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…get happy
...and the award goes to...
I’ve had an “old soul” day. Which for me means I got up early to run, enjoyed a cup of coffee and then spent the rest of my day listening to some Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, you know Rat Pack era stuff (I blame the Michael Buble performances on SNL).
And now it’s time for the Grammy’s, quite a contrast. As I prepare myself for some Gaga (and others, but let’s face it, everyone’s watching for Gaga) I can’t help but reflect on my own musical history.
When I refer to my musical history I mean my own musical tastes.
…
Just watched the first 20 minutes of the Grammy’s and this blog is about to take a turn. Hold on everyone.
After opening along with Elton John, I have to say that I may have to further my admission on the talent possessed by Lady Gaga. I was in awe of that opening number.
Then just to top it off, I have to say that the performance from “American Idiot” (if you missed it check out Zer’s blog) with both the cast and Green Day made me very happy about the direction the music and entertainment industries are headed right now.
There’s definitely a lot more crossover now than I can recall in recent history. Actors are singing, singers are acting…and most importantly, they’re doing it well and more often.
I know I may be stretching but I feel like we may be headed towards a rebirth of what I call the golden age of music and movies. A time I attribute to right around when the Grammys began.
Back in 1958 (first Grammys) the nominees for album of the year were:
The Music From Peter Gunn (Henry Mancini) winner
Tchaikovsky: Concerto No. 1, In B-Flat Minor, Op. 23 (Van Cliburn)
Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Irving Berlin Song Book (Ella Fitzgerald)
Come Fly With Me (Frank Sinatra)
Only The Lonely (Frank Sinatra)
Quite the span in genres (with the possible exception of Sinatra and Fitzgerald)
Here are this year’s nominees for the same award:
I Am… Sasha Fierce performed by Beyonce
Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King (Dave Matthews Band)
The E.N.D. (Black Eyed Peas)
The Fame (Lady Gaga)
Fearless (Taylor Swift)
We have country, pop, alternative, R&B, and some of that is all from one artist…as a music fan it’s awesome to see and I can’t wait to see what happens to next.
…bi-daily smile…
…go gaga
...when you wish upon a star
Today I thought I’d rant about something very near and dear to my heart, the bizarre concept of celebrity.
And what better way to discuss this phenomenon than by sharing my inability to understand everyone’s fascination with Lady Gaga.
I will admit that she is clearly very talented. I’m not a huge fan of the music she has released or the extreme theatricals she resorts to in order to keep everyone’s attention, but since seeing her on SNL I can’t deny that she clearly has some level of musical talent.
This however doesn’t seem to translate into the work she actually releases.
I don’t object to her music. I just don’t understand it.
I suppose that I should be applauding her clear understanding of what people want to see and hear, because I feel quite alone sometimes in my not understanding the point.
She seems to be in the headlines for just about every reason out there. Lately it’s relocating concerts, protests at her concerts, cancelling concerts.
This last one is her current controversy (something that seems to follow her). After cancelling a concert last night in West Lafayette, IN, claiming illness, Gaga appeared to be in full health during her spot on Oprah this morning. Curious.
My point here is not to question whether she was actually ill yesterday or not. I simply wanted to take a look at the phenomenon that is celebrity, by focusing on one in particular. What is it that makes us care so much about the lives of complete strangers? Anyone else could be sick one night and then fine the next morning and no one would question it.
But when you’re a top-selling music artist I guess your held to higher standards in everything, including your ability to suck it up and get on with the show.
…bi-daily smile…
I’ll admit her songs are catchy...and props for being able to play the piano in that contraption…
Zer
Stephanie
The2Women
