Turn It Up!: Roxette - The Look (Music Video)

This Thursday, my best friend and I are going to see the amazing Roxette in concert, with special Guest Opening Act, "Glass Tiger" (Oooh, my sister loved them when she was in High School lol)!

It will be our first time seeing Roxette in concert (the Swedish Duo, Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle, have not embarked on a full on World Tour since 1995) and to mark the occasion, I have added the music video for their single "The Look" which was released in 1989 and was the third single from their second studio album "Look Sharp" (1988). This track is well known to be Roxette's "Breakthrough" song as they had only been a success in their Native Sweden and surrounding parts of Europe until its release, and became their first ever #1 hit on the US Billboard Charts.

 It's still one of my favourite tracks by them and it will be so exciting to hear it live after all these years.

Hope you love it as much as I do.

(PS. When I was a kid, I constantly got Marie Fredriksson and Susan Powter mixed up. Yes, mainly because of the hair! Embarrassing But True!)

Turn It Up!: Debbie Gibson - Lost In Your Eyes (Music Video)

How I got to 101 posts without a single mention of Debbie Gibson is beyond me!

I loves me some Debbie Gibson! She was one of my all-time favourite singers when I was a kid and well into my teen years. I still remember my older brother getting her "Out Of The Blue" album for (I think it was) his 8th Birthday and I became obsessed with the song "Only In My Dreams". In fact, in much of the way that Wilson Phillips' "Release Me" was a song of the summer during our annual summer holidays to Myrtle Beach, "Only In My Dreams" was another song that I would yell for my parents to turn up when it came on the radio during the long car ride.

As I got older and my love of theatre and Broadway musicals started to kick in, Debbie (who had now taken on her given name, Deborah) was the perfect artist for me to emulate because she blended the world of Pop and Broadway together, starring in multiple Musicals like "Grease", "Beauty & The Beast", "Funny Girl", "Cabaret", and "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" (which is where this ultimate fan boy finally met his longtime idol).

At the age of 30, though her voice recently has not been as lustrous as her formative years, I still find myself continuously following my childhood idol and anticipating her next move. No one else but Debbie could make me tune into a single episode of "Celebrity Apprentice", but as soon as I heard she was cast in this years past season, I was eating it up.

Remember This?!?! It's Electric!!!

As an amazing gift for my Christmas 2 years ago, my best friend Dean even found me a bottle of her infamous "Electric Youth" Perfume on E-Bay. That's how deep my love is for all things Debbie! Now I can smell like the 80's whenever I want. Love It!

Though my top 2 favourite albums by her are "Think With Your Heart" (1995), & "Deborah" (1997), I decided to add the video for the "Electric Youth" track "Lost In Your Eyes" because I really do think it is one of her most iconic tracks and one that has truly stood the test of time. The one thing I don't like about the video are the scenes where she has the curly permed hair. She looks like Jodie Sweetin from Full House. (Stephanie Tanner Realness!)

"Lost In Your Eyes" was the first single from "Electric Youth" (1989), and was Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts for three straight weeks.

Do you not still love this song? For a 17 year old girl to write, produce and perform a song like this... You have to admit, that's mighty impressive!

Enjoy Gang!

Turn It Up!: Aaliyah - The One I Gave My Heart To (Music Video)

I'm adding this video in tribute to the lovely and talented Aaliyah, who, on this day 11 years ago, died in a horrific plane crash following the video shoot for her single "Rock The Boat" in the Bahamas. She was 22 when she died!

Born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, the Brooklyn, New York native got an early start on her music career, appearing on the talent show Star Search at the age of 9. By the age of 12, she had been signed to a major record label and began work on her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing But A Number which was released in 1994.

After the success of her debut, and a very tumultuous relationship with her mentor and co-collaborator R. Kelly, Aaliyah chose to leave her then record company Jive Records and signed a new deal with Atlantic Records, where she teamed up with the producers that helped to make her a household name, Timbaland and Missy Elliott. Aaliyah's image matured a bit more during this time, replacing the "Street But Sweet" image for a more sultry, "Classy but Sexy" (as she described it) one, which I think fit her vocal style so much better.

Her following 2 albums "One In A Million" (1996) and "Aaliyah" (2001), garnered the hits, "If Your Girl Only Knew", "4 Page Letter", "We Need A Resolution" and "More Than A Woman", and with tracks featured on soundtracks for films like "Doctor Dolittle", "Anastacia" and "Romeo Must Die" (which she also starred in), she became known as the reigning "Princess of R&B" and was listed at number 10 of the most successful female R&B artists of the past 25 years.

Her work on film included the action flick "Romeo Must Die", which she co-starred in with Martial Arts Superstar, Jet Li, and the Anne Rice vampire flick "Queen Of The Damned" to which she played the title role opposite actor Stuart Townsend.

This is one of my favorite songs (of many) that she recorded because it showcased the strength and sultryness of her voice.

So, to wrap it all up, I'd like to say Bless You Aaliyah, Rest In Peace and sing out with those angels up there in heaven!!!!

Turn It Up!: Martika - Love...Thy Will Be Done (Music Video) 100th Post!

Yayyyyy This is my 100th post on this blog and I knew that I would dedicate it to the fabulous Martika weeks before I arrived at this landmark! My original plan was to hold off until the release of her new music video for her second single from "The Mirror Ball", SloMoTion, but I got too excited waiting for it and I just had to write.

So, here we are. I asked my two friends Jordanna and Kamille (fellow members of Martika's Toy Soldier Army) to help me decide which video of hers to post out of three choices: More Than You Know, Water, or Love...Thy Will Be Done. They narrowed it down to two, and the final decision was mine. (Thank you Ladies!)

I've chosen the Prince produced "Love...Thy Will Be Done", (which was the first single from Martika's second album "Martika's Kitchen" (1991)) because it's probably one of the most beautifully crafted songs about love, faith and spirituality to ever come out of a 20 year old pop star. The simple yet magical instrumentation mixed with her vulnerable and (at times) wildly tumultuous vocals, captivates the listener and allows for a peaceful and uplifting musical experience.

Plus, the video is sickeningly gorgeous, wonderfully directed by Michael Haussman (who also directed the video's for Paula Abdul's "My Love Is For Real" and Madonna's "Take A Bow")! Totally worthy on this spot on my blog.

In addition, I'd like to add that I've never known a singer or celebrity who treats their fans with as much dignity, respect and love than Martika does via her Facebook and Twitter accounts (@MartikaTunes, Get into it!) It's uncanny how often she sends replies of thanks and personal notes to individual fans (not just general updates). My heart flutters a bit every time I see a new Twitter message from her, and I just remember being 15 years old, telling my best friend that one day I would be a famous singer and I'd track down Martika to do a duet with me on my second album (I don't know why it wasn't the first album) and I'd bring her back into the spotlight and she'd have to record a third album! Man, I was a strange kid!

Well, part of my dream is coming true!

Sooo ecstatic that you're back Martika! Much Love, Toy Soldier Forever!

Y'know what! Screw it, let's add the "Water" video too. YYYAAAYYY!!!!

Liven It Up!: The Bangles - Manic Monday (Acoustic)

Tomorrow's the day! I'm going to see The Bangles and The B-52's live at Casino Rama and I could not be more excited. I've seen The B-52's once before when they joined Cyndi Lauper on her second annual True Colors tour after the release of their album "Funplex" (2008). However, I have yet to see The Bangles live and I have been a big fan of them for a long time. The girls are currently touring in support of their latest album "Sweetheart Of The Sun" (2011) and have gone from being a quartet to a trio since the departure of bass player Michael Steele, but I'm sure the remaining original members, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson, and Susanna Hoffs will put on one hell of a show.

Is this version of "Manic Monday" not to die for???? Not sure of the year this was recorded, but it was most likely around 2003 during the promotion of their comeback album "Doll Revolution".

Enjoy!

What's On!: RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars (Coming Soon)

Seriously, I'm going to bed in two minutes, but I'm just so excited about this! I love RuPaul's Drag Race and this Fall, 12 (well 11) of my favorite competitors from the past 4 seasons are returning to fight once more for the title of America's next Drag Superstar. I say 11 because I cannot stand Mimi Imfurst. She's a loudmouth annoying queen who never knows when to shut up.

My top six by looking at the cast (judging solely on the performances they gave during their respective seasons) would be Yara Sofia (Echa Palante), Chad Michaels(Professional), Nina Flowers (Ay Loca), Latrice "Muthafuckin'" Royale, Manila Luzon (...The House Down) and Raven (aka the eloquent trucker). I can't wait to see what they all get up to though. To have Pandora Boxx, Alexis Mateo and Tammie Brown in the same room is funny enough.

Like I said, it's an amazing cast and there's only one that I don't like. I bet they'll have a 13th girl join the cast as a surprise contestant a la Shangela in the 3rd season. I think it should be Delta Work, Mariah, Ongina, or Victoria "Porkchop" Parker.

WERK!!!!

Turn It Up!: Cyndi Lauper - True Colors (Live 2004)

There's so many things I want to say about this song, and this performance/tour in particular, and it's all filling my head at once so it may come out all wrong, but this may have been the single most amazing and moving tour of any artist that I've ever been to (and you can be assured that I've been to a hell of a lot of concerts in my time). For me it's right up there with seeing Bette Midler in concert (which still holds it's place at number 1 in my books).

The "At Last" Tour was probably the first time that I stopped seeing Cyndi as just a fun, quirky pop act with a loud voice, and really began to see her as a fully formed artist and musical entity. Yes, it had it's usual upbeat flavor where she sang loud and free and knocked us all over with the power of her voice and danced her way into the audience, but there were also quieter moments that really shone brightly and revealed the tender and fragile side of her voice which almost had me in tears on more than one occasion.

I saw this tour when it came to Massey Hall in Toronto. I was 22 and really just becoming comfortable with my sexuality (I had only started coming out to my friends and family 2 years before that) and when she sang this version of True Colors and stopped with her fist held high in the air after belting "Don't be Afraid", something just clicked in me and tears filled my eyes and I felt like I would be okay. It sounds strange and cliche but I swear to God it's true, I felt like part of my mind or my shame was turned off in that instant and everyone in that theatre was on the same page.

So, needless to say, to have a DVD reminder of that moment in my life is indeed a beautiful thing. I still get chills and a little choked up when that moment arrives. So I want to say a great big Thank You to Cyndi Lauper for helping me reach that realisation that who I am is not shameful, because I can live and love beautifully regardless of what people think or how I was raised to think.

If I can relay that message onto others that may be dealing with personal struggles, or coming out, or have come out and feel that the gay community is quite generalising and has no space for you, or whatever it may be, that there is a place on the board for a rare jig-saw puzzle piece like you, then I think I've done a good job with this silly little blog.

Be Well (and listen to some Cyndi Lauper)!!!!

Turn It Up!: Jennifer Love Hewitt - How Do I Deal (Music Video)

I wanted to post this video really quickly before I go to bed. My friend Jordanna is going through a tough time at the moment, and I wanted to post something that would maybe cheer her up some (or at least let her know that I'm thinking of her).

She's the only one that I've come across that enjoys Jennifer Love Hewitt's music as much as I do, and so I thought this was appropriate. Plus, she's probably asking herself "How Do I Deal"?. You deal by being sad, getting angry, having your broken heart and then realizing that life doesn't end there. The greatness is still on the horizon.

Be well Sweetie, and Enjoy!

Turn It Up!: Candi - Dancing Under A Latin Moon (Music Video)

This post started off as something different. I was originally adding Candi's video for her first single "Under Your Spell", but then (mid-typing) I got a tweet from my pal Joe (leader of the Toy Soldier Army) with a video attached of "Dancing Under A Latin Moon" and I thought, "What impecable timing!"

So, a change has come.

Now, the reason I was adding a video by Candi in the first place is because, she was my first ever concert. I count Paula Abdul as my first show, because the tickets for Candi were free, but officially... Candi was it! All I remember is I must have been 8 or 9 years old, and my Mom took my older brother and I to see her at a small theatre in the round concert hall (which I don't think exists anymore) at Ontario Place in Toronto. I was very excited and I also remember the seats were a bleacher seating type set up and you looked down onto the circular stage floor and periodically Candi would run around the entire parameter of the floor slapping the fans hands as she passed.

For those of you who aren't familiar, Candi was a Juno nominated Canadian Pop Act back in the late 80's/early 90's who took their name from the lead singer, Candita Pennella's, nickname. For their second album, they chose to go by the name "Candi and The Backbeat" to differentiate the band from they're lead singer. The group had a few mildly successful singles, like "Under Your Spell", "Love Makes No Promises", "The World Just Keeps On Turning", "Good Together" and "Dancing Under A Latin Moon" (seen above).

The group disbanded after touring for their second album and according to Wikipedia, lead singer Candi Pennella is now a teacher in the Toronto area. Would be so awesome to have her as a teacher.

Dedicated to Joe Valenzuela!

Picture This: Wilson Phillips Autograph + Concert Review

Wendy Wilson, Carnie Wilson, & Chynna Phillips

It's taken me forever to write this post. On July 14th, my boyfriend Chris and I went to see Wilson Phillips in concert at Casino Rama, and it was pretty much everything I had waited 20 some odd years for.

As we got to the venue, we tried to go to our seats as soon as possible, 1, So I could immerse myself in the excitement, and 2, because Chris had stubbed his toe earlier in the day and every step he took was agony lol. We were seated not far from a woman in her late 40's (blonde hair, crispy bangs, the works) who, compared to her unenthusiastic companion, looked as though she was going to shit herself with excitement.

As the clock struck 9:00, the lights went down, the members of the band walked on stage and took their places, and from off stage, the acapella 3 part harmony of the intro to the song "Release Me" ("I know that it's time for a change, but when that change comes will you still feel the same?") permeated the air and on walked Chynna Phillips (in an understated grey tube dress, blonde hair snatched back into a tight ponytail) Carnie Wilson (in a beautiful form fitting fuschia dress and new Cleopatra style bob haircut) and Wendy Wilson (in a slender deep purple dress, with her gorgeous brunette locks flowing freely).

After hitting every little nuance in "Release Me" (I swear, I nearly died, it was so fucking good), the girls took a moment to introduce themselves and thank the audience for coming and explained that they almost didn't make it to the show because their flight from New York had been cancelled last minute. They then performed the opening track from their second album "Shadows & Light", "It's Only Life" which I did not expect to hear but was a very welcome surprise.

The 3 girls continuously joked and played with the audience throughout the show, playing a great mixture of their original material from the 90's and their latest cover material from their albums "California" and "Dedicated", doing impressions, inviting audience members up on stage to dance during a medley of the ABBA songs "Dancing Queen" and "Does Your Mama Know", and Carnie at one point even hiked up her skirt to show the audience her spanx lol.

Their harmonies are undeniably impressive, and I'm hoping the success of this tour will lead them to record new original music in the near future (although Dedicated is absolutely sickening and I'm so glad to have it in my collection).

The setlist for the show was,

1) Release Me
2) It's Only Life
3) Daniel (Elton John cover)
4) California Dreamin'
5) God Only Knows
6) Wouldn't It Be Nice
7) You Won't See Me Cry (absolutely beautiful job on this song)
8) Already Gone
9) You're In Love
10) Dedicated To The One I Love
11) Dancing Queen/Does Your Mama Know (Medley)
12) Impulsive
Encore
13) In My Room
14) Hold On

The picture above is indeed an autographed picture, but sadly I did not meet the 3 women. It was onsale and I purchased it, but it is a real autograph (not a xerox). I look forward to seeing them in concert again some day and maybe having the honor of meeting them next time. Great Show!

Three Part Harmony, One Part Ah-Mah-Zing!!!!!!

Turn It Up: Mariah Carey - Triumphant (Get Em) Feat. Rick Ross & Meek Mill (Audio only)

I put this under the "Turn It Up" header, but I really wanted to put it under "Turn It Down"!

I have to say, I have been a Mariah Carey fan since the very beginning, but this is by far the worst lead single she has ever released ever (and that's including "Loverboy" from the Glitter Soundtrack)!!!

Firstly, she barely sings anything in the song other than the chorus's and the bridge, choosing instead to have Rick Ross and Meek Mill rap during the verses. Ummm...this is meant to be Mariah FEATURING Rick Ross and Meek Mill, not the other way around. How the hell did you become a guest star in your own single Mariah???? Seriously, get off your Lazy Diva Ass and sing your own songs.

Secondly, I've never been a fan of what I like to call "Ghetto Mariah". I appreciate having hip hop artists make cameo's in your songs, sometimes it works (Jay-Z on "Heartbreaker" etc.), but she has to realize that most of the time, those songs don't sell as well for her as Balladeer/Pop/R&B Mariah does! Tommy Mattola may have been an asshole, but he knew your niche.

Thirdly, though she doesn't sing a lot on the song, when she does she sounds squeeky and annoying and the melody just blends into the wallpaper. Nothing new, exciting or fresh about this song. I hope that this was just a mistake in judgement and there will be plenty of goodies on her album to come.

Mimi got busted!

Turn It Up!: No Doubt - Settle Down (Music Video)

It seems that some people are a bit up in arms about the new No Doubt single, I have to say I have no idea why. I personally think it's an incredible song, and a fantastic one to return with. Their Rock/Pop/Ska/Reggae style a la "Rock Steady" is still present and they're still fun and flashy with the video's!

A hot summer treat for all. Could definitely see myself dancing around to this one on a daily basis. I can't wait to hear the album and I hope I get to see them on tour again. How is it possible that they all pretty much look the same as they did back in the day (except Adrian, the drummer, who has finally put some clothes on).

Turn It Up!: Alanis Morissette - Guardian (Music Video)

Okay guys, I know I've already added the lyric video for Guardian, but now that we have the official video for the song, I just have to add it. I mean... She Has Wings For God's Sake! Reason enough really.

Still love the song, I'm just eager to hear the rest of the new album. From reviews that I've read (some good, some bad) it sounds like this album will be more like her album "So-Called Chaos" than anything else. Another happy album, perish the thought!

Hope you enjoy the video.

PS. Gotta say, one negative about Alanis is that her guitar playing is bullshit lol, she always just looks like she's miming it. Get back to the tuneless harmonica girl!