Tag Archives: Madonna

MADONNA CAUSES COMMOTION IN 2012

Posted on 2012/02/16 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 111

CAUSING A COMMOTION

MADONNA STILL ROCKS THE UNIVERSE

I’m a “True Blue” fan of Madonna, I am. From her not-so humble beginnings of telling Dick Clark on American Bandstand that she wanted to “rule the world” through her popular music, trendsetting and choices in men, I’ve known Madonna well. Now… she has no clue of who I am but I’ve seen the best of her and her at her worst. Many of us have. Regardless of what she does, people, especially gay men, have an opinion because more times than not she is, as she sings Causing a Commotion.

Madonna is a rule breaker and also someone who finds the rules comforting to be contained in. Let’s start at the beginning of my love affair with Madonna, pre-British accent but post-arrival to New York desperate for fame without means other than drive to get her there. After getting signed to her first record deal in 1982, the media, legions of fans and critics never grew weary of speculating what the “Material Girl” would do next. It was on this first album that brought us the deliciously teasing Lucky Star and celebratory Holiday.

MADONNA’S GREATEST PERFORMANCES!

Her appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards where she sang her scandalous chart-topper “Like a Virgin” quickly went down in MTV history as one of the most iconic performances ever. However, it was her book Sex that really gave people something to discuss. Fierce pornographic imagery of Madonna being masturbated by Wesley Snipes and Naomi Campbell, holding the late Joey Stefano at the Gaiety Theatre in NYC on a leash, and graphic fantasy displayed through poems and explicitness. She has always made sure people talk about her no matter what the price of shock value is in the going market.

Then came movies like Desperately Seeking Susan, Dick Tracy and Evita, to name a few. Her acting has been both revered and often panned but she unapologetically continues her path into entertainment history as a trailblazer and pioneer showing the world exactly what one woman can accomplish. Her latest film W.E. has gotten good buzz and attention for her direction. Madonna has proven time and time again that there’s nothing she cannot do.

Favorite memories of me and Madge: In 2000, I stood at the Black Party in Manhattan feeling my Ecstasy in hopes that because the DJ was playing the anthem hand-waver “Frozen,” Madonna would be descending from the ceiling of Roseland Ballroom. Everyone stood on the dance floor looking up at the mirror ball waiting. She never showed. I also happily attended her Sticky & Sweet Tour in 2008 in San Francisco with my friend Mikel where we could almost smell her in our second-row seats. We were very close to Madge, and she us.


MDNA from Madonna
Includes the Brand New “Give Me All Your Luvin’” and “Masterpiece”

MADONNA CREATES HALFTIME MAGIC AT SUPER BOWL 2012

I could continue on talking about how Madonna has influenced me or made we wonder what she was thinking at times, but I digress. Madame Ciccone’s recent performance during halftime at Super Bowl XLVI brought in an extra 3 million viewers who tuned into see her. Anticipation grew over time through carefully crafted promos and appearances. Plus, people knew that it would be grand in scale. Hello, it’s the Super Bowl. The fierce commercials, the beefy men bending over being grabbed by another at the waist, and something about touching down somewhere.

To feel passionate about something is to also have just cause to be honest with your true feelings about it even if it’s against the grain. If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t. I must admit that I feel the Madonna that we’ve seen in the last few years has found a niche of following the trend of what’s happening now to be current, which is fine. But I can’t say that I think her later musical catalogue can compare to her best work prior. The newest single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” is catchy, yes. But hardly groundbreaking like Ray of Light and the gorgeously creeping Rain.

During the Super Bowl performance, light panels filled the field and stage. Madonna entered in Roman drag with hunky Gods in sandals and drapes carrying her out like the queen she knows she is. It was her crowd and she owned every minute, even though the fierce Vogue opening was quite reminiscent of Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite tour. In my opinion, Madonna was both lip-syncing and singing over her tracks live. She knows giving her audience what they want is smarter than risking the chance of a vocal malfunction. Overall it was a huge success! Low-point: Seeing our icon with one gold pompom in her hand three minutes too long. Highlight: Our queen at a career pinnacle looking amazing and delivering. L-U-V, Madonna!

2011 © PULP

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ONE BOWL OF SUPER MADONNA

Posted on 2012/02/05 | 3 Comments

It’s early Super Bowl Sunday morning and I figured I’d better toss in my three cents and some change of sense about Madonna’s performance later today at the halftime of the Super Bowl between two teams of beefy men trying to get a leather clutch of air over some line of finality without getting tackled by the opposer. While reading up on kickoff times and how either the Patriots or Giants will reign and (Super Bowl) ring supreme over their nemesis, I see how they are describing Madonna’s performance as “imagined” by Cirque du Soleil and choreographer Jamie King. Guaranteed it will be Spectacular! Spectacular! nonetheless.

Spawning Smash Hits “Borderline” and “Lucky Star”

Album Certified Five Times Platinum!

I see her new song Give Me All Your Luvin’ as the main focus with a serious medley of her biggest hits included somehow. Hopefully, if she does a crazy light show like the Black Eyes Peas tried last year they will all function. That’s all I remember about their show as that one area giving crickets to viewers and fans with not nary a light, nor flicker. I do imagine that the magical formula of Cirque du Soleil will be twisted into a fabulous explosion of gyrations, aerialists, contortionists and at least one (hopefully) calculated surprise of “Oh no she didn’t!” be it wardrobe “re”function, male dancer on male dancer action or maybe she’ll paddle Nicki Minaj’s bootylicious booty. Whatever she does, it will be dissected, worshiped, read, watched, talked about and trending all day and night, trust.

“Ray of Light” and “Frozen” Stand Out on this Album!

This is Madonna at her Best!

When it comes to her new song “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” I have to be honest in saying that it’s nothing we haven’t heard or seen before. I’ve known Madonna since her not so humble beginnings on American Bandstand saying to Dick Clark that she wanted rule the world. That, she has, and still does in many a people’e eye. Madge has had over three decades of chart toppers, millions in album sales, amazing publicity stunts heard round the world and one horribly constructed but incredibly explicit book of stunning pornography of her as the focus appropriately titled Sex. But I have always seen her as the trailblazer and trendsetter I saw her hungry to become from the beginning. And she has become that and more, yes…

Includes the Scandalous and Brilliant “Like a Prayer”

A Favorite Among True Madonna Fans!

Now, honesty must succeed and I say the last effort and her latest of late really don’t have the presence of “Ray of Light” or “Frozen,” “Rain” or “Take a Bow,” “Holiday” or “Like a Prayer.” Among her MANY standouts in her anthology, these were groundbreaking at their time. What she is doing now is not. She seems to be grabbing on what is happening now, which I get. Throw in the hot ticket of the moment. Translation: Nicki Minaj plus M.I.A. Swirl in a catchy beat that is hard to beat and easy to sing. And BAM! New single, back on top. I get it all, trust. I know how the Hollywood Star Machine works and I ain’t mad. But, as an opinionist and gay entertainment journalist I feel I must, too, comment and weigh in. I grew up with her, came out with her and do indeed think she is a force. However, I want more.

I’ve always seen Madonna as a trailblazing leader in the music and celebrity scene and somewhere down the way, through a British accent of authority and clarity, she has lost her voice. She looks amazing in her video and was funny on the Graham Norton Show recently. I do enjoy seeing what she’ll do next. I just hope that it’s as shocking as she once was. Deliver to us, Madonna. And we pray.

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CREATE THE ULTIMATE SUPER BOWL 2012 PARTY

Posted on 2012/01/21 | Leave a comment

Whether you’re a Ravens fan or the Patriots, 49ers or Giants then you know Super Bowl 2012 is fast approaching on 02/05/12. Hardcore football fans will be tailgating and many will have gatherings of family and friends around the television with the remote close by. Madonna is performing during halftime so make sure you’re stocked up on Madonna’s Immaculate Collection.

Guaranteed the show will be spectacular so be able to sing along! I know she’ll be doing some type of medley so know your lip-sync if you can’t join in on the lyrics. What else does one need to create the ULTIMATE Super Bowl party this year?! Let’s toss a coin and get started! These surefire party plans will be the talk of everyone there!

Well, for starters go to the professional! The Last Hurrah: the Ultimate Super Bowl Party Planner offers everything someone needs for creating magic for the men (and football-loving females!) in their lives. Take a peak inside and see what I mean!

Now, you gotta have a pigskin to toss around in between lulls and for those who need a break. Checking things out it seems the Wilson F1415 NFL MVP Football is what the big boys are tackling each other for. Be it, flag, touch or lingerie… football is popular for many a sports enthusiast!

Wanna spruce up that table or maybe protect it from inevitable spills or scuffs?! The Game Day Football Tablecover takes care of that! Plus at these prices if it gets ruined grab another for next year! The bright green and filed lines will make your party table really pop!

Now what are you going to put your gorgeous food in? You cooked all day, ordered in, had your event catered or just tossed cold cuts and chips in bowls and trays. Either one, stay with the theme. A Referee Shirt Tray will do in a pinch! Ordering online is so smart for us that are more on-the-go than have-time-to-waste-shopping.

Speaking of shopping… What are you going to wear? For sure, you’ll have some disagreements with this team’s tackle or that team’s foul. Why not be cutey-cute all dressed in a Forum Mens Adult Referee Outfit Sports Halloween Costume. It’s made of solid construction and fabric and you can reuse or pass along for Halloween. Just saying it would be hell cute. Really cute. And look how the model is posing with such serve and sass with hand on hip. So cute.

Need something to really get things going? These are so fun! 50 Piece Assorted Color Plastic Test Tube Set with Caps and Cardboard Rack. Make a tasty fruit and Voddy concoction in the colors of the two final teams’ uniforms and then see which fan base gets their buzz on faster! But, if you have Sober Sue’s in the mix then offer them a nonalcoholic juice blend so they feel included in the libations.

And what if things get crazy and you have some fun after the game, if you catch my drift, with some of your buddies? Be prepared… You need to have on hand and body a JockStrap 2-Pack for you and a hunky athletic friend. Thank me later by sending me it afterwards.

Have room for coats and jackets if the weather calls for it. Plenty of supplies for bathrooms would be smart, as well. Plan smart and not be surprised by the unexpected. See you on game day! Touchdown, indeed.

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BRITNEY SPEARS US ONE MORE TIME

Posted on 2011/03/02 | Leave a comment

STEVEN SPILLS © 87

STRONGER THAN YESTERDAY

Britney Spears. Regardless if you worship her like the pop icon that she is or see her as the unfortunate pop culture train wreck she has been before, hearing her name causes one to feel something. As she sings, “Love me. Hate me. Say what you want about me,” the words ring clear that she’s in on the secret of how powerful she can be. The following disclaimer must be stated that this entire “Steven Spills” will be dedicated to Britney. Regardless of how you feel, you may find some of my thoughts running along the same lines as yours.

She’s hitting us hard with new music and convincingly is back on her game. Skeptics continue holding her against the hype while many wonder if she’s the only one to knock Lady Gaga off the top. Hope you caught the recent Britney-drenched episode of Glee that featured a cameo by Spears giving the show its highest ratings ever. Even though she’s seen the sweetness of success, she’s definitely scraped the bottom gutter of Hollywood fame. Picture it. Mickey Mouse Club. 1992. A very young Britney Jean Spears is a featured performer marking the milestone beginning of what has been a rollercoaster of a career. It soared from there.

After releasing Baby One More Time in January of ‘99, the album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and certified two-times platinum after the first month. Blonde ambition, indeed! Her second album Oops!…I Did It Again debuted in May of 2000 and broke the SoundScan record for highest debut sales by a solo artist. I was in San Francisco on Market Street buying my copy the day it was released and devoured the power anthem “Stronger.” Other hit albums came from the Spears Machine including the Grammy Award nominee Britney submitting to us “I’m a Slave 4 U” and In The Zone featuring the infectious “Toxic” and Madonna collaboration “Me Against The Music.”

During these Britney-infused years she was everywhere. Pepsi endorsement commercials, countless VMAs and savage performances that rocked MTV, Justin Timberlake, her film debut Crossroads, perfumes, a buffet of glossy choreographed videos making any dancer’s mouth water, holiday HBO specials, Saturday Night Live hosting gigs, her restaurant NYLA in Manhattan (I did eat there), cameo in Austin Powers franchise, countless buzz-worthy magazine covers, more mid-drift madness, the incessant gum chewing on red carpets, the scandalous lip lock with Madonna and mutual appreciation that ensued. I even named my Jack Russell “Britney” in my own admiration.

However, with fame comes consequences, both good and bad. Britney was no escapee of the spotlight’s burn. As it played out in public media, her fans watched cringing at every turn. Two words. Kevin Federline. They had sex. We get it, girl. There were the pictures of her grabbing his cock and stoned chaos that produced their reality train wreck Britney and Kevin: Chaotic. Britney had two children, boys. She was hell-bent on showing everyone she was not trying to be anyone’s role model. I believe she even mentioned that in a few interviews. Then things got unfortunately freakier.

K-Fed left her and they divorced in 2007. She started going out to clubs even more. Pictures surfaced of her shaved beaver peeking shamelessly from underneath fabric getting out of cars. Some really poor choices in head-shaving, umbrella swinging, manager and paparazzi dating, and a VMA performance she wasn’t ready for happened along the way. There were a few brief stints in rehab. Her father took over her financial wellbeing. As the media buzzed over a crazy-eyed Britney being taken away strapped in an ambulance, people sadly wondered if she’d ever be back.

Two more albums came out during these tumultuous times. The fittingly titled Blackout featured “Gimme More” and “Piece of Me,” and Circus featuring the global smash “Womanizer” and music video with her naked steamy body writhing. Greatest Hits compilations and numerous remixes were released. The obvious tongue-and-cheek tunes “3” and “If You Seek Amy” both nailed dance floors hard. Britney hit the road briefly with her Onyx Hotel Tour until injury prevented her finishing but faired much better with The Circus Starring Britney Spears that became the fifth highest grossing tour of 2009.

Fast forward to 2011. Her new album Femme Fatale drops on March 29 and she will be in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood celebrating its release on Good Morning America with a live performance the same day. Giving back to her gays is the way, I say! Booking my ticket on Alaska Airlines now. The video for the lead single “Hold It Against Me” just premiered and with its glossy editing, flashy choreography and edgy vibe, Britney hasn’t looked this good in a very long time. I’ve been a huge fan for years. And in case you couldn’t tell, “It’s Britney, bitch.”

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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