The Fan vs. The Professional

So... I've been mulling this post over for a while. At least a week, maybe more. The reason I didn't post right away is because it's a little more personal than I tend to allow myself to be, especially on this blog. I want to keep this place fun, and happy and exciting, not drag it down with momentary insecurity. However, most of the thoughts have to do with what this blog is all about, or what I wanted it to be about when I started it. So... here we go!

The idea behind Word On The Street was to talk about entertainment news, shows, music and movies I like to think I'm fairly interesting. Quirky. Enthusiastic. BUT when I happen to be meeting people who are cooler than me, everything starts to go wrong.

It is HARD to balance being myself and my professional side. Because, yes, I do have a professional side! It's just that sometimes I feel like Su Pollard in Hi-De-Hi, chasing the dream of becoming a Yellowcoat but remaining the maid forever! (Very British Reference - have a Wikipedia link)

I once interviewed John Cho (the interview was another casualty of Yahoo's great article purge - I should republish it here sometime!) That actually happened. And the interview in reality was way longer but I had to trim it down to what was most important. The conversation we had was kind of epic, and I still have the recording, mostly to remind myself that I really did talk to John Cho! :p

And then there's the topic of tweeting celebrities. I try not to do that on my writing account because I don't want it to come off as too fangirly. But then, isn't the point of Twitter that you CAN tweet the people you like? Isn't that how connections are made? In "professional" mode - I tell myself not to do it. How can you be professional if you're geeking out over people? And how do other people view it? If you tweet the same person more than once, does it come off as desperate? In the past, it's happened. If I've tweeted someone more than once, I start to panic that it's too much. Too over-enthusiastic. In my head, tweeting someone twice feels like the equivalent of a non-anxious person tweeting someone 800 times.The truth is, though, when I look back at my entire feed - I tweet with my friends around 90% more than I tweet any celebrity. The balance is good.

I guess the main point of all this is to say... I'm not that cool. Not nearly as cool as all the other people who interview kickass people. I like cheesy pop, still listen to the occasional boyband,  and I remember all the moves to Macarena. But that's not all of who I am. Gimme full on headbanging, bouncing off the walls metal, and I'm there too. And serious stuff? Sure, I like to inject some humour into my work, but don't think I can't get out there and stand up for the things that matter. Occasional rambling aside - I'm pretty good at what I do. So, if I sometimes have a crazy, "OH MY GOD, THIS IS SO AWESOME" moment, or I over-tweet, or I stumble over my words, or giggle, or talk too much... that's because I have a lot of enthusiasm for the people I believe in. I want everyone to know. I want to spread the word with as many people as possible.

But when it comes to conducting interviews... I got it covered.

A is for Alden - Erin Alden

Before I get started with today's post, I must let you all know that I am participating in a brand new blogging challenge which will get me posting more regularly! A very awesome blog started the A-Z Blogging Challenge and I figured that as I haven't been posting too regularly, I ought to get involved! Basically, every day through April (excluding Sundays) I will be posting a new blog entry corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. If you want to join in, just follow the link above or click on the graphic in the sidebar about the challenge. On the official challenge page you will see the enormous list of people who are involved, and it will be a good opportunity to meet brand new bloggers!

So, on to today's post!

Last year I was given the chance to interview an amazing singer from Los Angeles by the name of Erin Alden. Erin is not only a singer, but a fabulous songwriter too. Her music, which can be heard on her MySpace page, is the kind of music you will find yourself singing throughout the day. It's catchy, thoughtful and different from much of the dross that can be heard in the charts. Check out more about her here: An Interview With Erin Alden

P.S There is a good chance I posted this interview before, but now seemed like a good time to re-post!

R.I.P Kurt Cobain

Recently I was reminded of a fascination I used to have with Kurt Cobain. When I was a teenager, I had a boyfriend who loved Nirvana. Back then, I didn't really appreciate the music, but I remember thinking there was something about the lead singer that was....charismatic. Unfortunately, by the time I fell in love with him, it was too late. He had ended his life. But as I learned more about him, more about his life and his love of art and music, the more I was saddened by his death.

When I was challenged to write an article about Kurt Cobain last week, I was a little dubious. If you have been reading my blog for a long time, you will know that I am not a grunge girl. I like cheesy music and boy bands! But that fascination for the man behind Nirvana was still lurking under the surface. With a little help from my friend, I managed to pull together an article about the life of Kurt Cobain and I must say, I am quite proud of it. I would like to say a huge thanks to Simon Cox for his guidance - your knowledge is incredible!

The Life and Death of Kurt Cobain

I Believe in a Thing Called...The Darkness!

Yes, yes, yes! The Darkness are coming back this summer, which means the high pitched tones of Justin Hawkins will soon be heard on the radio once again! The Darkness are something of a guilty pleasure for me - though whether they really fit that category is a matter of a opinion. Ever since they released I Believe In A Thing Called Love, I have been hooked on their music. Is it profound? Not really. Is it fun? Hell yeah! I much preferred their second album to their first, though after listening to them both recently I was reminded of some of the gems they recorded which I had totally forgotten about.  In the interests of not forgetting them ever again, I wrote an article about the Top 5 Songs by The Darkness. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Worst Cover Versions Ever Recorded

Everyone has their own opinion on what makes a cover version rubbish. For me it's a style change, bad singing and occasionally a tempo change that can ruin a good song. There have been a crazy amount of cover versions since music began being charted and many of them have been appalling. If you want to see my top five picks for the worst cover versions ever recorded - check out this link!

Lady Gaga Wants You To Smell of Bodily Fluids!

Lady Gaga to Release "Blood and Semen" Scented Perfume?

 

Don't get me wrong, I love Lady Gaga. I love her music, I love that she is completely crazy and I love that she gets people talking. But even I think this is a step too insane, even for her! Do we really want to walk around stinking of blood and semen? I mean, aren't those the smells we shower to get away from?! Of course, at this point it is just a rumour but let's face it - it's Lady Gaga! I don't think anyone would be that surprised if it were true!

Robert Pattinson Backs X Factor Wagner

Robert Pattinson Backs X Factor Wagner

This is by far the funniest celebrity news story I have read in ages! Clearly this is just a simple case of piss taking but I think Robert Pattinson sums up the feelings of many of the X Factor voters who now see the show for the mockery it has become!  If this news helps Wagner stay in the competition, it will only become even funnier. :D

Katie Waissel's Family Suggest She Quits the X Factor

Katie Waissel's Family Suggest She Quits the X Factor

She's stubborn, huh?

Katie Waissel was Always a "Monster"

Katie Waissel Was Always a "Monster"

If you click on the story above, you will find a relatively calm report about the latest Katie Waissel scandal. Outside of that article, I want to say how much I think the X Factor is a complete and utter con.

The stories about whether or not Katie Waissel already had the inside track on the show have been rife - linking to them all with the "evidence" about how she had been on tour with former X Factor runner up Andy Abraham and that she had met Brian Friedman and Sony execs before would take forever.

While I am still completely addicted to the X Factor and am done with being irritated by the outcomes, there seems to be some kind of mass manipulation going on. If Simon Cowell says something is excellent, regardless of what we have heard, for some reason we always believe it. It might be because he is rarely awestruck that when he is we trust his word. In my opinion, that is why Katie Waissel is still in the competition. Let's be honest - she has really only put on one credible vocal through the show so far and that was when she sang Etta James. Her performance of the Jungle Book song was entertaining, sure. But vocally, it sucked. Simon Cowell comparing Katie Waissel to Gwen Stefani is one of the most idiotic things I have ever heard. Gwen Stefani can actually sing. She is quirky, yet genuine - at least that is how she comes across.

My plea to the public this week - PLEASE judge on what you hear and not what the judges say. It is our votes that make the difference.

Katie Waissel vs Cher Lloyd: Do They Have the X Factor

Katie Waissel vs Cher Lloyd: Do They Have the X Factor

In the above article, I have tried to settle the argument about whether or not these girls have the X Factor. Even I was suprised by my thoughts!

JLS Condoms!!

If I didn't know better, I would swear it was April Fool's Day!

Boyband JLS Launch Their Own Range of Condoms

This is my favourite entertainment story of the YEAR!It is fairly fresh and not much feedback has been received yet but I wouldn't be at all surprised if there are anguished cries from the mothers of teenage girls - wailing that this is encouraging teenagers to have sex instead of trying to stop it!  JLS' intentions were nothing but honourable, I believe, but this could all go horribly wrong.

Not to mention the nagging question - why would a guy buy JLS comdoms?! While there is nothing funny about teenagers having sex - particularly when they are underage - I can't help giggling over the idea that this may be JLS's first *cough* flop!

Erin Alden Interview

Alberto Albis is a legend. In his very selfless way he has given me the opportunity to interview and review people who I would never have been able to dream of talking to. Alberto Albis singlehandedly opened my ears to some incredible musicians and most impressively, inadvertantly helped to get one of my quotes onto Roy Ashen's promotional video for his album,Eclipse. (Look for the comment from Associated Content- that'sME!!


My most recent interview has been with indie/rock musician Erin Alden, an awesome talent I wish I had known about a long time ago. On hearing her music, I bet you will feel the same. When you listen to it, you can feel that it comes straight from the heart, just as all the best music does. Check out my interview with Erin Alden and click on the link to her music at the end- you will love it!

Robbie Williams is Married - My heart is broken!

Haha, not really! Well, maybe a little. I always loved him, as do legions of others both male and female! But alas, he has gotten away from us and finally got married! The lucky lady is an actress named Ayda Field and I am sure she will forever be the envy of many after bagging our favourite happy-go-lucky bachelor!

In honour of Robbie Williams' wedding (and it's music monday!), let's look at the life and times of Robbie Williams! You should know, I had the hardest time narrowing this down!

You have to be/have been a hardcore Take That fan to remember this one! Back in 1992 when Take That were new, this song showed a very young Take That, including a leather clad Robbie!


Robbie taking the vocal lead on Everything Changes. This song brings back so many memories for me! It will forever be a favourite!


Robbie Williams' first solo single, a cover of Freedom by George Michael


I know everyone knows Robbie Williams for Angels, and although still a favourite, it was too obvious a choice so I am going to replace it with another favourite ballad, Eternity


A change of sound and a controversial video! Rock DJ!


Huge Robbie fans will remember watching this moment, and those who REALLY love him will have and always will cry watching him singing My Way live at the Albert Hall. (and for those who think he is a smug idiot, try to terminate those thoughts because Williams is, in my humble opinion, one of the world's greatest showmen!)


And finally from the latest album - You Know Me


As you can see, Robbie has had a varied career and I hope married life doesn't make it stop for too long!

For more news on his big day, read on! Robbie Williams Weds Ayda Field

The X Factor is coming.....

Huh, that sounds kinda ominous! :p

Still more bad news on Cheryl Cole today. Although the X Factor will be returning to our screens soon, with Cheryl's condition getting worse, it's looking more and more certain that she won't make any of this series. Even if she starts to get better tomorrow, she has many weeks of recovery to get through. The show will not be the same without her! Latest news on her condition is that Cheryl Cole has fluid on her lungs. That is really not a good sign but I am still sending out constant good thoughts to her that she begins to get better soon.

On a slightly less depressing note - Leona Lewis has been in the news recently for slating reality television shows - you know - like the one she came from. It gives the impression that she is getting a bit big for her boots, and that once shy girl who appeared on the X Factor has suddenly forgotten that reality tv was the thing that made her famous. She made a claim recently that X Factor is no longer about music and more about theatrics and it got me thinking. X Factor was ALWAYS about theatrics. Judges fighting, tactical voting, angry outbursts - it's been there all along! For further proof, take a look at one of my newest articles: X Factor is a Pantomime

That's all for this week's entertainment news (unless anything major happens later!). Hope you all have a great weekend!

Cheryl Cole Update, plus Pretty Little Liars Recap!

I'm gutted to report the news that Cheryl Cole's malaria is not getting any better yet. I was hoping to wake up to hear that the worst was over, but unfortunately the nation's sweetheart is still in intensive care. :( Keep fighting Cheryl, we know you're tough enough to do it!

In other news, Pretty Little Liars was on yesterday! YAY! I am ITCHING to make Pretty Little Liars graphics but I have got a ton of articles to write before I can consider slacking off! Anyways - watched the episode this morning and it was pretty good. Not one of my favourites but every now and again these slower episodes need to happen to prepare us for the bigger events! To read a recap of Pretty Little Liars episode Reality Bites Me, click the link! :D

A step back in time

Who doesn't love to reminisce now and again? Sometimes looking back can be so much fun. Thinking back to when you were a teenager,or even a child can bring back fond memories of times when life was simple.
Have you ever noticed how music can induce so many memories? Well some of my favourite memories come from the 90s. In particular, the summer holidays. I remember getting up early to watch my favourite tv shows in the morning before my mum was ready for us to go out for the day. After all this time, hearing a familar tv theme tune from those days always brings a smile to my face.

I recently wrote an article about my favourite 90s tv theme tunes, not all of them from children's shows, but they are all catchy and brilliant. Take a look, and let me know if you recognise them, then tell me some of your own favourites in the comments!

Top Ten Break Up Songs!

In honour of  Top Ten Tuesday at the wonderful blog of ohamanda I'd like to share my list of the top ten break up songs! We all know the feelings that wash over you when you break up with someone. Misery, pain, anger. But music has magical healing properties and I think this list can help!

1. Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

2. You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette

3. With or Without You by U2

4. Strong Enough by Cher

5. Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

6. F*ck You by Lily Allen

7. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart by Al Green

8. Leave Right Now by Will Young

9. Survivor by Destiny's Child

10. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

For the more detailed version of this list, please click here and feel free to leave your own suggestions in a comment!

Viva La Rock!

It's time for another kick ass interview!

Subscribers to my blog may be under the impression that cheesy pop is all I am interested in. That couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, I do have a special place in my heart for boybands and other such cheesy music but I am also a huge fan of rock music. I love music from as far back as the 60's, though 70's and 80's rock is by far my favourite. Some might say this in itself is quite cheesy, but that is beside the point! :p

As it is Music Monday, I wanted to share a very special interview with you. This was the first interview I ever wrote, and with a member of a rather amazing band. Alberto Albis is the man, Viva La Union is the band. Besides being the bass player for Viva La Union, Alberto is a very talented, fun and genine guy. His talents don't just lie with bass playing. He also writes songs and helps to produce and promote  new artists, one of whom I have also interviewed.

Viva La Union is an indie/rock band and has a very distinctive sound. The lyrics, written mainly by the endlessly talented John Cho, have depth and meaning and many are brilliantly catchy. Take a look at this interview with Alberto Albis, have a listen to some of their tracks (links are in the article) and let me know what you think!

X Factor star is beginning to shine!

In 2009 X-Factor was the cause of many a controversy. John and Edward Grimes, now known as "Jedward" split the UK in half as people debated over whether or not they deserved their place in the ITV show. Although many were against them, week after week they continued to be voted through to the next round. The biggest upset came when the judges on the show refused to pick between Lucie Jones and John and Edward, and so the final decision went back to the public. Millions were outraged when talented Welsh singer Lucie Jones was ousted from the show and the backlash against the Irish twins was incredible.

Drama aside though, last year's X Factor produced some great talent. My favourite of which is Olly Murs. The twenty five year old From Essex was and still is very popular and has been tipped for great things by people with far more knowledge than me!

For more info about Olly, see this article on his future potential! Let me know what you think!



Finally, as promised my review of the Glee Soundtrack Volume Two - sorry it took so long!

It's Music Monday....

...and so every Monday I will share the music I love with you!

I'm going to start with something that combines both music and television. A show which makes the High School Musical movies look dull in comparison. Yes, it's Glee! If you haven't seen this show yet, you really need to check it out. Like High School Musical, Glee brings high school drama and catchy tunes but instead of being squeaky clean it is jammed with controversial topics, quirky characters and brilliant humour. It's dry and sarcastic which appeals to adults, but it also has many touching, teenage moments that high-schoolers will easily relate too. The cast is mainly a host of people plucked from musicals which should give you a clue as to how brilliant their performances are, and yet Glee isn't crammed with show tunes. Instead they take popular music of all genres and eras and make them new and unique.

Quite recently, the Glee cast released a soundtrack of tunes from the show and today in the UK Volume 2 will be released - which I will be listening to and reviewing a little later. Until then though, take a look at my review of the Glee Soundtrack Volume One. See if I can make a Gleek out of you!