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Adele, a fellow Taurean, is now 27. Her new album is 25. Her previous albums were 19 and 21. I wonder if she sits around the house, scratching her head, wondering "What should I call this one?"
One proposed single off 25 is titled "When We Were Young." When was she not?
Adele has slimmed down physically though her voice is as big as ever. She's a married lady with a baby now.
Don't you find it funny that Adele says The Spice Girls were her biggest musical influence? And she's not joking!
As for 25, it may not be her greatest masterpiece as an artist, though it's passionately sung (with lots of echo) and accompanied on piano with lush orchestrations and back-up vocals. But Adele's lyrics of love lost are a bit well worn at this stage in her career. There's something sadly stagnant about this set of soulful torch songs.
Adele would be well advised to move on thematically. A little added Spicey pop would be refreshing, for instance. Still, the album is bound to be a crowd pleaser. Perfect for any pity party. Recommended with reservations.
The venue: My friend Kevin's apartment downstairs. The menu: Champagne, fresh guacamole and baked, unsalted chips (to make it seem more West Coast), fresh jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce, cheese and salami slices, M&Ms . Yes, once again, last night was Oscar night in New York (a/k/a The Gay Man's Superbowl)!
Well, there was an awfully long red carpet time from 6:30, when we started watching on tv. We switched from Piers Morgan (who I have a thing for) on CNN to pygmy hosts, Kristin Chenoweth and Jess Cagle, on ABC. I'm not quite 5'6" myself, so I say that with fondness. When the petite Chenoweth stood next to Adele (again looking oddly like an overstuffed chair, this time black with deco sparkles), I prayed Britain's big gal wouldn't topple over on our vivacious munchkin.
Then there was the Oscars' own official 1/2-hour red carpet presentation. Red carpets are like foreplay. But red carpet time is also the time we all become fashionistas as we ogle the gowns, always a fetishistic point of glamor at the Academy Awards.
I liked a lot of last night's frocks: Reese, Jennifer Lawrence (winner for Best Actress), Amy Adams all looked smashing. Jane Fonda was yummy in yellow. Sally Field not so much in red. Jennifer Aniston arrived with the same look, different boyfriend.
Anne Hathaway was given short shrift by Piers on CNN for someone more interesting. Her gown & necklace? Ewwwww! She did, however, snag the Best Supporting Actress Award by night's end. Dustin Hoffman arrived with hair that appeared to be made up of laundry lint while Daniel Day-Lewis, who walked away with the Best Actor Oscar (presented by Meryl Streep in a tin-foil gown), deserved a Best Hair Style award as well.
Renee Zelweger was a mess in her dress, but nothing looks good on someone who squints more than a pirate!
Once host Seth MacFarlane came onstage, inside the (Friends of) Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to officially introduce the Academy Awards, I surrendered to his charms; tall, dark and clean-cut good looks; humor and talent. He was truly the star of the evening and a revelation. His dialogue with William Shatner as Cpt James T. Kirk may have run on a bit too long but I forgave him his indulgences as he proved to be a wonderful song and dance man as well as a comic. Who knew? He was Hollywood's secret weapon, and he even had L.A.'s Gay Men's Chorus backing him up!
I had sweet dreams after last night's Oscars. Piers, Seth, Daniel Day-Lewis' hair and Channing Tatum!
But, in a night where musicals were a big focus, the divas truly ruled! Shirley Bassey -- introduced by Bond Girl Halle Berry -- was magnificent in a taut face and golden gown, as she belted out "Goldfinger" as if she were singing for her life. Adele sang "Skyfall" wonderfully, and was such a sweetie-pie, tearful while receiving the Best Original Song award. Jennifer Hudson was also sensational, singing "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls in the musicals tribute portion of the show.
And then there was Barbra. In the I-See-Dead-People portion of the show (that egregiously left out Phyllis Diller) hosted by George Clooney, Babs sang "The Way We Were," honoring Marvin Hamlisch. She appeared to be wearing Adele's gown, which perhaps explains why it was falling from her shoulders as she tried to top Dame Bassey's performance. She did not quite succeed.
So the fashion police have spoken and declared Adele's GRAMMY Awards smock more Chairy than cherry. But big girls can't wear black all the time, I say, and Adele was trying to be pretty in pink! At least she adhered to the dress-code memo issued by CBS that "buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered." Frankly, I think that if Adele's skirt was less A-framed and more tailored below the hips, it would have looked more flattering.
Yet, surely, there was more than a note of sexism to that CBS notification. And not everyone adhered. Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys (surprisingly) and, most noticeably, Katy Perry, in her plunging mint frock, were pointed out by the press. (Some added Jennifer Lopez to the list, but I thought she was comparatively demure this time out.)
However, beyond the red carpet boobies brewhaha, it's again time for me to call out to my readers, thanking you for your support (which has nothing to do with undergarment support)!
Always, the biggest views are from the USA, the UK and Canada. But my recent amazing hits are from Indonesia, Sweden, Philippines, Hungary, Chile, Poland, Netherlands and Chile! Love you guys (and gals)! The Chinese Year of the Snake has begun! Let's make it a great one. Peace, happiness and wear what you want! ~~ Dj Buddy Beaverhausen
I'm in a real groovy space right now as I write this, sipping on a little wine (as Gloria Gaynor, I believe, once put it), and listening to the Joey Negro/Sean P compilation double-cd set, "The Soul of Disco: Volume Two." It opens with the funky "Disco Party" by The Escorts, in which gritty, bass-heavy beats and guitar give way to soaring strings and vocals, bringing us back to a bygone musical era . This is followed by the rare Gladys Knight and the Pips' "It's a Better than Good Time," 12" Walter Gibbons mix, which is just disco-heavenly.
I am checking out, in the meanwhile, Billboard's latest top-25 Dance/Club chart, surprised to find it, too, embracing classic dance-music styles, particularly New Wave '80s and '90s House music.
Adele has risen with the remixed pop theme song, "Skyfall," to #10 (from #13 last week), which is more a throwback to the '60s and early '70s as remixed for the Teens. The sublime Oscar-nominated number has several solid dancefloor remixes though it is, no doubt, buoyed on Billboard by the latest re-work by Peter Rauhofer.
"Gold," the Spandau Ballet 1980s classic, has been remixed and remains at #8, more evidence that there is a current popular gravitation to the melodic songs of the 1960s through the 1980s, generally. '90s rock star Lenny Kravitz' "Superlove" peaked at #2, and still remains at 15th place while, at #16, The Pet Shop Boys (who have been with us since the '80s), jumped up three notches since last week with "Leaving" from their current album. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/10/audio-beaverhausen-pet-shop-boys-elysium.html
Ciara is "Sorry" at #17 but, seriously, it's nice to have her back. And it's simply awesome to have another song by '90s diva, Crystal Waters -- still going strong on the international club scene-- up and rising at #20 with the superb, energetic Italo-houser, "A Love to Call My Own." Hope to watch it soar!
How come, when I dance in the street, people think I'm a freak? I was hoping this question would be answered on the great new number by Stereo Missile, "Freak," featuring the vocals of another great '90s diva with powerful pipes, Carlotta Chadwick. The question, as posed by Ms Chadwick, is, however, academic, as it turns out. The electro style by Stereo Missile is coolly retro, and it is currently #22.
Revenge of the '90s House Music continues with Euro-trance producers Delirium returning with a new hit, "Days Turn Into Nights" (#24). And, to round things off, '90s girl, Tori Amos, returns to the Billboard Dance Chart with her new song, "Flavor," remixed by Rauhofer once again, and up at 23rd place. Retro is the Flavor of Today.
But it's even more retro at the Beaverhausen residence tonight as Janice McClain belts out the mid-temp disco number, "Giving My Love" on my aforementioned cd. Retro is the new New! Or so, at least, it seems tonight.
There's a brilliance about Peter Rauhofer's big room anthem mix of "Skyfall" that will immediately draw you to the dancefloor. All I can say is Wow! It's an exciting rework that enhances Adele's James Bond theme song while preserving the integrity of the original version. You can download at http://soundcloud.com/workparties/skyfall-peter-rauhofer-big
Peter does an equally fabulous club mix of "Flavor," bringing Tori Amos back to discoland, where she has been sorely missed. The style of this mix is so similar to that of "Skyfall," it's evident they could easily be mixed together in a set, though it also hints at a kind of cookie-cutter approach on Rauhofer's part, perhaps in an attempt to land another mainstream club hit. (Listen at link below.)
Expose is back with the 2012 remixes of "Shine On." (Expose is Ann Curliss, Jeanette Jurado and Gioia Bruno, if you're not already aware.) This '80s girl group is back in style with a well-written song and a series of powerful mixes by Klubjumpers, Amy Alderman and -- my fave -- the Chris Thomas Light of Love remix.
Dj Buddy B when he twirled in his loin cloth
Almighty Records are amazing! They are one of the most successful indy labels of all time and internationally successful remixers as well. Their new cover of Tarzana's "Tarzan Boy," by Amazonia, is unabashedly hiNRG in the label's inimitable style and I love it! It will make you want to twirl in your loin cloth.
Sweden's Gravitonas always engages us with their nouveau NRG/electronica. The band's new "Incredible" is just that, produced by Alexander Bard, the man who brought us Army of Lovers ("Crucified") in the '80s.
All hail hit-making Dj Lenny B's remix of Kelly Clarkson's "Catch My Breath"! It is a "gotta dance," moving, upbeat experience that mainstream club crowds hunger for. Check it out. The Dj Tristan Jaxx bootleg remix of Cher's "A Woman's World" has, meanwhile, surfaced, and who can resist? "Hard core dance music," was Cher's description of her forthcoming album that will feature this single. Nice work on this leaked, unofficial club mix.
Kisses out to my blog readers this week for record views from Australia, United Arab Emirates, Poland, Hungary and Italy. And to the US, UK, Indonesia, Canada, France, Brazil, Germany and Mexico for strong, continued support.
Ok, everybody, it's holiday time! Let's Party and Spread the Love into the New Year!
As Hurricane Sandy (a/k/a Frankenstorm) threatens to move in and give the northeast/ middle eastern United States a pounding, it may indeed seem that the sky is about to fall. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of NY is already announcing plans to suspend transportation as early as 7 pm Sunday.
As for Dj Buddy B, I'm making sure I'm stocked up on food and booze for a hurricane party while Adele's rendition of the latest James Bond theme song, "Skyfall" (film to open in the USA on November 9) is my perfect song for a perfect storm. I've been playing it for friends who agree it's the best Bond song in years.
"Skyfall" throws drama about for Henny Pennies everywhere, sounding very much like it had Shirley Bassey in mind as the diva to deliver. In fact, musical progression in this number seems modelled on "Diamonds Are Forever" with subtle touches of the 007 theme woven in per usual. As a friend pointed out, "Who but Adele could pull this off out of the new generation of pop singers?"
Co-written by the British superstar, remixes are starting to surface (Shahaf Moran, Cameron James). Coming to my hurricane party? If you can't brave the falling skies, you can listen to the extended Moran mix posted below:
If John Waters thinks Baltimore is offbeat, he should visit Bay Ridge. And let me tell one and all, I'm thrilled to be living here in an apartment five or six times my Village digs in Manhattan. Windows, windows, windows; closets, closets, closets! I'm still stunned by the grandeur of it. An entire "dressing room?" You bet. (And you know I'm feeling all Crawfordy over it!)
But what would Mr Waters (who is doing a Christmas act at BB King NYC on Dec. 19 & 20) think about this area's being the home of the 99cent stores as well as home to the illegal u-turn and 3-point turn, which occur, indiscriminately, every minute it seems? Not to mention the huge, white turkeys stalking about in the florist window display directly across the street from me!
I went over to watch the nonchalant birds Sunday morning as a Brooklynite guidette mama (perfectly made up, coiffed and dressed in a belt-hugging minidress, for churchgoing) of two young ones purred a'la Fran Drescher on The Nanny, "Oooooh, my God, kids! Look! Turrrrkeees! Reeeel turrrkeys! Can ya fuckin' believe it!" (Why am I certain she received holy communion shortly thereafter?) She took a pic with her cell. How could I not fall in love with this burg?
This weekend was very productive. Kitchen bulletin board's up, as is rubber-ducky shower curtain & bath mat. Mainly, I hooked my audio system up and created my first promo cd since September.
April's Fagtastic promo still remains a popularly requested cd-r; so here comes Fagtastic Too in the same spirit. First up is the Betty White version of "I'm Still Hot" by Luciana, which hit #1 on Billboard's dance chart.
I followed that with a club mix of Adele's "Someone Like You," followed by a promo I have of Madonna's new number, "Give Me All Your Love" (Saint Ken mix), bound to reach your dancefloor and radio in December.
Then, another advance preview of Deborah Cox's latest outing,"If It Wasn't for Love."
Kathy Sledge, of Sister Sledge ("We Are Family") follows with her Billboard dance charter, "Give Yourself Up," preceding the unreleased Almighty 2010 remix of Cher's "Believe."
Other highlights include Erasure's "Be with You," already a dance smash in Europe; Selena Gomez's catchy "Love You Like a Love Song," and the divine, hi-nrg "Love SOS" by the stalwart Pepper Mashay.
Bay Ridge inspires me; more space assists my work; I expect the neighb influence will only make me more edgy and adventurous (though upbeat) on future cd-r promos.
I'll hate to see those turkeys go. Maybe they'll bring in elves for the next display. We'll see.
Some things are just frustrating. Like trying to find the time (and money) to do all the stuff that, in your heart, you want to do. Mostly because I'm moving and need to spend time packing up, deciding what to get rid of and all, I had to forego the opportunity to see a friend make his modeling debut on a runway event at the historic Chelsea Hotel last night. It would have been a fun evening but, sigh, just like Robert Frost, I have promises to keep.
Another frustrating thing was this morning's Billboard Top 25 Dance/Club tunes. Erasure poked their heads in at #25 last week with "When I Start (to Break It All Down)," a song I championed on this blog back in May. It was good to find the tune turn up on the come-lately American chart, but a big disappointment for me to find it stalled at 25 this week.
Taylor Dayne's "Floor on Fire," another favorite, reached a respectable #7, now dropping to the 22nd place, when it really deserved to go all the way to the top.
Adele's "Someone Like You," which is #2 in the Top 100, came in at #24 in the club arena last week and, like Erasure, finds itself stuck in a Billboard rut, spinning its wheels at the #24 spot once again. (I particularly like Joe Gauthreaux (that's a lot of vowels!) & Brian Cua's remix on this number, incidentally.)
Wynter Gordon's sprightly and infectious "Buy My Love" receives a big bounce from 26th place to 21st in more upbeat US dance chart news. Selena Gomez and the Scene soars with the nice "Love You Like a Love Song." And club mixes of Beyonce's "Countdown" lift it to 9th place from #16. The Dj Escape and Tony Collucio remix is the best of the lot.
The great C&C Music Factory is back! Its new incarnation as CnC Music Factory brings us a superb dance floor number. The ingenious Robert Clivilles, who has nothing to prove at this point in his career, was an original C&C producer along with the late David Cole. His new partner is Eric Kupper, who has worked with producers/remixers the likes of David Morales, Frankie Knuckles and the especially legendary Arthur Baker. Featured vocalist is Scarlett Santana. This is the kind of dance song that makes me want to chuck my frustrations, promises-to-keep and problems all aside, and just surrender to its power on the dance floor. (Or even just around the apartment as I pack.) I love the remix done by my Internet friend, Dj Joel Dickinson (nee Thee Werq'n B!tches) and the fabulous (ex-protege to Junior Vasquez) Jerome Farley. Available on Amazon.
Welcome back, CnC Music Factory. People, this number's gonna make you sweat!
I love dancing. I think it's better to dance than to march through life. So tweeted Yoko Ono yesterday, and chances are, if you're reading Leave It to Beaverhausen, you love dancing too. So, let's see what's up on the Billboard club music top 25.
How Jennifer Lopez captured the numero uno dance/club spot this week is a mystery. I just don't get "Papi," a mediocre number with a hot title that had me expecting something more exciting. The remixes can only do so much and, number one or not, this JLo tune will not be on my turntables unless by gunpoint.
Selena Gomez' "Love You Like a Love Song" is so infectious that it's positively going viral. And why not? The pop tune has several keen dance mixes to choose from. My fave is the Dj Escape/Tony Collucio remix. "Love You" soared from #24 to #17 this week.
While Lady Gaga fell from grace as last week's #1 ("You & I"), she's at #5 after 7 strong weeks of charting. Taylor Dayne's "Floor on Fire" nudges up from #8 to #7, maybe running out of steam but certainly respectably nestled into the top ten.
The 22nd, 23rd and 24th positions this week are of interest. Kathy Sledge peaked at #20 with "Give Yourself Up", slid to #21 and now she's clawing on to #22. Tenacity! And a good dance number that deserved even better.
Beyonce's "Countdown" counts up from 35th position last week to #23 in a strong show for a solid song that oughtta keep dance floors packed at peak. And the divine Adele shimmies up to #24 from #29 with "Someone Like You," the remixes in the wake of the song's storming up the US pop chart.
By the way, Bette Midler's recent tweet? Justin Bieber has a scent? That's hilarious. It should be called "Someday I'm gonna Shave"....
And now I'm Following Ruth Buzzi! Till next time, keep dancing, keep loving, keep the peace & Occupy Wall Street.
