Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl:” It’s No Big Deal, It’s Innocent?

In 2008 Katy Perry releases her album One of the Boys on Capitol Records. The hot new track complete with music video is “I Kissed a Girl.” Immediately it’s “discussed.”

Perry’s lyrics tell a tale of a female who “accidentally” engages in a “scandalous” kiss with another female. The narrator claims “this was never the way I planned, not my intention I got so brave, drink in hand lost my discretion.”

And kiddos, I have to admit I’m having a hard time pulling the punches on this one. So I won’t. [read more...]

Stereolab, Chemical Chords

If Chemical Chords were to be summarized in three words, they would be classic, compact and consistent. Since the very first measures of the bouncy "Neon Bag," we are unmistakably back on familiar Stereolab ground. If you never heard of the band, the album is an ideal introduction. Picture the sound of the 21st century as imagined in a sci-fi movie from the late 60s. [read more...]

Oh Fortuna/ Marc With A C/ Hot Lava, PopFest, Flicker, 8/16/08

For the last Flicker show of PopFest, I had arrived – sadly – late. The exterior empty... Oh man, is everyone still stealing some extra moments for sustenance? Entering the theater/stage/bar the place was packed as Oh Fortuna was crowded on the stage. Some sat idly on the couch, others stood on the wooden folding chairs. [read more...]

Cryptacize/ The Secret History/ The Faintest Ideas/ Ruby Isle/ The Buddy System/ The Lolligags, PopFest 2008, 40 Watt, 8/15/08

Unbeknownst to me, the buildup of energy was about to reach a crescendo. Ruby Isle exploded on stage in a vibrant display of seemingly unfeasible energy. The catchy hook of the first song, “Hey hey hey that kids okay, he’s just another sucker with bills to pay” branded itself into everyone’s brain for the remainder of the evening. The set cleared the crowd of shoegazers and the floor became an 80’s dance party. Lead vocalist Mark Mallman ran and jumped across the stage and the performance even included a chair and a lion tamer bit. It seemed a constant competition between the band and crowd over who was having more fun. [read more...]

Longhalsmottagningen/ Bad Animal/ Young Untold/ American Cheeseburger, PopFest, Little Kings, 8/16/08

Saturday, back at Little Kings. It’s hot. It’s the last day of PopFest. Most have opted for the inside’s air conditioned atmosphere over the sweltering shade ‘neath the thatched umbrellas outside.

As Boyracer headlined 40 Watt the previous night, the most enthusiastic had been the Swedish fellows cheering and dancing in the crowd. Now, the two bands combine for the first set: Longhalsmottagningen. “It’s kinda cool bein' in a band you can’t pronounce,” says Boyracer’s Stewart Anderson. [read more...]