Emmy Nomination Predictions 2013

Tomorrow's the day! Emmy nominations are going to be announced and once again (in a perfect world) here are my personal picks for nominations. Let's see how much I get right THIS year!

 

DRAMA

 

Best Series

Breaking Bad

Downton Abbey

Game of Thrones

Homeland

Mad Men

The Newsroom

 

Best Actor

Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire)

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)

Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom)

Jon Hamm (Mad Men)

Damian Lewis (Homeland)

Kevin Spacey (House of Cards)

 

Best Actress

Connie Britton (Nashville)

Claire Danes (Homeland)

Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey)

Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel)

Julianna Marguiles (The Good Wife)

Kerry Washington (Scandal)

 

Best Supporting Actor

Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)

Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel)

Mandy Patinkin (Homeland)

Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)

John Slattery (Mad Men)

Sam Waterston (The Newsroom)

 

Best Supporting Actress

Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad)

Regina King (SouthLAnd)

Hayden Panetierre (Nashville)

Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)

Monica Potter (Parenthood)

Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)

 

Outstanding Guest Actor

Dylan Baker (The Good Wife)

Jim Beaver (Justified)

Michael J. Fox (The Good Wife)

Nathan Lane (The Good Wife)

Ray Romano (Parenthood)

Jimmy Smits (Sons of Anarchy)

 

Outstanding Guest Actress

Stockard Channing (The Good Wife)

Jane Fonda (The Newsroom)

Jennifer Hudson (Smash)

Shirley MacLaine (Downton Abbey)

Martha Plimpton (The Good Wife)

Carrie Preston (The Good Wife)

 

 

COMEDY

 

Best Series

30 Rock

The Big Bang Theory

Girls

Modern Family

Parks & Recreation

Veep

 

Best Actor

Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

Jason Bateman (Arrested Development)

Louis C.K. (Louie)

Jake Johnson (New Girl)

Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)

Adam Scott (Parks & Recreation)

 

Best Actress

Zooey Deschanel (New Girl)

Lena Dunham (Girls)

Tina Fey (30 Rock)

Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)

Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation)

 

Best Supporting Actor

Will Arnett (Arrested Development)

Ty Burrell (Modern Family)

David Cross (Arrested Development)

Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live)

Max Greenfield (New Girl)

Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)

 

Best Supporting Actress

Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory)

Julie Bowen (Modern Family)

Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)

Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)

Jessica Walter (Arrested Development)

Betty White (Hot in Cleveland)

 

Outstanding Guest Actor

Will Arnett (30 Rock)

Louis C.K. (Saturday Night Live)

Bob Newhart (The Big Bang Theory)

Martin Short (Saturday Night Live)

Justin Timberlake (Saturday Night Live)

Patrick Wilson (Girls)

 

Outstanding Guest Actress

Margo Martindale (New Girl)

Melissa McCarthy (Saturday Night Live)

Liza Minnelli (Arrested Development)

Parker Posey (Louie)

Elaine Stritch (30 Rock)

Kristen Wiig (Arrested Development)

 

MINI-SERIES/MADE FOR TV MOVIE

 

Best Mini-Series or Made for TV Movie

American Horror Story: Asylum

Behind The Candelabra

The Bible

Phil Spector

Political Animals

Steel Magnolias

 

Best Actor

Billy Campbell (Killing Lincoln)

Benedict Cumberbatch (Parades End)

Matt Damon (Behind The Candelabra)

Michael Douglas (Behind The Candelabra)

Toby Jones (The Girl)

Al Pacino (Phil Spector)

 

Best Actress

Angela Bassett (Betty & Coretta)

Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Asylum)

Queen Latifah (Steel Magnolias)

Helen Mirren (Phil Spector)

Elizabeth Moss (Top of the Lake)

Sigourney Weaver (Politcal Animals)

 

Best Supporting Actor

James Cromwell (American Horror Story: Asylum)

Rob Lowe (Behind The Candelabra)

Peter Mullan (Top of the Lake)

Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: Asylum)

Jeffrey Tambor (Phil Spector)

James Woods (Mary and Martha)

 

Best Supporting Actress

Ellen Burstyn (Politcal Animals)

Holly Hunter (Top of the Lake)

Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Asylum)

Lily Rabe (American Horror Story: Asylum)

Imelda Staunton (The Girl)

Alfre Woodard (Steel Magnolias)

Ciara Top 10 Countdown

In the wake of releasing her solid 5th studio album this week, Ciara continues her presence as one of the most underrated and underestimated R&B artists today. Song after song and album after album, Ciara has proved that although she may not have a voice like Mariah or Beyonce, she still is one of the most versatile and entertaining R&B singers around. So now let's take a look at her top 10 best singles; from the party jams to the sultry, sexy R&B slow jams she's graced us with over the years.

 

 

10.) "Oh" (featuring Ludacris)

(from the album Goodies)

It was here that Ciara continued to prove that she was the indeed the "Princess of Crunk", bringing a sweet, angelic vocal to a hard beat that gets everyone popping, locking, and dropping (you're welcome for that). Ludacris in his prime brought more swagger to this single that had Ciara bringing us all back to her hometown in Atlanta, making us all feel like we were just there for one of her block parties.

 

9.) "Ride" (featuring Ludacris)

(from the album Basic Instinct)

After a dissapointing and very confusing album that was Fantasy Ride, Ciara made her way back to why we loved her to begin with. This was a solid first single that didn't really take off on the radio, but the video itself was a classic Ciara performance, complete with a sweaty, wet T, a seductive bull ride, and one hell of an ab workout that I know alot of people tried to do to get in shape like CC. Luda didn't do too bad himself either here.

8.) "Got Me Good"

It's unfortunate that this single didn't make that big of a splash and in the end didn't end up on her newest album, but it still is a great upbeat song. The video's background was simple enough, but it still brought us Ciara's insane dance ability and athleticism. Her booty definitely was shaking from left and right...(you're welcome again)

7.) "1, 2 Step" (featuring Missy Elliott)

(from the album Goodies)

The first of Ciara's upbeat club hits, this song helped elevate her cred as a pop artist. She had an upbeat groove that everyone could sing along to with a beat that had everyone 2-stepping. And of course it didn't hurt to have the queen Missy Elliott by her side for this one either.

6.) "Get Up" (featuring Chamillionaire)

(from the album Step Up)

With darker hair and an improved vocal ability, Ciara got us ready for her second album by releasing a single from the first Step Up album, offering us a taste of what was to come. While it had a typical Jazze Pha production quality (and one of the last songs he and Ciara collaborated on) it still was a solid upbeat jam for the end of summer 2006, getting all of us up on our feet to the dancefloor.

5.) "Body Party"

(from the album Ciara)

While Ciara does well with upbeat dance songs, she really shines on the slow jams. One of her newest singles "Body Party" definitely does the job with showcasing both a sexy vocal and a sultry musical background. And it doesn't hurt that she brought Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo" into this day and age. (Want a really good throwback to the song she samples? Get the remix with Future & B.o.B!)

4.) "Goodies" (featuring Petey Pablo)

(from the album Goodies)

I can't dismiss Ciara's first ever single that introduced everyone to her crunk style. Lil' Jon and Petey Pablo were in their prime (what with Usher's "Yeah!" and Petey Pablo's "Freak-a-Leek" released around the same time) and Ciara fit right in with their sound. She brought us sexy, she brought us upbeat sass, and she brought us all to her cookie jar (once again, you're welcome for the cheesy puns).

3.) "Like A Boy"

(from the album The Evolution)

This song is often forgotten about, especially when it gets overshadowed by Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy", a similar lyric but definetly two different sounds we're dealing with here. Ciara did it first after all. She went hard in the video where she plays up the many stereotypes of what it takes to be a man and proved that women could do the same thing if given the opportunity, just a little bit better and sexier.

2.) "Love Sex Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake)

(from the album Fantasy Ride)

One of the best and most successful singles of her career from her weakest album, Justin Timberlake helped elevate her (for a little bit at least) into mainstream pop. This song was very sexual and hip, and it brought funk back onto the radio. The two artists really played off each other well in the video. It definitely showed Ciara as a sexy video vixen with all of those sexy dance moves she rocked out with.

1.) "Promise"

(from the album The Evolution)

Easily her best single that's been released, this song is classic Ciara. Remember how I said she does well with upbeat dance songs, but she shines more in the slow jams? This is why! With production from R&B superstar produced Polow Da Don, Ciara brought out a more mature and sensual R&B sound to the radio. The song is reminiscent of something we might have heard back in the hey-day of 1980's R&B (a la Prince), but it felt just right and even better in 2006 when it was released. The video was the first of Ciara being seen as a bonafide entertainer, bringing sweet sensuality and beauty to a perfect song.

 

 

Push This Album Girl!!! (The 20/20 Experience Album Review)

Welcome back to my album reviews because its been a while!!! And welcome back to Justin Timberlake!!!! Enjoy my track-by-track review of Justin's new album The 20/20 Experience!

 
"Pusher Love Girl"

Opening with a beautiful strong arrangement sets up a grand entrance for someone we've been waiting a long time to hear from. With drug references aside (which most times are very clever) this song is nostalgia at best, bringing a classic funk element that transitions into yet another sick hip-hop breakdown by Timbaland in the middle.
"I'm just a ju-ju-ju-ju-junkie for your love..." 10/10
 
"Suit & Tie" (featuring Jay-Z)

On this first single, Justin pulls out all the stops to bring not just sexy back, but style and class as well. From the chopped & screwed style intro, to the lovely chiming in the background, and my oh my that classic falsetto, JT knows how to get the party started!
"Let me show you a few things..." 8/10
 
"Don't Hold The Wall"

Easily one of my favorites that the album has to offer, the real winner hear though is more so super producer Timbaland than it is JT. Timbaland has been in the dark for a little bit. The singles he's come out with haven't really made as big of a splash that "SexyBack", "Promiscuous", or "Get Ur Freak On" did back in the day. But this song is where he gets back into that classic Timbo groove, giving us a good 3 1/2 minute sexy attitude before going into a sped up break for the remainder of the song when it's back to the days of "Give It To Me", "Release", and "Carry Out".
"Take it to right, start in the back..." 9/10
 
"Strawberry Bubblegum"

This is a sweet song filled with a lot of smooth-talking and cool rhythms. What's amazing is how it starts out as a groovy tune that segues into a Robin Thicke/Remy Shand breakdown for its interlude. And does anyone else here a similarity between how he says "pop" at the end of this song and how he says it in *NSYNC's "Pop" song? Just me? Alright!
"I'll be your blueberry lollipop..." 8/10
 
"Tunnel Vision"

Another personal favorite, it's got all the classic Timbaland elements from the drum rhythm, the little voice repeating in the background, and Timbaland's "uh-huh" after every other word or so from Justin. The string arrangement reminds me of "LoveStoned" a little bit and this has an awesome Hip-Hop/R&B ride that is reminiscent of "My Love". I love that it builds to the beatbox bridge and that very smooth outro.
"I know you like..." 10/10
 
"Spaceship Coupe"

A galactic sex trip that has JT playing with a little Usher element, this jam is a real bump & grind piece. It fits right along with songs like Ciara's "Promise" or Robin Thicke's "Sex Therapy" with it's high pitched "ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo"s and sexy bump. I also love that it sounds like the baby from Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody" is all grown up and still crying in the background for this one!
"We'll make love on the moon..." 9/10
 
"That Girl"

With a pretty awesome skit to introduce the song, we then get a sweet horn section and a bass-line that could go for days! It's a Timbaland slow song mixed with a little doo-wop, a little R&B, and a little Maxwell vocal. Justin really knows how to pull out all the stops when it comes to slow songs, and this one is no exception. He really does a great job mixing old-school flavor and modern-day grooves together.
"I don't care what people say 'cause I'm in love with that girl..." 9/10
 
"Let the Groove Get In"

Justin said himself that the inspiration for this song was imagining the Jackson 5 going to Brazil, and now that's all I can think about whenever I listen to this song. It's a funky, upbeat song where Justin makes it pretty easy to get us shaking. Again, he knows how to get a party started and this song wastes no time. And for a solid 7 minutes, the party never stops or slows down in the least bit.
"Are you comfortable right there, right there?" 10/10
 
"Mirrors"

I have to confess that I appreciated this song at first, but I wasn't crazy about it. It's sweet, obviously inspired by his new wife Jessica Biel, but the whole thing just sounded way too safe and familiar. That was until this week when the video premiered and I was blown away. The video changed the song in a lot of ways for me, but for one thing it's a beautiful depiction of true love inspired by Justin's own grandparents. Going through years and years together and then losing the one you love is hard, but what makes the whole thing so beautiful is seeing that even after death, the old woman in the video never lost sight of their past and always had him with her. I'm already holding back tears just thinking about!
"You are, you are the love of my life..." 8/10
 
"Blue Ocean Floor"

Poetic, beautiful, and so relaxing to listen to, Justin sounds pitch perfect from those low bass notes all the way up to that high falsetto. This sounds like such a trip, very galactic and slow, but so mellow and beautiful all the same.
"Under the water you scream so loud, but the silence surrounds you..." 10/10
 

 
"Dress On"

The first of the bonus tracks, it's short and sweet, but it has a nice riding beat with his sexy swagger and all.
"I can't wait 'cause girl as soon as I look at your face, I see a world where our heart never breaks..." 7/10
 
"Body Count"

It's a funky song that sounds a little like "Like I Love You" Part 2, but produced by Timbaland instead of The Neptunes. It's funky and filled with swag. Definitely another party starter, but this time filled with a lot more cockiness and confidence to last for days!
"Sign up, put your name down..." 8/10
 
ALL IN ALL
Justin is back sexier, mature, and more loving than ever. Bringing back the golden production quality we know Timbaland is capable of, it's a fine mix of slow songs, upbeat party jams, bump-and-grind, funk, and swagger all mixed into one. In a time now when everyone is so concerned with the success of just one single, it's nice to hear along with albums like ADELE's 21, Beyoncé's 4, or Mumford & Sons' Babel that some artists haven't forgotten about creating MUSIC for a full-length album beginning to end. I'm interested to hear the other half of this 20/20 experience supposedly due in November, but for now I'll be just fine listening to this whole thing on repeat all day errrday!
 

 
REPEAT-WORTHY
"Pusher Love Girl"
"Tunnel Vision"
"Let the Groove Get In"
"Blue Ocean Floor"
 
SKIP-WORTHY
If I had to choose one: "Dress On"
But honestly I love the entire album!

Justin Timberlake Top 10 Countdown

JT is back with a new album this week and I thought it would be appropriate to look back at some of his best musical moment. Whether it was SNL, his days with *NSYNC, or his impressive solo career, he certainly has made the rounds with his musical talents. So lets rock our bodies and take a look!

Honorable Mention: “Dick in a Box”

How can this be a Justin Timberlake countdown without including this comedic gem? The Lonely Island really got the ball rolling when they included JT in this 90’s white-R&B sex music video with a special surprise. It’s been 6 years since it debuted and it still is just as memorable as it was when it first premiered.

10.) “Love Sex Magic” (featuring Ciara

(from the album Fantasy Ride)

It didn’t really sound like a song that would work with these two artists, but the sexiness and chemistry in the video is what sold it. JT was on his own with his own production team to create their own sound, and Ciara was the perfect gateway into testing out said sound.

9.) “4 Minutes” (featuring Madonna & Timbaland)

(from the album Hard Candy)

Madonna has a reputation for changing up her style with every album of hers. For this go-around, she got with the current times and hired the hit-making team of JT and Timbaland to incorporate their hip-pop sound. This first single had all of the swagger of a Timbaland production, the soul of a JT song, and the pop pizzazz of another Madonna hit. I’ll let these people save my world ANY day!

8.) “Señorita”

(from the album Justified)

We come to the first solo hit on the countdown, a funky groove that sets up a classic call-and-response bridge towards the end. The energy and build of this song incorporated a pop solid from JT while mixing the funky musical stylings from The Neptunes (man I miss them!) The result was this infectious groove that opened up JT’s first solo album.

7.) “Like I Love You” (featuring Clipse)

(from the album Justified)

With a first single on the line set up to introduce Justin Timberlake OUTSIDE of *NSYNC, there sure was a lot of pressure about what he would come out with. In the end, he brought us a funky tune that was part Justin and part MJ. (Again, where the hell are The Neptunes with these classic songs?!!!)

6.) “Suit and Tie” (featuring Jay-Z)

(from the album The 20/20 Experience)

Coming back into the game with a new album in almost 7 years, Justin had a lot to prove. And with this grooving first single, Justin has been on a path to prove he is just as relevant in music as before. Bringing back Timbaland from the dead and having Hova along for the ride, JT takes us back to music when class and sexiness were one in the same. And damn, these men look good in suits!

5.) “SexyBack” (featuring Timbaland)

(from the album FutureSex / LoveSounds)

Leave it to Justin & Timbaland to come up with a new phrase and an inventive new sound to get everyone moving. They both were hot and in demand with this sexy track that had us wanting to “be gone wit’ it”.

4.) “Gone”

(from the album Celebrity)

I know it’s an *NSYNC song, but there’s no denying the obvious fact that this is clearly a Justin Timberlake song with 4 guys singing back-up for him. It’s a super sweet melody that builds Justin’s falsetto from beginning to end. The lyrics are heartfelt and really help to show Justin as an established songwriter.

3.) “LoveStoned/I Think She Knows”

(from the album FutureSex / LoveSounds)

This certainly feels like one of the most underrated singles in his career. Talk about a strong build, this song starts with a subtle beat, brings in some classic strings and disco pop, breaks it down beat by beat in the middle, then flips a 180 and settles it down with an impressive interlude that is part genius and part fun. Well done Timbaland & Timberlake.

2.) “My Love” (featuring T.I.)

(from the album FutureSex / LoveSounds)

Why is this sexy second single higher on the countdown than it’s explosive first single? For my personal taste, it’s a stronger production value than “SexyBack” and it’s lyric content is certainly a lot more personal than whips and chains and dirty babes. This love song is backed up by a futuristic beat and showcases all of JT’s swagger.

1.) “Cry Me A River” (featuring Timbaland)

(from the album Justified)

Of course I’m going to go with this classic, a bittersweet tale which left us with more answers than questions because of its accompanying music video. Justin didn’t leave anything hidden for us to figure out why his relationship with the princess of pop didn’t last long. And to be honest, he couldn’t give 2 shits about it. Not to mention that this is where the Timbaland/Timberlake was born.