30 August 2016 - Troye Sivan (ft. Alessia Cara, and not) - Wild

I first heard this song when Troye Sivan released it as a solo song last year.  I didn't post it then, because while it was interesting, it didn't quite reach the heights I needed it to for inclusion here.

Adding Alessia Cara, on the other hand, and making it a duet... that made it a whole new song, and I love it.  I hope you do as well.

As a frame of reference, here is the original, which is at least being performed live....

29 August 2016 - Madonna - Don't Tell Me

This seems like a very Libertarian song.

Don't tell me what to do.

This is probably my favorite Madonna song.... but not because of this version.  I mean, this version is fantastic.  There's no doubt about it.  It's nice to see Madonna discover a little bit of Nashville sound and mix it seamlessly with her own.  And what a mix it is!!!!!



No, it's because of this version. Where the quintessential dance artist of her generation PLAYS HER OWN GUITAR.  Because it was important to her.  Fantastic!

26 August 2016 - Tove Lo - Cool Girl

EASILY the most anticipated song by me so far this year.  I've been waiting for this for a very long time.

And the words at the end of this video gives me hope for a album deserving to follow the modern classic Queen of the Clouds, which to follow in October, when Lady Wood is released.

Ultimately, the song is the same catchy dance-pop with lyrical depth that Tove Lo does so damned well.  And that's OK.  That's what she SHOULD be doing.  She's very good at it.

And yeah.  It does look like she shaved her head for real.

25 August 2016 - Ke$ha - TiK ToK

Tonight, I get to see Kesha live.

Notice how I didn't use the $.  She dumped that.

Still, for historic purposes, this post will still use it.

Anyway, back to Kesha.  I have not been this excited for a show in years.  YEARS!!!!!!  And I admit, as a 44-year-old man, I'm slightly embarrassed.  But only slightly.  I mean, you're smiling just listening to this song, aren't you?   I'm smiling writing this post. How can you not????

And if you are in Central New York, come to the New York State Fair.  It's $3 today, and it comes with a Kesha concert!

24 August 2016 - Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels

THIS is the textbook definition of a long overdue post.

We really should feature Angaleena Presley's solo work at some point - she's the sublime singer that goes first in this song.  Anyone who can hold her own on a stage with the huge voices of Miranda Lambert, who I will not talk about any more in this post because everyone just gave her credit for this being HER side project despite the two other tremendously talented women who were with her on this record, and the woefully underappreciated Ashley Monroe (who WILL get some play on here) deserves some spotlight.

But rather than complain about what I should and should not post, why not enjoy this fantastic song by three immensely talented women?!  That's what I'm going to do.

23 August 2016 - Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling

It was only a matter of time, people.

This is an intensely danceable song, and it's got a catchy chorus.  How Justin Timberlake has kept his energy so high for so many years, while allowing his music to both mature and still be fun, is a mystery for the ages.

Also, smart move on the part of the makers of the movie Trolls, out later this year and from which this song is, to release this song in the summer.  All they're doing is kicking off their buzz early.

11 July 2016 - Regina Spektor - Us

By the end of this post, no matter what your political leaning, you will love Regina Spektor.

I wanted to post this for the very cool looking video.  And it is cool.  Watch it.  It was her very first video.

But then listen.

Strings and piano.  And Regina Spektor's voice.  And very deep, meaningful lyrics that you won't hear from any other songwriter.  "The sculptor's marble sends regards."  It's a cool song, full of deep meaning.  And her delivery is so genuine and heartfelt.



But now watch it live.   EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE.  That's just whatever piano Barnes and Noble had lying around.   And she's cramming a lot of piano notes in along with those very complex lyrics.



But what about something more impressive?

How about at the White House, in front of the President and Vice President, without the strings, and she screws up because even SHE gets nervous!!???  And recovers BEAUTIFULLY,  in a self-effacing way.  How awesome and genuine is that?!



And now you love her.