Best Dressed at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards

Once again, the Academy Awards have flooded the red carpet with Oscar nominees and their beautiful gowns. There were many soft neutrals, vivid reds and royal purple dresses to be sighted, all matched with goddess curves, fitted waistlines and toned bodies. Notable was soon to be mother, Natalie Portman, in an plum, off-the-shoulder Rodarte gown. Rodarte designers, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, also created the costumes for "Black Swan', the film in which Portman won the Oscar for best actress. Natalie's look was completed by matching Tiffany earrings and her glowing face.

  

Other actresses turning heads were Cate Blanchett in a quite avant-garde, pearl and crystal detailed Givenchy Haute Couture piece, Scarlett Johansson in a lace, cut-out Dolce & Gabbana dress and a red, hot Anne Hathaway in a strapless vintage Valentino number.

Simona McIntyre

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MF GREENS The Monthly Find – Cage The Elephant

Today is a very special day, as it marks the first of The Monthly Find. And not to worry, many more are still to come. Just as long as there is great music to be found and heard. We’ll first kick things off with Kentucky rockers, Cage The Elephant. This five-piece alternative rock/funk/punk band are a perfect blend of the Pixies and Butthole Surfers.

They blew up onto the music scene in 2009 with the release of their self titled album that had the hit tracks “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Back Against the Wall.” And this year, in early 2011, Cage The Elephant released their second album titled “Thank You Happy Birthday,” and let me tell you, it contains some of the most awesome rock songs of the past decade, no joke.

The great songs to check out are “Around My Head,” “Shake Me Down,” and “Aberdeen.” These three songs, and almost every other one on the album, echo the Pixies in the best way possible, being ferociously mind blowing. Each song will make you get up and rock out, right on the spot. So make sure your boss is out of the office before you take a listen.

Ultimately, give Cage The Elephant a spin, especially if you are stuck in the February blues and need a fast escape. And don’t be afraid to press that repeat button. 

Check Them Out Live

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Remember to keep on rocking,

- MF GREENS -

Fashion at the 2011 Grammy’s versus Lady Gaga

Best known for her outrageous presentation of fashion, Lady Gaga made quite the scene at the Grammy's this year. Other stars shocked the carpet wearing what should be expected, such as dresses by Jean Paul Gaultier as seen on Nicole Kidman and Rihanna, or Givenchy seen on Florence Welsh and Nicki Minaj, who was literally spotted head to toe in the label. In addition, Cee Lo Green sported a terribly bright feathered outfit, complete with a rhinestone headpiece, silver chest plate and muppet entourage. Yes, these were all typically shocking, but nothing made a crack in reality more than Gaga's excessive presence.

A collaboration with her stylist and creative director of Mugler, Nicola Formichetti, Lady Gaga was carried like royalty across the red carpet in a Hussein Chalayan vessel of incubation, already known as the time Gaga wore an egg to the Grammy's. When Gaga emerged, she was "born" again (oh god), wearing synthetic skin applicators as shoulder extensions and a yolk-colored ensemble. Though it should be the part of her act we all remember, Gaga gave a runny performance of her new single "Born This Way". Years from now she may admit to this ridiculousness -- that it's all just one big yolk on us -- but until then, enjoy the show.

Simona McIntyre

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Thrash & Burn - The Grammy Edition

Greetings, True Believers! It's time to look at the yearly collection of musical glad-handing and filth-loving known as the Grammies. There were actually some good things that happened this year (not many), and the usual large assortment of awfulness that comes with this cesspool of musical crap. But hey, Neil Young at least won an award, and that's where we begin...

Well, let us give a hearty thrashing to the legends of Rock and Metal who walked away with awards. That's right, stand up and salute the almighty Neil Young and Iron Maiden! Neil Young won the award for Best Rock Song, even though he lost out to Paul Macartney for Best Solo Rock Performance for "Helter Skelter." I have no ill will towards Mr. Macartney, and personally think he was the best songwriter in the Beattles, but I do direct feelings of hostility towards the nomination committee for even nominating another version of a decades old song.

Iron Maiden won Best Metal Song for their last single, "El Dorado," which is a good track, even if the field wasn't representative of what's really going on in metal, only going with legends (Slayer, Megadeth), one major label band who didn't sell out (Lamb of God), and one band that's really only radio hard rock (Korn). I will also give thrashing towards T&B guitly pleasure, Michael Buble', for winning Best Traditional Pop, and to a huge surprise for Best New Artist, jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding. I love that a jazz artist beat out a pack of horrible, horrible, over-exposed acts. There is also one final heaping of helping for closet metalhead and all around fantastic entertainer Cee Lo Green, performing the Wal-Mart version of his hit single, "Forget You," (Censors wouldn't allow the original version of "F--k You") while dressed up like the bastard spawn of Elton John and the Gobbledy Gooker. God bless that crazy guy!

Now, get out your marshmallows, because it's time for the burning! The fire is piping hot, especially with bands that don't really qualify as "rock" winning Best Rock Album (Muse), the Ugliest Band in Canada, the Arcade Fire (That's right, they make the Dayglo Abortions look like models), winning Album of the Year for another boring piece of pretentious indie-tripe, and of course the continuing plaudits towards acts like Lady Gaga (who is apparently trying to turn herself into some sort of demon), Jay Z, and (to a lesser extent) Eminem who really aren't worth the hype. I've also seen some complaints that Ke$ha wasn't nominated for Best New Artist, and I'm going to burn those complainers with this: Ke$ha isn't worth being nominated for anything but a Razzie, and if you honestly believe, in your heart of hearts, that she's puts out decent music, then I have a some ocean-front property to sell you near Edmonton.

It's getting hard to continue ragging on the Grammies year after year, because they never really change. This is the same group of people that in the 1980s gave the Best Metal award to Jethro Tull, instead of Metallica, in it's first year of existence. It's really something that needs to die a quick death, as it just gets worse and worse ever year! I'm not even going to touch the fashion choices, that's Simona's deal, but needless to say there was some vomit-inducing ugliness to be seen. Do yourselves a favour, go listen to the artists in the Thrash end of the column, look for bands like them, and completely avoid the acts in the Burn section.

Godspeed and Party On,

Jé-Pé

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Rude City Riot / Reggae on the Rocks Show Review

Vancouver. Having not seen either band live, I was prepared to be surprised and hopefully impressed. Cleverly named band, Reggae on the Rocks often referred as “reggae with horns” opened the show. They are a cover band that plays their own reggae renditions of rock songs such as ‘Sweet Leaf’ by Black Sabbath, ‘Plush’ by Stone Temple Pilots, and ‘Young American’ by David Bowie. However, they do such a great job that these timeless classics sounds as if their own. Their chanteuse has a rich, jazzy voice that perfectly complements the smooth harmonies of the trombone and saxophone.

Rude City Riot closed the night with their energetic and charismatic performance. These guys play “Power Ska,” which is Ska that consists of strong reggae, punk and jazz influences. However, the main thing that separates these guys from the next ska band is their ability to create and execute catchy, memorable anthems. Despite being crammed on the small stage, the sextet (keys were MIA) managed to play freely and enjoy themselves. Their engaging, tight grooves and infectious melodies got the dance floor packed and moving at all times.

Both of these bands feature talented musicians, as well as the entertainment factor. If you like reggae and horns in your rock or punk, these bands are not to be missed!

-Bag-

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Blue Valentine - Tuesdays's Choice

Blue Valentine is, by far, one of the most heart wrenching movies of 2010, and maybe even the past decade. But that doesn’t mean it is a terrible movie. In fact, Blue Valentine was a phenomenal piece of work.

Ryan Gosling plays the character named Dean and Michelle Williams plays the character named Cindy.The film shows the relationship develop between a young Dean and Cindy. As time progresses, the two face many hardships and also share many wonderful memories. But eventually, things between Dean and Cindy get ugly, as alcohol and rage become more present in the couple’s everyday life. But overall, Blue Valentine was fantastic. Gosling’s performance is flawless and appears to come naturally to the talented actor. And Williams’ performance reminds the audience why they should care about her.

Also, Blue Valentine is just one of those movies that everyone can relate to. A wonderful and euphoric relationship that eventually crashes and burns. And after seeing the film, you can expect to feel empty inside, wishing you hadn’t watched it. But the combination of Gosling and Williams on screen together make it worth while.And just to put it out there, Blue Valentine is not your typically girly movie that targets one audience. Boys, girls, men and women all need to check it out. Enjoy!

- MF GREENS -

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Nicole Kidman, Nominated For Her Third Oscar

Monday, February 7th, 2011 -- The 83rd Academy Awards nominations luncheon was held, where more than 140 Oscar nominees gathered at the Beverly Hilton. Nicole Kidman was among the nominees, and with great eloquence was interviewed on her third Oscar nomination for her critically acclaimed for her performance in "Rabbit Hole". Kidman plays the role of a mother mourning the death of her son. Upon hearing the news of her nomination, Kidman began to cry with joy. At the luncheon, Kidman looked stunning, wearing a burnt orange, silk dress, framed by her strawberry-blonde hair. When asked how she stays glam for the Oscar's Kidman answered that her daughter has a very strong voice in what she wears, "fingers crossed guys, I could be wearing a tutu."

- Simona McIntyre -
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A Matter of Context: "Monster" Vs. "Decency Defied"

Well, Kanye West has put out another video, and is once again creating controversy.  Mr. West, along with his cohorts Rick Ross, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver, has made a video for the song "Monster," which certainly pushes the boundaries of good taste, and certainly goes far beyond the lyrical content.  Today, we're going to compare it to Cannibal Corpse's "Decency Defied" video, one which had to have a censored version created for music TV airplay, and yet has imagery that's on par, or maybe even a bit less severe than 'Ye and Co.'s video. READ FULL ARTICLE In our montly Ezine

- Je Pe -

February Vandala Ezine is Out

February Vandala Ezine is Out and its packed with, music,

reviews and news and Much More

Read Now Online

http://www.vandalaconcepts.com/e-zine/11_feb/vandala_ezine_11_feb.html