Matt Zarley - Fucking Perfect (with Jeb Havens)

I'm really proud of this cover.  I'm proud of both of these men singing the hell out of this song.  I am proud to know that they took this seriously and just made a damn fine recording while putting their all into it.  This song is important and to have 2 out gay artists doing one of the finest recordings to date means a tremendous amount and will make a huge difference to the young men and women that find themselves on the other end of the track.  P!nk's version will always and forever be the go-to version of this song and it's one of my favorite songs hands down but the impact this cover will have to it's not only a niche market of young gays and lesbians but to anyone that comes across it on the internet will hands down be staggering.

Matt and Jeb's vocals flow seamlessly together and they gorgeously compliment each other.  The earthiness to Jeb's voice is totally grounded in Matt's soulful tenor and they play to each other's strengths - never over powering each other and totally giving each other the space they need to stretch their legs as it were.  But then they come back and harmonize beautifully with each other like it's totally old hat.  They both bring enough attitude and atmosphere to the track that enables the song to not come off as just a patronizing rant but more like the advice of an old friend when you need it the most. 

These guys are fantastic and they make me adore them a little more each time they step out of the gate.

Top 25 Musical Happenings of 2012

It's that time again.  Every year I pick out my most favorite moments from the previous year.  It isn't necessarily a song or an album but something that has happened in the world of music that I feel has a quantifiable effect on the world in one way or another.  There has been a tremendous amount of news this year from the passing away of many beloved artists to formations of new groups and winners all across the board in various musical competitions.  This list is my way of wrapping up the year and giving a nod to everyone that made a difference in my life musically. Without further fanfare, here are the top 25 events in the music industry that have left an indelible mark on my life forever.

P!nk - Try

This is one of my favorite songs off the new album.  I think the emotion in the song is only matched by Alecia's vocals.  I appreciate how much she's come into her own artist as the years have gone by.  From her work with Linda Perry to all of the other stops along the way on her journey, she has never left us out of her life, as it were.  This song to me is all about being responsible for carrying your own weight in a relationship.  Because if it is a partnership then it needs to be 50/50.  No ifs-ands-or buts about it.  The choreography is amazing and her partner, Colt Prattes does a helluva job supporting her when she needs it but she is amazing on her own and holds her own in this piece done by The Golden Boyz who have done amazing work with artists like Madonna, The Spice Girls, Brittney Spears and apparently every disco routine on America's Best Dance Crew.  So watch the video and hit me up with your comments.

Pink - The Truth About Love

I don't write about super popular music often because I feel like they get plenty of press and I like to route for the underdog but occasionally an album comes along that is just great and I want to throw my two cents in.  P!nk's The Truth About Love is probably going to be hands down, one of my favorite albums this year. The blend of song choices from ballads to uplifting honest pop song combined with the anthemic social commentary is genius and doesn't come across as preachy or overbearing.  She has kind of become a champion of the downtrodden and the forgotten and she does an incredible job of being a positive role model through her music.  One of the coolest things that she did with this album was release a lyric video for each of the songs on the album prior to the release.  I think this did a helluva job generating interest, even though she didn't really have to try.  She has amazing guests on the album.  Lily Allen, Eminem and Nate Ruess from fun.

The album opens with a barn burner of a track in the form of "Are We All We Are" and doesn't really stop. The opening of "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" reminds me of a Two Door Cinema Club song and it raises a clenched fist at a shitty relationship.  "Just Give Me A Reason" is her duet with Nate Ruess of fun. and the song is amazing.  It's a relationship song where the parties just aren't communicating and they are at different places in the relationship.  Their voices are great together and it's just a kick ass song.  "True Love" has Lily Allen sharing vocal duties but you don't get her until the middle eight.  Cause you know that's where everything changes.  The same can be said for Eminem on "Here Comes The Weekend".  The closing track, "The Great Escape" is probably one of my favorites.  It reminds me of "Glitter in The Air" and that's a helluva track.

The album is great.  It's pure P!nk.  It's rebellious, it's raucous, it's just a great mix of tracks.  If you're a fan of power pop or of Miss Alecia Beth Moore, then I suggest you purchase it from your favorite media outlet because you will not be disappointed.