RAVE of the week: Lana Del Rey – “Video Games”

The most beautiful and gorgeously crafted song of the year (and possibly ever) goes to Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.”

“Video Games” is melancholy in both vocals and music. Del Rey’s sultry voice exudes hope that she and her partner will connect, but she is treated less than what she deserves. She accepts the fact her boyfriend loves video games just as much if not more than her. Her treatment is all but ignored.

“It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you / Everything I do / I tell you all the time / Heaven is a place on earth with you / Tell me all the things you want to do,” Del Rey sings passionately hoping to further their connection past the mundane.

The quiet strumming of the harp in the background only intensifies Del Rey’s emotional response to the lyrics she’s singing. Del Rey is almost a modern day Dusty Springfield in both vocals and appearance. “Video Games” is a retreat to the ‘60s.

“They say that the world was built for two / Only worth living if somebody is loving you,” Del Rey continues to suggest she needs to be loved.

While only her first single, “Video Games” is a promising start to a career that is about to explode with success.

“Video Games” is available on iTunes Oct. 11.

WRECK of the Week: LMFAO’s not-so-sexy music video

The electro pop duo LMFAO is well-known for its catchy party lyrics and flashy fashion style. However, the band’s music video for their newest single “Sexy and I Know It” is downright offensive and disturbing in more ways than one.

The video begins just as LMFAO fans would expect: with outrageous outfits and amusing dance choreography. But then, the music video crosses all boundaries when the vocalist and backup dancers all strip down to nothing but neon, multi-colored Speedos. And that’s not even the worst part.

Once dressed in the ridiculous Speedos, the LMFAO boys begin to shake what their mama gave them as if they were in a Shakira music video. Unattractive men plus multi-colored Speedos does NOT equal music video magic.

The music video’s worst part by far, occurs when the LMFAO men do the “wiggle” dance. I think that’s pretty self-explanatory.

While the attempt at humor is clear, the execution is just very, very wrong.

Plus, quick cameos from “That ‘70s Show’s” Wilmer Valderrama and has-been porn star Ron Jeremy only add to the music video’s awkwardness.

The bottom line: the only place men are allowed to wear Speedos is during a swim meet or on a beach in Europe.