Obsessively blogging about pop music, pop videos, pop stars, and pop culture from inside the MTV headquarters in Times Square. We also have a slight Jonas Brothers problem. And a little fixation with Tokio Hotel.
Well, let's downshift a little here and end the week with a really good jam, shall we? We're big fans of La Roux on this side of the street: we talked to her about cooking and David Bowie, we showed you some really great MTV photos of her. She's already a fearless, refreshing, and inimitable style icon, she's going places, and we're going with her.
In her awes new video, "I'm Not Your Toy," La Roux turns her infectious, lovely electro-pop jam steampunk (check the Viewfinder), and throws in some Frankie Goes To Hollywood too. It's a blast. TGIF!
The leaves are leaving the trees and the kids are back in school. It's starting to look like Woodie weather out there, no?
MTVU's annual award show--held this year on December 4th--honors those artists who put it down on college campuses everywhere; celebrating the music the kids listen to while studying to become the future leaders of America, etc. And the best part about this show? You can vote to determine who wins!
This year features a really healthy crop of artists. Let's take a gander at some of the categories and nominees, shall we?
A couple of weeks ago you got to know the enchanting Elly Jackson, the woman behind the enchanting electro act La Roux. Well, now you get some pictures, too.
In her edition of "The 5," La Roux talked openly about her deep affection for David Bowie, who, I have to say, she shares a striking resemblance to in these pics. Check out this enigmatic collection. And make sure not to smoke cigarettes, despite the fact that she is enjoying one.
If you just judged her on her admittedly fabulous videos, you might take Brit electro-pixie La Roux as some sort of neo-Bjork, post-modern chanteuse from the future. But, really, she's a regular ol' around the way girl (the "way" being London, in this case). Elly Jackson--who performs as La Roux with partner Alex Stewart--is a pretty normal lady; she likes David Bowie, cooking, thinking about fashion and patterns (something on display in her "Bulletproof" clip) and enjoys vintage jewelry.
+ Ever the smart businessman, Snoop Dogg has just released some sick headphones (the only ones available with in-ear subwoofers), in partnership with music accessory outfit Skullcandy. Gotta make that meezy, fo' sheezy. (HipHop Wired)
+ Lady Gaga does the cover of OUT magazine (along with an amazing photo spread and accompanying article), and when we say "does it," we mean she blows it out. of the effing. water. Don't walk... RUN! (OUT)
+ Guitar god Les Paul passed away today, leaving tons of musicians and music lovers worldwide mourning the loss of a genius inventor and performer. (E! Online)
+ Electro duo La Roux announced today that their next single will be "I'm Not Your Toy." We're kind of in love with this band, and my boyfriend hates me because of it. Overshare? Oh, you just WAIT... (NME)
+ Remind us again why Scarlett Johansson is trying to have a singing career? Probably the same reason Beyonce is trying to have an acting career. Watch this just-released video in which, regardless of whether or not she can sing she looks insanely hot, for "Relator" with Pete Yorn to refresh your memory. (PopSugar)
+ We love Fefe Dobson (remember "Take Me Away?"). Evidently she put on a smoldering show at NYC's Mercury Lounge (performing new tracks like "I Want You" mixed with some old favorites) last night. We love what this girl stands for: sticking it to the man and doing things her way. Let's hope this time around her label will keep her on the payroll for a while. (Neon Limelight)
Shame on me for sleeping on La Roux (that's a figure of speech -- I didn't actually sleep ON TOP of the British electropop twosome Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid for an electropop threesome) up until a few weeks ago. And it turns out I was like the ONLY one asleep at the keyboard because they've opened for Lily Allen, The Guardian is all over them, they just played All Points West this past weekend, and they got a Mercury Award nomination.
If you're into Robyn (and I AM!) and/or Yelle and miss '80s androgynous powercrossdressing -- think "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?"-era Boy George meets M.I.A. (meets Tilda Swinton), La Roux will make this your SUMMER OF ELECTROPOP. And TRUST: "Bulletproof" will be in your head for A MONTH. AT least. Of course, that could be because I've listened to this song about once every 15 minutes for the past week.
Watch La Roux's live performance of "Bulletproof" from yesterday's episode of It's On With Alexa Chung.