Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Fortune Rocks
So, I was randomly flipping through the cable TV channels the other night and was stopped dead on my tracks by a glossy music video by some band that sounded rather familiar but which I couldn’t immediately recognize. The video used a mosaic technique that shifted from scene to scene in quick flashes and alternated between tight and long angles coupled with an intermittent lighting scheme that made it difficult to identify the band members in those short moments when they were visible on screen.
The lead vocalist’s voice had an overt sensuality to it that totally reminded me of Michael Hutchence of INXS fame and come to think of it, I thought the music was rather reminiscent of INXS itself with its preppy, classic pop rock beats. Imagine my surprise when the video credits finally came on listing the song as “Pretty Vegas” by INXS indeed! Whoa. Just unreal.
From this…
The new hit song which apparently debuted at #37 on the Billboard Charts sometime November of last year (why I hadn’t heard of this song before now is a testament to my apparent hermit crabbiness at the moment…) has been penned by the new lead singer himself, JD Fortune, whose scruffy/prim look does draw parallels to the late Hutchence who oozed animal appeal despite being kind of femme. JD decidedly rocks the eyeliner look, too and that’s all that matters if you ask me.
To this…
Anyway, I never followed Rockstar: INXS, the reality show that brought JD and the band together. I didn’t really think INXS would be able to find a replacement who could hold a candle to Hutchence’s legacy but turns out I was wrong. As a long time fan of INXS (not the biggest of ‘em although rather familiar with the band’s work), I must say I approve of JD Fortune taking over the vacuum Michael left some 8 years ago. For a vegetarian and a former Elvis impersonator who lived in his car prior to this gig, JD sure is kind of cool.
The lead vocalist’s voice had an overt sensuality to it that totally reminded me of Michael Hutchence of INXS fame and come to think of it, I thought the music was rather reminiscent of INXS itself with its preppy, classic pop rock beats. Imagine my surprise when the video credits finally came on listing the song as “Pretty Vegas” by INXS indeed! Whoa. Just unreal.
The new hit song which apparently debuted at #37 on the Billboard Charts sometime November of last year (why I hadn’t heard of this song before now is a testament to my apparent hermit crabbiness at the moment…) has been penned by the new lead singer himself, JD Fortune, whose scruffy/prim look does draw parallels to the late Hutchence who oozed animal appeal despite being kind of femme. JD decidedly rocks the eyeliner look, too and that’s all that matters if you ask me.
Anyway, I never followed Rockstar: INXS, the reality show that brought JD and the band together. I didn’t really think INXS would be able to find a replacement who could hold a candle to Hutchence’s legacy but turns out I was wrong. As a long time fan of INXS (not the biggest of ‘em although rather familiar with the band’s work), I must say I approve of JD Fortune taking over the vacuum Michael left some 8 years ago. For a vegetarian and a former Elvis impersonator who lived in his car prior to this gig, JD sure is kind of cool.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Heartbreak!
I was in Sepang roasting in the 35ºC heat but not minding the blisters that were beginning to form everywhere on my sweat-soaked body because that day, I was to witness Kimi Räikkönen repeat his 2003 feat at the Malaysian GP.
I see you…
He qualified 7th on Saturday and although that may not seem at all impressive, it was good enough for me. After all, this is a guy who has once driven from 17th on the grid to the Championship in Suzuka and just last week in Bahrain, from 22nd place to 3rd. So, yeah, he can do anything short of walking on water and maybe even that if he’s just a little bit lucky, that is. And well, he’s just not. And I can so totally relate because there I was having to elbow my way through the disastrous shuttle service system in the circuit fighting my way through a bunch of giant, smelly men and sweating like a 300 lb Hell’s Angel myself in the punishing humid conditions and what do you know? Kimi raced all of 30 seconds, then was clipped at the back by Christian Klien by the time he reached Turn 5 and was immediately sent spinning off the track with a broken rear suspension. And just like that, his race – and mine - was over.
Get ready for (non) action...
The disappointment tainted the air like lethal nerve gas, at once killing the enthusiasm of most everyone in attendance. I felt particularly bad for the large Finnish delegation but not as much as I do for myself being so prepared for the occasion waving my Finnish flag, ready for some action. Heck, I never even got to see Kimi pass by, save for the parade lap which I hardly saw. I happened to be by the hilltop at turn 11 and although I had a good view of Turns 1 and 2, Turn 5 was unfortunately out of sight.
Damn you Klien, damn you for ruining my perfect race weekend. Well, I think I’m being punished for my unfaithfulness to McLaren, for being such a whore buying a Fernando Alonso tank top before the race started even when his fame is currently annoying me to no end. Well, all Kimi merchandise save for a few key rings have apparently sold out long before race day so you see, I really didn't have a choice and yeah, I quite rocked the blue and yellow.
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He qualified 7th on Saturday and although that may not seem at all impressive, it was good enough for me. After all, this is a guy who has once driven from 17th on the grid to the Championship in Suzuka and just last week in Bahrain, from 22nd place to 3rd. So, yeah, he can do anything short of walking on water and maybe even that if he’s just a little bit lucky, that is. And well, he’s just not. And I can so totally relate because there I was having to elbow my way through the disastrous shuttle service system in the circuit fighting my way through a bunch of giant, smelly men and sweating like a 300 lb Hell’s Angel myself in the punishing humid conditions and what do you know? Kimi raced all of 30 seconds, then was clipped at the back by Christian Klien by the time he reached Turn 5 and was immediately sent spinning off the track with a broken rear suspension. And just like that, his race – and mine - was over.
The disappointment tainted the air like lethal nerve gas, at once killing the enthusiasm of most everyone in attendance. I felt particularly bad for the large Finnish delegation but not as much as I do for myself being so prepared for the occasion waving my Finnish flag, ready for some action. Heck, I never even got to see Kimi pass by, save for the parade lap which I hardly saw. I happened to be by the hilltop at turn 11 and although I had a good view of Turns 1 and 2, Turn 5 was unfortunately out of sight.
Damn you Klien, damn you for ruining my perfect race weekend. Well, I think I’m being punished for my unfaithfulness to McLaren, for being such a whore buying a Fernando Alonso tank top before the race started even when his fame is currently annoying me to no end. Well, all Kimi merchandise save for a few key rings have apparently sold out long before race day so you see, I really didn't have a choice and yeah, I quite rocked the blue and yellow.
