A Year Without Rain

Alex and Mason show their love as people been dong it for years: by slow-dancing to a pop song. It was cute! I noticed Wizards of Waverly Place has a bunch of one-hour specials. Nickelodeon would call them "movies"

After watching "Wizards Unleashed," I really to check out Selena & The Scene's new album.

I liked it. It continues Naturally's electro-ish/dance vibe.

She says "air-con" in Summer's Not Hot. That cracked me up. I thought only filipinos said that xD

I also hear more of the Scene in this album, though their name is really tiny on the album cover.

CR2 Soundtrack

I bought the Camp Rock 2 Soundtrack today.

"Brand New Day" is the first track. The first line is "Last year's old news." I think that is very appropriate because a LOT seems to be different this time around. They're not regular campers, they're counselors.

This soundtrack is much more tuned for a musical than the last. Camp Rock songs were regular songs that just happen to fit into the scene. Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam songs actually tell a story.

"Rock Hard or Go Home" is a random way to end the tracklisting. It's not sung by any of kids, so I don't care to try to like it.

The Camp Star songs are more hip-hop-y. No reprise of the "Too Cool" shoulder thing by Tess/Megan =/ I like the chorus of "Tear it Down."

I love "Introducing Me"! It's so much fun when it gets fast =] I hope he sings this on tour. Question: how do you use "dude" as an adjective or an adverb?

"Wouldn't Change A Thing" > "I Gotta Go My Own Way" from High School Musical 2. I'm sure this scene will be amazing. I'd love to see it on tour, but if it's too awkward for Joe and Demi, I understand.

JB--I mean Connect 3 teaches campers how to rock out in "Heart and Soul." I guess there won't be any more hip-hop dance teaching from Shane? There's a lyric about fist pumping... are you serious?

I'd compare "You're My Favorite Song" to "You Are the Music in Me" from HSM 2, but it's acoustic. It's cute. Is this how Shane and Mitchie make up?

I think it's interesting that I compared songs to HSM2 istead of CR1. I'm able to compare songs from all HSM movies to each other, but I guess that could just come with the genre and less changes in those movies.

By the way, one of the "Road to Camp Rock 2" episodes showed the cast in the studio. I spotted Drew Ryan Scott giving direction, but he isn't credited as a writer on any of the songs.

JONAS L.A. > JONAS

JONAS L.A. is the first Disney Channel show in a drama(ish) format. It's one continuous story, so they show what happened previously. They also preview what's to come. The change of the show's name and logo (from a tie to a palm tree) makes sense to me.

I have been enjoying each of the episodes more and more. Don't get it twisted, I liked the first season too, but it was a little young. I think this season relates more to the OG, long term JB fans. Marketing with YouTube videos and such have been a little weird, but what can you do? I'd like to say the show is there for the fans. As a fan, I'm loving it.

The soundtrack is AMAZING. I've been looking forward to its release. I kept listening to the 10 minute sampler on YouTube over and over. The sound was so fresh.

It was kind of annoying how people would put fake full versions. They looped the samples to make it seem like the full song. Still, on some songs, as they enter the bridges, and the transition doesn't quite fit well. To me, it sounds the same as the fake looped versions. Is that just me? Oh well.

I finally went down to Target and bought the CD. I was surprised to find out Jonas Brothers (Kevin,Joe, and Nick together) only wrote Your Biggest Fan. That would explain the variety of genres. Nick did partake in most of the songs. And what is that I see? Drew Ryan Scott is one of the writers on L.A. Baby, Hey You, and Things Will Never Be the Same?!!

I'd like to share my thoughts on each song:

1. Feelin' Alive - I don't have much to say about this song. I like the breakdown at the bridge.

2. L.A. Baby - I'm biased. I love L.A. I am an L.A. baby. I love how Kevin says "she's a" and "you're my."

Video and episode: They left their own party to hang out together as best friends and hover over the city! I love this town. It can be so glamourous. It's the city what dreams are made of.

3. Biggest Fan - I heard the song in its entirety when JB posted the music video on their YouTube yesterday. Of course, it's about JONAS #1 superfan, Macee. The Nick and Macee relationship is growing nicely. I approve. The video was totally cute. Nick was singing to her. That's a fan's total dream come true!

Nick sings in a normal voice. He also RAPS. At first, I thought it was their neighbor. I also thought the featured female voice was Jordin Pruitt. It turns out it's a girl named China McClain. She's a YouTube star. I don't know the story behind this. I'd love it to be that JB wanted a fan to be featured. That would be so awesome.

It's a great love song. It works literally and metaphorically. Second favorite.

4. Critical - I think this will be a sad scene. He falls that hard for her?

5. Hey You - The first line is "Mic check, can you hear me." Joe's gone hip hop and is rapping? Haha. But I loved the vibe.

The video is kind of weird. I don't like that actress with Joe. (Team Stella!) But I love Kevin to the rescue.

6. Things Will Never Be The Same - I like this song, but I don't have much else to say.

7. Fall - This song is reall sweet. It really paints the picture for both Joe and Nick falling for their girls.

Music Video: Anytime I see that upside down room, walking on walls effect, I always think of *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" video.

8. Summer Rain - This wasn't on the preview. The intro riff is cool. It's got a cool, laid back feel. When they cut the music, and it's just percussion, I always clap along. I can't wait to see this rainy day episode! Hopefully it'll be when Joe and Stella come to their senses.

9. Drive - Nick's voice isn't his usual high, nor his deep.

10. Invisible - When I first heard the lyric, "I'm waiting for the moonlight so I can find you in this perfect dream," I had to rewind. I had to listen to it again. That is such an amazing line.

When I watched this episode, I recognized the background music from the sampler, but I didn't match it to this song. Then, when Joe started singing, I almost died! It was such perfect context for this song. I was so excited to hear it. It was PERFECT.

Then, they showed Nick singing the second verse in front of the Psycho hotel. I loved how it became a music video. I loved that I recognized they were on the Universal Studios backlot. Kevin was in Who-ville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They really wanted to highlight what L.A. has to offer. It makes me want to go on the Backlot Tram Tour. I'm claiming this as my favorite. The feeling I had when I first heard and saw it can't compare to the others.

11. Make it Right - I remember at first, people thought this was a Joe Jonas solo demo. Joe plays this song on guitar by the pool. Remind you of Shane Grey and "Gotta Find You" much? The song is sad. It totally fit Joe and Stella.

12. Chillin' in the Summertime - First, I am biased towards song with "summer" in the title. I love summer. This song is so CHILL, haha. It does a great job of describing summer. Best line: "it feels so good to feel alive" because if you can say that, then you know you're enjoying summer. I LOVE.

The video is JONAS performing it outdoors on the beach. That's all you need.

13. Set this Party Off - I like the guitar riff and chorus. What summer without a party?

I really love this album. It's sort of a JB album, but you know I always thirst for those. I also have a spot in my heart for fake bands and soundtracks, which also applies. I loved these songs right off the bat, and I'm sure my love will grow once I see them all in context on the show.

Side note: Orchestra seats were available on Ticketmaster on Monday and Tuesday. Row J for single and row W for a pair. I did not buy. I would have if I were going alone. But, I'm still hoping for a pair of tickets closer to the stage. How about row T or closer? PLEASE????

Today, pairs for row N came up, but it's stage right-- Nick's side. Still no.

Nick Jonas & the Administration

Nick Jonas has had a busy week.

First of all, I was shocked when I heard Nick had a solo project. I knew it was coming, yet I'm not ready for Jonas Brothers to be over. None the less, I think he has done a great job, I support him, and I'm happy for him.

"Who I Am" was released. 10 songs. I do feel that old school raw rock and roll vibe when I listen to it. In my history of rock and roll class, I learned that albums were supposed to capture the essence of live shows. They were made for those who couldn't make it out to the concert and for those who wanted to relive it. Nick's album does that. My favorite track is "Last Time Around."

On Tuesday, he decided to spend release day with the fans. He tweeted that he was headed to the Santa Monica Pier, Sherman Oaks, and Downtown Disney.

This, of course, KILLED ME. Tuesday is the one day of the week I'm NOT in town. It's okay, my time will come, I HOPE!

I couldn't make it out to any of the shows at the Wiltern last week. When he first announced his tour, I hadn't planned on going. Videos on youtube changed my mind, especially the covers of Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Owl City songs.

I did think he would be on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote the album. So, I requested tickets for the whole week he was in town for the tour and this week for the release.

Last night, he was on the show. Wednesday is the one night I COULDN'T go. I have a class, crucial to my major, that cannot be skipped.

There once was a time when I would be willing to skip class for a Jonas show.

There once was a time when my grades wouldn't suffer for it.

That time is over =/

Here's a list of things to make me feel better:

~I am a Jonas Brothers fan.

~If Nick's covers are what got me excited, then I ought to go see the original artists live.

~No M&G (okay, I might have won if I entered, but I want to meet all 3 brothers!)

~Nick didn't perform on Jimmy Kimmel.

~Target's edition of "Who I Am" comes with an exclusive DVD of performances.

Selena & the Scene

Wizards of Waverly Place debuted on the Disney Channel on my birthday a few years ago. I secretly boycotted the show because Selena Gomez also played Mikala, Hannah Montana's competition.. and I was team Hannah? That sounds so stupid now.

I watch the show now and then. David Henrie is so cute. I didn't know the show beacme was a huge phenomenon. The movie obtained 11 million viewers, the highest DCOM debut after High School Musical 2. I enjoyed it because I could relate to the sibling rivalry. When David Henrie said "I don't know who you are, but I believe you," my heart totally melted.

In addition to having the highest viewed program on Disney Channel, Wizards also beat Hannah Montana and iCarly for the Best Children's Program Emmy.
WOW.

And now, Selena has a band, and they released an album. My review: it's okay.
I think she's stronger in acting. Her voice isn't that strong. The songs aren't going to be in my top 25 most played anytime soon. Maybe the sound will grow on me. Her tween audience probably will enjoy it.
I do like "Crush," "Naturally," and "I Promise You."

I thought her acoustic performance of "Falling Down" was good.

Better than I expected.

The Dancing With The Stars performance, I didn't enjoy as much. It seemed stiff, which is reasonable, it was her debut. The vocals need to improve. I shall leave it at that.

She's got potential. Look at your best friend, Selena. I'm not saying copy her style, but take note of her comfort and presence on stage.

Fame Soundtrack

I purchased this CD last week.

My favorite tracks are "Try" and "Ordinary People" sung by Asher Book.

I didn't realize that boy had that range. I adore him! "Try" is soooo cute. Girls will be jealous of Kay Pannabaker this fall lol.

You KNOW the most exciting part of the movie will be when "This is My Life" is performed. It's so much fun.

We gon' ROCK IT. We won't STOP IT!

The soundtrack has a very urban sound. It's shouldn't be as cheesy as HSM because the songs are all regular songs. They're not random moments of life to the tune of some melody.

We'll see how the movie goes. I don't think they advertised the soundtrack release too much. It debuted at number 90 =X

The FAME Talent Search or whatever thingy concludes tomorrow at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

& V FACTORY is performing! =]

Definite plus if Asher sings a snippet of "Try."

Guilty Pleasure

So it took me a while to listen to the whole album. There are 14 tracks plus 6 lingering bonus tracks.

Originally, the album was supposed to be released June 16th, but you know she didn't want to compete with the Jonas Brothers. But then, they delayed it over a month? That wasn't smart. I get that it coincides with the release of her new film, but Aliens in the Attic doesn't look like a box office smash. Then again, stranger things have happened.

My definite favorite song off the album is Masquerade. It stuck with me when I saw her perform at the Grove. Hair, Me Without You and Delete You are good ones too. Overall, the album's got that pop-urban vibe that you can dance to.

Ashley co-wrote 5 songs. I wonder if any were Jared-inspired. She did not write It's Alright, It's OK. So don't even think it ;]

Hopefully, if she has another show in LA, she'll also sing songs from Headstrong. She didn't do that at the Grove =/

Demi Lovato - Here We Go Again

Sophomore albums by Demi Lovato and Jordin Sparks are now in stores. Demi opened for the Jonas Brothers' Burning Up tour last summer, and Jordin opens JB's world tour this summer.

I voted for Jordin to win over Blake, but I am more of a Demi fan. If I were torn between which album to purchase, I would go with Demi. Here We Go Again was $2 cheaper than Battlefield at WalMart. We'll see who ranks higher on next week's Billboard 200.

When I first saw both artists for the first time, I was only vaguely familiar with their songs. Demi wins this round again, for her rocking set (7/12/08 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA) was filled with high energy and I loved the songs. But perhaps I was a bit biased as I did enjoy her performance in Camp Rock. I saw Jordin when she went on tour with Jesse McCartney (8/7/08 Orpheum, Los Angeles, CA). She used up all the songs of hers that I knew 3 songs into the set. From then on it felt like I was watching American Idol, with not much movement, just singing. Her voice is amazing and I really loved the way she waved and acknowledged her fans in the audience, but she could have added something more to the performance.

In a radio interview, Demi mentioned that she took somewhere around a month to write the album, and 2 weeks to record. That seemed like a very rushed time frame, and it probably was since there were a few track listing changes. I love her single "Here We Go Again." It would have been awesome if I had been one of the select to be in the music video, but what can you do xD? Don't think I didn't catch the Twilight reference in "Solo," Miss Lovato! Good Job :-)! In comparison to her last album, Here We Go Again is more edgy, which is expected as Demi has grown in the past year. There aren't any anthems like "La La Land" and "Party", unless you count the Sonny With a Chance theme song "So Far So Great."

Go check it out, people!