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MY REVIEW OF ADAM LAMBERT'S "FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT"

11/21/09 13:32:22 | 1 Comments

Adam Lambert has certainly assembled quite a piece of emotional GLAM pop art here. A lot of amazing, emotional, haunting, beautiful and even crazy vocals are heard on this album. There is no doubt this wailing twenty-something is going to be more than the "flavor of the month". And since he has taken his persona by the bull horns, it's going to be quite hard to take this young man down. Why? Because he's just having fun. He's trying not to take it all too seriously. He may be responsible in redefining music by bringing back Glam Rock with his own spin. He is playing on many levels here by being playful, flirtatious, entertaining, and mysterious. He definitely has the personality that matches the vocals. I would say that even if you're not a fan of glam rock or electropop, it's still a must listen. This guy is definitely history in the making. Adam is going to help change the face of mainstream music and you can bet this is going to be one of those albums in 10 years people may look back and reference.

He has employed the likes of artists such as PINK, LADY GA GA, ONE REPUBLIC, MUSE, WEEZER, and THE DARKNESS. He also brought on famous producers and writers such as Linda Perry, Max Martin, Ryan Tedder and Greg Wells (who is responsible for big hits from Katy Perry, One Republic, Pink, Rufus Wainwright, Deftones, The Veronicas, Jars of Clay and the Count Basie Orchestra) on his debut album.

I do think that Adam will gain some Grammy nods for this album. The lead single "For Your Entertainment" is just a taste of what you're going to hear on this master piece. A lot of rock and electropop here. I only found one dud on the album which I mentioned below with my review of each track.

MUSIC AGAIN
In the vein of the band THE DARKNESS and what a great song to kick off this album. It's like listening to 70's/80's glam rock band QUEEN 2009. He even sounds a bit like Freddy Mercury in sections of the song. The whole song has this Queen vibe. Could have easily been a lead single. And it doesn't surprise me this is a song penned by THE DARKNESS lead singer because he has been compared to a lot of the rock bands of the 70's.

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
Immediately when hearing this song, you think this is a great intro for his debut album. It kinda dives in and tells its listeners he's hear for "your entertainment". It's a fun song and very in your face. It sounds a lot like Britney Spears "Womanizer".

WHATAYA WANT FROM ME
Continuing the rock theme vibe and asking what people want from him as he dives into his new found fame. I was trying to figure where I've heard this sound before. And when I looked up the writers, I noticed P!NK was one of the writers on this track. This screams P!NK and I can hear her singing this song. It has her signature sound all over it. Adam performed it well. This is reported to be the follow up single.

STRUT
The First of four tracks on the album where Lambert is credited as the writer. It's a catchy pop rock hit. It's "in your face" about wanting to seek fame and fortune on his own. A lot of production.

SOAKED
This song slows things a bit. Sounds like a Orchestral Rock Opera song. Adam sings with his high falsetto. Again, I feel Adam channeling Freddy Mercury with this one. It is also written by Matthew Bellamy of MUSE. So it is no wonder this has that alternative rock sound to it as well. It's quite a stunning song.

SURE FIRE WINNERS
A quirky interesting rock song. Again, I feel like he's channeling a bit of Queen here when the opening and the main chorus sounds like a new version of "We Weill Rock You!" Not sure if this was intentional?

A LOADED SMILE
This is a Linda Perry song (used to be lead singer of 4 Non Blondes) who is notably famous for writing many songs for successful female singers such as Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Courtney Love, and Kelly Osbourne. This song is quite strange and just drags on. I might say this is quite the DUD of the album. Once again Adam using his high falsetto to sing this song. But for some I can see this being a grower.

IF I HAD YOU
Another song which comes the producers/writers for PINK. This is one of those cool songs you could listen to on the road. The song lyrics bring up the old cliche' that the singer would give up all the fame and fortune "If I had You". This is a very nice song. I can see this being another single. This song is definitely the sister to the lead track "Music Again".

PICK U UP
Very electropop and broadway sounding. It's quite a trip. A lot of wailing going on here. Fun song.

FEVER
This tracks screams Lady Ga Ga. And no doubt, it was written by Lady Ga Ga. This is another rock glam track which works very well for him. Again, you feel like your engulfed in quite a production number here.

SLEEPWALKER
Screaming guitar alert. Definitely the hard rock song of the bunch. Ryan Tedder of One Republic help produce this song. It's a pretty cool energetic song.

AFTERMATH
This is the second Lambert song which he wrote and produced. A very nice pop song. It definitely sounds like something you would hear on the radio today. Again, you get a rock vibe. This is classic Lambert.

BROKEN OPEN
The Third track on this album which Lambert contributed. An ethereal lush ballad which fits histstyle. I feel he is trying to bring in that same vibe he contributed to his famous cover of MAD WORLD. It's a beautiful and haunting ballad.

TIME FOR MIRACLES
Most of us have heard this track. It's the song which is superbly crafted for the 2012 soundtrack. A big production ballad. Very nice and works nicely to close out this high energy album.

MASTER PLAN
A bonus track which is a great rock track. It's a shame this was left as a bonus track because I think this would be a great single for radio. But then again, it sounds too close to the lead single "For Your Entertainment". It's one of the shining tracks from this whole effort. I also love this song because it pokes fun at all the taboos in the entertainment world. Perfect for Adam.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Another Bonus track which was written by Lambert himself. Haven't heard it myself.

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SAW VI

11/01/09 09:17:46 | 0 Comments

What a fun and thrilling franchise this has become. The days of sequels getting dumber and dumber are over when it comes to the SAW series. At least, that is in my opinion. In fact, this film seems to get more complex as each film is released. You get a better understanding why serial killer "Jigsaw" started this madness. What's even more scarier, you start to rationalize what he's doing. And it's truth, you do not truly appreciate life until death is knocking down your door step. And all his victims have pretty much have been monsters in their own right. Not that it justifies what is happening, but there is some meaning behind this man's madness.

So on Halloween day (Oct. 31st, 2009), I ventured out and saw the sixth installment of the SAW movies. I was not disappointed. Even though some of the main key players are dead by this film, we still got many glimpses as the plots unfolded. With the SAW franchise, it seems there's always unsettled business. And this time around, this is centered around the final wishes of JIGSAW originator, John Kramer. and an insurance agent. Even on his death bed (which was most of Saw V), Jigsaw still managed to carry out multiple murders. And his "murders" are hardly knife stabbings and gun shots. There is plenty of thought behind his victim's demise. For instance, in the latest installment, we follow an insurance agent, who has seemed to have taken the liberty to decide who dies and who doesn't among his firm. The film was quite timely, regarding the health care issues we are facing in America and how many fear government run health care vs. people choosing their own health care. The thing is that people have their choices in this film. However, once they got too close to death, this insurance agent found a loop hole and cut them off from their insurance after years and years of paying their premiums. John Kramer (the Jigsaw) had one last dying wish which his accomplices carried out for him. It was to play a game with this insurance agent. And while throughout this game, he was put to the test of who should die and who shouldn't (much like he did with his job insurance). In the end, it was ultimately a choice of another which decided this insurance man's fate.

As mentioned, the film has become quite complex within the series. This is one of those films, you must have seen the earlier ones to know what's going on in the current. And as the baton is passed along in who is behind the killings, it seems even up until the sixth installment, John Kramer has been somehow behind it all whether he was alive or dead.

A seventh installment is planned and I believe being filmed as I write this. By the end of the sixth one, we get an idea who will be carrying on the torch. It was somewhat predictable to me, but it was still interesting to see how it unfolded. And I'll have to wonder if John Kramer will still have a hand in what happens in the next film as he did this time around, even though he's dead and buried.

Again, there is a bit of rationale behind what is going on here. That of course, if you can get past the blood and gore. I will admit that eating popcorn and watching this film wasn't a good combination. But anyone who has followed this series from the beginning knows that watching how these people die plays a pivotal role to these films. The Jigsaw does not have one killing method. He strategically plans out these murders as each one is quite complex. It's much like a maze/game for all his victim. And oddly, his victims do all have the choice to live, but it comes down to their own actions and how they decide to play the game. If they fail, they may lose a limb or their life.

I know films like these aren't everyone's cup of tea, but it does unravel like a good mystery book. If you can get past the blood and gore, and almost watching some of these victims mutilate themselves in trying to survive, you'll enjoy this film. I'm sick... I know!!

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Life is a Mystery!

09/23/09 14:36:30 | 0 Comments

Have you ever come to a point where you just explained and explained until blue in the face, yet some or someone still refuses to see what is staring right at them? It simply amazes me how many are known to ignore what is right in front of them, yet still interpret what they think is happening when they are furthest from the truth or lying to themselves.

Recently, I've re-discovered an old friend. What do I mean? For a while, we didn't speak. All in all, one thing lead to another and we let things get out of control without really listening to one another. As a result, both of us had said things about one another which we pretty much didn't mean. We were upset, frustrated and were looking for anyone to sympathize with us and our perspective of what we believed happened. The truth is; we just didn't want to let go. We were hoping someone would substitute our loss. So we said whatever to others to prove to ourselves, we didn't want to have anything to do with one another.

Unfortunately, when you have a situation like this, other people get involved. People take sides and understandably, some will be misguided by one's attempts to discredit the other. These third parties can either leech on and stroke one's ego and even encourage one's dis contempt for one's anger and loss of friendship or become long lasting friends who will help one move on, yet allow one some room to any possibility to make amends. Sadly, some tend to encourage animosity and then turn on one if they decide to take a chance in making amends of an old feud. Why? Because they are insecure that they will lose the very thing one thrives on... which is one's animosity and dislike for things or people.

Strangely, there are a lot of people who enjoy animosity and making trouble for others. They enjoy talking about people behind their back (or right in front of them), and then they have the audacity to wonder why one decides to have nothing to do with them.

All I can say is... a good friend is something one shouldn't waste. No one should make another feel like they are being duped or tricked because one is willing to make amends with others. No one should disrespect ones wishes by talking nasty about them and making wild assumptions and accusations about them.

If something is a mystery to you. You might want to look within, first, to make sure you're not denying what really transpired to make you think it's a mystery. It's quite possible that you do know the truth, but refuse to admit your part in it. People just don't pick up and leave or stop responding to one another for no apparent reason. And most of all, it's quite possible they did reach out to you once, twice if not more times to explain what went wrong, but you you refused to see what is right in front of you.

But yeah...life is a mystery!

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Banana-eating Jungle Monkey!!

07/31/09 11:34:56 | 0 Comments

So by now, I am sure you've all heard all the fallout surrounding Professor Henry Gates arrest, etc. Right? Well, I guess what bothers me more than an over-reacting cop by arresting someone who insults you, or someone playing the race card, and /or the President of the U.S. commenting on something he didn't initially know about simply because he was friend with the arrested Professor, is that someone else can enter the drama and make racists comments like "Banana-Eating Jungle Monkey" and then claim they aren't racist.

Justin Barret, a Boston Police Officer (pic on right), who has been recently suspended for sending out mass emails to his fellow colleagues, making racial slurs towards Professor Henry Gates regarding an altercation with another police officer claims he isn't "racist." BULLSHIT!! You don't send out mass emails to your friends or co-workers, spouting off someone is a "Banana-Eating Jungle Monkey" and then back pedal, acting like you have no racist intention. Intelligent people who aren't racist who express strong opinions, do not make racist comments. However, Justin Barret seems to think he can make such statements and then go on national TV, apologizing, and then have the audacity to claim he isn't racist.

You know, I am certainly fine with the fact that he was willing to go on national TV and state that he is "sorry", but please do not say you meant no "racist" intention when that is exactly what your intention is. It's no doubt, Barret is looking for any avenue to save his ass since he's been suspended. Let's remember one's freedom of speech/expression doesn't entitle one to spout out hateful comments like that. Certainly, if someone has an opinion of a situation that occurred they could state their opinion without using such racial slurs.

What a world we live in... where one of the largest known superpowers on earth, who prides itself being much more advance than everyone else, yet we still have individuals who say and do hateful things simply over different races, genders, sexual orientations, etc. Certainly, I realize that it would be impossible for everyone to live harmoniously together since everyone has a mind and an opinion of their own, but when you say and do thing that can't harm others, I think you've gone too far.

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TINTED WINDOWS: A New American Rock Supergroup?

07/12/09 13:36:31 | 4 Comments

A picture of the newly formed band. From left to right: Bun E. Carlos, James Iha, Taylor Hanson, and Adam Schlesinger.

Recognize any of these guys from the above picture? Many of you may recognize all of them or some of them, depending on your interest or taste in music. Nevertheless, pictured here are four rock musicians from different eras of rock history. Starting from left to right, Ben E. Carlos is the oldest of the group. Many may recall him as the drummer from the hugely successful band CHEAP TRICK. Next to him sits guitarist, James Iha from SMASHING PUMPKINS as well as another side band called A PERFECT CIRCLE. On the other side sits, Taylor Hanson, who is best known for being the lead singer of his trio brother band HANSON. Rounding out the quadruplet band is bassist Adam Schlesinger from FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE. Earlier in 2009, the four joined together to form what is being considered a new "American Rock Supergroup" named TINTED WINDOWS. This new project will run alongside all the artists' main bands according to the band members.

So you're asking yourself, what can these four offer to the music scene? I guess that is totally up to the listener to decide as well as up to the band mates if they want to continue their journey with this band. Quite possibly, this may be a one album project and they will all split and go their different ways. But personally speaking, I think they have managed to put together a kick ass band. The result; "a stripped-down, high-energy record that combines the strengths and identifiable styles of all four members, and yet doesn't really sound like anything else any of the four has done elsewhere. And with three of the four band members contributing songs, there is a real band vibe in the diversity of the material" (source).

All the songs from their debut album TINTED WINDOWS with the exception of three were written by bassist Adam Schlesinger. Vocalist Taylor Hanson, wrote two of the tracks (sharing credit with Schlesinger on one of them), as guitarist James Iha wrote another two.

Their first video, "KIND OF A GIRL" gives you a late 70's, early 80's rock super group vibe. You can view that video below:

Have no doubts... just because Hanson is the lead singer, don't consider this is another "Mmm Bop" album. It is not. In fact, he and his brothers have grown musically since bursting on the scene as a trio with their sugary pop songs. This effort is definitely "rock". You can certainly hear the influence of the other band members. I've always thought Taylor Hanson comes off sounding more and more like John Bon Jovi as he grows older. He does give off that vibe here. But I'll let you judge for yourself. Check out the album when you have the time.

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MY REVIEW OF ADAM LAMBERT'S "FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT"

SAW VI

Life is a Mystery!

Banana-eating Jungle Monkey!!

TINTED WINDOWS: A New American Rock Supergroup?