#MyFive Moving Live Performances

Pop artists have a reputation for producing music that is fun and entertaining, but rarely emotionally moving, especially outside of the magic of the studio. I have been moved to my core on several occasions, however, by artists who infuse powerful and real emotion into their live performances. I thought I'd share my five faves on this frigid morning. Click on the links to relive the magic :)

5) "Because of You" - Kelly Clarkson: The charm of that low-budget first Idol season was how the contestants seemed just like you.  So when Kelly peformed a song she wrote as a kid live at the Grammys after an amazingly successful year, it was like watching your friend live her dream. The kicker was the "I've always dreamed of performing at the Grammys" video intro of a young Kelly.

4) "Silver Springs" - Fleetwood Mac: I was too young to grasp FM's musical talent when I saw this reunion performance, and I was also too naive to get just how complicated and painful relationships could be (Zack & Kelly never seemed to be that intense). But the moment I heard Stevie sing this song, and more importantly, the way she looked at her ex as she sang, I got it. I got the talent, I got the pain, and I felt everything she was feeling, long before I'd know those things for myself. That's true talent.

3) "Falling Slowly" - Kris Allen: I was Team Kris from his first song, but my friends were all Team Adam. I had many an argument with my sis about her lack of a soul, until this performance. The second it ended, my phone rang, with my sister crying and apologizing on the other end. On a night of cliche and over-indulgent movie songs, Kris picked one with true heart and soul, and it was the perfect vehicle for the world to hear just how moving his voice can be.  Team Kris, ftw.

2) "Live to Tell" - Madonna: This song wasn't a fave until the Confessions Tour, when it blew me away. When someone pretends to be Jesus at a church play, they do it to inspire people through the tale of someone who died for others. Madonna was doing the same thing, but instead used the analogy to suggest how Jesus would want us to help people, particularly children. The imagery and music combined to from an inspirational masterpiece.
1) "Glitter in the Air" - P!nk: Everything about this exhuded vulnerability, bravery, and authentic emotion. The raw, imperfect vocals, the nude jumpsuit, and most beautifully, the seemingly-effortless and stunning movements of her body as she dangled from only sheets. She sang of fighting your fear and pride to achieve those rare and incredibly beautiful moments in life, no matter how brief or risky they may be. You could see the awe in the faces of everyone in that auditorium, just as easily as you could see the tears on mine.


There you have it. Which performances have inspired you?

#MyFive Anticipated Albums of 2012

Of all my pop culture vices, music is definitely the biggest. I had fun looking back on my faves of 2011, so I thought I'd look ahead to 2012! Also, I showed up at work today without realizing I wasn't supposed to, so since I'm here with nothing to do... 

5) No Doubt - I hesitate to even put them on this list, as Gwen and the boys have been threatening to release the new album for years now. But surely this is the year they finally do it, right? No Doubt was such an important band for me in my teenage years, and they made some awesome pop music. I'm so ready for some more, that every time I see Gwen Stefani hock makeup or clothes in a commercial, I yell at her to get her ass back in the studio and make me some music. Not kidding.

4) Wilson Phillips - Thank you, Bridesmaids, for making it okay to vocalize my love for these ladies again. For years, they were the secret little shamebased treasure I missed the most, but now others are just as captivated by their harmonious voices and not-so-harmonious personalities (please tell me you saw that reality special). Everyone told me I was nuts for holding out for a Wilson Phillips come back. But I got my way, 'cuz I Held On for one more day (actually for several years, but I guess that's a much-less inspiring lyric).

3) Kris Allen - If you haven't figured it out yet, you should expect Mr. Allen to pop up in any of my music-related blogs. Favorite American Idols, Best Songs of 2011, Anticipated Albums of 2012, hell, I'd probably find a way to stick him in my Favorite R&B Divas blog (which I now feel challenged to do). Beautiful voice, beautiful heart, beautiful face, beautiful dog. "Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful". Hey Kris, maybe that should be your album's title. Either that, or "I love you Wesley Ryan". Actually, that last one sounds better. Go with that.

2) Fiona Apple - I'm most inspired by talented singer/songwriters who weave a web of poetry with their lyrics. In that regard, I'd argue that Fiona's the best of my generation. She can create a song that is so unique and unlike anything you've ever heard, but the picture she paints is so perfect that you wonder how no one ever thought of it. When you combine that talent with all the ish this inspirational survivor has overcome, you have one very powerful artist, who can pull your deepest emotions out of you before you even know what they are.

1) Madonna - She's been making amazing albums for almost 30 years, which is why I cringe when people call someone "the next Madonna". They'd have a long way to go to pull off the success that ol Madge has maintained. I've loved her recent dance-focused LPs, but my favorite Madonna is actually ballad Madonna, and rumor has it her new effort will include her first slow-tempo treats in over a decade. If they're anything like the leaked song "Masterpiece" I will be beaming all year long. She's my favorite artist ever, and 2012 is hers.

What are you looking foward to in 2012? Are you as excited about Madonna? Are you sick of my Kris Allen love? Did you show up to work today for no reason? Sigh....

#MyFive Songs of 2011

Fair Warning: MyFive favorite songs of the year are likely not already on your Ipod. I'm constantly listening to music, so by the time radio or the casual listener catches on, I'm over it. So take a song like Adele's "Rolling in the Deep", which is amazing, and which I loved from January until around May. But by October, I literally verbally assaulted anyone who was singing/playing/quoting it. I get really excited sharing music with people, so click on the song names to check out these gems.  Hope you like!

5) "Someone Like You" - Jay Brannan: Okay, Hypocrite Warning. I just ranted about overplayed songs, but Adele is truly amazing, and her impact on music this year is undeniable. I actually prefer this version, by one of the best singer/songwriters who's ever lived. Jay can rip your guts out with the pain and loss in his voice. He's felt this ish before, and you can hear it in every note.

4) "Cold as Stone" - Lady Antebellum: I really love Lady Antebellum, but the album tracks that make it to radio are rarely my faves. Case in point, this gorgeous ballad. Charles and Hillary's harmonies always give me goosebumps, and they can tell a country story of a lost relationship better than anyone. Throw in some beautiful and tear-inducing strings at the end, and you've got a song that could (and likely will) break your heart.

3) "Strangest Love" - Britney Spears: You can judge me if you want, but I don't have to defend my love for well-constructed and fun pop music. Her Femme Fatale album surprised me by becoming my favorite Britney album ever (don't tell Blackout), but I honestly wouldn't be able to decide which song I like best. Luckily for me, this track leaked and made the choice for me. It is one of the 5 best Britney songs ever. It's sexy and sleek, but you can hear the emotion in there, subtle but powerful. Just like Brit-Brit. Stop judging me.

2) "Love Too Much" - Kris Allen: Another unreleased track jumps in and makes my year so much brighter. Apparently co-written by Kevin Rudolf, this song has passion, catchy rhythm, vocal prowess, and most importantly, the emotional tone in Kris's voice that makes you scream it out in the car, forget you're at a stoplight, and be judged by angry drivers who have to pass you and wonder what asylum you escaped from. No? Maybe that's just me then....

1) "Holding Out For a Hero" - Ella Mae Bowen: I love a classic song that gets flipped into something new and different. I love a singer who can effortlessly use their voice to make you feel their desperation and sadness. I love a musical arrangement that completely conveys the emotion of the song without the need for any vocals. So when you can combine all of these things together, you get perhaps the most beautiful song I've ever heard. Ever. I'm not kidding. Check it.



The only thing I love more than sharing my favorite music is people sharing theirs with me :). What are YourFive songs of 2011?

#MyFive Favorite American Idols

It's almost that time of year kiddies. No, not Christmas. Or New Years. Or my birthday (which you should all celebrate beeteedubs.) Nope, it's almost American Idol season! To remind myself that some true talent has come out of this show and to try to get excited for the upcoming crop, I've put together the rundown for my favorite idols, complete with some lesser known song links you should check out. And we're off....

5) Daughtry - He actually wasn't my favorite on his particular season, but it's hard to deny his talent and impact on music. His voice is a man-rocket of passion, anger, and soul, and several of his songs have blown radio a new one. The casual listener may not be aware, however, that his last album showed some skill on amazing down-tempo slow jams, that were much more country-twinged and reflective than angsty and rocky. Plus, the man can throw down a hot collaboration like nobody's business. Check out Tennessee Line with Vince Gill or Fast Car with Kelly Clarkson for undeniable proof. And more on Kelly later....

4) Blake Lewis - You probably only remember him as "that beatbox guy", but that's a damn shame.  His skills at crafting an amazing pop song are on point, and he's put out two amazing albums that flew under the radar of even the most diehard Idol fans. With a unique sound and the ability to combine depth and dance, Blake is someone who I hope will keep putting out music, whether or not the rest of the world catches on to his charm. Not to mention he knows his audience and isn't afraid to embrace them. He celebrates and reaches out to his underground gay following, playing pride concerts and sticking up for equal rights when he can. Check out Heartbreak on Vinyl and Our Rapture of Love for some sexy poppy bliss.

3) Carrie Underwood - I'mma stay clear of the Carrie/Kelly debate that seems to drive any conversation about either lady and just comment on why Carrie is awesome. And the answer is, very simply, her voice. I don't follow a lot of country artists and the actual songs Carrie records probably wouldn't even end up on my Ipod if it wasn't for the incredible voice that drives them. From the second she belted out and took ownership of Heart's "Alone" on American Idol, anyone who loves true vocal talent has been cheering her on. Her i-hate-man anthems are fun, but she can make even the grinchiest grinches tear up with performances like Temporary Home and Just a Dream. Pass the Kleenex please.

2) Kris Allen - I'm incredibly passionate and defensive about this man, and get a little irritated when I have to convince people of his awesomeness. It should really be very clear. When he sings a song, even if you've heard it sung by a million other people, he pulls the emotion out of it in a way that no one else does. On top of that, he doesn't care about fame, or headlines, or the excesses that drown so many people and their talent. He spends his free time supporting lesser-known charities, actually doing mission work to help those less fortunate, and being there for the actual people in his life. A simple guy with a huge heart, kind soul, and amazing voice. And he's actually a great songwriter, as evidenced by his work both pre and post Idol. I'll stop gushing, but only if you check out Love Too Much or I Need to Know.

1) Kelly Clarkson - To put it in Kellyspeak, "well duh". The first is still the best, and likely always will be. Having rooted for this nerdy, silly, country girl on the fledgling reality show that was still finding its way makes me feel like a proud parent. After a great first album that didn't really connect, she took over the world with Breakaway, and everyone fell in love with her. She may never achieve that mega-star impact again, but I honestly don't think she wants to, nor do I care if she does. Any Kelly fan knows her true gold is found in her acoustic, often unreleased, slow-jams, which combine her unbelievable vocal talent with her ability to inject gut-wrenching sadness into a song. If you haven't witnessed All I Know or I'm Not The Only One, then you don't know the real Kelly. And you should.

And there you have it. Those are #MyFive American Idols. Who are yours?