Lady Gaga Debuts Born This Way Video!

What are your thoughts?

“I’m kinda like Tinkerbell; If you don’t clap for me I’ll die” -Lady Gaga

First off, let me tell you ten truths about Lady Gaga’s Monsters Ball. 1) Lady Gaga is an awesome, amazing, and talented live performer. 2) There are scantily clad men either dancing behind her, playing the guitar or making out on stage at all times. 3) She carries a disco stick, and it is not what it seems to be from the suggestive song lyrics. It looks like a Nimbus 2000 that lights up and sparkles. 4) She loves New York as much as she loves Italian men who are also alcoholics. 5) She has a serious potty mouth which I was pretty surprised about since in all the interviews she doesn’t really show that side of her. For example Gaga yelled “Put your hands in the air and dance mother f***ers” and “There’s a lot of big c**k in New York!”  6) In case you were curious, she does not lip synch (she told the audience “she would never have anyone pay for one of her concerts just to see her lip synch a mother f***ing song.”7) She plays her own instruments (keytar and piano) during the show. 8) She has a flair for theatrics and treats the concert as a long story, with a semi understandable plot, and many many crazy costume changes. 9) Gaga is a crazy Christian who loves Jesus and continued to shower his name with love throughout the concert “Jesus loves everybody!!”10) She played one additional song from her new album and it was legendary.

Knowing those things, this was probably one of the craziest most out of control and awesome concerts I’ve ever been to. Lady Gaga opened her show with Dance in the Dark, a surprisingly bold choice. Every concert I’ve ever been to the band/performer always opens with their most recent song. However Gaga chose to open her concert not only with a song that wasn’t her most recent, but one that wasn’t even a radio single! Her choice stemmed from the fact that she was telling a tale of a group of people who needed to get to the Monsters ball. This group of friends was all different and unique in their own way, and needed Lady Gaga to empower them and tell them that they can be anyone they want to be because they are all “superstars.” Empowerment was clearly the theme of the night because Gaga kept pausing in between songs to talk about how you can be whatever you want. Quotes were “Tonight all of the freaks are OUTSIDE! And IM INDOORS!” and “Monsters Ball will SET YOU FREE!” etc. She continued her set with Glitter and Grease, her friends tried to wash a car only to open up the hood and find a piano there (genius!). She then sang Just Dance an immediate crowd pleaser and ultimately really showcased how amazing of a dancer she is. She continued with Beautiful Dirty Rich and asked for everyone to point their fingers and shoot.  Next Gaga changed from her puffy sleeve onesie into a red latex number (complete with headdress) and sang The Fame. At this point the friend’s car broke down and they needed to take the subway. So on stage a subway car appeared with Lady Gaga dressed as a naughty nun (nun attire from her head to her shoulders, and  see through mesh from her shoulders down with crosses covering her private areas). She began to sing Love Game after taking off her nun gear and she brought out her disco stick for all to see. She then sang to her “New York City Gays” a rousing rendition of Boys Boys Boys. Gaga then changed into a sparkling black bikini and fishnets for her next few numbers. First up: Money Honey replete with Keytar. Next she did something really cool. She called on a cell phone a random fan in the audience and told them they were going to meet her backstage, then she was like: “wait I have another call, oh, It’s B” and then launched into an amazing performance of Telephone. She then took a break to sing some more serious songs. First up: Speechless (my personal favorite). In the middle of the performance she told us all about growing up in an Italian family and loving men who love their alcohol. She also explained that she usually likes to set her piano on fire at the end of this number, however the NYC fire department wouldn’t let her. She said normally in a concert venue, if she was told this shed say “Ill burn this whole F***ing place to the ground!” but because of her love and respect for the brave men of the NYC fire department she will let it slide.  Next she sang a song from her new album and probably my most favorite performance of the night. The song is called You and I (I posted the video below) and it is a love song. She sang the song as a love song to New York but it seemed more like a song to someone. I guess I’ll have to wait for the album version to decipher the songs real meaning. On this song she showed incredible vocal ability and piano playing ability. It reminded me of the time I saw Ben Folds with my friend Shalini and he played the piano with such ferocity that he actually played a second piano with his feet. After this amazing performance the friends continued on their “glitter way” but were taken away by a “tornado” (read elaborate way to hide a costume change). As the “tornado” lifted Gaga appeared in a Glinda the good witch type white outfit with headpiece and wings and sang So Happy I could Die. The Little Monsters group were then thrust into the bowels of Central Park and attacked by a Monster who ate Gaga’s heart (as the song says). Note at this point she had fake blood on her stomach and a large red blob where her heart would be. She then made everyone show their Teeth in response. One of my favorite lines of the night was said as Gaga lay on the floor and thrust her hips in the air while wanting people to show her teeth. She said “Jesus loves everybody,” Then introduced us to her friend Michael. She said “Michael is from Germany. I like Michael because he loves girls from New York; Michael also loves boys from New York. Michael is like Jesus. He loves everybody!”  Once she finished her thrusting she lay down on the floor and called out to Alejandro and did probably her best dance performance of the night. It was an amazing performance. Unfortunately Jason and I had to leave before she performed her next four numbers Poker Face, Paparazzi, Bad Romance and Born This Way. But I look forward to watching the continued journey of Gaga and her Little Monsters down the Glitter Way and towards empowerment on the HBO special airing of the Lady Gaga Monsters Ball concert.

Best Sesame Street Song Parodies

After Cee Lo’s amazing homage to Elton John’s appearance on the Muppets I couldn’t help but think about my all time favorite muppets- those on Sesame Street. In the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s Sesame was way ahead of its time. Mostly geared towards parents the silly song parodies and segments like Monsterpiece theater were a real treat for parents to watch. Nowadays more segments are geared towards the younger generation, but there are a few easter eggs for parents to laugh about. So in the 40 year run of Sesame Street here are my favorite parodies:

1) I cant get no cooperation by the Cobble Stones- This is an obvious parody of I Cant Get No Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. They try to get the visual affectations of Mick Jagger and the bunch and do a pretty darn good job.

2)ZZ blues by Over the Top- This song is a parody of many ZZ Top songs. I tried to find the one that sounds the most like it and I think it is Sharp Dressed Man. I like it because they look like ZZ with their long beards and sunglasses and consequently fall asleep from all the Z’s in their area.

3) Rebel L- This muppet looks a lot like Billy Idol don’t you think? This is an obvious parody of Billy’s hit Rebel Yell which was an 80’s anthem.

4) U really got a hold on me- I love it when celebrities actually perform their parodied songs on Sesame. Here Smokey Robinson sings his hit You Really Got a Hold on Me but is instead performing it while the letter U is physically not letting go of him. Hilarity ensues.

5)Letter B by the Beetles- Yes, this is probably the most classic parody that Sesame Street has ever done. But these small insects (The Beetles) really know how to rock. Parodying the famous hit Let it Be they sing about when comes after A and before C.

6)Eight balls of fur-by Chrissy and the Alphabeats. Yes this song is pure silly, but it is also a parody of Jerry Lee Lewis’Great Balls of Fire which in turn makes it awesome.

7) Telly’s Aquarium- This is actually one of the more recent additions to the parody repertoire. It is an obvious parody of the Fifth Dimension’s Age of Aquarius. I find it amusing because it is taking one of the trippiest songs and applying to one of the most mundane objects the aquarium which houses the fish.

8) Cereal Girl- Find me a person who doesn’t love this number and I will think you are lying. When the girl monster sings “I’ll taste it, Ill give it a whirl, and Now I am a Cereal Girl,” in an obvious homage to Madonna’s Material Girl you cant help but squeal with delight.

9) Born to Add – This parody of Bruce Springstein’s Born to Run is all the more sweet because of Jimmy Fallon’s use of this song during the Emmy’s this year. It’s hard for me to choose which version I like more.

10) My Triangle-Another example of when a celebrity joins in to parody their song. James Blunt makes a guest appearance on sesame street to sing the parody of his song Your Beautiful. What makes this so hilarious is hearing James sing on and on about how much he misses his 3 sided triangle.

What are your favorites?

New Britney Spears Video!

Thoughts?

Top Twelve Love Songs

Valentines Day has passed but I’d like to post about my favorite love songs. Move over In Your Eyes (by Peter Gabriel) these are the songs I’d want blasting out speakers in front of my window!

1. The Luckiest-: Ben Folds: Yes I am biased because I used this song when I walked down the aisle at my wedding, but this is one of the most beautiful (and beautifully arranged) modern love songs there is. This song tells the story of a man who feels so lucky to be with the person that he is. Most Romantic Lyric: “Where was I before I saw your lovely face?/ Now I see it Everyday/ Now I know, that I am, I am the luckiest.”

2. Unforgettable- Nat King Cole: Oh Nat, your sweet honey voice croons every lyric of this song as if you were singing just to me. Doesn’t every girl wish they were unforgettable? Most Romantic Lyric: Like a song of love that clings to me/How the thought of you does things to me/ Never before has someone been more/Unforgettable.

3. Georgia on my Mind- Ray Charles: Yes this song is semi ambiguous, is he singing about a woman Georgia or the state? Either way a greater Ray Charles love tribute does not exist.  Most Romantic Lyric: “Other arms reach out to me/ Other eyes smile tenderly/Still in peaceful dreams I see/ The road leads back to you”

4. Maybe I’m Amazed- Paul Mccartney: This song, dedicated to and about Paul’s wife Linda is really remarkable. He wrote this song during the break up with the Beatles and Linda is actually one of the reasons he got through it all right. This song really expresses his love and gratitude for her during that rough time. Best Lyric: Maybe I'm amazed at the way you help me sing my song/ You right me when I'm wrong/ Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you.”

5. Something- The Beatles: This is one of the more simple love songs the Beatles had to offer (and there are so many to choose from). Written to perfection by George Harrison (my favorite Beatles) this song reflects the attraction and love many feel towards the person they love. Most Romantic Lyric: Somewhere in her smile she knows/ That I don't need no other lover.

6. Your Song- Elton John: I find it endearing that the person in this song is stumbling over expressing his feelings. It feels more real to me than many of the other songs because how hard is it to express the way you feel to someone your in love with. Most Romantic Lyric: It's a little bit funny this feeling inside/ I'm not one of those who can easily hide/ I don't have much money but boy if I did/ I'd buy a big house where we both could live

7. Faithfully- Journey: If you want something sung with heartfelt passion call on Steve Perry. If you also want to know what its like to be “a music man” on the road but missing the lady he loves, listen to this tune.  Most Romantic Lyrics: Right down the line it's been you and me /And loving a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be /Girl you stand by me/I'm forever yours faithfully.

8. You’re the First, My Last, My Everything- Barry White: Does anyone have a sexier voice than Barry White? Probably not.  This song is the essential disco love song on my list because in an era where there was so much love on the dance floor how could I not include one of the better love songs: Most Romantic Lyric: And with you I've found so many things/A love so new only you could bring/ Can't you see it's you/ You make me feel this way

9. If I Aint Got you- Alicia Keys: I consider this to be one of the best love songs of my generation. Not only is the piano interlude a perfect throwback to early love songs, but it is also just a sweet, soft, love song. Most Romantic Lyrics: Some people want it all/ But I don't want nothing at all/ If it ain't you baby

10. Back at your door- Maroon 5: Ok yes, this is my favorite Maroon 5 song, and it is about someone who can’t allow the person they love to leave, which again isn’t the most traditional love song out there. But really, wouldn’t anything Adam Levine sings to you sound like complete romance? Most Romantic Lyric: If I took you for granted/ I apologize for acting tough/ You’re my reason for living/ And there’s no way I’m giving up, oh.

11. Nothing Like You and I- The Perishers:  Thank you ABC Family’s Greek for introducing me to this wonderful love song. The Perishers sing this song with alarmingly slow precision making each pause feel like a lifetime in their love story. Most romantic lyrics: As our hearts started beating faster/ I recalled your laughter from long ago/There’s nothing like you and I.

12. Wonderwall- Oasis: While I know this isn’t a traditional love song, it was a song written to a woman, and really describes the feelings of an insecure man waiting to be loved/taken care of. Most Romantic Lyric: I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do/ About you now

What are your favorite Love Songs?

“Lets all lift our right hand in the air” aka Grammy Performance Roundup

Well ladies and gentleman, Sunday night was the long awaited Grammys and I’d like to blog about the award show which I call “95 % music 5% awards.” 

Tribute to Aretha Franklin: And so started the performances where everyone’s right hand lifted in some sort of bizarre tribute, “lets see if I can reach this high note way.” Xtina had a lot to make up for after her disastrous super bowl national anthem line flubbage, but she did an ok job, although of all those who were there to present for Aretha I found her to be the least intelligible. J-Hudson was awesome, as usual, and her and Yolanda Adams were probably the only two divas who could muster up some Aretha-esque respect.

Gaga: Yes, you all know I love Gaga, and her wackidoodle antics did not disappoint. While last year she performed my favorite of her songs Speechless this year she followed up with her new single Born This Way. Gaga used minimal nude colored outfits and African dance to tell a tale of an animalistic person who should be happy with whom they are. Note* all of gaga's dancers, and gaga ended the dance/song with a right arm in the air and hand forming a claw!

Miranda Lambert: Oh Lord. I do not like country music. Yes there are some people who are amazing no matter the genre (Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Big and Rich), but Miranda Lambert is not one of them. Her performance was so boring and bland, and it really made me question why she won the Grammy at all.

Muse: What rebellious fun! Every time I hear the song Uprising I can actually imagine myself sticking it to the man just a little bit. Their performance featured super cool on-screen graphics (including a hoard of cartoon fists in the air), as well as a bunch of people actually banging on the stage carrying bats, fire, and other instruments of destruction. While at first I thought they were random people on the stage that needed to be escorted off by security, I was informed by my husband that this was part of “the act.” It was cool but also distracting from the actual performance.

B.O.B, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monae: This was probably my second favorite performance of the night. Yes it even outweighed Gaga’s crazy performance.  The three “new talents” began their performance with a sparse version of Nothin on You, which I didn’t actually care for. Shortly after, they shifted into a black and white Doo Wop version of Grenade which was in my opinion better than the hokey original Then came a crazy off the wall performance of Janelle’s hit Cold War which basically proved her mad crazy dance skills and fierceness on stage. All in all- awesome. which was in my opinion better than the hokey original. Then came a crazy off the wall performance of Janelle’s hit

Justin Bieber, Jaden Smith, Usher: 1) JB is crazy talented, I don’t care what any haters say 2) he was robbed for best new artist 3) Jaden Smith would never have been a popular person if it hadn’t been for his parents- that being said, I found it momentous that Jaden rapped at the Grammys when the first hip hop/rap award ever given at the Grammys was to his daddy (and jazzy Jeff). 4) Dear Usher, you have many other hits that aren’t as obnoxiously annoying as OMG, please, I am begging you to sing one of those next time, thanks.

Mumford and Sons, The Avett Brothers, and Bob Dylan: Ok so Mumford and Sons are one of my favorite new bands and their performance did not disappoint. Yes, everyone was wondering if they were going to play their F*bomb filled song Little Lion Man but they chose their song The Cave instead, and played it with a Banjo! Genius. Next the Avett brothers continued the Bluegrass/Rock vibe and ushered in a very old frail looking Bob Dylan, who, while he has definitely sounded better (was that the sound editing at the Grammys fault) can still rock.

Lady Antebellum: Their performance bored me so much within the first minute and half that it was torturous to watch through the entire thing. Why, when this group sounds like they belong as wedding or cruise ship singers (at best), did they take home most of the Grammys?!

Cee Lo Green, Gwyneth Paltrow, and the singing puppets: Ok, by far, my favorite performance of the night. Not only did I squeal with girlish delight when I saw that Cee Lo was paying homage to Elton John’s appearance on the Muppet Show(in costume and with actual puppets), but I was also amazed at how freaking talented Gwyneth really is. Yes, she proved herself on Glee but she is just so darn perfect in every way (even with your right arm all the way up)!

John Mayer, Norah Jones, and Keith Urban: This was probably the most minimalist performance of the night but that is what made it so classic. Yes, I was momentarily confused as to why Johnny Depp was playing Joleen, but then I realized, oh man John Mayer really needs a haircut! Taking one of the simpler, yet excellent melodies Dolly has to offer this trio really nailed it.

Rhianna, Eminem, Skylar Grey and Dr. Dre: Ok first of all Rhianna has some cojones for singing Love the Way You Lie Part II the song Skylar Grey wrote (for herself) in front of the world, and while Skylar was actually on stage! Either way she was awesome. Next Eminem rapped with the ferocious attitude we have all come to know and love full of throbbing neck veins and red face. Once Dr. Dre came out and everyone went crazy I realized that yes, Dr. Dre is pretty old (at 45) and he doesn’t have the same vigor and excitement he used to, but his music is still great.

Katy Perry: Katy Started slow with her song Not like the Movies with footage from her wedding to Russell Brand. I really hope those two kooks stay together because otherwise she will have to remember this awkward footage forever. She finished with her single Teenage Dream (and awkward right arm in the air), and quick- cue footage of celebrities signing along with her!

Mick Jagger: I love the Stones, and love crazy Mick Jagger, and yes he didn’t really do Solomon Burke’s Everybody Needs Somebody to Love Justice, but he did rock out and get the audience on their feet. Like he does best.

Barbara Streisand: Barbara fans rejoice! Barb sang with her signature pauses and flair for the dramatics, but the song lacked the muster of her usually powerful numbers. She did get a standing ovation at the end, but any other performer performing the dreary Evergreen probably would not have.

Rhianna and Drake: Why Rhianna you little minx. Showing your sexy side with Drake on What’s My Name the two youthful singers injected a little dose of sex appeal and heat into the Grammys which had been missing since the earlier numbers of the evening.

Arcade Fire: AF performed one of my least favorites of their songs Month of May However they definitely added an indie rock vibe that had been missing from the show altogether. Plus props to them for using those crazy BMX bikers in their number. Also congrats AF on the win in the best album category, it was definitely a much deserved award!

So what were your thoughts on the performances? Missed the Grammys? Click here to see all of the Grammy performances.

Why I’m excited for the new Strokes album

When I first heard the Strokes alt-punk-rock sound I was in awe. Not only do the Strokes have one of my favorite modern rock songs to date (Reptilia), but they are also so fabulous and interesting with their material and sound that it is hard not to get excited for a new release. The Strokes adoring public has not been blessed with an album since 2006’s First Impressions of the Earth. Since the Strokes have taken their hiatus, we have been treated to a solo album by vocalist/songwriter Julian Casablancas. Julian came out with the catchy single 11th Dimension, but his solo material was missing the original rock flair of the group. Aside from the new single Under the Cover of Darkness sounding similar to their song 12:51, it rocks my socks. It sets the tone for a great album (Angles) which will mix a little bit of the past, and hopefully bring a new angle of greatness to their otherwise awesome repertoire.

Angles is set to be released March 21^st 2011.

Artist Watch: Pixie Lott

This British Songstress has dubbed herself “The anti Ke$ha.” I’m not really sure why, aside from the fact that she is young and blond and wears lots of eye makeup, she is really nothing like Ke$ha. Pixie has a fabulous voice and does not rely on the use of a voice box or other voice altering technology. Pixies voice can be compared to her fellow British singer, Adele. Both voices are sweet, but ultimately soulful and powerful. Leaning more towards mainstream pop than Adele, Pixie has had extreme success in the UK. Her album Turn it Up produced five highly successful singles. The first; Mama Do is the only “throwback” r&b song on her album, which reminds me of a lighter, less depressing Back to Black (by Amy Winehouse).  Her second single Boys and Girls is a purely fun pop number. Singles like Gravity and Cry Me Out really showcase Pixies vocal talent, and completely separate her from many modern young starlets. Her final single Turn It Up is a mix of fun and vocal ability. She particular shines in her upper register. Her new album Turn it Up Louder is set to release in the US in early 2011 (which means hopefully soon) and features the single Broken Arrow as well as duets with Jason Derulo and Joe Jonas. Pixie Lott is for fans of Daisy Dares You, Duffy, and Adele.