(From Youtube but not a video; simply the audio extended remix by Wawa.)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
PARTY ON NEW YEAR'S EVE with COLTON FORD
(From Youtube but not a video; simply the audio extended remix by Wawa.)
A Very Happy New Year to Everyone Around the World, from Buddy B
Friday, December 30, 2011
Lady Gaga Drops the Ball
But all seriousness aside, it seems our burgomeister is gaga over Gaga. “I have never met Lady Gaga,” Bloomberg sadly admitted at a City Hall news conference. “I saw her once perform at the Metropolitan Museum. I thought she was a great entertainer, but I do not personally know her and I’m looking forward to it!”
The dance diva will be Bloomberg's special guest on New Year’s Eve for the 2012 countdown. La Ga will push the Waterford crystal button at 11:59 p.m., signaling the start of the dropping ball and the final countdown to midnight. (A dropping ball is not usually a good sign except on New Year's Eve, as you -- and Gaga -- are, most likely, already aware.) M'Lady will also perform in front of about 1 million people in Times Square for New Year's Rockin' Eve: The 40th Anniversary Party. America's Oldest Teenager, Dick Clark, 82, will co-host again with Ryan Seacrest beginning at 10:00 p.m.
Seacrest gushed, "Lady Gaga is one of the most exciting and relevant artists of our time, and we're thrilled to have her join 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' this year in Times Square!"
Lady Gaga, you have ruled this burg this holiday season. In fact, you've recently been all over the globe, freshly returned from performing in India. From Bangladesh to Bloomberg, obviously world domination is your goal and you've nearly reached it. But welcome home, and I hope to tune in to catch you on the edge of glory once again.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Advising Kelly Clarkson
On Wednesday, you impulsively Tweeted, “I love Ron Paul." Uh-oh! Gasp! I could feel palpable tension building as I read that frivolous outburst. "I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance.” Aw, honeybunch, stop or you're gonna make me cry. But she continued her madcap political indiscretions by uttering the death-defying words: “If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he’s got my vote. Too bad he probably won’t.”
Well, it didn't take long before she was battered by incoming Tweets. "Stupid" was one of the harsh words cast before her like a rock during a stoning, as was “Now THAT is how you get someone to unfollow you on Twitter ... and in your career. Good luck — you’ll need it.”
Ah, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly! Sigh! What is going on with you fallen Idols, huh, babycakes? Just last week, Adam Lambert was involved in a high-profile imboglio with his sweetums in Helsinki. And now comes this outburst of yours, obviously made during a fit of feel-good, reactionary political thought (or, perhaps, non-thought; witlessness we'll call it; or even halfwit-lessness).
Haven't your careless outpourings been the bane of your existence? Does the name Clive Davis ring an alarum bell for you, missy? Remember the nasty feud that went on between you in 2007, and all because you refused any input from Davis, who was only the Chairman of RCA, the company releasing your album? An unnamed exec at RCA opined, at the time, "We pay millions for the albums. This is incorrect."
And then you opened your eyes ... and your mouth, to apologize. But your career did suffer, though, didn't it, pumpkin? Now here you go again! Don't you ever learn, Kelly, Kelly Clarkson?
Now, adding insult to injury, you reply to the reactions that your political support of a madman have stirred up like a nestful of angry hornets: "Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight. If y’all ever disagree with something I say please don’t feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you. I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency. If you don’t agree with me simply unfollow me. It’s really that easy. I hope you don’t because I would love the chance to hear what you have to say but if you’re so blinded by hate you can’t seek peace and progress then that is your unfortunate prerogative."
Thanks for the lesson, honey. But Peace, Progress and Paul just don't dovetail nicely; get a clue! The man is a racist and a homophobe. To which y'all's rebuttal was: “I am really sorry if I have offended anyone. Obviously that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women’s rights, men’s rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he’s my favorite.” (By the way, Kelly, you do not have to say things like you support straight rights, men's rights, or white people's rights because our society traditionally has supported those and they are basically not in question. Get it?)
Kelly, I disagree with something you said, and I don’t feel the need to attack you. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. So Kelly, I don't know who Tweeted and called you "stupid" but I'm afraid this opinion of yours -- your unfortunate prerogative -- seems to prove the Tweeter right. And, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, for your own good, try and grow a brain, honeychil' lamb.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Buddy B's Best Club Songs of 2011
England's classic HiNRG producer/remixer Pete Hammond came back prominently this year, and American stalwarts like Tony Moran, Ralphi Rosario, Eddie Baez and Jonathan Peters held their ground in the brave new disco world before them.
Note my opinions are just that and, as such, highly subjective, but these are the songs that I enjoyed playing the most, and that inspired me to get up and dance and to party on down. Now, let's get to that list! Shall we?
My top-15 artists are in alphabetical order, starting with the ubiquitous Adele, who was felled only recently by throat surgery (from which I understand she's recovering quite nicely). Adele has had a few of her pop songs translated for the dance floor, both legitimately and not. Dance remixers did quite well by this talent regarding "Set Fire to the Rain," "Rolling in the Deep," and "Someone Like You" (my personal favorite, even if it didn't fare as well as the previous two).
Pattie Brooks is disco-diva royalty best known for her 1978 sensation, "After Dark." She garnered positive notice this year with "All About the Music." Pattie started her professional career in the chorus on The Smother Brothers Comedy Hour, and toured with people like Bobby Darin and Ann-Margret before signing as a solo artist for the Casablanca record label. "All About the Music" was mixed by a slew of remixers domestically, in England, and in Australia. It was originally produced by legend Paul Gianatos. An energetic tune that'll rouse you to the floor, it's nice to have Pattie back to dance to after dark. And nice to have Charo on the scene again, too, with the latter's "Sexy, Sexy."
"Sexy Sexy" showcases the Cuchi-Cuchi Queen in fine form, still with the laughable broken English (a put-on, surely, considering how long she's been speaking English) and camp lyrics. "Feel on me, dance on me, touch on me, creep on me," Charo emplores to a disco beat. Below, she performs the song (after her bawdy, knowingly self-depracating, drag queen-like patter, dubbing herself, "The Spanish Puta". "Viva La Puta!" one of the boys shouts back from the crowd). The show was filmed earlier this year at Splash, NYC. Charo is one hot mess, but an intentional one (I think)! And she's looking simply stunning, sweeties! Here's the video for your enjoyment (and wait till the posse of go-go boys arrives):
Two women who are always a pleasure to have back on the disco scene returned this year with top-notch numbers to showcase their voices: Deborah Cox, at the end of the calendar year with the Janice Robinson-penned, "If It Wasn't for Love," and Taylor Dayne, this past summer with "Floor on Fire." Two strong, solidly written and produced tracks for two great, distinctive deliveries.
The divas known as Erasure (Vince Clark and Andy Bell) made a wonderful and welcome comeback with "When I Start to Break It All Down" in the fall while Lady Gaga ruled dance floors with a new anthem. "Born This Way" had a great beat, positive and empowering lyrics you can dance to, and melodic structure that reminded many of Madonna's "Express Yourself." But that's not such a bad thing, is it? I mean, she could do worse in terms of a model to clone from. Call it an homage and it isn't a problem any more; call it plagiarism only if you care to be ugly about it. Recent remixes of "Marry the Night" (my favorite song off the album) also score big on this year-end tally.
While Laura LaRue has a current Billboard dance charter with "Un Deux Trois," her Gay Pride-timed hit, "San Francisco Is My Disco," made me smile... and dance, and won a place in my heart, and is consequently on this list as a dance fave of the year. Here's the original, non-remixed version, already designed for the clubs.
Two Martins make my chart for the year: Billie Ray and Ricky. Ms Martin (by which I mean Billie Ray) started as vocalist for the '90s electropop group, Electribe, then had her first international solo hit with "Lovin' Arms," famously remixed by Junior Vasquez in 1995. This German diva is freely inventive with a style I can only call "disco avant-garde," and when she gets it right, the results are amazing as in this year's "Sweet Suburban Disco."
"Deep grooves are overlaid with layers of sparse, cold, synths which are expertly counterpointed by Billie’s huge warm vocals and the best lyrical content we’ve heard in dance music for a while," raved electronicrumors.com. Just keep 'em comin', honey! Love ya!
Martin, Ricky, on the other hand, had a hit on the Billboard Dance chart with "Freak of Nature" (originally entitled "Mas"), going all the way to #7, propelled by the brilliant Ralphi Rosario remix. This really was one of the very best dance songs of the year, and I was championing it since back in the spring (check my blog archive for evidence). (It shoulda gone to #1, I tell ya!) Try not to dance when you put this on. Muy caliente!
Michele McCain, whose dynamic vocals are like a cross between Loleatta Holloway and Izora Whitehead, has never gone beyond cult status, unfortunately, despite a history of well-produced but definitely diva-driven club numbers. This year's "Make a Friend" made a friend of me and was easily one of my faves.
Kylie Minogue's "Put Your Hands Up" charted on Billboard's 2011 top-50 dance listing, ascending to #1, and certainly was adored by moi! Viva La Minogue! And Viva La Ono, as Yoko, at 88 years of age, scored not one, but two Billboard dance charters for the year: the brilliant "Move on Fast" and the even better "Talking to the Universe." She's the new Betty White, people, so look out! (Betty's duet with Luciana, "I'm Still Hot" was a fun dance track, even if it fell short of my fave list.)
And, rounding out my list is Kristine W. This girl has really lasted, thank God, and what a shame it is her name isn't a household word.
So, there you have it, my favorite club songs of the year and the 15 artists who lifted me to new levels of pure joy throughout the four seasons. Wishing everyone a happy New Year, and even bigger and brighter diva-fueled hits for the 2012 dance floor.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Darlene Love
And here's the link. Both very informative and simply beautiful!
The Answer & La La
By the way, La La Brooks (pictured above with Cousin Brucie and Darlene Love) sent this message out on Facebook tonight (Christmas night 2011):
Dear Facebook Family,
On this Christmas Day, I'd like to wish everyone a most joyous Holiday Season! I hope you are enjoying yourselves, spending time with friends and family, and looking forward to the coming new year.
At this time, I'd like to share a Chrismas card message which Phil Spector sent out one year in the sixties (my manager, Art, collector that he is, shared it with me):
Be Creative This Christmas
BUILD A SNOWMAN!
Snow Head
Snow Face
Snow Arms
Snow Legs
Be Extra Creative & Make Some
Snow Balls....
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
from
PHIL SPECTOR
HAVE A BALL,
LOVE, LA LA
Below, Lady La La at the Damrosch Park girl-group revival this past June. See my archived post, "Alpha Girls," and read all about it.
Bette at the Continental Baths
Here's a Christmas gift I think many of my blog watchers will enjoy. (Do I know you guys or what?) It's a super rarity off Youtube, and thanks & Christmas blessings to Berlin Dirk who uploaded this. Now, this is a very crude video, I warn you, probably captured on super-8 at The Continental Baths, but it's like the rarest of time capsules. The Divine Miss M was just starting out, as was her accompanist in this transfer to video, Mr Barry Manilow. I personally love her personal, off-the-cuff patter; this was prior to her having scripting (though by brilliant people like Bruce Vilanch). (Bette and Bruce and I were all born in Paterson, NJ!) So, enjoy this journey back in time and Happy Holidays to all!
Imbedding disabled; merely click on "watch on Youtube." The poster understandably wants the hits for this.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Bette Midler - Cool Yule (Official video)
MERRY CHRISTMAS DAY!
It's Bette with this very cool version of the magnificent Steve Allen song. Very divalicious video, y'all!
David Letterman - Darlene Love's 'Christmas' Mash-Up
Tonight, Christmas Eve, Miss Darlene Love will be belting out "Christmas, Baby Please Come Home" on The David Letterman Show for the 25th year in a row. Unbelievable!
Well, this is the end of my Christmas Countdown and I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday, whatever your beliefs, wherever you are tonight. It's that time of year; feel it in our hearts. May we move towards greater world peace in 2012.
This video link was put together by the Letterman people. A wonderful, expert mash-up of Love's Letterman performances over the years. She's a gal of many 'dos.
Enjoy! Love, peace and happiness!
Ronnie Spector's Christmas Wish
For Christmas Eve's stocking stuffer, presenting none other than the fantastic Ronnie Spector and her distinctively iconic voice. Intentionally non-Wall-of-Sound but still an updated '60s arrangement, enjoy this song from Ronnie's Christmas ep from last year, on this year's Christmas Eve.
Katy Perry Vs. Lady Gaga on the Year-End 2011 Dance/Club Billboard Charts
It was Katy Perry who held the #1 spot on the Dance/ Club Play list with "E.T." Did you say, "Really?" That's what I said! Katy was also in the #6 spot, singing about girls gone wild ("Last Friday Night"), which I'm sure was a fave at sorority parties everywhere but not something I'd care to hear at a club particularly. The best song from the Teenage Dream album is "Firework," in my opinion, charting on the Club Play list at 19. This derivative but infectious ditty surprisingly was not mashed up with Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," with which it shares a common theme, the way Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" was mashed with Madonna's "Express Yourself," with which it shares a melodic structure.
A little incidental trivia: Did you know Katy is the great-niece of director Frank Perry, the director of "Mommie Dearest?" (Perhaps we should start playing Six Degrees of Mommie Dearest.)
Second place sees Rihanna all settled in with the "whips and chains" of "S&M," a little bracing coming from a victim of date violence. Exploit much and possibly not a well woman at large here, though very pretty when her face isn't battered by Chris Brown.
Kylie nicely sits atop both the tenth and eleventh spots. The big surprise here is that "Put Your Hands Up" is the 11th spot and "Better Than Today" is one entry up at #10.
The shocker on this chart is the fact that Lady Gaga's biggest hit on it is #23, and that's the anthemic "Born This Way," which I thought received endless club play earlier this year. So, excuse me here, but "E.T." phoning home at #1 and "Born This Way" at 23? Doesn't add up! I'd love to see a breakdown of gay club play vs straight club play because results might be quite different, I think. God, I miss the old DMA (Dance Music Authority) magazine!
But Gaga has four hits on the 2011 top 50 whereas Perry has three. Our Lady of Gaga also charts at 37 with "The Edge of Glory;" 41 with "Judas" and 45 with "You & I."
On the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, however, Gaga rules. Born This Way is #1 on that list and The Fame album is #3.
Ultimately, on the Dance/Club Artists chart, Billboard has Miss Perry in the numero uno spot and La Gaga at numero dos.
Other gay-favorite divas who charted are: Jennifer Lopez with "On the Floor," "I'm Into You" and "Papi" (numbers 15, 16 and 18, respectively); Wynter Gordon's "Til Death" made #20; ageless wonder Yoko Ono came in at nos. 21 and 28 with "Move On Fast" and "Talking to the Universe," respectively. Erika Jayne is in the 22nd spot with "One Hot Pleasure" as the always divine Kritine W charts a respectable 23 with this year's "Fade." Gloria Estefan's "Wepa" is #38, which is nice considering it was released in the fall and tallied alot of play in a relatively short period. The ubiquitous Betty White and Luciana got their "I'm Still Hot" hot enough to be this year's number 48 dance/club hit. You got it goin' on, Perfect Betty!
But it's our Britney who's kind of bottom-heavy on the Dance/Club list this year.
For any of the above-mentioned full chart listings, go to Billboard.com.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Xmas War is Over, Dance for Peace
All Through "All Through The House" with Our Girl Joan
Punch Drunks
The former American Idol runner-up was arrested and jailed in Helsinki after beating up his hunky honeybunch, Finnish Big Brother "star," Sauli Koskinen. When Finns get finicky, all Valhalla can break loose, believe you me! Now, Adam's a big girl, even without the bouffant for extra height. I certainly wouldn't want him laying his mitts on me! (Well, only if he intended an act of love, not war, of course.)
This all happened at the gay bar, DTM (Dont Tell Mama) in beautiful downtown Helsinki. Well, baby dolls, you didn't have to tell Mama cuz Mama heard everything herself; saw this melee with her own two eyes. Never mind Big Brother; Big Mama was watching you and obviously didn't find your little cat fight the least bit charming. In fact, you and your beau were ingraciously 86'd from the bar and continued your knock-down/drag out in the streets just outside. (Ever hear the motto, "Quit while you're ahead?")
None other than ex-Miss Helsinki herself, Sofia Ruusila (the previously mentioned fag-hag), tried to stop the fight by getting between the boys but, alas, was "accidentally" slapped silly by Miss Lambert. Why am I seeing a tiara flying off her head at the moment of impact?
Authorities were called as it was Queen Kong vs. Koskzilla in their now-public donnybrook, and all Helsinki trembled in fear. The couple was busted. Don't you hate it when domestic violence goes bad? I mean, keep it in the bedroom where it belongs.
Hollywood Reporter reported: According to Petri Juvonen, who is heading up the police investigation into the event, Lambert and Koskinen were arrested at around 4 a.m. Thursday morning.... Both men [Hollywood Reporter's term] are being held for questioning as local police investigate a total of four possible assault offenses. Juvonen tells the Hollywood Reporter that the two would likely be released after being interrogated.
But today, Miss Lambert Tweeted: Jetlag+Vodka=blackout. Us÷blackout=irrational confusion. jail+guilt+press=lesson learned.Sauli+Adam+hangover burgers= laughing bout it. :)
Aw, isn't that cute? Makes you all warm and fuzzy. I'm just enchanted, I tell you, envisioning Sauli with his black eye, and Adam with the scratch marks down his face, sharing burgers and a good giggle over that silly little hissy fit. Ah, when queens collide! (Wait till they sober up!)
Merry Christmas, then, dahlings, in the USA, in Finland and in the rest of the world! Peace on Earth and good will towards men! And beauty queens, too.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Festival of Lights
Last night turned into something simple yet spectacular for my holiday season. Two days after Hanukkah began, I must say it certainly was my festival of lights. The festival properly started in my friend Kevin's apartment downstairs. We toasted with a couple of cosmos each, and were toasted quite nicely as we left for our sightseeing tour, on foot, of the famously gaudy Christmas lights of the homes of Bay Ridge.
I recently said on Facebook that Bay Ridge is such a '50s town, with a '50s ethos of community and propriety. There are children's horsies, in front of discount stores, that you put coins into to have them become a ride, motioning back and forth. The diner paints images of Santa and sled riders on its windows. Why, it's the perfect place for a Martian invasion with its complacent sense of normalcy.
You will note as you go west, towards the bay, that the homes begin as merely stately and then get grander until, on Shore Road, abutting the park, actually on the ridge of the bay, you have your Beverly Hills-styled mansions. These mansions don't dress up in strings of lights or illuminated lawn figures. That would be too tacky for Shore Road people, people. I don't know who lives in these palatial homes, but you could imagine a "Dynasty"-like soap opera set in one, replete with big hair, Bob Mackie gowns and Brooklyn accents.
We also saw the famed "gingerbread house" made of stone and mortar with thatched-styled roofing. It had no lights and didn't need them; it was already enchanted.
Kevin was taking pictures of the Christmas lights with his phone as I pondered the residents' electric bills. Visions, not of sugar plums as I recall, but lollipops, candy canes, Santas, giant toy soldiers, reindeer, Snoopies, snowflakes, candy canes and candles did abound. It was, without doubt, the most elaborate feast for the eyes I've ever seen in such a concentrated area.
I was particularly impressed with the manor home I dubbed "The House of Blue Lights." Blue lights on the lawn trees, hedges, everywhere, with only the two pillars before the house's front door strung in red. Gawgeous!
I was so lucky to be able to turn a corner with a friend as my guide, and view this spectacle as, I later learned, bus tours come here for tourists to view this delightful holiday madness of sorts. Next year, come see, have a gander. Mention Buddy B and Kevin'll give you a discount.
This morning, I got off the D train and walked through Rockefeller Center to view the tree. I moved on to this year's rather sub-par windows at Saks. Sorry, guys, can't hold a candle to the lights in Bay Ridge.
Donna Summer Wishes You a Rosie Christmas
"Have a Rosie Christmas" was done with Rosie O'Donnell's Christmas album in mind. It's bouncy, undistinguished perhaps, but Donna Summer once more re-establishes herself as Queen of Disco with this, and it's catchy enough with a good hook and a Phil Spector-lite quality, since Spector basically set the standard for pop-Christmas music.
So enjoy, get down, bottoms up and -- oh, yeah! -- have a rosie, rosie Christmas!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Hello, Hello, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga!
"Up for nomination" means the song is now on the Oscar short list; not yet a nominee. The final nominations will be announced January 24 and the Oscars will take place on February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre, in L.A.
As a number of songs from "The Muppets" are also in the running, I wouldn't expect to find Lady Gaga, Lady Happy wearing Muppets as clothing again, at least not prior to February 26. Not in public, anyhow. Especially since Her Gagaciousness was cut from the final edit of their film.
MTV on-line added, in their coverage of this announcement, "The busy holiday season caps off an even busier year for Lady Gaga, who happened to be MTV News' Top Newsmaker of 2011. She tirelessly released singles, videos, personas, a chart-topping album (Born This Way) and scooped up awards at seemingly every show from the Grammys to the VMAs. She was also #5 on our list of Best Artists of 2011, and her disco empowerment track 'Born This Way' snagged the #5 spot on the Best Songs of 2011 list as well."
Frankly, I'd say the song has a good shot at getting the final nod. Check out the link to hear it, below.
("Disco empowerment track," did MTV say? I like the sound of that!)
Joni Mitchell - River
Blue Christmas - Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi's voice is powerful though restrained and it's clear as a church bell. Hark, a new song from Cyndi is always worth heralding! This is no exception and she's really at her best. Splendidly done.
On my Christmas Countdown, then, here's the Youtube link.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Twelve Days of Tallulah
Though there's no Tallulah voice singing this song (you will briefly hear the real Miss Bankhead), it's ingenious in ways you may not realize on first view/listen. You'll die, die, my darlings, of laughter, I think, with tonight's Stocking Stuffer. Check it out!
"The Little Drummer Boy" by the Salsoul Orchestra
Monday, December 19, 2011
VH1 Divas Get a Soul Overload
And what was Miss Independent, Kelly Clarkson in the flesh, doing there? Ok, she's got a great pop voice but soul? Kelly, tragically, looked so bovine, I was checking her misguidedly clinging outfits for signs of udders. I know Kelly thinks everyone just thinks she's fat but, reality check, Miss Kelly, forearms don't lie! The meat on those babies shouldn't swing like pendulums do as you fist pump the air, all right?
On the other hand, Misses Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson ("JHud") stunned in their thin, trim looks in a variety of sexy, becoming outfits. Weight Watchers, I'm there (again)! These three ladies opened the show in the strongest portion that frequently seemed like an elaborate plug for the upcoming film release of "Joyous Noise," starring the odd coupling of Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. Those two amazing broads, who were the first set of emcees, are always a joy for me to hear and see. A class act even if, at this point, Dolly and Joan Rivers seem to be sharing the same face.
Early on, soul music and the history of it, was a steady focus. A thread throughout, talking heads discuss soul music, including archival interviwees like Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes, Teddy Pendergrass, Sade and Curtis Mayfield amongst others.
While certain divas like Erykah ("badass") Badu and Marsha Ambrosius (who seemed taxed beyond her abilities) simply annoy, the roster for the night was chockful of the divine: Chaka Khan, Estelle, Mavis Staples, Martha Reeves (now Vandella-less, her voice a glorious wreck) and a dottering Wanda Jackson who, nonetheless, proved to be a delight (assisted by a nurturing Sharon Jones).
Brooklyn's own Miss Jones was, in fact, a major beacon of light throughout this show, as her cult phenom is on the cusp of breakthrough as major artist. Her first appearance stunned in a fauxhawk that resembled Divine's hair in the later part of Female Trouble. The UK impressed with the voices of Florence (Welch) and The Machine, and Jessie J. Dear Florence looks like the love child of Vanessa Redgrave and David Bowie while Miss J pranced about in a variety of punk glad rags in true rock-star fashion.
But, before halftime, the show became tedious, unfocused and even off-topic. The Amy Winehouse portion was a pandering snoozefest and even Florence and the Machine seemed to deliver a half-hearted cover of "Back to Black."
The whole thing ended oddly, abruptly and without real closure with its ode to classic Chicago soul that included a great version of Fontella Bass' "Rescue Me," rendered by Sharon Jones and others, and Chaka Khan & Mary J. Blige doing a rousing "Ain't Nobody" for finale. Chaka's powerful pipes have not been diminished by time and Blige treats her singing partner respectfully. Unlike that VH1 Divas show past where Whitney Houston trotted Ms Khan out for "I'm Every Woman," simply to walk all over her by having the more amped mike in hand, reducing the great Chaka to back-up girl status. Feeling the wrath of Khan, Whitney?
Prior to the Chicago segment, though, was the song that could have -- and should have -- coalesced and ended this show if the editing department was on the ball. It was Jennifer Hudson's Night of Your Life. A new number, magnificently soulful, very diva-esque, and begging for remixes to spill it onto the dance floor. I'll bet those mixes are already under wraps and in the can. Soul divas are still happening, and their beat goes on, beyond this uneven special that, nonetheless, brought together a brilliant array of talent.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
RuPaul - Hard Candy Christmas
(ps: that's Ru posing as both President and First Lady in pic.)
Enya - Oíche Chiúin (Silent Night with Lyrics)
Dolly Parton - "Peace Train" (Holy Roller Remix)
Dolly Parton and The Girls - Hard Candy Christmas
It's Sunday so, naturally, I thought Best Little Whorehouse in Texas for today's stocking stuffer on my Christmas Countdown. It's a hard-candy Christmas for Dolly Parton and the girls in this touching song that's become a Christmas perennial. Maybe I'll dye my hair and lose some weight and hit the bars!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Cher feat. Rosie O'Donnell - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)
A Scary Mary for Christmas
Friday, December 16, 2011
Artie Shaw & Peg LaCentra, There's Frost on the Moon
No video for this song. Sorry guys. Just an image so the song could get Youtubed and shared.
Annie Lennox's Universal Child (dance remix)
Last year, Annie Lennox released her Christmas album,Cornucopia. Though it generally gathered positive reviews, I found it a bit glum, and Kevin Scott Hall seemed to agree when he said, in his column in Edge New York: "The Eurythmics diva brings majesty to the religious hymns and the spare arrangements are gorgeous, but otherwise sounds a bleak midwinter tone ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" sounds like a war march). Annie supports many charitable causes but, geez, lighten up for the holidays, Annie!"
(In that same column, Kevin discussed my dj-promo cd, "Merry Happy," of which he wrote: DJ Buddy Beaverhausen has been a follower of this column for quite some time, so I have been fortunate enough to receive some of his promo compilations. This time of year always yields a new holiday collection of mixes. Last year I wrote: "Meanwhile, for something completely different, if you can get your hands on DJ Buddy Beaverhausen’s promo Hark!, snap it up!"
This year’s disc is "Merry Happy" and selections range from the sublime (Diana Ross & The Supremes’ "My Favorite Things"―Thee Worq’n Bitches remix) to the ridiculous (The Raindolls’ 1978 "Disco Santa Claus") . . . but then, that is the point, isn’t it?
We also get reworkings of Julie Andrews’ "Do Re Mi", Madonna’s "Holiday" (what a great idea to promote this as a seasonal favorite!), Dolly Parton’s "Peace Train" and―believe it or not―the Carpenters’ "Merry Christmas Darling." Throw in Charo, Mariah and Kristine W for good (merry) measure, and you have enough to please any gay fan. And why shouldn’t we dance to Kelly Clarkson’s "Oh Holy Night"?
I asked the mysterious deejay (his promos are everywhere but he has yet to surface much on "the scene") where he finds these rare gems. (I mean, "There’s Frost on the Moon" by the Artie Shaw Orchestra featuring Peg La Centra? To die for!)
"I have an extensive collection myself and I do a lot of shopping through old vinyl and the Internet," Buddy told me. "The fun part is actually choosing because I start off with more tracks than I can actually use." Keep your eyes peeled for Buddy Beaverhausen this Christmas and, in fact, all year round..)
But back to Annie. (Ahem!) Below is the beautiful, trance-like and upbeat dance remix of the song, "Universal Child," which was a single off the album. The song was written by Ms Lennox, though most tracks from that album offered the ex-Eurythmic's rendition of traditional carols.
So, here's an international dancefloor song for Christmas as we wish for peace and strive for universal co-existence. Happy holidays, move your feet to this beat, and Sweet Dreams from our Annie!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Puppini Sisters Do Mariah Carey for Christmas
A Danorama Christmas with the Crawfords & Barry Manilow
Chart Chat, Billboard Dance /Club Hits Dec. 15, 2011
"If It Wasn't for Love" is a powerful song with a melody that stays in your head. Cox's voice has never sounded better. It shot up nine points from last week alone and is currently in the #18 spot. Kudos to Deborah and Janice, and congratulations! Don't be surprised, everybody, if Ms Cox takes this all the way up to #1. It's a killer tune!
The club mix by Mixin' Marc & Tony Svejda can be found below, via Youtube. Support our great LGBT-supportive artists by legally downloading their music. "If It Wasn't for Love" can be officially downloaded from iTunes.
Florence & the Machine, who will appear Monday (Dec. 19) on VH-1 Divas Celebrates Soul, nationally in the USA, follows in the next slot (#19) with "Shake It Out," up from 26. Another good show!
Miss Tamara Wallace, singing with Rosabel, goes up to 21 with the exciting "Let Me Be Myself" while, at 22, Cirque du Soleil and Zarkana's "Whenever" stalls from last week.
LeAnn Rimes is up again this week with "Give," at #13, and, as I said last time, the Almighty remix is the way to go with this one. They've done wonders with Missy Rimes before and this is no exception, everybody. Give it a whirl. (On the dance floor, that is.)
The Top Ten this week is brightened by some recent entries doing well. Erika Jayne's "Party People" enters at 8 from 12 last week. "Last Drag," by ex-porn queen, Traci Lords, hits 6 from 11. The fab Wynter Gordon all the way up at #2 with "Buy My Love" (never mind her love; lots of club djs buying her record, looks like). And Beyonce, who looked overlooked last week, when Enrique Iglesias seemed to have snatched the ring at #1 from her ascent, is now at the numero uno spot after all with the fun floor-filler, "Countdown" while Enrique makes a precipitous drop with "I Like How It Feels," landing in 7th place. Not sure he likes the feel of that!
Until next time, get thee to a club, be yourself, express yourself, lose yourself in the music and remember, music is a great uniter and dance music = love for all of us, all over the world. Cheers!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Judy Garland's Christmas Song
Guess what? Carolers come to the Garland residence and one of them happens to be Mel Torme!
Unclear what medication with what alcohol Judy was on that day, but she seems to have a difficult time with her lyrics. Mel even gently comments on her first big gaff. "Rainbows," not "reindeer," really know how to fly? I thought Judy was already over that damned rainbow!
You'd think, in her condition, she'd be very relaxed, but she's still a jangled bundle of nerves despite her meds, and a bit of a mess in this. Still, she's an all-time wonderful talent (though, I'm sure, CBS brass were worried during this taping), so here's Judy at Christmas to entertain us all, all these years later.
Around the Plastic Tree with the Pet Shop Boys
If anyone wants to wrap up Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys (above right) and gift him to me this Christmas, I'd like that very much. I'm mad about the (Pet Shop) Boy. Boy, did I say "boy"? Ok, a very mature boy. Neil is so bright, so clever, kind of hot, tall, with a cute British accent (quite proper) and he's got all that money! (But that's another issue and another Pet Shop Boys song.) I do not care that he's lost most of his hair. He can have some of mine.
Not only great performers, live and in the studio, but brilliant producers, songwriters and remixers. Below, they weigh in on Christmas; even Bing Crosby figures into their ironic world view on this one, along with "families fighting around the plastic tree." So have a happy holiday season, disco-style, with the openly gay British gentlemen of pop music, the Pet Shop Boys. (They have perfect enunciation!)
(And, no, really, I'm so into Neil Tennant, so if you can Fed Ex him overnight...! I mean, it's Christmas after all.)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
"Havah Nagilah": Disco Hanukkah
It's no longer just a Festival of Lights, people, it's a Festival of Disco Lights now that Dj Buddy Beaverhausen has something to do with it! Let the mirror balls spin, and you'll be spinning like dreydlekh, believe you me. And what says Jewish more than "Fiddler on the Roof?" Barbra Streisand? Ofrah Haza? Sandra Bernhard? No way! How about ye olde Havah Nagilah? Cuz there's nothing like Hebrew folk music from the Ukraine to get me goin', and now it gets all Queer as Folk by getting a 1979 dancefloor treatment by the Italian hiNRG group, Azoto.
So, as the translation to this song's bridge goes: "Whirl and spin about,/Lift up your arms and shout!/Join hands and skip along,/Dance, everyone, dance!" You don't have to be Jewish to love "HN!" Even Harry Belafonte had a pop radio hit with it.
So get down tonight and uru, uru ahim, babies (roughly, "get down on it, people")!
Dj Glenn Rivera has fiddled around to supply scenes from the film version of "Fiddler" to this song, so you can groove on the video attached.
L'chaim! Happy Hanukkah to everyone, but blowing a special holiday kiss out to Israel tonight! Bless you all, my Jewish mentors, lovers, friends and acquaintances! I love you, everyone. We have one world with no room for hate; let's get it together.
Son of Chelsea Boys
Monday, December 12, 2011
Crunch
Says the Huffington Post: "Though we may want to believe that not much time has passed since the days of 'Never Been Kissed,' in terms of Drew Barrymore, it's more like eons." Ouch!
"After a bunch of box-office flops, Barrymore has now swapped her title of America's Sweetheart for a much uglier one: The Most Overpaid Actor in Hollywood."
Forbes compiled a list of the 40 highest-paid stars in Tinseltown and how much money their movies have brought in over the last three years. They added up production budgets, and divided that by the star's pay, to come up with their "return on investment." That's how much money the studio made versus its star's salary.
Sounds like a lot of desperate number crunching and some labeling of "box-office poison," as a direct result, to me.
Barrymore emerged the Biggest Loser (and not in a good way). She returned 40 cents on every dollar she earned. Double ouch! I'm sure her agent is taking antacid tablets right now. Does this mean Drew's movies on dvd are immediately going into WalMart's bargain bin?
Directly behind Barrymore is upcoming Oscar host, Eddie Murphy, who brings in $2.70 on every dollar, followed by Will Ferrell ($3.50), Reese Witherspoon ($3.55), Denzel Washington ($4.25), Nicolas Cage ($4.40), Adam Sandler ($5.20), Vince Vaughn ($5.20), Tom Cruise ($6.35) and his ex-wife, Nicole Kidman ($6.70). You may soon be able to rent them as guests for your cocktail parties.
Drew received an Emmy nomination for her HBO tv-movie, Grey Gardens last year (holding her own against Emmy-winner Jessica Lange), her portrayal of the junior Edie Beale being nothing shy of remarkable. Is Hollywood now to hire actors strictly on the basis of box-office receipts rather than talent? Please feel free to share your views.
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