For Arik/Eurovision Pop Fans

Credit goes to Arjanwrites for introducing me to Young Love, who I think would be *perfect* for your message board song contest, Arik.

p.s. check out the video for "Find a New Way" too.

"Discotech":

American Idol Songwriting Has Hit A New Cheesy Low

You're still a part of everything I do,
You're on my heart just like a tattoo,
Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you

Poor Jordin Sparks -- these are the lamest lyrics I've heard in a while. Her voice does sound good on the track at least.

Thank You New Orleans & Fats Domino

There's something about New Orleans and New Orleans' music that always makes me happy. No matter if it's Fats Domino or Lil Wayne. N.O. songs twinkle like my "little" (but former football-player big) brother-in-law's eyes when he's fighting off a giggle. Well a giggle at a sassy remark, at least. New Orleans, & its music especially, has the best combo of joy + attitude.

So, I'm so completely ALL FOR anything that helps ensure that New Orleans music - its legacy AND its future - is here to stay. I would have bought the Tipitina's Foundation's Tribute album to Fats Domino anyway. But as it turns out this dual-disc album filled with huge names covering Fats' songs is worth every penny. I think I'm going to have to donate to Tipitina's separately AND buy the album for as many people I can think of who'd enjoy it.

Stand out tracks come from Lenny Kravitz With Rebirth Brass Band, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis And Maceo Parker; Taj Mahal and The New Orleans Social Club; Corinne Bailey Rae; Herbie Hancock With George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste & Renard Poche'; and Irma Thomas & Marcia Ball (but there are A LOT of good ones).

Real Quick on the New Kanye

Have only listened through once thus far, so more to come, but ... I like it. I actually got really excited for it watching Kanye perform on the VMAs - I know he wanted to be on the main stage (Kanye being Kanye), but he still got to me. Anyway, this album is a lot tighter than his past two - no skits that you end up skipping. It's also more interesting musically (drawing from more diverse influences, etc.) than his past work. Some fans may be disappointed b/c the lyrics carry less weighty social messages/less "self-consciousness" than his past stuff, but as music, it's good. It's definitely clear that he sees Justin Timberlake and Timbaland as his competition much more so than 50 cent. Personally, as a music fan, I don't mind that at all.

There's One Thing Britney Was Not

Yes, the performance was a tragicomedy. Of course, she was painful to watch. But, there is one thing she was not, and I'm getting really tired of hearing people say this. SHE DID NOT LOOK FAT, PEOPLE!!! PLEASE!