Swan Dive...Into The Best Night of Your Life

This really is the best commercial series in ages...and yes, I do wish my man smelled like him.

Pride, Any Which Way...

Today is Pride Day in NYC; in mere moments, I'm off to be with the beautiful people, as we stand, shoulder to shoulder, in the stifling heat, watching lesbian motorcyclists, go-go boys, minor celebrities and gay daddies (complete with stroller and baby) float down Fifth Avenue. It means something about the cause of gay equality, but for the life of me I can't remember what. Hey ho, hey ho, homophobia's got to go, and I need a cocktail.

At the risk of losing my gay license on this holiest of holy days, I have to admit a cardinal gay sin I've committed this week...

I do not love the new Scissor Sisters' record, Night Work. There, I'm out of the closet. I feel better.

My preview copy of Night Work has been on the iPod for days, and I've been giving it a number of chances to steal my heart. But try as I might, nothing captures the epic indulgence or musical genius of the record's last track (and first single), "Invisible Light"...the whole thing, in fact, sounds like some lost mediocre 70's Casablanca Records disc. I still love (the idea of) Scissor Sisters, and I think they are -- along with Gossip, Gaga, Antony and the Johnsons and Amy Winehouse -- one of the most transgressive acts of the last decade. And I'm sure it sounds better in a club. I hope so, at least.

But in keeping with the spirit of Gay Pride today, here are the Scissors live, featuring an extra special guest at Glastonbury this week. It's one of the best new songs on Night Work, called "Any Which Way," an ode to backdoor lovin'. May it fill your pride, your heart, and anything else you need filled, in as many ways as possible.

Fabstuff: Memphis Blues (And New Orleans Too)

The 80" plasma screen mounted in the ModFab HQ newsroom has been running a near-continuous feed of Treme, HBO's inconsistent-but-lovely new drama series about the rebuilding of New Orleans. The finale of Season One ran last Sunday; if you, however, are already missing the superb rock-and-blues that were showcased in each episode, there's no better remedy than Cyndi Lauper's new disc, Memphis Blues.

The tribute to Tenessee's organic sound includes many of the Treme guest stars in duets, including Allen Toussaint. Cyndi's a blues natural, which is only surprising if you think she's still the girl from She's So Unusual. Here, take a listen:



Not bad, eh?

On a related television topic...how great was the third season of AMC's Breaking Bad, which cliffhanged its way to an end last week? It was one of the most dazzling balancing acts ever accomplished by a room of screenwriters...and the cinematography and acting are pretty stellar, too. I realize that I'm kind of the lone wolf if the wilderness, raving about how great a show Breaking Bad is...but then, I was the lone wolf for Battlestar Galactica back in the day, and that turned out okay!

Kylie: Megamix Preview of "Aphrodite"

The first samples from Kylie Minogue's upcoming album Aphrodite have surfaced, thanks to a serious megamix of six songs. The few online previews that have surfaced in the last month have mentioned the blissful dance ethos of the new record, and it's readily apparent here, a cheery bounce vibe that seems tailor-ready for summer beaches and poolside dips. "Get Outta My Way" begins the mix with classic Kylie touches, before moving to the more substantial rhythms of "Cupid Boy" and the dancefloor thump of "Can't Beat The Feeling." The rumored contenders for the second single, "Too Much" and "Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)" follow; I lean a bit toward the charmingly catchy "Hands Up," but either would be a great choice. The whole mix concludes with a nearly-two minute sample of "Aphrodite," the title track that grinds its way through a sharp bridge and chorus.

All in all, as brilliant as I'd hoped. Taken with lead single "All The Lovers" and the other previews of tracks that are out there (including "Better Than Today" and more), we're looking at a major step forward in cohesive mood from X and Body Language, her last two discs.

Kylie Encounters American Insanity, Does Not Shoot Herself In The Head

If you're tired of ModFab being all-Kylie, all-the-time these days...tough. Here's our love goddess being interviewed this week by the batshit crazy Kathie Lee and Hoda, as they spray themselves with her phermones and talk about boys.

Backstage at The Drama League Awards

In case you wonder what I do when I'm not blogging, here's a behind-the-scenes video we made. Congratulations again to all the nominees...only 342 days until the next one!