Little J, she is no more – Taylor Momsen of the Gossip Girl fame is now pursuing a career in music – and I love it! Scantily – and scandalously – clad in garters and stripper heels, she is the modern-day Courtney Love with more energy, better vocals and a hefty dosage of teenage angst on display.
The Pretty Reckless – Miss Nothing
Taylor has a lot going against her. She is a teenage girl in rock-n-roll with model-esque looks and a past in acting. But don’t confuse her for an Emily Osment or a Demi Lovato; Taylor is the real deal in that racoon eyeshadow and a cigarette hanging out of her burgundy-painted mouth. Her authenticity is constantly being questioned, but I think the real test is not her past (where she came from, how hard her childhood was or how little money she used to have), but how devoted she is to what she does. If this is just a mask, a put-on, she will drop it and move on to something else in a year or two. But so far, what I see is a talented girl, an impressive performer and shockingly seasoned songwriter, fighting to be taken seriously in the historically sexist business of rock-n-roll. I’m rooting for her and am anxiously awaiting the full-length record!
To experience Taylor’s best songwriting, check out album tracks like Medicine and Goin’ Down, my favorites so far.
Deerlings: what do you think of The Pretty Reckless? Do you think Taylor has a chance?
Taylor Momsen? Ugh. She is an awful role model for teens. I wonder if she has parents, sometimes. Or maybe she just pays them to pretend not to care? Seriously, she brags about having sex, which is supposed to make her seem more adult but really she sounds even MORE childish! She is extremely obnoxious and tries too hard to be a sex magnet/SLUT. And even though I love you and respect your opinions, Doe, I think Taylor Momsen doesn’t act 24- she acts like a 4 year old who knows way too much about sex and drugs.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 11:08 am
Is that what adults do, brag about having sex? I think it’s what teenagers do. :))
Average age for girls in the US to become sexually active is 17, so I think Taylor is acting very much her age. Whether you approve of it or not is a different story… And who wasn’t obnoxious at 17?? I sure was, haha.
I really like her voice, however her style of music is just one that will probably never appeal to me. I’d rather listen to straight up punk or hardcore than something that pairs that vocal styling with generic “angst” music. karen o she is not.
That said, I really respect her as a young artist and a young woman coming into her own. She seems very grounded and like she doesn’t just let industry people control her image. In a recent interview, she talked about how she owned a vibrator. While a lot of her outfits and performances are clearly provocative, I found it a refreshing separation from the countless “ex-Disney, no talent, vacant stare” pop starlets who try to add an edginess by doing pole dances or releasing homemade sex tapes of themselves. Taylor is clearly in control of her own sexuality.
My favorite write up on the subject had to come from Dan Savage, who noted “Taylor Momsen—one of the stars of Gossip Girl—recently ‘divulged’ to Disorder Magazine that her ‘best friend is her vibrator.’ Fox News wrote up the ‘scandal,’ of course … No one is allowed to point out that sex toys are common, completely mainstream, and safe for use by young women. A vibrator is a low-risk alternative to intercourse with, say, Chace Crawford. (No risk of pregnancy, disease, or Axe body spray.)”
(full column here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/readlastletter)
I remembered Doe posting a picture of a really cute vibrator once and I think not being ashamed of who they are is something she and Taylor share.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 5, 2010 at 2:45 am
What a great observation, Bridget! Indeed, there is nothing uncommon about owning a vibrator – or being bisexual, or going topless, or having a fetish – but the mainstream media always portrays it as ‘shocking’.
Momsen has a really good understanding of what to shock with. Point in case: I recently read an interview with Christina Aguilera in GQ magazine. On the cover, Christina is holding a ‘petting ring’ (a sex toy). In the interview she admits to never having used it for what it’s for, and that she thinks ‘it just looks cool’ as an accessory. Artists like Christina, Britney, Miley etc explore the old (read: late 90s/early 2000s) idea of what provocative is – an empty tease with the easy “I didn’t mean it like that” cop-out.
Taylor is much more honest – perhaps to a fault – and not afraid to get in trouble for it. Gaga is the same way from what I’ve seen.
I like Taylor and the band, but I do think she dresses too slutty sometimes (especially for her age). You can be edgy without your butt or crotch hanging out.
:o Actually, I think Taylor Momsen looks like she was mostly inspired by Cherie Currie from The Runaways. The lingerie, low husky voice, blond hair, and the fact that both were young teens when they fronted their bands. They almost look like sisters!
http://www.gibson.com/Files/aaFeaturesImages/Joan%20Jett%20and%20the%20Runaways.jpg
http://www.punk77.co.uk/graphics/runaways/cherie3.jpg
http://cdn2.team-twilight.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/FSBW165379_3-003.jpg
(^ Picture of Dakota Fanning playing Cherie in a movie)
Doe Deere Reply:
September 5, 2010 at 9:58 am
Very much so!
Rowan Reply:
September 9, 2010 at 5:16 pm
That’s the first thing that came to my mind when I saw this video of Miss Nothing- or well, pictures of Taylor in mags.
Talented girl, we are the same age and I don’t act or dress that way. There’s nothing nastier than seeing a young girl or anyone smoke.
When I first heard that Taylor was going into music, I was wondering whether or not she was following the flow of other young actresses, however when I listened to some of her songs, I liked them. I believe she is the real deal when it comes to talent. She has a great voice and it fits the type of music her band plays. Everyone accuses her of being a “poser” just because a few years ago her style was pretty different. However, everyone seems to forget that she’s still a teenager. It takes time for a teenager to find a style that suits them. The rocker style does suit her very well, in fact. She has the face of an angel but wears dark make-up. It is a great contrast and makes her look cool. Her music is pretty good and I have high hopes that it will progress more in the future.
No, I have to completely disagree. She is yet another untalented fame-whore who is lauded for dressing like a $5 trick. It’s disappointing to see people trying to justifying her image as ‘edgy’ or ‘rock and roll’. Far from being empowering, it’s just plain sad.
Whoa Doe! Its AMAZING how I didn’t like Taylor her image or her music until I read these comments, expressed my own feelings and your responses to them so now I want to look into Taylor more listen to her music with an open mind this time. Guess this is why I read you blog;) Thanks.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 11:02 am
Thanks for being so open about it, Brittany! It’s good to be able to listen to an artist without a pre-formed opinion because it allows you to independently decide whether you like them or not.
She has a great voice, but this music video was boring. I don’t care if she writhes and looks up through her hair like a wild animal, or if she dresses like a stripper, but 3 minutes of it? That is all she did! She did not interact with anyone, only a few objects. There was no plot of inspiration to this music video I feel. I’d love to see and hear her in something else. On to search for it. It has to be out there.
Shannon Reply:
February 26, 2011 at 9:41 pm
I completely agree. I really liked her voice, but the video was completely uninspired.
Taylor herself really doesn’t do much for me. Her look to me is very fake and almost like she’s trying to fit into this stereotype of ‘rock and roll edge.’ I think she’s making a fool of herself.
As for The Pretty Reckless, they don’t seem awful. I had heard her song You Make Me Want to Die and it wasn’t really my thing, but Miss Nothing I kinda like. I think I’ll try out more of their stuff.
Just wanted to say that this has been a super interesting discussion! so many different issues raised! hope you post more entries like this, Doe :-)
Although I think i’m going to have to conclude with my honest, (much researched, now!) opinion; I think Taylor sucks, lol.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 10:59 am
No worries Rhia, to each their own! If an artist doesn’t resonate with you, what can you do. There are plenty of artists/bands I don’t like and I’m pretty vocal about it.
I normally don’t say things like this or react like this, but I have to.
Anyone can tell you I’d be the first to ‘Tsk’ and shake my head in disgust as a child acting like a whore ‘Miley cyrus pole dancing for example.’ But Taylor Momsen, I don’t mind.
Why? Because she is not aimed at a younger generation. She was in Gossip girl, a teen drama, please tell me where in today’s society is there a teen ager not exposed to sex, drugs, and all that bullshit. She isn’t being marketed towards a younger generation, SHE ISN’T A ROLE MODEL.
She is a musician, and a rock one at that. Rock n’ Roll is, and has always been, SEX DRUGS AND ROCK AND ROLL. Its not gonna change to fit some Mother wishes you would, or Behave and act your age. Do you think that Joan Jett was acting her age? Fuck no!
I would agree and be concerned if Taylor was being marketed towards a younger generation. But as it is, she is not, nor is The Pretty Reckless. They are a rock group, and they are embodying everything rock and grunge stand for. Sex, Fuck off Attitude, Angst, and something that PISSES PEOPLE OFF.
I say Kudos to Taylor. I really do.
Also, as a girl who grew up in NY herself, ppl from the city really are exposed to alot more than others. You are basically on your own, no Mommy holding your hand, more like, know which streets are safe at night, don’t go into Central Park after sundown, and Keep your purse and money secure.
You grow up ALOT faster living in a city like that, and being in showbiz, there isn’t time to be a child in that industry. Its grow up, adapt, or get out.
-F.
-P.S.
I started smoking at the age of 14.
Im 20 now.
My Father doesn’t give a shit and never did.
My grandma only cared cause she hates the smell and thinks its gross.
Get over it.
And I have a pair of clear heels [they light up too!] doesn’t mean they are hooker heels.
Now if they had a coin slot, then perhaps yeah. But they could just be a trend or something great to wear with silver or white dresses if you don’t want silver or white shoes.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 10:58 am
I can’t believe all the outrage over a pair of clear heels, haha. :) Wearing stripper heels does not = stripper. Stripping does.
Tara Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I thought the same thing, lol. I also have a clear pair of heels and they light up too XD I think they’re fun for clubbing.
And guess what? I’m not a stripper! The only person I’ve “stripped” for is my boyfriend of 5 yrs. and if someone has a problem with that then I have no problem with shoving my clear heels straight up their ass =D
BTW Doe you rock for sticking to your opinion while listening to what everyone else has to say. I just can’t stand seeing some people come on here and argue just for the sake of arguing. Such a waste of time.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Haha! Damn straight!
To be honest, I am quite surprised – if not to say disappointed – to see so many people calling Taylor a ‘slut’ on here. I think the majority of my readers are very open-minded, but I guess some couldn’t handle her provocative image.
As a feminist, I believe in allowing a woman to express herself any way she wants – not just ways I approve of.
Heart U Reply:
October 26, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Doe,
I agree with your perception of Taylor 100% I too grew up in New York, BEST CITY IN THE WORLD, and I totally think that you are right about how fast New Yorkers grow up compared to other people. I am 16 and I love Taylor, I attend a private school here, and I love this place! People need to lay off Taylor she is just doing what she feels is right, or as some say, floats her boat. Just lay off her, and if you don’t like her than I don’t understand why you are at this website!
Flip Reply:
September 7, 2010 at 1:11 am
<3
Pearl Reply:
September 9, 2010 at 3:18 pm
That, I agree with 100%. I have a lot of opinions about this kiddo, and regardless of how she acts, I find myself feeling getting a little queasy about calling a 17 year old girl a slut when I’m in my mid 20s.
I own some clear heels. They were some fredrick’s’ heels that most of the bridesmaids wore to my brother’s wedding. :S The theme wasn’t stripper. They were wearing a nice petal pink traditional dress.
I have to say the girl is asking for this in her interviews. The overly rebellious statements she pursues in her interviews invites a lot venemous statements, but its all for publicity I assume. Actors have a hard time fighting the immediate hype and ultimately fail in the music industry. Keanu Reeves, Billy Bob Thorton, Scarlett Johansen, Milla Jovanich, etc have all had pretty scarse popularity with whatever music careers they tried to dish out. I know some still tour and record, but its more of a hobby than a living. I’m in love with Scarlett, but her album with Tom Waits covers was horrible. I was incredibly excited since I love Scarlett and absolutely adore Tom Waits, but it was a bust. This girl seems to have a lot more appeal mainstream than any others, I have to say. I’m just waiting for her to grow up a little and find a niche before I judge her. I’m too old to be worrying about the trends of teens these days.
On a side note…Courtney Love was an atrocious woman. In comparing Momsen with a “real” artist, I certainly wouldn’t put up Love as a pillar. Momsen is a silly teen, Love is a bad mother.
I can’t express how disappointed I am in this post.
There is nothing cool or sexy about a young girl dressing like a hooker and wearing raccoon makeup.
Taylor Momsen is just another girl trying to get attention the wrong way.
Seriously doe????
Doe Deere Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 10:57 am
Hey Sally, I respect Taylor as an artist – she is a teen who is juggling 2 very labor-intensive careers, and happens to be a talented songwriter to boot. While I do understand that what she does can be considered provocative (or even ‘tasteless’ as some put it), I don’t judge her for choosing to express herself the way that she does.
Sally Reply:
September 6, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I can understand you on that, I personally just think she isn’t being a good role model to all the girls who probably look up to her from her show. She may be a wonderful artist but I can’t get past her exterior. When I was 17, my mom would have KILLED me if I dressed like that!!!
Cheers
x.
Lindsay Reply:
September 12, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Aside from her dressing, she is a self-made actress and singer/songwriter who is financially independent from her parents, managing two insane careers at 16 and isn’t hooked on drugs and in rehab like many girls who are 6+ years older than she is.
I think that’s a much better role model than the Lindsay Lohans and Paris Hiltons. Dressing provocatively doesn’t negate that for me.
I feel like I can respect Taylor for her hard work in having two jobs and growing up while constantly being judged, but I just feel like sometimes it’s all about her. I’ve watched a couple interviews about the band, and I have to say I’ve been confused to as whether she started the band of her own initiative… because she makes it sound that way in every interview. It’s cool that so far she is staying true to her style and herself but I’m just not a fan of the music. But I won’t bash because of that, I don’t have to listen to it if I don’t want to. :)
I must say, I am not a fan. I guess my main comment here is that I keep reading “In the city/industry/whatever, you grow up a lot faster.” I grew up in the middle of now where farmland and was forced to grow up fast too, but that isn’t an excuse for how she dresses and carries herself. I am her age, 17, and am a sexual being but I feel no need to flaunt it. I think she is looking for attention.
I absolutely love Taylor…I know a lot of people find her provocative style offensive, but to me that’s like saying that Dita Von Teese is just as bad as Heidi Montag. Both Dita and Taylor are unique, strong, and devoted to their profession. There are countless other famous girls and women who seem to dress and act the way that they feel others (especially men) would like them to, as opposed to embracing womanhood and just acting the way they want :]
They have some pretty good music and she can sing…but she is a little young to be walking around in lingerie all the time(not that there’s really any age where I consider that appropriate…lol!). To each his/her own… :)
Check out my blog: Principessa Gabriella
Underaged skankitude is so not cool, dude. Nor is it rock and roll. The video was entirely her in lingerie and clear heels, writhing around while giving a blank, vacuous raccoon-eyed stare in a forced “sexy” expression THE ENTIRE TIME. How is that “expressing” anything? (Other than the desire to be seen as desirable (sexually)? Something I don’t really think is okay, considering she’s… 17? sighhh)
Every second of that video basically said to me “I’m supposed to… find her hot right now?” So imagine how lecherous old guys will feel if they see this. Like I said, it’s totally cool for guys of all ages to objectify 17 year old girls; people like Taylor Momsen are just making it easier.
Doe Deere Reply:
September 7, 2010 at 9:13 am
There are plenty “look at me I’m sexy” videos but I don’t find them very interesting. This one is different. “Miss Nothing” is a twisted take on the Last Supper, with Taylor being Virgin Mary. There are also random characters like John Lennon and Charlie Chaplin appearing for split seconds. Her sexualizing is clearly done for provocation purposes, not ‘just to be sexy’.
Cutesaurus Reply:
September 13, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Oh, since it’s the Last Supper, I assume you mean Mary Magdalene, who actually WAS a prostitute! So I guess it DOES all make sense now!
Lindsay Reply:
September 12, 2010 at 5:05 pm
“Skank” implies that she’s sexually promiscuous. Proof? I think you should hear yourself say “She must be because of how she dresses” and really think about what you’re saying about women.
I’ve never watched Gossip Girl nor do I read any gossip magazines so I basically have a tabula rasa when it comes to making a point of her/the band. Which was not any better or worse than other bands in the category and could have any chance in the world to make it anywhere. I have however stumbled upon a lot of shit and ridicule over her so I know she’s having a hard time earning credibility. Maybe she made a total change of style when becoming a singer or so?
Either way one can discuss how healthy or sane it is that a teenage girl moves around like that in lingerie or stripper heels (she apparently was 16 when creating that look). Of course it’s pretty common these days to see teenagers styled like that but if one thinks about it it’s pretty sick; it’s ok for grown men to desire her since she is in a music video doing all that, but you can also go to jail for desiring and having pictures of girls under 18 in lingerie… A bit far fetched on one hand, but also true.
I really like the sound, but don’t care for her “look” at all…..too Avril Lavigne-shopped-in-Christina Aguilera’s-closet.
I must say, she sounds pretty good. However, I don’t like the way she looks, or rather , her expressions. There’s something about the turn of her lip and the look in her eyes that just turns me off. Good track though!
The slut shaming here is ridiculous. I’m glad to see all these progressive ladies are SO capable of not judging a woman’s personality and promiscuity based on her clothing and shoe-choice. Bravo, ladies.
Although, to be fair, I don’t find her look all that esthetically pleasing. Well, mostly just the hair and makeup. I think she would look great with a decent hair cut and with the eyeliner toned down about 75%, but that’s just me. Also the smoking is gross, but I’m a raging asthmatic, soooo.
And all this “role model” nonsense is stupid. Really, really stupid. Not just in the case of Taylor Momsen, but for any celebrity that people slam as a “poor role model for young girls” (funny how it’s always young girls, not boys, eh? Like girls are maybe so stupid and spineless that they can’t create their own personality without a celebrity to look up to? Hmm). Seriously, it’s your kid. You raised them. If they turn out to be a drug-addled failure, or god forbid, a “whore”, don’t blame it on a singer. You were the parent. You fucked up. Or maybe, JUST MAYBE, if your kid makes the decision to emulate Courtney Love/Taylor Momsen/whoever, maybe they just weren’t a very bright person to begin with. I mean, this seems like something I might have listened to when I was younger, but I would have been insulted if someone had scolded me for choosing such a “poor role model”, because frankly I was smart enough as a kid to know what was a good influence and what wasn’t.
Anyway, I just had to rant because I found the bulk of these comments appalling. And props to Momsen’s vocal ability; she’s light years beyond the musical “talent” displayed by some of her fellow Gossip Girl stars. (eg, Leighton Meester)
Maja Reply:
October 10, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I don’t know anything about Gossip Girl or anything, but I definitely agree with most of you say here. :)
I don’t really think she’s that talented, but you can never tell until you hear someone perform live so I can’t really say for sure!. *shrugs*
I ADORE The Pretty Reckless. One of my favorite new bands. The song, “My Medicine”, is my favorite by far.
I think she’s a little young to be rocking garter belts, etc., all the time… But when I was 16, that’s EXACTLY what I wanted to do/be/say. So I can’t really talk.
“She is the modern-day Courtney Love with more energy, better vocals and a hefty dosage of teenage angst on display.”
Being a rabid snarling C-Love fan, I’m gonna have to disagree with you Doe. This girl cant hold a candle to Courtney. I cant tell if she is a good singer or not because there is waaaay too much auto tuning on her vocals. I find her lyrics trite. All the emotion in her voice sounds forced and contrived to me. Her style in the video you posted is a complete rip off of Courtney’s look during the Live Through This era.
This douche-bag-elitist-music-snob is throughly unimpressed. It’s great that she writes her own material and all as that is a true rarity in main stream music now-a-days. But I cant help but think that this girl is (as much as I hate using the insufferably pretentious term, it’s the only one that comes to mind) a poser.
i can’t understand why so many of you are being so negitive about Taylor and the band. Taylor has a great voice and the new album is the best thing i’ve heard in the last five years.
as to the way Taylor dresses, what does it matter. she’s young and sexy so i can’t see anything wrong with that. just get a life and listen to the great music Pretty Reckless are making.
I see more a young version of a Nancy Spungen meets Shirley Manson, than Courtney Love.
To be honest, I don’t think I’m ever going to read the comments on anything Taylor Momsen-related ever again.
The things people say are so incredibly horrible. Seriously.
I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I’ve just had enough of reading them (:
Personally? I absolutely LOVE her. I love her voice, the music, her acting, and she’s also a huge style inspiration.
I’ve seen various interviews with her, and maybe she does a little bit of an overkill on expressing how “rock” she is. But hey, that’s what I did when I was 13/14! I think with so many people on my back, I’d be telling everyone who’d listen that I wanted to be myself, that rock chick was who I was – especially since a lot of people have a certain perception of her because of GG.
The only thing I wish she’d do otherwise was be more alive and wild in her live shows! If I were her I’d be running and jumping all over the stage (:
But hey, if that’s not her thing, that’s perfectly fine.
For the foreseeable future, I’ll just enjoy her art and her clothes!
I find a lot of comments, that people dislike her, but i think she is a lucky person:)
system of a down’s best song is probably toxicity. I have heard they previously had another band named soil which most people dont know. this is when Tankian, Odadjian, and Malakian formed system of a down but originally called victims of a down… I dunno why though. Their roulette song isnt about gambling at all which is a bit disappointing because I’m a huge fan of roulette. still though it’s a very chilled out song in contrast to toxicity. still though I really like both songs.