Blast From Your Past

Here's another musical challenge for you folks:

What is the last song or album you purchased that's an "oldie" - one that you remember from your youth and just had to have?

photo courtesy of TheAssociationWebsite.com

Yesterday I had to download "Cherish" by The Association. (You might also have heard of the band from their other big hits, "Never My Love," "Along Comes Mary," and "Windy.") It was mentioned in the book I'm currently reading (Flesh and Blood by Michael Cunningham), and my mind whipped back to the days I was a young kid, listening to tunes from the 60's and 70's in my parents' Chevrolet. That was the age of The Carpenters, The 5th Dimension, and of course The Temptations.

I've already mentioned in this space that my all-time favorite oldies song is "Then He Kissed Me" by The Crystals. Although the opening scene from Adventures in Babysitting was a big factor in my love for that song, it was the record in my friend's vintage jukebox that solidified it in my memory for all time. So simple, so perfect.

Now it's your turn - tell me what old song you just have to have on your playlist!

The iPod shuffle challenge - part deux

Well that was a fun (and popular) post. So I thought I'd continue pricklygirl's lead and post another 20, as things are a bit slow in my entertainment life this week.

21. "Everyday People" - Sly & The Family Stone

This isn't just a car commercial jingle - it's also a cool "diversity is good" song.

22. "Send Me On My Way" - Rusted Root

For my inner hippie. And no, I have no idea what the lyrics actually are.

23. "Avenue P" - Carole King

This is from King's kiddie musical, Really Rosie, which was I think the first school musical I did in elementary school. Those songs really stuck with me.

24. "Walkin' After Midnight" - Patsy Cline

When I go to eat at Hard Times Cafe, I fully expect to find this on the jukebox, or I'm sad.

25. "Band of Gold" - Kimberley Locke

She's still my all-time fave contestant formerly of American Idol. I loved when she covered this song on the show.

26. "What Have You Done For Me Lately" - Janet Jackson

Remember the video? And that Paula Abdul was in it before she had her own career? Good times.

27. "I Believe" - original Off-Broadway cast of Altar Boyz

What is awesome about this musical is that it both skewers and lauds modern religion. Hilarious! The Jewish guy was totally the hot one.

28. "You Go To My Head" - Sarah Vaughan

I do like Ella, Dinah, and Billie, but the singer of the age for me was totally Sarah. Her music goes down like a smooth glass of Frangelico.

29. "On The Willows" - original Broadway cast of Godspell

Wow, what's with all the religion-themed musicals? This song makes me cry when I see it performed live. Every time.

30. "Brokedown Palace" - Joan Osborne

I simply adore Joan Osborne, and even really get into this album which is all country and bluegrass-tinged soul. That raspy voice just rocks.

31. "Then He Kissed Me" - The Crystals

My all-time favorite "oldies" song! I can't help but bounce around and sing, just like in the start of Adventures in Babysitting.

32. "La La" - The Verve Pipe

This was my college band, by which I mean they got their start in my college town when I was there. I saw them oodles of times live (for free!) at the bars & clubs in Kalamazoo. They were so very cool. I'm sad that mainstream success ultimately spelled their demise.

33. "When Doves Cry" - Prince

No one does it better than purple royalty.

34. "Good Morning Baltimore" - original Broadway cast of Hairspray

Who knew John Waters' screwball movie would make such an infectious musical? This song makes me want to wake up for sure.

35. "Padam Padam" - Edith Piaf

We got way into Edith after seeing La Vie En Rose, and this is totally her best song, in my opinion. It makes me want to go back and take more French classes.

36. "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" - Paula Abdul

Oh hello, embarrassment. OK, I admit it - I heard Paula put out a new single, and I totally bought it immediately. And I tap my foot when I listen to it. So sue me!

37. "Land of a Thousand Words" - Scissor Sisters

Funny, this was on Joyous' list also! We are big, big fans of the Sisters - we've seen them in concert several times. And they put on a good show.

38. "Over The Moon" - original Broadway cast of Rent

I'm sad the show closed, but it will live for ages. A modern classic! And this song is great fun - it's always interesting to see how different actresses will interpret it.

39. "Beyond The Invisible" - Enigma

I have all of Enigma's albums. It's good mood music for the background, but also good for choreography.

40. "It's De-Lovely" - Rosemary Clooney

Finally! I thought Rosemary would never make it into the shuffle. And I have a lot of her music on my iPod. This track is from a live performance she did at the London Palladium, where she performed a Cole Porter classic.


So anyone want to share 20 more? Or how about this other challenge - what's the most recent song you bought, no matter how trite or trendy?

I just bought "American Boy" by Estelle. It really gets in my head. But warning if you download it from iTunes - it is not clean.

The iPod shuffle challenge

OK, I'm game. ScottE sent me this little challenge from pricklygirl. I'm sure it will be embarrassing, but here we go!

If you are in shuffle mode, what are the first twenty songs that come up on your iPod? And no skipping past the embarrassing stuff. I usually run mine in shuffle mode on some general song list (i.e. show tunes, not show tunes, pop/rock/soul, 80's). But this is the whole enchilada! Ready?

1. "Being Alive" - original Broadway cast of Company

We've greatly enjoyed the soundtrack with the 2006/2007 Broadway cast starring Raul Esparza. But I wanted more, so I got the original cast as well. This is the show closer, and it's a doozy!

2. "Dangerous Game" - Gloria Estefan

I know she's not everyone's cup of tea, but I've been a big Gloria fan for ages. This is off her most recent album, and it's got a mellow sound I enjoy.

3. "Icicle" - Tori Amos

Tori is brilliant on the piano, and this is one of her best off my favorite album - Under The Pink.

4. "Blue Wind" - original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening

If you haven't seen this show, you're missing out. This soulful song is what made me fall in love with Lauren Pritchard.

5. "Little Perennials" - Indigo Girls

My favorite band ever, this is the first single off their latest album. And it's catchy.

6. "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh" - Queen Latifah

She was a rapper first, but it's become accepted that Queen is also a smooth jazz singer. I've enjoyed her last couple albums that showcase this talent.

7. "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" - Blossom Dearie

Don't recognize the singer? You might know her better from her work on Schoolhouse Rock! - remember "Figure 8"? Or "Unpack Your Adjectives"? That childlike voice of wonder is hers, and this cute song makes me smile.

8. "The Ballad of Czolgosz" - 2004 Broadway cast of Assassins

At this point if you're shocked I have so many show tunes, you don't know me very well. Loved the show (saw it at Studio 54), especially Neil Patrick Harris, who sings this one. And he says "Michigan" in a song, so I've got hometown love.

9. "Locklat Africa" - Zap Mama

Zap Mama is a unique Belgian group of women who fuse European and African styles. I bought this album (Sabsylma) for the choreographic possibilities, but still listen to it for fun as well.

10. "The Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding

The classic summer song of chillaxin'.

11. "Shattered Dreams" - Johnny Hates Jazz

Ah, the carefree and bizarre 80's. It was such a simple and...odd time. This particular song was great while driving with friends at night.

12. "You Can't Hurry Love" - The Supremes

Classic Motown never goes out of style. And no I do NOT have the Phil Collins cover on my iPod!

13. "Lorrell Loves Jimmy" - movie soundtrack for Dreamgirls

I love this movie musical even more than Lorrell loves Jimmy. Also, Anika Noni Rose is totally my BFF, in case you hadn't heard. (In my head, that is.)

14. "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" - Kathy Mattea

Somber bluegrass-tinged folk music isn't my usual thing, but I heard Kathy perform songs from her new album (Coal) live, and it was entrancing. It's sad, but it's beautiful.

15. "I Feel The Earth Move" - Carole King

Carole King is an amazing songwriter. My first memory of this song was some random singer (maybe Helen Reddy?) performing it on The Muppet Show. Actually I have far too many memories of classic songs being sung on that show...

16. "Midnight Radio" - movie soundtrack for Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hard to explain the plot of this movie musical, but let's just say it involves hard rock and a botched sex change operation. Anywho, this is my favorite song. Lift up your hands.

17. "Hey Genius" - Rebekah

I first heard for Rebekah when I got a sampler cassette at my first Lilith Fair. I bought the album, and this song is my favorite - strong singing/songwriting.

18. "Liza with a 'Z'" - Liza Minelli

This makes me really super-duper gay, I know. But it's an adorable song, regardless.

19. "Members Only" - Los Angeles cast of Naked Boys Singing!

No comment.

20. "Turn! Turn! Turn!" - The Byrds

For everything a season and a reason. What an appropriate way to end my list.


All right, I've laid my iPod bare - how about you?

Icons for Gay Men

Recently I was re-watching the film Hello Dolly! after hearing those great old Jerry Herman tunes in the film Wall-E. For those unfamiliar, there was quite a hulabaloo when the young Barbra Streisand was cast in the role, whereas the stage version had been pretty much synonymous with Carol Channing. Despite that, we gays still love her, even if we recognize this was perhaps not her best (or most appropriate) role. But how to explain that? Why is it that the majority of gay men love Babs the way we do, and so many others?

Thus I think it's time to offer you, gentle reader, a primer for the pantheon of female icons that we gay folk adore so much. And because I love lists, I'm going to offer my top 10 icons, followed by a laundry list of honorable mentions. Also we'll look at a few potential icons of the future - who will be talking about 25 years now with a great sigh saying, "Oh, I remember when I first saw Elizabeth in the theater. Now THAT was a great time in movies!"

First up, my top 10 list. These are in no particular order, because no matter how I rank them, I will hear cries of sacrilege (probably even from myself).

1. Judy Garland

How does one explain the pull of Judy? I admit that I wasn't even that impressed with Judy in my nascent years as a gay collegiate. But there are several reasons to explain her appeal. First is that quintessential role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her experience reminds us of our own - lost in a world that is new and scary, wishing for the comforts of a home where you truly belong - if only you had some kind friends to lean on and show you the way. Also Judy has that cache of being a young child star at the time when movie musicals were becoming quite popular. When she exhorted us all to "Get Happy," we gladly obliged.

2. Liza Minelli

One can hardly mention Judy without bringing up her daughter in the same breath. We admire the way she fought to step outside her mother's shadow, taking the musical stage by storm all on her own. She pushed buttons and sang of hot jazz in Cabaret (making us forget that the role of Sally Bowles is supposed to be played by an Englishwoman). And of course she kept marrying men of our number, so she's practically a gay man already. Liza with a Z - that's her!

3. Barbra Streisand

*sigh* Oh, Babs. It's the voice. It's the nails. It's the Jewish girl from Flatbush who makes it on the Great White Way and wins an Oscar in her very first movie role. It's her unconventional choices in leading men that makes us realize all of us stand a chance. (Ryan O'Neal as sex symbol? Believe it.) And of course she's just so easy to impersonate - a godsend for the drag queens out there.

4. Cher

First she declares herself a "Half-Breed," and we identify with the outsider who isn't loved. Then she wears ostentatious-yet-fabulous gowns by Bob Mackie. And then she proves that she can really act, too - "Snap out of it!" Once she went disco, all the gays were ready to dance along and toss our non-existent long hair. Whoooaaaa!!!

5. Madonna

Although she's the youngest on this list, Madonna has done more in her half-century to win the hearts of the gays than most singers do in a lifetime. She has continually skewered social norms regarding sex and religion, and we appreciate it. She also knows how to construct a lot of amazing dance tunes!

6. Bette Davis

We love Bette for one simple reason - she was the first big-mouthed broad who brought the bitch every time she walked in a room. Only she could turn, "Poor Eve!" into a classic line.

7. Joan Crawford

Joan was in some ways Bette's twin for bitchery, but she also brought the glamour and the drama. And of course we know that she was (mostly) Mommie Dearest in real life, which makes her both cool and creepy.

8. Audrey Hepburn

Audrey defined glamour of the era - she looked good in everything, and always had those big fabulous sunglasses! No one else before or sense has made a string of pearls and a long cigarette holder look so very elegant. Then she became a big-time humanitarian, and no one appreciates selfless acts to help the world's forgotten more than the gays.

9. Donna Summer

Donna was the queen of the disco, and we sure loved our disco. Why, exactly? Disco was the chance to show of your hottest threads while shaking your booty on a lighted dance floor. Gay, gay, gay!!!

10. Bette Midler

Her history starting in the gay baths made Bette an instant gay icon for life - she entertained us first, and we've been loyal ever since. Yet we also would have adored her anyway for being loud and brassy with big bazooms. Once she made us weep with Beaches, we have never been the same.

And that's the list! Now for a few honorable mentions, who are certainly gay icons for some, but have not perhaps reached the pinnacle of gay icon stature:

- Dolly Parton - "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."
- Julie Andrews - Sound of Music - love! Victor/Victoria - gay friendly!
- Patti Labelle - Soul sistah had the craziest hair of the 80's. And she likes to eat.
- Marlene Dietrich - She's the woman who made androgyny edgy and fabulous. Madonna owes her a debt.
- Elaine Stritch - Elaine made it OK to drink vodka and sing at the top of your lungs. Not that I ever do that.
- Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive" has been our anthem for years - if only she had more hits...
- Carol Channing - She's the smile that ate Broadway - Hello, Dolly, indeed!
- Carol Burnett - That Gone With the Wind sketch was worth a lifetime of laughs.
- Lucille Ball - The original (and perhaps greatest ever) comedienne. And who wouldn't want to marry a hot Cuban?
- Mary Tyler Moore - When she threw her hat up into the Minneapolis sky, she signaled freedom - for all! (Or that's how I saw it.) Plus having a sassy Jewish neighbor was totally our life.
- Whitney Houston - She...eee...eee....will always love uuuuuuuuus...or maybe crack. It's whack!
- Reba McEntire - Short, spunky, redheads are always our best girlfriends. Plus, girl loves her costumes!
- Diana Ross - She was so fabulous and controversial that they made a really, really good musical about her! (Even if she denies it.)
- Katherine Hepburn - She really qualifies as more of a lesbian icon (the jaw, the pants, that red sweater), but we still think she was a strong woman, and we love that.
- Judi Dench & Helen Mirren - Tough British babes for the ages!

Finally, without further adieu, I propose the women with the greatest potential to become our great icons of the new century. Which of them will stand the test of time?

- Jennifer Hudson - She's our new Diana Ross. But girl's got curves!
- Kathy Griffin - She adores us, so how could we not return the love?
- Margaret Cho - Ditto!
- Kelly Clarkson - American Idol no more - she is hot, hot, hot.
- Beyonce' - We're crazy in love with her.
- Cate Blanchett - One minute she's a British queen, the next she's clawing out the eyes of Judi Dench. Bold!
- Tilda Swinton - Androgyny is hot again, and Tilda's at the forefront. A new Marlene in the making?
- Meryl Streep - When she gets Oscar nomination #20, you know we're throwing a party.
- Glenn Close - She was in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. She may actually BE a gay man!

OK, now's your time to let me have it - where did I go wrong? Whom did I forget? Whom I have shown too much love? (Yeah, right.) And who else will define the future of gay men's DVD and CD collections?

New iPod Singles

One of the joys of the iTunes revolution is that one gets to sample music like a smorgasbord. Not sure if you want to buy a whole album yet? Just buy a song or two and take it for a test drive! It also opens you up to a world of new artists you might never have heard of or tried, but with the store's inventory you have a lot of choices. Here are 3 new artists for me and the songs I downloaded and have been enjoying.


Spotlight - Jennifer Hudson

Yeah, I know - I totally already had J-Hud on my iPod. But this is the first song of her own material, the first single off her new album. I'm not sure I'd pick this as the premiere song if I was her record label, but it hints at the power behind that voice. I consider this a decent appetizer to what should be a hearty main course.


Mercy - Duffy

Several of my co-workers have been talking about Duffy lately, and after sampling a few songs, I downloaded this ditty. It's a really catchy tune in the vein of Amy Winehouse - a movement I'd call retro-soul. Duffy by contrast is far more upbeat than Amy, and thus far doesn't seem to have the deep personal issues.


My Heart - Lizz Wright

I try to catch CBS Sunday Morning whenever I can - it's been a tradition in my family for years. One thing I've enjoyed recently are the music suggestions offered by Bill Flanagan. His tastes touch all musical genres, and he has a particular reverence for the classics. This past week he offered what he thought were the best CDs for this summer, and I immediately latched onto Lizz Wright. She's got a cool pop sound tinged with jazz - think India.Arie after she's had a mojito. This particular track is hard to get out of your head - check it out!


So those are my latest finds - what have you discovered lately? What am I not listening to that I should rush out and get ASAP?

Top 10 Madonna Singles - Ever

I can never resist a challenge, and of course after ranking all of Madge's albums, Stef was quick to ask - but what are the best songs? It took some real difficult decision-making, but I've made my list. In honor of our favorite pop mom, it seems appropriate to unveil this list on Mother's Day.

First, my methodology. I began by eliminating any song that was not actually released as a single at some point. Although several albums have some hidden gems that never made it to the radio, I thought it best to stick to the true pop hits. From there I compiled a list of a quick top 20. And then from there I slowly whittled the list down to 10. It was hard, believe me! After the list, I'll give you a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut. (Who knows, maybe they can make a list in the future. If Jaslene can make a comeback...)

And now, without further adieu, the list, in reverse order.

10. Human Nature

Madonna's mid-career was very focused on being one hot n' sexy woman. Of all those sex-positive hits, I think this is the best. It's got a good beat, and is just tongue-in-cheek enough to prove she's not taking it all too seriously.

9. Papa Don't Preach

There have been a few Madonna songs dealing with her tumultuous relationship with her father, and I think this song balances her desire to be loyal to her father but also be her own woman. She's keepin' her baby, and don't you forget it.

8. Like A Virgin

This song arguably is what made Madonna a star. It's known around the world and is a part of our cultural lexicon, even showing up in films like Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Each time I listen, I feel touched (for the very first time).



7. La Isla Bonita

Now begins the real dance masterpieces. Madonna's affection for all things Latin is best showcased in this song, which transports me to a tropical locale. If you want to hear the best version, check out her live concert in Australia for The Girlie Show tour. "La Isla!"

6. Like A Prayer

Madonna's most controversial video ever (and for her, that's saying a lot) seems tame by today's standards. But behind the controversy was a gospel pop anthem that really makes you want to get up on your feet.

5. Holiday

If you're having a party and things are getting dull, just pop in this song, and things will turn out fine. It was one of Madonna's first hits, and has stood the test of time.

4. Ray Of Light

This is the newest song on my list. It represents a whole new sound for our pop earth mother. Perfect for getting up in the morning, driving on the freeway, or working out at the gym.

3. Open Your Heart

I know this song wouldn't rank high on most critics' lists, but there's just something about the beat that gets a hold of my heart. Put thoughts of the video out of your mind, as I know it's a bit weird.

2. Vogue

As I looked back on my life and thought of hours spent dancing in clubs, I realized that even when this song wasn't playing, I sure spent a lot of timing vogueing. Madonna took a style of dance unique to a gay subculture and started a dance revolution. I think even Bette Davis would agree.

1. Express Yourself

Looking at the Madonna oeuvre for this list, I quickly came the realization that for the top of the list there was really only one choice. This song rocks, it's got self-affirming lyrics, the beat is infectious and it's easy to sing along. "C'mon girls! Do you believe in love?"

So there it is. Let me know what you think, and feel free to disagree.

As for the also-rans, there were quite a few ballads. I think that speaks to Madonna's style - she's a pop star first, songstress second. Live To Tell, Love Don't Live Here Anymore...very good stuff, but not the absolute best. Also some of her more recent hits are definitely good, but I think I still need a few years to see if they stand the test of time - Music and Hung Up are up there for sure.

Let's hear it - what do you think?

Ranking Madonna's Albums

In a previous post, I had been asked how I would rate one of Madonna's albums versus another. This gave me the thought that perhaps it was time for a...list. Yes, I know. Lists have become so common on the internet, you'd think they were the start of Wikipedia. But for you, my dear readers, I feel it is my duty.

Thus I present to you my list of all of Madonna's 13 major albums in order. I have decided for the purpose of this list to exclude any greatest hits collections, as it's just patently unfair. Let's be honest - no album would stand a chance against The Immaculate Collection. Granted those collection albums usually had a little new material. Maybe some other day I'll rank all the top 10 hits. Also I'm excluding albums of remixes, and any album so obscure that you won't recognize it when I mention it. (Yes, there are a few - check out this discography.) And while I'm throwing out caveats, I'll mention that although it's awesome, I have to leave out Evita, as that wasn't exactly new material.

So here they are, folks! Release the hounds, and begin the debate.

1. Ray of Light

For me, this is it - the pinnacle of a career. Madonna blew the music industry out of the water with something very fresh, new and innovative. I defy you to listen to the title track in your car without accelerating. Frozen gives me chills, Shanti/Ashtangi centers me, and Nothing Really Matters is so very danceable! I came close to demoting this to the #2 spot because of the hopelessly annoying Little Star, but I'm sure even the Mona Lisa has a smudge in there somewhere.

2. True Blue

If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have 1 album on this list on my cleverly hidden iPod, I'd go with this one. I think Ray of Light is great as an overall album, but it's True Blue that has the songs I can't live without. A lot of people probably wouldn't be able to name this album off the tops of their heads, but there's no way they wouldn't know the songs on it. The title track is fun, and four of the greatest Madonna songs of all time are here - Papa Don't Preach, Live To Tell, La Isla Bonita, and my all-time favorite - Open Your Heart!!! LOVE!

3. Madonna

A long time ago in a galaxy very nearby, Madonna launched a career with bubblegum pop that you could really dance to. Although this album is 25 years old, it still is the source of some of her most hummable tunes - Lucky Star, Borderline, Burning Up, and one of the best party songs of all time - Holiday!

4. Confessions On A Dance Floor

After a few missteps, Madonna came screaming back onto the scene with a very, very good album. Hung Up is a dance anthem wrapped in a pink leotard. And there are a lot of other great offerings - Sorry, Let It Will Be, How High. Personally I can't get enough of Jump and Like It Or Not.

5. Bedtime Stories

Go ahead and argue with me, but I think this is the most underappreciated Madonna album of all time. It was laying the groundwork for the electronica dance style she would pioneer in the coming years. Bedtime Story is an amazing song and a delightfully trippy video (love those whirling dervishes!). And what's more, it features some of Madonna's strongest ballads - Secret and Take A Bow. In other news, Human Nature is way sexy, baby!

6. Erotica

Not every song on this album is amazing, but it marks a huge change for Madonna. This is when she became very, very grown up (read: overtly sexual) and at times very serious. There are some good songs here, but it's really all about Rain!

7. Like A Prayer

This is an odd album - it features a couple of the greatest Madonna songs ever (the title track and Express Yourself) and a couple solid hits (Cherish and Oh Father) mixed in with a lot of forgettable work (Dear Jessie, anyone?). I think this is the main reason we needed The Immaculate Collection.

8. I'm Breathless

What I like about this album is that it's got a great theme going. As the companion soundtrack to the movie Dick Tracy, Madonna presented a collection of songs in a swinging 40s style. Even if every track isn't successful, it's still a pleasure to listen to, in my opinion. And considering it's topped off with Vogue (a signature gay dance anthem), how can you go wrong?

9. Like A Virgin

Madonna was really hitting the big-time with this album (i.e. she ruled MTV), but when you look at the album itself, it doesn't have that much to offer. Sure, there are a few vital hits - Material Girl, the title track, and Dress You Up. But I think overall it's not very strong.

10. Hard Candy

As you may have read by now, I like parts of this album - the beginning (Candy Shop, 4 Minutes) and the end (Devil Wouldn't Recognize You and Voices) with one good song in the middle (Miles Away). Just stay away from some of that annoying pop with trite lyrics in the middle (I'm taking Incredible off my iPod)!

11. Music

Maybe someone can argue in favor of this album, but I found it to be very disappointing. The title track and Don't Tell Me are definitely keepers, but can you name another song off the top of your head?

12. American Life

Yeah, yeah, I know it's pretty bad. I still own it. I kind of like the title track, and even the James Bond theme, Die Another Day. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

13. Who's That Girl

Putting this album on the list is debatable, as only half the songs are even from Madonna. Sadly, even those few aren't very good. The title track is about all that's worth listening to.

That's it - what do you think? I'm dying to hear some opinions from you other folks that remember when Madonna writhing around in a wedding dress was a real scandal!

Hard Candy at the Funplex

A couple new CD reviews:

Hard Candy by Madonna

Madonna's latest musical offering looks to be similar to other recent albums - she picks a genre and puts her own spin on it. In this case it's R&B, with appearances by Justin Timberlake and Kanye West, with producing credits from the likes of Timbaland.

The result is a bit mixed. It starts off with some reliable singles that are sure to be hits in the clubs, like the Timberlake duet "4 Minutes." The middle of the record is full of more predictable pop with vapid lyrics - I kind of picture that it's what Paula Abdul would sound like if she'd kept it up all these years.

That being said, there are still some real gems that aren't to be missed. The wistful sounds of "Miles Away" are very hummable. And I like the darker mood and sound of "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" and "Voices."

In the canon of Madonna, I'd put this album somewhere above Music, but below Erotica. You have to give her credit - for a woman who's close to 50 and has a career that spans decades, she never fails to try something new. Because she knows we're just dying to find out what she'll do next!

Funplex by The B-52's

By contrast, The B-52's haven't been coming up with new materials every year (the last album with new songs was 10 years ago). They have instead focused on touring, which we the fans are certainly grateful for (they put on a great show - I saw them a couple years back).

This album of all new material is a heck of a return to the studio. It fits the familiar mold for one of their albums - several party songs where the girls bop along while Fred Schneider yells various things at us, a couple smoother duets for Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, and plenty of keyboard-and-guitar arrangements by Keith Strickland.

You'll find plenty to sing along to here, especially the title track, "Hot Corner" and "Deviant Ingredient." But the shining star that I can't get enough of is "Juliet of the Spirits," a soaring duet by the ladies.

Here's hoping The B-52's keep rocking from Idaho all the way to Planet Claire!

OMG!

Thanks to MTV (yeah, it's weird saying that), we got to see Legally Blonde - the musical!

As you might expect, the show is a bit silly and light on substance. But there are some really great songs (good luck getting "Ohmigod You Guys" and "What You Want" out of your head anytime soon). And it is of course high energy, plowing all the way to the finale. There is also one downright hilarious moment as Elle is visited by her own Greek chorus...of a different kind.

Great fun, and worth seeing on Broadway, or checking out the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Summer of Groovy Tunes

My apologies for the lack of posts recently - it's been a busy time traveling for work. Things are starting to calm down, fortunately.

It may be a busy summer, but nothing makes summer more bearable than some great music! And I've been hearing a lot lately. Here are a few recommendations for you to check out.

Erasure - Yeah, OK, so they've been around for decades. But we had the chance to rediscover how great they are at a recent True Colors concert. The whole show was fun (well, except for Deborah Harry), but Erasure turned the amphitheater into a party palace! I can't wait to see them in concert again soon. What songs should you listen to? Pick one! A good place to start is the classic album, The Innocents.

The Gossip - The opener for the True Colors show was this group that I hadn't heard before. Turns out they are great fun with killer beats and a hard-edged sound. Their latest album is called Standing in the Way of Control. My favorite cuts are the title track, and "Listen Up!"

Once - I mentioned it in my previous post, but the soundtrack for this movie is a winner.

Rihanna - I've been a fan of her singles for awhile, and this chanteuse from Barbados keeps coming out with a hit for summer each year. Past favorites have been "SOS" and "Pon de Replay," but this summer it's all about "Umbrella." (And check out the video - gotta give a girl props for dancing en pointe.)

Mika - ScottE had been looking at this guy for awhile, but it's thanks to our friend in Wisconsin that we got the album. And it's definitely good. He's a mix of Jake Shears, Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams. For fun you can groove to "Love Today" and for more spiritual moments you can sing along with "Happy Ending."

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time there was a magical film from Ireland named Once. It was lovely, and ScottE and I enjoyed it very much. Well worth seeing, but here are a couple guidelines for viewing:

1. Accept that the camerawork is varied and often times much like a home movie. But it doesn't matter.

2. You don't know the main characters' names. It doesn't matter.

3. The main actors are not normally actors. That doesn't matter either.

4. The pacing is cautious, yet deliberate. Relax and let the movie wash over you.

This is really a film about the creative process of making music. Two musicians coming together to create something unique and pure. Any type of artist will find the process both familiar and exciting.

It's a wonderful little movie, and I do hope you'll check it out. The soundtrack is available on iTunes. Not sure if you want to see the film? Listen to the song "Say It To Me Now," and you'll be convinced.

Lyrics to Amy Winehouse's "Rehab"

A number of visitors have come by, seeking the lyrics to Amy Winehouse's kick ass song, "Rehab." And so without further adieu, here they are in their entirety:


They tried to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no.
Yes I been black, but when I come back
You wont know, know, know.

I ain’t got the time
And if my daddy thinks im fine
He’s tried to make me go to rehab
I wont go, go, go.

I’d rather be at home with ray
I ain’t got 70 days
Cos there’s nothing, nothing you can teach me
That I can’t learn, from yester halfaway

Didn’t get a lot in class
But I know it don’t come in a shot glass

They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
You wont know, know, know.

I aint got the time,
And if my Daddy thinks im fine,
He’s tried to make me go to rehab,
I wont go, go, go.

The man said, why you think you here?

I said, I got no idea
Im gonna, im gonna loose my baby
So I always keep a bottle near

Said, I just think you’re depressed
Kiss me, yeah baby
And the rest

I’m tryin to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
You wont know, know, know

I don’t ever wanna drink again
I just, ooo, I just need a friend
Im not gonna spend 10 weeks
Have everyone think im on the mend

It’s not just my pride
It’s just til these tears have dried

They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back,
You wont know, know, know

I aint got the time,
And if my daddy thinks im fine
He’s trying to make me go to rehab
I wont go, go, go.

Charge It!

One of my favorite commercials recently is the simple one put out by Visa. It features a soul-singin' mama crooning the Petula Clark classic "Downtown," while a little neophyte gets a quick makeover.

For some time, I wondered, "Who is that great diva singing the song?"

Thanks to some expert internet sleuthing by ScottE, it turns out that it's none other than Niki Haris. She is Madonna's former back-up singer, and co-starred in the documentary Truth or Dare.

The best news (found on her website) is that she plans to release the song on an upcoming album. Awesome!

To check out the commercial, just click on the link below:

Tell It Like It Is Songs

Recently I've been introduced to a couple new musicians that I really enjoy, and wanted to pass the love onto you. Or should I say, pass on the upfront angry bitterness?

First up, the wonderful BMW told me about a British songstress named Lily Allen. He knew I loved the Scissor Sisters, and felt like she had a similar vibe. And she does, in a way. She's also got a lot of Alanis Morisette, a dash of the Spice Girls, and a healthy dose of Liz Phair.

Now keep in mind, this is not little miss sunshine singing to you. Lily is very blunt, sometimes offensive, and often crude. And I love it! Particular favorites on her album (entitled Alright, Still) are "Knock 'Em Out," detailing the challenges a single gal faces in a club; and "Alfie," a plea to her pot-smoking brother.

In a very different vein, I was very glad that ScottE brought the songs of Amy Winehouse (another Brit) into our home. Her sound is very retro - like Dinah Washington as sung by Dusty Springfield. Except the lyrical content is very modern. "They try to make me go to rehab, but I say, NO NO NO!"

Favorites on her Back to Black album include the Rehab song mentioned above, and the title track. Believe me when I say you've never heard doo-wop done quite like this.

So check them out and download a couple songs to your iPod - I'm sure you'll get a kick out of these fresh sounds.

I want my WB!

A moment of silence for Reba McEntire. Her TV show (Reba) is coming to an end this Sunday.

It's a shame that a show which was often genuinely funny couldn't find a place on the new CW. Then again, it's never been as funny since Barbara Jean lost all that weight and started looking a bit freakish.

Anyway, join me in a last hurrah by tuning in this Sunday at 7 pm ET to give her a final send-off. And then we'll wish Reba well as she focuses back on her music career.

Music is joy

You know, sometimes it takes unusual circumstances to remind you why music is the food of love.

I won't tell you the long sordid story, but will tell you that I received an early birthday/congratulatory gift from my wonderful ScottE. He knew that I'd been thinking about shopping for a new iPod for awhile now (I have the original version of the iPod Mini, and its battery life is barely lasting 45 minutes between charges). So when he saw a good deal, he made me the proud owner of a Video iPod. And it is awesome.

But what really made the deal sweet was I decided to switch my music to my current laptop. I'd kept it on my old one for awhile, but eventually the CD drive went kaput. So for I don't know how long (a year?) I wasn't able to add any new music to my iPod unless I bought it from the iTunes store. It was horrible!

So in my recent musical extravaganza, I've been able to finally burn many recent purchases onto the new iPod. It's like rediscovering songs for the first time! I'd forgotten how awesome the collaboration between the Indigo Girls and Pink on "Rock & Roll Heaven's Gate" was. Or that Alicia Keys' live duet of "Wild Horses" with Adam Levine makes me smile.

Buying a new album is definitely a great thing. But I admit I've become like a channel surfer with music - I want to sample the best bits one after another, courtesy of the shuffle feature on my iPod. Is that so wrong?

Strangely intriguing

You know how sometimes your friends now you so well that it becomes rather eerie?

Well I had this happen when I received some Christmas love from Joyous. One of the things she picked out was a CD by...Paul Anka. Yes, he of the "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "Puppy Love". It's a swing album, OK, fine. Then I start reading the titles of the songs. "Eye of the Tiger"? "It's My Life"? "Smells Like Teen Spirit"???

It's no joke. The album (Rock Swings) is a collection of popular rock and pop songs that have been arranged as swing music. Sure, your immediate reaction is "Uh HUH." So was mine. But...

The album indeed has some surprising moments where these reinvented songs are great and can stand alongside the original. "True" (originally by Tears for Fears) is great, as is REM's "Everybody Hurts." And in one case I actually liked this version better than the original - the Nirvana song.

But there are also a few where I had to just shake my head and say, "No, stick with the original." Examples of that were Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" and Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel."

Still, the album as a whole is full of surpises, and I will proudly add this to my collection. I can just imagine playing this during our next cocktail party and having people chatting along before they stop and say, "Wait - were those just Bon Jovi lyrics I heard?"

Tune in

Where have I been for so long? It's been a month! Well, with the end of the fall TV season, a busy schedule followed by holiday vacation and travel...I just haven't been doing much exciting in the world of entertainment. But now I'm back and ready to get back into the swing of things leading up to the winter TV season, and of course Oscar time!

For a little warm-up, I thought I'd share some recent iTunes purchases. I don't buy songs there all that often, but I received a lovely gift for Christmas, so I went crazy. I even bought an ALBUM! Which was a little bizarre.

First let me share with you a little ditty I heard in a Chicago music store - it's a blues song by Fruteland Jackson. Imagine an old-time beat-driven blues song lamenting all your problems. And updating the lyrics to reflect 2007. That's it! It's the blues about traffic, too many emails and workin' 9 to 5. And the title? "Blues 2.0" - how perfect is that?

Image courtesy of Big Hassle

As for the album, I decided to try out the much-lauded Panic! At the Disco. It's really unlike anything I have in my music library. It's full of passionate driving music that really feels like it's pushing you to (or perhaps away from) something. The beat can only be described as relentless. And the lyrics are very witty. To sum up the sound, I'd call it Depeche Mode singing the soundtrack of Rent as produced by No Doubt.

Coming up - some great DVDs I got as gifts this year. And of course my review of the Christmas miracle known as Dreamgirls!

Groovy Tunes

Yesterday I was doing my daily commute, listening to my iPod Mini (mine is blue, not pink like the one at right). For some reason I had left off the shuffle function, which is the regular state for me (ScottE cringes at the thought).

So instead of shuffling around, my Mini went in alphabetical order by the artist's first name. And here's pretty much what came up over the course of a day's commute:

• 10,000 Maniacs (Which I should file under Natalie Merchant, because who can actually name one of the other 9,999?)
• ABBA (Because an iPod without "Dancing Queen" is a disgrace.)
• Aimee Mann (For the moody/melancholy times.)
• Alanis Morissette (Hey, she was extremely cool once.)
• Alicia Keys (For my inner sistah.)
• Amy Ray (One half of my favorite group, the Indigo Girls.)
• The Andrews Sisters (Because I'm 85 years old.)
• Aretha Franklin ('Nuff said.)

What struck me as I took this aural journey was that I listen to almost entirely female artists. That's not shocking - just an observation. Always have preferred them, reinforced during my Lilith Fair days. And even the male artists or groups that I listen to are still pretty gay-centric - ABBA, George Michael, Marvin Gaye...

As long as I'm sharing, here's a list of the CDs I've purchased recently. These choices may not mark me as the biggest 'mo on Earth, but I'm sure I'd be in the running:

• Fiona Apple, Extraodinary Machine (Used to be a big fan, this is a return to her good stuff.)
• Duncan Sheik, White Limousine (My music boyfriend, I devour every moody album he puts out.)
• Bright Lights, Big City soundtrack (A studio recording for an upcoming off-Broadway show that I think will be awesome.)
• Once Upon A Mattress original cast album (I admit I saw the TV version recently with Tracey Ullman and Carol Burnett, so I thought it was worth hearing the original.)
• Anuna, Essential Anuna (I have this thing for Irish music, particularly if it's of the choral variety. This group has fit the bill for me, and a collection seemed in order.)
• Patty Griffin, Impossible Dream (One of the best female singer/songwriters of our generation to never become a household name.)

I guess there isn't a real point to this post, other than to share what I listen to. What are your favorites? Do you ever come across something in your collection that makes you say, "Wow, I'm into THAT?"

Coming up on TV tonight, the next episode of The Amazing Race, in which we ask the question - when Eric and Jeremy land on the mat first again, which of us can groan the loudest?