It’s Flashback Friday! And it’s also pretty much a rock-solid fact that the “Wannabe,” by the Spice Girls, is, was, and always will be one of the most irritating songs ever recorded. So when they dropped “Say You’ll Be there” — the second single off their debut, unimaginatively titled album, Spice — it was almost as if Posh, Ginger, Baby, and Mels B. and C. were offering the world “Say You’ll Be There” as a mea culpa in song form.

While the “Wannabe” video was pretty much a panning party (although it was done in almost one continuous take, which is pretty amazing) and took place in a hotel, “Say You’ll Be There” was shot in the Mojave Desert and featured the Girls as naughty ninjas fighting… something or other… with boomerangs, Chinese throwing stars, and vinyl pants.

One of the best parts about “Say You’ll Be There” — both the song and the video — is the harmonica hoedown part at the bridge. And if you’re a total music geek, you either already know, or you’ll be as nerdily thrilled as I was to discover that the harmonica solo was performed by Judd Lander, who also performed the harmonica part in Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon.” (Watch that video after the jump.)

Other ways that the Spice Girls were clearly saying “we’re sorry” in their “Say You’ll Be There” video — the ridiculous sound effects, cheese-tastic retro “surveillance” equipment, and former Madonna boy toy Tony Ward, who’s first shown right before 1:00.

Oh yeah, the Spice Girls also performed “Say You’ll Be There” at the 1997 MTV VMAs, which is just another reason I wish I had a time machine. Anyway, enjoy the sounds of 1997… without the burdens of zigga-zig-ah.

+ Watch “Karma Chameleon after the jump!
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Recently, more’s been made of Jessica Simpson’s weight and denim cut-off short shorts than the fact that Arizona State University denied President Obama an honorary degree. Vanity Fair writer Rich Cohen even managed to use the word “fat” three times in one paragraph in his recent Jessica Simpson profile! Wow. It took him several more PARAGRAPHS to even get to the word “beautiful,” which feels like a bit of an oversight, no?)

Seriously, who CARES how much Jessica Simpson weighs? Sure, she should’ve fired her stylist over the Mom Jeans incident of January 2009, but the girl was born gorgeous and looks great at any weight. And Jessica Simpson in short-shorts? Even better. Hello? She even PLAYED Daisy Duke. Why? Because girl’s got legs for months.

So, while ASU skipped over Obama, we’re giving Jessica Simpson Buzzworthy’s all-time favorite short-shorter award. And she’s also the official inspiration behind some of our all-time favorite short-shorts videos by Katy Perry, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, Gwen Stefani, Aerosmith and more…

Jessica Simpson — “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” — True, The Dukes of Hazzard movie was a total flop (or a box office smash if you’re measuring it against the Glitter yardstick!) but Jessica did get in absolutely bananas shape to play Daisy Duke in the movie and its resultant video, which was so overtly sexy (duh — Brett Ratner directed it) that it ended up banned in several countries. And true, the remake doesn’t do the original much justice (I’m fairly confident the Nancy Sinatra version doesn’t mention anything about “double Ds”), but sharing a set with Willie Nelson and the General Lee is still worth something, right? (Right?)

Katy Perry — “Hot ‘N’ Cold” — Katy Perry pulled off an impressive feat in her “Hot ‘N” Cold” video; she managed to wear short-shorts in just about EVERY scene, including the scene where she tears off her wedding dress to reveal a hidden pair of white short-shorts — which wind up being the perfect thing to wear while chasing her wayward groom down the street. And walking a zebra, obvs.

Britney Spears — “Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know” – I won’t let YOU be the last to know that at NO point in her 2001 “Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know” beach video, directed by the late Herb Ritts (he also directed Madonna’s “Cherish” and Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” videos) does Britney wear pants at ALL. In just a bikini top and a pair of I-can’t-believe-they’re-not-drawers cut-off shorts, Britney rolls around in the sand with French model Brice Durand. The video resulted in a TRL #1 hit for Britney, as well as what was probably a LOT of sand stuck inside dark, uncomfortable places.

Christina Aguilera — “Can’t Hold Us Down” — Christina Aguilera rocked an extreme… ly short pair of pink ones in her 2003 video, “Can’t Hold Us Down.” But what Christina lacked in shorts she made up for with old-school knee-high tube socks. True to the named Stripped — Christina’s 2002 album which featured “Can’t Hold Us Down” — Lil’ Kim, who guested on the track and co-stars in the video — puts Christina’s short-shorts to shame when she throws open her robe and reveals little more than a teeny weeny bikini. And a superfluous belt. She’s subtle, that Kim!

Beyonce — “Crazy In Love” – In her 2003 “Crazy In Love” video, featuring Jay-Z, Beyonce wears a pair of barely there denim short-shorts. And my guess is that her choreographer stuffed the pockets of said shorts with fire ants because Beyonce writhes around on the ground, spazzes out, and almost twerks her way out of those shorts for nearly the entire duration of the time she spends in them. “Crazy In Love” won three 2003 VMAs (the VMAs where Britney and Madonna made out!) by the way — Best R&B Video, Best Choreography, and Best Female Video.

Keri Hilson — “Knock You Down” – Keri Hilson looks like she frequently skips dessert and never skips a workout. Plus, if you’ve seen her “Energy” video, then you’re fully aware that she’s a lady boxer. (Plus, she shleps around a CRAPload of nail polish everywhere she goes.) Therefore her short-shorts are practically a necessity.

Vanessa Hudgens — “Sneakernight” — Which did you notice first in Vanessa Hudgens’ “Sneakernight” video? Vanessa’s light-up sneakers, or her micro-mini super-duper short-shorts? Or the fact that “Sneakernight” sounds exactly like Nikka Costa’s “Like A Feather”?

++ Check out more celebs in short-shorts and classic short-shorts videos after the jump!

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Obviously your new favorite video is Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas,” and you worshiped at the sequin-studded altar of Katy Perry when she dressed up like Elvis for her “Waking Up In Vegas” performance on American Idol last night. And you’re even planning a Katy Perry tour of Vegas this summer (and by “you,” I of course mean “me,” but you’re welcome to come along!) based on the video — first stop, The Palms (the site of the 2007 MTV VMAs, AKA, “The Britney VMAs”). Then on to Fremont Street, where Katy Perry throws her “Waking Up In Vegas” parade of extravagance. So, odds are (get it?) it’s time for MORE Katy Perry and MORE “Waking Up In Vegas.”

Go behind the scenes of “Waking Up In Vegas” with Katy Perry, Joel Moore (the guy who plays her date), and director Joseph Kahn (Britney’s go-to guy who directed “Womanizer,” and “Toxic” as well as Eminem’s “Without Me,” and “We Made You” videos), and see why Katy chose Joel Moore for the male lead, which of Katy’s many costumes is her favorite, and check out her impressive wig collection and gorgeous red Bob Mackie dress. Plus, watch Katy beat pro poker player Daniel Negreanu (good job, Katy!!), and get Katy’s “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems” take on Vegas and relationships and getting kinda-married in Vegas.

+ Watch Katy Perry’s behind-the-scenes of “Waking Up In Vegas” video after the jump! Plus: Get five more facts about Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas” video.
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The unstoppable, unsinkable, unflappable Katy Perry just released her latest video, “Waking Up In Vegas,” which details the story of a wild, sleepless night in the city that really REALLY never sleeps.

So wake up, ante up, and find out five things very important things you need to know about Katy Perry’s latest video.

1.) “Waking Up In Vegas” was directed by accomplished director Joseph Kahn, who’s pretty much Britney Spears‘ go-to video guy. Joseph Kahn directed Britney’s  “Womanizer” video, as well as “Stronger,” and “Toxic.” He directed Eminem’s “Without Me” video, which won him a Grammy in 2002 as well as a 2002 VMA, and he directed Eminem’s “We Made You” video.

2.) You’re probably like “I know that guy in the video, but I don’t know his name! Who IS that guy?” The guy in Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas” video is an actor named Joel David Moore, and aside from roles on Six Feet Under, House, and Bones, Joel David Moore’s also been in Dodgeball and will star in the upcoming movie, Avatar. He’s also been in about a zillion commercials (basically, he’s “that guy”), including that singing “Do It eBay” commercial.

3.) “Waking Up In Vegas” was filmed at The Palms Resort. Other videos filmed there include (ahem), Gym Class Heroes’ “Clothes Off” video, as well as Eminem’s “We Made You.” Teairra Mari and Flo Rida just filmed “Cause A Scene” at the Palms, The Real World: Las Vegas was filmed there all the way back in 2002, and the Palms was also the location of the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, which is where Britney Spears, well, you probably know how that went.

4.) The two guys Katy kicks out of her hotel room are Vegas magicians/ comedy staples Penn and Teller — Penn’s the tall one, and Teller’s the one who rarely speaks. They also appeared in Run D.M.C.’s “It’s Tricky” video back in the day. You’ve also probably heard Penn without realizing it — he does lots of voiceover work for Comedy Central. There’s also a poker pro in the video — the guy Katy beats is real-life poker champ Daniel Negreanu.

5.) In the video, Katy wears real vintage costumes from Bob Mackie’s personal collection. For the glam-oblivious, Bob Mackie is the esteemed fashion designer behind some of the most sequined, spangled, bejeweled, bedangled and outrageous costumes in the history of fashion. Remember the black feathered headdress Cher wore to the 1986 Oscars? That’s Bob Mackie. (And if you still need them, check out more examples of glamourness — ex-glam-ples?)

+ Now, watch the video. And remember: Always bet on black. (Or is it red?)

I’m not gonna tell you a million things you already know about Tiffany Giardina. I mean, I’m not your mom, you know? OBVIOUSLY you already love her, and she’s in your top 8, and you know that her album’s called No Average Angel and that she’s pals with the Jonas Brothers and that she even SPENT CHRISTMAS WITH THE JONAS BROTHERS!!! Because life is just no fairsies.

So I ALSO don’t need to tell you that Andrew Bennett, who directed the Jonas Brothers’ “Year 3000″ video also directed Tiffany’s “No Average Angel” video.

But I AM gonna tell you five things I LOVE about Tiffany Giardina. Ahem…

1.) The fact that Tiffany subtly references the VMAs makes me hope she gets a VMA nomination this year. Or at least an invite. (Um, I’ll see what I can do?)

2.) Totally selfish reason here: Tiffany’s “No Average Angel” was filmed in BROOKLYN! Where I live! w00t! That means that Tiffany and I have ONE MORE THING in common with Biggie!

3.) While some celebrities ARE charity cases (I won’t name names, but their names sound an awful lot like Mindsay Mohan), Tiffany spends her time GIVING to charity and charitable causes, like the Ronald McDonald House. And, even though school can be super boring, it’s still important and whatevskies. And Tiffany’s probably smarter than us (and by “us,” I mean “me”) since she did a music education tour and toured middle schools, which is cool but doesn’t sound as fun as the summer camp tour she did. Because everybody knows that summer is more fun than school.

3.) Tiffany is on Twitter! Follow her at @TiffanyGiardina. I do!

4.) Not only is she friends with Drew Seeley, (see?) but Tiffany’s friends and tourmates with Push Play! And they’re both performing at Bamboozle this weekend!

5.) Three words: You. Better. Run. Two more: Pat. Benetar… I can’t resist a good Pat Benetar cover! (“You Better Run” is a Pat Benetar cover… But you already knew that.)

Watch Tiffany Giardina’s “No Average Angel” video after the jump, and tell me what YOU love about her.

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++ UPDATE: The Jonas Brothers’ Lines, Vines And Trying Times album cover was photographed by Matt Albiani. ++

Huge Jonas day yesterday! The Jonas Brothers took to Twitter to reveal the cover art for their next album, Lines Vines And Trying Times, due out June 16.

The album cover photo shoot apparently took place in Corsicana, Texas at Caleb’s Diner. While I loved the bright lights/ big city album art for A Little Big Longer a little bit better, the cover of the Jonas Brothers’ Lines, Vines And Trying Times album is the perfect portrait of the boys as they cross the bridge of their career from teen musicians to mature multimedia moguls — in addition to their massive world tour, their Disney TV show, J.O.N.A.S., premieres May 2nd, they’re working on the Camp Rock sequel (and don’t forget the farting dog movie!), they’re launching a Jonas-inspired clothing line, and there’s their Jonas Group involvement with Honor Society and Demi Lovato — gotta support your friends, after all.

Furthermore, the Lines Vines And Trying Times album cover clearly says that this is a more mature musical step in the Jonas Brothers’ career. The serious/ no smiles faces, (while attractive, yes), are right in tune with Nick Jonas’ statement to Billboard.com, that Lines, Vines And Trying Times is “our journal in songs,” mostly about “all things we’ve gone through, personal experiences we get inspiration from.” And that the album is going to be more metaphorical. And does anyone else sense a slightly country-ish/ Americana/ “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road” vibe with the dusty, muted tones here?

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the Lines, Vines And Trying Times album cover. What do you think?

+ Plus, after the jump, find out the four artists you NEED to know before you listen to the Jonas Brothers’ new album! Read more…

Kid Cudi tells a story in his exclusive MTV Spring Break video about being invited to an Christmas dinner in Atlanta by the mother of his dream collaborator, Andre 3000. It’s a shame he never married Erykah Badu, because if he had, it would mean that Kid Cudi had technically been in contact with Andre 3000’s baby’s mama’s mama-in-law, which would be a great segue into a “Ms. Jackson” remix.

Aside from flagging down collaborators, Kid Cudi uses the interview to hype up his debut album, Man On The Moon, and to get down to basics about the hottest thing on the beach: the girls. He also manages to bash one of music’s biggest names, only to declare him “the best,” seconds later. Only in Panama City Beach … Click play below to see who he disses and to get the inside scoop on how Kid Cudi gets down when Kanye’s not around.

I stopped into the Times Square Virgin Megastore this morning on my way to work to pick up the Incredibad album (yes, I actually still buy albums and still call them “albums” too), and aside from the fact that this location — the one where the Jonas Brothers fought their way through massive midnight crowds to buy A Little Bit Longer this past August — a scene you’ll see AND LOVE in Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience — is closing (thanks, INTERNET!) to make way for a MASSIVE Forever 21.

Anyway, EVERYTHING IN THE ENTIRE STORE IS PRICED TO MOVE, PEOPLE, as the garish orange signs will not allow you to forget for a second. But propped up against the wall in the very back of the store I found the saddest for-sale item — this $29.00 Notorious B.I.G. doll, marked down an additional 20% off.

Seriously, buy the jokey penis books and “Guitar Hero” keychains and stuff, but not taking Biggie and leaving him here all by himself like this is like killing him all over again. Biggie, Mama’s comin’ for you! We’re still missing you!

+ Vintage video: Diddy, Faith Evans, 112 & Sting remember Biggie at the 1997 VMAs with “Mo Money, Mo Problems / I’ll Be Missing You (Live).” (This is one of all-time favorite VMA moments.)

So much to talk about in “Hunt 4 You,” the new Teairra Mari jam! First of all, how about when Pleasure P drops this bomb in his cameo verse?!

“I’m a green fiend I be out here chasin’ spinach/ She said I don’t want your cars/ I’d rather have your heart.”

Chasin’ spinach?! Amazing! Is that some everyday slang I been missing out on? Probably. I write these blog entries from the computer at my real job as a greeter at the nursing home, so I don’t get much of a chance to talk to the young people. Gotta chase that wilted kale, nahmean?

Next up, a few weeks ago we talked about how everything nowadays is a remake, sequel or prequel. “Hunt 4 You” is no exception. The song/video is clearly a loving adaptation of Margaret Wise Brown’s illustrated nursery classic The Runaway Bunny. Look:

Teairra Mari: I’m not gon stop fighting/ I’m gon’ keep searching/ I’ll go to the end of the world if I have to/ I’m gon’ keep trying as long as I’m hurting/ Tell me what I gotta do/ cuz boy I’m on the hunt for you

Margaret Wise Brown: “If you run after me,” said the little bunny, “I will become a fish in a trout stream and I will swim away from you.” /“If you become a fish in a trout stream,” said his mother, “I will become a fisherman and I will fish for you.”

And dudes. What is it that bunnies do all day? That’s right. Chase spinach. Boom! Hidden meaning revealed. Watch the video and be blown away by the epic time-lapse photography and dangerous make-up. Oh and p.s., SERIOUS jam here, boi. Now, back to the elderly.

Everyone has their fears. For some it’s heights, for others it’s spiders and we can think of at least three otherwise functional adults who STILL can’t fall asleep without their nightlight on. So what gives Jazmine Sullivan goosebumps? According to her song, “Lions, Tigers and Bears,” it’s the thought of a broken heart.

Check out Jazmine’s semi-Wizard of Oz inspired new video and watch as the five-time Grammy nominated singer (who’s up for Best New Artist!) opens about the scariest thing of all: complete and utter emotional vulnerability. Well, that and getting dumped.