Notes from a Genius

This past Sunday, I went down to Boston to see the Swedish "hit-maker-turned-pop-star(sort of)" named Tove Lo. You might have heard her songs but not necessarily known it was her. She has writing credit for Ellie Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" which earned her a Grammy nomination, as well as work with Icona Pop. She's also had quite a few hits herself, most notably for "Habits" and "Talking Body." She was mentored by Max Martin and Shellback, two phenomenal Swedish producers, and it clearly shows in her style of music. What sets her apart from other "manufactured" pop stars, though, is that she writes her own songs and takes creative control of her stuff. It's all her, all the time, and she does not hold back. This came through especially in her live performance, which apparently, in Boston, she was so moved and amazed with the crowd response that she decided to flash the crowd mid-song during "Talking Body." Thi...

This past week, I went to see social-media fame-made Us the Duo (a married couple who became famous through their short clips of cover songs which they've known turned into a record deal and a headlining tour). I usually don't like falling for this kind of stuff. Social media "stars" and "fame" really pisses me off for some reason, perhaps because I feel like it lacks the hard work and dues paying that comes with becoming "famous," and it also begs the question of what exactly we deem "famous" nowadays in our culture and society. But alas, it was a cheap ticket and I've enjoyed their music, so I wanted to check it out. And man, were they popular with the crowd. It was a decent show, with plenty of original songs and covers mixed in. Top Pop Songs Medley Play Video Goodbye Forever Play Video Fighting For You Play Video Follow Me Play Video How Deep Is Your Love / How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees and Ca...

"Adventures in the Sin Bin" starring: Michael Seater, Emily Meade, Bo Burnham, Brian Petsos, Ben McKenzie, Gillian Jacobs, Jeff Garlin, Tim Blake Nelson written by: Christopher Storer directed by: Billy Federighi This was a film that was "okay" because it was clearly borrowing some of its good elements from better films, and it was rather clear that the filmmakers had seen Wes Anderson's "Rushmore" a few too many times. It's got some decent characters and a pretty decent soundtrack, but it's the story that seems to lack substance, in my opinion. It's another one of those coming-of-age stories with an outcast/wallflower type of character looking to find himself through interactions with others. Brian (Michael Seater) is on a scholarship among well-to-do kids., and mom's away trying to get over dad's death. Like all kids of his age, sex is pretty much all he thinks about, but, he isn't getting a chance to act on his crus...