Tag: lady gaga

five song friday, listen up!, music musings, music suggestion, show the love, the catch-all-egory

5SF: october 31

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I guess this is the Halloween edition of five song Friday, not because it is Halloween themed, but simply because it is happening on Halloween this year. I am wearing a cute orange shirt today that has three ghosts on it, and when you turn off the lights, the word boo glows in the dark. It was too cute to pass up… and it was orange! I guess Halloween should be a favorite holiday of mine, since orange is everywhere, and it is an excuse to eat lots of candy, but I never really get into it to be honest. We are going to give out candy, and check in on our neighbor’s party, but that’s about it. Whatever you are up to this ghoulish “holiday”, rest assured that I have some great songs for you today, none of which have anything to do with Halloween, but are great nonetheless. Alright, here it goes…

Horse Feathers – Curs of Weeds
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_horsefeathers-cursofweeds.mp3]
I first heard Horse Feathers on the indie channel of XM, and I thought they were mellow and delightful. I downloaded their most recent release, and after hearing this song once, I freaking loved it. The vocals remind me of the smoky/raspy vocals of artists like Ray LaMontagne, which are coupled with a backing female vocal that take something beautiful and make it gorgeous. The delicate nature of this song just makes me want to close my eyes and absorb it all. The violins are achingly beautiful, and the tenderness and composition of the instrumentation is fantastic. The rest of the record is quite good, and being that this song was such an instant favorite, I am happy that I could share it this week. I love discovering stuff like this.

Nicole Scherzinger Pussycat Dolls – I Hate This Part
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_pcd-ihatethispart.mp3]
Now, I was originally a skeptic of PCD, but they wouldn’t go away, and eventually, I was lured into their pop web, and ended up becoming somewhat of a fan. Given that I loved the first single off of Doll Domination (When I Grow Up) so much, I had to give the rest of the record a chance, and in my time with it, I have found several great songs on the record. However, my favorite BY FAR, is this amazingly beautiful ballad that pretty much proves what we knew all along; not only is Nicole Scherzinger the voice behind the Pussycat Dolls, but she pretty much NEEDS a solo career. Seriously. Watch the video for this song. She’s definitely carrying this group, and that doesn’t bother me; so as long as they make fantastic songs like this one. I just hope that Nicole is happy, and keeps bringing the goods like she is doing here. Damn she sings the shit out of this song; just listen at about 3:10 in… wow.

P!nk – I Don’t Believe You
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_pink-idontbelieveyou.mp3]
As I mentioned earlier this week, I was excited to snag P!nk’s newest album, which came out on Tuesday, and I will say that this record is definitely a grower. With the first listen, I liked it, but with each subsequent listen, many of these songs are really sticking with me in a great way. This song in particular is beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect for her smoky voice. I have liked P!nk for a long time now, and with this record, she has just further solidified her fan base; it is a great album, and is already among my favorites of this year. I hate that she had to endure a break up, but at least she was able to channel some of that energy into making Funhouse such a great record.

The Saturdays – Work
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_saturdays-work.mp3]
I was originally skeptical of the Saturdays (lots of skepticism this week!); mainly because I felt like they were a bit of a Girls Aloud wannabe. However, their first single, If This Is Love, found it’s way onto my ipod, and I found myself really liking it, and even featured it on a previous five song Friday. My buddy Stu (thanks Stu!!!!!) insisted that I check out the rest of their record, Chasing Lights, and I am VERY glad that I did. There are some very well produced pop songs on that record, and Work, by far, is my favorite. That chorus is just fierce. Girls Aloud have definitely got some competition from these beauties; but I am willing to bet that the world has room for more than a few studio-produced girl pop super groups, right!? With songs like this, I know that I definitely have room for them on my ipod!

Lady GaGa – Starstruck
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1031_ladygaga-starstruck.mp3]
Okay, it is no secret that I love Lady GaGa. I gushed yesterday about her amazing performance on Wednesday night, as well as her CD’s release earlier this week (FINALLY!), and since it was such a GaGa week, I felt compelled to bring at least one more track from her amazing record to the table. This song was the song that she closed with the other night, and she fucking tore it up! In fact, since the show, I have been playing this banger on repeat. This song is a new song for fellow GaGa fans; it was one of the two new songs that she put on her already impressive record for release here in the states. I have to say, that she definitely has my vote for best new talent of 2008, and if she keeps churning out impressive pop like this, she is going to be bigger than huge. I am so glad that I got to see her live in such an intimate setting, and I was (and still am) starstruck by the amazing Lady GaGa. Also, make sure you go and check out the video for Poker Face, the second AMAZING single from The Fame… it is FIERCE!

Well, there you have it; another week on the books, and five more songs to tantalize your ears. This week ranged all the way from the acoustic to the banging-est beats, and I hope that everyone found a little something that they enjoyed. As always, let me know what you are listening to, and let me know what you think of these tracks! Have a safe and happy Halloween!!!

concerts, flickr, friends, music musings, music suggestion, photography

Lady GaGa @ Bazaar Atlanta 10/29/08

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Lady GaGa @ Bazaar ATL, 10/29/08Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the amazing Lady GaGa live, at a very intimate venue, the bar Bazaar, in Midtown Atlanta. The place was standing room only, and the place was packed with eager fans waiting to see Ms. GaGa take the “stage” (which was just a big plywood box that they put up at the front of the bar).

We arrived early, so as to make sure we had a great view, and ended up being in the front “row”. After waiting a couple of hours, the white limo pulled up outside, and the tension in the room grew; we were ready for our diva to take the mic and turn out the beats. I have to gripe here for a second, though, because people who think that they can just come up to the front, and stand in front of people that have been patiently waiting for two hours can get a freaking clue. Seriously, no less than 3 people tried to do that, and I told them to shove off… I usually just deal with it, but I was NOT going to stand behind someone at this show. After waiting for a while after the limo pulled up, and after telling several people to move to the back where there was plenty of room, Lady GaGa busted in, and seriously brought down the house. Just before she came out, her dancers came down to make sure they had enough room, and the one dancing in front of me said, “make sure to keep this area clear; there will be a LOT of dancing right here”. Hell yes.

She was full of energy, dancing and gyrating through several of her major songs, like Just Dance, Beautiful Dirty Rich, and her current single, Poker Face. After an energetic performance filled with complicated choreography, a dance with a disco stick, and acrobatic routines, the Lady treated us to one of the songs that was included on the American release of her record (which was finally released earlier this week), Starstruck (which I absolutely LOVE).

The beats were massive, the sound was booming, and her vocals were flawless. I consider myself extremely lucky to see someone as hugely talented as Lady GaGa in such an intimate setting, and I enjoyed the concert thoroughly; as did everyone else in the place by the feeling of all that energy. I was also completely happy that Stu, John, Michael, and Broderick were there… we all had a blast. GaGa came in, completely delivered, and even stuck around for autographs after her show (which was incredible, considering that she opened for the New Kids earlier that night before playing for us!).

Overall, it was a massive show, and it was amazing. When I met her after the show, I excitedly told her that I loved her, and she simply told me that she loved me as well. *squee!* This is definitely a show that I won’t forget for some time. I’m glad that I had the chance to go out and “just dance” with the Lady that is GaGa.

Be sure to check out the other photos that I took on flickr; you can get there by clicking on the one above. I got some freaking great shots, and I am so glad that I defended my up front position so that I could get them!! (note: a post similar to this one is posted on Jiingo as well!)

music musings, music suggestion, shiny stuff

big music tuesday

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Today is a pretty decent day for music releases, as there are four CDs that hit shelves today that I had to pick up:
big music tuesday
I will confidently say that no less than one of these albums will make my year end list; you can count on it. I can’t remember a Tuesday where four CDs came out that I had to pick up, so it’s definitely a day of music worth blogging about.

I also wanted to get Guitar Hero World Tour (the drums and everything!), but I had to leave empty handed. The douche at Best Buy just disappeared when I asked for his help, and came back to tell me that Guitar Hero didn’t come with drums (which made me angry, because all he had to do was pay attention to his surroundings, especially since they have it out for everyone to play, and the drum kit is clearly sitting three feet from where we had the conversation… but I digress). So, I will have to wait until later for that one; I am going to try and get it after work, because it looks ever so fun, and we played Rock Band the other night and had a blast with the drums, and the Guitar Hero ones have cymbals (and no crappy pedal)! Looks like I found something to do for the rest of the week, eh!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, you tube

5SF: september 19

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Hello boys and girls… it’s the first post of the new year of five song Friday! I have been pondering the idea of doing a themed 5SF in the near future, so stay tuned for that… Today, I have the usual fare of new songs and stuff that I have been liking; I have to say, that I love autumn… not only does it get cooler, but new music seems to saturate the scene more so than any other time of year. The roster of upcoming releases shows a lot of promise for the rest of this year as well… color me excited.

Kaiser Chiefs – Never Miss a Beat
From the very first time I heard the opening note of Ruby, I was a fan of the Kaiser Chiefs. This British rock and roll set instantly reminded me of the earlier days of Blur and Oasis, and with their previous album Yours Truly, Angry Mob, they showed just how good they are at making quality rock and roll music. After falling in love with YTAM (which made my year end list last year), and when I heard that they would be releasing a new album this year, it goes without saying that I was extremely excited. After hearing Never Miss a Beat, the first single from the album, and after playing it on repeat (it’s catchy!!!), I will say that I definitely have very high hopes that this record will be amongst my favorites of 2008. I cannot wait for the release of the new Kaiser Chiefs… Here’s hoping that it delivers in the way that I know it can.

Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Dawn of the Dead
I have to say, that it is a sound that we have all heard before… but it is a catchy one, no? I really love the intro of the sirens… nice touch. These guys remind me a bit of the Killers mixed with the Cure on this track, but their record is a whole other animal entirely (it is really strange… but in a good way). That being said, this song is a sheer delight, and I have been playing it on repeat… it’s a well crafted rock track. It also has a weird video. Perhaps my favorite part of this song, which is a real surprise in traditional rock and roll, is the use of the steelpan, which, if you have heard it in context, it usually make things sound very Caribbean and “islandy”. However, in this case, it just adds an air of delight to an otherwise perfectly fine track; it’s a very nice surprise. I have to say it though… why isn’t this song called Say So? Regardless of the name, this is definitely a great song.

New Kids on The Block feat. Lady GaGa – Big Girl Now
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_919_nkotb-biggirlnow.mp3]
Hear me out. I will admit that I was never that big of a New Kids fan. I thought Hanging Tough was a bit silly, but I had the tape. Cut to earlier this summer when we heard the news that the New Kids were releasing a new CD. Okay… what can we expect? After hearing the first single Summertime, I was sure that we shouldn’t expect too much; it isn’t very good. Yet, being the lover of all things pop that I am, I couldn’t ignore the whole record because of one dud lead off single. So, I downloaded it, and I saw that Ms. Lady GaGa, diva of all things pop, was on the song Big Girl Now. Needless to say, I was happy to see her name, and I knew that she could bring the pop to the New Kids… and she DOES. This song is catchy and fun… and it has Lady GaGa, who you may or may not know that I have a slight infatuation with… I may have mentioned her once or twice on the blog here before (Jesus release her CD already!!!!). Regardless if the rest of the record is a dud or not (currently, I don’t know, I haven’t really given it a proper listen yet), this song is undeniably HOT.

Sugagbabes – Girls
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_919_sugababes-girls.mp3]
Another Sugababes record, in just a year?!?! YES PLEASE!!! Their previous record was one of their best to date, and after hearing this horny song (no not that kind of horny!), I am tapping my feet and bobbing my head; all the while, even more excited about a new Sugababes record!! This song didn’t initially hit me, however, so I suggest that you give it a few listens… it is a grower, and it really is a great single. I have to say, though, that I have one major issue with this song… are they saying “here comes the girls?”, because that is what it sounds like. I doubt that is the case, it is probably one of those things that you hear incorrectly in songs (like “when I grow up, I wanna have boobies”), so I will just let that one go with nothing more than a mention. Either way, the Sugababes are back with more fantastic pop… and I am even more excited about the record now!

Joshua Radin – Today
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_919_joshuaradin-today.mp3]
I read that this song was used on Scrubs, because Zach Braff is such a fan of Radin’s music, but I will admit that I only first heard this song last week. Remember the clip of Ellen and Portia’s wedding that I posted about? Well, this is the AMAZINGLY beautiful song that is playing in the background. How beautiful!!! I love that he performed it at their wedding as well… how perfect. Seriously, though, there is nothing bad that I can say about this song; other than it stays in my head, and begs to be played on repeat. It is an extremely beautiful track, and I love it so very, very much. What a wonderful, albeit unexpected discovery. I love finding amazing music like this!!! Thanks Ellen!

Well, that’s all for this week. I hope you found something in the above tracks that you enjoy. Also, let me know what you are listening to… do it!!! Have a great weekend, kids.

is it just me?, listen up!, music musings, music suggestion, show the love, venting

leaked: the fame

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Well, the inevitable has happened: The Fame has officially leaked onto the internet. I have been talking about Lady GaGa’s debut for months now, and have been touting it as my most anticipated release of 2008, so of COURSE, I had to get it. Now that I have had a few listens, I am going to make a grand statement, and declare that it is the best pop record of the year so far. This record is MASSIVE.

The massive talent that Lady GaGa has for crafting pop gem after pop gem is clear and present throughout her debut, and I can’t wait for this CD to officially drop in the US. I will say this, if you think Just Dance is a great track, just wait until you hear the rest; the record exudes energy, disco, glamour, poptrash, and all things pure and unadulterated pop. I am very, very impressed. I will wait until the CD gets released to give it an official rating, but from what I have heard on the leaked version, it has earned a “unofficial”, solid 5 out of 5 stars , ladies and gentlemen.

Everyone will bow to the Haus of GaGa; the new princess of pop has arrived. An interesting thing about Lady GaGa that has come to my attention, came in a revelation that a friend of mine pointed out: how her voice does bear some similarities to Gwen Stefani (who you all should know by now that I completely abhor). While I do see what he is talking about, I think that the stark difference is that Lady GaGa (and the irony of Lady GaGa’s real name being Stefani is not lost here) is what Gwen would sound like if she were more talented in the realm of pop music. I cannot forgive Gwen for the serious misstep that was Holla Back Girl (*shivers*), and frankly, I haven’t heard anything that would be worthy of redeeming her in my eyes. So, I hear the similarities in voice, but seriously, Gwen doesn’t have anything on GaGa, and that is just fact so far as I’m concerned.

Finally, one thing that is sort of related to the whole leaking of GaGa’s CD, is the eventual backlash from the RIAA that I can naturally foresee. But what I don’t get, is why they would release a CD in August in Canada (eh!), and then have a release date for the same CD in the US almost 2 full months later. I mean, do you think that people aren’t going to leak it? Dumb. Just release the damn thing at the same time all over the place, and we will flock to the stores like your puppets as you want us to anyway, and fork over our hard earned money for the goods.

I guess it makes me irritated to have to deal with attitudes on downloading music because of the major bullshit like this release issue. I was in Decatur CD not too long ago browsing the CDs, and I overheard this conversation a “record exec-type” was having with the owner. He was literally bashing the hell out of anyone that would “dare” download music, and after he pretty much equated downloading music to the 11th greatest sin, I just got so frustrated that I put down the 2 CDs I was going to buy, and I left. Don’t these morons know that the people that download music actually buy a majority of the records that are released? If it weren’t for downloading music, I would miss about 80% of the stuff that I love, and I just don’t see how learning about new music, and then going out and buying it is such a bad thing. Whatever. Just a gripe of mine. There, it’s been said; but let’s not let it take away from the amazingness of Lady GaGa… who’s record is B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T. Now… just release it so I can get it!

"pointless", is it just me?, music musings, music suggestion, the catch-all-egory, venting

let’s do a list!

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Why the fuck not, it’s Monday, so let’s do a list of thoughts/gripes/excitements/etc why don’t we!?

  • There are a LOT of albums coming out in the next couple of months that I am really, really looking forward to: Uh Huh Her, Jennifer Hudson, Lesley Roy, The Script (tomorrow!), Kaiser Chiefs (!!!), Jenny Lewis, Keane, P!nk, Jem, John McLaughlin, Will Young (!!!), Rachael Yamagata, Ray LaMontagne, and perhaps most importantly, Lady GaGa (AHHHHH!!!). That is a LOT of music coming in the near future that I am thrilled to get my hands on (and into my ears). What releases are you looking forward to?
  • For the past month (give or take), XM has been playing nothing but Coldplay on one of my favorite channels, U-Pop. I found out the other day that there is another channel that is playing nothing but Coldplay as well. Now, I like the new CD, but I am not a fan of their previous stuff. Regardless, I think that it is extremely ridiculous to devote two full channels for a full month to a band like Coldplay; they only have 4 records out! WTF XM?
  • Since I am on a gripe about XM, I want to know what the deal is with the commercials. Seriously, I understand them on talk radio, because those shows actually have breaks for commercials on the regular networks, so commercials are acceptable on those shows. However, XM touts themselves as commercial free, which is an absolute LIE. I want my $175 a year I spend on XM back if I have to listen to commercials, it just doesn’t seem right, to pay for commercial free programming, and then be lied to, does it?
  • I feel like I might be the only one, but the fact that the Olympic opening ceremony cost a reported $100 million really bothers me. It was pretty and all, but that money could have been used WAY more effectively, even in China, where plenty of people live in poverty. I just feel like it was a lot of “showing off” for the rest of the world, and I really felt like it not only teetered on “excess”, but it was kind of a slap in the face to all of the poor people in China that really have actual needs that will last way longer than the 4 hour ceremony that occurred last Friday. It was, however, funny to see our dork of a president yawning and tapping his feet in boredom during the march-out of the countries participating. What an idiot to represent us to the world.
  • As for the Olympics themselves, we watched the women’s gymnastics last night, and it was fun. I see this next couple of weeks being filled with wondering who wins what, and wanting to watch some of the events. I guess we’ll see how much we actually watch, because I get burned out on that crap pretty fast, really.
  • I think that’s about it really. I really want Apple to hurry up and release a new ipod Touch for my birthday!

five song friday, hotness, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: august 8

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This week, I’ll be honest… had a hard time picking 5 songs. A part of me wanted to post only songs from the amazing Lady GaGa after hearing a bunch leaked tracks off of her upcoming album, because it is sincerely amazing. However, I didn’t want to overkill on GaGa, because as her record gets a real release, I am going to be screaming from the rafters about it then as well. So, I picked an amazing track of hers for this week, and then managed to scrounge up a few other gems as well.

Lady GaGa – Love Game
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_ladygaga-lovegames.mp3]
“Let’s have some fun, this beat is sick; I wanna take a ride on your disco stick.” Brilliant. Utterly. Fucking. Brilliant! Seriously, this song just has me moving and grooving, as does every track I have heard from the amazing Lady GaGa (especially the AMAZING track, Just Dance; which I cannot get enough of). It is REALLY rare when an artist comes out with a pop record that is as brilliantly put together as Lady GaGa’s The Fame, and I am incredibly excited about it’s eventual release. Until then, I have been grabbing at every bit of GaGa that I can get my hands on from the magical interwebs, and track after track has filled me with glee. This record is a serious contender for record of the year at this point for me… and it hasn’t even been released! Seriously, if you are a fan of fantastic pop music, come into the Haus of GaGa; because she knows how to create amazing pop, and track after track, she is proving that she is a pop force to be reckoned with. Lady GaGa is one the best things to happen to American pop in a long while.

Keane – Spiralling
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_keane-spiralling.mp3]
This week, Keane sent out an announcement that you could download their newest single, Spiralling, for free from their website. Well, being the curious cat that I am, I went ahead and downloaded it, and I have to say, that after several listens, I like it more and more each time I hear it. It is a funky track for Keane, and has me very interested in what they have in store for their upcoming release, Perfect Symmetry. I loved that song Somewhere Only We Know when it came out many moons ago, but I got a bit played out on it, and as such, lost interest in Keane. Well, I can definitely say that Spiralling has renewed that interest in hearing what they have to say.

She & Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay Here
This song comes from an amazing band that I have been enjoying for a few months now. It was recommended by a fellow amazing music blogger, and I have to say, I like the slightly unconventional take on pop-country that Zoey Deschanel has taken with her fellow band mate. The technical skill in her singing is very juvenile, but I think that is what makes me like it so much. Her voice is tender and sweet, and it almost sounds like she is singing each song with an ear-to-ear grin on her face. I have seen many movies with her that I have loved (most notably Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), and I love her bubbly spirit and her beautiful look. Much of that personality she exudes in her acting comes forth in the songs she helped create for She & Him, making for a lovely listening experience. If you enjoyed this track, be sure to check out the others. Even though the video is a bit gruesome, I love how tongue and cheek it is about it, especially considering how “sweet” the accompanying song is.

The Script – The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_thescript-themanwhocantbemoved.mp3]
I was in the car with my buddy Deb yesterday, and this song came on the radio, and each of us instantly agreed that it was a great song. I ran home to try and get it, but low and behold, it isn’t on iTunes, but I was lucky enough to find it on the interwebs. Why is great music so hard to obtain sometimes? Based on how much I like this song, I am sure that I want to know more about the Script, and I will be doing whatever I can to get more of their music (I will definitely snag their album when it goes out on August 12). I love how the lead singer’s voice has a definite likeness to Sting’s beautiful voice; perhaps that is what I was drawn to initially. Either way, I really like this song, and the chorus is one of those that really begs to be played at a pivotal scene in a movie.

Kosheen – Hungry
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_kosheen-hungry.mp3]
I don’t know what brought this out, but the other day I was looking through my music, and I realized I didn’t have Kosheen’s CD in my collection anymore. I instantly had to have it, because I remember some of the amazing tracks that they had back in 2001 that just blew me away. The haunting vocals of the lead singer really match the electronic beats and fast pumping melodies in their songs. This song in particularly was a favorite of mine at the time, and really takes me back to many of those nights dancing in the club, having the time of my life. I checked their wikipedia page, and I see that they have a couple of other albums, so I will probably have to check them out at some point in the near future. I’m glad to have been reminded of this random piece of the past… this song is really amazing, isn’t it?

Well, there you have it, five new songs… How do I continue to do it? Well, part of it is from recommendations… so let me know what you are going gaga over these days too. I hope everyone has a smashing weekend!

happenings, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, that is so gay

5SF: july (pride edition!!)

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Well, this weekend is the annual Pride celebration in Atlanta, and it also happens to be July 4th weekend; so a three-day Pride celebration is officially in full swing! We’ve got our pride flag hanging outside, and have made plans to party with our friends this weekend. Just because it’s a national holiday, however, doesn’t mean I have forgotten about the five songs for Friday!!! Today’s 5SF is going to be chock full of songs that are sure to be blaring from the speakers this weekend, as they are all super gay friendly, and mostly, banging dancefloor-ready tracks that definitely get me moving and make me want to shake my booty this weekend! Alright, here we go:

Lady GaGa – Boys Boys Boys
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_74_ladygaga-boysboysboys.mp3]
First up today is a leaked song by the AMAZING Lady GaGa. I have been going gaga over this lady since I instantly fell in love with her infectious HIT Just Dance, and I have anxiously been awaiting new stuff to satiate my appetite for all things Lady GaGa. Well, I found this little gem out there on the internets, and I have been loving every second of it. So far, Lady GaGa’s record is my most anticipated record of the year; this song shows me that she is a huge talent that is going to really deliver. I can’t wait for the The Fame! Until then, I am MAD about Boys Boys Boys!!! (And how appropriate, a song about loving boys on Pride weekend!)

Jessica Folker – To Be Able To Love (Jonathon Peters Remix)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_74_jessicafolcker-tobeabletolove.mp3]
This is a definite blast from the past for me. I was thinking that I wanted to search my dance-music dominated past, and come up with my favorite song, and I will tell you that it was hard. I have a HUGE collection of dance music, and there are so many that really get me moving. However, when I heard this remixed version of Jessica Folcker’s hit, I knew I had to choose this one to include this week. Perhaps I will add more dance songs in nostalgia in the future after rediscovering this amazing song. I can still remember how I came to know this song… my friend Matt (a DJ) used to make CDs for his friends. Well, he handed me a CD one night, and told me simply, that the first song would make me cum. It was Jessica Folcker’s To Be Able To Love, and I can tell you, that I squealed with delight when I heard it. This song is dance music at its best.

The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up
Oh Pussycat Dolls, how I have continually underestimated you. Also, is it just me, or had anyone else wondered where the amazingness that Darkchild once possessed had gone? Feedback is an excellent track, but I forgot that it was by Darkchild, mainly because it lacks the call sign in Janet’s hit. Either way, he shows us that he definitely still has it with this amazingly catchy song from the hotter than fire Pussycat Dolls. There is no denying that these ladies are smoking hot, and at least one of them can sing the shit out of a song. I am glad that Nicole stuck with the girls to make a new record, because based on their last one, we can expect many more hits from PCD this year! I seriously cannot get enough of this song… it makes me want to dance all night long! (also, I can’t help but squeal like a little girl when they say they want to grow up and have boobies. LOL!)

Ne-Yo – Closer
If I didn’t know better, I would think that this song was geared directly towards the gay market; mainly because of the extreme dance-ability of this track. Additionally, I would probably put this more under the category of house, rather than R&B, but then again, I guess that isn’t what Ne-Yo was going for (which is probably why I never noticed it before recently). Either way, it is a dance floor ready track that definitely begs to be blasted from the stereo this Pride weekend. It is also awesome to see Ne-Yo dancing it up in the video, proving that Usher isn’t the only boy who has the moves!

Chris Brown – Forever
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_74_chrisbrown-forever.mp3]
This is another song that I wouldn’t have expected from an R&B artist, mainly because it seems like it would be made by an artist more geared to the gay community because of its insane dancability. Maybe these R&B lads are realizing that we like a dance beat too, and are bringing the gays the goods? Either way, it is another great danceable song that I have been enjoying for a little while, which only continues to grow on me. A note about this song/video too; why the fuck is embedding disabled on you tube, Universal Music?? Are you afraid that people are actually going to post the video and promote the song? WTF. FAIL.

Oh well… there’s your five songs, folks. I hope everyone has an amazing 4th of July, and a amazing Pride weekend!!! Happy Pride everybody!!

listen up!, music musings, music suggestion

music thoughts

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There have been a ton of records coming out lately, and a lot of them have been getting a lot of my attention. Since it is so freaking hot out, there is little to do but stay indoors and play some music, so I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite things on this very planet, and let you know what I think about the stuff I have been exposed to recently.

  • The new Death Cab For Cutie record, Narrow Stairs, gets incredibly better with each listen. I don’t quite know how that is possible, considering I really liked it from the first go. It is a contender for best album of the year; however I am still doubtful that it can topple the hold Robyn currently has on that spot.
  • Adele‘s record, 19, came out yesterday. It is brilliant, and you should buy it. A lot of people are going buggy over Duffy, and I hope that Adele steals a bit of that thunder; they are similar in style, but there really is no need to compete, as they are both really good at what they do. (I just prefer Adele’s record, that’s all.)
  • Listening to M83‘s record makes me want to dub them the Shiny Toy Guns of 2008; albeit, their record is definitely a softer, happier record (again, despite the macabre lyrics). It makes me want some new Shiny Toy Guns material, but also makes me happy that there are other bands out there making great electro-pop records.
  • I have listened to the upcoming Coldplay album, Viva La Vida or Death and all His Friends, several times, and dare I say it, but it is really good. In fact, I like it a lot. I never saw that one coming. Viva La Vida is also one of the best songs of 2008 so far. Wow, I never thought I would say any of the preceding, and it refer to Coldplay. 2008 has definitely been a strange year for music so far.
  • Speaking of strange things in music this year, I am taken aback by the number of bands of “yester-year” that are releasing great records; like B-52s, Portishead, and Cyndi Lauper. Also, Alanis Morissette‘s new record, Flavors of Entanglement came out this week, and it has some very good songs on it as well. Here’s the the resurgence of music from people that haven’t put out anything in a while, and them making triumphant comebacks!!! (And no, I didn’t forget about that great “Stamp Your Feet” record from Donna Summer… I am just letting it marinate, that’s all.)
  • Weezer‘s most recently released self titled (Red) album is definitely good as well. I am very happy with it. If you are a fan of theirs, you should like it too, because, well, you said you were a fan, and it is a pretty damn fine Weezer record. Jeez.
  • Last but not least, I have said it before, but I cannot CANNOT get enough of Lady Gaga‘s Just Dance. I really hope her record is as amazing as this song is. JUST DANCE! (I am honey!).

That was fun, wasn’t it? What did you think? Anything I am missing out on?