… when the skies cracked open and the Goddess did lower a shining pair of headphones fitted for all the queer girls of this world.I kidd-eth thee not, mere mortals—we are crashing through quite the blissful week for queer ears (when it comes to the music scene, of course). We started off with a glittery Grammy celebration, and we followed the fireworks up with a stunning array of new releases. I'm still recovering from the shock of great tracks, hence the late post.
But as you will discover, 'tis better late than never.
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Sunday, February 13/11: The 53rd Grammy Awards
Goodness glamoury—I do love the Grammys. And lo, true talent prevailed in the major award categories for the first time in decades. I know some reviewers termed the two big winners in question an "upset" to the natural order of the More Albums Sold = "Best" Artist reasoning, but I find it refreshing to see the academy push for more alternatives to the mainstream ear. Who ever decided an independent album is inferior to a major label's production? Ah, but the politics—one can never be free of 'em.
Anyhow, on to a rundown of the highlights:
Did anyone else feel Lady Gaga was channeling the Alien franchise with this entrance? Or, at least the Cocoon flicks? We all figured Gaga was another life form, so the comparisons seem appropriate. I know she was gunning for her last single, "Alejandro ", to be the definitive gay anthem of the new millennium (which still baffles me), but I do believe she's figured out the formula at last. Throughout the entire performance, I kept projecting myself into the 2011 Pride celebrations and you know for a fact—THIS SONG WILL DOMINATE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE AND BEYOND. Guaranteed. And, I admit, I will approve.
Janelle Monáe Upstages Her Fellow Up-and-Comers
…though, we all sort of expected that one, am I right? Monáe electrifies when she touches the microphone, and she doesn't need a black-and-white camera filter to achieve an old school, soul-inflected sound (*cough*brunomars*cough, cough*). Though, I give points to B.o.B. for rocking a monocle on stage—I do like his brand of rap, and I have to dedicate a piece of my heart to his duet with Paramore lead singer, Hayley Williams. And then he adds a monocle to the mix? Brilliant. But overall, the stage shuddered along with Monáe's "Cold War"—and now I know who I'm fightin' for.
Behold the staggering influence of The Bob Dylan, able to consume the talents of new stars and put their powers to use on an old-timey stage. I wanted to highlight this performance because, A) I'd never seen Mumford & Sons perform before, and the lads seem awesome, B) Ditto for The Avett Brothers, and C) WOW, Bob Dylan—I cannot understand a word you utter. Before, you mumbled; now, you gurgle…? People call you a living legend, but are you really alive, or are you pre-zombified?
I am not sure how this duo formed. I don't know that a clear answer exists. Despite the oddity, I loved the performance. How could one not love the brightest, queerest stage show of the night—a performance that managed to upstage Gaga's "Born This Way"? I mean, Cee Lo's feathers? A plethora of puppets for a band? Gwyneth Paltrow in the most dangerous-looking heels I've ever seen a straight gal descend from a staircase wearing? You ought to YouTube this one if you missed it. Quite the sideshow.
I never thought a talented artist winning an award could be deemed an "upset," but the Grammy reports prove otherwise. Esperanza Spalding bested the kaleidoscopic Florence & The Machine, the boisterous Mumford & Sons, and the young'uns from the North, Drake and Justin Bieber. True, it is a rare occurrence for a jazz musician to snag an award for Best New Artist, but Spalding proves to be a towering new talent.
ARCADE FIRE TAKES THE NIGHT!
Album of the Year winners, Arcade Fire, overturn the status quo of the Grammy night and prove artistry and independence trumps the big wheels of the music biz to the south. I know our household was ecstatic with the announcement, and with the sheer fact that Arcade Fire performed both "Month of May" and "Ready to Start" to round off the 53rd Grammy Awards. I imagine the kids in Montreal and Quebec in general are elated—Arcade Fire's The Suburbs bested Eminem's comeback album, Lady Antebellum's new country classic, Katy Perry's Top 40 knockout, and Lady Gaga's international behemoth. Heh, no pressure, right? CONGRATS, ARCADE FIRE!
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This Week in New Releases
Lady Gaga, "Born This Way" (Single)
Get out the glitter and all those rainbow flags, kids—Lady Gaga breaks the winter blues with a burst of Pride. Better start memorizing the lyrics now so you're up-to-speed once the June/July season rolls around.
At last—a new shot of PJ Harvey for the stereo. I needed a good aural thrashing to start the week, and I am forever dedicated to Harvey's brand of brass. Let England Shake offers a dark dystopian treat for listeners harbouring a penchant for dictatorial swagger and iron-fisted guitar riffs. I do love music spiked with speculative fiction—the fact an album of this nature is coming from Harvey makes the combination that much sweeter.
k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang, "I Confess" (Single)
See what I mean, gay ladies? When I spotted a new k.d. lang single for sale, I knew we were being rewarded. On "I Confess", we are treated to lang in fine lamenting form— she confesses to the mistreatment of her lady love and begs for a second chance (um, and who would be daft enough to not offer her one million extra chances?) I would recommend updating your queer tracks now by adding "I Confess" to the mix—we've only got a handful of months before Pride, you know.
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*Dabs brow with a handkerchief*
Feels good to write an epic update for once, especially when it is of the music variety. I get distracted with new tracks and triumphant awards, and I often forget to comment on 'em.
You all can thank k.d. lang for this post.