ONLINE: CoLo Goes Twibel

After numerous requests for her to do her own reality TV show, it looks like Courtney Love (CoLo, in abbreviated gossip-rag speak) has her own YouTube channel to post her latest video rants and raves.

Seeing as how she was tried and now won a case in court for 'Twibel' (libel on Twitter), she might need to be a bit PG-rated on YouTube when it comes to her attacks or disagreements, but she's always good to listen to for a take (or a take-down) on pop culture.

Who needed Stevie Nicks for 'American Horror Story: Coven'? I would have much rather had Courtney Love play the role. I think she really shines in movies and maybe needs to move on from music. Come Back to the Five-and-Dime, Courtney Love, Courtney Love.

MUSIC: Situation Comedy

Today, after a brief (or not so brief) absence, I've re-discovered my love for British pop band The Divine Comedy. I've been playing his albums and tracks all day.

For those not-in-the-know (many, I'm sure), The Divine Comedy is one Mr. Neil Hannon, the only permanent member of this now almost 25-year-old band.

A deep creamy voice, like a young Scott Walker, croons over:

Love songs, like...well, 'Songs of Love'

Social commentary, like 'Sweden' 

and wistful character studies, like 'Commuter Love'

Think Morrissey, if he wasn't afraid to ditch the tired rock n'roll drag; or Neil Tennant, if the Pet Shop Boys dabbled in orchestral pop instead of synthpop.

I'm surprised no one has tried to do a full stage musical using TDC songs. Surely, in his large back catalogue, a great love story-meets-social upheaval drama can be pieced together with multiple threads covering the above themes. Act One opening with a scene on a train ('National Express') and ending with the epic 'The Certainty of Chance' perhaps? The mix-and-match possibilities are endless. Maybe I should start up on writing that? Or at least a Microfilm cover.

By the way, anybody have a copy of 'Fin de Siecle'? I lost mine.

MUSIC: The Cure for Boredom

I listened to the 2010 single 'Not in Love' by Crystal Castles featuring Robert Smith (of The Cure, naturally) for the first time in ages. What a joy of a single. The familiar warble of Smith over the synthy crunch of Crystal Castles. It's so shocking to hear the voice of The Cure not stuck in amber, for once. He sounds relevant again.

The Cure have not released an album since 2008. If they do release a new one (Do they have to, one might ask?), can it sound like this track? Synthy, dancey, something besides the spirally-guitar boredom of their last few releases. 'Not in Love' is the freshest thing Robert Smith has had a hand in in 20 years.

MUSIC: I'll Sing Like Billy MacKenzie in Heaven

Today marks the 17th anniversary of the death of The Associates singer Billy MacKenzie, at age 39. He committed suicide after the recent death of his mother and his battle with depression.

Although a blip on the pop radar of '80s UK New Wave, The Associates released six gloriously loopy, lush, pretty, weird, shrill albums (three as a duo and three as a solo act under the band name). MacKenzie's voice was an operatic delight, deep and creamy or high and fluttery, much like his hero Bowie. The Associates first single was a cover of 'Boys Keep Swinging' and came out within a month of Bowie's version.

The Associates cover Bowie

They had a flash of fame in 1982 with their third album 'Sulk' (Top 10 in the UK) and two singles that charted in the top 10 and top 20 in the UK. But then on the eve of touring America for the first time, the band split.

The Associates performing 'Party Fears Two' on Top of the Pops

MacKenzie carried on under the band name for the rest of the '80s and then under his own name for most of the '90s. Although he always remained a critical darling, his albums and singles either charted poorly (the rest of the '80s) or failed to chart at all (the '90s). I'd heard about the band for ages as a teenager but only discovered them buy buying their first singles compilation, 'Popera' (1990) - an apt title.

Here is The Glamour Chase, a 45-minute doc on Billy's life in and out of music. One-time pop anomaly gone cult hero.

Years, even decades, later as part of the electronic duo Microfilm, we wrote a song about him with his name in the title (and the title of this blogpost). I imagine my limited voice achieving the range and glory of Billy in his prime. Listen: 'I'll Sing Like Billy MacKenzie in Heaven'  Additional vocals and guitar were done by Scissor Sisters' guitarist Del Marquis, in his shimmering style.

R.I.P. Billy.

FILM: Pink Jasmine Takedown

Cate Blanchett's Pink Jasmine Takedown

Once again, Cate Blanchett shows off her smarts, sass and wit in a one-line takedown of sexist cameramen.

Start doing this to the male actors too! Start with: Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, Idris Elba...

MUSIC/FILM: Frappucinos at the Concession Stand

I've never been one for going to a movie theater to see some kind of "special event." Have you seen those trailers before the actual movie trailers start? They are usually for an opera, sports event or something else subterranean on my list of things I need to spend time on.

I may have changed my tune on a cinema special event screening though.

In lieu of touring (I'd imagine), one of my favorite bands of the last 10+ years, Goldfrapp, has announced a one-night only screening of a five short film collection based around the characters/themes of their latest album, 2013's 'Tales of Us,' a moody, romantic return-to-form for the cinematic-sounding duo.

From the above trailer, it looks to be like a fashion shoot come to life; I see a lot of forests, empty grand estates, swimming pools, blonde curls, running through wheat fields and other cinematic moments. I believe there is also a live concert element to the film, songs from the 'Tales' album, possibly a full concert as the climax of the film?

Having seen Goldfrapp live only once, at the beginning of their career with the 'Felt Mountain' tour, and owner of Wonderful Electric, their double disc concert DVD, I can attest that they are a beautiful sight and sound (live and filmed) experience.

I may take this Goldfrapp moment to fantasize about Microfilm's own glossy, yet hazy filmed musical experience to be dreamt up.

MUSIC: A Blur of Gorillaz

Damon Albarn, frontman of Blur, Gorillaz and countless other lesser side projects, has finally made his first solo album as simply 'Damon Albarn' and the title track has just been previewed.

Although he has released a solo song before (the slight 'Closet Romantic' from the Trainspotting soundtrack), 'Everyday Robots' is his true solo debut. Damon being Damon, he can't escape the ghosts of Blur and Gorillaz, so why not put them in a blender and see what comes out.

Melancholy piano, beautiful strings coloring the background, Albarn doing his wounded vocal best.

I'm officially excited.