Is "Tik Tok" the feminist party anthem of 2010?

kesha, looking kind of 90s and kind of hot, in esquire

Ada, MMM-Bop is totally on my ipod! So is Party in the USA, which I saw Miley perform live. She was so bad. But so fun!

As you note, so were a lot of performers in the 90s. Like Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer who, by the way, I saw in concert–TOGETHER–my freshman year of high school. Not to brag or anything.

Okay, now, let’s talk about Ke$ha. I just saw that “Tik Tok” is the number one song on itunes right now. Which is cool, because I like Ke$ha. Partly because I am in my 30s and so I find a party anthem with the lines “Ain’t got a care in the world, but got plenty of beer” and “Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack” to be hilarious. HOWEVER. This song would have made me cry when I was 15, significantly more earnest, and dreaming of getting away from girls who just wanted to party and drink. (In NY, I imagined, rightly, I would be able to party and drink…while discussing feminist theory. We’ll bring the whiskey on the 13th!)

Anyway, looking at this list from the 90s, it still seems super-radical to me. I mean, we had Madonna! (#7 on this list and #1 in 1990.) We had Sinead O’Connor (#12), who sang complicated songs about love and politics, shaved her head, and blasphemed the pope! We had Liz Phair, who sang one of the best songs about sex and sexism ever! (True, at #91, she is not Gaga/Swift/Beyonce popular, but she still made it onto a mainstream list, above Public Enemy and Prince). We even had Alanis (#14), who was always considered sort of a lightweight—and yet, what does it mean that, in the 90s, hearing a girl so brazenly confronting a guy who had dumped her actually seemed not quite riot grrrl enough to some of us?

One of the things I like about 90s music is that it seemed like women were singing about their actual, complicated experiences. I mean, Salt ‘n’ Pepa are on the list for “Whatta Man,” which congratulates a guy not just for being good in bed and respectful, but for spending time with his kids.

The feministy triumverate of today—Lady Gaga, Beyonce (who got her start in the 90s with Destiny’s Child), and Taylor Swift—seem more invested in celebrating both romance culture (putting a ring on it, romeo and white dresses) and hookup culture (poker faces, video phones). In the 90s, it seems like women had a kind of bravado that was about confronting men about the emotional fallout of hookup culture or romance culture. But for Gaga, B, Taylor, and Ke$sha, it seems like a different kind of bravado: more about rejecting that fallout altogether or about transcending it. (This might be the time to bring up “Blah, Blah, Blah.”)

I can (mostly) enjoy the New Bravado, but I also like 90s-style wallowing.

Anyway, I have more to say about the feminist evolution of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears; the awesome (NOT FEMINIST) rap songs of the 90s; and #1 90s band Nirvana, which was fronted by a boy in a dress before all the boys wore dresses. And about the potential stealthiness of the aforementioned oos women. But for now, I’ll just say that I am glad we  are talking about this today, before tonight’s Grammy’s, which are all about the ladies. I can’t wait for the liveblogging to begin.

[Via http://90swoman.wordpress.com]

From "Noah's Arc" Star To Beyonce's Back-Up Dancer???

This could be one of the greatest moments in entertainment for the Black GLBT community, or this may end up being a major step backwards in a career of an icon within the Black GLBT community — an epic fail.  The two biggest celebrities worshiped by the Black GLBT community will share the same stage on live television tonight at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles — according to one of the stars himself, Jensen Atwood.  He announced that he will share the stage with current queen diva of the Black GLBT community R&B sensation Beyonce.

You heard that right.  The hunky actor that mesmerized many millions of fans into watching the internationally-known cult classic “Noah’s Arc” TV series and film stated on his Facebook update that he will be “one of sixty dancers” that will back-up Beyonce.   Sccrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhh-eh-eh-eh!!!  Did he just say ONE of SIXTY dancers?

If anything, let’s hope he is the principal dancer or the leading male in the performance.  Beyonce, or anyone in her entourage of gay employees, should know who Jensen is and the clout he has (or had) within the Black GLBT community for being the breakout star of a star that tops all of Black GLBT pop culture, or maybe tied with Janet Jackson’s influence on modern music with Beyonce being third and the current queen.  You get my damn point!

Who is Jensen’s management?  Let’s hope they have the sense to turn this questionable career move into an iconic moment.  Perhaps this post will do the trick just to prove me wrong.  It could be their last minute “genius” idea that they forgot to come up with until I put in my two-cents.

Hell.  Beyonce should even recognize him on stage.  That would trump Lady Gaga’s “thank you” to the gays at the MTV Video Music Awards, at least to the Black “kidz.”  They’re both Virgos — that is Virgo power for that azz.  Then again, Beyonce IS a Virgo…it’s all about her.  She didn’t look genuine in giving Taylor Swift her shine last year at VMAs as well as Jennifer Hudson for her work in their movie Dreamgirls.

Enough of the ranting…I will wait and see if I can recognize Jensen within the one of sixty dancers or THE ONE of sixty dancers.  Check out his updates below which I posted here.  If I were to place my bet, he would just be one of the sixty and the one.

I had to post up the comments from the stans/fans too because I think “congratulations” and “kudos” are too early on this.  Many of your would call me hater on this, but I’m not.  I always a realist and not a delusional starfucker.  I will check my favorite divas on here too when necessary.  You heard how I hated Toni Braxton’s duet with Trey Songz, and she is the singer I listen to the most besides Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson.

In my opinion, the news of anyone becoming a back-up dancer for the grandest Black gay icon of today, Beyonce Knowles, sounds spectacular – anyone but another leading Black GLBT icon, especially from the ultimate TV show and movie of Black GLBT pop culture.  That is like Janet Jackson and Madonna dancing in the background for Lady Gaga or Britney Spears. That is like Barbra Streisand, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston singing back up for Christina Aguilera.

[Via http://worldwidewaddie.com]

FASHION & MUSIC: "SWIM" by Madonna

MUSIC: Swim
ARTIST: Madonna
MODEL: RicoRacer Flux
PHOTOGRAPHER: Talyia Tarber from Kiss My Camera Studios
FASHION:
Swimwear: Seraphina Canucci Tan Shorts
Bracelet: Sey
Necklace:
INFO: This is my swimwear picture submission to the BESTYLE Male Calendar 2010 Contest.

WATCH:

LYRICS:
SWIM by Madonna

Put your head on my shoulder baby
Things can’t get any worse
Night is getting colder
Sometimes life feels like it’s a curse

Bridge:

I can’t carry these sins on my back
Don’t wanna carry any more
I’m gonna carry this train off the track
I’m gonna swim to the ocean floor

Chorus:

Mmmmm
Crash to the other shore
Mmmmm
Swim to the ocean floor

Children killing children
While the students rape their teachers
Comets fly across the sky
While the churches burn their preachers

Bridge2:

We can’t carry these sins on our back
Don’t wanna carry any more
We’re gonna carry this train off the track
We’re gonna swim to the ocean floor

(chorus)

Let the water wash over you
Wash it all over you
Swim to the ocean floor

So that we can begin again
Wash away all our sins
Crash to the other shore

Mmmmmm

(bridge)
(chorus)
(bridge2)

Crash to the other shore
Swim to the ocean floor
Mmmmmm

* NO copyrights infringement intended. I do not own the music or video.

[Via http://csltm.wordpress.com]

Brian Frasier-Moore @ NAMM Interview

Check out this interview of Brian Frasier-Moore by HarmonyCentral at the 2010 NAMM event, where Brian talks about his signature snare drum by TAMA! Brian says that the prototype has already been on stage – you guessed it: at Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour! Brian says that he’ll go on tour with Christina Aguilera in February and back to Madonna in 2011! (get ready!!!!!!!)

Brian talks about his signature snare drum by TAMA (click on the photo to watch the video)

You can see how excited & proud Brian is when he gets to talk about his signature snare – and honestly, we couldn’t be happier for him! Here’s a nice video of Madonna performing “Vogue” so you can get a taste of Brian’s drumming! To find more info about the snare go here.

[Via http://axestaticprocess.wordpress.com]

Bargain Bin Classic: "American Life"

Is it peculiar that my favourite Madonna album is also her least commercially successful one?

Don’t get me wrong. I love Ray of Light, Confessions On A Dancefloor and even the contemporary R&B-flavoured Hard Candy.

But American Life was the first time I felt that Madonna was being necessarily provocative.

This album is essentially a record of the times. With Bush’s war on terror and a global displacement of hope in the air, American Life challenges the American dream and materialism in a society where more is never nearly enough.

In the title track and ‘Hollywood’, the Queen of Pop unmasks the glorified lifestyle of the rich and famous.

“How could it hurt you when it looks so good?” she asks.

Having said that, I don’t think American Life is quite the subversive ‘anti-consumerist’ record that the first two singles depict it to be.

For the most part, this album is life-affirming and cathartic with themes of finding love (‘Nothing Fails’), brokenness (‘X-Static Process’) and loss (‘Mother & Father’).

Sonically, American Life is probably the most interesting Madonna record yet. Co-produced with little known producer Mirwais Ahmadzais, the pair created an edgy pop sound blending acoustic guitar riffs with hard, synthetic electronica.

An all round arty and personal record – American Life is the thinking person’s Madonna record.

American Life (2003)
Reported world wide sales: 4 million copies
Key tracks: ‘American Life’, ‘Nothing Fails’, ‘Mother & Father’ and ‘X-Static Process’

[Via http://feedlimmy.wordpress.com]

Rainy Day Jukebox

For those who are trying to avoid rain, hail, sleet, snow, floods and landslides, or if you just want to turn up the volume to put somebody’s voice on Mute,  here are a few Bests.  Enjoy.

Best Flower Song

Best Talk-To-The-Hand-Cuz-The-Face-Ain’t-Listenin’-Song

Best Thing to Play Through Ceiling-High Speakers with Sub-Woofers

Cockiest Man Song

Best Pick Yourself Up Out of Your Funk Song

Best I Miss You Song

Best Anti-War Song in the Whole Wide World

Most Polite Blow-Off Song (The Manic Version for Those With Short Attention Spans)

Best Puppy Love Song

Best Love Song

Craziest Press Conference

Best-That’s-A-Big-Bowl-of-Wrong-Song

Best Sh*t I Screwed Up Song

Classiest Break-Up Song

Best Entering the White Light Song

Best Song to Play While Your Plane is Taking Off…..or Not

Best Lullaby for a Little One

[Via http://maia1111.wordpress.com]

Jamie Foxx & Madonna Courted To Replace Simon On “American Idol”

American Idol creator Simon Fuller is on the hunt for a big name to replace Simon Cowell when the music mogul exits the nation’s most-watched show at the end of the current season. In fact, Oscar-winning singer/actor Jamie Foxx and The Queen of Pop herself, Madonna, are being courted to replace Cowell, who’ll leave the show in May, Idol snitches blab in the Feb. 1 issue of Life & Style Weekly.

Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine is also rumored to be a strong contender for the judging job. Cowell is leaving show to bring his British smash hit show The X Factor stateside.

[Via http://thehiphopconsultant.wordpress.com]

More celebs sign on to "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief"

Madonna is the latest musical star to join the “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief” which airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV and other major networks (listed below).  The material girl will be performing in New York, where Wyclef Jean will also be on hosting duties.  George Clooney will back him up from L.A., while Anderson Cooper reports live from Haiti.

Madonna joins an impressive list of musical performers including: host Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting in New York; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Beyoncé, Coldplay, and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z and Rihanna in London.

“Hope for Haiti Now,” will benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, Yele Haiti Foundation and the newly formed Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation. Proceeds from “Hope for Haiti Now” will be split among each organization’s individual funds for Haiti earthquake relief. With the exception of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, each partner organization was selected for its history of operation and collaboration within the NGO community in Haiti.

“Hope for Haiti Now” will air across ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, CMT, PBS, TNT, Showtime, Comedy Central, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, CENTRIC, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, EPIX, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, CNN en Español, HBO Latino, and Canadian networks including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, and MuchMusic. The event will be live streamed online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, CNN.com, MTV.com, VH1.com, and Rhapsody and on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV. “Hope for Haiti Now” will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic, and MTV Networks International, which is available in 640 million homes worldwide. “Hope for Haiti Now” will be available non-exclusively to all terrestrial radio stations around the globe and SIRIUS XM Radio as a one time only radio broadcast via the MTV Radio Network and Westwood One.

For complete details, as well as how to donate go to MTV.com.

New music first — HP

[Via http://hitpredictor.wordpress.com]

need: backup dancers

After a long market week I am de-stressing with some apartment dancing and cooking. (Bennie inspired me… she is at home cooking in her Loubs.) Aside from Madonna’s sick outfit in the video, Celebration is still more than relevant to my iphone and always brings out the smiles and freakishly uncoordinated bouts of break dancing. I am going to try and get my trainer at Equinox (no more Bikram after Kiki passed out after class last week and had to go to the ER), a dancer, to teach me some sweet moves. I need to learn how to do, at worst, a poor imitation of this dance.

[Via http://dtangled.com]

Dolce and Gabbana, Spring 2010

Yes. That is Madonna. Could hardly recognize her in that Italian house-wife setup, ey? Now I don’t say this often…ok I never say it but…dayummm does she look good.

I just can’t stop looking at these pix. Oh David Gandy, you and your ridiculously good looks. Sigh.

Btw, why does this ad campaign remind me of a re-make of The Godfather?

xoxo,

L

Photos: Maison Chaplin, Fashionologie

[Via http://lorenachouza.wordpress.com]

Passion and Patience

If you haven’t hear or about or seen Gary I hope this inspires you. Honestly, this is how I have felt for a long time yet finding my voice was my struggle.  I knew what I wanted to do and that what I knew where my heart is in it yet what was I going to do about it.

When I went to work for Nestle there was a part of me that felt like I was giving up on my dreams of owning my own business; I really did.  I didn’t have a clue how Internet marketing worked way back then but I knew there were so many things I wanted to find out and knew would work.

One time I was at the Waugh Food Show is Peoria, AZ and I remember calling a friend of mine on the phone about a concept for food service operators using the Internet as a marketing tool within food service.  I just couldn’t stop thinking about how could I use this platform to help educate and market within food service.  Wild I know, it was just me though.

Really, social media is a lot of things for a lot of people and learning web based tools and techniques isn’t easy at times, at least not for me however I’m here learning them.   I have basically retooled my skills and knowledge because what I am doing represents my passions and my experience combined.

I will say this over and over again because it’s true.  The food service industry gives back what you put into it and if by chance it is also a combines your passion, right on.  I’ve worked my ass off for many companies in the past and it has been extremely beneficial as I own the experience however now it’s time to put that energy in something into my company.

From a server who had no aspirations of were I was going once I got into this field to working for the Nestle, the worlds largest food company without a degree, I am here because I want to be and I am driven.

For my customers and distributor representatives, me love you long time. I have and will work over time to provide that wow and customer service you won’t forget.   Please don’t hesitate to ask me questions or for support.  I am here because this is my passion and you are a huge part of that.

Over the years my passion has ways gravitated to using the Internet to communicate a message and I’m sure they’re a ton of underlining reasons why I could go into but none it matters to you and it shouldn’t.  In a room by myself or a 10,000 my voice is strong and getting stronger everyday.  I hope yours is too.

[Via http://restaurantmarketingpartners.wordpress.com]

Step away from Madonna...

Sometimes in life it’s best to challenge ourselves… I don’t know who said that but I am guessing that they were probably mean spirited.. and by “challenge” they really meant “yes you should do something stupid like sing Madonna at Karaoke after one drink”. Which is basically what I stupidly did on Friday. I can’t even lie and say “I’m not sure what was going through my mind”! I know exactly what was going through my mind…  I figured that since I have had so much success dancing to Like a Prayer in the past… singing it would just translate perfectly.

it did not. There was reason during my brief stint as a drama major that I avoided musicals like the plague. 

Another big reason for the fail was due to the fact that it was not the crazy club mix that I am so accustomed to. This proved to be a problem because with my awful eyesight I could not really read the screen! I don’t get embarrassed easily but this was an exception!

The lesson learned this weekend is that certain talents are best left unexplored.

[Via http://theglamourden.wordpress.com]

madonna, prince, lady gaga, alejandro

Madonna.  Prince.  Lady Gaga.  Alejandro (recall that Spike has requested a name change for 2010).  All four are brief, yet unique names.  Each is distinctly semi-delicious in its own way.  And each makes a statement and causes the mind to create a certain mental picture–which is why none of them need a last name.  So, what image does the name Alejandro conjure up for you?  Exactly.  And when Spike says the name Alejandro he stays with the middle ‘hhhhan’ sound for a long time.  Ale–jaaannnnn–dro.  Dreamer.  Silly, little dreamer.

Alejandro worked on our laptop all day to get it ready for Joyceland.  What a guy.  We wouldn’t know the first thing about all that hooking up and linking and networking.  But that Alejandro, he knows.  Sort of.  If he really knew, it would have only taken him one hour.  But it took him seven hours with lots of cursing.  And he owes Bulldog a quarter for every swear.  But all the hard work paid off because now we can type from our bed.  This is the best news we’ve had all year!

Speaking of beds, Margit pulled a fast Joyce on her guy, the Stanimal, and it was music to our ears.  Seems their family was heading off for a Griswold type Christmas vacation of the skiing variety.  The Stanimal was outside working like a dog to get the car ready for vacation by loading the suitcases, snacks, and boots.  He’d told Margit that he wanted some help and a reasonably early departure.  But he even ended up putting on the car top carrier on all by himself in sub-zero temperatures.  The Stanimal.  Picture Fabio, but way better.  And what was Margit doing while the Stanimal was literally working his ass off gathering frost on his nice little tush?  She was relaxing comfortably IN BED watching her DVR’d episode of Days of Our Lives.  Lucky thing the stairs are creaky.  Creaky stairs are a blessing from Joyce.  When the Stanimal headed back upstairs with icicles hanging from his nose to see what was taking Margit so long—she heard the creak of the stairs.  OFF went the telly and out went Margit like a light–pretending to sleeping . . .

It’s all just beautiful and too Joyce for words.  Margit, you’ve inspired us with ideas on how to stay out of the cold and avoid pushing ourselves too hard.

But back to Spike, ah-hem, Alejandro and the fact that things aren’t always as they appear.  One day when Bulldog was four we stood in front of the pre-school chatting with another mom while waiting to pick up our little naughties.  For story telling purposes, please recall that Bulldog was adopted from Guatemala.  As Mrs. McFad was chitter-chattering about this and that, she said in her husky voice, “I can’t wait to meet your husband.”  We replied innocently, “Really.”  She continued, “Oh yeah, I want to see your husband.  Your son is so good-looking with that dreamy skin.”  This got us thinking and so we asked, “You know Antonio Banderas?”  She started hyperventilating and nodded excitedly.  “Well, the hubby looks a lot like Antonio Banderas,” we deadpanned . . . .

Oh, Mrs. McFad liked that answer A LOT.  “Well, I kinda figured that from the looks of your son,” she purred . . . while dreaming of Antonio Banderas and hoping for a playdate where the dad picks up the kid.  Now, truth be told, hubby Alejandro is a pasty white caucasian, but when your kid is Latino and you and the hubby are plain vanilla, it’s pure Joyce to make some fun shit up about it all now and then.

[Via http://llutze.wordpress.com]

Sam Geunjin Kang - Red Light - Official Music Video - Wong Fu Productions

Sam Geunjin Kang – Red Light – Official Music Video – Wong Fu Productions

This is the first time Sam Geunjin Kang has been featured on Idea Girl Consulting Entertainment Site.

You will notice I’m changing my signature to Idea Girl Consulting E site, I should come up with a short form for it?

Got any ideas for me?

Linda Randall
Idea Girl Consulting

[Via http://ideagirlconsulting.wordpress.com]

BADASS & BEAUTIFUL

Published in Diva magazine, May 2008 

INTERVIEW Sandra Bernhard, the Michigan motormouth, is revving her rage for a one-off Manchester revival. Words Kim Renfrew

Sandra Bernhard has a reputation. The all-round artist and entertainer is known for being tough, intimidating and no mincer of words. In the past, targets such as Mother Theresa and the Bush children have all fallen foul of her acid tongue.

So it’s a bit of a surprise when the Bernhard I talk to over the phone in New York is charming, discreet and even a little cautious, naming no names and skilfully batting away queries about the Kabbalah (the Jewish esoteric practice to which she is rumoured to have introduced Madonna and Demi Moore). Could it be that the Michigan motormouth has mellowed in her middle years? ‘That’s the last thing I’d have done! You can’t live in this life and be mellow. Day to day, I’m mellow: I love my family, I love my life, my girlfriend [Vanity Fair exec Sara Switzer], my daughter… but when I look outside my window and I see the crap going on, you’d better believe it gets my back up.’

No, that razor edge hasn’t been blunted, and it’s clear that Bernhard still rages at the many inadequacies of the world. And boy, can she talk. She leads me through a passionate tirade against the wars in Vietnam (bloodshed, which ultimately, she says, just enabled us to buy underwear stitched together in the Far East) and Iraq, the current futility of American politics and — the hot topic on the day we speak — the presidential race. ‘We’ve had the same sort of patriarchy running this country from the beginning: white men with a narrow view of the world and all their fears and desires to serve the master, the corporate structure. In theory, I would love the idea of a woman president, but I don’t think Hillary Clinton represents the change we need right now.’

In fact, Everything Bad & Beautiful, the album of her current show, is shot through with politics of every kind. Traditional politics is there, in the imagined meeting between US Secretary of Stare Condoleeza Rice and Rosa Parks, the woman who sparked the American civil rights movement in the 50s after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on an Alabama bus. There’s a guitar-driven femi¬nist rant against the bland – though dan¬gerous – conformism of fashion in Undressed, And there’s also tender, yet impassioned, material like The Flame, addressed to her daughter Cicely, now nearly ten. Motherhood has changed Bernhard’s worldview: ‘Certainly I’m looking to the future,’ she says. ‘The world I want to create for my daughter, and the world I want her to live in.’ And it’s seems that some of Mom’s idealism has already rubbed off: ‘She wants to be a hippy, she wants peace, she wants love, she loves John Lennon…’

Everything Bad & Beautiful is Bernhard’s eleventh record, and her umpteenth show in a career that spans 30 years. There’s something very old-fash¬ioned about the honest, hardworking route to fame that Bernhard followed, playing the clubs, plugging away at a bit of this and a bit of that, climbing through the ranks. The opposite, in fact, of the shallow promises of instant fame and for¬tune promoted by the likes of Pop Idol and its multitude of copyists, a concept that, unsurprisingly, she has little time for: ‘It’s part and parcel of what I’ve been talk¬ing about, this sort of immediacy. You don’t have to work for anything, we’ll just hand it to you and – guess what? – it all comes back to bite you on the ass in the end, because every five minutes there’s somebody new.’ It’s troopers like herself that she really admires. ‘Chrissie Hynde, Marianne Faithfull, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Dusty Springfield, the great voices of the past who were destined to be great singers and artists.’

Destiny, though, also involves a hell of a lot of hard graft, and Bernhard is no shirker. After touring Everything Bad… around the UK last autumn, she’s back at Manchester’s Queerupnorth festival on May 9th, something she’s relishing: ‘I love place and the people. You Brits are just a whole other breed.’

And, thrillingly, she’s reprising her legendary 1988 work, Without You I’m Nothing. Why? Because she can: ‘The show really put me on the map, and we just thought it would be great to bring out a classic for a new generation. There’s really nothing to say, other than it’s a great show and it touched on a lot of things that are still relevant.’

And for this performer, lesbian and gay audiences have changed immeasurably in the time since Without You… debuted. After all, back in the day, when Bernhard played her all-nighter at The Scala in London, she bemoaned onstage the fact that lesbian promoters were perhaps a little on the stingy side, expecting her to do something for nothing. But now ‘the whole gay experience is completely different. People feel much more comfortable and I think that acceptance in general society has changed people.’

As well as looking back, Bernhard is still being carried forward by her compulsion to create. She’s just started writing a new book, she’s touring, doing some music and TV work, and she clearly adores it all: ‘I love being a performer and an artist. It’s really the most fulfilling thing in the world.’ So, is she ever going to stop, or will she still be at it when she’s 90, held together with ostrich feathers and safety pins, like Marlene Dietrich? ‘Why not?’ she says. ‘But I hope I won’t fall off the stage.’

[Via http://renfrewmatic.wordpress.com]

Madge Still A Cause For Celebration

Recently the charts have been dominated by Lady Gaga. Such has been her success that many have dubbed her as the new Madonna.

The two have several things in common, the flamboyant dress sense, a penchant for the extra ordinary as well as the ability to churn out ridiculously catchy pop numbers. Whilst there is no arguing with the fact that Madonna is the more experienced of the two. Gaga has been making waves since she burst onto the scene at the beginning of the year.

Gaga already has two number one hits with Poker face and Just Dance. The New Yorker also reached the top ten with Paparazzi. She has also achieved relative success with other songs from her critically acclaimed album The Fame. Which includes collaborations with producers such as Timbaland (who has coincidentally also worked with Madge in the past).

But now Lady Gaga finds herself up against the current incumbent of the princess of pop throne, the ageless Madonna. Who returns with a new album called celebration. Celebration is very much a greatest hits album featuring classics such as Like a prayer and Frozen.

But the album does feature a new single also named Celebration, which reached number 3 in the UK singles chart. The single was co-written by Paul Oakenfold, does enough to show that Madge isn’t quiet ready to give up her crown yet. As she delivers another catchy dance floor beat, but at the same time provides her assured vocals, opposed to Gaga’s rather flimsy delivery.

But whilst these two acts are undoubtedly talented we don’t have to look far to see potential princesses of pop. In fact the British contingent of pop songstresses is greater than ever. La Roux, Florence and the Machine and Little Boots to name a few all bring there own unique sound to the party and mustn’t be overlooked.

[Via http://ismailmulla.wordpress.com]

Will Lady GaGa Launch Her Own Clothing Line?

Ah, Lady GaGa. Not since Madonna and her cone bras have we seen a performer with such an outrageous sense of fashion. Since her debut, her music has spread through the airwaves like wildfire. Blunt, fringed platinum-blond hair, French-cut one-piece suits, sequined opaque shades and all, Lady GaGa has become more than a Billboard chart-topping star — she has become a fashion icon.

Early last year, Lady GaGa announced her interest in designing her own clothing line, which would promote her unique style and would cater mostly to the teen audience. She expressed genuine enthusiasm in the project, saying she couldn’t wait to do her own line within the next year. Well, it is now “next year” and we are all wondering what has become of her little fashion project.

Many are of the opinion that it is a definite possibility that Lady GaGa will launch her own fashion line. She already has a large degree of creative license in her own personal and performance clothing style. The fact that she continues to design her own clothing and accessories means that she has an immense drive to create and express herself, not only through music, but also through what she wears. Whether or not she is as enthusiastic at sharing her style with others now as she was last year remains to be seen.

There is also the question as to whether or not Lady GaGa’s fashion will fly among today’s trend-savvy teens. After two extremely successful album releases, we are confident about Lady GaGa’s influence in the music industry. Some say the release of her clothing line will rock the very foundations of modern fashion. Others say her fashion sense is simply too eccentric to be developed into a mainstream fashion line. Even some fans of Lady GaGa admit that — as much as they love her music and admire her bold sense of style — they are not quite sure whether they can wear clothes the way Lady GaGa does.

But we’re not asking about the Lady GaGa’s line’s potential for success. We are asking how soon it will be released.

Currently, 72% of the Predicto community has voted yes, we just might be seeing a “House of GaGa” sometime soon, whereas 28% disagree.

What do think? Join the Predicto Community and cast your vote! It’s incredibly easy. Visit Predicto to find out how.

[Via http://blog.predicto.com]

"Is all art real art and is pop art art?

Like I said, in 2009 I gave up on criticizing the mainstream ideals or things like “celebrity culture” because, well, there’s a lot of it that just plain disgusts me, but an equal amount that fascinates me, as is life. With that, I’m going to also try to complain less about the weak notions of art and “pop,” etc. Well, I didn’t give up on criticizing it (because I’m not dead) but I’ve started to understand it a little more. And I’ve stopped fighting it. Fighting it damages me more than it. But things like American Idol that I don’t respect? I get them now. As much as I’m going to, at least. I may not join in, per se, but I understand.

New thoughts on the matter:

-Like what you like.

-Do what you do.

-Accept that your art is not for everyone.

-Conversely, don’t freak out if no one gives a shit for the things you “like.”

-Don’t be a cocksucker about things that others like, especially if others are intelligent.

-Something something fingerbang (because that’s my new favorite word)!

-You probably don’t know shit about shit. Teach when you can, but more importantly, be ready to shut up and learn.

-Make art when you can. Life is hard, it’s true, and it’s rough. It’s so rough. But it’s also temporary. It flies right by. But, before you go, put something on your walls, on your bookshelves, on your shrine of self or whatever, okay?

And that last one comes with a special caveat for writers. Partly because I think I’m going to talk a little, just a little, and in a very abstract way, about writers this week. But here’s some advice for writers: Write. Magic elves don’t bring you respect and money and credibility and beaucoup fingerbanging just because you declare yourself as a writer to a universe. Do a little living, make some decisions, see some weird shit, do some weird shit, and then do some fingerbanging. On the keyboard, that is.

Anyway, separate from writers and back to “pop art” in general… And what’s the most poppiest of the current pop shit out there as far as I can tell? Lady Gaga.

Right?

She looks like what I imagine slowly going insane feels like. And I’m not complaining. There’s just no point. She’s not necessarily my thing, but I find her to be an interesting bit of current oddity (even if my particular bit of gravamen is with the unnecessary pomp of it all)(though maybe it’s unnecessariness is what makes it so necessary?). The strange dada pop star. That place where music becomes experience turned into bad romance? A culture reflected back on itself through a disco ball? Also, this:

That’s Amanda Palmer, formerly of The Dresden Dolls, writing a song, a “blogsong,” if you will (in lieu of writing a blog post) about things like Lady GaGa and pop music entitled “Gaga, Palmer, Madonna.” I like this because, I like Amanda Palmer, it’s relevant to something I wanted to talk about, and Palmer has a thematically connective tissue to something like GaGa, to me, but is certainly at the other end of the popularity spectrum (unfortunately), right?

I discovered the song via Neil Gaiman’s blog (they’re dating), and they were apparently having a private discussion about things like pop art and Lady GaGa and she responded by making the song/video, which fascinates me. Every once in a while you need to immerse yourself in the medium to discuss the medium. Plus, Palmer raises some interesting questions not just about making popular art, but what it’s like to be a woman making popular art today.

Food for thought while you’re thinking about being artistic, yeah?

And now I shall leave you with one of my favorite pure pop songs:

[Via http://counter-force.com]

Candy Perfume Girl Chords (DWT)

We figured it’s time to post another Madonna guitar sheet and start having some fun now that 2010 is just about to begin! And what could be more fun than to play another great song by the Madge-sty, which is also a very simple one to learn as well? Plug in your electric guitars and get the “Candy Perfume Girl” sheet from the Guitar Tabs & Chords page!

Monte Pittman & Madonna strumming some high notes (click to see the video)

Madonna first performed CPG in the “Drowned World Tour” (2001) and it was first song in which we saw her playing an electric guitar! (a Gibson Les Paul Classic) And she even played a solo towards the end! Needless to say that Miss Fitz and I would LOVE to see her nailing the guitar like that again in her next tour!!

[Via http://axestaticprocess.wordpress.com]

How does Angelina Jolie looks like when Digitally Aged 10 Years?

Madonna might want to pop in for a Botox treatment once she sees the aged image forsenic artist Joe Mullins has created of her and other A-list celebrities, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The Washington-based artist factored in the stars’ lifestyles as he manipulated their photos to determine what they will look like a decade later, according to the paper.

Hey, Hollywood. We’ve seen the future…and it ain’t that pretty.

CONTINUE…

[Via http://joliepittbrangelina.wordpress.com]