Year: 2022

Stan Pulliam is the mayor of Sandy, Oregon, a tiny city of approximately 11,000 people that’s located less than 30 minutes from Portland. Stan Pulliam is also a candidate for governor who will be on the Republican ticket for the state’s upcoming primary in May 2022 primary. Lesser known, though much more excitingly, Stan Pulliam is also a swinger—or at least he was—but he’s not letting his Austin Powers-esque lifestyle stop him from gunning for a gubernatorial run. And why should it?

As Mediaite reports, the wannabe governor has freely admitted that he and his wife MacKensey like to keep things interesting in the sex department. OK, so maybe it was coaxed out of him a little bit when someone posted a screen shot from 2016, shortly after the couple were joined Swinger Facebook Group PDX, a Facebook group of more than 500 Portland-area locals who were all up for a little partner swapping.

By way of introduction, Pulliam said that he and MacKensey were “excited to be added to your little community! Some of you we have already had the pleasure to meet and we look forward to getting to know the rest of you! Cheers and happy Saturday!

Spoken like a true politician!

According to Willamette Week, Pulliam confirmed that the screen shot was indeed authentic, though that the couple has since retired from the swinging game. The 40-year-old mayor told the paper that he and his wife had “explored relationships, mutual relationships with other couples, for a brief period of time before ultimately deciding that it wasn’t for us.”

While he would not give specifics or dates about when the couple put the kibosh on their swinging ways, Pulliam did say that it was long before he decided to run for governor. “I think people can relate from all different parts of the state who have been involved in marriages,” he said. “There are different stages of marriage and different ebbs and flows. This is something that was for a brief period in our past and is in the past.”

He also apparently found it important to note that “I’m a heterosexual male. And I’ve only personally engaged in heterosexual activity,” in response to reports that he is bisexual.

Pulliam, who is a devoted Trump supporter, has also touted himself as a true conservative with small-town values. And has found a way to point to his free lovin’ ways as proof of that.

“In Oregon, we really cherish values of individuality and liberty,” Pulliam told Willamette Week. “The decisions that we made were for MacKensey and I to make in the privacy of our own homes. We’re certainly not asking anybody to participate or practice or do any of the things that we have decided to do in the past. But we’re also certainly not ashamed of decisions that we’ve made in the past either, as they’ve made us stronger.”

(Via Mediaite)

Pearl Jam leader Eddie Vedder is in the midst of a solo tour, but he’s not alone, as his backing band consists of Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Josh Klinghoffer (an RHCP member until recently), Andrew Watt, Chris Chaney, and Glen Hansard. A couple days ago, the crew was performing in Newark, New Jersey and while there, Vedder saw an opportunity to continue his feud with Mötley Crüe and took it.

During a Smith drum solo, Vedder said, “That drum kit — that silver, beautiful machine that he is the engine of — does not need to elevate or rotate to do its job, let me just point that out!”

That seems to be a clear reference to Mötley Crüe’s live shows, during which Tommy Lee was famous for elaborate drum set-ups that featured him on a roller coaster track. That caused issues at the band’s farewell concert in 2016, when Lee found himself stuck upside down.

As for what this Vedder/Crüe feud is all about, it has a short but rich history. Basically, Vedder criticized Crüe in a recent interview, Nikki Sixx clapped back, Vedder clapped back at Sixx’s clap-back, and now, here we are.

How close did Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg get while filming Uncharted? Close enough that Holland seriously thought Wahlberg gave him a sex toy as a gift during an awkward car ride.

With the film adaptation of the hit video game series arriving in theaters next week, the two sat down with Access Hollywood to talk about the whirlwind production that saw Holland go straight from Uncharted to filming Spider-Man: No Way Home. We’re guessing Wahlberg noticed Holland looked understandably tense when they first met, so he gave Holland a device that, well, puzzled the young actor. Via IndieWire:

“Mark Wahlberg was kind enough to give me a massage gun after I left his house in L.A. and he drove me back to my hotel,” Holland said. “I was confused as to what kind of massage gun this was, having never seen one before, and I thought it was the type of self-pleasure.”

Holland joked, “I thought Mark Wahlberg was driving me back to my house for other reasons other than just being a gentleman. I didn’t know you — it’s Hollywood, baby. Who knows what’s gonna happen?”

Wahlberg couldn’t believe that — this whole time… like, months — Holland thought the massage gun was a sex toy and told his co-star to “get your head outta the gutter.” After the interview clip went viral, Wahlberg took things further by posting an Instagram video where he makes it clear that the device he gave Holland was non-sexual.

“Massage tool strictly for muscle recovery @tomholland2013,” Wahlberg wrote in the caption while showing off the drill-looking device, which raises all kinds of questions about what Holland thought he was supposed to do with it. There’s a pretty reasonable chance this ends up being more fascinating than anything that happens in the movie.

Uncharted hits theaters on February 18.

(Via Access Hollywood)

While its turn-of-the-millennium release was maligned by label woes and internal struggles within the band, Wilco’s 2001 Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is as good as it gets. An undisputed classic, the album vaulted Wilco from alt-country Midwest risers into a full blown indie-rock powerhouse led by arguably the best modern American songwriter in Jeff Tweedy. Now the band have announced a 20th anniversary set of shows where fans can relive the band playing the album in full, plus more Wilco classics and rarities.

For now, the April run of shows are only coming to New York City and the band’s hometown of Chicago. The New York slate features four nights of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot at the 3,300 capacity United Palace on the Upper West Side. Whereas the Chicago shows will go down at the 3,900-seat Auditorium Theatre in the heart of the Chicago Loop. It’s a fortunate draw for residents of each of those two cities, but hearing the band’s somber opening on “I Am Trying Yo Break Your Heart,” or the drum transition from “Ashes Of American Flags” into “Heavy Metal Drummer” live in sequence, might very well be worth the trip.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, February 11th at 10 a.m. local time here. Check out the full concert dates below.

04/15 – New York, NY @ United Palace
04/16 – New York, NY @ United Palace
04/17 – New York, NY @ United Palace
04/19 – New York, NY @ United Palace
04/22 – Chicago, IL @ Auditorium Theatre
04/23 – Chicago, IL @ Auditorium Theatre

The NBA trade deadline is still two days away, but the pace has picked up considerably in recent days. Portland has been very active, sending Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Clippers and on Tuesday shipping CJ McCollum off to New Orleans in a seven-player deal.

Indiana is the other team known to be sellers on the market, already dealing Caris LeVert to Cleveland, and on Tuesday they also made another blockbuster move, trading Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday to the Sacramento Kings for Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, and Tristan Thompson is a major shakeup for both teams.

The only draft pick being sent out in the deal is a 2027 second rounder from Indiana to Sacramento.

It’s a move few saw coming, but you can see the vision for both teams — even if it may not work out. Sacramento is clearly tired of the constant rebuilding mode they’ve been in for years, and Sabonis gives them frontcourt stability, while they also get a pair of quality veteran wings in Lamb and Holiday, who should raise their floor on the defensive end as well. The question for the Kings is how much this raises their ceiling and whether doubling down on trying to win now is the right move, but it’s not a shocker that ownership wants to reach the play-in this year and try to take something of a step forward.

For the Pacers, they accelerate their rebuild with Haliburton, a promising young guard, and continue to gain future flexibility. Hield will replace LeVert’s scoring at the off-guard/wing spot, and Indiana continues to try and set itself up for a quick rebuild — as it seems clear it’s not a complete teardown for now.

In terms of solo songs, we haven’t heard from Sharon Van Etten since 2020 (although she and Angel Olsen linked up on the fantastic “Like I Used To” last year). Now, though, Van Etten has returned with a new single, “Porta.” In the clip for the energetic tune, Van Etten and Stella Cook, of Base Pilates in North Carolina, get their pilates on.

Van Etten says of the song and her relationship with Cook:

“[‘Porta’ was written in 2020] at one of my lowest lows. For most of my adult life I have struggled with bouts of depression and anxiety and coping mechanisms, and I sometimes let those dark moments get the best of me. During this time I felt very dissociated. Not connected to my body and I felt out of control. […]

I was seeking a friend, someone to talk to who understands what finding the core means but also knows what my weaknesses are and can help me work around them and find my other strengths. I knew I was entering a no judgment zone and I needed to be held accountable for my actions and Stella helped me step up. We would meet once a week on Zoom, have a catch up on life over a quick coffee and then get to work. Then, a day or two later she would send another video my way so I had something to work towards the end of the week. She was encouraging, but not pushy. If life got in the way, I didn’t feel like I let her down — but I loved our sessions. I looked forward to them. I started feeling closer to her, and closer to myself, and it helped things seem hopeful. And I just wanted to share that with the world. Instead of the darkness. Instead of my fears. My message is to work through them. Even when it’s hard. Even when it hurts. Reach out. Reach out to that friend who helps you reach out towards yourself.”

Watch the “Porta” video above. Van Etten also announced a run of European tour dates (ahead of her joint tour with Angel Olsen and Julien Baker), so check that out below.

05/31 — Lisbon, PT @ Aula Magna
06/05 — München, DE @ Muffathalle
06/06 — Antwerp, BE @ Openluchttheater Rivierenhof
06/07 — Hamburg, DE @ Markthalle
06/13 — Berlin, DE @ Metropol
06/14 — Utrecht, NE @ TivoliVredenberg Grote Zaal
06/15 — Paris, FR @ La Cigale
06/17 — London, UK @ O2 Brixton Academy
06/18 — Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute
06/19 — Leeds, UK @ 02 Academy Leeds
06/21 — Glasgow, UK @ Barrowlands
06/22 — Dublin, IE @ Vicar Street

This week in pop music saw the return of some buzzing pop artists. Rosalia fired off an empowering tune, Tate McRae turned envy into a banger with a new single, and New Zealand pop star Benee shared a breezy new track.

Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop releases. Listen up.

Rosalia — “Saoko”

After officially announcing her Motomami album with a nearly nude photo of her as cover art, Rosalia shared the rhythmic single “Saoko.” Flexing her clever lyrics and pumped-up beats, “Saoko” gives Rosalia fans a taste of the dynamic and innovative songs they can expect to hear on her upcoming project.

Tate McRae — “She’s All I Wanna Be”

Certifying her pop star status, Tate McRae returns with the fired-up single “She’s All I Wanna Be.” The track is about the all-too-familiar feelings of jealousy in a relationship. Over a upbeat tempo, McRae leans on her smokey vocals to sing of comparing herself to another woman who’s “got everything” that she doesn’t have, like a perfect smile, a big house, and a nice car.

Benee — “Beach Boy”

Benee’s career may have started with a breakout song on TikTok, but she’s back to flex her songwriting talents with the new track “Beach Boy.” Officially announcing her upcoming project Lychee, “Beach Boy” boasts dreamy chords, catchy refrains, and Benee’s sun-drenched voice.

Flume — “Say Nothing” Feat. May-A

Grammy-nominated Aussie producer Flume announced his anticipated album Palaces this week, his first full-length project since 2016. To celebrate, the electronic producer teamed up with singer May-A for the tantalizing tune “Say Nothing,” a song that beautify combines May-A’s soaring vocals and Flume’s intricate beat-making. “This song is about feelings of post relationship clarity,” Flume said about the single.

Ali Gatie — “Perfect”

After winning fans over with his swooning voice and tender love songs heard on his two previous albums, Ali Gatie is back with the new ballad “Perfect.” The piano-laden song leaves room for Gatie’s endlessly captivating vocals as he sings emotionally-charged lyrics about a less-than-perfect relationship. The single is Gatie’s first of the year and previews the intimate performance he’s expected to deliver at this year’s Coachella.

Jim-E Stack, Lucky Daye — “Next To Me”

After captivating audiences with his fun production and laundry list of collaborations, Jim-E Stack now teams up with R&B crooner Lucky Daye for the elevated single “Next To Me.” Both chilled and invigorating, “Next To Me” perfectly combines Daye’s honeyed vocals with Stack’s ornate production to craft a captivating collaboration.

Sofi Tukker — “Original Sin”

Duo Sofi Tukker bring their refreshing pop sound to the new track “Original Sin,” officially announcing the sophomore album Wet Tennis. The single features a bouncy beat and wildly catchy verses about the importance of staying true to yourself. Describing the song, the duo say it’s meant to be an anthem for letting your freak flag fly. “It says: we aren’t meant to be saints. We aren’t born sinners,” Sofi Tukker said. “We’re just a bunch of freaks who make mistakes and keep trying to do our best.”

Yeule — “Bites On My Neck”

Innovative pop singer Yeule officially released their album Glitch Princess this week, showing off their ability to write deliriously catchy music. The song “Bites On My Neck” is emblematic of Yeule’s artistry, combining buzzing synths and breathy vocals for an intriguing tune that leaves you wanting more.

K.Flay — “The Muck”

Acclaimed hitmaker K.Flay returned with revved-up album Inside Voices / Outside Voices, showing off her wide range of songwriting talent with collaborations from the likes of Tom Morello and Travis Barker. Her track “The Muck” gives fans a taste of her inviting vocals and electrifying chords as she sings of feeling stuck.

Trip Carter — “Excuses”

LA-based multi-faceted musician Trip Carter showed off his funky songwriting this week with the perpetually playful tune “Excuses.” Emulating Shaggy’s era-defining hit “It Wasn’t Me,” “Excuses” brings the musician’s cheeky style of songwriting to a new generation of fans, adding on a groovy bass line and soaring vocals.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

In case you thought The Batman would be a happy movie with a very normal Bruce Wayne, think again. “I’ve definitely found a little interesting thread. He doesn’t have a playboy persona at all, so he’s kind of a weirdo as Bruce and a weirdo as Batman, and I kept thinking there’s a more nihilistic slant to it,” star Robert Pattinson told GQ about the Matt Reeves-directed superhero film, which he called a “sad movie.”

You can watch the sad movie (the emo eyeliner speaks for itself) for yourself on March 4 — or a few days early if you look closely at the IMAX poster below.

See it? Prepare to [Super Troopers voice] enhance.

Focus on the space between Batman and Colin Farrell’s Penguin in the middle of the poster. There’s a bit.ly link that leads to a website with information about advance fan screenings of The Batman in IMAX (I’ll save you the hassle). The showtimes begin on March 1, and you can purchase tickets (which come with a copy of Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale) now.

Outside of the passively ripped Pattinson, The Batman also stars Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, and Andy Serkis.

Trevor Noah recently couldn’t believe that he found Joe Rogan’s Covid-misinformation apology (in response to Spotify’s decision to add a “content advisory” warning to his podcast) to be “pretty dope” and “refreshing.” In the process, The Daily Show host stressed that this wasn’t a defense of Rogan’s habit of dropping misinformation, only that he appreciated the thoughtful pledge to do better. However, Noah certainly didn’t climb onboard with Rogan’s subsequent apology, which followed Page Six‘s reporting on a viral compilation of Rogan using the N-word, uh, a lot.

In a video statement, Rogan expressed his regret and shame over the video and admitted that this “looks f*cking horrible, even to me,” but he insisted that that compilation was gathered “out of context” from 12 years of his content. At around the 2:00 min mark above, though, Noah confirmed that he’s not buying that train of thought, especially since the use of the N-word by Rogan was so voluminous. The Joe Rogan Experience host was “dropping the N-word like he bought it in bulk at Costco,” as Noah described things, and he continued:

“If there’s ever a video of you saying the ‘N’ word that many times, you better pray one of two things: Either, you’re a Black person or you’re a dead man from history. Because then the worst thing they can do is take your statue down… and move it into a museum.”

Noah also took a moment to point out a part of video compilation where Rogan discussed going to see Planet of the Apes, and boy, that discussion took a turn. As Rogan discussed the neighborhood where he saw the film, the host proclaimed, “We walked into… Planet of the Apes. We walked into Africa. We walked into the film, and there was no white people.” And in response, Noah declared, “That’s O.G. racism… That’s on the Mount Rushmore of racism. ‘Black people are apes’ is right next to burning crosses and every Bugs Bunny cartoon from the 1940s.”

Watch the full Noah response above.

Nick Cannon has seven kids with four women, spawning the meme among fans that he’s notoriously prolific. For instance, when Cannon responded to Saweetie’s tweet about wanting kids with a raised hand emoji, commenters lit up Twitter with jokes about keeping him away from her. While he insisted the tweet was innocent fun, it looks like no one is taking chances. Now, one of Cannon’s fellow multi-hyphenate standup veterans is also stepping up to help slow down the hip-hop Genghis Khan.

Kevin Hart, who previously trolled Cannon with a billboard sharing his phone number while offering his services as a fatherhood advisor, sent Nick a Valentine’s Day gift to help him keep his child support payments under control: a vending machine loaded with condoms. Cannon posted a photo of the gift to Instagram, although he didn’t initially reveal who sent it to him. “Looks like somebody just sent me an early Valentine’s Day gift!!” he wrote. “Vending Machine full of Magnums!”

Of course, Hart wanted to make sure everyone knew who was responsible, so he reposted Cannon’s pic with his own caption. “I see u got my gift @nickcannon,” he gloated. “GOTCHA BITCH!!!!!! ….Now u don’t have an excuse because the condoms are free.”

It looks like the next move in the duo’s ongoing prank war belongs to Nick, but he’ll have to work hard to top this.