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.
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! Read more...
+ Finally, we get some confirmation from the people who change Britney Spears' batteries each day that yes, she IS dating her agent Jason Trawick (much to her daddy's delight, because the guy also happens to be one of her brother Bryan's best buds). Between numerous tour dates in Europe, dates with Jason, (play)dates with her kids, and U.S. tour dates just added, poor Brit Brit should be so GRATEFUL that she has all these people in her life! She's a fuggin' ROOMBA without a tray to empty!! <beep bop boo bop> (People)
+ Speaking of blondes with doting daddies, Jessica Simpson roamed around NYC last night with her chicken cutlets pressed up into her chin for no apparent reason. (What Would Tyler Durden Do)
+ It's just boobs and babes today at Buzzworthy!!! AaaaHOOOOOOga! Former Spice Girl and footballer's wife Victoria Beckham was spotted in London superbly shipshape, with nary a nippenstruden left to the imagination. Thanks Tore! (Agent Bedhead)
+ We're not sure how we feel about this, but fashion-forward Kanye West (after cooing about how amazing she is) announced that he's going on tour with Lady Gaga (no opener, just two performers side by side). Personally, we think HE should be opening for HER! (MTV News)
+ Also, while vacationing in Hawaii, it looks like Lady Gaga was fishin' for shrimp and caught one -- by the name of "Speedy." Jay kay -- it's her longtime boyfriend. Not kidding about his name being "Speedy" (wonder if he is insecure about her beasti-- bisexuality). Oh - and she's not. wearing. ANY. makeup. so prep yourself for that. (Daily Mail)
+ And here's those crazy kids bein' all cutesy wutesy tootsey on the set of "Before The Storm," the song that the Jonas Brothers wrote and she and Nick Jonas recorded together (again, yesterday's news but we GOTTA KEEP YOU UPDATED!!!). (Socialite Life)
Also, BRITAIN, WHY IS YOUR ORANGE JUICE LIKE $7 USD, HUH? And why do you call lady parts "fannies"? THAT MEANS BUTT! And seriously, you think the Jonas Brothers are bad? Um, I'll see the Jonas Brothers (and Tokio Hotel, because they were nominated too and I AM very protective of them!) and raise you WESTLIFE, Lisa Scott-Lee, Paul Oakenfold, Victoria Beckham, and that dude from X-Factor. Also, with a movie and soundtrack out in the same week and a TV show and world tour coming up, Jonas Brothers are pretty much the Bill Gates of teen culture. They're everywhere. Get used to it.
I'll give you the Beatles, Britain, but first you need to take responsibility Blackout Crew. Put a donk on THAT, and then we'll talk.
+ Despite what you've heard, Kanye West is NOT giving up music to pursue a career in pornography. So if you already pre-ordered a copy of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger," you might wanna cancel it. (MTV News)
+ Danity Kane's Aundrea Fimbres crushes our dreams of a DK reunion by saying she doesn't see it happening. Like, EVER. (Remote Control)
+ Meanwhile, Mariah Carey was reportedly disappointed with her amazing, front row V.I.P. seat at Tuesday's inaugural festivities. Apparently, she thought she'd be sitting on President Obama's lap, instead. (NY Post)
+ And in sadder news, American Idol's Sanjaya Malakar has traded in his baby-face for an awkward, pubescent 'stashe. (TMZ)
+ Finally, if there's a recession going on, somebody forgot to tell the Scientologists. Get a load of Victoria "Posh" Beckham's new $104,000 bag. (ICYDK)
+ Are Madonna and A-Rod on the verge of becoming roomies?? If so, Madonna totally gets the top bunk! Kidding! But seriously, the alleged couple has (allegedly!) been looking at "private, double-width mansions in the vicinity of $30 million to $60 million." (NY Post)
+ And speaking of MyCy, did you know she's soooo over hating photog Annie Leibovitz?? In fact, she'd love to work with her again! Memo to Miley: Don't call her, she'll call you. (Usmagazine.com)
+ Much to no one's surprise, William Balfour has just been formally charged with the murders of Jennifer Hudson's relatives. (MTV News)
+ Celebutante Victoria Beckham is sick of fending off accusations that she and her hubby are "courting fame." Never mind that their arrival to the States was trumpeted by a primetime reality debacle called Victoria Beckham: Coming To America. (Scandalist)
+ Beyonce sez she had a blast getting into character for her new flick, Cadillac Records. "The most fun thing about playing Etta [James] was using all the profanity I wanted and not getting in trouble for it!" (NY Daily News)
+ Oh, and it didn't hurt that B. Knowles looked drop-dead gorgeous at the premiere. (Just Jared)
+ Obama supporters Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel helped Barack the vote at a pro-Dem pep rally over the weekend. "I'm not here as some dude who writes goofy songs," Timberlake said. "Me and Jess, we're here as Americans. We're here as humans, because this is something we had to do." (MTV News)
+ Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy has announced that they'll be pushing back the release date for their new album, Folie a Deux. "Six months ago, we thought it would be a fun idea to release our album on Election Day," said the band in a statement, "but this is not the election to be cute." (Rolling Stone)
+ Meanwhile, Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo are NOT engaged, okay?? "Somebody said we bought a ring [at Neiman Marcus]," Jess told Entertainment Tonight. "I couldn't drag Tony into Neiman Marcus if I tried." (Usmagazine.com)
+ Katy Perry is gearing up to host next month's MTV Europe Music Awards! And apparently she's a wee bit psyched. "I was so excited when I heard that I was nominated for two awards," says Perry, "but when I was asked to host the show I wet myself, Fergie-style!" (MTV News - UK)
+ Two of David and Victoria Beckham's former housekeepers have been taken into police custody for "allegedly looting the famous couple's mansion of souvenirs and then selling them on eBay." Good plan! (E! Online)
+ Good news, football haters! The Jo Bros are playing at halftime during this year's Thanksgiving Day Cowboys/Seahawks game! Happy (early) Turkey Day, everyone! (Pollstar)
+ M.I.A. becomes the latest boldfacer to bring down the house with T.I. on "Swagger Like Us." (MTV News)
+ Mrs. Pete Wentz turns 24 today! Get into the spirit of Ashlee's big day by taking a look back at her dramatic style evolution (from fishnets to maternity wear!) and get nostalgic for the days when she and big sister Jess had matching highlights. (Usmagazine.com)
+ Kid Rock may finally be ready to embrace this newfangled technology of digital music. (Rolling Stone)
+ Only one more month until the Wu-Tang Clan documentary (Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan) hits BET! (Reuters)
+ Madonna and A-Rod reaffirm their "just friends" status by meeting for a private dinner at a romantic NYC restaurant. (Scandalist)
+ Chris Brown dishes the dirt on his latest movie role: "I'm the flashy guy that gets the guys in a lot of trouble at the end of the day," Brown says of his character in Bone Deep. "There's a lot of gunfire, a lot of explosions, a lot of earplugs being put in." (MTV News)
+ FYI, Lil Wayne wasn't a no-show at Fashion Rocks -- he just didn't make it past the front door. The rapper (who was scheduled to perform) reportedly blew off the show after on-site security informed him they'd need to search his bag. (NY Post)
+ Twilight fans join rest of known world in finding fault with 2008 VMAs controversy-inviting host, Russell Brand. (MTV)
+ Not only is Jessica Simpson psyched about Ashlee's unborn child, she's already plotting how to win him/her over. "I'm going to spoil the kid rotten," the auntie-to-be revealed. (Usmagazine.com)
+ Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was reportedly pummeled by a drunk "fan" whom police have tentatively identified as "Not Jay-Z." Kidding! But seriously, the attacker -- 47-year-old Daniel Sullivan -- has already been "hit" with assault charges. (Rolling Stone)
