It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Pop

• Artist: Adam Lambert

• Album: For Your Entertainment

• Song: Broken Open

Rationale: I have, on many an occasion, written about songs which I have labelled as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. As it so happens, ‘Broken Open’ by Adam Lambert, is another song which fits into this category.

At first listen, one could be forgiven for thinking that ‘Broken Open’ is simply a mock rendition of ‘Mad World’ by Gary Jules; another of my favourite songs. Both songs share an eerily similar melodic pattern, one which is a pleasure to listen to. On a purely basic auditory level, Lambert’s ‘Broken Open’ is quite different to ‘Mad World’, offering more of an upbeat pop synth loop with spacey techno buzzes and pings added for good measure. Even so, the song has a beautiful sound made even better with Lambert’s sultry voice. Surprisingly, Adam co-wrote ‘Broken Open’ as well.

I must say, Adam Lambert has created a stellar debut album. He has managed to cater for almost every genre, proving his versatility as an artist. Even more impressive, is the amount of talent that was wired behind the scenes into helping him create his first album, from the likes of MUSE, Pink, Lady Gaga, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) and Sam Sparro, among others; all adding their own personal touches to each of Lambert’s songs. ‘For Your Entertainment’ is a brilliant pop album and is definitely worth listening to.

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Truth be told, this post was initially inspired by the song “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, with a particular emphasis on the line ‘I Bet You Think This Song Is About You’. Why, you ask? Well, I have been told that someone, out of a group of people who are no longer a part of my life, continues to harbour some sort of unfounded resentment toward me and my family. To the extent that this person has resorted to ‘cyber stalking’ me and then, apparently, posting libelous thoughts about me on social networks, all because this person thinks that my ‘updates’ refer to them. Although this may, in certain circumstances, have been probable before; it is most definitely no longer the case. Hence the change of song for this post.

Look, I have moved on. The last time I paid any attention to any of these people was toward the end of last year (excluding this post, of course). It was painful enough having to let go, to be ‘Broken Open’. Consequently, before leaving for Australia last year, I decided that I was not going to torture myself by looking into their lives when they clearly indicated that they could not be interested in having us in their lives anymore. The only reason I bring it up now is because I am being told about what is being ‘said/written’ by others. I have actually told these ‘sources’ that I’m not interested and to keep the information to themselves; I do not want negativity in my life.

It is 2010. A new year and the beginning of my new life, in many ways. To be honest, I actually wish them all well. I truly and honestly mean that. They were an important part of my life and I have many memories and life moments that I will always treasure and think back upon; with loving nostalgia. Although I have personally forgiven them for what they have done, I will never forget how they made me feel nor what they have proven to be capable of. They are now a merely a part of my past, nothing more.

To the future, “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Pop/Rock 

• Artist: Thom Yorke

• Album: Twilight Saga: New Moon OST

• Song: Hearing Damage

Rationale: For quite some time I have spoken about songs which I have labelled as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. A majority of songs by MUSE, such as ‘Sing for Absolution’, fall into this category. ‘Hearing Damage’ by Thom Yorke, in my opinion, is another song which can be described as such.

I am not sure if it is Yorke’s surreal voice or the constant electronic and hypnotic pop synth buzz, but this is one of those rare songs that I can listen to over and over again without fail. The song is simply addictive. As it stands, I think that Hearing Damage is by far one of the most listened to songs in my entire music collection. I am actually listening to the song, and have it on a loop, as I write this post.

‘Hearing damage’ was written and recorded by Radiohead front man Thom Yorke, who specifically wrote and recorded the song for the New Moon soundtrack. Fans of the Twilight Saga will recognise ‘Hearing Damage’ from the scene in New Moon when Victoria pursues Charlie before being chased by Jacob. As a matter of fact the New Moon soundtrack, in its entirety, is actually very good and, oddly enough, was even given the ‘thumbs up’ by my father – a good thing because it means that the old folks will enjoy listening to the music no matter how loud you play the album. Consequently, regardless of whether you like the Twilight Saga or not, listen to the album for New Moon because you may be pleasantly surprised by the experience.

– Thom Yorke Lyrics

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

For starters, Britney’s last show in Melbourne was on the 13th November and we were only set to arrive in Melbourne on the 16th. Furthermore, tickets to the event were not exactly cheap, ranging from stadium seating at $250 (R1700) per person to the insanely priced ‘Love Seats’ for $1500 (for two tickets –> R10 000 ). Consequently, chances of me attending Miss Spears’ performance were pretty thin.

Or so I thought.

Through a fortunate turn of events, Britney had actually extended her tour due to popular demand, adding three extra shows to her repertoire. One of those shows, as luck would have it, was in Melbourne.

I would be lying if I said that I was not excited at the possibility of watching the princess of pop perform in the flesh. After all, like the Queen (Madonna), it is not as if Britney would be making her way to South Africa. So it was pretty much a ‘This Is It’ kind of scenario.

Amazingly, my parents ascertained that this would be a fantastic experience and wholeheartedly agreed to buy tickets to the show. Not only that, but they even allowed me to opt for the ‘stool’ seating, which is directly behind the ‘Love Seats’ and, as it turned out, was literally a meter and a half away from the stage.

Without a doubt, ‘The Circus presenting Britney Spears’ was the best concert I have ever been to. I am unable to truly relay how awesome the experience was. The circus elements to the show, alone, were worth the price of admission; from acrobats, to martial artists, clowns, mimes, weapon artists, magicians… you name it and it was there (animals excluded). In addition to the circus element, I have never before been privy to a live performance with as much pyrotechnics and stage theatrics as this. The ‘wow’ factor was simply phenomenal. I do think that the experience was made just that much better courtesy of our seats which, as I have mentioned before, allowed us to be almost within two arm lengths of the pop princess.

Contrary to the controversy surrounding Britney’s performance in the land down under, I can honestly admit that I would watch it again. So what if she lip-synchs? Anyone who has heard of Britney Spears knows that she is infamous for lip-synching (along with many other famous artists). So this was really of no surprise. In my opinion, if you want to hear an artist sing, buy the album. If you want to watch them perform, go to a concert. Whether they sing ‘live’ or not is irrelevant. With that said, it is worth noting that Britney did sing at least one song live, the ballad ‘everytime’. To all the naysayers who think Britney Spears cannot sing, let me tell you, this chick has a good voice. As a matter of fact, she actually sounds better live than through her recordings. So it is a shame that she does not perform ‘live’ more often.

Considering how close I was able to get, I was quite surprised to realise how small Britney Spears actually is. She is tiny. Then again, I am 6’4”, so a lot of people are smaller than I am. After two kids, she does look very good. While I’m on the topic of her body, it is worth noting that she is rather fit. She has good muscle tone; most definitely what could be described as a dancers body. So she is not petit and does appear to have some extra junk in her trunk. I think the biggest surprise to me was how small her boobs were. For those who know we, I’m a boob man. Britney has a good handful, but not what one would expect after all of the boob job debates. Have a look for yourself, in the album below.

View Full Album

I am truly so thankful that I could have this opportunity and would like to send a huge ‘I love you’ and ‘thank you’ to my loving parents who made it all possible.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Pop
• Artist:
  Hilary Duff
• Album: Best Of Hilary Duff
• Song: Reach Out

Rationale: There is no doubt that I am a fan of the popular genre of music more commonly known as pop. I can openly admit that I thoroughly enjoy music from, for example, the likes of Madonna  and Britney Spears. Subsequently, I have enjoyed almost all of Hilary Duff’s work.

Reach Out, in my opinion, is a great song. Probably more so for me because I cannot actually ‘reach out’ properly with my right arm. Believe me, the irony of choosing this song, in light of my current situation, is not lost. In fact, it actually reminds me that I have something to work towards. After all, my answer to Miss Duff’s question is yes. Yes, I would very much like to show you ways to workout those vocal cords ‘reach out and touch you’.

What some people may not know is that the song was produced by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and is built around a sample of Depeche Mode’s 1989 song “Personal Jesus”. Furthermore, Reach Out was Hilary’s third number one on the US ‘Hot Dance Club Play’ billboard and was specifically produced for the Best of Hilary Duff album, which is also the final record in Hilary’s contract with Hollywood Records.

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Pop
• Artist: Michael Jackson
• Album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
• Song: Earth Song

Rationale: ”On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson collapsed at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles. Pending confirmation from toxicology reports, he was allegedly administered Demerol shortly before he stopped breathing. Attempts at resuscitating him by his personal physician were unsuccessful. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics received a 911 call at 12:22 p.m. (PDT), and arrived three minutes and seventeen seconds later at Jackson’s location. He was reportedly not breathing and CPR was performed. Resuscitation efforts continued both en route to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and for an hour further after arriving at approximately 1:13 p.m. (20:13 UTC). He was noted already to have been in cardiac arrest by the paramedics who attended his house. Jackson was pronounced dead at approximately 2:25 p.m. local time (21:25 UTC) (Michael Jackson via Wikipedia, 2009).

Regardless of Michael Jackson’s tainted past, the man was an enigmatic legend. He single-handedly moulded and commercialised the genre of music we know as ‘pop’. It is also through his influence that the music video is what it is today and one of the primary reasons why we have MTV and VH1. From the young to the old, every person knew of Michael Jackson and has, at least once, at one point in their life, jived to one of his carefully mastered and best selling beats. I know that I have, on many occasions, bobbed my head, shaken my ass, grabbed my crotch, uttered a primal “ouwoo” and raised a faux white-gloved-hand to the heavens. Consequently, his death is not only a blow to the aging music industry, but also a major loss to millions of adoring fans worldwide, not to mention his “children”, family and friends. As a result, it is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to one of, if not the, greatest musician of our times. Rest in peace MJ!

For my salute to Michael Jackson, I chose the Earth Song. This is one of my all time favourite Michael Jackson songs and has unmistakably influenced the person: I am, continue to be and will undoubtedly become.

Michael Jackson:

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson – Earth Song

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

Hey Milieunairs,

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

Rationale: I discovered Carolina Liar through the television series ‘90210’. You know, the reboot of yesteryears ‘Beverly Hills: 90210’? I would describe Carolina Liar’s style as follows: Two cups of Keane, mixed with a Cup of One Republic, a half a cup of The Fray, a teaspoon of Coldplay, with just a pinch of Muse (mixed thoroughly). Best when served fresh from the oven of teenage angst, misunderstanding and emotion. If you enjoy listening to any of the aforementioned artists then you will enjoy Carolina Liar.

I chose the song Show Me What I’m Looking For, because I believe that everyone will, at some point, ask for guidance. Throughout our lives we are given many choices. Each choice leads to eventual answers. Those answers result in a multitude of possibilities. The various possibilities are what allow us to learn through living. The question is, which lessons do we want to make a part of our lives? The answer? Well, each journey is unique and most often comprised entirely of our own creation. Simply put, the ‘choice is yours’. However, I have learnt that the choices we fear most, the ones which possibly harbour the most eventful outcomes, are often the ones which offer the greatest level of experience, fulfilment and understanding. Subsequently, the only piece of advice I can give is this: do not be afraid to take a risk every now and again. Even if you fail, you will gained experience, experience which may continue to shape your future… for the better!

Carolina Liar – Show Me What I’m Looking For

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

 

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

•  

  

  Flavour: Pop

• Artist:
  Lily Allen

• Album:
  It’s not me, it’s you 

• Song:
  Fuck You

Rationale: Of all the phrases to be blogging about, can you believe that the one song I choose from Lily Allen’s new album would contain the acronym for “Fornicating Under Consent of the King”? Those who personally know me can attest to the fact that I simply do not use the ‘eff’ word (even now while thinking the word I say ‘eff’). In fact, I barely swear – with the exception of the words ‘bitch’ and ‘shit’, which I use sparingly. Personally, I am not a great fan of colloquialism and believe that obscenely vulgar language, used in excess and no matter how deliciously descriptive, is just a new means of raping the English tongue. However, in this very rare case, I have made an exception. Lily Allen’s song “Fuck You” is brilliant! It has such a catchy tune and is a song specifically written for those who belong to minority groups (none of which I am a part of, being a straight white male and all) and who embrace a liberal stance to life. Consequently, I came across this video, called ‘The Big Fat Gay Collab’ (the video’s image placeholder is so sexually suggestive… I am not sure if I will be able to eat ice-cream the same way again…), while searching for Lily’s ‘eff you’ song on YouTube. Lily Allen’s new album is a pop fiesta filled with witty lyrics and tactlessness. If you like Lily’s music, you will love this album!

Lily Allen – ‘Fuck You’ (Big Fat Gay Collaborate)

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour:
  Pop Rock

• Artist:
  The Fray

• Album:
  The Fray 

• Song:
  You Found Me

Rationale: It is the Fray! Need I say more? Well, okay. The singer does look a bit like Shrek but he does have a great voice. I suppose ‘beauty’ can run deep, or, depending on how much alcohol you have consumed, it can lie in the eye of the ‘beer-holder’. On a serious note, the songs are still as depressing thought provoking as before and are fantastic to listen to. Simply put, if you have enjoyed listening to The Fray’s previous work then you will enjoy the new album in its entirety.

The Fray – You Found Me

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Electro Pop

• Artist:
  M83

• Album:
  Saturdays = Youth

• Song:
  Kim and Jesse

Rationale: Another fantastic Zune Marketplace discovery and purchase. Below is a succinct overview of the album and expresses almost exactly the way I feel when listening to M83.

“Like fellow Frenchmen Air and Daft Punk, M83‘s Anthony Gonzalez has the knack for making sounds others might think of as outdated, or even tacky, into music that feels stylish and fresh. Saturdays=Youth lives up to its evocative title, but the youth it captures is filtered through nostalgia for the unrepentantly fake sounds of the ’80s, transforming them into delicate fantasy pop. Synths whoosh like wind tunnels and ping like lasers, guitars are whipped into ethereal froth, the drums are robotic and proud of it, and the production reproduces the cleaner-than-clean, almost brittle style of the era almost too perfectly” (Heather Phares, All Music Guide)

‘Kim and Jesse’ by M83 from the album ‘Saturdays = Youth’

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

Hey Milieu Pals,

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

Rationale: Quite simply, this is the newest album of music to have been added to my collection, courtesy of the fantastic Zune Marketplace. I have always enjoyed Röyksopp with the unforgettable ‘Finding Leno’ and the unmistakeable ‘Eple’ being the two songs which introduced me towards the mystique of this electro pop duet, over eight years ago. The album is brilliant Röyksopp fare and worth a purchase if this is the kind of music that you enjoy.

Royksopp – Happy Up Here

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time Milieu Pals!