Steven Tyler and J.Lo Leave American Idol: New Videos: Serj Tankian, Taylor Swift with B.O.B., new Aersomith, Jennifer Lopez covers Venus

DAILY MUSIC TRIVIA:  Who "inspired" Taylor Swift's "Back To December"?  Yesterday:  JD Fortune


"HARIKARI"     SERJ TANKIAN

Video of the year?   Serj, while taking a break from his band System Of A Down, is releasing a new CD, Harikari.  The video for the title track is powerful with the emphatic introduction "The human race will die of civilization".   Pollution levels are reaching epidemic levels.  Loved the inclusion of the American Indian from the 70's ads and the facts about radiation and water bottles.  Serj has always been a strong advocate for his political views including Animal Rights, slaughterhouses, and now, this IMPORTANT video about preserving our planet.

"BOTH OF US"   TAYLOR SWIFT &  B.O.B.

Odd crossover pairing, Bobby Ray (B.O.B.) teams with country music sweetheart, Taylor Swift for his new single.   The intro featuring Taylor's sweet comforting voice before B.O.B. adds his hip hop beats and a rap. The theme of the song is that the simple things in life really make us the happiest.  I like the positive message and Taylor's inclusion is the real selling point to me.  The song will definitely cross over to multiple music charts with the pairing of these two mega popular artists.   

"LEGENDARY CHILD"    AEROSMITH

For the past two weeks, rumors have swirled that Jennifer Lopez is leaving American Idol.   But just before she made that decision, Steven Tyler announced he's leaving to commit to his band.  He said he needs to leave his mistress, American Idol, before he finds a boiled rabbit in his kitchen.  :)   The new Aerosmith video is well made (long intro before the song starts) but unfortunately the song isn't as strong as I'd like.  Hoping for some harder rock songs when they release their new CD.

"VENUS"    JENNIFER LOPEZ

"Goddess is one part inner beauty, one party outer beauty, and one part 5 inch heels" - Jennifer Lopez.   Venus Razors have teamed up with Miss Lopez for the Get Your Goddess Showing campaign to empower women and provide scholarship opportunities.   Here's the link to the story and application: Venus    Jennifer covers the hit dance song first performed by Shocking Blue in the 60's and Bananarama in the 80's.   The video highlights Jennifer Lopez's amazing dancer's legs and everyone knows the song, should be a big club hit!

 

Regulate: West Coast Rap Classic: Prince, Warren G & Nate Dogg (R.I.P.), Michael Lynche

"COMPUTER BLUE"   PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION

Growing up in Minneapolis in the mid-80's was a special experience.   I attended concerts at First Avenue, have friends in the movie "Purple Rain", met Prince's dad, Lisa, Wendy, Jessie Johnson, Terry Lewis,....I could go on and on.  Prince's talent and especially his unmatched creativity in pushing the boundaries makes him a true musical genius.  Take his debut album: He wrote every song, produced it, AND played every instrument on it!  "Computer Blue" is an ever-changing blues, funk, rock, jazz, killer guitar jam.   It's complex, sexual, and a perfect example of how Prince "owns" the crowd when performing live.   

"REGULATE"   WARREN G. and NATE DOGG

LOVE This song!   It's been a ringtone of mine forever, classic storytelling mixed with the perfect California hip hop beats.    Check out one of the funniest Wikipedia posts ever:   
 http://www.thebookoffreak.com/shootin_the_shit/warren-g-regulate-wikipedia-synopsis

It's a play-by-play rundown of this West Coast rap anthem told in plain English without the rap slang.   Here's a sample:  
Observing these unfortunate proceedings, Nate realizes that he may have to use his firearm to deliver his friend from harm.
The tension crescendos as the robbers point their guns to Warren’s head. Warren senses the gravity of his situation. He cannot believe the events unfolding could happen in his own neighborhood. As he imagines himself in a fantastical escape, he catches a glimpse of his friend, Nate.

"THIS WOMAN'S WORK"  MICHAEL LYNCHE

From American Idol 2010, St Petersburg's Michael Lynche finished 4th overall.   But he left one of the biggest impressions that season.   During Hollywood Week, Michael received a call that his wife had gone into labor early and had his baby.   With emotions at their apex, Michael covers the perfect song for the occasion, "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell (and originally Kate Bush), you will see the reaction it got.