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| The Legacy Of 'TRL,' In <i>Bigger Than The Sound</i> Posted: 17 Sep 2008 05:00 AM PDT The request show, which goes on hiatus in November, was YouTube before the video-sharing site even existed.
On The Record: The Legacy Of "TRL" (No, Really) In a way, I suppose it was somewhat fitting that I heard about the shelving of "TRL" not from a super-secret corporate memo or a closed-door meeting with PowerPoint presentations, but rather in a text message from a friend. After all, it was the kind of news you usually get from a buddy of yours — something slightly terrible yet completely expected, right on par with "Did you hear so-and-so's parents are getting divorced?" or "Did you know your ex-girlfriend is now a Suicide Girl?" Because, let's face it: "TRL" has been on the air for a decade now (which, to borrow a quote from the good folks over at Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch Blog, is "equivalent to maybe 200 in human years" for this network); has launched more than a few careers; and has had more than its fair share of memorable moments (Mariah Carey's 2001 ice-cream-fueled striptease/meltdown being about five of them). It has been the hottest thing on television, the stalest thing since week-old bread and a cultural tipping point (you probably don't remember, but "TRL" really shouldered the brunt of the whole "MTV is ruining society" thing back before Lauren and Audrina graced our airwaves). And over the course of more than 2,000 shows (and just as many hosts), it's also become something that I don't think anyone could've predicted: an institution of sorts. But having said all that, its time has come. Of course, this has less to do with the show itself than it does with the fact that, in 2008, the idea of a video-countdown show seems impossibly antiquated. With the state of labels and the rise of sites like MySpace and YouTube, music videos are no longer the primary means of promotion for an artist or an album (they're probably not even necessary, though we'll leave that debate for another day), and you can basically say the same thing about "TRL." And while the show isn't leaving us for good — rather than being canceled outright, it's apparently just "resting" for a while — it's a pretty safe bet that even if it is resurrected someday, it won't be the "TRL" you grew up with. It will be rejiggered and reinvigorated ... and, god willing, something much, much better. So, in a lot of ways, this seems like a pretty good time to stand over the casket, close our eyes tight and deliver a eulogy for "TRL," a show that ultimately was drowned by the waves it helped create. Because, whether anyone associated with the show ever realizes it, "TRL" will probably not be remembered for the stars it helped create or the shiny studio it vacated but, rather, for the legacy it leaves behind ... one that is simply stated, yet massive in scope: "TRL" was YouTube before YouTube ever existed. Seriously. Because as soon as "TRL" really started gaining steam — say, in the fall of 1999, when a live studio audience was added to the mix — the innovations were fast and furious. With the introduction of the live audience came those little windows featuring squealing tweens (you know, the ones who would pop up during, say, the new Britney video). At the time, they were rather annoying — except when some poor girl would freeze up on live TV, and then black-hearted hilarity would ensue — but now it's fairly obvious that these were the prototypes of a million "video diaries" that would come to populate YouTube in the years to come. These were kids talking directly to the camera (and, in a way, to the audience at home), which had never been done before. Stylistically (and sentiment-wise), it was the kind of stuff we'd see in the entire lonelygirl15 series or just about any other so-called vlog you can think of these days. It's de rigueur now, but back in 1999, it was groundbreaking. After that came the whole concept of "instant feedback" — videos were voted on by viewers at home, and (in later years) those same viewers were able to submit messages that would scroll along the bottom of the screen during videos — something akin to commenting on a YouTube clip or leaving a sticky note or even favorite-ing a video. Again, rather groundbreaking stuff, and all happening on a live TV show that broadcast five days a week. And while we could debate about those stylistic points, I don't think there's any denying this: At its very heart, "TRL" was the first television show that turned the camera squarely on the audience. It made them the stars of the show — they dictated where it went and what videos made the cut. They contributed to the ebb and flow on a daily basis ... and the fact that the show was unfolding live before our very eyes only further emphasized that. Truly, "TRL" was the first program of its kind that could turn on a dime, could begin as one thing on a Monday and by Friday be something completely different. "TRL" was marketed as being "your show," and it really was. And that sentiment, that sense of spontaneity and that viewer-controlled flexibility is what made YouTube into the culture-defining thing it is today. Of course, it bears mentioning that all those achievements also contributed to the show's demise. As "TRL" grew in popularity, the sideshow (the audience, the viewers at home) became the main attraction, and the videos were almost an afterthought, chopped down to 30- then 15-second blips on the radar. It was a move that shortened our already nanosecond-length attention spans and only further devalued the videos themselves, until it got to the point where YouTube supplanted "TRL" as the place for kids to watch music videos, because, hey, they were really nothing more than disposable products anyway ... the kind of stuff perfectly suited to be viewed in grainy quality on a computer screen. And when the videos became less of an event, so did the show. Not to mention the fact that YouTube gave visitors unfiltered, uncensored (sort of) content and allowed them even, uh, "instant-er" feedback. And that, really, was game, set and match. Hosts came and went, guests popped in and popped out, but "TRL" was starting to lose its luster. And now, just a few days after it's 10th birthday, it's headed out to pasture. You might stand and cheer about that fact — "Good riddance!" — or you might be a bit sad (you might also be indifferent, which is kind of the last thing you're going for in the world of television). But however you feel, I think it's important to remember "TRL" for what it was: really groundbreaking, incredibly important television — a show whose impact is still being felt today ... and the launching pad for Carson Daly, of course. And that's a legacy-capper if I've ever heard one. Questions? Concerns? "TRL" memories? Send 'em to me at BTTS@MTVStaff.com. Related Artists |
| Pussycat Dolls Say Missy Elliott Takes Their New Single 'To A Whole Other Level' Posted: 16 Sep 2008 08:46 AM PDT 'I was completely starstruck,' says Kimberly Wyatt, who also hints that rapper may join PCD on tour.
The Pussycat Dolls added a little more estrogen to their group with their new single "Whatcha Think About That." They joined forces with Missy Elliott on the track , and the foxy quintet was still buzzing with excitement about the collaboration when MTV News visited the set of their video. "We threw down with Missy Elliott last night, and it was incredible," Kimberly Wyatt said. "For the first time in my life, I was weak in the knees. I was completely starstruck. I had butterflies."
Jessica Sutta added, "It was magical on set last night." It's not the first time the dance troupe turned pop group has collaborated with a hip-hop artist. But in the past, the cameos have come from men like Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes. "Missy is so hot because she's the first female we've worked with on our album," Nicole Scherzinger said. "And she's taking the Pussycat Dolls to a whole other level. We love you, Missy. "We love this song. We hope you love this song," Scherzinger added. "We got a lot of fun surprises. We're doing the Pussycat Dolls to the next power." She also opened up about the group's new album, Doll Domination, which hits stores September 23. They worked with a slew of producers, including Timbaland, Dr. Dre and Scott Storch. "It's the PCD at its best, old-school style," she said. "[We're] keeping it real for you, so you're going to love it. In the house [we've got] all of our old friends, like Snoop Dogg, and new people. We got some good surprises for you." But don't think the ladies are done working with Missy. They've got some big plans come early 2009. "She did tell me she wanted to go on tour with us," Wyatt revealed. "We go on tour January '09 — so, Missy, you better be there!" Related Videos Related Artists |
| Kanye West Posts New Version Of 'Love Lockdown' On His Blog Posted: 16 Sep 2008 01:32 AM PDT MC apparently responds to fan comments about original version.
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| Nate Dogg In Stable Condition After Second Stroke: Report Posted: 16 Sep 2008 02:33 AM PDT Former Death Row recording artist hospitalized after suffering two strokes in one year.
Details were sketchy at press time, but according to multiple online reports, including TMZ, former Death Row recording artist Nate Dogg suffered a stroke 11 days ago — his second in the past year — but is currently in stable condition. TMZ reported that Nate (real name: Nathaniel Hale) is hospitalized and is using an assisted-breathing tube — not because it is required, but because it makes breathing easier for him. The site also said reports that the singer suffered brain damage are untrue, and that Nate is currently under sedation. The site reported that it is too early to tell how the stroke will affect Nate's use of his limbs — his arm and leg were hampered by the first stroke — but he is not able to move much below his neck. MTV News was unable to reach any reps for Nate at press time; much of the Dogg Pound's crew is currently on tour in Europe with Snoop Dogg. Late last year, Nate was paralyzed on the left side of his body after suffering a mild stroke over the holidays, his manager, Rod McGrew, told MTV News at the time, and was placed in an occupational rehab facility. In January, TMZ drew McGrew's ire after it posted an audio clip that the manager confirmed was Nate's girlfriend phoning 911 after the singer collapsed. The reaction to clip — bloggers joked about the caller's monotonous tone during the crisis — angered McGrew, who said he was dismayed over the interest in such a thing and intended to pursue legal action. TMZ reported that Nate is due in court on September 24 to face felony charges after he allegedly made death threats to his estranged wife, although presumably his current condition may cause that date to be rescheduled. Related Artists |
| Metallica's <i>Death Magnetic</i> Looks Set For #1 Debut Posted: 15 Sep 2008 10:24 PM PDT Early estimates have band's first studio set in five years selling 500,000-plus.
On Friday, Metallica released their ninth album, the Rick Rubin-helmed Death Magnetic. The LP is the band's first full-length studio offering in nearly five years and, if the earliest sales projections are any indication, it seems as though the group's fanbase couldn't wait another minute to grab themselves a copy of the disc. Even though albums from Jessica Simpson, Gym Class Heroes and LL Cool J had a three-day head start (albums are usually released in the U.S. on Tuesdays; Metallica elected to issue their new LP on a Friday to accommodate a global release date), Death Magnetic is still poised to enter the Billboard albums chart at #1 on Wednesday. Billboard, citing unnamed "informed sources," reported that Death Magnetic will open with week-one sales in the neighborhood of 450,000 to 500,000 copies, which would earn Metallica its fifth consecutive chart-topping debut. According to the magazine, the album's total first-week scans could end up being even higher as sales numbers trickle in from Ticketmaster, which offered a ticket/ album bundle to those who'd purchased tickets to the band's upcoming tour online. The album was also packaged with "Guitar Hero" at Best Buy locations nationwide, and was sold through the game's Xbox and PlayStation platforms. Those aren't quite Lil Wayne numbers but they're impressive nonetheless. Should the early projections ring true, Death Magnetic will earn the distinction of being the band's seventh release to open with more than 300,000 sold in its first frame. Metallica's last appearance on the chart took place in 2004, when the soundtrack EP for the documentary "Some Kind of Monster" opened at #37 with nearly 30,000 copies sold. The band's last full-length, 2003's St. Anger, debuted at #1 with 418,000 sold; 1997's Re-Load bowed with 435,000-plus units sold; and 1996's Load debuted with 680,000. The band's self-titled 1991 release (often referred to as The Black Album) sold more than 650,000 copies, marking the first time a Metallica album opened at #1. Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Hills' Star Lauren Conrad Says People Have 'Low Expectations' For Her Book Series Posted: 15 Sep 2008 11:40 PM PDT 'These aren't meant to be very serious books,' she says of upcoming 'L.A. Candy' series.
Lauren Conrad is branching out. Last week, the "Hills" star announced that she would be adding author to her growing résumé. MTV News caught up with Conrad to find out if she's feeling the pressure of her new literary career. "I think because I have a reality show, they have low expectations," she said. "These aren't meant to be very serious books. They're very fun. They're a light read, so hopefully people will just enjoy them."
Conrad, who had always dreamed of writing a book of some sort, elaborated a little about the plot for the "L.A. Candy" book series. "We threw around a few ideas, possibly on dating or fashion," she said. "But I love writing stories, so we came up with this idea of loosely basing it on my story, but with completely different people, just kind of the same situation. "We can have fun with it, 'cause we spent five years on camera, and there was an entirely different story off camera, not being told," she added. "It'll focus on that side of it." The first installment in the three-book series is expected to hit stores next summer, and Conrad has already completed the outline and will now write the novel. "I'm having a lot of fun with it," she said. "It's definitely a little bit more edgy. Just very real." Let's not forget that other project Lauren is working on: the always drama-filled soap opera known as "The Hills." Lauren loves to watch it and see how her life is interpreted for everyone's viewing pleasure. "It's fun [to watch]. It's kind of neat to see how the producers and editors take your story and put them into a TV show," she said. And even Lauren is excited to see what will happen next in her life. "I don't know [what will happen]. It's catching up in real time, so we'll see what happens." Lauren also will be showing her collection at L.A. fashion week in October. She gave a few hints about what everyone should expect from it. "I mean, it's spring," she said. "A brushstroke, a floral print, and I added chiffon. It's very sweet." Related Videos |
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