Friday Face-Off: t.A.T.u. Vs. Pussy Riot
Game time! The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics are well underway, and we think it's pretty cool. Yeah, that was a winter "cool" pun. Since Russia is already in the spotlight this week for their celebration of sports, we've decided to branch out the Russian achievements and look at their musical success. t.A.T.u. and Pussy Riot are two marvelous (and outspoken) bands that have emerged from this chilly country of borsht and blinis, and we thank them for all they've donated to the sphere of melodic madness. So vote now and tell us whether t.A.T.u.'s video for "All The Things She Said" or Pussy Riot's "Punk Prayer - Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!" is your favorite.
Team t.A.T.u.
t.A.T.u.'s "All The Things She Said" - This Russian duo consists of sassy ladies: Lena Katina and Yuila Volkova. They achieved their first round of success thanks to this debut single, but that’s also when shizz hit the fan. Although critics celebrated this song, many people were skeptical about the video. Did you notice the girls kissing in the rain in school uniforms? Yeah – that got the conservative folks a little bothered. Come on people, it’s 2014! Alas, some people are gonna love these girls, and others are gonna hate. We just so happen to fall into the love category.
Team Pussy Riot
Pussy Riot's "Punk Prayer - Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!" - This Moscow-based Russian feminist punk rock protest group is totally badass. They have variable membership (how cool - an evolving band!) with women in their 20s and 30s. The video here is particularly controversial, which shows several of the women singing in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Following this performance, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina were jailed, followed by another member - Yekaterina Samutsevich - two weeks after. Despite their obstacles, these ladies are strong and empowered and continue to stand by their actions.