Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
I'll Remember...2003
American Life - American Dream Remix
An Ok remix, for a crap song. What do you think?
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
REVISITED A DECADE LATER: “AMERICAN LIFE”
March 2013 will mark the 10-year anniversary of “Shock and Awe”, the launch of the US invasion of Iraq… and the launch of Madonna’s music video, “American Life”, protesting the invasion of Iraq. Never one for subtly, Madonna’s 2003 “American Life” video was a commentary about the “social disease” plaguing America leading up to the war.
In the video, Madonna (looking more like the yet-to-be famous Sarah Palin) croons about living the American dream from jumbotrons at a fashion show. Between cutaway scenes of bombs exploding, models in military-chic uniforms work the runway and commingle with the innocent victims of war – Iraqi children who shuffle downstage before flashing cameras and a disengaged, affluent audience.
At the time of the video’s release, the backlash was so brutal and unrelenting that for the first time in her outspoken career, Madonna retreated from her detractors and withdrew the video. On the subject, she said in a statement,”Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video.”
A decade later, there’s something haunting about watching “American Life”. Knowing what we know now, Madonna’s then controversial video seems more like an accurate foretelling of the past decade than the distasteful, unpatriotic betrayal critics made the video out to be in 2003.
When the United States invaded Iraq in March 2003, Main Street looked like a 4th of July parade… minus the crowds. There were US flags, yellow ribbons, and yard signs urging neighbors to “Support the Troops”, but all the action was happening indoors, where Americans were feeding on the 24-hours news coverage of the unraveling war.
For me, the greatest atrocity of the Iraqi War is not the manipulation of Americans, the war profiteering, or the deceitful lies that led us to Iraq in the first place. Other than the loss of so many lives, what I find most sobering is how disconnected Americans became from both wars… myself included.
Other than writing this post with a sanctimonious tone, what did I do to support the troops? Nothing. Not one protest, care package, donation, or yellow ribbon. Although I wished for the troops safety, I, like most Americans, ultimately got distracted as the war progressed. Sure, I scoffed at the mess when it spiraled out of control, demanded change I could believe in, but in the end – I was removed from the horrors of war, a complacent member of the audience, attending the “American Life” fashion show.
Thinking back to the reaction against Madonna and other artists, like the Dixie Chicks, who dared to express their opposition to the war, I wonder now – What if I had been more outspoken?
Does it pay to speak the truth in the land of the free?
If Madonna is any indication, arguably “no”. For all intents and purposes, “American Life” marked the demise of Madonna, the American radio star.
Although the album “American Life” debuted at number #1 in the United States, it remains her worst selling studio album to date. Preceding the controversy, Madonna had 12 number 1 songs and over a dozen more Top 5 Billboard hits. Following the controversy, however, Madonna had only 1 song in top five (thanks to Justin Timberlake).
Perhaps it’s mere coincidence that Madonna became “radio irrelevant” after speaking out against the war. Maybe you can dismiss 20 years of record-breaking success between the years of 1983 – 2003 and call it a fluke, but doing so would mean ignoring Madonna’s success outside America between the years of 2003 – 2013.
- “Hung Up”, which was released in 2005, remains the best selling single of all time by any artists. While the song only peaked at #7 in the US, it broke the Guinness Book of World Records for reaching #1 in 41 other countries simultaneously.
- Madonna’s 2012 “MDNA” World Tour is the 2nd highest grossing tour for a female solo artist of all time (1st place was achieved by Madonna in 2008 with her “Sticky and Sweet” tour).
The purpose of this article is not to say Madonna is awesome (although there is clearly some of that). Regardless of whether you love or despise Madonna, as a matter of principle, I’d like the record to show…
Regarding the War in Iraq, Madonna was right, and George W. Bush was wrong. When we didn’t want to hear it but needed to listen most, Madonna spoke the truth. And in return, boys and girls, the King’s minions banished the Queen from the airwaves, where she’d reigned for 20 years.
In demanding unity, America sacrificed freedom of speech and censored opposing views, discounting the very essence of the democracy that President Bush was peddling for Iraq.
Madonna's Instagram Account Threatened To Be Shut Down
The photo sharing site says the pop icon has broken its community guidelines, which ban 'mature content' and sharing third party photos.
The Queen of Pop recently joined the photo sharing site, owned by Facebook, and has received a warning from the company to adhere to its community guidelines -- or else.
The singer posted a message from Instagram in which the site asked her to review its community guidelines. The guidelines tell users to refrain from posting photos with “nudity or mature content” or sharing photos that come from third parties.
"We value these guidelines, and believe that they will help keep Instagram a safe & fun place for everyone," the message reads. "It is important to note that continuing to violate them may result in a disabled account, or discontinued access to Instagram, without warning."
The message didn’t specify which guideline Madonna apparently broke, though she has posted a shot of her cleavage as well as two photographs of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Both could potentially, in Instagram's view, be a violation of the guidelines.
"We value these guidelines, and believe that they will help keep Instagram a safe & fun place for everyone," the message reads. "It is important to note that continuing to violate them may result in a disabled account, or discontinued access to Instagram, without warning."
The message didn’t specify which guideline Madonna apparently broke, though she has posted a shot of her cleavage as well as two photographs of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Both could potentially, in Instagram's view, be a violation of the guidelines.
Madonna currently has just over 152,000 followers on Instagram.
Read the full message below.
Hello Madonna,
It has come to our attention that your account on Instagram has violated our Community Guidelines, which can be found here:
http://j.mp/rswUWS
In short, we ask that you:
— Don’t share photos that aren’t yours.
— Don’t share photos that show nudity or mature content.
— Don’t share photos of illegal content.
— Don’t share photos that attack an individual or group, or violate [sic] of our Terms of Use
We strongly suggest deleting any additional content on your account that may not fall in line with the above guidelines or our Terms of Use:
We value these guidelines, and believe that they will help keep Instagram a safe & fun place for everyone. It is important to note that continuing to violate them may result in a disabled account, or discontinued access to Instagram, without warning.
Thanks,
The Instagram Team
Read more at ONTD: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/#ixzz2LqXmPJ4k
Saturday, February 23, 2013
I'll Remember...1991
Hollywood’s buzz for the 2013 Academy Awards is in high gear, but as ever, That Grape Juice loves to stroll down memory lane to salute the best of performances past. This year we tip our hats to the 1991 performance of ‘Sooner Or Later’ by Queen of Pop Madonna.
Despite being known mostly for racy on air antics and questionable vocal skills prior, the showing saw the diva belting and sustaining notes with a passion and control rarely demonstrated in her previous hits. Minus her normal troop of dancers, Madge stood center stage with a microphone and mink sole and stole the show (despite her nerves getting the best of her in parts).
Press ‘PLAY’ above and see one of the many steps Miss Madonna took to cement her name beside Michael’s as pop’s reigning royalty.
P.S. – We’d love more of these vocal show-stoppers from Madge before retirement!
Your thoughts?
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I'll Remember...1993
Now Hit me Like You Mean It!
Holiday - The Girlie Show
The Spectrum Philadelphia - October 19, 1993
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Yes! It’s that time of year again!
Sure, the Oscars are going on this weekend, but we might be a leeeettle bit more excited for Madonna’s Oscar party!
The fun is going down again this year with the super fab bash being held Sunday night at the El Lay home of her manager, Guy Oseary.
And the star power will be out in full force for the party as Anne Hathaway, Leonardo DiCaprio, Salma Hayek, Jessica Chastain,Naomi Watts and Bradley Cooper are ALL expected to attend.
Oh, and did we mention Katy Perry and John Mayer will also be there! Think she’ll be wearing that suspicious ring??
All we know is we can’t wait to hear the shocking, HIGHlarious and possibly naughty stories the morning after!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
In a statement regarding Mark Kamins death, Madonna writes…
"I’m very sorry to hear about Marks death. I haven’t seen him for years but if it weren’t for him, I might not have had a singing career. He was the first DJ to play my demos before I had a record deal. He believed in me before anyone else did. I owe him a lot. May he Rest in Peace".
He is best known for helping launch the career of one-time girlfriend Madonna by presenting a demo to Seymour Stein of Sire Records. He also produced her first single Everybody in 1982. Kamins had bugged Stein about becoming a producer, but Stein said he had to find his own artists first; when he heard the demo of "Everybody", Stein had Madonna brought to the hospital where he was admitted to sign her.
Kamins worked closely with controversial performance artist Karen Finley on her obscenity-laden disco tracks, two of which - "Tales of Taboo" and "Lick It" - became underground dance hits. Subsequent work included projects for Tommy Page, David Byrne of the Talking Heads, Ofra Haza, the Beastie Boys, Sinéad O'Connor and UB40.
More recent work includes production work for the trance/opera dance fusion artist Sasha Lazard, who performed for 8,000 people in Ibiza, Spain in 1999 to choreography by former Madonna Blonde Ambition Tour dancer "Slam".
Friday, February 15, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Brahim Zaibat Has A New Gig
“To work with Madonna, a woman that is so dedicated, that is so persistent and is so detailed oriented and is so hardworking is something that is inspiring,” Madonna’s trainer Nicole Winhoffer recently told The Huffington Post. “I get to learn every single day. She always asks questions, I have to know the answers and find solutions. She has taught that anything is possible and you learn so much about yourself working for her. She wants the best from everyone around her. She’s always looking for new things and always thinking outside the box.”
There has been no confirmation about Madonna attending the show Wednesday; however, insiders say security has been increased at the tents.
IMG Models super-agent Ivan Bart confirmed he is now representing Brahim.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Instagramadonna!
So far Queen M has over 65k followers but I expect that to hit 100k by the end of the day, easily. However, Madonna isn’t as big a star as she used to be, and I’m wondering if she’ll even break the top 10 most followed Instagram accounts. Lady Gaga(because we just can’t mention one without the other, can we?) has, as of now, over 788k followers. Almost all of her photos are clearly self taken portraits. It’s interesting how Instagram brings out the MySpace side in all of us, isn’t it?
Will you follow Madonna?
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Madonna Auctions MDNA Tour Outfits...
...and Off Legal Hook in Russia for Promoting Gay Rights
Madonna's getting into the giving groove.
The Material Girl has agreed to donate a slew of her MDNA tour outfits and props to an auction to help raise money to benefit the victims of Superstorm Sandy.
Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, confirmed to E! News that the 54-year-old "Dress You Up" singer plans to give a variety of items from her latest blockbuster road show, including the majorette costume and other mementos she wore onstage.This isn't the first time she's pitched in. Just two weeks after the hurricane ravaged the East Coast, the Queen of Pop's tour stopped in Manhattan where she announced she was baring her backside for storm victims and urged her audience to throw money onstage to help with the fundraising efforts. Madonna also made a pilgrimage to the Rockaways to see the devastation wrought by Sandy firsthand and meet with families affected by the storm.
While the hitmaker's charitable efforts will no doubt put a smile on those in need, Madonna also received some welcome news herself today after an appeals court in St. Petersburg Russia upheld a lower court's decision to reject an $11 million suit filed against her after she was alleged to have violated a local law banning homosexual "propaganda."
Per Bloomberg, the St. Petersburg City Court affirmed a Nov. 22 district court opinion against nine local residents who accused Madonna of unlawfully promoting a gay agenda during a concert there last August.