The Hills Are Alive with The Sound of Gaga

Lady Gaga continues to be a viral Internet sensation after her performance of songs from The Sound of Music at last Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony. Almost everyone seems to love it. Even that stupid anchor on Fox "News" who described the famed, over fifty-year-old Oscar (no relation to the awards) and Hammerstein numbers as a relief from Gaga's usual "jigaboo music." When confronted about her ugly and offensive word, Fox newsbimbo Kristi Capel broke down and said she had no idea what the word meant and apologized.

Excuse me?! Who uses words during a broadcast that they don't understand? It's a special kind of stupid, isn't it? By "jigaboo" music, I assume Ms Capel is including all of Gaga's electronica/dance music as well as her work with Tony Bennett. Singing Cole Porter for example. But when it comes to Broadway theater songs from a play about Nazis chasing a white, all-singing Christian family through the Alps, even a Fox anchor knows to draw the line.

Nonetheless,  Lady G has positioned herself as a major talent and prominent diva of our time. Moving on from her pop/ disco career (that I love), she has impressed the critics and public alike with her latest middle-of-the road/ nostalgia album, Cheek to Cheek, with Bennett. Her Sound of Music moment at the 87th Oscars was a complete coup! It's kind of a Sixties throwback, to a time when female singers like Vicki Carr, Lesley Gore, Shirley Bassey, Ann-Margret, Mitzi Gaynor, Barbra Steisand (all for example) frequently transversed musical subgenres to show off their versatility.

87th Academy Awards Ceremony: The "Gay Superbowl"

Neil Patrick Harris is a triple threat indeed. He acts, sings and dances. He has hosted the Tonys, the Emmys and, last night, the Oscars. He is good at both delivering scripted one-liners and ad-libbing. This was also very appropriate as NPH is an "out" gay man and the Oscars are known to many as the "Gay Superbowl." My friend and I proved this to be the case as we celebrated with pineapple salsa and chips, chicken wings and other snacks. We also had pineapple champagne, though there's nothing inherently gay or Oscar-oriented about pineapple. Just a coincidence. (He bought the salsa and I bought the champagne.)

It was largely a dignified affair last night, marred by the omission of Joan Rivers' name and image during the annual in memoriam segment introduced by Meryl Streep. It was like a slap in the face and an affront to Ms Rivers' fans who tweeted and messaged as soon as her name did not appear in its alphabetical order. Joan was apparently snubbed by the Academy for her outspoken red carpet work, it would seem, although she worked in Spaceballs, Shrek 2, Rabbit Test (which she wrote and directed), The Swimmer, The Muppets Take Manhattan among other films, and warranted inclusion in the segment. As I said, this is the Gay "Superbowl" and fans get riled up... especially after cocktails.

Talking of the red carpet, there were so many beautiful, dazzling, classy gowns last night! Of course, Jennifer Lopez appeared as a presenter (fresh from her starring role in The Boy Next Door), looking tacky in a typically breast-baring, very low-cut, sheer, glittery frock.

Our boy, Neil, had a backstage/onstage moment in his briefs, yes, but that was comedy and a sight gag spoofing Birdman. Some immediately took to the Internet to express disapproval. Oh, please! Get over it and, as Joan Rivers would have said, "Grow up!" Someone wrote, "Could you imagine Bob Hope doing this?" Thank God, no I couldn't -- or, at least, wouldn't -- imagine that.

Channing Tatum turned up to present who-knows-what. Unfortunately, he had all his clothes on but Magic Mike XXL opens in a few months. I guess I somehow cared as much about what he was doing on-stage at the Oscars as much as I cared about seeing him in Jupiter Ascending.

I was thrilled for Julianne Moore who finally got her Best Actress Oscar for Still Alice. Her acceptance speech was classy and well prepared as she spoke, partly, to raise awareness about Alzheimer's. She looked swell, too.

Britain's Eddie Redmayne deservedly nabbed the Best Actor Oscar for his intensive portrayal of Stephen Hawkings in The Theory of Everything. Both Awards proved that Oscar voters still love actors portraying the disabled.

I was happy Grand Budapest Hotel garnered four Awards, but had hoped it would win for Best Picture. I was disappointed Birdman had that distinction because, frankly, I didn't think it was nearly as good. Birdman's Alejandro González Iñárritu is the first Mexican director to take home an Oscar.

Poland's Ida won Best Foreign Film. Patricia Arquette, with a body of good work to her credit, impressed us with both her frock and her acceptance speech. She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Boyhood. Best Supporting Actor's Oscar was coveted by J.K. Simmons for Whiplash, a film I've yet to see. (I voted for Robert Duvall in The Judge on my at-home ballot.)

The performance of "Glory" (from Selma) was stirring; a big gospel number performed by John Legend and Common. As thunderous applause swept over the footlights, we just knew it was bound for glory in the Best Original Song category which it, in fact, won.

Highlights this year included Idina Menzel presenting alongside John Travolta (who famously mangled her name last year), the breathtaking simplicity of the gowns worn by Cate Blanchett and Reese Witherspoon, and Lady Gaga performing songs from The Sound of Music -- beautifully. Her white gown was lovely. If only she could have covered up those crude-looking, long tattoos on her inner arms.

Julie Andrews then took to the stage, gave Lady Gaga a big hug and said, "Thank you for that.... It warmed my heart." And so it did mine. Or maybe that was the pineapple salsa.

Lady Gaga on Halloween Countdown 2014

The monster's not under Lady Gaga's bed, he's in it! (Holy Gloria Talbot in I Married a Monster from Outer Space!)  He's eating her brain, her heart and who knows what other organ! Here's the Halloween-friendly "Monster" from La Ga on my holiday Countdown. Only two more days till Halloween!

Audio Beaverhausen: Tony Bennett Gets Cheeky with Lady Gaga

The highly anticipated Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga duets album, Cheek to Cheek, was released today on both standard and deluxe (bonus tracks) cds. The Target stores' exclusive edition includes yet other bonus tracks. And, of course, the tracks are available for download. For my taste, the 15-track standard issue suffices but, ultimately, I might want to hear more. Cd version offers liner notes and photos that made that format the most attractive to me.

A royal pop-music marriage with an Electra complex, Cheek to Cheek brings together one of pop/electro's edgier superstars (making a mainstream move) revitalizing her career after her ArtPop commercial disappointment by upping her credibility as a pop vocalist, while Grandpa Tony, 88 (he is 60 years his singing partner's age), brings his still-suave vocal stylings to the table and will look pretty hep to younger generations of music fans, or at least that's the gamble here.

Of course, Lady Gaga is very accomplished when it comes to classic pop/jazz music and can fall back on her classical training. She appeared with Mr Bennett on his Duets II album to sing "The Lady Is a Tramp" with him and, apparently, the venerable crooner saw the potential -- artistically and commercially, no doubt  -- of doing a whole album together. It would be unlikely he'd consider a duets album with, say, Nicki Minaj or Katy Perry to name but two of Gaga's contemporaries.

Tony Bennett is no longer the poor man's Frank Sinatra -- at least not since Sinatra kicked the bucket. And he's hardly shabby at his age, either, showing little sign of diminished talent since he left his heart in San Francisco. Frankly (no pun intended), he covers the popular pop/jazz numbers on his latest album with the solid control of an artist still at the top of his game.

For her part, Gaga, with both the most to gain or to lose through this effort, can sound a tad overly eager and strained on a few tracks (notably the two openers, "Anything Goes" and "Cheek to Cheek," where I felt certain lines sounded almost shouted out). However, she is absolutely entrancing on "Nature Boy" and her solo spot, the go-on-feel-sorry-for-yourself beautiful masochism of "Lush Life."

Bennett and Gaga are a splendid duo, however, on a majority of tracks and you can feel the rapport and chemistry in their harmonies on tracks like "Firefly," "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got that Swing)."

Cheek to Cheek will appeal largely to Bennett's older crowd and to cabaret and jazz aficionados. No telling what the Little Monsters will make of this effort.

The Week in Dance Divas

Scary Spice Mel B is all the way up at # 2 on the Billboard dance/club songs chart that ends February 22 with "For Once in My Life," the only diva news that interests me off that particular Top 25 list this week. There are a series of hot remixes for this tune, including those by Dave Aude and Dark Intensity, though my personal fave is Sobel Promotions' Dj Pornstar remix. Looking at #1 next week.

Debbie Harry and Blondie seem to be all over the news these days as they continue their tour and are about to release a new album. Apparently, they are the latest international pop stars to say nyet to the Sochi winter Olympics. At last week’s Amnesty International concert at Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, Blondie, along with Madonna, Elton John and a roster of other artists spoke -- and sang -- out against Russia’s current persecution of the LGBT community.

Debbie Harry spoke with Huffington Post:

Blondie passed on the opportunity to perform a 45-minute set in Sochi during the Winter Olympics, citing concerns over civil rights abuses in Russia as their rationale for rejecting the big gig.

“Blondie has always been a part of the downtown community in NYC, with many, many friends who represent alternative lifestyles," frontwoman Debbie Harry said in a statement sent to The Huffington Post. "We feel very strongly about these friendships and associations, and don’t feel good about participating in a situation where biases and prejudices are paramount."

Meanwhile, on my turntables this week, Kylie Minogue generates some winter heat with her new "Into the Blue." Love Club Tribe mix very nice as is Brian Cua's big room treatment. Talking about Aussie divas, 7th Heaven does a wonderful job of bringing Tina Arena's "Reset All" to life as an upbeat dancefloor number. The Max Sanna/Steve Pitron mix will also get crowds to their feet as will the Country Club Martini Crew mix. Tina Arena is such an underrated diva in this country. Her pipes are strong, vibrant, brilliant and shine through these mixes.

The fabulous Beverley Knight's back, courtesy of Nervo & Ivan Gough. True diva drama with "Not Taking This No More," a hot electro-houser from the indie Spinnin' Records. The extended original mix (at just over 5 1/2 minutes) is best. Ms Knight drives it!

The Shakira vs Rihanna "Can't Remember to Forget Your Name" gives good diva energy. Especially loving the Miguel Vargas Club mix. On the other hand, not impressed by mixes of Beyonce's "Blow." Blowing that one off.

Lady Gaga's "Do What U Want" featuring Christine Aguilera is excellent (Gagaguilera), especially in the Ultimix redo. Clubland heat! Jennifer Hudson's "I Can't Describe" is also a fine, funky and upbeat diva affair especially as mixed by the Baggi Hand Bag House remix. Hudson sounds so much like Chaka on this one. Amazing.

Thanks to my readership. Without you I am nothing. Really. Thanks to the USA, you are my solid base! Germany, the Ukraine, the Uk, thank you for your strong support! France, Japan, Australia, Indonesia: I send you my love. Mexico, Algeria, Brazil, India, Canada, Russia, Poland, Spain, Norway: Dancefloor kisses!

Clubs should bring people together. No exclusionary policies. Get together on the dancefloors and make the world a better place, rainbow people. Peace, out. :)

Gaga and Other Divas

Lady Gaga offered fans a chance to win a trip to NYC for her sold-out concert at Roseland on April 7th, the historic venue's final performance before it closes for good. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/10/beaverhausens-nyc-news-end-of-roseland.html Who just said "apres moi le deluge?" 

Here's the link to win a trip to see Gaga's ArtPop show:  http://smarturl.it/RoselandFlyaway

[Buddy B reviewed the ArtPop album last November on this blog, just fyi. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/11/dj-buddy-beaverhausen-lady-gagas-artpop.html]

On this week's Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, La Ga's second dance single of the new album plummets after peaking at 7th place, to # 13. Not to be a party pooper, but my dear! Not so good. Especially since Spice Girl Mel B has reached # 5 this outing, upwardly mobile from # 9 last week, with her new club hit, "For Once in My Life."

Gaga, however, has other news to share, like her appearing in Yves St Lauren designer wear on the cover of March's Harper's Bazaar (see above). When she appeared in that magazine in October 2011, it was daringly without make-up. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2011/09/natural-gaga-preview.html Now she's put her face back on (or at least someone has) but seems to have forgotten to put on her blouse for the cover shot. Inside, there are other images of the diva, frequently under-dressed for the occasion. In one picture, she is apparently topless and poking her neck through a giant doily.

"Bazaar quizzes her on the secrets of her survival—and finds out why nobody puts Gaga in a corner," the magazine says, hoping to intrigue. That copy bored the shit out of me but -- hey! -- different strokes for different folks! It's all for a good cause, however, as the rag hopes Lady Gaga's glad rags will benefit the pop star's Born This Way Foundation. "See photos from her exclusive March cover shoot and starting February 18th at 9pm EST, in partnership with eBay, you can bid to win Lady Gaga's cover wardrobe...," Bazaar tells us. I shouldn't imagine you'd be wearing these outfits to your day job or place of worship. Or anywhere else in polite society for that matter!

Just in case you don't find all that too exciting, last weekend, Gaga caught Britney Spears' show at Planet Hollywood in Vegas. Obviously, these divas bonded, as La Ga announced over Facebook: "And Britney's dad gave us homeade [sic] BBQ, it was one of the best things I've ever eatin' [sic] in my LIFE."

Back on this week's Billboard, Cher -- who, last time, was stalled in the # 2 spot with "Take It Like a Man" -- has now dropped a peg to #3.  In the numero uno perch? "Go F**k Yourself" by My Crazy Girlfriend. They sure told Cher off! Such disrespect! 

An electro-house number for the declasse Ke$ha crowd, the fact that "Go F**k Yourself" is #1 says something about the state of dance music at this time. Or maybe just something about the state of Billboard's dance-music chart and its validity (once more in question). Of course, I might twirl to this song were I to win one of those Gaga outfits to boogie in. 

Yeah, that's the ticket!

On Dance Music and Divas

Through this Polar Vortex, divas are still heating up NYC dancefloors according to the Billboard Dance/Club chart end-dated February 1st. And who's absolutely on fire? None other than Scary Spice herself, Mel B, who flares up from last week's 22nd spot to this week's 13th with "For Once in My Life," a brilliant, uplifting and energetic new number.

Cher also blazes ahead, now at #2 with "Take It Like a Man," the second huge hit, after "Woman's World," off her new album. Seems gender is a hot ticket lately. Let's see if it trounces Demi Lovato's "Neon Lights" from the #1 roost next outing.

Last week's #1, Deborah Cox's "Higher," simmers in the 11th position. And club queen Kristine W pulls off a fairly rare event by moving back up the chart. This hot number radiated enough interest to take it from 19th place to 17th. It's been on the chart for 11 weeks and peaked in 2nd place.

Lady Gaga's "Do What U Want," from the new ArtPop album, is upwardly mobile in the 9th spot. The last time we looked, it was #11.

Meanwhile, PrideSource recently asked none other than the divine Patti Labelle about divahood. I love what she had to say in her interview with Chris Azzopardi. Here is that portion of their interview: For you, what does it mean to be a diva? [Patti:] That word is used so loosely that I don't even consider myself a diva. I always considered myself a woman who sings her heart out and who gives 120 percent. "Diva" is a word that I wouldn't wanna call myself because it's so loosely used. It's not cute anymore. Is there a negative connotation to it now? Yeah, because all these little heifers who can't sing are called divas! It doesn't mean anything to me and probably to some of the other ladies who have been doing it for as long as I have: Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick. You know, I'm speaking for me - I don't know if they like to be called divas - but I know I wouldn't call them divas, because it's not in good company. But it used to be a respectable term at some point. Well, for opera singers, and for ladies who earned it, but that was way, way back when. Now you can look up to them, but you might not see what you wanna see. A hot mess! People who are doing it and doing it with about 40 people on stage with them to hide their pitifulness - that's not a word, but you know what I mean.

And so, until next time, m dance music diva lovers, Dj Buddy Beaverhausen says keep warm and embrace your inner heifer. Uhhh..., I meant your inner diva, of course!

Billboard's Year-End 2013 Dance Songs of the Year

This year's #1 on the Billboard Top 50 Dance/Club Songs chart really blew me away! What a refreshing surprise that the UK's Emile Sande's "Next to Me," from her 2012 album release, is at the top. Sande is truly a diva to keep your eye on and your ears open for. This soul/funk upbeat throwback highlights the Scottish singer's distinctive vocals and songwriting skills. Mirrorball's Big Room mix is best in my opinion. How nice to have this settle atop the US chart!

Next to her, at #2, is Christina Aguilera's "Let There Be Love." More disco funk in fourth place with Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," a definite neuveau-disco and certainly one of the year's best dance tunes.

Frankly, though, there's a lot of crap at the top of the chart until you get to the acceptable "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson, at # 18 another pop radio tune remixed for clubs rather than a song intended for them. (She is also at #31 with "Catch My Breath.") Lovely to find Yoko Ono at #19 and Kylie Minogue's "Skirt" at #22.

Ellie Goulding occupies both the 24th and 26th spots. In the prior, she is featured vocalist on dance producer Calvin Harris' "I Need Your Love" and is solo star in the latter slot's "Anything Could Happen." Katy Perry's "Roar" at #27, again topping Lady Gaga on the chart though LaGa's release ("Applause") came later in the year and appears on the chart as numero 35.

Depeche Mode scored a major dance hit with "Heaven" (#29). Very happy to see Chris Cox + Dj Frankie's "Oh Mama Hey," featuring the voice of Crystal Waters, at #41. Truly one of my faves of 2013 that can bring me to the dancefloor any time. Tori Amos' "Flavor" is #42, buoyed by one of the late, great Peter Rauhofer's final remixes.

Cher's "Woman's World" sneaks in at #46, released mid-year.

And there we have it: your Hit Parade per Billboard featuring some of our current, beloved divas. Have a safe, holiday season and support the artists and the club venues and let's hope 2015 will bring a big return to true dance/club music for us all.



You can see the full Billboard round-up by visiting:
http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2013/hot-dance-club-play-songs

Giving Thanks for Divas on Thanksgiving 2013

Posted on a fan's Facebook Page

Thanksgiving has arrived, my turkeys, gobble gobble! Of course, Buddy B has so much to be thankful for this year, especially not having to cook for guests! (Ain't nobody got time for that.) I'm thankful for going to Bay Ridge's Lighthouse Diner, Thanksgiving afternoon, two blocks away, with my friend who called in the rezzies. Give me a bloody mary and a plate of lasagne and I'll be grateful, pilgrim! And, hey, Plymouth rocks! But also, I am thankful to the harvest of contemporary divas who keep us dancing and inspire us with their awesome voices.

Martha Wash has been our divine diva for five decades now, as a solo artist and as the voice of Two Tons of Fun, The Weather Girls, Black Box and C&C Music Factory. I am truly thankful for Miss Martha! And I adore her current album, Something Good, which is a perfect ~ and very inspirational ~ gift for the holidays. Available at Amazon.com.

I'm thankful for Cher! What a legend, icon, superstar diva, with an outstanding six-decade career. Her new album, Closer to the Truth, is marvelous and I highly recommend it for the holiday season and beyond!

La La Brooks, Darlene Love, Ronnie Spector. 1960s girl-group divas who survived Phil Spector and continue to have vibrant careers today! All have albums available on Amazon; Darlene and Ronnie having Christmas cds. Our Ms Brooks has a new album this season on the indy Norton label.

Cyndi Lauper! What more do I have to say? One of the outstanding pop vocalists of our lifetime. And she even recorded a Christmas album. Guess where you can get it!

Madonna and Lady Gaga continue to impress, tantalize and titillate. (Though neither has yet done a holiday cd; get on it, girls!)

Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand -- both boasting Christmas cds no holiday collection should ever be without.

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen and Our City Radio are grateful for our enduring divas and give thanks unto them. Not a turkey amongst them.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and may God bless us all this holiday season! Stay safe, stay warm, stay tuned into Queens Our City Radio.

Dj Buddy B Blows His Own

...Horn, of course, like that Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Well, anyhow, now that I have your collective attention, I just want to announce -- because I'm not sure everyone realizes at this point -- that I am not only a blogueur (or is it blogueuse? Damned French, it confuses moi! Zoot alors!) but also a member of the press these days! Yes, I am writing for Queens Our City Radio, part of the Our City internet radio network, as their Dance (Music) Promoter. 

Ah, the glitz! The glamour! Why, you can hardly imagine and neither can I! But listen up, people! Here are some of my posts heating up QOC this cold holiday season.
Check out Queens Our City Radio and circumnavigate like Magellan; explore, discover new worlds, go bi-coastal and enjoy yourselves in the process! For example, Chris Colby, Dance Music Personality at QOC, has a fabulous Friday night 10 pm mix show you party animals won't want to ignore, trust me.
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/

Monumental thanks & lots of love to Barbara Sobel of Sobel Promotions with her own dance-music background who "discovered" me (again, the Magellan analogy) and transported me from Leave It to Beaverhausenland to Queens Our City world. I'm very thrilled to be a part of this internet station. In fact, I'm qvelling! It's more than just a radio station; it's a happening! It's a movement! Get into the groove.

Here are some of my recent posts at Queens Our City Radio you won't want to miss (if you know what's better for you):

France Joli ~ Exclusive Interview:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/queens-city-radios-exclusive-interview

Victor Po - Exclusive Interview:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/exclusive-queens-city-radio-interview-victor-po

Cher:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/chers-closer-truth

Joan Crawford:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/what-to-do-in/surviving-mommie-dearest-nyc

Marc Massive - Exclusive Interview:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/talking-eighth-day-animal-rights-marc-massive

Petula Clark:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/happy-81st-birthday-petula-clark-queens-city-radio

Lady Gaga:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/queens-city-radio-review-lady-gaga-applause

Donna Summer:
http://queens.ourcityradio.com/music-news/queens-city-radio-views-donna-summer-releases

And you're waiting for what? This is already a written invitation!

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen: Lady Gaga's ARTPOP

Lady Gaga is obviously feeling very Andy Warhol these days as she attempts to weld commerce and art for her latest #1 album, Artpop. This may not be as fresh a concept in pop music as the artiste would have us believe. Ask Grace Jones. Despite the Jeffrey Koons album art (I do recommend getting the cd for this reason, as well as for the liner notes and lyrics), the extraneous Greek mythology pretensions and the title coming at us graphically in all capitalized letters, this effort succeeds musically with typical Gaga moments of sheer brilliance.

The hit single, "Applause," is the album's concluding track. "ARTPOP" (the album's eighth track) is well-written and beautifully delivered, frankly, showcasing Gaga's skills as songwriter and vocalist.

Artpop opens with "Aura," not at all melodic though it certainly sets up the album's conceit. "Venus," the second track and expected single, owes a debt to the B-52s. I must admit that I love the lyrics: "Uranus/Don't you know my ass is famous?"

Stefani Germanotta is, if nothing else, a very accomplished songwriter as demonstrated by songs like the dancefloor-intended "G.U.Y.," "Sexxx Dreams," "MANICURE" (which I envision being inspired at a NYC Korean nail salon) and "Mary Jane Holland." "Swine," however, is a misfire industrial-disco number.

I found "Dope" to be quite a raw and touching ballad. "Gypsy" is a dance number that seems close to the heart in its yearnings. These songs truly exemplify Gaga's songwriting expertise.

Can you get gayer than the satirical "Donatella"? Gaga as fashionista. Yes, we're talking Versace. You'll swirl to this, bitches! Expect it, ultimately, on your club floors. "Fashion" is another hot disco tune with a similar theme. Drag queens, please take note.

"Jewels N' Drugs" is the hip hop tune on Artpop, another expected single. It has a very retro-progresso quality to it that endeared itself to me. "Do What U Want," a duet with R. Kelly, is smooth but undistinguished. Expect it to be an urban radio hit, though, as it has all the right hooks.

All in all, ARTPOP is a hot album this cold season. Highly recommended, especially to dance music lovers.

Lady Gaga: Queen of Outer Space

As I have shouted to a chosen few: "Get off my planet!"

But now, it seems, it is Lady Gaga who will become the Queen of Outer Space! According to Us Weekly on-line:

No one ever said she was down-to-earth! In early 2015, [she] will become the first artist to sing in outer space.... The "Dope" performer, 27, is set to blast off in a Virgin Galactic ship and belt out a single track during the Zero G Colony high-tech musical festival in New Mexico. "She has to do a month of vocal training because of the atmosphere," says a source, who adds that the diva's glam squad will join her in the shuttle.

Zero G Colony is a three-day hi-tech festival set to take place at Spaceport America in New Mexico that features world-class entertainment and cutting-edge technology. Gaga's performance in space is planned to take place on the third day at dawn, which is approximately six months after the first Virgin Galactic commercial flight.

Thinking of booking a flight and being interplanetary chic?  Says a source: "Gaga has taken out a ridiculous life insurance policy!"

Baby Jane, Lady Gaga, Blanche & Beyonce on My 2013 Halloween Countdown

A Halloween special: Lady Gaga & Beyonce & Blanche & Baby Jane Hudson. That's who! A different mix from something I posted in 2011 [http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-halloween-countdown-revisits-baby_13.html] Enjoy, my wicked trick-or-treaters! EeeeeeHeeeHeeeeeeeee!! And beware the telephone!

Cher v. the Russian Olympics

Cher is the latest diva with a large LGBT following to diss the Russian Olympics over President Vladimir Putin's fanatical homophobic policies.

"Not that LGBT people needed another reason to love Cher, but there is one," The Advocate informed us today. "[S]he turned down a chance to give the opening performance at the upcoming Olympics in Russia because of all the 'gay hate' there.

"'I can’t name names but my friend called who is a big oligarch over there, and asked me if I’d like to be an ambassador for the Olympics and open the show, she told Canadian newsmagazine Maclean’s. 'I immediately said no. I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there. He said the Russian people don’t feel the way the government does.'"

It's not like I'm involved enough in sports or, specifically, the Olympics to name anyone Olympian besides Olympia Dukakis but, this year, gay bars and businesses have continued boycotting Russian vodka and other products imported from Russia. Our dance-diva idols, meanwhile, have supported opposition to anti-gay legislation and an Olympics boycott. 

"When conservative opponents of Madonna and Lady Gaga's support for LGBT rights in Russia failed to convict them on charges of 'homosexual propaganda', they managed to nab them on a visa technicality instead," UK's The Guardian reported. "Russia's prosecutor general's office recently attested that both singers violated the terms of their cultural exchange visas by giving profit-making concerts last year."

In my recent interview with Karin Nagi on my new blog dedicated exclusively for Q&As, Blab It to Beaverhausen, the dance idol snapped: "Snap out of it, Putin! We're living in 2013.... Boycott the Olympics! Let's not go there! No way!" [You can read the entire interview at: http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/09/exclusive-q-with-international-diva-of.html ]

In fact, the only divas who seem to be headed toward Russia as of late are the Miss Universe beauty queen contestants. And who knows? Perhaps the winner, once the tiara is gently placed upon her coiffed hair (for heavy is the head that wears that crown; after all she's Miss Universe ~~ even better than being Queen of Outer Space) this November, will stand tall in her stilettos and, through tears, as she embraces the sentiment of world peace, will blurt out words about human rights as a part of that concept. After all, It's a Woman's World, Prez Putin!

Checking Up on Our Billboard Dance-Chart Favorites

Kylie Minogue has werqd her "Skirt" into quite  a swirl -- all the way up to #1 this week on the US Billboard Dance/Club chart! Congratulations to the Aussie dance diva!

UK's timeless Pet Shop Boys all the way up at #3 this week with their new hit single, "Vocal," followed by Enrique Iglesias with "Turn the Night Up" at #4.  New remixes of "Walking on Thin Ice," the John Lennon-produced Yoko Ono classic buoys the diva up to the 6th spot on the chart.

Selena Gomez apparently isn't about to "Slow Down," at #8 in just 3 weeks. Krezwalla's "Live for the Night," new numero 12, is rather generic techo-dance. But, "Guess What?" Luciana & Cazwell now at #14. Lady Bunny takes in higher, into the 17th spot this outing, with "Take Me Up High," while Lady Gaga's "Applause" remixes bring her to #19.

And that's it from the Beaverhausen selective Billboard report this week!

Special thanks to Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia for your views this week. Peace, love, and remember: the dancefloor is a great international way of keeping us united! Thank you for your views.

Meanwhile, everyone, Dj Buddy Beaverhausen is proud to announce the birth of Blab It to Beaverhausen, my brand-new blog, already a runaway success! This will be exclusively for my interviews. Please check it out:
http://blabittobeaverhausen.blogspot.com/

Joan Rivers vs. Lady Gaga

La Ga told Kelly Osbourne to "stop being negative" on tv's Fashion Police. Well, the show's star, Joan Rivers, wasn't having it, honeys!

Joan told Huffington Post: "I think this will hurt Gaga a little in the long term. It's brought up again the fact she loves animals and wears fur," says Joan. "'Fashion Police' is funny. Gaga, of all people, should know that. She worked the same little clubs I did in the Village. She has gay followers and she doesn't know funny? For God's sake, calm down. I think that Gaga, who is making hundreds of millions of dollars a year, with a bad nose, should get on her knees and thank God.”

Said the show's executive producer, Melissa Rivers (Joan's daughter):  "I'm disappointed. We are all in the entertainment business. When people say our show bullies people, I get very annoyed. Our show is about fashion and comedy. No one is saying someone is a bad person. When they make millions of dollars a picture and we don't like one of the dresses they get for free, lighten up. Stop taking yourself so seriously. Kelly is such a love. When she called me yesterday, I told her not to answer back to Gaga. I love the fact her mom, Sharon, spoke out. Gaga has so much power and is such an icon and can flip a switch and have everyone turn on someone -- that's the ultimate mean girl."

Joan just posted on Facebook that Lady Gaga's make-up for ArtPop looks as if it was applied by "Michael J. Fox during an earthquake."

"Because of Gaga's contribution to fashion, I'm sitting in herring panties," Joan added.

Divas on My Turntables: Lady Gaga, Cher, Ultra Nate, Hazell Dean

I received a series of remixes of Lady Gaga's newest single, "Applause." The original version was released August 12 and bears a very techno '80s sound in which La Ga's vocals recall Lene Lovich's during the verses. Gaga is certainly a pop genius of sorts, able to process and recycle various musical styles into a fresh-sounding synthesis moving your spirit and your feet.

The Alessio Silvestro mix I listened to is upbeat enough, though I found the instrumental bridges to be a bit unimaginative and even a tad annoying. Jerry's Standing O remix was too busy to be completely satisfying. Matt Nevin gave his dance mix a nice, house-like flavor that focuses on the '80s New Wave-retro intent. Liam Keegan, of course, goes full throttle contempo-house, guaranteed to bring people onto the floor (posted below), though best of all is Felipe Angel's superlative prog-houser.

Cher, "(This Is a) Woman's World." Take that, Republicans! There are a new batch of top-drawer dance remixes. Jason Nevins does his typically smooth work on this song, wisely bringing the diva's vocals more to the forefront. I love Edson Pride's six-and-a-half-minute hands-in-the air big room sound. And David Morales' "Pride Anthem" mix is on hand with a brilliant classic touch that makes the most of a slow-build intro.

Predicting Ultra Nate to have another Billboard dance smash with "Everybody Loves the Night." It is always a special joy when this club diva's club diva releases a new song. Her distinctive voice and excellent songwriting skills are again on hand, though the original mix suffers a bit from a somewhat overly "busy" production.

WaWa's extended mix gives the number a beautifully retro-disco intro (funky guitar riff and synth strings included) leading into a satisfying hi-NRG beat, while Hector Fonseca's Big Room Mix is just that,with a pronounced overdub on vocals over pounding beats. Eddie Amadour's effort is a bit disappointing; neither here nor there with the material. We have David Morales again on hand, framing this song perfectly in '90s house-music style.

By the way, among the back-up vocals on "Everybody Loves the Night" are those of sister club diva Inaya Day, now on the Billboard dance chart with a hit of her own ("Make Some Noise").

You can download "Everybody Loves the Night" remixes at Amazon.com.



Hazell Dean, the Petula Clark of  '80s/'90s hi-NRG, has just done a disco cover of "This Is My Life," famously rendered by Shirley Bassey. Dj Buddy B wouldn't dream of leaving this out of a set due to camp value alone, let alone the incredible clarity of Ms Dean's voice.

Almighty's remixes of this song come in all shapes and sizes: their 7" and 12" mixes (bigger is better), and their Piano mixes at both lengths, too. The Almighty Mix possibly appeals more to American djs though I prefer the Almighty Piano remix with its Euro-house piano keyboards in the blender.

My dj promo also included the 2012 Matt Pop and Sleazesisters remixes of "In the Name of Love," Hazell's cover of the Sharon Redd didsco classic from the '80s. (Sample below.)

Hazell Dean's "This Is My Life" is available on iTunes in mp3 format. (Sample below.)

Support your divas. Your disco needs you!

Russia: Dance Your Pain Away with Dj Buddy Beaverhausen

"This is not a good time for gays in Georgia, Ukraine, Russia or — presumably — other parts of the former Soviet Union," said the Dallas Voice today. "The glasnost, or openness, that was supposed to come with the breakup of the megastate has faded on many fronts. Not the least of them is the freedom for which LGBT people had hoped and planned."

I am concerned for many of my readers in those countries, and wish them the best through these dark and troubling times. Remember, you have support globally, my friends!

AmericBlog stated: "Vladimir Putin’s Russia continues its decline into third world dictatorship and despotism today with the passage of legislation in the lower house (the State Duma) which bans the public display of anything pro-gay, including words.

"The law would also permit the government to jail foreign visitors for up to two weeks before throwing them out of the country." Jail! Isn't deportation enough already?!

Well, now, Mother Russia's a Mutha Fucka! And isn't this a violation of human rights? International law? The timing of this homophobic persecution, of course, came shortly after the US Supreme Court's historic decision on gay marriage. Holy hysteria, Batman!

So, kindly cancel my vacation plans to visit Vladivostok for the time being. I shall boycott Beluga! So long, Stoli! Down with Putin and up with pettin'!

If short-term memory serves me (doesn't always), I think Russia recently sued Lady Gaga and Madonna for making pro-gay statements. THAT is the last straw!

Even domestically in the States, the dark forces gather to oppose the Supremes' decision. Indiana just passed a law. On July 1 of next year, same-sex couples applying for a marriage license in that state will have  committed a felony punishable by 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. (Hey, Texas Senate was confiscating women's Tampons today! Bloody hell! ps: handguns are permitted. Cancel my plans to visit that state! (Oh, wait, I had none!))

But we shall overcome, my friends.

I offer my readers this song. We are one! And we will be victorious in our civil rights struggle. As for right now: Dance Your Pain Away with this hot 7th Heaven remix of the new Agnetha Faltskog song posted below.

Love you all! Peace, Love, Happiness, Justice, let's work for a Better Tomorrow and -- most of all -- hold on to your Pride!

Beaverhausen's Divas: Week in Focus

Happy Passover and Easter, everyone! Like Joan Rivers, I'm celebrating both Spring holidays by dying matzoh. And by looking back over this past week in divadom!

Yoko Ono, 80, continued her club diva reign as "Hold Me," redesigned by Dave Aude, rose to #3 on the Billboard Dance chart (and she appears to be upwardly mobile).  Crystal Waters' "Mama Say" (best club tune in months) is sitting pretty at #13, after claiming the #1 Dance/Club position two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera's "Let There Be Love" nudged into the chart at #21, looking like it has legs fit for climbing.

Divas Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga had birthdays over the past week. And Ms Dionne Warwick is broke, owing the Feds USD$10 million! While most of us are envious because we wish we made enough to owe the IRS that kind of bread, Ms Warwick was at least able to become a tabloid darling, grabbing headlines once more.

Oh, la publicite! La publicite!

Lady Gaga Astonishes with The Stones

Lady Ga Gets Groovy!

They may gather no moss but The Rolling Stones gathered up Lady Gaga to do "Gimme Shelter" and she was pretty amazing. Check it out.