Happy New Year!!

Every year it is the same. We made ourselves promises we never kept, and we repeat the same mistakes we have made in the past.

For me, 2016 was a transitional year. Nothing really important happened, but it was a renewal for everything I've stood for in past years, and somehow I managed to stay calm and receive everything life was throwing at me. Also, I gained a lot of weight, something which will be reversed in the coming months.

In the meantime, I didn't make time for this project of mine, which in retrospective seems unfair, because, God! Music is my passion and I shouldn't be so dismissal about it.

So here we are, starting a new year, with the same promises of before: eat well, make exercise, be kind, rewind... And not abandon this pet project of mine, a labor of love that only make for a personal satisfaction, instead of something economical or any other reward I will be receiving for this.

So please, do not expect a flow of articles, but I will do my best to update as continuously as I can.

Hope you have a wonderful 2017.

Loving Me 4 Me... (A 'Stripped' remembrance)

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It is almost incredible that, after almost 14 years, "Stripped" still gives me goosebumps.

And it's not rare feat. After all, this is the follow-up of that self titled album that sold more than 7 million copies only in the US. Expectations were high for this one.

We can say this was the "coming of age" album from her. Tired of her conscious and careful image of her first album, Christina decided to give an 180 degrees change, and boy, for many it was too much.

"Dirrty", the first single, was met with derision and disapproval for the people who thought this was extreme for a former Disney girl (this was pre-Miley and everything, but is a recurring theme in pop music). And the video offended many sensibilities, accustomed to watch little Christina being flirty in an innocent kind of way, not in a straight-forward, come-on imagery, and very sexualized.





In an attempt to demonstrate she still had that thing that make her famous in the first place (her tremendous and skillful voice), she released her behemoth ballad, "Beautiful", and a classic was born. Sung until the end of times in every karaoke competition and "The Voice" blind auditions held, she had the opportunity to recover from the 'failure' of her first single, and made herself immortal with this, well, beautiful ballad about love and acceptance.




One of the recurrent themes from "Stripped" was a desire to be loved for who you are, and self-acceptance. She made raw confessions about family abuse in themes like "I'm OK", the problems she had with her father and how she overcame them in "Fighter", and made self-esteem anthems with "The Voice Within", "Soar" and "Keep On Singin' My Song". Very personal themes, that made us discover a very fragile and vulnerable Christina, that fought all of her youth life to find a voice and found an escape in music, which ultimately saved her and made her the person she was at that moment.



Of course, this album was full of bangers, too. Songs as the rhythmic female-anthem "Can't Hold Us Down" featuring former "Marmalade" collaborator Lil' Kim; "Infatuation" with its latin-infused beat; the pen-assisted Alicia Keys semi-duet "Impossible"; sultry come-on "Get Mine, Get Yours"; or the Sugababes rip-off "Make Over", this album had a little of everything for everyone.



But definitely what made Christina a Legend was definitely THE BALLADS. The aforementioned "Beautiful", "Cruz", my all-time favorite "Loving Me 4 Me" (channeling the Mariah-whistle register, sounds crazy and beautiful), and of course "The Voice Within". She definitely had this thing going on, where she can bare her soul in one note, and she was amazing for that.

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Ultimately, this album was all about empowerment, confidence, feminism, being able to stand up for yourself, and love all around. "Dirrty" may have been a misleading single because it was all about sexiness, dirtiness, and little to no clothes, but perhaps she found suitable to shock the world to be heard, and boy she succeeded at that.

That is why, 14 years later, this is one of my favorite albums of all time. Listening to it today, many memories came to mind, and I appreciate the effort Christina put in this material, working with many great producers and making an album very long (almost 74 minutes), but very rewarding in the end.

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What do you think about this album? Do you feel it is a classic, or way overrated? Sound off on the comments, I'd love to hear from you!

Just Right For Me

I know every year I say this, but this year I really would love to continue with this blog.

Music is my passion, and until the day I die, my days will be filled with it. Day, night and in between, I love, breathe and eat music. It is part of me, of who I am. So it is fitting that I continue with this little project of mine, which I love and I want to make it grow little by little.

So yes, maybe at mid-year I will be doing mutis again and forgetting about this blog. But rest assured, that I will do my best to nourish this space on the internet, listening to new music, new projects and doing my best to give you something to read, listen and enjoy.

For a better 2016!

Come Back To Me.. (Janet Is Back!)

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Today I want to celebrate the news that Janet is releasing an album this fall by doing it in the only way I can for news like this one: listening new Janet's "No Sleeep" until I, well, fall sleep. (BTW, it's not a typo, the three "e" are intentional).



I mean, it's friggin' Janet Jackson, FFS!! I'm in heaven right now.

She's also doing a world tour, so definitely she's ready for her comeback. And she deserves it.

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"No Sleep" is a return to form to the old Janet: the sultry, passionate, temptress and seductive Janet that we all love and admire. And she's back with the team that started it all: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are the producers of this blast, and let me tell you, they did a marvelous job, combining their hypnotizing beats with Janet's incomparable voice, and the result is magical.

So welcome back, Janet! We were expecting for you, but you made sure to give us plenty for your comeback!

Did you like the song, or you think she should have released something more like "All For You 2.0"? Sound off in the comments!

R U Crazy? (Or Kanye being... well, Kanye)

Last night The Grammy's were held, and oh boy, what a feast. For the most part, there were ballads everywhere, some good, some bad. As an irony, the most energetic presentations were from two old school fronts: AC/DC, who started the joint, and Madonna, which I'm still trying to process (and I'm not talking about her outfit at the red carpet). And the best, for me, was Annie Lenox (sublime, absolutely sublime) and Sia, assisted by a very wide-eyed Kristen Wiig. Absolutely marvelous.

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As predicted yesterday, I was right about the winners. It was Sam Smith's night, of course. The so-called male Adele took three Grammys to his home and one of the best lines of the night: "I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year. Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys". That is called a comeback like any other.

For the complete list of winners, please go here.

And of course, the fashion. The unaltered fashion. I'm going to let the images speak for themselves.

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- Madonna as a sexy maiden, showing that at 56 she still got it. Also, that any women at any age looks ridiculous on that outfit.

- Kim Kardashian, who apparently got out of the bathroom in her expensive bathrobe and didn't have time to change. Convenience, after all.

- Taylor Swift, looking so regal in this, One of my favorite colors. Love it.

- Gwen Stefani: never mind the jumpsuit, she looks like 25. How she does it?

- Katy Perry, bland, yes, but what a great performance, with all of its flaws. Amazing.

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- Beyonce, so toned down, but looking #Flawless, as usual. Minus points for a good presentation, not really suited for her.
- Lady Gaga, surprisingly poised, but she's looking more and more like this lady.
- Rihanna, with a dreamy dress, but she looks more like a quinceañera. You should really see all the memes about that.
- Kim, again.
- Nicki Minaj, showing her assets, as usual. She look gorgeous, by the way.

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God bless Sia. She's the new Bjork. Amazing, unpredictable and avant-garde. Although I hate to say this, but shouldn't this girl be at home sleeping at that time? Just saying.

But none of that can compare with THE MOMENT. Yes, the one they are all talking about. That awkward moment when you are awarded one of the major categories - Album of The Year -, unexpectedly, not even you see it coming. The award is presented and handed by no other than Prince, Prince! You get up the stage, all humbled and thankful, and then... This happens:

Seriously. Someone call the doctor, we have a crazy, narcissistic individual in the house.

And this sums up all about the Grammys: finally they recognize someone talented enough to actually deserve an award, and the stupid gimmicks almost ruined the moment.

And congratulations to my dear Christina, which along with A Great Big World, won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group performance.  She's not even active and she's winning things. That's a LEGEND.

What do you think of the performances and the awards? Let me know in the comments!

Tonight's The Night (The 57th Grammy Awards!)

Evidently, the big night of all things related to music is TODAY. The Grammy Awards, whether we like it or not, are the epitome of the music industry and a long aspiration for anyone working on music, whether they want to admit it or no. So basically, Tonight's The Night.

And as a now long tradition, Grammy's are going to be full of performances. Some odd, some very awaited (looking at you, Madonna and Katy Perry), and frankly, I can't wait to watch what the night is going to become. Something to remember or something to forget?

In all honesty, 2014 was a year to forget. Bland acts and bland music (commercially speaking) were the norm and not the exception, so the few examples of great music are rightly nominated for awards tonight. There were no big surprises on the nominations, so we only have to expect who the winners are going to be, meanwhile we sit during the three and a half hours (!) that the show normally lasts.

So,without further ado, I'll give you my predictions on who should and who will win. Care to join me?


RECORD OF THE YEAR

Who should win: Sia had a great year, and her song was surprisingly ubiquitous, so that is my bet for tonight.
Who will win: Sam Smith is the media darling right now, so it is a no brainer that he will be the king of tonight. But so is Taylor Swift, although her absence will definitely play a part in her not receiving an award tonight (but hey, wait for Grammy's 2016).
To consider: 3 out of the 5 nominees are foreigner: 2 Australian and one from the UK. Big year for foreign music on the US.


ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Who should win: Either Pharrell or Ed made great and commercial albums, not boring or repetitive, so they should win for that feat.

Who will win: Let's face it, this is Sam's night, so this one is for him also. Good album, but for half of it you just want to sleep or cry or both.

To consider: Beyoncé is the only woman nominated for this. It is a shame that her album ruled the last month of 2013, as she has no chance to win for the behemoths that Sam or Pharrell are. Also: 1000 Forms of Fear should be nominated.

SONG OF THE YEAR

Who should win: It is obvious that my love for Sia knows no boundaries or objectivity, so I will hand it to her, hands down.
Who will win: Based on popularity, it is either Taylor's or Sam's, but we know exactly how is this going to play out, right?
To consider: In a certainly dreadful year, these are actually the best songs out there and I´m glad they all are nominated.



BEST NEW ARTIST

Iggy Azalea
Bastille
Sam Smith
Haim
Brandy Clark

Who should win: Sam Smith. For me, it is the only award that he truly deserves.
Who will win: Sam Smith. It's his night, remember.
To consider: Again, foreign act dominating the nominations. For me, that is interesting, because it is obvious that the US now is more open to another acts, not the typical American stuff.



BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

"Fancy", Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX.
"A Sky Full of Stars", Coldplay
"Say Something", A Great Big World with Christina Aguilera
"Bang Bang", Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
"Dark Horse", Katy Perry featuring Juicy J


Who should win: If you know me, you know that my money will always be on Christina. And let's face it, it IS the best song of the bunch.
Who will win: It's either "Fancy" or "Dark Horse", the two biggest hits of the year. And you know what? It doesn't upset me. Both songs are proper bangers, and they deserve it.
To consider: Only one group (Coldplay) considered in this category. That means: more collaborations on the future from seemingly different artists (yass!)



BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

Who should win: As far as quality, I think Sam and Ed offered really stand out albums, but I lean more towards Ed. But in reality, I will be delighted if Katy actually wins the whole thing.
Who will win: Sam, obvs. The only album nominated for Album of The Year.
To consider: Funny thing that Coldplay is now considered pop, although let's face it, they always have been. And Miley can consider her nomination a victory and a confirmation that, after all, her talent really surpassed all the gimmicky that she have been the past year.


You can check out the full list of nominees here (only if you have the time; there are 83 categories, less than previous years, but still).

Are you watching the Grammy's tonight? Who are you rooting for? Sound off in the comments!

You've Changed (the layout and stuff)

Hi, there! I tend to keep my promises, and I'm focusing on making this blog something really great for the ones that took time out of their lives to read my nonsense. So I'm changing the layout and adding a Spotify playlist at the right side, so you can listen the new music that sure is going to keep us talking this year. Give me more suggestions so I can add them and if you like to subscribe to the playlist, you're more than welcome!

Thanks to the guys at this site, I borrowed one of their collages for my wallpaper, which is just perfect for this site. I just loved it.

So what do you think? Is this a yay or nay? Does it look good or am I missing the point here? I would love to read your opinions.

Thank you and enjoy!

Motorcycle Mama (Or Girls on bikes in videos)

Let me start this year by saying how much I love "Black Widow" by Iggy Azalea featuring Rita Ora. I know, I know: a lame, derivative "Dark Horse" if ever was one. But you have to admit the build-up to the non-chorus is pretty fantastic, considering that is sung by an almost anonymous voice -Rita is not well known by her vocal skills, anyway-, and Iggy is more powerful on "Fancy" or "Work". But you get the idea.

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Now, the video is something else altogether. In her grand tradition of making videos that seems like a tribute to famous movies, now it is the turn to "Kill Bill", including the one and only Michael Madsen, best known as Budd from said movie. It is such a travesty badly done, but nonetheless fun and it raises the song to more than a clone of some other tune and give it a life of its own. In a word: bonkers.



Which got me thinking: there should be a number of videos that features amazon-like women riding a motorcycle on some CGI universe looking to avenge mishaps committed towards them, right? Why, yes, there are, and plenty of them. This trope is very common in female empowerment video and our life is so, so much better for that. Let's take a look, shall we?

Britney Spears - "Toxic"

Before all the umbrella incidents and general craziness, Brit released this gem that surely got us talking with a sexy vibe and general greatness. But the trope was certainly improved by a handsome Tyson Beckford, driving such vehicle. All in all, an epic video.

She is riding a... Ducatti 999, and Tyson, let us not forget.




Paulina Rubio - "Don't Say Goodbye"

In her first incursion to American music landscape, Paulina shoot this expensive video almost on a green panel, it seems. Cool video, although it did little to get her on the mainstream pop of the beginning of 2000's. Well, you cannot have everything, right?

She is riding a... Replica of Kaneda's motorcycle, a character in the famous Akira manga and movie, which this video is heavily influenced from. Who would have known?




Shania Twain - "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!"

Following a success like Come On Over was not an easy feat, but Shania made it through this fun, sing-along song that made one hell of a video, as silly and clueless as the song itself. More like a TRON throwaway than the dystopian future they tried to convey. But yeah, great song.

She is riding a... Non-identified model of motorcycle, but reminiscing of the ones featured on TRON. You should check that movie.




Nicole Scherzinger - "Poison"

Certainly Nicole had a rough time convincing people that she was more than the prettiest girl on The Pussycat Dolls, or the more talented. Sadly, in this redux "Toxic"-like video, she didn't support that idea and seemed desperate to be a star in her own right. Sadly, it's not working for her, is it?

She is riding a... BMW R1200, which is a nice thing, I guess.




What we learned from all this?
- Girls love motorbikes...
- But they are afraid to ride them properly, so they need special effects and a green screen to achieve the desired effect.
- But they look fucking good while doing it.

An aside? Interestingly, all this videos are inspired from movies, and at least two of them (Britney's and Paulina's) are among the most expensive in the history of video.

So riding a motorcycle certainly has its perks, right?

Do you happen to know any other video featuring this trope? Sound off in the comments!

New Year, New Goals, New Promises...

Dear all:

We are now etering the second half of January and I'm doing the first entry of 2015. This project has had its ups and downs, and I feel like I abandoned it for so long. But I always get the sense and urge to write more about  pop music and this year seems phenomenal to do so, and I will continue to do it as long as I breathe (or at least until this blog runs its course, which I hope it's not soon).

Melodrama aside, I think it is best if we put it into action, and to me, that means that I least I have to post once a week to hold this promise for this year. It won't be an easy feat, but I think I have to make it in order to accomplish it and feel better about myself, so here it goes.

Another promises for this year:

- Spend more time with family and friends.
- start to eat healthy (which is practically impossible since I can't cook, even if my life depends on it).
- listen to more music (easy one).
- learn a new language (right now I'm onto German and after that French will be a fine thing).
- and most of all, be a better person in the real and digital world (I have been a bit of an asshole in both so who knows, I'll try to fix my ways).

Additionally, I think this will be an exciting year regarding of music (we already have a new Björk album, which for me is always a welcome thing). So yeah, this little project, passion, hobbie, whatever you want to call it, is here to stay.

Cheers for an uplifting 2015!

Artist of the week: Keyshia Cole

First of all... I want to apologize for the lack of updates since September. Right now I am studying a  new career online, and that is exciting. But I promise I will try to update as often as I can, because this is an important part of my life.

And now, back to business. This week has been dedicated to one of the most underrated people on R&B, and I think that's a shame, because she is excellent and very talented: Miss Keyshia Cole.

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Keyshia has been around since 2004, but she had a prior career being mentored by none other than Tupac Shakur. Big stuff. Her first record, a song for the soundtrack of the movie "Barbershop 2: Back in Business", entitled "Never", was a first attempt to get into the spotlight, and although it didn't have a proper success, it was clear that she was destined to bigger things.

Then, magic happens. Her first album, "The Way It Is", appeared, and oh boy, what a treat. I will always say without a doubt that this is one of the best first albums of an artist ever, because it is simply great. She delivered big notes, passion and talent in every song. There are no fillers in this great work: every song has a purpose and it's in the tone of the album. It is really great.





After this album, things seemed to get better for her. She released a second album, "Just Like You", which was also a success, and then featured on some collaborations with artists like P.Diddy and Sean Paul that further helped to get her international recognition.







After that, there were more albums that failed to replicate the success of her first two albums, but that doesn't mean they are bad. Contrary to that, they are excellent, and they are proof that how talented and serious she is in her work, and a truly testament on how underrated is her music.

So saying that, these are my favorite tunes from her, and if you don't know her music, these gems are a very good start:

1. "(I Just Want It) To Be Over": How can you beat  a song title like that? (Obviously, I love parentheses). And boy, this track produced by the same team that produced Alicia Keys, this is definitely one of the best tracks of her debut album. Fortunately, it was a single, and although the video is nothing close to the greatness of the song, this is pure quality.



2. "Down and Dirty": Uptempo songs are not Keyshia's best assets, but in this one, she delivers enough swagger and enthusiasm to make a great song. A hidden gem on her first album.



3. "I Ain't Thru (Featuring Nicki Minaj)": Sure, everything that Minaj touches instantly becomes gold, but let's give props to Keyshia, for maintaining her style over the infectious Minaj rap, and deliver excellent performance on this little ditty.



4. "I Changed My Mind": This Kanye West assisted track was her proper first single, and of course, given the fact that was produced by West and it was her grandeur entrance to the music world and the charts, this is definitely a solid track. And the chorus is really dope, if you ask me.



5. "Let It Go (Featuring Missy Elliott and Lil Kim)": At the pinnacle of her fame, she delivered this track with the assistance of two of the most respected female rappers in the world. Also, it helps that infectious "Juicy Fruit" sample  and simple but effective lyrics. A hit all around.




6. "Please Don't Stop": Although her "A Different Me" album was not the hit it deserved to be, there were plenty of songs that made that album one of her best. Among them, this song that is very uptempo and very fun to sing along. She really let her go in this one, figuratively.




7. "Was It Worth It": Her mid tempos are her best forté, which is demonstrated in this song, that yearns desperation and disappointment all at once. Her phrasing, her voice timber, and her delivery are really magnificent, and I'm not being hyperbolic. A shame this was not a single, it would have been great.



All in all, a very complete artist, whose music stands for itself, and although the recognition for her has waned in recent years, she still is as talented as day one. I'm really glad to be a  fan of her work.

Via

Do you like Keyshia? Which one is your favorite song from her? Sound off in the comments!

Proof that Taylor Swift is a Pop Star (Video and All) now...

By now, you could have heard the new Taylor Swift tune, "Shake It Off", and maybe you already hum the chorus or plainly yell out loud the lyrics of the song on your commute, am I right? And probably you have seen the video. If not, here it is, in all its glory:





Now, video is nothing extraordinary. Sure, it has some great scenery (I especially dig the ballet scenes and the contemporary dance takes) and silly Taylor all over the place, with her encouraging message "Sure I can look goofy despite being one of the most rich musicians in the world" and obviously "Haters gonna hate" motto that I'm pretty sure will become the mantra of teenage girls all around the world. The usual for Tay Tay.

But back to the video. Despite accusations of blatant cultural appropiation (that's still a thing, apparently) and stereotypes of black culture, I think it is a well done video, and it has met positive reviews around the music world. And of course the fans. So it should be interesting to know that the video was directed by a director called Mark Romanek. If you haven't heard of this guy before, do not worry. That is my duty, to introduce you to the work of this fine artist and visionary. because let's face it, he is.

Maybe you should take a look at some of his videos:


Lenny Kravitz - "Are You Gonna Go My Way?"





Madonna - "Bed Time Story"




Michael & Janet Jackson - "Scream"




Janet Jackson - "Got Til It's Gone"




Nine Inch Nails - "Closer" (NSFW)




Jay Z - "99 Problems"





And that's just the most commercial stuff. He's way deep in other videos. His cinematography has been well received, and he won several VMA's when those awards were relevant. Even two of their videos (Madonna's and Nine Inch Nails') have been made part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

And he has also directed some movies, most notably, One Hour Photo, starring the late Robin Williams.

So yes, maybe artistically and in comparison, Taylor video is one of his most inferior works, but hey! The guy hasn't worked in a long time, so I guess he needs the artistic push that a Pop Queen Bee can make. He is now set to direct the new U2 video, apparently, so that's something.

So, yeah, go back to watch Taylor's video. You know you want to.