Pitch Perfect [movie review]

One of my friends was always talking about Pitch Perfect, but — at the time — I wasn’t even sure what it was about. I started seeing commercials for it on TV and I definitely became interested. Then, I saw a sneak peek of the “Right Round” performance (on GMA, I think), which solidified my decision (yes) to go see the movie.

Pitch Perfect is about an aspiring DJ, Beca (Anna Kendrick), who is forced — by her father, Dr. Mitchell (John Benjamin Hickey) — to go to college instead of fulfilling a music career in California. Beca doesn’t try too hard to make friends at first, but Chloe (Britanny Snow) changes this when she gets a little too close for comfort in the bathroom encourages Beca to  tryout for their school’s all-girl a cappella group, The Barden Bellas. In addition to The Bellas, there are three other a cappella groups on campus, but the true rival is the all-boy group, The Trebelmakers. Treblemakers-newcomer, Jesse (Skylar Astin), takes an interest in Beca, but the feeling doesn’t seem to be mutual (which might be a good thing since it’s forbidden for Treblemakers and Bellas to date). I mean, they are rivals and there’s only one spot for first place.

To put it simply, Pitch Perfect was perfect (pun intended). Not only was it absolutely hysterical, but the music was fun and catchy as well. Acting-wise, I loved everyone. First of all, I love Brittany Snow (remember American Dreams?). This movie is an automatic win since she had a prominent role in it. She did a really great job (and I’m not just saying that because I’m obsessed with her… OK, maybe a little). Anna Kendrick was never really on my radar, but I’m a definite fan after seeing her in this movie. Skylar Astin did an awesome job as well. His name has been floating around swarming the Internet lately and you can just tell he’s going to be the next big thing. Don’t even get me started on Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy (quite possibly one of my favorite characters in any movie ever created). She had me crying from laughter. She could be walking and I’d be cracking up… she’s that funny. Anna Camp played a great a-ca-bitch, Aubrey. She was never really on my radar either, but I’m interested to see other movies she’s been (and will be) in. I could go on and on, but before I stop, I have to say I really enjoyed Hana Mae Lee‘s character, Lilly. She was another one who had me laughing every time she was on screen. OK fine, one more (short) shout out: Elizabeth Banks. Although she had a small role as one of the performance announcers, Gail, she had some great one-liners. All in all, everyone involved was fantastic.

The acting was enough for me to love this movie, but the song choices and talent (singing-wise) blew me away. I have the soundtrack and I’ve been playing it on repeat. Don’t believe me? Just walk by my office; I’ll mostly likely be playing it on loop. Songs include: Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music,” Flo Rida’s “Right Round,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” Miley Cirus’ “Party in the U.S.A.,” and much more, including some awesome mash-ups.

I give Pitch Perfect 5/5 stars. I can’t wait to buy it on DVD and watch it again (and again).

Top 50 Songs of 2011

Yet another year has gone by and my favorite way to remember all the good times I’ve had is to attach those memories with the songs I’ve grown to love along the way (i.e. “Party Rock Anthem” = Boardy Barn, ”We Found Love” = moving to Hoboken, etc.).

Kickin’ it off with #1 is…

1. “Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock

And here’s the rest of my list…

2. “We Found Love” – Rihanna
3. “Till The World Ends” – Britney Spears
4. “Turn Me On” – David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj
5. “In The Dark” – Dev
6. “Jello” – Far East Movement
7. “I Wanna Go” – Britney Spears
8. “Moves Like Jagger” – Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
9. “Give Me Everything” – Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
10. “Sexy And I Know It” – LMFAO
11. “You Make Me Feel…” – Cobra Starship featuring Sabi
12. “Where Have You Been” – Rihanna
13. “Good Feeling” – Flo Rida
14. “N*ggas In Paris” – Jay-Z & Kanye West
15. “Backseat” – New Boyz featuring The Cataracs & Dev
16. “Took My Love” – Pitbull featuring Red Foo, Vein & David Rush
17. “Levels” – Avicii
18. “Pause” – Pitbull
19. “Little Bad Girl” – David Guetta featuring Taio Cruz
20. “Where Them Girls At” – David Guetta featuring Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj
21. “Night Of Your Life” – David Guetta featuring Jennifer Hudson
22. “Beautiful People” – Chris Brown featuring Benny Benassi
23. “On The Floor” – Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
24. “Champagne Showers” – LMFAO
25. “Glad You Came” – The Wanted
26. “(Drop Dead) Beautiful” – Britney Spears featuring Sabi
27. “The Motto” – Drake featuring Lil Wayne
28. “Look At Me Now” – Chris Brown featuring Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne
29. “S&M” (Remix) – Rihanna featuring Britney Spears
30. “Pass At Me” – Timbaland featuring Pitbull & David Guetta
31. “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)” – will.i.am featuring Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger
32. “Stereo Hearts” – Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine
33. “Did It On’em” – Nicki Minaj
34. “I Can Only Imagine” – David Guetta featuring Chris Brown & Lil Wayne
35. “Tonight Is The Night” – Outasight
36. “Drop It Low” – Kat Deluna
37. “If I Was You (OMG)” – Far East Movement featuring Snoop Dogg
38. “What You Want” – Evanescence
39. “Mr. Saxobeat” – Alexandra Stan
40. “Big Fat Bass” – Britney Spears featuring will.i.am
41. “Dance A$$” (Remix) – Big Sean featuring Nicki Minaj
42. “Champion” (Matt Nash & Dave Silcox Remix) – Chipmunk featuring Chris Brown
43. “Figure 8″ – Outasight
44. “Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj
45. “Pumped Up Kicks” – Foster The People
46. “Don’t Wanna Go Home” – Jason Derulo
47. “Hit The Lights” – Jay Sean featuring Lil Wayne
48. “Sweat” – David Guetta featuring Snoop Dogg
49. “Don’t Stop The Party” – Black Eyed Peas
50. “Someone Like You” – Adele

Honorable mentions include: “It Will Rain” and “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars, “Cheers” by Rihanna featuring Avril Lavigne, “Headlines” by Drake, “Save The World” by Swedish House Mafia, “Man Down” by Rihanna, “Rise Above” by Reeve Carney featuring Bono & The Edge, “Suave (Kiss Me) by Nayer and “On Display” by Melissa Gorga (I had to).

My favorite album of the year was definitely “Nothing But The Beat” by David Guetta, closely followed by “Femme Fatale” by Britney Spears. Can we expect more hits from these two music moguls in 2012? I really hope so. These two artists have really become favorites of mine this year.

Time for some other shout outs. I was particularly happy for Dev this year with her debut album, “The Night The Sun Came Up,” which features “In the Dark.” Also, congratulations to her on becoming a mom just recently! I think we’ll be seeing more of her in 2012, along with her collaboration buddies, The Cataracs, who will be coming out with a new album in 2012 (obviously very excited about that). I was also super pumped to hear Far East Movement’s new single, “Jello,” which is a great sign of what’s to come in their second studio album, “Dirty Bass,” which we can also expect in 2012. Rihanna made an awesome comeback, in my opinion, with songs like “We Found Love,” “Where Have You Been” “Cheers (Drink To That),” “Man Down” and “Talk That Talk.” As always, I love Pitbull… he can do no wrong, which is why he’s featured multiple times on my list.

I think Maroon 5 and Cobra Starship came out with some pretty catchy/different music this year. I’m interested to see if they have anything else up their sleeves for 2012.

Now, for some more 2012 predictions. I think Outasight will become more popular 2012. I love their songs, “Figure 8” and “Tonight Is The Night.” I hope to see more of them. I know Avicii‘s already decently popular, but he really caught my attention this year for some reason. I think he’ll be one of the DJs to look out for in 2012. I think Sabi might be an artist to watch out for as well. She’s been featured in Britney Spears’ “(Drop Dead) Beautiful” and Cobra Starship’s “You Make Me Feel…,” but I’ve heard some of her solo songs, like “Goodnight” and “Wild Heart,” and she’s got it goin’ on. Lastly, Pitbull’s righthand woman, Nayer, seems to be coming out of the woodwork, especially with the release of her single, “Suave (Kiss Me).”

What were some of your favorite songs, albums and artists in 2011? Any songs you think I missed? Let me know! As you should know, I love new music suggestions.

Happy New Year, everyone!

iPod Update

DJ E Glo’s latest favorites:

“Man Down” – Rihanna
“Took My Love” – Pitbull featuring Red Foo, Vein & David Rush
“Figure 8″ – Outasight
“All of the Lights” (Kidd Steez Remix) – Kanye West featuring Rihanna
“I’m Alright” – Jean Roch featuring Flo Rida & Kat Deluna
“Stereo Hearts” – Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine
“I Can Only Imagine” – David Guetta featuring Chris Brown & Lil Wayne
“Pause” (Too Shy Remix) – Pitbull
“Rain Over Me” – Pitbull featuring Marc Anthony
“You Make Me Feel” – Cobra Starship featuring Sabi
“Motivation” – Kelly Rowland featuring Lil Wayne
“On Display” – Melissa Gorga
“Take it to the Hole” – LMFAO featuring Busta Rhymes
“Dinosaur” – Ke$ha
“Animal” – Ke$ha
“Turn Me On” – David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj
“Night of Your Life” – David Guetta featuring Jennifer Hudson
“Headlines” – Drake
“It Girl” – Jason Dereulo
“What You Want” – Evanescence

I think my favorite song, at the moment, is “Turn Me On” by David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj. I mentioned it in my blog post last week for Guetta’s CD, “Nothing But the Beat“. It’s so good. I can’t help but blast it in my car every time it comes on… and it comes on a lot because I feel the need to replay it often. “Night of Your Life” with Jennifer Hudson is really good, too.

I’ve been feelin’ Cobra Starship lately with their new song, “You Make Me Feel,” with Sabi. I really like the music video, too… check it out. I have Cobra Starship’s ¡Viva La Cobra!, which I really enjoy. Can’t wait to listen to rest of their new CD, Night Shades. Sabi seems like she’s making a nice debut. In addition to her collaboration with CS, she’s also featured in Britney Spears‘s “(Drop Dead) Beautiful“, which is actually one of my favorite songs on Femme Fatale.

I fell love with “Figure 8″ by Outasight as soon as I heard it. I had never heard of them him before, so I did some research. Outasight is a one-man show by Richard Andrew from Yonkers, New York… right across the river from me!  Outasight is, in my opinion, a cool mix of rap and rock.  Apparently, if you sign up for Outasight’s newsletter on http://www.iamoutasight.com, they’ll send you the Figure 8 EP for free, which I’m obviously doing. If I like it, expect another blog post about Outasight in near future, which I’m sensing will be happening.

Glad to see Evanescence is back with their new song “What You Want”. I liked a handful of their songs on “Fallen” so I’m interested to check out the rest of their new CD, especially if the songs are sounding anything like “What You Want”. Not mention, I love Amy Lee.

Some other favorites include: “Took My Love,” “Stereo Hearts,” “Pause” (Too Shy Remix) and “Headlines”.

Before anyone makes fun of me, yes Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s Melissa Gorga is on this list with her new single, “On Display“. Now, at first, I thought it was ridiculous and I kept making fun of it, but as I was making fun of it, I listened to it more and more. Then, it kinda grew on me. OK, now you can make of me.

Nothing But the Beat [CD Review]

I can’t stop listening to David Guetta‘s new CD, Nothing But the Beat, which is available today! Every song has a great beat… I mean, what would you expect though? It’s Guetta. Of course every song has a great beat. The CD features great artists such as Timbaland, Dev, Afrojack, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Akon, will.i.am, Taio Cruz, Ludacris, Flo Rida and Usher (among others). There were a couple of names that I wasn’t familiar with, such as Crystal Nicole and Sia, but I dig ‘em now!

This CD reminds me of Timbaland’s Shock Value CDs because, similarly, David Guetta provides the sick nasty beats and has these amazing artists sing/rap to them. Excellent collaborations if you ask me. Some of my favorite tracks include: “I Just Wanna F***,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “Where Dem Girls At,” “Turn Me On,” and “Little Bad Girl“. Like I said though, all the songs are great… a definite must-listen. I give Nothing But the Beat 5/5 stars. Can’t wait to have this on my iPod for this week’s commute… liven things up a bit.

DJ Bl3nd

Last night, I was looking for some new music and I came across this guy, DJ Bl3nd. There’s a bunch of YouTube videos of him (in a really creepy Halloween mask) enthusiastically DJing in his room to a bunch of flashing lights. Weird, right? I started listening to his different mixes though and they were pretty sick. Definitely check ‘em out if you like dance music and other genres like that.