Jennifer Lawrence and Sarah Jessica Parker share a moment on the red carpet.
It can be tough to find the right outfit for the Met Gala. There’s so much pressure to be dressed the best and the competition is steep! Like I said in Part 1, this year’s punk theme might have been a bit too high concept for some people to wrap their heads around. So while some celebrities made some honest but failed attempts at going punk, some celebrities completely ignored the theme all together. So here are our choices for the ones who did not quite make the best dressed list and the ones who completely missed the mark all together.
The Blahs
There’s a lot of the classic Taylor Swift elements going on in the dress, but I find the black so jarring on Swift. Perhaps if this was in Swift’s go to white colour it would work better.
Blake Lively looks like she is channeling her inner Black Swan, but there’s nothing very punk about this.
I love Jennifer Lawrence but this just seems like a case where a celebrity was contractually obligated to wear this design. J. Law is the face of Miss Dior so it makes sense why this happened. It’s pretty but not amazing.
Florence + the Machine’s dark new video for “Lover To Lover” chronicles a fading housewife living in a shabby old home trying to repair a damaged relationship with a verbally abusive lover.
Her intimidating gent is played by Ben Mendelsohn, who kind of looks like a Wild West cowboy with his untamed moustache. After a seemingly endless cycle of fighting and making up, Flo burns their possessions and dives into the freezing cold ocean in a bleak but powerful final gesture.
Florence Welch told Nowness: ”The waves were enormous, it was freezing cold and four in the morning — I was weeping all the way in I was so scared.”
“Lover To Lover” is the latest track from the group’s sophomore album Ceremonials. The video was directed by Vincent Haycock.
Watch it here
The often lovely and talented Florence Welch showed us some different sides of herself in a music video for ”Sweet Nothing,” her collaboration with Calvin Harris.
Playing the role of an abused woman in the video, we see Welch rocking an androgynous look with her hair tied up and wearing suit during a performance in a club.
While Welch sings the song’s lyrics, “I’m tired of hope, with nothing to hold / I’m living on such sweet nothing / And it’s hard to learn and it’s hard to love / When you’re giving me such sweet nothing,” we are then introduced to the back story that explains the pain Welch is singing about.
With the video going back and forth to a man sitting in a diner to Welch singing, it is revealed that they are involved in an abusive relationship.
It’s an interesting look and feel for the often glamourous singer of Florence+ The Machine. But with her powerful vocals set to a darker tone and beat, her collaboration with Harris definitely shows Welch’s ability to expand as an artist.
By Azra Kassam
For newly accepted freshman, the idea of going to a new school, making new friends and becoming a full fledged “college student” might seem a little daunting. That’s why we’ve created a playlist to go with your new experiences and make the transition a little easier. From all nighters to dorm parties to just chilling out, there’s a right song for the right college moment. Buckle up, kids. You’re in for the ride of your life.
Pulling an all-nighter
“Fur Elise” — Bass Hoven dubstep mix
The first all-nighter I ever pulled was for a course during the first semester of my first year at university. Canadian History, to be exact. And the only thing stopping me from pulling my hair out and collapsing into a ball of hysterical tears at 6 am was that I managed to find music to motivate me all night. The perfect “study music” has to be relaxing, but it also has to be upbeat enough to keep you from falling asleep on top of your essay. This Bass Hoven dupstep remix of Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” is an electronic spin on a classic and will keep you focused, yet alert during your night of studying. You can thank me later when you get an A on that paper!
Your first dorm party
“Sweet Nothing” — Calvin Harris & Florence Welch
Let’s face it. As much as your Residence Fellow will stress over and over that “parties are strictly prohibited” or you’ll “get fined for playing beer pong in dorm rooms” or “running in the hallways with glass bottles is a one way ticket out of residence for good” (can you tell I broke every rule possible?) there WILL be parties, and they WILL be fun. Bust out Calvin Harris and Florence Welch’s new collab “Sweet Nothing” at your first party and you will immediately gain popularity points for having the greatest playlist ever. With Flo’s larger than life voice and Harris’ pounding house beats, “Sweet Nothing” will make your first party a memorable one — if you can remember it at all.
Working out at the school gym
“Vava Voom” feat. Lupe Fiasco — Bassnectar remix Read more…
Florence + the Machine’s new retro-inspired video for “Breaking Down” is a loving ode to Los Angeles and summer nostalgia. The catchy song is about paranoia and loneliness but the upbeat melody and catchy beat ultimately make it hopeful.
The video features singer Florence Welch candidly posing at the pool, playing tennis and driving in the backseat between shots of blowing palm trees and neon cocktail signs. It fits with this generation’s incessant need to live in a different era, when romantic Instagram shots were actually Polaroids and you wore cat eye glasses because they were new, not because they were old.
Watch it here:
Florence + The Machine’s new video for “Spectrum” is an artful paradise filled with swan-like ballerinas, pirouetting around a blaze-haired Florence Welch. The elegant dancers lightly swirl around the singer while she delivers her powerful lyrics: “Say my name/ As every colour illuminates/ We are shining/ And we’ll never be afraid again.”
In another scene, she stands from an icy pedestal like Cleopatra while her doppelgänger dances on her toes beside her. The choreography becomes more fierce, wild and rigid as the video progresses. It’s one of those songs you want to put your whole body into and I know this from experience after perhaps maybe definitely spontaneously dancing to the track in my room.
The David LaChapelle-directed video is as eccentric and beautiful as the song, which is the fifth single off her sophomore album Ceremonials.
Watch it here:
“Reunion (Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. remix)” — M83
From Detroit indie-pop duo Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. comes this remix of M83’s “Reunion,” off their recent album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. The remix is a great, toned down version of M83’s heavily 80s-inspired track. Dale Earndhart Jr. Jr. keeps the essence of the track with M83’s signature atmospheric vocals, but adds their own twist with some synth, and a driving beat. Reunion will be officially released later this month and serious fans who buy the disc will be treated to six remixes of the single, including this Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. version.
“Blood Brothers” — Ingrid Michaelson Read more…
With mashups becoming increasingly easier for the average music lover to create at home, authentic collaborations between artists are becoming more exciting. But alas, some of my fave potential collaborations are but a distant dream. So, if anyone out there can hook up the following artists together and convince them to make sweet musical love, I (not to mention my my ears) will be forever grateful. Without further ado, here are the top five unlikely musical collaborations we’d love to hear.
1) Selena Gomez / Azealia Banks
I’m convinced Selena Gomez has a hip-hop freak hiding underneath her pretty persona. With boyfriend Jusin Beiber’s recent foray into the R&B/hip-hop scene, Gomez could learn a thing or two from up and coming female rapper Azealia Banks. Both women are chameleons, with Banks sampling pretty much every genre possible in her music and Gomez pulling off every look possible in her “Love You Like a Love Song” video. Banks and Gomez could have a sassy hit together.
2) Taylor Swift / Florence and the Machine
Okay, Florence Welch is on a level of her own, creatively and vocally, but if any pop star can come close to keeping up with Welch’s powerful pipes, it’s T-Swizzle. The girl has proved herself, winning six Grammies in her career, and actually has instrumental talent, unlike many of her counterparts in the pop and country scene. Swift could back Flo with a piano or guitar and lend her sweet voice. The two women could create something magical. No really.
3) One Direction / The Hives Read more…
“Breath of Life,” Florence and the Machine
The upcoming blockbuster Snow White and the Huntsman is set to be released on June 1, and who better to create the lead single for the epic tale than cinematic songstress Florence Welch and her Machine? “Breath of Life” is possibly one of Welch’s most dramatic songs to date, with pounding drums, and a 60-person choir backing Welch’s intense voice. The video for the single shows Welch recording the track in London’s Abbey Road Studios, 60-person choir included, with vivid scenes from the film woven through the recording session. The video looks like an impressive trailer for the Snow White re-interpretation, and I will definitely be forking over 10 dollars or more at the movie theatre to watch it. You can hear “Breath of Life” on the film’s soundtrack, which will be available May 29.
“Part 5: Su-Barbie-a,” Marina and the Diamonds
A few days ago, Marina Diamandis uploaded this gem onto the Marina and the Diamonds YouTube channel. It’s Part 5 of her online video anthology, which exposes the four female archetypes that her new album Electra Heart is based on. The video is a two-minute flurry of various audio clips from old Hollywood films and Barbie doll advertisements all playing over the instrumental track from her song “Valley of the Dolls.” It also features Diamandis in a creepy Stepford-esque outfit standing in front of a perfect house, with her face engulfed in shadows. The next video to be released will be “Part 6: Power and Control.”
“Unnecessary,” Childish Gambino ft. ScHoolboy Q Read more…
Dragonette – Let It Go
After lead singer Martina Sorbara’s stints with Martin Solveig offering her distinct vocals on “Hello” and “Big in Japan,” Canadian electronic band Dragonette is back with a new single “Let It Go” and an upcoming album with the same name. We know we’ve got a hit on our hands since Laidback Luke has already remixed the track. If you’re a Dragonette fan, you won’t be disappointed.
Mayer Hawthorne ft. Rizzle Kicks – The Walk
Off Mayer Hawthorne’s second studio album How Do You Do, “The Walk” is a mashup of funk /soul and indie pop, and is pretty much about telling a heartbreaker to f**k off. The harsh lyrics combined with smooth vintage trumpets and old school beat makes this song absolutely charming. British hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks appear on the record lending their sweet English accents as well. One listen and I guarantee you’ll fall in love. Read more…
Florence and the Machine’s new video for “Never Let Me Go” is dark and captivating. It features a dark haired Florence skating with a blond hunk on a foggy rink. That blond hunk just happens to be Jamie Campbell-Bower who plays Caius in Twilight.
The two lovers balance each other: she’s the dark to his light, but when he leaves her things start to get trippy and blood starts gushing from her forehead. She sings: “And it’s over, And I’m goin’ under, But I’m not givin’ up! I’m just givin’ in.”
The song is the latest single from her gold-certified “Ceremonials” album. Although the video was on YouTube, it was promptly taken down. However, a behind the scenes video captures the vibe of the song.
1. Most memorable story of 2011: The passing of Jack Layton
The charismatic leader of the NDP passed away from cancer on August 22, leaving a deep void in Canadian politics.
2. Best pop album: Cher Lloyd “Sticks + Stones”
This album from X Factor contestant Cher Lloyd has a bit of everything: rap, pop, 80s samples and even dubstep.
3. Best movie: Bridesmaids
I can’t remember the last time I laughed like a hyena in a movie theatre. Kristin Wiig and the rest of her female cast members made this movie the success it is today.
4. Best t.v. show: Parks and Recreation
This show has some of the most eccentric characters on television: The bacon obsessed Ron Swanson, the overly optimistic Leslie Knope and the sarcastic and dark April Ludgate.
5. Best dressed: Florence Welch
The lead singer of Florence + the Machine always manages to look like she came straight out of a Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino painting.
6. Best blog (other than our own, of course!): Cute Overload
7. Which male and female celeb owned 2011: Justin Bieber and Zooey Deschanel
Justin not only escaped the hyped baby mama drama, he dropped a hit Christmas album and countless of music videos, won a ton of awards for his musical efforts, and got a haircut! He was literally everywhere this year. Zooey Deschanel finishes much of 2011 as a single lady but she can celebrate her new sitcom “New Girl” being a huge enough success to warrant her a Golden Globe nomination. Take that, Ben Gibbard!
8. Shocking celebrity moment: Amy Winehouse found dead
When the 27 year old was found dead from a drug overdose in July, it made a lot of people rethink their choices for doing drugs and drinking alcohol. If her death has taught us anything, it’s that we’re not alone in overcoming our demons.
9. Biggest surprise of 2011: Lindsay Lohan didn’t go to jail
We all thought a little time in the slammer would do Lindsay some good. Although she did complete her community service hours at a morgue, she escaped being placed behind bars for all her wrong-doings. Then she posed for Playboy!
10. Who to watch in 2012: Lana Del Rey
The gangster version of Nancy Sinatra made a big splash in late 2011 with her songs “Video Games” and “Born to Die”. With her debut album finally out in 2012, we’ll be seeing a lot more of the buxom blonde.
Three of the biggest divas (and I use this word as a compliment, not an insult) in music have gotten together to pay tribute to their fallen colleague, Amy Winehouse.
Sharon Jones, of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings joined rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson sing “You Know I’m No Good”. Then, ginger goddess Florence Welch graced the stage to sing “Back To Black”, taking our breath away.
Florence, Sharon and many, many other outstanding female singers performed for the annual VH1: Divas television special last night. Perez Hilton is the source for the video we’ve posted below.
The ethereal beauty, Florence Welch graced the X Fact stage last night to perform “Spectrum”.
Florence and her power vocals stunned the audience as she sang a track from her newly released album “Ceremonials”. The British beauty wore an elegant, sparkling gown as dozens of interpretive dancers shimmied behind her.
It was a truly breathtaking performance and it’s found to give you shivers once you watch the video. Florence never gives a bad performance, does she?
Last night, Katy Perry fulfilled her teenage dream by hosting Saturday Night Live with her touring buddy Robyn as musical guest.
She’s been on a stampede of success over the past few weeks – named one of Barbara Walters’ Most Fascinating People of the Year, shot down a few more divorce and pregnancy rumours, won a few American Music Awards,sported a new haircut and oh, nominated for a handful of Grammy awards. Then the singer-turned-host dawned the seemingly haunting deed of hosting Saturday Night Live. At first, she seemed insanely nervous during her opening monologue as she impersonated the Rockefeller Christmas tree, but her sexual tension with Kristen Wiig brought it back around.
Earlier this week, Perry took a break from rehearsals to talk about the experience. “It’s fun on the outside, and on the inside it’s a lot more hard work than I can ever imagine. So it’s nerve wracking but I always love a challenge and this is something new, so it’s challenging but I’m up for it. And if I completely embarrass myself, I’ll just stick to music. I’ll fall back on that.”
And that’s exactly what happened. Perry appeared through at least nine sketches where she parodied Christina Aguilera, recent musical guest Florence Welch, Pippa Middleton and herself on a Finnish talk show. Her renditions of the above-mentioned music stars were flawless. But, be sure to check out her digital short with Andy Samberg, Matt Damon and Val Kilmer.
SNL-alum and Late Night star Jimmy Fallon hosts next weekend with musical guest, Michael Buble.
Florence Welch seems to really love our homeboy, Drake.
The Toronto rapper and the flame-haired English songstress was flirted with a collaboration in the past but nothing came of of it – yet! Both have released highly-anticipated albums in the last few weeks and I smell a duet in the near distance.
During a performance on BBC Radio 1, Florence + the Machine created a divine rendition of Drake’s song “Take Care”. When Florence sings, angels get their wings. The cover stripped most of the hip-hop elements and traded it in for beautiful string arrangements.
It’s a moving performance from Florence Welch. Check out the video below.
