#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....