NEW LILY ALLEN VIDEO!

Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh! Lily is for realz back! I am so stoked on this new album. I don't even have words for this. You see how the title is in all caps?! It's like I'm screaming!!! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!

Loves me some Lily Allen! And this song is sooo good. And it's good to see her with long hair again. And I love Lily Allen and this song.

And that is all.



E

This Time Just The Girls

Basically if I could form a perfect girl band it would be like the Coathangers. I would be Stephanie (the one with the bangs over her eyes). Only it would also involve sparkly ribbon headbands, 80s synth keyboards, glitter eyeshadow, and be called The Savage Ivories.

Sigh...it's finally Fall. Well, not here, in the volcano-temperature Valley where it still gets to the mid 90s during the week, but in general. And even though colder weather is my favorite, it usually sends me into some kind of temperature induced sadness, like when some people get depressed due to the fact that it's dark so much or whatever. So to combat the aforementioned sadness, I delve heavily into my music stash, putting together playlists and mix CDs that create a winter wonderland full of swirling ambiance and delicious memories. Normally, I would a throw playlist your way, but this is no ordinary winter. This is one of empowerment and feminism, so with that, I've compiled the Fall Fem Fierceness playlist: the best fall and winter tracks from the badassiest females in music. Which would you guys add? Feel oh so free to let me know.

Sara Lov: "New York"

Jenny Lewis: "Rise Up With Fists"

The Watson Twins: "How Am I To Be?"

Asobi Seksu: "Walk On The Moon"

Cat Power: "Lived In Bars"

The Breeders: "Doe"

Be Your Own Pet: "October, First Account"

Northern State: "Three Amigas"

Regina Spektor: "Better"

Magneta Lane: "Constant Lover"

Pony Up!: "Shut Up And Kiss Me"

Charlotte Gainsbourg: "The Songs That We Sing"

The Long Blondes: "You Could Have Both"

And there you have it. Plus a few personal all time favorite riot grrrl songs:

The Grown Ups: "Nick and Nick" (Ummm, a song written back in like '94 about how the dude this girl fell in love with fell in love with a boy, using the lyrics "suck it in the dick" and "which one is the chick" is like pure gold.)

The Cougars: "Brain Cactus" (Surriously. If you don't feel badass when you listen to this song, you never will. And I hurt for you.)

The Chubbies: "Didjahavtasaythat?" (We all know this feeling.)

New Missbehave!

Holla! Just caught a glimpse of the new issue of Missbehave on the website! Sry I don't have a picture so here's a link if you don't find yourself checking the blog every five minutes like I do. I'm overstoked for this shit! And Santogold's on the cover? Like, what, motherfucker?! That's awesome! You know, I was told I looked like Santogold once. Erm...yeah, I think it still counts if it was just an anonymous comment on my blog...erm...So anyway, this issue looks like nothing but pure hotness! Very excited! Now I just have to find a Barnes and Noble in the Valley...

Anyone else super ultra mega excited?!

Mmmm...Do Not Want

I came home today, sweaty and exhausted from riding my bike from school in 93 degree heat, ready to collapse onto my bed, eat a chocolate pudding cup, and watch Tyra. I opened my front door, staggered into my room, and stopped.

There were two people in my room. And another bed. A made one at that. And did I mention there were assorted boxes and bags littered next to the bed?

Um, I have a new roommate. Who likes to talk on the phone...loudly. And puts a big emphasis on cable television. And likes to be in the house...alot. Ugh. I'll update later as the development...erm, develops. Thank god I place to my complete own is not that far away. I wish I had a way to update everyone minute by minute. Maybe I'll get a Twitter...or Tumblr. Options...

THIS JUST IN:
TYRA WILL BE ROCKING CUBANNIE LINKS ON HER SHOW TOMORROW! OMG! I JUST SAW THE EPISODE PREVIEW! THIS TOTALLY NEEDS ALL CAPS FOR EMPHASIS! WILL REPORT BACK ON THIS!

So where was I? Oh yeah, I'll tell you all about the new roommate situation later. In the meantime, I think I'll get that long awaited pudding cup.

Deuces,
Erika

Digital Versicolor

Oh gawd, forgive me shirts. I know for a brief minute I forsook you all for tunics and dresses. But I have returned. It'll be like I never left, y'know? I'll wear you and wash you (following all the instructions on the tag with care and zeal) and pet your softness and spot treat you when a stain begins to harass your downy fibers...just like old times. Now, having said that, I want these shirts:

Cardboard Robot hotness.

Hellz Bellz knocking the usual bitches out the usual boxes.

Married To The Mob offering wise advice to fiscally unaware bitches.
Rebel Eight killin' it as usual.

Someone(s) please but one(them) for me so I won't feel so sad about not having friends here in California. Clothes are the new bffs. Closets are the new Barbie Dreamhouse.

Oh, and I've pulled a V and named this post after a song. Can anyone guess who sings it?

Deuces,
Erika

Shocking Revelations

Every morning since I moved in, I have been waking up to an empty apartment. My roommates are all gone by the time I open my eyes. I used to think it was because they just had a lot of shit to do early in the day, but now I'm thinking it's because they secretly hate me because I have food in the fridge, a room to myself, and the only TV with cable in my room. Maybe it really is the former, but that wouldn't be as awesome.

I thought this would be like perpetual summer camp. When will we start braiding hair, baking cupcakes, and trading Powerpuff Girls stickers?

Mis ideas son todavia no bueno. Tambien es mi espanol.

Deuces,
Erika

What Is Los Angeles Spanish For Again? The Angles?

I'm here, I'm fierce, and I'm not going anywhere! Well, except downstairs to get some El Pollo Loco. Yum...chicken and lemonade...

So things are pretty cool here. Last night I hung around Hollywood for awhile. I pretty much plan to befriend all Hollywood inhabitants because they have access to the good drugs and a lot of money. That's something I could really get behind.

My apartment isn't anything special...just two bedrooms, a living room. kitchen, balcony (for when midterm exams come and I really need to end it all fast), the usual. Weird that my roommate isn't here yet. Actually, I've been the only person here since 9 am. It's kinda cool/eerie. I still have to buy a TV so I don't become a complete hermit. But yeah, everything's pretty chillza here.

School is a different story. There is a mad frenzy at the bookstore because not only can you register to vote there today, the cast of Greek is filming...and I guess talking to devoted, slobbering girl fans as well. I don't know. I haven't gone. I don't even watch Greek, and if I did, I doubt I'd want to meet the cast. Unless I could run down there and jump in a scene or something...maybe flash some deuces and shout a "holla!" really quick? Or throw on my "I Want To Be Sarah Morrison When I Grow Up Shirt"? Either options.

That's pretty much it, I guess. Hey V, will you go ahead and email me when you read this? Grazie. And pictures will be up soon...when I have time to take a deep breath, and I don't feel so lethargic. Can anyone else believe I just drove four fucking days to be here?! Straight up ridic.

Oh yeah, and the post picture is the note I left for my roomie. I had to go drop my mom off and I wasn't sure whether or not she would be in when I came back, so I courteously left a note. I mean, I'm so sweet, right?

Deuces,
Erika

Nylon + byoP = Becky

Currently listening to: "Never There" by Cake

We all know what happened to Be Your Own Pet. I'm still regretting the fact that I didn't own a digital camera when I was sixteen and thus could not take any pictures of the one performance of their's I ever got to see. I'm also still sad that I missed the sale on their merch's website and so now I have to pay $20 for a shirt instead of $10. You may be regretting different BYOP related things for different BYOP related reasons.

I assume this whole thing went down like this:

Jemina and Co. were packing up their instruments, fresh off the end of the Nylon Summer Music Tour, when Marvin Scott Jarrett (the Editor-in-Chief of Nylon, duh) strolled up to them.

MSJ: Hey guys, sorry to hear about what's going on.
Jemina: Yeah, dude. We just wish there was something else we could do about those fucking songs that got fucking censored and fucking banned.
MSJ: (stroking his chin thoughtfully), Well let me see what I could do. I'll ask an intern to get some department people together. In the mean time, let me offer you guys some parting gifts...bottle of Andre? Pair of Sevens? Life size poster of Alice Delall? New Watson Twins album?

And then he walked away, got some interns on it, and out of that quick exchange came a video for the single "Becky." If that doesn't seem familiar to you, but you bought Get Awkward like I did, that's because "Becky" was one of the songs Universal deemed to controversial to release. Granted BYOP did release it along with two other removed songs on their Get Damaged EP, but it's not the same. Anyway, peep the video.

"Becky"



And in case you just wanna sorta chart their progression, here's their first video, the one they made 2 years ago for the song, "Bicycle, Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle." I saw that video when it made it's first world premiere back on Subterranean and I knew at that instant, that those kids would be big.

"Bicycle, Bicycle, You Are My Bicycle"



Deuces,
Erika

This Week On The Music Front

Ugh, it's Sunday. Normally this would make me so bored and stir crazy I would want to scoop out my eyeballs and eat them with fava beans, but with all the shit that went down this week, this Sunday was a godsend. Plus I definitely had things to look forward to today.

This was a more interesting week for music, Lollapalooza actually notwithstanding. Although it did provide good amounts of interesting stories, pictures, and a big cup of Chi-town haterade for me to sip on. Here's the rundown on everything.

TTFN & CUL8R BYOP

Yes it's true kiddos. Be Your Own Pet is no more. You feel like the longer you pay attention to music, its scene, and the outcome, these kinds of things should not bother you anymore. But as I have followed BYOP since their inception and own all but one of their LPs, CDs, and EPs, this really gets me. Some say it was because they were running into issues with their Get Awkward release, namely censorship problems, but some blamed it on their signing to a big label, Universal, or because they pulled out of the Warped Tour lineup. Whatever it was, it does mean that Jemina and Co. aren't starting any more food fights, telling bitches to leave, or kicking ass at the Dude Zone anytime soon. *Tear slowly rolls down cheek* I hear there are going to be some spinoff bands but NOTHING will be like BYOP. Thank god I got to see them when they opened up for the Arctic Monkeys two years ago.

NME TRIES TO TELL THE US WHY WE'RE COOL AGAIN

This ish went down like tranqqued up grizzly from a treelimb. According to NME, we (America) were cool once, then stopped being cool, and now, thanks to 25 new bands, are offish cooler than the other side of the pillow. And while the editors can acknowledge that we have an underground scene like no other, these bands (read:the ones they picked randomly out of assrtd issues of Paste, Fader, Spin, and Filter) are suddenly making us really legit again. Because uh yeah, before Vampire Weekend, we were just a wasteland. This is the list of bands. Try not to get too angry. Or maybe get angry, and go tell other people what you think:

01 Vampire Weekend

02 Lil Wayne

03 Glass Candy

04 Kings Of Leon

5 MGMT

06 Spank Rock

07 TV On The Radio

08 Boy Crisis

09 Black Kids

10 Holy Ghost Revival

11 The Hold Steady

12 Fleet Foxes

13 Amazing Baby

14 Jay Reatard

15 HEALTH

16 The Cool Kids

17 Black Lips

18 Yo Majesty

19 White Denim

20 Telepathe

21 Iglu and Hartly

22 Chester French

23 Girl Talk
24 TheDeathSet

25 Grace Jones

Like, rly? Girl Talk is that far down? And White Denim? And TVOtR wasn't making us cool back when they actually put out an album? Glass Candy certainly deserves to be that high on the list, but, who put this ish together?

CHESTER FRENCH TALKS TO ME IN WARM, FRIENDLY TONES

I left a comment on Stereogum dealing with all this NME nonsense. Here it is, in full verbatim fashion:

Firstly, good music really is just that. Good music. It comes from Britain and America AND the rest of the UK. Like, Frightened Rabbit are amazing and they're Scottish. Oh yeah, and it DEFINITELY comes from Canada. Stars? The Guest Bedroom? Pony Up? Yes please! Oh yeah, and the Leeds music scene is killing it right now. It deserves something of a recognition since it somehow manages to create a barrier against the shitty typical shetpile of the normal music scene. Oh yeah, and Los Campesinos! Yes please! But keep in mind that NME is the equivalent of a fifteen year old's self published zine. It's whatever music they like...uh,and whoever's show they have a press badge for. I met the dude in TheDeathSet...that band is like Australian. And why are Black Kids and VW so high on that list...because they sound British? Glass Candy pwns and so does Jay Reatard and the Black Lips. But NME did acknowledge that there is a significant underground scene in NY and LA (although those of Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, and Seattle are equally noteworthy), they just choose to ignore it. Whatev. Americans may have had their fill of these bands (Chester French...sigh, whatev), but they're like still hitting the other side of the pond, no? Like Pokemon! But not with Japan, with the UK...okay, so not like Pokemon.

Then I checked my email. I received this message from DA Wallach of Chester French. First I got worried. I get in too much trouble for the things I say on the internet. When that happens, I take a deep breath and ask myself, "What would Sarah Morrison do?" This time I didn't have to:

Hey Erika-

I saw your comment on the stereogum blog where you mention our group, Chester French. I hope no one's had their fill of us yet, since the album isn't even out, but I definitely want to win you as a fan. If you send me your mailing address back I'll mail you a special edition package of our single and shall be sure to get you a copy of the album when it finally sees the light of day! Hope you're having a great weekend.

D.A.

Normally I'd get psuedo-frustrated for people taking the things I say too seriously, but this guy was just tooooo sweet to get angry at. That's Chester French for you, I guess.

All up in ur emale, leevin u messagez.

NEW VIVIAN GIRLS SONG

Someone actually compared them to a crappier version of the Pipettes. I hope she never goes on to have a music journalism career. If she does, it will probably be writing for NME. The Vivian Girls are hot awesomeness from Brooklyn. They're an all girl band that makes muddy and/or raw rock music. It's great. They're great. They just released a new song from their S/T LP called "Where Do You Run To?" and it's sort of good. Play it on a cool, sunny Autumn day, enjoy your tea, and try to figure out the fastest way to get that still sleeping one night stand out of your bed and into a taxi. Uhhh..."I know it's eight in the morning on a Wednesday, but I have to go to church now..."

Vivian Girls: "Where Do You Run To?"

As you can see, it's obvi been a busy week for everyone. In other news (ION is going to be the new abreev for that saying, so you know for future ref), Jessica Fletcher's badass friend Mistress Viviane has a new column going on Single Scoop about "the realities of sex." It's really good and worth reading, because we've all had these bedroom bafflers at least once.

And in case you missed it, Adult Swim ran an Old School night on Friday where they showed old episodes of the shows that originally made AS so fantastic: Sealab 2021, The Brak Show, Home Movies, Space Ghost, etc. What is even more fantastic is that I remember all of those shows. Mid 90's born Hannah Montana tweens? You ain't got shit on me! It was also V's birthday on Friday, the 1st of Aug, so Alex, if you catch my girl on the streets, take her by the hand and buy her a cupcake. Jess Fletch can surely recommend you some good places to go. And now the "p" key on my laptop is stuck. Great.

eace easy eo le,

Erika

OMG OMG OMG

So I got my mail today and what did I find in the box...?

The Missbehave x Nails Did collab shirt!

If you don't remember, Missbehave was giving these babies out for free, with just one string attached: send them a mixtape.

Well I did, and mine was weekend themed so it had "Ignition" by R. Kelly, "Friday I'm In Love" by the Cure, "Friday Night" by Lily Allen, and even a Flight of the Conchords song. So it was pretty much bangin'. Did you guys send one in?

Anyway, I tore open the package and put my shirt on right then and there. Oh Christ...this thing is super comfy and long enough for me to just wear with some leggings...it's perfect. I'm so happy!

Did anyone else get one?

Deuces,
Erika

The Protest Issue

Okay, I pretty much luh magzines. I mean I have three current subscriptions and I still manage to buy Missbehave every quarter, Nylon every month, and Cosmo every once in awhile. But really, how many variations on the cowgirl position can they attempt to show me? (Someone bring back Jane before I get postal on mainstream women's mags, kthx)

So a few days ago I opened up my mailbox and found my new issue of Under The Radar Magazine, aptly titled The Protest Issue.

Open it up and you'll find page after page of discussions about current events, the state of music, and politics from indie artists around the world. Each artist is asked to make a personal sign of protest, and the results range from wittily clever, like Peter Moren's Down With Whistling, British Sea Power's Help: Let's Keep Polar Bears, Jamie Lidell's Free Cliche Guevara, and Akron/Family's I Want To Live In Woodrow Guthrie's America! to the more serious and more provocative, like Issac Brock (of Modest Mouse)'s Protests Only Work If The People You Are Protesting Give A Shit What You Think, Foals' Go Back To Bed America, Your Government Has Figured It All Out, and Michael Franti's George Bush Hates People.
The issue then goes on to talk about the correlations between politics and comic books, the documentary Body of War, and the Top 10 Protest Songs of the 21st Century!

All of this awesomeness is going on between interviews of Spiritualized, Portishead, Conor Oberst, and My Brightest Diamond, among others. And, as it turns out, every protest sign in the issue will be auctioned off on eBay and the proceeds will be donated to the War Child Organization. Add this to the plentitude of album, comic book, and DVD reviews and reissues and this issue goes from great to eggpants awesome.

Like, people, if you really want to hear about how the world is today from people who are living it, who saw it, who were there for it, you have to get this issue. It's amazing, and enlightening, and fucking fantastic.

Under The Radar is 4.99 at Barnes and Noble. So go get it!

Deuces,
Erika

Savage Sunshine

(This is actually the pic that comes up when you type in "savage sunshine." Go figure!)

Well she finally did it! My NY homegirl Valentina has finally made a blog of her own. While her stint as professional commenter was much appreesh, I'm thrilled to be able to see what she has to say about things she finds important! She's currently got one post now, about the people who want to kill her, but it's funny, not scary/threatening/sort of creepy.

I advise everyone to check it out, leave soooo many comments that V's inbox can't even handle it, and then be super nice to her if you ever see her on the streets in NY. She's got pretty hair (and doesn't even have to brush it!) and might be listening to some random/shitty/good music. Oh and her style is like "Blair Waldorf on acid" (her words, not mine), so she'll be pretty hard to miss. I assume V will be the girl in the neon sweater, the plaid miniskirt, fluorescent tights, and sensible flats.

You can read all about her crazy life and her plans for an upcoming photo series here. I'm so happy for you V! Welcome to the Peach Pit!

Deuces,
Erika

My Only Offer

Mates of State are cool. They are also hot. They are temperaturally compelling. Their music is good. That should be enough for you to want to purchase their entire discography.

If it is, you can find it here.

Let's say it isn't. Well, uh, okay skeptic. MoS's new album, Re-Arrange Us is yet another gem in their indie pop crown. The album is magic. That's right. Once you listen to it, you magically become very happy and okay with life. Yeah, regardless of what else is going on around you.

To further convince you of their ethereal powers, Mates of State made a video. Yay. The directions for use are as follows: Peep. Smile. Rinse. Repeat.

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Mates of State: "My Only Offer"

Love it like u crazy!

Deuces,
Erika

Everyone Nose Remix!!!!

Whoa! This shit is hotter than Sacramento in August! Shit, it's hotter than Joshua Tree in August! I guess everyone "nose" about this track...haha (terrible, terrible pun), and thought it was slightly smoldering at best. So they said, "hmmm, who could get on this and make it reallllly hot?"

Introducing "Everyone Nose" remix feat. Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pusha T! Peep scene:

N.E.R.D. Ft. Kanye, Lupe Fiasco Everyone Nose Official Remix
by DjFreakazoid

Best lyric ever: "she stopped drinking diet coke, she on that coke diet"

Deuces,
Erika

Lego Watches!!

Sometimes I find myself wondering, "what would my life be like if I had a dope watch AND some toys to play with when I got bored?" The answer used to be, "hmmm...I dunno."

Well, Target must have ESP because they've solved my query! Introducing, Lego watches! Peep:

These watches are bitchin'! You can tell time with them then play with the toy they come with! Why they are all Star Wars themed is beyond me but I'm definitely copping that R2D2 timepiece! Soooo much cooler than a Swatch watch and cheaper too! Gracias a Target! Go get them! They are your destiny.

Deuces,
Erika

Rappin', Boozin', Dancin', Oh My!

Did anyone else hear about this? Everyone who lives in NYC, or at least resides NEAR BK should most definitely try to make this. I live in Atlanta (duh) so I could never get to this. A night with boss chicks, cheap booze, drunken two-stepping, AND you don't miss your favorite Monday night telly show?

Perfecto!

Hit up Missbehave's Myspace if you feel inquisitive, or their site if you're feeling frisky.

Deuces,
Erika

"Flashing Lights" X 2

If you liked the first "Flashing Lights" video, then good for you. Chances are you saw it on MTV one morning as you got ready for work, or whatever it is you do in the morning, and you thought, "Wow, this video is kind of cool. It's new, Kanye, and different." That may or may not be verbatim.

Well, as Jacqueline Susann says, "Once Is Not Enough." Kanye thinks so too. He had Bill Pollock make this really cool American Apparel ad/music video. The chick is Charlotte Carter-Allen. She's gorgeous, no? Yes! She wakes up with mojitos and then parties with girls who look just like her. Then she gets drunk and walks home alone. Kanye is standing in some badly lit room, walking around. That part is kind of hazy.

Anyway, I guess there is a third video to make all this make sense. I hope. In any case, you can just watch the damn video.



OK, now go buy some American Apparel. Good job.

Deuces,
Erika

Stay Fresh With A Mixtape

No, not like a Muxtape, which is just something little hipster douches make so they can stay on the up and up. Myflashfetish is the convenient website that allows you to make an mp3 playlist for your blog page, fo' free, with just about any song you can imagine. There's no limit on how many songs you can add. All you do is type in the artist or song, hit search, and then post it up.

At the end you get a code to paste it into your blog. Yeah, you have to be a member, but membership is free and takes two seconds, promise. It's awesome. My mp3 playlist is in the form of a cute little mixtape.

You can also get Myspace shite, music videos, and streaming television for your site. Fresh!

And if you like mixtapes, you can get the kind for your computer right here!

Deuces,
Erika

I Am Recovered! (Mostly)

Yesterday was, I don't know. Something else. I came down with some kind of one-day hour flu with all the symptoms: ache-y body, feeling nauseous, headache, fever...it was messed up. I told my body it was unnappreciated to be sick for an entire Saturday. The day was pleasant and simply rolled by as I was forced to watch TV for eleven hours straight.

It was cruel and unusual punishment. I was kept on a diet of ginger ale, toast, and shortbread cookies, which is one of the only foods I can eat when I'm sick for some reason.

Today some evil death crows popped up on my porch to take me to my death, but I didn't give them the satisfaction. I won't be beat by this mystery illness. Also, I feel 100 percent better. Hah, crows! Hah!


more cat pictures

And also so you know (but won't care) I got the new Blackberry Curve yesterday. In my ill state, I spent the whole day downloading ringtones and hanging out on Missbehave's website. Downside: no one wants to change the television channel because they think they'll get sick from touching the remote. Grrrr.

Peep my Curve!

Deuces,
Erika

Yay, It's Legit!

So, it's true! Or I read it on this website, and the internet is full of truth, right? Kgood. Anyway, Tuesday, May 20, my last day of senior year, the Cool Kids' album, The Bake Sale, drops on iTunes motherfuckers! Be excited! Now! The downside is that it won't actually be in a record store until June 10th (tear).



Chuck and Mikey (Yup, he's Mikey) are awesome. Just so you know. They toured with MIA and were on MTV, too. Plus they're from Illanoise, which is AWEsome. They're kind of like Kidz In The Hall, and at least while everyone's riding this hip(ster)-hop/fresh to def train, I might as well buy some memorablia, because music's gonna shift back to that super tough thug-wannabe style anyway.

Pick up The Bake Sale! 5-20-08! No more illegal downloads! Peep video:

"Black Mags"


Deuces!
Erika