Stevie Nicks is amazing. She's the original rock 'n' roll gypsy queen, the world's fiercest "gold dust woman," a bewitching and be-shawled enchantress, the muse of Fleetwood Mac (and one-time lover to half the band), and an icon to chanting, twirling, tambourine-wielding wannabe sorceresses across the globe. And this Sunday night, she's on Logo!
Yup, Logo is launching a new series of specials wherein in gaydom's most beloved and revered divas/icons will sit down for a sassy one-on-one chat. It's called NewNowNext ICONS, and who better than rock royalty Stevie Nicks to kick off the premiere episode? It airs this Sunday at 12am, EST.
Sneak a peek at the little promo clip above... And tune in to hear Ms. Nicks sound off about what the term "icon" means to her, and hear her share stories about hanging backstage with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix in San Francisco back in the day...
Stevie also discusses her Rhiannon-obsessed fans, her gay following, the origins of her vagabond-tastic fashion sense, AND -- she serves up her take on the now-legendary NYC party, "Night of 1,000 Stevies" which celebrates her lace-clad brilliance annually. (Note: Watch out. Stevie's gonna sneak in next year. Maybe!)
After the jump, a classic Stevie video. Or two. Just because...
Check it out, ladies and gentlemen! Mariah Carey has finally released the music video for her song Obsessed, and it's just as weird as I thought it would be. We showed you pictures of Carey on set a while back dressed up in an Eminem type outfit (come on...we all know she's supposed to be him...you're fooling nobody Mimi). Well, check out the video to see her drag self in action. Seriously, what do you think of that goatee she is sporting? Mariah, I have no doubt you'd make a hot dude, but that attempt at facial hair is killing me.
The video is quite hilarious, and I'm slowly warming up to the song (it's been stuck in my head for DAYS). I especially love the Mean Girls-esque ending to the video.
Whitney Houston's New Album Cover: You Like Her "Look?"
Here's the album cover for Whitney Houston's new album "I Look to You" (coming on Sept. 1st). Or perhaps we can call it, "I Look Like Jocelyn Wildenstein" or "I Look Like a Madame Tussaud's Version of Me."
Whatevs. Airbrushed, photoshopped, propped up and wheeled out on a gurney... I just want some Whitney! Bring it on! Ms. H and her mentor/chaperone Clive Davis held a listening party and unveiled tunes from the record recently in London. Her press folks say that "the audience full of VIPs, press and tastemakers raved and danced in the aisle over Whitney’s new album!" Mercy... Raving? Like, with glowsticks?
Pics from the London listening event; Peace out, Whit-Whit!
There's a listening event next week here in NYC. I'll go and report back. If dancing in the aisles happens, you'll hear about it.
Justin Bond Concert in NYC! New "Pink Slip" EP! Hurrah!
Beauty, thy name is Bond.
Justin Bond may be known best as the singing/cocktail-wielding Kiki, one-half of the world-renowned performance duo, Kiki and Herb, and it’s no wonder. The pair have had a Tony-nominated run on Broadway, played Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House -- and of course crusty gay venues from Avenue A to Kangaroo Island.
But Justin Bond is striking out on his own, with a new EP of original music just released, and a big concert next Wednesday, July 22nd at NYC’s Highline Ballroom. The EP, Pink Slip, boasts 4 new original tunes from Bond and his collaborator Our Lady J, and one killer Radiohead cover (“Weird Fishes”). The results are gorgeous, dramatic, melodic, severe and searingly fresh, much like Bond himself. (“The Puppet Song” is beyond fabulous.) And head’s up: A full-length release of new tunes from Justin is due later this year!
If you’re in NYC, don’t miss the concert next week. Clint Michigan (a rising indie duo you should know) will be opening, as will the comic treats Jeffery & Cole (also seen in "Jeffery & Cole’s Casserole" on Logo). AND... If you can, splurge and buy the VIP seats for the show; for $50, the proceeds will benefit the Ali Forney Center, which provides housing and services for LGBT homeless youth. Plus, you’ll get a meet-and-greet with La Bond himself!
And go check out Butt Magazine’s great, lengthy new interview with Justin, in which he discusses his music-making process, Radical Faeries, Michael Jackson, life after Kiki, and other tasty topics.
After the jump, check out our video interview with Justin and Our Lady J from last year, when Justin's show "Lustre" was opening at P.S. 122 in the East Village. (And apologies: The sound on the video is low. You'll need to turn it UP. Thanks!)
British songstress Lily Allen has released an all new music video for her single "22." If you pay attention to the lyrics of the song...it's actually kind of sad.
The song, about an almost 30-year-old woman who looks back on when she was 22, is slightly autobiographical. I mean, Lily is constantly getting called a mess, similar to the woman in the song who is seen as old and past her prime. Granted, Lily is often seen stumbling out of bars or appears tipsy while performing on stage, so she asks for it a little. Mess or not, she knows how to make good music, and the video is really clever. Buck up, Lil!
Get ready, New Yorkers, the performers of Breaking Out in Song are going to randomly entertain to you all over the city. From July 16-19, random song and dance performances will be taking place all over the city to Broadway hits such as "Consider Yourself," "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and even "Don't Rain on My Parade."
Now, I can't tell you where they'll be performing, but if you head on over to their website you can check out the list of choreographers, video and musical directors, casting directors, production managers, and producers. With a tagline like, "All the world's a stage. We'll prove it in NYC," who wouldn't want to see the performances? I hope I'm lucky enough to catch a showing...
Check out lots more footage of the rehearsals...after the jump!
Mika Sets Date for New Album and Single, "We Are Golden"
Mika is looking quite dreamy in this new promo pic, not going to lie.
The master of bubble-gum piano pop himself, Mika, is set to release a new album on September 22! His record company is promising that We Are Golden, the follow up to his 2007 insanely popular debut album Life in Cartoon Motion, is "even more joyous and unique than his first." Wow, that's really, really joyous. His debut album is happy enough to even make Vladimir Putin jump up and dance, so the next album must be like audible nitrous oxide.
I guess I'll find out how happy it is July 20th when his first single, also titled "We Are Golden," hits British radio and streams on his website.
After not releasing a new album since 2005, Imogen Heap is finally coming out with a new CD, titled Ellipse! The first single off the new album, First Train Home, has also been released, and I'm happy to hear her music again. I know she's released a song here and there for various movie soundtracks, but I'm glad to hear that she's coming out with a new album of just her own stuff. Who didn't fall in love with "Hide and Seek" when it came out years ago?
The little taste she's given us has me wanting to hear more. Head on over to Stereogum to have a listen. And you know what, just for fun, here's the hilarious SNL skit "Dear Sister," a parody of an episode of the O.C. that makes use of "Hide of Seek." A lot. It's kind of bizarre, but funny, so check it out.
Pop Star Wannabe Kim Petras Releases New Music. Ouch.
After watching her video, the nicest thing I have to say is that she's got nice hair. And her dancing made me laugh...but at her, so she still loses.
Kim Petras first made headlines when people started reporting about her being "the world's youngest transsexual." Petras has been taking hormones since the age of 12 and identifying as a girl since she was two. The German underwent gender reassignment surgery last year when she turned 16. Petras has now set her eyes on pop stardom, and oh boy, does she ever have a ways to go...
She's super-cute and all, and I think it's admirable that she's so sure of who she is and I think it's incredible that her parents have been so supportive... But sweet Jesus, singing is not the route she should take. She recently released the video for her single "Die For You," and after watching it, I have no desire to listen to any of her other music. She's cute and blonde, though, so she's got that going for her at least.
Head on over to DListed.com to see the video and decide for yourself.
Singer & songwriter Chris Garneau sat down recently with us to talk about his new album, "El Radio," a followup to 2007's "Music for Tourists." To record his latest, the NYC-based singer traveled with his friends and bandmates to New Hampshire, and the result is a beautiful mixture of poignant lyrics and fanciful, exquisitely melodic music.
Garneau's new tunes veer from whimsical to melancholy, and "El Radio" marks a departure from being more introspective to covering a wider array of topics. As his label puts it: "Garneau's extensive cast of characters unavoidably comment on the social and political forces that pull us unpredictably through time while rollicking to the rhythms of an organ grinder."
We tracked down Garneau at the Soho apartment of a friend; you'll note the car horns of afternoon traffic on Lafayette street outside. But what you'll love is watching Garneau at a grand piano, doing what he does best.
In the video interview above, Garneau (looking very handsome, by the way) explains everything from the title of his new album, the female influences of his grandmother and the women of Juarez, Mexico, and his decision to shift the focus off of himself for this album. Be sure to also check out his performances here of two songs of the new LP: "Fireflies" (at the end of the interview above, the music begins around 8:40) comes first, then watch and hear the completely gorgeous "Hands on the Radio," below.
Duncan James of British Boyband Blue Comes Out as Bisexual!
I had never heard of Blue or Duncan James before today. Now that I have...I'm instantly a fan.
Man, July must be the official coming out month for boybanders. Duncan James, a member of the British boyband Blue, recently came out as bisexual, telling the UK magazine News of the World: "I'm bisexual. I've been in loving relationships with men as well as women - and I'm not ashamed." Though I've never heard of the band (they were apparently very successful across the pond in the early 2000s and are currently going on a reunion tour), this news still makes me happy.
The very dapper men of Blue. Duncan James, you are very lucky to carry such company.
Even if they don't have as big of an audience over here in the states (yet?), it's awesome to hear about another boybander who is willing to be honest with his fans about his sexuality. Especially since James has earned the reputation in the UK as a huge womanizer. He admits in the article that he has slept with many more women than men. Well, I'm sure that his revelation will inspire many men across the world to help him change those stats.
Fritz Helder and the Phantoms Go All Out at Mr. Black
With so much fierceness/craziness on one stage, how could this night be anything but amazing?
When I think of the up-and-coming glam/electro/dance confab Fritz Helder and the Phantoms, the last thing I think of is the word boring. Flashy, wild, hip, and crazy are the more likely to come to mind. I had the opportunity to see them perform at Mr. Black in NYC this past Friday and they definitely did not disappoint. Maybe it was the open bar, the hot shirtless men, or the awesome performance, but that show was one of the craziest and most entertaining ones I've been to in a while.
The boys and girls of Fritz Helder and the Phantoms started the night off by being introduced by their mentor (and the celeb whose label their debut is out on) Nelly Furtado, who disappeared as quickly as she came out. Seriously, it was a "blank and you miss her" moment. After the quick introduction, the band went into a thirty minute onslaught of loud music, crazy dancing, voguing and posing, and all around craziness. It was awesome. Each song was better and louder than the next.
Muscled up dancers and all around insanity...after the jump!
Bowie follows up this elegant performance of "Life On Mars?" by taking a stab at Barbra Streisand. Just another reason why this man is a legend.
Loyal subjects of The Thin White Duke have something to celebrate in the long-awaited CD/DVD release of David Bowie's 1999 appearance on VH1 Storytellers. Fans wondering what's next for Bowie will be pleased with the aptly titled DVD, David Bowie: VH1 Storytellers, getting released tomorrow!
The CD/DVD combo features 8 audio performances mixed with storytelling, and the same 8 performances in video form plus four more bonus video performances. The brief stories married to the tracks include wry tales of Bowie's darkest days including everything from the first time he met Marc Bolan to a reveal of who annoyed Bowie so greatly he got drunk and shaved his eyebrows off.
None of the tracks will disappoint, and quite a few of them are strong. "Life On Mars" (that's right kids, it was a song before it was a canceled ABC TV series) is particularly nice; an elegant and simple rendering that manages to deliver on the same epic level as the original track.
On Storytellers Bowie describes "Can't Help Thinking About Me," the first song he wrote and recorded as a solo artist, as "a beautiful piece of solipsism;" not untrue but we prefer to say it was rousing and fun. "Drive-In Saturday" gains a fun jangly sound that wouldn't be out of place on a David Lynch soundtrack, and his delivery of "Word On A Wing" is simply gorgeous, but then it is one of Bowie's most passionate and beautiful works.
David Bowie: VH1 Storytellers is out tomorrow, July 14th, on Virgin Records. Hey, isn't that Bastille Day? Then perhaps the album should've included "All The Madmen..." ("Zane zane zane, ouvre le chien...")
Beyonce gets TRIPPY in her newest music video. In the video for her catchy new single "Sweet Dreams," the diva does everything from krump (at least I think that's what she's doing...there's a lot of arm shaking and jerking), to walk in place wearing a very form fitting outfit (and DAMN do her curves look good!). She even sports a Lady Gaga-esque outfit towards the end of the video.
It may be a little out there, but Beyonce always delivers, and her dancing and theatrics in this video do not disappoint. Watching the fierceness that is Beyonce shake her thing always makes for an entertaining video, and "Sweet Dreams" is no exception.
Jay Brannan Kicks Off His "I Suck At Life Tour" in NYC
Jay Brannan is oh so adorable and, as his shirt indicates, so hateful as well. He was quick to point out that he was wearing the same shirt as his Facebook profile picture.
The ever adorable yet often-times moody folk-singer Jay Brannan kicked off his most recent tour last night in New York. Jay's new tour, called the "I Suck at Life Tour," started without a hitch at Joe's Pub, despite the presence of a slightly stalkerish fan and Jay's perspiration issues.
In between playing some of his more famous hits, such as "Housewife," "Soda Shop," and "Half Boyfriend," Jay treated the crowd to several songs off of his new covers album, In Living Cover (which is actually number one on the iTunes album charts...go Jay!).
Jay pretty much had every man in love with him by the end of the set. Combine his cute banter ("I'm from Texas...we don't acknowledge things like cancer until they're right on top of you. Until they punch you in the face!" he said about why he doesn't care that his antiperspirant is bad for him) with his incredible singing and guitar playing, Jay had every person transfixed by the end of the show. Maybe that's why his "stalker" kept screaming out "I love you!" to Jay pretty much every five minutes.
Check out more pictures of the evening and several Jay music videos...after the jump!
Video: A Visit to Butt Magazine's Big BANG Party in NYC!
A few weeks ago, everyone's favorite artsy/risque gay mag BUTT Magazine threw a big party here in NYC, hosting a slate of some of the most raucously cool up-and-coming bands, including Hunx and his Punx, Salem, and the rappin' freshness that is Sissy Nobby and Big Freedia.
We went to the sweaty, sexy, trashy BUTT BANG affair and we took a camera along to record some of the madness. Have a look! And you'll hear from BUTT Mag's own Michael Bullock and Adam Baran -- and the performers -- about why BUTT is something you can never get enough of!
Awwww, you gotta love sexy/dirty/cool NYC.
Sissy Nobby & Big Freedia came to celebrate, Kids! Salut! Photo courtesy of Althea Smith, via ButtMagazine.com.
Also, big props to our intern Gina Valvo for shooting & editing the above video, too!
An Interview & Performance Peek from Kind Monitor's Joshua Guthals
--by Becca Roth
Four months ago, on a crowded subway, Aja Spears and Joshua Guthals first met. She was batting her eyelashes, minding her own business, when a tall, dark and handsome man bumped into her with his guitar case. He apologized profusely and told her she was very beautiful. They began spending lots of time together, and four months later wound up with a residency at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, singing beautiful duets to intellectual indie audiences every Thursday in July. Perfect fairy tale? Except that Joshua’s gay. (Or maybe that’s even more perfect?)
Joshua (seen above! watch!) is the frontman for the up-and-coming Brooklyn-based band Kind Monitor (or perhaps he himself is Kind Monitor; the world may never know). I was fortunate enough to catch the first installment of “The Aja and Joshua Show” last Thursday at Pete’s, where Joshua and his impossibly stunning subway-riding friend Aja enchantingly harmonize acoustic originals as well as covers. Not only is the duo very nice to look at, but their unique sound, mixed with the cool red atmosphere of the intimate but not stuffy space that is Pete’s Candy Store, is something definitely worth checking out.
Why should you know all this? The pair will perform four more weekly (free!) shows at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg at 9 PM. The show is under an hour (it’s a school night) and every week is a different set, so keep on comin’ back!
More Kind Monitor show info, and the "Cairo" video, after the jump!
This weekend, a documentary aired on BBC3 that showed what it's like being a Britney Spears megafan. The documentary, called Britney Spears Saved My Life (I'm serious), shows a bunch of different people obsessing over everyone's favorite former train wreck. Shot in Britain, we see everything from people with Britney Spears' coasters, to a woman who pretty much owns a version of every outfit Britney has ever worn...ever.
I've only seen clips of the documentary, and it looks pretty major. (Watch this clip where a room-full of Brit-wits go all out in their tribute to "Baby One More Time." It oddly reminds me of those prisoners forced to dance to "Thriller" in a Philippines prison.)
Britney Spears saved all of these people's lives. And they're here to dance about it.
But really, watching the clips, I have to say my favorite part is when they zoom in super close on the fans' faces while they play a Britney song for them. Some break down and cry, some nod along to the music, and some pose awkwardly and seductively for the camera. I pray they air it over here in the states sometime soon, or at least someone downloads it to the internet. You MUST head over here and watch the clips of it. I'll admit that I'm an avid fan and went to see her recent Circus concert, but these people are on a whole other level...and possibly planet.
It's boy band mania this week at NewNowNext. Yesterday we told you about the fabulous out singer Nathanial Flatt of V Factory, and today we're letting you know that 90's boy band and pop sensation the Backstreet Boys are coming out with a new album October 6! Titled This is Us, the new album will again feature four of the original boys singing (sadly, Kevin Richardson left the group back in June of 2006 to start a family).
The news of the album and information about their first single, the RedOne produced Soldier Down, was made known through Twitter updates (aka Tweets) made by group member Brian Littrell. I find it strange that they're resorting to Twitter to tell everyone about their album, especially when Brian's Tweet was, "RECORD COMES OUT OCT 6TH!!!!!!!!! THANK GOD." I also find it mind boggling that these guys are still around. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if the boy band mania days are on their way back in. Who knows, maybe the Jonas Brothers will lend them some of their crazed fans.
The Jackson family sat in the front row and several members took the time to speak and perform themselves throughout the memorial.
In addition to the thousands of audience members who traveled out to the Los Angeles Staples Center to pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson, many celebrities spoke and performed at Tuesday's memorial. The King of Pop's family was joined by everyone from Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Brooke Shields, Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, and even Corey Feldman. In addition to performances of several of Jackson's songs, audience members were treated to speeches by Al Sharpton, Queen Latifah, and a very emotional moment from Jackson's daughter Paris. Videos of Jackson's music and performances were played throughout the memorial as well, all in front of Jackson's casket, covered in flowers and a huge spotlight. After the jump, look at pictures and videos of the performers and speakers who remembered one of the most influential musical artists of all time.
Mariah and J-Hud sing and others strike a pose after the jump.
MTV.com is streaming the big Michael Jackson Memorial live right now. The celebs are all in the house. The Jackson family has been seated. The casket is onstage. The gospel choir has kicked in. The audio has been fixed. Get ready for a whole lot of singing and MJ-reverential-mania.
Whether your worshipped MJ or not, this is going to be one really big show...
V Factory's Nathaniel Flatt Is Gay. He's in a Boy Band. Discuss.
Meet Nathaniel Flatt. He's gay. Hooray!!?
OMG, the shockingness! A guy in a boy band is gay! Ok, so maybe it ain't earth-shattering news, but yes, Nathaniel Flatt, one-fifth of the rising boy-band V Factory (yes, they still make those!) is a homosexual. And he's cute, so... Hurrah! Who doesn't like it when a cute mini-celeb-to-be comes out!?? Towleroad has an interview with the lad.
OK. Total disclosure. I've never heard of these V Factory moppets or Nathaniel Flatt in my life. Are they some Disney Channel bit of teen wetness? Can someone help me out here? Oh, hell. They're cute. I'll investigate. All because one of them is gay. (Just the one?) Oh, and evidently they performed at Pride in San Francisco. Attaboys!
Puppies! Inspired by... Puppies? Er, I mean... V Factory!
More V Factory, Nathaniel and some of their music and stuff after the jump.
Whitney Houston, the once former power house performer and partner in crime to Bobby Brown, put the Internet in a frenzy late last week when the first single off of her upcoming comeback album leaked online. The single, titled "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," is an obvious nod to her triumphant return to normalcy after going through, to put it nicely and bluntly, her crazy years. The single is definitely Houston's way of screaming "I'm back and better than ever!"
As for the song itself... It's hard to tell if Houston has retained much of her once insanely powerful voice. Though it's a good song that I've warmed up to after a couple of listens (and now have stuck in my bed), it definitely lacks the punch of her older songs. Though I doubt we'll ever get to experience the wonders of songs like "I Will Always Love You," I still like this song and am glad she's no longer up to her self-destructive ways. You go, Whitney.
Star-Spangled Party Videos: Gaga, Whitney, Passion Pit & Boney M?
It's already a holiday weekend here in TV & online work-land. Our offices are a ghost-town today with the long, hot red-white-and-blue weekend looming. Today's a half-day and everyone's off tomorrow so... Might as well head home and get that grill fired up, eh?
If you are looking at this, here are some hot party videos to sass up your all-American holiday weekend, for better for worse. We've got some cheesy Americana, and some fun tunes you'll be hearing all summer. Cheers! Cook it up! Wear sunscreen! Go America!!!
Oh, say can you see the classic Whitney fierceness?
More videos and a nice classic American butt after the jump!
Britney Spears has finally come out with her latest video for her next single, "Radar", and I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed. Sure, she looks good, the video is ok, and it has two really hot guys in it, but it's just kind of... meh. In the video, Brit classes it up as the object of affection of a rich stud, but she really has her eye on the hot stableman (don't we all). I guess I prefer the Womanizer type videos where Britney is decked out in hoochie gear, grinding and dancing up a storm.
The video is still worth a watch because, come on, it's Britney Spears. I still love her. At least she's "sane" now and not running around setting things on fire or anything crazy. For now.
Take a little punk pop, add some synthpop and alternative dance, and you end up with Cobra Starship's newest single Good Girls Go Bad. With help from Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester (sidebar...who knew she could sing?), the band sings about, what else, turning good girls into naughty ones.
Check out the video as Leighton plays a bad girl who pulls one over on the boys. She's apparently also following in the footsteps of the many other actresses turned pop stars (Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, and Miley Cyrus, I'm looking at you) and coming out with an album sometime in the future. They definitely picked the best girl to play bad, what with Leighton recently becoming the star of her very own sex tape. Bad girl antics aside, the song is really catchy, perfect for the summer, and she actually has a decent voice. Check it out!
Mariah Carey Gets in Touch With Her Masculine Side in "Obsessed" Video
Mariah mans it up for her new video. Er, sort of...
Yes, the above picture is of Mariah Carey filming the music video for her song Obsessed. Apparently, the song is a jab at Eminem, who makes fun of Mariah and husband Nick Cannon in his song Bagpipes From Baghdad. I'm guessing she dressed up like Eminem to try and mock him? Mariah, honey, I know you probably think you're being really creative and witty, but I'm not sure how successful this is... I'm so used to seeing this woman squeezed into hot pink, sparkly dresses that are four sizes too small that seeing her all butched up is truly a surprise.
I'm surprised Mariah shed her normal glamorous getup to look like such a... Bellhop? Airline pilot? Doorman?
As much as these images confuse me, I know I'll be checking the video out. I personally think this woman is insane (and I love her for it), so I'm hoping she'll bust out the crazy as much as possible for this video. I mean, she's already rocking some gender-f*ck realness, she might as well go all out for it, right? Head on over to JustJared to check out even more photos of Mimi in drag.
Kanye West Releases Artsy New Video for "Street Lights"
Kanye West continues on his kick of making music that's "art" by creating a new video for his song Street Lights. The song, which is my personal favorite off of his latest album 808s & Heartbreak, won't be released as a single, but Kanye went ahead and still made a video for it. What? You gonna argue with him? Good luck...
The video reminds me of those old-school virtual reality programs. Though it's not that exciting (it just shows a computer animated Kanye driving a car through a very futuristic-looking world), I still like it a lot. It fits the mellow and "artsy" feel of the song.
Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance at last night's BET Awards to pay tribute to her brother Michael after his untimely death last week. A very emotional Janet took to the stage to speak on behalf of her family and thank everyone for their support and let them know that his memory will always live on in the hearts of his fans.
Many of the performers and presenters at last night's show paid tribute to the late artist, with host Jamie Foxx performing the dance moves from Jackon's Beat It video and singer Ciara performing Heal the World.
Pride Weekend Playlist: Miss Ross, Glambert & Some Weather Girls
"Mad World" - Adam Lambert on The Today Show
There are as many ways to get your groove on for Pride as there are floats in a parade, fruit flavors of vodka, or folks who can tell you where they were and how many bricks they threw at Stonewall.
So here's a little messy mix of Pride-weekend tunes to get you going. I've started off somberly above with pop music's newest gay, Adam Lambert, serving his "Mad World" to the masses from The Today Show. But then it's gonna get more into a mix of old (Diana Ross, The Weather Girls) to more recent (Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes) to cute and right now (Sam Sparro).
Since everyone's in a Michael Jackson-remembering mode, why is it that some of my favorite Michael Jackson songs (or songs by "The Jacksons," or his random duets) don't have videos? Like "P.Y.T.", which may be the funnest song on Thriller. And I always totally loved "State of Shock" the duet with Mick Jagger that appeared on The Jacksons' 1984 album, Victory. And "The Girl Is Mine," Michael's 1980 duet with Paul McCartney.
Anyway, here are a few other random Jackson gems. Forgive the grainy video.
"Can You Feel It" - The Jacksons, Victory
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"Can You Feel It" still rocks. And I think that Madonna totally stole the bass line for "Sorry" from this awesome tune. The trippy video (are the Jacksons superheroes? gods? aliens?) is pure 80s brilliance. And I always loved the cheesy, cartoony Victory album cover...
Michael Jackson remembrances are all over the media today (his autopsy is due today, too) and the tributes have surely only just begun. The man, who died yesterday, was an iconic pop superstar who influenced just about every musician working in the pop and R&B milieu today. His videos, especially from the Thriller, Bad and Dangerous eras were cultural touchstones. Nobody else had his moves, his style, his way of singing -- he was a singular performer.
As years passed, we all watched Michael evolve into a strange, mysterious figure that become hard to comprehend and relate to. His face and body changed dramatically, he faced charges of molestation (being acquitted in on instance, settling out of court on another), and he seemed to devolve into a caricature of a reclusive pop star and an oddity, and we'll probably never quite know all that went on behind the gates of his Neverland ranch.
For the next week, we can expect to endure all manner of tributes and freaked-out media-circus moments; I'm already morbidly intrigued to see what kind of funeral shenanigans will unfold. Bring on Latoya and Debbie Rowe! Will Macaulay Culkin offer a statement? Has Madonna stopped crying? It's all gonna be bizarre, no doubt.
But regardless of all the craziness and speculation that came to surround his persona, Michael Jackson did create some fiercely memorable, legendary music, revolutionary videos and his influence on style, dance, MTV, the 80s, and even how African-Americans impact culture is undeniable. So, in tribute, here's a random mix of his videos to enjoy.
Singer Chris Pureka Talks Music, Helps Lesbians Hook Up
--by Kelsey Lisette
Singer-songwriter Chris Pureka recently brought the newest tunes from her EP Chimera to Joe’s Pub in NYC, showing her new material with a riveting live performance. She also demonstrated her gift for philanthropy, as her show easily (perhaps unwittingly) facilitated getting half of downtown Manhattan’s lesbian population laid. With a combination of sultry southern sounds and cabaret style lighting multiplied by a full house of ladies, I doubt I’m the only one who didn’t ride the F train home alone that night.
Pureka’s new album sounds familiarly devastating and folksy, but in that sexy way. It makes you sad, but not like full-blown "wearing sweatpants eating reduced-fat Breyer’s from the tub" sad. Her music occupies that sweet spot where maybe you’re drunk alone at home, but hey -- at least you put eyeliner on.
The two-headed Chimera EP cover; and a nice shot of one-headed Chris. Photo by Shayne Berry.
Chimera makes moping around love-lorn sound pretty hot in the way we’ve come to expect from the soft-spoken Pureka. She's equal parts adorable queer farm boi, whiskey-voiced faux-country crooner and New Englander in sheep’s clothing. It’s like she’s a chimera or something- I mean, we know what that is... We went to college too. Whatever.
Wonder how Madonna will reinvent herself this time around? Hopefully it involves covering up her scary buff arms a little.
Somewhere in between adopting African babies and dating Brazilian models more than 30 years younger than her, Madonna found the time to work on a greatest hits album. Yesterday, Madge revealed that the album, which will also feature three new songs, will be titled Iconography. This will be her last album with Warner Brothers.
Now, while it's exciting that a new Madonna album will be coming out in a couple months, it's also a little crazy. her album is slated to drop several weeks after fellow diva Mariah Carey releases her new album, Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel. Not only that, but Whitney Houston is set to make her triumphant return with her new album Undefeated in September as well.
Get ready, kids. It's gonna be one insane [read: really freakin' gay] September for music. I'm excited to see how they'll all try to compete with each other. I'm hoping for extreme desperation, catty slurs in the press, maybe a cat fight or two. Or why don't the broads just all join up and tour together? Tickets for that show would probably only cost about $27,000 a piece, right?
Adam Lambert Teams Up With Sam Sparro for New Album
Glambert is getting quite the team to help him out on his upcoming album. Sounds like we're in for quite the treat.
Using everyone's favorite new social networking site, Twitter, Adam Lambert and Sam Sparro have announced that they'll be writing music together for Adam's debut album. Sparro posted on his site last night saying he was waiting for Lambert in the studio, and the American Idol runner-up confirmed minutes later that the two would be joining forces for his new album.
Looks like Lambert is not the only one with a unique style.
So far, the glam rocker has already revealed that he'll be working with Red One, mastermind behind several of Lady Gaga's smash hits. Now that Sparro has announced he'll be joining the team, it's apparent the makeup loving Lambert means business. Sparro and Lambert, who are both openly gay, will undoubtedly come up with some very unique and interesting music.
The ever playful Mika shushes the crowd during last night's concert. He's always doing something cute, isn't he?
Mika fans, rejoice! NewNowNext's fabulous friend and music blogger Arjan revealed earlier today that the flamboyant British pop star played several new songs off his upcoming album during his latest venue. Mika performed an intimate acoustic performance last night in New York at La Poisson Rouge. Mika unveiled "Rain," a poignant ballad, and "Blame It On the Girls," a tune similar to the playful songs he's become known for.
Head on over to Arjan's blog to check out more pictures of Mika's performance and listen to the new songs!
America's Got Talent kicked off its summertime talent show deliriousness last night, and this was one of the more charming gay moments. A nice loan officer from Seattle, David Johnson, strummed about his high school crush... on David Hasselhoff!
Cute! Weird! But it's nice to hear the audience get into it eventually, cheering. Awwwww...
Cher and Christina Aguilera Set to Diva up the Silver Screen
Cher is back, ladies and gentlemen, and is ready to amp up the camp factor.
Talk about a diva overload...ultimate gay icon Cher and the very fierce Christina Aguilera are set to team up on a new movie called "Burlesque." Apparently, the writers didn't think having these two women star in the film would be gay enough, so they made Cher an ex-dancer who owns a struggling neo-burlesque club on Sunset Boulevard. Aguilera plays Cher's protege. Who cares about the plot though...Cher is coming back to the big screen! And she's going to sing!
With Christina providing powerhouse vocals into this mix, I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle the fierceness of this film.
I know that there are some very happy gays out there right now. I'm ecstatic. This is the first film Cher has done since 1999's “Tea With Mussolini,” but she's been so busy with her Vegas show I'm surprised she's found the time to make this film. This movie better be as campy as it sounds and as I'm hoping it will be. It has all the ingredients to be a gay classic, but I do not doubt one bit that Cher will deliver. I'm sure Christina will do just fine too. Hopefully she'll just belt it out and then be silent so Cher can have the spotlight.
Pride Weekend Mega-Show: Stonewall 40th Anniversary Concert & Love Ball!
Advertised as the "Woodstock" of gay concerts, the Stonewall 40th Anniversary Commemorative Concert is set to turn NYC's Times Square on its gay ear when it serves up a night of great music and entertainment (while honoring the Stonewall riots, the catalyst for the gay rights movement, of course). Combining gospel singers, porn stars-turned-singers, and drag queen trios performing electropop (and lots, lots more), I highly doubt the concert won't keep you entertained.
Be sure to stick around after the show for the Love Ball after party at 10pm. Continuing in the theme of having the most eclectic group of performers, the Love Ball will feature tributes to Judy Garland, Broadway musicals, and the Harlem house balls. Expect lots of voguing, hot men, and plenty of dancing.
The list of performers for the big Stonewall Concert include a mega-list of fab out music artists. There's host Murray Hill, and then comes (stand back...) Billy Porter, Deepa Soul, Baron, Colton Ford, Jasper James & She Dick, Lori Michaels, Rachael Sage, Ari Gold, Ajoshua, Kin4Life, Christine Martucci, Jen Urban & The Box, The Maine Attraction, Jason Walker, The Lavender Light, Gospel Choir, DELI, Ron Morris, Johnny McGovern, Ariel & The Hired Guns. The event will also honor Jack Doroshow, the Legendary Mother Queen “Sabrina Flawless”, Mildred “Dred” Gerestant and Randy Jones, the original Cowboy from the Village People.
The concert takes place Saturday, June 27th, at 8pm at the Nokia Theater in Times Square, while the Love Ball starts at 10pm in the same theater. The concert and ball are sponsored by OutMusic in association with Saint at Large.
Check out pictures of the performers after the jump!
Jason Mraz is back with another version of his hit duet "Lucky." But this time around, Colbie Caillat must be taking a siesta, because now half the song is performed in Spanish thanks to the lovely Mexican actress/singer Ximena Sariñana.
Looks like they just spliced in Ximena's bits into the video and song that Jason had already whipped up with Ms. Caillat. It's a little weird, but the results are sweet. I mean, "dulce."Want a little more about Ximena? She's 24, lives in Mexico City, and her MySpace has some very charming tunes, including a nice strummy English ditty "Influenza Sh*t Love Song," which is kind of what happens with a sad love song gets food poisoning.
Lady Gaga Wows Once Again at the Much Music Awards
I've never been so jealous of the Canadians before. Who wouldn't love to see Gaga light her boobs on fire?
Lady Gaga has gotten a reputation for being one of the most outlandish and flamboyant pop artists out there. Her music almost takes the backseat sometimes to her outfits and behavior (Note: ALMOST.), and she always has me wondering what the hell she is going to do next. Her performance at the MusicMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Canada, definitely lived up to the hype.
I must say, she really out did herself this time. Only a true performer would go so far as to shoot sparks out of her boobs. Lady Gaga, my love for you burns as brightly as the fire that erupts from your bosom.
Not only did she deliver an amazing performance, she also walked away with the Best International Video gong for "Poker Face." Check out a video and more images of her performance here.
BUTT Goes BANG with a Big, Possibly Trashy Concert in NYC
Everyone's favorite artsy and always risque gay mag BUTT has decided to offer a pre-pride concert at New York's Knitting Factory to bring a more modern spin on the month's rainbow-hued festivities called "Bang!". Taking place this Friday, the concert will feature three up and coming new bands: goth-juke band Salem from Chicago, garage punk band Hunx and his Punx from San Francisco, and New Orleans bounce rapper Sissy Nobby. Expect trashy boys rocking out with their, er... festive bits out.
The boys of Salem, Hunx and his Punx and Sissy Nobby want to "BANG" you. That's cool, right?
The always classy BUTT, the smart and savvy pink-paged magazine published out of The Netherlands, always aims to combine the titillating with the thought-provoking. It's a brilliant mix of Marc Jacobs and male hustlers; of raunchy man-action and high-end culture. Or something like that. Order your tickets now at Ticket Web before they run out. Something tells me this is going to be one scandalous (meaning excellent) concert.
I know this one's been swirling around the 'net for a week or so, but it's so gorgeous I still had to toss up this video of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." It's epic, at almost 8 minutes long! Plus, she's romanced/played for a sucka by True Blood's sharp-toothed stud Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), who's looking very fang-bang-able.
The glamorous mansion! The hot Malibu/Riviera/Capri-esque locale! Gaga's painted-on hosiery! The wheelchair? I'm reeling. Some serious money was spent on this one.
Of the "Paparazzi" video, Gaga told The Canadian Press: "It has a real, genuine, powerful message about fame-whoring and death and the demise of the celebrity, and what that does to young people. The video explores ideas about sort of hyperbolic situations that people will go to in order to be famous. Most specifically, pornography and murder." Ooooh... Deep. Ish?
IS Gaga really the new Madonna? A case is being made.
Nexty Winners The Fire and Reason to Rock NYC's Power Ball Tomorrow!
With the help of The Fire and Reason, winners of the Brink of Fame: New Artist at the NewNowNext Awards, the Power Ball, a celebration of the dance music community's commitment to expanding the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBT people, should prove to be a great event. The celebration is run by The Power, an online organizing network dedicated to fighting for LGBT rights.
I'm all for supporting a good cause while partying, especially when there will be $3 Svedka until midnight! Other performers include Mel Merio, Grooveheadz Orchestra, DJ Kevin Graves, and DJ Christopher Just. There's a $5 minimum donation to get in, and will take place at Santos Party House in New York City. Make sure to squeeze it into all your pride partying!
Hot, talented, and supportive of the gay community? I think they're proving exactly why they won the Nexty for best up and coming artist.
See what all the buzz about The Fire and Reason is after the jump!
Hottie Jay Brannan's New Covers Album Serves Up Some Classics
Who didn't love Jay Brannan in Shortbus? He was cute and, well, I can't really say why else his performance was attention getting without getting too explicit (let's just say the "National Anthem" earned a whole new meaning). Well, Jay is not only a great actor but as most of you already know, he's also a talented musician and is set to release a new covers album July 7 titled In Living Cover.
Jay covers everyone from the Cranberries to Joni Mitchell to Bob Dylan. The album also has two new originals from Jay, and his first single, a cover of the Verve Pipe's "The Freshman," is available on iTunes. The single is already number 3 on iTunes' Top Singer/Songwriter Song charts, so help a fellow gay out and push him towards number 1!
You can pre-order his CD now at his store site, as well as buy his other CDs and t-shirts. Be sure to also check out his main website to find out details about his upcoming tour and see if the actor/musician is coming somewhere close to you!
Time for another round of Liz Dahmen and John Polly sounding off in a new vloggy mini-series called Amazing Gay Stuff, which you'll find here (and as part of Amazon’s Gay & Lesbian Store), and which will serve up fun rundowns of the best gay-related movies, DVDs, music, books and just about anything else that you need.
This week, John and Liz go broad when talking about "The Gay Essentials." What are some big basics you need to complete your gay world? Glad you asked! John and Liz touch upon books, movies, music, kitchen appliances and even some techie stuff that you need! From rice cookers to Harvey Milk to gender politics to lesbians toting guitars, they've got it covered!!! And like last time, all of the good stuff you hear about here can be found at Amazon.com.
I wonder if Shakira will dedicate another song just to her hips on her new album? I'd be ok with that.
I never thought I would hear that the faux search for the mythical She-Wolf would have anything to do with Shakira, but apparently, it's the subject of a new viral marketing campaign she is using to advertise "She Wolf," the first single off her upcoming album titled "Animal Instinct." Several videos have popped up online describing the hunt for this "She-Wolf" and depict her latest victims.
They're kind of bizarre and unusual, but then again, Shakira has always been a little out there. She's been shooting footage for the music video for the past couple days, so maybe we'll be seeing a fur-clad, fang bearing Shakira doing her signature belly-dancing pretty soon. Not going to lie, I'm kind of excited to see that.
Music blogger Arjan over at ArjanWrites (maybe you saw him on the red carpet at this weekend's NewNowNext Awards; and he even doled out his own award, too!) posted about this fresh collaboration between two of our fave Scandinavian music acts. Norway's Rokysopp have enlisted Sweden's pop powerhouse Robyn to lend her always polished sass to their single "The Girl & the Robot" on their latest album Junior.
Give a listen to the tune's Chateau Marmont remix below! And Arjan's got the same single also mashed-up with some choice Lily Allen cuts, too.
Arjan Reveals the Winner of the ArjanWrites Best International Crossover Award!!!
ALERT: All of the NewNowNext Awardsaren't happening during the show broadcast!!! Some the best awards are doled out by amazingly cool bloggers that are part of the whole NewNowNext Awards mania. For example, music super-blogger Arjan at ArjanWrites.com is the man behind the ArjanWrites Best International Crossover Award!
The nominees for the prize -- going to the international up-and-coming music star who's poised to bust out and become the next Kylie, the next Estelle, the next M.I.A., include Frankmusik, VV Brown, Ladyhawke, Empire of the Sun, Patrick Wolf and Little Boots. Wanna find out who won right now??? WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE!!!!
SPOILER ALERT: Wanna see a super-fab music video from the winner? Look after the jump!
NewNowNext Awards 2009: They're On! Watch Right Here, Right Now!
They're here. 2009's NewNowNext Awards have arrived in all their towering, high-wigged, glammed-out, cracked-up, sexified glory! Hosted by RuPaul! With appearances from Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Vanessa Williams, Cheyenne Jackson, Ongina, Wendy Williams, Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen, Eve, the Real Housewives of NYC (yes, Jill Zarin & Bethenny), Christian Siriano, Mary McCormack, the Paradiso Girls, Paulina Porizkova, folks from True Blood, Jeffery & Cole and a gay boatload of others!!!
Starting watching now! The first big segment of the show is above... And after the jump, watch the rest!!! Expect madness and thrills and all kind of prizes awarded to the coolest in pop culture, music, TV, film, gayness and just about everything else!
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