I randomly saw that Erik Hassle, an artist I have screamed about before, quietly released a new album earlier this month. And… it is awesome. Especially this song, which is a few years old, but nonetheless is on the album, and reminded me how amazing it, and he is. Such a Prince quality to his voice, and it is giving me life!! Welcome back Erik!
Tag: pop
concerts, flickr, music musings, music suggestion, photography
lady gaga @ center stage ATL 4/9/09
by duane • • 1 Comment
I finally finished sorting through the TONS of pictures that I took at Lady GaGa last week, so I am finally ready to do a post about the concert. First of all, I will start by saying that yes, it was amazing. Lady GaGa knows how to put on a show, as I witnessed the first time I saw her back in October of last year. However, this time, I got to see a full show, instead of just a few songs at an intimate venue.
I will say this; I have been to Center Stage MANY times. Most of the time, it is sold out. I have never, however, seen as many people there as I did the night of Lady GaGa. It was insane. Speaking of which, people need to be more respectful of others. You can’t save 5 seats. You can’t get all assholish when someone in the standing room only area accidentally bumps into you. People really need to learn how to be nicer. Anyway…
There were 3 (!!!) opening acts for Lady GaGa, and I really enjoyed Chester French (who I have featured on the 5SF in the past), and I also liked White Tie Affair (who’s CD was on my ipod, but I have never listened to it). After much anticipation, and some shuffling around trying to find a great place to watch the show from (IT WAS PACKED), the curtain fell, and Lady GaGa emerged from a funky looking set up in the middle of the stage. What followed was a full hour of costume changes, dance routines, and killer vocals from Lady GaGa. She completely delivers live, and she owned that stage like a seasoned professional.
A few songs into the show, she got more intimate, and put on her now famous bubbles outfit, and played a bubble filled piano. She played a new song, which I think is called Future Love, and it was, to quote the Lady herself, marvelous. It seems that Lady GaGa has a lot more great music to give us in the future.
Overall, the show was energetic, and the crowd was totally into her. I will admit that she is a bit “out there” with her fashion and her style, but I think that it makes her unique in that she isn’t afraid to be different, and do something funky. The result was a sold out show full of people clamoring for more of the newest, and biggest, pop diva to take hold of the reigns of pop music. I can say that I was really glad to see her again, and whenever she comes back to the ATL, you can bet that I will be there.
Check out the pictures on flickr.
music musings, music suggestion
the 31 best of 2008 – 18: Same Difference – Pop
by duane • • 7 Comments
Oh. My. Gay!!11!!1 Seriously, if Same Difference were an inanimate object, they would either be sprinkles or glitter… I can’t decide which. They are gayer than butt sex; and that is why I LOVE them so much.
This is one of only two albums that were released during the first week of December this year that have made my year end list. Unfortunately, for most records released during December, I have already made up my mind, and it takes something stellar to take my attention by storm, and snag a place on this list. Well, Same Difference did just that with their aptly titled debut album, Pop.
Well, late in November, they released their first single, We R One, and after hearing it, I knew that everything I loved about Same Difference was going to come out strong on their debut. Luckily, I was right; this album is about as far tilt pop as you can possibly go without turning completely over. Have you ever heard of the pop supergroup Steps? Well, if you liked them, you will LOVE Same Difference; they are basically what it would be like if H and Claire were brother and sister, and still making fantastic pop music.
While the album has several covers, all of them are cheesed up, perfectly perked pop renditions, and they completely succeed. Their remake of Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now is EPIC. Other lesser known covers like I Need A House are amazing (even if they sound almost like the original), and their cover of Breaking Free, the duet between Gabrielle and Troy from High School Musical, far outshines the original. While this brother and sister team haven’t really done anything surprisingly new, or earth shatteringly different, they have done something so perfectly well that it begs to be heard; they have created a damn near perfect pop album (there are only a couple of missteps that hold it slightly back). Again, if you were/are a fan of Steps (I KNOW I AM!), and you still can’t believe they aren’t coming back some day, consider Same Difference your salvation; they have a very similar sound, and that same great pop sensibility.
Practically every song on this album is ready for radio; that is, radio in the UK. I doubt anything this poptastic will ever find its way over to our shores, but pop records like this cannot go unheard by pop-o-holics like myself. This record may be the gayest one on my countdown, and be warned: it is just so freaking sugary, that you might want to be careful to brush your teeth after listening to avoid cavities. It is seriously that syrupy, and I love every minute of it. I am really glad that pop albums like this are still being made.
Sparkle Factor: 
Standouts: If You Can’t Dance [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/samedifference-ifyoucantdance.mp3]
I Need A House, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Breaking Free, Still Amazed.
five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, near and dear
5SF: september 26
by duane • • 6 Comments
I’ll start with a newsworthy item: the big news today in pop was the premiere of Britney’s new single Womanizer; yes I have heard it, and yes, it is really quite good. I think that if Britney brings an album as strong as Blackout to us with Circus, I think that the chances of her having a proper comeback are very, very good. Since the song only debuted today, I have five other songs for this week’s 5SF, but perhaps Womanizer will make a future appearance on the 5SF? Only time will tell. Now that we have taken care of business, let’s get to the fantastic five for this week, shall we?
Will Young – Changes
*Swoon*… Alright, where to start about my love for the fabulous Will Young? I really came to know Will through his last CD, which is a mix of fantastic pop and jazz, all marked by his unmistakably beautiful voice. Song after song, I feel deep for that album, and still love it very much today. Well, earlier this summer, I heard that Will would be releasing a new CD this year, and seeing as it has been a good three years since Keep On came out, it goes without saying that I was excited to hear this news. After hearing the lead single, Changes (which I have waited to bring you until it got a proper release, and so I could have the damn mp3 for myself), I can say that Will’s trademark style and swagger are all over this track, and I find myself loving it more and more with each listen. Per usual, he pays a lot of attention to melding heartfelt lyrics with beautiful strings and emotive vocals. This song is fantastic, and only makes me even more giddy for the full release of Will’s upcoming CD, Let It Go… which just happens to be next week!!!!!
Friendly Fires – Jump In The Pool
I have to say, that the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t help but think of the Barry Harris/Pepper Mashay anthem of a similar name, Dive in the Pool; even though it is nothing like it. This song, unlike the aforementioned dance floor filler, harnesses male vocals with maraca style beats, and synthetic electronic backgrounds to make a track that reminds me a bit of the Klaxons, mixed in with some of the edge from the Presets (who I am seeing in concert tomorrow night). The result is a true aural surprise and a real delight; I like this song more every time I play it. I love how they use those undulating beats and rhythms throughout the song, and I especially like how they end it with the beats at the end. I was surprised by how much I instantly liked this song, and I am happy to pass it on to you.
Kings of Leon – Use Somebody
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_926_kingsofleon-usesomebody.mp3]
Before last weekend, I had never heard of Kings of Leon, even though they apparently have the number one song in the UK with Sex on Fire right this very minute. Well, I saw them on SNL, and the lead singer’s voice was so interesting (it reminds me a bit of Bo Bice; but without the long-haired, redneck-ness, and with a LOT more edge), that I wanted to check them out; and I am glad I did. While I didn’t fall head of heels for Sex on Fire immediately (it is good, and I do like it), Use Somebody is bursting with emotion, heart, and energy; and it is fantastic. The ache in his voice is almost able to reach out of the speaker and brush against your skin; you can tell he really longs for this person he is singing about. Overall, I have been digging their CD, mainly because of how interesting and flawless the lead singer’s voice sounds, and how they mix that with such a smooth rock sound. I am glad that I gave them a listen, because this song is a great find indeed.
The Killers – Human
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_926_thekillers-human.mp3]
I will start by saying that this song really, really surprised me. I haven’t traditionally been a fan of the Killers, mainly because of how much Hot Fuss was overplayed and over hyped. I did love Shadowplay, though, mainly because it was in Guitar Hero. That being said, when Human was released earlier this week, I wasn’t even interested in listening to it, but I did on accident (I was trying to listen to something else, and this was mistakenly linked as that song), and I found myself instantly really, really liking it! I have heard a lot of people kind of dissing on it, because it doesn’t sound like a typical Killers song, but I think that is why I like it so much. I really like it that they can do something that is a little different from their more commercial singles, and with Human, they may have just became part of a “you should really give us another chance” trifecta; first it was Coldplay with Viva La Vida, then it was Keane with Spiralling… and now, the Killers have wowed me with Human. What’s next!?!
Margaret Cho – I Cho Am A Woman
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_926_margaretcho-ichoamawoman.mp3]
Okay, this song is a little bit silly, but it is a lot sassy at the same time. I was really surprised (maybe that is the theme of today’s music?) that Margaret was going to do a pop album, and I was very apprehensive to hear the first song from it. I have to say that she has released a sassy, sultry, club-ish track; but she adds the “Cho” factor and makes you laugh with a well placed “bitch please” here and there. I am glad that I gave this a listen, because it really has me interested to see what else she has up her beautiful heavily tattooed sleeves. The voice overs just crack me up, and the synth on this track is just hot! She just wants to go crazy like Britney… handcuffed to a stretcher bitch! I love you Margaret!
Alright kids, there’s the goods. Now spill… which ones did you enjoy most? And what are you listening to?? Anything good?
is it just me?, listen up!, music musings, music suggestion, show the love, venting
leaked: the fame
by duane • • 4 Comments
Well, the inevitable has happened: The Fame has officially leaked onto the internet. I have been talking about Lady GaGa’s debut for months now, and have been touting it as my most anticipated release of 2008, so of COURSE, I had to get it. Now that I have had a few listens, I am going to make a grand statement, and declare that it is the best pop record of the year so far. This record is MASSIVE.
The massive talent that Lady GaGa has for crafting pop gem after pop gem is clear and present throughout her debut, and I can’t wait for this CD to officially drop in the US. I will say this, if you think Just Dance is a great track, just wait until you hear the rest; the record exudes energy, disco, glamour, poptrash, and all things pure and unadulterated pop. I am very, very impressed. I will wait until the CD gets released to give it an official rating, but from what I have heard on the leaked version, it has earned a “unofficial”, solid 5 out of 5 stars 
, ladies and gentlemen.
Everyone will bow to the Haus of GaGa; the new princess of pop has arrived. An interesting thing about Lady GaGa that has come to my attention, came in a revelation that a friend of mine pointed out: how her voice does bear some similarities to Gwen Stefani (who you all should know by now that I completely abhor). While I do see what he is talking about, I think that the stark difference is that Lady GaGa (and the irony of Lady GaGa’s real name being Stefani is not lost here) is what Gwen would sound like if she were more talented in the realm of pop music. I cannot forgive Gwen for the serious misstep that was Holla Back Girl (*shivers*), and frankly, I haven’t heard anything that would be worthy of redeeming her in my eyes. So, I hear the similarities in voice, but seriously, Gwen doesn’t have anything on GaGa, and that is just fact so far as I’m concerned.
Finally, one thing that is sort of related to the whole leaking of GaGa’s CD, is the eventual backlash from the RIAA that I can naturally foresee. But what I don’t get, is why they would release a CD in August in Canada (eh!), and then have a release date for the same CD in the US almost 2 full months later. I mean, do you think that people aren’t going to leak it? Dumb. Just release the damn thing at the same time all over the place, and we will flock to the stores like your puppets as you want us to anyway, and fork over our hard earned money for the goods.
I guess it makes me irritated to have to deal with attitudes on downloading music because of the major bullshit like this release issue. I was in Decatur CD not too long ago browsing the CDs, and I overheard this conversation a “record exec-type” was having with the owner. He was literally bashing the hell out of anyone that would “dare” download music, and after he pretty much equated downloading music to the 11th greatest sin, I just got so frustrated that I put down the 2 CDs I was going to buy, and I left. Don’t these morons know that the people that download music actually buy a majority of the records that are released? If it weren’t for downloading music, I would miss about 80% of the stuff that I love, and I just don’t see how learning about new music, and then going out and buying it is such a bad thing. Whatever. Just a gripe of mine. There, it’s been said; but let’s not let it take away from the amazingness of Lady GaGa… who’s record is B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T. Now… just release it so I can get it!
happenings, listen up!, mixed media, music musings
flashback to pop greatness
by duane • • 7 Comments
So I missed the Superbowl last night because I was caught up in a 7 hour study session for my Anatomy test (yikes!), but I did manage to catch a recap of the FANTASTIC performance Paula Abdul gave before the show via youtube (thanks to discopop for the heads up):
Let me just say this now, THIS performance is how you bring a fucking comeback. Paula has been out of the music scene for over 10 years, and here she is, tearing it up again. Whether or not you were a fan of Paula back in the day, there is no denying that she had a bevy of hits in her hay day, and it is safe to say, that this new song should be a hit for her as well. The song is catchy, and perfect for her. As she says at the end of the video, and I couldn’t agree with her more, the timing definitely was right.
Congratulations, Ms. Abdul, great show. Truth be told, I always knew she had it in her; I love me some Paula Abdul, and I always have. The first CD I ever bought was Paula Abdul: Shut Up and Dance! The Remixes. Embarrassing? Maybe… but there’s no denying that in her prime, the lady definitely had a knack for pop. I am just glad that her comeback single is such a good one. I wonder where she will go with this… a full album? Who knows… all I know, is that if Randy Jackson had this up his sleeve, I hope that she stays with him for the duration. Paula, you are definitely, forever my girl.
blog on blog, get involved, happenings, hmm interesting, listen up!, music musings, music suggestion, near and dear, well?
is APWBWGTTD dead? and listen to this!
by duane • • 11 Comments
First of all, tonight was supposed to be the monthly meet up of the APWBWGTTD, which has been a monthly tradition for more than a year now, and unfortunately, due to only one other potential attendee, I have decided to cancel it. So what does this mean for the future of APWBWGTTD? Well, you tell me. Do you want this monthly Atlanta blogger meet up to continue? Do you wish to see it resurrected in a different venue, on a different day, or under different circumstances? Now is your chance to chuck in your two cents on the whole thing, because we are literally marching towards the funeral here, and if you want to save it, you have to speak up. I for one am kind of sad that it might potentially be over, because I have made some amazing friends through these meet ups, and have always looked forward to them.
Many people complained about Manuel’s being the regular spot for the meet ups, but no one suggested different places. If this was your barrier, please, suggest somewhere new, or suggest some ideas for what you would like to see, in order to participate in future meet ups. Also, there was always talk of people’s schedules being too full, and being unable to meet up, and I understand that this will always be an issue; so how about suggesting some alternatives to the current one meet up, one time, plan? Would it be better to have two meet ups a month on different nights? Would it be better on the weekend? Let me know what you guys think.
I for one, hope that we can do some CPR on our dying friend, and save our APWBWGTTD, because I would honestly be sad to see it pass away. Since today was the day our meet up was scheduled, today is a good day to get to talking about planning the future of APWBWGTTD. Speak up please!!
Also, I just got the new CD Riot!, by the group Paramore, and I cannot stop listening to it! It is fantastic!!! It is like a little bit Weezer, with some Letters to Cleo, and a little of the type of rock those other All American Rejects-type bands churn out, peppered on the top. The lead singer also gives it a feel of Shiny Toy Guns, who are a band that everyone who listens to me, knows I freaking ADORE. The whole CD is a great listen, and is full of energy, and great songs. I rarely run out and buy a CD after checking it out initially, but this one is a definite exception! Be sure to check out my favorites: That’s What You Get, crushcrushcrush (OMG SO GOOD!), and, well I like them all, but these I listen to repeatedly. Now, go out and get it, and have some fun; I know I am! Apparently, there is a video too, so check it out!