Mariela just before we left for the concert

My hand is the top one on the right and Mariela's is the bottom. Photo by Amber Says What

Moments after Peaches landed on me. That's the back of my head smack dab in the center. Photo by Amber Says What

Taken on the night of…

Peace,

Rio

I know it’s thanksgiving and I’m sitting on a poo-poo platter of remixes that I wanted to share. So here we go! And be thankful g-dammit!

Rihanna vs Kid Sister – Disturbia vs Control
Martin Solveig – Boys & Girls (feat. Dragonette) (Bart B More Dans Tes Rave Remix)
The Cardigans – Lovefool (Barletta Edit)
Mika – Rain (Benny Benassi Remix)
Amanda Blank – Shame on Me (Viking Remix)
Little Boots – Remedy (Triple Owl Remix)
Kesha – Tik Tok (Chuck Bucket Mix)
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Richard Vission Club Mix)

here are some of my favorite videos from my youtube page.

yes, i am a reeree and i’m not opposed to showing it.

<3

After my bout with the flu, I finally returned to dance class last week for a workout and discovered a new song by Amanda Blank, “Something Bigger, Something Better.” A few months ago one of my music-pushers, Robbie (see Summer Tours), mentioned her debut album, I love You, which came out in August. But I never got around to listening to it. I was immediately hooked on “Something Bigger, Something Better” which sounded like it could have been produced by rapper Missy Elliott. I finally got around checking out Blank’s album. Of course, through my research it turns out that I missed her recent show in NYC with electroclash diva Peaches. I’m, once again, a step or two behind here. But I keep trying anyway. Even though I missed the live show it seems like a good time to say a few words about these X-rated singer-songwriters. (Yes, their lyrics are explicit, so you’ve been warned.)

As I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for good pop music and Amanda Blank seems to be just that. Ok, maybe not straight ahead pop, but certainly catchy. She falls somewhere between electronica and rap, with an infusion of ‘80‘s new wave. Yes, another ‘80‘s throwback. Are we calling this the neo-80‘s sound? Whatever. I guess having been a teen in ‘80‘s I can’t help loving all of it. One of my favorite songs on the album, “Make It, Take It” has that ‘80’s twinge and more of a girl band sound to it. She co-wrote this song with Santigold (see SWIK post), who she’s worked with for some time. She sounds a lot like Santigold as well as rapper M.I.A. with whom she has also worked. Another ‘80’s throwback on the album, “A Love Song” is a remake of rapper LL Cool J’s “I Need Love.” It’s spot on and almost word for word the same song. It includes a sample of Santigold’s “I’m A Lady.” Like LL’s original, this one has a slow, steady hip-hop groove. “Leaving You Behind” is another mellow tune featuring Swedish electronic popster Lykke Li.

Her song “I Might Like You Better” sounds nothing like Romeo Void’s ’80’s tune “Never Say Never,” but it directly lifts the chorus “I might like you better if we slept together.” I’ve always liked this Romeo Void tune. While the message is blunt, the vocals are sultry with a punk edge. Blank’s new twist on the phrase is not one of my favorite songs on the album, but is worth noting. In another ‘80‘s tribute, the song “Make Up” was written by Prince and released on Vanity 6’s only album. It’s not a great song, but Blank offers an improvement on the original.



With all the catchy hooks and syncopation on the album, it’s easy to miss the rapid-fire lyrics. This album could make another solid running mix. Her tunes are also useful for getting ready for a night out or your own mini at-home dance party. But don’t be fooled, Blank is raunchier than most ‘80’s divas. One critic called her a nasty Cyndi Lauper (see SWIK post), taking “She Bop” to its extreme. Her song “Lemme Get Some” is exactly about what what you think and leaves nothing to the imagination.

A Philadelphia native, Blank was a member of the band Sweatheart and collaborated with alternative rapper Spank Rock, who also worked with her on the album. She is part of a growing trend of women taking back filthy and explicit lyrics from the men. Rapper Lil’ Kim was probably the pioneer here, although in addition to Romeo Void, the ‘80’s had Berlin’s “Sex (I’m A…),” the Eurythmics’ “I Need A Man” and of course any songs by Prince’s proteges such as Vanity and Apollonia. Blank has a underlying sense of humor and, for all their nastiness, her songs are well-crafted and catchy.

In writing about raunchy divas, it seems appropriate to say a few words about Peaches, who Blank is touring with right now. You can read a brief review of their NYC show and see photos on Brooklyn Vegan. I can’t recall when I first discovered Peaches. I probably read about her in Bust magazine, where I discover most alternative music. Originally from Canada, but now based in Berlin, Peaches is known for her sexually explicit lyrics in songs like “F*ck The Pain Away,” which was used in the film Lost In Translation. Other Peaches songs have been used in TV shows including Ugly Betty, Entourage, and CSI: New York among others. You may recognize her song “Do Ya” from a Gap ad.

Peaches writes all of her own music, plays the instruments, and produces her albums. Her music is more electronic, new wave, hip hop and even rock, rather than pop, and is part of what is called electroclash. Yes, ANOTHER music genre (see Raveonettes post for my rant on ever-expanding music genres). Her latest offering, I Feel Cream, which came out in May, is her most accessible album to date. I really like the song “Talk to Me.” It’s certainly one of her catchier tunes and sounds like Cyndi Lauper. I also like “Mud,” which is one of her mellower tunes. That said, none of her songs are ever likely to get radio play. The least offensive lyric on the new album may be, ‘never go to bed without a piece of raw meat’ from “Trick or Treat” which has a chorus that sounds like it came right off of a Vanity 6 album. She has a sense of humor, but has more underlying anger than Blank.

So where do I stand on these potty-mouthed women? First, let’s start with the fact that almost all music, particularly popular music, is about sex. (Even most classical music I would argue.) Like so many men before them, these women are just putting it out there in plainer terms. Shock value may be one way to look at it. Taking sex back and owning it is another. Objectifying men is yet another. I do find it fascinating that most male critics seem to quickly either write these women off or at least take them to task and look down on their explicit lyrics. They apparently have a difficult time listening to women use words like f*ck, pussy, and tits. Yet, we never hear a peep from these guys when men use these words. Nor do they bother to question the blatant misogyny and degradation of women in a lot of rap music. Female critics, on the other hand, tend to accept and embrace these women and their lyrics. I believe that these musicians take what they do quite seriously. Peaches, in particular, is certainly out to question some gender norms and push the envelope. I’m all for challenging the establishment and making people think. If you can craft a catchy or interesting tune in the process, more power to ya. That said, to each her own. This music may not be for you. Check out a few tunes for yourself and let me know what you think.

A SWIK ’80’s Sex Mix

Imagine a forty something ex elementary school music teacher, crossed with Freddy Mercury, Ziggy Stardust, and Marilyn Manson and you get Merrill Beth Nisker, the Canadian also known as PEACHES. After seeing Peaches perform at The Majestic in Madison last May, I was hooked. Not only is her music like a drug, her live shows will melt your face off.

Lady Gaga (left) and Amanda Blank (right); musically related.

My friend Kevin and I arrived at Turner Hall just in time to grab a beer and claim a nice spot close to the action before the opener Amanda Blank took the stage. This Philly based rapper/singer had great energy and sick beats; she reminded me of a hip hop version of Lady Gaga (before she went all “poker face”).

Blank’s band consisted of a roots inspired drummer and two DJs mixing the tunes. After (w)rapping up a forceful set, Blank prepared the crowd for her mentor, Peaches.

Peaches, on her Harley made out of ballons that rode around the stage.

Peaches’ band, The Sweet Machine, includes a creepily awesome Gwyneth Paltrow look alike on guitar, a hot young shirtless guy on keyboards and a grizzly looking, long haired drummer. They made their entrance wearing suits of black hair, with Peaches close behind looking something like a cross between a Muppet and Elvira. Opening with her song “mud,” Peaches immediately had the audience entranced. It wasn’t long before things started to get crazy.

Looks like shes standing on solid ground....

Peaches asked “Milwaukee, want to be part of something that’s never been done before?”  Of course we said yes. “Ok, well Jesus walked on water, and I’m gonna walk on you.”  What? We all thought..

...But no, we are holding her up with our mighty muscles.

But she was serious and began taking steps onto peoples raised hands as she continued to sing in perfect pitch. “If you let me fall, the shows over,” she declared as we all gathered in tight to ensure our idol’s safety.

As the show continued, Peaches shed costume after costume ending up in a flesh colored leotard and a blinged out “peaches” necklace that would make any rapper jealous. Right after she performed her hit “F&*% the Pain away” and before she began the encore, Peaches serenaded us with her own acapella version of the theme song from Laverne and Shirley. Despite being sprayed with champagne and spit on (with fake blood), the crowd’s energy never faltered and neither did Peaches’ amazing stage presence.  With her raunchy lyrics,  crazy costumes, dance beats,  and raw style Peaches puts on a show you should NEVER pass up!

Thanks for the wonderful weekend Turner Hall… I am sure we will see each other again soon…

I dag var på kinarestaurant. Liten og koselig! Bestilte nr. 30 på menyen; ris, tofu og litt grønnsaker i saus. Maten var egentlig bare veldig sterk. Ikke så mye mer enn det. Ingen ille middag altså, men heller ingen middag jeg kommer til å huske. Nesa rant som en foss på grunn av curryen… som alltid. Fint med digert snyteskaft! Da vi omsider var ute igjen, kom vi til å titte opp på restaurantskiltet. Veldig søtt! “Falling in Love on the Farm” stod det. Akkurat hva dette hadde med restauranten å gjøre, vet jeg ikke. Men når jeg tenker etter var det kanskje en liten dæsj landlig, romantisk stemning der inne?

Ellers har jeg fått en av de etterlengtede capsene mine. Fin den! Med boomblaster foran og netting bak. Heftig trailer lissåm. Bare så synd hodet mitt er så lite. Eller. Noe er det iallefall, for capsen sitter liksom ikke helt som den skal. Jeg føler meg litt som en feilvare. Så nå sitter jeg her og venter i spenning på caps nummer to. Hvordan sitter den, mon tro? Følte meg skikkelig YO! i dag da jeg satt på t-banen med diger caps på hauet og femten hetter over den igjen, med Amanda Blank på ørene. Høhø.

Kjøpte meg nok en sparkling guava juice drink fra Rubicon i stad. Jeg har blitt litt hekta… Den er innmari god. Ifølge informasjonen på flaska skal den visst være veldig naturlig. Prøver å finne ut om dette virkelig stemmer, for da har jeg funnet min yndlingsbrus. Ikke bare er den dritgod, den er faktisk rosa også! Shitass. Dette med sukker ja… det får vi ta en annen gang… *hosthark*
Her er iallefall lista over alt det skumle (?) som ligger og skvulper i flaska:
carbonated spring water
sugar (overraskende nok ganske langt opp på lista ja…)
guava juice from concentrate (5%)
malic acid
flavourings
preservatives (E452i, E202)
stabiliser (pectin)
anti-oxidant (ascorbic acid)
colour (anthocyanin)

Mmmm mmm mmmmmmmmmm. Merrill Beth Nisker, or as we all know her, Peaches, the foul-mouthed, androgynous, dick, tits, and all, has wowed the Montréal crowd once again at the Métropolis. Sporting capes, donning skin colored skin tight jump suits, and a flashing clit, Peaches is true to her own hype. She fuckin’ rocks. With her cock out. For real. I am quite surprised that dildos did not make an appearance throughout the show. At least fake boobies did! Hooorah fake boobies! But first, a lady quite deserving of being a Peaches opener…Amanda Blank!

Live in Show: Peaches with Amanda Blank
@ le Métropolis (MTL; 17 11 09)

I first saw Amanda Blank when she toured with Trouble Andrew and Santigold. Regrettably, I only saw her perform for 15-20 minutes due to my usual and unsurprisingly-me tardiness. What I did see though, was a female fierceness that can only come from women that self-empowered and confidant. Once again, she delivered a big fuck you performance. She makes it. She takes it. And godddddddddddd do we feel it in our pants when she does.

Showing off her perfectly toned legs and her shapely bottom, she wears a black one piece covered with a black cape. She is wonder woman. This much is clear. She bumps, grinds, and shakes her way through many songs off of her newly released album I Love You. All my favorite songs were performed,”DJ”, “A Love Song”, “Something Bigger, Something Better”, and “Make It Take It”. The best performance of the night, IMO, was “Might Like You Better”. It was mashed up with Junior Boy’s “Like A Child” and it worked so incredibly well. YO DJ! You guys should do a full remix of this. It is pure gold. You can hear and see a bit of it from this video above.

Overall, a most back bending performance. Full of unremitting runs and no stutter lyrical prowess. I effin’ love this girl.

A

MP3: Amanda Blank – DJ

I’ve been waiting so long to see my heroine. Seriously. I’ve missed her shows at least 3 times now. Tonight…was redemption. Peaches first comes out wearing a huge black wig with bows. Imagine the Fever Ray tribal get-up except with a full head of hair. Her dancers are blond. Hah! After a few songs she strips to reveal a pink super heroine suit. Grand obtuse shoulder pads. High military boots. Hair and makeup to destroy. She plays plays with the lasers. The strobe lights. Her microphone. Her stand. Her ass, tits, and all. Shake you dick! Shake you tits! Shake your dick! Shake your tits! Everything is an object of her desire as she strokes all things phallic to deconstruct and smash patriarchy with her dutiful hands and dirty lyrics into nothing but some fuzz. Peach fuzz. MMMMMM. She has a flashing clit as she struts her way across the stage. She jumps into the crowd and surfs…FOR TWO WHOLE SONGS! Yeah, we held the Peaches up. It was awesome.

She goes through most of the songs on her new album I Feel Cream like “Serpentine”, “I Feel Cream”, “Talk To Me”, “Mommy Complex”, “Mud”, and “Billionaire”. Of course she performs some of her oldies, with my favorite one being “Fuck the Pain Away”. She is a goddess. The band was pretty amazing too. The sound was fantastic and her voice is empowering, immaculate, screamo yet emaciating all at the same time. She is fucking ferocious and nothing can stop her. A mini accident during the show defs proved how badass she is. She was balancing herself onto a speaker and as she made the jump back towards the stage when I guess, she lost her footing and the ground rushed up to meet her instead. Peaches was down for quite a while and at one point there was a little tussle because one of the stage managers went to see if she was alright and was instead pushed back by the guitar player. After about 30-60 seconds, she arose and wobbly walked her way towards the front of the stage. We clapped! We cheered! Aaah yes Peaches is indestructible! Then, she turns serious and stares for a few moments and spits out ALL THE BLOOD in her mouth from her fall towards us. Fuckin’ badass. At first I wasn’t sure if this was a gimmick because I couldn’t even see the pain on her face. But, I think it was real. Regardless. She is awesome. And she did ANOTHER encore after that.

The whole night after…and even now. I’m shakin’ my tits to her. And my dick, of course.

A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MP3: Peaches – Fuck the Pain Away

This isn’t a super great music video or anything, but it has great energy, it’s fun, and I like this girl. This is pretty much my new favorite song.

Collectively I’ve seen Saturday’s line up 8 times this year. Peaches: 3, Amanda Blank: 5.

Amanda Blank was first up and after having seen her set four times this year alone, it was clear that Amanda was bringing something bigger something better to the stage this time around. Her 45-minute set began after 9PM and included 2 DJ’s, a drummer, the obligatory Spank Rock guest spot AND a choreography section with background dancers!

Fans were promised a revamped show for the current leg of Peaches‘ tour, which worried/intrigued me after having seen the incredible shows in May and again in June!

Anticipation and excitement was at an all time high at 10PM when Terminal 5 filled up with smoke and 4 figures took the stage shrouded in hairy monster outfits to the Blade Runner theme song. The music then transitioned from Mud to Talk to Me, in which Peaches shed the monster shell to reveal a Rainbow Brite-like leotard before diving into the crowd for her obligatory crowd surf performance.

The absolute highlight (beside the incredible outfits) was the lazer show for Take You On, in which Peaches and her band Sweet Machine played 3 electronic lazers that produced the backing beat for the song. Monstrously epic. Peaches never ceases to amaze and continuously puts on a show that we will never bore of!

More pictures of Peaches HERE (some NSFW), more Pictures of Amanda Blank HERE.

Setlist:
Mud // Talk To Me // Billionaire //Serpentine // Show Stopper // Shake Yer Dix // I U She + Tombstone medley // More //Boys Wanna Be Her // You Love It // Lose You // I Feel Cream // Mommy Complex // Fuck the Pain Away

Encore:
Operate // Slippery Dick //Take You On // Kick It // Rock ‘n’ Roll // Set It Off

MP3: Peaches – I U She or zShare

MP3: Peaches – Shake Yer Dix or zShare

MP3: Amanda Blank – Make Up or zShare

YUKSEK set his sights on Amanda Blank’s “Shame On Me” and his mix is perfect.
Many thanks to RCRD_LBL for the heads up!

Click image for download.

Info: IndieMusicSpeaker

Peaches c/o Myspace

Peaches is playing tonight at Metropolis y’all. Doors open at 8PM. I gots dinner plans so I didn’t bank on seeing her this time around.  (food before shows but not after clothes) Now that it’s itching closer, I kind of wanna go. AND I like Amanda Blank too, shit!

Amanda Blank Photo from http://fiftyonefiftyone.com/

Allt hänger ihop på ett eller annat sätt. Egentligen är det inte konstigt. Vi är barn av vår tid  och goda producenter influeras av varandra. Vi har nyligen nämnt Yuksek när vi presenterat Kris Menace och Amanda Blank. Vi kan inte hålla oss, utan är tvungna att dela med oss av tre eminenta remixer vi snubblat över.

Prodigy – Invaders Must Die (Yuksek Remix)

autoKratz – Always More (Yuksek Remix)

Amanda Blank – Shame On Me (Yuksek Remix)

I’m not going to even talk about that ex-beauty queen that can’t make it through an interview. On to other blondes with better communication skills, this was definitely the week of Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga made an appearance too. Swift certainly stole the show on Saturday Night Live and the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award at the Country Music Awards this week. I admit that this non-country music fan has a soft spot for Swift. How can you not? Every since the first time I heard about her two years ago, this teenager has managed to remain just that, a teen. She is never over sexualized or stumbling out of clubs at two in the morning. She is more of normal teen than most normal teens. I know she has a lot of time left to screw it all up, but so far she has been able to avoid the pop-princess fate that has claimed the careers of Britney, Lindsay, and now Miley. I like Taylor because she is being herself. And I like Lady Gaga for the same reason. Her new video “Bad Romance,“ the first single off her new album Fame Monster, debut on MySpace on Monday. The song and video pick up where Paparazzi and the MTV VMA performance left off. I know people think she is just too weird and have gotten lost in that sex-change rumor, but here’s the deal: Lady Gaga is an artist and art usually has a message behind it. Gaga is projecting some major messages about fame and celebrity in America. We should really be listening. Her latest video may seem like a kinky homage to co-dependant relationships, but it’s a warning that we have blurred the lines of fame and it’s destroying us. I concur. For the good of society, we could all do with a little less Speidi. Don’t you think?

And now a Band of the Week who is also just being herself…Amanda Blank!

Amanda Blank is a rapper and singer from Philadelphia. I just discovered her recently and I am loving her tracks. You must check out the explicit “Lemme Get Some.” Also, check out her version of “Might Like You Better.”  If you’re looking for something a little less explicit, check out Santogold’s version of LL Cool J’s “I Need Love” featuring Blank called “I’m a Lady.” She also has a couple tracks worth a listen with Spank Rock, MIA, and Lykke Li. Her album I Love You is out now, but, on November 13, Blank goes on tour with the original nasty girl Peaches.

Until next time, “loving you is cherry pie,” L. Gaga – K

“Philadelphia-based filth-rock collective Sweatheart specializes in raunchy club/pop with titles like “Fingerbangin’” and “Dreambeaver.” Formed by visual artists Thom Lessner and Rose Luardo in 2005, Sweatheart’s debut album, So Cherri, was released on Tone Arm Records in the summer of 2006. The band further included Amanda Blank by this time, along with their backing band “The Toddlers.” ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide

I’ve loved this band for awhile now. They’re so great. Dress-up bands are great fun and me and some of my broads actually have a project lined up… but that’s a secret for now.
Sweatheart has fun, dancey, vulgar songs. “Finger bangin’” being my favorite. They’ve always got great costume themes too.
Especially love that my future ex-girlfriend, Amanda Blank (rapper/singer), is in this band. she’s so talented. When I saw her live, i was in love. prettiest lady ever, in my opinion.

Here be some flicks and videos.

I might like you better, if we slept together. check it:

• ►Amanda Blank vs. Deadmau5 – I Might like you & I

Got an absolute peach of track here, its Thin White Dukes remix of the Muse track “Undisclosed Desires”. I’m going to start by saying this track is great. The remix has made this track into a massive electro pop rock monster. Keeping those Matt Bellamy vocals in it, takes the track to another level. This is essential listening for everyone, once you hear it you will have it on repeat.

Muse – Undisclosed Desires (Thin White Duke Remix)

Then we have Amanda Blank remixed by Yuksek creating some synthy electro pop with her track “Shame on Me”. Lovely little track this, great for chilled afternoon. I think Amanda Black might be someone to watch out for in 2010 in the same vain as La Roux and Little Boots, paving her into the pop world through remixes in the dance world. Which just goes to show the power and traction dance music has on the mainstream at the moment.

Amanda Blank – Shame On Me (Yuksek Remix)

To finish with some of that proper dirty electro sound from R!M!E remixing the Nadisko track “Disco Check”. This is a proper party track, with solid bassline, and lots of electro beeps and tweaks. And a wicked little sample to top the whole track off. Its just a good fun electro house party tune.

Nadisko – Disco Check (R!M!E remix)

]]> http://verseoftokyo.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/amanda-blank-shame-on-meyuksek-remix/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:37:58 +0000 verseoftokyo http://verseoftokyo.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/amanda-blank-shame-on-meyuksek-remix/

Amanda Blank of Spank Rock puts some efforts out solo dolo.

Amanda Blank-shame On Me(Yuksek Remix)

Das Album “I love you” von Amanda Blank ist schon ein paar Monate draussen, jetzt gibts ein paar Remixe die mindestens so hörenswert wie das Album sind. Abchecken!

DOWNLOAD
Make it Take it (DJ Eli Escobar Remix)
Shame On Me (Viking Remix)
Might Like You Better (Blaqstarr Remix)

New Entries
10. OneRepublic – All The Right Moves
8. Mario – Thinkin’ About You
7. La Roux – I’m Not Your Toy
6. Britney Spears – 3
4. Dashboard Confessional – Belle Of The Boulevard
.
10. OneRepublic – All The Right Moves
9. Beyoncé – Broken-Hearted Girl
8. Mario – Thinkin’ About You
7. La Roux – I’m Not Your Toy
6. Britney Spears – 3
5. Leona Lewis – Happy
4. Dashboard Confessional – Belle Of The Boulevard
3. Amanda Blank – Something Bigger, Something Better
2. Alicia Keys – Doesn’t Mean Anything

After 7 years Whitney Houston decided to vacuum in career, she is finally back with the latest album “I Look To You” and now hits #1 with “Million Dollar Bill”.

Yuksek continues in his quest to make you dance by re-working some already fantastic songs by Prodigy and Amanda Blank and making them just that touch more exciting.

Prodigy – Invaders Must Die (Yuksek Remix)

Amanda Blank – Shame On Me (Yuksek Remix)

French electro/disco super producer Yuksek hits us with the latest remix of Amanda Blank’s Shame on Me, serving up an irrisistable disco beat with soft synths and handclaps. Add this one to Jacknife Lee’s remix and that’s what we call an all-star lineup!

Amanda Blank – Shame On Me (Yuksek remix) | RCRDLBL
Amanda Blank – Sham On Me (Jacknife Lee remix) | RCRDLBL

Amanda Blank – “Might Like You Better”
The Bloody Beetroots – “Warp 1.2.34.1.23:”

http://fairtilizer.com/track/61443

-A*Drizzy+StATuS

I’ve recently given my opinion on three recent releases: Ghostface Killah’s Ghostdini the Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City, the soundtrack to Where The Wild Things Are and Amanda Blank’s I Love You. The last of which was the lead review in the latest issue of URB. Scope!