In the wake of teen suicides nationwide, it's easy to wonder where these teens can turn. For the first time that I can recall, pop radio may hold the answer.
OK, I may be putting pop songs on a pedestal, but pop stars are releasing songs that people can dance and sing along with but also encourage young people who are bullied without being schmaltzy. And while these are not the newest themes, as Christina Aguilera and Cyndi Lauper would be quick to remind you, this is the first time I've seen a recurring theme of singles and album tracks that are directed at bullied youth (and LGBT ones in particular.)
That naughty trash-pop minx Ke$ha tells Entertainment Weekly that her mini-album Cannibal's lead single "We R Who We R" is intended to be a pride anthem, a "celebration of any sort of quirks or eccentricities." It's also a lot of fun to dance to, as well:
Meanwhile, Katy Perry's tumultuous relationship with the gay community takes a turn for the better with the "Fireworks" - a Jack Kerouac-referencing ditty of empowerment, with boys kissing in the video:
Over in P!nk's world, one of two news songs included on the US release of her Greatest Hits... So Far!!! album is "Raise Your Glass." Besides quoting the Joker, this anthem for underdogs and sundry other "dirty little freaks" continues P!nk's strong commitment to gay rights. She performs the song at a gay wedding in the video for the song:
The Facebook Generation's songwriter of record, Taylor Swift includes the song "Mean" on her platinum-selling disc Speak Now. It's a simple tale of childhood bullies left in the dust as Taylor goes on to selling a million-plus CDs in a week. "Someday I'll be big enough that you can't hit me" the country-pop cutie sings, and I pray that troubles kids are singing along. Because it's true!
I'm still on the fence about Eminem and Lil' Wayne's Haddaway-sampling single "No Love" The video is heartbreaking, but as usual Wayne and Em can't control their potty-mouth, including both racial and homosexual slurs in the rhymes. Thoughts?
Let's clean our ears out with some very positive music from Broadway cast members! The proceeds from the iTunes downloads of "It Gets Better" directly benefits The Trevor Project, the only national suicide prevention hotline for LGBT youth. It's very inspirational and catchy, too!
And we cannot forget the classics, Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" has been a source of inspiration for gay people for years. In support of the "It Gets Better" project, the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles performed the song. Truly beautiful!
Of course, you know Lady Gaga will be weighing in soon...
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Christian Response To Homophobic Bullying
I don’t usually agree with Maggie Gallagher. As the founder of the National Organization for Marriage, a leading opponent of marriage equality, we have very little in common. However, in a Op/Ed piece for the New York Post, Ms. Gallagher made an interesting point. After attempting to absolve herself of any blame for the recent suicides of young people bullied for being or seeming gay, she makes this statement:
“Whether you are looking at their faces or looking at the statistics, one thing is clear: These kids need help, real help. They should not become a mere rhetorical strategy, a plaything in our adult battles. Each of these teens is a child of God. And each one deserves better from all of us than becoming a "teachable moment" in someone else's culture war.”
It’s true. While I don’t think the help Maggie is offering is going to do anything but further destroy the self-esteem of even more young people who are different, she is right. They are not talking points, they are so much more than pawns in the battles for equality. They are children of God. They had stories and pasts and possible futures. They have names.
They have names like Tyler Clementi (18), Asher Brown (13), Billy Lucas (15), Seth Walsh (13), Justin Aaberg (15), Zach Harrington (19). They lived in a world where they did not feel welcome. They took the only exit route they knew. Death is a sad and ugly thing, but it’s even uglier when it’s children taking their own lives to escape the endless pressure of hate directed at them because they were either gay or someone just thought they were.
Where could they turn? At school, they were teased and harassed by their fellow students. Tyler was secretly film in a romantic encounter and had his private moments displayed on the internet without his consent. Asher was forced into mock gay sex acts in Phys.Ed. Billy had homosexual slurs hurled at him and was told he didn’t deserve to live by kids at school, even having hate messages posted on his Facebook after his death. Justin was the 5th student in his school district to end his own life in the past year, where teachers are told to remain neutral on bullying.
Nine out of ten LGBT youths have experienced harassment at school. They are four times more likely to attempt suicide, more than a third of all lesbian, gay and bisexual youth have attempted it. 62% of homeless LGB youths have attempted it, twice as many as heterosexual homeless youth. Nearly half of transgender young people have seriously considered suicide.
It’s not easy growing up different. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender persons know this. Beyond that, whether home schooled kids or racial minorities, whether people who wore the wrong clothes or worshipped at the wrong church or just had something different that people didn’t like most of us felt the sting of our peers’ disapproval. I remember joining in a conversation around the lunch table at Broad Street Elementary in Mechanicsburg about the Stealth Bomber as a third grader and being immediately told that no one wanted to hear what I had to say. No explanations as to why my opinion on military equipment was not needed. Just a simple shut-down, at age 8. I remember it vividly, like it happened yesterday not almost twenty years ago. These things stay with us.
But, over time things do improve. We find our niche in the world, we surround ourselves with people who accept us.
The church is rarely that place, and there are good reasons. God calls us to change, to become holy people. The difference between God and the bullies of the world is that God accepts us as-is. The people of God, who are loved by God while we were yet sinners, are also called to accept people as-is.
Do we? Do we understand our role in the world? Instead of being culture warriors, bent on refashioning the world in our own idea of what acceptable behavior is, do we love and accept those around us and help them on the road to change the habits and behaviors that God doesn’t like and accepting the rest, even the ones that we dislike or find uncomfortable?
The Bible speaks quite frequently to the care and help of the downtrodden. In James we find the admonishment that “religion that God our Parent accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress” and the Psalmist says that “The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the parentless and the widow but frustrates the ways of the wicked.” There is a special place in the heart of God for those who are in need.
In the Matthew, we find Jesus admonishing his followers to not only stop squabbling about who is the greatest but to also become like children. He then goes on to say this: “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in my to sin, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
This is one of my favorite things about Jesus. He doesn’t mind a little hyperbole, and his word pictures are excellent. A millstone is a huge, round disc of stone, often as big or bigger than a man. They were used to grind grains into meal or crushing olives to release oil. They were massively heavy buggers, pulled by ox or mules or more recently by water wheels. These are giant, heavy stones. And Jesus tells his disciples, and in turn us, that if the only way to protect these kids from ourselves is tie one around our neck and jump in a lake then we best get to stepping.
That’s major. And I would posit that if our action and words cause a child to hate him or herself so much that the only way out of that pain and self-hatred is to end their own life, then we are in need of some millstones.
Jesus gives us another word picture, of a man who owns a hundred sheep but one wanders away. He leaves the flock, probably in the care of his hired helpers and few sheepdogs, and goes in search of that lost lamb. “In the same way, your Parent in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
Have we been diligent in searching for that one lost sheep? Are we keeping these little ones safe and sound?
We cannot blame ourselves for the suicides that are becoming rampant among LGBT youth. Every person has a choice, and some will choose that dark end to their path. But we do have a duty and an obligation to help those who may be heading that way to see the light of God‘s love and acceptance.
One of the simplest but also extremely difficult ways to do this is live an authentically real life. Being open about being LGBT or a straight ally and a Christian in your everyday life. I’m not saying that you have to wear a nametag that says “Hi, my name is Paul (and I’m a gay Christian)” but the less you hide about your relationships the more people will realize that Gays are not the big scary other but the guy that bags their groceries and the lady that does their taxes.
Rufus Wainwright, out singer/songwriter said this in an interview with Details magazine: “It’s true, it’s tougher career wise if you come out, but this is a human rights issue and it’s important to keep putting dents in it. It’s about two teenagers being beheaded for holding hands in Saudi Arabia. It’s bigger than someone’s music career.”
It is bigger, and it’s something we can do everyday. Don’t sit by as people demean others for their sexuality, their race, their religion, their accent, their place of origin, their financial status, their IQ. Let people know that you don’t feel the same way. Let people know that God doesn’t discriminate, and we shouldn’t either.
It’s important to understand that our words have power. In James we are reminded that “The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” “With our tongue we praise God and also curse people who have been made in the God‘s likeness. This should not be.”
No matter how many times I have been told that “stick and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me” I never believed it. But while harsh and hurtful words can hurt, true words of comfort and praise can heal. Always keep in mind that what you say has the power to influence others minds, hearts and lives.
There is an exciting online movement called the It Gets Better Project. It’s a video series in which pop stars, politicians and regular people remind teens that while being an young gay person is no easy road, it does get better and it is worth it to stick around and revel in the exciting things the future may bring. Gay celebs and allies have lent their voices to this video series, from President Barack Obama to pop singer Kesha to LGBT employees of Google to pioneering televangelist Oral Roberts’ grandson.
Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said this in his recent “It Gets Better” video: "Sometimes the words of my Christian brothers and sisters have hurt you. I also know that our silence causes you pain...You are a beloved child of God. Your life carries the beauty and dignity of God's creation...There is a place for you in this world, and in this Church."
He understands that words have power. That we have a duty and an obligation to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to the rest of the world, to use our words wisely.
On the flip side, one should also always take the time to listen. Talking only takes you so far, you have to listen to truly understand and help others. Pay attention to the signs:
Increased Isolation
Increases in alchol or drug use
Expressing a negative attitude towards self, hopelessness or helplessness
Changes in regular behavior or interest in usual activities
Giving away valuable possessions
Expressing lack of future orientation like saying “It won’t matter soon” or other suicidal feelings
Signs of depression, even after the depression begins to lift
Describing a specific plan for suicide
Even before these signs manifest, listen. It’s so easy to brush past people without paying them any mind. Keep an open heart and ear, you never know when you can make a new friend and increase the amount of love in this world by listening.
Other ways to protect these little ones is to donate time and money to groups that help at-risk young people. Common Roads, the Central PA LGBT Community Center, Equality PA are great local groups and the Trevor Project provides a national suicide phone hotline and online support.
The Trevor Project also provides a guide for helping someone who is considering suicide with the acronym “Y-Care”
Y is for You - you are never alone and you are not responsible for anyone who chooses to end their own life. All you can do is listen, support and assist the person in getting the help they need.
C is for Connect
Connect the person to resources and to a supportive, responsible adult.
A is for Accept
Accept and listen to the person’s feelings and take them seriously.
R is for Respond
Respond if the person has a plan to attempt suicide and tell someone you trust. If they do have a plan, try to get them to a hospital or police station if possible.
E is for Empower
Empower the person to get help and to call the Trevor Lifeline 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
In fact, program Helpline numbers into your cell phone so you have them available in a moment of crisis.
Last, but most definitely not least: Pray. Pray for guidance when interacting with people. Pray for the people you interact with. Pray for wisdom to see when someone needs your help. And follow up your prayers with action. Take it outside the church.
God is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Are you?
“Whether you are looking at their faces or looking at the statistics, one thing is clear: These kids need help, real help. They should not become a mere rhetorical strategy, a plaything in our adult battles. Each of these teens is a child of God. And each one deserves better from all of us than becoming a "teachable moment" in someone else's culture war.”
It’s true. While I don’t think the help Maggie is offering is going to do anything but further destroy the self-esteem of even more young people who are different, she is right. They are not talking points, they are so much more than pawns in the battles for equality. They are children of God. They had stories and pasts and possible futures. They have names.
They have names like Tyler Clementi (18), Asher Brown (13), Billy Lucas (15), Seth Walsh (13), Justin Aaberg (15), Zach Harrington (19). They lived in a world where they did not feel welcome. They took the only exit route they knew. Death is a sad and ugly thing, but it’s even uglier when it’s children taking their own lives to escape the endless pressure of hate directed at them because they were either gay or someone just thought they were.
Where could they turn? At school, they were teased and harassed by their fellow students. Tyler was secretly film in a romantic encounter and had his private moments displayed on the internet without his consent. Asher was forced into mock gay sex acts in Phys.Ed. Billy had homosexual slurs hurled at him and was told he didn’t deserve to live by kids at school, even having hate messages posted on his Facebook after his death. Justin was the 5th student in his school district to end his own life in the past year, where teachers are told to remain neutral on bullying.
Nine out of ten LGBT youths have experienced harassment at school. They are four times more likely to attempt suicide, more than a third of all lesbian, gay and bisexual youth have attempted it. 62% of homeless LGB youths have attempted it, twice as many as heterosexual homeless youth. Nearly half of transgender young people have seriously considered suicide.
It’s not easy growing up different. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender persons know this. Beyond that, whether home schooled kids or racial minorities, whether people who wore the wrong clothes or worshipped at the wrong church or just had something different that people didn’t like most of us felt the sting of our peers’ disapproval. I remember joining in a conversation around the lunch table at Broad Street Elementary in Mechanicsburg about the Stealth Bomber as a third grader and being immediately told that no one wanted to hear what I had to say. No explanations as to why my opinion on military equipment was not needed. Just a simple shut-down, at age 8. I remember it vividly, like it happened yesterday not almost twenty years ago. These things stay with us.
But, over time things do improve. We find our niche in the world, we surround ourselves with people who accept us.
The church is rarely that place, and there are good reasons. God calls us to change, to become holy people. The difference between God and the bullies of the world is that God accepts us as-is. The people of God, who are loved by God while we were yet sinners, are also called to accept people as-is.
Do we? Do we understand our role in the world? Instead of being culture warriors, bent on refashioning the world in our own idea of what acceptable behavior is, do we love and accept those around us and help them on the road to change the habits and behaviors that God doesn’t like and accepting the rest, even the ones that we dislike or find uncomfortable?
The Bible speaks quite frequently to the care and help of the downtrodden. In James we find the admonishment that “religion that God our Parent accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress” and the Psalmist says that “The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the parentless and the widow but frustrates the ways of the wicked.” There is a special place in the heart of God for those who are in need.
In the Matthew, we find Jesus admonishing his followers to not only stop squabbling about who is the greatest but to also become like children. He then goes on to say this: “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in my to sin, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
This is one of my favorite things about Jesus. He doesn’t mind a little hyperbole, and his word pictures are excellent. A millstone is a huge, round disc of stone, often as big or bigger than a man. They were used to grind grains into meal or crushing olives to release oil. They were massively heavy buggers, pulled by ox or mules or more recently by water wheels. These are giant, heavy stones. And Jesus tells his disciples, and in turn us, that if the only way to protect these kids from ourselves is tie one around our neck and jump in a lake then we best get to stepping.
That’s major. And I would posit that if our action and words cause a child to hate him or herself so much that the only way out of that pain and self-hatred is to end their own life, then we are in need of some millstones.
Jesus gives us another word picture, of a man who owns a hundred sheep but one wanders away. He leaves the flock, probably in the care of his hired helpers and few sheepdogs, and goes in search of that lost lamb. “In the same way, your Parent in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
Have we been diligent in searching for that one lost sheep? Are we keeping these little ones safe and sound?
We cannot blame ourselves for the suicides that are becoming rampant among LGBT youth. Every person has a choice, and some will choose that dark end to their path. But we do have a duty and an obligation to help those who may be heading that way to see the light of God‘s love and acceptance.
One of the simplest but also extremely difficult ways to do this is live an authentically real life. Being open about being LGBT or a straight ally and a Christian in your everyday life. I’m not saying that you have to wear a nametag that says “Hi, my name is Paul (and I’m a gay Christian)” but the less you hide about your relationships the more people will realize that Gays are not the big scary other but the guy that bags their groceries and the lady that does their taxes.
Rufus Wainwright, out singer/songwriter said this in an interview with Details magazine: “It’s true, it’s tougher career wise if you come out, but this is a human rights issue and it’s important to keep putting dents in it. It’s about two teenagers being beheaded for holding hands in Saudi Arabia. It’s bigger than someone’s music career.”
It is bigger, and it’s something we can do everyday. Don’t sit by as people demean others for their sexuality, their race, their religion, their accent, their place of origin, their financial status, their IQ. Let people know that you don’t feel the same way. Let people know that God doesn’t discriminate, and we shouldn’t either.
It’s important to understand that our words have power. In James we are reminded that “The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” “With our tongue we praise God and also curse people who have been made in the God‘s likeness. This should not be.”
No matter how many times I have been told that “stick and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me” I never believed it. But while harsh and hurtful words can hurt, true words of comfort and praise can heal. Always keep in mind that what you say has the power to influence others minds, hearts and lives.
There is an exciting online movement called the It Gets Better Project. It’s a video series in which pop stars, politicians and regular people remind teens that while being an young gay person is no easy road, it does get better and it is worth it to stick around and revel in the exciting things the future may bring. Gay celebs and allies have lent their voices to this video series, from President Barack Obama to pop singer Kesha to LGBT employees of Google to pioneering televangelist Oral Roberts’ grandson.
Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said this in his recent “It Gets Better” video: "Sometimes the words of my Christian brothers and sisters have hurt you. I also know that our silence causes you pain...You are a beloved child of God. Your life carries the beauty and dignity of God's creation...There is a place for you in this world, and in this Church."
He understands that words have power. That we have a duty and an obligation to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to the rest of the world, to use our words wisely.
On the flip side, one should also always take the time to listen. Talking only takes you so far, you have to listen to truly understand and help others. Pay attention to the signs:
Increased Isolation
Increases in alchol or drug use
Expressing a negative attitude towards self, hopelessness or helplessness
Changes in regular behavior or interest in usual activities
Giving away valuable possessions
Expressing lack of future orientation like saying “It won’t matter soon” or other suicidal feelings
Signs of depression, even after the depression begins to lift
Describing a specific plan for suicide
Even before these signs manifest, listen. It’s so easy to brush past people without paying them any mind. Keep an open heart and ear, you never know when you can make a new friend and increase the amount of love in this world by listening.
Other ways to protect these little ones is to donate time and money to groups that help at-risk young people. Common Roads, the Central PA LGBT Community Center, Equality PA are great local groups and the Trevor Project provides a national suicide phone hotline and online support.
The Trevor Project also provides a guide for helping someone who is considering suicide with the acronym “Y-Care”
Y is for You - you are never alone and you are not responsible for anyone who chooses to end their own life. All you can do is listen, support and assist the person in getting the help they need.
C is for Connect
Connect the person to resources and to a supportive, responsible adult.
A is for Accept
Accept and listen to the person’s feelings and take them seriously.
R is for Respond
Respond if the person has a plan to attempt suicide and tell someone you trust. If they do have a plan, try to get them to a hospital or police station if possible.
E is for Empower
Empower the person to get help and to call the Trevor Lifeline 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
In fact, program Helpline numbers into your cell phone so you have them available in a moment of crisis.
Last, but most definitely not least: Pray. Pray for guidance when interacting with people. Pray for the people you interact with. Pray for wisdom to see when someone needs your help. And follow up your prayers with action. Take it outside the church.
God is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Are you?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Review: Jennifer Knapp - "Letting Go"
One-time Christian rock singer Jennifer Knapp releases her first album since coming out as a lesbian, and her fourth major-label studio album overall. Letting Go should play well to her old fans, sounding very much like her albums on Christian label Gotee. Lyrically, the music has a spiritual bent but deals with more earthly desires. Heck, it even has swear words!
For those paying attention to Ms. Knapp's music for the first time, this album is a decent gateway. It's emotional folk-pop, a lot of strumming guitars and introspection. If you enjoy Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson or Sara Bareilles, Letting Go is your cup of tea. I just wish the songs had better hooks, they run into each other and I have a hard time distinguishing between tracks. I would recommend Kansas, Jennifer's Gotee debut, over Letting Go.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Review: V.V. Brown - "Travelling Like The Light"
It's been several months since British fauxtown singer V.V. Brown released her debut album Travelling Like The Light here in the states. I kept hearing the single "Shark In The Water" on DMX 24, and I slowly became obsessed with this new variation on the Winehouse/Duffy sound that so many girls have been trying.
It's got a retro sound, but intermingling with the girl-group harmonies and tambourines are nods to the 80s electronic flourishes and 1970s punk. It has as much to do with the 60s as Grease 2, but that's OK. The songs are sticky bits of pop fluff with a soulful backbone. Nearly every track is a sing-along, and while it lacks the epic heartbreak of Amy Winehouse's modern retro masterpiece Back To Black, there are moments of real beauty.
"Bottles" reimagines "99 Bottles On The Wall" as a love song with a great garage rock sound, "L.O.V.E." covers its romantic sentiments with swing dancing, and "Shark In The Water" is simply genius. I'm afraid America might be too over saturated with retro pop acts, which is a shame because V.V. is worth a spin. Canada on the other hand?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Florence + The Machine Is "Heavy In Your Arms"
Florence + The Machine really snuck up on me. All the blogs were talking and I wasn't listening at first. But the one woman band wowed me with her "You've Got The Love" and again Sunday's VMA's. But my favorite track is from the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack, "Heavy In Your Arms", the video for which appeared on the web this week. It's a strange B&W clip with a Paranormal Activity look, with no Twilight clips. But the real reason I'm posting it is because the song is 14 kinds of awesome. The dramatic vocals, the creepy instrumentation and the haunting lyrics combine to rock this single. My favorite line? "This will be my last confession/I love you never felt like any blessing/Whispering like it's a secret/Only to condemn the one who hears it/With a heavy heart"
Watch:
Watch:
Monday, September 13, 2010
VH1's "100 Greatest Artist Of All Time" - Really?
I love lists. I love arguing over them, I love reading them, I love making them. I love lists.
So when I heard that VH1 would be counting down the 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time, as voted on by over 200 artists, I got excited. I knew The Beatles would be number one, because Boomers have been wacking off over them for so long that I think
little babies are currently being born knowing the words to "Let It Be" and thinking they mean something important. I thought MJ might sneak ahead, but since only rock bands matter in this world, I shoulda known I'd be wrong.
But the list, which you can read in it's entirety here, pisses me off. Why? Cuz I like being pissed off. As usual, men make up the bulk of the list. Only 14 of the artists are female solo artists or have female leads.
Also, only one country artist (Johnny Cash) and one jazz musician (Ray Charles) made the list. And these men both crossed over into rock in major ways.
So who is missing? For starters, Dolly Parton, a songwriter and guitar player with a beautiful voice and major star power. Songs like "Jolene" and "Down From Dover" are some of the most powerful pieces of music I've ever heard. And while we're talking country, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and Hank Williams could have replaced Van Morrison, Pearl Jam and Peter Gabriel on the list.
Moving past country, The Pretenders are the only band holding it down for the female rockers. Where are The Go-Go's or Pat Benatar? Or BLONDIE? For fuck's sake, they did everything The Police did AND had a disco hit!
And let's talk classic artists of the pre-rock era. Billie Holiday? Frank Sinatra? Judy Garland? really, these people mean nothing? What about Nina Simone? Did everyone miss "Mississippi Goddam"?
I must say, a few people did surprise me in a good way. ABBA making on was a delight. I really think they are greatly underrated. Listening to their full albums leave the listener a glimpse into a weird world of pop songs refracted through many genres throughout the world. And Justin Timberlake has a lot more up his sleeve than people see. Mary J. Blige is a gift as well.
I think what it comes down to is that musical appreciation is subjective. And what I love others may hate, and vice versa. I just hate the fact that men get the praise for doing the same thing over and over while women are presented as just sex objects with little talent.
So when I heard that VH1 would be counting down the 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time, as voted on by over 200 artists, I got excited. I knew The Beatles would be number one, because Boomers have been wacking off over them for so long that I think
little babies are currently being born knowing the words to "Let It Be" and thinking they mean something important. I thought MJ might sneak ahead, but since only rock bands matter in this world, I shoulda known I'd be wrong.But the list, which you can read in it's entirety here, pisses me off. Why? Cuz I like being pissed off. As usual, men make up the bulk of the list. Only 14 of the artists are female solo artists or have female leads.
Also, only one country artist (Johnny Cash) and one jazz musician (Ray Charles) made the list. And these men both crossed over into rock in major ways.
So who is missing? For starters, Dolly Parton, a songwriter and guitar player with a beautiful voice and major star power. Songs like "Jolene" and "Down From Dover" are some of the most powerful pieces of music I've ever heard. And while we're talking country, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and Hank Williams could have replaced Van Morrison, Pearl Jam and Peter Gabriel on the list.
Moving past country, The Pretenders are the only band holding it down for the female rockers. Where are The Go-Go's or Pat Benatar? Or BLONDIE? For fuck's sake, they did everything The Police did AND had a disco hit!
And let's talk classic artists of the pre-rock era. Billie Holiday? Frank Sinatra? Judy Garland? really, these people mean nothing? What about Nina Simone? Did everyone miss "Mississippi Goddam"?
I must say, a few people did surprise me in a good way. ABBA making on was a delight. I really think they are greatly underrated. Listening to their full albums leave the listener a glimpse into a weird world of pop songs refracted through many genres throughout the world. And Justin Timberlake has a lot more up his sleeve than people see. Mary J. Blige is a gift as well.
I think what it comes down to is that musical appreciation is subjective. And what I love others may hate, and vice versa. I just hate the fact that men get the praise for doing the same thing over and over while women are presented as just sex objects with little talent.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Review: Robyn - "Body Talk" (Part 1 and 2)
Longtime readers of my blog may recall that I was obsessed with Robyn's triumphant return to the international pop scene in 2007 and 2008. While America didn't get on board with the "Show Me Love" singer's off-kilter millennium pop, the rest of the world was grooving to her collaboration with Kleerup and hijacking of Dave Chappelle lines.Girlfriend is back, with a three album cycle called Body Talk. Part 1 released earlier this year and I dropped the ball with coverage. The 7 song disc (iTunes tacks on two bonus tracks) is fantastic. Some songs are a little schticky - "Dancehall Queen" is a reggae-via-No-Doubt jam, "Don't F******g Tell Me What To Do" is a monotone wonder and "None of Dem" hooks Robyn up with previous collaborator Royksopp for a M.I.A.-style world-meets-techno thing. The girl has a thing for robots, following up Robyn's "Robotboy" and Junior's "The Girl And The Robot" with Body Talk's "Fembot." It's an obsession I can get behind if the tunes stay this good. The real star is lead single, "Dancing On My Own" which finds Robyn returning to the heart-wrenching "sad gay disco songs" template of "Be Mine!" and "With Every Heartbeat." She has a wheelhouse she can embrace. The album closes with an acoustic version of "Hang With Me" - which shows up again on Part 2 in it's pop version.
Body Talk Part 2 is a little more focused. Euro-pop curls up with hip-hop and dance, with lots of 80s influences. The first four songs create a mini-album of dancefloor fillers with heart and soul like "Hang With Me." Meanwhile, "We Dance To The Beat" is the kind of crazy that fans of Bjork and M.I.A. can appreciate. And Snoop Dogg returns the favor after Robyn spiced up a remix of "Sexual Eruption" by trading "Curriculum Vitae"-style brags on "U Should Know Better." It's equal parts awesome and ridiculous - from Robyn claiming to tell the Vatican what's up on race, sexism and celibacy in one line, to mispronouncing French words on purpose. The closing track is an acoustic version of a gorgeous song called "Indestructible" that I have no doubt will be a show stopper on Part 3.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"Alejandro" Is Here! With Dancers In Bowlcuts!
Lady Gaga's videos never fail to be eyecatching, so it was surprise that the almost nine-minute epic clip for her latest single "Alejandro" would do the same. It's a much darker look than Gaga has given us before, her "Telephone" was all bright Technicolor hues and "Bad Romance" was a awash in brightly lit whites.
Taking cues from religious iconography of Madonna, Lady Gaga is alternately a steampunk inspired Borg queen, latex wearing nun and a bra and panty clad dominatrix. Also, Liza Minnelli:
The Fosse, Fosse!
The video has a military theme, with strange erotic training exercises. They also seem to have a monk-ish haircut and an abject love for their queen and fishnet stockings. As you do:
The combined military and religious images with the overtly homoerotic dancing are clearly a commentary on the ongoing prejudice against homosexuality. What that commentary is supposed to say is not totally clear, but it's a dark thrillride. Watch:
Taking cues from religious iconography of Madonna, Lady Gaga is alternately a steampunk inspired Borg queen, latex wearing nun and a bra and panty clad dominatrix. Also, Liza Minnelli:
The Fosse, Fosse!The video has a military theme, with strange erotic training exercises. They also seem to have a monk-ish haircut and an abject love for their queen and fishnet stockings. As you do:
The combined military and religious images with the overtly homoerotic dancing are clearly a commentary on the ongoing prejudice against homosexuality. What that commentary is supposed to say is not totally clear, but it's a dark thrillride. Watch:
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Trashy Thursday: R. Kelly & Celine Dion - "I'm Your Angel"
Trashy Thursdays will be happening every Thursday and will feature the trashy pop songs I kinda love. Don't get it twisted, I think pop music is an art form. But like all art, there are brilliant artistic works that are fresh and dynamic and new as well as less inspired pieces of art. Sometimes those less inspired bits are as much fun as the "good" stuff, that's why we're getting trashy!
I love Celine Dion. Her music is extremely cheesy, but a lot of it is really pretty. She's so dramatic when she sings, it's truly a spectacle to watch. She has an amazing voice.
R.Kelly is an R&B icon, both for his music and his personal troubles. His music switches between the ultra spiritual and the ultra dirty.
When the two got together for the smashingly cheesy duet (featured on Celine's incredibly entertaining Christmas album) I was in trashy heaven. Just listening to the two trade runs is a masterclass in overkill. But I love it!
I love Celine Dion. Her music is extremely cheesy, but a lot of it is really pretty. She's so dramatic when she sings, it's truly a spectacle to watch. She has an amazing voice.
R.Kelly is an R&B icon, both for his music and his personal troubles. His music switches between the ultra spiritual and the ultra dirty.
When the two got together for the smashingly cheesy duet (featured on Celine's incredibly entertaining Christmas album) I was in trashy heaven. Just listening to the two trade runs is a masterclass in overkill. But I love it!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Rihanna Plays Professor Slash, Teaches "Rock Star 101"
Rihanna keeps trying to turn out hits from her Rated R disc. After the bright colors and clubby sound of "Rude Boy" took off, the Barbados native returned to the darker looks of her "Russian Roulette" and "Hard" videos for "Rockstar 101."
She goes for the scary/sexy looks from "Disturbia" but keeps it all in black and white, as well as dressing up a guest guitarist Slash, complete with hat, wig, glasses and ax. Watch:
Sunday, May 23, 2010
One Year Ago, Today...
...I met up with a guy I had talked to for a little bit online. I didn't know a lot about him, except his first name, that he loved Janet Jackson, black boxer-briefs and going to clubs, and that he looked really cute in his pictures.
Did I know then that I would go on a date with him the next Saturday, and not make it home until Monday morning?
Did I know then he made amazing Fettuccine Alfredo?
Did I know then we would get into a major fight about two months later?
Did I know then he was the greatest kisser I've ever known?
Did I know then he move in and make my life richer and fuller for it?
Did I know then he would end up getting a better job, thanks in part to a friend of mine?
Did I know then there would but rough spots when we couldn't see eye-to-eye?
Did I know then he was the only man I could love?
No. I didn't know anything yet. I dove in, head first and for once in my life I didn't regret it. Now we are engaged and ready to commit to a lifetime of love, craziness and companionship.
Thank you, sexykins. You made my world a better place. I love you.
Did I know then that I would go on a date with him the next Saturday, and not make it home until Monday morning?
Did I know then he made amazing Fettuccine Alfredo?
Did I know then we would get into a major fight about two months later?
Did I know then he was the greatest kisser I've ever known?
Did I know then he move in and make my life richer and fuller for it?
Did I know then he would end up getting a better job, thanks in part to a friend of mine?
Did I know then there would but rough spots when we couldn't see eye-to-eye?
Did I know then he was the only man I could love?
No. I didn't know anything yet. I dove in, head first and for once in my life I didn't regret it. Now we are engaged and ready to commit to a lifetime of love, craziness and companionship.
Thank you, sexykins. You made my world a better place. I love you.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Robyn Keeps "Dancing On My Own" To Sad, Gay Disco Anthems
Swedish pop goddess Robyn is releasing her three-part Body Talk album series this year, and the first video debuted this week. "Dancing On My Own" is a seriously hot track, inspired by "sad, gay disco anthems" (per the press release.) And this very much fits the bill!
Some 80s throwback instrumentation, but mostly very fresh and similar to Robyn's earlier emotronic singles "With Every Heartbeat" and "Be Mine!" down to the slightly stalkery lyrics. Example: "I'm in the corner/watching you kiss her" If it wasn't so sad, it'd be a little frightening.
Watch:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Why Jennifer Knapp Matters
We all live in the spiritual realm - porn stars, purse-snatchers and pastors alike. I firmly believe this. It doesn't matter whether we choose to notice, or even believe in, the things of the spirit that surround us. They still exist. I don't know any longer if the "God" I was introduced as a small child is an accurate portrait of God but I do believe that those who love mercy and do justice are walking humbly with their God, whoever that spiritual person is to them.
When I hear the word of God's Holy Spirit used to beat down the children of God, it bothers me. Deeply. God is love; St. Johns' first letter tells us this. Why do we feel the need to hate those who don't do things the same way, do not worship in the same way?
Because we are not yet made holy. People are born with evil in their hearts; this I also believe. We must choose to seek the good that God has also placed in our hearts and follow that.
After laying that bit of spiritual groundwork, I want to get to the pop culture portion of today's post. A few weeks ago, one time Christian rock singer Jennifer Knapp came out of the closet with an editorial on CNN's website and an interview with Larry King. It's fascinating, as Knapp is only second well-known Christian singer to come out as a homosexual after a career in the CCM genre.
Her hits include "Undo Me", "Romans" and "A Little More" Knapp's major label debut Kansas was certified Gold and it's follow up The Way I Am was nominated for a Grammy.
Jennifer doesn't put on any airs in her piece on Larry King Live. She comes across as a young woman with a deep spirituality who did just as I did - questioned, questioned, questioned. When you want to live a life full of spiritual pureness, you cannot just accept that something condemed by churches for so long is right just because it "feels right." Her "Take" appears on CNN's Belief Blog (read it here) She talks about her spiritual quest in a very adult way, including her fears: "I questioned whether my faith had betrayed me, or I if had a betrayed my faith." It's deep and beautiful.
I personally find a deeper connection to her music, which I loved as teenager, knowing what her struggle was. "Whole Again" takes on a new meaning:
If I give my life, if I lay it down Can you turn this life around, around Can I be made clean By this offering of my soul? Can I be made whole again?
Can we be made whole? Even in our brokenness, even in these hate-filled days and this selfish world? Is wholeness a real thing? And am I deceiving myself that God, who declared that Jesus made all things clean in a vision to St Peter, can give me a wholeness and a holiness I truly don't deserve?
Only in heaven will we know.
When I hear the word of God's Holy Spirit used to beat down the children of God, it bothers me. Deeply. God is love; St. Johns' first letter tells us this. Why do we feel the need to hate those who don't do things the same way, do not worship in the same way?
Because we are not yet made holy. People are born with evil in their hearts; this I also believe. We must choose to seek the good that God has also placed in our hearts and follow that.
After laying that bit of spiritual groundwork, I want to get to the pop culture portion of today's post. A few weeks ago, one time Christian rock singer Jennifer Knapp came out of the closet with an editorial on CNN's website and an interview with Larry King. It's fascinating, as Knapp is only second well-known Christian singer to come out as a homosexual after a career in the CCM genre.
Her hits include "Undo Me", "Romans" and "A Little More" Knapp's major label debut Kansas was certified Gold and it's follow up The Way I Am was nominated for a Grammy.
Jennifer doesn't put on any airs in her piece on Larry King Live. She comes across as a young woman with a deep spirituality who did just as I did - questioned, questioned, questioned. When you want to live a life full of spiritual pureness, you cannot just accept that something condemed by churches for so long is right just because it "feels right." Her "Take" appears on CNN's Belief Blog (read it here) She talks about her spiritual quest in a very adult way, including her fears: "I questioned whether my faith had betrayed me, or I if had a betrayed my faith." It's deep and beautiful.
I personally find a deeper connection to her music, which I loved as teenager, knowing what her struggle was. "Whole Again" takes on a new meaning:
If I give my life, if I lay it down Can you turn this life around, around Can I be made clean By this offering of my soul? Can I be made whole again?
Can we be made whole? Even in our brokenness, even in these hate-filled days and this selfish world? Is wholeness a real thing? And am I deceiving myself that God, who declared that Jesus made all things clean in a vision to St Peter, can give me a wholeness and a holiness I truly don't deserve?
Only in heaven will we know.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Will I Buy M.I.A.'s New Disc? Hellz Yeah! Will I Like It, Is The Question...
I love M.I.A. I just do. She rocks my socks off, from "Bucky Done Gone" to "10 Dollars" to "Paper Planes" to "20 Dollars" I love her shit like a fat kid loves Slim Shots.
But her first release from her upcoming summer album /\/\/\Y/\, "Born Free" was a little ska-tastic for my tastes. And the video scared the piss out of me. It's really graphic and violent, and makes quite a statement on ethnic genocide. But I still didn't like the song. So when I heard about a new single (via JuiceWithJunior's tweets) called "XXXO" I wasn't sure if I was gonna enjoy it.
I should be slapped for even doubting my girl Maya! This is the most mainstream I've ever heard the world traveler sound. It's not like a Gwen Stefani jam or anything, but the beat rocks while also being dancable and it's got a catchy chorus. I'm ready for the new album!
Listen:
But her first release from her upcoming summer album /\/\/\Y/\, "Born Free" was a little ska-tastic for my tastes. And the video scared the piss out of me. It's really graphic and violent, and makes quite a statement on ethnic genocide. But I still didn't like the song. So when I heard about a new single (via JuiceWithJunior's tweets) called "XXXO" I wasn't sure if I was gonna enjoy it.
I should be slapped for even doubting my girl Maya! This is the most mainstream I've ever heard the world traveler sound. It's not like a Gwen Stefani jam or anything, but the beat rocks while also being dancable and it's got a catchy chorus. I'm ready for the new album!
Listen:
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Trashy Thursdays: Selena Gomez And The Scene - "Naturally"
Trashy Thursdays will be happening every Thursday and will feature the trashy pop songs I kinda love. Don't get it twisted, I think pop music is an art form. But like all art, there are brilliant artistic works that are fresh and dynamic and new as well as less inspired pieces of art. Sometimes those less inspired bits are as much fun as the "good" stuff, that's why we're getting trashy!
This song is totally my jam right now. But just because I love it, doesn't mean that it's good. It could be... trashy.
It's by a Disney Channel star. Point one for trashy. It's got a slamming beat. Point for pop goodness. But the beat is jacked from a Miley Cyrus single. Trashy x2. It's got a good message. Pop Goodness. But the lyrics are little silly. Trashy. The video features a cute fifteen year old in a series of borderline age inappropriate designer duds while dancing against green-screened black and white zigzags and quick cuts. Yeah, it's deliciously trashy. Here you are, world: Selena Gomez & The Scene singing "Naturally"
This song is totally my jam right now. But just because I love it, doesn't mean that it's good. It could be... trashy.
It's by a Disney Channel star. Point one for trashy. It's got a slamming beat. Point for pop goodness. But the beat is jacked from a Miley Cyrus single. Trashy x2. It's got a good message. Pop Goodness. But the lyrics are little silly. Trashy. The video features a cute fifteen year old in a series of borderline age inappropriate designer duds while dancing against green-screened black and white zigzags and quick cuts. Yeah, it's deliciously trashy. Here you are, world: Selena Gomez & The Scene singing "Naturally"
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Katy Perry Is A "California Gurl"
I'm kinda loving the newly released single from everyone second favorite faux-lesbo (after Anne Heche, naturally.) Katy Perry found a new kind of gurl to sing about, "California Gurls" to be precise. It's a sunny summertime jam, perfect for jamming on the way to the beach or spinning at the roller rink. I'm really love the crazy cover art for the single, too! Snoop Dogg drops by to lend his support of every beach boys' favorite kind of lady. Katy is definitely looking to take Ke$ha down!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Anybody Else Excited For The New Scissor Sisters Disc?
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the upcoming Scissor Sisters' album Night Work. I was deeply in love with New York band's self titled debut, but the follow up left me less excited. I was willing to give the band another chance, not just because the cover was pretty sweet:
Sex-ay! The band leaked a sneak peak of the album closer "Invisible Light" about a month ago, and it keeps randomly popping into my head. That's a good thing. The beat is funky, yet understated and Ana Matronic's vocals are the most perfect I've ever heard them. The added bonus of Ian McKellen's voice over (ala Vincent Price in "Thriller") makes it a hot new jam.
I'm not as crazy about the lead single, "Fire With Fire." It's a more mid-tempo track, sort of a Fray-meets-Killers style inspo-pop affair. I like it, but it's not nearly as awesome as "Invisible Light" I'm really hoping it leads to a hotter, hookier follow-up single.
All-in-all I can't wait for Night Work to drop on June 28, 2010. Hottness!
Sex-ay! The band leaked a sneak peak of the album closer "Invisible Light" about a month ago, and it keeps randomly popping into my head. That's a good thing. The beat is funky, yet understated and Ana Matronic's vocals are the most perfect I've ever heard them. The added bonus of Ian McKellen's voice over (ala Vincent Price in "Thriller") makes it a hot new jam.I'm not as crazy about the lead single, "Fire With Fire." It's a more mid-tempo track, sort of a Fray-meets-Killers style inspo-pop affair. I like it, but it's not nearly as awesome as "Invisible Light" I'm really hoping it leads to a hotter, hookier follow-up single.
All-in-all I can't wait for Night Work to drop on June 28, 2010. Hottness!
Monday, May 10, 2010
In Search Of The Perfect Pop Record: Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance"
Each week, Picture & Conversations is going on a search. A quest, if you will, for the holy grail for pop fans like myself. The perfect pop record is out there; but can I find it? Join me as I go In Search Of The Perfect Pop Record. To understand my definition of perfection, check this post.
Perfection in pop music requires a certian blend of things. Strong hooks, strong musicality, great beats and instrumentation, a unique sound and look must be combined with heart and soul.
Lady Gaga burst onto the scene with a somewhat silly pop song called "Just Dance" that blended many of those things. It doesn't look like much on the surface, but when you dig deeper into that song and rest of Gaga's output you find some of the strongest pop songwriting of the decade. No better place to start than her single "Bad Romance" from her most recent disc, The Fame Monster.
"Bad Romance" has more hooks than I hardly know what to do with. A rebel cry opens the track, and then a nonsense phrase beats it's way into your brain. You try to resist, but she wants your "love, love, love/I want your love" and then it's onto a pre-chorus, a chorus, the "ra ra ah ah ah gaga oh lalas" another verse stuffed with Hithcock references and then sweeping into the chorus again. The first half of the bridge sneaks into the full bridge/chorus that sinks it's teeth into your tender ear with a well place swoop (and French!)
Who cares what the lyrics are, who cares what anybody is saying. Your brain is under the control of "rah rah ah ah ah roma ro mama gaga oh la la" and you like it. WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!
The amazing part is that this is a story behind this song. It's about being in love with your best friend, and it's brings a level of heartache to this brilliant composition. It's a blend of heart and machine, and that's what makes it possibly perfect.
Perfection in pop music requires a certian blend of things. Strong hooks, strong musicality, great beats and instrumentation, a unique sound and look must be combined with heart and soul.
Lady Gaga burst onto the scene with a somewhat silly pop song called "Just Dance" that blended many of those things. It doesn't look like much on the surface, but when you dig deeper into that song and rest of Gaga's output you find some of the strongest pop songwriting of the decade. No better place to start than her single "Bad Romance" from her most recent disc, The Fame Monster.
"Bad Romance" has more hooks than I hardly know what to do with. A rebel cry opens the track, and then a nonsense phrase beats it's way into your brain. You try to resist, but she wants your "love, love, love/I want your love" and then it's onto a pre-chorus, a chorus, the "ra ra ah ah ah gaga oh lalas" another verse stuffed with Hithcock references and then sweeping into the chorus again. The first half of the bridge sneaks into the full bridge/chorus that sinks it's teeth into your tender ear with a well place swoop (and French!)
Who cares what the lyrics are, who cares what anybody is saying. Your brain is under the control of "rah rah ah ah ah roma ro mama gaga oh la la" and you like it. WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!
The amazing part is that this is a story behind this song. It's about being in love with your best friend, and it's brings a level of heartache to this brilliant composition. It's a blend of heart and machine, and that's what makes it possibly perfect.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Miley Cyrus Knows Why The Caged Whore Sings
Miley Cyrus has ditched the Madonna/Whore thing she's been rocking of late for the straight up teen-stripper act. Her new album is called Can't Be Tamed and while the album cover has her posing as a baby-faced rock skank the title track's video is craziness on a whore 'nother level.
The song is kinda boring, electro-stamped pop/rock in the vein of Ke$ha, Glambert or Britney's "If You Seek Amy." But the video is trashy greatness. She plays a newly discovered winged creature, Avis Cyrus, and she escapes her confines with a posse of co-ed dancers. She grinds on the boys and the girls, as all winged creatures do, and basically acts like Lady Gaga without the vocal talent. (OH SNAP!)
Watch:
The song is kinda boring, electro-stamped pop/rock in the vein of Ke$ha, Glambert or Britney's "If You Seek Amy." But the video is trashy greatness. She plays a newly discovered winged creature, Avis Cyrus, and she escapes her confines with a posse of co-ed dancers. She grinds on the boys and the girls, as all winged creatures do, and basically acts like Lady Gaga without the vocal talent. (OH SNAP!)
Watch:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Beyonce Is A '60s Pin Up, So "Why Don't You Love Me?"
Beyonce keeps trucking out videos from her 2008 double disc I Am... Sasha Fierce. Her latest, a send up of 1960s pin ups with her character B. B. Homemaker fixing a car in Daisy Dukes, swigging a martini in her bed and rocking a sexy librarian look while dusting her Grammys. It's campy fun, which matches the retro funk vibe of "Why Don't You Love Me?" The whole thing is worth checking out:
Friday, April 30, 2010
Christina Is Not Herself Tonight. She's Madonna.
I must admit, Christina Aguilera's new single "Not Myself Tonight" is growing on me. The video just released this morning, it's really spicy and totally Madonna. As in, she steals scenes from Madonna videos and just adds shots of the new Christina fragrance and calls it a video. I kinda dig it. Dirrty Xtina is back! Oh, kinda NSFW.
Monday, April 26, 2010
In Search Of The Perfect Pop Record: "Like A Prayer" - Madonna
Each week, Picture & Conversations is going on a search. A quest, if you will, for the holy grail for pop fans like myself. The perfect pop record is out there; but can I find it? Join me as I go In Search Of The Perfect Pop Record. To understand my definition of perfection, check this post.
Madonna is one of the premiere pop artists of all time. Her contributions to music are widespread, and in her songs are some of the most brilliant pop moments of all time. "Like A Prayer" is, in my mind, the ultimate moment of her career.
One doesn't have to grow up in a religious home to know the power of a massive choir, but I'm sure it factored into Madonna's use of the Andrea Crouch Choir in this record. From the opening
guitar riff, to the hushed reverence of the choir "ooh"ing behind the verses, to the beat, the entire song is a hymn to the spiritual ecstasy of feeling love course through every fiber of your being.
But it's when Madonna cries "let the choir sing" and the chorus raises once more with the massive wave of harmony crashing over the listener that the true power of this track is revealed. The song continues on for a good two minutes after, but it could go on for years. It wouldn't matter - you have become one with the song and have joined the choir. I have wept in my car driving down the highway when this song comes on and I'm in the right mood.
This record is also a testament to how a perfect record cannot be improved. The album and video mix are perfection, that is the perfect pop record. The mix from Madge's greatest hits package The Immaculate Collection features a breakdown towards the end. It ruins the momentum of the song and makes it seem dated. Furthermore, covers by techno outfit Mad' House and the cast of Glee, while decent performances, do nothing to improve this song. The only comparable version is Madonna's own acoustic variation from the Hope For Haiti Now benefit. But only the original can be in the running for Perfect Pop Record.
Watch the video here.
Madonna is one of the premiere pop artists of all time. Her contributions to music are widespread, and in her songs are some of the most brilliant pop moments of all time. "Like A Prayer" is, in my mind, the ultimate moment of her career.
One doesn't have to grow up in a religious home to know the power of a massive choir, but I'm sure it factored into Madonna's use of the Andrea Crouch Choir in this record. From the opening
guitar riff, to the hushed reverence of the choir "ooh"ing behind the verses, to the beat, the entire song is a hymn to the spiritual ecstasy of feeling love course through every fiber of your being.But it's when Madonna cries "let the choir sing" and the chorus raises once more with the massive wave of harmony crashing over the listener that the true power of this track is revealed. The song continues on for a good two minutes after, but it could go on for years. It wouldn't matter - you have become one with the song and have joined the choir. I have wept in my car driving down the highway when this song comes on and I'm in the right mood.
This record is also a testament to how a perfect record cannot be improved. The album and video mix are perfection, that is the perfect pop record. The mix from Madge's greatest hits package The Immaculate Collection features a breakdown towards the end. It ruins the momentum of the song and makes it seem dated. Furthermore, covers by techno outfit Mad' House and the cast of Glee, while decent performances, do nothing to improve this song. The only comparable version is Madonna's own acoustic variation from the Hope For Haiti Now benefit. But only the original can be in the running for Perfect Pop Record.
Watch the video here.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Trashy Thursdays: "Invisible" - Clay Aiken
Trashy Thursdays will be happening every Thursday and will feature the trashy pop songs I kinda love. Don't get it twisted, I think pop music is an art form. But like all art, there are brilliant artistic works that are fresh and dynamic and new as well as less inspired pieces of art. Sometimes those less inspired bits are as much fun as the "good" stuff, that's why we're getting trashy!
Oh, Clay Aiken! Very few Idol contestants have been the source of such swirling controversy as the one-time red-headed geek with the voice of an angel. From the rumors, since confirmed, that he was homosexual to the rumors, still unconfirmed, that he was a backstage diva, Clay was once beloved by housewives and is still a great source of humor for Kathy Griffin.
I missed the first two seasons of American Idol, so never caught the epic battle between Clay and Reuben. But Clay's lone radio hit, "Invisible" was a totally horrible and semi-creepy jam. I loved every bit if it's sugar-coated stalker-ness and it's pre-Fall Out Boy emo-ness. The tale of an unrequited crush is nothing new, but Clay takes it to super hero heights when he wishes he could be invisible so he could watch his crush in their room. Yeah, creepy! The video is total shit, and the song is pure cheese but Aiken sells that shit! His enthusiasm for stalking this person is infectious. And that's what makes it so totally trashy.
Oh, Clay Aiken! Very few Idol contestants have been the source of such swirling controversy as the one-time red-headed geek with the voice of an angel. From the rumors, since confirmed, that he was homosexual to the rumors, still unconfirmed, that he was a backstage diva, Clay was once beloved by housewives and is still a great source of humor for Kathy Griffin.
I missed the first two seasons of American Idol, so never caught the epic battle between Clay and Reuben. But Clay's lone radio hit, "Invisible" was a totally horrible and semi-creepy jam. I loved every bit if it's sugar-coated stalker-ness and it's pre-Fall Out Boy emo-ness. The tale of an unrequited crush is nothing new, but Clay takes it to super hero heights when he wishes he could be invisible so he could watch his crush in their room. Yeah, creepy! The video is total shit, and the song is pure cheese but Aiken sells that shit! His enthusiasm for stalking this person is infectious. And that's what makes it so totally trashy.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Deep Cuts! New Singles (Old Music) From Kelly, Lady Gaga and Ke$ha
Lady Gaga released The Fame Monster late last year. Ke$ha released her debut, Animal, in January. And Kelly Clarkson is still working off a year-old disc, All I Ever Wanted. But all three have resulted in multiple hit singles, and now all three of my favorite girls are releasing new singles from these albums.
What is so exciting? If you own these three albums, it's nothing new to you. I know the music isn't that thrilling. The new single covers are always fun to check out, but these aren't anything too exciting:
After Kelly's fabulous cover for "My Life Would Suck Without You" it's especially disappointing to see a generic single placard on iTunes. And Lady Gaga and Ke$ha look like they just used outtakes from the album photo shoots.
But this is the exciting part about these tracks from old album getting to be radio singles. I love all three of these songs! "All I Ever Wanted" was a Summer Jam '09 contender and with it's funky grooves it may be a Summer Jam Twenty-Ten. Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is the album opener that really introduces us to the party queen. And every song from The Fame Monster is awesome, but "Alejandro" sounds like Madonna and the dudes from Ace Of Base had a baby and let Shakira babysit it. In a word: CrazyGood.
And Lawd knows we need need good music on the radio right now! Let's hope these three chicas get heavy airplay.
What is so exciting? If you own these three albums, it's nothing new to you. I know the music isn't that thrilling. The new single covers are always fun to check out, but these aren't anything too exciting:
After Kelly's fabulous cover for "My Life Would Suck Without You" it's especially disappointing to see a generic single placard on iTunes. And Lady Gaga and Ke$ha look like they just used outtakes from the album photo shoots.But this is the exciting part about these tracks from old album getting to be radio singles. I love all three of these songs! "All I Ever Wanted" was a Summer Jam '09 contender and with it's funky grooves it may be a Summer Jam Twenty-Ten. Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is the album opener that really introduces us to the party queen. And every song from The Fame Monster is awesome, but "Alejandro" sounds like Madonna and the dudes from Ace Of Base had a baby and let Shakira babysit it. In a word: CrazyGood.
And Lawd knows we need need good music on the radio right now! Let's hope these three chicas get heavy airplay.
Monday, April 12, 2010
In Search Of The Perfect Pop Record: "You Don't Own Me" - Lesley Gore
Each week, Picture & Conversations is going on a search. A quest, if you will, for the holy grail for pop fans like myself. The perfect pop record is out there; but can I find it? Join me as I go In Search Of The Perfect Pop Record. To understand my definition of perfection, check this post.
When I started thinking about perfect pop records, I knew I had a lot of music to comb through. From the girl groups in the early days of rock 'n' roll through the techno pop of today, pop music has gone through changes in instruments and recording processes. But one thing remains: The Hook. Today we will take a look at an old single; but with a hook and story as fresh as this morning's donuts.
Lesley Gore is one of the original girl singers. Her first single, recorded as a 16-year-old, was the bouncy number one "It's My Party." The year was 1963. That same year she released her second album, Lesley Gore Sings Of Mixed Up Hearts, which included the feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me" - a 1964 number two song.
"You Don't Own Me" is possibly one of the Perfect Pop Records. It has a sweeping chorus, with lyrics that matter. In an era in which young girls were expected to be no more than arm candy when out and to keep their opinions to themselves, these lyrics were practically unheard of:
Please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display,
'Cause
You don't own me
Don't try to change me in any way
You don't own me
Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay
It's a feminist anthem - a girl's coming out as a person, not an object to be owned. In fact, it's often considered the start of the modern women's lib movement. But as important and revolutionary as the lyrics are, is it perfect pop?
The record opens with a deep, dark piano. Lesley's voice is held up by either background singers or a layering effect, creating a somber and mood-driven effect. The string kick in for the chorus and stay for much of the track. It starts in a minor key, then lifts to the major key at the chorus. It's a classic pop trick, one that makes this single a quietly strong song.
"You Don't Own Me" was covered by Joan Jett, Dusty Springfield and Bette Midler. It's interesting that Lesley, the bubbly little girl who cried when Judy stole her boyfriend on "It's My Party", would go on to record this song better than the ballsy gals like the Devine Miss M and Ms. Blackheart. Of course, even more interesting is the fact that Lesley, Joan and Dusty are all lesbians. Is the gay mafia earning royalties from this?
"You Don't Own Me" is a great pop song with great history, but is it THE Perfect Pop Record? I think we should explore a few more before we bestow that distinction yet.
When I started thinking about perfect pop records, I knew I had a lot of music to comb through. From the girl groups in the early days of rock 'n' roll through the techno pop of today, pop music has gone through changes in instruments and recording processes. But one thing remains: The Hook. Today we will take a look at an old single; but with a hook and story as fresh as this morning's donuts.
Lesley Gore is one of the original girl singers. Her first single, recorded as a 16-year-old, was the bouncy number one "It's My Party." The year was 1963. That same year she released her second album, Lesley Gore Sings Of Mixed Up Hearts, which included the feminist anthem "You Don't Own Me" - a 1964 number two song.
"You Don't Own Me" is possibly one of the Perfect Pop Records. It has a sweeping chorus, with lyrics that matter. In an era in which young girls were expected to be no more than arm candy when out and to keep their opinions to themselves, these lyrics were practically unheard of:
Please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display,
'Cause
You don't own me
Don't try to change me in any way
You don't own me
Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay
It's a feminist anthem - a girl's coming out as a person, not an object to be owned. In fact, it's often considered the start of the modern women's lib movement. But as important and revolutionary as the lyrics are, is it perfect pop?
The record opens with a deep, dark piano. Lesley's voice is held up by either background singers or a layering effect, creating a somber and mood-driven effect. The string kick in for the chorus and stay for much of the track. It starts in a minor key, then lifts to the major key at the chorus. It's a classic pop trick, one that makes this single a quietly strong song.
"You Don't Own Me" was covered by Joan Jett, Dusty Springfield and Bette Midler. It's interesting that Lesley, the bubbly little girl who cried when Judy stole her boyfriend on "It's My Party", would go on to record this song better than the ballsy gals like the Devine Miss M and Ms. Blackheart. Of course, even more interesting is the fact that Lesley, Joan and Dusty are all lesbians. Is the gay mafia earning royalties from this?
"You Don't Own Me" is a great pop song with great history, but is it THE Perfect Pop Record? I think we should explore a few more before we bestow that distinction yet.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Trashy Thursdays: Sean Kingston & Justin Beiber - "Eenie Meenie"
Trashy Thursdays will be happening every Thursday (duh) and will feature the trashy pop songs I kinda love. Don't get it twisted, I think pop music is an art form. But like all art, there are brilliant artistic works that are fresh and dynamic and new as well as less inspired pieces of art. Sometimes those less inspired bits are as much fun as the "good" stuff, that's why we're getting trashy!
I hate Sean Kingston. His voice annoys me so much. Justin Beiber is a little insufferable in interviews, but his music can be catchy. The two are beloved by tweens and teens, and just about unknown to everyone else.
But when two young and obnoxious teen singers get together, the sum is greater than it's parts. "Eenie Meenie" is annoyingly catchy, the beat is hot and the chorus gets stuck in the head. It's based on a nursery rhyme, so it should. I kinda hate that I love it!
I hate Sean Kingston. His voice annoys me so much. Justin Beiber is a little insufferable in interviews, but his music can be catchy. The two are beloved by tweens and teens, and just about unknown to everyone else.
But when two young and obnoxious teen singers get together, the sum is greater than it's parts. "Eenie Meenie" is annoyingly catchy, the beat is hot and the chorus gets stuck in the head. It's based on a nursery rhyme, so it should. I kinda hate that I love it!
Monday, April 5, 2010
I'm Back! ...And In Search of The Perfect Pop Record
Hi, kids! It's been a while, I know. I thought a new season of American Idol would spur me into a writing frenzy. It did not. This season sucked giant donkey balls, so I quit watching.
Meanwhile, I've kept my ears open for fresh, cool music to share with y'all. I still felt the need to post deep in my soul, but I needed something to post about. So when Christina Aguilera posted her new single from her upcoming electronica-tinged disc Bionic, I got excited.
The single cover for "Not Myself Tonight" is
fantastic. It is one of the coolest single covers since Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You." But the song... eh, not so much. Produced by Palow Da Don, it has a passing resemblance to his masterpiece "Forever" by Chris Brown. But it's so boring, I can't even remember what it sounds like right after listening to it. It's quite disappointing; I was hoping for a phenomenal return from the Dirrty diva.
Which led me to my new feature: In Search of The Perfect Pop Record. I already have several candidates, and I'm hoping for my readers to suggest a few more. Here are the requirements for A Perfect Pop Record:
*Enjoyable Hooks: The Record has to get stuck in your head after just a listen or two. You must find yourself singing it at the grocery store, weeks after you heard it last. But you can't want to kill yourself because it's stuck in your head.
*Succinct Production: The Record can't have an extra note anywhere. It must be exactly the right length, not ten seconds too long or too short. You can't add anything, you can't take anything away.
*Extraordinary Resilience: The Record cannot be readily improved, but it must be open to interpretation. It has to be able to be covered and remixed but still keep you coming back to the original, even while enjoying the new version. It has to be able to show up on American Idol, be used a Broadway play or be featured in a commercial for tampons and still make you want to hear it.
*Enduring Popularity: Pop music is a genre, yes. But pop is short for popular, so the Record has to have a following. Whether it's widespread appeal or a small-yet-fervent fanbase, people have to hear it and love it.
*It has to be a record: There are great pop standards, and we may explore them during our search. But a great song like "The Man I Love" has been recorded so many times, we would have to pick the definitive recording to be The Perfect Pop Record. Like an Immortal (or a Hollaback Girl), there can only be one.
No matter the official genre names (pop-punk, electro-pop, bubblegum pop, teen pop, hip-pop, country-pop) if it fits the above category, it could be The Perfect Pop Record. Suggestions are suggested. Check back every Monday for a new candidate as we go In Search of The Perfect Pop Record.
PS: Trashy Thursdays are also returning! Because how will we recognize Perfect Pop unless we spotlight it's shadow side?
Meanwhile, I've kept my ears open for fresh, cool music to share with y'all. I still felt the need to post deep in my soul, but I needed something to post about. So when Christina Aguilera posted her new single from her upcoming electronica-tinged disc Bionic, I got excited.
The single cover for "Not Myself Tonight" is
fantastic. It is one of the coolest single covers since Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You." But the song... eh, not so much. Produced by Palow Da Don, it has a passing resemblance to his masterpiece "Forever" by Chris Brown. But it's so boring, I can't even remember what it sounds like right after listening to it. It's quite disappointing; I was hoping for a phenomenal return from the Dirrty diva.Which led me to my new feature: In Search of The Perfect Pop Record. I already have several candidates, and I'm hoping for my readers to suggest a few more. Here are the requirements for A Perfect Pop Record:
*Enjoyable Hooks: The Record has to get stuck in your head after just a listen or two. You must find yourself singing it at the grocery store, weeks after you heard it last. But you can't want to kill yourself because it's stuck in your head.
*Succinct Production: The Record can't have an extra note anywhere. It must be exactly the right length, not ten seconds too long or too short. You can't add anything, you can't take anything away.
*Extraordinary Resilience: The Record cannot be readily improved, but it must be open to interpretation. It has to be able to be covered and remixed but still keep you coming back to the original, even while enjoying the new version. It has to be able to show up on American Idol, be used a Broadway play or be featured in a commercial for tampons and still make you want to hear it.
*Enduring Popularity: Pop music is a genre, yes. But pop is short for popular, so the Record has to have a following. Whether it's widespread appeal or a small-yet-fervent fanbase, people have to hear it and love it.
*It has to be a record: There are great pop standards, and we may explore them during our search. But a great song like "The Man I Love" has been recorded so many times, we would have to pick the definitive recording to be The Perfect Pop Record. Like an Immortal (or a Hollaback Girl), there can only be one.
No matter the official genre names (pop-punk, electro-pop, bubblegum pop, teen pop, hip-pop, country-pop) if it fits the above category, it could be The Perfect Pop Record. Suggestions are suggested. Check back every Monday for a new candidate as we go In Search of The Perfect Pop Record.
PS: Trashy Thursdays are also returning! Because how will we recognize Perfect Pop unless we spotlight it's shadow side?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Idol Recap! The Boys Are Back In Town
Last week, my VCR went crazy and only taped part of Idol's second night of the top 24. Which was fine, because the recap at the end looked like the boys all sucked. So I was not sad to miss it! But this week I watched the boys improve marginally. Did they improve enough to not be boring as hell?
Super buff Michael Lynch opened the show with a stellar take on James Brown's "It's A Man's World." He has a great voice, he just looks so strange up on stage.
John Park brought his decent voice to John Mayer's "Gravity" - one of the most boring songs in the Mayer catalog. John made it even more boring. Kinda hate him.
Oh, Casey James. The girls love you, I have no idea why. You're cute and all, but not that cute. You need a hair cute and smack across the face to lose that stupid perma-grin. And you sang "I Don't Want To Be" with really shitty vocals, there wasn't enough power behind the tone and it sounded like you were swallowing your words. The guitar work was hammy at best. BOO!
OK, mullets? Really, American Idol? Mullets? Alex Lambert almost makes up for his awful hairstyle by singing "Everybody Knows" with a really interesting vocal tone. He sings really well, and even though the song wasn't that exciting, I remembered it and I liked it.
Todrick Hall was the guy who sang Kelly Clarkson last week and this week he's doing "What's Love Got To Do With It?" Yeah, he's gay. He attempts a new arrangement of the Tina classic, but it was strange and lost the melody. I'm all for changing up songs, but you should keep the good parts! I couldn't tell if his vocals were any good, because I couldn't tell if he was in tune.
I do love "What's Going On?" and I loved Jermaine Sellers' fashion sense. Why didn't I love his version of Marvin Gaye's classic pop song? He added way too much extra stuff to the song. Again, I like when people make a song their own, but you have to pick the right song to do that too.
Andrew Garcia did Fall Out Boy last week, in a really boring acoustic style. This week he did a really boring song, James Morrison's "You Give Me Something" and didn't change the song at all. Does he think his neck tattoo is exciting enough he doesn't need to sing? He should've tried "Broken Strings" instead.
Oh, classic Idol karaoke! Aaron Kelley, cute as a sixteen-year-old button, singing "My Girl" like a pageant princess. It takes me back to the early days, when Paula was the crazy one and Mariah Carey was God. He sang it well, but who cares about Temptations covers these days?
I agree with the first three judges, Tim Urban has somethings going on but doesn't have the whole package. "Get Higher" is a amazing song, and he can't sing it. Done deal. He's cute as hell, looks like he's gonna just blow us away with teen-pop charm. But he can't sing! Sad.
I must say, Lee Dewyze is also very cute. He has a great voice, great tone. But he needs to enunciate better, and not pick HORRIBLE HINDER SONGS! OMG, you thought I wasn't gonna go there this time, right? Not possible. I despise Hinder, and "Lips Of An Angel" (with it's whining infidelity tale and idiotic chorus) is the worst song ever. EVER! Try better songs next time, sexy.
I am still thinking the boys suck. They suck less than last time, but they still suck. Don't care who goes home, honestly. Can't we have an all girl top twelve? Pwease?
Super buff Michael Lynch opened the show with a stellar take on James Brown's "It's A Man's World." He has a great voice, he just looks so strange up on stage.
John Park brought his decent voice to John Mayer's "Gravity" - one of the most boring songs in the Mayer catalog. John made it even more boring. Kinda hate him.
Oh, Casey James. The girls love you, I have no idea why. You're cute and all, but not that cute. You need a hair cute and smack across the face to lose that stupid perma-grin. And you sang "I Don't Want To Be" with really shitty vocals, there wasn't enough power behind the tone and it sounded like you were swallowing your words. The guitar work was hammy at best. BOO!
OK, mullets? Really, American Idol? Mullets? Alex Lambert almost makes up for his awful hairstyle by singing "Everybody Knows" with a really interesting vocal tone. He sings really well, and even though the song wasn't that exciting, I remembered it and I liked it.
Todrick Hall was the guy who sang Kelly Clarkson last week and this week he's doing "What's Love Got To Do With It?" Yeah, he's gay. He attempts a new arrangement of the Tina classic, but it was strange and lost the melody. I'm all for changing up songs, but you should keep the good parts! I couldn't tell if his vocals were any good, because I couldn't tell if he was in tune.
I do love "What's Going On?" and I loved Jermaine Sellers' fashion sense. Why didn't I love his version of Marvin Gaye's classic pop song? He added way too much extra stuff to the song. Again, I like when people make a song their own, but you have to pick the right song to do that too.
Andrew Garcia did Fall Out Boy last week, in a really boring acoustic style. This week he did a really boring song, James Morrison's "You Give Me Something" and didn't change the song at all. Does he think his neck tattoo is exciting enough he doesn't need to sing? He should've tried "Broken Strings" instead.
Oh, classic Idol karaoke! Aaron Kelley, cute as a sixteen-year-old button, singing "My Girl" like a pageant princess. It takes me back to the early days, when Paula was the crazy one and Mariah Carey was God. He sang it well, but who cares about Temptations covers these days?
I agree with the first three judges, Tim Urban has somethings going on but doesn't have the whole package. "Get Higher" is a amazing song, and he can't sing it. Done deal. He's cute as hell, looks like he's gonna just blow us away with teen-pop charm. But he can't sing! Sad.
I must say, Lee Dewyze is also very cute. He has a great voice, great tone. But he needs to enunciate better, and not pick HORRIBLE HINDER SONGS! OMG, you thought I wasn't gonna go there this time, right? Not possible. I despise Hinder, and "Lips Of An Angel" (with it's whining infidelity tale and idiotic chorus) is the worst song ever. EVER! Try better songs next time, sexy.
I am still thinking the boys suck. They suck less than last time, but they still suck. Don't care who goes home, honestly. Can't we have an all girl top twelve? Pwease?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Idol Recap! Girls, Girls, Girls
I have to admit something. I was going to pretend missing all the audition and Hollywood episodes was a calculated decision, intended to give me a fresh perspective on the top 24 without knowing the back stories or what ten second clip we saw of them singing a Stevie Wonder song. But I will come clean. I've been busy with church, gym and my sexykins and Idol wasn't a priority.
I KNOW, RIGHT? What the fuck was I thinking, that I could walk away from Simon and Ryan's gay-baiting and the melisma of 17-year-olds who think Mariah Carey invented music? Pshaw! I live for this shit. So I'm back in the game, babies!
The first hot mass to step onto the little stage is Paige Miles, a 24-year-old teacher with a thing for loose-knit berets. So sad. Apparently Simon thinks she has one of the best voices, not that anyone could tell after she sang the non-song "All Right Now." Seriously, a four-year-old boy could do a duet with his house cat and sound pretty good doing this song. Why waste what seems to be a decent voice on such a non-entity?
At least she didn't attempt Leona Lewis, like Ashley Rodriguez did. "Happy" isn't quite a forbidden song like "Bleeding Love" would be, but poor Ashley couldn't hold the tune any better than she could hold her mic. She had it way too close to her face, and every breathe just puffed out of my speakers. At least it saved me from hearing one of Leona's minor singles turned into mush.
Ooh, I do love me some Heart. I love me some Shania Twain. Shania loves her some Janell Wheeler, so I expected it to be a love quadrangle. Not so much. When Janell started the verse, I thought her slight accent would give "What About Love" a country ballad sound. Instead, she couldn't power through the chorus and gave a weak karaoke vocal.
OK, I'm all about this influx of British soulful singer-songwriters that have been popping up in the US, so I was really feeling Lilly Scott's performance. Randy hit the nail on the head (for once) - Lilly isn't just copping a Duffy vibe, she seems the genuine article. And covering an obscure Beatles song with her warm and unique vocal, guitar in hand, was a great intro for the Colorado singer.
Katelynn Epperly brought a 50s rock vibe to the stage with her song, but her look was a bit 80s. And while her vocals were powerful, her song seemed really boring as it went on. I hope to see a different side of her soon, she seems like she could grow on me.
Young Haeley Vaughn looked like a Disney girl with her perma-smile glued to her face while singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." She didn't sound any better, her vocals lacked any spice or verve.
Apparently I'm in the minority on Lacey Brown, the judges majorly disliked her unique vocals coloring Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide." I thought she showed a lot of control, vocally, and reminded me of Cyndi Lauper.
Michelle Delamore's version of "Fallin'" was a very professional, almost perfect, cover. But there was no uniqueness or risk involved, it sounded perfectly pleasant but nothing exciting.
Didi Benami pulled Ingrid Michealson's pretty yet quiet Old Navy commercial "The Way I Am" onto the stage and put the crowd to sleep. I love some Ingrid, but there is no way to make that song a showpiece. Plus, her last name sounds like a certain gay porn site. (NSFW) FAIL.
I like Siobhan Magnus. I just do. Her voice is spooky and has a delicious dark edge to it. "Wicked Game" was a perfect song to showcase it, despite the judges creaming their collective trousers over some Stevie Wonder song she tackled before. I don't want to fall in love, either, but Siobhan has me over a barrel.
I hate harmonicas. I have always hated harmonicas, that is why I hate Stevie Wonder's appearances at any awards shows. Crystal Bowersox almost made me forget that. She played both the mouth harp and guitar while covering Alanis and I kinda dug it. Even though Crystal seemed to be very anti-Idol, she fits into that faux-rebel thing that Idol loves.
Closing the show was 17-year-old Katie Steves doing the jazz standard that has landed on the Idol stage so many times before. "Feelin' Good" should be retired, but every young pup trying to sound timeless drags the old chestnut out. It's a great song, but once Nina Simone, Micheal Buble, Muse and the Pussycat Dolls have sung it, it's time to give it up. Great vocals, old-fashioned performance. Her brother's cute, though.
I KNOW, RIGHT? What the fuck was I thinking, that I could walk away from Simon and Ryan's gay-baiting and the melisma of 17-year-olds who think Mariah Carey invented music? Pshaw! I live for this shit. So I'm back in the game, babies!
The first hot mass to step onto the little stage is Paige Miles, a 24-year-old teacher with a thing for loose-knit berets. So sad. Apparently Simon thinks she has one of the best voices, not that anyone could tell after she sang the non-song "All Right Now." Seriously, a four-year-old boy could do a duet with his house cat and sound pretty good doing this song. Why waste what seems to be a decent voice on such a non-entity?
At least she didn't attempt Leona Lewis, like Ashley Rodriguez did. "Happy" isn't quite a forbidden song like "Bleeding Love" would be, but poor Ashley couldn't hold the tune any better than she could hold her mic. She had it way too close to her face, and every breathe just puffed out of my speakers. At least it saved me from hearing one of Leona's minor singles turned into mush.
Ooh, I do love me some Heart. I love me some Shania Twain. Shania loves her some Janell Wheeler, so I expected it to be a love quadrangle. Not so much. When Janell started the verse, I thought her slight accent would give "What About Love" a country ballad sound. Instead, she couldn't power through the chorus and gave a weak karaoke vocal.
OK, I'm all about this influx of British soulful singer-songwriters that have been popping up in the US, so I was really feeling Lilly Scott's performance. Randy hit the nail on the head (for once) - Lilly isn't just copping a Duffy vibe, she seems the genuine article. And covering an obscure Beatles song with her warm and unique vocal, guitar in hand, was a great intro for the Colorado singer.
Katelynn Epperly brought a 50s rock vibe to the stage with her song, but her look was a bit 80s. And while her vocals were powerful, her song seemed really boring as it went on. I hope to see a different side of her soon, she seems like she could grow on me.
Young Haeley Vaughn looked like a Disney girl with her perma-smile glued to her face while singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." She didn't sound any better, her vocals lacked any spice or verve.
Apparently I'm in the minority on Lacey Brown, the judges majorly disliked her unique vocals coloring Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide." I thought she showed a lot of control, vocally, and reminded me of Cyndi Lauper.
Michelle Delamore's version of "Fallin'" was a very professional, almost perfect, cover. But there was no uniqueness or risk involved, it sounded perfectly pleasant but nothing exciting.
Didi Benami pulled Ingrid Michealson's pretty yet quiet Old Navy commercial "The Way I Am" onto the stage and put the crowd to sleep. I love some Ingrid, but there is no way to make that song a showpiece. Plus, her last name sounds like a certain gay porn site. (NSFW) FAIL.
I like Siobhan Magnus. I just do. Her voice is spooky and has a delicious dark edge to it. "Wicked Game" was a perfect song to showcase it, despite the judges creaming their collective trousers over some Stevie Wonder song she tackled before. I don't want to fall in love, either, but Siobhan has me over a barrel.
I hate harmonicas. I have always hated harmonicas, that is why I hate Stevie Wonder's appearances at any awards shows. Crystal Bowersox almost made me forget that. She played both the mouth harp and guitar while covering Alanis and I kinda dug it. Even though Crystal seemed to be very anti-Idol, she fits into that faux-rebel thing that Idol loves.
Closing the show was 17-year-old Katie Steves doing the jazz standard that has landed on the Idol stage so many times before. "Feelin' Good" should be retired, but every young pup trying to sound timeless drags the old chestnut out. It's a great song, but once Nina Simone, Micheal Buble, Muse and the Pussycat Dolls have sung it, it's time to give it up. Great vocals, old-fashioned performance. Her brother's cute, though.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Mariah Carey Presents The Greatest Break Up Metaphor Ever
Since the bomb that was Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel failed to yield more than one hit, Mariah is back at it with a remix album called Angel's Advocate. It doesn't have a release date (and may never in this economy) but it does have a video! Nicki Minaj from the Young Money crew brings some serious sass and British accents to the new single "Up Out My Face" and the video is amazing!
The ladies dress as Barbies/blow up dolls in nurse's costumes and furs with a red Target commercial theme. But it's the little things that make it amazing, like when Mariah trips or the blond wig Nicki sports. And the song is great fun, including this gem of a break up line: "If we were two Lego block not even the Harvard graduating class of 2010 could put us back together again." LOL.
The ladies dress as Barbies/blow up dolls in nurse's costumes and furs with a red Target commercial theme. But it's the little things that make it amazing, like when Mariah trips or the blond wig Nicki sports. And the song is great fun, including this gem of a break up line: "If we were two Lego block not even the Harvard graduating class of 2010 could put us back together again." LOL.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Review: Ke$ha - "Animal"
If Lady Gaga had stayed the party girl with a wicked sense of avaunt guard fashion we thought she was when "Just Dance" was on repeat across the clubs of the USA and Europe, she may have been Ke$ha. The daughter of a punk-rock-singer-turned-country-music-writer was partying with the likes of Paris Hilton when she hooked up with songwriter/producer/pop music kingmakers Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
A massive blend of party jams and slow jams, all of which takes place at a party or bar or party at a bar, Animal is the anti-AA. It's rather clever, not just this mix of emo pop and techno that suggests the love child of Britney and Katy Perry, but the way every song weaves together a perfect story of who Ke$ha is. From the heartbroken party girl on "Hungover" to the still-drunk-the-next-morning party girl of "Party At A Rich Dude's House" to the geezer-rebuffing party girl of "D.I.N.O.S.A.U.R" we get the picture - girlfriend loves her Jack Daniels and parry music but also has emotions and heart underneath it all. Whether she's drunk texting on "Take It Off" or hitting on some other chick's boyf on "Stephen" or hot mess on the dancefloor in "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes" we understand she is not just a slutty ho, she's a slutty ho with feelings.
Is Ke$ha the next Britney, or the next Dee-Lite? Only time will tell.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Did You Know God Hates Lady Gaga In Addition To Fags?
I know, I know. When you report on the fame monsters of the Westboro Baptist Church you give them just what they are looking for. Spare me. But the originators of the oh-so-clever "God hates fags" signs produce a hilarious parody of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" how does a gay boy resist?
As part of the WBC's new campaign against pro-gay pop star Lady Gaga, the granddaughter of founder Pastor Fred Phelps shows just how must she's studied her enemy by doing a spot-on parody of the Billboard chart topper. The songs been floating around the internet for a hot minute, but the video just showed up on the YouTubes this week. It's hysterical, from the lyrics ("you ain't got no poker face... yeah you just got your whorish face") to the insinuation that another 9/11 will occur due to Lady Gaga's concerts to the way you can tell Megan has The Fame on repeat on her iPod. Seriously, if it wasn't so blatantly hateful, it could be my new favorite song...
As part of the WBC's new campaign against pro-gay pop star Lady Gaga, the granddaughter of founder Pastor Fred Phelps shows just how must she's studied her enemy by doing a spot-on parody of the Billboard chart topper. The songs been floating around the internet for a hot minute, but the video just showed up on the YouTubes this week. It's hysterical, from the lyrics ("you ain't got no poker face... yeah you just got your whorish face") to the insinuation that another 9/11 will occur due to Lady Gaga's concerts to the way you can tell Megan has The Fame on repeat on her iPod. Seriously, if it wasn't so blatantly hateful, it could be my new favorite song...
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Review: Lady Gaga - "The Fame Monster"
At only eight songs long, The Fame Monster is unconventional for this time period. A bit long to be called an EP, but has only about half the songs that Lady Gaga's first album did. But if all the songs are good, who cares that's it's not stuffed with useless filler tracks. Packaged with the first album or on it's lonesome, The Fame Monster deserves to be looked at as it's own entity.
The album opens with the massive hit "Bad Romance" - a song so inescapably hooky you only need to hear it twice to have at least part of it stuck in your head for months. Sheer pop perfection, "Bad Romance" is what techno music has needed, inventive hooks and a beat that doesn't quit. "Alejandro" is a Argentinian tango influenced Ace Of Base-style mid tempo break up song. The brilliant title song, "Monster" turns the dance floor into a hunting ground with Gaga as the prey. It's an interesting turn from the man-eating lyrics of "Love Game" and "Poker Face" and the beat is on fire. "So Happy I Could Die" and "Dance In The Dark" are less of an "event" than the other tracks, but both are solid dance pop tracks with very cool moments. Beyonce pops up on "Telephone" but she's really unnecessary to make the song an appealing club single. The two tracks that don't fit into the techno-influenced sound are "Speechless," a somewhat indulgent classic-rock style ballad, and "Teeth," a crazy campground gospel jam that is amazing.
Over all, The Fame Monster picks up where The Fame left off. Lady Gaga is a true pop visionary and several of these songs are perfect pop singles.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Review: Adam Lambert - "For Your Entertainment"
On American Idol runner up Adam Lambert's debut CD, a host of big names in pop songwriting make serious contributions. Lady Gaga, Pink, Ryan Tedder, Max Martin, Weezer's Rivers Cuomo, Linda Perry, Kara DioGuardi, Ferras, The Darkness's Justin Hawkins and Dr. Luke all pop up in the credits (as well as some contribution from Lambert himself), but the album is distinctly Adam.
The disc contains a mixture of glam rock, techno pop and emo rolled into a modern blend with Adam's vocals steamrolling over the electronic guitars and danceable beats. The 27-year-old comes across as a more mainstream Scissor Sisters on "Fever" apes the icy strangeness of Patrick Wolf on "Broken Open" and doesn't shy away from the drag implications on "Strut" making this the gayest Idol album since Clay Aiken's debut. But while Adam doesn't pretend to be straight, tender love songs like "Time For Miracles" and "Whataya Want From Me" don't identify his lover's gender. Songs like "Soaked" and "A Loaded Smile" showcase the wild vocals that Idol fans fell in love with, while "If I Had You" and "Sure Fire Winners" are party starting dance jams.
For Your Entertainment, unlike most hyped debuts in the pop world, is a clear and cohesive introduction to Adam Lambert's music.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Lady Gaga & The Midway State Cover Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush
Canadian rock band The Midway State are so under the radar, their Wikipedia has required clean-up since 2008. Lady Gaga is so over the radar I'm not sure how the two know each other or even what caused them the join forces on a cover of the classic Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush duet "Don't Give Up" (also covered by Celtic pop singer Maire Brennan and Micheal McDonald, and Willie Nelson and Sinead O'Connor.)
But just because I don't know how, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the results of the collaboration. I wasn't that familiar with the original, which is a shame since it is a beautiful song. So without a memory attached to the original, I must say I really enjoyed this version. Plus, it gives yet another chance for the Gaga one to show off her vocals. Watch the video, a homage to the original version:
But just because I don't know how, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the results of the collaboration. I wasn't that familiar with the original, which is a shame since it is a beautiful song. So without a memory attached to the original, I must say I really enjoyed this version. Plus, it gives yet another chance for the Gaga one to show off her vocals. Watch the video, a homage to the original version:
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Top 50 of 2009: Part Two - 25 to 1
25. "Russian Roulette" - Rihanna (Rated R)
The lead single from Ri Ri post-Chris Brown album is dark, moody and dangerous - the perfect way to annouce her return from a hellish year.
24. "Tik Tok" - Ke$ha (Animal)
Like Lady Gaga's trashy sister from the dark alley's of LA, Ke$ha made her mark as music's newest party girl in this Dr. Luke-penned party hardy anthem. Infectious as herpes and bouncy as a stripper's bra, "Tik Tok" is the party jam du jour.
23. "She Wolf" - Shakira (She Wolf)
It's French disco sung by a Colombian beauty, it has lines like "this is lycanthropy" and "I'm starting to feel just a little abused like a coffee machine in an office." It shouldn't work, but by some voodoo, it does.
22. "Strut" - Adam Lambert (For Your Entertainment)
It's the theme song for every Tyra wannabe, "Strut" has soundtracked my every attempt at walking in imaginary heels and gown.
21. "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" - Pitbull (Rebelution)
The Cuban-American rapper creates my favorite naughty line ("Got her in the cock pit, playing with Pit's cock/now watch me make a movie like Alfred Hitchcock") and gives me a song to sing to my boyfriend to let him know I'm in the mood.
20. "Laughing With" - Regina Spektor (Far)
Regina explores the painful reality of life, while reminding us to laugh along with the Almighty when things go wrong.
19. "All I Ever Wanted" - Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted)
Kelly may have been forced by Clive Davis to create a radio-friendly album, but that didn't stop her from playing on the edges of pop/rock a little. This funk-fused pop song, the title track from her fourth album, utilizes Kelly's powerful pipes to their full effect.
18. "Stillness Is The Move" - Solange (unreleased)
Solange samples the same source material as Erykah Badu's "Bag Lady" to cover indie stars Dirty Projector's love song, creating a brilliant old school soul jam.
17. "Dance In The Dark" - Lady Gaga (The Fame Monster)
As if creating an 80s style synth-pop dance song wasn't enough, the Gaga one drops a "Vogue" style breakdown in the middle and name checks every tragic fame monster ever, from Sylvia Plath to Jon Benet Ramsey. Brilliant!
16. "Battlefield" - Jordin Sparks (Battlefield)
Pat Benatar may have let the world know that love is a battlefield some twenty-odd years ago, but that doesn't stop Jordin Sparks (with some help from Ryan Tedder) from asking why.
15. "Already Gone" - Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted)
Ryan Tedder was a busy boy this year, producing hits for Jordin Sparks, Beyonce, Kelly and One Republic as well as album tracks for Adam Lambert. So it seems eventually he would recycle ideas from one song to another. But even after giving the same beat to Kelly and Beyonce, it was clear that Kelly's heartfelt vocals and heartbreaking lyrics created a better song.
14. "Fuck You" - Lily Allen (It's Not Me, It's You)
Lily Allen kept her potty mouth for the follow-up to her debut, but dropped the retro sound for the sleek, modern electropop of It's Not Me, It's You. But on this middle finger to the Bush administration, she sounds like a chorus girl with a heart of black hatred. And light snarkiness.
13. "Te Amo" - Rihanna (Rated R)
What's a girl to do when fun on the dancefloor turns into something more? Try not to break any hearts, even if it belongs to a girl who can only say "I love you" in Spanish.
12. "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift (Fearless)
She might be the hottest thing in country music, but "You Belong With Me" is hookier than most pop songs and the lyrics are universal. For every gay boy in love with his straight best friend, every lonely girl in love with the boy next door and every person who ever felt the sting of unrequited love, this is your song.
11. "My Life Would Suck Without You" - Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted)
Yes, it's "Since U Been Gone" part two. But what better song to recycle? It's a brilliant slice of power pop perfection, and there is nothing better than Kelly on her game, singing the songs of Max Martin and Dr. Luke. (Well, besides singing her own songs... coughMyDecembercough)
10. "Date My Avatar" - The Guild feat Felicia Day (Single Only)
I know it was meant to be a throw away promo for a web show about geeks playing RPGs. But it filled the Aqua shaped void in my heart and taught me the glories of cosplay.
9. "Genius Next Door" - Regina Spektor (Far)
Over a densely moving piano, Regina waxes poetic over kids almost drowning in lakes. Is it a metaphor? Is it a true crime story? Do I care? It's brilliant.
8. "Two Is Better Than One" - Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift (Love Drunk)
Two is better than one, at least when those two are a pop punk band and a country cutie who harmonize over acoustic guitars and strings. Ah, I'm just a sucker for a power ballad...
7. "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga (The Fame Monster)
It's dance pop at it's most intelligent, with forty-seven hooks and seven zillion pounds of glamorousness. If you can resist dancing, you have better self control than I. If you can resist singing along, you are not human!
6. "Whatya Want From Me" - Adam Lambert (For Your Entertainment)
It's telling that this second single from Adam's debut is a little more toned down, and little more contrite. After the absurd scandal over his performance on the American Music Awards, Adam needed something a little softer. But that doesn't mean that this song, penned by Pink for her last album, is a snoozer. It's still powerful and perfect for his amazing instrument.
5. "When Love Takes Over" - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland (One Love)
It's a dancefloor anthem, perfect for singing along, dancing along and living. I'm so glad to have Kelly back in the game!
.4 "Dear God, Please Help Me" - Marianne Faithfull (Easy Come, Easy Go)
Marianne's whiskey-soaked vocals completely destroy the heart of any one who hears her cover of Morrisey's song of innocence lost while in Rome. The high church organs and guitars swirl around her instrument of mass emotional destruction to create the best cover of the year.
3. "Don't Stop Believin'" - The Cast Of Glee (Glee - The Music, Volume 1)
Lea Michele and Cory Monteith lead the cast of the most joyous thing on TV in a cover of the most triumphant anthem in pop history. To not love it is to admit you are missing your emotion chip.
2. "Paparazzi" - Lady Gaga (The Fame)
Love and obsession intertwine over icy Italio Disco beats on the fourth single from Our Lady Of Perpetual Fabulousness's debut disc. The fact the video is epic and the line "You're my rock star in between the sets/Eyeliner and cigarettes" perfectly describes my current boyf helps make "Paparazzi" the best Gaga tune this year.
1. "Daniel" - Bat For Lashes (Two Suns)
In this ode to nostalgic love and the Karate Kid, Natasha Khan replaces the string quartets and girl group tambourines of her debut with synths and beats. It's still creepy as hall, and the atmospheric lead single from her concept album took her detached-yet-emotional vocals to another level.
The lead single from Ri Ri post-Chris Brown album is dark, moody and dangerous - the perfect way to annouce her return from a hellish year.
24. "Tik Tok" - Ke$ha (Animal)
Like Lady Gaga's trashy sister from the dark alley's of LA, Ke$ha made her mark as music's newest party girl in this Dr. Luke-penned party hardy anthem. Infectious as herpes and bouncy as a stripper's bra, "Tik Tok" is the party jam du jour.
23. "She Wolf" - Shakira (She Wolf)
It's French disco sung by a Colombian beauty, it has lines like "this is lycanthropy" and "I'm starting to feel just a little abused like a coffee machine in an office." It shouldn't work, but by some voodoo, it does.
22. "Strut" - Adam Lambert (For Your Entertainment)
It's the theme song for every Tyra wannabe, "Strut" has soundtracked my every attempt at walking in imaginary heels and gown.
21. "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" - Pitbull (Rebelution)
The Cuban-American rapper creates my favorite naughty line ("Got her in the cock pit, playing with Pit's cock/now watch me make a movie like Alfred Hitchcock") and gives me a song to sing to my boyfriend to let him know I'm in the mood.
20. "Laughing With" - Regina Spektor (Far)
Regina explores the painful reality of life, while reminding us to laugh along with the Almighty when things go wrong.
19. "All I Ever Wanted" - Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted)
Kelly may have been forced by Clive Davis to create a radio-friendly album, but that didn't stop her from playing on the edges of pop/rock a little. This funk-fused pop song, the title track from her fourth album, utilizes Kelly's powerful pipes to their full effect.
18. "Stillness Is The Move" - Solange (unreleased)
Solange samples the same source material as Erykah Badu's "Bag Lady" to cover indie stars Dirty Projector's love song, creating a brilliant old school soul jam.
17. "Dance In The Dark" - Lady Gaga (The Fame Monster)
As if creating an 80s style synth-pop dance song wasn't enough, the Gaga one drops a "Vogue" style breakdown in the middle and name checks every tragic fame monster ever, from Sylvia Plath to Jon Benet Ramsey. Brilliant!
16. "Battlefield" - Jordin Sparks (Battlefield)
Pat Benatar may have let the world know that love is a battlefield some twenty-odd years ago, but that doesn't stop Jordin Sparks (with some help from Ryan Tedder) from asking why.
15. "Already Gone" - Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted)
Ryan Tedder was a busy boy this year, producing hits for Jordin Sparks, Beyonce, Kelly and One Republic as well as album tracks for Adam Lambert. So it seems eventually he would recycle ideas from one song to another. But even after giving the same beat to Kelly and Beyonce, it was clear that Kelly's heartfelt vocals and heartbreaking lyrics created a better song.
14. "Fuck You" - Lily Allen (It's Not Me, It's You)
Lily Allen kept her potty mouth for the follow-up to her debut, but dropped the retro sound for the sleek, modern electropop of It's Not Me, It's You. But on this middle finger to the Bush administration, she sounds like a chorus girl with a heart of black hatred. And light snarkiness.
13. "Te Amo" - Rihanna (Rated R)
What's a girl to do when fun on the dancefloor turns into something more? Try not to break any hearts, even if it belongs to a girl who can only say "I love you" in Spanish.
12. "You Belong With Me" - Taylor Swift (Fearless)
She might be the hottest thing in country music, but "You Belong With Me" is hookier than most pop songs and the lyrics are universal. For every gay boy in love with his straight best friend, every lonely girl in love with the boy next door and every person who ever felt the sting of unrequited love, this is your song.
11. "My Life Would Suck Without You" - Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted)
Yes, it's "Since U Been Gone" part two. But what better song to recycle? It's a brilliant slice of power pop perfection, and there is nothing better than Kelly on her game, singing the songs of Max Martin and Dr. Luke. (Well, besides singing her own songs... coughMyDecembercough)
10. "Date My Avatar" - The Guild feat Felicia Day (Single Only)
I know it was meant to be a throw away promo for a web show about geeks playing RPGs. But it filled the Aqua shaped void in my heart and taught me the glories of cosplay.
9. "Genius Next Door" - Regina Spektor (Far)
Over a densely moving piano, Regina waxes poetic over kids almost drowning in lakes. Is it a metaphor? Is it a true crime story? Do I care? It's brilliant.
8. "Two Is Better Than One" - Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift (Love Drunk)
Two is better than one, at least when those two are a pop punk band and a country cutie who harmonize over acoustic guitars and strings. Ah, I'm just a sucker for a power ballad...
7. "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga (The Fame Monster)
It's dance pop at it's most intelligent, with forty-seven hooks and seven zillion pounds of glamorousness. If you can resist dancing, you have better self control than I. If you can resist singing along, you are not human!
6. "Whatya Want From Me" - Adam Lambert (For Your Entertainment)
It's telling that this second single from Adam's debut is a little more toned down, and little more contrite. After the absurd scandal over his performance on the American Music Awards, Adam needed something a little softer. But that doesn't mean that this song, penned by Pink for her last album, is a snoozer. It's still powerful and perfect for his amazing instrument.
5. "When Love Takes Over" - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland (One Love)
It's a dancefloor anthem, perfect for singing along, dancing along and living. I'm so glad to have Kelly back in the game!
.4 "Dear God, Please Help Me" - Marianne Faithfull (Easy Come, Easy Go)
Marianne's whiskey-soaked vocals completely destroy the heart of any one who hears her cover of Morrisey's song of innocence lost while in Rome. The high church organs and guitars swirl around her instrument of mass emotional destruction to create the best cover of the year.
3. "Don't Stop Believin'" - The Cast Of Glee (Glee - The Music, Volume 1)
Lea Michele and Cory Monteith lead the cast of the most joyous thing on TV in a cover of the most triumphant anthem in pop history. To not love it is to admit you are missing your emotion chip.
2. "Paparazzi" - Lady Gaga (The Fame)
Love and obsession intertwine over icy Italio Disco beats on the fourth single from Our Lady Of Perpetual Fabulousness's debut disc. The fact the video is epic and the line "You're my rock star in between the sets/Eyeliner and cigarettes" perfectly describes my current boyf helps make "Paparazzi" the best Gaga tune this year.
1. "Daniel" - Bat For Lashes (Two Suns)
In this ode to nostalgic love and the Karate Kid, Natasha Khan replaces the string quartets and girl group tambourines of her debut with synths and beats. It's still creepy as hall, and the atmospheric lead single from her concept album took her detached-yet-emotional vocals to another level.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)