Top 10 albums of 2009

I almost didn't do an album list, because it's rare that people buy full albums. But I do, and I'm picking my ten favorite albums from this year.

10. Mary J. Blige Stronger withEach Tear

Had this come out a little earlier in the year, it would've ranked higher, but it's only a few weeks old, so it lands near the tail end of the my favorites. Mary doesn't let down on yet another album of anthems dealing with self improvement and empowerment.

9. Alison Iraheta Just Like You

Fourth place finisher on this year's "American Idol", Alison, released an album that is mature, solid, and belies her true age. Influences and hints of P!nk and Kelly Clarkson abound.

8. Alexandra Burke Overcome

2008's "The X-Factor" winner delivered a pop R&B album with loads of potential singles. She's like a more fun, less uptight Leona Lewis. Get ready America, as she's being groomed for Leona like success in the States, and should do pretty well if given the right push.

7. Carrie Underwood Play On

The best selling Idol contestant continues her amazing run of hit albums and singles. Her third album is no disappointment and is both true to her persona and evolves her as an artist.

6. The Saturdays Wordshaker

Not quite yet as successful as the Sugababes or Girls Aloud in the UK, The Saturdays are aiming to give those groups a run for their money. Second album is assuredly stronger and even more cohesive than their first fantastic album, Chasing Lights.

5. Shakira She Wolf

My expectations were very low, as first single "She Wolf" was unimpressive, but Shakira saved her best for the album. Subsequent singles "Give It Up To Me" and "Did It Again" are sheer pop perfection.

4. Alicia Keys The Element Of Freedom

An artist who just gets better and better. This album is exceptionally gorgeous.

3. Kelly Clarkson All I Ever Wanted

After 2007's commercial failure, My December (an album which I still love), Kelly went back to making pop music for the masses and scored big time. Three Top 20 hits and the album is a reminder of why we all love the Original Idol.

2. Jordin Sparks Battlefield

The best pop album of the year, may not have been a big hit as her label may have wanted, but Jordin's sophomore effort was in a word, brilliant. The title track is epic, "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)" is pure pop fun, and ballad "No Parade" is heartbreakingly amazing.

1. Taylor Swift Fearless (Platinum Edition)

2009's biggest selling album is also one of the years best. Although it was released at the end of 2008, Taylor had an amazing year. Her songwriting is on level with some of the greats twice her age. Her down to earth, girl next door personality only adds to her charm. I predict a Grammy win for "Album Of The Year".

Some Great New Tracks for the Fall...

Here are some great tracks to look out for this fall...

1. Leona Lewis - "Happy"...



This song is LOVE. No other way to describe how I feel about it. Leona re-teams with "Bleeding Love" creator, Ryan Tedder, for this exquisite empowering anthem. From her forthcoming album Echo.


2. The Saturdays - "Forever Is Over"



Britains girl group of the moment, The Saturdays, lead off their second yet to be titled album, with "Forever Is Over". The song assaults all your senses and leaves you wanting more when it wraps up in less than three and a half minutes. Totally catchy and totally addictive.

3. Natalie Imbruglia - "Want"



While Natalie Imbrublia has been missing from the pop music scene for many a years, she returns with this haunting, electronica inspired jam. Coldplay's Chris Martin co-wrote the tracking, further cementing his affinity for Australian pop stars, having worked with Kylie Minogue on "Lhuna" last year. "Want" is from Natalie's upcoming album Come To Life. Since her last two releases, (Counting Down The Days and Glorious: The Singles 1997-2007, went unreleased in the United States, it's uncertain if this will be unleashed here.

4. Alexandra Burke - "Bad Boys" (feat. Flo Rida)



Current "X-Factor" champ (Britain's much better version of "American Idol"), Alexandra Burke, starts right out of the gate with an American sounding tune that could be a hit stateside. Not unlike Leona Lewis, (an "X-Factor" winner in 2007), Alexandra's people are looking to launch her worldwide and Flo Rida's appearance on the song almost guarantee her a shot at U.S. radio.

5. Cheryl Cole - "Fight For This Love"



Current "X-Factor" judge and Girls Aloud member, Cheryl Cole, unleashes her first solo song and upon first listen, the song isn't much. By far not the best vocalist, but lying beneath the Pet Shop Boys mashed with RedOne beats is a killer hook and chorus. Not quite on the level of the phenomenal Girls Aloud tracks "The Loving Kind" and "Untouchable", "Fight For This Love" is grower, not a shower type of song, that gets better listen after listen.

6. Alphabeat - "The Spell"



Alphabeat lead off their second album with "The Spell" which is an homage to the 80's and 90's. Take part of Black Box's "Everybody Everybody", part of "Touch Me All Night Long" by Cathy Dennis, and add a hint of early 90s house music and you get this amazingly kick ass song. Too much for simple words, this may be my #1 song of the year.


Download "The Spell" here: ---> Here

Separated At Birth?!

Whitney Houston on "Good Morning America" 09-02-09



The Tranny, Leiomy from Vogue Evolution on MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew".

No Choice Her Voice Can Take Me There...

Yes, I still get excited about upcoming Madonna products and projects. Early this week a preview for the upcoming official 2010 Calendar was released to no one's satisfaction. (No new pics, just photos from all her tours...that's now 2 calendars in a row that take a career retrospective in pictures).

Now we get the official track list for the upcoming Madonna "Celebration" hits collection DVD that's to be released on Sept. 29th.

Here's the track listing:

1) Burning Up
2) Lucky Star
3) Borderline
4) Like A Virgin
5) Material Girl
6) Crazy For You
7) Into The Groove
8) Live To Tell
9) Papa Don’t Preach
10) True Blue
11) Open Your Heart
12) La Isla Bonita
13) Who’s That Girl
14) Like A Prayer
15) Express Yourself
16) Cherish
17) Vogue
18) Justify My Love
19) Erotica
20) Deeper and Deeper
21) Rain
22) I’ll Remember
23) Secret
24) Take A Bow
25) Bedtime Story
26) Human Nature
27) I Want You
28) You’ll See
29) Frozen
30) Ray Of Light
31) The Power Of Good-Bye
32) Beautiful Stranger
33) American Pie
34) Music
35) Don’t Tell Me
36) What It Feels Like For A Girl
37) Die Another Day
38) Hollywood
39) Love Profusion
40) Hung Up
41) Sorry
42) Get Together
43) Jump
44) 4 Minutes
45) Give It 2 Me
46) Miles Away
47) Celebration

Notable missing videos are the rarely seen videos for "Everybody" and "Holiday". Both from her debut, but never shown on MTV during their heydays, these videos do exist, and can be YouTubed for viewing enjoyment. They were extremely low budget videos of her dancing with her backups.

"Gambler" - Never officially promoted, a video was created from the "Vision Quest" movie scene in which Madonna makes cameo.

The fully animated promo clip for the non United States single "Dear Jessie". Think the beginning of the movie "Who's That Girl" crossed with Walt Disney's "Fantasia" and you get this saccharine lullaby's video.

The David Fincher directed clips for "Oh Father" and "Bad Girl" were excluded. The exclusion of these videos is odd, as these are considered mini masterpieces by her fans. These are previously available on "The Immaculate Collection" and "The Video Collection 93:99" collections.

The oft forgotten video for "Fever" (which does appear on the "The Video Collection 93:99" release)

"This Used To Be My Playground" from the movie "A League Of Their Own". Not one of her best videos, but would be nice to have, as it is only available on the Special Edition DVD release of the movie.

The "Evita" videos ("You Must Love Me" and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", even though this was really just an actual scene from the movie).

"Drowned World/Substitute For Love" - This video is also for one of her non United States singles, that drew controversy due to the Princess Diana like comparisons. Diana was tragically killed in a car crash while fleeing from paparazzi, the video depicts Madonna running from them as well. Considering one of her tours was named after this song, it's strange to see it left off.

"Nothing Really Matters" the "Memoirs of A Geisha" inspired clip is another video for a lesser known song, that had an amazing beautifully lensed video. Thankfully this and "Drowned World..." appear on "TVC 93:99"

"American Life" - Both the edited and non edited version are missing. This video drew criticism because it was shot in the aftermath of the Dixie Chicks backlash and showed scenes of war, destruction, and anti Bush sentiments. Madonna first declared her freedom of artistic expression and defended the video, but then changed her mind and released an edited version that features her singing in front of a backdrop of ever-changing flags of different countries. Still unavailable to this day on any official Madonna product, even though Warner Bros. stated it was going to be an extra on the "I'm Going To Tell You A Secret" DVD.

Considering how many great videos Madonna has made, the tracklisting is pretty incredible. A lot of the videos are not available on DVD ("Erotica", "Deeper And Deeper" "I Want You") so it is nice to be getting them, although I wish more of the rarities would have been made available.

Like It Or Not...

Aside from putting out a box set with every single release, a Madonna hits compilation will never completely satisfy the legions of fans.

Here is the official tracklisting of the two disc set:

DISC ONE
1. "Hung Up"
2. "Music"
3. "Vogue"
4. "4 Minutes"
5. "Holiday"
6. "Like a Virgin"
7. "Into the Groove"
8. "Everybody"
9. "Like a Prayer"
10. "Ray of Light"
11. "Sorry"
12. "Express Yourself"
13. "Open Your Heart"
14. "Borderline"
15. "Secret"
16. "Erotica"
17. "Justify My Love"
18. "Celebration"

DISC TWO
1. "Dress You Up"
2. "Material Girl"
3. "La Isla Bonita"
4. "Papa Don't Preach"
5. "Lucky Star"
6. "Burning Up"
7. "Crazy For You"
8. "Who's That Girl"
9. "Frozen"
10. "Miles Away"
11. "Take a Bow"
12. "Beautiful Stranger"
13. "Hollywood"
14. "Die Another Day"
15. "Don't Tell Me"
16. "Live to Tell"
17. "Cherish"

18. "Revolver"

34 hits and 2 new tracks ("Celebration" and "Revolver"). As far as this tracklisting goes, I think it's pretty spot on, but I, like everyone else, think there are some glaring omissions from her earlier days.

"Angel" - If five(!) tracks from "MADONNA-The First Album" are here, then surely all four from "LIKE A VIRIGIN" should be here as well. Having said that, with both "Crazy For You" and "Into The Groove" on here (which many casual fans throw and categorize into this era) I can see why one of the "LAV" singles was omitted. Personally, I always preferred "Angel" to "Dress You Up", but having no proper video is a detriment to "Angel". ("DYU", at least, had the "Virgin Tour" performance video.)

"True Blue" - Yes the least memorable song from "TRUE BLUE", but still a Top 3 hit. Perhaps, memories of Sean Penn hit her harder then we realize, thus this song being punished, yet again. Plus there is always that nagging issue of which video to use on the DVD, the sweet and inspired fan made MTV contest winner that does not actually feature M? Or the cheesy 50s inspired video featuring a guest appearance by Debi Mazar?

"Causing A Commotion" - Debatedly the more likable of the "WHO"S THAT GIRL" singles, "Causing a Commotion" is, perhaps, Madge's most dated sounded single. Still anything left off of "THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION" deserves to be spotlighted elsewhere.

"Keep It Together" After "Oh Father" failed to crack the Top 5 (thus breaking her record setting 16 consecutive Top 5 hits), Madonna and Warner wisely remixed "Keep It Together" to sound like "It-Group" Soul lI Soul's hits "Keep On Movin'" and "Back To Life". Madonna's ode to family landed her back in the Top 10 after the disappointing performance of "Oh Father" (#20 Peak).

"This Used To Be My Playground" - A #1 hit in the summer of 1992, though largely overlooked for her other soundtrack ballad, 1994's "I'll Remember" (also missing from this hits set), "TUTBMP" is probably considered too languid for a Hits Collection titled "CELEBRATION".

"Deeper And Deeper" Considered a fan favorite, "Deeper And Deeper", almost made many forget about the SEX drenched "EROTICA" and brought Madonna back home to the dancefloor where she belonged. However, the damage was done, and with the "SEX" book, and the "Body Of Evidence" movie looming overhead, any subsequent singles from "Erotica" were doomed from the get go. Which brings us to...

"Rain" - Why this sonic masterpiece is not included is baffling. This is Madonna at her exquisite best. The song is lush, radiant, and gorgeous. After "Bad Girl" received a chilly response at radio, "Rain" the song, and accompanying, stunning video reversed her misfortunes and almost single handedly erased all the bad press of the "EROTICA" era. Almost. The track performed better than "Bad Girl" but still missed the Top 10, landing at #14.

So with these 6 tracks left off, not to mention there's nothing representing her "EVITA" period ("You Must Love Me" and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina"), what would I cut to put them in?

"Everybody" - Yes it was her first single, but only the die hards know that. "Holiday" was her first proper hit.

"Sorry" - Sorry, but even though "CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR" is one of her best albums, two tracks is one too many. "Hung Up" is the only song people know from that album. As much as I love "Sorry" (favorite track on the album), it doesn't deserve a spot on here.

"Dress You Up" - I'd swap this for "Angel" any day.

"Hollywood" - Probably her worst choice of single, ever. Nothing from "AMERICAN LIFE" should be represented on here. It would be like Mariah Carey putting her "GLITTER" era stuff on her hits set. Let's call a bomb a bomb and leave it at that. (Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of the "AMERICAN LIFE" stuff, but commercially it failed).

"Die Another Day" - With the far superior "Beautiful Stranger" included on here, why include a second theme song to a British super spy's movie? The frollicking free spirited "BS" is easier on the ears, than this staccata laced epilepsy causing seizure machine.

"Miles Away" - Why is this even here? The song is literally miles away from being considered a hit. The one "HARD CANDY" track, "4 Minutes" is enough.

You Know You're Getting Old When...

you prefer to watch drama movies, as opposed to comedies or action pics. Seeing the trailer for "The Time Traveler's Wife" made me realize this, as I cannot wait to see it.

I used to be a strictly chick flick and horror movies type of gay guy. But for the past few years, I have looked forward to the Oscar bait drama movies and usually prefer them to the latest blockbuster gross out comedy or comic book action flick. As a child/teen/young adult I always veered away from dramas, but now that I am older I can appreciate the emotional gravitas of "grown up movies". In the past few years, my favorite movies have been dramas, "A Walk To Remember" "The Notebook" and "Atonement".

I think "Titanic" opened the door for younger people to start watching and enjoying dramas. As I can't remember ever enjoying a drama before that.

Is it really a sign of getting older and maturing, or are the comedies and action flicks just too boring and predictable to be enjoyable anymore?

Shows You Should Be Watching...But Probably Aren't.

"Drop Dead Diva" on Lifetime. Take on Part "Legally Blonde", one part "Freaky Friday", and a dash of "Hairspray" and you get this delightfully funny dramedy.

Newcomer Brooke Elliott shines as a plus sized lawyer, Jane, who "died" and who's body is inhabited by a vapid self centered model, Deb, upon an untimely death. The body switch allows Deb to live through Jane's body all the while retaining Jane's heart and smarts. The snappy dialogue and hilarious supporting cast, including Margaret Cho, elevate "Drop Dead Diva" above the could've been cliché premise.

With this, and the upcoming season of the long awaited "Project Runway", Lifetime (Television for Women and Gay Men) may just become the new BRAVO.

___________________

"Royal Pains" on USA. A medical drama for people who don't like medical dramas. Set not in a Hospital or ER, "Royal Pains" takes place in the Hamptons, after a disgraced and fired doctor (Mark Feuerstein) takes on the unlikely task of on call concierge doctor to the rich and famous. Supported by his brother (Paulo Costanzo from "Joey") and a smart and sassy Physician Assistant (Reshma Shetty) the medical cases they come upon week after week are intriguing and plausible.

The show is both funny and warm, and shows lots of promise.

So there you have it, two shows you should be watching, but probably aren't. Here's your wake up call.

35 Is The New...

Saturday Night.

In the past few years, I've changed. A lot. I used to look forward to and like to go out on Saturday nights, mainly because I liked to dance and meet up with friends, but now I'd rather sit at home and just watch TV by myself. I don't know if it's because Harrisburg's gay nightlife has gotten boring, if it's because I really don't enjoy drinking and getting drunk anymore, if it's because most of my friends are younger and still into the bar/club scene, or maybe it's that I've just grown up.

To me, at the age of 35, going out to the bar every weekend just reeks of desperation. Getting drunk every weekend reeks of desperation, and immaturity. I didn't want to become "That Guy". You know, the one that is at the bar every weekend, even sometimes during the week, hanging out with people 10 years their junior and clinging to their youth. We all see him, we all make fun of him. We all are destined to become him. Well, not me.

35 is the new Saturday Night.

So Over It.

Here are a few things that I'm so over and tired of hearing or hearing about...

1. Lady Ga(g)ga(g) - Yeah, I get it you're unique. You're also trying way to hard to be unique. But c'mon the Kermit outfit, the lampshade, and your undying devotion to Perez Hilton, it's just too much blech for me to stomach. Put on some jeans and a T-Shirt and then I'll consider putting you back on my iPod.

2. Twilight: The Series. So sick of hearing that Robert Pattinson took a pee, Kristen Stewart scowled on set, and that Stephenie Meyer is a Mormon. Yes, Vampires are the New Black, but with "True Blood" doing it 100 times sexier, scarier, and better, "Twilight-ers" can literally, suck it.

3. FML. The overuse and inappropriateness of "FML" turning up everywhere, from Twitter to Facebook, and everywhere in between. I spilled coffee on myself the other week, but didn't feel the need to label it a FML moment. And you getting caught in traffic, because someone else may have been injured in a car accident is not one either. Buck up and deal with it.

4. Michael Jackson jokes. Yes, he was eccentric, yes he looked like crap the past few years. But don't act like he didn't create some of the most memorable music and videos ever. The pedophile jokes are tactless and by repeating them, it just goes to show that you are too. I actually deleted a friend from Facebook because they were posting a new "joke" every five minutes. Needless to say the jokes stopped.

It's Time To Celebrate!

A “Celebration” Of Madonna Music - The Definitive Greatest Hits Collection September 28/29 Release




Madonna, who has racked up a record 37 top 10 hits as well as seven No. 1 albums (including her last four) on the Billboard Pop Charts, has given her fans yet another opportunity to “celebrate” her musical achievements. Today, Warner Bros. Records officially confirmed the September 29th release in the U.S. (September 28 outside U.S.) of “CELEBRATION” – the ultimate compilation of Madonna songs. The songs on “Celebration” have all been remastered and selected by Madonna and her fans. They cover the expanse of the Material Girl’s extraordinary career of hits including “Everybody,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue” and “4 Minutes.” “Celebration” will be available in a two-CD set as well as a single CD. There will also be a “Celebration” DVD released simultaneously which includes the video visionary’s best videos including several that have never before been available on DVD.

“Celebration,” the CD will also include two new songs that were recently recorded in New York City. The first single, also titled, “Celebration,” co-produced by Madonna and Paul Oakenfold, will be released August 3rd. A video for the single, which will be included on the “Celebration” DVD was just filmed in Milan, Italy and was directed by long time Madonna collaborator Jonas (“Ray of Light”) Akerlund. Several dance club remixes of “Celebration” are already headed to the clubs. The song will also be available on CD and vinyl maxi. Radio will receive the “Celebration” single on August 3rd.

The cover for “Celebration” was created by street pop artist “Mr. Brainwash” who is best known for “throwing modern cultural icons into a blender and turning it up to eleven.” (A copy of the cover image of the “Celebration” CDs and DVDs is attached)

Madonna, a multi Grammy award winning singer, writer and producer has had over 12 No. 1 singles and has a record-smashing 39 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Songs Chart – by far the most of any artist in the over 30 year history of the list.

Who Does It Better?

My favorite track on Jordin Sparks new album BATTLEFIELD is "Don't Let It Go To Your Head".

This is actually a remake of a song first co-written and recorded by Canadian singer Fefe Dobson to launch her second album, SUNDAY LOVE. The single did not do well in America and Fefe was subsequently dropped from her label, while her sophomore album got cancelled for release.

Here is Fefe's version, it's a bit rock pop, which was the typical sound for female pop songs in 2006, as everything was generated to emulate Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone". To me she sounds like a better version of Avril Lavigne.

Here is Jordin's version, which has been turned into a soaring pop power ballad.

Who does it better?

LOLing

I "LOL" entirely too much when texting, I.Ming, and chatting with people. I noticed even if something is not funny, I type an LOL.

You Better Go And Get Your Armor...

The new Jordin Sparks album, Battlefield, has leaked. I must say she has really won me over as a fan, as I was adamantly on Team Melinda for season 6 of "American Idol". Jordin is recording and creating songs that are age appropriate and radio friendly without ever coming off as too contrived and cutesy. She has slowly become my third favorite Idol ever, after Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

Now hear this: "Battlefield", "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)", "Emergency (911)".

Download "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)" by clicking here.

First.

My First Real Blog.

More To Come Later.