GaGa is the New Black: A Review of BORN THIS WAY -- by Rachel James

Image from gagadaily.com

Rachel Altizio
Review: Born This Way by Lady GaGa

Pop music often gets a bad rep, often dismissed as too sweet sounding; superficial ear candy for the masses.  True Rock music, Blues, Punk, those are the outlets you use if you want to speak to your audience.  Yet Lady GaGa is not preaching the intense messages of Lennon or Gilmore, she has the world’s attention, and we’re all ears.

BORN THIS WAY, GaGa’s sophomore album, features seventeen new full-length songs, plus five remixes if you opt for the bonus track version. She starts the work with Marry the Night, a song she seems particularly proud of, which features sugary lyrics of empowerment over a dance-inducing beat.  It’s completely fun to listen to, but it MUST be played at a very high volume (actually, this is true for all the songs on the album.)  She keeps the same eighties-inspired dance theme in her mind for many tracks on the record, mixing different tempos and instruments while also manipulating her voice tone perfectly to complement.  

GaGa connects the songs together through interlocking, reoccurring themes; nothing too heavy or complex, but repeated words and phrases, images and names.  Whiskey, America, 'the edge' and Jesus pop up throughout her lyrics, not to mention the obvious proclamation of 'Born This Way'.  The presence of all these parts gives the album a sense of unity, even if some of the lyrics contradict each other (particularly regarding her parents and personal life.)  Some of the songs are very biographical, like BLACK JESUS, in which GaGa tells us about her upbringing in NYC.  Others are clearly written in a more neutral voice, like BAD KIDS, where she directs non-GaGa based lyrics to her ‘Little Monsters’ from the standpoint of a token 'bad kid'.  GaGa proves that her song structures can vary throughout the album while they continue to be closely linked and held together.

Here are my magic three—the three songs that popped out to me as the most interesting, repeat-worthy tracks.  Number Three on the album, GOVERNMENT HOOKER, is raunchy and stylized, with other-worldly howls popping over well-timed synthesizers.  BLOODY MARY holds its ground as the black religious standout, playing with vocal tones and choir chants while showcasing the best 'dum-dum, da-de-da's on the entire record.  And lastly, YOÜ & I, the only power-ballad featured on BORN THIS WAY.  There's nothing like a country-rock-pop song set in a Nebraska bar, and her vocal's soar throughout.  (I also must mention the remix of BORN THIS WAY, where the track is slowed down and countrified.  In my opinion, the song shines in this version, where the lyrics don't drown in the dance drama.  But it also might be because I’m a sucker for the harmonica.)

GaGa is an icon, a beautifully unusual, empowered woman who not only preaches the importance of equality and self-respect on BORN THIS WAY, but does so in a fun, fast-paced way that allows the audience to move and smile and sing.  She is a respectable artist, not just a killer performer, but the writer of her own music.  Her lyrics may be straight-forward and simple, her instrument combinations a bit familiar, but that’s the beauty of this album; it’s not overly complicated, it gives you permission to stop criticizing and analyzing and opens you up to experience and simply enjoy.  GaGa is a generational figure, and honest, inspiring entertainer, and if you just clear your criticisms and go along with her music, you’ll love her too. 

Summer Mixtape Must Have -- by Hannah

 Summer Mixtape Must Have – David Correy – Urban Rock Mixtape Vol 2

I always think its great to come across music that I’ve never heard.  Whether it's underground rap, hip-hop or a rock band trying to make it.  There is so much talent out there and thanks to Twitter I was able to come across an amazing singer, David Correy.  Constantly I would see tweets about him and the [then] upcoming release of his Urban Rock Mixtape Vol 2.   It was released early May and I downloaded it the same day.  Upon first look the album is already impressive, hosted by Big Tigger and features Taylor Gang, Three 6 Mafia and many more.  There are 30 tracks… I didn’t want to skip any of them.  The more I listen the more favorites I find. It’s all feel good music.  This is the mixtape you put on at a party and have people grooving all night. He opens the CD, after a great intro from Big Tigger, with “Dreaming”.  This is the song that best showcases of his amazing voice.  He is able to hit so many different notes in any range. Some more favorites are “Gone” featuring Boobe, “Party for Me”, and “Live Your Life” featuring Chris Johnson.  There are so many great songs though.   I highly recommend downloading this mixtape.  It is a free download from datpiff.com.  He has created a mixtape that has a variety of songs that keep the listener entertained.  David Correy’s Urban Rock Mixtape Vol. 2 will be my summer go-to music.  

Image from illvibes.co

You can find out more at www.davidcorrey.com

-MissHC

Follow Hannah on Twitter! @missHCinDC

The Book of Mormon: A Pilgrimage -- by Ali Lowden

Image from blog.mormonletters.org

One time back in April I made the journey to NYC with my friend, Liz, to see the Book of Mormon— the musical written by the Emmy winning creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and the writer of the Tony Avenue Q. In addition to being theater nerds Liz and I are also big South Park fans, so we knew the Book of Mormon was something we wanted to see. Lucky for us, we were able to get our hands on some reasonably priced tickets—Although, still really pricey for a couple of students… it is a Broadway show, after all— back in January long before the Tony nominations and extensive media coverage made Book of Mormon tickets a hot commodity. Even on April 17^th, when we went to see the show, people were outside the show hoping to buy tickets last minute for a lot more than what we paid for them. Good thing we didn’t decide to sell our tickets! The Book of Mormon is probably one of the best musicals I have ever seen, and easily the funniest.

I won’t spend too much time summarize the show, because you’ll find that all over the net by now. The Book of Mormon is a satirical, yet strangely sweet story about a young Mormon missionary who learns what it really means to have faith when he gets sent to Uganda instead of his dream location, Orlando. The show is extremely funny, but not at the expense of the Mormon faith or of good musical theater

The Book of Mormon parodies some of the most beloved musicals. Wicked, Lion King, and Little Shop of Horrors were parodied, just to name a few, but I wouldn’t say that the show didn’t possess it’s own originality. The musical numbers, even those that recall other familiar tunes, are a lot more than just parodies and— I might even dare to argue—in some cases end up being catchier than the old favorites they pay homage to. The show, singing Mormons missionaries and profane language aside, is a pretty traditional. The set was very simple, and the shows budget was a fraction of some other shows premiering this season. I would say that’s a plus, and especially since none of the actors were seriously injured during the rehearsal… If you’re not familiar, I’m referring to the number of unfortunate technical difficulties suffered by the cast of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”

I was shocked by the size of the Eugene O’Neil Theater. I guess I expected a show produced by the creators of a hugely popular TV series and an already successful Broadway producer to have their show on a huge stage. Eugene O’Neill is tiny by comparison to the Durham DPAC and most of the theaters where I’ve seen shows. Although I kept bumping knees with the guy next too me, once I got over that awkwardness I could see why such a small space was a really good choice. I’m not sure if it was a completely conscious decision or simply because the producers simply had no idea how immensely popular the show would be, but for me feeling so close to the actors was part of the show’s charm.

Another interesting feature of the Eugene O’Neill Theater was that they served the drinks during intermission in these little… sippy cups. I don’t know if that is typical now for Broadway Theaters or something, but if you can imagine a crowd of grown adults, many of them rich and famous, sipping wine from what can only be described as sippy cups, like what you would give a two-year old apple juice in, it was pretty hilarious. I digress….

Every joke was spot on, and I don’t think a single punch line fell flat. Yes, at moments you will find yourself laughing at the expense of some the stranger Mormon beliefs (like that the after life involves ruling your own planet!) but in the end the Book of Mormon ends up being a sort of celebration of faith, In a weird kind of way, going to NYC to see the show was almost like a holy pilgrimage for two lovers of musical theater and all things Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Even for those non-believers among us, the Book of Mormon shows that faith has value in society. It dares to ask the question: Does it really matter who might think their beliefs seem strange… or even made-up, if those beliefs give people hope and morals to live by?  I think that’s a pretty positive message in what lately feels like a more and more cynical world. 

Follow Ali on Twitter! @Alaina919

Detroit Point -- by Crystina D

Image from detroithiphop.net

   This January I experienced what I have named my Detroit Point. I wanted to use the word phase instead but I don’t feel like this is correct seeing that I haven’t moved past listening to any of the music I’ve found during that time and I don’t think I will.
   For about two weeks, I worked at a military hospital, which required me to wake up at 5:00AM. Bitterly cold and usually snowing or raining (or both), it took everything in me to pull it together and prepare myself to sit at a desk and do nothing for the next eight hours. I found two pieces of comfort during those mornings, Slum Village’s “Go Ladies” and J Dilla’s “Won’t Do”.
   For those who are unfamiliar with Slum Village, they are a hip-hop group from Detroit consisting of original members Baatin, J Dilla and T3. Musically, the production is usually sample heavy and their rapping style varied from each emcee whose individual technique was easy to distinguish from the others. Their music has a grimy feel to it without being jarring and playfulness without being corny. Even the newer releases from the group with contributions former member eLZhi maintained a certain vibe and only added to the musical legacy of Slum Village. I had been a casual fan of Slum Village since 7th grade and looking back, J Dilla has been ubiquitous in my music listening since I was about 8 years old but this winter when I really started digging, I found gems.
   So I’m out of the house before 6 and I set the music to “Go Ladies”, smooth enough to slowly wake me all the way up but also lively enough to help me muster up some enthusiasm. I would make my way across town bouncing to the handclaps and the repeating “go ladies” course slowly but surely ready to tackle the tedium ahead of me. After replaying “Go Ladies” about 10 times, I switched to “Won’t Do”. With the Isley Brother sampled beat banging into my head and the boastful lyrics keeping me alert as I do double takes to confirm what Dilla just rapped, I reach my destination; I was ready for work.
   Sometimes it’s the simple things that get us through the days. What songs have ever given you that extra push? Sharing is caring!

Follow Crystina on Twitter! @cryssyd90

Sounds for the Soul -- by Hannah

Jessie J – Who You Are

 Photo Credit: www.jessiejofficial.com

I first heard Jessie J one Saturday night while watching SNL.  She was the performer for the night.  Her look was so unique, for one set she was wearing thigh high stockings, high heals, and a sexy bodice.  Keeping it unique she had jet black hair styled like a modern bob.   She had this great soulful voice and she rocked out on stage.  I loved her sound and wanted to hear more from her album, Who You Are.

The album begins with the chart topping  “Price Tag” featuring B.o.B, a fun, upbeat song about living in the moment away from image and money.  When listening to her album, I feel everything she sings about.   “Nobody’s Perfect” the second track makes me remember those times when I said to much and wished I could take it back, but then she picks me right back up with “Abracadabra”, one of my favorites. It’s reminiscent of Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson mixed with her soulful edge.  It’s the kind of song that puts you in a fun loving mood and makes you want to dance around. Jessie J sings about so many relatable experiences and her amazing voice only makes it more appealing.  This is the album you want to keep around because it has a song for any emotion have or want to have.  I’d say this album is most likely a ladies choice but I wouldn’t be surprised if I caught my boyfriend singing along when it’s playing.

~MissHC

Follow Hannah on Twitter! @missHCinDC

Lights, Lights Up DC! -- By Tara Bowen

Tuesday night March 15th, Ellie Goulding, a UK singer/songwriter, graced DC with her presence. The first of a short string of tour dates, in the U.S. (her first).  Ellie Goulding, already a sensation in the UK, selling out arenas across, like Wembley and the likes—played the Rock n Roll Hotel here in DC Tuesday night—an interesting reminder (however surprising) as to her "status" here in the U.S. An interesting crossover for her (I’m sure), to go from arena-style stadiums to...a former rowhouse turned concert venue.

The place was packed. I actually got my ticket just hours before the show; one of the few "lucky" who "lucked out" on Craigslist. (and for face value no less)—some going for as high as $200.00. The "seller" chick and I hit it off-immediately exchanging Ellie stories—learning she attended Oxford (and is where she discovered Ellie Goulding)—there in the UK, she was unable to see her—her Wembley arena show selling out in just hours. It’s here, in the US—she is finally seeing Ellie G (a year later). The show itself was solid. Everybody danced, and she was backed by full band, and played guitar and floor tom drum throughout. About middle through, towards the end, she did a version of "Salt Skin"-that sampled Kanye West’s "Power"—ending in a drum pad solo, the highlight (for me), of the whole show. The part of the show when I lost myself. 

She’s an incredible performer, with an even (more) incredible voice; quite a treasure. A much better live act, so many nuances going on in her vocals. She’s appreciative-and seemed humble and grateful for such feedback—the whole place singing along to every one of her songs—even the new ones she said she hadn’t performed before (including "Human"). She seemed really touched by it all. It was this appreciation, mixed with (our own), that made for a most special night. Fans, literally, dying to see her for a good year (myself, and newly made friend included)—and then, this being the ‘kick off’ show of her US tour. What an awesome evening, full of mixed emotion. A sort of relief (Finally! She’s here!). The show seemed "overdue"—for hardcore fans anyway, but making it that much more special. And it was worth the wait. She ended with "Starry-Eyed". I met her afterwards-we have a mutual friend, who does some photography for her, and then she took a picture with me! Here it is:

...and here is one my friend took-which ended up in Elle/various publications. 

By Shervin Lainez. www.shervinfoto.com

Her first show of her first U.S. tour…very cool! Cheers and come back, Tara

Follow Tara on Twitter! @bowentara
And check out her blog: http://hmmdiddlydum.blogspot.com/

All photos by Shervin Lainez. Check him out at: www.shervinfoto.com

#RapMusic is 2011 -- by Ahmed

            Whoever said hip-hop was dead must’ve not looked at my iTunes.  Hip-hop is alive and doing well.  From the tall tatted Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa, to the soulful country Mississippian Big K.R.I.T, there’s been a new era of young talented artists that redeemed rap from the 2007 scare of dance rap like “Crank that”.  What’s one thing these freshmen have in common? It’s the Internet.  They’re realizing they don’t need a record label to make a track and produce their own music videos.  Young artists are taking their careers into their own hands and using sites like Twitter and YouTube to get their name out their.  The pioneer of Internet success believe it or not was Soulja Boy Tellem himself.  If there’s one thing that Soulja Boy did right was using YouTube to post his videos, which led to his success and eventually led to his deal with Collipark records.

            This is the new generation of rap.  In 2011 rap doesn’t have an image and its great.  Who would’ve thought that a 19 Jewish kid from Pittsburgh would get magazine recognition like Mac Miller was able to do earlier this year.  But now anyone has the ability to build his or her career.  Since it’s so easy to “become a rapper” everyday I hear about somebody new from my high school trying to rap.  Its kinda funny people are waking up in the morning and deciding to rap because all the lame “rappers” add to the negative image of hip -hop.

            The reality is that times are changing and hip-hop is forced to change with it.  A lot of the older artists that we grew up on are not around anymore because they couldn’t keep up.  The freshmen want their time to shine and we have the power to make or break their careers. On that note support good music.

Later,

Atrazgeneral 

Follow Ahmed on Twitter! @Atrazgeneral