Just thought you all would like to see a little of what made this past year hot…in music that is…

Take a moment and get in the music…

I saw this documentary on Current TV and was seriously moved. After it was over my head hurt so bad, it was if God was beating me over the head with a stick saying, “YOU STUPID DUMMY!” This, hands down, is my video of the week. Watch and see the story of Carissa and how she, a prostitute, went from the streets of Fresno, CA to Juvenile Hall and from there to receive her MBA and JD from UCLA.

Born out of the bustling, noisy streets of New York City, a new artist has recently taken hold of the pop music stratosphere and has boldly infused herself and her music into radio stations and television over the last year.

Her name is Lady Gaga.

She is all parts theatrical and pop dance with a smattering of David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Elton John.  As she shows off her avant garde flare and charisma, I see in her an unbridled and unstoppable ambition not unlike that of a young Madonna.

To date, all four consecutive singles from her first album went to number 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart.   She’s gone from selling out small clubs to selling out whole arenas in a matter of months.  At the upcoming Grammy awards, she is nominated five times including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

I honestly have to admit that her songs are very catchy and the visual work to back up her music is often quite stunning.  More importantly, I happen to like her mainly because at her core, she is a piano player much like myself.

This week’s Video of the Week is live footage of her performing a song off of her latest EP release “The Fame Monster” for the Queen of England.  It’s a song called “Speechless”.  This is Lady Gaga without all of the choreography and over-the-top posturing of her other performances.  It’s just a piano and a voice.  I, for one, am quite impressed .  .  .

The Lady has indeed arrived, and it looks like she’s here to stay.

-g

i decided to put the video of the week on early so anyways here it is:

I think it’s Hilarious, but You might think it’s gross, which I did in the begining, but how.. just funny! Whoops Cats!

Not gonna say to much other then, well, before you guys start to kick my ass about liking this video…just hear me out!  I watched this video and I promise if you watch too, you will start to like whats being said.  In a funny way but you will like it.   I dont know why, but I dig the song…now the video on the other hand, Im just wondering if I woke up one day and said “Hell, I am gonna be a rapper, could I actually ask around till I found some women who will just di*k ride until I make it or just be in the movement…

WOW…

Click here to Laugh…

What do you get when you mix a kid, santa, Christmas, and rope? Don’t mess with me mom, this doesn’t concern you.

Bringing you the best of life.
And here are the songs, in order:

1. Lulu – Shout
2. Yazz – The Only Way Is Up
3. PCD – Don’t Cha
4. Strauss – Blue Danube Waltz
5. Kool & The Gang – Get Down On It
6. Rainbow – Since You’ve Been Gone
7. Millie Small – My Boy Lollipop
8. The Contours – Do You Love Me?

In the pantheon of Pop Piano Gods of the modern era, Elton John holds his own among such greats as  Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Nina Simone,  Tori Amos, and a handful of others.  He boasts an enviable catalogue of hits reaching far back into the 1970’s when he burst onto the music world with huge sunglasses and a flair all his own.

He is another artist and fellow pianist whose work I have admired from a distance.  (I’ve actually covered only one of his songs, and I didn’t even play it on the piano–a song called “American Triangle” that I sang a capella with African drums.)  His distinct sound and style is one I have no desire to copy.  Only Elton does Elton John well.  I am content to bow down at his alter and worship his songs just as millions around the world have.

All things considered, I have one very favorite Elton John song, and it is a classic.  It’s a sad farewell song called “Daniel”, and I loved it from the very first time I heard it.  The lyrics are just so brutal and beautiful all at once.  It’s a listing of truths that are heavy and heartbreaking to hold.

This week, I wanted to feature an old live performance of this sweet sad song.

Ladies and Gents, Daniel .  .  .

Daniel

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Music by Elton John

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

They say Spain is pretty though I’ve never been
Well Daniel says it’s the best place that he’s ever seen
Oh and he should know, he’s been there enough
Lord I miss Daniel, oh I miss him so much

Daniel my brother you are older than me
Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won’t heal
Your eyes have died but you see more than I
Daniel you’re a star in the face of the sky

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye
God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes
Oh God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

________________________________________________________

Maybe I’ll work out a cover of this someday.  Maybe.

-g

Merry Christmas from Muppet Studios!