Winehouse Wows Philly

British songstress Amy Winehouse gave a dynamic concert last night at the Electric Factory in Philly. After months of scrambling to find tickets, I was able to score some. The show was well worth my scrambling. There’s nothing like Winehouse in concert. Her energy, matched with her wit and powerful vocals of course, made for an exciting night of music. Winehouse performed cuts from her latest album, Back to Black (which I’ve been raving about), and a couple of songs from her debut album, Frank. Throughout the concert, Winehouse of course was not without her ramblings (she talked about doing some signature Michael Jackson leans with her mike), probably inspired by a few drinks before she hit the stage. Typical Winehouse fashion. Gotta love it!

Filed under: Music , Amy Concert in Philly, Amy Winehouse, Back to Black, Electric Factory, Music, philly

Kirsten Dunst & Fashion Don’t Mix…

The Funeral Look

Kirsten Dunst at the London premiere of Spiderman 3. She should have left this ‘little black dress’ at home.

Pretty in Pink?

Kirsten Dunst at the Tokyo premiere of Spiderman 3. There’s nothing pretty about this pale pink ensemble that does nothing to flatter Dunst’s already pale complexion. This is just a mess, no other way to describe it.

The Bow Dress Look

Kirsten Dunst at the France premiere of Spiderman 3. Out of all the dresses she wore, this one actually wasn’t too bad, except for the fact that it makes her look older than she is, which seems to be the case with all her garments. However, this rich burgundy looks good on her. The cinched bow flatters her petite waist. The slight touch of white on the bow contrasts well with the solid- colored dress. I’d lose the bows on her shoulders as well as the chunky heels. Flats would go much better with this piece. From the picture I can’t tell whether or not the fabric is velvet. I’m hoping it isn’t velvet because I’m not so sure velvet is a good look for the spring style-wise or common sense-wise with the warm weather and all.

Every Fashion Disaster Has A Silver Lining?

Kirsten Dunst at the Kaufman Astoria Studios during the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival for the Spiderman 3 premiere in New York City. Sorry Ms. Dunst, but there’s no silver lining here. This metallic silver outfit is HIDEOUS! I don’t know what look she was going for, but whatever it was, it didn’t work. At first glance, this piece looks like a space alien Halloween costume. I know it sounds crazy, but can’t you see it??

Filed under: Fashion & Style , actress, Fashion & Style, hollywood star, Kirsten Dunst, what not to wear

Ne-Yo…Running Out of Ink?

The innovative ink in R&B wonder boy Ne-Yo’s pen has finally run out. Coming off his critically acclaimed debut album, In My Own Words, Ne-Yo returns with his new album, Because of You, which hit stores May 1. Unfortunately, his new album is nowhere near as brilliant as his debut, which declared him the new “it-boy” of R&B with its eloquent and catchy lyrics matched with stunning vocals and production. Maybe Ne-Yo is cursed with the sophomore slump. Or just maybe he’s run out of ink from penning the last of his good material for R&B stars like Beyonce (he wrote her #1 single, “Irreplaceable”) and Rihanna (he wrote her summer hit, “Unfaithful”).

Regardless, I expected more from Ne-Yo. Don’t get me wrong; the album is not horrible. It’s just not memorable lyrically or production wise. In the majority of his album, Ne-Yo talks about sex, love, withered relationships—typical R&B material. Whereas Ne-Yo covered this material with lyrical prowess in his debut album, he was unable to repeat his strong efforts.

There are exceptions of course.

One of his best tracks, “Do You,” has Ne-Yo questioning an ex who has moved on, whether she still cares. “I know what we have is dead and gone/Too many times I made you cry/And I don’t mean to interrupt your life/I just wonder do I cross your mind,” he cries. “Because of You,” Ne-Yo’s first single about his addiction to sex is also a winner, but mostly for its catchy melody, which mirrors “So Sick,” from his last album. Surprisingly, Ne-Yo does take a risk in “Sex with My Ex,” with its edgy 80’s infused rock sound. However, in this track he seems like he’s trying too hard to imitate Prince, which doesn’t come off well. Maybe, Ne-Yo will redeem himself with a slew of hit singles for other artists—something he has yet to fail at.

Best Songs: “Do You,” “Make it Work,” “Angel,” “Say It,” “Because of You,” “Crazy” feat. Jay-Z

My Grade: B-

Filed under: Music, Reviews , Because of You, Music, music review, Ne-Yo, sophomore jinx