New Year's Eve Playlist!

I'll be at work until 11ish, so FML there, but anyway, here is my listing for the must have songs for tonight for those who aren't stuck in retail hell.

P!nk - Raise Your Glass


Rihanna ft. Drake - What's My Name


Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock


Nelly - Just A Dream


Katy Perry - Firework


Usher - More


Taio Cruz ft. Kylie Minogue - Higher


Bruno Mars - Grenade (Funk3d Pop Remix)


Nicole Scherzinger - Poison


Enrique Igesias ft. Ludacris - Tonight


Jay Sean ft. Nicki Minaj - 2012


So get out on the floor and work it for those of us who are literally WORKing it.

Throw-Ahead Thursday

I spent all of last week looking backward, so today, I'm going to look ahead to some things I am looking forward to in the coming year. In no particular order...

Potential new growth in digital comics

I think eventually books will be the new CDs, i.e. I will look at them as clutter and junk and wonder why I have them lying around taking up valuable space that could be occupied by delightful fashion dolls and action figures. Just last week, I could not have cared less about digital comics, but... then I got an iPad. There are Marvel and DC aps, but you still have to buy the individual comics and they're all old and I think they're just random issues. There may not even be complete stories! I mean, I will still gladly pay full price for them, but to be able to d.l. them, read them and NOT have them junking up my house?! Perfect! But the publishers need to get on the ball and crank up their offerings, because I already have the collected Ultimate Spider-Man. I don't need to buy them issue by issue for $2 a pop!

DC Universe Online

Why READ a comic when you can LIVE one?! I was playing City of Heroes, which I enjoyed although it got repetitious. Then I saw the kick ballz trailer for DC Universe Online:

OH DAY-UM!!! That looks INCREDIBLE!!! In the game, you create your own character, hero or villain, and team up with and battle the characters of the DCU. You can go completely original or base your character on one of the existing heroes/villains. It was supposed to be out now, but got pushed back. At any rate, when it comes out... I may take a week off work. Just sayin'.

Thor and Captain America on the Big Screen... Shirtless
Green Lantern on the Big Screen... PERIOD!
This better not suck!

DC Universe Classics Wave 18 (Rumored)

Wave 18 of my favorite toy line is rumored to be a Super Friends themed assortment, including Black Vulcan, El Dorado, the jester-style Toyman from the Legion of Doom and Bizarro with a collect + connect Apache Chief!

That completes the Legion of Doom for this series and almost completes the Super Friends, with a few minor exceptions... and one MAJOR exception, Samurai. This is especially puzzling since Samurai was in the 80s Super Powers toy line and this past year, they highlighted the SP line by integrating almost all of the characters that were part of that series into DCUC. Rumor has it, Samurai will be included in a 5-pack along with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor. Like I needed more versions of THEM! Oh well, I'm a lock on getting ALL of them! (Wave 19 featuring all Justice Society members is also pretty much a sure bet for me!)

With all the excitement over DC video games, movies and toys, what about the comics? Welllllll....

The Continuing Adventures of Aquaman and Family

With Mera's rise in prominence in last year's Blackest Night and this year's Brightest Day and the addition of a brand new Aqualad, both in the comics and in the new Young Justice cartoon series, things are positively BOOMING for DC's King of the Seas! Diggin' it big time!

But... as for the rest of DC Comics... Sigh...
I'm looking forward to them getting their shit together. Get Superman back in the skies. Get Wonder Woman out of that stupid costume...

Get BOTH of them, along with Bruce Wayne, Green Lantern and The Flash back in the Justice League (at the very least!)... just... GET IT TOGETHER, DC! It appears they are shifting their focus to other media, but don't forget the foundation this house was built on... the comics! Time to get back on track!

Let's see what 2011 has in store!

Wonder Wednesday 12-29-10

Off topic, but first up, for anyone who isn't my friend on FB, here is the highly anticipated (by me anyway) DJ Earworm year end United States of Pop mashup, entitled Don't Stop The Pop. I believe this is the fourth one of these he's done and they are all genius! He takes Billboard's listing of the Top 25 songs of the year and mashes them all up into one song! I have been anxiously awaiting this year's edition for weeks now and it has finally arrived and is beyond worth the wait! It blew away every expectation I had! Part of that has to do with this being one of the poppiest, danciest years in pop music in a while, with multiple contributions from Usher, Taio Cruz, Katy Perry and others. But I actually think it's the neatest when he mixes in non-dancy songs like Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" and Train's "Hey Soul Sister." Check it out!

It's amazing all the way through, but I think my favorite parts come toward the end. I love the mashup of Alicia Keyes and Katy Perry "From New York... to California" and I think my absolute favorite is Katy singing, "No regrets..." followed by Bruno Mars, "There's not a thing that I would change..." Just brilliant! I've been listening to it on repeat! You can download it from DJ Earworm's site, and check out his other genius mashups, including all his previous United States of Pops.

The new Teen Tit... ahem, I mean Young Justice series is set to launch on 1-7 and Cartoon Network has released a new 7 minute promo.


I am so excited for this series! The first episode was exquisite and this clip looks equally amazing! The clip features Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash trying to convince Speedy to join them. I think that's a nice homage to the fact that these are the four classic teen sidekicks.
And the "trinity" at the center of this team are the three first teen sidekicks to join forces, even though this Aqualad isn't the same.
As previously discussed, Wonder Girl wasn't a real unique character and was only added to the Teen Titans as a mistake and Superboy and Miss Martian are both relatively recent creations. But I'm sure ALL the characters will be given their time in the spotlight. This show is too good and I haven't been this excited about a series in a loooooong time!

I'm still watching GI Joe Renegades and it's grown on me. It's a completely new take on GI Joe with nothing to do with any previous incarnation. In the newest episode, there was a lovely homage to the 80s series...
The voices of Duke's parents were provided by the original Duke and Scarlett! (I don't know the actors' names, shame!) Scarlett's voice was immediately recognizable. She has this unmistakable slight rasp in her voice. Duke's was slightly harder to recognize, but I'm sure it was him and what a neat little nod to the series that really launched this long-spanning franchise!

So... at least I have some TV goodness to look forward to in the new year!

Tune Out Tuesday 12-28-10 American Pickers Slash

I got nuthin'. It's a wasteland, right now. In fact, today's Tune In Tuesday at work, there were ZERO video games released, ONE cd and it wasn't even a full-length cd, it was a five song Glee collection (of like the worst songs ever on the show, I might add) and two movies, The American and a Resident Evil that I hadn't realized they'd made. I like Mila Jovovich, so good for her that she still has pay checks coming. I'm not contributing to them, but good for her.

Every TV show is seemingly on hiatus so with nothing on TV, it feels like all I've watched for the past two weeks is Pawn Stars and American Pickers. It's one of the only things David and I can agree on. He won't watch my reality competition shows. I won't watch his touchy feely feel-good dreck and when he tried to put in Christmas Vacation I rolled my eyes so hard, I think they sounded like granite scraping. I know what you're thinking, "But Christmas Vacation is a classic!" Yes, so much a classic that I think he watched it every day for like the entire month of December last Christmas, so I NEVER, EVER, EVER need to EV-URRRRR see it again.

I don't really LIKE Pawn Stars and American Pickers, I just don't dislike them either. They're like most of the shows on the Food Network and stuff like that. Just something mindless but vaguely interesting droning in the background.
Odd coincidence, last weekend, in that USA Today insert in the Sunday paper, someone wrote in asking if either of the two guys on it had girlfriends and the answer was no, so my first thought was "Time to write a slash fic!" Seriously, just turn back now. Do not read on! Okay, you were warned.

Mike and Frank high fived on their way back to their van from the old farmhouse they'd just finished picking from, and they'd scored some primo stuff! Mike, the one tall, skinny one who looked like a tight-tee-shirt rocking, douchy Bill Nye The Science Guy was super stoked over a 1926 Coventry Eagle B33 350CC motorcycle. It was in pretty rough shape and even missing the handlebars, so Mike was able to finagle it from the owner for a mere $800. Frank, the fat... er, cuddly teddy bear one, was thrilled with a collection of vintage metal signs, most of which were in remarkable condition. As the pair cruised down the desolate country road seeking their next destination, Mike commented, "I'm so excited about that Coventry Eagle I literally have a boner! Check it out!"

Frank balked. "Dude, I don't wanna see your boner!" Frank then nervously realized he himself had one, but that was from being bored and the vibration from the road.

Mike laughed, "I can see yours! You have one too! You that excited over those signs?"

Frank could barely spit his words out. "No! I'm just bored, that's all!"

"Well, we should just take care of this situation, shouldn't we?"

"What do you have in mind," Frank nervously mumbled.

"We haven't passed another car in an hour. Let's just get in the back of the van and relieve some stress. It'll be just like shaking hands, except use your mouth for your hand and my dick as my hand."

"Woah! What about me?"

"I'll give if I get!"

So they ambled into the back of the van and fornicated.

The End!

MANic Monday 12-27-10 Is It Just Me...?

So, I've been watching a lot of TV over the past couple of weeks... like actual live TV, not DVR. I guess most shows kind of go on hiatus around Christmas, so I haven't had that much saved stuff to watch and have kinda had to kick it old school and sit through commercials for like the first time in seeming years. Which sucks, but I did find one bright spot, those Ford commercials starring Mike Rowe.
I was kinda like, "He seems familiar..." and eventually I realized, "Oh he's the host of that disgusting Dirty Jobs show I can't sit through."
Seriously, it's so gross! But... is it juts me, or is he pretty damn hot?!

Still not going to watch his show, but I actually contemplated buying a Ford, so things worked on some level.Aw... cute.

What the..?! What is happening in this picture... and why is that damn door blocking my view?!

WOAH! That one too!

Top 25 of 2010 - The Top Five!

This is it! Hope you guys enjoyed revisiting the past year in music! This is the top five!

5. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

There are a billion sweet love songs. There were even a few more this year that I really liked and came close to making this chart, but I'll let "Just The Way You Are" represent them all. It holds the distinction of being a "Wedding" song that I actually like... I STILL like it as much as when I first heard it. Usually, with songs like this, I get super sick of them very quickly, but not this one, so that says something. I think Bruno Mars might be the break out new star of the year, too. He writes EXCELLENT lyrics, his voice has this lovely tone to it and he's a cutie pie! I'm on board!


4. Kylie Minogue - Get Outta My Way

There is absolutely no valid reason whatsoever why this song shouldn't have been a massive radio hit in the US, and yet it wasn't. What is WRONG with Americans?! How can they continually rebuff the attentions of the goddess Kylie?! And this song is Kylie at her Kyliest! A CLASSIC up there with "Spinning Around" and "Love At First Sight!"


3. Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

Fueled by a gorgeous video, Florence + The Machine broke through big time, scoring this massive hit and even performing on the MTV VMAs! BEST! PERFORMANCE!! OF THE NIGHT!!! Like with La Roux, I am astounded that this killer single actually appealed to the mainstream, but it offered a nice alternative to the nonstop party songs. (I know, I know, that's what like this whole list is... you know what I meant!)

2. TIE Katy Perry - California Gurls (featuring Snoop Dogg)/Teenage Dream
Katy Perry blew away her first album on her followup. "California Gurls" was the irresistible song of the summer! It was just perfect-- bouncy, catchy, laid back... it was perfect for everything, the club, the beach, the office (oh that's right, adults don't get to have as much fun in the summer). It was actually a massive hit before the video even came out, but once it did, it just made things better! It made us all feel like we were actually FROM California!

I think "Teenage Dream" manages to trump that! It manages to capture the sweetness of first love. It made us all feel like teenagers again... in a good way, minus the zits and perspiration. It's kinda rocky but still hook-y. (I was actually tempted to include Darren Cris' gorgeous cover from Glee on this list, as I love it just as well, but opted to let Katy have the moment.) Katy is my pick for Artist of the Year, definitely!

And finally... #1... The Countess Luann De Lesseps - Money Can't Buy You Class
Such a rich, subtle, multifaceted voice! I haven't heard the likes of such since Bea Arther sang in the Star Wars Christmas Special. And such clever and thought-provoking lyrics! "He's either rude or has some style and panache!" Panache is kinda FRENCH!

(Deep, throaty laugh) HA HA! J/K yo! Here's the real deal!

1. Cee Lo Green - F**k You!

There is no way to NOT absolutely love this song! It is undeniably catchy, the lyrics are HILARIOUS and BRILLIANT (written by Bruno Mars, btw) and Cee Lo's falsetto is just a dream! The rest of his album, The Lady Killer is also overflowing with excellence... Best Album of the Year! If I had to critique this song at all, it does slightly bug me that he jumps from addressing his ex to the guy she's now with, with abandon. But... I mean, it's the BEST song of the year! Totally!

Top 25 of 2010 -10-6

10. La Roux - Bulletproof

Loud, aggressive, almost cacophonous, I couldn't have been more startled that this song actually made an impression on pop radio! Honestly, it was really too good for that! I guess every so often the general public has a glimmer of good taste. The video rocks too!


9. Cascada - Evacuate the Dancefloor

Previously know for the insipid Euro club hit "Everytime We Touch" and about twenty seven follow-up singles that sounded exactly the same, Cascada adopted a less Euro, more r&b-flavored pop sound for this hit and it was irresistible! It's in the commercial for the XBox 360 Kinect and I've seriously considered buying the system JUST to dance to this song. "Everybody in the cluuuuuub!"
Embedding Disabled... sigh!

8. Taio Cruz - DynamiteI think the proof of how successful this song was is simply how many times it's been covered and adapted by other artists. It's just a brainless fun club jam and the video is even MORE brainless (or is that less... brainful?)! So silly!


7. TIE Lady Gaga - Telephone (featuring Beyoncé)/Bad Romance

If I were only judging "Bad Romance," it would have probably been my #2 song, but it was actually released last year and hit big then. It coasted into 2010 and remained a hit for a month or two and it's sort of wound up being Lady Gaga's signature song, but I marked it down slightly for that. It actually is sharing the spot that "Telephone" would have ended up on its own.

And what about "Telephone?" Who hasn't felt that way before? "Stop calling! Stop calling! I don't wanna think anymore! I left my head and my heart on the dancefloor!" Not sure what to make of that kray kray video, though. HOW is Beyoncé this respected actress? She's AWFUL in this!

6. Robyn - Dancing On My Own

Robyn writes the BEST broken heart songs! She just captures that PAIN so beautifully and poignantly. On this track, it's not just her lyrics either. Her VOICE is just so full of anguish at the lack of notice from her former lover. Just excellent!

Top 25 of 2010 Part 3 - 15-11

15. Alexa Ray Joel - Notice Me

This song is so good, it almost makes up for her some of her dad's terrible songs like "River of Dreams." Okay, not really. Nothing's that good. But this song is so sassy and cute and poppy, but also clever. It may be the flirtiest song ever. "Tell me I'm your lady cause I won't be your ho."


14. TIE Usher - OMG (featuring Will.I.Am.)/DJ Got Us Falling In Love (featuring Pitbull)

I mentioned with P!nk's listing how long her career has managed to last, but Usher's has been going even longer! I mean, think back to his very first album in 1994 when he was just a kid! Then he came back all growed up on his second album with songs like "You Make Me Wanna" and "Nice And Slow!" Scandalous! And he keeps going and going. He's definitely one of the most successful solo male artists in all of music at this point. His intended comeback single "Daddy's Home" wasn't the smash his label was hoping for, but he rebounded nicely with "OMG" which had EVERYBODY shakin' they ass, then he followed that up with the even clubbier banger "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love."




13. Justin Bieber featuring Usher - Somebody To Love
"Baby" was a candy-coated doo wop flavored confection, but "Somebody To Love" is a straight club thumper! It's so good, between the two of them, The Bieb and Usher recorded it THRICE! Bieb has a solo version on his album. Then they redid it as a duet for the single. THEN, they swapped out versus and remixed it again for Usher's Versus EP! Overkill? Maybe, but I like 'em all, so who cares?


12. Katy Perry - Peacock

Despite not being an official single, "Peacock" still soared to #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. And why not? It's as infectious as Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" and Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" but filthier! I don't even know if "I wanna see your peacock-cock-cock" is even a SINGLE entendre, though, but with something as catchy as this, I'm not going to scrutinize too closely.

11. Sia - Clap Your Hands

I hate the puppet video, but this song is just excellent. I love Sia's bluesy voice. It's this year's "Lights Out" by Santigold... so look for it to pop up in a Corona ad at some point soon. You know the best part of this song? LOTS of tambourine!


Tomorrow, we crack the Top Ten!