Kerli: More Than Just Alternative Music

The long awaited album by Estonian artist Kerli is finally out this week. It includes previously released songs Love is Dead and Walking on Air.

As Rick Florino reviews on Artist Direct; “Love is Dead is more than just “alternative music;” it’s alternative art. Kerli’s vision extends far beyond the notes recorded on her CD, and that’s instantly apparent from her twisted fairytale aesthetic…Kerli doesn’t fit in any kind of box. There are flourishes of alt rock, industrial, electronica, metal and trip hop throughout the record. The one thing she does adhere to is the hook. These songs aren’t easily forgotten, because Kerli can carry a melody to oblivion and back. Ultimately, Kerli’s onto something that could be very significant for the disenfranchised, disillusioned 21st century youth.

Love may not be dead after all.”

US5 Around the World Without Robin Gibb

International boyband US5 has just released their album “Around the World’. Following their huge success in the past, Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb decided to sing in their single “Too Much Heaven” from their previous album. When the world thought the time of boybands has come to its demise, US5’s international success and awards received prove otherwise.

Below is the clip of their newest single, Round and Round. This time they’re on their own without good old Robin Gibb.

Winner of VMan Ford Models Contest

The winner of 2008 VMan Ford Models search is announced. It’s the 19 year-old Petey from Nashville, Tennessee. These are photographed by Hedi Slimane and styled by Nicola Formichetti.

And below are the runners-up, AJ and Adam:

International Day Against Homophobia Rally 2008

Homophobia is a crime and over 300 peoples rallied in a busy street of Causeway bay in Hong Kong on May 18 to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). The rally was full of songs, story telling and even a “die-in” action to protest against homophobia and fight for equal rights for sexual minorities. The SO-U.TV team filmed the joyful protest.

Interestingly, these included several liberal religious bodies, amongst them the Blessed Minority Christian Fellowship, the Hong Kong Christian Institute and the Spiritual Seekers Society, who led the meeting at one point in singing and in testifying that many Christians support the struggle against discrimination based on gender.

Kerli- Walking On Air: Now I Feel Dizzy

Kerli’s new video “Walking On Air” has just been released. It features some spinning, sexy clothing and a scary doll singing. No I didn’t say Kerli is the scary doll, there is literally a scary doll singing in this video. Kerli herself is quite lovely.

The video is produced by JP Fox and directed by Aggressive. The music producer is Lester Mendez.

No Pussyfooting Around With Japan

If only it had a mouth, that fatuous feline Hello Kitty would certainly be smiling.

Japan has appointed the mouthless moggy as a goodwill tourism ambassador in Hong Kong and China. It marks the first time a cartoon character has become a goodwill ambassador for Japan under the governments campaign launched in 2003 to promote visits to the country.

A Hello Kitty blog will be on the campaign website to introduce tourist attractions in Japan. Sounds like a game of cat and mouse to me.

P.S. Am I the only one who is freaked out by the fact that this thing hasn’t got a mouth?