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    Michael Franti

    With his tattoos and dreadlocks, California-born Michael Franti picks up his guitar and strums to the tune of social change. He strives for change with messages of peace and love in his lyrics, which results in the oh so sweet music of this talented troubadour.

    His music focuses on social justice issues faced by those in developing countries, but the singer has been aware of inequality since birth. Franti was born on April 21, 1966 to an Irish-German-French mother, and a African-American and Amerindian father. Franti’s biological mother gave him up for adoption, fearing that her family would not accept him. He was raised by a Finnish American couple.

    Today, Franti voices a message of acceptance, love, peace, compassion and helping others. He puts a modern spin on 1970s music and is a refreshing change from the pop music dominating radio airwaves.

    Reminds me of: Bob Marley, Jason Mraz, K’Naan and K-OS.

    Heard on the radio: “Say Hey (I Love You)”

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    New content is on my new website, The Pop Can!

    By Leigh McEachran | May 6, 2010 – 1:30 pm | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

    The Factory

    I have a fascination with Andy Warhol. The white-haired pop artist collected stars and disposed of them when their 15 minutes were up. Warhol Superstars became the talk-of-the-town thanks to Andy’s guidance, which got me thinking- if The Factory existed today, who would be in this clique? So, I’ve compiled a list of celebs who I think fit the mould of a Warhol Superstar. Don’t know about the late, great Andy Warhol? Check out my blog post on the “Prince of Pop.”

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    Warhol Superstars

    Lady Gaga

    Why? Like Andy Warhol, Lady Gaga has a passion for art. Gaga uses fashion and music to express herself, which would make Andy proud. Like Nico, Viva, Ultra Violet and other Warhol Superstars, Lady Gaga is known by her nickname and keeps her personal life private.

    Would be kicked out of The Factory because: she has a strong work ethic and is very focused on her career. Warhol needed constant attention from his superstars, and Gaga would not give him this attention. Warhol would replace Gaga with an up-and-comer.

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    Justin Bieber

    Why? There’s nothing Andy Warhol loved more than a pretty young man. Justin Bieber’s young, pretty and has a style all his own. Andy would swoon!

    Would be kicked out of The Factory because: Justin would pursue girls, which would break dear Andy’s heart. Also, once Justin becomes an adult, Andy would feel less in control and want to replace the singer for a younger model.

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    Agyness Deyn

    Why? Andy Warhol loved to surround himself with beautiful people, and no one is more beautiful than a model. Like the lovely Edie Sedgwick, Agyness Deyn is a fashion model with a unique sense of style. Not only that, Agyness also has a great personality that lights up the room- just like Edie.

    Would be kicked out of The Factory because: Eventually the beautiful grow old. When Agyness gets old and no longer draws the attention she once did, Andy would lose interest and find a new, pretty, young thing to replace her.

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    MGMT

    Why? MGMT has a unique style and a unique sound. Andy would surely bow before their talent and happily parade the men around town.

    Would be kicked out of The Factory because: MGMT is too opinionated and wouldn’t follow all of Andy’s advise. Andy would get frustrated and get rid of them.

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    Who do you think would be a Warhol Superstar today? Tweet me the actors/musicians/models/socialites you think would make it in The Factory!

    New content is on my new website, The Pop Can!

    By Leigh McEachran | April 29, 2010 – 5:33 pm | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

    Date Night

    Judging from the trailers, “Date Night” was not on my list of must-see movies. I was prepared to rent it on DVD (if there was nothing better), but overall I was pretty disinterested in this film. Don’t get me wrong, I love Steve Carell and Tina Fey. Carell is hilarious as Michael Scott on “The Office,” while Fey always has me laughing when I watch “30 Rock,” but I felt that “Date Night” would be a dud. The plot seemed improbable and stupid, and based on the repetitive trailers, I thought I had seen all the funny parts of “Date Night.” Boy, was I wrong!

    “Date Night” will have you giggling throughout the entire movie and- unlike most movies in theatres these days- “Date Night” is a lot of fun to watch! It’s silly, it’s funny, and Carell and Fey are amazing as Phil and Claire Foster. I have a feeling that some of you are still skeptical, so here is a list of reasons why you should spend your date night watching “Date Night.” For the plot, watch the trailer at the end of this post.

    - When Claire Foster (Fey) gets all gussied up for a date with her husband. It’s so sweet and endearing.

    - At a swanky New York restaurant, Claire spots will.i.am and explains who he is to Phil (Carell): “It’s will.i.am, from Fergie!”

    - When the Fosters spot a getaway boat, they hop in and Carell gets the motor running. Turns out the boat is super slow, forcing the couple to duck down.

    - Phil’s impersonation of Holbrooke (Mark Wahlberg), an always-shirtless former real estate client of Claire’s. “Is that supposed to be me or Fat Albert?” asks Holbrooke.

    - Maybe it’s because I wear glasses, but I thought it was super sweet when Phil remembered to grab Claire’s glasses when they left the restaurant.

    - When Phil pretends to be a hot-shot at the swanky New York restaurant, wearing Claire’s glasses and pulling his hair up straight, he says to the hostess, “Look at me, look at me, look at me, uh you’re not looking at me, look at me, you’re not… look.” So funny!

    - On their usual date night, the Fosters make up what other couples are saying to each other. There are a lot of hilarious lines that are probably improvisations by Fey and Carell.

    - When Phil is angry with the person he impostures, he yells, “Shut the eff up, mother effer.”

    - Two words: “Sexy robots.”

    - The blooper reel. There are a lot of great bloopers that will have you in stitches!

    Did I persuade you to check out “Date Night”? Have you seen the film? Tell me what you think on twitter!  @LAMcEachran.


    By Leigh McEachran | April 23, 2010 – 1:02 pm | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)