I'm so in love with this new GaGa video- This is monsterously fabulous- She's a mermaid, a cute tomboy (Beat that, Hilary Swank!) and a robot woman with bleeding heels on her way to what seems like a funeral of a drag queen in Nebraska.. among others. Don't ask me if I get this video, I seriously don't but it doesn't matter. This video gives an extra oomph to a song that is already super-brilliant. Really, I'd love to take a guided tour of her creative insides (heart, brain and...errrm.. that's it!) This woman never fails to amaze me. Love it, love it, love it.
Maroon 5's front man, Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera
When the song first came out, I wanted to hate it for some reason but I couldn’t find any reason. After a few spins, I got addicted. Even more so now that they have released the sizzling video in which they pay tribute to the Rock legend, Mick Jagger, obviously the inspiration of the song. I love Christina Aguilera but not a huge fan of Maroon 5. “Moves like Jagger” is a departure from the band’s usual Pop/Rock style and the song’s whistle hook is genius. It weaves in and out of the song like a summer breeze; fresh, free and easy. Usually Adam Levine’s falsetto singing annoys me but here, it’s smooth as silk and sexy as Salsa,especially against Christina’s raspy powerful growls. (And thanks, Christina for ONCE not over-singing the song). Just put it on a repeat play, this one’s sure gonna make you sway.
“Water for Elephants” is a film adaptation of Sara Guen’s novel of the same name. The story, set in the 1930s follows a Polish American, Jacob Jankowski (played by Twilight’s heartthrob Robert Pattinson) who loses his beloved parents in a car accident and subsequently gets his house taken away by the bank due to his father’s debts. So what’s a boy to do after losing such a great deal in life? Join the circus, of course. There at The Benzini Brothers Circus, he meets the beautiful, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the star of the show and also a wife of the abusive circus owner August (Christoph Waltz). To cut the story short, Jacob and Marlena fall in love and yes, the forbidden love comes at a big price.
As I was merely born in the 80s, I cannot say for sure the depiction of the Depression-era circus is thoroughly accurate but it certainly is visually appetizing. Combined with the heartrending score by James Newton Howard, eight-time Oscar nominee, fittingly for the nostalgic, narrative-style storytelling, the movie’s picture-perfect cinematography makes the audience forget about the somewhat predictable love triangle tale.
Christoph Waltz, the real scene-stealer here, once again plays a bastard. (He won Oscar for his memorable role as The Jew Hunter in Quentin Tarantino’s nazi flick “Inglorious Basterds”) Waltz portrayal of August Rosenbluth is charming and dapper yet frightening and repulsive. He simultaneously manages to give us a glimpse of why he behaves that way as well which is mesmerizing.Wouldn’t it be difficult but interesting to see him play a nice, sweet guy for a change in one of his future projects? Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson are good actors but there’s not much to be said about their performances. It’s just that there’s not so much chemistry between them. For Pattinson, it is a smart move in his career as he has yet to prove that he is not just a pretty face after movies like “Twilight” but he still has a long way to go. “Water for Elephants” starts out quite promising, falls flat a bit in the middle but quickly picks up with a great climax towards the end. A decent movie. Watching it on DVD, why not?
I am only 3.6 inches tall. I weigh 1.28 ounces but my capacity, 8GB, enables me to carry up to a whopping 4000 songs. Yes, I’m a fifth generation iPod nano. My proud owner, Charlie received me as a Christmas gift two years ago from a very special person. Ever since that day, we have become inseparable. I play his favorite tunes whenever he wants. I accompany him to gym 4 to 5 times a week. Together, we have travelled to over 15 countries and counting. As an iPod, I’m a quite attractive one. Unlike the previous 2 GB nano he had, I am complete with a glossy finish so I can’t help but shine. And I am pink, a bright flamingo pink that is.
I believe Charlie likes my skin color very much because he owns many things in pink. Actually, he likes anything that is sparkly or blindingly bright. It is so funny when we are in the gym’s locker room where he would take me out from his gym bag along with a towel and a water bottle, some guys would notice the shocking pink-colored iPod. Of course, they always give Hey-dude-What’s-up-with-the-pink-iPod look. Knowing Charlie for over two years now, he does not give a damn. Really! In fact he enjoys the attention even when it is not very positive. Also whenever there is a brave soul who dares to claim “Whoa, Pink iPod. That’s so girly”, my proud owner would immediately reply “Oh, Colors don’t have meanings. People like you give meanings to colors-Blue is for boys, Pink is for girls. It’s all bullshits! I don’t let colors define me”. That of course shuts them up, haters! He really lets them have it like that. Oh, by the way, his PC as well is the same color and he always gets the stares when he takes it out from his bag at Starbucks or at the airport lounge. He loves it. Like as if he traps people into making those clichéd remarks and then he snaps right back at them for being stereotypical. But I love his attitude. Isn’t he just controversial?
Anyway, the original head phones that came together with me in the same box stopped working a few weeks ago. It’s sad, really. They got sick for some reason and the left one died. So my owner replaced them with another pair. To be honest, I don’t think Charlie likes my new colleagues, the indigo Sony head phones that he purchased from Carrefour, because they hurt his ears. But I hope he gets used to them soon because I don’t want him to replace them with another pair. I have come to love their color. I think they compliment my shimmering pink self. Don’t you think? Indigo and pink- not very distant.
Charlie has 12457 songs on iTunes and of course the number is constantly growing. He hooks me up with iTunes on his pink PC every now and then to sync or to charge me up. What annoys me the most is that he sometimes forgets about it and leaves me attached to his PC like those dogs stuck together on the streets after mating. I hate that. It’s never good to overcharge an iPod like me, right? It kills off the battery life. (Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggh!!!)
Since he cannot put all his songs from iTunes on my sinewy 8GB body, he usually syncs “recently added” list a.k.a the new music and some of his all-time favorites. I must say his music taste is quite diverse. He listens to Rn’B, Electronic, Pop, Classical, Opera, Dance, Urban, Jazz, show tunes and Hip Hop, just to name a few. One thing he hates is Rock music. The sound of electric guitar really puts him off. He can’t bare it. Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand are two of his favorite singers. He owns all Barbra’s 40 albums (not counting the compilations and greatest hits albums) and Mariah’s entire catalogue. He puts their music on shuffle and listens to them when he travels on the airplanes, when he runs on the treadmill or while working out with the weights. Many people prefer listening to upbeat dance tracks while they are working out, right? But this one can work out to “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Miserables sung by Patti Lupone. Strange? But Boy, if he shuffles his iTunes with all 12457 songs, the outcome would be a very interesting one indeed. The Vienna Boys Choir will sing in between Beyonce’ and Nat King Cole. Or what about Cyndi Lauper breaking in after the tracks by Jamiroquai and Mahalia Jackson’s Gospel hymns? It will really be fascinating.
Charlie does ignore me when he is not gyming or traveling though. When he is reading his books, singing Karaoke or entertaining his friends, I am no longer the essential in his life. I’m cast aside like an old sock and it hurts. Then again, my pink face lights up when he comes around looking for me to take me on a swanky holiday or an evening jog on the beach. I just can’t get mad at him for a long time.
But hey, I hear that there is already a newer and cooler iPod touch and THAT makes me nervous. Will I get replaced like the old nano with matte finish? (Remember they used to be so ugly and… matte???) Anyway, I doubt that Charlie will replace me anytime soon. He can’t live without me. I’m the first thing he packs when he goes out. He mentioned once that he would like an iPhone or an iPad but not another iPod. NO!
In the meantime, I wish and pray that Apple would stop producing new iPod models. I mean, aren’t they rich enough? Don’t they pretty much own the globe already? Efforts should be made to invent other i-related stuff that would benefit our human kind instead. You know, like, iCondoms? A new generation of condoms that beep, vibrate, hold erection, play erotic music and at the same time prevent diseases, plan family and give perfect female orgasms. That could do well, no? Plus, overpopulation is a big problem. So is AIDS. I could totally see them outsell Durex’s “Extra Thin” or “Feather Light”. Just a thought!
(Misses: The divas duets that don’t live up to the expectations)
1)When You Believe- Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey
When the industry’s two biggest vocal heavy-weights like Mariah and Whitney, also rumored rivals both celebrated for their diva antics, vocal prowess and similar musical style, perform together on a song, the expectations of course are sky-scraping, nothing less than monumental. As it turns out, they duet on a gospel song, featured on the soundtrack of “The Prince Of Egypt”. With this classy but sappy song, they both get to show off their strengths in the beginning verses (Whitney’s incomparable vibrato and extra-smooth tone and in Mariah’s case, her vocal gymnastics and smoky texture) but obviously roof-raising explosive vocals especially at the bridge are missing. It kind of sounds like the two divas are holding back. The massive choir of voices comes in and the two voices almost get drowned out. Mariah, what happened to your signature glass-shattering whistle notes when you need them? And Whitney, what about those 25-km long mid-range belts that you sang for Bodyguard soundtrack? Honestly, those would have saved this song from being flat. What remains now though is the million-dollar question, “Which diva wins?” In the studio version of the song, Mariah sings technically higher than Whitney and her adlibs are better than Whit’s. However it is Whitney who wins in the live version where she absolutely owns the stage while Mariah looks nervous and scared. Therefore, let’s call it a draw and we will need another round of battle in the future, a final showdown. Can I hear an Amen?
2)Put It In A Love Song- Alicia Keys & Beyonce
I know. A lot of people are like “What?” They have a duet? “When?” Yes, they do. Such a great idea that these two biggest divas of younger generation team up but it is so tragic that their immense talents are wasted on this silly lackluster song. It’s sort of catchy but considering that these two women are at the top of their game, it is fair to say we expect nothing short of spectacular Independence Day fireworks. Sadly, this one is a fire cracker. The song peaked at number 60 on the billboard Rn’B chart. Also the plan to release it as a single was subsequently cancelled. Good move!
3)I’m His Only Woman- Jennifer Hudson & Fantasia
Noticeably, the creators of this song (Missy Elliott, Jazmine Sullivan and Jack Splash) wanted to repeat the success of “The Boy Is Mine” (1998) and do a similar one for the urban contemporary listening generation. While using the old-school Rn’B approach, fittingly for the two big-voiced singers with no-nonsense singing, the song somehow does not have the x-factor that “The Boy Is Mine” has. Two black women feuding over a boy maybe typical in the hood (sorry, but female Rn’B singers always seem to singing about it out loud) yet the song is unoriginal. The beginning girl-talk between Brandy and Monica from the original is now transformed into a phone call conversation between J-Hud and Fantasia. Well played, Huh? Besides, the problem here is that their voices don’t sound great together. Fantasia’s constant shouting may work while singing praise at her local Baptist church but definitely not singing against Jennifer Hudson’s more powerful and expressive instrument. It only causes distraction. Nevertheless, the song was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with vocals in 2009. It just that it did not win.
4)Me Against The Music- Britney Spears & Madonna
Back then, Britney was riding high on the music charts around the world and was being touted (just like Lady Ga Ga is being hyped right now) as the new queen of Pop. Madonna was clearly and as always looking for controversy or publicity. The VMA lip-lock with Britney and Christina still fresh in everyone’s memories, what better way to hog the headlines than guest-appearing on Britney’s first single from her fourth album? It’s a win-win situation, no? Arrrrrrrrrrrrm, NO! Not really. “Me Against The Music” just doesn’t translate success for both. Number 35 on Billboard Hot 100 does not equal a bona fide hit, does it? (It did better internationally though. Europe loves Madonna!) Although I must say it’s a fun, decent dance track, it’s neither ground-breaking nor buzz-worthy. With no magic moments in stored for both acts, their personalities and voices sadly sink into the pool of heavily-produced dance beats and hooks. Surprisingly no one back then seemed to get that much excited by their reunion as well. It was sort of like “Oh wow, Madonna and Britney. Great! Now let me go back to mow my lawn”. I guess it was one of those big things that seem great in imagination but not in reality.
5)Beautiful Liar- Beyonce & Shakira
Not always there are catfights and drama when it comes to two big divas. They sometimes too can stick together and defend for each other. Well, maybe! I’m just not convinced. Divas duets with positive themes make me nervous. They are usually destined for failure or not very well-received. Simply because, let’s face it, it’s just not as fun. So The Queen B and the reigning queen of Latin pop meet on this Middle Eastern-flavored track with a slight hint of hip-hop. Simple yet appealing melody, easy-to-sing-along chorus and sultry vocals, all seems to be working out pretty well. The music video is smoking-hot (with two of them belly-dancing together) but you can also tell it’s a cheap production. Besides, the single did very well worldwide charting within the top five in many countries. So, what’s the problem? For me, it’s just way too simple, too clean, too positive, too average and too dreary. They call it a hit but I call it a wasted opportunity. Believe me, ten years down the line, not many will remember this duet. Sorry, I have a very high standard when it comes to divas duets.
(Hits: The divas duets that go beyond the expectations)
1)Tell him- Barbra Streisand & Celine Dion
Since Barbra and Celine are such classy, gracious and refined artists, singing a song about two women snatching a boy would definitely raise more than eyebrows. They also can’t sing about two women sharing the roast chicken recipe at a gala dinner either. So, David Foster and Walter Afanasieff (responsible for a lot of Mariah’s early hits) effectively came up with a song that suits both talents called “Tell Him” in which Celine, a love-struck young woman asks advice from a more matured and sisterly Babs on how to make a boy fall in love with her. Smart, eh? Celine, no doubt, is the only singer in the business who comes close to Babs’ tremendous singing talent and it is also undeniable that there’s so much influence from Babs in the music that Celine sings. When they sing together, their voices blend in so well and sound so nice that Linda Richman would say “It’s like buttah!” The song’s beautiful melody and lush production from David Foster simply take the glorious voices of Barbra, a legend who is often imitated but never duplicated and Celine, an icon in her own right, to the newest height. Now, this is a vocal master class that will go down in history.
2)Same script, different cast- Whitney Houston & Deborah Cox
You can already feel the D.r.a.m.a brewing when you hear Beethoven’s Für Elise playing in the background at the beginning of this song. Very smart and witty lyrics sung by two of the most expressive and remarkable voices of Rn’B music, this song not only showcases both divas’ distinctive tones and textures, also allows them to play their respective characters. Whitney as the former lover of Deborah’s boyfriend warns Deborah, the current girlfriend, to be aware of the player and his games. The pleasant surprise here is that Deborah Cox, one of the most underrated singers, not only holds her own, she manages to shine parallel with the legend.
This is a retake of my life.I was his star for many nights. Now the roles have changed,And you're the leading lady in his life. Lights, camera, now you're on.Just remember you've been warned. Enjoy it now, 'cause it won't last.Same script, different cast.
The song has since become one of the most performed and parodied songs of the drag queens and the remixes of this song are still being frequently played at the gay clubs and pride events around the world. It’s such a shame that there never was an official video for this song and they also never performed it live together.
3)No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) - Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer
Barbra does disco on this one with Donna. That alone should give enough reason to listen to this song. Donna Summer, needless to say, the disco-darling shows Barbra what it takes to let her hair down, loosen up and rock the disco crowd. But it is Barbra who in return demonstrates how to hold a 17-second note. Oh, I miss those good old days when they really sing! This song is cool, groovy and just divalicious. Plus, it perfectly captures the funky vibe of 70’s disco era (not that I was there of course! I can....imagine)
4)The Boy Is Mine- Brandy & Monica
The original girl-fight song that has stood the test of time. Many have tried to relive the glory of this tune but nothing else even comes close to this 1998 original. Overseen by super producers of that time, Rodney “Dark Child” Jerkins and Dallas Austin, “The Boy Is Mine” sums up what Rn’B in the 90’s sounds like. It also did wonders for both Brandy and Monica professionally. Not only it earned them their first Grammy, it gave them their first worldwide numberone hit as well. Both divas play around with their vocal range, their adlibs are sexy and fun but the fact that they don’t over-sing makes this song even more special. Towards the end, when the sing, “Not yours, but mine”. That’s it. No more to be said. That’s classic.
5)Disrespectful- Chaka Khan & Mary J.Blige
I’m not sure many people know this song but “Disrespectful” is the real female empowerment anthem Beyonce’s been searching in vain to sing, sung with full of attitude and gusto. The vocals on this gem are fierce and mammoth. It’s of course hard to keep up with the great Chaka but Mary J. Blige is not the one to get easily outdone, alright? Matching the fast and furious drum-beats, Chaka shows who the original everywoman is. She sings as if she has a saxophone, swallowed inside her tummy. The super-high notes she hits are off the roof. The song went number one on the U.S. dance singles chart and their efforts were paid off at the Grammys that year where they took home the award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Deservingly!
