Vote in Billboard's Mid-Year Music Awards

I was just starting to work on my annual "Top Ten Songs of 2012...So Far!" piece when I got an email from Billboard announcing their mid-year music awards.  I remember when they did it last year it inspired me to do my thing, which by the way, got me a lot of page views.

Billboard

Wikipedia

Billboard is one of the foremost leaders in music reporting and this poll is a fun one to participate in.  You can vote for nominees in several categories by choosing one of their picks or writing in your own choice.  Vote for MVP of the year so far; best song; best album; best newcomer; most shocking moment, and more.  To vote in Billboard's Mid-Year Music Awards Poll, click here and stay tuned for the winners...

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February 15th, 2012 - Writing Wednesday

It's hard to believe it, but Writing Wednesday is here already and all I've got this week is stuff from John's World. Here's a recap of some of this week's top stories:



Whitney Houston

Several big things have happened this week, most notably the tragic death of singer Whitney Houston. The story broke out early Saturday night and my first reaction was to do an impromptu tribute featuring one of my favorite Whitney songs...

If tomorrow is judgement day
And I'm standin' on the front line
And the Lord ask me what I did with my life
I will say I spent it with you

R.I.P. Whitney Houston "My Love Is Your Love"

Of course, I couldn't let the death of such an important person in my music world go with just a single song and a note. Like many others, Whitney Houston will forever be a part of the soundtrack of my life and I just had to pay some sort of tribute to the gifted songstress who touched many with her words and her voice. Check out Memories and Songs of Whitney Houston.

Along with all of the tributes and news coverage of Whitney's death came an ugly story that I first read on Monday and had to share. It's really hard to believe, and sad too, that such disgusting racism still exists among us. A Fox News' report of the death of Whitney Houston elicited upwards of 4,000 comments on their Facebook page, and many of the comments are appalling, to say the least. I'm ashamed to call some of these people Americans. Check out the story below:

Fox Viewers Show Their True Colors with Ugly Diatribes Against Whitney Houston

The Grammy's

The other big story this week, of course, was the 54th Annual Grammy Awards show that aired on Sunday night. The show had its' moments, with superb performances by Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, David Guetta, and a heartfelt rendition of "I Will Always Love You" by Jennifer Hudson. Nicki Minaj raised quite a few eyebrows with her, um, strange performance, too, but the big story of the night was Miss Adele.



MJB Pulling for Adele at 54th Annual Grammy Awards

On the day of the show, I read a piece online that one of my favorite singers, Mary J Blige, was a big fan of Adele and that she was hoping for a six-Grammy sweep by the British phenom, which is of course what happened. Adele was simply adorable at the Grammy's, beautiful, gracious, and super endearing all at once. Her down-to-earth persona is a big part of what makes this very talented so special, and Mary wasn't the only one, I'm sure, who was happy for her big sweep.

In the show's after-buzz, the singer's people announced that she had decided on the newest single from the Album of the Year, "21," a more upbeat "Rumor Has It." Read on...

"Rumour Has It" to be Adele's next single

A Rant for the Week

There was a story buzzing the other day about Madonna's Super Bowl performance that got my juices flowing. During the performance of "Gimme All Your Luvin," rapper M.I.A. flipped the bird, which was caught on camera. Yahoo ran a story days after speculating whether or not the NFL would take action against the British born star. To me, the story was just another example of irresponsible sensationalism that only works to fuel outrage at the incident, which beforehand had been relatively obscure.

The story reminded me of another Super Bowl performance incident that actually worked to dismantle the highly successful career of one Janet Jackson, and I just had to say something about it:

Fingers and Birds, Nipples and Careers: WTF?

I haven't seen any other news stories on the web since this one appeared, which I hope is a sign of the story fading. Should I see or hear anything further on it, you will surely hear about it here...



Filed Under "Other"

What Happened to Macaulay Culkin?

British online magazine The Sun ran a story on "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin, who was photographed in NYC late last week looking simply awful. In response to the story, Mac said that he was doing just fine, but judging from the picture, he doesn't look well!

Image Sources:

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The First Six Thanksgiving Thanks

I’ve said before that November is one of my favorite months. Of course being my birthday month helps, but there’s another thing I love about this month and that’s my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. To me, Thanksgiving is the one of the most special holidays around because it’s all about taking the time to appreciate all you have in your life. It’s what Christmas should be, but unfortunately consumerism has ruined that holiday, which is a shame, so all we've got left is this one...


Source: LiveWireBlog

Last week on Facebook some of my friends decided to post one thing that they’re thankful for every day of the month, which I think is a great idea. Now some of us have more than others and some have even less, but we all have some things in our lives that we are grateful for. Every year I pose a journal question for my students, asking them to name five things they are thankful for, and the exercise does cause them to think and appreciate, which is what it’s supposed to do. I always enjoy reading them and now I plan to write my own.

I’d like to take the Facebook thing one step further by doing it here, on my blog. That way I can play by my own rules, posting pictures to go along with the things I’m thankful for and writing as much or as little about it as I want. Since today is already the 6th of the month, I’m going to catch up right away by naming six things I am thankful for. Beginning tomorrow I will add a daily post to the project. None of the things I list will be in any particular order, they’ll just be things that are in my brain at the time I add them. So without further adieu, I begin my Thanksgiving Thanks with six things I’m thankful for.

I’m thankful for my iPod

Okay, no one should be surprised by this one, and I’m sure that there are many of you out there who would also include this on their lists of things to be thankful for. Music is a big part of my life and the iPod is the greatest invention ever for listening to music. I have all of my songs in one small, compact space and I can listen to anything I want virtually anywhere. I was crushed last night when I had lost it, but thankfully I found it this afternoon. Big sigh of relief!

I’m thankful for my sister Gina

I went to mom’s house today for dinner, but it was also kind of a special occasion. My sister Gina, who lives in Queens, has a birthday coming up and she came out today to do some laundry and have a little birthday cake. My brother Dave and his family were there, as were mom, my sister Ann Marie and her pal Rihanna.

Anyway, I’m not always too happy with Gina…she’s often out of touch with the rest of us, but whenever I see her, I can’t help but not be upset with her, but love her even more. She’s one of the sweetest people I know and she’s got a really good heart. She’s also got this childish sort of humor that’s a little on the gross side…flinging pretend boogers at people, saying words with her burps, or cutting sometimes horribly smelling cheese. That's my sister Gina, and I’m thankful she’s around even sometimes.



I’m thankful for Dylan and Diego

I know that cats often get a bad rap with people, but I love having mine around. My guys are cute and cuddly and they always give me unconditional love!




I’m thankful for my home

In all my life I never envisioned that I would ever be able to maintain a house all by myself. When I first bought my house from Joe more than 3 ½ years ago, I was scared because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I’m proud that I’ve been able to make my mortgage payments and take care of a house all on my own for the past three and a half years!



That’s not to say that I’ve changed my mind about things…I have no idea what the future holds and I’m still just waiting things out for what, I’m not sure. Still, so far so good. I have a house that I’m proud to call my own and for that I am thankful.

I’m thankful for my job

There have been a couple of interactions I’ve had recently that have added to the certainty that if I’ve done anything right in this life, I’ve chosen a profession I was born to be in. Being a teacher comes naturally to me. I love what I do, and I know I do it well, so yeah!



I’m thankful for my health

There’s no escaping deteriorating health at some point in your life. As we age, things happen to our bodies in their natural progression that you cannot avoid: getting tired more often, losing hair where you want it and getting some where you don’t, achy bones and muscles…all that and more. All in all, though, I must say that I am very lucky. Though I don’t take care of my body as well as I should, I do enough that I’ve managed to stay mostly healthy and youthful looking for my age, and of course I’m thankful for that!



So there you have it, six things I am thankful for, one for each day of November this far. Starting tomorrow I’ll be adding a new one each day until the month comes to an end. In the meantime, I ask you, “What are you thankful for?”

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October 13th, 2011 - Writing Wednesday; Hats Off to Lisa; Walmartian of the Week

Source: Coventry Telegraph

Okay, well last week I published my “Writing Wednesday” on Friday, so at least I’m a bit closer this time. Once again, time hasn’t allowed me to do too much by way of the written word, and so I can use all the help I can get…

Gather

Rihanna tops Madonna as fastest female to reach 20 top tens

At just 23 years of age, Rihanna has broken a record set by Madonna for the fastest female ever to reach 20 top ten hits on the Billboard charts with her latest, “We Found Love.”

New Music for the week of 10/10/11

There’s lots of new stuff this week, including an innovative and interactive new set by Bjork, Joe Jonas’ debut solo album, a long-awaited Evanescence, and lots more.



Y!CN

Chicken Spinach Meatballs

This one’s a rare recipe from me, and it’s easy, healthy and delicious!



Hats Off to Lisa!

I had wanted to do a piece on my friend Lisa’s salon, Hats Off, which celebrated its second anniversary yesterday, but like with all of my other writing, time just got the best of me. Anyway, Lisa is my friend who I reconnected with recently since she recognized me from 2nd grade religion class, and I’ve been going to her shop for the past couple of months.

Technically, Hats Off is a barbershop, but only in name. The place has more of a salon look and feel to it than your traditional white-jacketed, barber pole kind of place, and Lisa and her crew do an awesome job doing men’s cuts. AllBusiness.com did a piece on the shop when it first opened, which you can check out here.

So if you happen to live in the South Shore Long Island area and are looking for a great new place to get your haircut, then give Hats Off a try! The shop is located at 606-B Montauk Highway in Bayport, a little bit east of Broadway Avenue.

Walmartian of the Week

And we finish off this post with our weekly Walmartian. I don't know about you, but I'd be afraid to run into this one in the middle of the night!



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I is for iPod

Good day everyone! It’s a gorgeous day outside today, though a bit on the chilly side. I have other posts to do, so I’m going to get right to my latest entry into the A-Z Challenge:

I is for iPods…

… and iTunes and iPhones and iPads…

But really, as a true connoisseur of music, the iPod to me is one of the best inventions ever! Having lived through the days of records, cassettes, CD’s, and even 8-track tapes, I can attest that the iPod is by far the very best mode ever for listening to music. It’s small and easily portable, and nowadays the electronic accessories that go with the iPod are widespread and inexpensive. They save trips to the ‘record’ store and the prices on new music through iTunes are pretty good, too…and the best part about having an iPod is the ability to have all your music organized and in one, easy to access place.

Rather than go through the intricacies of iPods, I will share some links here to some Articles I’ve written in the past that pertain to the joys of having one and some helpful tips on using them with iTunes. If you don’t have an iPod yet, I suggest you get one real soon, for who knows how long before CD’s become completely obsolete! Here are the links:

The Convenience and Ease of iPods Renders CD’s Obsolete

For New iPod Users

Creating Smart Playlists on iTunes

Creating Customized Playlists on iTunes

How to Move Your iTunes Music Library to Your New Computer Via Your iPod

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January 23, 2011 - The Power of Music

I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of music lately. Throughout my whole life, music has played an integral part. Songs of all kinds have been there through it all, from happy childhood memories to good times with friends, from tender moments with a loved one to moments of heartbreak, creating a soundtrack of my life, of all of our lives.

I recently published a piece on YCN called “Soundtrack of a Relationship.” It was all about the songs that told the story of my recent relationship from beginning to end. That soundtrack is but a small snippet of the larger soundtrack to my life, and it’s reflected in much of my writing. Music is always being played when I’m around and I can’t imagine life without it.

Due to recent circumstances in my life, I’ve been drawn to music with more of a down tempo feel to it, songs that give me comfort in my sadness. I’ve actually been surprised at how many songs that I already knew could suddenly have a different, more authentic meaning that’s relative to my life these days, and I’ve posted quite a few of them here (check out the labels “music videos” and “song lyrics").

Although listening to such songs keeps me in a place where I don’t generally need to be, I think it’s a natural part of life’s progression. I think we all need to feel sad once in awhile. There’s a certain type of comfort you get when a singer tells stories of things you can relate to. My only question is whether or not listening to sad music too much makes the melancholy linger for too long, but sometimes it’s hard to listen to up tempo stuff when you’re feeling down. Eventually a break from all of that must happen.

Conversely, music has a great power to lift up the spirits. I’ve got many favorites when it comes to that. Whether its Heather Small’s “Proud” reminding me that my own actions determine my place in this world or Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” telling me to “live my life with arms wide open”, songs such as these are inspirational and almost always lift my spirits when I hear them. These are some of the intermediary songs I play to help myself be a little more optimistic and they do help.

Then of course there’s the happy music. For some, this can take the form of hard rocking heavy metal or a down home country sing-a-long. For others like me it’s songs that make me want to move. You know I love to dance. That’s always when I’m happiest!

With the sad stuff, though, I think that we can relate to the lyrics because we are all human. Song writers and singers are real people and they’ve had to deal with many of the same issues in life and love as we all have, and we could probably find a song to match almost any situation we’re faced with.

As such I’ve rediscovered some old songs, like Pink’s “It’s All Your Fault” or Chicane’s “No Ordinary Morning”, as well as some new ones that have fit my current state. Is this a coincidence? Not at all! If I were facing heartbreak over a partner’s infidelity or the impending departure of a loved one due to illness, I’d probably find songs to fit those situations too. That’s what makes music so great!

It’s important to know that we all experience highs and lows in our lifetimes and that for whatever situation you find yourself in, there’s always a song out there that will speak for you. You just have to find it.

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Essential Albums of the 80's: Culture Club's "Colour by Numbers"

Culture Club was one of the most iconic new wave bands of the 80’s. Led by androgynous lead singer Boy George, the group spent a good portion of the decade at the top of the charts. After finding successes with such songs as “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and “Time”, off of their 1982 debut album, “Kissing to Be Clever”, the band really made waves with their sophomore effort, 1983’s “Colour by Numbers.”

Producing such memorable 80’s hits as “Church of the Poison Mind” and Karma Chameleon,” “Colour by Numbers” was an international success and earned a spot as one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s “100 Best Albums of the 80’s.” The album is full of great tunes that’ll still get people up and moving. Here’s a track by track look at Culture Club’s “Colour by Numbers”:

click here for more.

A Great Song with a Whole New Meaning

I love music! I love it for so many reasons. The way an avid reader loves poetry, I enjoy many songs for their lyrics, and being set to music makes it all the more enjoyable. There are so many songs that have spoken to me personally, and in my car just now I was listening to a song that I’ve listened to a thousand times before, only this time the words had an all new meaning for me.

The song is called “It’s All Your Fault” and it is written and performed by Pink on her “Funhouse” CD. The song begins with a haunting piano riff and tells the tale of an impending heartbreak, an ending that she can’t bear to imagine. The emotions run the gamut, from helplessness to pleading and when she reaches the chorus, the anger comes out as she blames her lover for making her feel this way in the first place. The song was written as a small piece of a bigger project, a concept album about the singer’s then split from her husband, motocross racer Carey Hart (The couple has since reconciled).

As I listened to the song, it reminded me so much of how I’m feeling these days. Read on for the lyrics and then take a listen below…they could’ve been written by me.

It’s All Your Fault

I conjure up the thought of being gone
But I'd probably even do that wrong
I try to think about which way
Would I be able to and would I be afraid

Cause oh I'm bleeding out inside
Oh I don't even mind (Yeah)

It's all your fault
You called me beautiful
You turned me out
And now I can't turn back
I hold my breath
Because you were perfect
But I'm running out of air
And it's not fair

Da da dada da dada da
Da dadadadadada da dadadadadada

I'm trying to figure out what else to say (What else could I say)
To make you turn around and come back this way (Would you just come back this way)
I feel like we could be really awesome together
So make up your mind cause it's now or never (oh)

It's all your fault
You called me beautiful
You turned me out
And now I can't turn back
I hold my breath
Because you were perfect
But I'm running out of air
And it's not fair

I would never pull the trigger
But I've cried wolf a thousand times
I wish you could
Feel as bad as I do
I have lost my mind

It's all your fault
You called me beautiful
You turned me out
And now I can't turn back
I hold (I hold) my breath (My breath)
Because you were perfect
But I'm running out of air (running out of air)
And it's not fair

(Oh yeah
It's all your fault)

I hold my breath
Because you were perfect
But I'm running out of air
And it's not (It's not) fair

New Music Releases for 2011

The year 2011 promises to be a stellar year for new music. With a wide array of potential new music from pop superstars to alternative bands and even some great reunions, this year should be interesting. Check it out here.

Get Myself Together, Robyn

It's all over like steps in the first snow
Something's been building up and it's gonna blow
My momma called me last night, she said what nothing else fits
Pick up the pieces and move on
I see the flashing lights, just can't make sense of the bits
It's like my mind is gone

I got,got to get
Get my head back on
I got, got to get
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got, got to get
Myself together

I got, got to get
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got, got to get
Myself together

Can't stand to see you upset
But you already know
The more close it gets
The less I wanna go

I saw my brother last night
He said I know you too well
You can't pretend that's nothing wrong
I see the fuse that ignites, like I'm outside of myself
It's like my mind is gone

I got, got to get
Get my head back on
I got, got to get
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got, got to get
Myself together
I got, got to get
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got, got to get
Myself together

My daddy put me aside
Like when I was a child
He said I trust you decide
On what you know is right
And for whatever it's worth,
I am on your side
There's no denying the mess
That I got us in
And I've been trying my best
Not to make a scene
Just can't make a sense of it all
It's like my mind is gone

I got, got to get
Get my head back on
I got, got to get
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got, got to get
Myself together
I got, got to get
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got, got to get
Myself together

My Top Ten Pop Songs for 2010

With 2010 coming to a close, now’s the time to reflect back on the best of the year. Lists of the best in movies, music, video games are already out there and we’ll be seeing more and more right up until year’s end. In keeping with the spirit of the season, I’d like to present my own top ten picks for best pop songs of the year 2010.

Check it out here.

The Day Two Stars fell from the Sky

Thursday, June 25, 2009 is a sad day for entertainment fans around the world as two of its brightest stars met with untimely ends. One's death had been expected for some time now and the other's was a complete shock. With the death of Ed McMahon on Tuesday, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson's passings make up the proverbial "everything comes in threes." Rather than reporting on the already fast spreading news of their losses, I'd like to take a moment to pay homage to these stars that each brightened our landscape in their own unique way.

Charlie's Angel

Farrah Fawcett was best known for her role in the 1970's television series "Charlie's Angels." At the height of the show's popularity, Farrah quickly became a favorite among men, young and old, for her presence on the screen and her natural beauty. At the time, I had been in my early teens and hadn't come to the realization yet that I was playing for the 'other team.' That famous poster of her with her hand beneath her chin and sporting a big smile adorned the wall of my bedroom for years. I think back with fondness remembering it over my bed all that time.

In subsequent years, Farrah slowly faded from the television screens, appearing more in tabloid magazines for her publicized off screen relationship with Ryan O'Neal. She'd appeared now and then in a TV movie, but I'd never really paid much attention to her. What I will always remember when I think of Farrah Fawcett is that beautiful woman in the poster above my bed for so many years. It's how her life touched mine and many others. From what I have heard in gossipy tidbits over the years was that she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She will surely be missed!

The Tragic King

Michael Jackson's death is still being widely reported as I type this, as this news is somewhat of a shock and his fame was indeed celestial. Michael Jackson was a few years older than me, and I remember him as the front man (boy) of the Jackson Five on all of those variety shows that were popular in the early seventies when I was young. Back then, he was an adorable enigma, with a clear talent that no one would have expected to reach the heights he eventually achieved.

As he grew older, he continued to make music with his brothers, filling dance floors across the nation with great ditties such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and "Can You Feel It?" Eventually he branched out on his own with the highly acclaimed and hit generating LP, "Off the Wall", but he really soared to mega-stardom with his "Thriller" album. During the time of the early eighties and beyond, Michael was at the top of his game, providing entertainment to millions with groundbreaking music videos, number one singles, white gloves, and a "moonwalk." Soon after the release of his "Bad" album, notoriety and bad press began to slowly consume the pop star.

The first video for the title cut to the "Bad" CD world premiered with much anticipation, as it was the follow-up to the all time best-selling CD." When fans got their first glimpse of Michael in the video, they were in for a shock. With clear signs of surgical transformation to his face and apparently lighter complexion, Michael's appearance was astoundingly frightful. Rumors ran rampant. Stories abounded everywhere regarding this transformation and he became fodder for late night jokesters everywhere. Then came the infamous allegations of sexual abuse.

Michael Jackson clearly had a fondness for children, publicly hosting children's parties at his Neverland ranch. Eventually, allegations were leveled against him on separate occasions by two young boys. The accusations gave credence to long held suspicions about his sexuality and many now looked at in a whole different light. By the mid nineties, Michael had gained notoriety among many of his fans that eventually plunged him into the obscurity he's lived in for a few years now.

In the end, with all the fame and fortune Michael Jackson attained in his too short life, I can't help but believe that his is as tragic a story as anyone's. Living under the public eye since an early age and with all of the scrutiny that followed him in his later years had to have contributed to his sad story and sadder ending. His sudden death is a shock to many and I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about this tragic figure's life for months and years to come.

So long Sidekick

These two sad news items cannot go by without an honorable mention to Mr. Ed McMahon. Though not as heartrending as the deaths of Farrah and Michael (he was around much longer than his two, much younger counterparts), Ed was an integral part of the fabric of American culture of the twentieth century. I'll bet that Johnny has already begun his new version of the "Tonight Show" somewhere out there now that his sidekick has returned to his side.

So, so long Farrah, Michael, and Ed. This week we've lost three treasures, and each will be sorely missed by many!

Jones Beach Theater Announce Summer 2009 Lineup

Earlier today, the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York announced the lineup for its Summer Concert Series 2009. The Jones Beach Theater is a long time favorite venue of local music fans n the New York Metropolitan Area. The amphitheater, with its stage situated between concertgoers and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, provides an intimate, almost magical atmosphere for enjoying performances by favorite musical artists.

Each year, New York music fans eagerly await the upcoming summer schedule. The theater, currently sponsored by event promoter LiveNation, is offering its usual array of musical artists with appeal from all reaches of the musical spectrum. Here's the low down:

Among some of the more notable acts of the season include some notable reunion/comeback shows. The long-awaited Phish reunion opens the season with three dates in June (2, 4, 5), followed by Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction (on a double bill, June 7)), New Kids on the Block (June 12), No Doubt (June 27), Creed (August 15), and Loggins and Messina (August 23).

Rock fans will enjoy Aerosmith, together with ZZTop (June 26), Def Leopard with Poison (July 8), Judas Priest with Whitesnake (July 12), and Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd (August 2). Seventies super-groups the Doobie Brothers (with Bad Company, June 28), Crosby, Stills and Nash (August 8), and the Allman Brothers Band (August 27) all make summer stops at the venue.

Modern rock/pop favorites the Fray (June 25), Nickelback (June 15), as well as the Dave Matthews Band (July 21, 22) all make appearances.

Tropical sensation Jimmy Buffet attracts his "Parrotheads" to his annual Jones Beach stop on August 26.

Country Music sensation Kenny Chesney (June 24), reggae show "Rock the Bells" (July 19), WKTU's annual "Beatstock" (August 16), featuring acts from the dance music world, and the Harvest Crusade Musical Outreach Christian music series round out the lineup thus far. New shows are often added as the season gets closer, so stay tuned.

Top Ten Janet Jackson Tunes

Straight out of the very large shadow of her big brother, Janet Jackson emerged in the mid 1980's to achieve her own status as a bona fide superstar. Over the last two-plus decades, Miss Jackson has amassed an incredible array of music, adding her own voice to the thread of American culture.

Though her success has waned in recent years, (ostensibly ever since the backlash against her "Wardrobe Malfunction" at the 2004 Super Bowl), Janet Jackson has continued to entertain us with her keen aptitude for making great music. It's difficult to pare her catalog down to a top ten, but the following is my personal best of Miss Jackson. I've included the popular and the not so popular, the ballad and the up tempo, the happy and the hopeful. Surely some will hearken memories in your own minds.

10- Feedback - Janet's most recent hit from 2008's Discipline album reached #19 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #1 on its Hot Dance Tracks. The song is a throwback to past Jackson songs, with up tempo beats and great vocals to match.

9- Son of a Gun - As with many Janet Jackson songs, this one reflects her love for the music she grew up listening to. Oftentimes, she's employed the use of samples, lyrics, and even guest vocals by the original artist to make her homage instantly familiar to the listener. "Son of a Gun", coupled with its prelude "Clouds" is loosely based on Carly Simon's hit "You're So Vain". Ms. Simon provides original guest vocals on both tracks, and its bass-driven beat is an irresistible sensation Unfortunately, the use of vulgar language in the chorus didn't convert well to a radio-friendly version (which featured the likes of Missy Elliot, as well) prevented the tune from becoming a successful hit. It's a great song anyway!

8- Again - This ballad, off the 1993 album, "Janet", is a beautiful love song that's easy on the ears. The tune was featured on the soundtrack to "Poetic Justice" (in which Jackson starred) and garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

7- (tie) When I Think of You / Escapade - (Yes I know this is a top ten list, but these two songs, to me, are similar in nature and I just couldn't decide between them.)

When I Think of You - This song is classic Janet Jackson from a younger, more innocent period in her life and career. The fun hit was the third release off of her 1986 "Control" album and was her first #1 single.

Escapade - Much like the previous song, "Escapade" is another fun ditty that's simply irresistible. The carnival-like music of the song and its catchy chorus make this one a fan favorite.

6- Black Cat - This one showcases the rocker side of Miss Janet, with memorable guitar riffs and blazing vocals. Off the "Rhythm Nation" LP, this fan favorite reached #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and is always enthusiastically received in all of her shows.

5- Got Til It's Gone - Though not a major smash by Janet's standards, this song is an innovative veneration of Joni Mitchell's hit "Big Yellow Taxi". This is yet another example of Janet's reverence for the wide variety of music she listened to growing up and its arrangements are created to update the song to accurately reflect the sounds of the day. Featuring a guest appearance by rapper Q-Tip and a groove reminiscent of "That's the Way (Love Goes)", this one's a Jackson classic in my eyes.

4- Nasty - Who can forget this naughty tune from Janet's 1986 breakout CD "Control"? The song typified the popular sounds coming out of Minneapolis at the time and begat the catchphrase, "No, my first name ain't baby...It's Janet! Miss Jackson if you're nasty."

3- Together Again - Although the music to this #1 hit, from 1997's "Velvet Rope" CD, is upbeat and danceable, the reasoning behind its composition is not as pleasant. The song represents the dream of a day when Janet will be reunited with the many loved ones in her circle lost to the specter of AIDs. "Together Again" hearkens within all of us a relevant yearning to be together once again with people we've lost.

2- That's the Way (Love Goes) -

"Like a moth to a flame, burned by the fire...

My love is blind, can't you see my desire."

So begins the sultry groove that garnered Janet a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1994. The tune is a feel-good song from beginning to end and surely belongs towards the top of any Janet Jackson fan's list.

1-Love Will Never Do (Without You) - This irresistible charmer from 1991 was an unprecedented fifth Top Five single off of the previous year's "Rhythm Nation" album. Coupled with the typical Minneapolis sounds made popular by Prince, (taken to further heights by Prince alum and the album's producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis), and Janet's nasally vocals, was a memorable black and white video (produced by Herb Ritts) and featuring Antonio Sabato Jr. and Djimon Hounsou, two popular male models of the time. The video was stylistically produced and is as memorable as the song.

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Jackson

Madonna's Erotica

Classic 90's Music Reviews: Madonna's Erotica
The uproar against the latest in Madonna's ever-pressing efforts to spark controversy for attention overshadowed what was in reality a great collection of tracks showcasing her latest metamorphosis in musical style.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1635668/classic_90s_music_reviews_madonnas.html


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Classic Must Have Party Songs for Deejays

Classic Must Have Party Songs for Deejays
The mark of a good deejay is the ability to keep the seats empty and the dance floor full of bodies up and dancing. Here's a list of must-haves for any mobile deejay's catalog.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1508810/classic_must_have_party_songs_for_deejays.html

Going for Gusto: A New Season of Great Music

With the release of Discipline, by Janet Jackson in February, my iPod has been loaded with hot new music that'll keep me dancing and singing throughout the summer and beyond. Consider picking up one or more of these and make your summer that much more fun!

read more | digg story

Mary J Blige: My Top Ten

Even with all her success, Mary J. Blige is one of the most underrated music artists of all time. Since the release of her breakout hit album, “What’s the 411?” in
1991, the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul” has taken us along on her journey of self discovery, sharpening her talents to unmatched heights, and providing us with great entertainment and inspiration along the way.

Mary J. Blige, or MJB, has always created infectious songs, mixing heart pounding, feet thumping grooves with irresistibly catchy lyrics that beckon listeners to sing along, matching Mary’s inflections with enthusiastic abandon. Mary has created many classic tunes, from heartfelt ballads, to infectious hip hop funk beats, to feet thumping dance grooves. Throughout, fans have come to learn from Mary’s stories as lessons in life. It’s a difficult task to choose ten out of so many, but here are my top ten Mary J. Blige songs:

#1 – No More Drama

The familiar piano of TV’s, “The Young and the Restless” theme provides an appropriate background to Mary’s now classic tune proclaiming liberation from the unnecessary turmoil that comes with the drama that exists in many relationships. She’s clearly experienced the games and commotion and tells us that she’s had enough. The song has become an anthem life. Anyone who’s been in unfortunate situation in life can heed Mary’s words:

“I don’t know.
Only God knows where the story ends for me,
but I know where the story begins.
It’s up to us to choose whether we win or lose
And I choose to win.”

Mary’s learned a lot from her involvement with relationship drama. Her words inspire taking responsibility for the choices we make. We determine our own destiny. It’s some of the best advice ever given in song.

(NOTE - The Thunderpuss remix of the song adds an equally powerful, danceable, and inspirational feel to the classic.)

#2 - Be Without You

Mary’s #1 song from her 2006 album “The Breakthrough” represents a newer, happier phase in the chaotic life of the singer. Both the studio and the remix versions of this ode to love and devotion were major hits on the Billboard charts. Mary’s singing still inspires clubbers to “put [their] hands up” on dance floors across the nation.

#3 - Family Affair

Let's get it crunk upon
have fun upon up In this dancery
We got ya'll open, now ya floatin'
So you gots to dance for me
Don't need no hateration, holleration
In this dancery
Let's get it perculatin' while you're waiting
So just dance for me

What exactly is hateration? Or holleration? I really don’t know, but the catchy lyrics and infectious beats make this an irresistible groove that just beckons us to “get a crunk upon” and “have fun”.

#4 - We Ride (I See the Future)

The song comes off of Mary’s 2006 greatest hits album, “Reflections – A Retrospective”. It was originally intended for her previous effort, “The Breakthrough”, but was instead saved for inclusion on this compilation. The song continues on the same vein as the songs on the preceding CD, characterizing Mary’s exhilaration at her current space in being, happy with a husband she loves and pleased with the new direction her life has taken. The lyrics once again inspire the listener to sing along to every nuance of Mary’s vocal range and are a powerful testament to her newfound joy.

#5 - Reflections (I Remember)

“Reflections (I Remember)” is the opening salvo to the previously mentioned retrospective CD. In this song, Mary takes us back to her beginnings, revisiting particular moments of change in her life through her long and tumultuous career. The song is sentimental and comforting. Mary puts her past to rest through contemplation, without regret, and embraces the Mary she’s become. It’s a feel-good trip down memory lane for MJB fans.

#6 - I’m Goin Down

For Mary’s fans, this one is a classic. The tune first appeared on her sophomore effort, “My Life”. It is a cover of a 1976 song by Rose Royce and this rendition convincingly portrays the vulnerability of a naïve and desperate young woman. Mary’s pleads with her man, “If I ever lose you…I’ll be goin’ down…Please forgive me, baby… and come on home”. The haunting, hypnotic melody blends perfectly with the authentic desperation of Mary’s vocals.

#7 - Just Fine

“Just Fine” is Mary’s latest hit. It’s a lively and danceable tune that’s a celebration of the elation in Mary’s life today. Fans are invited to share in the party, singing and dancing along to the catchy and rapid fire lyrics:

“So I like what I see
when I’m looking at me
when I’m walking past the mirror.
No stress through the night,
at a time in my life
ain’t worried about if you feel it.
Got my head on straight,
I got my mind right
I aint gonna let you kill it
You see I wouldn't change my life, my life's just fine, fine, fine…”

It’s simply a fun song!

#8 - Sweet Thang

Mary’s 1991 cover of the Chaka Khan classic puts a contemporary spin on the original. Mary’s sultry voice stays close to the originator, but is authentic on its own. For an album full of great hip-hop songs, it serves as a nice segue into Mary’s soulful side. Both incarnations of the song have earned their own entry into the classic R&B songbook.

#9 - I Love You

Another hypnotic ballad off the “My Life” album, this song is a lamentation to lost love. “I Love You” is a bittersweet reflection on a failed relationship coupled with a longing for what might have been. The melody is haunting and the lyrics, like so many other MJB tunes, make for an irresistible sing-along!

#10 - Let No Man Put Asunder

The closing track of MJB’s 1999 CD, “Mary”, this cover brings new life to a 70’s disco-funk hit with a hands-in-the-air, gospel, funk feel. Unlike the rest of the songs in this top ten, “Let No Man Put Asunder” was never a notable hit, but the continuous gospel-infused hook, “It’s not over…” is a powerful centerpiece to this catchy remake.

Clearly, Mary J. Blige has amassed a large catalog of great music in her stellar, yet still underrated seventeen-year career. History will surely recognize Mary as a legend in her time, and we’re all lucky to benefit from her gift. Choosing a top ten song list was a difficult task, and I’m sure many fans might choose an entirely different set of worthy classics from the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”. If you’re not familiar with Mary J. Blige tunes, take a listen. You may find yourself inspired to by her words, stirred to sing along, or even motivated to dance!

Check out MJB's artist page on iTunes:

Mary J. Blige

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