Saturday, January 30, 2010

Maybe, just maybe

Sorry I've neglected the space so much, it's been a busy two weeks! I can't believe I've only been living in this magnificent European city for almost three weeks now. Admist the jet lag, the 3hr classes, and the early pub crawling, I can safely say I've adjusted. One of the hardest caveats to get over within the first couple of weeks was dealing with the fact that my extended NYU family will not be present this semester. I have to admit, I've had ok nights out here in London. A good pub here, throw back a couple of ciders, maybe throw in a smidge of hard liquor. All nice good fun, but for some reason I just did not feel satisfied. There was so much more I had to explore, and finally I did. Last night I finally hit up the gay scene in London and my how in love have I fallen. I danced the night away to my J.Lo, Gaga, and of course Britney.

One of the best things about me being abroad is the fact that I am able to re-invent myself in ways. In New York everyone already has a certain image or expectation of me when we go out. I'm not complaining or saying it's a bad thing but sometimes it's better to experience "another life". I always love going out clubbing with friend but never have the balls to be THAT guy. The one that is clearly having a good time, the guy who engages the crowd, the one that has the portion of the club looking back at him every 2mins, the guy who is the center of attention. I've never really owned up to that specific role. Last night I was able to and it just made me realize how much more credit I should give myself. It was some of the most fun I've had here, correction, the most fun I've had here and I achieved it on my own (with the help of a couple of friends). Due to recent events I've always been kind of reluctant to be excited and proud to be gay. I may have an unhealthy amount of Britney songs and know pop culture inside out, but I'm not walking down the street throwing glitter at people, singing showtunes with a rainbow exploding out of my ass. Some of the actions my friends took just turned me off. The gay world in New York can get ugly and I did not want to be a part of that. Somehow in London it feels more embracing than in the city. Maybe I feel that way cause I am literally throwing all my inhibitions out the door while I'm in London. Anyways, I can't wait to hit the gay scene in London again. (Probably this upcoming week) I'll make it another event I'm sure.

Aside from my first London gay club experience I have also experienced a couple of concerts. This week alone I've seen a couple of acts: Delphic, The Drums, and Ellie Goulding. The Drums were so much fun and I can't wait to hear their first full-length album. You guys must check them out, their music is so refreshing and relaxing. Makes me want to go into a John Hughes film and dance during the awkward school dances. Delphic put on an amazing visual show and those synths were ridiculous. Then we get to Ellie. I've been raving about Ellie's music on here, but is she good live as well? I'm here to report she absolutely is. Her voice is spectacular and her shows are very entertaining. I can't wait for her to blow up she's had my heart for quite some time, it's she stole a couple more.

That's about it on this end. I'll be posting more pictures on my flickr account and such, so stay tuned. Next week, I'll be in Manchester from Friday-Sunday visiting the ever amazing Dave Tester for a weekend to remember I'm sure.

Till next time

xoxo

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Definition of Tired: Redefined

So I've finally touched down in LDN! Now that flight was not the best. Not only did I get no sleep on the plane BUT upon our arrival into London were were delayed. We circled around the airport for about an hour and then were taxing for a good 30mins before they decided to just park the plane and have buses come and takes us to the terminal. That alone took a while. The reason for all this? An inch of snow. AN INCH! AS IF! One of the LDN airports CLOSED! Anyways, I got to my dorm and settled in and met the new roomie for a semester. The rooms are small but they are very well kept and I commend the London crew on a job well-done. I'll upload pictures as soon as I'm not a walking dead man. Seriously, I'm so fucking tired. The small adventure today included a trip around King's Cross with my two girls Jee and Maggie. We ended up in the St. Pancras station and talked a to couple of cheerful and dowdy British figures in order to get the essentials: phone, adapter, and FOOD. I still need to get used to this whole pound thing. Anyways I'm beat and will probably drift off to sleep in an hour or two so until lataz!

xoxo

Monday, January 11, 2010

jitters

So if you're reading this you probably haven't been to my personal blog (only a select few know about it). Since I'm heading to London tomorrow I think it's appropriate to open it up to everyone. For the next 5/6 months this will be my journal of sorts. Expect an entry, almost daily, if not weekly. At this moment in time I'm very excited yet very nervous. I always get this knot in my stomach and a stress headache before every major event takes place in my life. The good news is that it generally signals the start of something amazing. Tomorrow I have to make sure I've packed the essentials (and slip in a could of my essential DVDs) then head to the city in the afternoon. I'm going to miss a lot of my friends, fraternity brothers, family, and of course my crackberry. On a side note though, I'm really excited to see what lies ahead. Here's to safe travels and a great start to the Spring semester. Cheers!


P.S. - Dear British Pound, lighten up a bit. Thanks.

xoxo

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Ahead of the Curve: The Sounds of 2010

With 2009 leaving us in just a couple of hours, it's time to look towards the future. Now, the 2000's brought us a huge mix bag in terms of music: teen pop, rap, hip-hop, indie pop, pop with a touch of the '80s, pop with a touch of rave, M.I.A., Lady GaGa, and of course Britney Spears. Now with a new decade ahead of us, we have another 10 years of music to look forward to. A lot of new music from old favorites and a lot of debuts. So in that vein I'm going to present to you guys some people who will be making a huge roar in music next year. Some will be huge mainstream and some will be huge critically. As the pop connoisseur that I am, this is mainly pertaining to pop artists. So without further ado, here's Eddie's Sounds of 2010:

Marina & the Diamonds

Now if you read Perez Hilton's blog (shame on you) then you probably know about this fine lady right here. This Greek beauty from Wales packs quite a punch with her savvy-written ballads and up-tempo songs. Sometimes she utilizes a plain keyboard and other time she employs an arsenal of golden pop weaponry (synths, drum machines, the works). Up until now she's released a single EP ("The Crown Jewels EP") which I must say is a good indication of her sound. She recently released her first single off of her debut album ("The Family Jewels") entitled "Hollywood". To be honest I was mildly interested in her because I liked her previous singles "Obsessions" and "I'm Not A Robot", but "Hollywood" has gotten me very excited. The chorus is infectious and she looks absolutely lovely in the video. I'm excited to listen to her debut and see what else she has up her sleeves.
Check out the video for "Hollywood".

Ke$ha

Unless you live under a rock, you've probably heard her debut single "TiK ToK" (in it's second week in the #1 spot on the Hot 100). When it comes to new mainstream pop acts, Ke$ha should be one to watch. She's at the point where she can either be a one-hit wonder or have a more legitimate career. I will confess I'm not too crazy about her image (the drunken slut who pees in sinks) but her music is ace. I have also gotten a chance to hear the debut album, and what a debut it is! It is full of surprises and if you enjoy pop with a touch of electronica as much as I do then I think you'll thoroughly enjoy it as well. I'll leave you with her current smash "TiK ToK" (I'm sure you lot will be dancing to this tonight).



The Sound of Arrows
This duo is a personal favorite of mine. They are mainly under the radar but I expect them to do big things, at least in the indie pop world (yes there is such a thing). They have only released two singles, two utterly ORGASMIC singles. If you have a thing for MGMT you might like this duo. The icing on the cake? They're also graphic designers. So not only do they make their make own but they also make their own covers and music videos. Like this gorgeous video for their fantastical song "Into the Clouds".

The Sound of Arrows - Into the Clouds (Music video) from The Sound of Arrows on Vimeo.



Ellie Goulding

This is my gem of 2010 right here. I've posted about Ellie on this blog a while ago but she's looking to be a hit next year. Since my last post she's released her first proper EP ("Under the Sheets"), made BBC's list of top acts to watch for next year (The Sounds of 2010), and has won the Critic's Choice Award for the Brit Awards. Her debut album is expected to be released in the next couple of months (1st quarter to be exact). I absolutely love this girl. She writes extremely clever lyrics, and successfully infuses acoustic music with electronica. She has coined her music as "electro-acoustic" and I could not agree more. She is also working with Frankmusik's buddy Starsmith on the album and it's sure to be quite the treat. Here's her video for "Under the Sheets".

Ellie Goulding, "Under The Sheets" from Neon Gold Records on Vimeo.



Another treat, here's my Producers list for 2010:
Diplo
Now Diplo is a pretty well-known producer. He's produced records for M.I.A., Santigold, Amanda Blank, and just released an album with DJ friend Switch last year (Major Lazer - one of my fave albums of the past year). Diplo is going to hit it BIG in 2010! He's on board to produce a lot of bigger records and is on a lot of A&R's radars when it comes to their established artists. He's already recorded with Robyn on her new album and who knows who else he has up his sleeve. I absolutely adore his production styles and I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for him.


Starsmith
I feel the same way about Starsmith as I feel about Frankmusik (well almost). Both of them are sort of buddies, with Starsmith naming Frankmusik one of his big influences in his style of remixing and his sound in general. He is the main collaborator on Ellie Goulding's debut album (they actually call themselves Goldsmith). He has also produced a lot of my favorite mixes of the year, such as the "I Am A Robot" remix. He recently tweeted that he is working on his first album and I'm very excited to hear it.

Finally my list of anticipated albums of the new year:

Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels
Ke$ha - Animal
Ellie Goulding - TBA (not the title)
Frankmusik - Follow the Leader
His debut album ranks as one of the best debuts of the decade for me. His follow-up should be as equally amazing, if not more. The clip of the new song on YouTube is enough to convince me.
Nelly Furtado - TBA
Her Spanish album made my Top 10 of '09 album list and her english one will for sure be included in my 2010 list. She's teamed up with Timbaland and Ryan Tedder, to name a few. It's due out in May and I can't wait to jam to it. Although I do hope it goes more in the direction of her older work.
Christina Aguilera - TBA
I'm very interested in Christina's new album. She went completely crazy and went out and got Sia, M.I.A., Santigold, DJ Switch, and more to work on the new album. It should be interesting. She's tried electro and I didn't really like it.
Lady GaGa - TBA
Lady GaGa is expected to release her 3rd studio album next year and I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited for it.
Madonna - TBA
It's the Queen of Pop, come on.
Robyn - TBA
This spunky Swede has a hold on my heart and with Diplo on board, how could it go wrong?
Dangerous Muse - TBA
Dangerous Muse's debut album is FINALLY expected to drop next year. It is a highly anticipated debut, and with some tracks by B&A I have a feeling I'll be spinning it for a while.
Major Lazer - TBA
I'm ready for some more Dancehall-electro-rave music from Switch & Diplo
M.I.A. - TBA
It's been far too long since we've had M.I.A. grace our earbuds, so it's about damn time!
Kylie Minogue - TBA
This pop goddess always makes my heart a flutter. Kylie will be releasing her 11th studio album next year and promises to make it an seductive pop affair.
and last but definitely not least
Britney Spears - TBA
The Princess of Pop is coming back with her 7th studio album and I couldn't be any happier! She's going to bring it like no other, plus some of the rumoured producers are making me giddy.

There you have it guys! My "Sounds of 2010" list. Hope you enjoy it and check out the recommendations. ;)
Till next year!
xoxo

What Lies Ahead

So 2009, is coming to an end and I have mixed feelings about it. In 2009, I was able to see my favorite artist, Britney Spears, in concert TWICE. I was also able to make new friends and have a lot of memorable moments that I would not change for the world. For the most part though, 2009 has been kind of a dud: failed relationships, broken friendships, and the death of my grandmother. If anything the death of my grandmother has affected me the most. In some weird way, I have become a different person because of it. I do not know if it's for the better or for the worst, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I'm taking this new view on life very seriously, and thus far, I've had great results. It's going to be amazing to go to London in under two weeks. I need to break away from normalcy. Life is getting a tad bit dull.

So my hopes for 2010?
Well I'd like to get more serious about the gym. Not just go and work a sweat for 2 hours and then leave, but actually set down goals. I would also like to improve my personal life. I'd like to work on myself and the relationships I have with people. I have a lot of good relationships going and I want to make sure that stays the way it is. I want to be more involved with my fraternity. I absolutely love everyone in it and I am sad that I will not be seeing such a marvelous group of guys for a while. I'd also want to get an AWESOME internship (still looking at ARTCO) and get started on what I want to do with life after college. Finally, I want to be in a relationship. I think I'm absolutely ready for one and I will actually try for one. Well that's about it on the personal end. I'm making another (well-written) post on music you guys should watch out for next year. Thanks for caring and hope you guys have a marvelous start to the new decade!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Best of the Decade: Final Part

2008

Songs
10. Can't Have It All - Jay Brannan
9. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
8. Hot N' Cold - Katy Perry
7. Little Bit - Lykke Li
6. Creator - Santigold
5. With Every Heartbeat - Robyn
4. Just Dance - Lady GaGa
3. Paper Planes - M.I.A.
2. Womanizer - Britney Spears
1. Circus - Britney Spears

Albums
5. Youth Novels - Lykke Li
4. Goddamned - Jay Brannan
3. The Fame - Lady Gaga
2. Robyn - Robyn
1. Circus - Britney Spears

2009

Songs
10. Silvia - Miike Snow
9. Bad Romance - Lady GaGa
8. Under the Sheets - Ellie Goulding
7. Remedy - Little Boots
6. Bulletproof - La Roux
5. Tik Tok - Ke$ha
4. The Fear - Lily Allen
3. Keep It Goin' Louder - Major Lazer
2. If U Seek Amy - Britney Spears
1. 3 Little Words - Frankmusik

Albums
10. I Love You - Amanda Blank
9. The Fame Monster - Lady GaGa
8. La Roux - La Roux
7. Mi Plan - Nelly Furtado
6. Rated R - Rihanna
5. Hands - Little Boots
4. Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do - Major Lazer
3. Miike Snow - Miike Snow
2. It's Not Me, It's You - Lily Allen
1. Complete Me - Frankmusik

2009 called for a Top 10 album list as well, it just needed it!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Best of the Decade: Pt. 4

2006

Songs
10. Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
9. Say It Right - Nelly Furtado
8. Hurt - Christina Aguilera
7. Fidelity - Regina Spektor
6. Not Ready to Make Nice - Dixie Chicks
5. Black Horse and A Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
4. U + Ur Hand - P!nk
3. My Love - Justin Timberlake
2. Maneater - Nelly Furtado
1. Smile - Lily Allen

Albums
5. Begin to Hope - Regina Spektor
4. FutureSex/LoveSounds - Justin Timberlake
3. I'm Not Dead - P!nk
2. It's Alright, Still - Lily Allen
1. Loose - Nelly Furtado

2007

Songs
10. Innocence - Bjork
9. Stranger - Hilary Duff
8. Do It Well - Jennifer Lopez
7. Beautiful Disaster - Jon McLaughlin
6. I Still Remember - Bloc Party
5. Rehab - Amy Winehouse
4. Umbrella - Rihanna
3. Sober - Kelly Clarkson
2. Boyz - M.I.A.
1. Piece of Me - Britney Spears

Albums
5. X - Kylie Minogue
4. Good Girl Gone Bad- Rihanna
3. Life in Cartoon Motion - Mika
2. Kala - M.I.A.
1. Blackout - Britney Spears