Love Is Like A Mannequin

(image courtesy of justjared.net)

Apparently B.Spears introduced a new song to her setlist during her European leg of her tour the other night. While the performance may be less than stellar (what happened to her Slave For You dancing days?), I cannot lie. It's quickly becoming my new favorite song off of Circus. No one can dispute that it's an A+ pop song off of an A+ pop album.

-M

The Fame Ball Comes To Boston!

(photo courtesy of: http://neonlimelight.com)

Lady GaGa says time and time again in interviews that no, she is not just a pop musician, she is an artist. She's not Britney Spears, or Miley Cyrus - manufactured simply for pop music and tabloids pleasure. She is an educated (albeit NYU dropout, but we'll overlook that), talented, artist that wants to be the future of pop music and culture. In all of these interviews, I admit, I scoff. I love GaGa's music, The Fame ranks in as one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time (no joke). But a serious artist? I thought she was just another 23 year old girl that wanted to sing and dance for a living, and maybe score some free designer duds while she's at it. Haven't we seen this before?

I was wrong. Savor those words because you won't hear them often. I had the honor of being front row at tonight's The Fame Ball tour at the House of Blues in Boston. While I still feel iffy about the House of Blues as a venue, I feel confident in the artistry that is Lady GaGa. GaGa is what we at Pop Culture Paradox love and value. Her tour is infused with Andy Warhol and pop art. Her hour long set is broken down by video clips telling the story of "fame" taking over one's being -- heart, head and face -- one's full identity. While her album speaks of only needing, 'runway models, Cadillacs and liquor bottles,' GaGa (or at least her tour managers)' depth of studying fame and pop culture goes much deeper.

I became addicted to pop art, as we know from previous posts, at a young age. I loved pop art from my 5th grade art classes where we had to design the back of a men's button-down shirt in the style of our favorite artist. I chose Andy Warhol and his silkscreen, commercial style. I love the consumerism that pop art shows, and the idea that common items and people can be art. For a pop art addict, Lady GaGa's show is basically the equivalent of an acid trip. My eyes locked onto everything. Her fashion - including a bubble dress (and who really cares if it was ripped off from a designer?). Her constant use of pop art style glasses and hats to shield her face. Her lack of pants (for the entire show! Props to her for having the confidence to show her bum for a hour in front of thousands of fans!). Her show even intellectually stimulates the consumerist, future advertising executive within me where I see product placement in her Clockwork Orange style films (Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder - who else noticed it?) and costumes (Hello grafitti collection by Louis Vuitton in that final encore outfit).

I walked out of the House of Blues feeling more fulfilled by GaGa's concert than expected. While a good pop concert is always great, one that revs the intellectual stimulation comes few and far between. GaGa said that to her, Lady GaGa is a lie -- like a lie you tell your lover in hopes that the lie can become truth. By doing so, GaGa sets herself so far apart from all the other pop princesses of Hollywood. I expect no mental breakdown from this one - or at least we can hope. The only downside to GaGa's wonder - she's younger than I am! Talk about putting this blogger to shame.

Also worth mentioning. The setlist can be found at this review of GaGa's recent Chicago stop. Personal favorite song of the night? Eh, Eh, Nothing Else I Can Say - although it may be because it strikes a personal chord with me. Opening for GaGa was Cinema Bizarre, a German punk band with a four-song set. Chester French and The White Tie Affair also opened, who I have to give kudos for. Chester French's cover of Hella Good by the so-good-it-hurts-to-listen-to-them No Doubt made my night complete. The White Tie Affair is amazing live - they pulled off my favorite songs from their album (Candle [Sick & Tired] & Allow Me To Introduce Myself...) along with an AH-MAZ-ING Lil' Wayne cover. Yes, you heard me right, just click on the link. You'll love it too.

-M

Holy Fangirls Everywhere

(photo courtesy of www.cilike.com)

Last night marked my first trip to the "new" House of Blues in Boston, MA to see none other than Jesse McCartney (and about 2000 screaming fangirls). Placed at the old location of the Avalon nightclub on Lansdowne Street, A and I were sorely disappointed upon walking in. While I cannot speak for the restaurant portion of the building, there have been little to no renovations of the stage area past some paint and new pictures hanging on the wall. I downed my overpriced Corona ($7 my ass) and pushed my way through the waves of sixteen year olds to get close to the front. Standing, waiting for the main act to go on, made me reminisce and miss the old Avalon nightclub - a location that stood when the rest of the audience around me were watching Barney & Friends on television and drinking Motts apple juice. But I digress.

In this review, I want to make one thing clear. Jesse McCartney is not Justin Timberlake. He never will be, no matter how many remixes he has with Ludacris featured on them. He is not, was not, will not be as huge, because my generation of fangirls will never let that happen. Nonetheless, the 21 year old McCartney (who still appears to be 14) brought on the screams -- and the pushes and the shoves -- from girls all over Boston.

I give him credit for putting on a good show. While A and I couldn't withhold the pushing and shoving up in the front for the whole show (we ditched with a few songs left), we left impressed with McCartney's singing -- and songwriting -- skills. He sang 100% live. His songs sounded just as good onstage as off. The songs were catchy as hell. His stage presence wasn't too shabby. Still, the whole experience makes me pine for the pop stars of yesteryear. Excuse me while I go pop in an old *NSync cd.

-M

Sorry I'm Not Home Right Now, I'm Walking Into Spiderwebs, So Leave A Message And I'll Call You Back

(photo courtesy of nodoubtweb.com)

Happy Wednesday Morning. Good news. No Doubt tour dates have been announced! Here's the list, enjoy and see you at the Boston show!

-M

I almost drowned in a sea of skinny jeans

Last night's concert of The Cab/Plain White T's/Dashboard Confessional/Panic! At The Disco, although fun, was yet another thing on my list of life events that make me feel old. It has been over seven years since my first Dashboard Confessional show (shocking, I know), and within those 84 months or so, the clientele of such concerts has evolved -- and I don't necessarily think for the better.

Firstly, there was all too much bang at the show. And by bang, I mean hair. More specifically, hair across the eyes. While I love a side part as much as any other twentysomething girl, this craze is getting out of hand. I saw men, women, children, teens of all ages sporting a look that oddly resembles Cousin Itt from The Adams Family. How can one person see the concert stage when layers of bangs and mountains of eyeliner block their vision? I can't grasp the concept.
Another concept that it unimaginable to grasp? Skinny jeans. Like really skinny jeans. Jeans that look like spandex. Unless you're Lindsay Lohan, this trend is best kept to the fashion magazines and runways. No, not even rock stars can pull it off. My eyes are scarred after last night's image of The Cab's lead singer. No no, no no. In the words of the beloved Blair Waldorf, 'tights are not a substitute for pants.' Amen.

Now, my adherance to the complete ridiculousness of these trends doesn't necessarily make me old. But, it's the fact that every other person (sans myself and my friend, L), was wearing such clothing/makeup/hairstyle. Some even rocked wristbands -- which I hadn't worn since I was 8 and had tennis practice. Am I completely behind on the times? Did I stick out like a sore thumb at the show last night, sitting in my Paper Denim & Cloth jeans & sweater? I would be so inclined to say yes.

As a sidenote, in case you were wondering. The concert report card is as follows:

The Cab: Thumbs Down
Plain White T's: Thumbs Up
Dashboard Confessional: Thumbs Up
Panic! At The Disco: Thumbs Up (surprisingly!)

-M

You Got The Right Stuff, Baby.

The last page of my childhood occurred last night. After going to the North End for dinner and dessert with momma, we trekked over to the TD Banknorth Garden (also known as the Fleetcenter, Garden, or the only venue that's really worth going to for most Bostonians) to see New Kids on the Block.

Natasha Bedingfield opened, with an impressive voice but lackluster setlist. Why no 'I Wanna Have Your Babies,' 'Say It Again,' 'Single,' or whatever the title of the song is that was in 21 Dresses? Regardless she did close out the show with a live rendition of 'Unwritten,' which caused a montage of the opening credits of The Hills in my mind. Natasha was singing, but I only saw LC and Whitney Port in my mind.

NKOTB, was, by far, more impressive live than I expected. Aside from the fact that they're all really good looking (and none of that 'ew they're old' comments, I have friends that have dated men over 30). I, myself, was quite partial with Joey (of course) and Donnie (probably bc he's a bad boy and a Wahlberg). The small odes to Boston (their hometown, of course) made the concert feel like a Homecoming rally. The small stage set in the back of the floor area where they performed three of their songs was a welcomed surprise (especially since they were then about 500 feet away from me). Best of all, vh1 was there to film the whole concert, which means another dvd buy will be needed in the future for me.

Alas, my childhood is now complete in 2008. Spice Girls in January and New Kids on the Block in September. Now excuse me, I have to listen to 'Hangin' Tough' at least 8 more times before the morning is over.

-M

Looking for something to do this rainy weekend?

Another article from our contributing writer, Rae. Keep those posts coming homegirl!

Happy Thursday to all! Only two more days til the weekend! Woohoo!

Live in Boston and have nothing to keep you entertained this evening? Want to take mini-vacation back to the hazy, lazy days of summer? Try checking out local act The VOID Union!

The Boston-based band brings their own unique sound to Jamaican music TONIGHT at Church (69 Kilmarnock St. Boston, MA). Preview some jams from the band’s upcoming album featuring camoes from renowned musicians incluing Chris Rhodes ( The Mighty Mighty Bosstones), Mikie Brown (Steetlight Manifesto), Dan Regan (Reel Big Fish), and many more!

The VOID Union's mission is to always keep music and art the number one priority. After all, in a world consumed with money and corrupt politicians, honest music is one of the timeless truths that continue to make this world spin.

The VOID UNION just wants to make sweet music and keep people on the dance floor all night long. If it’s sweet timeless Jamaican grooves you're looking for, come see the VOID UNION, you are guaranteed to find your foot tapping and your booty shakin’.

Check out the VOID UNION’s myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thevoidunion).

Like what you hear? CHECK THEM OUT TONIGHT!!!