In the weeks since Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, was killed in Florida, my anger and frustration has grown in many different ways. It’s true that events like this, when brought to national attention, bring out the best in some and the worst in others. From the idiotic comments made by Geraldo Rivera to the pleas for compassion and understanding I’ve seen from others, at the very least, this case has provided a forum for people to discuss things […]
pop culture
The Singles Bar: Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend”
One thing that’s sort of amazing to me is that, with all of the accolades and internet buzz and fan mania that’s happened with Justin Bieber, the kid’s only really released two albums. Of course, the industry loves to milk teen sensations for all they’re worth before their bubble bursts (see: Hanson & New Kids On The Block,) so there’s already been the acoustic album, the remix album, and the Christmas album. That said-it looks like there is some legit […]
The Idiot Box: Community: “Contemporary Impressionists”
Egos can be dangerous things. Inflated, they can make us forget how connected and indebted we are to the people we love. Bruised and shattered, they bring us crashing back down to the glaring reality that we aren’t perfect, flawless, or even close to ideal. The tough part is that after floating so high above such a difficult reality and suddenly finding ourselves back in the middle of it, it can take a while to catch our bearings. We suddenly […]
Pass the Popcorn: “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone”
Documentaries that chronicle the rise, triumph, and inevitable fall from grace – and redemptive coda, if one is available – of an influential artist are often tricky propositions: VH1’s “Behind the Music” series pretty much cornered the market on this plotline early on, and subsequent efforts to subvert the formula either need to be either particularly innovative in style or to boast an interesting enough story to distinguish themselves. Take last year’s Pearl Jam Twenty, for example: an exemplary documentary, […]
WTFF? Katy Perry Tackles “Ns in Paris”
I have no words for this. I mean, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be, but still…does Katy Perry need to be covering Jay-Z & Kanye West? And let’s face it, “N***as in Paris” isn’t the world’s greatest song to begin with. She must have done this because she knew it would go viral…and here’s my ass posting it. Fine. You win, Katy Perry. YOU. WIN. …and apparently this cover was performed in London? SMH. That shit […]
Blerd Radio: (Un)charted Territory
Blerd Radio / hip-hop / Michael Jackson / Podcasts / pop culture / Pop Music / rock music / soul music
Guess what, folks? It’s time for another Blerd Radio episode! This episode finds Big Money Mike joined by Popblerd co-conspirators Mike Duquette and Zack Stiegler and special guest Michael Parr . Among the topics discussed: -The quality of Bruce Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball album, the similarity of a certain track to a song by They Might Be Giants, and the curious lack of people of color at your average Boss show. -The underwhelming singles from Madonna’s upcoming MDMA album. Has the Queen of Pop lost […]
The Blerd13 with…Raine Maida!
The Blerd13 is off to a great 2012 (With lots more lined up really soon…)! That said, we are humbled to present our second Q & A of 2012 with Our Lady Peace’s Raine Maida. Mr. Maida recently took the time out of recording Our Lady Peace’s eight studio album, Curve (due on April 17th), to speak with us by phone from L.A. Here’s what he had to say: 1. Can you tell us a little about the new Our […]
Blerd Appreciation: The Notorious B.I.G.
Remembering the Notorious B.I.G. on the 15th anniversary of his death.
The Viewfinder: “MIB 3” Trailer Round 2 – Holy Shiz-Nit!
When the teaser for vaguely anticipated threequel Men in Black 3 hit the web in December, I was… less than pleased . Little of what made the 1997 sci-fi/comedy cult classic (and very select parts of the 2002 sequel) so great – the chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones and a colorful supporting cast – was present in the teaser. If anything, the clip acted as a fearsome reminder of what another lauded fantasy/comedy franchise might look like were it to get to a third installment . What more can […]
Blerd Radio – American Idol Season 11 Top 13 Preview
Later this week, the top 13 for season 11 of American Idol sing for their pop lives. I will blog the happenings here every week. I’ve watched nearly every episode of American Idol, so I know a little bit about this show. But I grabbed someone who knows even more about this show than I do, and she’s someone who I first met when I was in grade school. My friend Tiffany, who you can follow on Twitter @TVProducerLady , and […]
The Blerd & Gonzo Cover Convo: “Everytime You Go Away”
In this week’s cover convo: Paul Young, Hall & Oates, a surprise guest, a Larry Hagman lookalike, alleged weenie photos and more!! Aren’t you intrigued??
Blerd Appreciation: Fred Rogers
We pay tribute to an icon of my childhood, and many others’ too-Fred Rogers.