Ready for a Glee-gasm?

Posted by Michael on Friday Apr 16, 2010 Under Uncategorized

I’ve already had about a dozen today…all equally amazing and fulfilling.

As any self-respecting Gleek knows, this Tuesday’s episode, dubbed The Power of Madonna, has pretty much been a circled date on the calendar for what feels like forever.

Thankfully, the Glee gods are smiling on us today, as one of the episode’s biggest numbers, “Like a Prayer,” has made its way onto the World Wide Webby.

I’ve tried to find something wrong with this, and I simply can’t. The production is great, and Lea Michele sounds about as good as she ever has.

It’s basically five minutes and eighteen seconds of ear candy and it tastes so, so good.

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We’ve all been waiting not so patiently for the return of our favorite musical dramedy since the moment it was stolen away from us last November.

The months have passed at a glacial pace, but the return of New Directions is almost here. New episodes begin April 13th, but to quench your Glee thirst in the interim, check out this awesomely awesome new promo that hit the Internets earlier this week.

Lea Michele, I adore you. Jane Lynch, you slay me. And Melchior Gabor himself shows face for the first time in this clip. Remember, he (Jonathan Groff) will be playing Rachel’s new love interest. He also happens to be Vocal Adrenaline’s lead singer. His character’s name? Well that would be Jesse St. James, of course.

I fully expect his character to dabble in porn at some point. I mean, how couldn’t he ? Jessie St. James??? Simply amazing.

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Golden Globes 2010: The Good, The Bad & The Rourke

Posted by Michael on Tuesday Jan 19, 2010 Under Uncategorized

Another year, another stretch of winter weather and chapped lips made only tolerable by the constant stream of award shows from now until March. And while some award shows have already come and gone (People’s Choice, anyone? Anyone?), the real kick-off to awards season is the Golden Globes.

Ricky Gervais served as emcee for the evening. While I thought he was hilarious, I received a concerned voice mail from my Mother, leading me to believe that his inappropriate and always vulgar humor may not have sit well with the older set. For the record, I’d still have a drink with Mel Gibson. Hell, I’d buy Mel Gibson a drink just to watch the word vomit commence.

For the sake of my time (and your sanity), let’s review a selection of the best and worst moments, with special appreciation for the worst.

T H E   G O O D

Glee’s Triumph
No one was happier than this guy (I’m pointing to myself) when Olivia Wilde and her breasts announced Glee as the Globe winner for Best Comedy/Musical Television Series. Sure, Modern Family & 30 Rock are both funnier in the purest sense of the word, but in the end I think it’s the thoughtful inclusion of musical performances that sealed Glee’s fate as the winner. Plus, the Globes love to reward the new, “hot” show (See also: Ugly Betty’s win in 2007). Unlike Betty, I’m hoping this win doesn’t send Glee straight to the Friday evening time slot, a.k.a the purgatory of television.

Michael C. Hall’s Speech (& Lithgow’s Tears)
I haven’t seen much of Dexter during it’s run, but I’ve always been a fan of Michael C. Hall. He’s always nominated, and this year he finally wins. The timing is terribly bittersweet as Michael just announced his cancer diagnosis to the public. In the pressroom he explained that he wanted to keep it quiet, but knew that would be impossible with the Globes approaching. His speech was one of the best of the night and was made only better by the perfectly timed tears of both his co-star (and former network TV alien) John Lithgow and his wife, Jennifer Carpenter. You might remember her from that movie where she was possessed and scared the shit out you. At least she scared the shit out of me. Still haven’t pooed since seeing that damn movie.

Meryl is Love
There aren’t many things in this world better than Meryl Streep – and I’m serious. Her acceptance speech for Julie & Julia is worthy of an award itself. She made the appropriate Haiti reference, tearfully paid tribute to her mother, and all while maintaining the near impossible balance of quiet confidence and the “It’s not me, it’s the character” excuse for her victory. It ain’t the role, Meryl. It’s all you, girl.

Hope Floats
How nice to see Sandra Bullock make it all the way to the podium at the Golden Globes after her meager beginnings just trying to keep a damn bus above 50MPH. I haven’t seen The Blind Side, but I don’t care. I’ve heard great things, even if the accent seems a little hokey. Plus, Tim McGraw plays her husband in the movie. If that doesn’t spell Oscar Gold, I’m not sure what does!

T H E   B A D

Toni Collette Wins For a Show I Thought Was Over
Is The United States of Tara even still on the air? I assumed that would be a “one and done” kind of show. Plus, I don’t know anyone that actually watches it. I loved Collette in Little Miss Sunshine and plenty of other things she’s been in, BUT she’s not as funny as Tina Fey and from what I know she sure as hell doesn’t sing sweet diddies on that show like Lea Michele on Glee, so I was annoyed. Plus her speech was boring she didn’t cry. LAME!

Chloe Sevigny Confuses Herself for a Diva That’s Worth a Damn
Boo to this biatch. First, you have no business beating the genius Jane Lynch. Second, you just won a Golden Globe, you can stop bitching about the poor usher that ripped your dress already. It’s not like anyone believes you actually bought the damn thing, anyway. Stick to what you do best, Chloe, which are blowjobs. (No, that link won’t take you to an online tutorial. Sorry. It’s safe and appropriate for work. Unless your work hates Wikipedia.)

T H E   U G L Y

Icky Mickey
I have nothing against Mickey Rourke, and if I have my way I’ll never have anything against him for fear of catching something incurable. I’m not going to make fun of Mickey’s silly tux. He looked kind of bad, but he always does. What I want to make fun of is the fact that he struggled to utter Sandra Bullock’s name, which is simply not a challenging pronunciation. Gabourey Sidibe, I’ll give you. Sandra Bullock (san·dra; bul·lock), I will not.

Monique’s Hairy Gams
Monique is my kind of woman. She’s loud, mildly offensive and really hairy! Most of you were probably more focused on her moving acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress, and it was a great speech (even with the 345 pregnant pauses)! What I loved most about Monique at the Globes, however, was the re-appearance of her sexy stems. No Nair? No problem! Check ‘em out below, peeps.

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The Lamp Post’s Picks for the Top 11 Breakout Stars of 2009

Posted by Michael on Saturday Dec 26, 2009 Under Uncategorized

That’s right. Your Christmas wish has come true. Another list for your perusing pleasure.

Today, I’m proud to present The Lamp Post’s list of the Top 11 breakout stars of 2K9. Enjoy!

(Reasons for the inclusion of each are after the photo preview…)

Tiger MistressesJim ParsonsMelanie OudinKris AllenCarey MulliganLevi Johnsont

Chris PinePrecious Cocktail ReceptionAdam LambertLea Michele


Susan Boyle

11. Tiger’s Mistresses

These chicks should really be #1, but I just couldn’t do that. Whether they are fame-seeking celeb humpers or hookers with hearts of (fool’s) gold, these gals have been shoved down our collective faces during the last month. (Side note: I can’t believe it’s only been a month since this story broke.) Maybe that’s because you can’t turn on any channel without seeing one of these hoes. Anyhow, congrats girls. You did your thang (and them some).

10. Jim Parsons

Easily the funniest part of CBS’s The Big Bang Theory, Jim Parsons really broke through in 2009. So much so that he even joined the ranks of Alec Baldwin & Steve Carell when he was nominated alongside these gents for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards. And if you haven’t seen the hilarious Leonard Nimoy napkin episode, do yourself a favor and check it out.

9. Melanie Oudin

The Cinderella story at this year’s US Open, the adorable Oudin had a miracle run, defeating gals much older – and taller – than her en route to reaching her first Grand Slam Quarterfinal ever.

8. Kris Allen

Did you really think I would leave this Idol nugget off the list? As if. Plus, Kris’s self-titled debut album is probably one of the best albums you’re NOT listening to. It’s track after track of pop/rock goodness. Listen to my personal fave, Alright With Me, right now. Seriously, click that.

7. Carey Mulligan

A front runner for Best Actress at the just-around-the-corner Academy Awards, Mulligan has already scooped up tons of accolades for her star turn in An Education. Most recently, she received nods from both the Golden Globes & The Screen Actors Guild. Bonus points for starring alongside one of my favorite actors, Mr. Maggie Gyllenhaal Peter Sarsgaard.

6. Levi Johnston

I was tempted to put this Eskimo at #1 for no other reason than the hilarious and embarassing shit storm he’s caused the Palin clan. But really, who can deny the attention he’s received this year? Shameless self promotion? Sure. But promotion, nonetheless. Plus, has anyone in history gone from appearing at the Republican National Convention one year, to turning into a huge gay icon the next year? Only Levi, people. Only Levi.

5. Chris Pine

Star Trek was one of the biggest films of the summer – and my favorite blockbuster of the year. There was talk that William Shatner wasn’t happy about the new film, mostly because he wasn’t asked to be a part of it like his old pal – and original Spock -  Leonard Nimoy. I never thought I’d mention Nimoy twice in one blog post. Still, even Shatner can appreciate Pine’s brilliant – and hilarious -  portrayal of Captain Kirk in the first of J. J. Abrams Star Trek tales. At this point that train wreck with Lilo seems like a distant memory, eh Chris?

4. Gabourey Sidibe

PRECIOUS! PRECIOUS! PRECIOUS! Unless you’ve been living under a Christmas rock, you know this gal plays the title role in director Lee Daniels’ new film. Gabourey, along with former Charm School Headmaster, Monique, has been getting rave reviews for her performance. I’d be shocked if she doesn’t get an Oscar nod. And to think…this is her first movie. Ever.

3. Adam Lambert

He sang, he screamed, he simulated fellatio on national television. What didn’t Adam Lambert do in 2009? I guess any woman is the answer to that question. Love him or hate him, he’s been everywhere this year. His staying power remains to be seen, but there are plenty of Glambert fans out there and the album is pretty good. Listen to Whatya Want From Me. It’s a nice, mid tempo ballad that I bet even Adam’s biggest detractors will enjoy.

2. Lea Michele

Rachel Berry is love. And so is Lea Michele. I was lucky enough to catch Ms. Michele live on stage during her heartbreaking & beautiful performance in one of my favorite Broadway musicals ever, Spring Awakening. Luckily for the larger population, you don’t have to make the trip to NYC to enjoy this girl’s very special gifts. Don’t forget that Glee: The Road to Sectionals is released on DVD Tuesday. Thanks to my sis and her fiance for pre-ordering my copy. And apologies to my neighbors for the 24/7 sing-along that will insue upon delivery.

1. Susan Boyle

All hail SuBo! Seriously, who else could top this list? Bo Obama? It’s been quite a year for this gal. Everyone with internet access watched and cried as good ol’ SuBo reminded us all that you can’t judge a book by its ratty, hand-me-down cover. But this beauty is no reality TV fluke. Susan’s debut album, I Dreamed a Dream, sold 701,000 copies in its first week (in the U.S.), making it the best opening week for a debut artist in over a decade. Yowza!

Relive the moment that made Susan a star – and made Simon Cowell even more money – here.

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Glee Recap for “Ballad”: Disjointed, Yet Delightful!

Posted by Michael on Thursday Nov 19, 2009 Under Uncategorized

Like many of you, I’ve noticed Glee’s major first season flaw of abandoning story lines (and sometimes characters) as quickly as they are introduced. It’s ok. A lot of new shows struggle to find their footing in the beginning. Luckily, it’s easier to forgive Glee for these hiccups. Throw in a good toe-tapper and I suddenly forget that Will’s wife has been MIA for the last three episodes. Who cares? So what? Let Lea Michele do a little Broadway-style belting and I’ll swear Sue was in this episode along with the other missing teachers. (Whatever happened to the guy with casts for hands?)

This week Glee is back to delivering several songs in an episode. Oh yeah. I love it when we get a great musical moment even before the title screen appears. This week, we got “Endless Love,” sung beautifully by Rachel & Mr. Shue. A predictable teacher/student crush is ensuing – who cares? They’re singing! The following notion will go on to define the episode: Having trouble expressing yourself with the spoken word? Don’t fret. Just sing about it!

On a related note, it’s a shame this action plan can’t be applied to real life. I got the stink eye from some mo fo on the Subway this morning and really wanted to stare back at him with a stirring rendition of “And I’m Telling You… (I’m not getting off this train until you do.)”

I loved this week’s episode, though I’m really just biding my time until Rachel sings “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Since the track listing for the show’s second album has been released, I know my day will come. Click here for the full list.

Below are my 10 favorite moments from last night’s episode. It’s the end of the year, so I’m thinking only in terms of “TOP 10” lists.

1. Susie Pepper is the shit. That bit about being “moderately attractive” was awesome.

2. Kurt plays the piano? Apparently.

3. Singing “I’ll Stand By You” to a sonogram? Um, yes please! I’d love to see more of people singing to inanimate objects in the future – maybe a lamp!

4. Mr. Shue’s Mash-up. This has my father’s name all over it.
(Trip down memory lane alert! I remember fondly the days of listening to “Young Girl” on various oldies radio stations with my Dad as he drove me home from some sort of high school practice. I would always insist on a station change to a “Hit Music” or “Top 40” station. Hilariously, although we generally settled on a station that claimed to spin the “hits of yesterday AND TODAY,” said stations always seemed more focused on yesterday than today. The eldest Lamp can also belt the oldies like no other. Dear co-workers & people forced to sit next to me anywhere in life, you can thank him for the fact that I don’t really know how to sing in my head. I must be heard.)

5. The dynamic between Kurt & Finn is amazing. Kurt calling Finn’s lashing out at him both “compelling & inappropriate” had me in a fit of lolz.

6. Quinn’s Dad just gave her a tsunami-sized guilt trip like only a Glenn Beck-loving parent can do.

7. The single mother saves the day. Let this be a lesson to all those kids out there that think they’re weird because their parents aren’t together anymore. You’re not weird. And you get twice as much at Christmas (in a non recession year). So get over it.

8. Crush! OMG we only got like .8 seconds of that song. Lucky for you, I posted the full song yesterday. Check it out.

9. Mercedes just took this episode to church with her riffs during “Lean On Me.” My hand just rises whenever she sings. It’s involuntary. Testify!

10. Best line of the episode? This week’s award goes to Finn during his trip to the bathroom. “I have to go. They’ll think I’m pooping!” Let’s all turn the cameras on ourselves for a minute here. You’ve all thought the same thing. All of you.

And just in case you missed last night’s emotional finale, when all the Glee kiddies joined hands to sing “Lean On Me,” dedicated to the adorably rhyming Quinn & Finn , here it is!

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