Tag Archives: Born This Way

THE BEST MUSIC OF 2011

Posted on 2011/11/21 | Leave a comment

With the Holidays upon us (can’t believe it’s time to start saying those words!) I thought it would be smart to help ALL of you Christmas shoppers who are looking for the soundtrack of the year 2011 for your ears. Some songs may have been released in 2010 but these chart toppers hit hard in ’11 and will keep going! This is my favorite music to get you through holiday parties, long drives through snow to grandmother’s house you go, and to knock you into visions of sugarplums that dance in you head by presenting this list of the BEST MUSIC of 2011.

Starting this list of MUST HAVE MUSIC from 2011 is the Lady herself, Lady Gaga bringing us You And I. This song is one of those that makes you feel emotions all over the chart. I simply LOVE this music from Lady Gaga and will not listen otherwise. Actually, her entire album Born This Way – The Collection [2 CD / DVD Combo] is a fierce stocking stuffers for your little monsters!

To follow my blog here at iamstevenmichael.com is to also know that I am actually a much younger British tween that screams inside her head every time she hears The Saturdays. Dropping this next week my girls of Vanessa, Rochelle, Molly, Una and Frankie have a NEW ALBUM titled On Your Radar and the tracks coming off of it already are pure ear candy from Notorious, “My Heart Takes Over” and “All Fired Up.” LUV THESE GIRLS!

Finally, Britney Spears is back and on top of the game she once ruled! This year her new album Femme Fatale spawned many a hit single including Till The World Ends, “Hold It Against Me” and my favorite I Wanna Go that is FUN PHUN! Everyone loves Britney! It’s her world and we simply live to listen and watch what’s next from her!

Recently named Esquire magazine’s “Sexiest Woman Alive” Rihanna has killed it from radio to dance floors to iPod playlists all year long and beyond with We Found Love and such mega-hits as S&M and California King Bed. From her past music catalogue to even newer tunes that are hitting radio today, Rihanna is here to stay! “Feels so good, being bad. There’s no way I’m turning back.”

My rock goddess Stevie Nicks has turned another stunner with her newest album In Your Dreams with my favorites: the Fleetwood Mac feeling Wide Sargasso Sea and delicious first single Secret Love. We saw her at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino over the summer and she entertains every time leaving a part of her on the stage even if it’s just a lost bead of piece of lace.

The current Mrs. Justin Beiber, Selena Gomez, gave me a video of fiercely windblown hair walking through the desert for her dance hit A Year Without Rain (Dave Audé Club Remix) remixed from her single of the same name. A slow motion diva feeling her moment and you have me staring at the television monitors at the gym daily. She looks amaze and love this song, both versions!

U.K. Boy-Band The Wanted nailed me hard with Glad You Came and if you like them cute and young then YouTube their videos. Delicious, and their music is good, too. They’re about to break into the U.S. so watch out for them. Both The Wanted and The Saturdays are making their ways onto our soil so fall in love now and be ahead of the curve!

Beyoncé came through with her album 4 (Deluxe Edition) that gave drag queens and wanna-bees the buzz to turn out Run The World (Girls) with the sassy strut that the Lady B delivers in her video. BAM! SHAZAM! My neck hurts after watching it because she throws it down. Her ballad which I coined as “Irreplaceable 2″ Best Thing I Never Had is also fabulous.

With time between judging “X Factor” Nicole Scherzinger turned me out with Don’t Hold Your Breath (Kaskade Remix) and “Club Banger Nation.” Seems like this Pussycat Doll has finally found her footing as a solo phenomenon and I give it to her. She is sickening and have loved her since Eden’s Crush.

The Grand Dame herself Cher hit the big screens this year with Burlesque and her power anthem You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me with the remixes a’plenty! We love her and anything she does is the Tea with me. Always Cher. Forever. You will never see the last of her!

I hope this fun collection of the best and hottest music of 2011 helps you make some decisions to satisfy your need for ear candy. Once you’re in, look around and see what you’re missing! I bet you find something you simply can’t live without! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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STEVEN GOES GAGA

Posted on 2011/08/05 | 3 Comments

STEVEN SPILLS © 98

 I WAS BORN THIS WAY 

If you’re reading this then you surely believe that we, you and me, didn’t choose to be who we are. Now hear me out. We were chosen to be who we are. Sure we can go to school to be a quilt maker or take classes to learn German but no one I know personally woke up one day and decided on a whim that they would, for instance, be gay. You can change religions, clothing and hairstyles, even gender. Sexual orientation, not so much, no matter what Michelle Bachman and husband says.

We can physically be attracted to either or both sexes but the bottom line is that inside of us there’s a structure of character traits that will not change no matter how muscular one gets or what you change your name to or how low or high you force your voice. So why not be who we really are without constraints of that mold a culture places on us to be? Each of us is unique in the special way that we are made up by precious nature and genetics. It was already decided for us as well as our departures. That’s called fate. We can manipulate and repress who we are or appear to be but it will never really change inside us. Pop performance artist and iconic phenomenon Lady Gaga joins us in this revolution of the honest and true. 

Whether you believe in Jesus Christ on the cross and a holy God or the process of evolution or storks carrying pixie dust, the fact that you believe in something is important. Lady Gaga believes, as do I, that we were born this way and releasing her pounding album of pride anthems perfectly titled Born This Way enforces her passion that being different is alright. At first listen I was admittedly a hard sell because I expected one thing and she delivered more than I knew was possible of hearing. The music has marinated in my ears over time and tracks like the charging rhythm of “Judas” and emotional peaks of new single “You and I” give me honest joy when I hear them. A full album review is available on my blog but add that title track “Born This Way” has become one of her greatest tracks ever with its LGBT dedication and always-empowering “I Am Who I Am” theme.

Lady Gaga inspires me to continue being who I am, exposing my mistakes and staying true to what’s inside. She performs with a balls-to-the-wall abandonment as I too carry that philosophy into my personal being, trying everything once and going with what works best. For years I tried being something that I believed someone else wanted me to be. In what has been noted as the “Fuck-It Forties” I dedicate myself moment to moment being present in what’s happening around me. And if it really doesn’t have a matter of true importance at the end of the day, fuck it. Those reaching through your thirties now will taste this carefree joy soon enough. 

As if winning multiple music industry awards, delivering mind-shocking lyrics, becoming an iconic fashion plate and performance trailblazer wasn’t enough for our Mother Monster; Lady Gaga recently earned her place as guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance. I have watched every episode of all SYTYCD seasons and have to say that Gaga was one of the BEST (yes, all caps) judges they’ve ever had on the show. She was truly engaged, eagerly passionate, completely and honestly connected, and emotional and raw. In my opinion she ran the show, being the first to jump to her feet in a standing ovation for contestant Melanie (who she basically hired on the spot) and All-Star Neil. This was in her twelve-inch heelless platforms that I assume were made by the late great Alexander McQueen. The same shoes she would throw at both the onstage duo of Sasha and Melanie, and their choreographer Sonya Tayeh which in the world of dance is a very high honor for a job very well done. 

Anyone who saw Lady Gaga perform at the White Party here in Palm Springs just a few short years ago could easily predict that this girl was going to be huge! Her power and force has continually grown with no outlook of ceasing anytime soon. She’s often been compared to another iconic pop queen in sound and determination but I don’t remember anyone being as driven for the gay community both personally and especially politically as Lady Gaga has been since Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Personally, I’m glad to have her on my side. Join me in placing bent index fingers and thumbs together in the shape of a heart for Gaga. We love you, Lady.

2011 © PULP

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PALM SPRINGS SUMMER 101

Posted on 2011/05/23 | Leave a comment

PALM SPRINGS SUMMER 101

Ah, summer. It’s here again, or will be on June 21 for summer solstice. As the sun heats us all up and makes some of us wonder why we live in the desert with the extreme heat, how does one deal?! The thought of summer conjures up memories for me of attending summer school (twice) during my teenage years. The first time I missed cheerleading camp and the next I wasted my time not skipping school and getting my GED, instead. I’ve never applied to a job that has required seeing my high school diploma. But there I was, killed down going to summer school for failing Algebra 1 twice because the football coach who taught the subject was too sexy for me to concentrate. Yes, that’s my reasoning. Seriously.

But here today, how and where does one escape from the inevitable heat that’s ahead?! Sure, it’s not that bad right now but get ready people! During my first summer here it was near 120-degrees and I thought I was going to melt. We’ll see what Momma Nature has in store but guaranteed it will be hot, scorching at times and ridiculous with a thickness in the air. It’s time to start dodging for trees with shade to park your car under and please don’t leave your pet in the car. I do have Animal Control on speed dial in my iPhone and I love using it. Try me. Make sure that your cars also have coolants in your transmission and a shade reflector that is trimmed to fit your front windshield. People become ruthless when deciding where the shade of a tree will be and when. Be smart, too! Think it through.

While on the subject of pets, dogs in particularly. We have two fabulously privileged Jack Russells and they love the water. Splashing in the pool, swimming after a floating ball and any aquatic chaotic activity entertains them and knocks them down so they rest peacefully for the rest of the day. Keep your dogs’ fur and nails trimmed for healthy growth and easy towel drying afterwards. If they swim a lot think of getting a moisturizer for their fur for afterwards. We use Aveda Brilliant (yes, that’s what I said), an emollient finishing gloss on their fur and it prevents our boy’s dry skin that normally wears him out. The water that may accumulate in their ears can be removed gently by a cotton-covered cue tip and even ear-cleaning solutions wouldn’t hurt if administered immediately after each entry into water. And again, I can’t stress enough. A cracked car window does not a comfortable setting make for puppy. Try sitting in the car without the air condition running and see how long you last!

The summer is hell on automobiles. Focus on taking care of your car. No coolant equals no air condition and a bad tranny, err, I mean transmission. A solid running car can get you away for weekend escapes. But where?! Even day trips can give one a sense of peace and retreat from that un-Christian heated swelter outside. The beaches are a thought like Black Beach in San Diego for you exhibitionists. Laguna Beach has the offering of Newport Beach and some serious shopping. Want some real culture?! Hit it to L.A. and take a gawking gander at the Malibu surfer boys and the always-entertaining boardwalk. (On a side note, Krispy Kreme is at Ontario Mills and yes you can bring me some back.) Venturing to Idyllwild or Big Bear and even a trip up to the Palm Springs Tram will always pull the temperature down a good group of degrees. Drive safe, gas up and get away if only for the day or overnight.

To have been in Palm Springs or the desert for that matter during one of our summers is to know you do everything in the morning. It’s the coolest time of the day since even at night it is often 99-degrees or more during our peak months of July, August and September. Grab the sun block and use it. However, if you don’t want to use it then you better make an appointment at Dr. Make Pretty’s offices at Contour Dermatology who just celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Congrats Tim and Lee! And by all means, if you foresee yourself wearing flip-flops and I encourage you to, please have a pedicure happening. Re-hydrate yourselves! Water is best. Your skin will look amazing.

Everyone this side of the yellow brick road knows that June is big time full-blown Gay Pride in most cities commemorating the Stonewall riots. Los Angeles carries pink triangles and sings Lady Gaga’s entire Born This Way album from June 10-12 at the Christopher Street West festival in West Hollywood. Up and down Santa Monica Boulevard one will find fashion fierceness realness with queens in skinny jeans and shirtless inked-up bears from Silver Lake. Heading north, the LGBT tribes gather in San Francisco on June 25, 26 to kick up their rainbow petticoats and celebrate their place in the world. San Diego Pride boasts being the fifth-largest in the United States and brings all things gay together for their parade on July 16. All queer-ventures provide pleasures to the eye, pride without prejudice and are each worth the weekend gay-cation.

But if you don’t want to or can’t get out of town, what can you do to beat the heat?! For me, when I’m not working we’re inside the cool house then to the pool then back into the chilled home, and repeat. There’s not a lot of out-and-about happening since many people travel away. Catch a movie! Slide into an afternoon feature and relax in the comfort of their iceberg theatres. Now I’m not encouraging you to sneak in “healthy” snacks. That’s just not the way one does things. But… always remember chocolate melts in heat. The air is also cranking at World Gym so you can grab a workout or just a protein shake and soak up the refrigeration. With the twenty-nine pieces of new cardio equipment and the summer specials running at the gym to get your heart rate moving, it’s a nice place to enjoy chilling out after getting worked up.

What summer jams will be having you popping that neck or shaking that ass at pool parties and on steamy dance floors like DiGS, Hunters and Toucan’s?! The Freemasons seem to have their hands on everyone lately and they deliver a 2011 remix of “I’m Coming Out” from Diana Ross with while all-grown-up Selena Gomez has hit hard with a Dave Aude shake-up of her “A Year Without Rain.” My girl Britney Spears has infused her already-fierce “Till The World Ends” with hot pop rockers Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha (who co-penned the track) providing new layers of musical texture. Man (boy) band The Reason covers an upbeat remix of “The Reason” with their Electric Allstars radio edit. Yes, this is a re-do of the Hoobastank 2004 smash hit that now has been taken over by the X Factor alum.

And you got to eat to keep up your strength! But where?! Many of the local restaurants have found that staying open for business even during the hottest of summer months has proved smart in years past. The ones I’ve spoke to said they’ll be providing great service and food as long as locals continue to dominate their spaces. It would be hard for me to fairly say go here or there. But I can encourage everyone to keep our local merchants and restaurants going by grabbing your girlfriends or husband and make a night of it out in the scene. From an early breakfast with friends to brunch by the pool or dinner under the stars, summer dining can be delicious. And the freezer aisle at the grocery store feel pretty cool, too!At the end of the day we all can be assured of a few things about the summer intensity that is on the heated horizon. First, pop on the Weather Channel for a few minutes and listen to the weather forecasts from other cities. The heat will come and many will complain locally, me included. It’s part of our dialogue and it’s obvious. But it too shall pass and then we’re reminded for the bigger percentage of time why we live here. It’s gorgeous in Palm Springs. You adapt to the heat like others deal with the snowy cold. I’m writing this on an unseasonably breezy cool May morning. A bird whistles nearby and I’m hopeful that Mother Nature is as kind tomorrow as she is today.

2011 © The Bottom Line

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Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HOTTEST MUSIC REVIEWS, MY WORDS IN PRINT, PALM SPRINGS

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GAGA FOR “BORN THIS WAY”

Posted on 2011/05/21 | 3 Comments

Oh, the perks of being in media and having good friends in even better places when it comes to the newest hottest everything! Lady Gaga is dropping her long-waited album Born This Way and the children, we “monsters,” are waiting on the edge of our eggs, I mean seats. However, fierce me and connected beyond my means, has gotten a sneaky-peeky with alien ears at full attention. Here’s what I think about what I’ve heard. The album is beat-driven with powerful messages throughout of individuality, lyrics telling that being “bad” is not necessarily a bad thing and will no doubt continue to create a stir with its religious overtones and in-your-face reality check through the Lady and her words. In no particular order, these tracks turned me out (or not) and why… (Warning: Spoiler Alerts Ensue)

Born This Way (Special Edition) <<—BUY ON AMAZON HERE:)

“Born This Way” … The first single released. I was a hard sell at first because I wanted it to blow me away. When we love an artist we have very high expectations. It was great but familiar. Not necessarily a bad thing. I do love “Born This Way” with its uniting and accepting lyrics, not to mention the fiercest lyric ever written, “Don’t be a drag. Just be a queen.” Fa-Fa-Fabulous! The remixes of “Born This Way” were a’plenty and mostly really good. It is THE anthem for LGBT and those who can relate.

“Judas” … Heavy on the religion with the intention of stirring those in the pews every Sunday. Initially I thought that it was a fun sounding sequel to “Bad Romance.” It’s incredibly similar. Sorry, but my blog-my opinion. Again the beat is driving and makes me want to walk a runway or dance by ass off whipping my imaginary hair back and forth. A keeper, for sure. The video helped distinguish. I never said I didn’t like it because I do worship “Bad Romance.” And I love Gaga. There I said it.

“The Edge Of Glory” … Not a favorite but don’t hate it. Don’t not-like anything on the album. A song has to grab me and keep me through the first chorus or I’m thinking of when it may end instead of enjoying it to the finale. The sax break is reminiscent of Rob Lowe in St. Elmo’s Fire.

“Marry The Night” … 4:24 of Up! Up! Up! Great track for the album to kick into ears and gears. The driving chorus rocks my world.

“Hair” … Pride in hair. Main message. Nothing to do with the 60s musical. Nothing. Lots of synth-guitars and more dish about having great hair or impressive hair. A middle-of-the-road liking.

“You and I” … LOVE this song. Lady Gaga performed it in her Monster Ball HBO special and I fell in love with it. Mid-tempo and soulful, this musical winner is already an all-time favorite. Guitars with her playing piano. I love her voice in this gem.

“Heavy Metal Lover” … FIERCE. “I want your whisky mouth all over my blonde south.” Gaga has a way with the wicked. Love this 80s Blondie-like feature and it is one of my favorites on the album. Would love to perform this somewhere else other than in my mind. Great song! Great! Thought it could easily be called “Heavy Mental Lover,” as well.

“Electric Chapel” … More determined guitar riffs and catchy hooks brought by the Lady. Reminiscent of Giorgio Moroder.

“Government Hooker” … Not  sure of the point of this one. But it made the album so maybe it’s a grower. At first few listens, not so sure. Dance-inducing, perhaps.

“Americano” … A faster “Alejandro” maybe?! Again, not sure at first listens. I bounce my foot to the beat but similar to other pieces on album.

“Bad Kids” … Voice-box auto-tuned rebellion starts this off. Being bad is OK. Guitars get it while Gaga survives being a bad kid. Very kicky and fun. Playground entertainment. I like this one.

“Bloody Mary” … Comfortable Gaga. More religious instruction and notification. Mid-tempo and slightly dark. Add screaming and some wonderful moments around 2:45. It’s a keeper.

“Highway Unicorn (Road to Love)” … This should have been called “Road to Love.” Driving Gaga. Some drama drops around 1:39 with drums and continues to build until the end. I enjoyed this.

“Scheiße” … German and delicious. I enjoyed this from first grab of the musical balls and initial tug. Sassy with textures. Very, very fun. Up! Up! Love this stunner. The erratic layers at 2:48 are sick.

I can’t wait to see how Lady Gaga’s album does on Tuesday when it officially drops! It’s going to be huge! More tracks will be released but I must give you a chance to form some opinion yourself! Thanks to Gaga for delivering us monsters new fuel for the fire. Ga-Ga Ohh-la-La.

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PALM SPRINGS LIVING

Posted on 2011/02/16 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 86

ADULTS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS

I inadvertently set into motion a study of human behavior recently that came along unexpectedly and surprisingly passionate from those involved. World Gym celebrates its eighth-year anniversary this week and to show respect to the success we’ve built the staff decided to wear dress shirts with collars and neckties. One day we wore white oxford button-downs with red ties and jeans while the next we hit the khaki and blue dress shirt with yellow tie combo. The following days we opted for various colors of Polo shirts that matched and varied from shift to shift. Given the sight of our usual STAFF shirts and shorts, it was quite a change. But for some people it seemed to hit nerves, encourage generous complements, and down right bother some people into verbal soapbox sessions. I was attentive of ear to all.

We looked good. No apologies to those who didn’t like it. When you take people outside their comfort zone even vicariously through someone else they can get edgy and distressed. Let’s face it, occasionally we can get complacent and begin to take for granted what we expect to be the way. Some members really appreciated the effort, taking photos and asking the days following about what the next shift’s wardrobe would exhibit. But there were a few who felt it necessary to make snide comments about this or that or stress their displeasure how a gym isn’t an appropriate place for those clothes. The excitement created a buzz around the facility by us doing nothing more than making a respectful effort. Our bosses really appreciated it as we all celebrated our gym’s uniqueness and reminded our precious fitness fanatics that they can count on us as their home away from home.

The Tour de Palm Springs cycled its way around the valley last weekend. As I headed out of town for the WGI winter guard regional at Etiwanda High School I was able to catch some verysightly bulges straddling bicycles. My newest jam “Toyfriend” by Wynter Gordon blasted from open windows while my eyes filled with cravings of muscular lycra-clad asses needing massaging after a long trek. That seat must be hell on a sore rump after such a bumpy ride. Palm Springs’ finest were out in force routing cyclists and creating harmony around the crowded streets. The sunshine sprayed warmth over the city and after seeing the snow piled deep in other cities on the Weather Channel, I was thankful I was here.

“Don’t be a drag, Just be a queen,” will surely go down as one of the gayest lyrics our Madame Gaga will present to us, her Monsters, and everyone who hangs on every dance step she makes. Lady Gaga released the title track and immediate smash from her forthcoming album Born This Way and everyone has soaked up the gay anthem like it’s oxygen. Surely you saw her pop out of the egg at the Grammy Awards in alien drag. There have been speculations that “Born This Way” sounds awfully close to Madonna’s “Express Yourself” and I can hear that through the chorus. You’d be hard pressed to find an artist today that was not influenced by someone that has come before them.

Great pop music often sounds alike because we love it so much we find comparisons to compliment. My sexy little buddy James tossed a remix in my inbox almost immediately of the single’s release that I actually like a lot better. The song has only been out a week or so. It’s only just begun its impact on ears. The lyrics are a generous gift to her gays and the beat has great moments. Is it “Bad Romance” or “Poker Face?” No it’s not. However, it’s still very, very good. I wouldn’t want to take away from that.

This week I’m also obsessed with… My new web domain iamstevenmichael.com where I’ve combined all of my empires into one home base. I’ve worn many hats and my new website is the place to hang them all. The Starz original series Spartacus: Gods of the Arena which is a wonderful blend of sword and sandals brilliantly written and considered soft-core porn with its gratuitous nudity, same-sex situations and erotic decadence. Sour Patch Xploderz candy that squirts this wicked little tartness into your mouth upon bite. It sounds dirty but they’re so tasty. The unanimous vote that the West Hollywood’s Art and Cultural Affairs Commission made not to present the Tom of Finland art exhibit recently for the public. Such a disgrace. I agree the imagery is not for everyone but make concessions for those shielded and offer it to the intended community and consenting eyes. And finally, I’m desperate to reboot the ‘70s sitcom Laverne & Shirley starring Kim Kardashian and Snooki as the beer-bottling busties bringing down Milwaukee. Can’t you see it?! Call me, girls!

2011 © PULP

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BORN THIS WAY

Posted on 2011/02/11 | Leave a comment

Unless you’re straight and don’t care, then you surely know that today Lady Gaga released the first single and title track from her new album Born This Way. After waking up while having coffee, I tried to listen to snippets on Twitter but to no avail, failed. However, I did hear it on Ryan Seacrest’s website before hitting it to work and found it fun at first listen. Checking my email later in the morning, my personal DJ dropped the tune in my inbox and I began to listen and enjoy.

Thoughts…

It will be HUGE. Bottom line, the gays will/have embraced the anthem and hands have immediately entered the air for testifying and Gaga Worship. Her Monsters rejoice and dance floors will fill nightly. I’m sure remixes will be aplenty and I look forward to them already. I do see where people compare it to Madonna’s Express Yourself. Try singing the chorus of EY against BTW and see what I mean. Is it (my favorites!) Bad Romance, Telephone, Love Game, or Poker Face? Not hardly. The lyrics are obvious and a very generous gift to the gays, her little Monsters. “Don’t be a drag, Just be a Queen” and other fabulous phrases. The song is great. I don’t want to take away from that. I love Lady Gaga and appreciate her entertainment offerings, her political efforts and her originality, doing it her way and doubtfully second guessing herself. Can’t wait to hear more from her! Bring it!

X.

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