Audiostraddle Weekly: Katy Perry Annoys Us, Eminem Doesn’t Care About Your Homogayness

WEEZER’S UNOFFICIAL WORD CUP SONG:

The World Cup leaves behind a legacy of not-so-great official songs (a recent all-time low point being Toni Braxton and Il Divo‘s 2006 song, “The Time Of Our Lives”), so Weezer thought they’d try their hand at improving the landscape. Rivers Cuomo and the gang released “Represent” just a few days ago, along with a soccer montage video companion. It might not be the best soccer song out there (or really… a soccer song at all), but Weezer fans rejoice: new material! Watch the video for “Relentless” below and hear more great soccer songs from around the world at NPR Music.

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NEW VID FROM KATY PERRY:

Countless songs have been written about California girls: The Beach Boyssunny classic and The Magnetic Fields deceptively upbeat jab of a song are among my favorites. Now, Katy Perry has joined the club with “California Gurls” featuring Snoop Dogg. In a new video for the song, she struts through a life-sized Candy Land, lies naked on a cotton candy cloud, and shoots whipped cream from her nipples. Visually, it’s stunning. Candy, candy everywhere! But I’m not too impressed with the song nor Katy Perry’s overall “thing.”

What do you think of Katy Perry’s new vid? Let us know in the comments and watch it below:

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NEW VID FROM OK GO:

OK Go, the band famous for their treadmill choreography, is back with another video — this time, for their song “End Love.” Some have already called the video viral, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It is my naive understanding that the song, in addition to the video, must be good and I’m not really feeling this one. Am I alone in my feelings, Autostraddlers? Am I on a rampage of dislike for Katy Perry and now OK Go? Let me know in the comments. As Yoda once said, “Color-coordinated outfits and choreographed dances make not a viral vid. Hmmmm!”

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MARK RONSON NEW VID WITH QTIP:

Producer Mark Ronson debuted another video from his upcoming album The Record Collection. “Bang Bang Bang” features electronic musician MNDR and rapper QTIP. Watch it below:

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NEW VID FROM MGMT:

Psychedelic rock duo MGMT have released a video for “It’s Working” from their album Congratulations. Since the album is technically a “no singles” album, it’s been interesting to see which songs Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser have chosen to spotlight. “It’s Working” is fairly representative of the album as a whole, and the video is, too, with it’s rainbow effects and slightly sci-fi plot. Check out MGMT’s “It’s Working” below:

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“STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON” WITH THE ROOTS AND ICE CUBE:

The internet is a great thing — not just because websites like Autostraddle can exist, but because videos of Ice Cube performing “Straight Outta Compton” with The Roots during a commercial break on the Late Night With Jimmy Fallon can be posted for all to see. Watch it below:

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GLEE AND COPYRIGHT:

Did you ever think to yourself, “Hey, I wish Glee could happen in real life, at REAL high schools!” Apparently, it can never happen in real high schools, because singing those pop hits would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Read more about Glee and copyright issues. (@salon)

RAPPERS ROCK

When Giant Magazine listed this year’s Top 5 New Age Rockers, the results begged the question: are the Jay-Zs, Kanyes and Lil’ Waynes of our world the new rock stars?

QUESTIONS FOR EMINEM:

In the lead up to the release of his new record, Recovery, Eminem speaks about a new maturity and also answers for his douchebag behavior, including but not limited to his history of using lyrics to gay-bash. “I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want.” (@NY Times)

NEW SONG FROM M.I.A.:

M.I.A posted another song from her upcoming album, MAYA. “Steppin’ Up” isn’t quite “Paper Planes,” but it’s a little friendlier than “Born Free.” Listen to “Steppin’ Up” at M.I.A.’s blog.

BRANDON FLOWERS’ NEW SONG:

As we mentioned in a previous fix, The Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers is hard at work on a new solo album and the first single (presumably) is finally streaming from his site. Hear “Crossfire” at brandonflowersmusic.com.

COURTNEY LOVE IN BEHIND THE MUSIC:

Hole’s Courtney Love is the next artist featured on VH1’s revamped Behind The Music series, airing June 21 at 8:30pm EST. If the previews are any indication, it should be an interesting one. “My goal for Hole was stupid. I said, “This band is going to be ten times bigger than Sonic Youth, but not as big as Jane’s Addiction.” What was the “but” for? It’s like a fucking curse. That’s so stupid. The gods were listening when I said that. I could have said “This band’s going to be ten times bigger than Sonic Youth and the Beatles, and that’s where we’d be right now!” (@stereogum)

THANK DRAKE LATER:

To promote the release of his new album, Thank Me Later, Toronto rapper Drake staged a free concert in South Street Seaport but then canceled his performance last minute due to overcrowding and “a weird riot-type thing that resulted in metal chairs and tables being thrown off balconies and police having to eventually spray the crowd with mace”. Not even the support acts, Ninja Sonik and Hanson, felt safe enough to play their sets. Drake has since issued an apology.

In other news, the kids over at Degrassi High – where Drake got his start in entertainment as Aubrey – have weighed in on the album.

BACKSTREET BOYS:

The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell and A.J. McLean – who are Grand Marshalls at this year’s SFO Pride – chat to Out about supporting their gay fan base and their desire to become more involved in the gay and lesbian movement.

THE SPANGLES WOW AMERICA:

Awesome 80’s dance group and Autostraddle Rodeo Disco performers, The Spangles, won the hearts of the nation this week when they featured on America’s Got Talent. Watch their performance then buy a ticket to Rodeo Disco!

AUTOSTRADDLE AT BONNAROO 2010:

Laneia and Sarah survived the heat, sweat, and inadequate port-a-potties. Read their stories and see the photos.

Upcoming Albums:


Macy Gray: “I try to say goodbye and I choke/ Try to walk away and I stumble.” Macy Gray is back with a new album, The Sellout, streaming now at Billboard.com.

StarsThe Five Ghosts is streaming in its entirety now at NPR Music.

The Chemical Brothers: Further is also streaming in its entirety now at NPR Music.

Taylor Momsen: Jenny Taylor Momsen from Gossip Girl is also a punk-rock musician. Hear her EP at Billboard.com.

Before you go! Autostraddle runs on the reader support of our AF+ Members. If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?

Join AF+!

Jess G.

Jess is a writer/producer with a knack for audio and online production. She grew up in California and now lives in Washington, DC, where she recently graduated from Georgetown University. Jess' jacket collection is obscenely large, and so is her music library. In her spare time, Jess enjoys riding her bike in the city, blogging, writing songs, and eating good food.

Jess has written 44 articles for us.

56 Comments

  1. I just can’t get into “California Gurls.” As a girl that’s proudly from Jersey and enjoys dating girls from Jersey, I can’t support this crazy west coast notion.

  2. And don’t forget Robyn and her pretty awesome new album, first of a trilogy to be released by the end of the year.
    I just saw her at Heaven/G.A.Y. in London and it was frakkin amazing :D

    • I lovvvve Robyn’s new album. Will post about it next week, since I didn’t find a preview stream this week.

      • “Dancing on my own” is brilliant, it’s been looping on my ipod for a few days now, but the album is too short, I want part 2 now!!

      • She was so uber sexy, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Her outfit, her dancing, her confidence, it was exhilarating, I’m not kidding! I hope I can see her again this year, but I strongly recommend going to her concert, it was awesome!

  3. i’m morally opposed to katy perry.. but damnit that song is catchy and i love it. however, this is likely because the song is a rather unoriginal ripoff of ke$ha, and i have no moral qualms about loving ke$ha.

    • I’ve managed to completely avoid the song, but listened to the first 20 secs here. I was so sure that I was actually listening to “Tik Tok.”

    • I like the song 110% because of snoop. i could just listen to “greetings loved ones, let’s take a journey” on loop

      • My girlfriend met Snoop Dogg once. He was buying PlayStation 2s at the store she used to work at.

  4. i could go on about how much i hate that song and this video, but that gummy bear that gave her the bird summed it up nicely.

    • I was going to say that I liked the part where the gummy bear gives Katy the finger. haha. Did anyone else see cloudy with a chance of meatballs?

      Also, I realize she is supposed to be singing “we’re unforgettable” but to me it sounded a lot more like “were”… I think she is still stuck on the girl with the cherry chap-stick.

      Irritating.

  5. Excited about the Courtney Love BTM episode. Hope it’s up online soon so I can catch it.

    Personally I love Katy Perry and appreciate her music for what it is. Good Pop music. It’s not going to change the world or music but it will make a shit load of money for EMI (who really needs it) and it’s another great track from Dr. Luke (who is behind much of Ke$ha’s album too). And obvs loving the candy land theme.

    • Dying to see it! But I don’t have VH1…someone send me a torrent link once it airs. It’s gonna be great. Courtney Love is a hilarious quote machine!!!

  6. I like his work with Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen etc but Mark Ronson is such a pompous git that I refuse to support anything of self-promotion from him. I hate that Katy Perry song. For a song that supposed to be a somewhat ‘response’ to Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z…it’s an embarrassment. ‘California Girls’ by The Beach Boys is the best.

    • Really? She’s said it’s suppose to be a response to Empire State of Mind? Really? Like a New York VS. LA thing? Really? God, I hate you Katy Perry.

  7. Even though I have been presented with Katy Perry’s video on just about every site on the Gay Internet, I have not clicked play.

    Refuse, Resist, Revolt!

    pfft.

  8. i actually liked the ok go video! and the song! mostly because i’m a sucker for stop-motion.

  9. My biggest issue with Katy Perry is that I don’t understand how her cleavage is always so shiny.
    But I also don’t pay very much attention to Katy Perry…just her cleavage.

  10. no Kelis! what’s up.
    blah that Katy Perry song is always on the tv when I wake up for work at 5am. Worst alarm clock ever
    So many colors and bad 80s pop

    The Ronson video is great the song ehhh not so much, it’s mediocre.

    Backstreets Boys will take any fans they can get

    • Sorry! I had Kelis in here and then I cut it, because I was indifferent about “4th of July” compared to how much I loved “Acapella.”

      • aw bummer
        guess it’s not for everyone
        She’s going on tour with Robyn -maybe you’ll like her single/video ‘Dancing on my own’

        • Yeah, I’m digging Robyn at the moment. “Dancing On My Own” and “Don’t F*cking Tell Me What To Do” are my favorites.

          • Both amazing albums! Can’t wait to see them tour. Kind of wish it was just the two of them though. I love “Cry When You Get Older”!!!

  11. i got really excited about the degrassi link but then i didn’t know any of the people they talked to. i feel like i’m/they’re growing up too fast.

    • Twinsies, who are those people? I didn’t realize it had been that long since my all-day Degrassi marathon days. I remember when I first heard that Jimmy was rapping and I thought it was a huge joke. And now he’s apparently famous and I had no idea.

  12. that was a great music fix! thanks for enlightening me, Jess! also i like k’naan’s official world cup song this year (in spite of being clueless about the world cup 100%). i heard some of the rest of the album and it sounded sweet too

  13. I saw Katy Perry live at a music festival last year. She puts on a decent show. Apparently she has a lot of fans in the middle school/high school age group. I’m not a fan myself but I can’t say I hate her music either. But “California Gurls” does reaffirm my belief that she’s going to be a one-hit wonder. She doesn’t seem to have any staying power to last in the music industry.

    I’m really digging the new Stars album though – very upbeat.

  14. Btw Autostraddle, I think your email may have a spamming problem – you’ve sent me the newsletter for this post literally 20 times now.

    • Hi there! As the webmaster here at Autostraddle your comment worried me because we in no way would ever want to spam you. I looked at a few things and it seems like you signed up to receive follow up emails for new comments on this post. You might have accidentally clicked the little box below the comment section here. Regardless, I have unsubscribed you and you should not be receiving any further emails. If you continue to have problems, feel free to email directly at tess[at]autostraddle[dot]com.

  15. Regarding Katy Perry. I hate the song, I hate the lyrics, I hate the video’s design and costumes. When I think California, I don’t think of lollies and cream squirting out of boobs. I hate a lot more things about it on a slightly more intellectual level but I can’t verbalise the skank factor makes me feel uncomfortable, and how this song is supposed to make me like California?

    • I didn’t understand the connection between Candyland/gummibears/whipped cream tatas and California but just assumed that it was be being an uninformed Pennsylvania farm “gurl”

      Although, if the all the ladies hang out naked on cotton candy clouds, maybe I will go to California.

      • I think the design brief was “I WANT TO LOOK PRETTY AND SHINY AND THERE TO BE LOLLIES EVERYWHERE”.

        I did expect more sunshine and other sunny summer-y things but why should I be surprised..it’s Katy Perry!

  16. I loved MIA’s last two albums, but everything I’ve heard from this new one sort of has me underwhelmed.

  17. I personally loved Eminem’s reply (x
    and as a California girl, i happen to adore the song. not that i am any of the things she sang about.

  18. My feelings for the Katy Perry video can be accurately summed up by the face Snoop makes at her after she shoots whipped cream with her boobs. For a moment his face reads: “How the hell did I get HERE? I am Snoop D O Double G. And I have sunk to a new low.” Or maybe that’s just my disappointment in him and everything about this video being projected.

  19. I hate KAty Perry and her fake bisexual self.

    “I kissed a girl…the taste of her cherry chapstick”

    Why don’t you go ahead and taste her vagina and then get back to me, biotch.

  20. Sigh, Eminem. I’m happy he finally said that but I still dislike him like, a lot. He needed to know way back then that his main audience consists of impressionable 15 year old boys. Better late than never? Ugh, just don’t even start it altogether.

  21. Not that there was ever any question.but I guess its pretty obvious who would win at celebrity bra wars between Katy Perry & Lady Gaga…whippped cream V machine guns-no contest-musically or otherwise!
    That gummy bear was the best bit!!

    p.s, Lovin Robyns ‘Dancing on my own’ too, reminds me of her (very much earlier!)’Show me love’, would love to hear a DJ do a mix of these two songs.

  22. I fucking H A T E Katy Perry and her stupid poser sub par Zooey Deschanel no talent having ass. The only thing that could make this video cute is removing Snoop Dogg + Katy Perry and replacing them with Emma from Glee.

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