two lonely girls who haven’t gotten the memo no one likes Kutcher anymore in each movie theater.
Did you hear about Michael Phelps’ accident? He got into a bad car wreck in Baltimore, and reportedly was doing over 50 MPH on city streets and ran a red light. Well, now, it’s also being reported that he was driving with an invalid license and had had a few beers before driving. Stay classy.
August 18th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
Meet Mark Melicia, David Rosen, Paul Ritchie, Nick Villapiano, and Sam Bey, from Red Bank, New Jersey - or, you can call them the Parlor Mob. They’ve been making waves in the music scene since 2004, bigger waves since their latest album release, And You Were a Crow, in May 2008, but there’s a good chance you haven’t heard of them yet. And, well, you’ve been missing out on a good time.
Named for a nineteenth century gang, the group’s sound is self described as “rock and roll with a contemporary style.” In other words, take good old fashioned rock and roll, with the bad boy twist and the in-your-face guitar, now add Melicia’s rangeful voice that melds together Zeppelin-esque vocals with the more underground indie vocals of today, and top it off with artful techniques that differ from song to song, like the the Southern twang and hang-out feeling percussion clap of “Can’t Keep a Good Boy Down,” which brings to mind a jam session on the Mississippi.
The five years between the band’s birth and success today was quite the climb. After signing with Capitol Records, their merger with Virgin Records sort of left The Parlor Mob hanging somewhere in the middle, and eventually they were dropped. They signed with Roadrunner Records in 2007, and began work on their album in Asheville, North Carolina (the Southern influence is apparent) with producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse). Once their effort was released, they got the attention they deserve, with recognition like being one of iTunes’ Best New Rock Artists.
The band gets a lot of attention for bringing that good time feeling back to rock and roll. A lot of bands have digressed into deep, emotional music - which is great. But it’s nice to relive rock’s heyday with a band like The Parlor Mob, not afraid to gleefully headbang and bust up some guitars. It might be more stimulating to listen to Morrissey, but wouldn’t it be more fun to listen to a band like this?
Pick up their album, And You Were a Crow, in stores or on iTunes, and listen to foot-tapping (yes, I just used that cheesy term) gems like “Can’t Keep a Good Boy Down,” “When I Was an Orphan,” “Hard Times,” and “My Favorite Heart to Break.”
August 17th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
Who out there doesn’t have a love-hate relationship with Hollywood, and the entertianment industry as a whole? Whether it’s a bone to pick, or a pat on the back, some things going on in celebrity-ville just have to be addressed.
What’s with Flo Rida being basically the most mainstream rapper ever? Like, more so than Lil Bow Wow when he was still Lil? It’s like Flo (ha, now he sounds like someone’s old aunt) is Disney’s version of a gangster rapper. I’m not knocking Flo for it. He’s laughing all the way to the bank. And it doesn’t seem like he’s doing it on purpose. Everyone just likes him. He performed this morning on the Today Show’s concert series, and during the audience pan, I saw 65-year-old white women, 5-year-old little boys, middle aged men - all rocking out to the infectious hit “Right Round.” Which, if you listen to the lyrics, wasn’t meant to be a family sing along. Whatever works, Flo.
What’s with anyone liking, nay, obsessing over the following: True Blood, Twilight, Mylie Cyrus, a certain couple from The Hills that I refuse to name, The Bachelor(ette), Dancing With the Stars, the Kardashians, Vanessa Hudgens (maybe because she can’t keep her clothes on), Lady Gaga, and Robert Pattinson (DOESN’T SHOWER). This is why other countries don’t like us. Robert couldn’t have become such a heartthrob in native UK. Only here do girls let something like hygiene slide.
What’s with giving anyone a reality show? Brooke Hogan! The family of Tobey Maguire, not even the actor himself, who already is the most boring person alive! A bunch of women who somehow didn’t know they were pregnant!
What’s with the MGM Grand in Las Vegas?! They invite celebs - or lack thereof to host their annual pool party, in the past the list has included Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian, and Lauren Conrad. Well, not that that’s a high standard to begin with, but this year they’re having Jon Gosselin host. And they’re billing him as America’s Favorite Father! WTF? Here’s a hint to why he doesn’t come close to deserving that title, MGM Grand: he’s hosting your party, no kids in tow!
What’s with Alex Rodriguez and Kate Hudson? In general, as people? And as a couple?
That is all. For now.
August 14th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
Everyone is up in arms about Paula Abdul’s decision to leave American Idol. And it is, admittably so, pretty shocking. Paula without Idol? Idol without Paula? Unimaginable. Where will we watch her make up words now? Can’t really blame her, though, when Simon makes something around $30 million and our favorite comatosed blabberer makes about $8 million? As for the future of her judge seat, since there are still three judges, the show will bring on guest judges. So far scheduled are Victoria Beckham and Katy Perry.
True Blood on screen couple Anna Pacquin and Stephen Moyer have been dating off screen, as well, for a while now, and the pair is now engaged. Congratulations, hopefully this will distract you from the fact that your show sucks and it won’t be long until your brainwashed fans realize it.
In genius celebrity self realization news: Sienna Miller admits that maybe dating married father of four, Balthazar Getty, was a bit of a mistake. Aw, Sienna, you’re growing up before our eyes! Now, what about doing the same thing with Jude Law? Also, Ashley Olsen thinks she was born with her keen sense of fashion. If that’s what you’d call it…
More nude photographs have leaked of Vanessa Hudgens. It’s the Disney way.
Surprisingly - or not so surprisingly? - Rihanna is asking her lawyers to have the stay-away order against Chris Brown dissolved. I don’t think anyone likes the sound of that.
August 7th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
TLC, looking for a new “dysfunctional” family to document for America, is now working on a show called One Big Happy Family, following a morbidly obese family in North Carolina, in which the husband, wife, and two teen kids (a boy and a girl), all weigh over 300 pounds. Gross.
Joe Jackson is denying ever abusing young Michael Jackson. Um, cat’s been outta the bag for, like, 30 years, Joe. That ship has sailed. You’re a child abuser.
Jon Gossman’s new girlfriend, Hailey Glassman, was caught on camera smoking a bong. Classy.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy are engaged. Why is all the news today sort of nauseating?
Paula Abdul’s manager has stated that it doesn’t seem Paula will be returning to American Idol. This is a stupid decision, on the AI producers’ part. You’re picking Kara DiWhatsHerFace over Paula? Paula might be a muscle-relaxed mess but she’s part of what makes Idol Idol.
Chris Brown finally made a public apology for his unexcusable behavior in the incident with Rihanna. The apology can be seen in a video on his website. Day late and a dollar short.
July 21st, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in News, Uncategorized | Comments (0)
If your playlist is a little old and boring, you’re probably looking to update it with some new music. But it’s hard. There’s just so many artists out there now, and thanks to the internet taking the place of record label dominance, the best artists aren’t out there right in front of you. They’re everywhere, which can be overwhelming. You have to search, and you have to be patient and browse the genres you’re into, and give everything a listen. But finding that obscure artist from some random location, instead of the latest record label creation from Hollywood, is so worth it. There’s such good music out there, music that will definitely make you glad you did a little extra digging. Even if you’re not a music connoisseur you can play the part. You’ll probably discover some stuff you never knew you liked.
Like Florence and the Machine. Florence and the Machine is an indie band from the UK lead by singer Florence Welch. It’ll remind you of some great artists before, and yet it’s totally different from anything you’ve ever heard before. Florence has a uniquely beautiful voice, one that has a classical, opera like beauty and strength to it, but is then infused with some quirky, jazz-rock tones, a lush range, and a tinge of hoarseness at times. She’s compared to Kate Bush, Tom Waits, and Bjork. She sounds like all of these artists, and yet she doesn’t.
And her music is ethereal, pretty, sweet, tough, raw, and honest. It’s music you’ll like whether you’re into harder rock or softer singer-songwriter sounds. Imagine the prettiest melody you can, with a harder rocking beat, and lyrics that tell it like it is, and that you can somehow comlpetely relate to. It’s thanks to Florence’s complete immersion in music. She claims she’s “obsessed,” and says she believes in totally losing yourself in both listening and creating. That can be heard in her almost perfect, undistracted, sincere sound.
Check out her album, Lungs, that has already gone gold since its UK release July 6, 2009. I promise you’ll especially love songs like “Dog Days are Over” and “Kiss with a Fist.”
July 20th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
If you’re not watching America’s Got Talent, I’d like to petition you to do so. I feel like the talent competition doesn’t get enough love, and I’m pretty sure it’s written off as the socially awkward cousin of American Idol, as a parade of talents ranging from the ridiculous to the bizarre. But when you write it off, you’re missing classic television. The ridiculous talent, or lack thereof, can be hilarious. And guess what. There’s real talent to be found onstage.
America’s Got Talent is an another British creation - they love their talent shows. And yes, Simon Cowell is involved, but just as the executive producer. But in our version we have Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff as judges. Oh, and Piers Morgan, a famous newspaper editor from across the pond. (I hate when people say across the pond…) Unlike Idol, the talent is not limited to singing. Oh, no. There’s dancing, gymnastics, magic, ventriloquism, contortionism, comedy…which at the very least makes for an interesting show. No act is ever the same.
But what really makes this talent show stand out is its emotional spin. It’s so cheesy it loops back around to being just glorious. Gloriously cheesy. Certain performers are singled out and their stories are told, stories of poverty, undying determination, overcome obstacles, family struggles, you name it. Then, they take the stage and are amazing. People, this is the American version of the show that spawned Susan Boyle. Mini Susans are born every night on the American stage. Completely normal underdogs walk out there and show everyone they are forces to be reckoned with - all with complete humility. And then everyone stands to applaud and cheer, even the judges. And they inform the performer that he or she is wonderful. And the performer starts to well up. Just a little. And then I do, too, and then I cry. I actually cry for these people. And I promise you I’m not the only one. But it’s great because unlike when you cry over a multiple death of teenagers on their way to prom on Grey’s Anatomy, you’re crying because you’re just so happy for these performers who just had their whole lives changed.
Am I a little pathetic? Yes. Sure. You might not cry. But you’ll want to. And you’ll feel connected to your fellow American, as the average john or jane takes the stage and finds out he or she is incredible. Watch the magic happen Tuedays and Wednesdays at 9PM EST on NBC.
Oh, and Nick Cannon’s the host. Whatever, can’t win ‘em all.
July 15th, 2009 by Courtney Iseman | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (0)
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