Psycho, shocking, influential, insightful and erotic.
These are just some of the words that spring to mind when thinking of Lady Gaga's latest endeavour, 'Bad Romance'.
What strikes me most is how the track captures my generation's attitude toward love and romance, if you can even call it that!
Somehow we are no longer in love with being in love, rather the feeling of addiction that this love incites. And why? Because it's more compelling. Well at least for some of us!
'I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as its free
I want your love and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance'
With clarity of expression this defined and more to the point true, it's sad to think how little we've seen of this pop demon.
Lady Gaga aka Stefani Germanotta brings to popculture what Alexander McQueen brings to the fashion world, daredevilry.
By pushing boundries, in this case social and cultural, this eccentric artist unconsciously liberates us from the chains of society's expectant voice. This in turn allows us to manifest our own desires however perverse they may be.
So the next time you think that Lady Gaga is one step short of entering a mental institution or whore house, take a closer look at what her work represents. You might just be surprised at what you find.
Listen to Bad Romance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uceCz0nltQ
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Wednesday 21 October 2009
Reincarnation....Shakira the she wolf
Where to begin.
So we all know Shakira for the fiery Latino she is but if it's humanly possible her latest track 'She Wolf' or 'La Loba' demonstrates a sexiness that would surpass any previous ideals we may have held.
After obsessing about her return to the music scene with fervent memories of previous material including 'Hips Don't Lie' and 'La Tortura', I suppose I had an exceedingly high expectation. But then again, don't you think high expectations are necessary to drive success? (Maybe that's just me) Fortunately in this case, my line of thought paid off.
Not only are the lyrics incessantly catchy but they actually hold significant meaning unlike other chart toppers which speak of: bitches, Ho's and million dollar bills! She Wolf is about the sexual repression of women and the desires they have to move past this age old concept into a sphere of sexual liberation and fulfilment.
With her ever engaging strength and sensuality, Shakira is most certainly back with us. For those of you who knew her before, I'm sure you will be happy to see that the dance sequences in this video are reminiscent of those in Beautiful Liar, the duet she did with Beyonce aka Sasha Fierce.
If I had to find one criticism and in honesty I only have one, it would be that the Colombian beauty has lost too much weight. The hips that we once knew seem to have vanished somewhere along line making me feel somewhat uneasy. Lets not forget, it was those hips and curvy outline that once separated her from others.
At the end of the day I'm not here to judge her physical appearance; this is a music blog after all. So lets get back to the matter in hand, if you're looking for an artist with undeniable talent and originality, it's Shakira(the she wolf).
Here's to her reincarnation, let her new album be every bit as worthy as this single.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aEW_Z5Va5s
So we all know Shakira for the fiery Latino she is but if it's humanly possible her latest track 'She Wolf' or 'La Loba' demonstrates a sexiness that would surpass any previous ideals we may have held.
After obsessing about her return to the music scene with fervent memories of previous material including 'Hips Don't Lie' and 'La Tortura', I suppose I had an exceedingly high expectation. But then again, don't you think high expectations are necessary to drive success? (Maybe that's just me) Fortunately in this case, my line of thought paid off.
Not only are the lyrics incessantly catchy but they actually hold significant meaning unlike other chart toppers which speak of: bitches, Ho's and million dollar bills! She Wolf is about the sexual repression of women and the desires they have to move past this age old concept into a sphere of sexual liberation and fulfilment.
With her ever engaging strength and sensuality, Shakira is most certainly back with us. For those of you who knew her before, I'm sure you will be happy to see that the dance sequences in this video are reminiscent of those in Beautiful Liar, the duet she did with Beyonce aka Sasha Fierce.
If I had to find one criticism and in honesty I only have one, it would be that the Colombian beauty has lost too much weight. The hips that we once knew seem to have vanished somewhere along line making me feel somewhat uneasy. Lets not forget, it was those hips and curvy outline that once separated her from others.
At the end of the day I'm not here to judge her physical appearance; this is a music blog after all. So lets get back to the matter in hand, if you're looking for an artist with undeniable talent and originality, it's Shakira(the she wolf).
Here's to her reincarnation, let her new album be every bit as worthy as this single.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aEW_Z5Va5s
Friday 4 September 2009
The Never Ending Story for the Queen of Pop
That's right, she's BACK! The Queen of Pop, our Madonna, reigns again. And no, I am not kidding....
So she's 51, should that spell the end of her career? Many might think so but I am here to stand up for all women and say that age should bare no relevance if talent still prevails and jeez, when it comes to Madge it clearly does.
In her latest music video, Celebrando we see her dancing like a twenty something with nothing more than a mini dress and knee high boots! Does it work? Of course it does. Supported by a fabulous group of dancers, Madge sings or should I say talks in that provocative manner which would get even my goldfish to stand to attention!
So there it is, a perfect demonstration that age is nothing more that a number. If you feel alive and if you feel free, in the words of Madonna, "Come join the party."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8N9KfyIZew
So she's 51, should that spell the end of her career? Many might think so but I am here to stand up for all women and say that age should bare no relevance if talent still prevails and jeez, when it comes to Madge it clearly does.
In her latest music video, Celebrando we see her dancing like a twenty something with nothing more than a mini dress and knee high boots! Does it work? Of course it does. Supported by a fabulous group of dancers, Madge sings or should I say talks in that provocative manner which would get even my goldfish to stand to attention!
So there it is, a perfect demonstration that age is nothing more that a number. If you feel alive and if you feel free, in the words of Madonna, "Come join the party."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8N9KfyIZew
Tuesday 18 August 2009
It's A Guitar Thing
Never thought much of playing an instrument?
I was the same until a couple of years ago. There I was, standing in the crowd, perhaps no more than a metre from the stage. At the time I remember thinking how stark the stage was for a music concert. Usually they're adorned with a glaring backdrop at very least. But no, not this time. And so it began, the most electrictrifying concert I've seen to date.
I am referring to the works of Rodrigo Y Gabriela, a duo from Mexico City who arm themselves with nothing but acoustic guitars.
The sounds they produced seemed to me nothing short of superhuman. Their energy filtered through the guitars penetrating the audience, which became at once a slave to the rhythms.
Although this concert was almost two years ago, I am still in awe of the duo and continue to follow their music affairs.
They are returning to London this Autumn. My advice, 'hunt down some tickets now.'
To miss Rodrigo Y Gabriela, is to miss being in the presence of true musicians.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lvMQCmUVv8
I was the same until a couple of years ago. There I was, standing in the crowd, perhaps no more than a metre from the stage. At the time I remember thinking how stark the stage was for a music concert. Usually they're adorned with a glaring backdrop at very least. But no, not this time. And so it began, the most electrictrifying concert I've seen to date.
I am referring to the works of Rodrigo Y Gabriela, a duo from Mexico City who arm themselves with nothing but acoustic guitars.
The sounds they produced seemed to me nothing short of superhuman. Their energy filtered through the guitars penetrating the audience, which became at once a slave to the rhythms.
Although this concert was almost two years ago, I am still in awe of the duo and continue to follow their music affairs.
They are returning to London this Autumn. My advice, 'hunt down some tickets now.'
To miss Rodrigo Y Gabriela, is to miss being in the presence of true musicians.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lvMQCmUVv8
Saturday 15 August 2009
More than surprise
What can I say?
Last night, for the first time in a long time, I found myself lost for words.
For what reason you may ask. Their names are Damien and Tourie Escobar, a pair of brothers from New York City.
Ok but there are many brothers living in NYC right. What makes these two so different? I'll give you two words classical and contemporary.
That's right, two men with violins fusing delicate and technical classical music with jagged sounds of hip hop.
Its not just their flawless technique that shines through but a passion and emotion that comes from the inner depths of their being. To witness their performance was and is a truly inspiring and core wrenching experience. One that I hope more people will be able to realise.
Apart from appreciating Damien and Tourie's talent(Nuttin But Stringz), it struck me how deceiving appearances can be and to what extent we judge people based on looks alone. I wonder how many would have branded Damien and Tourie rap star wannabees before anything else!
Here's to Damien and Tourie, a pair that follwed their dream and in the course challenged music concepts and the concepts of people.
Follow link to hear Damien and Tourie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3WtJYgy1Q&feature=related
Last night, for the first time in a long time, I found myself lost for words.
For what reason you may ask. Their names are Damien and Tourie Escobar, a pair of brothers from New York City.
Ok but there are many brothers living in NYC right. What makes these two so different? I'll give you two words classical and contemporary.
That's right, two men with violins fusing delicate and technical classical music with jagged sounds of hip hop.
Its not just their flawless technique that shines through but a passion and emotion that comes from the inner depths of their being. To witness their performance was and is a truly inspiring and core wrenching experience. One that I hope more people will be able to realise.
Apart from appreciating Damien and Tourie's talent(Nuttin But Stringz), it struck me how deceiving appearances can be and to what extent we judge people based on looks alone. I wonder how many would have branded Damien and Tourie rap star wannabees before anything else!
Here's to Damien and Tourie, a pair that follwed their dream and in the course challenged music concepts and the concepts of people.
Follow link to hear Damien and Tourie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3WtJYgy1Q&feature=related
Wednesday 12 August 2009
The Unexpected Hit....
Who am I talking about?
You all know it deep down but through fear of social reproach are unwilling to utter the name!
That's right, Im referring to Peter Andre's latest but not necessarily long awaited new track-Behind Closed Doors.
After having watched some footage of Peter in the recording studio, I will be the first to admit that I didn't see this going well. However, the renowned celebrity Dad and ex husband of Katie Price might actaully have made a name for himself with this material.
The track's lyrics are gritty and really convey a sense of Pete's own feelings; its nice to know some celebrities allow themselves to be vulnerable, drawing strength from their imperfections or an imperfect situation. It just goes to show, we're all human! The success is not just in the lyrics but the beat too. The overall sound being a fusion of pop, rock and Rnb. (A perfect club track if you ask me)
So, to those of you who wouldn't dream of listening to and enjoying a song by Pete, I ask you to do the following. Disregard what you think you know about him and his music and take a chance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BGcYMCpEmo
You all know it deep down but through fear of social reproach are unwilling to utter the name!
That's right, Im referring to Peter Andre's latest but not necessarily long awaited new track-Behind Closed Doors.
After having watched some footage of Peter in the recording studio, I will be the first to admit that I didn't see this going well. However, the renowned celebrity Dad and ex husband of Katie Price might actaully have made a name for himself with this material.
The track's lyrics are gritty and really convey a sense of Pete's own feelings; its nice to know some celebrities allow themselves to be vulnerable, drawing strength from their imperfections or an imperfect situation. It just goes to show, we're all human! The success is not just in the lyrics but the beat too. The overall sound being a fusion of pop, rock and Rnb. (A perfect club track if you ask me)
So, to those of you who wouldn't dream of listening to and enjoying a song by Pete, I ask you to do the following. Disregard what you think you know about him and his music and take a chance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BGcYMCpEmo
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