Dynamic Duo: Beyonce and Gaga

Okay, so Beyonce and Lady Gaga are such a great combo. Beyonce's signature style of music and Lady Gaga's craziness and amazing creativity come together to create some pretty awesome songs and music videos. Beyonce's Video Phone feat. Lady Gaga is a catchy tune that makes you wanna get up and dance. At first you would think this combination of Gaga and Beyonce wouldn't really work out, but the music video proves otherwise. The song is definitely a hit! Gaga takes on a new, sexy look and leaves behind her crazy look so people see another side of her. The dancing is awesome, and surprisingly Gaga keeps up with Beyonce. For me, this proved that these two together are definitely a dynamic duo. To further prove this, the music video for Telephone was recently released. This is the ultimate display of Gaga's overflow of creativity. The video is like a mini-movie about Beyonce's and Gaga's teamwork that eventually leads to a mass killing. They work so well together and it is seen on screen. They are two artists that people never expect to work together, but gladly they went against the norm (which isn't really new for gaga) and joined forces. Something great has to come out of the collaboration of two outstanding artists! I think its really great that artists work together and share their different ideas. This allows artists to create and be a part of different kinds of music and it also broadens their music ideas and outlooks.

Then and Now

We look back on the past and think "gosh, I'm so glad I didn't live back then." We have this idea that today we live a better and more ordered life than we did in the past. But is this necessarily true? Are political disappointments less common today? Are there less homeless people on the streets? Has crime risen or fallen? Is our society today THAT MUCH different from how it was years ago? Hopefully these questions open your eyes to the fact that times really haven't changed THAT much. Now, I'm not denying the awesome convenience of a cell phone or ipod. I'm leaning towards more of the political spectrum. The 60's was a time period of chaos. From the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War, disappointment and protest were common amongst many citizens. Many songs written during this time can be listened to today and still apply to our political condition. The main aspect that we have in common with 60's is war. Many furious artists wrote songs in protest of the Vietnam war. One example is 'Eve of Destruction' by P.F. Sloan written in 1965. Almost every phrase of this song can be interpreted as a song protesting the war happening today. Music one form of evidence that shows just how much things have changed from the past. I believe it to be disappointing how many songs written during the 60's can apply to today's conditions. Although we have made many advancements technologically, have we really made any progress politically speaking? And if so, is it really that much?

The connection between music and politics

From the National Anthem to Bruce Springsteen's 'Born In the USA' America's political history hides within the lyrics of many songs delivering messages to the audience.Political music aids one of two causes; either serving, or rebelling against an institution of society. Political expression and music has a strong tie that is tightly bound throughout history. History is preserved in music. Music can carry either a positive or negative political message. Our National Anthem delivers a message of extreme patriotism and pride. Raising an attitude of devout allegiance to our Nation, this song carries the political message of America's pride. On the other end of the spectrum, Springsteen's 'Born In the USA' carries a more negative political message. The song speaks out against the unfair treatment and injustices of the land of the free. People speaking out against war, slavery, civil rights, etc. can all be heard through the many political protest songs out there. The impact of politics on the work of musicians is crucial. Many songs are written due to the influence of politics during that time. Music is a major form of political discourse through history. As John Street (1986) puts it, "The politics of music are a mixture of state policies, business practices, artistic choices and audience responses." Music has always been an effective tool in both creating and providing a commentary on social change and crises.

I wanna be Britney.

Britney Spears bombarded the minds of many young girls with her big break in 1998. Maybe not all young girls, but definitely mine. There I was, and eight year old Britney Spears wannabe. The name Britney Spears is one of the first names that pops into my mind when i think back on my childhood. I admit it, i was obsessed. I wanted to be her. My girlfriends and I would dress like her, try to act like her, sing like her..EVERYTHING! I believe that Britney Spears strongly influenced the lives of many of young girls world wide. When I first saw the music video of "Baby One More Time" I was amazed. She was my idol. The girl in the sassy short skirt, tied up shirt, and pigtails was the girl that me and my friends wanted to be. This is just a small example of how influencing Britney was on many girls' lives. Then she made another boom with "Oops, I Did It Again." Britney ruled the world of pop. As time passed, she started to break out of her shell and go towards a more sexy image. Many organizations claimed her to be sending out the wrong messages to young girls. But others say it is simply innocent fun. Was Britney helping to shape the world view of young children by giving an opportunity to talk about emotional and relational issues? Or driving young girls to go out into the world and act scandalously? What do you think?

Importance of Protest Songs

Many may ask whats the importance of protest songs? Its not like these songs are hits or at the top of the charts. Many people don't even know about many protest songs. The truth is, protest songs aren't popular because they can't be. Many mainstream radio stations won't allow these songs to play on their station. This is sad because most protest songs have meaningful, powerful messages to get across to the public. Protest songs are important because they allow others to know that they are not alone. It helps the audience to realize that they are not the only ones upset with certain injustices in our world. They give a sense of community which allows groups to organize together and make change. The importance of protest music is seen throughout American history. Every major movement in American history has it's own set of protest songs. From slave emancipation to women's suffrage, the labor movement, civil rights, the anti-war movement, the feminist movement, the environmental movement, etc. Each has its own protest song speaking out against these injustices. Phil Ochs was one of the greatest protest song writer. His short career consisted of many songs ripping at just about every aspect of society, and all sides of the political spectrum. His song, "What are you fighting for" addresses many social issues.

BLACK AND GOLD SUPERBOWL

The NFL Super Bowl is a popular event that many Americans tune into. One of the main events of the Super Bowl is the half time show. Much thought goes into this performance when choosing who will perform and what will be done. Ever since Janet Jackson's infamous stripping, the Super Bowl halftime show is watched carefully by all and censored. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events in America, so the performers chosen to perform must be big named bands or artists. Trademark American bands and artists are chosen to entertain all of the watchers. This year's band was The Who playing some famous hits such as "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley," "Who Are You," "See Me, Feel Me," "Won't Get Fooled Again." The performance kept the audience on the edge of their seat and rocking out. This English rock band from 1964 brought the roof down and fulfilled their expectations for the halftime perfomance of Super Bowl XLIV! Below is a clip from the halftime show. The energy in the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens was turned up to its fullest!

The Grammys: definition of Idealism.

Idealism: the philosophical theory that says that reality is based on mind or ideas. We are told what is good, bad, wrong, and right. From music, to clothing, to careers and so on we are told what is best and what is wrong. A great example of this is the Grammys which aired January 31st 2010. They give awards to "best male artist", "best female artist", "best music video", etc. Thousands of viewers watch this and are told who is the hottest artist and the best music. Many viewers do not even agree with some of the awards given. Solely receiving the Grammy, artist are suddenly bolstered up to greatest whatever. For example, Taylor Swift. Please. Greatest album of the year in comparison to Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and Dave Matthews Bands?! I think my dog can sing better than her. She is said to have THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR, but in reality, many viewers STRONGLY disagree with that. Its apparent that her music does NOT top any of the other nominees by just witnessing her terrible performance that night. I just find it ridiculous how out of control this is. They're telling us that Taylor Swift is the album to have and rock out to. Just because she won this award, viewers are probably going to buy the album and see for themselves....just as my mom did. When speaking of Idealism, one can flip the channel to the Grammys and get a great sense of what idealism is about. A world that is based on thoughts of what is believed to be right and where Taylor Swift is the music goddess.