Heartless Music

Opera + Drag = Prince Poppycock?

Posted on 19. Sep, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

If you’ve been watching America’s Got Talent this season, you obviously know of the amazing and outrageous act named Prince Poppycock. Don’t get confused, he has nothing to do with the candied popcorn that you may have been enjoying. No, no, Prince Poppycock is far from your ordinary…anything. He’s an extreme measure of talent, exquisite presentation, and pure entertainment bundled into one package that merges the worlds of classical opera and…drag.

Yes, drag. Prince Poppycock at basic level a drag queen, but he’s not your ordinary drag queen. This guy is an amazing singer. He has hit every nearly-impossible note in the classical opera songs he’s performed throughout the competition, and landed in the top four contestants of America’s Got Talent, which was voted upon the 15th. Although Poppycock didn’t win the grand prize, he still made an enormous statement across the country that two worlds can collide and make something magical, and I can’t help but think he has sent the younger audience of the show to their computers to download music, perhaps of some of opera classics that he performed.

His real name is John Andrew Qual and he’s 32 years old. He first discovered his talent when he was eleven years old. Four years ago he was asked to perform an opera song with a wig on. Taking it a bit further, he invented what we now know of Prince Poppycock. A glamorous diva of an opera singer with magnificent makeup and costumes that Broadway would gawk at.

From his audition in New York where he performed Largo Al Factotum, to La donna è mobile in Las Vegas, to Pagliacci in Hollywood, to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody during the semi finals, National Anthem and Yankee Doodle Boy, and then ending the competition on the finale night with Nessun Dorma, each of his stunning performances bewildered the audience and everyone watching at home.

Here is a compilation video of Prince Poppycock’s performances during the competition:

Tags: America's Got Talent, Broadway, drag, opera, Prince Poppycock, theatrical performance

Linkin Park- A Thousand Suns

Posted on 17. Sep, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

When Linkin Park came to the scene back in 2000 with their debut album Hybrid Theory, they were immediately accepted into mainstream culture. The first successful hit, Crawling, even won the band a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Also off this album came classic hit In The End which was successful on all charts and popular amongst pretty much everyone, if you don’t know them you can get free music online and listen to what all the fuss is about . Although they’re not really of a rebellious nature, I’m mentioning them here on Heartless Music because as a group they managed to infiltrate rock music into pop culture’s fan base and appeal to the masses, something that most rock groups don’t care to do, or could never come close to achieving. They succeed in merging several different genres of music including rock, punk, hip hop, rap and alternative. They broke ground when they performed their song Numb with rapper Jay-Z.

Here is the video for the collaboration of Linkin Park and Jay-Z usually separated genres with the song Numb/Encore:

During an interview posted on Music OMH, band member Mike Shinoda explained:

When the six of us get together and make music, there are some things that just naturally come out. And that’s part of the Linkin Park sound that you hear on the album. We wanted to step outside of the box, so we used some live strings, piano. We used a traditional Japanese flute, which is called shakuhachi. We played with time signatures, different tempos.

After their sophomore album in 2003 called Meteora, and their 2007 album titled Minutes To Midnight, the group will be releasing their fourth studio album titled A Thousand Suns this month on September 14th, much to the anticipation of their fans. Last month, they released the first single off the album called The Catalyst. Yesterday I read a review about the 3D laser show in Los Angeles that served as a promo and teaser for the new album, and the author was blown away. You won’t get to see these laser show effects while listening to the album, but the reviews of the music played were just as positive (read more). The favorite tracks to anticipate are Robot Boy, Waiting For the End, Blackout, When They Come For Me, and The Messenger.

Here is the music video by Linkin Park with their song The Catalyst:

Tags: A Thousand Suns, alternative rock, Hybrid Theory, In The End, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, Numb/Encore, rock, The Catalyst

Kanye West – Is He Heartless?

Posted on 05. Sep, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

I thought it was obviously fitting to write about Kanye West here on Heartless Music: he’s obviously had some moments where he disregarded rules and manners (therefore obtaining the title “rebel”), and he fittingly has a hit single titled Heartless.

Grammy Awards 2005

Although he was featured on Jay-Z’s 2002 The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse album, Kanye wouldn’t  release his debut artist album until 2004 called The College Dropout.  A year later, his 2005 album titled Late Registration, would have an even better reception by fans and critics. Download free music from these first albums and tell me if you think they’re worthy of awards…because at the 2005 Grammy Awards Kanye would receive eight Grammy nominations, and win three including “Best Rap Album” (for The College Dropout), “Best Rap Song” (Jesus Walks), and “Best R&B Song” (You Don’t Know My Name with Alicia Keys). The following year, the album Late Registration would also win three Grammys.

Two years later he would release Graduation, which would also (roll eyes at repetition here) win three Grammys at the 2008 awards ceremony. Yet to break the cycle, Kanye did take home four wins that night, the last being for his duet with rapper Common for the track titled Southside.

In 2008 at the MTV Music Awards, Kanye would perform and use an auto-tone device in his microphone, creating an awesome effect on the vocals for his track Love Lockdown. This would eventually become a trademark that would be used in other songs that fans love. That year’s album 808s & Heartbreak, and this year’s Dark Twisted Fantasy have both been massively successful.

Here is Kanye’s video for Heartless (which also uses the auto-tone technique):

Forgetting To Obey The Rules

Unless you’ve lived in a cave the last year, you’re well aware of Kanye’s behavior “mishap” during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Although he apologized later on for being completely out of line, disrespectful, rude, arrogant, etc. etc., I still have less appreciation for him as a person since then. The world does not revolve around you Kanye, and although you may think your opinion is superior to the rest, you have no say in the righteous recipient of any award.

That being said, whether or not he’s totally “heartless” because that incident can be debated. But a year before that happened, in 2008, he was arrested at LAX airport for physically destroying the camera of a member of the paparazzi. In fact, the charges were felonies for vandalism. The charges were knocked down to a misdemeanor.

Is Kanye a rebel? Do you think we have more to see from his naughty side? Let’s hope so!

Tags: auto-tone, Grammy Awards, Jay-Z, Kanye West, MTV Video Music Awards

Pink – No Girly Girl

Posted on 30. Aug, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

Although not the first punk girl to make her way into the spotlight of the music industry, Pink (also known as P!nk, and born Alecia Moore) would be that figure of the 2000s , or noughties. Hailing out of Pennsylvania, she would burst onto the scene with her 2000 debut album Can’t Take Me Home with singles There You Go, Most Girls, and You Make Me Sick, which are still available today as free music downloads.

Her in-your-face lyrics and punk style was instantly a hit and brought a new edge to the typical pop icon. In an interview on musicOMH she stated that when she was younger, rebellion was in her nature, claiming:

“I was an idiot. I still am, kind of. Someone said I’m a magnet for that shit. Whatever. I just like to have fun. Fuck rules.”

Claiming she was brought up in a house with a tough dad and rarely any female companions, she gives her tough upbringing credit for making her who she is today:

“I think it definitely has a lot to do with that. I was always the only girl, usually looked at as one of the guys, raised by a man who is a complete fighter. I’m not just a bullshit artist. I’m not here to impress people. I’m here to make a difference.”

Her song titled Just Like a Pill, off her 2001 album Missundaztood, shined a light on a dark side of Pink, darker than just being a hard-edged rocker or punk. Her song Trouble, off the 2003 album Try This, was more of the same, hinting at a story line of illegal activities and fighting. Off her 2006 album titled I’m Not Dead, her song Dear Mr. President is a perfect example of her rebellious nature (and I respect her 110% for putting it out there, and even performing it live). It is an honest questioning of why President Bush had failed so badly as leader of the American people, directed to personally to him. Not many artists would refuse to sugar coat lyrics of a protest song.

Watch the video Pink performing the song Dear Mr President live:

And let’s not forget that she’s not afraid to admit being too drunk to give an acceptance speech, as did happen at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, where she won for Best Dance Video and Best Female Video for her party anthem track, Get This Party Started. Of recent news of her portraying the life of Janis Joplin in an upcoming film, Pink says she’s qualified because she doesn’t really have to act.

“I don’t know how to depict it, I relate to her a lot and I know a lot about her life. She was a white girl singin’ the blues and so was I, and it wasn’t widely accepted. I hide my pain, that’s why I’m always laughing, and she was kind of like that. She was very funny ‘cos she was in a lot of pain.”

Pink is in no way shape or form your typical girl, and she’s made a permanent mark in the music industry, and more specifically pop culture. She made it clear and known to the public that being different is a good thing, and being true to yourself is even better. Love her or hate her, it’d undeniable that she is an icon and a rebel in every sense of the word.

Tags: Dear Mr. President, girl punk, Janis Joplin, Missundaztood, MTV Video Music Awards, P!nk, Pink, pop icon

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Posted on 17. Aug, 2010 by livetheclassics in 1980's Music, 1990's Music, 2000's Music

Red Hot Chili Peppers Live

Hailing from Los Angeles, the Red Hot Chili Peppers formed in 1983 with a pure funk that California held dear with the decline of Disco music. In the early years of the band, the original line up would throw in rock and thrash which gave them an entirely unique flavor that nobody had heard before. To this day, nobody comes close to replicating the Red Hot Chili Peppers in terms of their sound. To some, they’re considered the “Led Zepplin of Cali,” in reference to their inadvertent way of creating their own genre.

Unfortunately the early days for the band weren’t that easy. RHCP has had 14 members to date while retaining the original count of 4 at any given time. Only two of the original founders remain, Anthony Kiedis, the frontman and lyrical mastermind, and Flea, the signature bassist with what he dubs his ’slap-happy’ style of play. Dealing with the death of their original guitar player Hillel Slovak from a heroin overdose and the departure of their drummer, the band adopted different musicians styles of play. Anthony Kiedis has stated that their influences blended with the direction of the band helped form their genuine appeal, infusing punk rock with their homegrown love for funk music. This plethora of styles resulted in the record now available as free music downloads Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which although it was their 5th album, sold over 15 million copies to date and introduced the world to the band.

Dave Navarro

In the following years, RHCP would recruit Dave Navarro, guitarist of Janes Addiction, to record One Hot Minute. Though a reputable album with a bit more rock power, it didn’t perform nearly as well as Blood Sex Sugar Magik, so Navarro went right back to Perry Cantrell and continued his career in a different direction. The band wouldn’t see a similar sort of success from their 5th album until completing Californication with guitarist John Frusciante, who had left the band previously after succumbing to a heroin addiction. After hits like Scar Tissue and Californication ate up the airwaves over the composition team of Anthony Kiedis and Frusciante, the band had nothing but success.

Their most recent album, Stadium Arcadium, has given the band their first American #1 album with tracks such as Dani California and Snow. Though they lost John Frusciante again as he wanted to pursue a solo venture, RHCP remains strong with relentless touring and a positive outlook for the road ahead. They have one of the rockiest histories for a successful band, but continue to prevail with flying colors. They are determination incarnate.

Here’s a personal favorite from Californication and a fun video encompassing the feel of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Can’t Stop:

Tags: californication, flea, red hot chili peppers, scar tissue, under the bridge

Lady Gaga

Posted on 28. Jul, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

Once upon a time there was a pretty little girl named Stefani Germanotta from Manhattan’s east side. She was educated at a private Catholic school, studied hard and did well in academics and her musical development with singing and playing the piano. She got accepted to NYU, where she would further develop her affection and skills for performing arts. She knew she wanted to be a star, and she’s was determined to achieve.

After ceasing attendance at NYU in means to pursue her dream career in music, Stefani began performing in venues in the city trying to be discovered. She was nineteen.

How did she turn into the music rebel we know her as today? You know, the one who refuses to abide by the norm, dresses in the most ridiculous attire, and acts out insane performances? It could be her influences of David Bowie, Madonna, Queen, Gwen Stefani, and Grace Jones, rolled into a modern, electronically geared format. Grab the music downloads of these artists and compare the styling with the modern version and you will hear the echoes of former greats in her voice. Yet I also think that her time performing burlesque shows in the city that led up to her 2007 signing that had a massive influence on her. It was later on that year when she became signed with Streamline Records and wham: Lady Gaga was born at the age of 21.

Did the expeditious rise to record deals, contracts, studios, and albums go to her head? I mean, it was only one year later in 2008, at the age of 22, that she released The Fame.

Here is her music video for Paparazzi off her debut album The Fame:

A couple months after the release she was already giving strikingly brass comments during interviews, such as in one with The Sunday Times where she stated:

“Some artists are working to buy the mansion or whatever the element of fame must bear, but I spend all my money on my show. I don’t give a f*** about money. What am I going to do with a condo and a car? I can’t drive.”

R-e-b-e-l. She couldn’t be assed about what anyone thinks of her, and I do believe that is part of her extreme costumes and unique performances. Her music would be successful and popular without the attention capturing appearance. I truly believe she wants to make a point by continuously pressing the boundaries with her new age pop music and performance. Can you compare her to anyone else? Does anyone else have the courage to do what she has?

Her sharp tongue and complete disregard of the press or critics makes me proud to list her as a music rebel here on Heartless Music. Revolutionary music and berserk looks are just an added bonus. Imagine what’s to come in the future?

Tags: Gwen Stefani, Madonna, NYU, Stefani Germanotta, Streamline Records, The Fame

Amy Winehouse

Posted on 21. Jul, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

We all know that Amy Winehouse is a bit of an oddity, quite unique, and a 100% rebel to conformity. Amy was discovered in London after a friend sent in a demo tape. Her first album called Frank was released in 2003 in the UK and earned Amy industry recognition and a jump start into fame. Her first red carpet debut was the following year at the Brit Awards for her nominations for Best Female Solo Artist and Best Urban Act.

She was growing in popularity and fame, but this would catapult into exponential growth in 2007 upon the release of her second album Back To Black in the UK and the United States. The hit single off the second album, Rehab, would be the ticket into the American market. Little did anyone know at the time that her lyrics were not just for our entertainment.

After a string of drunken stupors on stages through her scheduled tour during 2007, Amy was forced to cancel the tour. Obviously this would upset and anger fans, but more importantly to the press, it would shed light on Amy’s substance abuse. Amy would soon overdose on a concoction of drugs that would kill an elephant including heroin, cocaine, ketamine, and marijuana. She went to rehab for a measly three day stint. Unfortunately for her, musicians of this day and age, where one cannot control the amount of free music downloads get distributed, most rely on public performances and concerts. If you cannot perform live, your career as an artist will be severely limited.

According to a British online publication The Daily Mail Online, Amy’s mother was quoted in an interview saying about Amy:

She’s reckless, very determined and if she wants to do something she will just do it. No one can stop her once she’s made her mind up but she never thinks of the consequences.

Luckily for her, her career was not a shambles yet. The Grammy Awards nominated her for six awards and voted her to receive five awards in 2008 for Rehab and Back To Black. This would skyrocket her sales and popularity. Also in 2008 she would receive the NME Awards nomination for Villain of the Year as well as Best Solo Artist.

Here is her music video for Pumps off her first album Frank:

The rest of the year would involve drug related arrests in Norway, and in the United Kingdom involving marijuana and crack cocaine. Not good for the press and tabloids that used horrific pictures of Amy in complete distress. Unfortunately for Amy, the negative press regarding her rebellious nature wouldn’t end in 2008.

Just when we thought Amy might be sincerely apologetic for making a mess of her fame, in 2009 a video came about that would shock the nation and world once again. Amy Winehouse had been filmed at a private residence singing an extremely racist song offending African Americans, Pakistanis, Asians, deaf, blind, mentally challenged, and gay people all at once. Shortly after Amy would apologize, claiming that she’s one of the least racist people around. Really?

She has not released anything since Back To Black however, there are rumors that she launched her own record label called Lioness Records and that we can expect a new album in 2011. Let’s hope the worst of her rebellious and drug induced era is over, and that she utilizes her beautiful voice and amazing musical talent to produce some awesome music that the world can enjoy once again.

Tags: Back To Black, Brit Awards, Grammy Awards, Rehab

Eminem

Posted on 12. Jun, 2010 by katz in 2000's Music

There aren’t many other music artists that I would say come close to how much Eminem (Marshall Mathers) riled up the media and suburbia with his music, more precisely his lyrics. It seemed that every song he put out onto the air pressed the boundaries of acceptable radio language as well as what can be released on an album, even with an “Explicit Content” label.

I do understand both sides of the debate. Eminem argues that he himself is not making decisions for his fans and/or the listeners of his music (for example, he does not tell them to pull a trigger). However, as much as some people would like to deny it, musicians and celebrities alike do carry some weight of responsibility in that no matter what they do, it will influence others. I’m not saying that a fan who shoots someone because they heard it in a music download can rightfully blame the artist. However, I am saying that spoken enough and portrayed in a certain light by celebrities, does make certain things appear more acceptable. This could very well indirectly influence choices, especially those of minors who look up to stars as icons and role models.

And those lyrics aren’t even the half of Eminem’s rebelliousness. How many court cases has this artist endured? I remember three: sued by his own mother, Debbie Mathers, for defamation in his album My Name Is; sued by Miad Jarbou for assault in a strip club bathroom; sued by his old schoolmate DeAngelo Bailey for defamation of character by “ruining his reputation” with lyrics about him in Eminem’s song Brain Damage; and of course sued by his ex-wife Kim for defamation in his lyrics in many tracks including Kill You.

Results? The $11 million lawsuit Debbie Mathers sought from her own son ended up in a $25,000 agreement, of which it’s been reported that Debbie will only receive about $1,600. The $25,000 lawsuit by Miad Jarbou in 2008 for the assault incident two years prior, was dwindled in the press and therefore leads me to believe was never pursued by Jarbou. The $1 million case filed by DeAngelo Bailey was dismissed by the judge. As for the $10 million lawsuit filed by Kim, that ruled in Eminem’s favor as well. Talk about an excellent legal team.

Oh and let’s not forget Eminem’s slight mishap with the law in back in 2000 in Michigan, where he got arrested (twice) for gun charges. One charge was for a concealed weapon, and the other was an assault charge at a club. He was slammed with probation for two years, but avoided any jail time.

Is this a case of more money more problems? Either way, Eminem is a classic example of a music rebel and is one of the most controversial artists of our time.

Tags: Eminem, freedom of speech in music, offensive lyrics, rap