Guess I Won't Be The Next American Idol....

Learned something the hard way the other day….Karaoke is right not a privilege. While gallivanting about town with some close friends, I stumbled upon a glorious karaoke club and decided it was a good idea to showcase the old pipes. Inspired by the bouncer’s stonewashed denim jacket, I started off the night singing some Brian Adam (Summer of ’69). As the night progressed, however, my ambition grew as my sobriety waned. I thought to myself (while in a tequila haze), “Wow, I have a really great voice…I can sing anything…” So I decide to sing the hardest song in the world. I decided to sing “Alone” by Heart….really? I’ve made some poor decisions in my life and this one definitely had to be one of the worst. Did I really think I could become the third Wilson sister? Apparently so…anyway to make a long story short as I tried to hit the notes that made Ann Wilson an icon by voice cracks cueing the people around me to turn off the music. In my 27 years of existence I have heard some bad karaoke but I have never seen anyone get the music turned off on them. Guess I can scratch that off my bucket list. While embarrassing, I did learn a valuable lesson. I should stick to my comfort zone (Billy Ocean and Sir Mixalot…if they don’t have that in the selection I’m keeping quiet and playing the tambourine on the side…)

Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty: Exploring the Dark Side to Genius

This past Saturday morning I had the great pleasure of culturally enriching myself by way of the late Alexander McQueen. I confess, I have never thought of nor taken seriously the medium of fashion as art form but after being exposed to McQueen's Savage Beauty exhibit, I humbly stand corrected. McQueen's collection, for the most part, ecos his dark side to romanticism. While some of the accessories were a bit violent (head masks...spinal vest made of metal...), there was a softness to his work as well. I see the romantic schizophrenic he self proclaimed himself to be through his artwork. Fabric was is canvas as he beautifully transformed materials into works of art. I am sadden to think that the fashion world and by extension the art world has forever lost such an inspired and innovative soul. I admit his desire to empower through fashion could be a bit off-putting at times. However, his creative use of intimidation and sadomasochistic influences speaks more to his sensitivity and vulnerably which I think contributed strongly to his genius. Unfortunately, it has been said time after time that there is a thin line separating genius from insanity. I think this was the case for our visionary friend...there was too much genius in one man's head for him to cope with life, success and his particular flavors of romanticism. This exhibit is exceptional. I urge everyone to go see this. Not only are the collections breathe-taking, the overall curation and ambience throughout the exhibit makes the haunting beauty of the exhibit a completely visceral and all consuming experience.

take a look for yourself:
http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/about/

Ben Harper: Giving it All He's Got

Deviating from his signature soulful sound, Ben Harper tries his hand at a more psychedelic look at love and life in his new album, Give Till It’s Gone. The album’s high energy infectiously grabs the attention of the listener. Rock and Roll hypnotizes while it entertains. The electric guitar compliments Harper’s raspy vocals giving the track the rock edge it needs. Feel Love showcases the sensitivity of a wounded artist. This album serves as an emotional release for Harper. The well renowned and mellow artist demonstrates a different more determined side to him in I Will Not Be Broken. Ben Harper’s talents know no boundaries: his love for the blues, soul, reggae and rock music can be seen throughout this eclectic album.
While themes of love are at the root of the album, this collection of songs is not
for the eternal optimist. Harper combines his famous laid-back tendencies with
a harder edge to illustrate that he has seen the ugly side of love and made it out
alive. Harper’s strength and sensitivity are illuminated while the album showcases
the discernible uniqueness of Harper as he takes his life lessons and shares them
through sound and deeply soulful groove.